The City of Monash will kick off its Australia Day celebrations with a flag-raising ceremony at the Civic Centre in Glen Waverley at 8.45am.

Australia Day Ambassador Rachael Robertson will share her thoughts about being an Australian. Rachael has just returned from 12 months in the Antarctic, where she successfully led the 58th Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition to Davis Station. She is the second female to ever lead a team at the Station.

The morning will feature performances by the Oakleigh City Band and Indigenous musician Ben Walker (pictured at right). Following the ceremony there will be a free BBQ hosted by the Glen Waverley Bendigo Bank.

Australia Day is an opportunity for local community groups and clubs to showcase their talents and this year Waverley Woodworkers, Monash Croquet Club, Friends of the Children Foundation and Waverley Bushwalking Club are just some of the many groups holding Australia Day events.

Saturday 26 January is the day to celebrate what’s great about Australia and to reflect on what it means to be an Australian citizen. It is a time to celebrate our lifestyle and culture; our land and its beauty, across beaches, waterways and bush. In Monash, 150 Australia Day flags will be flying in our major Activity Centres.

Since the first Australian citizenship ceremony in 1949, more than four million people have chosen to become Australian citizens. At Monash University’s Robert Blackwood Hall, 420 Monash residents will become Australian citizens in a ceremony this Australia Day.

For more about what’s on this Australia Day, visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/events

Smoke-free zones » see page 3

Eaton Mall » see page 5

What’s On » see page 8

Get active on Australia Day

monashw w w. m o n a s h . v i c . g o v. a ubullet in

Monash Bulletin | 15 January 2013

We welcome feedbackabout the Monash Bulletin.Please give us yourcomments on 9518 3618 or atainslieg@monash.vic.gov.au

Monash Civic Centre293 Springvale RoadGlen Waverley, 3150Hours: 8.30am to 5pm

Monday to Friday

Oakleigh Service Centre3 Atherton RoadOakleigh, 3166Hours: 8.45am to 5pm

Monday to Friday

Telephone Facsimile9518 3555 9518 3444

TTY (Hearing impaired)9518 3655mail@monash.vic.gov.auwww.monash.vic.gov.au

Other languages

Language Assist Directory

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING

Staying healthy in the heatWith two heatwaves already this summer and more expected, residents are reminded to make sure that they are well prepared.

Council will hold its next meeting on Tuesday 29 January, from 7.30pm. The meeting will be held in the Council Chamber of the Monash Civic Centre (293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley).

Community members are welcome to attend and can submit questions in advance for consideration at the meeting. The meeting’s agenda will be published on Council’s website on the Friday prior to the meeting, while the decisions made at the meeting will be published the day after the meeting.

For more information, visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/council/ meetings.htm or ring 9518 3696.

Preparing for hot weather includes checking your fan or air-conditioner works well, stocking up on food, water and medicines so you don’t have to go out in the heat, and looking at the things you can do to make your home cooler such as installing awnings, shade cloths or external blinds on the sides of the house facing the sun.

Monash Council encourages you to check in with your frail, sick or elderly friends, relatives and neighbours who can be particularly vulnerable during hot weather days.

Tips for coping with the heat include:• Drink plenty of water.• Stay inside cool or air-conditioned

buildings such as shopping centres, libraries or community centres.

• Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds. Open the windows when there is a cool breeze.

• Keep yourself cool by using wet towels, putting feet in cool water and taking cool showers or baths.

• If you must go out, stay in the shade and take plenty of water with you.

• Avoid strenuous activity like sport, home improvements or gardening.

• Never leave children, adults or animals in parked vehicles.

For more information, visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/community/heat-tips.htm

monash bulletin page 3

Smoking ban on the agendaMonash City Council is calling on Premier Ted Baillieu to introduce a statewide ban on smoking in outdoor eating and drinking areas.Victoria is the only state in Australia yet to implement, or announce its intention to implement, a ban on smoking in alfresco dining areas.

At its December meeting, Council resolved to write to the Premier, the Minister for Health and local Members of Parliament calling for the ban.

Council’s call is timely, with State Parliament expected to debate in early 2013 a private member’s bill to introduce the ban.

According to Cancer Council Victoria research, on average 75 Monash residents are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.

Mayor Micaela Drieberg said the ban would protect people from second hand smoke, help people who were trying to quit smoking, and further de-normalise smoking so fewer people started the habit.

She said Cancer Council Victoria research showed more than two thirds of Victorians (70%) disapprove of smoking in outdoor dining and drinking areas.

“Monash Council has been a leader in creating smoke-free environments, by banning smoking in and around playgrounds, public swimming pools and Council buildings,” Cr Drieberg said.

“For the health of our community, we now need the State Government to take a leadership role in banning smoking in outdoor dining areas,” she said.

“We need a consistent ban across Victoria and the country so that all restaurant and cafe owners can operate on a level playing field.”

Happy new year! We have many exciting things ahead of us as a community and I’m looking forward to enjoying them with you.

Mayor’s messageFirst up, we have our Australia Day celebrations on 26 January so please join in the festivities. Later that day, I’ll be proudly watching 420 people take the Australian citizenship pledge at a local ceremony. What a positive start to the year.

Have you visited Eaton Mall in Oakleigh lately? When you get the chance to go, I think you’ll like what you see. With State Government support, we’ve revitalised the mall. You can find out more on page 5.

Speaking of Council investments in community infrastructure, one of the things I am most pleased about is the recent opening of the Mulgrave neighbourhood library. Local families will be happy to learn that storytime sessions are now being held at the library. From 10 January onwards, the sessions for children under five will be held every Thursday, at 2pm.

Like any year, 2013 will have its challenges. One of Council’s challenges will be funding a $12 million superannuation

liability. We, alongside other Victorian councils, inherited this liability. It stems from a staff superannuation scheme that has not been open to new members for 20 years.

We have decided to pay the liability through a combination of $500,000 worth of savings each year, borrowings and slight fee and rate increases. We will be working through the finer details as part of forming our 2013/2014 budget. Once we’ve formed a draft budget, it will be over to you to provide comment and feedback. Our priority throughout the budget process, as always, will be to maintain vital services and to continue to have the lowest council rates in Victoria.

I hope you have an excellent start to 2013!

Micaela

Have Your SayMulticultural and Disability PlansMonash Council is reviewing its Multicultural Framework and Action Plan 2009-2013 and Disability Access and Inclusion Framework and Action Plan 2009-2013.

Council recognises there are many issues and challenges facing people with a disability, their families and their carers, and communities from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. We also want to hear from you about the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing CALD communities and people with a disability. This will assist Council in formulating the new Plans and identifying strategies and priorities to be implemented over the next four years.

If you would like to have your say about what should be included in Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion

Framework and Action Plan and Multicultural Framework and Action Plan, please contact Eugenia on 9518 3625 or at eugeniag@monash.vic.gov.au by 31 January 2013.

Monash in FourMore than 650 people told us where they think Monash should be heading in the next four years. The survey is now closed and the results will be available on Council’s website in March 2013. Karolina Wlodarczak of Glen Waverley is the lucky winner of a new iPhone5. Residents will get another

chance to participate via a series of community forums that will be announced in coming months. If you are interested in attending a forum, please call 9518 3675.

MONASH IN FOURhave your say about the next 4 years

Oakleigh Graffiti GrantMonash Council was recently awarded $24,580 to help rid Oakleigh of unsightly graffiti.

The grant, from the Department of Justice, will be used for graffiti removal in Eaton Mall and surrounding areas. As part of the project, there will be a clean up event for Oakleigh traders and volunteers.

The grant will also fund an education program in three Oakleigh schools, run in partnership with Warner Awareness Education. Year 8 Students at Oakleigh Grammar School and Oakleigh South Secondary College along with Year 5

and 6 Students at Sacred Heart Primary will learn about the costs and consequences of graffiti marking.

The project aims to achieve a 50% reduction in graffiti incidents in the Oakleigh Shopping Precinct and has the support of the Oakleigh Police.

“Two strategies a community can implement to significantly reduce or even eliminate graffiti are rapid removal and education,” Leading Senior Constable Biljana Luccio said. “Removing graffiti promptly sends a message that it will not be tolerated. Education is vital to foster in children a respect for the community and the property of others.”

Last year, Council spent more than $125,000 removing over 5,100 square metres of graffiti from Council assets. Council also provides free graffiti removal kits to residents.

For more information, ring 9518 3690 or visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/community/waste-graffiti.htm#graffiti

Better roads and footpathsSeveral significant road reconstruction and maintenance works will be starting soon as part of Council’s Capital Works program.

Ellendale and Callandar Streets in Hughesdale are to be reconstructed. Road reconstruction works in Railway Avenue, Huntingdale and Allen Street, Oakleigh are already underway.

As part of our road resurfacing program, repairs to concrete kerbs and channels are programmed for Carson Street, Mulgrave and O’Sullivan Road, Glen Waverley in January and February. These repairs will be followed by the laying of new asphalt surfaces.

Concrete footpath replacement will continue in the northern parts of Glen Waverley, and the southern areas of Mount Waverley, Ashwood and Oakleigh South. In addition, the grinding of minor defects on concrete footpaths will continue in the southern area of Mount Waverley.

monash bulletin page 5

HOW DO I...?...become an Australian

citizen?To apply to become an Australian citizen, contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. You can find out more about the 10-step application process, which includes a citizenship test, at www.citizenship.gov.au After you have applied, the Department will send you a letter to let you know whether you have been successful. If your application is approved, you will then receive a Council letter inviting you to a local citizenship ceremony. Monash Council hosts citizenship ceremonies every few months. At the ceremony, you will be asked to pledge your allegiance to Australia and its laws, after which you will be an Australian citizen. For more info about Australian citizenship, contact the Department of Immigration on 131 880.

...request a new street tree?

If you don’t have a tree on your nature strip, you can request a tree by filling in a form available at www.monash.vic.gov.au/city/trees.htm and emailing or mailing it back to us. You can also request a replacement street tree for a tree that is dying. New tree plantings are chosen to deliver a consistent streetscape character, within the available growing space. Generally, we do not plant more than two tree species per street. For more information, contact Council’s Horticultural Services Department on 9518 3777.

Revitalised Eaton MallThe $2.2 million upgrade of Eaton Mall is in its final stages and locals are embracing the revitalised shopping area in the heart of Oakleigh.

Mayor Drieberg with Steve from Steve’s Wine Bar and Restaurant

Cindy Hartnett of the Oakleigh Traders Association said the upgrade heralded an exciting new era for Oakleigh.

“It’s fabulous how the works have enhanced the Mall’s cosmopolitan feel. The furniture looks fantastic and the timber decking and trees are so inviting.” Ms Hartnett said.

Council’s Urban Design team created the striking new street furniture made from sustainably-harvested spotted gum timber and stainless steel.

Other features include: more places to meet and sit, interesting public art, a chess board built into the pavement and tables for people wanting to play backgammon and other games.

The Mall has been designed with many environmentally sustainable features. There are more garden areas with advanced Bay, deciduous Ash, ornamental pear and olive trees planted throughout. The landscaped areas are irrigated using water captured from the paved areas and the sculptural shade sails.

Improving local reservesWorks to upgrade a Mulgrave sporting pavilion will begin later this month, after Council awarded a tender for the project at its December meeting.

The Wellington Reserve Pavilion is being refurbished to include junior and female friendly change facilities, an umpire’s room, new storage areas and accessible toilets.

The upgrade is expected to cost about $330,000, with Council funding the majority and the State Government contributing $80,000.

Meanwhile, Council has begun works to create a larger stormwater retarding basin at Brandon Park Reserve in Wheelers Hill. This project will help protect nearby properties from floodwaters. The ground is being flattened out so that, when there is heavy rain, water will be initially contained within the reserve before flowing out through the drains at a manageable speed.

Your CouncillorsGlen Waverley

Mulgrave

Mount Waverley

Oakleigh

Centre Road

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Police Rd

Waverley Road

War

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dPrinces High way

Monash Freeway

Spri

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Nor th RoadWellington Road

Ferntree Gully Road

Blac

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Step

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Road

Hun

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dale

Roa

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High Street Road

Lum

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1

2

3 4

Highbury Road

Cr Geoff Lake0411 645 281Geoff.Lake@monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Katrina Nolan0406 274 126Katrina.Nolan@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Brian Little0407 878 033Brian.Little@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Jieh-Yung Lo Deputy Mayor0400 235 363Jieh-Yung.Lo@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Tom Morrissey JP

9888 8112 or0412 238 976Tom.Morrissey@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Robert Davies0416 000 777Robert.Davies@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Micaela DriebergMayor9518 3509 or0403 034 307Micaela.Drieberg@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Paul Klisaris9518 3555Paul.Klisaris@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Stephen Dimopoulos9579 3118Stephen.Dimopoulos@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Bill Pontikis0418 355 166Bill.Pontikis@ monash.vic.gov.au

Cr Theo Zographos9551 7202 or0430 316 911Theo.Zographos@ monash.vic.gov.au

PLEASE ADDRESS ALLCORRESPONDENCE TOPO Box 1,Glen Waverley 3150Councillors’ faxes:9518 3444

Councillor News – Cr Geoff LakeCouncil recently addressed its biggest mistake from the last few years by finally agreeing to make the Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO) fairer and more flexible.

For the past decade, the VPO has unreasonably limited the property rights of Monash residents by preventing the removal of trees on privately owned property.

The strong community support for change could not have been clearer. Council spent $50,000 in sending out 43,153 surveys in 2011 to residents living in the VPO area. We received 14,495 responses – a 34% response rate and a staggering result given it was a voluntary survey.

Overwhelmingly, 82% of respondents said they wanted change – either complete removal of the VPO or greater flexibility in its application.

Only 15% supported the noisy campaign to put trees before people. I was surprised by the breathless clamour of some who predicted unprecedented tree removal. This is nonsense – indeed, the changes supported by Council will see two new trees planted for any tree removed.

Council’s belated decision now commences the statutory process to change the Monash Planning Scheme. Although the process will take some months to complete, once finalised no longer will the views of a few be given precedence over the elderly pensioner unable to maintain a tree on her property, a young family living in fear that a branch will drop on one of their children or simply the law abiding person wanting to make their own decision about their garden.

Cr Lake is now setting his sights on delivering a world-class library for Glen Waverley

monash bulletin page 7

Fabulous Family Day CareThe great teamwork and commitment of Council’s Family Day Care (FDC) service has been officially recognised.

Monash Council has received formal notification from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development that Monash FDC achieved the highest possible rating of ‘Exceeding National Quality Standard’ during an assessment visit in October.

The report noted that “...the service performed well in all quality areas and this was particularly demonstrated through strong leadership, staff relationships, relationships with children and collaborative community and family partnerships.”

Over the past 12 months, our Educators provided a total of 373,767 hours of care and our Fieldworkers conducted more than 680 home visits. Also this year, four of our Educators were nominated for the Family Day Care Australia Educator of the Year Awards.

For more information, call 8544 4444 or email fdcadmin@monash.vic.gov.au

Supporting people with disabilities Local residents, organisations and businesses were recognised for their contribution to the disability sector at the fifth annual Monash Disability Awards in December.

Hazel Hockley won the ‘Service Delivery’ category in recognition of her outstanding leadership in advocacy, development and promotion of sport for people with disabilities, particularly the vision impaired. Ms Hockley, a Mulgrave resident, was diagnosed with hereditary vision impairment in 2000 and said she was “humbled” to receive the award.

“I am one of a team and without the team there is no teamwork. So I am very happy to accept this award on behalf of the team,” Ms Hockley said.

“I would like to use this opportunity to encourage others who are disabled to speak out for themselves.”

Waverley Industries Limited won the ‘Business’ category and was acknowledged for its role in empowering people with disabilities through quality employment.

Executive Director Frank Cresia said that his organisation today employs more than 250 people with disabilities compared with 17 people when it began in 1984.

The ‘Innovation’ category was won by Parent Support Network Eastern Region for their work with parents and carers of children with a disability. In accepting the award, Frances Gammino said that as parents with disabled children their “strength came from peer support”.

Brine Street’s Giving TreeThere is a big tree in the kindergarten outdoor environment at Brine Street called the ‘Giving Tree’. Each year the ‘Giving Tree’ story is read to the kindergarten children. It’s a story about a tree who gives up everything for a little boy to be happy. Brine Street’s ‘Giving Tree’ provides a lot of shade and some fascinating cotton seeds each year. To give back to the tree, the kindergarten children can draw pictures that are hung from the tree’s branches.

Children attending Brine Street Kindergarten in 2013 will learn about the tree. A guest horticulturalist will visit and discuss how old the tree is and how the ‘catkins’ are produced each year with its seeds. The children will learn about who may have planted the tree and the traditional owners of the land on which Brine Street is situated.

If your child is requiring kindergarten for 2013, please contact the Coordinator for a tour and more information about Council’s only owned and operated long day care and state-funded kindergarten. The kindergarten is at 33 Brine Street Hughesdale and can be contacted on 9579 0903.

Hazel Hockley and friend Gail Newberry

WHAT’S ON

860 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill 3150Ph: 8544 0500 www.mga.org.au

...Monash Gallery of ArtPEACE: a OSouth Collective exhibition 8 February–28 April 2013

Featuring work by Sean Flynn, Tim Page, Stephen Dupont, David Dare Parker, Jack Picone, Ben Bohane, Michael Coyne and Ashley Gilbertson, PEACE showcases a collection of images that provide a personal reflection of peace, captured amongst the environment of war. °South is a collective of Australian documentary photographers who have covered conflicts from Vietnam in 1965 to present day Afghanistan.

Occupy Wall Street demonstrator Edgar Cancinos meditates in Zuccotti Park on 16 November 2011.Image courtesy of the artist Ashley Gilbertson.

Bedtime StorytimeChildren can bring their teddy bear and wear their pyjamas while enjoying bedtime stories from 7pm to 7.45pm at the Oakleigh Library on Monday 21 January or at the Glen Waverley Library on Wednesday 23 January.

Put your heart into it!ACT!VE MONASH has recently upgraded its cardio equipment across the Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Clayton Aquatics and Health Club, and Oakleigh Recreation Centre.

This fresh new facelift has been warmly welcomed by existing members and is sure to impress those who are looking to join. Collectively the new equipment includes a range of equipment from True Fitness and Stairmaster including: treadmills, cross trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, Stairmasters, interactive Expresso bikes and rowing machines. The main features include new and exciting fitness programs, integrated TV screens and iPod connectivity.

Now’s the time to get fit and healthy and make use of the fantastic facilities available at ACT!VE MONASH.

Arrange a tour to check out the new equipment and get started towards your health and fitness goals by contacting reception at:

Seniors Internet ClassesThroughout February, Monash Public Library Service is offering free Internet classes for seniors with little or no computer skills to learn in a comfortable environment.

Some classes will be presented in Chinese, Italian or Greek.

To book a place, call your local library branch or the Monash Public Library Service general number on 9560 1655.

MARC 9265 4888 CAHC 9541 3100 ORC 8567 0333

Also happening ...Saturday 19 January

Family Day Out at Monash, Clayton & Oakleigh Aquatic Centres

Saturday 26 January

Australia Day BBQs at Monash, Clayton & Oakleigh Aquatic Centres

Sunday 17 February

Chinese New Year Lantern Festival in Kingsway, Glen Waverley