February 2015 - City of Greater Dandenong

February 2015
Bring in the Lunar
New Year
page 3
Australia Day
Award Honours
pages 8–9
Naming our
new square
page 6
Melbourne food
and wine festival
pages 7
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Dandenong office
225 Lonsdale St
Dandenong
Hello and welcome to the February edition of The City –
Greater Dandenong’s monthly magazine.
Springvale customer service
397–405 Springvale Road
Springvale
2015 is now well and truly underway. In this edition
we’re pleased to tell you about the many ways Council
will be working for you throughout the year.
Keysborough customer service
Shop A7 Parkmore
Shopping Centre
Keysborough
This month we’re delighted to announce the winners of
our annual Australia Day Awards – recognising some
of our outstanding local citizens for their achievements
in ensuring our city is a more welcoming, caring, and
inclusive place to be (pages 8-9).
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre
18–34 Buckley Street
Noble Park
All correspondence to:
The City
PO Box 200
Dandenong VIC 3175
Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au
We’ll also be celebrating the Lunar New Year and welcoming the Year of the
Goat with Springvale’s renowned Lunar New Year Festival this month. We’ll tell
you everything you need to know about how to get there and make the most of
the festivities on 15 February (page 3).
Also, this month is your last chance to have your say in naming our new civic square.
Don’t miss your chance to take part. Page 6 has everything you need to know.
Thanks for reading and have a great month.
Phone: 8571 1000
Fax: 8571 5196
www.greaterdandenong.com
Mayor Sean O’Reilly
@greaterdandy
facebook.com/greaterdandenong
youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong
TY: 133 677
T
Speak and listen: 1300 555 727
Internet: www.iprelay.com.au
TIS: 13 14 50
council@cgd.vic.gov.au
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergency calls
Police/Fire/Ambulance.................... 000
Street Lighting Faults/
Non-operational
Alinta Hotline.......................... 13 20 99
Traffic Signal Faults/
Non-operational................... 8571 1000
Hoon Hotline.................. 1800 333 000
Hard Waste Collection
WM Waste
Management Services......... 9721 1915
my CITY
An estimated 700 people attended Dandenong’s ‘Walk Against Family
Violence’ on Friday 28 November 2014 to commemorate White Ribbon Day.
Participants walked from ‘The Kitchen’ at Dandenong Market and proceeded
through central Dandenong to Civic Square, where they heard from former
Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon about the impact of family violence
upon individuals, families and the community and what we can all do to help
prevent these crimes.
Families, friends, neighbours and colleagues from across the city joined in the
walk to show that our community stands united in opposing violence and to
show their support for those who have experienced such violence.
Cover photo: Thousands of people will flock to Springvale on Sunday 15 February for the annual Springvale
Lunar New Year Festival, now in its 23rd year. See page 3 for all the details. Picture: Hilton Stone
Australian
Protection Society............... 9798 8415
RSPCA................................ 9224 2222
Nurse on Call.................. 1300 606 024
This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.
2 the CITY
SPRINGVALE
ASIAN BUSINESS
ASSOCIATION
E
stablished in 1989 by ethnic
community leaders to act as a
liaison agent between traders and
local government, the Springvale
Asian Business Association (SABA)
now has many local traders as
members, a major annual event, and
even more grand plans for the future.
The organisation aims to promote
Springvale to the wider Melbourne
community, assist local traders to
grow, and encourage people in the
region, including new migrants, to
participate in local activities.
Spokesperson for SABA, Stan
Chang, said members included
“small businesses including
restaurants, Asian groceries, butcher
shops, barbers, and gift, clothing,
and jewellery shops.”
SABA launched the first Springvale
Lunar New Year Festival more than 23
years ago, exceeding all expectations
with approximately 30,000 people
attending. This has grown to more than
70,000 in recent years. The festival is
being coordinated by Council in 2015,
in partnership with SABA.
Mr Chang said the benefits of SABA
membership included networking with
other Asian business associations, joint
promotion, and the communication
of news and developments in the
area. Any local traders are welcome
to join by contacting Mr Chang on
0411 131 130.
Bring in the
Lunar New Year
T
he name Springvale has become
synonymous with Lunar New Year
celebrations in recent years.
The Springvale Lunar New Year Festival,
presented by Adviceline Injury Lawyers,
is now in its 23rd year and is one of
the largest Lunar New Year events in
Victoria. The festival is produced by
Greater Dandenong Council in 2015,
in partnership with SABA.
Each year thousands of people
from across Melbourne flock to the
Springvale shopping district to enjoy
the fine Asian culture, traditions,
entertainment and cuisine that the area
is renowned for.
This year’s festival is poised to be the
most vibrant, sociable and entertaining
yet, as Greater Dandenong’s Asian
community come together to sweep
away the old and welcome the new
with the commencement of the Year of
the Goat.
Traditional lion and dragon dancers
will lead the show. There’ll be fun for
people of all ages with carnival rides
including a ferris wheel and giant slide,
sideshow attractions, market stalls, and
family-friendly Chinese, Vietnamese
and Japanese entertainment acts.
Springvale’s most popular eateries.
Even the most discerning foodie
won’t be able to pass up the range of
fresh, delicious Chinese, Cambodian,
Thai and Vietnamese food on offer
throughout the event.
The details
Sunday 15 February 2015
10am-10pm
Springvale Shopping District
Cnr Buckingham and Balmoral
Avenues, Springvale.
Getting there
The festival is easily accessible by
public transport. Catch the train to
Springvale Station and find yourself
right in the middle of the action. There’s
also plenty of parking, including a multilevel car park in Balmoral Avenue off
Springvale Road.
To find out more, including
a detailed event listing, see
www.springvalelunarnewyear.com.au
Entry to the festival is by gold
coin donation.
This event is proudly presented by
The festival will also showcase the
many culinary delights prepared by
the CITY 3
your COUNCILLORS
COUNCILLOR CONTACTS
Lightwood Ward – Mayor
Cr Sean O’Reilly
0422 523 258
sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Council meetings are held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month.
All Council meetings are held at the city chambers at the Dandenong Civic
Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong.
The February meetings will be held:
•Monday 9 February
•Monday 23 February.
Lightwood Ward
Cr Youhorn Chea
Ph: 9547 5745 Fax: 9547 3586
0417 320 645
ychea@cgd.vic.gov.au
Lightwood Ward
Cr Loi Truong
Ph: 0466 004 618
loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au
Paperbark Ward
Cr Roz Blades
Ph: 9701 5821 Fax: 9798 5927
0417 053 612
roz.blades@cgd.vic.gov.au
Paperbark Ward
Cr Peter Brown
Ph/Fax: 9584 5149
0408 138 939
peter.brown@cgd.vic.gov.au
Paperbark Ward
Cr Heang Tak
0403 072 291
heang.tak@cgd.vic.gov.au
Red Gum Ward
Cr Angela Long
Ph: 9795 6574 Fax: 9795 4412
0466 004 616
angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.au
Did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our web-cast
service?
You can keep up with all the latest decisions, hear questions from
residents and find out the many ways your local councillors are serving the
community.
To view meetings online simply go to www.greaterdandenong.com and look
for the ‘Watch Council Meetings Live’ page in the Your Council section.
RECENT COUNCIL DECISIONS
•Council endorsed the allocation of $137,272 to 50 organisations
who applied for financial support through the Community Support
Grants Program 2014-15. The grants will provide local community
groups and organisations with the resources to develop and run a
range of programs and events that will benefit the Greater Dandenong
community.
•Council adopted the Green Wedge Management Plan (GWMP), the
City of Greater Dandenong’s strategy for the future of its portion of
the South East Green Wedge. The GWMP provides a clear vision,
objectives and actions for the future management of the Green Wedge
for the next 15-20 years.
•Council endorsed the Activate – Sport & Active Recreation Strategy
2014-19, which will guide Council in the provision of facilities,
services and programs designed to increase participation in sport and
active recreation and improve the health and wellbeing of the local
community. The aim of the strategy is to get more people, more active,
more often in Greater Dandenong.
Paperbark Ward Councillor Roz
Blades congratulated the staff from
Greenleaf Beauty at Kingsclere
Shopping Centre for being finalists
in the City of Greater Dandenong’s
Festive Windows competition, run
for local traders throughout the
Christmas period.
Red Gum Ward
Cr Matthew Kirwan
0403 072 295
matthew.kirwan@cgd.vic.gov.au
Red Gum Ward
Cr Jim Memeti
Ph: 9792 4683 Fax: 9792 4683
0434 560 239
jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au
Silverleaf Ward
Cr John Kelly
Ph: 9793 1777 Fax: 9706 0186
0418 350 743
john.kelly@cgd.vic.gov.au
Silverleaf Ward
Cr Maria Sampey
Ph: 9790 1291 Fax: 9790 6104
0438 800 027
maria.sampey@cgd.vic.gov.au
4 the CITY
Mayor Sean O’Reilly was on
hand to launch the Summer
Reading Club at Dandenong
Library during December.
Mayor O’Reilly read The
Incredible Book Eating Boy
to a lucky group of local
school students.
Lightwood Ward
Paperbark Ward
Cr Loi Truong
Cr Peter Brown
I
t’s exciting to see Springvale really in its element this month,
as the Springvale Lunar New Year Festival brings thousands
of visitors from all parts of Melbourne to celebrate this
auspicious event.
P
During the day-long festival our Asian restaurants and shopping
strips will be busier than ever with visitors sampling everything
Springvale has to offer.
Peter Brown: Welcome back to Noble Park, Ron.
Ron Kirkwood: Thanks, Brownie...good to be back. A lot
has changed.
PB: And a lot more to come, too, Ron. Cr Roz Blades and
I secured Council funding in the Budget Review for stage 2
of the Coomoora Reserve Development and traffic works in
Dunblane Road.
RK: About time! It has only taken 20 years.
PB: Rome wasn’t built in a day, Ron. We are also going to
landscape Keysborough Reserve and plant shade trees.
RK: I thought you were going to sell it. What about Ross
Reserve?
PB: No way! Extra funding has been allocated to complete
the whole of the Ross Reserve Skate Park with good
landscaping.
RK: Any chance to underground the railway crossing?
PB: It is one of Council’s top priorities, along with Chandler
Road.
RK: That’s good, Brownie. My family and I are building a
new home off Chandler Road. Don’t want to be stuck at the
gates for ages.
PB: Greater Dandenong has a great future, Ron.
RK: I know. That’s why we are moving here. It would be
good to be able to contribute again on Council. Some young
people in Keysborough I know are interested too.
PB: Always room for new people and new ideas, Ron.
RK: What are your racehorses doing?
PB: Eating.
RK: Take them to Sandown...fantastic course.
PB: Another terrific place is Eight Dragons horse property in
Riverend Road, Bangholme.
RK: Horse heaven!
PB: Time’s up, Ron. Time for a coldie at the Noble Park RSL.
RK: Your shout, Brownie.
I’m certainly looking forward to being right in the heart of the
festivities and I hope to see many Lightwood Ward residents
out and about enjoying the day’s events and activities.
The beginning of the new year is a great chance to take
time to celebrate the continually changing face of Springvale
and the many new developments that are contributing to
Springvale being such an enviable place to live and work.
In 2015 Springvale residents will reap the rewards brought by the
completion of a number of significant local projects, including:
Springvale Grade Separation
Springvale businesses and traders will continue to benefit from
greatly improved commuter, public transport and pedestrian
access to the main activity centre as a result of the removal of
the Springvale Road level crossing in 2014.
Town Hall Refurbishment
Council is currently working through initial design concepts in
relation to the refurbishment of Springvale Town Hall. The hall
is currently a major function venue for the local community
and is utilised most days of the week and every weekend.
The town hall is a well known landmark that has served the
community well over the years and I have no doubt it will
continue to serve the community well into the future. The hall
currently comprises meeting rooms and a function room that
depending on set up can cater for up to 850 people.
Springvale Asian Gateway
In the coming weeks an exciting new attraction, the Springvale
Asian Gateway, will be completed. Council will deliver this
landmark project in partnership with the Springvale Asian
Business Association (SABA) and the Office of Multicultural
Affairs and Citizenship (OMAC). The Springvale Asian Gateway
will help reinforce Springvale’s reputation as the Asian hub of
Melbourne’s south-east.
Cr Loi Truong pictured at
Spring Valley Reserve. The
reserve is a popular place for
local residents in Springvale
due to its walking tracks and
dog off-leash areas. A new
beach volley ball court has
recently been installed, which
proved popular over the
warmer months.
aperbark Ward councillor Peter Brown recently spent
some quality time catching up with former Springvale
Mayor, Ron Kirkwood (1987-1988). The two chatted about
the changing face of Noble Park and Keysborough.
Former Mayor,
Ron Kirkwood
photographed with
Cr Peter Brown
outside the Noble
Park Post Office.
the CITY 5
working FOR YOU
COUNCIL RENEWS
OPPOSITION TO
LANDFILL SITE
I
n the lead up to last November’s
Victorian State Election Council
restated its opposition to the
depositing of contaminated waste
at the Lyndhurst Landfill Facility and
confirmed its support for the earliest
possible closure of the site.
Council wrote to all election
candidates and sitting MPs from
all major parties calling on them to
make a commitment to closing the
landfill by stating their position on the
closure, advising what actions they
would take to progress the closure
and when it would occur.
Council has been pushing on behalf
of local residents for the closure of
the site since 2007.
Since that time Council has been
instrumental in achieving a number of
improvements to the site, including
facilitating a community health study
and the formation of a Community
Reference Group to discuss with
landfill operators issues that arise.
However, Council remains committed
to working with the new State
Government to develop an alternative
state-wide strategy for waste disposal.
Last say in naming
our new square!
O
ver the last twelve months
Dandenong’s new public square has
become a much-loved community space,
hosting movie screenings, community
celebrations, festivals, our inaugural
New Year’s Eve event and more.
More than one million people have
visited the square since it was opened
to the public in April 2014.
Now, the only thing missing is a new name.
In 2014 Council ran the ‘Name Your
Square’ competition and Mayor Sean
O’Reilly said he was thrilled with the
strong response.
“We received more than 160 initial
suggestions,” said Mayor O’Reilly.
“Submissions ranged from those
echoing the history of the area to those
that reflected how residents related to,
or felt about the space.”
A shortlist of 6 names, each meeting
strict guidelines set by the Office of
Geographic Names Victoria, has been
compiled and the Mayor and Councillors
are now keen for you to have your say.
Tell us which of the following suggested
names resonate most strongly with
you and be part of this once in a
lifetime chance to contribute to Greater
Dandenong’s history:
•Harmony Square
•International Square
•Opportunity Square
•Welcome Square
•World Square
•Wurundjeri Square
Tell us which of the suggested names
resonate most strongly with you and
contribute to Greater Dandenong’s
history by submitting feedback online via:
namethatplace@cgd.vic.gov.au
www.greaterdandenong.com
www.facebook.com/greaterdandenong
Feedback forms are also available from
Council’s Customer Service Centres or
you can provide details of your preferred
name in writing to:
Name that Place
City of Greater Dandenong
PO Box 200, Dandenong Victoria 3175.
GRANT FUNDS NEW RECYCLING INITIATIVE
Ferman Zekirija from the
Dandenong Thunder Soccer Club
is looking forward to the new bin
infrastructure being installed at
George Andrews Reserve.
G
reater Dandenong’s sporting clubs
and pavilions will be cleaner and
greener with the announcement of
a new recycling initiative soon to be
trialled at 12 locations across the city.
Council received a $50,000 grant from
the Australian Packaging Covenant
(APC) to fund the installation of new
infrastructure that will enable Council to
reclaim valuable recyclables that have
until now been lost to landfill.
This will save energy and resources
as well as ensuring our sporting clubs
can offer clean, safe and welcoming
facilities.
A recent study has shown that
approximately 80 percent of the waste
generated at sporting clubs in the City
of Greater Dandenong is recyclable.
Council will replace currently-used
rubbish skips with four yellow-lidded
recycling bins (1,440L capacity)
consistent with our residential and
6 the CITY
public bin systems to make it easier to
correctly dispose of waste.
The bins will be secured in enclosed cages
accessible only by sporting club staff and
collection contractors. This increased
security will discourage the unauthorised
dumping of rubbish at the grounds,
which has previously been a problem.
New infrastructure will be trialled at the
following locations:
•George Andrews Reserve,
Dandenong South
•Police Paddocks (Soccer), Dandenong
•Noble Park Reserve, Noble Park
•Shepley Oval, Dandenong
•Coomoora Reserve, Keysborough
•Greaves Reserve, Dandenong
•Edinburgh Reserve, Springvale
•WJ Turner Reserve, Noble Park North
•Warner Reserve, Springvale
•Ross Reserve, Noble Park
•Lois Twohig Reserve, Dandenong North
•Police Paddocks (Softball), Dandenong
Melbourne
Food and Wine Festival
G
reater Dandenong is once again
gearing up to take part in the
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival with
two great events on offer.
Dandenong World Fare
The popular Dandenong World Fare is
returning to Dandenong Market. Travel
the globe at this enchanting world food
fare extravaganza and experience the
tempting aromas of global cuisines,
cultures and entertainment.
Enjoy live music and dance
performances and beautifully presented
food as you wander through outdoor
Cultural diversity is
widely celebrated at the
Dandenong Food and
Wine Festival.
hawker market stalls and canopied
stands, sizzling hot plates, and sweet
and savoury treats. There’ll also be
cooking demonstrations in “The
Kitchen” for those keen to continue the
feast at home.
Pop-up Springvale
Best of all, it’s a free event, so grab
your friends and family and make the
Dandenong World Fare your destination
on Sunday 1 March , from 10am.
An Asian pop-up event will delight
commuters with the best of
Vietnamese, Cambodian and Chinese
street cusine.
Where: Dandenong Market
Cnr Clow and Cleeland Streets,
Dandenong.
The pop-up will be cooking up a storm
between 3pm-7pm. Come along and
experience for yourself a taste of the
best Springvale has to offer.
Details: www.dandenongmarket.com.au
World Wetlands Day
Visitors to Springvale Railway Station
on Thursday 5 March will be able to
experience the exotic tastes of Asian
street food.
C
ome along and join in the fun
of World Wetlands Day with
a free community event to explore
and celebrate our beautiful natural
environment.
Take a guided tour of the wetland at
Tirhatuan Park, North Dandenong,
enjoy a live animal show and take part
in a fishing competition.
There’s also a free BBQ on offer.
The theme of this year’s World Wetlands
Day is Wetlands for our Future.
Bookings are essential as places are
limited. Call 8571 1702.
The World Wetlands Day celebration
will be held on Saturday 7 February at
Tirhatuan Park (Kriegel Way off Outlook
Drive, Dandenong North).
the CITY 7
Australia Day
Award Honours
S
ix outstanding local citizens have
been recognised for their community
spirit and commitment to making a
difference in our city as part of the
annual Greater Dandenong Australia
Day Awards.
Mayor Sean O’Reilly said the award
winners each displayed the important
qualities of generosity, hard work,
and perseverance through their
tireless work in a number of different
community groups and organisations.
“We commend the winners in each
of the six award categories for their
many achievements,” he said, “and
we thank them for their service
and dedication to making Greater
Dandenong a more welcoming, caring,
and inclusive place to be.”
Winners were recognised and
celebrated during a special
citizenship ceremony held at the
Drum Theatre on Australia Day.
GET TO KNOW OUR 2015 WINNERS
y_postcard.indd 1
Citizen of the Year –
Beverley Douglas
Beverley Douglas
27/08/2014 4:29:15 PM
Beverley Douglas has been giving back
to the community for nearly 30 years.
She has been instrumental in helping the
Springvale Learning and Activity Centre
respond to a changing community through
the development of new programs and
services. Her community spirit, ‘can-do’
attitude and selfless commitment to helping
others demonstrates the true meaning
of community service and makes her a
standout figure for Citizen of the Year.
Rohullah Rahimi
Young Leader of the Year –
Rohullah Rahimi
Arriving in Australia only a few short years ago,
Rohullah Rahimi is passionate about improving
the lives of young people and ensuring their
voices are heard. Rohullah is heavily involved
in his local community and represents the
Association of Hazaras on a sub-committee of
the Refugee Council of Australia, is a volunteer
advisor with the Centre for Multicultural Youth,
and also works extensively with Council’s
Young Leader’s Program.
Highly Commended: Carroll-Jade Doran
was also recognised for her dedicated work
on the Freeza Committee and as a Council
Ambassador. Through her volunteer work
Carol-Jade has been instrumental in delivering
a range of activities and events for young
people in the City of Greater Dandenong.
8 the CITY
Volunteer of the Year –
Natalie Irvine
Volunteer language tutor
Natalie Irvine has helped many
local residents grow in skills
and confidence through her
involvement in English conversation
classes and one-on-one language
tutoring. She commenced her
work at the Dandenong Regional
Adult Literacy Group in 1994
and has since been a valuable
influence at Dandenong Library,
and more recently, the Springvale
Neighbourhood House. Natalie is
recognised especially for the care
she has taken in guiding those she
has tutored to lead more fulfilling
and rewarding lives.
Natalie Irvine
Kelly Applebee
Sportsperson of the
Year – Kelly Applebee
Corporate Citizen of the
Year – Gerry Ryan (Jayco)
Kelly has been an
indispensable member of
the Dandenong Women’s
Cricket Club for more than
ten years in roles as varied as
administrator, coach, captain
and club president. During her
time as president, Kelly has
worked tirelessly to promote
women’s sport in local schools,
especially in encouraging
multicultural communities to
get involved in local sporting
clubs and activities.
Gerry is a well-known corporate
figure in Greater Dandenong whose
company, Jayco, is based in
Dandenong and employs thousands
of local residents. As well as being
a strong corporate sponsor of
local sporting groups such as the
Dandenong Jayco Rangers, Gerry
uses his skills and influence to provide
opportunities for others to grow
through work and training, and is a
passionate patron of the arts, sports
and the wider local community.
Gerry Ryan
Mas Mai
Multicultural Award –
Mas Mai
Mas Mai is an active member of
the Burmese community who
has established a successful
social enterprise – the Free
Burma Cafe in Springvale.
As well as showcasing the
best of Burmese food and
culture, the cafe acts as a hub
where members of the local
Burmese community can come
for advice and assistance, to
participate in social activities
and to celebrate and pray
together. Mas Mai is highly
respected as a community
leader who promotes the values
of harmony, tolerance and
inclusion and is a great asset to
the City of Greater Dandenong.
Leadership Award –
The Hazara Women’s
Friendship Network –
through Dandenong
Neighbourhood House
The Hazara Women’s Friendship
Network, founded by Rabia Nadir
(pictured), has made a significant
difference to the lives of local
Afghan women by connecting them
with others for mutual support
and giving them the opportunity
to develop the language skills
necessary for them to confidently
navigate their day-to-day lives. With
the support and friendship offered
by the group many participants
have overcome significant personal
hurdles to become more positive,
confident, and engaged members
of their community and to improve
their own lives.
Rabia Nadir
Abuk Bol
Corporate Citizen of the
Year – Encouragement Award
Abuk Bol (The Twich)
Abuk Bol established an African
Women’s Sewing Collective in
Dandenong called ‘The Twich’ that
supports women to be trained and
employed in the clothing industry, an
important step in enabling them to be
self-sufficient. Abuk migrated from South
Sudan and has achieved so much in
her own life – learning the language
and obtaining Australian qualifications
while managing a large family at home.
Abuk demonstrates the qualities of
perseverance, determination, innovation
and resilience in the way she now assists
others to enrich their own lives.
the CITY 9
community CALENDAR
FEBRUARY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
2
English in the Community
and Workplace
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30am–12pm
To register phone 9795 9279
Adult Exercise
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30–10.30am
Ph: 9795 9279
Combined Probus Club of
Noble Park Meeting
Noble Park Social Club Rooms
Ph: 9546 9693
CWA Noble Park Branch
2015 Craft Day
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre
10am–1.30pm, BYO Lunch
3
9
Playgroup
Jan Wilson Community Centre
10am–12pm, Ph: 9795 9279
Council Meeting
Dandenong Civic Centre
7pm
10
English in the Community
and Workplace
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30am–12pm
Ph: 9795 9279
THURSDAY
4
Greater Dandenong
Neighbourhood Watch
Committee Meeting
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre
Rooms 3 & 4
7:30pm
Yoga/Pilates followed by
Meditation
Jan Wilson Community Centre
12.30–2.30pm
Ph: 9795 9279
Intermediate Computer Skills
Jan Wilson Community Centre
1–3.30pm
Ph: 9795 9279 to register
Library Storytime
Dandenong & Springvale
Libraries
10.30am
Computers for the Confused
Jan Wilson Community Centre
12.30–3pm
Ph: 9795 9279 to register
Yoga
Jan Wilson Community Centre
7–8.30pm
Ph: 9795 9279
18
LOTOS (ladies social &
activity group)
Jan Wilson Community Centre
10am–12pm
Ph: 9795 9279
12
Playgroup
Jan Wilson Community Centre
10am–12pm
Ph: 9795 9279
Library Storytime
(4 year olds and over)
Dandenong & Springvale
Libraries
10.30am
Adult Exercise
19
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30–10.30am, Ph: 9795 9279
Library Storytime
(4 year olds and over)
Dandenong & Springvale
Libraries
10.30am
Dandenong Seniors Club Meeting
Highways Tabaret, Springvale
6pm for a 6.30pm start.
Ph: Neil on 8787 5968
CWA Noble Park Branch
General Meeting
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre
10am
Library Storytime (4 year olds and over)
Dandenong & Springvale Libraries
10.30am
Springvale View Club
Greyhounds Entertainment (previously
Sandown Dogs) View Road, Springvale
6:30pm, Ph: 9700 1976 or 9791 5161
Playgroup
Jan Wilson Community Centre
10am–12 pm, Ph: 9795 9279
Council Meeting
Dandenong Civic Centre
7pm
23
10 the CITY
17
Adult Exercise
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30–10.30am
Ph: 9795 9279
11
Library Toddler Time
(4 year olds and over)
Dandenong & Springvale Libraries
10.30am
16
5
24
Yoga
Jan Wilson Community Centre
7–8.30pm
Ph: 9795 9279
Business Clean Up Australia Day
www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au
25
Zumba Gold
Jan Wilson Community Centre
10.30–11.30am
Ph: 9795 9279
26
Playgroup
Jan Wilson Community Centre
10am–12noon
9795 9279
Library Storytime
(4 year olds and over)
Dandenong & Springvale
Libraries
10.30am
www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar
2015
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
1
Miracle Christian Centre
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9am–2pm
Dandenong Market
Cnr Clow and Cleeland Streets,
Dandenong
Every Sunday, Tuesday, Friday and
Saturday
Ph: 9701 3850
6
Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve
Open Day
9am–3pm
Free event but bookings essential
Ph: 8571 1702
English in the Community and
Workplace
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30am–12noon
Ph: 9795 9279
7
World Wetlands Day
Tirhatuan Park
Bookings are essential
Ph: 8571 1702
Springvale Rotary Sunday Market
Opposite Sandown Park Railway
Station
8am
14
Dandenong & District Orchid
Club Meeting
Agricultural Society Admin
Building Greaves Reserve,
Dandenong
7pm. Free event
Ph: Ron Daniell on 0412 188 263
Springvale Lunar New
15
Year Festival
Corner Balmoral & Buckingham
Avenues, Springvale
10am–10pm. Free event but charges
for some activities
Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve Open Day
10am–5pm. Free event but
bookings essential, Ph: 8571 1702
Miracle Christian Centre
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9am–2pm
Playgroup
Jan Wilson Community Centre
10am–12noon, Ph: 9795 9279
20
English in the Community
and Workplace
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30am–12pm
Ph: 9795 9279
8
Drum Theatre
8571 1666
Dandenong Library
1300 630 920
Heritage Hill Museum
and Historic Gardens
9793 4511
Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve
13
Open Day
9am–3pm. Free event but
bookings essential, Ph: 8571 1702
Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve
Open Day
9am–3pm
Free event but bookings essential
Ph: 8571 1702
City of Greater
Dandenong
8571 1000
Dandenong Alevi Cultural Centre
Jan Wilson Community Centre
3–6pm
Dresden Callisthenics
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30–10.30am
✆
21
Octonauts Live! Operation
Red Shield
Drum Theatre
10.30am, 1.30pm & 4pm
Bookings essential
Ph: 8571 1666
22
Dandenong Alevi Cultural Centre
Jan Wilson Community Centre
3–6pm
Dresden Callisthenics
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30–10.30am
Jan Wilson
Community Centre
9795 9279
Paddy O’Donoghue
Centre
8571 1436
Springvale Library
1300 630 920
Springers
Leisure Centre
9701 5900
Walker Street Gallery
9706 8441
27
28
Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve
Open Day
9am–3pm
Free event but bookings essential
Ph: 8571 1702
Playgroup
Jan Wilson Community Centre
10am–12pm
Ph: 9795 9279
Dandenong Market
9701 3850
Submit your community
event online at
Cultural Tours
9771 5777
www.greaterdandenong.com
the CITY 11
Do you
have a child
attending
secondary
school?
C
ouncil is advising residents that
this year, for one year only, the
diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTp)
vaccination program will be offered to
secondary school students in Years 7,
8 and 9, in addition to the existing Year
10 program.
Nurses from the City of Greater
Dandenong will visit all secondary
schools to deliver this program.
From 2016 the dTp vaccine, along
with other free vaccines such as
Human Papilloma virus (Gardasil) and
Chicken Pox, will be offered to Year 7
students only.
This transition will provide students with
earlier protection from these diseases
and simplify the vaccine program from
2016 onwards.
IMMUNISATION
ADVICE AND
‘CATCH UP’ SERVICE
Every Monday from
10am-11am,
Dandenong Civic Cente,
225 Lonsdale Street,
Dandenong.
Look out for the vaccine consent form/s
coming home from school with your
child. You need to read, complete and
return the form/s regardless of whether
your child is being immunised at school.
Every returned consent card will go into
the draw to win a family swim pass to
enjoy local recreation facilities. These have
been donated by YMCA in partnership
with the City of Greater Dandenong.
T
his service is for newly arrived
families (migrants and refugees),
to present their child’s vaccination
records to be assessed, and then
arrange a vaccination ‘catch-up’
schedule with a registered nurse.
All newly arrived families who have had
any vaccinations overseas must attend
this specific Monday morning service,
as this ‘catch-up’ advice cannot be
If your child is in Year 7, 8, 9 or 10 in
2015 and you have not received a
vaccination consent card from your
school, please contact the Immunisation
team at immunisation@cgd.vic.gov.au or
on 8571 1000.
To learn more about these changes, the
diseases, the vaccines, or how you can
prepare your child for vaccination go to
immunehero.health.vic.gov.au.
provided at a general immunisation
session.
Please bring all documentation related
to your child’s previous vaccinations
(this must be in English), as well as your
Medicare card and child health record
(if available).
This service also caters for parents
who have concerns about any
vaccination issues.
IMMUNISATION TIMETABLE – FEBRUARY 2015
The Immunisation Timetable for the City of Greater Dandenong is available from Council’s customer service centres or Maternal
and Child Health centres and online. Phone Council on 8571 1000 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information on
the upcoming immunisation sessions:
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
2 February
5pm-6.30pm
Springvale Service for Children, 23–28 Lightwood Road, Springvale
10 February
10am-12pm
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park
12 February
10am-11.30am
Dandenong Municipal Offices, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
17 February
10am–11am
Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough
18 February
4.30pm-6.30pm
Dandenong Municipal Offices, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
24 February
10am-11am
Jan Wilson Community Centre, BJ Powell Reserve, Halton Rd, Noble Park North
25 February
10am-12pm
Springvale Service for Children, 23–28 Lightwood Road, Springvale
28 February
10am-12pm
Dandenong Municipal Offices, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
12 the CITY
Easy parking for disabled
parking permit holders
P
arking bays set aside for people
with a disability are located near
the entrances to many buildings and
shopping centres throughout Greater
Dandenong. This ensures easy access
and shorter walking distances for those
with mobility restrictions.
But did you know that all on-street parking
in Greater Dandenong is free to residents
who hold a disability access permit?
Permit holders are also permitted to
park for twice the allowed time, so
if your car is stationed in a one-hour
zone, you can legally park in that spot
for up to two hours.
If you or a family member has a
permanent or temporary disability
that restricts mobility you can apply
for a disability parking permit by
downloading an application form at
www.greaterdandenong.com or picking
one up at any of Council’s Customer
Service Centres.
Once completed the application will be
assessed and you will be advised of
the outcome.
CALLING
ALL YOUNG
LEADERS
A
re you interested in improving
your leadership skills or
becoming more involved in the
community? Council is looking
for young, motivated people to
participate in the Young Leaders
Program in 2015!
Weekly sessions start in Term 2
and conclude at the end of Term 3.
Applications close on Friday
27 February, so apply now!
For more information, call
9793 2155 or check out our website:
www.greaterdandenong.com/
youthservices
Council’s ticket machines each have signage alerting permit holders to their free parking entitlements. Council’s
Parking Management Officer, Riyad Hodo, shows where the signage is located.
JOIN THE
HOLIDAY
PROGRAM
LEADERSHIP
COMMITTEE
C
ouncil is looking for young people to
join the Holiday Program Leadership
Committee.
Committee members will benefit from a
10-week training program and will have
the opportunity to organise a range of fun
activities and outings for local youth during
the school holidays.
If you’re aged between 12-15 this is a great
opportunity to make friends, gain skills in
leadership, learn about marketing, promotion
and event planning, as well as to get more
involved in the life of your community.
The training program will commence on
20 April.
For more information, please contact Youth
Services on 9793 2155.
the CITY 13
business NEWS
The award-winning Polish Rye Crust Bakery has appeared on
SBS’s Food Safari Program. Bakery co-owner Andrew Lipiszko
is pictured with the program’s food presenter, Maeve O’Meara.
Awards for local bakery
P
olish Rye Crust Bakery in
Dandenong won every colour of
medal at the Royal Melbourne Fine
Foods Spring 2014 Awards, including
gold for its Polish rye sourdough in the
‘Light Rye’ category.
According to Andrew Lipiszko, coowner of the bakery, the business’s
recipe for success consists of organic
rye flour sourced from Russia, not to
mention a 104-year-old starter (which
helps the bread rise) from Poland.
Mr Lipiszko has almost 20 years’
experience as a baker and opened the
specialty bakery with his wife, Hanna,
in 2009.
Program in 2013 and incorporated
recommendations from the program to
make the venue look more sophisticated
and to establish a website.
“When we opened it was during the
world financial crisis and the city’s
revitalisation works, so we restructured
the business from a bakery to a bakery
café with a master Polish pastry chef,”
he said.
The bakery features in the Council’s
new Food Strategy video, has been
part of various food tours, and has
also appeared on the Food Safari
television program. Drop in and
take a look for yourself in Foster
Street, Dandenong or visit online
www.polishryecrustbakery.com.au.
The Polish Rye Crust Bakery took
part in Council’s Streetlife Mentoring
SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS
C
ouncil recently conducted a survey
of 400 public service workers in
central Dandenong to find out more
about their local weekly shopping habits.
Council’s Greater Dandenong Business
Unit found that the average office
worker spends around $73 per week
while at work.
The survey was conducted as part
of Council’s Local Retail Consumer
Spending Capture Project, which aims
to increase local spending and enhance
the retail sector in central Dandenong.
Currently government administration
workers, including Council staff, spend
14 the CITY
around $9.5 million annually on goods
and services in the area.
According to the survey results almost
all workers buy something before,
during or after work, with less than two
per cent of respondents reporting that
they buy nothing at all.
The most popular shops for workers
to visit were cafes/restaurants and
groceries/fresh food stores. In addition,
almost 27 per cent of respondents said
that they buy clothing each fortnight.
The survey results also show that the
Revitalising Central Dandenong (RCD)
initiative has positively influenced people
working in central Dandenong. Over 87
per cent of the 382 respondents who
answered this question indicated that
the centre had improved as a place to
work as a result of the RCD initiative.
Respondents pointed out that reliability,
convenience and value for money were
at the top of the list of deciding factors
when choosing where they shop.
Word-of-mouth carries a lot of weight
for Dandenong office workers as most
respondents reported finding out about
new products, shops and interesting
offers from their colleagues and friends
or simply by exploring the centre.
community NEWS
GOLFERS UNITE
FOR LOCAL
CHARITY
T
he Greater Dandenong business
community will turn out in force
for the 6th Annual Take a Swing
for Charity Golf Day on Monday 23
February at Sandhurst Golf Course.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Sean
O’Reilly will launch the event
alongside the sponsors and local
businesses that have been the driving
force behind this highly successful
event.
Register now for Clean Up
Australia Day
T
he City of Greater Dandenong is
already making plans for a big Clean
Up Australia Day this year, and we’re
inviting the whole community to get
involved.
Get together with friends, family and
the broader community to help make
Greater Dandenong a cleaner and safer
place to live.
Start planning for a fun day out and
register now for Clean Up Australia Day
– the nation’s largest and most popular
community-based environmental event.
Clean Up Australia Day
Sunday 1 March
Business Clean Up Day
Tuesday 24 February
Schools Clean Up Day
Friday 27 February
Register at
www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au
Special Clean Up days are also held for
schools and businesses.
Registered groups receive a cleanup kit including gloves and rubbish
bags.
Individuals, schools, businesses and
local groups can organise their own
clean up site or join an existing event.
The City of Greater Dandenong can also
provide extra equipment by phoning
Samantha Ondrus on 9797 1715.
Raising nearly $200,000 for local
charities to date, this event is a great
way for business and industry to
come together to network with their
peers, as well as having some fun
and giving back to the community at
the same time.
The recipient organisation for 2015
will be the State Schools’ Relief
Fund. Money raised will go towards
the purchase of uniforms, footwear
and other essential educational
supplies for disadvantaged students
from the Greater Dandenong region.
It’s a great cause, so why not get a
team together?
Contact South East Business
Networks on 8571 1576 or email
sebn@cgd.vic.gov.au to register
your interest.
BECOME A FOUNDING MEMBER OF
THE SPRINGVALE LIONS CLUB
L
ions Clubs International (LCI) will
hold an information session in
Springvale on Thursday 12 February to
discuss the formation of a Lions Club in
the Springvale area. Local, communityminded people who are interested in
becoming founding members of the
club are warmly invited to attend.
LCI has 1.3 million members, all
volunteers, in 45,000 clubs across
the world.
As a Lions member you will have
the opportunity to help make your
community a better place to live, work
and grow whilst also learning new
skills, improving your confidence, and
meeting new people.
If you are interested in attending the
meeting please contact:
Gordon Connor on 9887 4167
(gordon@aimline.com) or Ha Nguyen
on mekong.oz@gmail.com.
Take a Swing for Charity
the CITY 15