THE
CITY
Greater Dandenong’s Monthly Magazine
MAY 2019
National Simultaneous Storytime PAGE 8
Volunteer Week
Composting Awareness Week
What’s on at Drum Theatre
►► PAGE 3
►► PAGE 7
PAGE 12
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Customer Service Centres Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Springvale Customer Service 397– 405 Springvale Road, Springvale Keysborough Customer Service Shop A7 Parkmore Shopping Centre, Keysborough Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 18–34 Buckley Street, Noble Park All correspondence to: The City PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175 Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au Phone: 8571 1000 Fax: 8571 5196
Mayor ’s message Hello and Welcome to the May edition of The City. This month we have some big celebrations, including Volunteer Week, Reconciliation Week, Composting Awareness Week, and Library and Information Week. Council is supporting a State Government ban on electronic waste (e-waste), turn to page 7 to see how this might affect you. While you are there find out about a free composting workshop for residents. Looking for some more creative pursuits? Turn to page 12 to see what is happening at the Drum Theatre this month. Read about the latest exhibitions at Walker Street Gallery and learn about creative classes to help explore your creative side.
Mayor Cr Roz Blades AM
Council’s Youth and Family Services are always running great programs for young people. Find out more about a walking group, podcast program and an empowering crafty class for women on page 13. I hope you enjoy reading The City this month and find something to celebrate in our great city.
www.greaterdandenong.com @greaterdandy facebook.com/greaterdandenong cityofgreaterdandenong youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong TTY: 133 677 Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 relayservice.gov.au TIS: 131 450
My City Public Art is a colourful part of the streetscape across Greater Dandenong. This piece, The Table of Knowledge can be found in Springvale Road, Springvale. Conceived through a partnership between Council, Vic Health and RMIT University, community groups across Springvale shared in the creative process with artist Geoff Hogg. Visit greaterdandenong.com/publicart to read more.
council@cgd.vic.gov.au
Important Numbers Emergency calls Police / Fire / Ambulance................................... 000 Street lighting faults / non-operational United Energy............................................13 20 99 Traffic signal faults / non-operational................................... 8571 1000 Hoon Hotline................................. 1800 333 000 Hard Waste Collection WM Waste Management Services.................................................... 9721 1915 Australian Animal Protection Society.............................. 9798 8415 RSPCA....................................................... 9224 2222 Nurse on Call................................ 1300 606 024
www.greaterdandenong.com
Front Cover: Children across Australia will read the book Alpacas with Maracas at the exact same time on National Simultaneous Storytime. Photo: Hilton Stone.
This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.
News
Federal Election Advocacy In the lead up to this month’s Federal Election, Council is ramping up efforts to advocate for our community.
► Funding
► Community
Revitalisation Project to connect disadvantaged job seekers with local job opportunities. Cost $500,000.
► Transport
projects including the construction of Glasscocks Road, Dandenong South. Cost $39 million.
► Greater
Dandenong Gallery of Art. $7 million.
► Keysborough
South Community Hub. $1.6 million.
► The
I Love Kinder Campaign is calling for the Federal Government to continue funding five hours a week of four-year-old kindergarten for every child.
► Council
is seeking for the Lyndhurst landfill to be closed at the earliest possible time.
► Shepley
Regional Multipurpose Centre. Cost $12 million.
► A
campaign is seeking the reversal of cuts to the Status Resolution Support Services for asylum seekers.
Council will continue to advocate for funding to support infrastructure and programs across Greater Dandenong. Visit greaterdandenong.com/ advocacy for more information.
Reconciliation Week National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to encourage positive relationships between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community. The week starts on the anniversary of the 1967 referendum (27 May) and runs until the anniversary of the High Court Mabo decision (3 June), and is a time for us all to explore how we can achieve reconciliation in Australia. Last year Council launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan, and this year Council continues to work towards building respectful and honest relationships on a journey to reconciliation.
Volunteer Week National Volunteer Week (20–26 May) is an opportunity to celebrate the 6 million Australians who give generously of their time.
Some of our key campaigns will focus on: support for the implementation of the proposed Aquatic Strategy which includes a new Dandenong Aquatic Leisure Centre and expansion of the Noble Park Aquatic Centre. Cost approximately $67 million.
THE CITY
The theme for this year’s celebrations is Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage and encourages truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history. Council supports the celebration of Reconciliation Week across the municipality. You can attend a cultural performance and Flag Raising ceremony in Harmony Square, attend the Bunjil Aboriginal Culture and Dance Group Exhibition at Heritage Hill, or take the kids to Aboriginal storytime at the libraries. Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.
Council has more than 200 volunteers working across 15 different programs. Without their valuable contribution many of our programs and services would not be able to run. Mayor Cr Roz Blades said volunteers were an important part of the Greater Dandenong community, and contributed to the culture, vibrancy, health and wellbeing of our city. “This year’s Volunteer Week theme is Making a World of Difference, quite appropriate when you think about the fact that Greater Dandenong is a truly global community,” Mayor Cr Blades said. “We are the most culturally diverse community in Australia and this is reflected in the variety of people who volunteer with our services on a regular basis.” While this month we celebrate National Volunteer Week, Council recognises and truly values the contribution of volunteers all year round. Council’s Food Services program has many volunteers who help deliver meals every week day. The volunteers come from all walks of life and are an important social connection for isolated residents who get more than just food out of the interaction. Visit greaterdandenong.com/ volunteer to find out more about volunteer roles with Council. Or visit the Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service at gdvrs.org.au for more information about volunteer opportunities across Melbourne’s South East.
www.greaterdandenong.com
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Councillor Contacts Lightwood Ward Cr Youhorn Chea Ph/Fax: 9584 5149 0417 320 645 youhorn.chea@cgd.vic.gov.au
Lightwood Ward Cr Sean O’Reilly 0422 523 258 sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au Above: Mayor Cr Roz Blades was joined by Cr Angela Long, Cr Matthew Kirwan and children from Dandenong West Kindergarten at a Heart Party to launch an advocacy campaign calling for the Federal Government to commit to funding four-year-old kinder.
Lightwood Ward Cr Loi Truong 0466 004 618 loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au
Paperbark Ward Cr Roz Blades AM – Mayor Ph/Fax: 9701 5821 0417 053 612 roz.blades@cgd.vic.gov.au
Left: Cr Matthew Kirwan and Cr Angela Long with acclaimed artist Julian Clavijo who painted a mural celebrating last month’s Australian Sikh Games.
Paperbark Ward Cr Tim Dark 0466 403 914 tim.dark@cgd.vic.gov.au
Paperbark Ward Cr Sophie Tan 0466 793 727 sophie.tan@cgd.vic.gov.au
Red Gum Ward Cr Matthew Kirwan 0403 072 295 THU RSDAY matthew.kirwan@cgd.vic.gov.au
10 MAY
Red Gum Ward Cr Angela Long NOVEMBER Ph/Fax: 9795 6574 0466 004 616 angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.au Red Gum Ward Cr Jim Memeti Ph/Fax: 9792 4683 0434 560 239 jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au
Silverleaf Ward Cr Zaynoun Melhem 0466 518 082 zaynoun.melhem@cgd.vic.gov.au
Council Meetings MONDAY
MONDAY
TH URSDAY
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27
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MAY
MAY
Council meetings are held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month, at 7pm. All Council meetings are held at the city chambers at the Dandenong Civic Centre at 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong. The May meetings will be held: Monday 13 May Monday 27 May
Silverleaf Ward Cr Maria Sampey Ph/Fax: 9790 1291 0438 800 027 maria.sampey@cgd.vic.gov.au
www.greaterdandenong.com
The general public is always welcome to attend meetings, but did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our web-cast service?
MAY
NOVEMBER
M O N DAY
8 MAY
You can keep up with all the latest decisions, hear questions from residents and find out the many ways your local councillors are serving the community. To view meetings online or to submit a question simply go to greaterdandenong.com/ councilmeetings
M O N DAY
22 MAY
THE CITY
Cr Maria Sampey older residents experiencing difficulties in gaining access to services through the My Aged Care portal. Greater Dandenong has been identified as a site for one of 53 Information Hubs and the Council of the Ageing Victoria (COTA) has been awarded the contract to manage this hub until June 2020. The hub is based at Council’s Springvale Community Care Office and will target the broad range of people who need additional support to engage with and understand the aged care system.
I have been a passionate and strong advocate of our older residents and am an active member of Council’s Positive Ageing Advisory Committee. Since the introduction of the Commonwealth Government’s reforms into Aged Care in 2016 I have been very concerned with some of our frail
Council recently hosted a Community Waste Forum at the Jan Wilson Community Centre. Residents were invited to hear more about the challenges facing Council into the future and have their say on how we can improve recycling and waste services to all households. Council has also consulted with the community on the future of two Noble Park North reserves, and is putting together draft master plans for both parks. I am pleased with the broad cross section of residents who had a
The reserve is 7.7ha in area and includes a large playground, barbecue facilities, and sports facilities including a tennis and bowls club. It has been owned by the Council since the 1950s and is a popular reserve for local families and visitors to the City of Greater Dandenong. In February this year Council adopted the Burden Park Master Plan, which was developed following consultation with the wider community. At a March Council meeting, councillors voted to start implementation of the Master Plan immediately and approved $450,000 to help complete works on the construction of a new car park on the Heatherton Road frontage. This work will add 75 parking spaces to the popular park.
say about the reserves. Key ideas raised for the Wal Turner Reserve included barbecue and picnic facilities, seating, shade, a walking track, drinking fountains and tree planting, as well as improvements to current sporting facilities. Feedback provided on the future of the Barry J Powell Reserve included improvements to the two playgrounds, including the provision of shared paths, fitness stations, shade and seating, the construction of a multi-purpose court space for netball and basketball, and improvements to the dog off-leash area. The Master Plans will be put out for more consultation with the community. Once we have received the feedback Council will look at implementing the plans.
I f you would like to discuss any local issues please email me via maria.sampey@cgd. vic.gov.au or phone me on 0438 800 027.
Cr Loi Truong
► Lightwood Ward Burden Park, on Heatherton Road, Springvale South is one of Council’s most loved reserves and it is about to undergo some significant changes.
► Silverleaf Ward
Other works will be funded over the coming years and include new walking paths, social gathering places with picnic and barbecue facilities, fitness stations, tree planting and informal recreation facilities. The central open lawn space will also be enhanced to make the area more suitable for social play and gatherings. Meanwhile, works are progressing on the new Springvale Community Hub precinct, which will include a state-ofthe-art library and a welcoming outdoor area. If you would like to talk to me about any Council related matters, you can do so via email to loi.truong@cgd.vic. gov.au or phone me on 0466 004 618.
www.greaterdandenong.com
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Working for You
Litter leads to the bay
Council has recently reviewed its Council Plan 2017–21 and developed a draft Budget and Annual Plan for the 2019–20 financial year.
Council is calling on everyone to play a part in helping keep our community and environment clean
Did you know that 95 per cent of the litter in Port Phillip Bay comes from stormwater drains across suburban Melbourne? When litter is dropped in the streets, roads and parks in Greater Dandenong it can end up in the bay and ocean. When it rains the water washes the litter into the stormwater drains, which flows into our rivers and creeks and straight into the bay.
Residents can report hooning to the Police…
These documents outline the key priorities and actions for the coming year and how they will be funded.
This litter pollutes our waterways and can make wildlife ill, especially when they mistake the litter for food. Council is calling on everyone to play a part in helping keep our community and environment clean by disposing of waste appropriately in the bin. Fines for littering can exceed $6000. Visit greaterdandenong.com/ littering for more information.
The ideas and thoughts of our community are an important part of the process of developing the final documents and we would like to hear from you. A public exhibition process is currently open for feedback on the draft documents and copies are available for review in Council’s Customer Service Centres, Libraries and on our website. All information regarding how to submit your ideas can be found at greaterdandenong.com/ councilplan
Safer roads in Greater Dandenong Hoon driving is a dangerous and illegal behaviour that endangers the lives of all road users. Council is working with Police and Vic Roads to reduce this dangerous behaviour in our city. Hoon driving is: ► Dangerous driving often involving excessive speed ► Causing the vehicle to make excessive noise or smoke ► Drag racing Residents can report hooning to the Police who are responsible for the enforcement of laws relating to illegal driver behaviour.
www.greaterdandenong.com
Have your say
If you feel like you are in immediate danger phone 000. You can report hoon driving at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Providing details of the time and place of the offending driving, as well as the number plate, make and model of the vehicle will help police track hoon drivers and locate hotspots. While Council is not responsible for enforcing laws around hoon behaviour, our role is to help educate drivers about safety issues and the effects of road trauma.
Community Calendar
Free composting workshop
THE CITY
This month Council will celebrate International Composting Awareness Week (5–11 May) to encourage more households to compost organic waste. Composting household organic waste, such as garden waste and fruit and vegetable scraps, can decrease household waste by up to 50 per cent as well as reduce Australia’s carbon footprint. There are a number of ways you can recycle your organic waste at home, some common systems include compost bins, worm farms and Bokashi buckets. All of these systems turn your old food scraps into rich, natural fertiliser and compost that you can use on your garden or pot plants. To celebrate International Composting Awareness Week, Council is hosting a free workshop on Wednesday 8 May, from 10am–12pm, at Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Find out about each of the three main systems – compost bins, worm farms and Bokashi buckets – and see how to set up and maintain each one. See firsthand how Heritage Hill composts waste from the kitchens at Council’s Dandenong office. For more information or to book a space in the workshop phone 8571 1702.
E-waste ban Electrical appliances, including DVD players, phones, alarm clocks, cameras and televisions, become electronic waste or e-waste when discarded.
Statistics show that e-waste is growing at three times the rate of general rubbish in Australia, due to increased technology trends, reduced product lifespan and consumer demand for new products. The amount of e-waste is a problem across the world, but Council wants to support the responsible disposal of e-waste which can see much of the material recycled.
From July 1 e-waste will no longer be accepted by regular kerbside waste collections. However, Council is working with Sustainability Victoria to help residents understand what this means. Electrical items will still be accepted via the annual booked hard waste collection, or residents can dispose of these items at a local transfer station. Residents can also take advantage of the Re-use and Recycle Drop Off Day at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong, on Saturday 15 June. Electrical appliances are made up of a range of materials, including precious metals (such as gold and platinum), toxic heavy metals, metal circuitry, mixed plastics, fire retardants and glass.
Some of these materials can cause environmental contamination if they leach from landfill into water systems. By recycling these appliances we can avoid contamination and see up to 95 per cent of materials recovered for reuse. Visit greaterdandenong.com/ waste to find out more about e-waste and where you can responsibly dispose of electrical items, or to see details about the Re-use and Recycle Drop Off Day.
www.greaterdandenong.com
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Library and Information Week Library and Information Week (20–26 May) is a great opportunity to explore what’s on offer at your local library. With digital resources and family friendly meeting areas, libraries offer more than just books. If you don’t believe us just visit one of our public libraries in Dandenong or Springvale. With something for everyone Greater Dandenong Libraries change lives.
Libraries Up Late
Prepare for VCE and beyond with this hands on workshop that will help you:
This month, Greater Dandenong Libraries are launching a brand new program.
► Take
Libraries Up Late will feature a range of nightly programs that aim to create opportunities for adults to explore the library, develop new skills and knowledge, and meet new people. These programs will also give adults who may not be able to visit the libraries for programs during the day the opportunity to participate after hours. Across both library branches, we will be offering weekly and monthly programs to suit everyone, including: ► Mindfulness
Mondays Club ► Trivia Tuesdays ► Craft Collective ► Conversation circle ► Reading circle ► Docos @ Dusk ► Weekly Games Night ► Recipe
Alpacas with Maracas
Visit greaterdandenong libraries.com.au for more information.
www.greaterdandenong.com
Aimed at students in Years 10–12, the session will be held at Springvale Library on Monday 20 May, from 4pm–5.30pm. Bookings required. Phone 1300 630 920.
Libraries Change Lives While we celebrate Library and Information Week, Council would like to remind you that many of the wonderful services offered through the Greater Dandenong Libraries would not be possible without the dedication of our staff members.
There will also be more guest speakers, author talks and workshops happening in our libraries over the coming months so stay tuned.
Recently the Children and Youth Services Librarian, Stephen Spillard, retired after 29 years with the service.
Research skills workshop
Stephen inspired many children and young adults to love reading, delivered outreach services to the community, and spent many hours planning amazing author events, school holiday fun and summer reading programs. He was instrumental in building our youngest members’ literacy, reading capacity and engagement with the library.
Join the fun of an Australia-wide story session during National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 22 May, at 11am. Public libraries and classrooms across the country will encourage children to read the same book at the same time. This year’s book is Alpacas with Maracas, written and illustrated by Matt Cosgrove.
your research skills to the next level ► Find good quality information for your assignments ► Navigate databases ► Use the library’s online resources ► Reference your work.
The theme of this year’s Library and Information Week is Truth, Integrity, Knowledge. Greater Dandenong Libraries will help students with these key themes through the free Research Skills session.
Stephen has mentored and inspired library staff to walk in his footsteps and continue to deliver outstanding Library service and programs. His story is just one of many that has been told through the Libraries Change Lives advocacy program which raises awareness of the importance of libraries. Visit librarieschangelives. org.au for more information.
THE CITY
Community Calendar
Something for everyone Greater Dandenong Libraries offer so many different programs, including a range that happen on a regular basis. From art workshops to English conversation groups, and technology education to playgroups, there is something for everyone at the library. The following session happen at the same time each week during school terms:
Mondays Toddler Time 10.30am–11am, Springvale and Dandenong libraries Library Tech Assist 10am–12pm, Dandenong Library Peer 2 Peer Study 4pm–6pm, Springvale and Dandenong libraries
Tuesdays Family Fun Playgroup 12.30pm–2.30pm, Dandenong Library Library Tech Assist 10am–12pm, Springvale Library Learning Help for Adults 1pm–3pm, Dandenong Library
Wednesdays Social Knitwork 10am–12pm, Dandenong Library
Children’s area Thursdays Storytime 10.30am–11.15am, Dandenong and Springvale Library Dandenong Kids Playgroup 12.30pm–2.30pm, Dandenong Library Library Tech Assist 3pm–5pm, Dandenong Library Conversation Circle 6pm, Dandenong Library Learning Help for Adults 2pm–5pm, Dandenong Library
Fridays
Simultaneous St
orytime
Sisters of Mercy English Tutoring 9.30am–11am, Dandenong Library
Baby Bounce 10.30am–11am, Dandenong Library
Learn English through Storytime Playgroup 11am–12.30pm, Dandenong Library
Library Tech Assist 2pm–5pm Springvale Library
Baby Bounce 10.30am–11am, Springvale Library
Learning Help for Adults 2pm–5pm, Springvale Library
Learning Help for Adults 2pm–4pm, Springvale Library
Saturdays Family Fun 10.30am–12pm, Springvale Library Visit greaterdandenong libraries.com.au or phone 1300 630 920 for more information.
With digital resources and family friendly meeting areas, libraries offer more than just books.
explore what’s on offer www.greaterdandenong.com
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
What’s On May 2019 MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1
2
► L anguage
► L ibraries
Playgroup for Families Seeking Asylum Springvale Library 10am Ph: 1300 630 920
May
Up Late: Docos @ Dusk Dandenong Library 6.30pm–8.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920
► C raft
Collective Dandenong Library 6.30pm–8pm Ph: 1300 630 920
FRIDA
► A lex
Ope Mac 9am Ph:
► D an
Nig 6pm Ph:
6 7 8
9
► C ombined
► C reative
Probus Club of Noble Park and Dandenong Club Noble, Moodemere Street, Noble Park 10am Ph: 9791 6807
► L ibraries
Up Late: Recipe Club Dandenong Library 6.30pm–8.30pm Ph: 1800 630 920
► D andenong
Evening VIEW Club Dandenong RSL, 44–50 Clow Street, Dandenong 7pm Ph: 0417 511 588
► C omposting
Workshop Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 10am–12pm Ph: 8571 1702
Writing Group The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong 10am–12pm Ph: 9791 8664
► L an
Fam Dan 11a Ph:
► I ntroduction
to Design – Adobe Illustrator Springvale Library 6.30pm–8.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920
13 14 15
16
► M eet
► T he
► L ibrary
► C ouncil
► D andenong
the Builder Springvale City Hall Supper Room 10.30am Ph: 8571 1000 Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale 7pm
Gruffalo Drum Theatre 11.30am and 1.30pm Ph: 8571 1666 and District Diabetic Support Group Meeting Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 2pm Ph: 9546 2346
► S tride
and Strive Carers Walking Group Burden Park, 880–924 Heatherton Road, Springvale South 9.30am Ph: 8552 2222
Tech Assist Dandenong Library 3pm–5pm Ph: 1300 630 920
► D an
Day 11. Ph:
20 21 22
23
eer 2 Peer Study ► P Dandenong Library 4pm Ph: 1300 630 920
► C arusa
► C reating
Effective Digital Content Workshop for Businesses Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 6pm–8pm
► K eysborough
St Andrews Daylight Masonic Lodge Meeting South Eastern Masonic Centre, 270 Hutton Road, Keysborough 10am Ph: 0414 512 443
27 28 29 ► C ouncil
Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm
► T oastmasters
Public Speaking Club Meeting Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club, 41a Latham Crescent 7.30pm
www.greaterdandenong.com
► S ocial
Knitwork Dandenong Library 10am (every Wednesday) Ph: 1300 630 920
to Carreras – The Great Tenors Drum Theatre 10.30am–12pm Ph: 8571 1666
► Hom
Nob 10.3
► D rum
Theatre Backstage Tour 12.30pm–1pm Ph: 8571 1666
30
► S ist
Tuto Dan 9.3 Ph:
Community Calendar CITY OF CELEBRATION
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2 3 ► A lex
Wilkie Nature Reserve Open Day Mackay Street, Springvale South 9am–3pm Ph: 8571 1702
► D andenong
4 5 ► E nthralled
Exhibition Launch Walker Street Gallery 2pm Ph: 9706 8441
Food Lovers
► G reater
Dandenong Environment Group Dandenong Wetlands, Stud Road, Dandenong North 9.30am Ph: 8571 1702
Night Tour 6pm–8pm Ph: 8571 1666
9 10
Street,
SUNDAY
11 12
► L anguage
Playgroup for Families Seeking Asylum Dandenong Library 11am Ph: 1300 630 920
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Contact: City of Greater Dandenong Ph: 8571 1000 Drum Theatre Ph: 8571 1666 Dandenong Library Ph: 1300 630 920 Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens Ph: 9793 4511 Jan Wilson Community Centre Ph: 9795 9279
16 17
18 19
► D andenong
Food Lovers Day Tour 11.30am–1.30pm Ph: 8571 1666
Greater Dandenong Environment Group
23 24 25 ► Home
Grown Food Swap Noble Park Community Centre 10.30am
26 ► Friends
of Fotheringham Reserve Pyke Street, Dandenong 10am
e Tour
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre Ph: 8571 1436 Springvale Library Ph: 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre Ph: 9701 5900 Walker Street Gallery Ph: 9706 8441 Dandenong Market Ph: 9701 3850 Cultural Tours Ph: 8571 1666
30 31 ► S isters
of Mercy English Tutoring Dandenong Library 9.30am (every Friday) Ph: 1300 630 920
Food Lovers Tour Send your event listings to news@cgd.vic.gov.au List your community event online at greaterdandenong.com/ eventlistings
www.greaterdandenong.com
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Arts and Culture
Network with the artists at the launch event…
Meet the Gruffalo
Creative Classes
After sell-out seasons across the world, including London’s West End and Broadway, The Gruffalo returns to Australia.
We are switching things up in the pursuit of creativity this May.
Drum Theatre presents this charming production by CDP with Tall Stories, which tells the story of Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood. This is a magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Walker Street Gallery The Valley Potters ceramic art group first emerged four decades ago at the Dandenong Ceramic Group. The group grew out of a TAFE ceramic program and this year celebrates 40 years of fraternity and ceramic art with an exhibition at Walker Street Gallery.
Enthralled will feature a diverse range of works created by 20 different artists, including thrown pieces, hand built sculptures, wall pieces and mixed media work. Network with the artists at the launch event in Gallery One, on Saturday 4 May at 2pm. Gallery Two will feature Stars Stars, by Dandenong artist Suresh Jeanel who plays with the tropes of popular culture using photocopies and found photographs. Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre is at the corner of Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Both exhibitions will run until Saturday 1 June.
www.greaterdandenong.com
Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for some hungry creatures? After all there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – or is there? Find out for yourself at Drum Theatre on Tuesday 14 May, at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Suitable for children aged three and up, and their grown ups. Phone 8571 1666 to book.
Gruffalo
Check out the wide variety of arts and culture workshops available for all ages and abilities and sign up for some creative inspiration. From life drawing to contemporary dance classes, visit our website and book a spot today.
G o to greaterdandenong.com/ creativeclasses for more information.
Tours Explore the hidden gem at the centre of Dandenong and take a tour of the Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens. Council offers a range of options for school visits and tour groups of all sizes, covering topics such as heritage and sustainability. Visitors can play old lawn games, learn about local Dandenong history, or even hear directly from our gardeners. Phone 9793 4511 to find out more.
The Great Tenors
Join us at the Drum Theatre for Promac Productions new show for 2019 ‘Caruso to Carreras’ The Great Tenors. Starring Roy Best, Alison Jones, Chris McKenna and Len Vorster on the piano, this show will explore classis hits and the stories behind the music. Roy Best is considered one of Australia’s finest tenors, and he will take on classic hits by the likes of Pavarotti, Bocelli, Lanza, Domingo, Enrico Caruso and Jose Carreras. This show is part of the Encore Program at Drum Theatre and ticket price includes morning tea and free parking vouchers. Join us on Thursday 23 May, at 10.30am for a wonderful show.
Community Calendar Youth
Sole Sistas
Fusion Podcast Program
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Stitch HERstory
Ever wanted to create your own podcast? City of Greater Dandenong Youth and Family Services is delivering a program for young people aged 12–25, to learn how to produce and record their own podcast. Participants will be able to put what they learn into practice and experience the new recording booth at Dandenong Library. The program is open to young people who live, work, study or have a significant connection to Greater Dandenong. It will be held every Wednesday starting from 8 May at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, from 4.30pm– 6.30pm. Phone 9793 2155 for more information.
Young women keen to take part in physical activity while making social connections can benefit from the Sole Sistas young women’s walking group. The group is organised by the City of Greater Dandenong Youth and Family Services in partnership with Wellsprings for Women. The program will run every Tuesday from 24 April to 14 May, from 4.30pm–5.30pm. The program is open to young women aged 16–25 years and meets outside Dandenong Library in Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.
City of Greater Dandenong’s Youth and Family Services is starting a women’s-only program to help empower all women. Stitch HERstory aims to connect women from different generations and provide an avenue for them to discuss intergenerational issues.
Stitch HERstory participants will create a masterpiece through sewing while sharing stories, and raising awareness about issues for all women. The program will be held every Wednesday, starting on 8 May, from 4.30pm–6.30pm, at 39 Clow Street, Dandenong.
M essage Youth and Family Services at facebook.com/cgdyouth services or phone 9793 2155 for more information.
For more information or to register phone 9793 2155.
Immunisation Timetable – May 2019 Date
Time
Location
Monday 6 May
4pm-6.30pm
Springvale City Hall (Supper Room) 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale
Wednesday 8 May
4pm-6.30pm
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong (enter via Harmony Square)
Tuesday 14 May
10am-11.45am Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park
Thursday 16 May
2.30pm-4.30pm Springvale City Hall (Supper Room) 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale
Monday 20 May
4.30pm-6pm
Saturday 25 May
10am-11.45am Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong (enter via Harmony Square)
Wednesday 29 May 10am-12pm
Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough
Springvale City Hall (Supper Room) 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale
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THE CITY
Business News
Hand Brake Turn
…we do it from the heart
A hands-on program offering technical automotive training and life skills is offering students a chance to transition to the workforce. Hand Brake Turn provides people aged 15–21 years a chance to learn from experienced teachers in a fully equipped automotive workshop in Dandenong.
Food Experiences – A1 Bakery Opened in 2004 the A1 Bakery in Dandenong, run by brothers Eddie, Leo and Sam, has become one of the major A1 stores in Melbourne. “We grew up in a small village above Tripoli (and) our grandparents ran an old bakery in Lebanon,” Leo said. “When we were kids we would help them out. We’d break the wood for them, mix the dough, roll it up by hand, set up the wood-fire oven and so on…we learned how to bake the old fashioned way. “(Now) we’re constantly baking and because we do it from the heart it always comes out beautifully.
“For us the biggest things are good service, freshness and honesty. If the customer is happy they will come back.
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While focussing on gaining valuable automotive skills, students also learn how to set achievable goals and targets, improve their computer, communication and technical skills, build industry knowledge and confidence for successful transition to work. The seven week course allows participants to explore alternative training and educational pathways, and operates six times per year from two locations in Melbourne.
“When we started we thought most of our customers would be Lebanese. But they are Egyptians, Syrians, Palestinians, Iraqis, Turks, Eastern Europeans, Afghans, Pakistanis, Indians, Africans and so on. The multiculturalism of this city is the most wonderful thing that has happened. In here people talk to each other. Eddie said working at the bakery was enjoyable. “Our customers like that we are behind the counter having a laugh, and ever since we came to this country we have worked together as brothers.” A1 Bakery is at 201–203 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Visit greaterdandenong.com/ visit to read more of the brothers’ story and about other food experiences in Greater Dandenong.
Visit concernaustralia.org.au/ hand-brake-turn for more information.
Community Community Calendar News
What do you know about local government?
THE CITY
Italian Seniors Club
A research project by Melbourne University wants to find out what residents know and understand about the role of local government in Victoria. Participants will be asked to complete an anonymous and confidential online survey which should take up to 30 minutes to complete. As a token of thanks the researchers will give participants a movie ticket. Visit go.unimelb.edu.au/ zhq6 to fill out the survey.
The Springvale Italian Seniors Club is the oldest Italian club in the City of Greater Dandenong. Established 37 years ago in what was then the City of Springvale, the club aims to offer social support and a sense of belonging while promoting Italian culture. While it is called an Italian Club, the group welcomes all nationalities and currently has members from Italian, Maltese, Australian and Mauritian backgrounds. The club has about 110 members and holds get-togethers every Wednesday for members to have lunch, play cards, play bocce or just mingle socially.
What’s in a name? Frank Storan Grandstand Shepley Oval is one of Dandenong’s premier sporting grounds and the main buildings there have been named after local sportsmen. Alongside the Keith Miller Pavilion sits the Frank Storan Grandstand. Mr Storan was president of the Dandenong and District Cricket Association in the 1950s. During his time as president Mr Storan introduced Wednesday night dances at the Dandenong Town Hall. The town hall was packed with people from all over Melbourne, keen to see local band the Swing Masters perform with a special guest artist each week. The popular dances, which ran for 10 years helped raise funds to build a pavilion at Shepley Oval. The pavilion
helped make the ground eligible for inclusion into the sub-district cricket competition and eventually allowed the ground and a local Dandenong team entry into the district competition from which the state team was selected. While many players have gone on to play at the highest levels, one of the first players to progress from the DDCA to the national team was bowler Damien Fleming who played with Springvale South. Mr Storan was also a president and life member at the St Mary’s Cricket Club and is remembered for being a great man who helped many young players through the sport of cricket. – Compiled with the help of DDCA Life Member Peter Hartin.
Every month the club organises a lunch dance, and special occasions are also celebrated throughout the year, including Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. There are also regular bus trips, including a recent trip to Corowa where many nationalities were represented on this bus. Biagio Di Blasio took over the role of president three years ago and the club has been very active and growing in numbers since. The Club meets at the Springvale Learning and Activities Centre, 1 Osborne Avenue. For more information phone 9547 2703.
Calling community leaders Dandenong Neighbourhood Community and Learning Centre is hosting a Community Leaders Forum to help grow community groups and learn new skills. Find out how to help your community and build better connections through this two hour forum, which will be held on Wednesday 1 May, at 3pm, at 34 King Street, Dandenong. Email admin@dandenong nh.org.au or phone 9792 5298 for more information.
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“Reconciliation is for all of us. It’s about respect, understanding, and listening to each other. It’s walking alongside our community and it all begins with an understanding of the truth of our past.” Taniesha Brighton, Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara Woman
Image: Emma Bamblett, Wemba Wemba clan