CityLife 2017 (Issue 6 - July) by Wodonga Council

JULY, 2017

WODONGA - ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES

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INSIDE YOUR CITYLIFE STATE SURVEY JULY, RESULTS 3 2017 ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES

NEXT STAGE OF CBD WORKS 3

TRANSFER STATION SURVEY 11

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON JULY AND AUGUST INSIDECITYLIFE

COMMUNITY

JULY, 2017

CityLife is Wodonga Council’s monthly publication and is delivered around Wodonga. Approximately 19,000 copies are printed each month by Newsprinters, Shepparton. CityLife is delivered by Australia Post. CONTACT US Office: 104 Hovell St, Wodonga Post: PO Box 923, Wodonga, VIC 3689 Phone: (02) 6022 9300 Fax: (02) 6022 9346 Email: info@wodonga.vic.gov.au Website: wodonga.vic.gov.au

/wodongacouncil /wodongacouncil /wodongacouncil /wodongacouncil wod.city/wodenews

OTHER VENUES

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Arts Space Wodonga Cnr Lawrence and Hovell St (Mon to Fri, 10am to 5.30pm, Sat 9am to noon)

Council meetings are open to the public and are usually held on the third Monday of the month. The next meeting is scheduled for July 17. Meetings are held in the council chambers, level two, city offices, 104 Hovell St, Wodonga and commence at 6pm. Agendas can be downloaded from the council’s website the Friday prior to the meeting.

Baranduda Community Centre 3 Sage Court, Baranduda (Mon to Fri, 9am to 3pm) Belgrade Ave Community Centre 12 Belgrade Ave, Wodonga (Mon to Fri, 9am to 3pm) Felltimber Community Centre 189 Melrose Dr, Wodonga (Weekdays, 9am to 3pm) The Cube Wodonga 118 Hovell St, Wodonga Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm Wodonga Library 126 Hovell St, Wodonga (Mon to Fri, 10am to 5.30pm, Sat 9am to noon) CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Interested in applying for a position with the council? Register your details at wodonga.vic.gov. au/vacancies to receive job alerts about current vacancies. SUSTAINABILITY CityLife is printed on recycled paper, which is made up of 20 to 40 per cent of recycled fibre from old newspapers. It can also be re-added to newsprint production as a recycled fibre after use.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY In the spirit of reconciliation, Wodonga Council acknowledges the traditional owners of this land on which it stands, and pays its respects to their Elders past, present and future, for they hold the memories, the traditions and the culture of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. CITYLIFE ONLINE Read and share CityLife online at wod.city/CurrentCityLife To subscribe to the online version, register at wod.city/wod-enews. CITYWATCH Pay any council bill or report a problem online 24/7 with our mobilefriendly service CityWatch: wod.city/WC-CityWatch

To contact the CityLife editor, please email citylife@wodonga.vic.gov.au

TREE DAY BRANCHES OUT A large contingent of school, business and community volunteers will come together to mark National Tree Day in Wodonga on Thursday, July 27. Organised by the Clyde Cameron Reserve Group, the tree planting will be supported by Wodonga Council, Jacob Toyota and about 20 students from Catholic College Wodonga. Up to 500 native trees, shrubs and grasses will be planted at the Pearce St end of Clyde Cameron Reserve, replacing woody weeds which have been removed from the area. This will increase

biodiversity, provide habitat for local wildlife and beautify the reserve. Members of the public are encouraged to come along to reconnect with nature and do something positive for the local community and environment. Last year almost 310,000 people took part in National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day at more than 3500 sites across the country. More than 1.1 million native trees, shrubs, grasses and edibles found a new home and helped to green otherwise grey areas.

Practice good hygiene to halt disease spread The Environmental Health team is warning of an increase in cases of cryptosporidiosis, a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhoea, often spread through contaminated water.

It commonly presents as gastroenteritis.

Cryptosporidium may be found in soil, food and water, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with faeces from infected humans or animals.

Pool users can help stop the spread of these diseases by practicing good hygiene before they enter the water.

Transmission occurs by person to person and animal to person, and via ingestion of contaminated foods and water.

To prevent the spread of the disease, encourage good personal hygiene, particularly following contact with animals or infected people.

Filter or boil contaminated drinking water, as chemical disinfectants such as chlorine are not effective against oocysts at the concentrations used in water treatment.

This year marks the 22nd year of the Planet Ark campaign which has become Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care event. Anyone wishing to join in the tree planting should wear suitable footwear (no sandals or open-toe shoes), a hat and gardening gloves. The event will run from 11am to 1pm, followed by a barbecue and refreshments. For further information or to register your interest, contact Bruce Nulty on 0478 397 254 or email ccrgroup@wodongaurband landcarenetwork.org.au

SCHOOL FUNDING AVAILABLE Eligible families can apply to Saver Plus for funding for educational items. A matched savings program, Saver Plus allows parents to access funds for tablets, uniforms, camps or schooling or extracurricular activities. Participants must meet certain criteria including taking part in a 10-month program; have a health care card or pension card; and have some money coming in. Contact co-ordinator Emma Knapp on (03) 5822 8100 or eknapp@ berrystreet.org.au

CITYLIFE WODONGA

YOUR COUNCIL

JULY, 2017

LOBBYING and LEADERSHIP Rail continues to be a focus of the council’s advocacy efforts with the Mayor Cr Anna Speedie and Chief Executive Officer Patience Harrington meeting with state and local representatives on the Hume rail corridor.

Overall performance

- 63 in 2016

57 Regional centres

59 Statewide average

# 56 in 2016

78 # 75 in 2016

Council direction

Regional centres

Customer service

72 Regional centres

69 Statewide

Advocacy, lobbying

60 54

Regional centres

$ 66 in 2016

Regional Centres Statewide average

57 54 Regional centres

Community decisions

# 53 in 2016

Statewide average

Consultation

# 56 in 2016

average

# 56 in 2016

Statewide average

Sealed local roads

Regional centres

Following the handing down of the Victorian budget, the Mayor attended briefings with the Regonal Cities and Rural Councils Victoria groups to discuss the budget’s outcomes.

55 Statewide average

You told us you love p Art centres p Libraries p Public areas p Recreational facilities

Statewide average

The council’s overall performance index score of 63 was unchanged from 2016 and was rated statistically significantly higher than the average rating in the regional centres group and statewide. The highest score was for customer service, was up three points on 2016 to 78, again significantly higher than the state and regional centres averages.

Wodonga Mayor Cr Anna Speedie said the 2017 results included several key areas which showed marked improvement. “Areas including advocacy, customer service and overall council direction were up several points while community consultation and making community decisions also showed a slight increase,” Cr Speedie said. “It was pleasing to see such a good result during a time of great change for councils across the state.” “Arts centres and libraries and the appearance of public areas rated as among our top performing areas.

“And that reaffirms what we heard during our recent consultation for the council plan in which we asked residents about the Wodonga we all want to live in.” Chief Executive Officer Patience Harrington said the strong result was testament to the council’s strong leadership and staff’s commitment and pride in their work. “As always, there is room for improvement and as an organisation we will continue to look at ways to improve based on this feedback,” Ms Harrington said. Cr Speedie thanked the community for taking

The Mayor and CEO have been representing the city on the Ovens and Murray Regional Assembly and the Regional Jobs and Investment Partnership.

the time to provide their feedback.

The Mayor and CEO attended the CEDA State of the Nation event in Canberra, raising Wodonga issues with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader.

The Local Government Victoria survey, conducted independently of the council, involved 400 Wodonga residents and was undertaken in February and March this year.

They also attended the Australian Local Government Association conference in Canberra with mayors and chief executive officers from across the country.

The survey provides core performance measures that meet the council’s statutory annual reporting requirements.

While in the capital, the Mayor and CEO took the opportunity to meet with Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester following the recent announcements regarding passenger rail and with John Alexander, the member for Bennelong and chair of the Infrastructure and Regional Development committee, on the subject of high speed rail.

ANOTHER STRONG PERFORMANCE IN STATE SURVEY Wodonga Council has recorded another strong overall performance in the annual state-wide Community Satisfaction Survey with its core performance measures exceeding the state and regional averages.

The council continues to strengthen its relationships with its neighbouring councils with regular meetings with AlburyCity, Indigo and Towong.

Sixty-eight of the 79 councils took part in this year’s statewide survey. FOR MORE INFORMATION wod.city/AnnualStateSurvey

They also met with the Central Japan Railway regarding high speed rail and with Woolworths management in Sydney, following the recent opening of the new supermarket in Wodonga.

ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES

CITYLIFE

YOUR CITY

JULY, 2017

CHECK OUT THE NEW \WEBSITE cityheart.wodonga.vic.gov.au

KEY DATES July 2017: Early works begin in South St September 2017: Reconstruction of South St, between Smythye and High streets, begins Late January 2018: Reconstruction of High St north, between South and Bond streets, begins April-May 2017: Reconstruction of Bond St 2018-2019: Reconstruction of High St south (Sesame Lane to the water tower)

NEXT STAGE OF CITY HEART WORKS TO BEGIN The next stage of the city heart transformation will start in South St with preparatory works beginning in July. South St, from Smythe to High streets, will undergo reconstruction from September to December, weather permitting, before works begin in High St from mid-January. Attention will then turn to the construction of Bond St in April next year.

Preparatory works in South St will include water main and electrical works starting from Smythe St, and progressing east along South St to High St. There will be minimal disruption to traffic and parking adjacent to the work zone as it progresses down the street. Adjacent businesses and residents will be given early notice of the progress of the works.

The works will be done in sections and there will be minimal disruption to traffic through these works.

There is expected to be some minor disruption to traffic and a small reduction in car parking during this phase.

The reconstruction of High St is expected to be completed by the end of April, weather permitting.

The reconstruction of South St will be undertaken in two halves to maintain two-way traffic in South St throughout this stage of works and include the construction of a roundabout at the intersection with Church St.

The reconstruction of High St will commence in late January to early February 2018 with the road to be shut to through traffic throughout the works period.

The council is continuing to engage with traders in the works zone to determine their individual concerns and needs during the works.

Works will begin in High St in mid-January for the in-ground services.

Pedestrian access will be maintained to businesses at all times and the council is looking into alternative car parking.

A new City Heart website is being launched and a new app is presently under development to be launched ahead of the major works.

MAYOR CR ANNA SPEEDIE

CR KAT BENNETT

CR LIBBY HALL

CR DANNY LOWE

0417 138 938 aspeedie@wodonga.vic.gov.au

0466 731 179 kbennett@wodonga.vic.gov.au

0466 731 180 lhall@wodonga.vic.gov.au

0466 731 181 dlowe@wodonga.vic.gov.au

CR RON MILDREN

CR TIM QUILTY

CR JOHN WATSON

0466 731 182 rmildren@wodonga.vic.gov.au

0466 731 183 tquilty@wodonga.vic.gov.au

0428 325 377 jwatson@wodonga.vic.gov.au

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for July 17. Council meetings are open to the public. Meetings are held in the council chambers, level two, city offices, 104 Hovell St, Wodonga and commence at 6pm. Agendas can be downloaded from the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website the Friday prior to the meeting. 4

CITYLIFE WODONGA

TO P P ICK

G O AU T Y JUL

UST

Image: Ian Sutherland

What's on?

A LITTLE BIT OF SHHH AND THE CUBE WODONGA PRESENT

Back in the Box ... for Kids! Sunday, July 9, 3pm Tickets: $15, members $10 Come and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of family friendly amusement. Packed with tricks and a giant showbag full of laughs. Bring the kids or just your own inner child and share in the enjoyment that is circus with ‘Back in the Box … for Kids. The Cube Wodonga Enquiries and bookings: thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets or (02) 6022 9311

BONEGILLA MIGRANT EXPERIENCE

FIND US To Junction Place Belvoir Park Gateway Village

WODONGA LIBRARY ARTS SPACE WODONGA

Lawrence St

k St

Courtyard Hav eloc

High St

THE CUBE WODONGA

Daily at 11am Bonegilla Migrant Experience Cost: $11 per adult, school age children $9. Family $25 If visiting during the Victorian and NSW school holidays you can join our 11am guided tours (no bookings required). Take part in the rare opportunity to explore a collection of original buildings and to truly walk in the shoes of those migrants who made this their first Australian home.

Hovell

School holiday guided tours

CITY OF WODONGA WORKSHOPS

Lawrence St

To B

Tho

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THE CUBE WODONGA

RAZ MUSIC PRESENTS

The Grigoryan Brothers A LITTLE BIT OF SHHH AND THE CUBE WODONGA PRESENT

Back in the Box ... for Adults! Saturday, July 8, 7.30pm Tickets: $32, members $25 An enthralling evening of immersive entertainment. Featuring an exciting array of incredible circus acts from the outright impressive to the intriguing and absurd. Indulge your senses and be dazzled by a kooky collection of talented artists from near and afar. Cabaret style platters available (Savoury and Sweet) $22 share plates (serves two). Heads up: Adult-only content most likely.

Wednesday, August 9, 7.30pm Tickets: $32, members $25 Regarded as Australia’s finest guitar duo, the Grigoryan brothers’ passion is to expand their horizons through new arrangements, their own compositions and commissions. This performance highlights Slava and Leonard’s diverse skills and deep appreciation of a broad spectrum of musical styles as well as showcasing works from their latest release, a return to classical repertoire. The Cube Wodonga Enquiries and bookings: thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets or (02) 6022 9311

The Cube Wodonga Enquiries and bookings: thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets or (02) 6022 9311

PART OF BE THE CU A G W O D O N ON S E AS

My Resilience Project Tuesday, July 11 and Wednesday, July 12 7pm Cost: $35, concession/student $25, member $26.25, member concession/student $18.75 The Resilience Project has been teaching Australian's positive mental health strategies for 5 years. The project was founded by Hugh van Cuylenburg, a former teacher, who just wanted to teach kids how to feel happier. Since then, the project has extended across the NRL, AFL, Australian Diamonds and the Australian Cricket Team just to name a few. The Resilience Project is currently working with many schools in Albury and Wodonga. Bookings essential. The Cube Wodonga Age: 13+ Enquiries and bookings: thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets or (02) 6022 9311

“In one and a half hours you have changed my life forever.” Chris, VicRoads

Not Just Ned: Ned Kelly and the Women Around Him Performances by Two Friends Productions Wednesday, August 9 11.30am and 6pm Arts Space Wodonga This performance inspired by the exhibition "Furious Riding - the Kelly Women Narrative" will have its premiere in Arts Space Wodonga. Come along and enjoy a rollicking good tale as you've never heard told before! Cost: Students $5 plus one accompanying teacher free, adults $10, family of four $25 Bookings essential: (02) 6022 9600 Ages: Suitable for all ages, especially upper primary and lower secondary children. Duration: 35 minutes

ARTS SPACE WODONGA

Bones of Contention Friday, June 30 to Saturday, July 29 Arts Space Wodonga Gallery hours One of the final works created by the much loved local artist Eddie Kneebone, Bones of Contention, will be on display at Arts Space Wodonga in July. The enormous body of work shares with viewers the Aboriginal Dreaming stories and the impact of colonisation. Eddie Kneebone, Bones of Contention, Panel 1 (detail), acrylic on canvas, 2005.

The works focus on the stories that were shared by Aboriginal people from Sydney all the way down to the Murray region during the early stages of colonisation. The exhibition will contain a video work that sees Eddie Kneebone explain the stories shared through the series of paintings that make up the Bones of Contention. There will also be a re-creation of the studio where Eddie Kneebone worked as an artist in residence at Wodonga TAFE until the year he passed away. Eddie Kneebone, Bones of Contention, Panel 2 (detail), acrylic on canvas, 2005.

ARTS SPACE WODONGA FOR KIDS

Art Buzz Every Friday in Victorian school terms 10.30am to 11.30am Arts Space Wodonga Creative visual art workshops for little hands that relate to the current exhibition. Enquiries: (02) 6022 9600 Ages: Three to five years Cost: $5 per family

Just Paint Every Wednesday in Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school terms 3.30pm to 4.30pm Arts Space Wodonga Drop in after school to paint! Get creative with a variety of painting media and tools. No bookings required. Enquiries: (02) 6022 9600 Ages: Primary and secondary school students Cost: $10 per child per session includes materials

WODONGA LIBRARY

Light Up Card Workshop

Lego Club

Monday, July 10 10am to 11.30am Wodonga Library Paper craft meets technology in this card making program with a difference! Learn to create your own simple circuit and light up your custom design.

Monday, July 17 and Monday, July 31 4pm to 5pm Wodonga Library Can you build anything out of Lego? Then this club is for you. Join in on the fortnightly challenges to see if you are a master builder. Bookings essential. Enquiries and bookings: (02) 6022 9330 Age: Seven plus Cost: Free

Enquiries: (02) 6022 9330 Ages: Eight to 12 years Cost: Free

Library Maker Showcase

Manga and Anime Club

Wednesday, July 12 10am to 1pm Wodonga Library Come along to the Wodonga Library Maker Showcase. Experience 3D printers in action, see what students in our Tinker Team program have created and learn whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in the local maker community.

Thursday, July 20 5.30pm to 7.30pm Wodonga Library

Enquiries: (02) 6022 9330 For all ages Cost: Free

Enquiries: (02) 6022 9330 Age: High school Cost: $5 for pizza

Tinker Team - Term 3

Storytime

WORKSHOP

Preschool: Mondays, 10am for three to five-year-olds Toddler: Wednesdays, 10am for 18 months to three-year-olds Cuddles: Fridays, 10am for newborns to 18 months In Victorian school terms Wodonga Library

Monday, July 24, then every second Monday 4pm to 5.30pm during school term Wodonga Library

Enquiries and bookings: (02) 6022 9330 Ages: 10 to 15 years Cost: Free

Get hands-on with technology in the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s after school maker space. Develop the techniques to start creating your own projects. Learn about programming, robotics, design and electronics. Bookings essential.

Young Writers Thursday, July 27, and Thursday, August 10 4pm to 5pm Wodonga Library Want to write? Young Writers invites students of all abilities and interests to take part in some fun writing challenges. No bookings required. Enquiries: (02) 6022 9330 Age: 10 to 15 years Cost: Free

A monthly meet up for teen fans of Japanese pop-culture. Join other enthusiasts to discuss your favourite shows and books. No bookings required.

Bring your child to the session of your choice to share stories and songs. If your child missed Storytime, or would like to read their favourite book again, catch up on youtube.com/user/storytimeanytime

NEWS

JULY, 2017

BE WISE ON WOOD RULES

FENCING DISPUTES

Property boundary fencing can lead to problems if it is not handled correctly.

It can create delays and add costs for homeowners, fencing companies, builders, landscape gardeners, architects, estate agents and government departments.

Fencing Online is an independent industry information service providing information to guide you through the fencing process and other advice on handling disputes.

They also give you access to the latest homeowner and fencing industry news, fencing regulations, specifications and more. FOR MORE INFORMATION fencingonline.com.au

As the weather cools down, Wodonga Council is reminding residents the best place to get firewood for home heaters is to buy it from a retailer as it is generally prohibited to collect wood from council reserves and roadsides. “Roadsides can provide valuable habitat for native animals,” Wodonga Council’s Manager of Environment and Community Protection, Mark Verbaken said. “Native vegetation provides important habitat to animals such as parrots, kookaburras, owls, possums, gliders, bats and geckos. “We do occasionally grant permits for people

to collect firewood from roadsides – for example after a big storm – but first we must inspect the area and only then if a roadside is considered to be of low conservation value.” When buying from a retailer, residents should ensure the firewood is proper split logs, not old rail sleepers which contain contamination. Residents may also be able to get firewood from designated domestic firewood collection areas – for information visit the Department of Environment Land and Planning website. MORE INFORMATION delwp.vic.gov.au

Pool achievements recognised Mackensey House received a Young Achiever Scheme award for her achievements in swimming.

She was also a medalist at the Victorian State Sprint Swimming Championships in 2014, 2015 and 2017.

Her great-grandfather was former Shire President Jack Stanley Hore who also chaired the first meeting to form the Wodonga Amateur Swimming Club.

Mackensey was also selected as a member of the Swimming Victoria squad.

Mackensey, 16, has swum at the State Long Course swimming through 2011 to 2017 and was a finalist in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

This year she competed in the Victorian Open Swimming Championships, making the B final in the 50m freestyle and the Georgina Hope Foundation National Age Swimming Championships in Brisbane last month.

A medallist at the Victorian Country Championships since 2013, she has taken gold the past two years.

The scheme is aimed at assisting young people in their pursuits to participate at a state or national level.

STRATEGIC PLANNING UPDATE PROJECT OR AMENDMENT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

CURRENT STATUS

CBA Revitalisation Plan Implementation – Proposed Activity Centre Zone Amendment C124

The amendment applies to all land within the Central Business Area (CBA) of Wodonga. The Amendment implements the adopted Wodonga CBA Revitalisation Plan and Wodonga CBA Revitalisation Design Guide and replaces the multiple land use zonings in the CBA with a single zone for better clarity, simplicity and certainty for the community.

The amendment was approved by the Minister for Planning in April 2017 and is now implemented into the Wodonga Planning Scheme.

Leneva Baranduda Precinct Structure Plan – Proposed Planning Scheme Amendment C121

The Leneva Baranduda growth area is a long standing strategic direction for the city of Wodonga. The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) in conjunction with the Council is preparing the precinct structure plan (PSP) for the Leneva-Baranduda PSP area. A PSP is a ‘big picture’ plan that sets the vision for developing new communities and is the primary plan for guiding urban development in growth areas. It identifies broad transport networks, employment and activity centres, residential areas and a public space network.

At the March council meeting, the council resolved to authorise officers to seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare Planning Scheme Amendment C121 and to undertake public exhibition of the amendment. It is envisaged formal public exhibition will take place in the third quarter of 2017.

Housing Strategy

In order to meet the forecasted growth for Wodonga, and to meet the adopted Wodonga Growth Strategy’s objectives of liveability and prosperity, council is developing a housing strategy to ensure that the city continues to provide a consistent supply of residential land, offers choice, diversity, affordability, quality and sustainability for housing. The primary aim of the Housing Strategy is to encourage a range of residential development outcomes that meet the city’s projected growth in a sustainable manner.

The project commenced in February. It is currently scheduled to present initial findings to the council by mid-2017.

Industrial Land Strategy

Both the State Government’s Hume Regional Growth Plan and council’s Growth Strategy seek to develop a long term land use vision for Wodonga in order to promote the city’s prosperity from industrial development perspective. The industrial sector is the largest employer of the city, the long term prosperity of the city depends on the sustainable growth of the sector. The Industrial Land Strategy is undertaken by council to ensure such objective is achieved.

The project commenced in February. It is currently scheduled to present initial findings to the council by mid-2017.

Central Business Area Car Parking Plan

As a result of the rapid changes and growth experienced in the past few years in the Wodonga CBA, the project aims to leverage off the commercial confidence in the CBA to encourage further growth, without compromising traffic movement and parking in the CBA. The project seeks balanced needs between the provision of car parking requirement for development against the economic cost of such provision and its impact on development viability. Additionally, a clearer understanding is needed of the CBA’s current car parking arrangements as well as techniques to manage this into the future to enable continued economic investment in the CBA.

The project commenced in March. It is currently scheduled to present the draft plan to the council in the third quarter of 2017.

For more information on any of the above projects, please contact the Strategic Planning team on (02) 6022 9300 or visit the Building and Planning page at council’s website wodonga.vic.gov.au

ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES

CITYLIFE

NAIDOC WEEK

JULY, 2017

Story poles tell of preschool journey A story that began with making Aboriginal children feel welcomed and comfortable at Belgrade Ave Preschool has come full circle, with a local family putting the finishing touches on a series of Aboriginal story poles. In 2014, Belgrade Preschool Teacher Kimberly Prigg bought five story poles and painted them white, ready for them to be painted to tell the story of the First Steps. The story is about the beginning of a child’s education at preschool and the transformation that occurs before the shift to starting primary school. Selina Steve, whose son Jesse attended the preschool in 2016, and her Aboriginal auntie Carol Horton, an international artist and Aboriginal Elder from Tasmania who now resides in Wodonga, brought the story to life. Together they painted the poles to tell a story about a little lizard, who suddenly finds his friends don’t want to play with him anymore. He learns that in life, you

sometimes have to let friendships go, and move on to make new ones. At this time of his life, his teacher becomes very important to him. By the end of preschool, the lizard has grown from a baby into a young creature who knows how to make friends, and adapt in life. “In Aboriginal art, the story is told as part of the process to create the art,” Selina said. “The poles are significant in Aboriginal culture – just like many other cultures, they can indicate a warning, a celebration, or a totem. And the hand is very symbolic for nurturing, caring and loving, and security. “The story poles not only make Aboriginal children feel welcome, but they teach all the children about life and about different cultures,” Kimberly said.

ABOVE: The story poles at Belgrade Ave Preschool which tell the First Steps story. BELOW: Jesse, his mother Selina Steve and her auntie Carol Horton.

More than 100 hours has gone into the project and recently Selina returned to the preschool to add river rocks and other landscaping to create a play area around the story poles.

Go to our wodonga.vic.gov.au to hear the full story.

ARTWORKS TELL OF CITY’S ABORIGINAL HERITAGE

The works were developed while he was undertaking his Master of Education and working as an artist in residence at Wodonga Institute of TAFE. The series of large format acrylic paintings will be exhibited at Arts Space Wodonga as part of a collaboration between Arts Space Wodonga, Murray Arts and Wodonga TAFE. Bones of Contention begins with visual depictions of the Dreamtime, a period existing before the advent of humans, where ancient ancestral animal spirits roamed the universe arriving in our world to create the mountains, valleys, plains, deserts, lakes and foothills of Earth.

These spirits became the Aboriginal people of Australia who learnt to hunt and to gather and exist in this harsh land. The series also explores the realities and impact of colonisation, specifically pertaining to the North East and Upper Murray Region of Victoria. In The Cube Wodonga Courtyard during NAIDOC Week, the Open Galleries lightboxes will be filled with work by Karin McMillan. The Harmony and Dreaming installation includes Water Dreaming (blue), Spirit Dreaming (green) and Sun Dreaming (yellow). On The Cube Wodonga wall, the lighting installation will feature work by Treahna Hamm titled Life and Land Connection, highlighting traditional Aboriginal life as it once was along the Murray River.

Bones of Contention, Eddie Kneebone, 2005, acrylic on canvas, 1250 x 1000mm.

Bones of Contention is an exhibition of paintings created by the much-loved late artist Eddie Kneebone.

EVENTS NAIDOC Week: Aboriginal storytelling, art making and morning tea in Arts Space Wodonga and Wodonga Library. When: Thursday, July 6, 10am Cost: Free Preschool workshops: Work alongside local Aboriginal artists inspired by the work of Eddie Kneebone. Bookings essential: (02) 6022 9600 Interactive table: Celebrate, learn and appreciate Aboriginal culture through art. Eddie Kneebone: Talk and tours: All ages welcome. Bookings essential: (02) 6022 9600 Exhibition opening: Thursday, July 6, at 5.30pm Eddie Kneebone’s, Bones of Contention, 2005, will be officially opened by two of the artist’s children - Scott and Leanda Kneebone.

10 CITYLIFE WODONGA

MAKE WODONGA YOURS

JULY, 2017

IN BRIEF OVERDUE RATES As the fourth instalment of the 2016/2017 rates and charges was payable by 31 May 2017 final notices have been issued for certain properties. Properties that have instalments outstanding may be referred to Council’s commercial collection agency this month for legal proceedings if payment is not made or an acceptable payment arrangement put in place. The costs of any legal action can be considerable and remain as a charge against the property until paid

PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THE WASTE TRANSFER STATION Fill out the survey below or go online to makewodongayours.com.au to fill out the survey online. Return the survey by post to: Wodonga Council - ‘Waste 1. My age group is: ¡ Under 29 ¡ 30 to 55 ¡ 56 +

2. The number of people living in my household: ¡ One ¡ Two to three ¡ Three + 3. The dwelling is: ¡ A property I own ¡ A rental property

5. How important to you is having this service in Wodonga?

¡ Daily

¡ Once a year

¡ Weekly

¡ Once every few years

¡ Monthly ¡ A couple of times per year

Not at all important

Slightly important

Moderately important

Very important

Extremely important

N/A - Don’t use this service

N/A - Didn’t know about it

Very poor

Poor

Good

Very good

N/A - Don’t use this service

N/A - Didn’t know about it

Free drop-off of selected recyclable waste Customer service officers available at the WTS Fees paid at the WTS entrance based on volume of waste

A rate concession is granted to eligible pensioners who have full entitlements for the rating period.

Waste transfer station being open 7 days a week

Wodonga Council is able to issue rate notices via BPay View directly to your personal internet banking portal. Register through your internet banking site.

4. How often do you visit the Waste Transfer Station (WTS)

Diversion of recyclable materials from landfill via the recycled (yellow-lidded bin) kerbside bin collection

Waste transfer station being open on public holidays

DO YOU USE BPAY VIEW?

Transfer Station Survey’ PO Box 923 Wodonga VIC 3690 Or drop it in to the council’s Hovell St offices, Wodonga Library, Felltimber Community Centre or Baranduda Community Centre. Closes Friday, July 28 at 5pm.

Access to a Waste Transfer Station or Recycling Recovery Centre

PENSION CONCESSIONS

If you hold a card that grants you full entitlements and have not received a concession for the property that is your sole place of residence, you need to fill in and return the application form for a rates concession. You must return to us in person at the Hovell St office and bring your card to be sighted. Forms are also available at customer service for completion and processing.

NEWS

Waste transfer station operating hours Free vouchers provided in annual rates notice Pensioner hard waste collection (for eligible residents) Having access to a re-use shop Annual detox your home chemical collection day Emptying and upkeep of public place bins (High St, parks etc) Investigating and cleaning up illegal dumping Free mulch available for pick up Crushed concrete for sale at the WTS 6. How do you rate the quality of this service currently? Access to a Waste Transfer Station or Recycling Recovery Centre Diversion of recyclable materials from landfill via the recycled (yellow-lidded bin) kerbside bin collection Free drop-off of selected recyclable waste Customer service officers available at the WTS Fees paid at the WTS entrance based on volume of waste Waste transfer station being open on public holidays

RATES NOTICES EMAILED

Waste transfer station being open 7 days a week

The facility is available for the council to issue rate notices as a pdf document to the nominated email address provided by any ratepayer. If you wish to use this method and not have your notice posted, please contact the customer focus team on (02) 6022 9300 to provide the email address.

FOR MORE INFORMATION wodonga.vic.gov.au/rates

ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES

7. If you didn’t use your free Waste Transfer Station voucher last year, what was the reason?

¡ Didn’t know about it ¡ Lost it ¡D o not get one as I reside in a rental property

¡ Disposed of the items elsewhere ¡ Sold or donated my unwanted items to charity

¡ All my waste fits into the kerbside bins collected at my property

CITYLIFE 11

Are you ready for something new?

Sunday, July 9, 10am to 2pm Sage Court, Baranduda Visit wod.city/BCMarket for more

Felltimber Community Needroom a venue Centre hire

Felltimber Music Group

Felltimber Community Centre has a welcoming atmosphere which is accessible to all members of the community. You are invited to come and take a look at the centre facilities when considering a venue for your next function up to 125 people.

Wednesdays, July 19 to September 20 6pm to 8pm Gold coin donation Bring along your guitar or instrument and have some fun . Learn some skills and songs with other musicians. All ages and skill levels welcome.

We offer excellent facilities and can host: • community groups • meetings • workshops • children’s birthday parties • corporate functions • social occasions Facilities available with hire: • full kitchen • barbecue • pizza oven Find our details below! Looking for a venue in Baranduda? Contact Baranduda Community Centre to find out about their fantastic room hire options.

Sign up for the Top Things to do in Wodonga for families enewsletter at wod.city/TopThings4Families Baranduda Community Centre

Felltimber Community Centre

facebook.com/Barandudacc

facebook.com/Felltimbercc

Subscribe to our E-newsletter at wod.city/wod-enews

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Or you can visit us at Baranduda Community Centre, at 3 Sage Crt, Baranduda, from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday

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Phone (02) 6020 8643

Or you can visit us at Felltimber Community Centre, at 189 Melrose Dve (cnr Melrose Dve and Felltimber Creek Rd), Wodonga, from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday

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Email cbaranduda@wodonga.vic.gov.au

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Phone (02) 6043 4550

Do you want even more to do? Visit wod.city/CommunityCentres for more and the Community Centre Course Guide at wodonga.vic.gov.au/ cccourseguide and

• Email cfelltimber@wodonga.vic.gov.au CITYLIFE WODONGA