Greater Dandenong Council News - HOME 2020 - Be more sustainable - City of Greater Dandenong
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JULY 2020
Greater Dandenong
Council News
HOME
2020
PAGE 13
Be more Council Budget Maternal and Child
sustainable 2020–21 Health Service
►► PAGE 7 ►► PAGE 8 & 9 ►► PAGE 10
2 Council News
Mayor ’s message
Customer Service Centres
Dandenong Civic Centre
225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
Springvale Community Hub
Welcome to the July edition of Greater Dandenong
5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale
Council News.
Keysborough Customer Service
While restrictions continue Council is working hard to support
Shop A7 Parkmore Shopping Centre,
all members of the community.
Keysborough
Greater Dandenong will go to the polls in October and there
have been some changes since the last Council Elections held
All correspondence to: four years ago. Turn to page 6 to read more.
Greater Dandenong Council News
Despite the uncertain times presented by the COVID-19
PO Box 200 Mayor
pandemic, Council has worked to put together a financially
Dandenong VIC 3175 Cr Jim Memeti
responsible budget for 2020-21. Read about this strong
Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au
investment in our city’s future on pages 7 and 8.
Our Maternal and Child Health staff have not stopped supporting parents, and
Phone: 8571 1000 continue to offer mums and dads assistance with family life. Read more about this
on page 10.
Fax: 8571 5196
The City of Greater Dandenong is proudly the most culturally diverse community in
www.greaterdandenong.com Australia. Our residents come from 157 different nations, speak more than 200
different languages and follow 100 different faiths. Council has a great relationship
@greaterdandy with faith leaders across our city and works closely with all of them through the
Interfaith Network of Greater Dandenong. Some of these leaders have shared their
facebook.com/greaterdandenong own messages of support on page 15.
cityofgreaterdandenong I wish all our residents the best this month and hope you are staying safe and well.
youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong
TTY: 133 677
Speak and listen: 1300 555 727
relayservice.gov.au
TIS: 131 450
council@cgd.vic.gov.au
My City
Important Numbers
Emergency calls
Police / Fire / Ambulance................................... 000
Street lighting faults /
non-operational
United Energy............................................13 20 99
Traffic signal faults /
non-operational................................... 8571 1000
Hoon Hotline................................. 1800 333 000
Hard Waste Collection
WM Waste Management
Services.................................................... 9721 1915 Dandenong North’s Tirhatuan Park forms part of the Dandenong Creek vegetation
corridor, providing important habitat for native flora and fauna, including these
Australian Animal gorgeous ducks. The park is home to the endangered Plains Grassy Wetland which
Protection Society.............................. 9798 8415 provides a home for frogs, insects and birds.
RSPCA....................................................... 9224 2222
Nurse on Call................................ 1300 606 024 This publication
is available in
Front Cover: Artist Saidin Salkic will exhibit his work alternative formats
as part of HOME 2020. upon request.
www.greaterdandenong.com
Council News 3
keeping the
community
safe
George Andrews
Reserve
Cleaning the streets The main soccer field at George
Andrews Reserve, in Trewin Street,
of Greater Dandenong Dandenong has recently seen the
completion of new infrastructure.
The ground is home to the
A new workforce has hit the Up to 50 people have been trained Dandenong Thunder Soccer Club,
streets of Greater Dandenong to under Citywide’s Cleansing and which plays in National Premier
help keep the city clean and the Sanitisation Services to help clean in Leagues (NPL) Victoria.
community safe. Greater Dandenong. They are focused
The new facilities include a corporate
on public seating, pedestrian signal
Under the Victorian Government’s box, which features an internal
buttons, handrails, street furniture,
Working for Victoria initiative, people function space, small kitchenette,
bus shelters and playgrounds.
who lost their job due to the COVID-19 accessible toilet and a viewing
pandemic have been recruited to clean As restrictions further ease and public platform. In addition, two 10-seat
high traffic areas and communal touch spaces become busier this cleaning coaches boxes (pictured) have been
points across metropolitan Melbourne. regime will help stop the spread of the installed for home and away teams to
virus through contact transmission. use on game days.
Park celebrates
history
Dandenong Park has undergone
a major transformation and has
been given a new lease on life, but
aspects of the popular park will pay
tribute to its heritage.
Council continues to
implement the Dandenong
Park Master Plan with
In May the Rotary Wheel was taken
$1 million committed to down for refurbishment. The wheel which opened in 1932, the Stan
works in the 2020–21 was installed in 1986 to recognise Prior Soundshell and the Dandenong
Rotary’s 50th anniversary in Bowls Club.
Annual Budget. Dandenong and its design draws upon
the area’s industrial heritage.
Recent upgrades include a new Visit greaterdandenong.com/
amenities block, new Stan Prior Interpretive signs will also be installed dandenongparkprecinct to read
stage, a multi-sport court and picnic throughout the park to recognise how more about the Dandenong
areas, as well as new lighting and it has been used by the community Park Master Plan.
furniture throughout the northern part over the years. These signs will
of the park. recognise the Truby King Health Centre
www.greaterdandenong.com
4 Council News
THU RSDAY MONDAY MONDAY TH URSDAY
Councillor Contacts all community
M
Lightwood Ward
10 JU LY
13 27 members to view
the meetings via
1JU0LY
NOVEMBER 1
Cr Youhorn Chea NOVEMBER JULY JULY Council’s live
0417 320 645 web telecast. J
youhorn.chea@cgd.vic.gov.au
Council Meetings The July meetings will be held:
Monday 13 July
Lightwood Ward Council meetings are held on the Monday 27 July
Cr Sean O’Reilly second and the fourth Monday of
0422 523 258
the month, at 7pm. The general public can still submit
sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au questions for Public Question Time.
All Council meetings are held at the
city chambers at the Dandenong
To view meetings online or to
Lightwood Ward Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street,
Cr Loi Truong
find out more about Public
Dandenong.
0466 004 618 Question Time simply go
loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au Council meetings currently remain to greaterdandenong.com/
open to the public, however this councilmeetings
could change at short notice. To limit
Paperbark Ward the risks of COVID-19 we encourage
Cr Peter Brown
Ph: 8571 5230
0468 584 837
peter.brown@cgd.vic.gov.au
Paperbark Ward
Cr Tim Dark
Cr Sean O’Reilly ► Lightwood Ward
0466 403 914 While restrictions are easing Council
tim.dark@cgd.vic.gov.au
is taking a careful approach to
reopening facilities.
Paperbark Ward Please continue to limit your exposure
Cr Sophie Tan to people outside of your own
0466 793 727 household.
sophie.tan@cgd.vic.gov.au
I can appreciate that you are keen
to get back to normal activities, but
Red Gum Ward we can’t undo the work that we have
Cr Matthew Kirwan all done. The health and wellbeing of
0403 072 295 all residents continues to be a priority
matthew.kirwan@cgd.vic.gov.au for Council, and we need to take mixed with exotic display gardens, and a
things slowly. bigger shade canopy.
Red Gum Ward Council has continued to work on Visitors to Springvale also commented
Cr Angela Long major projects, including the Springvale that they wanted more places to “sit
Ph/Fax: 9795 6574 and watch”. As a result, seats will be
0466 004 616
Community Hub, during this period of
angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.au restrictions. At the time of publication placed along Springvale Road, with
Council was finalising plans to open this clusters of individual stools also placed
wonderful new facility to the public. Visit in the shopping strip allowing people to
Red Gum Ward – Mayor greaterdandenong.com for the most up sit individually or in groups.
Cr Jim Memeti to date information.
0434 560 239 Virus restrictions have slowed down the
jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au Another project that is moving ahead redevelopment of Springvale, but soon
is Springvale Boulevard, which has we’ll see all the new Council investment
been heavily influenced by community – new modern library, renovated City
Silverleaf Ward consultation. Streetscape improvements Hall, renovated Post Office Lane,
Cr Zaynoun Melhem will help reinforce this activity centre more car parks at Burden Park, and
0466 518 082 beautification of Springvale Road,
as one of Melbourne’s leading cultural
zaynoun.melhem@cgd.vic.gov.au
destinations. utilised in all its glory.
Feedback from community members
Silverleaf Ward If you would like to talk to me
has helped to guide the design process,
Cr Maria Sampey about any issues please email
Ph/Fax: 9790 1291 including comments calling for more
me at sean.oreilly@cgd.com.au
0438 800 027 greenery. Plant selections for the project
or phone me on 0422 523 258.
maria.sampey@cgd.vic.gov.au will include native Australian plants,
www.greaterdandenong.com
Council News 5
Cr Peter Brown ► Paperbark Ward
Thank you to Harrisfield Preschool *ROSS RESERVE “ALL ABILITIES”
Manager Maryanne Moutsakis, PLAYGROUND: work has commenced
Wendy Forsyth and all the staff for with the $2.1 million budget approved.
making the Harrisfield Preschool such
*ROSS RESERVE NEW PAVILION:
a friendly, family oriented gem. Give
tenders will be advertised in July 2020.
Maryanne a call on 9546 8485 to
inspect the preschool or to enrol your *FORMER YARRAMAN PRE-SCHOOL,
son or daughter. JOFFRE STREET: Council will retain
this property for community use.
NOBLE PARK UPDATES
Expressions of interest will be sought.
*WACHTER RESERVE: wetland Perhaps a good site for a childcare
water feature and landscaping, a centre?
$575,000 tender approved with work
*DOUGLAS STREET PLAZA: free WiFi is
commencing soon. Lunch by the Lake
being provided.
in 2021.
Thanks to Council staff, Councillors and
*NOBLE PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE
HARRISFIELD PRE-SCHOOL DROP Ward Colleagues, Tim Dark and Sophie
FORECOURT: removal of flooding
OFF ZONE NOW AVAILABLE Tan for helping make all this, and more,
problem, improved access and
happen.
Council has provided a safe drop landscaping commencing in the
off zone for parents and children in second half of 2020. Thanks to
response to a petition that parents Robyn Coslovich for her great efforts If you would like to get in
submitted seeking a safer alternative at the Community Centre. Contact touch with me you can email
to the Bowmore Road entrance. The Robyn on 9547 5801 for your me at peter.brown@cgd.vic.
drop off zone is at the Ardgower Road community group needs. gov.au or phone me on
entrance to the preschool. 0468 584 837.
► Red Gum Ward
Cr Jim Memeti
Greater Dandenong is home to The park was built by Development
more than 100 parks, sports Victoria to replace a temporary pop-up
reserves and playgrounds. We also park near Dandenong station, and was
have four bushland areas and open partly funded by Council.
space corridors that are used by
On the other side of Dandenong is
residents and visitors to enjoy the
Dandenong Park, which has undergone
great outdoors.
a huge transformation over the past few
As a largely suburban area we are years. Council workers have been busy
always trying to balance the needs of putting finishing touches on the park,
residents and make sure green space is including a ‘Tan Track’ which will create
available for everyone to enjoy. For this a circuit path for walkers and joggers.
reason Council recently asked residents
Over the years this park has been an
to comment on plans to turn open
important asset for our community.
space at 6-8 Fifth Avenue in Dandenong
It has played host to some wonderful
into a small local park.
celebrations and when the COVID-19
Council will consider the responses and health crisis passes I look forward to
will draw up plans to make this into an seeing more special community events
outdoor asset that can be enjoyed by and cultural celebrations at this park.
all. We will add seating and plant more
trees and ensure it is maintained as a If you would like to contact
space that everyone can enjoy. me please email me at
Many residents and office workers in jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au or
central Dandenong have already taken phone me on 0434 560 239.
advantage of a “quick game” at the
urban park at the corner of Cadle and
George streets. The park incudes a
multisport court with goals for futsal,
basketball and netball.
www.greaterdandenong.com
6 THE CITY
Council News Working for You
Changes Ward
Ward
A
B
Springvale North
Noble Park North
Ward
Ward
G
H
Springvale South
Noble Park
to wards Ward
Ward
Ward
C
D
E
Dandenong North
Springvale Central
Yarraman
Ward
Ward
Ward
I
J
K
Keysborough
Keysborough South
Dandenong
in Greater Ward F Cleeland
Dandenong
At the start of May, the Minister
for Local Government announced
Greater Dandenong would have
its electoral structure changed to
single member wards for the 2020
local government elections.
The new ward boundaries were
informed by recent work undertaken
by the Victorian Electoral Commission
and ensure that each councillor
represents roughly the same
number of voters.
Council has suggested to the Minister
for Local Government that the 11
wards be named after the areas they
predominantly represent. At the time
of publication this had not yet been
confirmed by the Minister.
This map shows how the city has
been divided into the different wards.
Council elections will
be held on 24 October,
2020. If you are enrolled
to vote for the State
Election and are a Greater
Dandenong resident then
you are automatically
enrolled to vote at
Council Elections and
it is compulsory to vote.
The elections are conducted by the
Victorian Electoral Commission.
Visit greaterdandenong.com/
councillors for more
information. For all general
voting enquiries please visit
vec.vic.gov.au or phone the
VEC on 131 832.
www.greaterdandenong.com
Community Calendar Council News 7
disposable plastics. Each year more
than one million seabirds and 100,000
marine animals die from ingesting
plastic. Items including balloons and
straws get washed into the ocean via
suburban stormwater drains.
Plastic does not biodegrade. It breaks
into smaller pieces that can be ingested
by wildlife that can make its way into the
human food chain. This makes plastic a
human health hazard as well.
If you are hosting an event or party you
Single use plastics
could consider decorating with paper
products, or items found in nature
including flowers or leaves. Reusable
fabric bunting or flags can add colour,
while light projectors can make for a
Council has pledged to end encouraging organisations or individuals fun atmosphere.
the use of single-use or to follow the policy.
Use plates, cups and cutlery that can
disposable plastics at events Single use plastics, or disposable be reused and consider serving drinks
and activities held on Council land. plastics, are typically used once before in glassware.
The Plastic Use Policy adopted by they are thrown away and include:
Council will support individuals and
Council in December 2019 aims to ► Plastic bags
organisations required to follow
reduce the impact of plastic pollution ► Plastic straws
the policy through waste education
on the environment. ► Coffee stirrers
programs. To find out more phone
► Soft drink and water bottles
Council wants to lead by example and 8571 1000.
► Plastic cups
has eliminated single use plastics
► Balloons
at Council run events and across its For more ideas on how to
► Unnecessary food packaging.
operations. As the policy applies to swap out single use plastics
events and activities held at Council- Council encourages all community see the back page of this
owned venues and land, we are members to reconsider the use of magazine.
How to save on your heater. Snuggling under an
extra blanket overnight could also
energy-efficient fridge but can’t
afford it, the State Government
energy at home mean the heater doesn’t have to
kick in until morning.
has subsidies available for
low income households visit
► Set
victorianenergysaver.vic.gov.au
Over the past few months we the heater temperature a degree
for information.
have been spending more time at or two below where you would
home, which can lead to higher usually. Between 18-20 degrees ► Laundrytips – wash laundry in cold
energy bills. is ideal, as every degree higher water and if your machine has an
can increase heating costs by up to ‘eco’ mode use it. Only use a clothes
While school students have returned 10 per cent. dryer when you absolutely have to,
to the classroom, many people are still hanging clothes outside gives you
working from home and households ► Connect portable heaters to a timer.
access to free energy from the sun.
will have noticed an increase in recent ► Keep the cold out by installing door
energy bills. ► Get ready for summer and install
and window seals, exhaust fan
solar – going solar cuts your energy
Lower energy bills can help save and vent covers, door snakes and
bills and in some instances could
you money, but more importantly weather strips. These are cheap,
help earn your initial outlay back
it can help reduce greenhouse gas easy to do and some can be done
in just a few years. There are a
emissions, helping to protect the by renters.
number of solar options available for
environment from climate change. ► Check the efficiency of your fridge residents and businesses to consider.
So what can you do to help reduce – set the temperature of your fridge Visit greaterdandenong.com/climate
your energy use and keep those bills between 3–5 degrees, and your andenergy for more information.
in check? freezer between 15–18 degrees.
Check that the seal is working Visit victorianenergysaver.vic.
► Getout the winter woollies – when properly and not letting out any of gov.au for more tips on how to
things start to get chilly put on some that cool air. If you need a new more
warmer clothes and delay switching reduce your energy usage.
www.greaterdandenong.com
8 Council News
2020–21
Budget
renewal
The City of Greater Dandenong’s
2020-21 Budget has been developed
during a period of great uncertainty,
but it aims to provide our community
with some confidence moving
forward. The past several years
Council is continuing to monitor the have seen strong
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and
we acknowledge that the full impacts on capital investments in
Council and our community may not be major projects…
known for some time.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Cr Jim
Memeti said Council faced a unique
challenge, but so did other businesses, “Local economic support for our most Council provided a further $250,000
organisations and individuals in our vulnerable community members was in immediate material aid to the
community. unveiled in April and totalled more community.
than $4 million. This community relief
“A full understanding of the package will be reviewed after 30
Council further waived or reduced a
large variety of rents including providing
impacts of this pandemic June and we may need to offer further
significant financial support of $1.5
supports to those doing it tough,”
won’t be known for many Mayor Memeti said.
million to traders at Dandenong Market
to ensure the Market could continue
months, so we recognise Key components of the relief package to trade.
that our proposed direction included an immediate $100 rate
rebate passed to all pensioners for
for 2020–21 may require the fourth rate instalment and a $200
changes,” Mayor Memeti rate waiver on application for any
Council ratepayer receiving the Job
said. Seeker allowance.
www.greaterdandenong.com
Community Calendar Council News 9
The past several years have seen strong
capital investments in major projects, Key features of the Budget ► $1.6 million for footpath renewal
including the Dandenong Civic Centre and Active Transport Infrastructure
and Library, redevelopment of the ► $5.76 million for road resurfacing Priority Program
Dandenong Market, construction of the ► $4.81 million for Abbotts Road
► $1.5 million for Greater
Noble Park Aquatic Centre, construction widening Dandenong Gallery of Art
of Tatterson Park Community Sports ► $2.58 million for the Keysborough
► $1.18 million Vanity Lane
Complex and the final stages of the South Community Hub streetscape
Springvale Community Precinct project. development
► $1.05 million for Parkfield
The 2020–21 Budget continues to ► $2.42 million for building renewal
Reserve oval
build on that strong investment with a ► $2.3 million for new Ross
► $1 million Dandenong Park
capital works program worth more than Reserve Pavilion and All Abilities Master Plan implementation
$43 million. Playground
► $810,000 for Dandenong Market
“Through sound and prudent leadership, ► $2 million for Villiers Road access
improvement works
Council remains in a healthy financial road to Keysborough South
► $600,000 to complete building
position for 2020–21, although this Community Hub
and landscape works at the
will continue to be tested by the
Springvale Community Hub.
compounding effect of rate capping
and the COVID-19 pandemic,”
Mayor Memeti said.
Council’s total revenue from rates
will increase by the 2 per cent rate
cap amount set by the Victorian
Government. However, residential rates
will rise on average by only 0.4 per cent
in 2020–21.
The exact increase residents see on
their individual notices will vary due to
the annual revaluation process Council
is required to undertake.
There are also increases in the waste
charge due to Council having much
higher costs for recycling and disposing
of waste at landfills.
“The short and long-
term impacts of this strong
health crisis are yet to investmen
be fully understood but t
this Budget strikes a
good balance between
ensuring Council continues
to provide operational
services and support to
the community and a
capital spending program
to provide much needed
local infrastructure,” Mayor
Memeti said.
www.greaterdandenong.com
10 Council News
We encourage new
parents to seek support
where you can…
Ally to LGBTIQ
community
Greater Dandenong Council is a
proud ally of our Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex
and Queer (LGBTIQ) community.
Council commemorated
IDAHOBIT (International Day
Against Homophobia, Biphobia,
Intersexism and Transphobia)
on Sunday 17 May by raising
the rainbow flag in Dandenong’s
Harmony Square. The flag flew for
Maternal and Child one week, while Drum Theatre was
also lit up in rainbow colours for
the same time period.
Health Service Council also launched its LGBTIQ
Inclusion Statement on this day.
The statement says:
Greater Dandenong’s Maternal newborn during this period of social “As a diverse municipality, we are
and Child Health staff continue to restriction. Sleep and settling is a enriched by the social, cultural and
support families in our community. popular topic of conversation during economic contributions made by
these phone calls. LGBTIQ people who live in, work
While the service has had to adjust
in and visit the City of Greater
following restrictions imposed by the Council understands that this is
Dandenong.
COVID-19 pandemic, an average of a difficult time for all parents, but
more than 320 consultations have especially for those with new babies. “Council is dedicated to ensuring
taken place each week. Many parents often push themselves our city is safe, respectful and
to get back to a “normal” routine in the welcoming for our LGBTIQ
The youngest members of our
early weeks of having a baby, but this residents and visitors.
community, infants under eight weeks
time of isolation and social distancing
of age, are being prioritised for face “Council recognises the
can have benefits for new parents.
to face consultations. With some real struggles of the LGBTIQ
easing of restrictions the service is We encourage new parents to seek community who experience
working towards increasing face to face support where you can, including from multiple forms of discrimination
appointments, however if you have family members, friends and health and harassment, based on
concerns you can contact the service. experts including our Maternal and homophobia/transphobia/biphobia/
Child Health service or your local GP. intersexphobia. This often affects
Families with children up to the age of
Speak openly about your concerns and their ability to fully participate in
two years are encouraged to access
find time for yourself. The Maternal everyday life within our community.
expert support via phone calls or
Child and Health Line is a 24-hour
video calls when their regular checks “Council is a strong advocate
support service and can be reached
are due. Families who have specific for inclusion and equality and is
on 13 22 24.
concerns about their babies’ feeding committed to building a more
or development can contact the MCH To make an appointment with the equitable future for our LGBTIQ
service booking line on 8571 1880. Maternal and Child Health Service community.”
please phone 8571 1880.
While first time parent groups have
not been offered, they are now being Visit greaterdandenong.
slowly reintroduced. New parents are Visit greaterdandenong.com/ com/lgbtiq to read the full
being contact directly by early parenting mch for more information. statement.
practitioners to discuss coping with a
www.greaterdandenong.comCommunity Calendar Council News 11
Council’s Future Planning
Cr Matthew Kirwan and former Greater
Dandenong Councillor and Mayor Roz
Blades at the 2018 launch of the Back
Your Neighbour campaign
Every four years, following To create the new Council Plan we
the election of our will be undertaking a number of
Councillors, the City of consultation activities over the next
Greater Dandenong creates a six months to provide our community
strategic plan which guides with the opportunity to help shape
Council’s activities and outlines the direction of our city over the next
the resources required to deliver four years.
important services to our
We value the input of our residents,
community.
business community and visitors
The plan highlights the key priorities and would like to see as many
for Council, outlines what we hope people participate as possible.
to achieve over the next four year All consultation activities will be
period and how we will measure advertised on Council’s website
our success. This plan is reviewed and through social media channels
every year to ensure we capture the when available but if you are
changing needs of our municipality.
Each year an Annual Plan is also
interested in being a part of our
activities and contributing to future Back Your
Neighbour
developed to provide information planning you can register early by
on the specific actions Council will emailing your contact details to
undertake to ensure the Council Plan plan2021@cgd.vic.gov.au.
priorities are achieved. Council continues to work on
*Greater Dandenong City Council
advocating for the rights of people
We are currently in the final year of is strongly committed to the
seeking asylum.
the existing Council Plan 2017–21 responsible handling of personal
and with the upcoming Councillor information and is compliant with More than 1000 people seeking
elections in October we will be the Privacy and Data Protection Act asylum and their families are living in
commencing the development of 2014. A copy of Council’s Privacy Greater Dandenong while they await
a new plan for 2021–25. The new and Personal Information Policy is a decision on their claim for asylum
Council Plan will also include our available on Council’s website at without any financial support or little to
health and wellbeing priorities and as greaterdandenong.com no opportunity to work.
part of the project we will review our
The COVID-19 pandemic has
Community Plan – Imagine 2030.
compounded the stress felt by many
who saw benefits cut from the Federal
Government’s Status Resolution
Award winning event
Support Service (SRSS) program.
With casual work being affected by
the health crisis many individuals and
Council’s annual Springvale Snow families who were already doing it
Fest has won two gold medals on tough have been left with nothing.
the world stage.
Greater Dandenong Council leads
While this year’s event has been a group of 32 local councils from
cancelled due to the COVID-19 across Australia in advocating for
pandemic, Council will continue to people seeking asylum. Together we
work on putting together another seek the reinstatement of benefits
exciting winter wonderland for 2021. under the SRSS program and we call
The 2019 Springvale Snow Fest on the Victorian State Government
won Best Municipal Event and Best to continue the one-off $3 million
Australian/Oceanian Region Event at financial support package offered in
the 2020 Global Eventex Awards. the last financial year.
More than 440 entries from 39 We call on residents to join the Back
countries vied for dozens of awards at Your Neighbour campaign and add your
the 10th annual award ceremony. name to our petition.
Each year Council partners with Mt
Visit backyourneighbour.
Buller to deliver up to 80 tonnes of
com.au to learn more about
real snow fresh from the mountain,
the campaign or to sign the
and last year more than 40,000
petition.
people enjoyed the experience.
www.greaterdandenong.com12 Council News
My Community Art prize
entries
are open
Support
for youth
While the COVID-19
pandemic has seen many
Council events and
activities cancelled or postponed,
Youth and Family support services
are continuing.
The team has created a range of
online alternatives to traditional
Young creatives can use their artistic of Greater Dandenong. Entries must support services and encourages
abilities to celebrate the Greater be original and are limited to one young people and families to stay
Dandenong community through a submission per person. in touch.
new art competition.
Submissions close on Friday 7 August
If you enjoy painting, drawing or and entries will be judged across three Youth workers can help
creating digital illustrations then share categories, including 12–15 years, provide general advice
your talents through the Greater 16–19 years and 20–25 years.
Dandenong. My Place. My Community about how to manage
A first and second prize will be awarded
Art Competition.
for each category and a People’s Choice social distancing, positive
Use these themes to express yourself: Award will also be conducted for an wellbeing strategies and
overall winner.
► What you love about your community
how to access other
► What is special about your community
► What connects you to community
Visit youth.greaterdandenong. support services. Support
com for information on how can be delivered by phone
Entries are open to people aged to enter.
12–25 years who live, work or have or Skype.
a significant connection to the City
Youth Services provides free and
confidential counselling and support
services to young people aged 12–25
years who live, work or study in
NAIDOC Week postponed Greater Dandenong. During safe and
confidential sessions you can talk
The City of Greater Dandenong Greater Dandenong Council will about anything that may be bothering
has a proud connection with follow advice from the Committee or stressing you out, including
its Aboriginal and Torres Strait about rescheduling celebrations and relationships, family conflict, school
Islander communities. will inform the community when a issues, mental health issues like
decision is made. anxiety or depression, and much more.
During July Council observes NAIDOC A counsellor can see you either on
Week to help honour this relationship, your own or with your family.
but due to the COVID-19 pandemic In the meantime visit
national celebrations have been greaterdandenong.com/ Contact Youth and Family Services on
postponed until later in the year. diversity to see how Council is 9793 2155 or email youthservices@
supporting the local Aboriginal cgd.vic.gov.au for support.
The National NAIDOC Committee has and Torres Strait Islander
taken expert health advice and has community. Visit youth.greaterdandenong
decided to postpone NAIDOC Week .com for access to online
(5–12 July) in 2020. resources or to find out more.
www.greaterdandenong.comCommunity Calendar Council News 13
…working to improve the
health of Dandenong Creek
in a bid to see platypus
return to the area
Platypus habitat
Greater Dandenong Council is The City of Greater Dandenong, increase vegetation overhanging the
working to improve the health of with funding from the Australian creek for improved conditions for
Dandenong Creek in a bid to see Government’s Communities Environment not only platypus but a whole range
platypus return to the area. Program, is tackling habitat destruction, of animals that call Dandenong
waterway pollution and land clearing Creek home.
Platypus have been recorded in the
– all big contributors to the loss of the
upper catchment of the Dandenong
platypus from Dandenong Creek. If you want to get involved
Creek but would have lived along
the whole creek at one stage. They In collaboration with Council staff and visit greaterdandenong.com/
are sensitive animals and require our local community, 3200 indigenous natureandwildlife to find out
stable banks for their burrows, clean plants will be planted along the more about how Council is
flowing water for their food source and Dandenong Creek. It is hoped these creating a better home for
protection from fishing line and other plants will replace weed species, help native plants and animals in
litter that could cause them to drown. clean the water, stabilise banks and Greater Dandenong.
HOME 2020
Residents come from 157 different
nations, speak more than 200
different languages and follow more
For the first time in its six year than 100 different faiths.
history the HOME Exhibition can
“Our diversity is our greatest strength,
be viewed from the comfort of any
it defines who we are as a community
loungeroom across Australia.
and is a source of powerful storytelling.”
The exhibition features work by six
This year’s artists work across various
artists who come from a refugee or
media and come from all over
asylum seeker background and will be
Australia. Two have very personal links
showcased virtually. Dr Dacchi Dang.
to Greater Dandenong, including one
Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti who currently lives in Dandenong.
said the exhibition celebrated the Humaira Fayazi, who now lives in
diversity of our nation which was Dandenong, arrived in Australia in
2018 as a refugee from Afghanistan. HOME 2020 opens on 9 July.
reflected by the diversity of our city.
Visit greaterdandenong.com/
“The City of Greater Dandenong Dr Dacchi Dang lived at the Enterprise home to view the exhibition.
is recognised as Australia’s most Migrant Hostel in Springvale when he
culturally diverse community,” he said. first came to Australia from Vietnam
almost 40 years ago.
www.greaterdandenong.com14 Council News Business
Big hearts in business support
Talking
vulnerable communities
Business
Magazine
Did you know Council
produce a dedicated
business magazine
called Talking Business?
The publication comes in two
formats, a quarterly 16-page
magazine covering some of the
latest developments in the area,
market trends, industry news
and grant funding and training
opportunities available
to businesses.
The second format is a monthly
electronic newsletter where
time-sensitive information and
opportunities are shared.
The Material Aid Program in
Greater Dandenong is helping The magazine also
deliver food and supplies to
residents that are most in need
profiles local businesses
and without other support. who are doing well in
This combined relief their own field.
effort has supported
about 2,200 individuals At the time of writing this article,
agencies anecdotally reported a 20 to
each week. 30 per cent increase over the last two
This would not be possible without the weeks in the number of people seeking
help of some big-hearted organisations material aid, which shows we are far
in our municipality, including: from through this crisis.
► Asylum Seeker Resource Centre The material aid would not be possible
► Red Cross
without the support of our generous
business community who have donated
► Cornerstone
goods and services including:
► Springvale Benevolent Society
► Australian Natural Soap
► Communities Creating Opportunities
► Amazon
(CoCO’s)
► Dandenong Market
► Wellsprings for Women
► Chobani
► Friends of Refugees
► Granny Foods
► Enjoy Church
► Honbach.
► We Care
► Salvation Army. Subscribe today to see all
Council welcomes further
Food and material relief donations the latest happenings in
contributions from local
have been delivered to 492 families. the Greater Dandenong
businesses if you can spare
This includes many who are people business world via
the goods or services. Email
seeking asylum, international students, greaterdandenong.com/
materialaidenquiries@cgd.
homeless and the unemployed. talkingbusiness or call
vic.gov.au if you would like
8571 1550.
to contribute to the material
aid program.
www.greaterdandenong.comCommunity Calendar
Community Council News 15
words o
Messages of hope wisdom
f
In times of uncertainty many Christian
people turn to faith for comfort
“We have been looked after by so
and guidance, but even if you
many generous people during these
don’t follow a particular faith, the
challenging times. With gratitude, let’s
following messages from Greater
not forget to say ‘thank you’ to all
Dandenong’s faith leaders may
those who work to keep us healthy in
contain words of wisdom to help
body, mind and spirit.” – Anita Davine,
you through.
St John Vianney Catholic Parish. Sikh
These faith leaders are all members
“During a time that we cannot go
of the CIty of Greater Dandenong’s Hindu
Interfaith Network, the oldest interfaith out, let us use this opportunity to go
“I know the Coronavirus pandemic within to connect to the divine. God
network in Australia. has gripped the entire world with no mercifully takes care of each of his
boundaries. I pray that God might free creations and this world. Have faith,
Baha’i us from the pandemic and life might our creator will help us through this
“Never feel alone, as together we are serenely resume its normal course. adversity, as he always does.”
all working through this challenging OHM THAT SATH.” – Sivarasi Rajaratna – Jasbir Singh Suropada.
time. As we look to our inner being, to Sarma Premakantha Kurukkal,
our connection with God, we will find High Priest. Sri Sathya Sai Organisation
through Him, hope, strength, comfort
“Humans need to engage themselves
and love, for all.” – Agnes Kean. Jewish
in some action or other, either
“When Jewish people meet, they physically, mentally, or both. Together
Brahma Kumaris will wish you Shalom, a friendly and we pray for hope, that as a community
“I keep an aim to stay present and peaceful greeting. In times of crisis we we will unite for the upliftment of all
connected to my essence of peace. need to be responsive to each other. people and commit ourselves to
I know that this peace will reach my As a multicultural city we believe in our good deeds.” – Ursula Aruma.
beloved ones and ultimately the unity and faith to find the silver lining.”
whole world, providing comfort, – Roz Blades AM.
Visit greaterdandenong.com
strength, hope and clarity.”
to read messages from
– Sister Jacqueline Russell. Muslim these and other faith leaders
“The beautiful nature of compassion in full and to find out more
Buddhist is a virtue we all possess. In times of about the Interfaith Network
“The best way to take care of society hardship, patience and support is a of Greater Dandenong.
is to take care of the present key factor in maintaining physical and
moment.” – Venerable Thich Thien spiritual wellbeing. Let’s remember
Tam, Hoa Nghiem Buddhist Temple. that goodness made with a sincere
intention is seen as an act of
kindness.” – Imam Mehmet Salih
Dogan, Emir Sultan Mosque.
Op shops open Changes include social distancing
requirements, hand sanitisation
It is handy to note
that op shops only
stations around the stores and screens take donations during
Most op shops offer support to protect staff and customers. Many opening hours, which
services beyond bargain prices and stores have also closed changing means if you leave
have made every effort to continue rooms and are quarantining donations donations outside of these
providing support to our most for a short period. hours you are illegally dumping and
vulnerable residents. could face a fine.
Many of Greater Dandenong’s op If you have items to
shops have remained open during donate you should contact For more information contact:
the COVID-19 pandemic, but for The Salvos on 137 258
those who had to close a number your local op shop to St Vinnies 131 812
have now reopened with additional check their requirements.
precautionary measures.
www.greaterdandenong.comDid you know that plastic can take hundreds or even
thousands of years to break down, causing pollutants that
are toxic to humans, animals and plants.
Greater Dandenong Council has committed to reducing
the usage of single use or disposable plastic through the
adoption of the Plastic Use Policy and is encouraging
residents to do the same.
Simple swaps to reduce plastic waste
Plastic straws Plastic drink bottle
> use paper or metal > reusable glass
straws, or no straw at all or aluminium drink bottle
Takeaway coffee cup Disposable nappies
> buy a reusable > reusable cloth
glass or ‘keep’ cup nappies
Greater Dandenong Council has a vision to be one of the most sustainable
cities in Australia by 2030. By working together we can achieve this
vision and make life better for the people of Greater Dandenong.
Visit greaterdandenong.com to find out more.You can also read
