Page 1 Monash Bulletin September 2024 Spring is nearly here Time to explore Monash Inside this issue: Central Car Park Seniors Festival Street Tree Strategy Local Law Adopted Page 2 PITCH PERFECT: New community sport facilities We are warming up for more outdoor activities with new facilities at reserves around Monash. Soccer is set to light up Gardiners Reserve, with the $2.1M soccer pitch redevelopment and new state-of-the-art lighting to meet state and national level standards for the sport. While the pitch is currently closed, to establish the hybrid turf, local club training and community use is expected to kick off in early October. A new five-wicket, multi-purpose cricket training facility is open at Essex Heights Reserve, with retractable netting and line markings that can convert the space into a futsal pitch. New three-bay cricket training nets are also open for training and play at Batesford Reserve (with support from Cricket Australia) and Pinewood Reserve (with funding from the Federal Government, via the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program - Phase 4). Sale of Central Car Park Monash Council has agreed to sell part of the Central Car Park in Glen Waverley for $50.88 million (plus GST) following a successful Expression of Interest process throughout June and July. As a requirement of the contract of sale, Council will excise approximately 1,000m² of the Central Car Park land on the western boundary, for retention as a future public plaza. The successful purchaser is Glen Carpark Pty Ltd. Settlement is the later of 90 days after the exchange of the contract of sale and 14 days after the plan excising the land for the public plaza is registered. Council has committed funds from the sale towards the Glen Waverley Civic Precinct Project. Funds received from the Victorian Government compulsory acquisition of Council land in Glen Waverley for the Suburban Rail Loop will also be allocated to this Project. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/central-car-park BOGONG CAR PARK: More spaces on the way Construction of the extension to the multi-level car park in Bogong Avenue, Glen Waverley is progressing and, with anticipated completion in early-2025, will deliver four additional levels and more than 500 new car parking spaces. Recently, the existing columns and footing reinforcement have been completed, with the construction of new columns and additional levels progressing. We have been pouring concrete for new levels (four and five), including ramps, stairwells and walls; while civil drainage and underground utility works are continuing. We will be continuing the concrete pours on additional levels; the lift shaft construction and stairwells; and removal and replacement of the façade. During construction we encourage shoppers, diners and visitors to Glen Waverley to make use of the Euneva Car Park at 2 Euneva Avenue, Glen Waverley. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/bogong Page 3 Message from Mayor Cr Nicky Luo It is hard to believe that my Mayoral term is coming to an end and that this is my last Bulletin column. As I look back on the achievements of Council and my experience as Mayor since my election in October 2023, I am filled with an enormous sense of pride at what we have delivered and achieved. In my first column, I spoke about my pride at being the first Mayor of Monash from a Chinese background. Diversity is such a cornerstone of our community, and it has been wonderful this year to attend so many events celebrating the different cultures in Monash and see first-hand the harmony that exists between our different cultural groups and how much their culture and experiences add to making Monash the unique place it is. There have been many highlights this year and I have been privileged to see first-hand the hard work and dedication of our Council team as a number of projects have been delivered. A standout was officially opening the $26.7 million Monash Tennis Centre in the Glen Waverley Sports Hub precinct and also cutting the ribbon on the Oakleigh South Child and Family Hub, our third to open. There is plenty still happening as we move towards the end of the year. We are progressing design work on an outstanding new library and community spaces project in the heart of Glen Waverley and increasing Bogong Car Park by four levels to improve parking in this area. We are investing in a new soccer pavilion at Jack Edwards Reserve in Oakleigh, playspace upgrades and improving safe cycling connections. Glen Waverley, and Monash, has been my home for 30 years, since arriving with my family from China in 1997, and I love many things about living here - the variety of places to eat, the vibrancy of our precincts, schools, shopping, parks but especially the people. Thank you to my Council colleagues for giving me the opportunity to be Mayor and also thank you to the team at Monash for their hard work and support. A huge thanks to my family for their love and encouragement. This is a truly great city and I am proud to have served as your Mayor. I hope to see you all again in the new Council term. Please contact me anytime if you have any queries or feedback at Nicky.Luo@monash.vic.gov.au or call 0451 560 398 Get out and about for Seniors Festival Monash Seniors Festival is back, with a showcase of events and activities for seniors in Monash. Enjoy free or low-cost events throughout October, from day trips to movie screenings to social meet-ups where you can learn new skills and boost your health and wellbeing. Our festival kicks off with The Broadway I Love, a day of classic songs from your favourite Broadway shows and composers. Monash Seniors Festival is part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, a state-wide celebration held every October with thousands of events, and eight days of free public transport (6-13 October) for Victorian Seniors Card holders and Seniors Business Discount Card holders. Browse the Monash Seniors Festival program: visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/seniors-festival Golden Tales Calling all creative people, either aged 4-14 or 65+, in Monash. Celebrate Grandparents Day on 27 October and enter our Golden Tales short story competition. In words (or pictures for our youngest participants), tell us about a grandparent or special older person in your life, and go into the draw to receive a $100 gift card. Monash community members, aged 65+ can also enter with a story about a special young person. Submissions close 7 October. Enter online at: www.monash.vic.gov.au/golden-tales Or submit in person at your local Monash library branch. Page 4 BLACKBOARDS CARRY MESSAGE of friendship For 15 years, a hand of friendship has been extended from the heart of Monash to our neighbours across the Timor Sea. Recently, that hand carried with it a gift of education, expertly crafted in Glen Waverley. Since 2009, Monash Friends of Vemasse has been supporting the educational and community needs of Vemasse in Timor-Leste. Recently, the Glen Waverley-based Waverley Woodworkers joined the cause. Last year, the small community of Uaigae, located in the mountains outside of Vemasse, began building a community kindergarten. Monash Friends of Vemasse provided furniture and a playground set while the Waverley Woodworkers crafted 50 individual, hand-held blackboards and some colourful wooden toys to be used in the kindergarten. Monash has some wonderful stories to tell, you can read them, and more about the gift of blackboards to Vemasse, at www.monash.vic.gov.au/stories-from-your-community Get involved in a Monash event! Festivals and celebratory events are an important part of community life. We host a range of community events, programs and workshops across Monash each year, including our Family Fun Day at Batesford Reserve in Chadstone, Carols by Candlelight at Jells Park, Clayton Festival, and Live at Warrawee in Oakleigh. Applications are open for performers, artists, community groups or stallholders to be part of our 2024/25 events program. More info and to register at www.monash.vic.gov.au/get-involved Save the date Monash 2024/25 Events season Family Fun Day Sun 10 Nov 2024 Carols by Candlelight Sat 7 Dec 2024 Live at Warrawee Sat 15 Feb 2025 Clayton Festival Sun 16 Mar 2025 Winter Series June/July/August 2025 Email events@monash.vic.gov.au www.monash.vic.gov.au/festivals Page 5 Take a walk on the wild side Monash is full of hidden gems and, through the Active Outdoors monthly programs, we are highlighting them one at a time. Co-hosted by the Friends of Scotchmans Creek group, register for our next Nature Walks around Monash and enjoy a fun, nature-based and light paced walk along Scotchmans Creek Trail on Tuesday 27 August at 10am. Meet at Oakleigh Recreation Centre, 2A Park Rd. To book visit www.trybooking.com/CTFBO Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and discover the sports clubs we are partnering with, and the various outdoor activities being held across Monash www.monash.vic.gov.au/active-communities Monash Nature Stewards Program open for applications Nature Stewards is 10-day unique introductory nature education and volunteer training program for Monash community members to learn about local ecosystems and explore opportunities to get active for nature locally. Sessions are run both in the classroom and on local outdoor field trips. The course is open to anyone over 18 years with an interest in learning more about our local environment. Monash is offering limited subsidised places for residents. Learn more or apply under Inner East Hub at https://vnpa.org.au/nature-stewards The Great Kids Clothing Exchange! Lets keep good quality clothing in use! Do you have good quality childrens clothing that has been outgrown and can be exchanged? Get along to our kids clothing exchange event at Clayton Library on Thursday 12 September. Parents and carers can exchange or donate their childrens good quality clothing (no shoes or accessories) for 0-13 years for the same amount of new preloved items. Reusing clothing means we are keeping these items in circularity and helping to create a more sustainable Monash. Find out more at www.monash.vic.gov.au/clothes-swap Page 6 Street tree planting engagement The implementation of our Street Tree Strategy helps to increase and grow our tree canopy - something we know is important to our residents because of the role trees play in cooling, shading, and beautifying our streets. Every year, the strategy identifies streets across Monash for our arboriculture team to assess if any trees need to be removed and opportunities for replanting in consultation with residents. Previously we used letters and return mail to invite residents to provide feedback on the species they'd like to see planted. This year we invited residents to provide feedback via Shape Monash (our online engagement portal) with about 200 people from across 14 streets responding. As an example, residents in Barrington Drive in Ashwood were invited to choose either Tristaniopsis Luscious or Tuscarora Crepe Myrtle to be added to their streetscape. Spoiler alert: they chose Tristaniopsis Luscious. Thanks to everyone who took the time to help shape their streetscape. All up, we added more than 2,800 new trees across Monash in the past year. HAVE YOUR SAY... New Local Law adopted Following a community consultation process earlier this year around local laws in Monash, Council has adopted the Community Safety and Amenity Local Law 2024, which will become operational on 1 February 2025. The Local Law aims to ensure safety and amenity for all people who live, work and play in Monash, and includes enhanced controls around waste management and neighbourhood amenity. Thanks to your feedback we have made some changes and, notably, the proposed requirement to put bins out no earlier than 5pm the day before collection was wound back to 24 hours before collection. visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/local-law-review Waverley Rail Trail construction Council has received funding from the Victorian Government to build the missing section of the Waverley Rail Trail, connecting Jordanville and Mount Waverley stations. We have completed a preliminary design, and we want to know what you think. The design features a 3m wide shared path for walkers and bike riders; lighting every 30-40m; and safety measures at driveways and road crossings. Construction is expected in 2025, subject to funding and approvals. To view the plans and provide feedback, visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/waverley-rail-trail Page 7 Councillor news Cr Anjalee de Silva As the cost of living crisis continues, I am acutely aware that one in three households in Monash rent. The cost of renting has increased by 50% over the last two decades and is 50% greater in Monash than the median weekly rent in Australia. More than 10,000 Monash households – both renters and mortgage holders – are experiencing housing stress. I will continue to advocate for policies which reduce local home vacancy rates and improve housing affordability wherever I can. Our tree canopy matters. Trees are vital for health and wellbeing, for supporting biodiversity, for combating global heating, and for the liveability and amenity of our streets and public places. I am proud to be a strong and persistent advocate for the preservation of local trees and important green spaces like Gardiners Creek Trail and Damper Creek Conservation Reserve. I encourage you to join me in advocating for greater protections for Monash tree canopy by joining Council campaign www.monash.vic.gov.au/protect-our-trees Earlier this year I moved a successful motion to review how Council consults with local people in Ashwood and Chadstone. There has been a great deal of interest shown in Council projects in the area recently, and I know that the diversity inherent in our local community means a variety of communication needs and preferences. I believe we can improve our local service and infrastructure planning by better tailoring our consultation methodology to suit the needs and preferences of these neighbourhoods. Finally, I want to acknowledge the pain and suffering being felt in our local Palestinian and Jewish communities due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As someone who migrated to Monash partly due to civil war, I know only too well how conflict and humanitarian crises can impact on diaspora communities. My thoughts are with you and your families. I am always here to help with local matters. Please get in touch at any time. Next Council Meetings Tuesday 27 August,7pm,Tuesday 24 September, 7pm      Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley Access meeting agendas and watch in-person or online visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/meetings YOUR Councillors Glen Waverley Ward Cr Geoff Lake, call 0411 645 281, email Geoff.Lake@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Nicky Luo, call 0451 560 398, email Nicky.Luo@monash.vic.gov.au Mount Waverley Ward Cr Anjalee de Silva, call 0424 679 096, email Anjalee.deSilva@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Brian Little, Mayor, call 9518 3524 or 0407 878 033, email Brian.Little@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Rebecca Paterson, call 0437 959 163, email Rebecca.Paterson@monash.vic.gov.au Mulgrave Ward Cr Paul Klisaris, call 0412 516 026, email Paul.Klisaris@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Shane McCluskey, Deputy Mayor, call 0466 345 406, email Shane.McCluskey@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Tina Samardzija, call 0435 011 927, email Tina.Samardzija@monash.vic.gov.au Oakleigh Ward Cr Josh Fergeus, call 0466 465 421, email Josh.Fergeus@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Stuart James, call 0413 184 250, email Stuart.James@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Theo Zographos, call 0430 316 911, email Theo.Zographos@monash.vic.gov.au You can contact Councillors via phone or email. Letters can be mailed to PO Box 1, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150 visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/Councillors Page 8 Whats on in Monash MyHeritage Library Edition MyHeritage Library Edition is one of the largest, most internationally diverse genealogy databases of its kind. In this session, you will discover how to search, browse, and access relevant historical records and family tree profiles. When: Wed 28 Aug, 2.30pm-3.30pm Where: Wheelers Hill Library (860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill) or Online (Zoom) Cost: Free Bookings: monlib.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=72751 or by calling 9265 4877 or at your nearest library Bowness Photography Prize 2024 Seventy-four finalists comprise this year Bowness Photography Prize shortlist. Save the date: exhibition opens Thurs 12 Sept. Full list and to learn more: maph.org.au/bowness-photography-prize Monash Women Business Network Sustainability and small business Hear from Mariyam Sayers as she explores how small businesses can implement sustainable strategies and foster a loyal customer base that values commitment to the planet. When: Tues 3 Sept, 11.30am-2.30pm Where: Riversdale Golf Club, 200-280 Huntingdale Rd, Mount Waverley Cost: $75 (includes two-course lunch) RSVP: Monday 26 August BOOKINGS: www.trybooking.com/CTKUK Monash Youth Film Festival For filmmakers aged 12-25 Submit your film by Sun 1 Sept Share your latest and greatest film creations for the chance to have your work shown on the big screen at Village Cinemas, Century City. visit www.monashyouth.org.au Hosted by Monash Youth Services and Quiksound Productions. Supported by FReeZA, a Victorian Government initiative. Contact us Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday Oakleigh Service Centre, 3 Atherton Road, Oakleigh 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday Call 9518 3555, email mail@monash.vic.gov.au, visit www.monash.vic.gov.au National Relay Service (for the hearing and speech impaired) phone 1800 555 660 We welcome your feedback at media@monash.vic.gov.au Copyright © 2024 Monash City Council. All Rights Reserved; reproduction in any form will require Council written approval. Monash Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land that makes up Monash, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Information in the September Bulletin 2024 is current at the time of going to print on 5 August 2024. Snap Send Solve is a great app to report through to us what needs fixing visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/snap-send-solve