Valley View August/September 2013
Message from the Mayor
In May I had the pleasure of turning the first sod at the Avondale Heights Early Years Centre.This ground breaking signifies the beginning of stage 2A of our vision for the Avondale Heights Community Precinct. The new centre will include two preschool rooms and two Maternal and Child Health consulting suites, as well as a landscaped play area. In future stages, an outdoor civic space will be designed alongside a café/kiosk and a dedicated youth space.Avondale Heights has for a long time needed a community hub and I look forward to seeing this precinct develop.
I recently attended an inspiring ‘Women Mayors’ event. With 30 of 78 Mayors in Victoria being women, it was great to celebrate our achievements, both individually and collectively. Being your Mayor is a big responsibility which I don’t take lightly. It requires strong leadership and strategic thinking – always keeping the ‘big picture’ in mind to ensure we are a well-planned and sustainable city in the face of change and growth.
I also recently participated in the National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra. Mayors and Councillors across Australia came together to develop Local Government policy ideas. A popular topic was Constitutional Recognition for Local Government.This recognition will formalise direct funding arrangements between the Federal Government and Local Governments to ensure community projects are adequately funded. I urge you to vote “Yes” in favour of this Constitutional change at the referendum, which will take place on the same day as the Federal election.
In August, I will be participating in the Principal for a Day program. At the time of going to print, a school had not been nominated, but I look forward to shadowing the Principal for a day and learning about how a school operates and the issues and challenges schools face.
Also in August, during Homeless Week, I will be sleeping out and spending the night at Council’s Civic Centre in an effort to raise funds for our homeless. Deputy Mayor Cr Jim Cusack will also be helping out. Although a night at the Civic Centre cannot compare to the conditions homeless people endure night after night, my hope is that it will at least raise awareness and encourage people to donate to Latitude, a group that helps and supports these vulnerable community members. If you wish to donate to the cause, please contact Council on 9243 8888.
There are just two weeks until nominations for the Spirit of Moonee Valley Community Awards close on Friday, 9 August. I encourage everyone to nominate someone they believe deserves formal recognition for making positive contributions to our local community. I’ve filmed a message outlining the process for nominating someone. You can see this at youtube.com/mooneevalleycc, where you’ll also find a message from last year’s Citizen of the Year Peter Cribb. I can’t wait to honour the successful nominees at the awards ceremony in October!
My community conversation sessions continue through until October. To open up the conversation to people who work during the day, I’ve scheduled a couple of evening sessions, the first of which took place in late June. A second evening session will take place on Thursday, 15 August from 5.30pm to 7pm at Sam Merrifield Library. For a full schedule, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/conversations or call 9243 8888.
Finally, the Mayoral Charity Race Night is locked in for Friday, 4 October at Moonee Valley Racing Club. This annual tradition raises funds for local and international charities, and is a guaranteed fun night out with plenty of entertainment. Keep an eye out for further details in the coming month. I hope to see you there!
Cr Narelle Sharpe
Moonee Valley Mayor
Council meeting dates
Public Forum
Tuesday, 20 August
Ordinary Council Meeting
Tuesday, 27 August
Public Forum
Tuesday, 17 September
Ordinary Council Meeting
Tuesday, 24 September
Public Forums start at 6pm. Ordinary Council Meetings start at 7pm.
Access to the Civic Area for Public Forums and Council Meetings is through the Pascoe Vale Road entrance.
2013/14 Budget endorsed
On 25 June, Council approved its 2013/14 Annual Budget. Council has committed significant funding to support various services for individuals and families in our community including:
· over 90,500 hours of home care, personal care and respite care to older and frail aged adults and people with a disability
· approximately 4,650 hours of home maintenance for older and frail aged adults and people with a disability to live independently in their own home
· more than 2,000 living at home assessments for residents wanting to access the Council’s Home and Community Care program and make referrals to the most appropriate agencies for service
· over 10,500 hours of activities as part of Council’s Healthy Ageing program
· approximately 136,000 meals delivered to residents’ homes
· over 3,700 hours of childcare to approximately 120 children in family day care
· processing some 1,000 applications for kindergarten places as part of the central enrolment process
· Maternal and Child Health services to 1,400 children and 12,000 key ages and stages checks over the financial year
Council’s Capital Works program for 2013/14 will invest $27.3 million in community infrastructure including sporting and recreational facilities, open space and local roads. These projects include:
· $1.9 million for the upgrade of Hopetoun Children’s Centre, Flemington
· $1.5 million for the construction of Avondale Heights Early Years Centre
· $1.7 million for the upgrade of pavilion at Strathnaver Reserve
· $2.2 million for the upgrade of local sporting and recreational facilities
· $3.5 million invested in improving open space
· $3.4 million allocated to local roads
· $1.4 million invested in drainage works
To view a copy of the 2013/14 Annual Budget, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/budget.
Your rates notice
You will receive your 2013/14 rates notice during August. Rates are payable in quarterly instalments, with the first payment due on 30 September 2013.
For the first time your rates notice will include a Victorian Government charge called the Fire Services Property Levy. This levy is passed on in whole to the Victorian Government to fund fire services in Victoria (CFA and MFB).
For more information on your rates, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/rates or call 9243 8888. General information on the Fire Services Property Levy is available at firelevy.vic.gov.au.
Our four-year plan
Council adopted the Council Plan 2013-17 in June. This strategic document sets the direction of our actions for the next four years.
The new Council Plan consists of five themes, each comprising strategic objectives, strategies for achieving these objectives and strategic indicators.
The themes of the Council Plan follow our Community Vision:
· Friendly and safe – a community where people feel connected and safe
· Green, clean and beautiful – a sustainable environment for future generations
· Sustainable living – clear direction for growth and development of the city
· Vibrant and diverse – opportunities for all
· Excellence in governance – dynamic, effective and accountable
The Council Plan also reflects the services we deliver and highlights the related strategic documents for each theme. It includes a Strategic Resource Plan that sets out the resources, both financial and non-financial, required to achieve the objectives.
The Council Plan supports accountable and transparent reporting of achievements towards community goals. Council’s performance will be measured against the strategic indicators set out in the Council Plan and reported on through the Annual Report.
To view the Council Plan, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/councilplan.
Celebrating seniors in Moonee Valley
The 2013 Moonee Valley Seniors Festival will be the biggest yet, with a wide range of free events and activities to be held throughout October.
The festival celebrates a positive ageing experience for Moonee Valley’s older residents and forms part of the Victorian Seniors Festival 2013.
All events and activities are aimed at keeping Moonee Valley seniors active and connected to their communities. Enjoy a wide range of active ageing activities, including exercise, cooking, music, and learning.
Healthy Ageing – Keeping Safe Expo
When: Tuesday, 1 October, 11am-2pm
Where: Kellaway Avenue Neighbourhood Centre, 5 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds
This year’s Healthy Ageing Expo will have a focus on safety, with talks from Victoria Police and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The day will also include live entertainment and information stalls from a range of local service providers.
Men’s Shed Open Day
When: Thursday, 3 October, 10.30am-1.30pm
Where: Moonee Valley Men’s Shed, Bruce Street, Moonee Ponds
Join us at Moonee Valley Men’s Shed for the official opening of a second workshop and a new tip shop. Take part in a variety of come and try activities and enjoy a free barbeque lunch.
Morning activities with the grandkids
When: Wednesday, 9 October, 10am-12pm
Where: Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre, 69-79 Military Road, Avondale Heights
Enjoy a special morning for grandparents and their grandchildren, with fun activities for all ages! See the animals at the animal farm, let your imagination soar during story time and enjoy morning tea.
Talk, tour and tea
Building a better future in the 1920s: Marion Mahoney, Walter Burley Griffin and the Essendon Incinerator
When: Monday, 14 October, 10.30am and 2.30pm
Where: Incinerator Gallery, 180 Holmes Rd, Moonee Ponds
The fascinating story of how a Russian, two Americans and the people of Essendon created a world first in technology and architecture. Right on our doorstep and listed amongst the most important buildings in Victoria, our little known Essendon Incinerator has an amazing story to tell.
Places are limited. RSVP on 8325 1750 or .
Cooking with Elizabeth Chong
When: Thursday, 17 October, 11am-12.30am
Where: In front of Coles, Westfield Airport West, 29-35 Louis Street, Airport West
Join celebrity chef, author and television personality Elizabeth Chong for a morning of cooking demonstrations. Learn some delicious and easy recipes, find out about Council’s Cooking for One classes and enjoy a taste of our Community Meals.
Classic movie screening
When: Thursday, 17 October, 1.30pm-4pm
Where: Burley Griffin Neighbourhood Centre, Park Drive, East Keilor
Enjoy a screening of the classic Hollywood film, The African Queen, for free, thanks to Vic’s Flicks. Be sure to stay after the screening to chat about the film over a free afternoon tea.
Places are limited. Email or call 9243 8712 to reserve your place today.
Free exercise classes
When: Monday, 21 October – Friday, 25 October
Where: Moonee Valley neighbourhood centres
Try out the range of different exercise classes run at neighbourhood centres around Moonee Valley. Selected sessions are free for the week. Classes include strength training, yoga, and tai chi.
Places are limited. Email or call 9243 8835 to reserve your place today.
Growing old is mandatory – growing up isn’t
When: Monday, 28 October – Saturday, 2 November
Where: Clocktower Centre Cafe, 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds
Don’t miss this exciting photo exhibition at the Clocktower Centre. Come along to the launch on Monday, 28 October at 4pm or peruse the display at your leisure until Saturday, 2 November.
Places are limited. Email or call 9243 8835 to reserve your place today.
For more details on Moonee Valley Seniors Festival events and activities, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/connected or call Council on 9243 8888.
Vote ‘Yes’!
On the same day as the Federal election, stand up for your community by voting ‘Yes’ in a referendum to amend legislation in the Constitution.
What is a referendum?
A referendum is a vote you make on a question with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.
In this instance, the question will ask if you allow the amendment to the legislation in section 96 of the Constitution to read: ‘Parliament may grant financial assistance to any state or local government body formed by or under a law of a state or territory.’
What does this mean?
The Constitution was drafted more than 100 years ago and says nothing about the role of Local Government. It needs to be updated to reflect the changes in government roles and responsibilities. At the moment, people can legally challenge the Federal Government for directly giving money to local communities.
If the referendum is voted in, it will mean the Federal Government can legally directly fund local projects like new sport and recreational facilities, community services and improved roads, parks and infrastructure. This would be in the best interests of all Australians, as the Federal Government collects the majority of tax revenue and needs to be able to distribute the funds to relevant projects.
An amendment to the Constitution will not change the relationship between Local and State Governments.
How does this affect me?
There are many services that Council provides to residents that require additional funding.
Over the past three years, the Federal Government has directly provided Moonee Valley with approximately $3 million for local projects and $6.5 million from the Grants Commission.
To ensure that this significant financial support cannot be taken away, vote ‘Yes’ in support of this referendum.
For more information, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/voteyes.
Stay ‘in the loop’
Did you know that over 5,000 Moonee Valley residents have a hearing impairment and a further 200 residents are unable to communicate using speech alone?
Council offers communication assistance for residents with a hearing or speech impairment, including:
National Relay Service
The National Relay Service allows those with a hearing or speech impairment to make phone calls in the same way as everybody else. Please call 133 677 or visit iprelay.com.au, then request 03 9243 8888 to contact Council using the National Relay Service.
Counter loops
Counter loops have been introduced in a number of Council facilities, including the Civic Centre customer service area, Ascot Vale Neighbourhood Centre and all Moonee Valley libraries. They allow users with a hearing instrument to ‘tune in’ and hear more clearly with less distracting background noise. Please ask a staff member to use a counter loop if you require hearing assistance when making your enquiry.
Mobile hearing assistance kit
Council has a mobile hearing assistance kit available for use at meetings with Council staff, or at some Council events. The kit wirelessly transmits an amplified signal from the speaker to the user, who can listen using a headset. Please advise the meeting or event organiser if you would like to use the kit.