Valley View October November 2009

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

ii. Message from the Mayor

Welcome to the latest edition of Valley View. I am very pleased to announce $31.5 million will be injected into Council’s 2016/17 budget specifically for capital works projects, making it the largest capital works program in Moonee Valley’s history. This allocation will enable Council to build some great new community facilities and also maintain our existing assets. I am particularly pleased to put focused attention on expanding female participation in sports, and our capital works budget includes new purpose built change rooms for women. Funds have also been allocated to improve more than 50 local roads, cycle and pedestrian paths and to undertake environmental projects throughout the municipality. This year marks the introduction of the State Government’s rate cap. Trying to explain how rates are calculated is never an easy matter and as a result of 2017 being a state-wide revaluation year it is ever more complex. While Moonee Valley Council’s rates income will only increase by 2.5 per cent – in line with the cap – some property owners will see their individual rates increase by more than this amount; while some will actually see their rates decrease. Our article on page 4 explains the impact a revaluation year has on rates. On page 3 we discuss plans for the new memorial walls and gazebo in Queens Park, Moonee Ponds; a project we are undertaking as part of the Queens Park Master Plan. The memorial walls will commemorate men from the area who died whilst on active service in World War One, while the new gazebo by the lake will be inspired by a historically significant bandstand built on this site. We are gearing up for the Moonee Valley Seniors Festival, and have events scheduled throughout October to celebrate the contribution of older members of our community. Have a look at our event schedule on page 5 and mark your diary to come along and help us celebrate. Active8 will again be held throughout October and November which is a great way to increase your physical activity. We have lots of female focused activities this year so make sure you register and get involved in this free program – see our article on page 6. Finally, I encourage you to join me for the Mayoral Charity Community Race Day on Saturday, 20 August. The annual event raises thousands of dollars for charity and supports our friendship city, Liquiҫá in East Timor. It’s a family friendly event with lots of activities for the kids and I would love to see you there. This will be my last Mayor's message prior to the Local Government elections in October. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my thanks to Councillors, staff and the community of Moonee Valley. It has been a privilege to serve the Moonee Valley community as Mayor this year, a role I have taken with the greatest respect and commitment.

Cr Andrea Surace Moonee Valley Mayor

iii. Council meeting dates Tuesday, 9 August

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday, 23 August

Public Forum Tuesday, 13 September

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday, 20 September Public Forums start at 6pm. Ordinary Council Meetings start at 7pm. Public Forums and Council Meetings take place at the Civic Centre, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds. Access is through the Pascoe Vale Road entrance. Moonee Valley City Council • 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds Victoria 3039 • PO Box 126, Moonee Ponds Victoria 3039 Telephone 03 9243 8888 • Facsimile 03 9377 2100 • Website mvcc.vic.gov.au • Email [email protected] iv. Mayoral Charity Community Race Day

Frock up, look dapper in that suit, and don’t forget yourhat! Join the Mayor and Councillors for a day at the races for a great cause. The annual event has raised over $285,000 for charity. For eleven years now, the race has supported Moonee Valley’s friendship city, Liquiçá in East Timor. East Timor remains one of the poorest countries in the world and the charity race provides support for much needed, education, infrastructure and cultural exchange programs. Along with Liquiçá, funds raised at this year’s event will support the important work of Moonee Valley Prostate Cancer Awareness Group and the Rotary Ovarian Cancer Research and Cancer Support (RoCan). We encourage you to come along and we even have a limited number of free general admission tickets and members passes available to pick up from the Civic Centre. Families are well catered for at the daytime event with free entry for under 18s and free activities for the kids including face painting, a farm animal petting zoo and pony rides. Anyone who doesn’t want to miss an Olympic event during the races will be able to catch all the excitement on the big screen and the kids will be able join in the fun with mini athletic games. The event is a partnership between Council, the Moonee Valley Racing Club and community supporters. When: Saturday, 20 August Time: Check website for times at mvcc.vic.gov.au/charityrace Where: Moonee Valley Racing Club, Moonee Ponds Cost: $10 at the gate. Under 18 free. Limited free passes available. Pick up from the Civic Centre before the day.Call 9243 8888 to check availability. For more information, call the Moonee Valley Racing Club on 1300 797 959. v. Queens Park community update

In 2008 Council adopted the Queens Park Master Plan. The master plan is a guiding document for the design, development and management of the park. The preparation of the master plan was assisted by the Queens Park Master Plan Reference Group, representing a range of community and key user groups associated with the park, along with feedback from the broader community.

Council is gradually delivering the projects outlined within the master plan. Two of the projects we are currently working on are new memorial walls and a new gazebo.

New memorial walls We have been working with Essendon Historical Society to commemorate men from the area who died while on active service in World War One. The Federal Government granted funding to the Essendon Historical Society to assist with the research and construction of the memorial, in which over 200 young men have been identified. The memorial will contain their name, unit and their age and location at the time of their death and will be located near the Cenotaph. It is expected that these works will be completed in the coming year.

New gazebo A new gazebo is being planned for the stage area next to the boardwalk at the southern edge of the lake. This is the location of a former historic bandstand. Council is working with architects to prepare a design for the gazebo. The design will respond to the historic significance of the site, and will be classic yet contemporary. The plan is for the gazebo to provide an all-weather location from which to view the lake. It will also be a potential location for small music performances and social gatherings. Planning for the gazebo is in its early stages, and will be subject to future Council budgets. For updates on the master plan and these projects visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/queenspark vi. Rates and rate capping

This year marks the introduction of the State Government’s rate cap. And while Council’s rates income will increase by just 2.5 per cent, in line with the cap, the reality is that not all property owners will see a 2.5 per cent rate increase when they receive their 2016/17 rates notice. The reason for this difference is due to the fact that every two years, all properties throughout Victoria are revalued to reflect their current market value (as at 1 January 2016). This process, which is overseen by the Victorian Valuer General’s Office, is used by councils to determine the amount of rates property owners each contribute. Revaluation years can provide a shock to some property owners, especially if the value of their property has increased by significantly more than their municipality’s median property value. On the other hand, some people may see their rates go down if their property value has not increased to the same degree. Increases in property prices as a result of a revaluation do not increase council’s overall rates income, which this year is capped at 2.5 per cent. What a revaluation does do is to redistribute the rates contribution across all properties in the municipality. In other words it changes the mix of ‘who pays what’. Since the last state-wide revaluation in 2014 residential property values in Moonee Valley have increased by an average of 16 percent, while business properties have increased by 10 per cent. Among the areas to have achieved the highest increases in value are:  Airport West +17.8 per cent  Avondale Heights +17.5 per cent  Keilor East +17.5 per cent  Strathmore +16.6 per cent  Moonee Ponds +14.5 per cent  Essendon +13.1 per cent For more information visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/budget Celebrate active ageing

October brings with it a month of events and activities for senior residents during the Moonee Valley Seniors Festival 2016. The festival celebrates a positive ageing experience for older residents, with all events aimed at keeping seniors in Moonee Valley active and connected to their communities.

To find out what else is on during the festival over the month of October, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/seniorsfestival or contact Council’s Aged and Disability Services team on 9243 8748. Please note bookings are essential and places are limited. All events are free to attend.

Cyber Safety for Seniors Workshop

When: Monday, 3 October, 10am-12 noon

Where: Niddrie Library, 483 Keilor Road, Niddrie

Stay safe while surfing the internet. This workshop will help arm you with the resources you need to protect your personal information online and avoid cybercrime.

Learn to build a bike workshop

When: Wednesday, 12 October, 10am-1pm

Where: Flemington Men’s Shed, 126 Racecourse Road, Flemington Estate

Build your own bike, learn about bike maintenance or just come along for a barbecue and to make some new friends. Heritage talk and tour

When: Monday, 24 October, 2pm-3.30pm

Where: Incinerator Gallery, 180 Holmes Road, Aberfeldie

Learn about areas of historical significance in this guided tour on the heritage of Moonee Valley. Retro Games Day

When: Wednesday, 26 October, 1pm-4pm

Where: Coronet Park (outside Crown Street Stables), Crown Street, Flemington

As part of Children’s Week celebrations, we will be showcasing games from the 1940s to 1960s, giving grandparents and their grandkids a chance to have some fun and share a piece of history together. News in brief

Stand for Council Moonee Valley residents with a passion for contributing to their community and a desire to help shape our city’s future are encouraged to consider standing for council at the upcoming Local Government elections. If this is you, then now is the time to learn more about what’s involved in being a councillor at an information session at 7pm on Monday, 1 August, at the Civic Centre. Becoming a councillor is a great opportunity to make a real difference for your local community. If you are over 18 and on the electoral roll for the Moonee Valley area, the chances are you are eligible to stand for Council. Council delivers close to 200 community services, programs and activities and is responsible for $1.3 billion worth of assets. Given the magnitude of Council’s operations, roles and functions it is important that potential candidates understand the breadth of their responsibilities and decision-making. To find out more about being a councillor visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/standforcouncil or visit standforcouncil.com.au

Swooping season

Residents are reminded to keep an eye out for swooping birds during the spring breeding season. Council and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) are encouraging residents to highlight ‘swoop sites’ in the local area.

Report the swooping location by adding a ‘swoop site’ directly to the map on their website, or send a tweet to @DELWP_Vic with the location details and #swoopvic.

You can also download the ‘Swoop Off’ kit free of charge from the website. It includes Ten Top Tips to reduce the risk of a swoop attack and a set of printable ‘eyes’ to attach to the back of helmets and hats that may dissuade territorial birds from swooping.

For further information, visit depi.vic.gov.au or call 136 186. vii. Active8

viii. Get active in spring for free!

Now in its third year, Active8 is designed to give you a taste of the many health and wellbeing activities available across Moonee Valley. By joining up to be a part of Active8 you will be encouraged to increase your physical activity and become better aware of how to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle – and best of all, it’s free!

From 1 October until 26 November there will be a whole range of events and activities to get you active. This year there will be no limit to the number of people who can join, so more people will be able to get moving and benefit from this free program.

We will also be including lots of female focused activities, including a fun new learn to run program specifically aimed at females.

What’s included Here’s a sample of what you can expect from Active8:

- access and activities at our local leisure centres - group fitness sessions - Pilates and meditation classes - fun family activities - Essendon Traffic School sessions - health and wellbeing seminars - benefits and offers from local health and wellness providers

Join in We’ve created Active8 to cater for people of all ages and abilities. There will be something for everyone! We want to make it easy for you to start your health and wellbeing journey with this program, so that you can find the activities that suit you and develop positive habits you can keep well after the program has finished.

Sign up Simply register at mvcc.vic.gov.au/active8 and we’ll do the rest! We’ll send you updates once all the activities are announced. For many activities you won’t need to register any further – just turn up to the sessions that interest you!

To keep you updated on all the free activities happening across the program, we’ve set up a new Active8 Facebook page - like us at facebook.com/mvactive8 What better way to trial a healthier lifestyle this Spring? Join up now at www.mvcc.vic.gov.au/active8 ix. Montgomery Park play space

Council has continued its theme of imaginative play spaces with its latest addition to Montgomery Park in Essendon.

The Swift Parrot Play Space has landed at Montgomery Park, complete with treasure map, two handcrafted dinghies with speaking tubes running between them, a timber barrel, treasure chest, two whale seats, a circular bench around a palm tree, and a tilted mast with a lookout barrel and pirate flag. The mast also features the local swift parrot, an endangered species that visits the area annually.

The nautical-themed play space contains structured play elements, including swings, a spinner and hammock. Terraced rockwork and a textured and coloured concrete path with stamped fossils add another element of interest and opportunity for informal play.

The upgrade came about as a result of Melbourne Water’s Community Benefits Plan, in which it committed to providing Council with $105,000 for community improvements around Vanberg Road, Essendon, as part of the completed Northern Sewerage Project Upgrade. x. Celebrating Children’s Week

Children’s Week, 22 to 30 October 2016, celebrates the right of all children to enjoy their childhood. It is also a time for children to demonstrate their talents, skills and abilities.

During Children’s Week, our local schools, playgroups, childcare centres, kindergartens, libraries and community groups will offer a diverse range of events and activities to celebrate and promote the unique contributions that children make to our community.

Children’s Week is an opportunity to promote the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) through engaging in a range of activities and experiences. This year’s theme for Children’s Week is 'Children have the right to reliable information from the media' (UNCRC Article 17).

We encourage children, families and community members to join in activities to celebrate children’s achievements by visiting local services and schools.

For more information, visit.mvcc.vic.gov.au/childrensweek or education.vic.gov.au/childrensweek

xi. Off-lead play to stay

Following support from the local community, Council will be installing a permanent fenced dog off-lead area in Alf Pearce Reserve in Strathmore.

This outcome for local dog owners means that they will be able to continue to bring their dogs here for an off-lead play in a secure area.

The current temporary fencing in the park will remain in place until construction starts on the permanent design. A design has been prepared for the permanent dog off-lead area and can be viewed at mvcc.vic.gov.au/dogpark

The design for the dog off-lead area seeks to strike a balance between creating a great space for dogs to play off-lead, while ensuring that Alf Pearce Reserve remains a great park for the whole community to enjoy.

Feedback on the draft design closes on Friday, 5 August and can be provided via email to [email protected] or by calling City Design on 9243 8888.

Essendon Junction Winter Wonderland

Essendon Junction will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland on the last weekend of winter so rug up and bring the whole family for a perfect winter day out.

When: Saturday, 27 August, 10am-2pm

Where: Russell Street, Essendon

Experience snowfalls, face painting and craft for the kids. Enjoy entertainment and purchase hot beverages and delicious food from local restaurants.

Join the event at facebook.com/mooneevalleycc to stay up to date as we announce more winter delights.

You can also find out more about how Council is planning for the future of Essendon Junction at the event.

In November, we adopted the Essendon Junction Structure Plan, a long-term document to guide future growth and development within this vibrant activity centre.

The structure plan provides a vision to guide any changes to the way the land is used, how people access and move around the area, the design of buildings, open spaces and improvements to infrastructure, while complementing existing heritage and preserving valued characteristics.

We're starting to implement the structure plan’s actions, which includes undertaking a State Government process called a planning scheme amendment to get some of the structure plan initiatives included in the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme.

We're likely to be seeking community feedback on the planning scheme amendment in August. Visit us at the Winter Wonderland or mvcc.vic.gov.au/essendonjunction to find out more.

Flemington Racecourse update

Council presented its submission to the Flemington Hill and Epsom Road Advisory Committee hearings in March. We clearly stated in our submission that we do not fully support the planning scheme amendment in its current form. Council, and many in our community, have strong concerns about the proposed development, which is far too large and would create issues for the local area especially in relation to traffic and transport, parking, open space and community services. At the hearings we called expert evidence in relation to traffic and transport issues, development contributions and the potential benefits of a municipal boundary realignment. The advisory committee also heard directly from community members through the Ascot Vale Residents Association, Flemington Association, and through individual submissions. The advisory committee was due to submit their report to the Minister for Planning for his consideration by 1 June. At the time of going to print, the report had not been publicly released. Stay up to date by visiting mvcc.vic.gov.au/flemracecourse xii. Market site development underway

Caydon, owner of the former Moonee Ponds Market site at 40 Hall Street and 34-36 Margaret Street, permanently closed the car park on the site at the end of June to start construction of stage one of the Mason Square residential development.

Planning approval for stage one of the development was granted by VCAT in April after being refused by Council.

This is a long-term construction project in the heart of Moonee Ponds and we are committed to working closely with the developer to manage the impacts of construction on the surrounding community. We will also work with the developer to ensure the community is regularly kept up to date regarding construction work.

The builder's Construction Management Plan (CMP) for stage one specifies how construction activity will be organised, including construction times, noise and dust mitigation and traffic management. Our Planning Intervention and Enforcement Officer will closely monitor the site to ensure works are carried out in accordance with the CMP.

At the time of going to print, the stage two planning permit application, which covers the balance of the site, was due to go to a future Ordinary Council Meeting for a decision following the statutory 14-day public notification period in February.

To stay up to date visit caydon.com.au/community or mvcc.vic.gov.au/marketsite Upcoming collections

Hard waste collection

Council operates an annual hard rubbish collection, this is your opportunity to dispose of your unwanted hard waste and steel.

Collection dates

Usual waste Start of the hard waste collection day collection

Area 1 Area 2 8 August 15 August Wednesday 12 September 19 September Thursday 29 August 5 September Friday

To find out what will be collected and what won’t, please check your Council calendar or visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/hardwaste Branch and pruning collection

Council operates two annual collections for branches and prunings that don’t fit in your garden bin.

The second and final collection for 2016 will take place from late September to October. Please place your bundled items out on the nature strip on the Sunday night before your collection week.

Council will collect household branches and prunings that are:

 up to 50mm (six inches) in diameter  no longer than 1.5 metres (five feet) in length  up to approximately one cubic metre in volume (no more than a single trailer load)  neatly bundled and securely tied with string or twine, or placed in containers that can be emptied and left on the kerb (no bags) Council is unable to collect items that do not meet these criteria.

All collected prunings and branches will be mulched.

To find out when your collection will be, please check your Council Calendar or visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/branchcollection

Waste news in brief

Re-new Re-new is a quarterly collection of reusable items using the yellow lid bin. Council is again calling on residents to round up their unwanted and reusable household goods to give them a new lease on life.

Area 1 collection dates: 6 September - 10 September

Area 2 collection dates: 13 September - 17 September

Re-new offers households the chance to recycle textiles, household items, printer cartridges and mobile phones from their doorstep. It is an extension of the existing kerbside collection service, helping to further reduce the amount of household waste going to landfill and encourage recycling.

Last year we collected more than 100 tonnes of reusable goods that did not go to landfill.

Residents can also bring their Re-new goods to the Transfer Station year round.

Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/renew or call 9243 8888 for more information.

Don’t waste our recycling efforts A big thank you to everyone for their recycling efforts, we have just finished inspecting recycling and garden waste bins and the results are pleasing with the community paying close attention to what can go into the right bin to maximise our recycling efforts.

If you’re unsure about what goes in which bin, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/waste or check your Council calendar to find out. For more information call 9243 8888. xiii. Download the SustainMe App! The SustainMe App provides details on your waste and recycling collections including bin night reminders, collections calendar and a comprehensive list of what can and cannot be recycled.

This free app is available for both IOS and Android platforms. Hopetoun Early Years Centre

On Saturday, 4 June, we opened the newly redeveloped Hopetoun Early Years Centre, located at 220 Racecourse Road, Flemington, with face painting, African drumming and a traditional smoking ceremony.

The centre has more than doubled its previous capacity and will now educate and care for up to 138 children per day in kindergarten and long day care. The redeveloped centre also includes new flexible spaces, allowing community programs such as playgroups and family support services to operate out of the centre.

Designed to respond to the specific needs and requirements of the local community, the Hopetoun Early Years Centre has established a quality reputation within the local community. The additional places will provide opportunities for local families who have existing connections with the centre, as well as encourage new enrolments.

The $3.27 million project, funded by Council with a $900,000 contribution from the Victorian Government, provides an exciting and engaging environment for children and families and will enable this much-loved centre to meet increasing demand into the future. xiv. News in brief

New community funding

Council provides financial support to organisations and groups in Moonee Valley through our community funding program. To ensure consistency and fairness when we receive requests for financial support, Council recently endorsed a Community Financial Support Framework. The framework provides an improved and more accessible way for the community to seek funding from Council, and an eligibility criteria to assist groups understand how Council considers allocation of resources. It’s all about ensuring we provide community funding in a fair, transparent and equitable manner. For more information about the Community Funding Program, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/funding Winter fire safety With greater use of heaters and appliances, winter is a time of greater fire risk, however there are steps you can take to reduce the risks. Change smoke alarm batteries regularly, test the alarms often (monthly) and replace the alarms if they are old (recommended after 10 years). Don’t overuse double adaptors or power boards. Problems occur when people piggy back one double adaptor on top of another, plug double adaptors into power boards, or even power boards into other power boards. This is guaranteed to exceed the circuit’s amperage and is a house fire waiting to happen. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) has produced fire safety information in 21 languages, visit bit.ly/mfbfiresafe xv. Unleashing musical talent Moonee Valley Youth Services’ music label Avenue Records launched the debut EPs of its signed artists at a live music gig in June. The following up-and-coming local acts, who have spent the last year finding their sound while recording in the studio, performed alongside popular acts Storm the Sky (Melbourne), Trophy Eyes (Newcastle) and Luca Brasi (Tasmania). Camdogg Genre: hip hop fb.com/camdoggchadskittles Cyanide Teeth Genre: heavy metal/hard rock Members: Lucas Andrew (lead vocals/bass), Lachlan Poulter (guitar/vocals), Connor O'Keane (drums/vocals) fb.com/cyanideteeth Old Street Genre: indie-pop band Members: Matt Cicero (vocals), Tom Dove (guitar), Matt Reed (guitar), Adi Durai (bass), Bianca Raffin (drums) fb.com/oldstreetband Support local music! To purchase their EPs, head to mvcc.vic.gov.au/avenuerecords

Passionate about arts and events? Are you aged 18 to 25 years and interested in getting involved with youth arts and cultural development projects in Moonee Valley? Maybe you’re wanting to gain connections to the arts industry and learn skills such as event management and arts programming? Moonee Valley Youth Services want to hear from young people who live, work, study or socialise in Moonee Valley to share ideas and be involved in exciting upcoming arts projects. Call us on 9243 8888 or email [email protected]

xvi. Local young people thriving

The Moonee Valley Young People’s Awards celebrate local young people who achieve great things and make positive contributions to their community. The awards are held four times a year, and are run by our Moonee Valley Young People’s Committee.

Awards are granted based on achievements in one or more of the following categories:  Young people-led programs  Social wellbeing and inclusion  The environment  Recreation and sport  Arts, music and culture The second recipient for 2016 is Zhanet Zyka, a Year 11 student at Mount Alexander College.

Zhanet coaches a basketball team and volunteers in personal training at Mount Alexander College, where she encourages students in leading a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally. Zhanet also regularly contributes to the weekly breakfast club run by staff and students which provides a hot meal for all students, including those who may not otherwise have breakfast.

In 2015 she won an Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award, the Year 10 Classroom Leadership Award and is now proud to represent the student body as a house captain.

Zhanet is currently in the process of completing her gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Her silver award was granted after organising the school Fun Run in 2014; an event which raised over $500 towards the school sports department. Zhanet seeks to continue all of these passions in the future, with hopes of making it to the Ms. Olympia stage for bodybuilding. We wish her the best of luck!

Know someone inspiring like Zhanet? Nominations for the next round open 3 to 21 October. To nominate someone, head to mvcc.vic.gov.au/youngpeoplesaward Supporting our local community

Insect hotels

Did you know that a third of what we eat depends on pollinators? Council, together with our Green Army team, has been building and installing insect hotels in our grassland reserves for our native pollinators. The insect hotels are designed to attract a range of species, including Blue Banded Bees, the Spider Hunting Wasp and Common Hoverfly. The hotels may also attract pollinating butterflies, such as the Painted-Lady and Yellow- banded Dart. As a flow on effect of attracting more insects to the area, we are increasing the food supply for native birds. September is National Biodiversity Month, so why not create an insect hotel in your own backyard and help support our native biodiversity? To learn how to build your own insect hotel, visit sgaonline.org.au/insect-hotels

xvii. Innovation at Napier Park

Our innovative water saving project at Napier Park was a recent finalist in the 2016 United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards.

As a result of this project, Napier Park has a sustainable water supply, achieved by redirecting stormwater from surrounding streets to reinstate the park’s original watercourse.

This is improving soil moisture and plant health, including the 250 year old River Red Gums. A big thanks to the Friends of Napier Park and Melbourne Water for their significant contributions to this project.

To learn more about Napier Park visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/napierpark

xviii. Supporting sustainable schools

Are you a teacher, parent or student interested in creating a more sustainable school? You can sign up to Council’s School Environment Network and receive newsletters, invitations to networking meetings, professional development opportunities, as well as access to exciting resources for schools. To learn more about this network and to sign up, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/schoolsenvironment xix. Making a change at home

Investing in your values

Local people came together at our Community Environment Forum last season to learn about the importance of ethical investment.

Investing ethically is a great way to align your financial investments with your values by investing in companies that contribute to a better world.

For example, you can encourage investments in cleaner energy by divesting your superannuation funds away from fossil fuel industries. This signals to the larger investment community that investors care how and where their money goes.

For more information, visit the Responsible Investment Association at responsibleinvestment.org

All about solar Saturday, 20 August, 10am-12.30pm Civic Centre, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds

How do you sift through all the solar options on the market and know which one is the right one for you? Due to popular demand we’ve been running additional solar energy seminars. At this free event you’ll hear about Council’s solar bulk buy offer and receive impartial expert advice on solar systems, installation, energy usage, batteries and much more.

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

The Value and Benefits of Trees Saturday, 24 September, 10am-12.30pm Civic Centre, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds

In the first of two special workshops, one of Australia’s most respected tree experts, Dr Greg Moore is visiting Moonee Valley to shed some light on what lies beneath, above and within our trees – and he’ll bust a few myths along the way. In this workshop, Dr Moore will talk about the value of trees from top to bottom.

Free Event. Bookings essential at mysmartgarden.org.au or call 9243 8888.

Zero waste living forum Wednesday, 5 October, 7pm-9pm Civic Centre, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds The Rogue Ginger waste blogger, Erin Rhoades, can fit two years’ worth of her rubbish into a single jar! At this forum Erin will share her tips on how to reduce plastic use and live a zero waste life.

Free event. Bookings essential at livezerowaste.eventbrite.com.au or call 9243 8888.

Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/newsletters to join our mailing list.

xx. The Clocktower Centre

Alive with theatre, functions & events

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

For tickets and more information about what’s on at the Clocktower Centre, visit clocktowercentre.com.au or call 9243 9191.

If These Walls Could Talk

Sunday, 18 September at 3pm

One of Australia’s foremost independent physical theatre companies, Dislocate, brings an astonishing and affecting new work to the Clocktower Centre.

A production which presents and intricate mesh of slapstick theatre, astonishing circus skills and powerful storytelling, If These Walls Could Talk, bring to life the stories inhabiting a single apartment as lived by six generations of tenants.

Bristling with humour, physical prowess and deep theatrical ambition, this is an affecting portrayal of life, mortality and the things that we leave behind.

Also at the Clocktower

Country Gold with John Bowles

Tuesday, 16 August at 11am

The Beggars sing The Seekers

Tuesday, 6 September at 11am

Movies at the Clocktower

All tickets $8 The Man Who Knew Too Much Tuesday, 20 September at 11am. (1956), PG, 120mins

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Wednesday, 21 September at 11am. (1971), G, 100mins

The Muppet Movie Wednesday, 28 September, 11am. (1979), G, 95mins

xxi. The Incinerator Gallery Visual arts with Burley Griffin heritage

180 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds

Find out more about any of the information below at incineratorgallery.com or call 8235 1750.

Incinerator Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm. xxii. Exhibitions

The Hunch 5 August – 2 October

The Incinerator Gallery presents a group exhibition which looks at the role of intuition in both the making and the viewing of abstract art. While artists use their instincts as a guiding force in the creation of their works, the viewers must also tap into their own intuition when interpreting the marks, gesture and colour of the works before them.

Featuring a selection of paintings and sculptures from Merryn Lloyd and Renee Cosgrave, Kate Tucker, Jahnne Pasco-White, Nabilah Nordin, Brent Harris, Ry David Bradley and David Palliser.

Also at the Incinerator will be 'WHITE LIES: As we know it', an exhibition in the Atrium curated by Roberta Rich, and Ali Griffin's 'Still' in the Boadle Hall Community Gallery. xxiii. xxiv. Workshops, activities and applications

Boadle Hall Community Gallery: Applications to exhibit open Monday, 1 August and close Wednesday, 31 August

Art History Talk: Understanding Surrealism, Monday, 15 August, 1pm-2.30pm Master Classes with Local Masters: Greg Smith, Saturday, 20 August, 11am-4pm, Mark Dober, Saturday, 24 September, 11am-4pm

Adult Art Courses: Term 3 Art Courses begin 10 October.Unleash the artist within you in one of these exciting, hands on art classes, remember to book early. For more information contact the gallery.

Image: Kate Tucker, Act, 2015, Acrylic, oil on digitally printed cotton, 76.5 x 76.5cm unframed, photo by Matthew Stanton xxv. Library news xxvi. Bookings are required for all the activities listed. To do this go to mooneevalleylibraries.eventbrite.com.au or contact your library. All events are free unless otherwise indicated.

Read On For the latest library news, events and reviews, subscribe to the Library’s eNewsletter, ReadOn at bit.ly/subscribetoreadon

Family History Month

Stories from an Italian Family Cookbook Laurie and Hilda Inglese talk about traditional Italian cooking from the Abruzzo region and share family recipes handed down across generations. This session includes a live pasta making demonstration.

Saturday, 13 August, 11am, Niddrie Library, 483 Keilor Road, Niddrie

Irish Convict records Irish convict letters of petition are an important resource for researching family history. Colleen Arulappu is an experienced researcher in this field. She will talk about the stories revealed from these letters and how these sources can be used.

Monday, 22 August, 7pm, Sam Merrifield Library, 762 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds

Three Bells Anne Dixon from Bygone Days will talk about costume and customs relating to the three life milestones of births, deaths and marriages. She will bring a range of dresses from 1850 to 1980.

Monday, 29 August, 6.30pm, Avondale Heights Library, 69-79 Military Road, Avondale Heights

xxvii. Author talks

Meet the Author: Greg Fleet in conversation with Roz Hammond Actor Roz Hammond (Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell, The Librarians) interviews comedian Greg Fleet about his bestselling novel These Things Happen. Hilarious and heartbreaking, Fleet’s memoir has been nominated for National Biography Award 2016, Booktopia’s Book of the Year 2015, the 2016 Australian Book Industry Award, the Colin Roderick Award and the 2016 NSW Premier’s Literary Award.

Wednesday, 14 September, 7pm Sam Merrifield Library

Classes and workshops

Beginners Italian and Spanish for adult learners Run by professional tutors, these two hour classes occur over eight weeks. A non- refundable fee of $80 for eight classes can be paid online through mooneevalleylibraries.eventbrite.com.au or in cash at any branch at the time of booking.

Italian classes: Beginning Thursday, 18 August, 6pm-8pm, Niddrie Library Spanish classes: Beginning Monday, 30 August, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Sam Merrifield Library

Teen writing workshop with Archie If you can imagine it, you can write it! Come and learn how at our creative writing workshop with Archie Fusillo. Suitable for ages 12-19.

Saturday, 20 August, 10am-12 noon, Niddrie Library

Writing pictures books for children Picture books are an art form where story telling is an integration of text and pictures. To write a picture book you need to consider the format, language, theme, action, dialogue, plotline and characters. Over four sessions you will learn this process. Suitable for adult learners. A non-refundable fee of $40 for four classes can be paid online through mooneevalleylibraries.eventbrite.com.au or in cash at any branch at the time of booking.

Beginning Monday, 5 September, 6.30pm-8.30pm, Sam Merrifield Library xxviii. Capital works Some of the capital works recently completed or underway in Moonee Valley. For further information on any of these capital works, please contact Council on 9243 8888.

In focus

Improving accessible parking Council adopted a new Accessible Parking Review and Strategy (APRS) in November 2015 and we are now working progressively to upgrade more than 200 existing accessible parking bays around shops, parks and other services in Moonee Valley. The APRS, developed through extensive community consultation and an audit of all existing accessible parking bays, sets out a prioritised program of upgrades. Our aim is to achieve best practice and meet our commitment to ensure people with a disability have the opportunity to use and enjoy local facilities and services. This is a long-term project. The process to upgrade each parking bay involves detailed planning, design and consultation with the community and external agencies. We are aiming to upgrade approximately 20 accessible parking bays per year according to priority. Simple upgrades can be completed within six months, while complex upgrades requiring more detailed consultation and design could take up to two years. For more information about the project visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/accessibleparking

Drainage upgrades Niddrie Albert Street drainage improvements $550,000

Open space Aberfeldie Maribyrnong River Master Plan implementation – Riverside Park upgrade $860,000 Ascot Vale Fairbairn Park new pathways $100,000 Streetscapes] Ascot Vale Union Road streetscape upgrade $350,000 xxix. Ward Duty: Rose Hill Ward

Mayor, Cr Andrea Surace Portfolio: Traffic and Transportation Phone: 0408 309 435 [email protected] I am extremely proud that Council will be injecting $31.5 million into capital works programs next financial year. I am particularly excited about the allocation of $1.9 million to redevelop the pavilion at Overland Reserve in East Keilor. I was delighted to reopen Hopetoun Early Years Centre in Flemington in June. The redeveloped centre provides an engaging space for twice as many children, plus lots of flexible community areas, to cater for Moonee Valley’s growing population. I’m looking forward to the annual Mayoral Charity Community Race Day, taking place at Moonee Valley Racecourse on Saturday, 20 August. Join me for what promises to be a fantastic day out for the whole family to raise money for our friendship city, Liquiçá in East Timor. As the local elections approach, I’d like to say I’ve had an inspiring four years as a Councillor,particularly as Mayor of Moonee Valley this year, and I am thankful for all I have learnt and achieved during this time.

Cr Shirley Cornish Portfolio: Environmental Sustainability Phone: 0409 524 662 [email protected] Council was a finalist in the 2016 UN Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards for our water saving project in Napier Park, Strathmore. Stormwater is now redirected,cleaned and stored, providing a sustainable water source to irrigate the park’s important river red gum trees. As chair of Council’s Disability Reference Group, I led the way for a call for a state wide review of the Disability Parking Scheme at the recent Municipal Association of Victoria State Conference. In Moonee Valley there are more than 6,000 disabled parking permit holders and the demand is expected to increase significantly. The current permit system is not working as well as it could be and the State Government and relevant authorities must work together to ensure it meets legitimate community needs, and is protected from potential misuse. Our motion received 98 per cent support from Victorian councils. The important work to choose the best way to redevelop East Keilor Leisure Centre for our community continues and I’m looking forward to seeing progression in the coming financial year. Cr John Sipek Portfolio: Leisure and Recreation Phone: 0423 776 740 [email protected] By investing many millions of dollars in this year’s Council budget to improve our sporting and recreation facilities we are investing in the health and wellbeing of our community. What is most exciting for me, is that we are focusing much of our investment on boosting female participation in sport through better and more gender appropriate facilities, such as change rooms and toilets. Council’s budget isn’t just focused on bricks and mortar. We are also supporting those most in need with a $20 rate rebate for eligible concession card holders. The rebate is in addition to the State Government rate concession. While on the theme of being physically active, a significant amount of work has been undertaken to identify a range of options to redevelop the East Keilor Leisure Centre. Council is determined to develop a high-quality aquatic and leisure centre to support the community’s current and future needs. I look forward to providing regular updates about this exciting project. xxx. Ward Duty: Buckley Ward

Deputy Mayor, Cr Paul Giuliano Portfolio: Urban Design, Open Space and Assets Phone: 0423 699 646 [email protected] I am delighted by the positive feedback I have received from sports clubs throughout Buckley Ward, and their many members, who are thrilled by Council’s commitment to improve the quality of our sports and recreation facilities. Over the past five years there has been enormous growth in female sporting participation in cricket, soccer and now AFL football. Many of our local football clubs are now, for the first time, fielding all female teams, which is incredibly exciting. Council is supporting this growth through the provision of significant funding to build and upgrade traditionally male facilities to make them female-friendly. Clubs like Essendon Baseball Club; Strathmore Heights Cricket and Football clubs; Essendon Doutta Stars, Essendon Royals Soccer Club; Essendon-Maribrynong Park Ladies Cricket Club and even the Essendon Gem and Lapidary Club, which meets at the Cross Keys Pavilion, will benefit from Council’s commitment to an active, healthy community.

Cr Jan Chantry Portfolio: Arts and Culture Phone: 0411 704 625 [email protected] I represent Council on Essendon Airport’s Community Aviation Consultative Group, which meets regularly to discuss activities at the airport. Three new car dealerships will soon open, new hangars in the Hart precinct will be complete by September and the new hotel is due to open in early 2017. In addition the airport is pursuing a private hospital on site, which would require a Major Development Plan and a 60-day consultation period, and the English Street bridge will close for six weeks in early January as part of the CityLink-Tulla Widening project. At a recent meeting with Strathmore residents they raised with me concerns about air pollution, noise pollution, landscaping and general tidiness, the progressive removal of containers and excess dirt. The airport is working with Council and residents towards resolving these issues. Applications to exhibit in the Boadle Hall Community Gallery at the Incinerator Gallery open on Monday, 1 August. I encourage local artists to consider applying to show their work in this unique space, which also has some exciting art workshops and courses coming up. Cr Narelle Sharpe Portfolio: Family, Aged, Disability and Youth Phone: 0429 977 171 [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/councillornarellesharpe Twitter: twitter.com/narellesharpe Website: narellesharpe.com.au

The long awaited new toilet block at Riverside Park, adjacent to the very popular pirate ship playground, has been finished. In the near future, new BBQ facilities and an upgraded playground will be provided.

Money has been allocated to fund a new pavilion at Boeing Reserve, to cater for the growth of Essendon Baseball Club and the increase in female participation in sport. Sports field lighting has also been improved at both Boeing Reserve and Cross Keys Reserve.

Council has had a partnership arrangement with Timor-Leste for a number of years and I was honoured to attend a recent fundraising event at Ave Maria College in Aberfeldie to support disadvantaged pupils at St Maria Mazarella School in Timor-Leste. To get involved, please contact Ave Maria directly.

This is my last ward duty before Council elections and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the past eight years. I have enjoyed representing you on Council and working with you on the numerous issues that have arisen over the years. xxxi. Ward Duty: Myrnong Ward

Cr Jim Cusack Portfolio: Community Engagement and Learning Phone: 0407 521 432 Council continues its opposition to inappropriate development. Applications for large scale property developments are rising in Myrnong ward as developers turn to our neighbourhoods to lift profits as returns fall on CBD investments. The catch is that many of these proposals are outside activity centres, pay no heed to State and Moonee Valley planning frameworks and substantially impact on residents. The common yardstick for these developments is the City of Melbourne especially the CBD which is entirely unsuited to our community. This type of development appeals to a narrow section of the housing market and stifles other types of development more suited to the natural growth of neighbourhoods that provides housing and jobs. Recently Council took this issue forward in its submission to Infrastructure Victoria’s All things Considered options paper. NAIDOC Week was great and emphasised that reconciliation of our past history with Aboriginal people needs a treaty not just recognition in the constitution. It is also official now Moonee Valley recycles more mobile phones than any other area in Australia. Finally, remember stopping violence towards women starts with men taking responsibility.

Cr Nicole Marshall Portfolio: Land Use Planning Phone: 0408 141 471 Facebook: facebook.com/MarshallforMooneeValley Twitter: twitter.com/marshall4moonee As this Council term finishes, thanks to everyone, particularly Myrnong Ward residents, for the opportunity to represent you over the past four years. I’ve worked hard and have always acted in the best interests of the community. Highlights have included ensuring Council abandoned the Racecourse and Union Road Structure Plans which earmarked large parts of Flemington, Ascot Vale and Moonee Ponds for high density development. I’ve fought against inappropriate developments including East West Link and those proposed at Moonee Valley and Flemington Racecourses. I’ve also supported heritage at every opportunity including protecting our bluestone laneways and pushing for heritage controls over Newmarket Station when it faced partial demolition. Additional highlights include supporting traffic management and parking measures which improve safety and residential amenity, and setting up the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee which provides Moonee Valley residents with the opportunity to have a proactive say in planning matters. There’s no doubt the best part of this role has been meeting so many members of our community.I thank you all for your support, advice, passion and friendship.

Cr Cam Nation Portfolio: Economic Development Phone: 0409 247 410 Website: camnation.me As this term of Council comes to an end, I would like to note what an honour it has been to serve the people of Moonee Valley. I made the decision to run for Council to ensure that our local community had a strong independent voice at the decision-making table, and four years on, I believe I haven’t wavered from this commitment. I am proud of the strong stance I have taken against overdevelopment in my time on Council. This was evident when Council approved a 14-storey planning permit application on Mt Alexander Road. I was the sole vote against this application, arguing that it should not be approved as it exceeded the maximum preferred height for the area and sought a reduction in the required number of car spaces. Council resolved to approve the application. I hope whoever ends up sitting around the table on the next term of Council shares a similar view that overdevelopment continues to put strains on our infrastructure and everyday amenity, and understands the reality that resident numbers in Moonee Valley cannot indefinitely grow.