Tails to tell - Knox City Council

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T H E O F F I C IAALL NNEEWWSSPPAAPPEERR OOFF TTHHEE CC II TT YY O FF K N O X
FEBRUARY 2016
Tails
to tell
Two months. Two festivals. Too much fun!
SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS
NEWS
page 5
FEATURE
page 6
page 8
NEWS
Bright idea
Speak out on suicide
Reunited after 24 days
Your streetlights are about to get a makeover.
More than 10,000 light bulbs will be switched
to more energy efficient globes in the
coming weeks, in a move that will benefit
the environment and save millions.
A Ferntree Gully woman is shaking the stigma
of suicide, following the unexpected death of
her husband. She’s championing SPANeast
— the Suicide Prevention Awareness Network — and is spreading the word in Knox.
Gone are the days when frantic pet owners
slapped posters around suburbs to help locate
their missing four-legged friend. A long lost
dog has been reunited with its owner, thanks
to a Knox Council-run Facebook page.
5 -6 March
Festival 2016
Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully
knox.vic.gov.au/knoxfestival #KnoxFest see page 2 for details
February 2016 1
THE OFFICAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF KNOX
Friday 26 to Sunday 28 February
Issue 2 February 2016
Knox News is published by Knox City Council
for the residents of Knox.
© Knox City Council, 2016. All rights reserved.
42nd Knox Rotary
Art Show
Friday 7-9pm, Saturday
10am‑5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Knox Community Arts Centre,
cnr Scoresby Rd & Mountain
Hwy, Bayswater
knox.vic.gov.au/theatretix
Friday 4 March
The Story of
Bon Scott
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South,
VIC 3152
7:30pm, Wally Tew Reserve,
Ferntree Gully
See pages 3 and 11 for details
(03) 9298 8000 knoxcc@knox.vic.gov.au
knox.vic.gov.au/theatretix
Sunday 6 March
Oppy Bike Ride
Explore the great shared paths of Knox on one
of three routes during #KnoxFest
10am-3pm
knox.vic.gov.au/Oppy #KnoxOppy
Thursday 17 March
Once Were Leaders
8pm, Knox Community Arts Centre
Join Max Gillies as he explores the ups and
downs of political leadership as only he can.
See page 10 for more details and shows.
knox.vic.gov.au/theatretix
Monday 14 March
Labour Day public holiday
knox.vic.gov.au facebook.com/knoxcouncil @KnoxCC
National Relay Service: 133 677
(ask for 03 9298 8000) or
relayservice.gov.au
Friday 25 – Monday 28 March
Interpreter/ /
/
Interprete/
:
131 450 (ask for 03 9298 8000)
Easter long weekend
Sunday 3 April
Knox Pets in the Park
On request, the information in this publication
is available in alternative formats.
Knox News welcomes contributions from
the community. For editorial submissions,
email news@knox.vic.gov.au
Letters for submission to the ‘Word on the
Street’ section may also be directed to
the above email address. Note that letters
may be edited in part at the Editor’s discretion.
Letters containing obscene, abusive or
defamatory language will not be published.
Knox City Council, as publisher of Knox News,
may edit these letters and has the right to
reproduce in electronic form.
This publication is available in an electronic
format (PDF) via knox.vic.gov.au
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 March
Knox Festival
Saturday 10am-5pm: Market stalls, international
food, workshops, activities and fairground rides.
Saturday from 5pm: Twilight Program and
The Big Sleepover, including pre-show family
entertainment, cinema and fireworks.
Sunday 10am-5pm: Market stalls, international
food, workshops, activities and fairground rides.
Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully
knox.vic.gov.au/knoxfestival #KnoxFest
Gilbert Park Reserve,
Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield
See page 9 for details
knox.vic.gov.au/petexpo
#KnoxPetsinthePark
Sunday 10 April
Pet registrations due today
knox.vic.gov.au/petrego
Monday 25 April
Anzac Day
NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW PRESENTATIONS 29 JUNE
CLUB AWARDS
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Club of the Year Award
– Presented by Volunteer Gifts Australia
Club Person of the Year Award (Adult)
– Presented by Knox YMCA
Best Club Initiated Program Award
– Presented by Thinking Local
Club Person of the Year Award (Junior)
– Presented by Knox YMCA
Health and Wellbeing Award
– Presented by Whole Food Merchants
Women in Sport Leadership Award
– Presented by Westfield Knox
YEARS OF
SERVICE AWARD
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
Awarded to volunteers
within Knox-based
sport or leisure clubs
who have volunteered
for 20 years or more.
Info and nominations via knox.vic.gov.au/sportawards or 9298 8000
2 February 2016
FUN FEST
Seize the Oppy-tunity
Festival fun
for everyone!
Saturday 5 March –
Sunday 6 March
Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully will be a
hive of activity on the first Saturday and Sunday
in March, when the Knox Festival returns to host
a bumper weekend of family entertainment.
Following on from last year’s Festival theme
‘Made in Knox’, the 2016 schedule of events
is inspired by the theme ‘Hidden Treasures in
Knox’, which aims to reveal the gems that make
Knox the vibrant city that it is today.
More than 10 hectares of the Glenfern Road
reserve precinct will be abuzz from 10am to 5pm
on both Saturday 5 March and Sunday 6 March,
with market stalls, international cuisine, roving
performers, workshops and activities, as well as
family-favourites such as fairground rides,
interactive sport clinics and free prize giveaways.
Festival-goers will be treated to the everexpanding Twilight Cinema as festivities kick on
Search is on for
runners and singers
into Saturday evening, with this year’s special
family movie screening of animated fantasycomedy film, The Boxtrolls. Hundreds of participants
are also expected to sleep under the stars for a
good cause as part of The Big Sleepover, and
participants will be rewarded with the best seats
in the house to enjoy the fireworks spectacular.
Stay tuned to Council’s Facebook page
(facebook.com/KnoxCouncil) for regular updates
on this year’s Knox Festival and if you’re talking
about the event online, don’t forget to use
#KnoxFest for your posts.
knox.vic.gov.au/knoxfestival #KnoxFest
Story of Bon Scott
to rock Knox
Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully will be
transformed into a spectacular outdoor rock
concert on the evening of Friday 4 March when
Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be – The Story of Bon
Scott takes centre stage.
In a Festival first, the Council-run event, in
conjunction with Wander Productions, will
launch the weekend-long festivities. Large
numbers of Knox residents and visitors are
expected to rock into the reserve off Glenfern
Road to witness the part narrative, part rock
concert that explores the life of the iconic
AC/DC front man.
Australian music legend Nick Barker has
narrated the lead role in the quintessential rock
and roll story since 2011 and will be joined by
an incredible four-piece rock line-up including
Ash Naylor from the RocKwiz Orkestra.
“AC/DC played a lot of gigs in a lot of pubs
in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs that
don’t exist anymore so I am very excited to be
performing the show back in the heartland of
Aus Rock in the 70’s,” Nick said.
Hundreds of cyclists will be seen cruising
through Knox on Sunday 6 March as the
annual Oppy Bike Ride takes place as part of
Knox Festival.
The free community fun ride, which features
14km, 25km and 36km course options, is a
tribute to one of Australia’s greatest cyclists —
Sir Hubert Opperman — who lived in the City
of Knox and rode to prominence in the Tour de
France, Olympic Games and held a number of
cycling world records.
Riders of all levels and ages are encouraged
to register online for this year’s family-friendly
ride, with marshalled course routes enabling
participants to start and finish at any time
between 10am and 3pm.
Challenges are also scattered along the course
and participants can check them off on a passport
provided to make the ride even more fun.
Cyclists who register and choose to attend Knox
Festival after their ride will receive free entry
into both days of the Festival that weekend.
knox.vic.gov.au/oppy #KnoxOppy
Two new additions to this year’s Knox Festival are
sure to have runners and singers in Knox counting
down the days until this year’s festivities.
Runners will be at the ready for the first ever
Knox Gift, with residents of all ages and fitness
levels put through their paces in an effort to be
first across the finish line.
Amateur athletes will be chasing a number
of monetary prizes, with the winner of each
category taking home a reward. Parents and
guardians won’t miss out on the chance to
make a dash for cash either, with a special race
scheduled for those who want to join in the fun.
Singers will also be warming up to the idea of
singing in front of more than 15,000 people at
this year’s Knox Carols by Candlelight — that’s
the incredible prize on offer for taking out the
first ever Knox Factor!
A choir of 10 of Knox’s most talented performers
will be battling it out on stage at Knox Festival in
order to be crowned the winner, with the crowd
volume an indicator as to who will be taking
centre stage at this year’s Carols!
If you want your voice heard to participate in this
year’s Knox Factor, make sure you register online.
knox.vic.gov.au/knoxfestival #KnoxFest
“Many locals may even remember the band’s
legendary gigs at the Ferntree Gully Hotel.”
Tickets for Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be – The Story
of Bon Scott are available at knox.vic.gov.au/
theatretix and range from $28.50 to $35.
All ticket holders to Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be –
The Story of Bon Scott will receive free entry to
Knox Festival on 5 and 6 March.
Free training for not-for-profit,
community groups and clubs.
knox.vic.gov.au/commskills
February 2016 3
ENHANCING KNOX
Creating a wetland
wonderland
There was once a school of thought that
suggested straightening meandering rivers
and creeks (waterways) and clearing them of
vegetation would improve the efficiency of
water flow. Over decades, the banks of many
Victorian waterways, billabongs and creeks
were cleared, filled and graded to achieve
this objective.
On the flip side, we filled in habitat areas, took
water away from valuable plant and animal
communities, and transported pollutants
directly from our urban landscapes into our
local waterways and on to our much loved bays
and beaches.
Today, Knox Council is looking at new ways of
providing flood protection to communities
and reinstating wetlands. Our wetlands are
designed to capture stormwater runoff and
hold it long enough for aquatic plants to filter
and clean out the pollutants that have washed
off our hard areas (roads, roofs, industrial
areas etc) before the water flows back into the
local creek.
Knox Council has been reinstating wetlands
across the city over the last five years. Once
dry and dormant for decades, re-diversion and
infiltration of stormwater within these sites has
encouraged natural habitats to flourish – with
frogs and aquatic birds returning—a symbol of
a healthy natural environment. We are giving
back to local areas the wonderful balance and
diversity of plants, animals and habitat areas
that once existed; improving the liveability of
our City; and providing local neighborhood
assets that are impressive landscape features
for community members to visit - picnic, cycle,
walk and just enjoy.
There are wetlands dotted around our City
now — and there’s more to come. If you are
looking for somewhere to visit, drop into
Starlight Reserve, Koolamara Waters and The
Terrace wetlands in Rowville; Juniper and
Yarrabing wetlands in Wantirna; Marie Wallace
Reserve wetland in Bayswater; Boronia Park
wetlands in Boronia; and raingardens in Wicks
Reserve and Golden Grove in The Basin.
Residents are encouraged to help enhance our
local creeks by installing raingardens and rainwater tanks to help reduce stormwater impacts
on creeks by filtering and reusing stormwater.
Artist’s impression only — subject to change
Your new-look
Bayswater Station
4 February 2016
Koolamara Waters, Ferntree Gully
Wicks Reserve, The Basin
Yarrabing Wetlands, Wantirna
Bayswater residents will be aware of major works
now underway to remove the level crossings at
Mountain Highway and Scoresby Road.
Residents can look forward to the new premium
Bayswater station, which will be located within the
heart of the Bayswater Activity Centre, with work
on track for completion by mid-2017.
Project works include lowering the rail line under
the road at Mountain Highway and Scoresby Road,
raising Mountain Highway, the construction of
cycling and walking paths and a new bus interchange,
with local buses already temporarily relocated to
Pine Street in Bayswater, just off Station Street.
Residents will see the bulk of works completed by
the end of this year, following a major closure of
the rail line which will take place during a six-week
period. The Level Crossing Removal Authority will
provide advance notice to local residents as well
as detour options.
levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or call 1800 762 667
92 years young,
Althea’s in
full swing
When Ferntree Gully’s Althea, 92, was dared to
have a swing on a recent community excursion,
she decided that age was no barrier.
“We were having a little walk in the park and we
were watching children having a lovely time on
the swings, when somebody dared me to have a
go,” Althea said.
“At 92, you’re not often confronted with the
prospect of having a swing, but I remembered
the joy and that freedom of flying with the wind
in your hair.
“We had to ask the children to step aside. It was
just as well their mothers were compliant.
“It ended up being a great idea. I thoroughly
enjoyed myself.”
It was one of the first excursions Althea had
attended as part of the Knox Council-run
Planned Activity Group (PAG) service, which
provides seniors with an opportunity to
socialise, share a meal and take part in a range of
activities and excursions.
Althea said the service had been “invaluable” for
her and she promised to attend more programs
through The Basin group this year, with two other
weekly PAGs operating from Wantirna South.
“I’ve come to need it more than ever because
I’m slowly losing my ability to read, and being a
Council to
get new CEO
Knox Council is set to appoint a new Chief Executive
in the coming months, following Dr Graeme
Emonson’s appointment to a role with the
State Government.
Dr Emonson recently accepted an opportunity to
head up Local Government Victoria after 14 years
with Knox Council at the organisation’s helm.
In his time at Council, Dr Emonson’s
commitment has seen Knox achieve a number
of significant outcomes, including:
• Leading a turnaround in Council’s fiscal
leadership to address the organisation’s long
term financial sustainability. This has included
Council’s approach to asset management
Throwback: Ferntree Gully’s Althea, 92, took up
a dare to have a swing during a recent Planned
Activity Group Council-run excursion.
Inset: Althea, age 6.
keen reader, I’m left with much more spare time
than I know what to do with and that’s not a
good idea,” Althea said.
“The first time I attended, there was a cooking
activity and they were making vegetable soup.
I thought that it might not be that good because
it was duplicating a recipe, but it was the most
beautiful bowl of soup I’ve had.
“That was a lesson to me that the good people
that are planning these programs really have
put great thought into it. You couldn’t help but
enjoy yourself.”
knox.vic.gov.au/healthyageing
through responsible, long term financial
planning, which has positioned Council as a
leader in the sector.
• Executive leadership to deliver a major
community asset in the form of the State
Basketball Centre and Knox Regional Sports
Park in 2012.
• Leading a highly engaged workforce that
consistently rates well above industry
benchmarks across successive years.
Dr Emonson will bring his expertise of more
than 35 years in Local Government to his
new role.
Council’s incoming CEO, who is yet to be
appointed, will have the responsibility for
the structure and management of Council, in
accordance with the Local Government Act 1989.
Stay tuned to Council’s website and online
channels for up-to-date news on a future
appointment of Knox’s new Chief Executive.
BRIGHT IDEA
Knox lights are
streets ahead
Knox Council is set to save millions of dollars by
simply switching to new, more energy efficient
street lights.
Kicking off soon — mid-March — Council will
start swapping over 10,000 lights across the city.
Just like residents have been learning
themselves — saving 100,000 tonnes of
greenhouse gases in 2015 by installing better
lighting — there’s big money to be saved by
switching to newer energy-saving lights.
The new LED globes — which are four times
more energy efficient compared to existing
lights — will do a better job at lighting local
streets, last longer and save $21 million in
Council’s power bills by 2035.
As for the ‘green’ credentials of the new globes,
the savings in greenhouse emissions will be the
same as taking 18,140 cars off the road each
year for 20 years.
In terms of numbers, switching over 10,000
globes puts Knox Council at the lead of local
governments across the nation.
Residents will be notified by a letterbox drop
when street light globes and fittings are going
to be replaced. A 200 metre-long street can be
replaced with street light globes and fittings in
under an hour.
The program of light replacements is expected
to be complete in most areas by December 2016.
Once replaced, the new globes will shine like
they did when they were first installed some
years ago. That level of brightness should also
remain for longer, thanks to improvements in
technology in recent years.
knox.vic.gov.au/streetlights
New crossing
for Ferntree
Gully North PS
Walking across Forest Road in Ferntree Gully
is now even safer, thanks to a much-needed
school crossing upgrade outside Ferntree Gully
North Primary School.
With the school term underway, students and
pedestrians are utilising the new crossing, which
was relocated over the Christmas holidays
outside the school’s main entrance.
Council monitored the crossing and decided to
improve the crossing in conjunction with the
school, after identifying the busy road as a highrisk zone for pedestrians.
Aside from the new location and bigger scale
crossing to improve visibility, the upgrade
also features the addition of an extra School
Crossing Supervisor, with two supervisors now
stationed at each of the crossings.
Ferntree Gully North Primary School has been
an active participant in Council’s interactive
School Crossing Safety program, with school
crossing mascot ‘Lottie’ having visited every
class to promote road safety and awareness.
knox.vic.gov.au/schoolcrossings
February 2016 5
FEATURE
Nicky’s story
There was nothing out of the ordinary the day Nicky
Culhane learned her husband, Colin, had taken his own life.
It was September, 2010, and their children, Bella,
10, and Cody, 8, were enjoying the September
school holidays, playing with friends inside their
Ferntree Gully home.
Nicky herself was enjoying a day off, and in
the background in amongst school drop-offs,
grocery shopping and life’s everyday bits and
pieces, she was just starting to plan for Colin’s
upcoming 40th birthday celebrations.
Colin had left the house during the night,
leaving the back door open. Nicky reassured
Bella that he had probably just gone for a
walk. But back inside the house, Nicky noticed
Colin’s keys and mobile sprawled across the
kitchen bench.
It was around 10:30am when an unsuspecting
Nicky was met by two Police officers in their
front yard. They asked to be shown a room for
some privacy. The news they delivered quickly
escalated into “chaotic grief”.
“Suicide wasn’t on my mind. It wasn’t an option.
I was completely blindsided,” Nicky says.
“I thought, ‘they’ve made a mistake’.”
Suicide wasn’t on my mind.
It wasn’t an option. I was
completely blindsided.
Now 5 years on, Nicky speaks lovingly of
her partner and husband of more than
20 years — his “clear adoration” for their children,
how he enjoyed being active and productive
and how they had lived a happy, normal
life together.
She recalls the last 18 months of his life as a
difficult and testing time, with Colin having
sustained a significant workplace injury.
“He was never quite the same after that,”
Nicky says.
“It was shocking how the situation morphed
so rapidly. How Colin’s behaviour went from
normal to unreasonable to deadly in a short
amount of time.”
6 February 2016
Powerful message: Nicky (right) and daughter
Bella are championing a Suicide Prevention
Awareness Network in Knox following the tragic
suicide of their husband and father, Colin, in 2010.
Don’t shy away
from the ‘S’ word
Nicky was profoundly impacted by Colin’s
sudden death.
She took 6 months off work and despite her grief,
carried on with Colin’s 40th birthday — which
heartbreakingly was held as a memorial, not
a milestone.
Suicide.
It’s a word which is often avoided, quickly brushed
over or silenced altogether. But it’s a word which
SPANeast, along with leading national help
services, now believes should be heard.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for
Australians aged between 15 and 44 according
to Lifeline, which provides all Australians
experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24
hour crisis support.
“Suicide needs to be brought out into the open,”
Nicky says.
“We need to shake this perception that suicide
is a taboo topic. We want people to have greater
awareness of it and seek the proper help early.”
It’s messaging which is also supported by
beyondblue, which encourages community
conversation and awareness of suicide, despite
the stigma that it should be silenced.
Reversing this stigma is a cause SPANeast has
championed since its inception in 2011, with
information stalls and online resources working
to raise awareness in Knox and beyond with a
message that, “it’s OK to ask for help”.
“We’ve had people ask whether we have support
groups here in Knox and that’s something we want
to work towards this year — engaging qualified
personnel to lead these programs,” Nicky says.
The group increases community awareness of
suicide in a way that is uplifting, inclusive and
resourceful, evidenced by their annual SPANeast
Awareness Walk.
A cluster of people dressed in calming teal and
black will be spotted marching from the Tim
Neville Arboretum in Ferntree Gully along Dorest
Road for the walk, which this year will be held in
September to coincide with Mental Health Week.
“Suicide is such a heavy topic, so we try and go
about it as lightly as we can, if it means people
will talk about it,” Nicky says.
“If we can have just one conversation which
would deter someone and help someone stay
alive, SPANeast would all be absolutely worth it.”
As Nicky shares her story, the word ‘Colin’ is visibly
etched along her right arm — a tattoo tribute.
For Nicky, it’s important that Colin is not forgotten.
She says each year brings new challenges, as
well as the recollection of fond memories. The
family keeps a memory book and jots down
everything that reminds them of Colin — funny
stories, holiday memories, personal jokes.
Birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries are
particularly painful. But it’s also the everyday
events which Nicky says “sting”.
“We have the ‘what would have been’
conversations,” Nicky says.
Bella, who grew up learning karate alongside
her Dad, will this year think of him as she strives
to complete another black belt grading.
She also wonders about her future wedding day,
and the absence of her father walking her down
the aisle.
Cody is often reminded by others that he is a lot
like his Dad.
“But Cody is funnier,” Nicky says, managing a
wry smile.
“I think Colin would be surprised at how
significantly his death has affected us.”
The tragedy has spurred her, together with her
mother-in-law Lesley and sister-in-law Gayle,
to start SPANeast — an affiliated Knox-based
initiative to the existing Suicide Prevention
Awareness Network (SPAN), based in Geelong
and Bendigo.
“While Colin was once our focal point, SPANeast
is now less about us and more about what
can be done for the community in the eastern
suburbs of Melbourne,” Nicky says.
Another way in which SPANeast encourages
conversation is through the intriguing
‘Chatterbox’ creation — a ball-pit for adults
which allows two people to sit inside, handselect a ball and read out its designated
question in an effort to provoke conversation.
The ‘Chatterbox’ will feature at SPANeast’s stall
at the upcoming Knox Festival on Saturday
5 and Sunday 6 March at Wally Tew Reserve,
Ferntree Gully.
spaneast.org.au
Knox News thanks beyondblue for advice on the
content of this article.
Staffed by trained mental health professionals, the
beyondblue Support Service offers advice, short-term
counselling and support via phone, web chat or email:
1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au/get-support
beyondblue also provides information and
resources for people at risk of suicide, and their
family and friends. Visit beyondblue.org.au/suicide
to learn about warning signs, recovery and
support strategies, and how to talk about suicide.
Knox boosts
mental health
first-aid
Up to 10 Girl Guide Leaders in Knox will
receive mental health first-aid training to
help at-risk young people, thanks to a Knox
Council Community Development Fund
grant acquired by SPANeast.
The grant of $2,200 was provided to
SPANeast as part of the 2015-16 Community
Development Fund round after SPANeast
identified that Knox Girl Guide program
leaders would benefit from comprehensive
mental health training from qualified
professionals. Participants will learn
awareness of the common warning signs,
develop confidence to appropriately
take action and refer to others for
professional advice.
Taking a pledge for
a better community
Imagine a community where all people
experience respect and equality in their
relationships.
There are a group of Knox women working
relentlessly to bring this vision to fruition.
The PLEDGE Project, run by The Basin
Community House, has been breaking down
family violence related stigmas in the Knox
community by taking workshops to local
businesses, schools, sporting clubs and
churches.
The group has one key philosophy, according
to member Heather McTaggart: “Everyone
deserves to feel safe.
“According to the latest Victoria Police
figures, Knox recorded the highest rate of
reported family violence incidents in the
Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne,
but it’s horrendous in Knox and beyond,”
Ms McTaggart said.
“It’s a global issue.”
The PLEDGE Project’s workshops have recently
been bolstered by a Knox Council Community
Development Fund grant for $7,886. The
funding will assist the group to develop
resource kits for use in interactive workshops
that address gender equality, violence against
women and family violence and promote
mutual respect in all relationships.
“We’re absolutely delighted that Council has
supported this project as it complements
work already undertaken by Council on this
issue,” Ms McTaggart said.
“People are now recognising that there’s a
huge problem and it’s wonderful that money
is being put towards preventative and support
services. This is one way we can respond.
“These workshops are making shifts in the
way people are thinking. It’s about preventing
violence, building different cultures in
organisations and communities—one in
which everyone is seen as equal,” she said.
“We’re here to send a message and to create
community conversation.
“Don’t be a bystander.”
Have a project
that needs funding?
Community grants
opening May 2016
knox.vic.gov.au/cdf
Compost your food scraps
& put them to work in your garden.
Knox residents can apply for a rebate
of up to $40 when they purchase a
compost bin or worm farm.
For details and conditions visit
knox.vic.gov.au/yourproperty
Check out how
the Community
Development Fund
(CDF) grants have
helped other
community groups
in Knox:
knox.vic.gov.au/
CDFstories
February 2016 7
AT YOUR SERVICE
Roadtrip, anyone?
Knox residents who are aged 65 years or over
or who have disabilities are invited to join in the
local community outings program.
For a trip fee of just $6, eligible residents can
attend upcoming daytrips to San Remo to spot
the pelicans, take part in a Mystery Tour, enjoy
a sweet treat at a Death by Chocolate event or
bask in the scenery during a lunch overlooking
Port Phillip Bay.
The Knox Council-run Community Transport
Outings program encourages residents to
remain active and participate in community life,
with new outings updated throughout the year
from pick-up locations at Bayswater, Ferntree
Gully, Boronia and Rowville.
Priority of access will apply to ensure as many
participants as possible. To book, or to obtain
a copy of the program brochure for upcoming
events, please call Knox Council’s Community
Transport team on 9298 8000.
We’ll guide you
Ever wanted to know what services are available
for people with disabilities or the community’s
most mature residents?
Knox Council recently launched a Guide to
Disability and Aged Services in Knox, which
provides information on disability Aged Care
services and support available in Knox.
The guide includes a range of information for
residents, including community centres and
neighbourhood houses, adult education and
employment services, recreation and leisure,
social and support groups, transport services,
children’s services and mental health programs.
Copies are available from Council’s Customer
Service centres in Wantirna South and Rowville,
or you can download a copy via knox.vic.gov.au
knox.vic.gov.au
Children’s future ‘hubs’
talk of the town
Two new early years facilities may be built in
Bayswater and Wantirna South over coming years,
thanks to Council considering a major investment.
If Council gives the green light to the new
buildings, they will be major centres for a whole
range of services that might otherwise have
been in older, single-purpose buildings.
Both new buildings would house teams of
staff working together to deliver long day care,
4 year-old preschool, Maternal Child Health
and playgroups. Occasional care is also being
considered at one of the sites.
Community Services Director Kerry Stubbings
said the proposed facilities would help Council
deliver services more effectively.
“Parents and families are very proud of the
services we offer right now,” she said, “but
Council has to find ways to keep delivering
better services in smarter ways.
“Council is exploring how it might put money
to better use in combined and more sustainably
built facilities, now separated across smaller
single and dual purpose facilities.
“Most importantly, having staff working
together in early years services actually
amplifies the learning outcomes for children
and increases the level of support for families.”
This project has kicked off with a detailed study
about where best to position two new early
years ‘hubs’, what sort of facilities they would
need, and how the services could work together.
“We are looking at everything from carparking
spaces, to types of play areas, and how we stay
compliant with rules and regulations for quality
early years facilities and services.
“This is a big initiative that would direct new
investment and resources towards young
children because we know this is a key factor in
ensuring a thriving and prosperous community
in the future.
“It’s taken some time to get the information
Council will need to consider this investment.”
Teddy’s home
after 24 days
After 24 days apart — a blur of sleepless nights,
countless phone calls and hours spent combing
the streets — the duo have been reunited.
But Vanessa says the outcome would have
looked very different, had it not been for Knox
Council’s ‘Lost Animals in Knox’ Facebook page.
On 25 June last year, the day Teddy went
missing, Vanessa’s network frantically tried to
locate Teddy, and a Facebook post with a photo
of Teddy was published on Lost Animals in Knox
and shared 67 times.
“I started to think that he might be stolen. The
post was shared plenty of times, but no-one
seemed to have seen him,” Vanessa said.
More than 3-and-a-half agonising weeks passed
before a glimmer of hope emerged on 16 July.
A Knox resident took to the Facebook page
to say a black medium-sized dog had been
spotted wandering near the Caribbean Gardens
When Vanessa’s 10 year-old Labrador cross
‘Teddy’ jumped a friend’s fence in Wantirna
South and went missing, she feared she’d never
see him again.
“I would cry myself to sleep every night because
I just had no idea where he was,” Vanessa said.
“Teddy’s a special dog. He needs a lot of
attention but doesn’t like being approached.
He’s on medication for his arthritis and also on
anti­depressants due to his separation anxiety.
I thought he must be so scared being lost out
there somewhere. I hope someone’s found him
and will report that he’s missing as he wouldn’t
be able to walk from his arthritis.”
8 February 2016
What’s an ‘integrated’ service?
The idea of an ‘integrated’ service means
positioning teams working alongside each
other to get best outcomes for children and
their families.
“By working together, children and families are
better supported.”
Key benefits:
• Improving information sharing for teams
about children so families don’t have to ‘tell
their story’ multiple times
• Making sure teams work together better to
tailor services to children’s individual needs
and family priorities
• Providing an easier path through services for
children before heading off to primary school.
knox.vic.gov.au/childrenandfamilies
TAILS TO TELL
Pet rego deadline
If there’s a four-legged friend in your life, don’t
forget to renew his/her pet registration by the
due date of 10 April this year.
State Legislation requires that a dog or cat
aged 3 months or older must be microchipped
and registered with Council, and must wear its
Council-allocated tag when outside its premises.
Registering your pet is essential and
demonstrates responsible pet ownership.
Importantly, it also ensures that if your pet goes
missing, Council is able to reunite you as soon
as possible.
Council conducts random doorknocks through­
out the municipality to check for unregistered
animals and issues fines for this offence.
knox.vic.gov.au/petrego
Pet owners treated
Every dog has its
day at the park
Knox has plenty of walking tracks and reserves
for pooches to pound the pavement, but a
purpose-built dog park in Knoxfield is a mustvisit for dog owners.
The Knox Dog Play Park, located at Knox Park
Reserve (corner of Bunjil Way) off Ferntree Gully
Road in Knoxfield, has ample space for pets and
their owners to enjoy, with dogs able to run
around and explore off leash, or even play a
game of fetch.
Obstacles, tunnels and weave poles abound
throughout the precinct, which all help to test
a dog’s agility and problem-solving skills. Best
of all, with other dogs in the park at most times,
dogs have the chance and right environment to
improve their socialisation.
The Knox Dog Play Park is Council’s first fully
fenced off leash space for dogs and while
owners are encouraged to make use of the
facility, they must be present and in control of
their pets at all times in the park.
sign and had tried to approach him, but he had
cowered away.
This sighting was reinforced later that next
day, when another resident informed the Lost
Animals in Knox Facebook page of an ‘old black
dog who appears to be lost’ and had attended
the scene with a Council officer, strategically
scattering dog biscuits for the mysterious dog.
The Lost Animals in Knox page administrator
was quick to make the connection that the
mysterious old black dog might be Teddy, and
re-posted Teddy’s original missing post and
photo. The resident confirmed what the online
audience hoped, stating: ‘Yes, that looks just
like him’.
Vanessa was contacted, and with assistance
from staff at the Rowville Vet, Labrador Rescue
and Knox residents, rushed to the scene to help
retrieve Teddy.
“Teddy was really scared, and just wasn’t
approachable,” Vanessa said.
“It was a relief to get him to the Rowville Vet. He
was skin and bones and had lost more than 4kgs.”
Six months on, Teddy is staying out of
mischief and enjoys outings to the local dog
park with Vanessa.
“I’m so happy we were able to find him, with the
help of everyone involved,” Vanessa said.
“Social media is pretty powerful. Gone are the
days where you’d just put a poster of a missing
dog up in your neighbourhood. If it wasn’t for
the Lost Animals in Knox page, I think this story
would have gone very differently.”
Knox pet owners have the chance to be recognised
for looking after their pets, thanks to the re-launch
of the Responsible Pet Ownership Competition.
Pet owners who do the right thing—such as
carrying a waste bag while walking their dog
on a lead, having a registered pet which wears
its registration tag or keeping their cat inside an
appropriate enclosure—can be nominated for
the competition, with prizes to be won.
Nominations for the Responsible Pet Ownership
Competition are now open, with winners to be
announced periodically on Council’s website
and social media channels.
To nominate someone in Knox as a Responsible
Pet Owner, fill out the nomination form on
Council’s website.
knox.vic.gov.au/petcomp
?
knox.vic.gov.au/dogpark
Lost your pet?
Spread the word:
facebook.com/lostanimalsinknox
Here’s your chance to win a
Very Important Pet prize pack,
including a pet hamper!
Simply upload the cutest photo of your pet
to your Facebook or Instagram page, include
the hasthtag #knoxpetsinthepark and tag
@KnoxCouncil for the chance to WIN!
Entries close Thursday 31 March
Winner announced Friday 1 April
Ts&Cs: knox.vic.gov.au/news
#knoxpetsinthepark @KnoxCouncil
February 2016 9
FEATURE
Meet us under
the Bay tree
A procession of cars rumble down Stud
Road in Rowville on a particularly dewy
Tuesday morning. Families dart across
lanes ahead of another school day, truckies
are lugging a load of stock and suit-clad
professionals take swigs of coffee at
traffic lights.
It’s hard to picture that, merely footsteps away,
a dozen of the community’s hardest workers are
huddled beneath a towering Bay tree.
It’s here, under its fern-green
shield, that a sharp whistle
triggers their morning
“toolbox” meeting, where the
regulars of the Stamford Park
Men’s Shed Inc scope their
daily to-do-list; everything
from resident-requested
handyman jobs, maintaining
the grounds at their historic
base, and doing what they
do best — simply doing life
alongside each other.
Barry — one of the group’s
original four members since
its humble beginnings
in 2010 — says that when
members arrive, they often
wander underneath the
shelter of a nearby Bay tree.
It’s a secret space where
banter is welcome, and
discrimination is not.
“There’s only one real rule
in our group, and that’s
whatever’s said under the
10 February 2016
Bay Tree, stays under the Bay Tree,” Barry shares.
Perhaps it’s this mateship which has seen the
community collective boom in recent years.
These days, they boast more than 30 members,
and while all over 18 are welcome, members
are typically males 69 to a spritely 84 years;
although they’re proud to have one woman on
the books.
“In fairness, we only refer to ourselves as a
‘Men’s Shed’ to enable us to network with other
Men’s Shed groups nationwide. Women are also
very welcome,” Barry says.
Champions of
our community
Taking care of business
Stepping onto the historic grounds of Stamford
Park in Rowville, one of the members chimes in
with a dad joke.
It’s a cliché, but noticeably it’s the only selffulfilling one that we encounter during our visit
to their current headquarters at the grounds of
the prestigious Stamford Park site.
There’s a sharp scent of fresh mulch and we
find the ground humming with the roll of
wheelbarrows.
It’s evident from the outset that these
volunteers go about their day with more pride
for their handiwork than many who are paid for
their efforts.
Nestled in the back quarters of the heritagelisted Stamford Park, you’ll find the group
beavering away in a hive of activity each
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Around noon, a whistle splits the air and the
members take it in turns to stay behind and
“fix up a feed”.
The group’s quick to acknowledge that the food
is “hearty” — the designated cooks made the
effort to attend the recent Jamie’s Ministry of
Food workshops in Bayswater in an effort to
adopt a more holistic menu.
The group’s chatter quickly lulls to the clink of
plates and forks when lunch is served.
Bangers and mash is served with carrots
and spinach, hand-plucked from their own
vegetable garden on site. We spill into a room
and huddle around a long table with a comical
number of tomato sauce bottles. Mouthfuls
are digested with a side of conversation
about footy.
Above: Meeting under the Bay Tree at Stamford
Park, the group meets Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.
Bottom left: Men’s Shed members get to work.
They also chew the fat about brands of ride-on
mowers, wild weather forecasts, and what mulch
they’ll pick up after lunch.
"We’re about putting into the community,” Barry
says between mouthfuls.
After working in an office environment all his
working life, Barry still catches himself smiling
with fondness as he recalls how much joy the
group has brought him.
“I never imagined I’d be involved in a group like
this. But it’s good; it brings together people in
the community from all different backgrounds
and people can talk openly. Some of us are
former office workers; some are electricians.
We’ve all come from plenty of different
backgrounds and experiences.”
In fact, the group is not just isolated to Knox.
Regulars travel from outside the community to
attend; some as far as Burwood, Narre Warren,
Oakleigh and Endeavour Hills.
Allan, 65, announces the group’s next social
meeting off-site.
“We try and make an effort to get out and about
and do social things too like go out for lunch or
go see a movie,” Allan says.
“The group gives people a reason to get
out of the house. We’ve had wives bring
their husbands down. There’s only so many
crosswords you can do.
“It’s a network of trust. We all know we can
talk about any problems we’re having in life,
or just vent.”
Knox Council’s Stamford Park Project Manager
Peter Kavan sums the group up the Men’s Shed:
“A group of locals who love their City.”
It’s not just the grounds of the historic Rowville
precinct which are being impacted by the
group’s infectious community spirit.
On Thursdays, you can find the members mixing
at the Scoresby Football Club as they join in the
weekly Rowville Community Kitchen for their
community outreach meal.
Their handmade sandpaper is trucked and
donated as far as Mildura and Warrnambool,
but they still find time to give a helping hand to
Knox’s own.
Recent projects include building a major chicken
run specifically designed and built for students
at Scoresby Primary School, which the group
affectionately dubbed ‘Chook Mahal’. That project
was followed by ‘Rat Mahal’, a similar structure
requested by a young Knox resident who
sketched up her dream rat cage for the group.
“They’ve also made a raised garden bed for a
Rowville woman who, being confined to a wheel­
chair, desired a suitable structure so she could
pursue her love of gardening,” Mr Kavan said.
“The group certainly does have a very tangible
impact on the Knox community.
“It’s wonderful to see such a proactive community
group thriving. I’m sure their best is yet to come.”
There’s tangible evidence that this is absolutely
the case. In the last six months, another
Men’s Shed group has branched off this core
collection; having started a hands-on, carpentryfocused group at Orana Neighbourhood House.
The members also see a bright future on
the horizon.
“I’m not sure how big we’ll grow in the future
but there’s always room for more members,”
Barry says.
“Everyone is welcome. All they have to
remember is that whatever is said under the Bay
Tree, stays under the Bay Tree.”
For more information visit
stamfordparkmensshed.org.au or ‘like’
Stamford Park Men’s Shed Inc on Facebook
February 2016 11
AT YOUR LEISURE
Have fun colouring in Jack.
He’s found all sorts of
treasure at this year’s
Knox Festival!
Score funding support
Would a $10,000 cash injection boost your local
sport club or leisure organisation?
Groups who have an occupancy agreement
to use Council’s recreation reserves and
community facilities are eligible to apply for
funds through Knox Council’s Leisure Minor
Capital Works Grant Scheme in order to carry
out improvements to their sporting group or
facilities. These grants need to have matching
funding from the community group.
With maximum grants of up to $10,000, leisure
and sport groups are encouraged to apply
for the matching grants to be used towards
projects such as enhancing a sporting ground,
pavilion and other ancillary facilities, or even the
purchase of equipment such as a defibrillator.
Applications for 2016-17 Leisure Minor Capital
Works Grant Scheme open on Monday 29
February 2016. Applications close at 4pm on
Friday 20 May. Grant guidelines, application
forms and more information is available on
Council’s website.
knox.vic.gov.au/grants or 9298 8000
GOWOMENLG
IN THE EAST
More female
candidates for Local
Government in upcoming
2016 council elections:
Let’s make
diversity happen!
Are you looking for a new way
to engage with your community?
Want to expand your influence
for the issues you care about ?
Want to know more about
information for female candidates?
This event is for you!
Wednesday 9 March 2016 | 6:30-9pm
Karralyka, Mines Road, Ringwood
Contact Linda: linda@vlga.org.au
or call 9349 7904
12 February 2016
Q&A
Knox News profiles a young person in Knox, with
this edition’s spotlight on one of the Knox Youth
Event Crew members.
Your name: Olivia
Age: 13
Suburb: Wantirna
What do you love about living in Knox?
There are lots of great parks, shopping centres,
bike paths and everyone is really friendly.
Describe your ideal day: I would have a
breakfast of bacon and eggs, go to the shops
with my friends, do some dancing and have
dinner with my family at a fancy restaurant
before going to the theatre to watch a musical.
How did you come to join the Knox Youth
Events Crew? My mum was on Council’s
Facebook page and saw something about the
Knox Youth Events Crew and I joined in August
last year. I just thought I could get a bit more
involved in the community.
I love it. It’s so fun and I’m going to go back this
year. I’ve made a lot of new friends and we help
out at events around Knox like the Stringybark
Festival, Knox Festival and the main event
we organise is the youth film festival, Green
Foot Flicks.
How else are you involved in the community?
I’ve been involved with the community a little.
I’ve raised money doing the Colour Run. We
raised $200 for HeartKids and I did a mud-run
obstacle course called Stampede last year and
we raised $350 for CanTeen. I also raised about
$100 doing the 40 Hour Famine, but that was
easy because I cut out furniture so it was OK.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy dancing, craft, drawing, hanging out with
friends and spending time with family.
Dancing is my favourite sport. At my dance
school, I’ve helped teach the little kids how to
dance to jazz. I’ve also done dance workshops
at my primary schools and taught the preps hip
hop and jazz.
Who is your hero? My mum, because she’s kind
and caring.
What’s your favourite movie? Mary Poppins. I
really like musicals.
Your favourite book? Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Tell us a joke:
Q: How do you make a tissue dance?
A: Put a little boogie in it.
Get connected…
Knox Council’s Facebook page is a great
way to keep in touch with local news.
‘Like’ us at facebook.com/knoxcouncil
Connect with us on Twitter: @knoxcc
Words from
the wise…
Knox News hit the streets
over the summer school
holidays to ask…
What are your pets’
names and what do
you love about them?
I have a 2 year-old
German Shepherd
cross Border Collie
called Holly. I also
have a cat; her name’s
Piper. She’s 3 years
old and is ginger and
white. They don’t get
along with each other
very well; they’re
always trying to play.
I’ve got 2 dogs and 2
chooks. Our first dog
is Ned. He’s 8 years old
and he’s a chocolate
Labrador. When Ned
was 5, we got Jack the
Jack Russell to keep
him company. They’re
inseparable. Jack cries
and frets when he’s not
near Ned. We haven’t
named our chooks.
We have an 8 yearold American Staffy
named Rossi, after
the motorcycle racer,
Valentino Rossi. We
got him 2 years ago as
a rescue dog. He gets
along pretty well with
our cat, Lilly, which
is good.
My dog’s name is
Jazz; she’s a golden
Labrador. She’s 6 years
old and she’s still crazy
and very active. I like
that’s she’s so full of
energy; we take her
to the beach and she’s
not afraid of the water.
Tia (13), Bayswater
Grace (12), Wantirna Sth
Jake (17), Emerald
Jack (11), Boronia
A message from
the Knox Mayor
Council is pleased to produce this
edition of Knox News, the second since its
introduction in September last year.
This municipal publication contains
stories, information and promotions which
showcase where you live and services
available to you and your family.
It was exciting to receive feedback after
the first edition and your responses
confirmed how valuable communication is
in maintaining a connected community.
I was particularly interested in one of the
stories from our first edition which profiled
one of the last Rats of Tobruk, Mr Bob Semple.
At 92 years of age, Bob led the march down
Dorset Road in Ferntree Gully when Council
helped to unveil the Knox War Memorial at
the Tim Neville Arboretum.
You can imagine how delighted we were to
receive a letter from a Lysterfield resident
who read Bob’s story and has since been
able to connect with him after realising he
had served alongside their cousin’s uncle.
Knox is a special place to live because it’s a
connected community.
In this edition, you’ll read a range of
stories, including one about our wonderful
wetlands, a reunion story between a
wandering pooch and its owner, a new
street light replacement program and a
glimpse of what’s on offer at the upcoming
Knox Festival on the first weekend in March!
There’s plenty to get through, so make
yourself a cuppa and enjoy.
Tony
Cr Tony Holland
Mayor, Knox City Council
Read all about it
Now I’m in the know
Hi there, I just wanted to send a quick note
about your new newspaper for Knox. I enjoyed
reading about what’s happening in the area and
I think it’s a great read.
I am a long standing Knox resident and I would
like to say what a wonderful, informative,
interesting, publication you have brought out.
Maybe in each edition you could continue to
feature/highlight an area, say for instance the
off-leash Knox Dog park. I take my son’s dog
there and when mentioning it to others who live
in the area, they had no idea it was even there.
I must confess I had no idea of the outdoor
fitness stations ‘til I read your first edition paper.
All of us need a little more awareness, and that is
what your new Knox News is providing.
Lesley (via email)
Carol
Arboretum update
Can anyone tell me when the Tim Neville
Arboretum is set to reopen and the lake refilled?
Laura (via Facebook)
KCC: The Tim Neville Arboretum war memorial,
playground, rotunda, BBQ facilities and seating
areas are still open to the public. Temporary
fencing excludes the area surrounding the
lakes. Lake reconstruction works are due to
be completed by late May (if weather permits).
Works include litter/silt removal, enlargement
& relining of lakes, a new wetland and wildlife
breeding area, viewing decks, seating and paths.
There’s more info here:
knox.vic.gov.au/arboretum
Bee informative
Does the Council have a bee relocation service?
Alan (via Facebook)
KCC: If you locate a wasp nest or bee hive on
Council property (ie: public parks, walkways,
nature strips and reserves) you can report it by
contacting Council on 9298 8000.
Council does not treat wasp nests or bee hives on
private property.
Attitude of gratitude
I would like to say a big thank you to the nurses
and staff at the health assessment team at Knox
Council, for being so helpful and understanding
to come out and vaccinate our three children
due to our little man’s special needs... I can’t tell
you how very grateful we are.
Kimmi (via Facebook)
KCC: Thanks for the feedback Lesley. We agree
with your suggestion and hope you enjoy the
feature on Knox’s dog park and the upcoming
Knox Pet Expo on page 9 of this edition.
Off leash please
Is Eildon Parade oval an off leash park?
Luke (via Facebook)
KCC: Dogs may be off lead in a public park or
reserve within Knox (unless it is a bushland
conservation area) as long as they are under
effective control.
Revegetation sensation
You guys have done a great job with the
revegetation of the Blind Creek Trail between
Wattletree Rd and Rankin Rd. We appreciate the
work you have done. Would like to see more of
the BC Trail returned to natural bushland.
Steve (via Facebook)
Have your say!
Knox News welcomes contributions from
the community: news@knox.vic.gov.au
Or ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/knoxcouncil
and share your thoughts on our page.
February 2016 13
Your elected
representatives
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Taylor
Knox incorporates the suburbs of
Bayswater, Boronia, Ferntree Gully,
Knoxfield, Rowville, Scoresby, The Basin,
Wantirna, Wantirna South, and parts of
Lysterfield, Upper Ferntree Gully and
Sassafras.
The City of Knox is divided into nine
geographic areas — known as wards
— each containing approximately the
same number of people. Each ward is
represented by an elected Councillor
(see below for contact details).
Council elections are held every four
years; the next Council elections will be on
Saturday 22 October 2016. (Elections for
every Council in Victoria are held on the
same day.)
Collier Ward
Dinsdale Ward
Chandler Ward
Cr Joe Cossari
Cr Adam Gill
Cr John Mortimore
e: joe.cossari@knox.vic.gov.au
m: 0402 780 933
e: adam.gill@knox.vic.gov.au
m: 0439 650 260
e: john.mortimore@knox.vic.gov.au
m: 0402 780 942
Scott Ward
Baird Ward
Dobson Ward
Cr Lisa Cooper
Cr Peter Lockwood
Cr Karin Orpen
e: lisa.cooper@knox.vic.gov.au
m: 0407 240 275
e: peter.lockwood@knox.vic.gov.au
m: 0419 970 565
e: karin.orpen@knox.vic.gov.au
m: 0427 468 207
Tirhatuan Ward
Friberg Ward
Taylor Ward
Cr Nicole Seymour
Cr Tony Holland (Mayor)
Cr Darren Pearce
e: nicole.seymour@knox.vic.gov.au
m: 0427 245 834
e: tony.holland@knox.vic.gov.au
m: 0427 190 389
e: darren.pearce@knox.vic.gov.au
m: 0402 780 950
February 2016
Manufacturing is the backbone of the
Knox economy, generating more than 45%
of the $19.6 billion of goods or services
produced in the municipality annually.
Manufacturing provides 23% of the 55,800
jobs in Knox.
Stay in the know: For more on economic
development in Knox visit knoxbiz.com.au
or follow @KnoxBiz on Twitter
Small business owners
mentor up-and-comers
Don’t be afraid.
That’s the inspirational advice local secondary
students are receiving, thanks to a new business
mentoring initiative which has started in Knox.
The ‘Be Inspired’ program, championed by Knox
Council following the success of the ‘Women on the
Go’ business event, aims to provide local students
with monthly mentoring workshops as told by
professionals from a variety of local industries.
Trish Chapallaz, Director of Solar 4 RVs, Solar 4
Boats, has more than three decades of business
expertise and helped to launch the initiative by
hosting the first mentoring session recently on
18 February.
“I want to be part of giving back to the
community and supporting people,” she said.
“We’re going to be meeting monthly and getting
to know the students. I’m really rapt in the program
and just want to support it as much as I can.
“My advice will be largely about not worrying if
you make a mistake or if something isn’t perfect.
Everything’s a learning experience and a good
thing. There’s always a positive in a negative, so
don’t be discouraged.”
Trish’s company, which designs and sells solar
power products and recently snagged the
national title of ‘Sustainability Initiative of the
Year’ at the 2015 Optus MyBusiness Awards, has
recently relocated from Lysterfield to Rowville.
“When we were looking for a premises it was really
quite important for us to stay in Knox,” she said.
“It’s really nice when you find a Council who
just wants to support and help people learn.
My experience with Knox since starting my own
business is that it’s so proactive.
“Now we’re connecting students with business
and empowering small business to succeed.”
Other workshops scheduled for the program in
coming months include a session which focuses
on having a vision for the future, studying
possible career paths and a presentation on
workplace behaviour.
All aboard...
Knox Council hosts the Small Business
Victoria Small Business Bus.
Upcoming locations include:
Tuesday 8 March
Scoresby Village Shopping Centre
Tuesday 19 April
Mountain Gate Shopping Centre, FTG
Thursday 21 April
Westfield Knox, Wantirna South
knoxbiz.com.au
Thursday 17 March 5:45 – 8:45pm
@ Knox Civic Centre 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna Sth
knox.vic.gov.au/SchoolExpo
An info night for parents/guardians of children transitioning to secondary school in 2017/18 and beyond.
Join representatives from Knox secondary schools for a Q&A panel session and one-on-one discussions.
IN BRIEF…
Volunteer for Knox?
Have you ever wanted to volunteer, or have a
better connection to the Knox community?
Next time you’re at Westfield Knox, keep your
eyes peeled for a space allocated just for you.
Volunteer for Knox, the volunteer resource
centre for the community, has a community
space located on the first level of Westfield Knox
near the fresh food market.
Take time out of your shopping to check out
what’s happening in our community, with a
range of workshops and presentations regularly
on offer thanks to the Volunteer for Knox team.
If you’re keen to be a volunteer yourself at the
Volunteer for Knox space, visit on Tuesday 1 March,
when new volunteers will be able to join and be
trained on the spot. Trainees will learn the diverse
range of services in Knox, as well as how to refer
people to these services, or connect people with
a community house or learning alliance.
On Wednesday 2 March, all Knox community
newspapers will be hosting a workshop for
interested residents.
Volunteer for Knox and its community space at
Westfield Knox is supported by Council’s
Community Development Fund. Not-for-profit
community groups are encouraged to use the
space for free to promote their activities.
volunteerforknox.com.au
Planning update
Residents who live near or visit the Upper
Ferntree Gully Shopping Centre, The Basin or
Alchester Village are encouraged to inspect
draft planning provisions currently out for
public exhibition.
These planning provisions, which include
proposed amendments to the Knox Planning
Scheme, aim to encourage appropriate
development to suit these Foothills centres
and include controls such as building heights.
All relevant documents can be viewed at the
Ferntree Gully Library, Knox Civic Centre or via
Council’s website.
Council is seeking your views on these proposed
planning controls. Submissions should be made
in writing by email psamendments@knox.vic.
gov.au or addressing a letter to: City Futures,
Knox City Council, Reply paid 70243, Wantirna
South Vic 3152. All submissions must be
received before 5pm on Tuesday 29 March 2016.
knox.vic.gov.au/C137 or
knox.vic.gov.au/C141
February 2016 15
EENITY
R
F U
MM NT
CO EVE
Sunday 3 April
Gilbert Park, Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield
10am - 4pm
l
Pet Parade l Displays and giveaways l Demonstrations and activities
l Free Kids Rides l Stage Entertainment
For more information contact Knox City Council on 9298 8000 or visit knox.vic.gov.au/petsinthepark
16 February 2016