APRIL/MAY 2018

Darebin Homemade Food and Wine Festival page 4

Spotlight on Statutory Planning page 5

New Youth Hub Opening at Northland page 8 Join Zach Green, the curator of Market on Kulin Nation, during the Darebin Homemade Food and Wine Festival. 1

YOUR COUNCILLORS Rucker Ward

Kim Le Cerf (Mayor) Trent McCarthy Susan Rennie [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] T 8470 8500 | M 0419 750 457 M 0419 750 604 M 0419 750 035

Cr Kim Le Cerf Cr Trent McCarthy Cr Susan Rennie

The Victorian Planning Authority Good, sustainable food comes In this edition we’ve shone a (VPA) is currently conducting to the fore this May when the spotlight on our Statutory Planning a review of the Preston Market Darebin Homemade Food team. Council has a team of 17 to inform the development of a and Wine Festival returns. I’m statutory planners and they play a masterplan for the market site. especially looking forward to the huge role in shaping the future of We know the market is very Homemade Marketplace event our municipality. You can read important to the community and at Northcote Town Hall Civic about some of the ways our planners we are committed to ensuring Square on Saturday 26 May. It’s look out for the interests of the that fresh and affordable food a new event that showcases community when they assess will continue to be available at independent food producers and proposed developments – as well the market. For more information will give us all an opportunity as learning about some of the about this project visit the VPA’s to try tasty local produce. See challenges they face along the way. website vpa.vic.gov.au. the story inside for details about more festival events. Council will be raising its rainbow Council has recently launched flag in support of the International a new initiative, The Darebin If you make it along to the Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia Nature Trust, with an aim to Homemade Marketplace make and Transphobia on Thursday 17 increase native vegetation, sure you take a shopping bag May. We’ve come a long way since biodiversity and green spaces as single-use plastic items such we raised the rainbow flag last in Darebin. An interim board is as plastic bags and disposable year and our historic flag will be being appointed to steer the coffee cups won’t be available at registered in Council’s heritage project over the next 12 months. the event. This is part of Council’s collection. It will be with pride It’s an exciting project that new policy to reduce single-use that we raise a new flag again this will have good outcomes by plastic at Council events. year now that we have marriage increasing the amount of open achieved equality in . space available to the community. Next Wave Festival returns to Darebin this year. It’s an A new nationwide system called I’m looking forward to checking opportunity to check out My Aged Care has been set up as out the new youth hub when it new and interesting work by the gateway for anyone who needs opens at Northland this month. emerging artists and performers. aged care support in Australia. It’s a terrific new facility that will See inside for details. We need to make sure Darebin provide a wide range of services residents understand how it all and support to young people in a Now’s a good time to declutter works. You can read in this issue friendly and welcoming environment. with the hard waste collection about information sessions Council Spread the news to any young starting in Darebin in late May. is holding throughout the year. people you might know. . Keep a look out for a notice in your letterbox telling you what week the collection will happen in your area. 2 WHAT SERVICES AND INITIATIVES MATTER TO YOU?

An unprecedented 1200 people helped us to formulate the budget last year and regardless of your age, location or background, we want to hear from you again this year. MAYOR’S MESSAGE Knowing your preferences will Saturday 28 April, This month, you might help us confirm what programs 11:30am - 1:30pm see Council staff out and and initiatives will be prioritised. Reservoir Community and Learning Centre about in the community You can have your say in writing 23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir discussing the draft or in person by attending a Listening Post where you can Tuesday 1 May, budget for 2018/2019 talk to local councillors and 6pm - 8pm financial year. council officers. Preston Shire Hall 269-273 Gower Street, Preston We are keen to hear from people We are committed to creating who live, work or study in the Thursday 3 May, a fair and balanced budget that . Submission are 6pm - 8pm delivers on the goals set out in open until 9 May. Northcote Town Hall our four year Council Plan and 189 High Street, Northcote meets the needs of our growing Have your say online or in person and diverse community. This is your chance to tell us whether Send a submission by email to [email protected]. we’ve hit the mark with the For more information, projects and works identified Drop in to a Listening Post meeting. phone our Customer Service team in the draft budget. There are on 8470 8888. a number of opportunities to You are not required to RSVP provide feedback and make a and a light meal will be provided. submission including a listening post session in each ward. I hope you’ll take part and help us plan for the year ahead. This year we have taken bold and innovative steps to increase How to apply community input on Council COMMUNITY decisions with two new Council GRANTS PROGRAM Funds are available projects. The development of the following categories: Mayer Park and Pender’s Park If you’re part of a local masterplans has been handed • Annual Cash Grants over to specially formed not-for-profit community (up to $6,000). community led control groups. group or organisation, • Annual Facility Hire Subsidy This new approach came there is still time to Grants (up to $6,000) about by listening to what the submit an application for for the use of nominated community wanted and is a this year’s Community Council venues. big part of our commitment Grants Program. • Annual-combined Cash Grants to engage more deeply and and Facility Hire Subsidy effectively by handing significant Grants (up to $6,000). decisions to the community. The annual funding program We believe this model has many supports a wide range of Translated information or an advantages over traditional community groups and interpreter can be arranged via consultation approaches. organisations that make Council’s Multilingual Telephone It turns things upside down by Darebin a better place. Line on 8470 8470. placing the community in the The Community Grants Program driver’s seat. Applications close on Friday supports projects and activities 27 April 2018 at midnight. that include arts and culture, Cr Kim Le Cerf sport and recreation, community Mayor wellbeing, equity and inclusion, Step by step instructions human rights, education, are available at lifelong learning and darebin.vic.gov.au/communitygrants environmental sustainability. or by phoning 8470 8504. 3 YOUR PARKS, HAVE YOUR SAY ON A NEW YOUR WAY URBAN NEIGHBOURHOOD

Council has taken an One of Council’s goals is to create a vision for a new innovative approach with suburb in the Northland precinct. two new projects that put the transformation of Pender’s Park and Mayer Park in Thornbury into the hands of the community.

Master plans for the two parks will be developed by project control groups, comprising community members and each chaired by a councillor.

The two groups are responsible for consulting broadly with their local communities and developing a master plan that reflects the needs of the community now and in the future.

Project group members were selected based on their We’re seeking community input Tell us your thoughts at one of commitment to a community to create a vision and general the upcoming drop-in sessions driven project to develop and principles for a new urban at Northland Shopping Centre improve their local park. neighbourhood in East Preston, or TW Blake Park, or drop by which takes into account anytime to Council’s Customer This new approach reflects feedback received from earlier Service Centre at 274 Gower Council’s commitment to community consultations. Street Preston. increasing opportunities for the community to engage with Known as the Northland Urban Some questions you can consider: Council and have greater input Renewal Precinct, or NURP, the • What elements would you like on Council decisions. general area extends south of to be included when planning Northland Shopping Centre a new urban neighbourhood? Further community consultation between Albert Street, Bell will follow on both these Street and the Darebin Creek. projects later this year. • What do you think we need to look out for when thinking This is an exciting long-term about new streets, places and plan that will see a strong change future uses? in this area over the next 20 to 30 years, supporting new innovative • Do you think TW Blake Park businesses and employment should become a community opportunities in addition to new park that offers things for housing. TW Blake Park will also multiple users; for example, be upgraded to service current sports fields, family and and future users. play areas or spaces for youth activities? We will be commencing community engagement to finalise the vision for NURP For more information about the as well as the concept plan NURP project and consultation for TW Blake Park this month. dates or to register to be kept informed of updates visit Keep posted for updates at Have your say via our online darebin.vic.gov.au/yoursay darebin.vic.gov.au/yoursay survey to provide direct alternatively call 8470 8768 or email input on the project at or email us at [email protected]. darebin.vic.gov.au/yoursay. [email protected]. 4

DAREBIN HOMEMADE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

Now in its 11th year, this popular local foodie festival celebrates the diverse culinary traditions and practices of the Darebin community from 26 May to 3 June.

A highlight event this year is the Aboriginal chef, Zach Green makes Zach will also present A Meeting Local Legends series, a series of his debut at this year’s festival Place, an Indigenous pop-up master classes featuring talented with two bespoke events. restaurant serving a six-course local foodies working in traditional meal with matching wines at and sustainable food practices. The Victorian-born chef now Darebin Arts Centre on Saturday lives between 2 June. This is a ticketed event. Festival favourite, Meet the Makers and Darwin where he runs an returns to showcase Darebin Indigenous cuisine-focused “Whatever the culture – Italian, winemakers, picklers, brewers, restaurant, Elijah’s. At Elijah’s, Japanese, South American – by bakers and other local makers. Zach celebrates Indigenous telling stories through food you If you’re a local brewer or food culture by creating dishes using get a better understanding of producer it’s not too late to enter traditional ingredients and people’s culture. That’s what I the Darebin Homemade Food cooking methods. hope to do with my cooking – and Wine Festival competition promote a better understanding – see the website below for On Sunday 3 June, Zach will of Indigenous culture,” says Zach. details. Entries close 16 May. curate Market on Kulin Nation, a market featuring Indigenous “For me, it’s all about celebrating New in 2018 is Homemade food and local artist stalls, as well Indigenous culture through food, Marketplace, a gathering of as live music and entertainment. especially the stories behind local makers whose produce The free event will run from the dishes.” will be available to taste, 4 to 8pm in the courtyard try and buy. The Marketplace is behind Darebin Arts Centre. a one-day event and will take All are welcome to attend this For full festival program details, visit place at Northcote Town Hall’s unique, family-friendly event darebinarts.com.au/foodandwine Civic Square on 26 May. where you can try indigenous or call 8470 8888. foods, herbs and spices. 5 SPOTLIGHT ON STATUTORY PLANNING

Statutory planning is one of the most important roles Council undertakes on behalf of the community. Basically it’s about ensuring all new building projects and developments reflect the interests of Darebin as a whole.

To carry out this role Council has a team of 17 statutory planners, including Jacquie Payne – one of Darebin’s Principal Planners.

Jacquie says there’s a range of things the team has to keep in mind when assessing a planning application including the environmental, social and economic impacts a proposed development would have on its surrounding area.

“This can be quite tricky as Darebin has areas where there’s industrial land-use alongside residential properties. So before any development is given the green light, we have to carefully consider the impacts it would have on the character and liveability of the neighbourhood.”

One tool Jacquie’s team relies on when assessing an application is the Darebin Planning Scheme. The scheme divides Darebin into different zones and sets out what types of land-uses are allowed where.

“The planning scheme is very Jacquie enjoys her role because “Federal immigration policy is important as it broadly defines she is helping to make decisions driving rapid population growth what land-uses are appropriate that can have a far-reaching and State planning policy directs for certain areas. But obviously positive impact on our urban Council to manage this through we also have to use a fair environment. our planning scheme and amount of common sense to planning decisions. assess the specific impacts a “I also like the wide variety of given development will have,” planning applications we receive The rate of population growth says Jacquie. here in Darebin. We’re a diverse is forcing a lot of development and rapidly evolving municipality pressure on Darebin which we Another important thing for with pockets of industrial land, know is creating tensions in Jacquie’s team is community beautiful natural landscapes and our community. feedback. “It’s vital that we substantial areas of commercial ensure the local community land – so planning applications We often have applications for has plenty of notice about any always involve something new two or three dwellings in the proposed developments so to consider.” same street and State Policy they have an opportunity to encourages this to happen. provide feedback or objections. However Jacquie is quick For the neighbour who has lived Often there’s no one in a to point out there are also next to that property for 30 better position to consider the difficult aspects about statutory or 40 years, this can be quite local impacts of a proposed planning – especially when emotional. Our challenge is to development than the locals it comes to managing find a middle ground that is themselves,” says Jacquie. community expectations. acceptable to all parties.” 6 DAREBIN NATURE TRUST

After recently putting the call out for participants, Council has now appointed an interim advisory board of people with experience in environmental management and conservation to help guide us in acquiring new land for Darebin’s network of open space.

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE BEST START IN LIFE - ENROL NOW FOR KINDERGARTEN IN 2019

Kindergarten provides many learning opportunities for young children, including how to grow their own vegetables at Clyde Street Kindergarten in Thornbury.

The Kindergarten’s Edible and Sensory Garden program inspires children to engage with nature by tending to the plants in their veggie patch.

“Our Edible Garden program is a hands-on experience. It’s great to see kids getting their hands dirty with planting, weeding, watering, harvesting and eating,” says parent and President of Clyde Street Kindergarten’s Committee of Management, Jade Piltz. “The garden program has helped us introduce the kids to some of the bigger issues including energy, waste, recycling, water and biodiversity. We do this by integrating these ideas into themed play space The establishment of the board fulfils a specific areas, and through songs and books.” goal set out in the four-year Council Plan: to create a Darebin Nature Trust to help increase “Children learn in different ways and are engaged by open space and native vegetation – and ensure all different mediums,” says the Kindergarten’s Director, our residents live within 500 metres of open space. Maria Callegari.

The board will initially act in an interim role for “Our garden program is an exciting way to 12 months, helping Council to establish the Nature introduce new themes into the classroom.” Trust and advise us on the development of a new Enrolments for three and four year old kindergarten Open Space Strategy. Once this interim period in 2019 are now open. Download the Darebin is over, a permanent Nature Trust board will be Kindergarten Guide to view a full list of established following another call for expressions kindergartens in Darebin. of interest next year.

For more information and to For more information, visit register online visit yoursaydarebin.com.au/naturetrust darebin.vic.gov.au/kindergarten or call 8470 8516. or call 8470 8825. 7 INFORMATION SESSIONS ON AGED CARE

The Australian Government has changed the way aged care is organised, right across the country.

This affects all of us, especially older people.

The new aged care system, named My Aged Care, is coordinated by the Australian Government. It is the national gateway for everyone who needs aged care support in Australia.

At Council, we are working with the community to help people understand the new My Aged Care system so that they can find the services that are right for them.

Throughout the year, we will be presenting free WE HEART PRESTON MARKET community information sessions about these changes in partnership with Ethnic Communities The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) Council of , Elder Rights Advocacy and has started the process to review the various other community organisations. current planning controls for Preston The sessions will be presented in a range of Market, a task they’ve been asked to languages reflective of the Darebin community. undertake by the Minister for Planning.

April and May community information The Preston Market site is expected to be redeveloped, sessions include: and the VPA is reviewing the planning controls that will set the parameters for this redevelopment. Information session in Mandarin Wednesday 18 April, 10am - 12pm The VPA is working closely with Council to ensure Preston Library Meeting Room, that community and stakeholder feedback informs 266 Gower Street, Preston the review. The council and VPA acknowledge that a successful market depends on much more than just having the right planning controls in place. Information session in English Thursday 26 April 1pm – 3pm Locals and regular market visitors will help the VPA Preston Shire Hall, to understand what people love about the market, 286 Gower Street, Preston what makes it unique and the opportunities for change to ensure it continues to be a popular destination. Information session in Greek The VPA has already run a series of interactive Wednesday 2 May, 10 am - 12pm consultation ‘pop-ups’ in the market, and has met Preston Library Meeting Room, with traders and other important local stakeholders 266 Gower Street, Preston to hear their views.

The review will be undertaken over three phases to create a community vision, explore different development scenarios and produce final If you have a relative, friend or neighbour who you recommendations for approval by the Minister think might benefit from attending one of these for Planning. At the end of each phase, the VPA sessions, please share this information with them. will share the community and stakeholder Keep posted for further sessions in other languages engagement findings. later in the year.

You can find out more and keep up For more information, go to to date with each stage of the review darebin.vic.gov.au/agedcare on the VPA website vpa.vic.gov.au/ or call 8470 8312. project/preston-market-site 8

NEW YOUTH HUB OPENING AT NORTHLAND

A vibrant new centre offering programs and services to young people who live, work, study or play in the City of Darebin is opening at Northland in April.

The new centre features a music The space includes offices “With a variety of providers based studio equipped with the latest equipped to house a range of out of the space, young people electronic production technology, specialist services such as health can access the services they need, an education space and large practitioners, legal services, in a safe and familiar environment,” general purpose area with housing specialists and education says Zac Evangelides, a member colourful break-out spaces. and employment providers. of the Young Citizen Jury. The colourful, open-plan fit-out also includes an ultra-modern Merri Outreach Social Service Flagship programs to be delivered galley kitchen. (MOSS) is a community based at the centre include the First service which provides assistance Steps employment access The bold and bright purpose- to people who are homeless or program and an after-school built centre was co-developed at risk of homelessness. MOSS program for 10 to 15 year olds by Council’s Youth Services will soon be based at the hub that focuses on topics related to and Northland and is situated once a week and will co-deliver health and wellbeing. Programs at the north-east corner of the a new program providing support are scheduled to commence at shopping complex. and advice to young people the beginning of Term 2, 2018. in need. This new program The new centre enables Council is a direct outcome of the The new youth centre will be to deliver a range of programs recommendations made by launched on Thursday 19 April in partnership with local service Darebin’s Young Citizen Jury, during Victorian Youth Week with providers, with a focus on a group established through a free event featuring live music, education and employment, Council last year to put afternoon tea and fun activities. health and wellbeing and decision-making into the hands community participation. of young people. For more updates follow Darebin Youth Services on Facebook facebook.com/DarebinYouthServices or call 8470 8491. 9 RECOGNISING GOOD SPORTS

Each year, Darebin City Council acknowledges the achievements and contributions of clubs and their members to the community through Darebin’s Annual Sports Club Breakfast and Awards.

The event gives local sporting clubs an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of their members who’ve had a positive impact on their clubs and the community. HOUSES OF This year, the Awards winners included Matthew O’Brien from NORTHCOTE Holy Trinity Cricket Club, who received the Member of the Keen to see what Year Award in recognition of his Alphington, Northcote, commitment and contribution Fairfield and Thornbury to his club and to the wider looked like 35 years ago? community in running their All-Abilities program as well A collection of 3,000 photographs as coaching. that were taken of Darebin houses, Aleisha Leonard from Darebin shops and buildings in 1982 have Women’s Sports Club received been digitally catalogued by the Making a Difference Award Darebin Libraries and made for going above and beyond her available for viewing online via duties to support the club and the Darebin Libraries website. community and creating a more The Houses of Northcote project inclusive sporting environment, will be launched with a display making her a great inspiration, of selected images and a talk by an exceptional role model and local historian Cathy Dodson at influence on younger players. Northcote Library at 10.30am The Club of the Year Award was on Thursday 26 April. presented to Northern Falcons “Searching for properties is Football Club in recognition of easy,” says Leo Mullins from their dedication and commitment Darebin Libraries. to their Access all Abilities Darebin Libraries holds a large program, which runs a soccer “To search for houses in Bastings collection of archival images team for people with intellectual Street, for example, just type from the Preston Historical and/or physical disabilities. Bastings into the website search Society, Northcote Historical box. You can also search for house Congratulations and thank you Society and other sources. styles too, such as Victorian, to this year’s winners for your Edwardian and Federation.” contribution to the community! The collections are continuously The collection of images is offered growing. by Darebin Libraries copyright free for study, research or private purposes. Any further To view the collection go to requests for use are to be made heritage.darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au directly to Darebin Libraries. or visit one of the Darebin libraries. 10 DAREBIN EVENTS CALENDAR For more information about community events call 8470 8888 or go to darebin.vic.gov.au/events

APRIL MAY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ACCESSION - BUNDOORA HOMESTEAD AGED CARE FEES AND CHARGES SEMINAR On exhibition now until 13 May 2018 Tuesday 15 May at 10am

Centrelink Darebin Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, 251 Murray Road, Preston 7 Prospect Hill Drive, Bundoora Free, bookings required Free The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Financial Accession presents recent acquisitions to the Darebin Information Service is a free education and information Art Collection representative of a cross-section of service available to everyone in the community. Australian contemporary art practices. Including DHS presents a seminar to educate and inform several new commissions specific to the Darebin residents on the costs associated with Aged Care Fees municipality, in many instances it will be the first and Charges at Centrelink in Preston on 15 May. time these significant works have been revealed to the community. To reserve your seat, phone the National Booking Service on 136357 or email For more information, visit bundoorahomestead.com [email protected] or phone 9496 1060. For more information about upcoming seminars, visit humanservices.gov.au/fis

EXPLORE DAREBIN Replica mi:wi ARTS SPEAKEASY

Creative and challenging contemporary performances featuring emerging and established artists are presented right here in Darebin year-round through the Darebin Arts Speakeasy program.

This April and May, the program Next Wave rolls into Darebin Life and death are put under the features the return of Australia’s artistic microscope in two new multi award-winning choreographer, Next month, five Next Wave works: In Baby Cake by Kerensa Stephanie Lake, as well as five Festival performances offer Diball and Yuhui Ng Rodriguez explorative Next Wave Festival up the next generation of risk- which runs from 9 to 13 May productions. taking artists at Northcote Town and Seer, part two of a trilogy Hall and Darebin Arts Centre. by experimental theatre artist Replica by Stephanie Lake House of Vnholy, which runs Company The program features two works by First Nations artists from 4 to 8 May. Crunch Time, Dynamic new dance work Replica including Taree Sansbury, a performative dinner party by is presented from 25 April to 6 May whose new dance theatre work, Nathan Sibthorpe runs from at Northcote Town Hall and explores mi:wi runs from 16 to 20 May 3 to 12 May. the types of symbiotic relationships and emerging choreographer/ found in nature, including human performer Joshua Pether, whose For tickets and more information nature. Featuring composer Robin performance Jupiter Orbiting about these and other upcoming Fox and performers Christina runs from 10 to 13 May. Darebin Arts Speakeasy events, visit Chan (Singapore) and Aymeric darebinarts.com.au/speakeasy. Bichon (France). 11 IDAHOBIT 2018

With marriage equality finally achieved in late 2017, Council will celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on 17 May with extra pride. YOUR HOUSE NUMBER

The rainbow flag, which flew above COULD SAVE A LIFE Preston Civic Centre as a visible sign of Council’s support through Ensuring your property most of 2017, will now be added has a clear, visible house to Darebin Libraries’ historical This year once again, everyone is number is important. archives. In the coming months, welcome to a rainbow flag-raising community members will be ceremony to acknowledge invited to share stories and Ambulance and other emergency IDAHOBIT starting at 10am on images which reflect their local, services say that hidden or non- Thursday 17 May outside Preston personal experiences of the existent house numbers can waste City Hall, 274 Gower Street. marriage equality campaign. time in emergency situations where The rainbow flag is significant every second counts. to LGBTIQ communities around These will be published online the world as a symbol of pride, as an historical record and Owners and occupiers of all diversity and human rights. a resource for community properties are required by law to information and inspiration. have a street number properly affixed and displayed at the front Council is proud of the LGBTIQ For details go to of their property, attached to a people and communities darebin.vic.gov.au/IDAHOBIT letterbox, a post, a dedicated connected to Darebin and their or call 8470 8888. board or the boundary fence contributions to our municipality. where it is clearly visible.

HARD WASTE You will receive a notice in your EASTER AND ANZAC letterbox a few weeks prior to the AND RECYCLING collection beginning in your area. DAY BIN COLLECTIONS COLLECTION The notice will tell you when the There will be no bin collections collections will begin and what Council’s annual hard on Good Friday, Friday 30 March, and how to place items on your instead bins will be collected on waste and recycling nature strip. Saturday 31 March. collection is rolling out Bins will not be collected on across Darebin from Anzac Day, Wednesday 25 April, 28 May to 29 June. For more information go to instead bin collections on darebin.vic.gov.au/hardwaste Wednesday, Thursday and or call 8470 8888. Friday of that week will be collected one day later.

/darebincitycouncil /cityofdarebin /darebincitycouncil /darebincouncil

CITY OF DAREBIN National Relay Service Speak your language 274 Gower Street, Preston If you are deaf, or have a T 8470 8470 PO Box 91, Preston, Vic 3072 hearing or speech impairment, T 8470 8888 F 8470 8877 contact us through the E [email protected] National Relay Service. darebin.vic.gov.au relayservice.gov.au