Cardinia Connect - June/July

Your Council magazine

June–July 2014

A place to belong How ‘My Place’ supports and connects young people

Burning off

Yellow and black!

Budget time

New rules now apply

Tigers team up with Cardinia Shire

Providing for a growing community

Welcome

Council contacts

Message from the Mayor

Council offices are located at Henty Way, Pakenham, and are open 8.30am–5pm Monday to Friday.

Address all correspondence to PO Box 7 Pakenham 3810.

Welcome to the June–July edition of Connect magazine.

Phone: 1300 787 624 Fax: 5941 3784 After hours emergencies: 1300 787 624 Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au Website: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au National Relay Service (NRS): Customers who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can call through the National Relay Service: TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 1300 787 624. Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1300 787 624.

Connect is the official Cardinia Shire Council magazine. It is published six times each year and is distributed to more than 35,000 homes and businesses in Cardinia Shire. It is also available on audio CD from local libraries.

All images and other personal information collected for Connect will be stored securely, and be made available only in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2000 and in accordance with Council’s Information Privacy Policy, a copy of which may be obtained from Council’s website www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/privacy For enquiries, contact the editor on 1300 787 624 or editor@cardinia.vic.gov.au Next edition: August−September 2014 Cover photo: Council’s Youth Services Officer Kaylie Sinnbeck with (from left to right) Darby, Tori and Hannah at My Place youth facility in Pakenham.

Photo by: Hilton Stone Printing: Blue Star Print is a Forest Stewardship Council, Chain of Custody certified company. All processes are controlled via our Environmental Management System that is certified to ISO 14001.

Printed on ecoStar paper made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste.

Connect with Council www.facebook.com/ CardiniaShireCouncil

LOOKING after Cardinia Shire’s youngest residents is a key priority for Council. When our youth facility My Place turns two in August, there will be much to celebrate! The centre has been given a big ‘thumbs up’ by many local young people and their parents − turn to page 11 to find out why.

The atmosphere was electric and there was a sea of yellow and black as far as the eye could see! Cardinia Shire loves its footy, so it’s great news that we are teaming up with the Tigers in a fantastic community partnership which will deliver some great programs and events. As a ‘Pies fan, I never thought I’d say this, but … Go Tiges!

Council has recently revised its Open Air Burning policy in consultation with the community. The original burning off zones and their rules have changed, so before you plan a burn off to manage fuel loads, please visit our website to look over the revised policy first. You’ll find tips for burning off safely and thoughtfully on page 5.

Council is getting ready to move into the new civic centre in Officer. Keep an eye on our website and on local newspapers and community newsletters for more information.

I attended Richmond Football Club’s open training session at Beaconsfield earlier this year.

Mayor Cr Graeme Moore

Must do …

1. Enjoy a spot of gardening! Why not plant a species native to our local area?

To find out which trees and shrubs will thrive best where you live, visit the online indigenous plant guide in the ‘Environment’ section of Council’s website.

2. Apply to be part of ‘Push start battle’, Cardinia Shire’s own ‘battle of the bands’ event on Friday 15 August. Local bands, duos or soloists aged 25 and under are eligible to enter. Visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/youth for details.

Applications close 25 July.

3. Admire street art produced by talented young artists at Bourke Park in Pakenham, located between the railway station and Station Street. Council commissioned the works as part of the park’s extensive redevelopment.

4. Grab your reusable shopping bags and head to Koowee Community Market for beautiful fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, plants, jewellery, craft items and lots more. Held on the first Sunday of every month at Cochrane Park, Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup, 8am to 1.30pm.

Visit www.kooweemarket.com.au for details.

5. Join a toy library. You can borrow a large variety of quality toys and educational equipment for an affordable annual fee. It will save you money, delight your children and stop unwanted toys from going into landfill. Visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/communitydirectory to find your nearest branch.

Two-for-one green fee special at Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links

Re

ad

er

bo

nu s

twitter.com/CardiniaShire App for Android and Apple devices Subscribe to our eNewsletters

2 | www.cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624

Valid on weekdays only until 30 September 2014.

Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links 85−87 Stoney Creek Road, Upper Beaconsfield

Bookings essential Phone: 5945 9230 Email: info@beaconhillsgolf.com.au



‘Community compass’ online mapping and information tool

Pay to play a round of golf at this picturesque 27-hole golf course and your friend or family member will play for free!

News

Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale with Mayor Cr Graeme Moore.

Photo courtesy: Star News Group

In brief ...

Shiny new play spaces

Tigers roar into Cardinia Shire CARDINIA Shire and Richmond Football Club are teaming up in an exciting community development partnership, using football to bring people together and strengthen the local community.

As part of the partnership, Richmond will bring a range of events and initiatives to the Shire.

These include an annual open training session with its full squad, player attendances at schools and various community events, and a ‘Coach the coaches’ session for local sporting clubs.

In conjunction with The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, the club will also deliver two programs into selected Cardinia Shire primary and secondary schools: the ‘Better Buddies’ program, which fosters cooperation, sharing and including others; and the ‘E-Smart’ program which promotes resilience and targets bullying.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Graeme Moore said Council is thrilled to welcome Richmond to Cardinia Shire.

“We are proud that one of the AFL’s best-loved clubs has chosen to call our Shire its home away from home.

“In Victoria, sport and particularly Australian Rules football plays a big role in bringing people together.

It unites people of all ages and backgrounds through a common interest,” Cr Moore said.

PLAY equipment has been replaced or upgraded in seven parks and reserves in Cardinia Shire, including O’Riordan Park in Koo Wee Rup, Tom Griffin Reserve in Upper Beaconsfield, Atkins Road and Gardenia Street reserves in Pakenham, and reserves in Pakenham’s Robin, Leonard and Phillip courts. Council funded the $130,000 works, which were part of its annual playground renewal program.

Council has also replaced soft fall and sand surfaces at all Cardinia Shire play spaces, at a cost of $100,000.

Improvements to McGregor Road THE DUPLICATION of McGregor Road in Pakenham is progressing well, with stage 2 of the project underway. This stage is fully funded

by Council and will deliver two lanes in each direction between Rogers and Main streets, a central median strip and intersection upgrades.

While the works will have minimal impact on traffic flow, Council asks motorists to be aware of changing road conditions and obey road signs in the area.

“It’s important to have new ways to get people – especially children – actively involved and engaged with their local community. This partnership will help to do that.”

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said the club, which is also partnering with local land developer Parklea, looks forward to having a strong and positive influence in Cardinia Shire.

“We have a large supporter base here and have already started to enhance our presence in the area, having worked with local schools and run very successful open training sessions in Pakenham and Beaconsfield in recent seasons.

We look forward to continuing these efforts,” Brendon said.

“The club is also identifying ways to support local charity Windermere Child and Family Services, which does enormously important work in the area.”

Cr Moore said an added bonus of the partnership is that it will encourage Cardinia Shire’s youngest residents to become more physically active.

“Aussie Rules football is already widely played across the Shire. This venture will inspire even more kids to go outside and kick the footy, or better still, join a local competition, which is a great outcome.”

With up to 15,000 vehicles using McGregor Road daily, the project will improve safety and access on one of the Shire’s busiest roads.

Just moved in?

COUNCIL has an information pack to welcome new residents, featuring details of Council services and facilities and a suggested ‘to-do’ list for those new to the area.

Residents who purchase their home will automatically receive the pack in the mail.

If you are renting, you can contact Council on 1300 787 624 to arrange for your pack to be posted.

Information is also available in the ‘New residents’ section of Council’s website.

No more soggy games CHANDLER Recreation Reserve in Emerald has been upgraded. It now features improved drainage and irrigation and a reshaped playing oval.

Council funded the project at a cost of almost $500,000 as part of its 2013−14 capital works program.

The reserve’s playing surface will be ready in September for residents and local sporting clubs to enjoy, including Emerald football and cricket clubs.

JUNE –JULY 2014 | 3

Your Council

Meet … Council’s Social Planner Petrina Dodds Buckley I joined Cardinia Shire Council …

In May 2013 but have worked in local government for more than 10 years.

from communicating this knowledge back to my colleagues at Council, as it helps to help deliver services and infrastructure which benefit the greatest number of people. I suppose I am a community advocate, of sorts!

My role involves …

My biggest challenge is …

Analysing statistics and researching social issues to gain a thorough understanding of exactly who lives in Cardinia Shire and the kind of lives they lead. This helps Council to better provide for the community’s needs, plan for the future and maximise residents’ wellbeing.

Identifying and understanding the very diverse needs of residents in the Shire’s three distinct regions: the ‘hills’ area, the growth corridor and our rural townships. This helps Council to make informed planning decisions around health, safety, land development and local services.

I began working in this field …

If I could offer young people one piece of advice it would be …

After studying sociology at Monash University. I have always been passionate about social justice issues, such as equality, looking after young people, reducing family violence and promoting health, diversity and access for all. I recently completed a postgraduate degree in social policy and community services as I enjoy working with community organisations to improve people’s quality of life.

I like talking to people from all walks of life, and often find the most inspirational ‘movers and shakers’ to be leaders in the local community.

What is the best part of your job, and why?

I really enjoy social research projects, as they help me to understand the priorities, values and challenges of residents. I get great satisfaction

Take every opportunity you are given; you never know where it’s going to take you, what you might learn or who you will meet along the way.

Something not many people know about me is …

As a high school student I was invited to an Australian Ballet performance staged for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Melbourne. During the interval, as the security guard’s attention was elsewhere, I snuck upstairs and mingled with Commonwealth political royalty! I introduced myself to various heads of state, and most memorably, struck up a wonderful conversation with the late Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India.

COUNCIL’S new Emergency Management Unit (EMU) is a trailer which is on standby to provide basic relief to residents in a fire, flood or other emergency when centre-based emergency relief is not available or practical.

The EMU contains drinking water, non-perishable food, space blankets, tarpaulins, mobile lighting, portable generators, communications and internet capabilities, and tea and coffee making facilities. Solar panels and on-board battery packs provide a 24-hour back up energy supply.

The unit can also be used for carrying loads, or as a mobile office or coordination centre.

Spotlight on ...

the EMU 4 | www.cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624

The unit is fully funded by Council, which looked to past emergencies and periods of recovery in the local area to help design and develop the vehicle. It is the first of its kind with this capability from a local council in Victoria.

Residents will get the opportunity to see the EMU up close at community and resilience-building events, where it will be used to help educate the community about Council’s important work in the areas of emergency management, relief and recovery.

News

Changes to burning off rules COUNCIL’S revised Open Air Burning policy now applies to all residential and commercial properties across Cardinia Shire. Some pre-existing rules and restrictions have been amended to ensure that burning off to reduce fuel loads is conducted in a safe, considerate and controlled way.

Safe and effective open air burning is a shared responsibility between householders, business operators, fire management agencies and local government. The revised policy reflects how these groups work together to manage open air burning, and outlines the rules and responsibilities residents need to observe.

Council recognises that it is vital for property owners and occupants to manage their fuel loads year round to reduce the risk of fire. It also understands that burning off is sometimes necessary for this to happen.

Cardinia Shire has three burning off zones, each with different restrictions. These are detailed in the policy and include: • permitted days and times for burning off • permitted burn pile sizes • the distance a burn-off fire must be from a dwelling.

As the original zones and their restrictions have changed, property users should check their zone and its rules prior to burning off.

As part of the revised policy, a ‘burns register’ has been established. To request permission to burn off outside zone restrictions, an application via this register must be submitted. The register is free to use and replaces the previous permit system which incurred a cost.

Guidelines and tips for burning off • Notify the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority prior to burning off on 1800 668 511 or burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au

Burning off at a zone 1 property one hectare or more in size may be permitted, but only after a burns register application is lodged and approved.

• Never burn off on windy days, when the shade temperature is predicted to be higher than 32 degrees Celsius or when there are smog alerts.

While burning off is sometimes the only way to manage fuel loads, Council encourages residents to use other alternatives where possible, either in conjunction with or instead of burning off. These include Council’s fortnightly kerbside green waste collections provided in many areas of Cardinia Shire, its bi-annual bundled green and hard waste collections, and composting.

• Notify neighbours prior to burning off.

Council updated the Open Air Burning policy following extensive consultation with the community. It is consistent with current Victorian Government fire management legislation and procedures, and is an important part of Council’s ongoing work to ensure the Shire is ‘fire ready’.

• Wear protective clothing (long sleeves and pants).

• A burn-off fire must be supervised at all times by an adult who has the capacity and means to extinguish it, with an adequate water supply available.

• Completely extinguish the fire once you finish burning off.

• Never use accelerants to start the fire.

• Burning household and hard waste materials is strictly prohibited.

Visit Council’s website to view the policy and access the burns register. To check your burning off zone, type your street address into the ‘Community compass’ tool at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/communitycompass If you do not have internet access or would like more information, call Council’s Community, Risk and Emergency Management team on 1300 787 624.

JUNE –JULY 2014 | 5

What’s on June Wednesday 11

Sunday 15

Personal branding webinar

Emerald Market

Online webinar 11am–12noon. Contact Council’s economic development officer on 1300 787 624 or ecodev@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Kilvington Drive, Emerald 9am–3pm.

Contact Non Blair or Michelle Perera 5968 3881 or echmarket@iinet.net.au or visit www.emeraldcommunityhouse.org.au

Wednesday 11

Saturday 21 Cora Lynn Football Club major fundraiser Pakenham Hall, corner John and Henry streets, Pakenham 6.30pm.

Cost: $65 (dinner and ‘Babba’ show).

Contact Caroline 0417 546 481.

Business networking seminar

Wednesday 25

Timbarra Community Centre, Timbarra Way, Berwick 7–9pm. Contact the event booking administrator 9796 1970 or bnc.business1@gmail.com or visit www.caseycardinia.vic.gov.au

Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham 7–9am. Guest speaker Layne Beachley.

Cost: $50.

To book visit www.trybooking.com/52316

Casey Cardinia business breakfast

Friday 13 ‘June Kaboom’ Youth event featuring ‘hardcore’ bands.

Beaconsfield Community Complex, 8 O’Neil Road, Beaconsfield 6–10pm.

Cost: $8. Contact Council’s Youth Services team on 1300 787 624.

Friday 20 Pakenham blue light disco

Sunday 15

Pakenham Hall, corner John and Henry streets, Pakenham 6.30–9pm. Cost: $5. Contact Sharon Patterson or Cath Emmett 5945 2500 or visit www.bluelight.org.au

Pakenham Community Market

Saturday 21

Pakenham Football Club, Princes Highway, Pakenham 8am–1pm.

Contact Noel 0422 822 688 or visit www.pakenhamfc.com.au (and go to the ‘Pakenham community’ section).

Business networking seminar Living Learning Pakenham, 6B Henry Street, 10am–12noon. Cost: $20. Contact Tammy Lobato 5941 2389 or tammy@livinglearning.org.au or visit www.caseycardinia.vic.gov.au

Hosting a community event?

July Wednesday 2

Saturday 19

Country Women’s Association Pakenham branch meeting

E-waste (electronic waste) recycling collection

Guide Hall, Henry Street, Pakenham 9.30am–2.30pm. Contact Vicky Birch 5940 4651 or vickyken@bigpond.com or visit www.cwaofvic.org.au

Gemco Players Community Theatre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald 9am–1pm.

Contact Council’s waste officer 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/recycling

Sunday 20 Pakenham Community Market Pakenham Football Club, Princes Highway, Pakenham 8am–1pm.

Contact Noel 0422 822 688 or visit www.pakenhamfc.com.au (and go to the ‘Pakenham community’ section).

Sunday 20 Emerald Market

Sunday 6 Koowee Community Market Koo Wee Rup Community Centre, Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup 8am–1.30pm.

Contact Market committee 0418 289 847 or info@kooweemarket.com.au or visit www.kooweemarket.com.au

6 | www.cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624

Kilvington Drive, Emerald 9am–3pm.

Contact Non Blair or Michelle Perera 5968 3881 or echmarket@iinet.net.au or visit www.emeraldcommunityhouse.org.au

Community and not-for-profit organisations in Cardinia Shire are invited to list their events in Council’s online events calendar.

All listed events will be considered for inclusion in Connect magazine’s ‘What’s on’ section.

To list an event, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/ calendar and click on the ‘Add an event’ button.

For more Council and community events visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/calendar

August Saturday 2 E-waste (electronic waste) recycling collection

Library news All events are free.

Bookings are essential.

To book visit www.tinyurl.com/cclcevents or phone the library.

Emerald Library 400B Belgrave–Gembrook Road, Emerald Phone: 5968 3925

Wednesday 4 June 6.30–7.30pm An evening of local history Talk by Chris Britton from Emerald Museum then local history librarian Heather Arnold will present library resources available to help researchers.

Pakenham Library Corner John and Henry streets, Pakenham Phone: 5941 2036

Cardinia Cultural Centre Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham Phone: 1300 887 624 Email: ccc@cardinia.vic.gov.au

June Wednesday 18 Morning melodies Morning tea 10am; show 11am. Top British comedy direct from London. Tickets: $15.

Thursday 26 Faulty Towers – the dining experience Australia’s internationally acclaimed comedy theatre tribute to the much-loved sitcom.

Includes three-course meal served by Basil, Sybil and Manuel, 6pm.

Tickets: $75 (concession $72).

Thursday 5 June Bunyip Primary School, 1290 Longwarry Road, Bunyip 9am–1pm.

Contact Council’s waste officer 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au or visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/recycling

Sunday 3 Koowee Community Market Koo Wee Rup Community Centre, Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup 8am–1.30pm.

Contact Market committee 0418 289 847 or info@kooweemarket.com.au or visit www.kooweemarket.com.au

Wednesday 6 Country Women’s Association Pakenham branch meeting Guide Hall, Henry Street, Pakenham 9.30am–2.30pm.

Contact Vicky Birch 5940 4651 or vickyken@bigpond.com or visit www.cwaofvic.org.au

Council meetings Meetings are open to the public and are held in the Council Chambers at Council offices, Henty Way, Pakenham (unless otherwise advised).

Phone: 1300 787 624 Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

June Monday 16 General Council meeting 7pm

July Monday 7 Town planning meeting 7pm

Monday 21 General Council meeting 7pm

August Monday 4 Town planning meeting 7pm

11am–8.30pm Read, learn, thrive Expo featuring service providers, displays, workshops and guest speakers for parents and carers of children aged 0–7 years to help them read, learn and thrive in a world of words. Includes information and expert advice for parents of reluctant readers, those with learning difficulties or who are struggling in a dual-language background.

Pick up a brochure for full details.

Thursday 12 June 6–8pm Bread making with Anne Danne This popular event returns.

Anne demonstrates making bread and coffee scrolls.

Monday 30 June–Friday 11 July

July Wednesday 2–Friday 11 School holiday movies All movies screen at 10am. Tickets: $3

School holiday program Free fun for kids. Pick up a brochure later this month for all the details.

• Walking with Dinosaurs (Wednesday 2)

Sunday 13 July

• Free Birds (Friday 11)

2.15–3.30pm Sunday sessions This month’s free music features Cath Connelly who delights in telling stories to the lyrical sounds of the Celtic harp.

Thursday 24 July 4.30–5.30pm Let’s talk books For teens. Chill out and explore what others are listening to, watching or reading. Snacks provided.

Casey–Cardinia libraries will be closed on Monday 9 June for the Queen’s Birthday public holiday.

Casey–Cardinia Library Corporation operates public library services for Cardinia Shire Council in Pakenham and Emerald. The Cardinia Mobile Library visits townships on a weekly schedule. Library membership is free. Pick up a brochure or visit www.cclc.vic.gov.au

• Planes (Friday 4) • Frozen (Wednesday 9)

Monday 7 Wombat Stew – the musical 10am and 1pm. Tickets: $19.

Musical theatre for the whole family. This show is based on the bestselling children’s book and is a mouth-watering combination of storytelling, mime, music, dance and puppetry. Features blobs of mud, very fine feathers, creepy crawlies, flies, gumnuts and a big bubbling billy can!

Friday 11 Legends of rock and roll tribute show 6pm. Tickets: $50 dinner and show; $25 show only.

For bookings and information on all upcoming events visit www.cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au

JUNE –JULY 2014 | 7

Feature

Highlights of the capital works program include:

$600,000 will be spent upgrading and replacing bridges across the Shire.

• Asset renewal program ($14.45 million)

Budget seeks to deliver value

• Officer Secondary College stadium ($1.65 million)

ALMOST $21 million will be invested in new recreation facilities, road and footpath construction and maintenance alongside other significant capital works under Council’s 2014–15 budget. urrent service levels to residents C will be maintained, with ongoing efficiency drives helping to address the challenges associated with a rapidly growing population.

Streets in Koo Wee Rup, Upper Beaconsfield and Pakenham will be sealed in special charge scheme partnerships with local residents, and the much-needed Lang Lang Bypass is receiving a $500,000 boost.

“Our aim is to balance delivery of the infrastructure and services that our communities need while also recognising that many people are doing it tough and that careful financial management is crucial,” Cr Moore said.

“Our aim is to balance delivery of the infrastructure and services that our communities need while also recognising that many people are doing it tough.”

While debt levels will rise due to the $20 million loan to purchase the new civic centre, the long-term financial plan provides for debt to decrease in future years. The rate increase of 5.9 per cent is also lower than the previous year (6.8%).

Mayor Cr Graeme Moore said the 2014–15 budget seeks to deliver value for Cardinia Shire residents.

8 | www.cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624

Council will also invest $14.45 million into renewing and upgrading roads, bridges and footpaths, replacing drainage and improving recreation reserves and sporting facilities.

• Continued development of the regional soccer facility at IYU Recreation Reserve in Henry Road, Pakenham ($1 million) • Further works on Lang Lang Bypass and Holm Park Recreation Reserve, Beaconsfield ($500,000 each) • Shared footpath along Princes Highway ($500,000) • New footpaths across Cardinia Shire ($400,000) • Upgrade works at Cochrane Park, Koo Wee Rup ($200,000)

$500,000 will go towards funding community grants for capital works ($450,00) and major equipment ($50,000), while a further $200,000 has been set aside to deliver improvements identified in township strategies.

The $50 rebate scheme for residential ratepayers who receive a Newstart Allowance will continue in 2014–15.

s Mayor Cr Graeme Moore looks over work at Officer Secondar y College stadium.

Feature

Council preparing for move COUNCIL is preparing to move into its new civic centre in Officer.

The civic centre will consolidate all indoor staff into one location, enabling greater organisation efficiency, improved customer service and easier access to Council.

Mayor Cr Graeme Moore said service delivery will continue as usual during the relocation.

“The move from Pakenham to Officer will deliver a range of operational and community benefits.

“The new four-storey civic centre means Council no longer has to rent additional office space around Pakenham. The building’s five-star energy efficiency rating will bring further savings in terms of reductions in heating and cooling bills,” Cr Moore said.

The new civic centre is a short walk from Officer railway station, making Council easy to access by rail, road and foot.

Council announced its purchase of the centre last December after previously planning to lease the building. The current civic centre in Pakenham will remain in community hands with Council exploring a number of options for the site.

“Council will finance the purchase of the new civic centre through a $20 million loan without any increase in rates. We will also have control over the land and ultimately earn revenue from commercial enterprises on the site,” Cr Moore said.

“From a financial perspective, purchasing the civic centre from Places Victoria rather than leasing also provides a significant asset at no

“Residents can be confident that the move to Officer makes sense for the organisation, and more importantly, for the broader community.”

additional cost and means we will be substantially better off in the long term. We also pick up the car park, civic plaza and two other blocks of land as additional holdings on the site.

“It is a very exciting time for the local community and for Council. A decision to build a new civic centre is never easy and ensuring this move delivers a win-win for the community has always been at the forefront of our thinking,” Cr Moore said.

“Having said that, I think most people in the community understand the reasons why Council has made this decision. We are working really hard to ensure that history will show this to be a very good move.”

Rates up … and down MORE than a third of Cardinia Shire properties are proposed to receive a rates decrease under the 2014–15 Council budget.

Although rates overall will rise by 5.8 per cent to enable Council to continue to meet the needs of a growing community, recent property revaluations mean many householders will actually pay lower rates this year.

Property valuations are used to calculate how much property owners pay in general rates.

Victorian Government legislation requires

Council to assess the value of all properties in the Shire every two years. This year, Council will use new valuations with a common ‘level of value’ date of 1 January 2014.

“As a result of the change in valuations, there have been some dramatic shifts in the rate burden,” Council’s General Manager of Corporate Services Derek Madden said.

“For example, 64.3 per cent of residential properties will have an increase in rates, with the rest – 35.7 per cent − benefitting from a decrease.”

Increased property values do not affect the total amount of revenue Council collects in rates. Once this figure is set, the amount of rates paid by individual properties is redistributed, with some ratepayers paying more and some paying less, depending on the new value of their property relative to other properties in the Shire.

Rate revenue funds many Council services, facilities and projects. Rate levels are

determined by factors including inflation, spending on infrastructure and the cost of delivering services.

Mayor Cr Graeme Moore said Council’s priority is to ensure residents in all 30 townships in Cardinia Shire have access to a wide range of family and children’s services.

“We want residents to be able to take part in a range of leisure and recreational activities, use regularly maintained roads and footpaths and enjoy a healthy, clean environment.”

JUNE –JULY 2014 | 9

Connections

What’s on the menu?

Here are just some of the ‘Healthy Bites’ approved options available at local eateries: Cafe Vanille Shop 1, 137 Main Street, Pakenham • Thai beef salad • Grilled Mediterranean bruschetta

Plum choice for healthy eating

• Tandoori chicken and vermicelli noodle salad with cucumber and carrot

Four Seasons Cafe Shop 5, 50−4 John Street, Pakenham

A NUMBER of local cafes have committed to offering more healthy eating options to customers by taking part in Council’s new ‘Healthy Bites’ program.

Participating businesses include Cafe Vanille, Four Seasons Cafe, The Great Australian Bakehouse, Vanille Bistro and Cardinia Cultural Centre’s Vista Cafe, all located in Pakenham.

All offer a selection of tasty meals or snacks which meet the program’s criteria by being low in saturated fat and salt and high in fibre. These dishes can be easily identified by stickers on the eateries’ menus.

Council’s Health Promotion Officer Steph Ashby said the Healthy Bites program aims to make it easier for people to make better food choices when they are out and about.

“Many Cardinia Shire residents lead very busy lives, so it’s perfectly understandable that people often want an easy and quick bite to eat while shopping or running errands,” Steph said.

“This program proves that fast food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Most of the approved |menu items are pre-prepared, making them convenient and fuss-free!”

10 | www.cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624

Council established the Healthy Bites program in response to the results of a recent health survey of 300 local residents.

“An overwhelming 70 per cent of people surveyed said they wanted to see healthier choices available at local cafes and restaurants, and eight out of 10 people surveyed said they would be more likely to buy from an eatery which provided such options,” Steph said.

“Council used this feedback to come up with the program, then approached local businesses to gauge their interest.

“We congratulate participating eateries for working with us to put the community’s health first, and on making a smart business decision. We hope to see even more businesses come on board!” Steph said.

The Healthy Bites program is funded by the Australian Government and delivered by Healthy Together Cardinia Shire in partnership with Monash Health Community. For further information contact Council’s Health Promotion team on 1300 787 624 or healthytogether@cardinia.vic.gov.au

• Chicken sandwich (on rye or wholegrain) • Vegetarian special (on rye or wholegrain) • Fruit salad and yoghurt

The Great Australian Bakehouse Shop 5, 137–45 Main Street, Pakenham • Lamb tzatziki wrap • Veggie stack • Chicken salad wrap

Vanille Bistro 15 Treloar Lane, Pakenham • Smashed avocado on multigrain with poached eggs, corn, herb onion quinoa salad and fetta • Barbecue haloumi and vegetable kebab with rocket, beetroot and zucchini relish • Mixed beans with roasted pumpkin, grilled beef skewers and beetroot relish

Vista Cafe Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham • Salmon nicoise salad • Grilled chicken burger • Greek lamb salad

Connections

Council’s Youth Services Officer Heather Johnson with (from left to right) Alysha, Katelyn and Blake.

Young people embrace ‘their’ place MY PLACE youth facility is a fun, welcoming and inclusive space which has been enthusiastically embraced by people aged 10 to 24 in Cardinia Shire.

The centre in Pakenham provides programs, recreational activities, referral and support services, information and advice for young local people.

In its first 15 months of operation after opening in August 2012, the centre had close to 8,000 contacts, and its popularity and value to the community continues to grow.

Council’s Youth Services Team Leader Emma Firth said young people visit My Place for a variety of reasons.

“For many, it’s simply a fun and convenient place to meet up with friends. Others make great use of the centre’s free internet access for social networking, job searches or studying,” Emma said.

“The centre is staffed by a qualified youth worker, so it’s a safe and secure place for young people to spend time. It also features plenty of fun stuff such as games, sports equipment and art and craft materials, so it’s impossible to be bored there!”

Others visit the facility to talk to a youth worker.

“My Place is often the first port of call for young people and their families who want advice or support,” Emma said.

With 16 support services and organisations operating from the centre, help for a range of issues is not far away. These include drug and alcohol, disability support, mental health, education and training and specialist counselling services.

“Perhaps this is My Place’s greatest strength: it connects young people and their families with the right support services and information,” Emma said.

“Because they feel good about walking in there, it gives them the confidence to seek help if they need it and make positive change in their lives.”

Did you know…

My Place also runs a range of after school programs and activities for young people.

Past programs have included ‘Sow, grow cook’ (on growing and cooking healthy food), ‘Be ur self’ (for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people) and ‘Strong Koorie youth’ (for Aboriginal young people and their families).

One in five local residents (21 per cent of Cardinia Shire’s population) is aged between 10 and 24.

“My Place is helping young people in Cardinia Shire build resilience and self-esteem, get assistance if needed, develop skills and interests and feel like valued members of our community,” Emma said.

“(It’s a) place where I feel safe and I love coming here in the school holidays because it’s great to get away from all the catastrophe in my life.”

“The one place filled with people that will always put your feelings and problems before theirs.”

“It means that I aren’t [sic] bored and can hang out with my friends and mum likes it because she knows where I am.”

“My Place has saved my life. I was really sad and didn’t go out much. Now I am happy and getting involved in a lot of the programs at the centre.”

“It’s a place where they can truly belong.”

JUNE –JULY 2014 | 11

Looking forward Cr Brett Owen Ranges Ward

From your councillors Cr Leticia Wilmot Ranges Ward

Phone: 0418 993 370 Email: b.owen@cardinia.vic.gov.au Council recently consulted with the community about long-term use of the land next to Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre.

Thanks to those who provided their feedback.

Every day in my role as councillor, I meet residents who amaze and inspire me with their involvement and dedication to their local community. It is a privilege to work in partnership with these great people who understand that we all have the community’s best interests at heart.

Cr Tania Baxter Ranges Ward

Phone: 0427 135 879 Email: L.Wilmot@cardinia.vic.gov.au The newly formed Cardinia Tourism Advisory Committee held its first meeting in May. This committee will help to develop a strong tourism profile for the Shire, encourage groups and businesses involved with tourism to work together, oversee the implementation of Council’s tourism strategy and action plan, and make recommendations to Council. Thank you to those who nominated for this committee and congratulations to the successful applicants. I look forward to working with the committee in future.

Cr Collin Ross Central Ward

Phone: 0427 528 358 Email: t.baxter@cardinia.vic.gov.au Reading Connect is a great way to keep up to date with Council programs and events, but if you want to stay in touch with what’s happening more frequently, even daily, join us on Facebook.

Council has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cardiniashirecouncil.

Ranges Ward councillors also have their own page at www.facebook.com/groups/ RangesWardCardinia. Some councillors have their own individual pages as well. Find mine at www.facebook.com/councillor.tania.baxter

Cr George Blenkhorn Central Ward

Phone: 0428 598 491 Email: c.ross@cardinia.vic.gov.au In Cardinia Shire we still have five families a day moving in, and we have a tough budget ahead with increases versus needs being the most important issue.

As promised, I will again support the ratepayers in voting to keep rates as low as possible. Every dollar counts in these tough times with all household expenses escalating.

Phone: 0429 139 902 Email: g.blenkhorn@cardinia.vic.gov.au Graffiti, especially ‘tagging’ is mindless vandalism, not art, which costs our community a lot of time and money to remove. It makes areas of Pakenham look third rate and makes residents feel unsafe.

Council removes graffiti from public areas and supplies graffiti removal kits to residents, however cleaning wooden fences is time consuming and expensive. I urge all residents to ‘dob in’ any perpetrators or incidence of graffiti to Pakenham Police.

Please report all graffiti!

Cr Kate Lempriere Central Ward Phone: 0427 371 263 Email: k.lempriere@cardinia.vic.gov.au Quality development planning decisions made. CIV used by Cardinia for rates!

Member of audit plus capital works grants committees. Obsessed with local jobs from small business creating security for locals!

Working with developers for best community outcomes, tree planting, land care, volunteer groups, retirement homes in rural Cardinia.

Remember 1,200 square kilometres!

Cardinia is achieving better roads, transport.

Passionately supporting all art.

Cr Graeme Moore Port Ward

Cr Jodie Owen Central Ward Phone: 0427 294 893 Email: j.owen@cardinia.vic.gov.au Neighbourhood Watch is seeking more residents to join. Many have said to me that with the Shire’s population growing, we are losing our community connectivity.

I disagree; regardless of population we can be a well connected community which bands together to make Cardinia Shire a place where people want to live, start businesses and enjoy being part of the community. Let’s stand together and do whatever it takes to make Cardinia Shire a place which people envy us for living in.

Cr David Young Port Ward

Phone: 0400 167 844 Email: g.moore@cardinia.vic.gov.au Bunyip Kindergarten has been extended and refurbished to transform it into a family and children’s centre. What a great result for the community! I congratulate the organising committees of the recent Biggest Morning Tea events across Port Ward, and of the Koowee Community Market which is growing increasingly popular. It was a pleasure to attend Council’s annual volunteer’s reception in May to recognise the efforts of our Shire’s excellent volunteers.

Phone: 0427 455 798 Email: d.young@cardinia.vic.gov.au The autumn break arrived earlier than most years to set us up for a favourable winter.

It is pleasing to see Port Ward looking so well with these rains. However, the wet weather has played havoc with major road works in the Shire; hopefully they will still be finished on time.

We are looking forward to moving into the new civic centre in Officer. This will be a major change for the administration of the Shire and we anticipate an improvement in productivity of Council services.

Views expressed in ‘Looking forward’ are those of the Ward councillors.

Cardinia Shire Ranges Ward • Avonsleigh • Beaconsfield • Beaconsfield Upper • Clematis • Cockatoo • Dewhurst • Emerald

• Gembrook • Guys Hill • Menzies Creek • Mount Burnett • Nangana • Officer • Pakenham Upper

12 | www.cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624

Port Ward • Bayles • Bunyip • Bunyip North • Caldermeade • Cardinia • Catani • Cora Lynn • Dalmore • Garfield

Central Ward • Garfield North • Heath Hill • Iona • Koo Wee Rup • Koo Wee Rup North • Lang Lang • Lang Lang East • Longwarry

• Maryknoll • Modella • Monomeith • Nar Nar Goon • Nar Nar Goon North • Nyora • Officer South

• Pakenham South • Rythdale • Tonimbuk • Tooradin • Tynong • Tynong North • Vervale • Yannathan

• Pakenham