Aspendale Gardens News - Autumn 2015

Aspendale Gardens News, Autumn 2015 – Page 1

City of Kingston is working with the Aspendale Gardens Community Centre to trial an after-‐school youth space.

The community centre plans to open the Cove on Mondays, Tuesday and Thursdays after school. A range of activities for young people will be offered, targeting ages 12 and up.

“What used to be lots of babies is starting to grow into lots of young people” said Cr Tamsin Bearsley. “Our aim is to provide a hub where young people can have a sense of identity and ownership, where they can find entertainment, recreation and support if needed, in a local environment that parents can feel confident about”.

“I think it will be fantastic,” said Cr John Ronke. “It’s a 12 month trial, so it’s an opportunity to check out the value that the community find in it, and we’ll see where it goes from there”.

A qualified Youth Worker from Kingston Youth and Family Services will lead the program, in partnership with Aspendale Gardens Community Service.

The Youth Cove was introduced at the recent Community Centre day, and will be officially launched on Tuesday 14th April at 4.30pm with the official speech made by the Kingston Mayor Geoff Gledhill. Young people who are interested about the free programs can contact the Aspendale Gardens Community Service directly or on facebook (email: [email protected]).

Kingston launches Youth Cove, teenagers declare it ‘awesome’

Aspendale Gardens News Autumn 2015

The Official Newsletter of AGRA, Aspendale Gardens Residents Association

Distributed to over 2300 homes in Aspendale Gardens www.facebook.com/agra3195


Welcome to the 2015 Autumn edition of “Aspendale Gardens News”! Our recent community survey reconfirmed that AGRA have been focusing on the issues that are important to the residents of Aspendale Gardens. Although there weren't a lot of responses to the survey, there were some fantastic new ideas that residents would like to see addressed. You’ll find some of the survey results in this newsletter. We reached out to our new Victorian MP Tim Richardson and asked him to write an article. You’ll find that in this newsletter as well. We say farewell and thankyou to committee members Barbara Hasseloff and Adam Bedikan who are leaving due to other commitments. We are seeking enthusiastic new members to join the AGRA committee and join us in working towards goals that our Aspendale Gardens community has identified. If you have an open mind, a community spirit and an hour per week, please contact us via our Facebook page or website.

Kind regards, Tony Firman, AGRA President

Facebook: www.facebook.com/agra3195 Email: [email protected] Web: www.agrainc.org.au

The secret to a good life, I’m discovering, is three-‐fold. Acts of service, building relationships, and watching trees grow seem to be the key.

The first part is service. As volunteers, the work we do in AGRA is in service to the local community. We all love Aspendale Gardens. We all want to make our community a better place. We’re all time poor, but you know what, it’s time well spent anyway.

The second part is relationships. It’s often said that AGRA’s success is due to the relationships we build with our council, state and federal representatives. We need John, Mark, Tamsin, David and now Tim to stand up for us and compete for resources for our community. It’s a largely thankless task, and when they do it well I believe we should recognise them for it.

The third part is watching trees grow… especially gum trees that you’ve planted yourself. We have more planting days coming up, and we need all the help we can get. That means you. Like us on Facebook to keep in touch, get involved, and I’ll see you soon.

Cheers, Andy Bearsley, AGRA VP and Editor.

President’s Report

Your AGRA Committee

Tony Firman President, Chairperson Advertising

Andrew Bearsley Vice President, Editor John Zeccola Treasurer Mark Bruce Assistant Treasurer Helen Smithwick Minute Secretary

Also Cameron Davies, Reny Frighetto, Serge Yan & Henry Warren

AGRA meets on the last Tuesday of the month except December. All welcome. 7:30pm at the

Aspendale Gardens Community Centre

Editor’s Bit


Your Local, Professional Real Estate Agent

If you need an agent with integrity and a strong local knowledge of the area, you need to speak to Steve Turner.

Steve Turner Area Manager & Auctioneer

M 0402 342 957E

521 Main Street

If you need an agent with integrity and a strong local knowledge of the area, you need to speak to Steve Turner.


Our local traders at Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre are the heart of our community. Nathan Arrowsmith of Buxton finds out what they love and what makes them tick.

Meet Nary, owner of the News and Lotto Shop in Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre. Nary and Leang moved from Cambodia to Melbourne over 15 years ago. They have two sons aged 3 and 4 years old. What do you love about Aspendale Gardens? Nary: The people are really nice and it’s a great community. We live in Springvale South at the moment, but we feel it is a very strong and close community so we would love to move here. How long have you been in business? Nary: For one year now. It was the friendly people that attracted us. Before we bought this business I was a book keeper for 6 years. My husband still works full time for a printing company and then helps me after hours. How many hours do you work per week? Nary: Many! I work from 7.30am -‐ 7.30pm 6 days a week. I get to take Sundays off. Why do believe your product is the best out there? Nary: Because I have a passion for customer service and they will always get a great experience for free! What is your Favorite place to holiday? Nary: I love Queensland, the Great Ocean Road and Geelong. Any place near the water is good!

What do you enjoying doing when you are not working? Nary: Quality time with my two sons and also walking. I love my kids, walking and our business. What is your favorite drink? Nary: Ginger Beer! What are our biggest Tattslotto wins? Nary: A young couple with a baby won $42,000.00 and we also had Division 2 (5 times) and Division 3 (10 times). What is your current biggest challenge that you would love the locals to assist with? Nary: “We have been trying for a long time to get a full license for a Post Office. We need to show our Post Office sales figures up to the end of July. If these numbers are enough Australia Post may issue a Post Office License to the Aspendale Gardens Community.

The Supermarkets now also sell Newspapers and magazines, which has had a dramatic impact on our sales. Please show your support and always purchase your newspapers and magazines from your local Newsagent. We are currently selling Newspapers in the Fruit Shop also on Sundays.” Nathan: Please visit Nary and mention this interview. Nary has an amazing energy that will keep you coming back for more. Hope you enjoyed your local Q&A!

Nathan Arrowsmith Buxton (m: 0411 149 921, e: [email protected])

Get to Know Your Neighbours

Now with Bill Payments, Couriers & Parcel Post

Gifts, Toys & Stationery Stamps & Envelopes

Express Post Satchels

Aspendale Gardens

News & Lotto


The grassland south of Aspendale Gardens is set to get more plantings in autumn of 2015, as revealed in plans that Melbourne Water shared with AGRA.

“I’ve done a number of site visits with a landscape architect” said Kylie Swingler, River Health Officer at Melbourne Water. “What we’re doing generally is low-‐lying grasses and revegetation beds, to maintain sight lines and safety while improving visual amenity”.

The planting of approximately 1500 plants will further build on the September 2014 initiative where Kingston Council and Melbourne Water came together with local community, primary schools and volunteer groups to plant 5000 trees in the grassland.

“We’re planning on two community planting days, and we’d also like to do planting days with local primary schools” said Kylie.

The grassland sits within a high priority area in Melbourne Water’s Healthy Waterways Strategy. Known affectionately by locals as ‘Ronke’s Reserve’, ‘Secondary Drain’ or ‘the grassland out the back’, the grassland stretches for 1.7kms connecting Yammerbook Reserve to the RAMSAR protected Edithvale-‐Seaford Wetlands.

Planting beds will be divided into a number of zones based on feedback from the landscape architect. These have been carefully designed to be consistent with the current look of the area. The beds will contain native plants that will thrive in the varying site conditions.

Zone A will include ground cover planting to allow views across the zone and canopy trees of River Red Gums outside of the floodplain alignment easement. Plant species include tufted forms such as Black-‐anther Flax-‐Lily, Common Tussock-‐Grass and Spiny-‐headed Mat-‐rush.

Zone B will consist of shrubs and groundcovers such as Black Wattle, Black Sheoak, Hop Goodenia and Grey Tussock-‐Grass.

Zone C will complement Council’s recent plantings with two additional revegetation beds to compromise of canopy and mid-‐storey vegetation. The plant species will consist of Blackwood, Hedge Wattle, Swamp Paperbark and Tree Everlasting.

Zone D will include revegetation beds with Golden Spray, Sweet Bursaria, Blue Flax-‐Lily, Weeping Grass and groups of River Red Gums.

To find out more about the planting days, ‘Like’ the AGRA Facebook page or join the AGRA mailing list on www.agrainc.org.au.

Melbourne Water unveils next step for grassland makeover


Tell us a bit about who Tim Richardson is and how you came to represent the Labor party at the last election. I have lived in the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne my entire life and reside in Chelsea Heights with my wife Lauren. We thoroughly enjoy our local community, from the wonderful beaches, local services and open environmental spaces.

I graduated from Deakin University with degrees in law and commerce and prior to becoming the Member for Mordialloc I worked for a number of years in both State and Federal governments, however I found myself wanting to contribute more to our local community and decided to try my hand at becoming a local Member of Parliament.

I am also a supporter of the Essendon Football Club (don’t hold that against me) and enjoy the occasional round of golf, although it is a bit harder to find time these days.

How is your life different as an elected member of parliament? Life hasn't changed too much for us. Lauren and I got married at the start of 2014 going into the election year, so things have been pretty busy for us and have continued to be busy throughout this year.

I really enjoy working in our local community. The best thing about being a Member of Parliament is the ability to get involved in local issues, advocating on behalf or residents and community groups and delivering outcomes for our community. I have a job to do like everyone else and want to do the best I can for our community.

What are your priorities coming into this role? I want to ensure our community has the facilities and services it needs and deserves going into the future. In reality governments change over the course of years and I ask myself the question, what do you want achieve in the time you are the representative for the area?

Supporting education & TAFE: I am passionate about education and believe everyone has the right to a quality education. I was raised for part of my life by a single mum who stressed the importance of getting a good education and was the first in my family afforded the opportunity to go to university. I believe we need to prioritise investment

in our local schools to ensure our children are given every opportunity to reach their full potential. With unemployment reaching 7% in recent times and youth unemployment at record levels in parts of Victoria, we must also invest more in our TAFEs, particularly after the recent cutbacks of the previous government.

Health & ambulances: Another key personal priority was ending the ambulance dispute by working with paramedics to fix the ambulance crisis to ensure we find the minutes that save lives.

It is going to take some time to address the crisis in Victoria’s ambulance system, with response times now worse than ever, but our paramedics are among the most dedicated and hardest working people in our community. They deserve our respect and to be supported so that they can save lives and do what they do best.

I have been fortunate enough met with many local paramedics and recently attended a roundtable in Cheltenham to hear firsthand the challenges they face and ways we can work together to improve response times.

Public transport & roads: Another key priority is improving our public transport and roads networks to ease congestion. Population in the City of Kingston is expected to grow by up to 20% in the coming decade. As a result we need to invest more in our road, rail and bus infrastructure.

As you might recall, I strongly opposed the decision to remove Richmond and Flinders Street stations from the Frankston train line. I am happy to say this has been defeated and will not happen. The Government has committed to removing 50 dangerous and congested railways level crossings over the coming eight years, including Edithvale Road, Edithvale.

At present one in nine people catch public transport and we need to find ways to make it easier to use public transport and encourage more people onto the network. The Government has commenced planning the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel, which will provide a second rail tunnel network and double the capacity of the city loop when completed.

Local road congestion is also a key issue raised with me by residents. The extension of the Mornington Peninsula Freeway has been road reserved for a number of decades and community consultation has occurred in the past.

The previous government undertook a feasibility study into the extension of the freeway, which was due for release in November 2013, but unfortunately, came a year later. The previous government then allocated further funding to commence further planning, environmental and feasibility works for the coming few years.

I am advised by VicRoads that this detailed feasibility and planning works is ongoing and I am waiting for a further detailed briefing from VicRoads on the future priorities and plans to ease congestion in our region.

Introducing Tim Richardson MP


What are the key deliverables from promises made at the state election that are most relevant to residents of Aspendale Gardens ? In addition to some of the key priorities regarding education, TAFE, ambulance services and local transport, we have a few key local commitments as well, which include: Supporting local jobs and skills: The Government has introduced its Back to Work plan, which will provide up to $100 million in relief to businesses hiring unemployed youth, the long-‐term unemployed and retrenched workers, to help create at least 100,000 jobs.

Protecting our open space and Green Wedge: We are committed to maintaining and strengthening the integrity of Victoria's Green Wedges, and legislating for a permanent urban growth boundary. The Green Wedges are the result of careful long term planning to preserve the livability of Melbourne and are the lungs of the city, encompassing important agricultural land and natural conservation areas as well as various major utilities and small towns.

Rebuilding Edithvale CFA Fire Station: The Government has committed $2.5 million to rebuild Edithvale CFA and support our hard working firefighters who work tirelessly to keep the local community safe. Recently, I had the opportunity to again visit the Edithvale CFA with the Minister for Emergency Services to reaffirm the Governments commitment to the project giving certainty to the brigade and more than 100 volunteer members regarding their long term future.

Capping Council rates: The Government will implement its plan to cap City of Kingston Council rates increases and ensure more transparency and accountability for local residents. Any council proposing an increase above inflation will need to justify its spending to the Essential Services Commission. For families trying to meet day to day expenses, it's only fair that council explain where their rates are going.

How would you like to get feedback from residents on issues? As residents might know we are based at 374 Nepean Highway, Chelsea. I am keen to hear the thoughts and views of Aspendale Gardens residents about how we can make our local area even better. The best way to reach me is by popping into the office, sending me an email at

[email protected] or by calling 9772 4544. If there is anything you would like to share with me, please don't hesitate to get in contact with me. Over the coming months I will continue to work in our electorate, talking to local residents about their priorities and concerns.


Principal’s Report from Dr Cheryle Osborne Term 1, 2015

It is with great pleasure that I welcome back our students, especially our new Foundation students, families and teachers to another fun filled and educationally stimulating year at AGPS. We look forward to an amazing learning journey for the students and the teachers with the introduction of the International Baccalaureate – Primary Year Program (IB PYP) which we are very excited about. What is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School? We are commencing our journey towards becoming an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School. The IB PYP has an emphasis on the Inquiry approach to learning, which we have always adopted at Aspendale Gardens Primary. Inquiry involves students formulating questions about a topic and then using an array of methods to investigate the answers. This enables students to explore authentic, real life experiences and allows them to engage in deeper, higher order thinking. The consequences are powerful learning experiences that engage students. The PYP further develops this approach and looks at the whole child and therefore their social, academic and emotional wellbeing. It develops personal values that provide children with the capacity to be internationally minded and to adapt and thrive in the global world that we have become a part of. We believe this programme is something that will set our students apart in a continuously changing world. School Council Representatives I would like to congratulate and welcome our parent representatives on our School Council John Zeccola (President), Matthew Hill, Adam Maltman, Melinda Freestone, Jamie Sweatman, Taso Tounis, Stephen Turner and Dan. Our staff representatives are Kelly Cornelius, Jonathan Baker and Helenor Regester. We are looking forward to working together to create a fabulous school for everyone.

Alannah and Madeline Foundation We had a fabulous Buddy Bear picnic with our Foundation students and their families. The weather was perfect and Buddy Bear was certainly a huge hit with our new students.

Harmony Day

Our Harmony Day celebrations once again were fantastic. The students wore some wonderful national costumes and we celebrated our school’s cultural diversity. International mindedness is a major part of the IB PYP approach to education which totally fits into our Harmony Day activities. We also promoted support for our ‘Chores for Charity’ fundraising event for the orphanage we support in Cambodia. We are hoping to raise $5000 to fund an annexe school outside Siem Reap in Cambodia. Another highlight and very special treat on the day was the landing of the Westpac helicopter on our school oval. The students had an information session with the pilots and really enjoyed witnessing the landing and take-‐off. It was brilliant!

Canberra Trip

The Year 6 students have had a brilliant time in Canberra. The weather was fantastic and the educational program the students experienced was amazing. This is certainly an outstanding trip for the students and one that really develops their knowledge of our Australian Parliament and our Nation’s Capital.

Dr Cheryle Osborne Principal

Aspendale Gardens Primary School News


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In late 2014 and early 2015, AGRA conducted the second Aspendale Gardens Community Survey. Thanks to all those residents that undertook the survey. In this article we outline the biggest issues and some of the great ideas that were presented by residents.

What do we love about Aspendale Gardens?

Three things stood out for residents

– The surroundings. The parks, wetlands and open space that we are very fortunate to have around us.

– The people. The community feeling of Aspendale Gardens was almost universally mentioned as resident’s choice for what they loved about living here.

– Being close to the beach and having great community, sporting and shopping facilities were also highly valued.

What are the big issues?

Number one issue is the traffic on Wells Road.

Wells Rd traffic at evening (source: Google Street View)

Mornington Peninsula through-‐traffic splits our community in half and it makes getting in and out of our suburb, especially during peak time, quite difficult.

Linked with the building of the Mordialloc Bypass, this also received many responses although there were a couple of people living on the Mordialloc Creek side of Aspendale Gardens who didn’t want a freeway behind their homes.

Number two issue is internet access and speed.

NBN not currently available for Aspendale Gardens

Residents are frustrated with the lack of speed they experience and want the NBN rolled out as a priority.

Number three was improvements to parks and reserves.

Playgrounds on Kearney Drive and L.L. Stevenson need an upgrade

Most mentioned were improvements to playground equipment and to recreationally cater for teens, as well as for toddlers. People thought the plantings in our parks and reserves needed more attention, and they also wanted BBQ’s and picnic tables. At the Aspendale Gardens sportsground, toilets and change rooms were raised.

What about the post office? Getting a Post Office at Aspendale Gardens didn’t come up as much as it did in the last survey, which was a little surprising. Maybe that’s because it has been a long road with little result.

Some good ideas: • Fitness stations on the walking trails • AFL goal posts on the Aspendale Gardens Sports Ground • Lights on the path from the Aspendale Gardens Primary school to Tarongo Drive in Aspendale for those residents that walk to Aspendale train station

What will AGRA do with all this feedback? We will add all the detailed feedback to the AGRA website. We will share all the detailed feedback with councillors, City of Kingston and our state MP as soon as we can. In the meantime if you’d like to contribute to the discussion, contact us on our Facebook page or website . www.facebook.com/agra3195 www.agrainc.org.au

Community Survey: The results are in



Update from David Tonge, Community Service Manager

It is exciting times for Aspendale Gardens Community Service as we progress through the year. Term 2 sees the launch of some new interesting programs and services for our local community. We are always looking to expand what we offer to the community, so please get in touch if you have any specific requests or ideas. Aspendale Gardens Youth Cove We have been working with a volunteer committee of local young people to name, establish and launch a new space for young people aged 12 years and above.

With Council’s Maternal Child Health Services relocating to the newly constructed Edithvale Family and Children’s Centre, this venue provided an ideal space to develop and create a local youth based initiative.

Aspendale Gardens Community Service has partnered with Kingston Youth and Family Services to develop this localised 12-‐month trial youth project. The generous support from Council has contributed to the re-‐development of the space and the funding of a qualified Youth Worker who will oversee the project.

Aspendale Gardens Youth Cove will target young people who live work or play in the Aspendale Gardens and surrounding area. We are inviting all young people to contact us to find out about the free programs that can be accessed. Contact us at the centre or message us on Facebook.

Seniors We are also excited to be offering a new free over 55’s Social Group each Friday from 1.30pm to 3pm, commencing Friday, 24th April which will offer a chance to meet people and have a chat over a cup of tea or coffee and participate in activities such as carpet bowls, card games, etc.

YOGA Our recently launched Yoga classes have been a huge success and we plan to continue to offer Yoga on Mondays & Thursdays, 2-‐3pm (starts week commencing 13th April) during term 2. We are also pleased to announce that we will be launching a Yoga for Mums and Bubs on Tuesdays, 2-‐3pm (starts 14th April). This mums and toddlers yoga class focuses on re-‐balancing your body and mind whilst gaining strength and flexibility. It also provides a good opportunity to bond and have fun with your child in a relaxing, spiritual environment. Courses New course for this term -‐ Just starting with your iPad, 8 weeks, starts on Tuesday, 21st April 12.30 to 3pm, and is aimed at the beginner iPad user with very little experience. We are also seeking expressions of Interest for any other courses the community wants us to consider running at the centre. Volunteers We are always interested in hearing from people in our local community who would like to help out at the Community Centre. We have a volunteer program in place and could use assistance in the following areas: – General maintenance, gardening, landscaping – Youth Work – Teaching, Arts, Crafts or other skills – Office administration, Board membership – Events

If you think you might have some time to help us at the Centre, please contact the office. Thank you to all community members who have welcomed me to the centre, the excellent staff at the centre and pre-‐school and the supportive board of management. Feel free to contact me to discuss any issues or ideas you have. We are a Community Service and here to support you. David Tonge, Community Service Manager

Aspendale Gardens Community Service Update


Aspendale Gardens Community Service… Open Day 22nd March 2015


We have some pretty amazing people in our Aspendale Gardens community.

Katrina Harrison and the team are volunteers for the

Aspendale Gardens Community Service. Over the last two years, Katrina and team have been researching and speaking to community, educators and parents to understand what they would like to see in the AG pre-‐school garden and playground areas. The concept and plans have now been completed. “The theme is a move to natural, imaginative play spaces including fairy gardens,

planting beds, digging patches, weaving frames, outdoor kitchen, shaded classroom, sand and water play areas” said Katrina. “Through working bees, we’ve made a start on some sections already such as the fairy garden in the wattle room playground”.

“It’s the way forward” said David Tonge, Community Service Manager. “Edithvale and Parkdale hubs are going this way and they are just amazing”.

The community service is looking for assistance from local businesses and government to help turn the dream into a reality. Anyone interested in helping are advised to contact the Aspendale Gardens Community Service on Facebook, [email protected], or 03 9587 5955.

Aspendale Gardens Community Service – Pre-‐School Garden Plans


Following the state election, a number of residents have asked us what the results mean for the proposed Mordialloc Bypass.

In October 2014, a VicRoads study found that a bypass would be the optimal solution to solve traffic issues around Aspendale Gardens and Mordialloc associated with traffic flowing to and from the Mornington Peninsula.

The current state government budget, when we lastchecked, includes $10.6M allocated for detailed

planning and project development over the next four years.

AGRA will work with Tim Richardson MP to keep a track of this project, which is important to Victoria’s southeast region from an economic, environmental and safety perspective.

If you don’t know what we’re talking about, just try to get out of Winners Circle safely into the oncoming traffic at 5pm…

Residents will remember Labor promised the extension in 1999, to be completed by 2009. Better late than never, we say.

Mordialloc Bypass Update


Documents

Aspendale Gardens News - Autumn 2015