Your Council magazine
August–September 2014
Col’s a true champ
Lang Lang’s Colin Leeson wins Stan Henwood Award Register your pet
Licence to drive with L2P
Good giving
Looking after cats and dogs
The program that’s going places
Council’s grants program in motion
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 August–September 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: October–November 2014 Cover photo: 2014 Stan Henwood award winner Col Leeson at Lang Lang Showgrounds. 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.
MANY families choose to call Cardinia Shire home. (If you have just moved into the area, I extend a warm welcome!) This growth naturally places pressure on existing infrastructure and services and creates demand for new ones. Securing government funding to ensure you and other members of our growing community get the schools, roads and other facilities you need and deserve is an ongoing focus for Council, particularly as the state election approaches. Read about what we are seeking on your behalf on pages 8 and 9. Presenting the Stan Henwood Award to Col Leeson recently was a memorable moment for me as Mayor. This award is given annually to a Cardinia Shire resident whose volunteer efforts greatly benefit the community. I’m sure everyone (especially those in Lang Lang) would agree that 2014’s winner is most worthy. Congratulations Col.
The annual Seniors Festival starts on 3 October and features many great local activities for older residents to enjoy. I accompanied my 86-year-old mother Pat to last year’s festival and we are both thoroughly looking forward to being part of the festivities again this year. Visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/seniors or call 1300 787 624 for event details. Preparations continue for Council’s move into the new civic centre in Officer later this year. Our website and Facebook page, and local newspapers and newsletters, will keep you updated on our progress.
Mayor Cr Graeme Moore
Must do … 1. Catch Dave Hughes’ hot new stand-up comedy show Pointless at Pakenham’s Cardinia Cultural Centre on Saturday 13 September at 7.30pm. Visit the centre’s website to book, but be quick – tickets are selling fast! 2. Learn to manage a growing pile of unpaid bills at Council’s ‘Bring your bills’ event on Tuesday 9 September 9.30am−1.30pm at Pakenham Hall, corner of John and Henry streets. See this edition’s ‘What’s on’ section for details. 3. Have your say on Council’s draft Play Space Strategy, which is open for public comment from 19 August to 16 September. It will guide how Council provides and manages play spaces in Cardinia Shire for the next 10 years, including playgrounds, fitness equipment, basketball half courts and rebound walls. You can view the draft strategy and provide feedback at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay or pick up a hard copy from Council offices. 4. Give the kids a ‘big screen’ movie experience for a great price at Cardinia Cultural Centre’s Star Theatre during the September school holidays. Movies showing include The Lego Movie and Mr Peabody and Sherman. Ticket prices: $3 per person or $7 with popcorn and a soft drink. For session times and to book visit www.cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au or call 1300 887 624. 5. If you have a good driving history and want to help others, consider volunteering for the L2P learner driver mentor program. You can read about the program on page 11.
Connect with Council www.facebook.com/ CardiniaShireCouncil twitter.com/CardiniaShire App for Android and Apple devices Subscribe to our eNewsletters
2 | www.cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624
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Vista Cafe is offering residents a free freshly baked scone served with fresh jam and cream with every tea or coffee purchase during August and September. Simply cut out this voucher and present it to the friendly staff at Vista Cafe when you order – then sit back and enjoy your hot drink and scone as you take in the water views at Lakeside. Offer closes 30 September 2014.
The Vista Cafe Cardinia Cultural Centre Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham
Open seven days a week from 9am for breakfast and lunch.
‘Community compass’ online mapping and information tool
Enjoy a tasty treat at Vista Cafe
Re
News
2014 Stan Henwood Award winner Col Leeson at Lang Lang Showgrounds.
In brief ... Caring for much-loved park EMERALD Lake Park’s vegetation management project is now in its third year and is successfully re-establishing the park’s native plant and animal habitats. Large quantities of problem weeds have been removed from the park and replaced with about 5,000 indigenous trees and shrubs, including blackwood wattle and native bush mint. Many were planted during community planting days organised by Friends of Emerald Lake Park. Rabbit numbers have also been reduced and a health program has been put in place for the park’s wombats.
Deeply dedicated to Lang Lang
Council is managing the four-year project, which is funded by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.
LANG Lang resident Colin ‘Col’ Leeson has been honoured with Council’s Stan Henwood Award for 2014.
Excursions will include a five-day camp at Portsea for 13 to 16 year olds. Council’s Youth Services team is also hosting free activities at My Place youth facility in Pakenham in the second week of the holidays.
Since Col moved to Lang Lang more than 60 years ago, the 81-year-old has dedicated himself to making the town a great place to live by working tirelessly as a volunteer in the close-knit community. Col and his wife Betty still live in the same house they chose to call home as newlyweds, all those years ago. As grounds manager of Lang Lang Showgrounds for about 35 years, Col has kept the grounds beautifully maintained for the many community events held there each year. He is actively involved in Lang Lang’s Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association, as well as the town’s medical centre board, township committee and pony club, and was a director of the town’s former building society and water and sewerage authority. He is also a life member of Lang Lang Football Club. Col maintains gardens in Lang Lang’s main street and admits to having planted ‘about 800 trees’ around the town’s entrance and at the showgrounds over the years. Col said he was ‘shanghaied’ into his first volunteer role in 1971 with the Lang Lang Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association committee. “I went to a committee meeting as a player’s representative of the football club, to discuss drainage issues at the showgrounds.
Col Leeson received the Stan Henwood Award at a presentation dinner on 22 July. The award, now in its tenth year, recognises those who make a valuable contribution to Cardinia Shire. It commemorates the lifetime achievements of the late Stan Henwood, a Tynong resident who gave much to the community through his charity work, sporting and volunteer roles. Cr David Young, who nominated Col for the award, said he is “absolutely dedicated to Lang Lang and thoroughly deserves this recognition”. “Col has provided a helping hand in Lang Lang for many years, and always does so with enthusiasm, diligence and hard work. “He is much admired and respected by Lang Lang residents. Despite his health struggles, he continues to toil away at the showgrounds and his other community interests,” Cr Young said.
School holiday fun for teens Council’s teenage school holiday program in September promises to be plenty of fun for young people aged 12 to 17 from Cardinia Shire.
Places are limited so get in early to avoid disappointment. To book or for more information visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/ youth or call 1800 4YOUTH.
Rates notices on the way RATES notices for 2014−15 will arrive in letterboxes from mid-August. If you are paying your rates in instalments, the first instalment is due in September. Lump sum payments are due in February. If you are concerned about being able to make payments, please contact Council on 1300 787 624 to discuss a weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment plan. All discussions are confidential and, providing a suitable arrangement is made, interest will not be charged.
But Col downplays his contributions.
Energy upgrades saving dollars
“I was pretty surprised to be nominated, to be honest. I don’t really think I have done anything above and beyond,” he said.
THE environmental upgrade project at Cardinia Life recreational facility in Pakenham is progressing well; lighting and hot water system improvements are now complete. Early studies show the works are saving Council $20,000 and 167 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year – equivalent to taking 42 cars off the road.
“Before the meeting closed, I was nominated to the committee. At that time I was the youngest at the meeting and as it turns out, now I’m the oldest!” Col said.
The next stage of the project will include initiatives to improve the efficiency of the centre’s heating, cooling and dehumidification systems, including the installation of a cogeneration unit. These improvements will lead to even more cost savings.
“I get satisfaction out of doing what I do and helping to improve the village. I get pleasure out of seeing something I have done or making something look better.”
Cardinia Shire Council and the Australian Government’s Community Energy Efficiency Program each contributed $370,000 to the project.
AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2014 | 3
Your Council
Meet … Community Strengthening Officer Allison Howard I joined Cardinia Shire Council … In early 2011 as a community safety officer. I moved into my current position in mid 2012.
My role involves … Working closely with township committees and community groups in the Ranges Ward. I also interact with many volunteers at neighbourhood houses, community centres, U3As and men’s sheds, and manage two large annual Council events: the volunteers reception and the Australia Day Awards in Pakenham.
I began working in this field … After training (but never working as) an accountant! I soon realised my true passion is working with people, so I made a career change. I have always enjoyed working with community-minded people; it’s great to help them do important work and achieve their goals. In my younger years I was a girl guide, which gave me insight into how rewarding it is to contribute to the community. Since then I have been an active volunteer and always put my hand up to help friends raise funds for their community groups.
What is the best part of your job, and why? I love coordinating events. I start planning Council’s Australia Day celebrations in August, so it is really rewarding to watch it all come together on the day. It is also fantastic to see the magnificent work community organisations do.
My biggest challenge is … It is hard to acknowledge every community group and volunteer who makes a difference in Cardinia Shire, because there are just so many of them! Many of these organisations rely on grants, fundraising, donations and the generosity of volunteers to do what they do.
If you could offer potential volunteers a piece of advice it would be … The benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family and your community. You will help others, make new friends and learn great skills which can be used in your working life. Volunteering can also increase your self-confidence and self-esteem and boost mental and physical health.
Something not many people know about me is … People often ask how long I have lived in Australia. I grew up here but lived in New Zealand for five years, where I picked up a slight Kiwi accent.
Spotlight on ...
Gembrook Park GEMBROOK Park Fauna and Flora Reserve is a wonderful place for nature lovers and walkers of all ages to visit. The beautiful reserve features spectacular mountain ash trees, known to be the tallest flowering trees in the world. Its moist gullies are also rich with tree ferns, herbs and moss-covered logs. The 29-hectare park is a haven for wildlife including wombats, wallabies, koalas and lyrebirds. Powerful owls and eastern pygmy possums, which are both threatened species, also call this park home. Gembrook Park features a picnic area, car park, amenities and two walking trails. The trails are 1.5 and 1.2 kilometres each and take around 30 minutes to walk. Nature trail notes are available for download from the ‘Environment’ section of Council’s website or from Council offices. Council conducts weed control and maintains facilities at Gembrook Park; working with Friends of Gembrook Park and the Southern Ranges Environment Alliance to reduce the impact of garden weeds such as ivy on the reserve, which can spread from neighbouring properties. Friends of Gembrook Park helps Council to care for the park by regularly removing weeds, mulching and planting trees. To enquire about joining the group contact 5968 1011.
How to get there
And remember; if you visit the park please be sure to take your rubbish with you.
Gembrook Road, Gembrook (entrance and parking via Redwood Road). Only a 5-minute walk from Gembrook town centre and 350 metres from Puffing Billy’s Gembrook train station.
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News
Hannah (left) and Ruby from Pakenham Heights Kindergarten with Council's Community Strengthening Officer Natasha Spicer.
Grants are gold for community groups THIRTY-EIGHT community organisations doing great work in Cardinia Shire will receive grants of up to $35,000 through Council’s 2014−15 community capital works and major equipment grants program. Council announced $500,000 in grants at a presentation dinner in July. These grants will support important works and upgrades at community and senior citizens centres, sporting clubs, kindergartens, halls, recreation reserves and men’s sheds. Recipients included Garfield Recreation Reserve, the new Cardinia Men’s Shed, Cardinia Civic Concert Band and Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre. Pakenham Heights Kindergarten, which was awarded $32,500 in the 2013−14 community capital works grants round, will receive a further $19,000 in this year’s program. The kindergarten will use these grants, as well as additional funding from Council’s access upgrade program and just over $50,000 in fundraising money to undertake much anticipated building improvements. These will include an extension to the foyer so that a new kitchenette, children’s lockers, disabled bathroom facilities and meeting area can be constructed. Council’s Community Strengthening Officer Natasha Spicer said Council’s community capital works and major equipment grants program is a dollar matching initiative, meaning organisations must generate an equivalent amount of funds to be eligible for a grant.
“For this reason, organisations tend to be really passionate about their grant project, as they devote a lot of time and effort to securing the required funds.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Graeme Moore said Council is proud to support organisations which strengthen the local community through the grants program.
“Pakenham Heights Kindergarten is a great example of this; families and staff have fundraised for many years to make these planned upgrades.
“These organisations encourage people to participate more fully in the local community, which helps people connect and increases wellbeing.
“Many generous people also freely give their time and energy to managing capital works projects or contributing labour once grants are distributed,” Natasha said. Di Price from Kinders Together said funding from the Victorian Government’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) partially covers program costs but not facility improvements or maintenance. “That’s why Council’s community capital works grants are so important to Pakenham Heights Kindergarten and other local community kindergartens.
“Many deliver excellent programs, services or facilities for residents on quite limited budgets, so Council is very pleased to be able to assist them in this way,” he said. “It’s great to visit these groups after works have taken place to see the huge difference the grant funding makes. “The sense of pride and achievement from everyone involved is quite special,” Cr Moore said. Visit Council’s website for a full list of 2014−15 community capital works and major equipment grant recipients.
“These improvements will benefit the 78 families whose children currently use the service, as well as those who will in future,” Di said.
Helping preserve our history APPLICATIONS to Council’s 2014 heritage grants program are open until Friday 19 September. Dollar-for-dollar grants of up to $5,000 are available to help repair, maintain, manage and restore sites and objects of historical importance in Cardinia Shire.
For eligibility criteria or to apply visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/grants or call Council’s sustainability and heritage planner on 1300 787 624.
AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2014 | 5
What’s on Develop your business
August
August, September and October offer a wealth of events and training for businesses.
Thursday 14
Sunday 17
Emerald Garden Club monthly meeting
Emerald Market
Arts Society Hall, corner Anne and Church streets, Emerald 8pm. Contact David McCabe 5968 5850 or davidmccabe2@bigpond.com
Kilvington Drive, Emerald 9am. Contact Non Blair or Michelle Perera 5968 3881 or echmarket@iinet.net.au or visit www.emeraldcommunityhouse.org.au
Friday 15 Emerald Business Group business breakfast Emerald Community House, 356–58 Belgrave–Gembrook Road 6.30am. Places are limited; RSVP essential. Visit www.emeraldcommunityhouse.org.au
Wednesday 20 Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee meeting
Casey Cardinia Business Week, 25–30 August, features a range of activities to help you develop great new strategies for your enterprise, including sessions on digitising your business, project management, building support networks, creating an online presence, protecting your business assets and a visit from the Small Business Victoria mobile business bus.
Services Central, 6B Henry Street, Pakenham 10am. Contact Council’s diversity officer 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au
Sunday 17 Pakenham Community Market Pakenham Football Club, Princes Highway, Pakenham 8am. Contact Noel 0422 822 688 or visit www.pakenhamfc.com.au
Pakenham Toy Library Hollins Children Centre, 10 Atlantic Drive, Pakenham. Wednesdays 10.30–11.30am and Fridays 12–1.30pm. Dates: August 20 and 22, September 3, 5, 17 and 19, and October 8.
Small Business Festival Victoria’s main roadshow event features singer songwriter and small business owner Clare Bowditch in her ‘Creativity for business success’ session. Details of all business events are on Council’s website www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/calendar
Contact president Chris Potter 0468 372 961.
September Wednesday 3
Sunday 7
Country Women’s Association Pakenham branch meeting
Koowee Community Market
‘Come and try preps’ for 2015
Guide Hall, Henry Street, Pakenham 9.30am. Contact Vicky Birch 5940 4651 or vickyken@bigpond.com or visit www.cwaofvic.org.au
Koo Wee Rup Community Centre, corner Rossiter Road and Sybella Avenue, Koo Wee Rup 8am. Contact market committee 0418 289 847 or info@kooweemarket.com.au or visit www.kooweemarket.com.au
Lakeside Lutheran College, 2 Portobello Road, Pakenham 9am. Contact administration 5941 7544 or enrolments@lakeside.vic.edu.au or visit www.lakeside.vic.edu.au
Saturday 6
Tuesday 9
Pakenham Garden Expo Beaconhills College, 30–4 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham 9am. Contact Meryl Waterhouse 5941 1306 or keith.waterhouse@bigpond.com
Everything patchwork and quilting at Gembrook
Bring your bills day Pakenham Library and Hall, corner John and Henry streets, Pakenham 9.30am. Contact Council’s diversity officer 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au
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Services Central, 6B Henry Street, Pakenham 10am. Contact Council’s diversity officer 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au
Sunday 21 Pakenham Community Market
Emerald Market
Weedbusters Week ‘trees for weeds’ swap
• Emerald Library, 400B Belgrave–Gembrook Road, Emerald, 10am. Contact Council’s weed management officer 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au
Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee meeting
Pakenham Football Club, Princes Highway, Pakenham 8am. Contact Noel 0422 822 688 or visit www.pakenhamfc.com.au
Gembrook Community Centre, Gembrook Road 10am. Cost: $4.
• Beaconsfield Shopping Plaza, 55 Old Princes Highway, Beaconsfield 10am. Contact Glenn Brookes McMillan 0428 428 004 or glenn@cclg.net.au
Wednesday 17
Kilvington Drive, Emerald 9am. Contact Non Blair or Michelle Perera 5968 3881 or echmarket@iinet.net.au or visit www.emeraldcommunityhouse.org.au
Friday 12 Pakenham Blue Light Disco Pakenham Hall, corner John and Henry streets, Pakenham 6.30pm. Contact Sharon Patterson or Cath Emmett 5945 2500 or visit www.bluelight.org.au
Wednesday 24 Treasure hunt in the gardens For ages 12 and under. Nar Nar Goon Recreation Reserve, Spencer Street, Nar Nar Goon 10–11am. Contact Council’s family connections facilitator 1300 787 624.
For more Council and community events visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/calendar Bunurong Men’s Shed Pakenham Men of all ages welcome. Join other like-minded individuals in a social environment, every Wednesday to Friday 10am–12noon at Meadowvale Retirement Village, Eagle Drive, Pakenham. Contact the president 5941 6869 or visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/calendar for dates.
Learn something new at Emerald Community House 356–58 Belgrave–Gembrook Road, Emerald. Contact Donna 5968 3881 or echadmin@iinet.net.au or visit www.emeraldcommunityhouse.org.au
Mondays 21 July–8 September • Computers for intermediate users 9.30am–12noon • Computers for beginners 12.30–3pm
Tuesdays 22 July–9 September • Adobe InDesign and Photoshop workshop 7–9pm
Thursdays 24 July–11 September • MYOB training 12.30–3.30pm • Computers for intermediate users 7–9pm
October Wednesday 1 Country Women’s Association Pakenham branch meeting Guide Hall, Henry Street, Pakenham 9.30am. Contact Vicky Birch 5940 4651 or vickyken@bigpond.com or visit www.cwaofvic.org.au
Let’s get moving For ages 7 and under. Cochrane Park, Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup 10.30am–12.30pm. Contact Council’s active places officer 1300 787 624.
Library news
Cardinia Cultural Centre
All events are free. Bookings are essential. To book visit www.tinyurl.com/cclcevents or phone the library.
Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham Phone: 1300 887 624 Email: ccc@cardinia.vic.gov.au
Emerald Library 400B Belgrave–Gembrook Road, Emerald Phone: 5949 4600
Thursday 3 September 4–5pm Library explorers’ club A book club for kids prep to Grade 2 with stories, games, quizzes, craft activities and the chance to explore plenty of new books.
Pakenham Library Corner John and Henry streets, Pakenham Phone: 5940 6200
Thursday 21 August 6.30–8pm Happy child, happy home Popular parenting author Lou Harvey-Zahra offers ideas to bring greater connection, communication and creativity into family life. Don’t miss these positive parenting tips to help make your home more harmonious.
Thursday 11 September 4.30–5.30pm Let’s talk books For ages 13 and over. Chill out and explore what others have been listening to, watching or reading. Snacks provided.
Sunday 14 September 2.15–3.30pm Sunday sessions: free live music Tracey Roberts is a gifted singer-songwriterpianist with more than 20 years’ experience in international touring, concerts, TV appearances and entertaining at functions and festivals. She performs melodic jazz-infused folk and pop style songs.
Koowee Community Market Kilvington Drive, Koo Wee Rup 8am. Contact market committee 0418 289 847 or info@kooweemarket.com.au or visit www.kooweemarket.com.au
Cardinia Shire Seniors Festival Offering a range of local events for seniors during October. Visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au /seniors for details or contact Council’s positive ageing officer 1300 787 624.
• • • •
Saturday 23 at 8pm Sunday 24 at 2pm Saturday 30 at 8pm Sunday 31 at 2pm
September • Thursday 4 at 7pm (early show) • Friday 5 at 8pm
September Wednesday 17 Morning melodies Morning tea 10am; show 11am. Johnny Cash tribute show. Tickets: $15.
Monday 22 September –Friday 3 October School holiday movies All movies screen at 10am. Tickets: $3 • The Lego Movie Wednesday 24 September • Mr Peabody and Sherman Wednesday 1 October For more events visit www.cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au
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
Bush crafts
Sunday 5
August
Council meetings
Thursday 2 For ages 12 and under. Koolangarra Park, 4 Railway Avenue, Bunyip 10–11am. Contact Council’s family connections facilitator 1300 787 624.
A musical comedy presented by Cardinia Performing Arts Company (CPAC). Cost: $32; concession $29; children $25; family (2 adults, 2 children) $105; groups of 15 or more $25 each.
August Monday 22 September– Friday 3 October School holiday program Visit www.cclc.vic.gov.au or pick up a brochure for details. 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
Monday 4 Town planning meeting 7pm
Monday 18 General Council meeting 7pm
September Monday 1 Town planning meeting 7pm
Monday 15 General Council meeting 7pm
October Monday 6 Town planning meeting 7pm
AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2014 | 7
Feature
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Graeme Moore at Beaconsfield’s Holm Park Recreation Reserve. Providing great sporting facilities for the local community is a priority for Council.
Advocacy efforts
Council goes in to bat for residents CARDINIA Shire is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia. Three new families move into the municipality each day, so it is vital our community gets the funding it needs to build and improve infrastructure, facilities and services, including roads, schools and children’s centres. Lobbying the Australian and Victorian governments for this funding is one of Council’s most important roles and is a key focus in the lead up to the state election in November this year. apid population growth presents our Shire R with many exciting opportunities. Yet it also puts pressure on existing networks and facilities and creates an ongoing need for government investment in areas such as transport, education, health and employment.
“An ongoing and guaranteed source of funding would allow Council to plan more effectively, so residents can enjoy the best lifestyle possible.”
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Council continually advocates to both levels of government on priority projects to benefit the local community. We are currently lobbying the Victorian Government to allocate funding to improving local bus services, duplicating the road over Pakenham’s McGregor Road rail crossing, increasing mental health and children’s services and securing funding for Stage 1 of the Lang Lang bypass. Almost 1,400 babies were born to Cardinia Shire families last year. About 6,000 newborn to four-year-olds make up just over 8 per cent of the area’s population. With so many growing families to cater for, the need for maternal and child health services, state-provided education and health facilities and sporting facilities in our Shire is growing daily. Cardinia Shire is one of 10 interface councils forming a ‘ring’ around outer metropolitan Melbourne; all face similar challenges relating to population growth. The interface councils accommodate more than a quarter of Melbourne’s residents and over the
next 15 years are expected to house about 60 per cent of Melbourne’s metropolitan population growth. Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Graeme Moore said government funding of projects in Cardinia Shire and other interface council areas should better reflect this expansion. “Cardinia Shire is a great place to live, but a gap already exists between the quality of infrastructure and services enjoyed by those living closer to Melbourne’s CBD compared to residents in outer metropolitan areas including Cardinia Shire,” Cr Moore said. “More appropriate funding is needed to prevent this gap from widening.” As the election draws nearer, Cardinia Shire Council has teamed up with the interface councils to jointly advocate to the Victorian Government for a better deal for its residents. “The interface councils want the Victorian Government to commit to a dedicated growth fund for our municipalities.
Feature
The rail crossing at McGregor Road, Pakenham.
Pakenham’s Henry Family Children’s Centre. More children’s centres are needed for the Shire’s many young families.
“An ongoing and guaranteed source of funding would allow Council to plan more effectively, so residents can enjoy the best lifestyle possible,” Cr Moore said. He said while funding levels for Melbourne’s inner suburbs remain high, the need for dedicated financial support for fringe areas is much greater. “Suburbs closer to the CBD are, for the most part, already established; roads, schools and hospitals are built, services are in place and population growth is limited.
“It’s a very different story in Cardinia Shire, where there are huge costs associated with constructing roads, maintaining our extensive unsealed road network and building sporting facilities, among many other projects. “Cardinia Shire residents deserve the same opportunities and quality of life enjoyed by people in inner metropolitan areas. That means we need more local jobs to cut commuting times, improved road and public transport networks, more schools and TAFEs, and increased recreation, health and aged care facilities,” Cr Moore said.
Key projects Council is advocating for include: • A dedicated growth fund for Melbourne’s interface councils (which includes Cardinia Shire) • Duplication of McGregor Road, Pakenham, over the rail crossing • Construction of Lang Lang truck bypass • Improved bus services • Koo Wee Rup Road upgrade • More mental health services • Pakenham bypass interchange upgrade at Princes Highway, Beaconsfield
Council is advocating for a Lang Lang truck bypass to ease heavy vehicle traffic through the town centre and give industry better access to local sand sources.
• More primary and secondary schools in Pakenham and Officer • An increase in early childhood intervention services and children’s centres • Further development of Pakenham’s Deep Creek Reserve to include an ecology centre, all abilities playground, community gardens, native nursery and barbecue facilities
Council is lobbying for better bus services for our Shire.
• A parenting facility in Koo Wee Rup • A range of sporting facilities across Cardinia Shire, including new netball facilities in Emerald.
AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2014 | 9
Connections
Council’s Compliance Services Officer Jess Azzopardi with shih tzu Sharna.
Feel the ‘camaraderie’ in Gembrook COUNCIL has proudly unveiled its latest addition to the Shire’s growing public art collection. Camaraderie is a collection of granite sculptures of people gathered together, mostly larger than life sized. Located on the corner of Gembrook’s Main Street and Gembrook Road, the work provides a striking and memorable welcome to the township.
Be a friend to your pet BEING a responsible pet owner means ensuring your cat or dog is registered with Council every year. If you live in Cardinia Shire and haven’t yet registered your beloved moggy or pooch in 2014, now is the time to do so. By law, all cats and dogs from three months of age must be microchipped then registered with Council. Cats must be desexed before registration, and a discounted registration fee applies for desexed dogs. Registration fees are listed on Council’s website.
Did you know… Cardinia Shire’s top five registered dog names are: 1. Bella
4. Charlie
2. Max
5. Jack
3. Molly Owners who do not register their cat or dog risk an on-the-spot fine of $289. Council’s Compliance Services Officer Jess Azzopardi said Council officers pick up many wandering dogs and cats which, when registered, are quickly returned to their owners. “It’s great to bring a lost pet back to its family – I’ve seen some very happy reunions! However, when we find an unregistered animal, we have no choice but to take it to the pound and hope its owner claims it. “Keeping animals in the pound is expensive for Council and distressing for pets and owners,” Jess said. “Registering your cat or dog every year, and keeping it confined to your property are some of the kindest things you can do for your pet.” Pet registration forms are available at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/pets, from Council offices or by calling 1300 787 624. Please inform Council if the address or phone number provided in your registration form changes.
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Cardinia Shire-based artist Viktor Kalinowski created the sculptures after researching the town’s history and engaging with members of the Gembrook community. The Mount Burnett resident said he chose to work with granite as he felt it best represented Gembrook’s long and proud history of working on the land, the town’s enduring nature and its natural beauty. “I am honoured that Council chose me to produce this work. “I enjoyed talking to so many Gembrook residents as part of the creative process. It was wonderful to hear their thoughts and feelings about where they live,” Viktor said. Council’s Cultural Development Officer Jadah Pleiter said the artwork reflects Gembrook’s wonderful community spirit. “Camaraderie is about people gathering together in unity and friendship. “Residents attended workshops with Viktor and his partner Elaine Rieger to give their impressions of life in Gembrook. What struck him was the strength and resilience of the town and its residents. This strength is the foundation on which the Gembrook community is built, and which will serve it so well into the future. This is beautifully portrayed in his work,” Jadah said. Council funded the art project through its capital works program. Natural Balance has also been unveiled at Henry Family Children’s Centre in Pakenham. The sandstone, leaf-shaped sculpture by Queensland-based artists The Niche Art references the natural environment and the Indigenous culture and heritage of the local area. For more information about public art in Cardinia Shire visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/arts
Connections
Learner driver Buom Kol gets practical driving experience under the guidance of Brian Davies, a volunteer with the L2P learner driver mentor program.
Steering towards a brighter future THE L2P learner driver mentor program is helping young learner drivers aged 21 and under in Cardinia Shire to get the support and practical experience they need to earn their driver’s licence. The free community-based program matches learner drivers who do not have access to a car or supervising driver with an experienced volunteer mentor and a vehicle to drive. This allows leaner drivers to complete the 120 hours of logged driving experience they need to apply for their probationary licence (P plates). The program is funded by TAC and VicRoads in 55 locations across Victoria. Koo Wee Rup Regional Health Service delivers the program locally with Council’s support. Bendigo Bank’s Koo Wee Rup branch has also contributed funding to the service. Twenty-five learner drivers and 22 mentor drivers are currently participating in the program using the service’s two vehicles. Local L2P program coordinator Brian Harlow said the 120 hours required to qualify for P plates “can be difficult or even impossible to accrue for many young people”. “The program helps by matching a mentor driver from the community with a young driver in need of supervision. Our learners have driving lessons with an accredited instructor before being paired with a compatible mentor,” Brian said. Council’s Youth Services Team Leader Emma Firth said helping young people learn how to drive puts them on the right road to finding employment, earning an income and staying connected with others. “Council is proud to support L2P; it’s a really valuable program for vulnerable young people. Having a drivers licence is a stepping stone
to a wide range of job and life opportunities in general.” “Knowing how to drive is also great for boosting self-esteem and independence and ensuring young people keep in touch with friends and family,” Emma said. Brian said since the L2P program started four years ago in Cardinia Shire, 71 young people have used the service to improve their driving skills and 20 of these completed their 120 hours of driving experience and obtained their probationary licence through the program.
“If you have a current, full Victorian drivers licence, are willing to undergo police, working with children and driver history checks, can participate in free training and you are available at least one hour each week to supervise a learner driver, we would be very pleased to hear from you,” he said. To find out more about becoming a volunteer mentor driver with the L2P program contact Brian Harlow on 5997 9687 or harlowb@krhs.net.au
“None of these drivers have failed their probationary licence test, which is testament to the skill and dedication of our volunteers,” he said. The L2P program is in high demand in Cardinia Shire and is always looking for more mentor drivers who are patient and have good communication skills. Brian said many of the volunteers say driver mentoring is extremely rewarding and they enjoy making a positive contribution to the community by helping young people get experience behind the wheel.
AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 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 is proud to support Emerald RSL’s commemorative Anzac Walk, which will include information stands and memorial plaques using recycled timber from Worrell Reserve. The walk will connect the cenotaph with the future Anzac Place (on the corner of Memorial Avenue and Westlands Road). Netball is very popular in Cardinia Shire, so it is great news that Holm Park Recreation Reserve’s new netball pavilion in Beaconsfield has officially opened. Further netball upgrades will happen in Officer and Emerald.
Cr Tania Baxter Ranges Ward
Phone: 0427 135 879 Email: L.Wilmot@cardinia.vic.gov.au Works have recently been completed on the start of the trail network through Pepi’s land in Emerald. Further funding has been allocated in the 2014–15 budget to continue the trail network as well as planting works. Design of the Ash Wednesday memorial in Cockatoo has been completed and refurbishment of the old kinder building will commence shortly. I congratulate and thank the committee working with Council on this project.
Cr Collin Ross Central Ward
Phone: 0427 528 358 Email: t.baxter@cardinia.vic.gov.au Worrell Reserve, Emerald: Council received 299 responses to the tree selection survey, and out of a range of species 60 per cent of respondents preferred natives. Further community consultation into how this significant area is revegetated will happen through a public workshop (on a date to be confirmed) which will look at overall design and consider the objectives and restrictions of this space. Please email fire@cardinia.vic.gov.au to be involved.
Cr George Blenkhorn Central Ward
Phone: 0428 598 491 Email: c.ross@cardinia.vic.gov.au I congratulate all winners at Gembrook CFA’s awards; thank you to all CFA and SES members for your many dedicated hours of volunteering for Cardinia Shire. As promised when elected, I have again voted against the 5.9 per cent rate increase for the sixth year in a row. I have listened to your number one concern re cost of living increases. Residents with rising costs of living need an affordable increase.
Phone: 0429 139 902 Email: g.blenkhorn@cardinia.vic.gov.au The new Toomah Community Centre in the Cardinia Road precinct has been jointly funded by Council, Windermere Child and Family Services and the Victorian Government. The ground floor is for community use and the upper floor will be used by Windermere and other organisations to provide family support and education services to our community. Living Learning Pakenham will manage the facility on behalf of Council and deliver services from the centre.
Cr Kate Lempriere Central Ward Phone: 0427 371 263 Email: k.lempriere@cardinia.vic.gov.au Residents, as your councillor I fight for your quality of life. On 1 July, the Australian Government will freeze the indexation of its grants to councils for three years. The 5.9 per cent increase was necessary unless you want infrastructure projects cancelled and services reduced. Rate capping to 2.5 per cent is condemning interface and rural areas to low socioeconomic development with inadequate business incentives resulting in lack of employment.
Cr Graeme Moore Port Ward
Cr Jodie Owen Central Ward Phone: 0427 294 893 Email: j.owen@cardinia.vic.gov.au Neighbourhood Watch is developing into a great community group for all in Cardinia Shire. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month. Annual graffiti audit has seen all areas looking cleaner. Lots of work happening in this area to improve graffiti removal and reporting. We need all residents on board to make taggers and vandals aware that we don’t want their damage in Cardinia Shire.
Cr David Young Port Ward
Phone: 0400 167 844 Email: g.moore@cardinia.vic.gov.au Congratulations to Port Ward community organisations who received much-needed funding via the community capital works grants program to upgrade and improve facilities. It was a pleasure to share an evening of celebration and thank committees for their well-prepared grant applications. Heavy rain has adversely affected our road and drain infrastructure so please be patient as our operations team gets to all necessary maintenance works.
Phone: 0427 455 798 Email: d.young@cardinia.vic.gov.au We have had one of the best starts for many years with an early break and a mild start to winter. Congratulations to Lang Lang’s Col Leeson who was the proud recipient of the Stan Henwood award presented at the recent community capital works grants evening. Col is a quiet, unassuming person who is always there when a job needs doing. Good luck to all local sporting teams playing in finals this season.
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
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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