Focus – December 2016 to February 2017Mayor’s messageOn behalf of our newly elected Council, I would like to share how we are looking forward to serving the community and working together as we begin the first of our four-year term in office. I feel we are a good mix of new and returning Councillors who will bring vision and enthusiasm to our roles.

We look forward to actively working in partnership with residents and community members to ensure that Maroondah continues to be a vibrant, sustainable and attractive city to live, work and visit. In this edition, I’m pleased to be able to showcase some of the great projects, services and initiatives that Council is delivering across the municipality. Major infrastructure projects are progressing well, including East Ringwood Pavilion, Glen Park Community Shed and Ringwood

Athletics Pavilion and track. I hope to see as many of our community as possible at our annual Australia Day celebrations at Ringwood Lake Park, on 26 January 2017. This is not only an enjoyable, free event for the whole family, as well as a symbolic day for those receiving Australian citizenship and those honoured in our Maroondah Australia Day awards. And finally, on behalf of my fellow Councillors, we would like to wish all our residents, and their friends and family, a happy, safe and enjoyable festive season. I look forward to seeing you at the many activities and events over the summer.

Cr Tony Dib, Mayor

Council meetings are open to the community, so why not join your Councillors at one of the next meetings?

Monday 20 February 2017(Including a special meeting - Code of Conduct Declaration)

Monday 27 March 2017

All meetings commence at 7.30pm, unless otherwise stated, and are held in the Council Chambers, Braeside Avenue, Ringwood.

Festive season opening hoursCity Offices Service Centre:Braeside Avenue, RingwoodCroydon Service Centre:Civic Square, Croydon

Closed on all public holidays, including Monday 26 December and Tuesday 27 December

(in lieu of Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

Realm, Ringwood Town Square:179 Maroondah Highway(opposite Ringwood Station)

Closed Christmas Day.

Ground floor open from 10am to 5pm on all other public holidays.

Thank you for your feedbackCouncil would like to thank everyone who provided their feedback in four recent community consultation projects in Maroondah: the Eastfield Park Masterplan and fenced dog park design consultation, Climate Risk and

Adaptation Policy; and the Maroondah Golf consultation. Every response helps to form a clearer picture for how Council can support the expectations of our residents and engage in long-term planning. Your input will be incorporated into the draft designs, draft strategies and reports that will be presented to Council in early to mid 2017.

Dog ParkFenced dog parks have several advantages, including allowing dogs to enjoy a recreational space, fenced off from other park users. Public feedback has assisted in the design for a fenced dog park at Eastfield Park, which will now be considered by Council.

Climate Risk and Adaptation PolicyThe Climate Adaptation Consultation sought community input into Maroondah’s first Climate Risk and Adaptation Policy. The feedback we received will now be used to develop the final policy document that sets goals to deal with the risks and effects of climate change on Maroondah’s natural environment, health and leisure activities.

Golf StrategyThe results from the recent golf survey will be used to develop the Maroondah Golf Strategy. The strategy aims to ensure that we provide the sorts of service and amenities that align with the expectations of our residents and visitors.

First licensed driver through Maroondah’s L2P programThe first licensed driver has hit the road, after completing the L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program.

This important program is run by Council with the support of Rotary Club of Ringwood. Learner drivers are paired with fully licensed volunteer mentors to gain the 120 hours of driving experience required to be eligible for a full driver’s license.

Council hopes that the pool of mentors continues to grow, as we have a waiting list of learner drivers wanting to participate. A one-hour minimum time commitment is required of mentors per week.

The impact of the L2P program is incredibly positive, particularly in terms of the independence a driver’s license can mean for a young person accessing educational and employment opportunities.

To register your interest in becoming a volunteer L2P mentor driver, visit the Careers section on Council’s website and complete a Volunteers – Expression of Interest form.

Council hits the airwavesOn the first Thursday of each month, a Maroondah councillor provides an update on Council activities on Eastern FM.

In conversation with Eastern FM presenter Russ Read, listeners can hear about how projects are progressing, opportunities for community consultation, upcoming community events, exhibitions and shows, as well as new initiatives.

Radio Eastern FM 98.1 is Maroondah’s local community radio station. The next Maroondah Council update on Eastern FM will go to air on Thursday 2 February at midday.

Preserving Maroondah’s unique characterDuring the community consultation process leading up to the finalisation of the Maroondah Housing Strategy 2016, many residents expressed a desire for Council to look at heritage and neighbourhood character in the Jubilee Park, Wonga Road and Ruskin Park precincts.

Council has recently advertised proposed amendments to the planning scheme. These changes seek to place the Wonga Road and Ruskin Park precincts within the Neighbourhood Residential Zone –Schedule 3 rather than the General Residential Zone, which provides greater restrictions on sub-division and the height of new dwellings. Once feedback is collated and considered, Council will actively engage with any parties who have expressed concerns.

Council recently invited residents to share their views on the character and heritage of the Jubilee Park area. The feedback is part of an independent scoping study, which is investigating whether existing planning controls are sufficient to balance development and heritage interests.

For further information, visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/DevelopingMaroondah.aspx

Complete your new pet registration onlineA reminder for all dog and cat owners! You must register your pets with Council by the age of three months. Registering a new pet in Maroondah is quick and easy, especially with the new online registration.

All you need is electronic copies of documentation that proves that your pet has been desexed and microchipped (or any other special criteria you are claiming).

To register a new pet online, visit Council’s website. For further information, call Council’s Local Laws team on 9294 5653 or visit Council’s website.

Vital summer safety tipsStay cool during a heatwaveWith summer now upon us, it’s important that you and your family are prepared for days of extreme heat.

The main thing to prevent during a heatwave is the onset of a heat-related illness. This occurs when the body is unable to cool itself properly, which can result in a range of symptoms, from heat exhaustion through to potentially fatal conditions such as heat stroke.

Council has an official heatwave plan which aims to assist those who are most at risk of heat-related incidents. These include pregnant women, nursing mothers, babies and young children, people aged 65 and over, and people who have a serious medical condition. This may mean that some Council services or appointments could be cancelled, and should this occur, clients would be notified.

Tips to staying cool include: drinking plenty of water, staying out of the sun, closing curtains and blinds, looking after others including pets (who should be kept indoors and well hydrated). Avoid going out or exercising.

For 24-hour health advice residents can contact NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.

Be Storm SafeMaroondah is a storm-prone area, experiencing severe storm events on a regular basis, often resulting in property damage, flooding and personal injury.

It is important for residents to ensure their property is protected well before a storm occurs. This includes developing a home or business emergency plan and assembling an emergency kit (including a torch, battery-operated radio and list of emergency numbers). You should also prepare your home or business site to reduce incidents and ensure you have adequate insurance. Site preparation may include cleaning gutters, downpipes and drains, trimming overhanging branches, repairing the roof and securing outdoor furniture.

The State Emergency Service’s website has more tips to keep safe, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au

Stay safe around waterIt’s important to remember that it isn’t only children or weak swimmers who drown - statistics show that adults over 60 years are also at a high risk of drowning. To prevent accidental drowning in all water environments, we must remain vigilant and watch our friends and family around water.

Developing strong swimming and water safety skills is also vital.

For pool and spa owners, please make sure that you have conducted a thorough check of your pool fences and gates. Make sure they meet regulations and are fully functional, and don’t leave climbable objects nearby.

For more information on pool and spa fencing, as well as building permit information for pools and spas, contact Council’s Building Services team or visit www.buildingcommission.com.au

Prepare a fire planAs we head into the bushfire season, now is the time to make sure that you and your property are ‘fire ready’.

Preparing a fire plan and ensuring your property is prepared makes all the difference if a bushfire strikes. Your plan should outline what you will do before, during, and leading up to high risk days, as well as your back-up plan. Tell your friends and family what you plan to do in the case of a bushfire. And don’t forget about your pets or the risk of regular house fires: check those fire alarm batteries!

The CFA website – www.cfa.vic.gov.au – is a fantastic resource and offers advice on preparing a Bushfire Survival Plan.

Maroondah’s the place to be for aquatic fun!Happy Holidays! Don’t forget there are so many activities on offer over the summer at Maroondah’s Leisure facilities including: An Aquanation summer season pass for casual swim and waterslides;

FREE inflatables at Croydon Memorial Pool on days over 32 degrees; School Holiday Programs at The Rings: twilight golf at Ringwood Golf and Dorset Golf. Plus a special summer group fitness timetable at Aquanation and Aquahub.

For further information on any of these Maroondah Leisure activities and facilities, please visit www.maroondahleisure.com.au

Some exciting additions to Croydon Memorial Pool this seasonCroydon Memorial Pool is open until Sunday 9 April 2016, so there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the three heated aquatic areas: the 50-metre lap pool, 20-metre learner’s pool and a shaded toddler pool.

You can even purchase a season pass, which entitles you to unlimited access to the pool as well as low-impact water aerobics classes on Thursdays during January 2017.

This season, visitors can also enjoy some new initiatives including a free breakfast on every third Friday of the month. Plus, when the mercury hits 32 degrees or over, pool visitors can access free inflatables!

Operating hours at the Croydon Memorial Pool vary throughout the season, visit www.maroondahleisure.com.au for further details.

Revitalising Maroondah’s play spacesOur younger residents have a range of new fun, explorative play spaces for children with even more on the way. In August 2016, work was completed on an all-new playground at Athelstane Drive Reserve in Ringwood North, complete with replacement seats and fencing.

The next major project is an $85,000 upgrade to the playground at Yarrunga Reserve in Croydon Hills. This complete replacement will deliver exciting play options for children of all ages and abilities.

Set amongst rock and log scramble areas, major features include a large slide, a seesaw, a five-way swing, a large spinning net and a toddler’s climbing slide unit. Adult fitness equipment will be added in the open area beside the car park.

A natural play area has also been developed at Dorset Recreation Reserve in Parrs Road, Croydon. A swing set, spinning poles, a wet area, and lots of rocks and logs for climbing, scrambling and balancing on, are set amongst the existing trees.

We are also consulting with the community on the playspace at Ringwood Lake Park.

To have your say visit Council’s website or join us at the Australia Day celebration.

Infrastructure updateRingwood Athletics pavilion and track upgrades are progressing well. The Main building structure is completed with the interior fitout being undertaken to install unisex changerooms, a multipurpose room, office, storeroom and kitchen.

New accessible car parks, a new track entrance and concrete accessibility ramps are being finalised. The running track’s sub base is completed with asphalt and rubber top coats being installed in the coming weeks.

The pavilion and track upgrade works are scheduled for completion in early 2017.

Glen Park Community Shed upgrade is scheduled for completion by late December 2016. A new building has been relocated to the site and will be fitted with unisex accessible toilet, kitchenette and workspace area.

External works include a covered entrance, accessible ramp and fresh paint. East Ringwood Pavilion is taking shape with the ground floor and block walls completed. The ground floor is being fitted with unisex change room facilities and amenities. The second story area steel works have commenced. Completion of the building is expected in early 2017.

Protecting our waterwaysThe Yanggai Barring Reserve will receive a $120,000 rehabilitation makeover to its waterways this summer. The waterway has become silted, which is preventing it functioning effectively as a water catchment and flood mitigation area.

The rehabilitation works will involve desilting 1,000 cubic metres of waterway and dam; installing water control devices to manage water levels; controlling erosion; conducting extensive planting and landscaping around the waterway; and replacing and repairing surrounding structures and viewing platforms.

Enhancing our streetscapesIf you’ve visited Croydon Main Street recently you might have noticed some pleasant changes. Council has recently completed landscape improvement works, including the planting of 13 new trees and 200 shrubs around tree bases to beautify the surrounds.

Visitors to Karralyka in Ringwood may have also noticed the refurbishment of attractive garden beds at the front and rear entrances of the building. Enhancements include a new wooden carved kangaroo which greets guests at the front entrance.

Meet your CouncillorsWelcome to the new 2016-2020 Council term. On Monday 31 October we officially welcomed our new Council with the Declaration of the Poll hosted by the Victorian Electoral Commission. Below is an introduction to each of your Councillors, including information on how you can contact them.

Your Arrabri CouncillorsCr Tony Dib JP (Mayor)Mobile: 0438 515 089tony.dib@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Tony and his wife Janet have lived in Croydon for 20 years and have five children and fifteen grandchildren. Tony has a keen interest in local sports, especially football and cricket. Tony served as a Councillor for Maroondah City Council in the Eastfield Ward from 2005 to 2008 and has represented the Arrabri Ward from February 2010. He was Mayor in 2007-2008, 2010 -2011 and

again in 2014-15. He also served as a Councillor for the City of Broadmeadows in the 1980s prior to making his home in Croydon. Tony represents Council on the Audit and Risk Advisory Committee and the Eastern Regional Group.

Cr Paul MacdonaldMobile: 0436 001 760paul.macdonald@maroondah.vic.gov.au

This is Paul’s second term as a Councillor after having a break from Council for the past four years. Paul attended local primary and secondary schools, and he has lived in Maroondah for many years with his wife Kathy and two adult sons, Michael and David. He is a licenced plumber and gasfitter and has worked in the government and private sectors of the industry. Paul has had an active involvement with local community groups, including a number of volunteer roles. Paul is a team person who cares about our community and is looking forward to working with his fellow councillors to help solve the community challenges that lie ahead. Paul is representing Council on the Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance, Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation, Maroondah Community Safety Committee and Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee.

Cr Kylie SpearsMobile: 0436 003 660kylie.spears@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Kylie was elected to Maroondah City Council in October 2016. She has successfully run her own local business for the past 7 years and is President of Melbourne East Netball Association. Kylie is a qualified workplace trainer and assessor and has over 15 years of event management experience. Kylie is married to Malcolm and has two daughters. She looks forward to bringing her skills and experience to benefit the Maroondah community. Kylie represents Council on the Disability Advisory Committee, Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation and Maroondah Business Advisory Committee.

Your Mullum CouncillorsCr Nora Lamont (Deputy Mayor)Mobile: 0428 394 581nora.lamont@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Nora grew up locally and attended Aquinas College. With more than 25 years experience in government, Nora holds a Bachelors Degree in Political Science, a Masters Degree in Public Administration, and Graduate Certificates in Migration Law and Practice and Planning. This is Nora’s third term as a Councillor, she served as Mayor for 2012-13 and chaired the Maroondah Disability Advisory Committee for 6 years. Nora is a graduate of Women in Leadership Australia, a member of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association and serves on the Women’s Health East, METEC and VOCAL Boards of Governance.

Nora represents Council on the Disability Advisory Committee, Maroondah Business Advisory Committee, Maroondah Community Safety Committee and the Metropolitan Local Governments’ Waste Forum.

Cr Samantha Marks Mobile: 0408 145 110Samantha.marks@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Samantha has lived in Maroondah for more than 20 years and lives in Ringwood with her three children who attend local primary and secondary schools. A veterinary nurse for 15 years, Samantha works with an animal emergency center and is also a registered wildlife carer. This is Samantha’s 2nd term with Council and she is interested in children and family service and is keen to further develop partnerships with community groups. Samantha represents Council on the Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee, the Maroondah City of Wellbeing Steering Committee and the Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee.

Cr Mike SymonMobile: 0436 002 080mike.symon@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Mike is a newly elected Councillor who lives in Heathcott with his wide Cheryl and their two daughters who are studying at Ringwood Secondary College. He is a licensed industrial commercial electrician and OH&S coordinator. Mike represented most areas of Maroondah as the Federal Member for Deakin from November 2007 to September 2013 and served as the Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Employment. Mike is interested in community infrastructure, local planning and environment issues and ensuring the provision of best value services and facilities for Maroondah. Mike represents Council on the Audit and Risk Advisory Committee and the Municipal Association of Victoria.

Your Wyreena CouncillorsCr Marijke GrahamMobile: 0418 109 015marijke.graham@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Newly elected to Council, Marijke is a secondary school teacher who lives in Croydon North with her husband Adam and their two young children. Marijke is interested in the wellbeing of residents of all ages, the provision of library and family services, and ensuring a strong local economy and sustainable living practices. She looks forward to being a force for positive change and to serving the Maroondah community.

Marijke is representing Council on the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action, Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee, Maroondah City of Wellbeing Steering Committee and the Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee.

Cr Michael MacdonaldMobile: 0436 001 852michael.macdonald@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Michael lives in Croydon North with his wife Laura. He is a licensed electrician; has small business and government experience; and currently works in industrial relations. Michael is looking to progress key community issues and is particularly interested in relieving the cost of living pressures

faced by residents; creating new community infrastructure projects in Croydon; and providing a balanced town planning system. Michael has played football for both Heathmont and South Croydon Football Clubs and is also interested in music – he was a member of the National Boys Choir and now sings in the men’s choir. Michael returns to Council after a 4year break. Michael represents Council on the Eastern Transport Coalition.

Cr Rob SteaneMobile: 0407 519 986rob.steane@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Rob has lived in Maroondah for more than 20 years. He and his wife Linda have two adult children, in nursing and the Army. Rob runs his own local business, is active in the community, and has been on a number of school and community organisation committees. Rob is interested in community safety, community engagement and ensuring development in Maroondah is well designed, sustainable and responsive to the community needs. This is Rob’s third term as a Councillor representing the Wyreena Ward and has served as Mayor in 2011-2012.

Rob serves as a Council representative on the Maroondah Business Advisory Committee, Maroondah Community Safety Committee and the National Local Government Drug and Alcohol Advisory Committee.

What’s new in immunisationCouncil offers free, monthly immunisation sessions at multiple locations across the municipality, as part of the National Immunisation Program. These sessions cover the immunisation schedule for babies and children aged between six weeks and four years.

The 2017 immunisation timetable is now available and includes new venues and session times, for added convenience. Immunisation is the best defence we have against the return of highly contagious diseases, such as polio, rubella and whooping cough, which has sadly shown a resurgence in recent years.

For more information about Council’s immunisation program, phone the Immunisation Team on 9294 5627 or visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Immunisation.aspx

Maroondah’s immunisation service is fully accredited in compliance with AS/NZS ISO9001:2008 Quality Standards.

Free toddler developmental testsMaroondah’s Maternal and Child Health Service coordinates and provides a suite of important services focused on the health, development and wellbeing of children and parents in Maroondah.

The Maternal & Child Health team offer families information, advice and personal support in caring for their children including a breastfeeding support program, free information sessions on first foods for baby, settling workshops and more.

The service also conducts ‘key age and stage’ checks at various intervals, from newborn up to 3.5 years of age. These regular developmental assessments are a vital way of ensuring that

babies and toddlers are reaching their developmental milestones. While the key age and stage visits occur regularly in the first 18 months, it’s vital that parents remember to also bring their child to the later toddler sessions at two and 3.5 years of age, as these are times when some very important growth, speech and social developmental measures are looked at and discussed.

2-year-old key age and stage check topics include:

Growth, social, and emotional development Healthy eating Importance of play in learning and development Speech development

3.5-year-old key age and stage check topics include:

Family wellbeing Growth, social and emotional development Speech development Vision test

Book via www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/MCHprograms.aspx.

For information on Maroondah’s Maternal and Child Health Service, please contact the Service Support Officer on 9294 5586 or visit Council’s website.

Recognising our hard-working volunteersIn early December, Council publicly thanked our amazing volunteers for their dedication and hard work, at Council’s Volunteer Recognition function.

The annual event is an opportunity to officially acknowledge Maroondah’s wonderful volunteers who assist Council with delivering important services and activities for the community, many of which would not be possible without the support of volunteers. Council currently has more than 400 volunteers involved in different areas, including Meals on Wheels, bushland and reserve management, social support services and the committees of sporting and community groups. Their dedication to improving the lives of others over so many years is impressive and inspiring.

At this year’s event, 26 milestone awards were presented, including 24 awards for 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of voluntary service. Husband and wife Adrian Baber and Margaret Baber were recognised for their incredible 35 years of service as Warranwood Reserve volunteers and members of the Warranwood Reserve Committee. Committee members organise regular working bees and other events in support of Warranwood Reserve, which is located on Bemboka Road and home to many interesting flora and fauna species.

Maroondah wins award for age-friendly initiativeWe’re excited to announce that our Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative – Maroondah’s community blueprint for creating an accessible and inclusive Maroondah for people as they age – was awarded an Age-Friendly Victoria Award.

The award was part of the Victorian Senior of the Year awards program, which is a joint initiative between the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria.

The award recognised the program’s focus on engaging with older people, empowering older people to participate in the planning and implementation of agefriendly activities, and its positive effect on the health, wellbeing, economic participation, and security of older people in Maroondah.

A focus of the program has been supporting a range of community initiatives that promote active and healthy ageing in Maroondah. To date, a significant number of our 107 age-friendly initiatives have been funded and implemented, including a driver refresher course, in partnership with METEC Driver Training; and an intergenerational ‘musical memories’ program in partnership with Swinburne University and two local aged care facilities.

IT across the generationsBreaking the generational divide has been a strong focus of our Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative, following feedback from our older community that they were keen to be part of school communities. This has led to the development and trial of the Room 105 project, a free IT Clinic for older people run by Year 9 students at Ringwood Secondary College.

The program was so successful it has become an ongoing free monthly one-on one IT training project for older people, delivered by students – the first of its kind in Maroondah. Older people develop useful skills such as using Word, Excel and Skype, downloading images and conducting internet searches.

The benefits extend well beyond the obvious improvement in IT skills. The project has strengthened relationships between the generations involved, with each empowering the other to connect and share their individual experiences and dispel common myths.

To learn more about the Maroondah’s Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative, or to submit a partnership project, visit Council’s website at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au

Maroondah City Council is a proud member of the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities Network.

Calling young music lovers!Are you passionate about live music and event management and keen to organise events that your community will love? If so, Maroondah’s FReeZA crew could be for you!

The Maroondah FReeZA program is open to young people in Maroondah, aged between 15 and 21, who live, work or study in Maroondah. Participants will learn the practical skills involved with event management, booking artists, media, promotions, sound production and more.

Participants gain first-hand technical experience, meet like-minded young people, help to promote local bands and give young people a voice.

Applications must be received before Saturday 18 February 2017, and participants must be able to commit to the program for the full year. An information night will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday

14 February 2017 at EV’s Youth Centre, 212 Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon.

Application forms are available at www.maroondahyouthservices.com and from EV’s Youth Centre. Contact Maroondah Youth on 9294 5703.

Keeping Maroondah’s open spaces vibrant and sustainableIn August, Maroondah City Council formally adopted a new Open Space Policy and Strategy 2016, after a period of community consultation.

The document will guide the way that open space in Maroondah is used, developed, promoted and protected into the future.

The policy incorporates the community’s feedback that Maroondah’s open spaces cater for a broad range of ages, abilities, and recreational pursuits and that they should be developed in a way that promotes accessibility, diversity, safety, sustainability, and vibrancy.

A focus of the policy is to promote the benefits of physical activity in the outdoors and community connectedness, while also providing for passive recreation space and protection of the natural environment.

Preserving Maroondah’s open space and rare floraCouncil’s open space is expanding with the purchase of 1583m2 of land on Exeter Road, Croydon North.

The land adjacent to the Stringybark Rise Flora Reserve, expand the size of the reserve, but also allows Council to continue to preserve local flora and tree canopies.

The site is protected by a Vegetation Protection Overlay and a Significant Landscape Overlay and is recognised as a Site of Biological Significance within the Maroondah Planning Scheme.

A recent ecological survey of the site found significant populations of rare and endangered plants, including five rare species: Grey Everlasting (Ozothamnus obcordatus), Tiny Greenhood Orchid (Pterostylis parviflora), Heath Wattle (Acacia brownii), Tangled Guinea-flower (Hibbertia empetrifolia) and another yet unidentified greenhood orchid species.

The land is also habitat for echidnas, black wallabies and smaller wildlife that regularly move through the area.

Maroondah’s Pathways for Carers celebrates first birthdayIt’s one year since our Pathways for Carers program launched in Maroondah and it is proving to be a great success.

The program provides a vital outlet for carers of people with a disability or mental health issue to take a break and go for a walk with other carers in the local area. It’s free and no RSVP or ongoing commitment is required, which provides the flexibility that carers need.

The walks are held every second Tuesday of the month at 9.30am and every third Saturday of the month at 1pm, leaving from Torrente Cafe in Ringwood. The walks are tailored to suit all fitness levels and take about an hour. Guest walkers attend each event, to provide support and helpful

information to participating carers. Previous guest walkers include representatives from beyondblue, the Melbourne Autism Expo, Centrelink and the Parent Support Network.

Plus, there are also coffee catch-up sessions and a Facebook page, to provide further opportunities for connecting with others and accessing useful information. The Pathways for Carers program was established in partnership with Uniting Care life assist as a way to assist in combating common conditions faced by carers, which often include moderate depression and poor physical health. Physical exercise is shown to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

For further information, visit the Pathways for Carers Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pathwaysforcarers or call Council’s MetroAccess officer on 1300 88 22 33.

Upcoming walk dates:

Saturday 17 December Tuesday 10 January Saturday 21 January Tuesday 14 February Saturday 18 February

Celebrate what’s great about MaroondahCouncil’s free Celebrate Maroondah events are fun, family-friendly celebrations of what’s great about the City of Maroondah. All residents are welcome to pack a picnic and some movie snacks, and enjoy fun activities and a movie screening, along with the opportunity of meeting with your local ward Councillors.

Free movie night - Finding DorySaturday 11 February 2017Wyreena Community Arts Centre, 13-23 Hull Road, Croydon

From 6.30pm; movie screening at dusk (approx. 8.15pm)

Enjoy a screening of Finding Dory (rated G) and be reunited with your favourite forgetful blue tang, Dory, and her friends Nemo and Marlin.

Pre-film activities will include face painting, children’s games and live entertainment.

Free movie night - The Good DinosaurSaturday 18 February 2017Maroondah Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood

From 7pm; movie screening at dusk (approx 8.15pm)

Bookings required: Karralyka Box Office on 9870 2888 or karralyka.com.au

What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and dinosaurs never became extinct?

The Good Dinosaur (rated PG) follows a young dinosaur named Arlo, who meets an unlikely human friend while traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape.

Free movie night - Secret Life of PetsSaturday 25 February 2017Glen Park, 30 Glen Park Road, Bayswater

From 6.30pm; movie screening at dusk (approx 8.15pm)

Set in a Manhattan apartment building, Max’s life as a favourite pet is turned upside down, when his owner brings home a mongrel named Duke. Dogs are welcome at this event, but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Pre-film activities will include face painting, children’s games and live entertainment.

Dates for your diary Australia Day eventThursday 26 January 2017Ringwood Park LakeMaroondah Highway, Ringwood

It’s time to celebrate Maroondah’s community spirit and how lucky we are to live in Australia! Join us for a free day of activities and events, including loads of kids’ entertainment, toe-tapping musical entertainment, and the presentation of

Maroondah’s Australia Day Awards. And watch our newest community members become Australian citizens at the Australian Citizenship Ceremony.

To find out more visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/AustraliaDay.aspx

BlockheadSunday 15 January to Sunday 5 February 2017ArtSpace at Realm 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood

This series of workshops for younger children is based on colourful overgrown children’s blocks that come to life in a dynamic, colourful and playful way.

Visit www.artsinmaroondah.com.au for more information.

Music Café event – Phil ManningFriday 24 February 2017Wyreena Conservatory CaféWyeena Community Arts Centre, Hull Road, Croydon

Enjoy the sounds of renowned, award winning blues and rock guitarist Phil Manning as he returns to Wyreena for one night only. Tickets are $30 per person, including a light supper at the fully licensed Conservatory Café.

Bookings are essential. Please phone 9294 5590 for bookings and further details.

Karralyka shake it up with 2017 season launch!Karralyka has a bumper season in store for 2017, with shows that will delight and excite audiences of all ages.

For the kids, there’s Mr Stink, which brings David Walliams’ award-winning, sidesplitting story to the stage. Younger children will delight in seeing two classic children’s stories brought to life: Michael Rosen’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Jackie French and Bruce Whately’s Diary of a Wombat. And there’s an enchanting show of puppetry and story-telling featuring beloved picture-book character Grug. Plus, there are free art and craft sessions prior to the show.

The main theatre season is packed with dazzling, toe-tapping musical performances spanning many genres. Christine Anu performs the hits of the ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin. Michaela Burger re-interprets the songs of Edith Piaf in Exposing Edith, to be enjoyed alongside a French-inspired dinner. Vika Bull and Deborah Byrne pay tribute to Carole King with their performance of Tapestry. Swing on This delivers a modern take on classics by the likes of Sinatra, Bublé and even the Proclaimers. Enjoy a night of jazz and rock, as Vince Jones and his orchestra perform hits from two of Van Morrison’s greatest albums, Astral Weeks and Moondance.

And Australia’s favourite disco star Marcia Hines will perform her new high-energy show Disco Inferno. For country fans, the ‘man in black’ himself will appear, as Johnny Cash: Walk the Line comes to Karralyka. Australian favourites John Wood and Julie Nhill perform in Bakersfield Mist – a comedic tale about a painting purchased for a few dollars that some believe to be worth millions.

And for some comedy gold, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is back again, bringing with it the best of local and international talent.

For more information on the performances, or to book your tickets visit www.karralyka.com.au or call the box office on 9870 2888.

Maroondah stars on display at RealmThe Maroondah community has made an incredible contribution of more than 24,000 hand-woven stars to the One Million Stars to End Violence community art project.

The stars are now part of an exhibition at Realm before being sent to Queensland to form part of a national installation in 2017.

The stars are symbols of light and courage and represent a desire to end all forms of violence, whether violence against women and children, elder abuse, homophobia, bullying and racism.

Council signed up as a Weave100 community in 2015, with a target of 10,000 stars. Many community starweaving events were held, which saw the community more than double that target.

The One Million Stars to End Violence exhibition is on at Realm until Thursday 19 January. Realm is located at 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood (opposite Ringwood Station).

One Million Stars to End Violence was started by Melbourne artist Maryann Talia Pau and has become an international weaving movement, with more than 500,000 stars already woven by communities across the world and displayed in large public installations.