monashbulletinFebruary 2017

P3 Major developments update

Have Your SayDo you wish you could book a hard waste collection at any time of the year? Do you think new developments should include gardens and trees? How satisfied are you with the condition of local footpaths?

Is there any public place in Monash where you feel unsafe? Are stray cats causing a nuisance in your area? How can Council best communicate with residents from non-English speaking backgrounds?

We’re keen to know your answers to these questions and many

more, as we undertake a large community survey across a wide range of Council services and responsibilities. By answering the survey, you’ll be impacting on the services, directions and priorities that Council implements over the next four years and beyond.

The community feedback is being used to develop long term Council plans including: a Health and Wellbeing Partnership Plan; Waste Management Strategy; Open Space Strategy; Recreation Strategy; Domestic Animal Management Plan; Road Management Plan and Landscape & Vegetation Strategy.

Have your say by Friday 24 March 2017 by:

FILLING in an online survey at

www.monash.vic.gov.au/2021-and-beyond

SHARING your views with us in person at upcoming listening posts or information sessions (see page 4)

CALLING us to give us your views or to request that a hard copy survey be sent to you

9518 3678.

If you take part in the survey, you’ll not only be contributing towards your community - you’ll also go in the draw to win an iPad or iPhone.

Your community in 2021 and beyond

P5 Needed: youth mental health service P8 What's on

www.monash.vic.gov.au

Monash Civic Centre

293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley, 3150

Hours: 8.15am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Oakleigh Service Centre

3 Atherton Road, Oakleigh, 3166

Hours: 8.45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Tel (03) 9518 3555 Fax (03) 9518 3444

mail@monash.vic.gov.au

www.monash.vic.gov.au

National Relay Service (for the hearing and speech impaired) 1800 555 660

Language Assist

العربية 9321 5480 Ελληνικά 9321 5482

한국어 9321 5484 Русский 9321 5486

廣東話 9321 5481 Italiano 9321 5483

普通话 9321 5485 Việt Ngữ 9321 5487

We welcome feedback about the Monash Bulletin. Please give us your comments: 9518 3678

ainslieg@monash.vic.gov.au

Next Council meeting The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 28 February, from 7pm. It will be held at the Monash Civic Centre (293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley).

The meeting's agenda will be published on Council's website from 5pm on Friday 24 February. Monash residents and ratepayers can ask questions at the meeting, with questions to be submitted to Council by 5pm on 28 February.

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/meetings 9518 3555

A life-changing trip to India was the catalyst for secondary school teacher Margaret Hepworth to set up The Gandhi Experiment, a social justice program teaching world peace through education.

Margaret, of Chadstone, was awarded the 2016 Sir John Monash Award for Inspirational Women’s Leadership. Since 2012, Margaret (pictured with Afghan Australian Initiative team members Ali and Naz) has facilitated many school workshops across Melbourne and overseas.

“We’re teaching young people conflict resolution, using alternatives to violence, anger and aggression to solve an issue," she said. "We're hoping that they use these strategies in their lives to be powerful forces for change." To find out more, visit

www.thegandhiexperiment.com

Highly-commended in the same category of the Council-organised awards: Crystal Fickers (of 'From the Art’ an Ashwood ethical handicrafts cafe); blind sportswoman Hazel Hockley (who helped establish an archery program for the blind at Waverley City Archers); and Jacqueline Teh (an advocate for young people).

Nominate a Monash heroDo you know someone worthy of receiving a Sir John Monash award in 2017? Nominations are sought in eight categories including: Volunteer of the Year; Youth Leadership; Positive Ageing Leadership; and Sustainability Leadership. Please nominate your hero by Sunday 12 March.

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/monash-awards

9518 3619

Coming to a screen near you…Council has decided to live stream its monthly meetings, so people unable to attend can watch online.In her recent report on local government transparency, the Victorian Ombudsman listed live streaming of Council meetings as one measure that contributes towards a Council being transparent with its community.

People will be able to watch meetings live or at a later time, with a video of each meeting to remain on Council’s website for at least a year. Cameras won't film members of the public asking a question or sitting in the public gallery, in case this discourages people from participating in Council meetings.

Only the audio of public questions will be included in the webcast.

It will cost Council about $15,000 to set up the live streaming and about $15,000 per year to implement it. We expect the first live streamed meeting will be on 28 March (at 7pm), however we will try to have it up and running by our meeting on 28 February (at 7pm).

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/council-meetings

9518 3521

Margaret is an inspirational woman

D A L G E T Y S T

Message from Mayor Rebecca Paterson

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I’m pleased to advise that Council has re-appointed its CEO Andi Diamond for a second five year term. Andi’s reappointment will deliver both stability and ongoing improvement in the way Council serves - and engages with - its community. Andi is genuine about delivering what our community needs from its Council: prompt and friendly services, sound financial management and strategic responses to challenges such as population growth and development pressures. Her mantra is the Three Cs - Customer Service, Communication and Community Consultation - so you can expect continued improvements in the way Council reaches out to our community and involves you in our decision-making.

We’ve started drawing together our draft budget for the 2017/18 financial year. We'll be complying with the State Government’s cap on rate increases, which means rates in Monash will increase by 2% only. Some councils have applied to the government for increases above the rate cap. At Monash, with some financial discipline, we believe it is possible to stay within the cap. Thankfully, there won’t be a property revaluation like there was last year, when many

Monash ratepayers experienced increases far above the average 2.5% increase. Instead, this July, the across the board increase for Monash ratepayers will be 2% (which works out to be about $27 for the average Monash home owner). Council continues to raise with the State Government the need for special measures to better protect long term Monash residents from huge rate spikes in property revaluation years.

I want to encourage all families with little children to get involved in the ‘1,000 books before school’ initiative. It’s all about sharing stories with babies and young children to help them develop literacy skills, which are so important at all stages of life. Parents can sign up to the free program - and pick up a kit including stickers - at any of Monash’s six library branches. For more info:

www.monlib.vic.gov.au/1000-books

9560 1655

Please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss any local issues:

9518 3509 / 0437 959 163 Rebecca.Paterson@monash.vic.gov.au

@crpaterson

/councillorrebecca

At its January meeting, Council rejected several development proposals it considers to be excessive and out of character with the surrounding neighbourhood. These include:

A proposal for an apartment and retail complex up to 18 storeys high on the corner of Warrigal and Dandenong Rds, Oakleigh (image above). Council rejected the proposal for several reasons, including its excessive height, scale and massing, and the poor internal amenity for future residents. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) will decide on the proposal, with a hearing scheduled for May. Council will argue strongly against the development at the VCAT hearing

A proposal for a three storey aged care facility in Regent St, Mount Waverley, backing on to Valley Reserve. Council agrees with local residents that the proposal is totally inappropriate for an established residential hinterland area. Council will oppose the proposal strongly at a VCAT hearing in April

A proposal for a five storey apartment complex across two house blocks in Marriott Pde, Glen Waverley. Council ruled against the proposal on several grounds, including that it would be an overdevelopment

A proposal to amend an existing permit for the site in Highbury Rd, Mount Waverley, where a landslip occurred 18 months ago. The owner was seeking to add a fourth storey to the original permit, which provides for a three storey development including apartments, a medical centre, and a child care centre. Council refused the request on several grounds, including that the amended development would integrate poorly with the surrounding area.

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/major-developments

9518 3555

Update on major development proposals

Rebecca meets four year old Oscar - a regular visitor to the

Mount Waverley Library

We're listeningIf you're concerned about a local issue or would like to give us your views as part of the large survey we're undertaking (P.1), please come along to a Council "listening post" where you can have a chat with Councillors and/or Council staff:

Upcoming listening posts include:

At its 28 February meeting, Council will consider a planning panel’s assessment of our proposed regulations for new developments.

Overall, the panel is supportive of Council’s intention to protect Monash’s ‘garden city’ character. The panel also supports Council’s approach of directing the majority of new development towards activity centres, the Monash National Employment Cluster (in Clayton) and along Springvale Rd and Princes Hwy, so redevelopment is limited in residential streets.

The panel made 35 recommendations, including that Council:

Re-introduce its original proposal for a five metre setback at the rear of properties in General Residential zones, providing space between back fences and houses for trees and gardens. The panel supports a seven metre rear setback for properties that abut Damper, Scotchmans and Gardiners Creeks;

Proceed with our proposal to reduce the maximum amount of coverage that buildings can have on a site from 60% to 50% in General Residential zones and to 40-45% in areas near the creeks.

Please note: if development standards such as a five metre rear setback are introduced, they would be expected to be achieved in most cases. However, the standards would not be mandatory. People could apply to vary any or all of these standards if, for example, they owned an irregular sized housing block.

Council is expected to adopt its final position on the changes at its 28 February meeting. Any changes to existing planning regulations would then need to be submitted to the State Planning Minister for approval.

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/residential-zones

9518 3555

Community workshops - Waste Management Council is holding some workshops to involve our community in the development of a 10-year Waste Management Strategy (see also survey: Page 1).

If you're interested in waste matters such as household recycling, hard waste collections, and street sweeping, please come along. Other topics up for discussion include: the potential for kerbside collection of organics including food waste, and whether Council should introduce a waste charge.

Please book into a community workshop:

Monash Civic Centre, Glen Waverley Mon 27 Feb, 7pm Monash Seminar and Training Centre, Oakleigh Thur 9 March, 7pm Mount Waverley Community Centre Fri 10 March, 10am

For more info or to book: 9518 3705 eniab@monash.vic.gov.au

New playspaces

Wheelers Hill shopping centre (Jells Rd) Sat 25 Feb, 10am-midday

Southern Reserve, Mulgrave Sat 18 March, 10am-midday

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/have-your-say

To raise an issue:

9518 3678

Have Your Say

Consideration of major planning changes

Looking for a new playspace to try out with the kids or the grandkids?

A new playspace opened in Mayfield Park (Mount Waverley) earlier this month, featuring slides, swings, and a half basketball court. Another new playspace - in Portland Street South Reserve (Mulgrave) - will also open during February.

Meanwhile, works have begun on playspace upgrades in Davies Reserve (Oakleigh South) and Napier Park (Glen Waverley), with these playspaces expected to open by Easter.

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/playspace-upgrades

9518 3527

monash bulletin 5

Boost to sports facilitiesSeveral new sports pavilions are being built across Monash, as Council responds to the growing number of people (including girls and women) wanting to play local sport.

How do I....?...join a group for first time parents?

Becoming a parent for the first time is exciting yet it also has its challenges. To help first time parents get the support they need, Council organises parent groups.

Maternal and Child Health nurses facilitate the groups, which discuss topics including sleeping and settling guidance, and starting your baby on solids. People who join parent groups often forge long term friendships with each other.

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/parent-groups

9518 3555

...know what unwanted goods can be dropped off for FREE?Did you know unwanted TVs and computers can be dropped off for FREE at the Monash Waste Transfer Station?

Other goods that can be dropped off at no charge include: paint; paper and cardboard; car oil (up to 30 litres); batteries; mobile phones; and more.

Wherever possible, materials are recycled. The Monash Waste Transfer Station (380 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill) is open seven days a week, from 7.30am-4pm.

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/transfer-station

9518 3767

Needed: youth mental health serviceCouncil is calling on the Federal Government to establish a headspace centre in Monash, so young people can get the help they need for problems affecting their wellbeing.

The Federal Government has announced funds for 10 new headspace centres across Australia, and a group of local organisations (including Council and Link Health and Community) believe one of these centres should be located in Monash.

With 100 centres across Australia, headspace provides early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. Young people in Monash have nominated mental health as the number one issue of concern to them and their friends,

in discussions with Council's Youth Ambassadors. However, at the moment young people in Monash wanting to access headspace services need to travel to Knox, Elsternwick, Dandenong, Bentleigh or Hawthorn. Travel times may be acting as a barrier to Monash people accessing headspace services.

To pledge your support for a headspace in Monash:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/campaign-for-headspace-in-Monash

9518 3908

In Oakleigh South, up to $2.7 million will be spent on a new pavilion at Scammell Reserve (pictured), home to six sporting clubs. The pavilion will provide female friendly change rooms and toilets, improved spectator views, and a large multi-purpose community meeting space. The State Government has contributed $500,000, with works to start in May and finish by mid-2018. Meanwhile, $1.6 million has been allocated for a new pavilion in Central Reserve South (Glen Waverley) with works underway and due to be completed by the end of 2017.

Other sporting facility upgrades underway are at: Hughesdale's Argyle Reserve (where

construction of a new pavilion is due to be completed by June), Ashwood's Electra Community Centre (where the building is being extended to provide more space for calisthenics), Glen Waverley's Larpent Reserve (where existing amenities are being upgraded to make them female friendly), and Wheelers Hill's Columbia Park (with designs being finalised for a pavilion upgrade costing up to $1.7 million, for which the State Government is contributing $300,000).

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/sports-pavilion-upgrades

9518 3005

MCH nurse Sally with Adam and his daughter Ada

Mayor Rebecca Paterson (left) with local young people

Your Councillors

Glen Waverley Ward

Mount Waverley Ward

Centre Road

Ferntree Gully Road

North Road

Waverley Road

Highbury Road

Poa

th R

oad

War

rigal

Roa

d

Bla

ckbu

rn R

oad

Spr

ingv

ale

Roa

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Princes Highway

Police Road

Monash Freeway

OakleighWard

Mount Waverley Ward

Glen Waverley Ward

MulgraveWard

Cr Geoff Lake0411 645 281Geoff.Lake@monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Lynnette Saloumi0466 465 355Lynnette.Saloumi@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Brian Little0407 878 033Brian.Little@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Rebecca Paterson Mayor9518 3509 / 0437 959 163Rebecca.Paterson@monash.vic.gov.au

You can contact Councillors via

phone or email (see below). Letters can

be mailed to:

PO Box 1, Glen Waverley 3150.

Councillor News Cr Lynnette Saloumi

Mulgrave Ward

Oakleigh Ward

Cr Robert Davies0416 000 777Robert.Davies@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Josh Fergeus0466 465 421Josh.Fergeus@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Paul Klisaris 0412 516 026Paul.Klisaris@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Stuart James Deputy Mayor 0413 184 250Stuart.James@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Theo Zographos0430 316 911Theo.Zographos@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Shane McCluskey 0466 345 406Shane.McCluskey@monash.vic.gov.au

Cr MT Pang Tsoi 0466 465 376MTPang.Tsoi@monash.vic.gov.au

Andi was referring to my previous role as spokesperson for Monash Ratepayers. At Council meetings, I would sit in the Public Gallery, on the other side of the "fence", ready to ask a single 100-word question (all that was allowed at the time). Each month I could choose just one topic despite many agenda items begging scrutiny. Fortunately, last month determined Councillors fully embraced the notion of transparency, and with the commitment to pursue live streaming of Council meetings, the public should experience a more accessible Council.

Proud to be a Baby Boomer, and buoyed by a career path that’s traversed many industry sectors, I hope to bring a different perspective to Council. Savvy people might agree that life’s past experiences provide a treasure chest of wisdom from which to draw knowledge and empathy. As a new Board member of the Eastern Innovation Business Centre, I'm eager to promote this facility to start-ups and emerging business

operators who wish to enter an exciting world of creative entrepreneurship. I am similarly sympathetic to the challenges faced by established businesses, sole operators juggling family and business, and traders in our shopping precincts.

Do you reflect on values learnt as a child? At dinner, my parents, English migrants, would often quote the proverb Waste Not Want Not. This 18th Century phrase has withstood the test of time and relates to not only food. As temporary custodians of Council land, a finite resource, in my opinion we should value and retain public open space, for use by future generations. Since central Glen Waverley’s population density will skyrocket with 900-plus apartments already approved close to the station, do you agree we need to preserve adequate green open space for thousands of workers and residents?

Let’s Talk – Focus on Glen Waverley

Residents and traders are invited to meet with me for an

open discussion on any topics of interest to you:

Monash Civic Centre - Function Room (293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley) on Monday 6 March, any time between 2pm-4pm

Mount Street Neighbourhood House - The Hall (6 Mount Street, Glen Waverley) on Thursday 9 March, any time between 6.30pm-8.30pm.

After my first Council meeting as a Councillor, Council’s CEO Andi Diamond asked me “What’s it like being on this side of the fence?"

Lynnette (right) with Eastern Innovation Business Centre CEO Danielle Storey

Preventing disease with free vaccinationsFREE vaccinations are available for children at local immunisation sessions run by Council nurses.

The vaccinations are available at no cost for babies, toddlers, pre-school children and eligible school-aged children. Eligible adults can also access some FREE vaccines. Bookings are not required for morning sessions but are essential for evening sessions.

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/immunisation 9518 3534 immunisation@monash.vic.gov.au

March session timesWed 1 10am-11.30am Mount Waverley Community

Centre (47 Miller Cres)Fri 3 10am-11.30am Tue 7 5pm-7pm (Bookings required)Fri 24 10am-11.30am

Monash Seminar & Training Centre (1a Atherton Rd, Oakleigh)

Fri 17 10am-11.30am Mulgrave Community Centre (355 Wellington Rd)

Mon 20 5pm-7pm (Bookings required)Wed 29 10am-11.30am

Monash Civic Centre (293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley)

Clean Up Australia DaySun 5 March

Caring for our environment

Fruit and vegetable preserving

Learn how to preserve fruits and vegetables to create jams, pickles and sauces. This event is being held at the Mount Waverley Community Centre (47 Miller Cres) on Sun 5 March, from 10am-1pm.

Beginners class: vegetable gardening

Find out about vegetable garden types, soil basics, pest control techniques and the easiest herbs and vegies to grow. This event is being held at the Mount Waverley Community Centre (47 Miller Cres) on Sun 5 March, from 2pm-4.30pm.

Gardening with native plants

Pick up tips on how to create a garden with native plants, which will provide habitat for local wildlife. This event is being held at Batesford Hub (94 Batesford Rd, Chadstone) on Wed 8 March, from 6.30pm-8.30pm.

Bookings are essential and can be made:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/get-involved

9518 3555

Sustainability workshopsCome along to some FREE community workshops:

Council is hosting a clean up activity in Mount Waverley, along the Waverley Rail Trail and in Mount Waverley Reserve. We’d love people to join us in giving this area a spruce up, so please meet us at Mount Waverley Reserve at 10am. There is no need to RSVP;

just turn up. Gloves, rubbish bags, water and sunscreen will be provided, but please bring a hat. There will be a ‘thank you’ BBQ from 11.30am. Alternatively, you can join other clean ups being organised by local residents across Monash, including in Jells Park and along Damper Creek.

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/events 9518 3678

monash bulletin 7

Zumba Warrawee Park, Oakleigh

Mondays 10am-11am

Tai Chi Central Reserve, Glen Waverley

Wednesdays 10am-11am

Walking Group

Southern Reserve, Mulgrave

Fridays 10am-11am

NB: There won’t be an activity on Labour Day (Mon 13 March).

For more info: 9518 3527

recreation@monash.vic.gov.au

Abheer with his mother

Kanwal

Free activities in parksLooking to get your groove on with Zumba, mellow out with tai chi or get your heart pumping with a group walk?

You’re in luck as Council is holding FREE activities in local parks. There is no need to book: just turn up for these activities, which are running each week until Friday 31 March. Please bring a drink, hat, towel and some sunscreen.

Wha

t’s

On

…at Monash Gallery of Art

International Women’s Day eventWed 8 March, midday-1.30pm

Monash Civic Centre (293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley)

Live at Warrawee Soul ExplosionSat 18 March, 4pm-9pm, Warrawee Park, Oakleigh Sun 19 March, 11am-6pm

Monash Sport (sport fields): Monash University - Clayton Campus (off Wellington Rd)

Come along to this ancient Hindu celebration, where you can learn about and celebrate the food, music, dancing and art of South Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The most recognisable feature of

this event is the throwing of coloured powders. This FREE community event is organised by Sankat Mochan Samiti (an Indian Australian community group) with support from Council and Monash University.

For more details:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/events

0427 274 462

Take in the works of Wesley Stacey, a living legend of environmental photography who (for over 40 years) has used photography to explore and connect with the Australian landscape. He will be giving an Artist Talk at the MGA on Sat 4 March at 1pm, with the exhibition launch at 2pm.

Don’t forget it is FREE to visit the MGA (860 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill).

To book for the Artist Talk: 8544 0500For more info: www.mga.org.au

Join us for a FREE community event where panel members from the technology, government and creative sectors will discuss this year’s theme: ‘Be Bold for Change’. We'll also draw out the audience’s vision for

women in five years’ time and what change needs to happen for this to be achieved.

Bookings are essential:

9518 3555 customerservice@monash.vic.gov.au 6 March, 5 June, 4 September, 4 December,

11am-1.30pm, all dates (lunch provided)Wheelers Hill Library (860 Ferntree Gully Rd)

Monaro trees c. 1988 from the series

Barragga to Indulkana courtesy of the artist

Enjoy a family-friendly event in one of Monash’s premier parks, with live music, tasty food truck cuisine, and animal light installations. Hosted by Brian Nankervis of RocKwiz fame, the event will be headlined by Vika & Linda Bull and The Bamboos and will include a

community performance by the Warrawee Soul

Choir involving 100 singers. This FREE event is being organised by Council and our event partners: Monash University and the Caravan Music Club.

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/events

9518 3636

People who care for a loved one who is sick or has a disability may be interested in attending some FREE workshops organised by Council and Carers Victoria. The workshops cover such topics as changing relationships; relax and unwind; respite

without tears; and surviving carer stress.

For more info:

www.monash.vic.gov.au/carers

Bookings are essential:

9561 8282 halcyon@monash.vic.gov.au

Rang Barse Festival of Colours

Supportive workshops for carers

Wesley Stacey: The wild thingExhibition open 4 March - 30 April