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Millgrove Residents Action Group
2015
Millgrove Community Plan
Produced by MILLGROVE RESIDENTS ACTION GROUP (MRAG)
Post: Shop 5, 3043 Warburton Hwy, Millgrove 3799 VicEmail: [email protected] and/or [email protected]: Millgrove Residents Action Group
Millgrove Residents Action Group
President: Maureen HalitSecretary: Bob LillieTreasurer: Nancy Watson
Members: Robert Hendy, Bert Saunders, Kerry Slater, Brenda Morgan, Lynn Turbitt, Michael Corrie, Barry & Frances Hayward, Kate Baselier, Arthur Saunders, Sheila Goodwin, Louise McNamara
Established in 2005, the Millgrove Residents Action Group (MRAG) is one of the longest serving township groups in the Yarra Ranges. In 2012 the group was named Community Group of the Year by Yarra Ranges Council Australia Day Awards. In the same year, thanks to the efforts of MRAG, Millgrove was deemed a finalist in the Tidy Towns-Sustainable Communities Awards for Community Leadership. An extra thank you to Michael Corrie for his continuous and tireless effort to maintain our gardens.
MRAG’s vision statement which was ratified in 2005 states: “We see a vibrant, joyful and safe community with positive opportunities for all. A place we are proud to call home”.
MRAG’s mission statement: to contribute towards and foster the community spirit within Millgrove.
MRAG’s objectives:
Highlight and promote the many positives within our community Encourage and nurture partnership in community initiatives Contribute to the process of identifying and addressing community needs and concerns Raise awareness of services and opportunities within our community
ACKNOWLEGEMENTS
Thanks to everyone who helped to create this plan:
Residents, landowners, workers, students and traders of Millgrove who participated in this process MRAG committee members Cr Jim Child, Yarra Ranges Council Cindy McLeish, MP Kimbra White, Mosaic Lab, who facilitated one of the workshops Maxine Burke, Double Edged Training and Consultancy, who facilitated another workshop Chris Riseley, Community Development Officer, Central and Upper Yarra, Yarra Ranges Council
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowlegements............................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................4
MILLGROVE’S CHARACTERISTICS.............................................................................................................4
COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN MILLGROVE, 2005-2015.............................................................8
THE COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS IN MILLGROVE, 2014-2015....................................................15
Workshop, August 2014.............................................................................................................................15
Workshop, November 2014.......................................................................................................................15
Posters outside the Newsagency, February 2015.....................................................................................16
Listening Post, February 2015...................................................................................................................16
DIsplay at the Millgrove Market, March 2015.............................................................................................16
High School Students at Upper Yarra Secondary COllege, May 2015......................................................17
Collating and Categorising the Ideas and Suggestions, July 2015............................................................17
Students at Milwarra Primary School, June 2015......................................................................................18
Survey, June 2015.....................................................................................................................................18
Community Dinner and Workshop, June 2015..........................................................................................19
Finalising the Plan, September - October 2015.........................................................................................21
Release of Draft Community Plan, October 2015......................................................................................21
THE MILLGROVE COMMUNITY PLAN, 2015-2017....................................................................................22
Vision Statement........................................................................................................................................22
Strategies and Actions...............................................................................................................................22
Annex 1: Areas for Action and Project Ideas.................................................................................................27
Annex 2: Milwarra Primary School Students.................................................................................................29
Annex 3: Fifteen Millgrove students at UYSC, 13 May 2015.........................................................................31
Annex 4: Millgrove ABS summary profile, 2011............................................................................................32
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 3
INTRODUCTION
The township of Millgrove is 63 kilometres east of central Melbourne, and 32 kilometers east of Lilydale, along the Warburton Highway, in the Upper Yarra Valley. The Yarra River runs through the town. There are several residential clusters located amongst forested hills. Residents travel by car or bus to Warburton and Yarra Junction to access most of their retail and community services. A railway line from Lilydale to Warburton was opened in 1901, to transport timber
and farm produce out of the area. The line was closed in 1965 and has been replaced with a well-used recreational rail trail. The primary school was opened in 1914.
A community building project was initiated in Millgrove by Tammy Lobato MP in 2004, following her election to the Victorian State Parliament. The project led to a range of actions that were taken by Ms Lobato on behalf of the Millgrove community. It also led to the formation of the Millgrove Residents Action Group Inc. (MRAG).
To mark the 10th anniversary of MRAG, the committee initiated a community planning process. Community planning is a process where the members of a community work together to identify a shared community vision of the future, and priorities and actions that they can undertake to improve their wellbeing.
MILLGROVE’S CHARACTERISTICS
Demographics
Millgrove has a population of 1,649 people (2011 Census). The population increased dramatically between 1961 (273) and 1991 (1,715), as new residential areas were opened up, on relatively inexpensive land. Since then the population has declined slightly. The proportions of one parent families (19.2%) and lone person households (30.5%) are much higher than those for Yarra Ranges as a whole, while the proportion of households with couples, either with or without children, is much lower than for Yarra Ranges as a whole. However, in 2011 8% of the population was aged 4 and under, compared to 6.5% for Yarra Ranges.
Unemployment in Millgrove was higher in 2011 than for Yarra Ranges as a whole, at 6.9% compared to 4%. This is a better situation than in 2001, when unemployment was 11.9%. Nearly 39% of persons aged 15+ were not in the labour force, compared to 30% for Yarra Ranges as a whole. The SEIFA Index of Disadvantage for the combined area of Yarra Junction, Millgrove, and Wesburn is 947.5, the lowest in Yarra Ranges.
Within Yarra Ranges, the areas with the highest rates of psychological / psychiatric disability support pension recipients were in the 3799 postcode area (which includes Millgrove), at 27.5 per 1000.
Incomes are lower in Millgrove than in Yarra Ranges as a whole. Two-thirds (66%) of households had an income of less than $1250 per week in 2011, compared to about 43% in Yarra Ranges as a whole.
Nearly 29% of households in Millgrove were not connected to the internet in 2011, compared to 15% in Yarra Ranges as a whole.
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 4
Features
The Yarra River is a significant environmental asset for the community, and the vegetation on the riverbanks is an important habitat for native fauna. The Yarra Ranges National Park, including Mt Donna Buang, reaches down to the outskirts of the town. At the end of Dee Road there is access to the 30km long O’Shannassy Aqueduct trail that stretches from Don Valley to East Warburton.
The retail businesses in Millgrove include a general store, a newsagent / post-agency, a bakery, fish and chips shop, a nursery/music shop, strawberry farm and a sawmill. The sawmill salvages and mills logs that are not harvested by other timber industry operators. There are 280 registered businesses in Millgrove.
A picnic and BBQ area with toilets is located next to the rail trail, opposite the shops, and is an important stopping point for visitors and a meeting place for locals. McKenzie King Reserve, at the start of McKenzie King Drive, has a playground.
The town has a primary school, pre-school, two churches and a soccer club. A new community centre was recently constructed on the grounds of the school, in partnership with River Valley Church, and is used by the church and community groups, as well as the school. Pallotti College sits above Millgrove and can be hired for conferences and other group activities. A new CFA Station / Community Fire Refuge will be finished and opened by the end of 2015.
There is a public bus that runs at least hourly on weekdays between 6am and 8.30pm, to Lilydale Railway Station and Chirnside Park Shopping Centre. One service in the morning and one in the afternoon divert through the town on school days and are open for public use. On Saturdays and Sundays, the service runs hourly and starts at 7.30am and 9am respectively. Taxi services are limited.
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 5
Assets
At the first workshop in August 2014, attendees “mapped” their assets and showed the connections between them.
Listed below are other assets that attendees at the two workshops in 2014 value about Millgrove:
Men’s working group
Friendly Different charm
Community Hall
Weekly bible study
Affordable housing
Neighbours Healthy lifestyle
Picnic area at reserve
Clean air Business opportunity
Kids
Warburton-Millgrove Football and Netball Club
Sharing and caring
Beautiful environment
Rail Trail Swimming in river
Safe place
Maureen (MRAG) Community spirit
Mountain views
Friendly people
Birdlife Space
Open people, easy to get on with
Authentic people, chatty, not judgmental
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 6
Our skills (what we as individuals are good at)
Teaching – disability, aged, mental, counselling Building & fixingListener Motor mechanicNetworking Metal constructionResearch BricklayerNegotiating IT - Info technologyOrganiser & Practical GardeningBusiness skills Helping others & lift self esteemMoney Family – caring for other peoplePresentations CarpentryCommunication Handy
What the town is good at
Identifying problems & finding solutions
Coming together – despite circumstances – for a cause, in crisis
Good networking
Unique: able to structure community support
Strong advocates for the town
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 7
COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN MILLGROVE, 2005-2015
Millgrove Community Building Project, 2004-5
The Millgrove Community Building Project was initiated by the newly elected Member for State Parliament for the seat of Gembrook, Tammy Lobato. A “Millgrove Community Building Day” was held in November 2004, which attracted 100 residents. At that time, residents were concerned about social and economic issues arising from inter-generational unemployment, skill shortages and poverty. The Millgrove Community Building Project was modelled on the successful Neighbourhood Renewal Program, which aimed to tackle the root causes of disadvantage, and to build new partnerships across government and communities.
Groups involved in this day included the River Valley Church, Millgrove Environment Restoration Group, Warburton/Millgrove Football Club, Millwarra Primary School, Millgrove CFA, Wesburn Junior Football Club, and Victoria Police, as well as local and state government representatives.
The table below summarises the key outcomes from this planning day:
Issues Plan Outcome
Children and Youth
Establish a Youth Advisory Committee at Upper Yarra Secondary College Established
Infrastructure and Services
Lobby to seal shoulders on Warburton Highway Ongoing (Shire)
Request that Millgrove be included in a study to look at how bus services could be improved Insufficient support received
Lobby for a pedestrian crossing where the Rail Trail crosses Warburton Highway, and trimming of trees in sightlines
Constructed
Lobby for Wonga Road to be included in Council’s dust suppressant program Implemented
Lobby for repair of River Road and McKenzie King Drive McKenzie King Dr implemented
Expand mail delivery to all parts of Millgrove Wonga Rd delivery established
Lobby for new signage and rolled crushed rock on Rail Trail Implemented
Erect an interpretation gateway with map, information, and business promotion at Millgrove train station site Included in 2015 plan
Sport and Recreation
Lobby for Master Plan for Millgrove Recreation Reserve Plan completed in 2007
Lobby for a playground for McKenzie King Reserve Constructed
Lobby for public toilets for Warburton Highway and at Constructed
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 8
the Recreation Reserve
Community Learning
Establish Millgrove Residents Action Group Inc. which would act for the best interests of residents, and could apply for funding for festivals and events
Established
MRAG to distribute a regular Millgrove community newsletter
Newsletter replaced by social media (Facebook + Blog)
Apply to the Community Facilities Fund for a multifunction facility which will provide a range of learning initiatives for the Millwarra school and Upper Yarra communities.
Millwarra Community Centre built
Women Raise concerns about the prevalence of Domestic Violence in Victoria.
Letter from Tammy Lobato to the Minister for Women’s Affairs and the Women’s Caucus.
Environment
Request funding for weed control along Yarra RiverFunding provided to Millgrove Environmental Restoration Group.
Request that a committee be appointed to manage the river frontages
MERG appointed as committee of management for the Yarra River frontage
Community Safety
Support a funding application for Upper Yarra SES to purchase a hydraulic generator. Application was successful
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 9
Upper Yarra Community Building Initiative (UYCBI), 2006-2011
In October 2005, a year after the Forum in Millgrove, Upper Yarra Community House successfully applied for funding from the Victorian Department of Victorian Communities, to establish a Community Building program in the Upper Yarra. The newly formed Millgrove Residents Action Group was a partner in this project, along with similar groups in Warburton and Yarra Junction, as well as Yarra Ranges Council. Advocacy and project work was carried out over the next 5 years throughout the Upper Yarra, including lobbying for better transport, medical services, recreational facilities, employment opportunities and affordable housing.
In Millgrove, the significant project that was attempted as part of the UYCBI was the “third bridge” project, a pedestrian bridge which was proposed to cross the Yarra River roughly half-way between the two existing road bridges over the river. This bridge would improve access to the centre of the town for residents in River, McKenzie King and Wonga Roads, and would also improve pedestrian safety for schoolchildren. Despite many years of research and advocacy by the community, government support for this project was not forthcoming.
Other significant projects were supporting the establishment of the Upper Yarra Community Environment Park in Wesburn, now known as Yarra Valley ECOSS, and successful advocacy that led to the creation of new sporting facilities at Yarra Junction Recreation Reserve.
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 10
Projects involving Millgrove Residents Action Group, 2005-2014
2006 Community Men’s Kitchen Mail Deliveries in Wonga Road Supported Community hall Road Signs/speed restriction signs Mirror at the end of Tulloch Street Signs forbidding the dumping of rubbish Pedestrian Lights Restoration of Millgrove First World War Avenue of Honor (Ongoing) Improvements to the Millgrove Station Reserve Area (Ongoing) A Welcome Sign for Millgrove (Ongoing) Involvement in Carols by Candlelight After Hours Medical Clinic Campaign Take responsibility for Millgrove Sunday Market
2007Affordable Housing CampaignRailway/PO Centenary Celebrations3rd Bridge Project (Not forthcoming)
2008Solar Power Project
2009The inauguration of the Millgrove Anzac Day Dawn ServiceCarols By Candlelight at Pallotti College
2010Graffiti Clean Up Day & Community BBQ
2011 Inauguration Remembrance Day Service
2012 Shire of Yarra Ranges Community Group of the Year Certificate of Recognition, Tidy Towns 2012
MRAG donates annually to various local community groups, schools and churches
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 11
Millgrove Environmental Restoration Group (MERG)
MERG was established in 2007 and has been a very successful working group in creating paths along the Yarra River. Working bees with the community and many tree planting days with Millwarra Primary School have been held. MERG has also been involved with Ben’s Shed, a men’s working group, to build picnic tables on the banks of the Yarra.
In 2012 MERG (under the MRAG umbrella) won the Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards for Protection of the Environment.
Millgrove Preschool
The program at the school uses Millgrove to make the children aware of the beauty of our township, by using the oval for runs, going to the river for lunch (on hot days paddle their feet in the river) and go for autumn walks to discover the exiting colours of nature. In winter when the weather keeps the children inside for too long, the Community Building’s Gym is available.
Millwarra Primary School:
Some elements of the Enrichment Program linked to the community.
ANZAC Day CeremoniesBen’s ShedCookingCraftSt. John First AidGardeningGolden Wattle Club – Inter generational ProgramInterschool AthleticsLeaders Day at Pallotti CollegeYarra Junction Library ExcursionRadio Show, monthly at 99.1 Yarra Valley FM (10.00am-10.30am)Ride/Walk to school daysWalk with Grif, local environmental walksTree planting along walking track near river with MERG
Pallotti College:
Good Tucker Day Shared on alternating Tuesdays with the River Valley Church in the Millgrove Reserve opposite the shops. Available for anyone in the community to attend.
Christmas Day Lunch Free to the communityWood Bank For local familiesEmergency accommodation
Through referrals from agencies and churches
Emergency relief Food, support, referrals – accessible to all community members. A minister, residing at the College, is always available for anyone in the community
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 12
Regular programs delivered by River Valley Church between 2005 and 2015.
The River Valley Church aims to be relevant and reactive to assisting the community in many ways by providing physical, social, emotional and spiritual support. Apart from religious activities, the following community-wide activities are offered by Church volunteers:
Men’s support group weekly at the River Valley Centre
Good Tucker Day Every Tuesday in the Millgrove Reserve opposite the shops. Available for anyone in the community to attend. Often attended by outside agencies who provide support and information to those attending
Rivertots Playgroup every Thursday
Youth programs youth group meetings fortnightly – open to all youth
Super Heroes camps annual low-cost camps available to children within our community
After school kids club weekly (for the first six years of River Valley Church)
Breakfast programs held in the reserve opposite the shops at Millgrove and also at Upper Yarra Secondary College and twice weekly at Millwarra Primary School
Carols by Candlelight earlier events done in partnership with other churches. Currently in partnership with Warburton Advancement League
Step up for LIFE programs held during the term at the River Valley Centre in Millgrove – for all community members
Emergency relief programs provided all year round by the River Valley Careworks Team at the River Valley Centre. Food, support, referrals, limited financial assistance, bill relief, transport assistance, limited home help and so on –accessible to all community members
Christmas Toy Shop provided in conjunction with other emergency relief agencies in the area. All community members can access this service which provides good, new and substantial toys for children at the cost of a donation
Community Workshop and Trade Skills
currently weekly on Thursdays
Christmas Hampers River Valley provides hampers for community members in the week prior to Christmas. Those who have accessed Careworks and other community members are eligible
Support groups weekly groups that provide home visits, pastoral care, counselling services, group programs, mentoring etc.
Term programs programs are provided weekly and are advertised through the distribution of brochures and are displayed in the window at the River Valley Centre
Millgrove Market organised in association with MRAG
Millgrove Anzac Dawn Service and Remembrance Day Service
organised in partnership with MRAG
Management of Millwarra Community Centre
the Church was a key stakeholder in the development and construction of the Centre, and contributed significant funding. Currently Community Centre Facility Managers
Many groups use the Community Centre and the River Valley Centre, on a weekly basis.
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 13
Regular Programs Delivered by the Millgrove Baptist Church between 2005 and 2015
The Millgrove Baptist Church seeks to be part of the local community and not just a place of worship.
Second Bite Every Friday morning from 10-11:30 in the church hallMobile Library Every second Friday morning from 10-11:30 in the church hallCarpet Bowls Every Friday morning from 10-11:30 in the church hallOpportunity Shop On Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings. Funds are used to help
people with specific needs in our community.Emergency Relief / Christmas Hampers
Through connections with LinC for residents needing assistance in Millgrove.
Christmas Social Event First Thursday of December (games, a children’s Christmas play and a BBQ.
Community Fun Day On a Saturday during the summer. Every activity free of charge.(This has not happened the last two years)
Church Facilities / Hall Open for use by people and groups in the community.School Holiday Programs In first and third term holidays, one day programs are conducted for
primary aged school children
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 14
THE COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS IN MILLGROVE, 2014-2015
In total, about 200 people actively participated in the community planning process in Millgrove, by attending events and by providing suggestions at various events or via email, Facebook or phone calls. The various events that were held are described below.
WORKSHOP, AUGUST 2014
Organised by Catherine Nelsson from Council’s Emergency Management unit.
Ideas coming forth out of this meeting:
More footpaths More sealed roads Better access to rail trail Safety for cyclists on highway Child safe fence around playground More landscaped gardens More picnic facilities Better public transport Increase local volunteering A women’s working group Fun, social activities
WORKSHOP, NOVEMBER 2014
This workshop was facilitated by Kimbra White from Mosaic Lab.
The purpose of this forum was to decide on community projects that will make Millgrove an even better place to live and also to form groups to take action on agreed projects.
The community assets were identified by the group as a whole. In smaller groups resources and skills, available in the community, were identified as well.
Among a lot of ideas two major projects identified were:
- River Road Walking Track- Better use of Community Buildings
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 15
POSTERS OUTSIDE THE NEWSAGENCY, FEBRUARY 2015
A series of three posters were put on the noticeboard outside the newsagent, during February. Each poster stayed up for at least one week. Residents wrote their ideas. It was interesting that many people made their contributions at night.
LISTENING POST, FEBRUARY 2015
Bob from MRAG set up outside the shops on a Saturday morning in February and spoke to passers-by, and asked them the following questions:
Questions Some answers
What do you like about Millgrove? It’s friendly, no smog, affordable living, country atmosphere, feeling at home, cheap rent
What would you like to see created in Millgrove? Lowering speed limits, footpath between Gillis and Dee Road, issues about safety, better mobile phone reception, late night bus service, family focused social get-togethers
What does “Community” mean to you? Support network, inclusion, social diversity, people working together
Would you like to be involved in making things happen in Millgrove?
No, too busy / not a lot of time due to commuting
DISPLAY AT THE MILLGROVE MARKET, MARCH 2015
To try and get as many people involved, food and survey were combined at the MRAG market stall. The focus was on the River Road project, as the November 2014 Forum had shown that there was a lot of interest in developing the north side of the river and linking it up with the Dee Road track. A poster wall was erected explaining that this area is a prime recreational site and encourages engagement with nature. Visitors were encouraged to write their opinions down.
In Annex ideas for this project can be found under number 1
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 16
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AT UPPER YARRA SECONDARY COLLEGE, MAY 2015
Nancy from MRAG and Chris and Simon from the Shire of Yarra Ranges Council visited Upper Yarra Secondary College to find out what were the burning issues for teenagers from Millgrove. Fifteen students attended a half hour lunchtime session.
Below are the most common ideas:
Ideas
- Gym and other recreation activities at the Community Centre
- Upgrade equipment and facilities at McKenzie King Park
- A rope swing on the river
- More police presence in the town
- Better roads and streetlights
- A motor-cross or go-cart or BMX track
- Skate park
- Millgrove sports teams for girls, e.g. basketball, netball.
COLLATING AND CATEGORISING THE IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS, JULY 2015
At the monthly MRAG meeting in July, members sorted through all of the ideas and suggestions gathered so far, and sorted them into seven categories.
1. River Road walking track2. Good solid path between Primary School and shop area3. Shade cloth over the picnic area opposite shops4. Timber log with inscription “Millgrove” to the entrance/park area of town5. Wall notice board with info about venues and business advertising6. Rotunda in park reserve near BBQ7. “Millgrove” Facebook site that links with QR-codes
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 17
STUDENTS AT MILWARRA PRIMARY SCHOOL, JUNE 2015
Nancy and Kate from MRAG visited the primary school and held a session with 17 Grade 3-4 students and another session with 16 Grade 5-6 students.
Results can be found in Annex 2.
Below are the most common ideas:
- BMX jump- footy/netball team- Tree house- Water bubblers- Better hospital access- More police presence
SURVEY, JUNE 2015
In June 2015 MRAG conducted a community survey. The aim of this survey was to prioritize the seven goals. The community was asked to place a number next to each goal, 1 being considered their highest priority and 7 being their lowest priority. Overall 90 community members contributed to this survey. 79 completed surveys were returned via the news-agency or handed in at the community dinner and another 11 via an on-line survey.
As well as providing a means of gathering community input and generating interest, the survey also invited the community to attend a free Community Dinner and Workshop hosted by MRAG, to be held on Saturday 27th June.
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 18
COMMUNITY DINNER AND WORKSHOP, JUNE 2015
This workshop was facilitated by Maxine Burke from Double Edged Training and Consultancy.
Over 65 people attended the Community dinner. The audience ranged from residents who had lived in Millgrove for over 65 years, to new residents who had only recently moved to Millgrove within the past month.
At the beginning of the night, MRAG provided an overview of the projects they had worked on over the past years, and also explained the process that was followed to gather community input as part of the community planning process. There was also a trivia quiz about Millgrove.
Top Five Priorities for Action
A weighting system was used to identify the top five priority areas. Each priority vote 1-7 was given a specific number of points. The five goals which received the most number of points once all surveys were recorded were deemed the greatest priority for the township.
The top five priority goals were as follows:
1. Create linked walking tracks to provide safe access to schools, shops, churches and the Warburton Rail Trail
2. Create welcoming and attractive entrances to Millgrove3. Lobby for better mobile phone coverage and internet access4. Use Millgrove’s community buildings and spaces for new activities that encourage residents to
get to know one another5. Address community safety issues with authorities
Identifying Project/actions
Guests then worked in small groups with each group focused on a particular priority goal. Through discussion and conversation each group explored the community projects/activities that had been identified under their action area. The group participants were invited to add any additional projects not listed which they felt were relevant to the town. Eventually each group identified two project ideas which they considered to be the highest priority for implementation.
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 19
Action Plans
Each group was asked to complete a Taking Action template for each of their two project ideas. At the conclusion of this workshop activity plans were drafted for fifteen project activities. Due to the limited actions which could be taken with the action goal to “lobby for better mobile phone coverage and internet access”, one group decided to also address the goal relating to lobbying for better public and/or community transport which was pointed out by them as just falling outside of the top five priority goal areas.
Project ideas proposed at the Workshop
1. Create a gravel path from the Millwarra Primary School to the shops 2. Provide a footpath outside homes and create a river walk along River Road3. Erect a cover over picnic seating at the Millgrove shops and landscape the site4. Provide a footpath from Dee Road to Gillis Street along the Warburton Highway5. Install vertical flower boxes under the Millgrove sign6. Erect a Bull-nose Rotunda around the barbeque 7. Relocate Goldsmith Mill to Alpine Mill8. Move Telstra tower to Mt. Little Joe9. Provide regular community activities (day and evening). Use of Millwarra Community Centre as a
Millgrove Social Club offering different activities for the community. 10. Establish a local CWA or U3A in Millgrove 11. Better identify Millgrove’s Community Buildings including Pallotti, Baptist Church; Soccer Club rooms;
Community Centre. 12. Township Facebook page/website to connect everyone, especially the younger generation. Upload
events, news, and information about what is happening in Millgrove etc. 13. Install CCTV in the wider community e.g. McKenzie King Park and the toilet block near the CFA14. Seal Cavanagh Road, River Road as a priority, and all other roads in Millgrove and Install drainage at
the front of Millwarra Primary School. 15. Provide a Telebus from Warburton/Millgrove/Yarra Junction visiting Millgrove estate every hour for a
reasonable fare.
A Vision Statement for Millgrove
Guests were provided with a brief introduction to the concept of Vision Statements. Maureen Halit from MRAG provided guests with a reminder of MRAG’s Vision Statement and explained how MRAG members felt the time was now right to develop a new Vision Statement to take MRAG and Millgrove into the future.
Still working in small groups, each guest was asked to suggest five words which they felt would best describe Millgrove in five years’ time. Guests were then asked to share their five words with the rest of their group.
Again through conversation and discussion, each group was then asked to consider all the words put forward by their members and then choose five to share with the rest of the room.
The words contributed from all groups across the room were then reviewed to identify similarities and duplicates, reducing the final number of words to 20:
Welcoming Active Friendly CaringDynamic Diverse Picturesque CohesiveBeautiful Safe Quiet A HubWonderful Eden of the North East Dreams A HabitatProminent Vibrant Inclusive Loving
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 20
FINALISING THE PLAN, SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015
At MRAG’s meetings in August and September, the actions that were proposed at the community dinner and workshop were discussed at length. The top priority projects were identified.
For MRAG’s October 2015 meeting, all committee members were asked to come up with a draft statement. After extensive discussion, the group came up with the following statement:
Working to create a welcoming, safe and vibrant place, by being inclusive, caring and positive.Millgrove, a place we are proud to call home.
RELEASE OF DRAFT COMMUNITY PLAN, NOVEMBER 2015
This draft plan was completed by Millgrove Residents Action Group in November 2015. The community was informed about the plan and asked for feedback by a letterboxed flyer, as well as e-mail and social media. The full plan was available from the Newsagency as a hard copy and online through the Blog and Facebook.
36 hard copies have been picked up. An email was sent to 68 addresses. The Facebook post reached 886 people, had 102 post clicks, 33 likes/shares and zero comments.
16 positive comments were received by Maureen Halit at the Newsagency.
The plan was finalised and presented to Yarra Ranges Council for acknowledgement on 1 December 2015.
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 21
THE MILLGROVE COMMUNITY PLAN, 2015-2017
VISION STATEMENT
Working to create a welcoming, safe and vibrant place, by being inclusive, caring and positive.
Millgrove, a place we are proud to call home.
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
Action Next Steps When Who
Create linked walking tracks to provide safe access to schools, shops, churches and the Warburton Rail Trail.
Create a gravel path from the Millwarra Primary School to the shops
Contact landholder to ask permission
Landholder to apply for permit(s) Establish a working bee group Skilled volunteers build path
2015-2016 LandholderMRAGSkilled volunteers
Create a river walk along River Road
Discuss idea with landholder/s to gain their support
Draw up a plan Organise permit(s) Establish a “River Road” group Apply for grant/s Organise skilled volunteers
2015-2017 Parks VictoriaMelbourne WaterYarra Ranges CouncilMRAGSkilled volunteersSchools (students)Scouts
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 22
Action Next Steps When Who
Create welcoming and attractive entrances to Millgrove
Erect a cover over picnic seating at the Millgrove shops and landscape the site
Contact landholder to ask permission
Draw up a plan Landholder to apply for permit/s Organise working bee
2016-2017 LandholderMRAGSkilled volunteers
Lobby for a footpath from Dee Road to Gillis Street along the Warburton Highway
Hold events to gain community support
Contact VicRoads to get their support
Draw up a plan
2016-2017 VicRoadsMRAGSchool (Students)
Erect a Rotunda around the barbeque in Reserve
Contact Council to seek permission
Draw up a plan and present to Council
Seek donations of materials
2016-2017 Yarra Ranges CouncilVicRoadsMRAGLocal tradesmen/ volunteers
Create a log bogey at the entrance to the Reserve
Contact Council to ask permission
Draw up a plan and present to Council
Seek donations of materials
2015-2016 Yarra Ranges CouncilVicRoadsMRAGSkilled volunteersMill owner
Install enclosed noticeboard on wall between Newsagency and Bakery
Contact landholder to ask permission
Seek donations of materials Identify skilled volunteers Build and erect noticeboard
2015-2016 LandholderMRAGSkilled volunteersCFA
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 23
Action Next Steps When Who
Make better use of Millgrove’s community buildings and spaces, and start new activities that encourage residents to get to know one another
Encourage greater use of Millwarra Community Centre as a Millgrove Social Club offering different activities for the community.
Contact groups that already use the Centre
Put together a list of existing and potential activities
Invite community to come and discuss wish-list
Establish new afternoon/night activities
2016-2017 MRAGRiver Valley ChurchOther users of CentrePrimary school
Encourage local CWA and U3A groups to be more active in Millgrove
Establish group of interested volunteers
Organise information nights at Community Centre about Upper Yarra U3A and Upper Yarra CWA
Encourage residents to join these existing groups
Invite existing groups to run activities in Millgrove
2016-2017 MRAGCommitted volunteersUpper Yarra U3AUpper Yarra CWA
Promote Millgrove’s Community Buildings, including Pallotti, Baptist Church, Soccer Club rooms, Community Centre.
Identify available buildings and outdoor spaces
Promote to community as a small directory in the shape of a pamphlet
2016-2017 MRAG
Set up a Township Facebook page and/or website.
Create a Millgrove township Facebook page
Upload events, news, and information about what is happening in Millgrove etc.
2015-2016 Any committed computer / social media skilled volunteer
Set up a New Residents Welcome Group
Establish group of interested volunteers
Create a Welcome Bag/Folder Identify new residents
2016 Committed volunteersMRAG
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 24
Project/Action Next Steps When Who
Lobby for better public and/or community transport
Lobby for a Telebus from Warburton/ Millgrove/ Yarra Junction visiting Millgrove estate every hour for a reasonable fare.
Research previous attempts to provide bus service (River Valley Church)
Contact Martyrs Draw up plan Survey / petition Lobby
2017 Yarra Ranges CouncilMartyrs
Project/Action Next Steps When Who
Address community safety issues with authorities
Install CCTV in the wider community e.g. Shops, McKenzie King Park and the Reserve
Meeting with police Set up plan Apply for grant
2017 MRAGCFAYarra Ranges CouncilLocal shop keepersSchoolPolice
Support residents who want to seal their road: Cavanagh Road, River Road as a priority, and all other roads in Millgrove
MRAG to support residents to meet together if they wish to put in place a special charge scheme to seal their road
2016-2017 MRAGResidentsSchool
Campaign for drainage at the front of Millwarra Primary School.
Petition from residents Check if there are other schools
on dirt roads in Yarra Ranges Lobby Council
2016-2017 MRAGSchoolParents of school studentsUsers of Community CentreSports Clubs
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 25
Action Next Steps When Contact
Set up new recreational facilities in Millgrove
Establish new recreational activities in Millgrove
MRAG members to meet principals for Millwarra Primary School and Upper Yarra Secondary College to discuss outcomes of consultations with students
MRAG members to have follow-up meetings with students
Identify priorities Approach sports clubs and
recreation service providers to start new activities in Millgrove.
2016-2017 MRAGInterchange Outer EastSports clubsMisfit Theatre
From "The Seasons in our Town": a picture book by children from Millgrove, Wesburn and surrounds, Yarra Ranges Council 2012
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 26
Annex 1: Areas for Action and Project Ideas
1. Create linked walking tracks for safe access to schools, shops, churches and the Rail Trail Create walking track on the Yarra River bank (River Road side) to link up with Dee Road track Complete the walking track on both sides between McKenzie King Drive and Dee Road Bridges Clear river bank on Dee and River Road for easier access to recreational use, and extend river path Seal footpath along highway between Dee Road and Gillis Street Seating on River Road Seal path between school and shops Proper drainage on streets Rubbish bins by the river Pedestrian overpass over highway Better access to rail trail Footpaths safe for walkers
2. Use Millgrove’s community buildings and spaces for new activities Working women’s group to tackle jobs we need doing as a collective Involve pensioners in our community, make them feel welcome Community building project – connections and engagement/a sense of belonging for everyone More whole of town get-togethers Regular community activities (days and evenings) Community notice board Build confidence to speak out as a community Family focused social get-togethers More Sunday markets Welcome new residents Increase local volunteering Music festival Talent night
3. Create welcoming and attractive entrances to Millgrove Upgrade McKenzie King park equipment, toilet, shelter, fence Post and Rail fence continued from toilet block to pedestrian crossing (Bull nose) Rotunda – from new fire station to toilets as shelter e.g. for markets Train silhouette on existing rail line near pedestrian lights as entrance to Millgrove Vertical flower boxes spelling Millgrove Village feel to shopping complex: notification to shop owners to develop a plan Steel constructed Christmas Tree, replacing lost pine solar lights More picnic facilities More landscaped gardens (More) sanitary bins for girls toilets Sculpture or art piece Public bins in parks Convert timber mill to wetland Clean up Mill site More seats and shade along rail trail Roses for our diggers next to plaque near toilet block Theme park Black Saturday memorial plaque at CFA Information about the history of Millgrove on display near Rail Trail Maintain beauty of mountain background in Millgrove Plantings to hide Mill from the shops
4. Set up new recreational activities in Millgrove
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 27
Have a Community Centre, a place to hang out Millgrove sports teams for girls e.g. basketball/netball Athletics running track Bring back rope swing on river Youth group after school (gamers, pool tables) like at Redwood Centre in Warby Fitness Park A walking group Skate Park More organised youth activities Activity playground River walking track A running group Gym/Bowling EB games shop BMX Trails (get bikes off roads)
5. Address community safety issues with authorities 50km/hr and signs on all local roads in Millgrove Sealing of unmade roads and footpaths – Wonga Road, Dee Road, River Road. Security plus toilets at McKenzie King Park Community watch “keep our children safe” Police station/more patrols/less drug dealing and “Rats”at park Traffic lights at intersection of McKenzie King Drive and Warburton Highway Child safe fence around playground Put up bus shelters that can’t be smashed More street lights through Millgrove Less drug dealers in town Traffic lights at CFA station Safety for cyclists on highway A safe children’s playground CCTV at shops Safe sleeping places for homeless Better roads Speed humps on McKenzie King Drive 50km/hr zone on highway between Wesburn and Warburton Kid’s playground using recycled materials
6. Lobby for better public and/or community transport Community bus from Warburton to Yarra Junction ($1 each way) Tele-bus service from Yarra Junction to Warburton Divert public bus through estate (McKenzie King Drive) Public bus 6am-8am on weekends Late night bus service and on weekends Bring back the Railway
7. Lobby for better mobile phone coverage and internet access Relocation of Telstra tower, away from Mill site 4G mobile phone reception
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 28
ANNEX 2: MILWARRA PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Survey 19 June 2015 with Grades 3-4 (17 students) and Grades 5-6 (16 students)
Theme Ideas No. of responses
Grade 5-6
VOTE
Grade 5-6
No. of responses
Grade 3-4
VOTE
Grade 3-4
Total
OUTDOORS A better playground 1 6 7
More play grounds 1 1
New (cleaner) toilets 2 1 3
Water Bubblers 2 3 5
SPORT/ RECREATION
Footy Ground 1 1
Skate Park 2 1 3 6
Rope Swing - 1 1 2
Flying Fox - 1 - 1
Tree House - 1 11 12
Bike Club 1 1
Car Club 1 1 2
Go Kart Track 1 3 4
Motor Cross Park - - 1 6 7
BMX jump 1 3 1 2 7
Community vegie garden 2 1 3
More groups like youth theatre 1 1
Hotel allowing pets 1 1
Cinema - - 1 1
Gym - - 1 3 4
Swimming Pool - - 1 3 4
Footy – Netball Team - - 1 17 18
PUBLIC ASSETS
Bush projects 1 2 3
More paths (in the bush) 2 2
A bike path (to school) 2 2
Walking tracks 1 1 2
Foot paths – River Rd- from estate to shops 1 1
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 29
Walking bridge over the river (from Tullock Rd) - - 1 1
Bigger parking areas 1 1
Help the mill consume less wood (less wood at mill)
1 1 2
Have less rubbish on the ground 1 1
Litter pick-up group 1 1
Signs “Put rubbish in bin” - - 1 1
Community park on the main road (make it better)
1 1
Bus Depot 1 1
Have real life game characters from games like Pokemon
1 1
More Trees - 1 1
SHOPS Make Millgrove more modern 1 2 3
New shopping centre 1 1
More shops 3 1 4
Game store
Movie/video store
Bookstore
Bike shop
Lolly Shop
Ice-cream Shop
Hairdresser
3
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
1
1
1
-
-
-
-
8
5
-
3
1
1
1
9
6
1
Small IGA/Safeway - - 1 - 1
Car wash 1 1
SERVICES Welcome to new residents in Millgrove 1 1
Library (not aware that it is in Baptist Church now)
3 3
Out of school Homework Club (exists) 1 1
Animal Care Group 1 1 2
SAFETY Have a police station (because of hoons, unregistered motor bikes on the road)
1 5 6
Have a hospital (Re-open the hospital in Warby) 3 7 10
Large fire truck 1 1
Traffic lights at McKenzie King bridge to get to 1 3 4
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 30
bus stop on trail-side / School crossing
ANNEX 3: FIFTEEN MILLGROVE STUDENTS AT UYSC, 13 MAY 2015
What do we need to create, change, modify, regain, keep in Millgrove?
Process - a few minutes of writing down ideas on sticky notes individually, put them on the whiteboard under categories, grouping of ideas, group discussion to clarify ideas, then 3 votes each on their favourite ideas)
Theme Idea No.of responses
Votes
Total
Transport Divert public bus through estate (McKenzie King Drive) 1 8 9
Outdoors Upgrade McKenzie King park equipment, toilet, shelter, fence
5 6 11
Bring back rope swing on river 9 4 13
A garden maze 1 1
Sport and Rec Millgrove sports teams for girls e.g. basketball, netball 3 1 4
Moto X / BMX / Go cart track 5 1 6
Skate park 2 1 3
Rec centre/gym/bowling 4 10 14
Athletics running track 2 4 6
Public assets A bridge across to Westley Road 1 1
Seal Wonga Road 1 1 2
Better roads 2 4 6
Tidy up the sawmill 3 3
No more smashed bus shelters 1 1
Keep the ANZAC memorial rock 2 2
Keep the CFA 2 2
Shops Hungry Jack’s/Macca’s/Pancake Parlour/Chinese 5 5
A good food place 1 1 2
Pub 1 2 3
Supermarket 1 1
Services Youth group after school (games, pool table), like at Redwood Centre, Warby
1 1
Long day care 2 2
Safety Police station/more patrols/less drug dealing and “Rats” at park
6 4 10
Streetlights 1 4 5
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 31
ANNEX 4: MILLGROVE ABS SUMMARY PROFILE, 2011
Name Number %
Yarra Ranges Council area %
Population Summary
Total Population 1,649 100.0 100.0
Males 831 50.4 49.5
Females 818 49.6 50.5
Australian citizens 1,424 86.4 90.1
Eligible voters (citizens 18+) 1,079 65.4 67.4
Indigenous population 13 0.8 0.7
Australian-born 1,296 78.6 79.5
Speaks language other than English at home 76 4.6 6.0
Overseas-born 224 13.6 16.3
Needs assistance due to age or disability 109 6.6 3.8
Age Structure
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) 131 8.0 6.5
Primary schoolers (5 to 11) 139 8.4 9.2
Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) 114 6.9 8.6
Tertiary education/independence (18 to 24) 153 9.3 9.3
Young workforce (25 to 34) 176 10.7 11.2
Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) 348 21.1 22.1
Older workers & pre-retirees (50 to 59) 293 17.7 14.3
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) 189 11.5 10.9
Seniors (70 to 84) 93 5.6 6.6
Frail aged (85 and over) 13 0.8 1.4
Total Population 1,649 100.0 100.0
Household Types
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 32
Couples with children 156 22.2 37.1
Couples without children 133 19.0 25.8
One parent families 134 19.2 11.3
Lone person households 214 30.5 19.7
Group households 25 3.5 2.2
Total households (inc. non-classifiable) 701 100.0 100.0
Religion
Christian religions 755 45.9 53.9
Non Christian religions 62 3.7 2.3
No Religion 557 33.9 33.8
Not stated 233 14.2 8.9
Total persons (inc. non-classifiable) 1,644 100.0 100.0
Education
Attending pre-school or primary school 158 9.6 10.6
Attending secondary school 93 5.6 7.4
Attending university or TAFE institution 77 4.7 5.5
Total persons (including those not attending) 1,646 100.0 100.0
Labour Force
Employed 642 93.1 96.0
Unemployed 47 6.9 4.0
Total labour force 689 51.9 66.3
Not in the labour force 512 38.6 29.8
Total persons aged 15+ (inc. Not Stated) 1,327 100.0 100.0
Dwelling Summary
Separate houses 764 98.7 91.9
Medium and high density 1 0.1 7.5
Other dwellings (inc. Caravans, houseboats) 9 1.2 0.7
Occupied private dwellings 704 91.4 92.4
Unoccupied Dwellings 66 8.6 7.4
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 33
Non private dwellings 0 0.0 0.2
Total dwellings 770 100.0 100.0
Housing Tenure
Owned 207 29.4 33.3
Purchasing 299 42.5 47.0
Renting 138 19.7 14.4
Total households (inc. not stated and other) 703 100.0 100.0
Household Income
Less than $600 (low) 212 32.2 18.0
$600 to $1,249 (lower middle) 223 33.9 25.4
$1,250 to $1,999 (upper middle) 104 15.8 21.1
$2,000 or more (high) 38 5.8 24.3
Incomes not stated 82 12.4 11.1
Total households 658 100.0 100.0
Internet Connection
Broadband connection 393 56.0 72.8
Dial-up connection 27 3.8 3.4
Other connection 24 3.4 2.9
No connection 201 28.6 15.4
Not stated 58 8.2 5.4
Total households 701 100.0 100.0
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011.Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id, the population experts.
Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 34