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Proposal of building "Monash Multicultural Square" for an All Ages Friendly City

I am writing to the Monash City Council to present my proposal of building a “Monash Square” to serve the mission of making Monash an All Ages Friendly City. The proposal is to convert the section (open car park spaces) boarded by streets of Railway PDE Nth, Kingsway, Coleman PDE, and Springvale Road in central Glen Waverley into a ‘Square’ (Please refer to the attached map). Why a Square? A Square is an open public space, which is geologically located in the heart of a town used for community gatherings. Squares are often used for open market, music concerts, and other community events. Being centrally located, the Square is usually surrounded by shops, stores, markets, banks, restaurants, retailers or trading outlets. World wide, cities become famous because of the Squares built within. The world famous Squares, such as Times Square in New York City, and Cathedral Square in Christchurch, have become iconic landmarks, making visitors remember the city. Melbourne CBD is vibrant and popular because of Federation Square. “It is increasingly hard to imagine Melbourne without Federation Square. It is home to major cultural attractions, world- class events tourism experiences and an exceptional array of restaurants, bars and specialty stores, this modern piazza has become the city’s meeting place.” Internationally, Christchurch, a small city in New Zealand, becomes famous because of its Cathedral Square. “Cathedral Square has long been a community focal point in Christchurch City, a place where people come together, in good times and bad, and a backdrop for scores of significant historical events. This iconic public space is proudly claimed by local people as the cultural heart of the garden city.” Not to mention the internationally famed Times Square in New York City as an exceptional example of this kind in the world’s history of the city development. Americans and especially New Yorkers are very proud of their Times Square. Therefore, a city with a Square in the heart of its geological centre is always a blessing for the city and its people living within. Why a Square for the City of Monash? In the City of Monash, Glen Waverley possesses unique and ideal conditions for building a Square within its centre. The section for the proposed ‘Square” is geologically located at the centre of Glen Waverley. The section is currently used as an open car park of 246 spaces, with a total area of approx 3,550 square meters. The piece of land and its location is ideal to be converted into a Square, as this neat plot of land sits against the IKON apartment tower at one end, and exposed to the main road

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(at another end). No other suburbs in the Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne have such favourable condition, like Glen Waverley (second to none). The current records of suburban development have shown some common defects of lacking open spaces for city to breathe. Box Hill has got a nicked name, known as "Boxes Hill", too many box-shaped buildings mounting to a hill. Springvale is also occupied with overcrowded buildings. Both Box Hill and Springvale have become less popular as people are fed up with overcrowding. One of my friends, who recently migrated to Melbourne, said to me that he does not like Box Hill because of overcrowding and its messy random environment (felt like going back to China, visiting one of the tens and thousands of Chinese cities). Town development does not mean ‘to build, build, and build, filling up every single open space, gap or corner with concrete boxes’. A city needs an open space to breathe, especially where there is a cluster of high rise buildings, for people to live. Glen Waverley should not repeat the same mistakes of town planning like other suburbs such as Box Hill and Springvale. Some may argue that people can go to Federation Square if they wish to spend time in an open space. However, Federation Square is 20 km away from Glen Waverley. Some people especially older adults can only visit Federation Square once or twice a year. We need a local Square so people of all ages can enjoy on a daily basis. We have noticed there are several high rises being approved by Monash City Council’s town planning department, which will be erected in Glen Waverley within a year or two (10-story IKON Apartment Tower is already there, 15-story tower ready to rise, a 19-story tower will soar above the Glen Waverley as part of redevelopment of the Glen Shopping Centre). And the situation has created urgency for us to build a Square within Glen Waverley. A Square built among high rises will soften the city centre environment and a Square will “balance out” the impact of high rise buildings within the city centre. The proposed Monash Square addresses (resolves) the concerns of “the lack of communal space ... for building with a population the size of some rural towns” (Waverley Leader, December 2 2014). The proposed Square will provide a communal meeting place for People residing in the neighbouring apartment high rises. The apartment dwellers will not be stuck in the concrete buildings and the Square will provide recreational leisure opportunities. We have to think big when planning further Monash development and long term (50-100 years), a global vision. Town planning must take into consideration the population shift, reflect the trends of the community’s social needs, and echo the dynamics of community development. Town planning should comply with the strategic direction (theme) of Age-Friendly Monash City’s Master Plan. Any major town development plan has to go through the community consultation process, seeking feedback from the wider community (similar to the process the Age-Friendly Monash: Draft Plan Community Information and Feedback process happening now in the community). Town planning should make fine balance between people and high rise concrete jungles. With open space like the Monash Square, it will balance out the high rise buildings. We must not repeat the regrettable mistakes which other cities have made. Glen Waverley seems to be competing with other suburban towns like Box Hill in a bid to be an outstanding satellite city in Melbourne’s eastern metropolitan areas. Such ‘siblings’ rivalry’ may mislead into a paradox by primarily erecting high rise building towers as a winning token. High rise concrete towers (as we have seen so many skyscrapers in Melbourne CBD) will not make Glen Waverley famous, but the Square will make Glen Waverley uniquely outstanding. I have just confirmed the news that 36-STORY and 23-STORY Whitehorse (twin) towers are set to soar in Box Hill. The mixed-use development at 850 Whitehorse Rd will be the tallest building outside the Melbourne CBD. Therefore, Glen Waverley must find its own alternative way to win such

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competition. Glen Waverley development will have to compete by having its unique feature with something other cities do not have and the Square will help give City of Monash the edge. Only the proposed Monash Square will be a superb draw card to help Monash gain its outstanding satellite city status in the future. The beauty and highlight of Monash town development is the creation of a Square. Naming the Square as ‘Monash Multicultural Square’ The proposed Square should be named as ‘Monash Multicultural Square’, with its shorten name as ‘Monash Square’. Why Square named after Sir John Monash?

Sir John Monash is a one of the most well-known national public figures in Australian society. Our city is named after him, as are many organizations, education institutes, and infrastructure in Australia and even overseas. His face is even on Australia's highest value currency note ($100). Every resident living in the City of Monash must feel proud of him. So far, there is no Square named after Sir John Monash. Naming Monash Square will be the most appropriate way to remember this great figure and this will raise the profile in the public especially in the new migrant community. Although Sir John Monash has been remembered by naming organizations, institutes, and places after him, naming a Square after Sir John Monash and with his statue within the Square will be probably the most effective and magnificent way to commemorate this prominent public figure in our modern day life. Why a Multicultural Square?

City of Monash is regarded as one of the top cities in Australia in terms of its spectrum of cultural and linguistic diversity (CALD), which refers to the wide range of cultural groups that make up the Australian population and Australian communities. According to the 2011 Census, 51% of Monash residents who were born in Australia and 45% were born overseas. This is significantly different from Greater Melbourne, which had more residents who were born in Australia (63%) and less residents born overseas (31.5%) (Source: www.profile.id.com.au). The top 10 overseas countries of birth of Monash residents include China, followed by India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. The top 10 languages other than English spoken at home include Mandarin, Greek, Cantonese, Italian, Sinhalese, Vietnamese, Tamil, Korean, Hindi, and Indonesian (Monash Multicultural Action Plan 2013-2017). (http://www.monash.vic.gov.au/publications/documents/Multicultural-Action-Plan2013-2017.pdf). Therefore, it is very appropriate to call it ‘Multicultural Square’, taking consideration that fact that many cultures and ethnicities are dwelling in the land of Monash and Glen Waverley in particular. Naming ‘Monash Multicultural Square’ acknowledges and values the historic heritage by connecting with Sir John Monash and it also embraces the present multicultural communities and the bright future. The name appropriately bridges the link between the past and present of the city we live.

What Monash Multicultural Square can offer? The proposed Monash Multicultural Square will be an outstanding social and community infrastructure for the City of Monash. It will provide recreation, leisure and cultural activities, as well as the vibrant retailing / trading business environment created by the Square, for people of all ages from all walks of life in Monash and beyond. Following pictures demonstrate some examples of the activities which will happen in the Monash Square. Examples may include: singing, music

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instrument show, Art drawing, bands, fitness games, and Square dancing, etc. The Square will be just like an activity centre, but with a feature of openness and inclusiveness to people from all walks of life in Monash and beyond. Other people interactive activities may include:

Mini-festivals,

Min-concerts, a place to showcase talents and skills

Artist’s corner for drawing and painting

Showcase music and instruments by talented professionals

Mini square ball room party (outdoor)/dance in the Square

Aboriginal language conversation corner

English conversation corner

Greek language conversation corner

Italian language conversation corner

Chinese Mandarin/Cantonese conversation corners

Indian spoken language (Hindi) conversation corner

Arabic language conversation corner

……

Play international chess board game (giant scale board built on the ground)

Play Chinese chess board game (giant scale board setting up on the ground)

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All sorts of activities and events can happen at the Square, exhibitions, event launches, performances, and arts show… You name it…… All the above listed activities will help older people to improve fitness, coordination and skill development, increase confidence and self-esteem, create personal enjoyment, enhance mental wellbeing, and strengthen community connectedness and support. This will result in a healthy community-based life style and reduce the impact of unhealthy personal hobbies. The Monash Square will create a vibrant, inclusive, multicultural, diverse and safer community within. What inside the Monash Square Some basic infrastructures will be required in the Square.

Flower Beds of Australian map with national flag and Floral emblems of Australia

Australian map with national flag will be created in the flower bed in the Monash Square. Australian national flower Golden Wattle along with eight state flowers will be planted in the flower bed in the Square. The floral planting will provide opportunities for visitors to learn and experience Australian floral emblems. The list of state flowers include: Royal Bluebell (ACT), New South Wales Waratah (NSW), Sturt's Desert Rose (NT), Cooktown Orchid (Qld), Sturt's Desert Pea (SA), Tasmanian Blue Gum (Tas), Pink Common Heath (Vic), and Red and Green Kangaroo Paw (WA). The raised flower bed will give visitors an eye-catching feature of floral beauty promoting people’s positive mood and happiness.

Following are suggested images to create in the flower beds:

John Monash Statue

Sir John Monash statue should be erected in the centre of the Square, as a iconic symbol of the city. There is a very fine Sir John Monash statue (bust), but it is kept inside the Council civic centre. The statue should be duplicated and displayed in the public arena for people to share and appreciate (not just for Council staff and becomes a hidden treasure). The Square is the best place for Sir John Monash statue to be erected and for the public to access and view. Many people (especially migrants) living in the City of Monash would have little knowledge of the significance of the name. So, the John Monash statue will raise the profile in the public especially in the new migrant community. Statue inscription should be written in different languages apart from English. Local residents with diferent ethnic backgorunds would have better understanding of the thplace

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they live. Visitors (especially Asian tourists) are always keen to learn the listory and stories of local heros at a place they are visiting. Local people and visitors can appreciate and pay tribute to this great man and understand the greatness, legacy, and significant contribution Sir John Monash made to Australia as a nation particularly in its infancy. The legendary story of Sir John Monash will inspire the wider community including the CALD communities. John Monash statue will also lift up the feature of the Square as a whole.

A floral clock can also be added to the Square in conjunction with Sir John Monash statue,

similar to the picture shown below:

Seats / benches (creating seating places under the trees)

Fountains (Large Lisbon water fountains plus drinking fountains)

Giant international chess board in Square

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The magnified international chess game will be popular with locals and the tourists who stop to watch and take photos.

Giant Chinese Chess Board

The magnified Chinese chess game is popular in Asian countries and it will attract many Asian older adults to play and people from other ethnic backgrounds can also join, watch, enjoy their time in the sunshine and fresh air.

Mini Carpet Bowls Game

The mini carpet bowls game set up in the Square will help new migrants to learn and experience this popular Australian age-friendly bowls game and create opportunities for local Aussies to interact with new migrants, as well as bring pleasure of spending time outdoors and for social networking and communication.

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Playing bowls is a very popular age-friendly game for fitness and well-being in the mainstream community. However, Chinese elderly people were not used to playing bowls game back home due to the lack of facilities. Asian migrants should learn to play and enjoy bowels game while living in Australia. A mini carpet bowls set up in the Square will significantly raise the game's profile in the migrant community.

Some of the above items can be sponsored or donated by individuals or businesses. Business people and individuals would love to contribute financially or materially to this exciting Monash Square, if the wider community is engaged, motivated and involved. Erecting a Multicultural Greeting Wall in the Monash Square

Sometimes ‘hello’ is all it takes: the power of greeting. This is especially the case when interacting with people with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. A simple ‘hello’ in their native language can be the most basic and efficient way to break cultural barrier and connect with other culture and community. Racial harmony simply starts from here. The concept of a multicultural greeting wall is to build a wall with all greeting words: hello, thank you, and goodbye. The greeting words are listed alphabetically according to the ethnic and nationalities of people residing on this land. For example, Aboriginal language, English, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Indian Hindi, and Arabic. The following diagram shows the basic ideas of the design of the Multicultural Greeting Wall:

All hello sounds All thank-you sounds All goodbye sounds

Wunman njinde sound button

(Aboriginal)

G’day sound button

(Australian English)

Nihao sound button

(Chinese Mandarin)

Yia Sou sound button

(Greek)

Na-Ma-Skar sound button

(Indian Hindi)

……

Ngeniyemya sound button (Aboriginal)

Thank you sound button

(Australian English)

Xiexie sound button

(Chinese Mandarin)

Efharisto sound button

(Greek)

Dhan-Ya-Vad sound button

(Indian Hindi)

……

Wmannjinde sound button (Aboriginal)

Goodbye sound button

(Australian English)

Zaijian sound button

(Chinese Mandarin)

Yia Sou sound button

(Greek)

Ach-Ha sound button

(Indian Hindi)

……

(PATENT and Copyrights apply to the above Multicultural greeting wall project)

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As shown in the above table, three categories of the greeting words are hello/G’day sounds, thank-you sounds and goodbye sounds. Please refer to the diagram below. If a person wants to learn a greeting sound, just press a button on the wall and he/she can hear the sound of the greeting word (e.g. Aboriginal hello greeting Wunman njinde in Victoria) The Multicultural Greeting Wall will require the sound technology, which can be achieved with today’s technology development. Greeting people by using their native language indicates that you are keen to learn their language and respect their culture. Learning greeting words is positive starting point to meet, interact with people from different ethnic and nationality backgrounds. Square will make the Monash more vibrant by bringing people and businesses A city is attractive to visitors not purely because of its shops and stores, but because of the unique recreational, leisure, and cultural festivities. If a city’s cultural environment is unique, people will go for it and follow that. Because of the uniqueness of the Monash Square, people will like to visit the Square and spend time there. The Monash Square will attract people from all over Eastern Region of Metropolitan Melbourne and provide pathways to the food and retail business traders for the entire Glen Waverley Precinct. The proposed Monash Square will also boost tourism by attracting visitors from overseas. The Monash Square acts as a link and pathway, attracting people to the Square and feeding them to the adjacent stores and shops in Kingsway, as well as the Monash Shopping Centre. In addition, the Square itself runs niche business trading activities such as mobile food retailers, Art crafts, and Souvenir shops. (You name it……) Therefore, the Monash Square will significantly boost commercial and business activities in City of Monash and beyond. Challenges of Car Parking Spaces People may argue that we need more car park spaces at the Glen Waverley centre. The number of lost car parking spaces due to the proposed Monash Square is 246, which is not significantly high and it will not significantly affect the existing car park users. If the parking space is an issue, how did the Glen Waverley Lantern Festival could attract tens and thousands of people each year. As many as 25,000 visitors came to the festival and spent at least three hours on this single day on 1 March 2015. It is apparent that parking spaces seem not to be an issue which, in perception, block people from visiting the Glen Waverley Centre. Even if the parking spaces are an issue, people need to weigh the pro's and con's. Glen Waverley has superb well developed public transport system. People can always get to the Monash by train, bus, or cars. The extra effort of parking elsewhere by visitors can be managed with the current availability of existing parking spaces which are located within walkable distance. It was reported

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that the recently built Euneva East multi-deck car park building complex, with a capacity of 315 spaces, is rarely filling up the parking spaces. If we do need to address the lost parking spaces because of the proposed Monash Square, we can build a car park elsewhere, adjacent to the proposed Monash Square location. The loss of 246 parking spaces can be easily recovered or supplemented by building a multi-story car parking building adjacent to the Monash Square. You can always build a car park elsewhere nearby but not at this golden location. Short term option: Multi-story parking building can be built in the section between Coleman PDE, Montclair Ave, and Myrtle Street. The area is an existing Council owned open car park area. Long term option: A six level multi-story parking building proposed to be built opposite to the proposed Square location across on Springvale Road (long term plan) In addition, the current car park building on the Bogong Avenue has 540 spaces but has only four stories. The building can be redeveloped and upgraded into a six story multi–story parking building and this upgrading will generate at least additional 260 spaces. The locations of the above car park buildings are all adjacent to the Monash Square in a walkable distance. (Please refer to the attached Monash map). Costing of building the Monash Square The cost of creating a Monash Square is minimum, as the suggested section is an open car parking area. We just need to simply convert the car park open spaces into a Square, which is physically doable and financially affordable. It can be done with little or no financial burden on Monash residents. Some basic infrastructures required for the Square (seats, benches, fountain, sculpture, chess courts, and flower beds) can be sponsored or donated by individuals or businesses. We can approach the Victoria Multicultural Commission to seek funding to support ‘The Multicultural Greeting Wall Project’. Strategically, the Monash Square project can be implemented in two stages: Stage 1: Blocking half of the parking section and turn it into a Square (the side near IKON apartment building tower) Stage 2: Blocking another half the parking section into a Square. The two stage development will help phase out the anxiety from the existing car parking users and give them time to adapt to the changes of parking habit and attitudes. However, the planning of the proposed Monash Square must be a complete one master plan, just two stages of implementation of this project. Social Benefits The proposed Monash Square will benefit people of all ages from all walks of life.

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Social participation, respect and social inclusion of people from diversified social and economic backgrounds will be significantly boosted. The Monash Square will serve multi-purpose roles and functions, bringing people and business communities together, just like one stone hit multiple birds. The Monash Square will provide a “one stop shop” service environment where people will be able to celebrate positive ageing and the contribution of older people, providing opportunities for intergenerational interaction, as well as nurture connections and engagement with diverse ethnic and cultural groups. The proposed Monash Square will be an age-friendly focal meeting place for people to increase awareness of community activities and events, enhance access to social programs and events, improve civic and social participation, and reduce “urban isolation”. Reducing ‘Urban Isolation”

Even mainstream older people stuck at home, lonely and isolated, not to mention ethnic minority migrant families who experience language and cultural challenges. Migrants moved here to live for good, for the rest of their lives. However, Monash city is seen by new migrants as being very quiet, do not see people, nobody to talk to, nothing to do and bored. They do appreciate and enjoy Australia’s beautiful scenery, food, water and clean environment (just like Chinese describing

Australia as:好山好水好寂寞). I have Chinese friends, both busy working, their father did not

remain active and was stuck at home most of the time (because no place to go). The father was recently diagnosed as suffering dementia. The family felt very sorry because the dementia had progressed much earlier than they expected. The proposed Square provides a mutual place for people to meet, interact with each other, and access affordable fun activities. A rich variety of fitness activities such as brain gym activities in the Monash Square will enhance people’s health and wellbeing. The information sharing through people interaction will help increase awareness of general health and support service providers. I have been working across the communities and understand their needs especially the needs from Asian migrants. There has been a noticeable increase of new migrants having moved to the City of Monash. A significant proportion of new migrants are older adults. New migrants often feel lonely, isolated and alienated because of English language barriers and cultural differences. Robust support services should be available to help new migrants settle in this new country. Although there are a number of community neighbourhood houses available in the suburbs, they do not feel they are the places they belong to. Inclusion that counts! Strengthening Our Community

There is a perception that local Chinese residents do not mix with or interact with local Australians. Actually the perception is wrong and it is not the case. Chinese people are very open and they love to meet and interact with local Australians even though the English language barrier can be a challenge to them. The picture attached below shows that Chinese people dance with local Australians at the 2015 Glen Waverley Lantern Festival. We applauded such people interaction. However, this kind of people interaction happens only once a year and we need more frequent than that. The realities are that there are no occasions or opportunities for Chinese people to meet local Australians. The only public places where Chinese parents and grandparents can visit and stay (possibly hanging there) are public libraries. However, library is a reading place and people are

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supposed to “shut up” and not supposed to meet, socialise and talk to each other (especially chatting loudly). Lack of contact and people interaction can create a perception of misunderstanding, leading to separation, prejudice, even hatred or confrontation between cultures and communities. Numerous such cases and incidents have happened everywhere in the world. “Build the Square that unites us!” Only the Monash Square, as a public communal place, can provide such opportunities, occasions or environment at such frequency that people interactions between ethnic migrants and local Australians. The proposed Square will help bring people closer, creating a pathway to connecting, networking, relationships and even friendships, everyone has a story. For older Asian adults with very limited English, their simple ‘hello’ greetings and body language can create a positive personal interaction with Australians, which convey their good will messages. Strengthening the community, every connection counts! Promoting inter-generation interaction

The proposed Monash Square will not only become a hangout for older adults, it will also become an attractive educational destination for school children. The Square will provide children and students from preschoolers to teenagers with many learning opportunities as an ‘open class’, where old meet young, east meet west, and modern meet tradition at one stop. The Monash Square is a safe public place that encourages intercultural communications and engagement (definitely not in a park). The proposed Monash Square will not only create the cultural and social benefits, it will also generate employment opportunities and jobs for local people. The City of Monash will reap benefits of achieving harmonious multicultural community interaction. As a local resident in Monash City and long term veteran community development worker, I have a strong passion about the Monash’s development and have had a long dream of building "Monash Square" for the wellbeing of its people.

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Public reaction to the Monash Square Proposal I have consulted with several local residents from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds (local Australians, Chinese, Greek, Indian, Sri Lankan, Malaysian, and Vietnamese etc.). They all gave a big thumbs up and they are excited about this brilliant idea and applauded such creative initiative. They are happy to endorse this initiative by signing a petition or writing a letter of support to Council. Public reaction to the proposal has been very positive. Following are some comments and feedback collected from local residents:

It is a great initiative and it will benefit the whole community in the Eastern region! (Chinese)

It is a marvellous idea. The proposed Square is a perfect idea for Glen Waverley. I do not see the

parking space as an issue. I have noticed two car parking buildings are empty most of the time. We

support this great idea! (Chinese)

Very good proposal! A great vision and a great vision for people in Monash! The proposal is well

written and well expressed on behalf us all. (Malaysian)

It is a very good idea to have a Square in the centre of Monash and a very comprehensive proposal

(Sri Lankan)

It is a great concept. It is very important to create a public space for leisure activities. We have

many older people in Monash and we should create a public space for them. This month’s Lantern

Festival was great but only once a year. The Square will provide more frequent activities for all

people (Malaysian)

I like the concept of having a Square. I was born and grow up in Glen Waverley and I am very

familiar with this area. It would be a very good idea to have a Square. Glen Waverley must not fill

up many high rise apartments. I suggest you create a (Monash Square) domain on internet to

engage the community. I bet it will attract a lot of interests from the public and people will support

your idea. (Taiwanese)

It is a great vision. It is fantastic to have a Square and it is exposed to the main road, a great

location (in Glen Waverley). You can seek a craftsman to create a 3-D perspective on computer and

an Engineering firm can do this. I have been to Christchurch and the Cathedral Square was

beautiful. I wish we could have one here. (Aussie)

Great! Something beautiful is happening here. We look forward to it (Square) (Singaporean)

The Square will be beneficial to every resident living in the City of Monash (Chinese)

It is an excellent proposal, well written, very professional, very passionate. I put my support in this

exciting initiative. (Malaysian)

It was a great read - some interesting points and you framed them very well! I was impressed very

much by your thought of the multi culture community. All the best with the application - good luck!

(Chinese)

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It is fantastic and I love your idea! We live in a very spacious country. Important past of Australian

life is to have space. We must not build space out! Glen Waverley needs a space for ‘community

life’. Look at the vibrant Federation Square. Why can’t we do it here? The Square will be the space

where we celebrate our National Day, our food, dance, Arts, music, and poets. You should organise

a petition form so we all can sign it to support this wonderful idea. (Aussie)

…… Significance of the Monash Multicultural Square Monash Multicultural Square will become one of the most visited attractions in Melbourne’s Eastern Metropolitan area. It will definitely boost tourism locally and internationally! The Monash Square will be a public space that befits our future for the City of Monash. The creation of Monash Square will bring people and businesses together to make Glen Waverley a more financially and economically vibrant business hub in the Eastern Metropolitan Region. The Monash Square will be a world class creation and it will be a magnificent iconic landmark for the City of Monash. High rising concrete towers will not make Glen Waverley famous, but the Square will make the Glen Waverley uniquely outstanding. It is my strong belief that the Monash Square will share the same fame as the Federation Square with time to come (wait and see). The Monash Square will significantly enhance the quality and scale of the City of Monash’s major cultural events run in Glen Waverley by providing a much larger open venue space (e.g. Glen Waverley Lantern Festival). These will make the City of Monash to be the cultural capital of the Eastern Metropolitan Region. The creation will make us feel how lucky we are to have such a Multicultural Square, which will be envied by the rest of suburban cities in the Melbourne Metropolitan area and beyond. This is a great opportunity for this local government to do a fantastic job and leave a remarkable record in the history of the Monash city development. The Monash Square development will position the City of Monash as one of the best candidates winning United Nations Age-Friendly City Awards. With an ageing population increases with time, more and more people will have more and more leisure time to kill, the city needs to create something for them. The Monash Square will definitely be the place to go. The proposed Monash Square will be a user-friendly community infrastructure for ALL AGES. And it will achieve the goal of “MAKING LIVES BETTER”, not only for aged people but also for people from new born to mature adults, not only for mainstream Australians but also ethnic migrant families. Monash will be one of the best cities to live in Victoria and beyond. A win-win-win to all of us! We can predict that in 20 years’ time, people may say that “It is increasingly hard to imagine Glen Waverley without the Monash Square. It is the Square we depend on and rely on in our daily lives, this modern piazza is becoming part of our everyday life……” As 2014 Sir John Monash Awards Multicultural Champion recipient, I was honoured to attend Premier’s Gala Dinner last weekend. The splendid multicultural gala showcase and the Victorian government’s total commitment to cultural diversity and multiculturalism further validate the beauty

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of our proposed ‘Monash Square’ as the most appropriate initiative. We are even more convinced and determined to pursue our modern piazza vision and dream. We are very pleased with Council’s public relations with the community and impressed with its motto: “We are listening”. If so, this request is truly one of the most genuine and sincere pleas we want Council to hear from the community. I have had this Monash Square concept for many years. The ‘Monash Square’ has been conceptualized based on my years of experiences working across the communities. I had a chance to vent out this idea at the Monash Council Age-Friendly Community Consultation meeting at Clayton Community Centre in the evening of 26 February 2015. Now I put together in writing to formally submit the proposal for Council consideration. I would like to thank you for spending your valuable time reading this proposal. Should there be any questions regarding this proposal, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Kind regards, Joseph Qiangfu Jin

A local resident in Glen Waverley

Mobile No: 0411 836 489 Email: qiangfu.jin@yahoo.com

Date: 26th March 2015

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Appendix:

The proposed ‘Monash Multicultural Square’ location map:

Suggested actions to follow up: Outsource a local artist to paint a picture of The Monash Square: An

artist’s aerial impression of the planned Monash Square. A rendering model of the Monash Square will be produced to have a better visual understanding of the Square.