Valley View June/July 2016Moonee Valley City Council respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land – the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, their spirits, ancestors, elders and community members past and present. Council also extends this respect to the elders and descendants of other Aboriginal peoples.

Message from the Mayor Applications for Council’s biannual grants open in July. These grants are very valuable to our community, giving groups and businesses a chance to undertake projects which will have a positive impact in Moonee Valley. See page 5 to find out how to get your project off the ground, and read examples of initiatives that were successfully funded last financial year. Also, a big thank you to Aisha and Alex for starring on our front cover! They were the leads in Playback Productions’ Beauty and the Beast Jr which was supported by our grants program.

Council offers a range of opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the community in Moonee Valley. Our page 11 article covers some of Council’s volunteering programs. If you would like to offer your time and skills, please visit our website to receive updates on new positions available or to fill out an online form. There is something for everyone, whether it’s joining an environment group and taking part in planting days and working bees, or volunteering in our L2P program by providing young learner drivers with driving practice.

Winter Music in the Valley is one event you must attend if you enjoy beautiful classical music on a Sunday afternoon. Taking place at a variety of Moonee Valley venues throughout June and July, the series of free concerts begins with the Community Concert at the Clocktower Centre on Sunday, 5 June. The Moonee Valley Community Choir, Moonee Valley Brass and the Moonee Valley Brass Development Band will perform at the Community Concert. The series continues with three concerts by acclaimed professional classical musicians in our local churches. Please check mvcc.vic.gov.au/wintermusic for more information.

Council recently partnered with The Welcome Dinner Project to host the very first community welcome dinner to take place in Moonee Valley. About 100 residents from different backgrounds and cultures were treated to a wonderful atmosphere with delicious dishes and stories to share at Flemington Community Centre in March. The project aims to establish ties between newly-arrived migrants and their local communities. Many new friendships were formed and guests learnt about one another’s cultures and experiences by sharing food and conversation. The concept is based on residents hosting a dinner at home with newly-arrived migrants and established Australians. To see the photos turn to page 10.

I recently attended a LeadWest delegation ahead of the Federal Election in Canberra with our Chief Executive Officer Bryan Lancaster. As part of Council’s advocacy program, we met with key decision makers to talk about improving public transport, reducing road congestion and boosting jobs in Moonee Valley.

We presented ideas including extending the Flemington Rail alignment to Melbourne Airport and two new stations at Highpoint Shopping Centre and Avondale Heights/Keilor East. We

believe this route would deliver the best outcomes for the community and for the Victorian economy with employment opportunities at Melbourne Airport and the surrounding precinct including Essendon Fields and Highpoint Shopping Centre.

This rail link would provide better access to education and training opportunities, especially for our more disadvantaged community members with easier access to Victoria University and Victoria Polytechnic. We believe the positive impact would extend to better access to social and sporting activities, leading to greater social inclusion.

We also covered the benefits of extending the route 59 tram to the airport and the route 57 tram to Avondale Heights. These projects would increase access to the major jobs precinct at Essendon Fields, the surrounding areas and future housing development.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Valley View and that you can take some time to participate in the activities and events on offer in Moonee Valley during the cooler months.

Cr Andrea Surace

Moonee Valley Mayor

Council meeting dates

Public ForumTuesday, 14 June

Ordinary Council MeetingTuesday, 28 June

Public ForumTuesday, 12 July

Ordinary Council MeetingTuesday, 26 July

Public Forums start at 6pm. Ordinary Council Meetings start at 7pm.

Public Forums and Council Meetings take place at the Civic Centre, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds. Access is through the Pascoe Vale Road entrance.

Moonee Valley City Council, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds Victoria 3039PO Box 126, Moonee Ponds Victoria 3039Telephone 03 9243 8888

Facsimile 03 9377 2100 Website mvcc.vic.gov.auEmail council@mvcc.vic.gov.au

Budget 2016/17 reveals strong economic credentials Council’s 2016/17 budget strikes a common-sense balance between delivering essential community services and infrastructure, while being financially prudent.

The development of this year’s budget was started several months ahead of schedule as Councillors and council officers worked closely to identify the community’s priorities, prepare for the challenges of rate capping and deliver on the final year of our 2013-17 Council Plan.

Among this year’s budget highlights includes a $25 million capital works program to build new and improved community facilities and infrastructure. By June of this year we will be debt-free thanks to Council’s responsible financial management.

This year’s increase in rates income of just 2.5 per cent is in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap. Unlike a number of other Victorian councils, we have chosen not to seek a higher rate increase through the Essential Services Commission.

While Council’s prudent financial management puts us in a sound position in the short-term to manage the move to rate capping, in the longer-term we will see a loss of revenue of around $180 million over a 10-year period.

This is money that would normally support the delivery of aged care and disability services, programs to ensure the health and wellbeing of children and young people and money to build and upgrade important community assets. Council will continue to work hard to protect these important areas.

Among this year’s highlights are:

$5.43 million to upgrade our local road network and improve traffic flow and safety

$5.44 million for parks, open space and streetscapes

$1.1 million for footpaths and walking and cycling paths

$19 million to support families and young children through maternal and child health programs, immunisation and support for parents and carers

$12.15 million to help senior residents remain safely in their homes and local communities

$5.22 million for library and learning services for more than 56,000 library members, including more than one million loans of books and other items, public internet access, story time sessions, school holiday programs and computer and cyber safety classes for people of all ages

$909,000 to support the local economy through business development programs, including training, events and marketing Moonee Valley as a thriving visitor and shopping destination

View the 2016/17 budget at mvcc.vic.gov.au/budget

Advocating for better public transport and jobs

As part of Council’s advocacy program Moonee Valley Mayor, Cr Andrea Surace, and chief executive officer Bryan Lancaster travelled to Canberra for a LeadWest delegation ahead of the federal election.

This involved meeting with government ministers and their opposition counterparts to discuss the need to improve public transport, reduce road congestion and increase employment opportunities in Moonee Valley.

Council put forward a variety of practical solutions, including the construction of a rail link to Melbourne Airport. Our plan would see the extension of the Flemington Rail alignment to the airport and the construction of two new stations at Highpoint Shopping Centre and Avondale Heights/Keilor East.

In addition to supporting the long-term operation of the airport and increasing jobs, this solution would also improve public transport in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs, reduce road congestion and deliver much-need infrastructure.

Council also highlighted the benefits of extending the route 59 tram to the airport and the route 57 tram to Avondale Heights. These potential projects would increase access to the major jobs precinct at Essendon Fields, the surrounding technology precinct and support future housing development on the Maribyrnong defence site.

To find out more visit mvcc.vic.gov/advocacy

Hard waste collection

Annual hard waste collections are coming up. This summary aims to help you understand when your collection will occur and what you need to do.

This collection is for hard waste only.

Items that will be collected All metal (including car parts, tin, iron, lawnmowers and bicycles)

Dismantled wardrobes and furniture

General unwanted household items (in boxes only)

Household appliances

Mattresses (maximum two per property)

Timber

White goods (fridges must have door removed for safety)

Window glass (wrapped in cardboard and clearly marked as ‘glass’)

Items that will not be collected Asbestos

Branches and prunings

Building material (including material from renovations, building sites and/or fencing) or trade waste

Hazardous or liquid waste (eg. paints and chemicals)

Rubble or soil

Televisions and computers

Tyres

Neat and tidy Please place hard waste neatly on your nature strip, all furniture must be dismantled and all material stacked and accessible to our collection team.

Right size Maximum length is 1.5 metres

Maximum weight of an item is 15 kilograms

Items must be able to be lifted to shoulder height by one person

No more than 2 cubic metres in volume (about two level trailer loads)

On timePlease place your items on the nature strip on the Sunday night before your collection week. We will collect your hard waste between Monday and Friday.

Do not place items out before the Sunday of your collection week.

Collection dates

Note: Any items placed out late will not be collected.

Any unacceptable items will not be collected and may incur an infringement and fines.

Please do not obstruct the footpath and ensure the collection area is free of vehicles.

For more information visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/waste or call 9243 8888.

Waste news in brief

Detox your homeThe Transfer Station is a permanent drop-off site for household paint, batteries and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) as part of Sustainability Victoria’s Household Chemical Collection Program.

While the dangers associated with improper disposal of household paint, batteries and CFLs cannot always be seen straight away, these products can pollute the environment for future generations, as well as harm their health. It’s important these products are not put into kerbside collection bins and that paint and chemicals are not poured down drains.

The Transfer Station is a safe and convenient service that can be accessed throughout the year to dispose of a whole range of items. Along with paint, batteries and CFLs, we can also recycle metals, oil, clothing, e-waste and more!

For more information on what can be recycled at the Transfer Station visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/transferstation

Usual waste collection day

Start of the hard waste collection

Area 1 Area 2

Monday20 June 27 June

Tuesday11 July 25 July

Wednesday8 August 15 August

Thursday12 September 19 September

Friday29 August 5 September

Recycle your e-wasteCouncil’s Transfer Station offers a free e-waste recycling service. Bring your old televisions, computers, computer peripherals and accessories and printers to the Transfer Station and we’ll recycle them through TechCollect.

Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/transferstation to find out what else we can recycle.

Supporting our community Council aims to support and empower our community to undertake initiatives which make Moonee Valley a rich and thriving city, with a strong sense of community.

We recognise the important contributions local organisations, groups and businesses make to the social, cultural, economic and environmental wellbeing of our community, and appreciate that at times these bodies seek our partnership and/or financial support in order to be able to better respond to local needs.

Council can provide both direct and indirect financial support to ensure these groups are able to flourish and accomplish projects which benefit the community at large. This support is provided through a range of options including grants, subsidies, sponsorships and donations.

In order to provide this support in a fair, transparent and equitable manner, Council assesses all requests via a set of eligibility and assessment criteria, to assist us in making clear and consistent decisions about the allocation of resources.

To find out more, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/communitysupport or speak to our Social Planning and Wellbeing team on 9243 8888.

Grants time is just around the corner! Our popular biannual grants are back for 2016/17 with round one applications opening in July.

If you have ideas for community activities, projects or substantial initiatives which fulfil one or more of the Moonee Valley grant goals, what are you waiting for?

Moonee Valley grant goals: enhance the wellbeing of individuals and community groups

promote a clean, green and beautiful environment

create a vibrant and diverse city with opportunities for all

provide a friendly and safe community

Individuals, community groups, not-for-profits and businesses are able to apply grants up to $20,000.

Make sure to attend one of the information sessions taking place at Council’s Civic Centre, Flemington Community Centre and Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre. These

sessions are a good opportunity to find out about what’s involved, how the application process works and to ask staff any questions you might have. Interpreters can be arranged upon request.

Information session dates and grant guidelines can be found at mvcc.vic.gov.au/grants

Recent grant recipients Here are some examples of successfully funded projects during 2015/16:

Niddrie Traders Association is livening up Wallace Mall by engaging an artist to bring existing park benches and seats, poles and signs to life with colour. By improving the aesthetics of this space, it is hoped this will encourage more people to shop locally and support our local businesses.

Essendon Bowls Club, together with Airport West Football Club and Strathmore Bowls Club, are going solar. Essendon Bowls Club’s 20 kilowatt system is expected to cut around $6,000 each year from the club’s energy bills and save 39 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year – that’s the equivalent of taking around nine cars off the road.

Able Australia’s holiday program for local children with disabilities, provides accessible and affordable activities for children who might otherwise be unable to participate.

Playback Productions, a local theatre company based in Avondale Heights, staged a children’s production of Beauty and the Beast (as seen on the cover of this issue of Valley View), giving 36 young budding actors invaluable theatre experience and a chance to shine on the Clocktower Centre stage!

Planning news in brief Settler’s cottage on the move

Council is moving forward with work to preserve the historical ‘settler’s cottage’ formerly located at 1070 Mt Alexander Road, Essendon.

The timber cottage, which was relocated to Council's depot in May so it can be restored, is an important part of Moonee Valley's history and has potential regional importance stemming from the gold rush era.

Council took the decision in December to relocate and restore the cottage, which had been approved to be demolished as part of a new development.

We have developed a Conservation Management Plan to guide the cottage restoration. It identifies the works necessary to conserve the heritage values of the cottage, as well as principles to guide the selection of a future permanent home. 

Once restoration is complete, options for a permanent location and use for the cottage will be taken to a future Council Meeting.

For more information call Strategic Planning on 9243 8888.

Essendon Junction Structure Plan

In November Council adopted the Essendon Junction Structure Plan, a long-term document to guide future development and infrastructure improvements within the Essendon Junction Activity Centre, and we're now starting to implement the structure plan’s actions.

A key action is to undertake a State Government process, called a planning scheme amendment, to add controls into the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme which will guide the built form and land use of new development within the activity centre.

Another action is to develop a parking overlay for the activity centre to manage car parking, including establishing a cash-in-lieu scheme for parking waivers to help fund public parking facilities and sustainable transport improvements.

At the time of going to print the draft planning scheme amendment, C159, and draft Car Parking Plan were due to be endorsed by Council at the end of May, and released for community feedback in June.

For more information visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/essendonjunction

Our Moonee Ponds Creek Over the past six months Council has been engaging with the local community to uncover the hidden gems and treasured memories of Moonee Ponds Creek. During this time many passionate locals have shared with us their memories and creative ideas for the creek. Below is a sample of the contributions made by local residents.

Childhood memories of the creek by Elaine of Strathmore:

“The year is 1946. I am 4 years old and my parents have put their first payment down on a small weatherboard house on a ¼ acre of land with the title on one side ending in the creek…

We had our own chickens, a cow, vegie garden and fruit trees. Our water supply came from two huge tanks and a spring on the bank of the creek…

The natural farmers’ market, we topped up from what was found in and around the Moonee Ponds Creek. There were eels, yabbies and rabbits, and once a year mushrooms galore…”

Elaine’s contribution was the winning entry of our Moonee Ponds Creek competition.

The future of the creek by Tony of Keilor Plains:

“As it has been through my life, our creek should continue to be a place for the young and young at heart to explore, play and reconnect with an inescapably urbanised sampling of natural systems…

However modest alongside other waterways, the Moonee Ponds Creek carves an unparalleled slice through this most modern and liveable city of Melbourne, from green wedge farmland to a thriving port. We can and should continue to protect, plant, maintain, plan and build, with strong reference to natural and social history, a welcoming space where people of the future can gain inspiration, comfort or solace. Or kick a footy…”

To the left is a painting of the creek by Adam of Essendon.

For more information on this project and progress of the master plan, please visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/mpcreek

Kindergarten Central Registration

2017 registrations closing soon!

In Moonee Valley, places for three and four year old kindergarten at Council and participating community-managed centres are allocated through the Central Registration Service.

The service allows families to register their preferences for kindergarten in the one place, rather than apply to each individual centre.

Initial registrations close on Friday, 24 June 2016. Registrations can still be made after 24 June and will be considered in later offers. Initial round offers will be made to families by the end of August 2016.

For more information, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/kinder or call Council’s Central Registration Service Team on 9243 8888.

How drawing and talking can help your child learn to write When: Thursday, 16 June, 7pm-8.30pm

Where: Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Road (Corner Pascoe Vale Road), Moonee Ponds

Moonee Valley families are invited to a forum about children’s early literacy development from birth to eight years of age. At this forum, presented by Dr Noella Mackenzie, you will hear about:

how drawing is an important form of play

the importance of children’s drawings and talking for early writing

ways to encourage children to draw, talk and write

what happens as children engage with writing in the first years of school

This session will support parents to assist their children in developing a positive attitude towards themselves as writers in their early years and provide strategies to support young children’s literacy skills.

Dr Noella Mackenzie is a Senior Lecturer in Literacy Studies at Charles Sturt University in Albury. Noella has expertise in early literacy development, teacher professional learning and working with parents of young children.

This is a free event. RSVP by 4pm on Friday, 10 June by emailing childrensevents@mvcc.vic.gov.au or calling 9243 8888.

News in brief

Hopetoun Early Years Centre redevelopment launch Join us for the official opening of the Hopetoun Early Years Centre on Saturday, 4 June.

The event will include a tour of the centre’s facilities and activities for children. 

The $3.27 million redevelopment, funded by Council with a $900,000 contribution from the Victorian Government, has more than doubled its previous capacity.

Date: Saturday, 4 June

Time: 10am-1pm, official proceedings at 11am

Address: Hopetoun Early Years Centre, 220 Racecourse Road, Flemington

For more information call 9243 8888 or visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/hopetoun

Recent achievements

We hosted a screening of the critically-acclaimed Australian documentary Gayby Baby, an intimate insight into the lives of children growing up with same-sex parents. This event marked International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia, held annually on 17 May.

A series of commemorative street signs have been installed at 12 locations in Ascot Vale and Essendon to recognise Moonee Valley’s war-time heritage. Ten streets were named after noted soldiers who served during World War 1 and 2, with two in Ascot Vale named in honour of Britain’s war time leader Winston Churchill and the Allied victory in World War 1. This was achieved in partnership with the Essendon Historical Society.

Aberfeldie Park Pavilion has officially opened. The new pavilion features an accessible change room, environmentally sustainable design features, new social area, kitchen facilities, covered outdoor areas, essential services, improved viewing options and grounds access.

Council has been recognised as the top council in Victoria in terms of its spending on soccer facilities in 2014/15 - $2.91 million to capital works investment in soccer.

Bus your bikeFrom April 2016, external bike racks will be trialled on two bus routes in Moonee Valley as part of a 12-month trial, making public transport more accessible for bike riders.

Racks are fitted to the front of the bus and are safe, secure and easy to use. They give customers more flexibility in choosing how to travel while providing access to key cycling areas which have previously been difficult to access by public transport. Each bus will have capacity to carry two bicycles at a time.

Routes in metropolitan Melbourne taking part in the trial are:

Route 510 – Essendon – Ivanhoe via Brunswick, Northcote, Thornbury:

Links shopping precincts in Sydney Road, High Street and Essendon while also enabling connections between train services at Essendon, Ivanhoe and Moreland stations. 

Route 512 – Strathmore – East Coburg via Pascoe Vale South, Coburg West, Coburg:

Route 512 also runs close to bike paths on the Merri Creek and Moonee Ponds Creek Trails.

For more information please visit ptv.vic.gov.au/busyourbike

Meet the Walking School Bus With Walk to School 2016 approaching in October, Council is encouraging Moonee Valley schools and parents to participate in the activities.

This year there will be great prizes and incentives.

Walk to School is a Victorian Government program created to:

encourage children to walk to school

improve children’s overall health

develop children’s physical and social skills

build friendships

help children gain a sense of independence

decrease traffic congestion around schools

increase road safety awareness

lower greenhouse pollution

help children to arrive to school alert and ready to learn

Map out your child’s route for them, find out if your school has designated safe routes or check Council’s park and walk locations by visiting bit.ly/mvprimaryschools

Walk with your child several times so your child becomes familiar with the route, or join or start a Walking School Bus at your school.

Congratulations to Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School students, parents and staff who have committed to a new Walking School Bus from Rose Street, Essendon.

If you are interested in taking part, keep an eye on the website for further details or contact Lisa Bagnati lbagnati@mvcc.vic.gov.auor 9243 8888.

You can also register with VicHealth for updates at walktoschool.vic.gov.au

Classic movie screeningsAudrey Hepburn, James Stewart, Charlton Heston and Julie Andrews are just some of the stars featuring in our upcoming line up of classic movies.

In partnership with Vic’s Flicks, Council is screening these free movie screenings for residents who are aged and/or have a disability, as well as their carers.

The Bells of St Mary’s

Thursday, 16 June, 1.30pm

Early Bird

Thursday, 21 July, 1.30pm

Mamma Mia

Thursday, 18 August, 1.30pm

The Greatest Show on Earth

Thursday, 15 September, 1.30pm

Sound of Music Sing-a-long

Thursday, 20 October, 1.30pm

My Fair Lady

Thursday, 17 November, 1.30pm

Screenings are held at Burley Griffin Neighbourhood Centre, Park Drive (off The Crossway), East Keilor. Transport services, carer support and community meals are also available upon request for a fee.

Bookings are encouraged at least one week prior to screenings, as places are limited. To book, please contact Council’s Healthy Ageing Officer on 9243 8712 or connected@mvcc.vic.gov.au

For more information, including a full screenings schedule, please visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/connected

Flemington Racecourse update The advisory committee public hearing for the Victoria Racing Club's (VRC) proposal to rezone and develop two parcels of land at Flemington Racecourse took place over three weeks in March and April. 

During the hearing Council presented our written submission, and also called expert evidence in relation to traffic and transport issues, development contributions and the potential benefits of a municipal boundary realignment.

Council's presentation outlined our position that the Flemington Green proposal should be abandoned and that the VRC should undertake a master planning exercise before considering any future proposal.

We advised the committee that if the proposal is to proceed, mandatory maximum heights and clear maximum density provisions need to be embedded within the planning controls.

We also outlined our desire for the entire Flemington Green precinct, bounded by Langs Road, Leonard Crescent and Fisher Parade, to be included within the City of Moonee Valley.

The advisory committee is due to submit its final report to the Minister for Planning within eight weeks of the hearing, or by 1 June.

It is then the prerogative of the Minister to release the report and its recommendations, and to make a decision. Council has written to the Minister requesting that he make any report publically available at the earliest opportunity.

Keep up to date at mvcc.vic.gov.au/flemracecourse

Young people leading the way The recently formed Moonee Valley Young Peoples’ Committee is made up of young people, aged 12 to 25 years, who are passionate about the Moonee Valley community and committed to improving the way Council and its service partners engage with and support young people.

There are currently 10 active members representing a broad range of areas within Moonee Valley, who will work with Council to implement the action areas of Thrive: strategy for young people. If you‘re interested in getting involved, head to mvcc.vic.gov.au/ypc

The committee decides the recipient of the Young Peoples’ Award, a quarterly accolade given to a local young person who has made a positive contribution to the community. The latest recipient is Sean Michelini (pictured with committee member Manon Ellis)), a Year 11 student at Mount Alexander College.

Through his role as class captain, Sean looks out for the welfare of his peers, mentoring year 7 students and supporting students experiencing anxiety. He also advocates to politicians on behalf of the school community. In 2015, Sean took part in The Whitten Leadership Project and in June he will walk the Kokoda Track as part of Victoria Police’s Youth Leadership Challenge.

Council congratulates Sean on his selfless work, and wishes him all the very best with his future endeavours.

News in brief

Mayoral Charity Community Race Day

This year the Mayoral Charity Community Race Day will be held on Saturday, 20 August at the Moonee Valley Racing Club.

The new daytime format means the whole family can get involved, with activities for the kids alongside all the glitz and glam at the races.

Further details to follow. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/charityrace

Dog off-lead trial results

In the first half of the year an area in Alf Pearce Reserve was fenced temporarily for dogs to exercise and play off-lead. This six month trial has now ended.

A report will go to a Council meeting after the consultation to decide on the future of this off-lead area.

To be kept updated register your email address at dogpark@mvcc.vic.gov.au or visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/dogpark

Community connection around the dinner table

As part of our Cultural Diversity Week celebrations in March, Council partnered with The Welcome Dinner Project to host the very first community welcome dinner to take place in Moonee Valley.

Held at Flemington Community Centre, around 100 residents from different walks of life were treated to a wonderful atmosphere with delicious dishes and stories to share.

Since 2013, The Welcome Dinner Project has hosted dinners in over 160 homes and community spaces across Australia. The concept is simple - a resident offers their home to host a dinner for a group of locally based newly-arrived migrants and established Australians.

With the support of two Welcome Dinner Project facilitators, everyone brings a plate of food to share because food is a great way to bring people together.

The aim of the project is to establish ties between newly-arrived migrants and their local communities, create friendships and to have people experience different cultures through the sharing of food and conversation.

Now it’s your turn! Open your door and host a welcome dinner. Visit joiningthedots.org to find out how.

News in brief

NAIDOC Week NAIDOC Week, held Sunday, 3 to Sunday, 10 July, celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for 2016 is ‘Songlines: The living narrative of our nation’.

Songlines are dreaming tracks that trace the journeys of ancestral spirits as they created the land, animals and lores which are recorded in traditional songs, stories, dance and art. The theme highlights the strong spiritual and cultural connection to land, sea and country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Council will hold its annual flag-raising ceremony and the Reframed exhibition at Incinerator Gallery (see page 14). For more information, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/naidoc

Refugee Week‘With courage let us all combine’ is the theme for Refugee Week 2016. The week, from Sunday, 19 to Saturday, 25 June, is an annual opportunity to celebrate the valuable contribution refugees make to our local community and Australian society.

Activities and celebrations will take place across the country with the aim of facilitating better understanding between different communities and encouraging successful integration, enabling refugees to live in safety and flourish within Australian society. Find out what events are happening at refugeeweek.org.au

Council will proudly fly flags across the municipality proclaiming Moonee Valley as a ‘Refugee Welcome Zone’. This is a commitment we made in 2002, to welcome refugees into our community, uphold their human rights, demonstrate compassion and enhance cultural and religious diversity in the community.

Winter Music in the Valley

Council’s annual Winter Music in the Valley concert series will help warm you up as the temperature drops.

The delightful series of four free concerts held on Sunday afternoons brings high quality classical music to Moonee Valley residents in their own neighbourhood.

The series will kick off with a community concert in the Clocktower on Sunday, 5 June, bringing together three of the local community’s most popular arts organisations.

Moonee Valley Brass has been a staple of the local community for more than 100 years and performs at events across the municipality.

The Moonee Valley Brass Development Band offers the community the chance to learn a brass or percussion instrument no matter their age or music background. Members of the band range from four years of age to over 80.

The Moonee Valley Community Choir was created in 2011 and comes together for three to four rehearsals before an event. It’s perfect for busy people looking for the chance to get involved without an ongoing commitment.

The musical program has been inspired by the cold weather months of June and July in Melbourne. Each group will perform individually before coming together for a massed item to conclude the event.

The series will continue with three concerts by acclaimed professional classical musicians in our local churches.

Sunday, 19 June, 3pm, St George's Travancore, 55 Lucknow Street, Travancore

Sunday, 26 June, 3pm, St Martin des Porres, Avondale Heights, 158 Military Road, Avondale Heights

Sunday, 3 July, 3pm, St John's Uniting Church, Essendon, Cnr Mount Alexander Road and Buckley Street, Essendon

Find out more at mvcc.vic.gov.au/wintermusic or call 9243 8888.

Volunteering in Moonee Valley Did you know over six million Australians volunteer their time to causes which mean something special to them? Volunteering is a great way to get actively involved in the community, gain new experiences and meet people.

Council thanks our volunteers who contribute to a variety of programs across many different areas:

Supporting young people to gain access to opportunities, such as our L2P program which provides young learner drivers with driving practice.

Supporting seniors and people with disabilities with a range of services including meal delivery, community transport, dog walking and activities such as the Men’s Sheds.

Joining environment groups and helping out at planting days and working bees.

Promoting sustainable transport through programs such as the Walking Schools Bus, where adult volunteers supervise groups of children to walk safely to school.

Inspiring creativity, fun and friendship by running crafting, hobby and special interest sessions at Flemington Community Centre, Bowes Avenue Community Centre and libraries.

Supporting local migrants who have recently arrived in Australia through programs like DriveLink (supported driving practice for adult learner drivers) and FILLS (free tuition to support primary and secondary students and their families).

Sharing the pleasure of reading with people living with reduced mobility, through the home delivery of books and by reading aloud to residents in nursing homes.

Helping out with events.

From time to time, vacancies will pop up in our volunteering programs. To get in the loop and receive updates on new positions available, head to the volunteering section of our website and fill out an online form. Our website also includes links to other volunteering opportunities in the local community or further afield. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/volunteers to find out more.

Supporting our local community

Caring for trees Adopt a street tree

Moonee Valley has many beautiful tree-lined streets, however tree survival rates are in decline after years of reduced rainfall. Supporting our network of street trees plays an important role in keeping and enhancing the character of our local environment.

The Adopt a Street Tree program invites you to take care of a street tree during this period of dwindling water supplies.

Residents who adopt a tree are asked to water it whenever they have a drop to spare. Street trees don’t require much tap water. In fact, a bucket of reclaimed water from the laundry or shower will help maintain these trees and keep our streets green.

Parents of adopted trees will get an adoption certificate, a bucket and a litre of environmentally-friendly laundry liquid.

Email us at council@mvcc.vic.gov.au to adopt a street tree. Include your name, address, phone number and location of your adopted street tree. You can also register your interest by calling Citizen Services on 9243 8888.

Planting activity To celebrate National Tree Day, Council is hosting a planting activity earlier in the week. The location at Thompson Street Reserve is important as it provides valuable open space and recreation to the community and forms part of a significant water catchment and habitat corridor.

We are aiming to improve corridor linkages to increase biodiversity and provide habitat. This is your chance to get your hands dirty, enjoy the surrounding environment and help to make Moonee Valley a green and beautiful place to live.

When: Tuesday, 26 July 2016, 10am-12pm

Where: Thompson Street Reserve, Avondale Heights

To volunteer visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/plantingdays

Making a change at home Zero waste cooking

Thank you to the hundreds of people who visited us at the Flemington Farmers Market on Sunday, 6 March.

Participants learnt about permaculture in pots from permaculture expert Scott Hitchins and were joined by MasterChef winner Emma Dean for zero waste cooking demonstrations.

Emma prepared some mouth-watering dishes including a radish top pesto, fig tart, fig and honey bruschetta and kohlrabi tops on freshly toasted bread.

Most of her fresh ingredients were purchased from the producers at Flemington Farmers’ Market. Go to mysmartgarden.org.au/forum to check out the recipes and to share your own edible creations.

My Smart GardenIn collaboration with Werribee Heritage Orchard, Council’s My Smart Garden program has a special educational treat for all those interested in garden heritage and fruit tree grafting.

We are taking a bus to their Open Day so you can enjoy grafting demonstrations, heritage orchard and edible weeds tours, plants and heritage grafts for sale.

When: Sunday, 17 July, bus departing 9am sharp

Where: from Moonee Valley Civic Centre, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds

Spaces are limited and a waitlist is expected, so bookings are essential at mysmartgarden.org.au/events or phone 9243 8888.

Solar Bulk Buy If you want a comfortable home in summer and winter without the bill stress, a solar system can offer significant savings.

However, it can be difficult to sift through all the solar options on the market and know which one is right for you.

Council has partnered with independent energy experts, Positive Charge, to bring residents a trusted solar energy bulk buy deal. You receive:

impartial, detailed advice from the experts at Positive Charge

a great deal on solar panels thanks to the power of bulk buying

a tried and tested solar provider who won’t try to sell you a system if it doesn’t stack up for your household

a 25 year warranty on the output of the panels

a 10 year warranty on the inverter and installation

Like to know more?

Register your interest to receive a no-obligation quote. Positive Charge will answer your questions and, if you wish, engage a reliable and trustworthy solar supplier who can install a system that is right for your household. Sign up online at positivecharge.com.au/sign-up or call Positive Charge on 9385 8555.

High Life Expo

Are you an apartment owner who wonders why your owners’ corporation energy bills are so high? Or keen to explore owner-led innovation around sustainability and grow the market appeal for your apartment building? Many apartment owners are doing just that through Smart Blocks - a national program for apartment owners. Have your questions answered by technical experts and experienced apartment owners at this year’s High Life Expo.

When: Wednesday, 22 June, 6pm-9pm

Where: Melbourne City Town Hall, 90-120 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Bookings essential at mvcc.vic.gov.au/myhome or phone 9243 8888.

Free sustainable home workshops

Choosing an apartment: buyer and renter’s checklist

Are you living in an apartment or thinking of moving to one soon? This free workshop is all about how to pick the sustainable differences between the good, the fair and the downright bad when it comes to liveability and cost efficiency.

We know the market is competitive out there so our built environment experts will be on hand to share their tricks to assist you to make the best of what you have. We’ll go through a checklist showing how orientation, light, air-flow, utility metering, the thermal envelope and much more really can transform your comfort and energy costs. It’s one free workshop that apartment dwellers can’t afford to miss.When: Saturday, 25 June, 10am-12.30pmWhere: Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre, 69-79 Military Road, Avondale Heights

Bookings essential at mvcc.vic.gov.au/myhome or call 9243 8888.

Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/newsletters to join our environment mailing list. [along the bottom as per last issue]

The Clocktower Centre

750 Mt Alexander Road (Corner Pascoe Vale Road), Moonee Ponds

Visit clocktowercentre.com.au or call 9243 9191 to book your tickets.

Boy Out of the Country

Tuesday, 14 June at 8pm

Australian television actress Jane Clifton leads a stellar cast to tell a story about family, loyalty and property prices in regional Australia. A family block, worthless for generations, is suddenly rezoned as part of a regional housing estate. Written with wit and in a crackling Australian verse by award winning playwright Felix Nobis, Boy Out of the Country is a fast paced, funny and satisfying piece of theatre about life beyond the big city.

There’s more to life than real-estate. There’s more to family than DNA.

Martine Pavey in Big, Blonde and BeautifulTuesday, 7 June at 11am

The Grigoryan BrothersSunday, 17 July at 3pm

Movies at the Clocktower All tickets $8

CarouselTuesday, 31 May at 11am, (1956), PG, 128mins

The Jungle BookWednesday, 29 June at 11am, (1967), G, 78mins

It’s a Wonderful LifeTuesday, 5 July at 11am, (1946), PG, 130mins

Whale RiderWednesday, 6 July at 11am, (2002), PG, 101mins

The Incinerator

180 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds

Find out more about these events or book your place at incineratorgallery.com or call 8325 1750.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm.

Exhibitions

Reframed3 June–24 July

Guest curator, Kent Morris

Coinciding with NAIDOC celebrations, Reframed is an exhibition exploring the role Indigenous Australian artists are playing in reconstructing accepted ideas about history, connection to country and identity through photographic processes. Guest curator, Kent Morris, has selected artworks that question aspects of the dominant colonial mindset and challenge stereotypes of what defines Aboriginality.

Also exhibiting at Incinerator is Ara Dolatian’s Reflection as Ideological Hallucination in the Atrium and Sarah Sander’s Allusion in the Boadle Hall Community Gallery.

Workshops and activitiesIncinerator Art Award Applications close Monday, 4 July

School Holiday Workshops Thursday, 30 June and Friday, 1 July

Art History Talk: Degas Monday, 20 June, at 1pm

Adult Art Courses Term 2 Monday, 18 July to Monday, 5 September

Arty Tales – Galleries for Early Learners Ages 3 to 5 Monday, 11 July, at 10am

Speak Up – poetry, spoken word and music Friday, 15 July, at 7pm

Library news These activities are free, unless otherwise indicated. However, bookings are required.

Reserve your space at mooneevalleylibraries.eventbrite.com.au or call the library directly.

Talks

Refugee Week Talk: Abraham NoukTo celebrate Refugee Week, we are honoured to host Abraham Nouk, award winning poet and author. Abe is a brave young man who has achieved greatness against the odds.

Tuesday, 14 June, 6.30pm

Flemington Library, 313 Racecourse Road, Flemington

Meet the Author: Catherine Deveny Join the writer and comedian as she reveals the secrets that have made her 'Gunnas' writing masterclasses sell-out successes around the country.

In her new book, Use Your Words: A Myth-Busting, No-Fear Approach to Writing, she explains the struggles all writers face and reveals how to overcome them.

Tuesday 21 June, 7pm

Sam Merrifield Library, 762 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds

Meet the Author: Arnold ZableArnold Zable is a highly acclaimed novelist, storyteller, educator and human rights advocate.

His new book, The Fighter, is a true story about Henry Nissen, ex-champion boxer and supporter of the disaffected. This is a compelling window into the unnoticed recesses of Melbourne.

Monday, 18 July, 7pm

Sam Merrifield Library

Performances and workshops

Getting dressed with JaneHave you ever wondered what Elizabeth Bennet wore under her dress? Or how Emma fastened her gown?

Delve into the world of Georgian clothing with actor Lise Rogers and share Jane Austen’s love of fashion by spending an hour or so ‘Getting dressed with Jane’, followed by afternoon tea.

Thursday, 23 June, 2pm-4 pm

Niddrie Library, 483 Keilor Road, Niddrie

Robotics workshop‘NAO’ (pronounced ‘NOW’) is a small humanoid robot with a unique combination of hardware and software: he consists of sensors, motors and software driven by a dedicated operating system. He gets his magic from programming and animation.

Discover more about robotics and how to program ‘NAO’, give him personality and bring him to life. For children in year 5 to 8 and their parents

Saturday, 2 July, 10am–12.30pm

$12.50, bookings necessary

Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre, 69-79 Military Road, Avondale Heights

NAIDOC Week - Dave Edwards Celebrate NAIDOC week with a performance for the entire family.

Traditional dancer and didgeridoo player Dave Edwards from the Nari Nari Yiphia Tribe from the Balranald area of NSW will tell his story and teach you about his rich culture.

Dave is the brother of singer and songwriter Kutcha Edwards.

Tuesday, 5 July, 10.30am

Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre

Capital WorksSome of the capital works recently completed or underway in Moonee Valley.

For further information on any of these capital works, please contact Council on 9243 8888.

Drainage

EssendonClifton Street Easement drainage improvements – Stage 2$150,000

FacilitiesEssendonSettler’s cottage relocation $100,000

AberfeldieRiverside Park toilet extension$280,000

Streetscapes

StrathmoreTalbot Road footpath improvements$60,000

Roads upgradesFlemingtonWellington Street at Waltham Street, Farnham Street and Finsbury Street roundabout improvements$270,000

In focus

Ascot Vale Leisure Centre works Concreting works are continuing on the 25 metre pool at the Ascot Vale Leisure Centre.

Once completed, the concrete will be left to cure prior to the tiling works and installation of the aquatic play features.

Future works include replacing the floor around all pools, hydrostatic water testing, and improvements to the village change room area.

Air conditioning works have been completed in the upstairs programs room and in the group fitness stadium.

Council is also taking this opportunity to make other improvements, based on feedback received during the Aquatic Leisure Centre Plan consultation. This includes adding two extra lap lanes, accessible ramp entry and water play features to the 25 metre pool – as well as a new accessible change room.

Council would like to thank everyone for their patience during these works which are due to finish at the end of the year.

Nearby alternative swimming options have been made available for all members.

For further details and to keep up to date with these works, visit   mvcc.vic.gov.au/avlc or phone 9243 8888.

Ward Duty: Rose Hill Ward

Mayor, Cr Andrea Surace Portfolio: Traffic and Transportation

Phone: 0408 309 435

asurace@mvcc.vic.gov.au

During May, we consulted on the draft Transport Safety Strategy, encouraging sustainable transport by providing safe facilities. It seeks to build greater partnerships with other levels of government, community and industry. The Safe System approach prioritises safe people, speeds, vehicles and roads, and would help us to reach zero fatalities and serious injuries in Moonee Valley.

In March, Council resolved to write to the Ministers for Public Transport, Roads and Road Safety and western region MPs to discuss widening the Canning Street bridge for a tram line to Buckley St, Avondale Heights and improved walking and cycling safety at the bridge. Reducing reliance on cars, plus better, frequent public transport and cycling facilities close to the Military Road corridor must be addressed.

Our LeadWest delegation trip to Canberra allowed us to discuss the construction of a rail link to Melbourne Airport and two new stations with Federal Government representatives. We also presented the benefits of extending the 59 route tram to the airport and 57 route tram to Avondale Heights.

Cr Shirley Cornish Portfolio: Environmental Sustainability

Phone: 0409 524 662

scornish@mvcc.vic.gov.au

It’s wonderful to see another aged care facility being built in our municipality. Embracia Aged Care at Avondale Heights is scheduled to open in 2017. The welfare of our seniors is incredibly important to me. These facilities provide much needed 24 hour services for our ageing population who require assistance with their day-to-day living.

The draft budget for 2016/17 includes development of a master plan for Overland Reserve in Keilor East to provide a vision and guide improvements to this popular sporting ground over the long term. As part of this, the draft budget also includes funding to redevelop the pavilion at Overland Reserve, used by East Keilor Football Club. Should everything go to plan, this upgrade may be ready for tender in mid-2017.

We identified the need to extend the 57 tram route along Canning Street in our Integrated Transport Plan, and our Maribyrnong River Master Plan recommends widening the Canning Street bridge to facilitate this. Council will continue to advocate to the State Government to improve public transport for Avondale Heights residents.

Cr John Sipek Portfolio: Leisure and Recreation

Phone: 0423 776 740

jsipek@mvcc.vic.gov.au

Branch and pruning dates will continue into early to mid-June for those residents whose usual waste collection days are Thursday or Friday. If your day is Thursday, your branch and pruning collection start date is 6 June. Or 13 June for Friday. Place your bundled items out on the nature strip on the Sunday night before your collection week. Your items will be collected sometime during that week.

Parts of your old televisions, computers, printers or other electronic waste can be recycled at the Moonee Valley Transfer Station through TechCollect. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/transferstation

You must replace your 9 volt battery smoke alarm each year at the end of daylight saving. The MFB reminds people to: Change your clock, change your smoke alarm battery. Working smoke alarms are compulsory in every home. All smoke alarms should be tested every month.

It was wonderful to see so many community members at the Keilor East RSL Anzac Day march and service. The work of the RSL ensures the sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors and airmen live on in our memories.

Ward Duty: Buckley Ward

Deputy Mayor, Cr Paul Giuliano Portfolio: Urban Design, Open Space and Assets

Phone: 0423 699 646

pgiuliano@mvcc.vic.gov.au

In March, we officially opened the new Aberfeldie Park Pavilion, a multi-use facility for local sport and recreation groups, including Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies Cricket Club and Essendon Auskick. The upgrade includes two unisex change rooms, umpires’ room, medical room, social space and kitchen facilities.

The future of the Alf Pearce Reserve dog off-lead area will be decided at an upcoming Council meeting. A section of the reserve has been temporarily fenced off for dogs to exercise and play off-lead. Council asked the community whether they support a permanent fenced area for dogs via a survey. For more information, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/dogpark.

The 1 Shot photo workshop and challenge, which ran for the month of March allowed 13 to 19 year olds to showcase and explore their creativity. Photographs submitted reflected positive relationships, feeling good and being safe, inspired by Council’s “Thrive” strategy for young people. Congratulations to all participants and first prize winner Oliver Clayton. Thank you to the library staff, Youth Services team and Essendon Camera Club for organising the event.

Cr Jan ChantryPortfolio: Arts and Culture

Phone: 0411 704 625

jchantry@mvcc.vic.gov.au

Council’s draft 2016/17 Budget is due to be formally adopted at the end of May. This budget is fair, open and transparent and was developed with careful consideration before going to the community for feedback in April.

Our public art installation project will conclude mid-way through this year. The series included public art works selected by the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. It was temporarily installed on Mt Alexander Road and outside Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre. It was good to see the project provoke much discussion amongst the community. Despite the conclusion of this project, Council will be developing a Public Arts Policy which will allow the community the opportunity to discuss similar future projects. If you are interested in commenting please email me.

In addition, the Billboard Project, which includes pieces by artists installed on buildings across five locations in Niddrie and Flemington, will continue to offer people beautiful contemporary

photography to view in our shopping districts. Also, don’t miss Australian theatre show Boy Out of the Country at the Clocktower Centre in June.

Cr Narelle SharpePortfolio: Family, Aged, Disability and Youth

Phone: 0429 977 171

nsharpe@mvcc.vic.gov.au

Facebook: facebook.com/councillornarellesharpe

Twitter: twitter.com/narellesharpe

Website: narellesharpe.com.au

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is being rolled out across the state from 1 July 2016. Whilst it appears the scheme will better meet the needs of people with disabilities, it does mean significant change for both residents and service providers. There are still many challenges ahead in better supporting residents to understand the changes, coordinate care and transition to the NDIS. For Moonee Valley residents, support will continue through Council’s Home and Community Care Program (HACC) until October 2018 when the transition occurs. Council will continue to advocate for support for any residents who may not qualify for the NDIS. I trust the teething problems will be sorted out to ensure the roll out is seamless and our residents’ rights and individual needs are accommodated.

The pirate ship playground in Aberfeldie is extremely popular with families and children. Council will be improving this area by installing a new nature play area for older children, more seating, picnic areas and barbecues, a better car park and importantly more toilets. I’m looking forward to seeing these works progress.

Ward Duty: Myrnong Ward

Cr Jim CusackPortfolio: Community Engagement and Learning

Phone: 0407 521 432

Over the next six months in the Myrnong Ward the design and tender of the Ormond Park pavilion will happen, work on Fairbairn Park’s pavilion will commence and streetscape improvements on Union Road and Racecourse Road will be rolled out. By November, the freeway widening affecting Travancore should be over so work on the park can begin. The rebuild of Ascot Vale Leisure Centre and the Hopetoun Children’s Centre will be complete. Free picnic day Flemington Off the Track will return later this year. We need local traders, performers, artists and community groups to get involved.  On Sundays in June and July you should enjoy the free and beautiful Winter Music in the Valley series. Reconciliation and

NAIDOC Weeks are coming up so check our website, libraries and local papers for times and dates.

Finally, building community safety and reducing violence towards women in our neighbourhoods is a high level concern of Council. Contact me about becoming involved in making a stand - whether it’s through the Interfaith Network, the Community Safety Program or Neighbourhood Watch.

Cr Nicole Marshall Portfolio: Land Use Planning

Phone: 0408 141 471

Facebook: facebook.com/MarshallforMooneeValley

Twitter: twitter.com/marshall4moonee

The Flemington Racecourse Advisory Committee Hearing is complete. The VRC’s proposals are completely inappropriate for the area - we hope the Advisory Committee and Minister for Planning share the same view. See mvcc.vic.gov.au/flemracecourse for further updates.

I hope you love the Ascot Vale Library restoration as much as I do. If, like me, you’re passionate about Moonee Valley’s heritage, look out for future heritage studies designed to protect our heritage properties with appropriate planning controls. 

As part of a motion I put forward, Moonee Valley schools continue to undergo assessments for school pick up and drop off zones. These zones and the improvements done as part of the Better Moves Around Schools program mean our school areas are much safer for pedestrians, especially our children, as well as cyclists and drivers. Traffic management and parking measures will also continue to be implemented as part of the Dean Street and Holmes Road Local Area Traffic Management Study. Let me know if you’d like more information about these studies or about the recent Kent Street Traffic Study.

Cr Cam NationPortfolio: Economic Development

Phone: 0409 247 410

Website: camnation.me

It is now two years since Council resolved to apply our recommended residential zones across the municipality as part of a state-wide implementation of new residential planning rules. While our initial residential zones proposal was rejected by the then State Government, in late 2014 the then opposition made an election pledge to apply our residential zones if elected. Disappointingly, despite winning the election, the new State Government reneged on this pledge leaving our residential zones in limbo.

The application of new zones in some form in Moonee Valley is vital to ensure the protection of areas with predominantly single dwelling lots, and to limit overdevelopment throughout Moonee Valley. The application of the most restrictive Neighbourhood Residential Zone in certain areas will greatly limit development by not allowing more than two dwellings on one lot while also enforcing height restrictions. Our initial proposal had over 80 per cent of the municipality in this restrictive zone. As it stands, no areas of Moonee Valley are protected by the restrictive zone. This is a critical issue and must be addressed urgently.