Valley View October/November 2015Message from the Mayor 2015 is an important year for recognising the centenary of many significant battles of war. Recently I was honoured to preside over the dedication of Moonee Valley’s own Lone Pine at Queens Park. This Lone Pine is a precious gift from the 58th/32nd Infantry Battalion Association to the citizens of Moonee Valley as a living reminder of the sacrifices made by our Anzacs. The tree is a descendant of the original ‘Lonesome Pine’ from the battlefields of Lone Pine and was grown from a seed by the Australian War Memorial. I thank the 58 th/32nd Infantry Battalion Association for this wonderful gift to our community.

In August, the official dedication of a statue to commemorate women carers of World War One veterans took place. Commissioned by Women Caring for Veterans of War Inc., the bronze lifesized statue of a woman (circa 1918) represents the enduring sacrifice made by women who cared for veterans of World War One, and was supported through the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program. The statue is located adjacent to the World War One memorial in Victory Park, Ascot Vale.

The Strathmore Men’s Shed is going from strength to strength. Council has been busily fitting out the shed and has provided the security, bins, kitchen fit-out and defibrillator. Our Aged and Disability Services team will be running a funded planned activity group on Fridays and benches will be provided by Strathmore Community Bank. Tools and resources are being sourced by Essendon, Essendon North and Strathmore Rotary Clubs. Volunteer ‘sheddies’ are always needed, so please consider getting involved.

Essendon Historical Society is creating a ‘Memory Lane Garden’ as a permanent reminder of special people who have lived or worked in the Moonee Valley area and whom you wish to be remembered. The garden will contain engraved tiles set in a prominent location outside the heritage listed Essendon Courthouse. If you wish to be involved, please contact the Essendon Historical Society directly or visit esshissoc.org.au

The Spirit of Moonee Valley Awards take place in October and I’m really looking forward to announcing the Citizen of the Year. We had a wonderful selection of nominees who made the task of the judging panel quite difficult!

The annual Mayoral Charity Community Race Night is being held on Friday, 30 October at Moonee Valley Racecourse. I encourage you to come along and enjoy the fun on Derby Day eve.

This year my chosen charity to receive funds raised is Pets Haven Animal Shelter. Pets Haven is an animal welfare organisation with a no-kill policy. They rehome thousands of cats and dogs annually and aim to open their own community veterinary clinic. Animal welfare is a cause I am passionate about so I’m pleased the funds raised will go towards such an important cause.

I recently announced that Bryan Lancaster will be Council’s Chief Executive Officer as of 15 November. Bryan has more than 38 years’ experience in local government, including seven years here at Council, and I know he will make a positive contribution to the organisation and community.

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as your Mayor for the second time this term. I have enjoyed meeting and chatting with many of you during the year and I thank those who attended the

Conversations with the Mayor sessions. School visits to the Council Chambers have been particularly popular this year and I have relished the opportunity to discuss how local government works and answer the many interesting questions asked by the primary school children. I grew up in Moonee Valley and love where I live. My aim is always to make decisions in the best interests of the community. While 2015 has been an eventful year with many big issues needing to be addressed, on the whole the year has been productive for our residents. I wish to thank my Deputy Mayor Cr Nation, Councillors, CEO, Executive team and particularly my family for their ongoing support.

Cr Narelle Sharpe

Moonee Valley Mayor

Council meeting dates

Public ForumTuesday, 13 October

Ordinary Council MeetingTuesday, 27 October

Public ForumTuesday, 10 November

Ordinary Council MeetingTuesday, 24 November

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.

Active8 – join now!Join up to Active8 and trial a healthier lifestyle this spring. Now in its second year, Active8 is designed to give you a taste of the many health and wellbeing activities available across Moonee Valley. During the eight-week program there will be plenty of activities for all ages and abilities to choose from.

Once you have registered for Active8, all activities are free to enjoy. For most activities you won’t need to register any further – just turn up to the sessions that interest you!

What’s included Our event guide has a full list of all the perks and activities on offer. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/active8 to view the event guide.

Here’s a sample of free activities included:

a 16-visit free pass to our local leisure centres

disc golf

Essendon Traffic School sessions

fun family activities

health and wellbeing seminars, including a seminar on how to make healthy lunch boxes with the Additive Free Pantry

meditation classes

offers from local health and wellness providers

outdoor twilight yoga

over 80 free group fitness sessions in local parks

two for one entry to Bounce in Essendon Fields

weekend swimming at East Keilor Leisure Centre and Windy Hill Fitness Centre

Join in Simply register at mvcc.vic.gov.au/active8 and we’ll do the rest!

A Taste of Moonee Valley Experience the taste of Moonee Valley with our new cook book!

Recipes were shared by 21 community members. These special recipes were shared as part of a project showcasing Moonee Valley’s cultural and culinary diversity. This beautifully laid out

cook book includes photos of the contributors with their dishes, personal anecdotes and easy to follow instructions.

One of the contributors, Fiona McManus (pictured with her mother Maria), shares her recipe for Vanilla Kipferl (Austrian biscuits). She says “This recipe comes from my Omi, my maternal grandma, who was from Austria and emigrated here with Opa, my maternal grandpa, and my mum in 1949. It reminds me of her and how much joy baking gave her.”

All dishes are quick and simple to make and the book features a range of dishes including salads, desserts, meals and snacks. Try your hand at making Suqaar (Somali stew), Greek shortbread or Thai Tastic Fish and Chips, just to name a few!

To download your copy of A Taste of Moonee Valley, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/tasteofmv. To request a hard copy email community@mvcc.vic.gov.au or call our Community Planning team on 9243 8888.

Moonee Valley Seniors Festival Join us for free events and activities this October as we celebrate our annual Seniors Festival!

Events include:

Essendon Incinerator heritage talk, Monday, 5 October

Morning tea at the Clocktower, Tuesday, 6 October

Healthy Ageing Expo, Wednesday, 7 October

Free movie at Village Cinemas, Friday, 9 October

Free movie screening of Marty at the Clocktower, Tuesday, 13 October

Oral health information session, Wednesday, 14 October

Hearing loss information session, Friday, 16 October

Strathmore Men’s Shed Morning Tea, Saturday, 17 October

Transport training for seniors, Monday, 19 October

Seniors Have Your Say: Healthy Ageing Workshop, Tuesday, 20 October

Preparing for retirement information session, Wednesday, 21 October

Crown Street Stables movie night, Thursday, 22 October

CPR training for seniors, Friday, 23 October

Free concert at the Clocktower - Ciao, Friday 23 October

Making a will information session, Tuesday, 27 October

Children and grandparents event, Wednesday, 28 October

Men’s Shed Aberfeldie open day, Friday, 30 October

Collect your free Seniors Festival program booklet from the Civic Centre, libraries, community centres or neighbourhood centres. For more information or to book your place at an event visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/seniorsfestival or call our Healthy Ageing team on 9243 8748.

Healthy Ageing Reference Group Being aged-friendly is not just a slogan, it’s a commitment Council has made in our Healthy Ageing Strategy.

When we were consulting on the strategy, we heard you wanted Moonee Valley to support you as you age. We also heard you wanted to be more actively engaged in decision-making and have more opportunities to participate in things that matter to you.

So we’re inviting older residents to join a Healthy Ageing Reference Group to guide our approach to making Moonee Valley more aged-friendly and give residents a voice at the decision-making table.

We are starting with a workshop. Participants will be invited to work together to share thoughts and ideas on how things are tracking for older people in our municipality.

The workshop will take place on Tuesday, 20 October from 12 noon to 2.30pm at Burley Griffin Community Centre, Park Drive, East Keilor.

To reserve your place at the workshop or for more information about the Healthy Ageing Reference Group email agedfriendlymv@mvcc.vic.gov.au or call 9243 8748.

Volunteer to support our communityVolunteering is a great way to interact with people from different backgrounds, learn new skills and enjoy the sense of satisfaction that comes from helping the community.

There are many volunteering opportunities with Moonee Valley’s Healthy Ageing programs, including driving the community bus, delivering community meals and helping people who are frail, aged and/or isolated to remain connected to the community.

As a new volunteer with our Healthy Ageing team, you will be provided with all of the information and skills you need to carry out your volunteer work with our comprehensive induction and training program. Ongoing support is also provided by our program coordinator.

As well as making a positive impact on your community, research shows that by volunteering for a few hours each week, people tend to become happier, healthier and even sleep better!

For more information about Healthy Ageing volunteering opportunities visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/volunteers or call 9243 8835.

Children’s rights are human rights This year marks the 25th anniversary since Australia signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and Moonee Valley will celebrate this milestone during National Children’s Week from Saturday, 24 October to Sunday, 1 November.

The convention is an important human rights treaty which sets out the civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children. So it’s fitting that the theme for this year’s Children’s Week is ‘Children’s Rights are Human Rights’.

Children’s Week, held annually during the fourth week of October, recognises the right of children to enjoy childhood. Events are held across Australia throughout the week, focusing community attention on the needs and achievements of children and young people as they learn and grow.

To celebrate the week in Moonee Valley, Council is planning fun and informative events and activities that will appeal to both the young in age and young at heart. Keep an eye on our website for details.

Council is committed to making Moonee Valley a city where all children and young people have fun, learn, play safe and thrive in a community that is active and socially connected. This is outlined in our Moonee Valley Early Years Plan, which focuses on children and their families from pregnancy to 12 years of age, and links closely with Thrive, our strategy for engaging young people from 12 years of age.

Research evidence increasingly shows that investing in quality early childhood education delivers long-term social and economic benefits to children, families and communities – and this is a key theme in the plan.

The plan also highlights the importance of respecting children, empowering families, fostering social connections and promoting strong partnerships across Moonee Valley.

Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/childrensweek for a full list of events and activities taking place in Moonee Valley for Children’s Week.

News in brief

Less Selfie. More Safety.Council wants your view in Moonee Valley to be seen with your eyes, not through a camera – and we definitely want your eyes on the road while you’re driving.

Driving distractions can have devastating consequences, so leave the selfies, texts and social media updates until you’re out of the car.

Watch our animation at mvcc.vic.gov.au/selfie to see what can happen if you’re too busy looking at your phone while you’re driving.

Re-newCouncil 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: Tuesday, 1 December - Saturday, 5 December

Area 2 collection dates: Tuesday, 8 December - Saturday, 12 December

For more information on collection dates, check your Council calendar or visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/renew

2015/16 parking permit renewalsAll 2014/15 parking permits expire on 31 October and the process to renew your permits for 2015/16 has started.

If you currently hold a permit without a fee – i.e. any combination of up to two resident permits and/or the first visitor permit – these will be automatically renewed and posted to you. Look out for your permit(s) in the post in mid-October.

If you currently hold a second visitor permit which does have a fee payable, you should have received details by post in September outlining the renewal process.

Please remember to display your 2015/16 permits from 1 November 2015. If you do not receive your permits in the mail by the first week of November please call us on 9243 8888.

For more information on permit entitlements and renewals, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/parkingpermits or call 9243 8888.

How do you want travel improved? Council wants to know how you’d like day-to-day travel in Moonee Valley improved.

Let us know by completing our survey at mvcc.vic.gov.au/keepMVmoving by Friday, 30 October for your chance to win Gold Class movie tickets.

Council officers will be at venues around Moonee Valley to hear from you about your travel experiences and your ideas to improve journeys in Moonee Valley.

When: Tuesday, 20 October, 9am-1pm

Where: Westfield Airport West shopping centre

When: Thursday, 29 October, 9am-1pm

Where: Milleara Mall shopping centre

Council will use your feedback to update our most important transport strategies; the Integrated Transport Plan and the Road Safety Plan.

Feeling creative?Create a piece of visual art that shows either what you want changed about today’s transport, or what you think Moonee Valley’s transport network will look like in 10 years, and go into the draw to win overnight accommodation for two including breakfast at Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel in Daylesford. This prize has been donated by Nelson Alexander Real Estate. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/keepMVmoving for details.

Walk to School in October Council is supporting VicHealth’s Walk to School and is challenging all school aged children in Moonee Valley to walk to and from school in October.

It’s free, fun and there are fantastic prizes up for grabs!

Children who walk to school are more likely to achieve the recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day, and adopt physical activity habits for life.

Walking to school also helps reduce traffic congestion, parking difficulties and the associated environmental impacts.

Last year more than 2,000 students from 10 primary schools in Moonee Valley took part in Walk to School.

So why not join the fun? Grab your friend, your mum, dad, brother or sister and walk to school throughout October!

Council will have prizes on offer throughout the month for participating schools. For more information visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/walktoschool or call 9243 8888.

Or jump on board a Walking School Bus. See your school’s Walking School Bus Coordinator or contact Council’s Transport Project Officer on 9243 8888.

Keeping Moonee Valley safe A year ago, Moonee Valley was accredited internationally as a Pacific/Australian Safe Community. This significant achievement was based on the work of our previous Community Safety Program.

The aim of the program is to advocate on behalf of the community and to achieve a coordinated approach to safety in collaboration with external organisations and police. We are currently finalising our 2015-20 program after recent community consultation.

October is Community Safety Month, and it’s a great opportunity for households to take steps to improve their own safety.

Check your smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, restock first aid kits and clear away trip hazards. Residents can also fill out a Household Safety Plan to help prepare for emergencies.

Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/safety to download a copy of the plan, and other resources. For more information call our Community Safety Officer on 9243 8888.

Mayoral Charity Community Race Night

Frock up, look dapper in that suit, and don’t forget your fascinating hat. Council’s Mayoral Charity Community Race Night is back!

It’s a great evening out for the whole community to enjoy the glitz and glamour of a racing night while supporting some great causes.

In fact, this major fundraiser has raised in excess of $250,000 over the past 10 years for worthy organisations such as the SES, Prostate Cancer Foundation, the Caroline Chisholm Society and many others.

We encourage you to come along and we even have a limited number of free general admission tickets and members passes. Get in quick and drop into the Civic Centre to secure yours.

Tickets are also available on the night for $10 per person.

The event is a partnership between Council, the Moonee Valley Racing Club and many of Council’s community supporters and stakeholders.

When: Friday, 30 October, gates open at 5.15pm; first race commences at 6.45pm

Where: Moonee Valley Racing Club, Moonee Ponds

For more information call the Moonee Valley Racing Club on 1300 797 959.

Be safe with gambling Some Australians enjoy responsible gambling as a social and recreational activity.

Sadly, there are those who are severely affected by an addiction to gambling. Harm from gambling can include significant social and financial consequences, not just for the gambler, but their families and communities.

In 2014/15 the total expenditure in Moonee Valley on pokies alone was just over $74 million.

With the annual Spring Racing Carnival from September through to November, we’re asking our community to remain cautious of excessive gambling.

We want residents to enjoy this time of year without succumbing to the pressures caused by gambling.

If you or someone you know suffers from a gambling problem, please seek support by calling Gambler’s Help on 1800 858 858 or visiting gamblinghelponline.org.au

For information on responsible gambling, including specific information for youth gambling or information in other languages please visit responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au

Make the pledge Attention all Moonee Valley men; White Ribbon Day on Wednesday, 25 November is a day to make a pledge opposing violence against women. 

Violence of any nature is unacceptable, in any situation or setting. Violence against women in particular is a very serious problem in Australia, where one in three women report experiencing physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives and where, on average, each week at least one woman is killed by a current or former partner.

The White Ribbon campaign engages men to become advocates to oppose violence against women. We’re encouraging men to join the online pledge at whiteribbon.org.au: "I swear never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women."

The website also includes support contact details and resources for those who experience or are witness to family violence.

Council will have White Ribbon merchandise available at the Civic Centre and libraries in November and encourage men in our community to take a stand on this important issue.

Transforming local open spaceAs part of the Airport West Green Spine project, Airport West Easement Linear Reserve (parkland located between Parer Road and Fraser Street) will be transformed into a community focused open space over 2016 and 2017.

The Green Spine will include:

barbecues

plantings

playspaces

shelters

seating

improvement to the quality of local waterways by capturing and cleaning local stormwater in seasonal creek beds and rain gardens

You can view the design at mvcc.vic.gov.au/greenspine

This project was identified as an action in the 2008 Airport West Activity Centre Structure Plan, and will be partly funded through Melbourne Water’s Living Rivers Program.

For more information visit our website or call our Urban Design team on 9243 8888.

Pop up street picnicBring friends and family for an afternoon of free entertainment and connect with your local community.

Pack a picnic or buy food from around the world at the local restaurants and cafés while celebrating the vibrant atmosphere.

When: Sunday, 25 October, 1pm-6pm

Where: Pin Oak Crescent, Flemington

A section of the street will be closed for this event. An update on the time and location of the street closure will be provided on the website and by letter to surrounding residents prior to the event.

Racecourse Road and Pin Oak Crescent StreetscapeThis local event is part of the Racecourse Road and Pin Oak Crescent Streetscape and Activation Plan. Council has been working on this plan over the past few months with the local community.

A draft streetscape plan for Racecourse Road and Pin Oak Crescent is planned to be released for consultation soon. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/racecourseroad for more details on the streetscape project and the street picnic.

Improving Moonee Ponds CreekOver the next few months Council will be developing a master plan for Moonee Ponds Creek and its connected bike trails, pathways and parkland.

The master plan for the creek and surrounds, known as the Moonee Ponds Creek Linear Park Master Plan, will seek to unlock the potential of this significant area. In particular, Council will investigate opportunities to improve water quality in the creek and options to make this area more usable and enjoyable for local residents.

Council will work closely with the local community, special interest groups, Melbourne Water and other stakeholders to encourage their input into the master plan.

The plan will also consider the needs of the local wildlife the creek is home to.

Council will ask the community for their ideas and encourage their involvement in a number of activities that will be held throughout the consultation and design process.

The first stage of consultation, calling for ideas, is scheduled to take place over the coming months. The master plan will, once completed and endorsed, guide future improvement works to the creek, paths and parkland along Moonee Ponds Creek.

Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/mpcreek for more information.

Recruiting for The AvenueWould you like to plan and run a music event, operate a sound and lighting system or learn more about recording music?

The Avenue – a Council youth committee – hosts the Moonee Valley Freeza committee, the Avenue Record Label and the Avenue Tech Group. It operates out of a purpose built recording studio and music venue at The Hub, 3-15 Matthews Avenue, Niddrie.

The Avenue is looking for new members and music techs to help with our big plans for 2016. So if you are 12 to 25 years of age, live, work, study or play in Moonee Valley and are interested in music production, live events and event management, now is the perfect time to get involved!

For more information and to let us know that you want to take part, please email youth@mvcc.vic.gov.au or call our Youth Services team on 9243 8888.

Find out more about Youth ServicesCouncil’s Moonee Valley Youth Services is based at the Wilson Street Youth Centre, 34 Wilson Street Moonee Ponds, and provides a variety of services for young people aged 12 to 25 years who live, work, study or socialise in Moonee Valley.

We offer drop-in programs across Moonee Valley during school terms in Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale, Flemington and Avondale Heights.

We also support several events each year which showcase the artistic talents of young people in the realms of music and dance. The Hub at Niddrie is the base for Council’s youth music and culture programs and operates as a fully-functioning performance space and recording studio for young people involved in skill-development programs.

Young people with an interest in advising Council on its planning and delivery of services can participate in Youth Voice or one of the leadership programs we support.

Moonee Valley Youth Services offer eligible young people individual case-management support and confidential counselling through Moonee Valley Youth Services.

For more information email youth@mvcc.vic.gov.au or call 9243 8888.

The Valley Design MarketWe’re excited to be hosting our first Valley Design Market.

The market will feature over 60 stalls offering fashion and accessories, homewares and textiles, and lifestyle and kids’ products. There will also be arts and crafts workshops for the chance to tap into your creative side!

When: Sunday, 15 November, 10am-4pm

Where: Flemington Community Centre, 25 Mt Alexander Road, Flemington

Entry cost: $2

A variety of food from around the world will be available to tempt the tastebuds. For more information, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/valleydesign or call Flemington Community Centre on 8325 1800.

In addition to the market, Flemington Community Centre will host a variety of creative programs for you to get involved in.

Basic Threads, our latest sewing workshop, led by Kate Camilleri from The Costume Dept., will teach you the basics of sewing and give you the opportunity to take home your very own planter bag. Future workshops led by industry professionals will include basket weaving, ceramics, screen printing and more!

Our Creative Kids art program will also get primary aged school children painting, illustrating and sewing, while the Kids Beats program will encourage toddlers to express themselves through dance, yoga and gymnastics.

News in brief

Recent achievements Hosted 150 of Moonee Valley’s business leaders at our Leaders in Business Breakfast

which was held in the unique location of Hangar 5 at Essendon Fields.

Endorsed our Graffiti Management Policy which aims to support safety and pride in the community, and ensure an effective, coordinated and proactive whole of community approach to graffiti management.

Installed an impressive array of 362 solar panels on the Civic Centre roof which will save $22,000 and 164 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually!

Join the Christmas Community ChoirLearn festive songs, make new friends and perform at Carols in Queens Park on Sunday, 13 December.

Music is provided and you don’t need any prior experience.

Rehearsals are from 6.30pm to 8pm on Thursday, 19 November, Thursday, 26 November, Saturday, 5 December and Thursday, 10 December.

For more information and to sign up visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/carols or call 9243 8888 by Friday, 30 October.

Call for stallholdersCommunity groups, organisations and businesses are invited to participate in Moonee Valley’s largest community celebration, the Moonee Valley Festival, on Sunday, 28 February 2016 from 10am to 5pm.

Reach an audience of over 30,000 people with a display, activity or site. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/festival for details. Applications close on Friday, 8 January.

Apply for a responsive grantCouncil offers monthly grants of up to $1,000 which can be used to:

assist community groups to respond to unexpected and/or emerging community needs

promote individual participation and achievement in sport, recreation, cultural or learning pursuits

These grants open early each month and are assessed within approximately six weeks of submission. Applicants can only receive one responsive grant per financial year.

To apply visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/grants or call Council’s Grants Officer on 9243 8888.

Volcano Dreaming Schools and community groups are invited to borrow Volcano Dreaming, a large portable exhibition which provides a visual history of the stunning Victorian volcanic plains. It is a fantastic tool to explore the impacts of human intervention in our local environment.

Volcano Dreaming showcases the biodiversity of one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems; the wildflower grasslands of the volcanic plains that stretch from Melbourne across most of southern Victoria.

Dozens of different species of flowers, birds, insects, lizards and marsupials bring the exhibition to life. Children will enjoy spotting all the creatures hidden in the grass, under rocks or under water, while short vignettes educate the viewer on the ancient formation of the land from lava flows, the fauna and flora that call it home and the impacts of European settlement.

Since the arrival of Europeans in the early nineteenth century, this natural landscape has been transformed dramatically. Some animals and plants have been driven to extinction, while the existence of many others is marginal and severely under threat.

The engaging display aims to show you something of the original world of the western plains, what has happened to it, what is being done to help preserve it, what remains of it and what you can do to help.

The exhibition is a 12 metre by two metre photographic panorama that merges more than 3,000 photographs taken during more than 100 field trips over a three year period.

It can be easily and temporarily installed in classrooms, libraries, community halls and meeting rooms and be used by a large variety of people and groups to discuss the biodiversity of the Victorian volcanic plains.

Educational activities and worksheets which complement the exhibition are available at volcanodreaming.com.au

For further information or to book the display email environment@mvcc.vic.gov.au or call 9243 8888.

Celebrating all abilitiesInternational Day of People with Disability (3 December) aims to promote understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and inclusion in the community.

To mark this, Council is hosting several free community events.

Employment, Education and Volunteering ExpoWhen: Wednesday, 2 December, 10am-3pm

Where: Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds

This event will bring together many service providers to support people with disability to get the information they need to access employment, education and volunteering opportunities.

Local disability employment services, registered training organisations and disability support organisations will be among the exhibitors. Skill workshops and other fun activities will take place throughout the day.

Inclusive Children’s FairWhen: Sunday, 6 December, 1pm-4pm

Where: Crown Street Stables, 40 Crown Street, Flemington

A day for the kids not to be missed! The fun includes a West Side Circus workshop, interactive LEGO and sporting activities. Please note, due to limited places, this event is for children with disability and their siblings only.

NDIS Information ForumWhen: Tuesday, 8 December, 6pm-8pm

Where: Windy Hill, Corner Napier and Brewster Streets, Essendon

Hear from a range of guest speakers about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) trial site in Barwon.

Please let us know if you any specific access requirements. Transport and direct carer support is available on request. RSVPs are essential, call 9243 8748 or visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/idpwd to register your attendance. These celebrations are an initiative of Council’s Disability Action Plan 2014-23 which can be viewed at mvcc.vic.gov.au/dap

Disability services news in brief

Helping those with respite needsCouncil is proud to pilot a program which will offer subsidies for residents with disability and their primary carers, when accessing facility-based respite.

The Facility Based Respite Subsidy program is being trialled between July 2015 and June 2016. It provides a subsidy for stays at Victorian facility-based respite services which are run by registered disability services providers.

An assessment officer will work with individuals and their carers to determine their needs and how the subsidy program may assist in achieving these. Residents will be able to apply for a subsidised respite stay twice within the 2015/16 financial year.

The Facility Based Respite Subsidy is an initiative of the Disability Action Plan 2014-23.

For further information visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/respitesubsidy or to book an assessment contact Council’s Intake Officer on 9243 8806.

Disability programsCouncil runs programs and activities throughout the year for residents with disability, keeping them connected to their community.

Saturday Night Live: provides residents aged 13 to 40 years with social activities including table tennis and other games, listening to music, watching movies and reading.

Disco Inferno: Held four times a year for people aged 18 to 35 years.

Social Connection: A monthly outing for residents over the age of 35 years. Upcoming outings include:

Saturday, 17 October - Rippon Lea House and Gardens

Saturday, 21 November - Werribee Zoo

Saturday, 19 December - Williamstown Foreshore

Adventures Are Us Holiday program: For children aged five to 12 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Bookings for these programs are required.

To find out more visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/disabilityprograms, email connected@mvcc.vic.gov.au or call Council's Healthy Ageing Officer on 9243 8712.

Making a change at home

Solar powered storiesCouncil is well on its way to meeting its target of zero net emissions by 2020 with the roll out of solar panels across Council buildings. We want to celebrate the success of members of our community who have reaped the benefit of going solar too!

Council has installed an impressive solar array of 362 panels on the Civic Centre which will save 164 tonnes of carbon dioxide and $22,000 from the electricity bill each year. And there are more savings to come! This is just the first step in a major roll out of solar panels across Council-run buildings, including libraries and children’s centres.

We know that many in our community have also seen the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy, with almost 3,500 households having installed solar power. Renters who don’t have the option of installing panels themselves haven’t been left out of the game either with a further 2,600 homes and almost 250 businesses having made the choice to purchase GreenPower energy to meet their electricity needs.

We think this is a great achievement and we want to hear from our community about why they decided to go solar or buy Green Power and how they’ve benefitted. These stories will be shared with the wider community in Council publications and on social media in order to inspire others to make the change.

Share your home sustainability story like Aurelia from Avondale Heights and inspire others to make a change by emailing environment@mvcc.vic.gov.au

Aurelia’s solar story“Our solar system was a great investment for our family and the environment. A 10-panel, 2.5kW system was installed on the north side of our roof in June 2012.

“The solar panels have helped us in two very significant ways.

“Firstly, any solar energy produced during daylight hours is used first by us if we are at home and drawing energy. This means I can run the clothes washer on a sunny day and not use any electricity from the grid. Any extra energy produced gets fed back into the grid which appears as a credit on our energy bill. On a sunny day, all our electricity usage and daily connection fee is covered, with no cost to us.

“Secondly, we have been able to reduce our overall electricity usage by understanding which appliances use what. Lights, TVs and the computer are switched off when not required. We got rid of the expensive oil heaters and fixed the gas heater. The air conditioner is used sparingly, and only to a temperature to keep us comfortable, not chilled. Also, understanding the costs of energy usage at peak and off-peak times has actually changed our habits in and around the home. Usage we can delay till off-peak time happens regularly, such as running the dishwasher or washing machine at night, or on weekends.

“In the last two years the only bill our family has had to pay is the winter quarter. Obviously, reduced sunshine hours don't quite cover our usage and connection fees. On installation, we estimated the system would probably take six years to pay itself off. We are almost at the three year point now and we are absolutely certain it was a great investment for our family and the environment.”

How big is a tonne of CO2?You may often hear emissions savings in terms of ‘tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2),’ but how big is one tonne of CO2?

The size of one tonne of CO2 is about the same as a three bedroom house. Another comparison for you is three tonnes of CO2 is about the volume of an Olympic size swimming pool.

In Australia, the average person is responsible for 17 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year through use of energy, transport, wastes and all forms of industry. This is double what the average Australian emitted in 1960.

Plants, soil and other natural processes constantly mop up CO2 in the atmosphere but the world’s human population is producing far more CO2 than nature can process. This imbalance leads to the steady increase in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere that have been observed.

To learn more about how your household can reduce CO2 emissions visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/environmentprograms

Working together to change our community

World Teacher DayWorld Teacher Day, Monday, 5 October, is our chance to show our appreciation for Moonee Valley teachers, especially those working tirelessly to embed sustainability throughout their school community through green teams, kitchen gardens, outdoor classrooms, waste free programs and many more initiatives across the curriculum. Council support these teachers through our School Environment Network which meets each term to hear from experts and share ideas.

Principals, teachers, parents and students are all welcome to participate in the School Environment Network. Email environment@mvcc.vic.gov.au for more information.

Orchard for Cliff Allison ReserveResidents around Cliff Allison Reserve, Essendon recently approached Council expressing interest in developing a community orchard within the reserve. This initiative presented a great opportunity to green up the neighbourhood, bring the local community together and encourage healthy eating and locally sourced foods. In line with our Urban Ecology Strategy, we will support the implementation of such initiatives with the community.

The current Green Army Team did the hard work and prepared the site, then mulched, composted and planted 12 fruit and nut trees. They enjoyed working on a project that was important to the local community.

Environment news in brief

Nominate a significant treeEach year Council reviews Moonee Valley’s Significant Tree Register, which helps protect significant trees in the local area, to ensure it stays up to date.

The cut-off date for nominations each year is 30 June.

An independent review of both the existing register and newly nominated trees, which can be private or public trees, then takes place.

Resulting changes are implemented through a planning scheme amendment which seeks to apply a planning control known as an Environmental Significance Overlay (Schedule 2) to trees identified as being significant.

For more information and to nominate a tree you feel warrants investigating in the next annual review, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/trees or call Strategic Planning on 9243 8888.

National Recycling Week Now in its 19th year, National Recycling Week, Monday, 9 November – Sunday, 15 November, celebrates local recycling initiatives and encourages new recycling projects across the community.

Council is running a series of events and can provide assistance to schools, community groups and individuals looking to participate.

So get involved locally with a project or idea to promote waste avoidance and encourage recycling.

For more information contact our Waste Management team by email to waste@mvcc.vic.gov.au or visit the Planet Ark website, recyclingweek.planetark.org, for National Recycling Week details.

Join our newsletterVisit mvcc.vic.gov.au/newsletters to join our environment mailing list.

The Clocktower CentreVisit clocktowercentre.com.au or call 9243 9191 to book your tickets.

MartyTuesday, 13 October at 11am

Celebrate the 60th anniversary of this romantic drama about Marty, an unmarried Italian-American butcher who lives in The Bronx with his mother. Come along and see why this film won the best picture Oscar in 1956! PG, 1955, 90 mins, black and white.

Natalie Weir’s Carmen SweetFriday, 16 October at 8pm

Spend the night with the definitive seductress of stage as she weaves her deliciously wicked wiles through one of Expressions Dance Company’s most loved productions.

Oklahoma!Tuesday, 10 November at 11am

This classic musical film is adapted from the original Broadway production and tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams. G, 1955, 145mins.

Colleen Hewett in ConcertTuesday, 17 November at 11am

Colleen and her band go back to where it all began with a show featuring songs that started her career, with a blend of blues and songs about her life.

Perform on the Clocktower stage in 2016!Calling community organisations, schools and groups

We’re seeking expressions from performers interested in presenting a 50-minute concert as part of the Winter Music in the Valley concert series in June 2016. The successful group will receive free theatre hire, marketing support and $1,500 towards their concert.

Applications close on Monday, 16 November and can be made at mvcc.vic.gov.au/wintermusic or by requesting an application form by calling 9243 8888.

The Incinerator Gallery180 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds

Find out more about these events or book your place at incineratorgallery.com or call 8325 1750.

The Essendon Incinerator: From One Generation to the NextMonday, 5 October, 1pm-3pm

This talk will explore Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney’s philosophies behind their architecture and their origins in American romantic poetry. Discover the importance of their ideas, which are just as relevant today as they were in the 1920s.

Incinerator Art Award Friday, 9 October – Sunday, 29 November. Opening Friday, 9 October, 6pm-8pm, all welcome

This is the gallery’s premier art award with a total non-acquisitive prize pool of $14,000. The exhibition will feature works in all media around the theme of art for social change.

Fireworks VCE art and design call for entriesEntries close Monday, 26 October

Calling all VCE art and design students who live or go to school in Moonee Valley. Enter to exhibit your work at the Walter Burley Griffin designed Incinerator Gallery with cash prizes totalling $1,400 to be won.

Speak Up: Poetry and Spoken WordFriday, 20 November, 7pm-9pm

Come and experience some of Melbourne’s finest spoken word performers and poets in the heart of a visual arts gallery. Hear the human voice ring out in a space that is usually reserved for ‘silent’ visual language.

Art Talk: Graffiti, Street Art and SubvertisingMonday, 23 November, 1pm-2.30pm

Art historian Judith Stevenson gives a lecture about the rise of street art as a global phenomenon and puts the local Melbourne public art scene into an international context. Coffee and tea provided.

Library news These events are free; however, bookings are required. Visit mooneevalleylibraries.eventbrite.com.au to reserve your place for an event or call the library directly.

Author talks

A Fig at the Gate

Kate Llewellyn is a renowned poet, memorialist and nature writer. Hear her talk about her recent book, A Fig at the Gate, which contemplates the gifts that growing old can bring, the joys of creating through gardening and the meaning of ‘the good life’.

Thursday, 8 October, 2pm

Niddrie Library, 483 Keilor Road, Niddrie

When There's Nowhere Else to RunAward-winning writer, Murray Middleton, talks about his new short story collection which deals with people who find their lives unravelling.

Tuesday, 13 October, 7pm

Ascot Vale Library, 165 Union Road, Ascot Vale

Silent ShockThalidomide represents one of the greatest medical disasters in history. Michael Magazanik was on the legal team which successfully sued pharmaceutical giant Grünenthal on behalf of Lynn Rowe, a victim of the drug, and her family. Michael will speak about his new book which not only outlines the court case and the corporate dishonesty which it uncovered, but also the courage and fortitude of the Rowe family.

Monday, 19 October, 6.30pm

Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre, 69-79 Military Road, Avondale Heights

LaurindaAlice Pung, author of two acclaimed memoirs, Unpolished Gem and Her Father’s Daughter, has written her first novel. Set in an exclusive girl’s school, it explores social class in the classroom and casual racism existing under a veneer of tolerance and diversity. Listen to one of Australia’s brightest young literary talents.

Tuesday, 20 October, 7pm

Sam Merrifield Library, 762 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds

Celebrating five years Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre celebrates five years of providing services to the community. Join us for a week of birthday celebrations from Monday, 5 October to Saturday, 10 October. The main celebration will be our community fun day on Saturday, 10 October, with kid’s entertainment, drawing workshops, a jumping castle, face painting,

sausage sizzle and much more. Follow the Moonee Valley Libraries’ Facebook page or view our website for more details.

Saturday, 10 October, 10am-1pm

Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre

Health and wellness talk Learn how to use mindfulness strategies to better meet the demands of our fast paced and busy lives with Dr Christine Maingard, author of Think Less, Be More.

Tuesday, 27 October, 6.30pm

Flemington Library, 313 Racecourse Road, Flemington

A very special story time Mem Fox and Judy Horacek, the creators of the best-selling Where Is the Green Sheep? and Good Night Sleep Tight will introduce their new book, This & That. You are invited to attend story time with this iconic duo where you can talk to and have your book signed by Mem and Judy.

Wednesday, 28 October, 4pm

Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre

Holiday reads for a long summerStaff from Readings book store will outline hot titles for the coming festive season.

Wednesday, 4 November, 7pm

Sam Merrifield Library

Remembrance Day Talk: Watson’s PierThe greatest achievement of the otherwise disastrous Gallipoli campaign was the successful evacuation of 20,000 Australian troops. Joshua Funder tells this epic story through the eyes of his great-grandfather, John Watson, who was one of the engineers responsible for building the pier at Anzac Cove. Joshua discusses this alternative to the official record.

Tuesday, 10 November, 6.30pm

Niddrie Library

Capital WorksSome 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.

FacilitiesAscot Vale

Ascot Vale Leisure Centre renovations

$3,330,000

StreetscapesAcross Moonee Valley

Retrofitting of public street lighting

$800,000

Road upgradesEast Keilor

Arcade Square, Arcade Way, Bond Court, Rostella Crescent, Sterling Drive

$402,000

Essendon North

Prince Street

$78,000

Open spaceEast Keilor

Steele Creek footbridge upgrade

$173,000

In focus

Niddrie public toilet upgradeCouncil is upgrading the public toilet at the junction of Keilor Road and Matthews Avenue in Niddrie. The improvement works will be finished in late October and include:

a new layout and complete refurbishment of the existing male and female toilets

a new accessible toilet with baby change facilities

new paved areas and seating

new rendered external walls

additional safety features including new external lighting, fencing alongside the car park and the removal of hiding spots

Council has more than 20 public toilets across the municipality, with a works program in place to keep these facilities maintained.

In recent years Council replaced the underground toilet at the corner of Mt Alexander Road and Lincoln Road in Essendon with a new toilet in Lincoln Park, and constructed new toilets in Victory Park, Ascot Vale and Canning Reserve, Avondale Heights.

For further information visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/publictoilets or call Council on 9243 8888.

Ward Duty: Buckley Ward

Cr Narelle Sharpe Portfolio: Family, Aged, Disability and Youth

Phone: 0429 977 171

Facebook: facebook.com/councillornarellesharpe

Twitter: twitter.com/narellesharpe

Website: narellesharpe.com.au

I recently installed the first ‘Do Not Leave Children in Cars’ sign at Milleara Integrated Learning Centre. In conjunction with Kidsafe, these signs will be installed across the municipality including Council car parks, childcare centres and sporting clubs. We are proud to be playing a leadership role in getting the message out there that it is not okay to leave children in a car for any reason, for any length of time. We hope that through this campaign, lives will be saved and we are calling on local organisations to get involved by installing a sign in your car park.

Council has recently consulted on the possible location of a dog off-leash park, as a six month trial. Many neighbouring councils have more than one of these parks, so we are clearly lagging

behind in this space. The merits of a dog off-leash park are valid, it will just be a question of where the park is located. Watch this space.

Cr Jan ChantryPortfolio: Arts and Culture

Phone: 0411 704 625

Melbourne Water is currently upgrading a 230 metre section of the underground North West Sewer and rehabilitating the two manholes in Montgomery Park, Essendon. Once the works are completed in November, Council will start work on the ‘Shipwreck Island’ upgrade of the park’s northern play space. This is being funded by Melbourne Water’s Community Benefits Plan.

As a local Neighbourhood Watch coordinator, I urge you to watch out after a recent increase in vehicle thefts, particularly tradesman tools and number plates. Secure your number plates by fitting one-way screws, available free at Moonee Valley’s police stations. View crime statistics at crimestatistics.vic.gov.au

A new artwork will be soon be installed at the old fountain site on Mt Alexander Road. A bright oversized rope, ‘What are you waiting for?’ by Julie Collins and Derek John is a metaphor for saving the planet and I hope will stimulate community discussion.

Another successful Clocktower Centre theatre season comes to a fiery close on Friday, 16 October with Natalie Weir’s Carmen Sweet. Look out for the new program launch later in the year.

Cr Paul Giuliano Portfolio: Urban Design, Open Space and Assets

Phone: 0423 699 646

Thank you to everyone who gave us feedback during our recent consultation on the draft design for Riverside Park. Council officers are reviewing the feedback and will bring a final design to Council for approval. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/riverside for updates.

Council is continuing to work with the community on the Racecourse Road and Pin Oak Crescent Streetscape and Activation Plan. As part of the plan, we will host a celebration in Pin Oak Crescent on Sunday, 25 October with free entertainment. I hope you can attend.

Works have commenced on the Ascot Vale Leisure Centre to carry out important maintenance to the floor around the 25 metre pool. The centre was once a stand-alone public swimming pool which has developed into an aquatic leisure centre over the past 60 years. This $3,330,000 investment will extend the serviceable life of the swimming pool and provide some improvements to the facility including water play features, two additional lap lanes, a

beach/accessible ramp entry to the pool and a new accessible change room. The pool is expected to reopen in mid-2016.

Ward Duty: Myrnong Ward

Cr Cam Nation Portfolio: Economic Development

Phone: 0409 247 410

Website: councillorcam.com

Council is continually making improvements around the municipality to ensure the safety and welfare of our youngest residents. Our Better Moves Around Schools program has been well received over the past 12 months, creating exclusive drop off and pick up zones at local Myrnong Ward schools to improve traffic flow and create a safer environment for children entering and exiting vehicles.

Last month Council also looked into the provision of a school crossing supervisor on Dean Street, where students regularly cross the busy street to access local schools. Previous pedestrian counts had not warranted VicRoads to provide a supervisor, however I believe that the safety benefits of a supervisor at this location far outweigh the annual cost to Council, and I am pleased to announce that Council will now fund a supervisor at this site. I also recently successfully moved a motion to review traffic and pedestrian movements around Lowther Hall, St Columbas and Essendon Station, to investigate improvements that could be made to pedestrian safety. If you have any further ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Cr Jim Cusack Portfolio: Community Engagement and Learning

Phone: 0407 521 432

Five local residents form part of Council’s new 10-person committee to advise it on the allocation of the half yearly community grants. The value of these grants to our community is demonstrated repeatedly and it is only right that locals have a strong hand in determining where this money goes. Likewise Council’s monthly responsive grants for community organisations and individuals needing minor capital items ($1,000 maximum) are now live online.

Along with the other Racecourse Road activation events, the picnic in Pin Oak Crescent will tell us what is feasible to revitalise this important part of our city and what planning we need to do for the future. Similarly, Mt Alexander Road, south of Maribyrnong Road, needs a lot of work. Several small visual improvements are ready to start prior to generating a joint urban landscape and development plan. Work to implement the traffic plans for the Dean Street, Holmes Road and Flemington Hill precincts is starting progressively. 

Finally, men can stop family violence; why not get your workplace, school or club to take the white ribbon oath now.

Cr Nicole Marshall Portfolio: Land Use Planning

Phone: 0408 141 471

Facebook: facebook.com/MarshallforMooneeValley

Twitter: twitter.com/marshall4moonee

Council has finally adopted a Graffiti Policy following a notice of motion I put forward some time ago. I hope this will lead to a more coordinated and effective approach in relation to the issue of graffiti. Let me know if you have any queries about the policy or regarding graffiti more generally.

A reminder to dog owners to pick up after your dog and help keep our streets and parks clean. There have been reports of unpleasant incidents involving community members, including children, where owners have failed to clean up after their dog. I note that failure to pick up after your dog can result in a $200 on the spot fine. Failure to carry a litter device and produce it when asked by an authorised officer also carries a $200 fine.

Council has adopted a revised consultation process regarding the Housing Strategy and Residential Zones. This means we should be able to implement our new residential zones a number of months earlier than initially thought. Check out mvcc.vic.gov.au/housingstrategy for further details.

Ward Duty: Rose Hill Ward

Cr Shirley Cornish Portfolio: Environmental Sustainability

Phone: 0409 524 662

The State Government is installing new pedestrian operated signals on Milleara Road in Keilor East, between Centreway and Tuppal Place. At the time of printing, VicRoads was expected to commence works in late September and have the works completed by the end of November. This is a wonderful outcome for road safety and for the community.

In August I attended the Victoria Police Kokoda Youth Project breakfast. Council is proud of our relationship with this project and is passionate about engaging with young people and providing them with pathways for personal growth and opportunities to foster youth leadership development. Kokoda is a chance to share an important piece of our history with our young people - to show them the adversity which our diggers faced in protecting the Australia we know and love today. I am proud that Council will again support this project in 2016.

I’m looking forward to seeing the Airport West Green Spine project commence early next year. It will be wonderful to see this space develop into a place where the community want to spend time.

Cr John Sipek Portfolio: Leisure and Recreation

Phone: 0423 776 740

I am pleased that due to community and Council pressure, VicRoads is installing new pedestrian operated signals on Milleara Road in Keilor East. I am grateful to the community for being the catalyst for this important project and am proud to have advocated to Council to commit funds in last year’s budget to design the project and ensure it was feasible.

The Roads to Recovery program has provided an additional $1.3 million in funding to Airport West, the additional funds will go to improvements for Matthews Avenue. These works will focus on fixing the poor condition of the road surface, however we will also investigate any improvements that can be made to traffic flow, landscaping and drainage, which may include more water sensitive urban design.

The Transfer Station offers residents FREE disposal for a range of recycling materials including cardboard, aluminium, oil, paint, textiles, e-waste and more! The Transfer Station is open seven days a week, so this spring clean, take your unwanted goods to the Transfer Station so that they can be recycled. 

Cr Andrea Surace Portfolio: Traffic and Transportation

Phone: 0408 309 435

VicRoads is creating a Metropolitan North West Transport Network Plan which aims to build on existing State Government and Council strategic planning documents and guide future network planning. The plan proposes to address tackling congestion, enabling growth, improving job access and efficient freight. Until Friday, 30 October, Council wants your feedback on how you want day-to-day travel in Moonee Valley improved. You can complete a survey, speak to a Council officer at a shopping centre or create a piece of art showing what our transport network will look like in 10 years. Your feedback will help us to update two of our transport strategies, which we can then feed into VicRoads plan. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/keepMVmoving for details.

The Airport West Green Spine project will see the parkland between Parer Road and Fraser Street transformed into a community-focused open space in the coming years. The space will include barbecues and playspaces while also making improvements to local waterways by capturing and cleaning stormwater in seasonal creek beds and rain gardens. You can view the design at mvcc.vic.gov.au/greenspine

Translated text – only appears in English below.Taste of Moonee ValleyMembers of the community shared recipes which showcase our city’s cultural and culinary diversity. Download your copy of A Taste of Moonee Valley cook book from mvcc.vic.gov.au/tasteofmv

The Valley Design MarketOur first Valley Design Market will be held on Sunday, 15 November at Flemington Community Centre, and will feature over 60 stalls and arts and crafts workshops. Entry costs $2. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/valleydesign or call 8325 1800 for more details.

Mayoral Charity Community Race NightJoin us on Friday, 30 October for a great evening at the Moonee Valley Racing Club to support charity. There are limited free tickets available from the Civic Centre or tickets are $10 per person on the night. For more information call 1300 797 959.

Access for all abilitiesCouncil is hosting free community events for International Day of People with Disability in December. See page 11 for some event details. RSVPs are essential, call 9243 8748 or visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/idpwd to register your attendance.