December 2013 and January 2014

Festive fun page 3

Food and wine festival page 6

Australia Day Celebrations pages 8 & 9

Summer splash page 10

2013 in review pages 14 & 15

Emergency calls Police/Fire/Ambulance ................... 000

Street Lighting Faults/ Non-operational Alinta Hotline ......................... 13 20 99

Traffic Signal Faults/ Non-operational .................. 8571 1000

Hoon Hotline ................. 1800 333 000

Hard Waste Collection WM Waste Management Services ........ 9721 1915

Australian Protection Society .............. 9798 8415

RSPCA ............................... 9224 2222

Nurse on Call ................. 1300 606 024 This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Springvale office 397–405 Springvale Road Springvale

Dandenong office 39 Clow Street Dandenong

Keysborough centre Shop A7 Parkmore Shopping Centre Keysborough

Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 18–34 Buckley Street Noble Park

All correspondence to:

The City PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175

Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au

Phone: 8571 1000

Fax: 8571 5196

www.greaterdandenong.com

@greaterdandy

facebook.com/greaterdandenong

youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong

TTY: 133 677 Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 Internet: www.iprelay.com.au

TIS: 13 14 50

council@cgd.vic.gov.au

Customer serviCe Centres

important numbers

Hello and welcome to the December edition of The City.

It’s an honour to be elected as your new Mayor for the coming year.

The opportunity to represent the residents of one of Australia’s most vibrant municipalities is one I take very seriously and I would like to thank my fellow councillors for having the confidence in me to lead this great city over the next 12 months.

I’ll share more about my plans for the coming year on page 5 of this edition of The City.

This edition also features many articles on many activities on offer in our community to help celebrate the festive season and enjoy the summer weather.

Join us for the Dandenong Chamber of Commerce’s annual Carols by Candlelight event plus a host of Christmas performances in our key shopping districts (page 3).

Plus there’s the much-loved Australia Day celebrations at Dandenong Park – a great chance for our community to gather together for a day of fun.

And don’t forget to mark your calendars for next year’s exciting Melbourne Food and Wine Festival events happening right here in Greater Dandenong (page 6).

Mayor Jim Memeti

mayor’s message

my CityCentral Dandenong’s newest community space – Settlers Square – features some striking signage. It celebrates the area’s heritage as a place of settlement for the original Indigenous people, early European settlers and the waves of migrants who have made their home in Greater Dandenong. Picture: Hilton Stone.

Cover photo: The iconic Noble Park Aquatic Centre water slide is a big hit every summer. Picture: Hilton Stone.

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CAROLS by CanDlelightDandenong Park will come to

life with music, joy and the glow of candles at the 66th annual Dandenong Carols by Candlelight event and you’re invited.

This annual family-friendly event presented by the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce, features new acts and old-time favourites performing plenty of traditional and contemporary carols.

There will also be a jumping castle for the kids, food stalls and a visit from Santa.

Bring along a rug, candle and a picnic, 6.30pm Friday 20 December, Dandenong Park, Pultney Street, Dandenong.

Details: greaterdandenong.com

CHRISTMAS opening hours

Opening hours at the City of Greater Dandenong customer

service centres at Springvale, Dandenong and Parkmore will be impacted by the Christmas and Australia Day holidays.

Tuesday 24 December Service centres open 8.30am–12pm Call centre open until 5pm

Wednesday 25 DecemberCLOSED

Thursday 26 December CLOSED

Friday 27 DecemberCLOSED Call centre open 8am-5pm

Saturday 28 DecemberCLOSED

Monday 30 December Open normal hours

Tuesday 31 December Open normal hours

Wednesday 1 JanuaryCLOSED

Thursday 2 January Normal Hours resume

Monday 27 JanuaryCLOSED for Australia Day Holiday

spreaDing festive cheerGreater Dandenong Council is

helping ring in the festive season with a swag of colourful Christmas decorations across the municipality.

Our local shopping districts and community spaces will be transformed with beautiful stars, trees, doves, flowers, flags – and a family-favourite Santa Claus display.

The decorations are part of Council’s Economic Development Unit’s efforts to support local businesses during this important festive trading period.

Decorations will be placed in Greater Dandenong’s three major retail areas in central Dandenong, Springvale and Noble Park.

Features this year include:

•Springvale’s Multicultural Place will be covered in a `mini forest’ of colourful trees in flower crates

•Noble Park’s new Civic Space and busy Douglas Street will be decorated with stars, birds in flower crates

•visitors to Central Dandenong can delight in decorations in Palm Plaza, outside the Drum theatre and see Santa and his sleigh on the Bendigo Bank site on Lonsdale Street

•colourful flags will welcome shoppers to Springvale, Noble Park and Dandenong.

Dandenong Plaza, Parkmore Shopping Centre and the Dandenong Market will also all have their own decorations and activities in the lead-up to Christmas.

Council has also been encouraging local businesses to join in the festivities and decorate their store-fronts.

The Best Window Display competition is handing out prizes to the best window display in Greater Dandenong.

Visit SantaShop at Dandenong Market for all your Christmas shopping including fresh produce and quality general merchandise at bargain prices.

And don’t forget to stop by and visit Santa while you’re there. Santa will be available for photographs from Tuesday 10 December.

The Market is open every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday – and new trading day Sunday – and will be open Christmas Eve for all your last-minute shopping.

Free performancesCouncil will also be spreading Christmas cheer with a series of music and entertainment performances in December.

Music and roving entertainment will be held in the Noble Park Civic Space, Dandenong’s Palm Plaza and the Springvale shopping district. Details: Community calendar pages 16 & 17.

3the City

Lightwood WardCr Loi TruongPh: 0466 004 618loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au

Paperbark WardCr Peter BrownPh/Fax: 9584 51490408 138 939 peter.brown@cgd.vic.gov.au

Red Gum WardCr Matthew Kirwan0403 072 295matthew.kirwan@cgd.vic.gov.au

Lightwood WardCr Youhorn CheaPh: 9547 5745 Fax: 9547 35860417 320 645ychea@cgd.vic.gov.au

Paperbark WardCr Roz Blades Ph: 9701 5821 Fax: 9798 59270417 053 612roz.blades@cgd.vic.gov.au

Lightwood WardCr Sean O’Reilly0422 523 258sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au

Paperbark WardCr Heang Tak0403 072 291heang.tak@cgd.vic.gov.au

Red Gum WardCr Angela Long Ph: 9795 6574 Fax: 9795 44120466 004 616angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.au

Red Gum WardCr Jim Memeti – MayorPh: 9792 4683 Fax: 9792 46830434 560 239jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au

Silverleaf WardCr Maria SampeyPh: 9790 1291 Fax: 9790 61040438 800 027maria.sampey@cgd.vic.gov.au

Silverleaf WardCr John KellyPh: 9793 1777 Fax: 9706 01860418 350 743john.kelly@cgd.vic.gov.au

Council meetings are usually held on the second Monday of the month in Springvale and the fourth Monday of the month in Dandenong.

In December and January only one meeting is held each month. Due to the Australia Day public holiday the January meeting will be held on a Tuesday instead.

•Monday 9 December, Springvale Council Chambers, 397–405 Springvale Road, Springvale at 7pm. This is scheduled to be the last Council meeting held at the Springvale Chamber. Council is planning to celebrate the chamber’s history on the night with past Springvale and Greater Dandenong councillors. We would love to hear from any past councillors with any stories about the old Council Chamber. Please contact Council on 8571 1000.

•Tuesday 28 January, Dandenong Council Chambers, 39 Clow St, Dandenong at 7pm.

To view meetings online see www.greaterdandenong.com

CounCil meetingsCounCillor ContaCts

reCent CounCil DeCisions

•Councillors adopted the 2012-2013 Annual Report. Council has a statutory obligation to prepare an annual report and lodge this with the Minister for Local Government by 30 September each year. The annual report must contain a report of Council’s operations, audited financial statements and audited performance statements. The City of Greater Dandenong’s annual report also incorporates a performance highlights section, profiling Council’s major achievements for the financial year. The Annual Report is available on Council’s website and display copies will remain in Council’s customer service centres and libraries. Printed copies of the Annual Report are available to interested members of the public upon request.

•Councillors endorsed a new Community Engagement and Planning Framework, allowing for greater community and stakeholder engagement in Council’s decision making processes. It includes an option for the formation of community reference groups made up of community members who would provide advice or feedback on Council policies, strategies and plans.

•Councillors made progress on the upgrade of George Andrews Pavilion in Dandenong South appointing a preferred tenderer for the project. Envirosafe Constructions have been appointed for the $759,000 refubishment. The project is part of Council’s ongoing work to provide high-quality sporting and community facilities.

•Councillors approved a new policy to ensure ongoing transparency and accountability. The new Councillor Support, Reimbursemant and Accountability Policy sets forth clear guidelines for expenses and travel while councillors are conducting Council business and serving the community.

•Councillors are exploring ways to help community groups make the best use of promotional tools to advertise their events and activities. Options include Council’s YouTube channel, website, social media pages, community signage across the municipality and more.

•Councillors called for a review of Council’s Fair Trade program – now in its fourth year – to evaluate its success and consider next steps. The review will cover inclusion of Fair Trade products in Council’s purchasing policy and consideration of seeking accreditation in the Fair Trade Communities/Workplace Program.

•Councillors have asked for a report on introducing non-chemical weed management for local streetscapes and open spaces in Greater Dandenong.

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Red Gum Ward Councillor Jim Memeti has been elected Mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong for the

second time.

Cr Memeti brings with him a wealth of experience and local knowledge, having served as a councillor since 2005 and mayor in 2010.

Having migrated to Australia with his parents at the age of two, Cr Memeti has lived in Dandenong for more than 38 years. He has three children and two grandchildren.

Cr Memeti has long held the belief that Dandenong should be a metropolis for the community to work and play.

His support of the Municipal Building Project during his last mayoral term in 2010 reinforced this belief and in a lovely twist of fate the official opening of the new building will fall during his latest mayoral term.

Cr Memeti said the transformation taking place in central Dandenong was something he has supported for a very long time.

“One of my main motivations for standing for Council originally was to improve public perceptions of Dandenong,” he said.

“The Revitalising Central Dandenong Project has been a great catalyst for promoting the city and changing the way people look at it.”

Cr Memeti believes that success stems from collaboration.

“One of the things I like most about local government is that everyone has something different to offer,” he said.

“By working together with my fellow councilors I believe we can achieve the best results for the city.”

Cr Memeti is an active member of the local community. He owns several retail businesses, is a regular visitor to Dandenong Market and an avid supporter of local football (soccer) club the Dandenong Thunder.

SEASON’S GREETINGS The festive season is a time to gather together with family, friends and with our wider community to celebrate the successes of 2013 and look forward to a bright new year.

As councillors of the City of Greater Dandenong it has been our pleasure to serve you and work with you during the past year as we strived to build a more vibrant and connected community for all.

We wish all our residents a safe and fun-filled festive season and a happy and prosperous new year.

May 2014 be filled with good health, good fortune and good cheer.

From your City of Greater Dandenong councillors.

meet our neW mayor

5the City

Festival oF FooDCalling all food lovers – mark your diaries now, because

Greater Dandenong is once again taking part in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

Two local events – both featuring the festival’s theme ‘water’ – will help showcase Greater Dandenong’s emerging food culture and attract new visitors to the area.

Council’s Economic Development Unit is calling all surfer dudes and beach bunnies to join in the festival fun at a Beach Party event.

Be taken back to memories of summer holidays with your own personal BBQ chef cooking you delicious gourmet food.

We’re transforming the rooftop area at Ginger Jones café into our very own beach party – and while we don’t have an ocean view we can guarantee a relaxing beach vibe and a summer holiday party.

Beach Party in Dandy will be held 6pm-10.30pm Friday 7 March at Ginger Jones, 175 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.

Tickets are $70 per person and include food, beer, wine and soft drink with an aqua cocktail on arrival.

Bookings essential and ticket sales available from Tuesday 3 December by phoning 8571 1377 or book online at www.greaterdandenong.com/tours

The Dandenong Market will once again hold its successful Dandenong World Fare to celebrate the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

Circumnavigate the globe by experiencing delicious global cuisines, cultures and entertainment – with a focus on areas sustained by the world’s important river systems.

Come along and be swept up by irresistible flavours from the tastes of the Mekong and Ganges through to the Niger and Murray-Darling.

Enjoy music and dance performers, beautifully presented food, outdoor hawker market stall, the famous Afghan Tea Cart and cooking demonstrations at The Kitchen.

Grab your friends and family and make the Dandenong World Fare your destination 10am-3pm Sunday 2 March 2014. Free entry. Food available from $1 to $15.

Details: www.dandenongmarket.com.au

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There’s only a few months to go until Greater Dandenong’s new municipal building will be open

for business in mid-March 2014.

As these photographs show, over the past year we’ve watched as the old buildings and shop fronts were demolished and the empty site transformed into a state-of-the-art new community facility.

Once complete it will feature:

•a state-of-the-art regional library

•new Council offices, city chambers and community meeting rooms

•open-air civic plaza with giant outdoor video screen

•retail areas, cafes and office space available for lease.

It won’t be long before the whole community can explore the impressive new library, join a community event in the civic plaza, take care of all your Council needs in one place and hear about upcoming events on the big screen.

January 2013

March 2013

May 2013

November 2012

August 2012

builDing our FutureAugust 2013

7the City

Australia Day celebrations will take centre stage in Greater

Dandenong with a host of events to mark our national day.

Highlights include:•annual Citizen of the

Year Awards •Festival in the Park• local events at RSL clubs•Australia Day ceremony at

the Springvale Lunar New Year event

So why not join us on Sunday 26 January for a day of family-friendly, free activities and entertainment to help celebrate our country and our community.

Celebration

of our nation

Pictures from the 2013 Australia Day event.

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Festival in the park 3pm-9.30pm Dandenong Park, Dandenong

Dandenong Park will host Council’s Festival in the Park – an all-ages event that is Council’s major Australia Day celebration.

Join with thousands of others from our community as we gather together in a fun, friendly environment.

The day will commence with a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by a Wurundjeri elder.

It will also feature live music and dance showcasing local community bands, multicultural performances, emerging artists, headline acts and roving performers.

Fire twirlers and circus acts will entertain the crowds and there are plenty of activities to get involved in including arts and crafts, kindergym, sports events and more.

You can browse market stalls, buy from a wide range of delicious foods, or bring along a picnic to enjoy with family and friends.

Free shuttle busA free shuttle bus service will operate on Australia Day. Bookings required on 8571 1000.

Clubs and organisations providing services for residents with accessibility or isolation issues are invited to register their interest. Indications of the seats required and times should be pre-booked as soon as possible.

Individuals may also register.

Note: No personal assistance is available. Bus patrons must be independently mobile.

Places are limited, so book soon!

Shuttle bus bookings close 5pm Friday 17 January, unless booked out earlier.

Citizen oF the year aWarDsA highlight of Council’s Australia Day celebrations is the annual Citizen of the Year Awards.

They honour people making a positive difference in our community and recognise the exceptional contribution of volunteers.

Awards will be presented to Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Good Neighbour of the Year and Non-Resident of the Year.

The winners will be profiled in the February edition of The City.

springvale lunar neW year10am - Australia Day ceremony Corner Buckingham and Balmoral avenues, Springvale

In 2014 (the year of the horse), Australia Day coincides with the popular Springvale Lunar New Year event in Springvale. To celebrate there will be a flag raising and national anthem during the ceremonies at 11am.

9the City

Dandenong will be hitting the right note in January when a creative

new public art installation takes centre stage.

Play Me I’m Yours is the creation of British artist Luke Jerram and has previously graced the footpaths of international cities including Hangzhou, Birmingham Paris, Barcelona and Sao Paulo.

From 10-27 January a piano will be placed at Palm Plaza, Dandenong with members of the public encouraged to pull up a stool and tickle the ivory.

It will be one of 20 street pianos dotted across Melbourne for the month of January.

Arts Centre Melbourne, which is coordinating the project, has used pre-loved and unused pianos to bring the project to life.

Arts and Cultural Development Coordinator Sarah Dugdale said local community artists had been engaged to decorate the piano,

“This project is designed to encourage community connection and spontaneous moments of creativity, “she said.

“You don’t have to be a musician to take part. The piano is there for everyone to play.”

Since the project began almost 1000 pianos have been installed in 37 cities across the world.

The public is encouraged to share photos, videos and stories of their experiences so at the end of the project each city will have its own archive of how their community engaged.

For more information go to www.streetpianos.com.au

For more events happening in Greater Dandenong check out our events calendar at www.greaterdandenong.com

Have a look to find out about upcoming exhibitions, community events, festivals, meetings, library activities and more.

Summer SplaShWhen the sun is shining there’s

no better place to spend a hot summer day than the Noble Park Aquatic Centre (NPAC).

Come along and enjoy the outdoor pool, laze on the grass, use the BBQ facilities and let the little kids splash in the water play area.

And don’t forget, when the temperature reaches 26 degrees the much-loved waterslide is open for business.

A local icon, the waterslide was upgraded during the NPAC redevelopment and is entertaining a whole new generation of local youngsters.

The slide costs $2 per ride or $8 for five rides.

Details: www.nobleparkac.com.au

Play it again Dandenong

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The City of Greater Dandenong is supporting the health of babies,

children and mothers through the universal Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service.

The free, confidential service provides child health and developmental checks, information, advice and support to families with young children from birth until six years of age.

Our Maternal and Child Health nurses are highly educated nurses with midwife qualifications and further studies in family, child and community health.

It is important to have your child checked by a Maternal & Child Health nurse at several key age and stage visits (see graphic left).

Nurses can also provide you with a wide range of information and handy tips on: •feeding

•sleep and settling

•mother’s health and wellbeing including postnatal depression

•health issues including family planning and immunisation

•play and safety

•child behaviour

•playgroups, child care options and pre school enrolment

•support with family issues including domestic violence and relationships.

The City of Greater Dandenong also offers a number of extra support services including new parent groups, dads’ groups and the enhanced MCH service.

For more information on Maternal and Child Health services in Greater Dandenong phone 8571 1880 or see www.greaterdandenong.com

grounD-breaking

t r i a lDo you have a baby on the way?

Then you could be part of a ground-breaking trial offering new parents

extra support from specially trained maternal and child health nurses.

Greater Dandenong/Casey has been selected as one of four locations for the right@home trial, which is being run by the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute to research how parents can be better supported to give their children a positive start to life. Around 70 local families are needed to take part in the random trial – which will see some participants receive existing quality support services (see article above) while others will also receive 25 home nursing visits. To join the trial, or find out more, phone Dr Anna Price at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute on 9345 6355.

supporting young families

11the City

Beating the heat

Residents are reminded to keep themselves cool over summer to

avoid heat-related illnesses.

Heatwaves can affect anybody and cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which may be fatal.

The most important things to remember are:

•keep cool

•drink plenty of water

•stay out of the sun

• look after yourself and others

It is important that we take care of ourselves in the heat, and also work together to care for those more vulnerable, such as the elderly and animals.

For more information see the Heat related issues page on our website at www.greaterdandenong.com

Emergency phone numbers

The City of Greater Dandenong is reminding residents of the

telephone numbers they need to use to contact police, fire or ambulance services in the event of an emergency.

The quickest way to get the right emergency service to help you is to

call Triple Zero (000) from any phone in Australia, unless you are hearing or speech impaired, in which case the number is 106.

Non-English speakers can also be transferred to a translator once connected to the 000 operator.

Did you know that The City of Greater Dandenong has an after-hours service?

Council understands that not all council-related emergencies take place during the hours of 9am to 5pm.

If you have a council-related issue that needs to be urgently addressed you can call Council on 8571 1000 24 hours a day and someone will be there to assist.

PartySafe this festive season

Council and local Police have joined forces to help Greater Dandenong

residents host enjoyable and safer parties through the PartySafe Kit.

The PartySafe Kit offers strategies to avoid the risks of excessive alcohol consumption, gatecrashers, violence and complaints from neighbours.

Pick up Greater Dandenong’s PartySafe registration form from Council’s customer service centres,

YStop Youth Centre, Springvale/Dandenong Police Station or download a form at www.greaterdandenong.com.

PartySafe tips include:

•register your party with local police nearest your home at least two weeks in advance

•decide on alcohol use before the party, especially if there will be guests under 18

•have a group of responsible adults on hand to monitor the party

•have a plan of action if something goes wrong

•call Police on 000 if the situation starts to get beyond your control…don’t wait!

• let your neighbours know about the party – the main reason Police are called to parties is because of noise complaints.

•do not advertise your party on social media – it is the fastest way to have gatecrashers appear and ruin your event!

summer saFety

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your Council hard at work:Your local Council provided a vast range of services throughout the 2012-13 financial year to help support our community. Here are some highlights.

More than 21,000 indigenous seedlings, 1900 street trees and 16,000 perennials planted across Greater Dandenong.

Provided 15,649 child immunisations.

Council officers inspected 2781 food businesses.

Council now has more than 1000 followers on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

More than $1.5 million donated to local community groups.

More than 1 million visits made to the library – either in person or on-line.

Council’s community care team provided more than 177,000 hours of help to more than 4000 seniors and people with disabilities

More than 5330 people visited Heritage Hill – up 47 per cent.

Council provided around 15,000 At Call Hard Waste Collections including the pick-up of almost 8000 mattresses.

13the City

January

Safer sporting venuesCouncil funded defibrillators at a number of City of Greater Dandenong sporting venues to help create safer sporting venues.

Australia Day CelebrationsAustralia Day celebrations kicked off with a citizenship ceremony and announcement of the Greater Dandenong Citizen of the Year Awards followed by the Festival in the Park.

2013in revieWmarChCultural Diversity WeekCouncil hosted the inaugural Greater Dandenong Film Festival as part of Cultural Diversity Week. It featured short films from the local community and around the world discussing issues of cultural diversity.

Healthy CommunityCouncil launched the Healthy Together Greater Dandenong project (working with schools, businesses and early learning centres) plus The Kitchen at Dandenong Market (featuring healthy cooking demonstrations) to help build a healthier community.

aprilAward-winning spacesNew community spaces in Greater Dandenong received a number of awards throughout the year including Noble Park Civic Space’s LGPro Award for Excellence plus several awards for the new Lonsdale St in Dandenong.

Youth WeekGreater Dandenong celebrated National Youth Week with a host of events featuring the 360 All Stars – a talented group of world champion athletes, street dancers and musicians.

FebruaryCharity at its bestGreater Dandenong’s business community and Council joined forces for the 4th annual ‘Take a Swing for Charity Golf Day and Auction’, which raises money for local charity. Proceeds from this year’s event supported MadCap café which helps people with mental illness gain skills to enter the workforce.

Happy Birthday Noble Park Aquatic CentreNoble Park Aquatic Centre celebrated its first birthday with a free pool party held alongside the Family Fun Sports Day promoting a wide range of sports to the community.

mayKindergarten investmentCouncil invested heavily in local kindergartens in a major $5.5 million upgrade of eight local centres to ensure local youngsters receive quality early-childhood education.

Discover Your Own BackyardThe Council joined together with Destination Melbourne to launch a new website and video showcasing the exciting, diverse and exotic Greater Dandenong community.

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June

Here comes the night2013 saw the return of the much-loved annual Nocturnal public art program with this year’s theme Burqas, Veils and Hoodies. Once again the popular night walks and art projection bought Dandenong to life after dark.

Municipal Building takes shapeConstruction on Greater Dandenong’s new municipal building progressed from a hole in the ground to a five-storey building due to open in mid-2014.

augustNew website launchedCouncil launched its new-look website with features to make it easier to connect with the Council and community including easy-to-use online payments, improved events calendar, translated information and much more.

Dandy Pig ReturnsThe iconic neon Dandy Pig sign returned to light up the night sky in Dandenong. The Dandenong Ham and Bacon Factory sign was originally erected in the 1950s and was one of the first animated advertising signs in the region.

oCtoberMarket The Dandenong Market launched a new trading day with shoppers now picking up fresh produce and great bargains on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and now Sundays.

Seniors’ FestivalThe annual Seniors’ Festival celebrated and acknowledged the contribution of older people in the community, with a variety of events including: an Elvis Tribute Show, Tai Chi in the Park and a Karaoke competition.

JulyRacism. Get Up. Speak Out.Council launched the Racism. Get Up. Speak Out. project where members of the community were invited to share their experiences of speaking out against racism.

Springvale train station projectWork began on the vital project to remove the Springvale Road train crossing and redevelop the station precinct.

septemberGreater Dandenong Children’s Festival Greater Dandenong celebrated our young people with a host of activities to entertain, educate and amuse the young and the young-at-heart during the school holidays. It featured festival highlight The Little Day Out.

New technology at the LibrariesGreater Dandenong Libraries introduced new self-serve checkout machines to help make borrowing quicker and easier – and free up librarians to lend a hand as people browse and study.

november

Walk for WomenThe Greater Dandenong White Ribbon Day Walk attracted crowds to central Dandenong to take a stand against family violence.

Food Glorious FoodGreater Dandenong took part in the Good Food Month, building on our fast-growing reputation as a ‘foodie hotspot’ of Melbourne thanks to our diverse cuisines, cultural food tours and the iconic Dandenong Market.

15the City

monDay tuesDay WeDnesDay thursDay FriDay saturDay sunDay

Take extra care of your pets during New Year’s Eve fireworks

New Year’s Eve

Hot and Cool Music Event: Tenzin and TaroHeritage Hill12pm-3pm

Exhibition: Artist in Residence Heritage HillWed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sundays 12pm-4pm until 8 December

Greater Dandenong Environment GroupDandenong Wetlands, Stud Road, DandenongEnquires: 8571 1702

Springvale View ClubSandown Hotel6.30pm Ph. 9700 1976

Combined Probus Club of Noble ParkNoble Park Football Social Club10amPh. 9546 9693

Ladies Probus MeetingDandenong Club10am

YogaJan Wilson Community Centre7pm-8.30pm Ph. 9795 9279

Dandenong Evening View ClubDandenong RSL7pm Ph: 9560 9717

Australian Girls Choir – Christmas Spirit (Encore Series)Drum Theatre10.30am Bookings: 8571 1666 or www.drumtheatre.com.au

Gentle restorative YogaHeritage Hill5.10pm-6.10pmPh. 0405 427 183

Yoga, vinyasa flow beginners/general6.20pm-7.20pm Ph. 0405 427 183

9x5 ExhibitionWalker Street Gallery & Arts CentreOpen Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Saturday 11am-3pm, on till 21 December

Australian Girls Choir – Christmas Spirit (Encore Series)Drum Theatre10.30am Bookings: 8571 1666 or www.drumtheatre.com.au

Adult ExerciseJan Wilson Community Centre9.30am-10.30am Ph. 9795 9279

Exhibition: McCrae Street Art boxes Heritage HillOpen Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sundays 12pm-4pm, on till January 2014

U3A DandenongPaddy O’Donoghue CentreVarious classes on weekdaysPh: 9546 2997

Springvale Computer MarketSpringvale City Hall10am-4pm

Dandenong Community Cemetery TourKirkham Road, Dandenong2pm-3.30pm Bookings essentialPh: 0411 399 449

Springvale Rotary Sunday MarketCnr Lightwood & Lawn Roads

Family Drug Help Support GroupDandenong BranchMeet 2nd & 4th Monday of monthPh: 1300 660 068

Dandenong CWA craft sessionPalm Plaza Mall, Community Meeting Room10am-2pm BYO lunch2nd, 3rd & 4th Monday of month

Noble Park Country Women’s Craft Paddy O’Donoghue Centre10am-2pm BYO shared lunch

Nativity scene St Elizabeth’s Parish, Dandenong North10 Dec - 12 Januarywith a blessing by Archbishop Hart6.30pm 14 Decemberwww.stelizabethsparish.org.au

Yoga/Pilates followed by MeditationJan Wilson Community Centre12.30pm-2.30pm Ph: 9795 9279

Noble Park/Keysborough Community Action ForumPaddy O’Donoghue Centre6pm-8pm

Interfaith Network TourVisiting various places of worship8.45am-3pm Bookings essential Ph: 9546 8441

Noble Park Senior Citizens Drop inPaddy O’Donoghue CentreThursdays 9.30am-3pm Ph: 9546 5924

PlaygroupJan Wilson Community Centre10am-12noon Ph: 9795 9279

Sensational Springvale Cultural TourCentral Springvale10.30am $40 Bookings: 9771 5777

Afghan Bazaar Cultural TourCentral Dandenong6.30pm $40 Bookings: 9771 5777

Little India Cultural TourCentral Dandenong6pm $40 Bookings: 9771 5777

Free roving entertainment: Fun with the Circus ElfCnr Lonsdale Street & Langhorne Place, Dandenong11am-1pmJazzy tunes from the Jingle Bell JiversMulticultural Place, Central Springvale11am-2pmFun with the Circus ElfDouglas Street precinct, Noble Park2pm-4pm

Basketball: Dandenong Rangers v Sydney UniDandenong Stadium3pm

Free roving entertainment: Tricks from the Great Christmas GizmoCnr Lonsdale Street & Langhorne Place, Dandenong11am-2pmSky high fun with the Giant Candy DuoDouglas Street precinct, Noble Park11am-1pmCheeky talent from the Balloon Elf Multicultural Place, Central Springvale11am-2pm

Library Storytime (4 year olds and over)Dandenong Library11am every MondayEnquiries: 1300 630 920

Rotary Club of DandenongDandenong RSL6pm MondaysNew members welcome

GROW Mental Health GroupChurch of Christ Dandenong7.30pm every TuesdayPh: 1800 558 268

Library Storytime (4 year olds and over)Springvale Library11am every ThursdayEnquiries: 1300 630 920

Youth Jam SessionsThe Castle, Princes Hwy, Dandenong4pm-6.30pm every ThursdayEnquires: 9793 2155

Carols by CandlelightDandenong Park6.30pm-9.30pm

Asanti Dance TheatreDrum Theatre7.30pm Bookings: 8571 1666 or www.drumtheatre.com.au

Free roving entertainment: Tubby the Christmas RobotCnr Lonsdale St & Langhorne Plce, Dandenong 11am-1pmA visit form SantaMulticultural Place, Central Springvale11am-2pmTubby the Christmas RobotDouglas Street precinct, Noble Park3pm-5pm

Free roving entertainment – Cheeky talent from the Balloon ElfCnr Lonsdale Street & Langhorne Place, Dandenong11am-2pm

Free roving entertainment – Tricks from the Great Christmas GizmoMulticultural Place and surrounds, Central Springvale11am-2pm

Free roving entertainment – An extravaganza of Cheeky talent from the Balloon Elf, Furry Friends from the animal farm and SantaThe Civic Space and Douglas Street precinct, Noble Park1pm-4pm

Free roving entertainment – Fun with the Circus ElfMulticultural Place and surrounds, Central Springvale11am-1pm

Free roving entertainment – Jazzy tunes from the Jingle Bell JiversCnr Lonsdale Street & Langhorne Place, Dandenong11am-2pm

Library Opening Hours:24 Dec 9am-5pm25 Dec CLOSED26 Dec CLOSED27 Dec 9am-6pm28 Dec 10am-5pm29 Dec 12pm-5pm30 Dec 9am-6pm31 Dec 9am-5pm

Christmas Eve Market DayDandenong Market

Free roving entertainment – Bouncing fun with the Giant Stilt ElvesCnr Lonsdale Street & Langhorne Place, Dandenong11am-1pm

Free roving entertainment – Bouncing fun with the Giant Stilt ElvesMulticultural Place and surrounds, Central Springvale11am-1pm

Christmas Day Boxing DayCambodian Universal New Year Festival458-462 Springvale Road, Springvale South27-29 December, 10am-12am

Council offices closedResume normal hours 30 DecemberEnquiries: 8571 1000

our City DeCember Community events CalenDar

3 542

3130

9 121110

16 1817 19

252423 26

Australian Girls Choir Christmas Spirit Drum Theatre – 4 December

Carols by Candlelight Drum Theatre – 20 December

the City16

✆ City of Greater Dandenong 8571 1000

Drum Theatre 8571 1666

Dandenong Library 1300 630 920

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens 9793 4511

Jan Wilson Community Centre 9795 9279

Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 9238 1436

Springvale Library 1300 630 920

Springers Leisure Centre 9701 5900

Walker Street Gallery 9706 8441

Dandenong Market 9701 3850

Cultural Tours 9771 5777

monDay tuesDay WeDnesDay thursDay FriDay saturDay sunDay

Take extra care of your pets during New Year’s Eve fireworks

New Year’s Eve

Hot and Cool Music Event: Tenzin and TaroHeritage Hill12pm-3pm

Exhibition: Artist in Residence Heritage HillWed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sundays 12pm-4pm until 8 December

Greater Dandenong Environment GroupDandenong Wetlands, Stud Road, DandenongEnquires: 8571 1702

Springvale View ClubSandown Hotel6.30pm Ph. 9700 1976

Combined Probus Club of Noble ParkNoble Park Football Social Club10amPh. 9546 9693

Ladies Probus MeetingDandenong Club10am

YogaJan Wilson Community Centre7pm-8.30pm Ph. 9795 9279

Dandenong Evening View ClubDandenong RSL7pm Ph: 9560 9717

Australian Girls Choir – Christmas Spirit (Encore Series)Drum Theatre10.30am Bookings: 8571 1666 or www.drumtheatre.com.au

Gentle restorative YogaHeritage Hill5.10pm-6.10pmPh. 0405 427 183

Yoga, vinyasa flow beginners/general6.20pm-7.20pm Ph. 0405 427 183

9x5 ExhibitionWalker Street Gallery & Arts CentreOpen Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Saturday 11am-3pm, on till 21 December

Australian Girls Choir – Christmas Spirit (Encore Series)Drum Theatre10.30am Bookings: 8571 1666 or www.drumtheatre.com.au

Adult ExerciseJan Wilson Community Centre9.30am-10.30am Ph. 9795 9279

Exhibition: McCrae Street Art boxes Heritage HillOpen Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sundays 12pm-4pm, on till January 2014

U3A DandenongPaddy O’Donoghue CentreVarious classes on weekdaysPh: 9546 2997

Springvale Computer MarketSpringvale City Hall10am-4pm

Dandenong Community Cemetery TourKirkham Road, Dandenong2pm-3.30pm Bookings essentialPh: 0411 399 449

Springvale Rotary Sunday MarketCnr Lightwood & Lawn Roads

Family Drug Help Support GroupDandenong BranchMeet 2nd & 4th Monday of monthPh: 1300 660 068

Dandenong CWA craft sessionPalm Plaza Mall, Community Meeting Room10am-2pm BYO lunch2nd, 3rd & 4th Monday of month

Noble Park Country Women’s Craft Paddy O’Donoghue Centre10am-2pm BYO shared lunch

Nativity scene St Elizabeth’s Parish, Dandenong North10 Dec - 12 Januarywith a blessing by Archbishop Hart6.30pm 14 Decemberwww.stelizabethsparish.org.au

Yoga/Pilates followed by MeditationJan Wilson Community Centre12.30pm-2.30pm Ph: 9795 9279

Noble Park/Keysborough Community Action ForumPaddy O’Donoghue Centre6pm-8pm

Interfaith Network TourVisiting various places of worship8.45am-3pm Bookings essential Ph: 9546 8441

Noble Park Senior Citizens Drop inPaddy O’Donoghue CentreThursdays 9.30am-3pm Ph: 9546 5924

PlaygroupJan Wilson Community Centre10am-12noon Ph: 9795 9279

Sensational Springvale Cultural TourCentral Springvale10.30am $40 Bookings: 9771 5777

Afghan Bazaar Cultural TourCentral Dandenong6.30pm $40 Bookings: 9771 5777

Little India Cultural TourCentral Dandenong6pm $40 Bookings: 9771 5777

Free roving entertainment: Fun with the Circus ElfCnr Lonsdale Street & Langhorne Place, Dandenong11am-1pmJazzy tunes from the Jingle Bell JiversMulticultural Place, Central Springvale11am-2pmFun with the Circus ElfDouglas Street precinct, Noble Park2pm-4pm

Basketball: Dandenong Rangers v Sydney UniDandenong Stadium3pm

Free roving entertainment: Tricks from the Great Christmas GizmoCnr Lonsdale Street & Langhorne Place, Dandenong11am-2pmSky high fun with the Giant Candy DuoDouglas Street precinct, Noble Park11am-1pmCheeky talent from the Balloon Elf Multicultural Place, Central Springvale11am-2pm

Library Storytime (4 year olds and over)Dandenong Library11am every MondayEnquiries: 1300 630 920

Rotary Club of DandenongDandenong RSL6pm MondaysNew members welcome

GROW Mental Health GroupChurch of Christ Dandenong7.30pm every TuesdayPh: 1800 558 268

Library Storytime (4 year olds and over)Springvale Library11am every ThursdayEnquiries: 1300 630 920

Youth Jam SessionsThe Castle, Princes Hwy, Dandenong4pm-6.30pm every ThursdayEnquires: 9793 2155

Carols by CandlelightDandenong Park6.30pm-9.30pm

Asanti Dance TheatreDrum Theatre7.30pm Bookings: 8571 1666 or www.drumtheatre.com.au

Free roving entertainment: Tubby the Christmas RobotCnr Lonsdale St & Langhorne Plce, Dandenong 11am-1pmA visit form SantaMulticultural Place, Central Springvale11am-2pmTubby the Christmas RobotDouglas Street precinct, Noble Park3pm-5pm

Free roving entertainment – Cheeky talent from the Balloon ElfCnr Lonsdale Street & Langhorne Place, Dandenong11am-2pm

Free roving entertainment – Tricks from the Great Christmas GizmoMulticultural Place and surrounds, Central Springvale11am-2pm

Free roving entertainment – An extravaganza of Cheeky talent from the Balloon Elf, Furry Friends from the animal farm and SantaThe Civic Space and Douglas Street precinct, Noble Park1pm-4pm

Free roving entertainment – Fun with the Circus ElfMulticultural Place and surrounds, Central Springvale11am-1pm

Free roving entertainment – Jazzy tunes from the Jingle Bell JiversCnr Lonsdale Street & Langhorne Place, Dandenong11am-2pm

Library Opening Hours:24 Dec 9am-5pm25 Dec CLOSED26 Dec CLOSED27 Dec 9am-6pm28 Dec 10am-5pm29 Dec 12pm-5pm30 Dec 9am-6pm31 Dec 9am-5pm

Christmas Eve Market DayDandenong Market

Free roving entertainment – Bouncing fun with the Giant Stilt ElvesCnr Lonsdale Street & Langhorne Place, Dandenong11am-1pm

Free roving entertainment – Bouncing fun with the Giant Stilt ElvesMulticultural Place and surrounds, Central Springvale11am-1pm

Christmas Day Boxing DayCambodian Universal New Year Festival458-462 Springvale Road, Springvale South27-29 December, 10am-12am

Council offices closedResume normal hours 30 DecemberEnquiries: 8571 1000

www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar

76 8

1

151413

222120

27 28 29

Asanti Dance Theatre Drum Theatre – 20 December

Nativity Display 10 Dec-12 January St Elizabeth’s Parish, Dandenong North

17the City

monDay tuesDay WeDnesDay thursDay FriDay saturDay sunDay

New Year’s Day

Greater Dandenong Libraries resume normal hours

Greater Dandenong Environment GroupDandenong Wetlands, Stud Road, DandenongEnquires: 8571 1702

Drum Theatre, Paddy O’Donoghue Centre and Jan Wilson Community Centre resume normal hours

Join Greater Dandenong Libraries Summer Reading Club!www.greaterdandenong.com

Noble Park Senior Citizens Drop inPaddy O’Donoghue Centre9.30am-3pmPh: 9546 5924

Dandenong Community Cemetery TourKirkham Road, Dandenong2pm-3.30pmBookings essentialPh.0411 399 449

Springvale Rotary Sunday MarketCnr Lightwood & Lawn Roads, Springvale8am-2pm

Family Drug Help Support Group Dandenong BranchMeet 2nd & 4th Monday of monthPh: 1300 660 068

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens and Walker Street Gallery resume normal hours

Remember - The Dandenong Market is open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Enjoy the great outdoors in Greater Dandenong’s 150 parks

Basketball: Dandenong Rangers v TownsvilleDandenong Stadium1pm

Dandenong CWA craft sessionPalm Plaza Mall, Community Meeting Room10am-2pm BYO lunch(sessions held 2nd, 3rd and 4th Monday each month)

Combined Probus Club of DandenongDandenong Club10am New members welcome

Dandenong Evening View ClubDandenong RSL7pmPh: 9560 9717

Dandenong CWA General MeetingPalm Plaza Mall, Community Meeting Room1pm-2.30pm

Basketball:Dandenong Rangers v AdelaideDandenong Stadium7.30pm

Australia Day celebrationsDandenong Park3pm-9.30pmwww.greaterdandenong.com

Lunar New Year celebrationsCentral Springvale9am-9pm

Australia Day Public Holiday

The KitchenChef Russell Bald demonstrates healthy recipesDandenong MarketTuesday lunchtimes

Youth Jam SessionsThe Castle, Princes Hwy, Dandenong4pm-6.30pm every ThursdayEnquires: 9793 2155

Submit your community

event online at www.greaterdandenong.com

our City January Community events CalenDar

7 986

21

13 161514

20 2221 23

292827 30

Australia Day Celebrations Dandenong Park 26 January

the City18

monDay tuesDay WeDnesDay thursDay FriDay saturDay sunDay

New Year’s Day

Greater Dandenong Libraries resume normal hours

Greater Dandenong Environment GroupDandenong Wetlands, Stud Road, DandenongEnquires: 8571 1702

Drum Theatre, Paddy O’Donoghue Centre and Jan Wilson Community Centre resume normal hours

Join Greater Dandenong Libraries Summer Reading Club!www.greaterdandenong.com

Noble Park Senior Citizens Drop inPaddy O’Donoghue Centre9.30am-3pmPh: 9546 5924

Dandenong Community Cemetery TourKirkham Road, Dandenong2pm-3.30pmBookings essentialPh.0411 399 449

Springvale Rotary Sunday MarketCnr Lightwood & Lawn Roads, Springvale8am-2pm

Family Drug Help Support Group Dandenong BranchMeet 2nd & 4th Monday of monthPh: 1300 660 068

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens and Walker Street Gallery resume normal hours

Remember - The Dandenong Market is open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Enjoy the great outdoors in Greater Dandenong’s 150 parks

Basketball: Dandenong Rangers v TownsvilleDandenong Stadium1pm

Dandenong CWA craft sessionPalm Plaza Mall, Community Meeting Room10am-2pm BYO lunch(sessions held 2nd, 3rd and 4th Monday each month)

Combined Probus Club of DandenongDandenong Club10am New members welcome

Dandenong Evening View ClubDandenong RSL7pmPh: 9560 9717

Dandenong CWA General MeetingPalm Plaza Mall, Community Meeting Room1pm-2.30pm

Basketball:Dandenong Rangers v AdelaideDandenong Stadium7.30pm

Australia Day celebrationsDandenong Park3pm-9.30pmwww.greaterdandenong.com

Lunar New Year celebrationsCentral Springvale9am-9pm

Australia Day Public Holiday

The KitchenChef Russell Bald demonstrates healthy recipesDandenong MarketTuesday lunchtimes

Youth Jam SessionsThe Castle, Princes Hwy, Dandenong4pm-6.30pm every ThursdayEnquires: 9793 2155

Submit your community

event online at www.greaterdandenong.com

✆ City of Greater Dandenong 8571 1000

Drum Theatre 8571 1666

Dandenong Library 1300 630 920

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens 9793 4511

Jan Wilson Community Centre 9795 9279

Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 9238 1436

Springvale Library 1300 630 920

Springers Leisure Centre 9701 5900

Walker Street Gallery 9706 8441

Dandenong Market 9701 3850

Cultural Tours 9771 5777

www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar

1110 12

43 5

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262524

31

Lunar New Year Central Springvale 26 January

19the City

aFghan bazaar upDate

2014 Community CalenDar Beautiful scenes and images

from across our municipality are showcased in the Greater Dandenong 2014 Community Calendar.

It features stunning shots from our beautiful parks and gardens, local icons and hidden gems.

To help keep our city beautiful, the calendar also features a host of helpful hints to cut our waste and increase recycling.

It also offers tips on how to use your bins, which days they are collected and how to book your annual hard rubbish collection.

If you did not receive a copy of the calendar delivered with The City you can pick up a copy at Council’s customer service centres.

Work is almost complete on Dandenong’s highly-acclaimed

cultural precinct the Afghan Bazaar - which has undergone a $1.1M streetscape enhancement.

With completion nearing, the project will transform a central portion of Thomas Street and elevate this much-loved precinct to a `must see’

destination with speciality shops and engaging cultural appeal.

It includes new timber and stainless steel seating, patterned paving, feature lighting and a 6-metre tall sculptural centre piece designed by Afghan Australian artist Aslam Akram.

High-quality materials and finishes are

also being used in the Afghan Bazaar project to bring it into line with other redeveloped areas of the city.

Power lines and overhead cables on the eastern side of the street have been relocated underground adding to an improved visual appearance.

Details: www.greaterdandenong.com

Artist’s impression of the new Afghan Bazaar Streetscape.

the City20

get it right on bin nightVictorians are great recyclers, but we

can improve.

Research from the Get it Right on Bin Night campaign shows that our household rubbish bins contain items that could have been recycled.

This equates to around 450,000 wheelie bins full of recycling ending up in landfill each week.

In metropolitan Melbourne, that’s 300,000 bins alone. What a waste.

By making a few simple changes around the home you can help reduce waste to landfill. Get it Right on Bin Night helps you understand how you can improve your recycling habits and make a difference from your kerbside.

Recycle right in every room: Many items in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, lounge and study can go in your recycling bin.

Don’t put recycling in plastic bags: Put recycling items in the bin loose so they can be sorted for recycling and not get sent to landfill.

Details: www.getitrightbinnight.vic.gov.au

Clean Up Australia Day Sunday 2 March Register at www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

The City of Greater Dandenong is already making plans for a

big Clean Up Australia Day in 2014, and we’re inviting the whole community to get involved.

Get together with friends, family and the broader community to help make Greater Dandenong a cleaner and safer place to live.

Start planning for a fun day out and register now for Clean Up Australia Day – the nation’s largest and most popular community-based environmental event.

Individuals, schools and local groups can organise their own Clean Up site or join an existing event.

Registered groups receive a clean-up kit including gloves and rubbish bags.

City of Greater Dandenong can also provide extra equipment by phoning Samantha Ondrus on 9797 1715.

reCyCling olD tvsTime is fast running out for

anyone still using an old analog TV, with the service to be shut-down nation-wide this month.

Council is reminding residents that there are several ways to recycle old televisions, instead of sending them to landfill.

As part of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, there are a number of permanent drop-off facilities and drop-off events throughout Melbourne. The nearest permanent sites are:

•Harvey Norman Dandenong 141-165 Frankston Dandenong Road

•PGM Refiners 7 Mills Road, Dandenong

•Knox Transfer Station and Recycling Centre George Street, Wantirna South

Council’s website greaterdandenong.com has information on where to recycle a range of household items including mobile phones, household batteries, fridges, household chemicals, CDs, polystyrene and more.

For more information on the nation-wide shut down of the analog TV service see www.digitalready.gov.au/

register noW For ClEAn UP AUStrAliA DAy

21the City

The City of Greater Dandenong is calling on applicants for its successful

Young Leader’s Program.

Council is looking for young people aged 16-25 who are keen to develop leadership skills and promote community participation.

Youth Services Coordinator Katharina

Verscharen said the Young Leader’s program provided young people with the opportunity to develop leadership skills for use both now and in the future.

“The young people who participate in the program gain skills in project management, publicity, event management and public speaking,” she said.

“The skills they learn will stand them in good stead for the future and we look forward to seeing the contribution they make as young leaders in our community.”

If you would like to be a future leader contact Youth Services on 9793 2155.

mentors neeDeDLocal young people need safe,

experienced drivers to help pass on their skills behind the wheel.

The L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program pairs mentors with young learner drivers who face a number of barriers in gaining their mandatory 120 hours of driving practice.

More mentors are needed to support the young people in our community.

Mentors must be over 25 years old, have a full license and enjoy working with young people.

Mentors take part in a training program before committing one or two hours each week to supervise a young learner driver. In addition, learner drivers also receive seven lessons with a professional driving instructor.

There is no cost to be involved with a vehicle provided and all costs and insurance covered.

To sign up to become a mentor, or find out more, contact Youth Services on 9793 2155.

summer FunGreater Dandenong Council is

helping families keep young people entertained during the school holidays.

Council runs a wide range of free and low-cost activities for young people of all ages.

library School Holiday activities: Greater Dandenong’s two libraries offer a range of age specific activities for primary school-aged children.

All events are free, however bookings are often required as numbers are limited.

For a full list see the kid’s library page at www.greaterdandenong.com

You can also sign up for the Summer Reading Club program.

youth services:Council’s youth services team runs a host of local events and excursions for young people aged 12 to 25 during the school holidays.

The program is open to young people who live, study or work in Greater Dandenong, or have a significant connection to the community.

Events are free or low-cost and bookings are essential.

For a full list see the Youth Services what’s on page at www.greaterdandenong.com

OUr FUtUrE lEADErS

the City22

library neWs

immunisation timetable – January 2014

immunisation timetable – December 2013

Date time loCation

9 January 10am–11.30am Dandenong library, stuart street, Dandenong

12 January 4.30pm–6.30pm Dandenong library, stuart street, Dandenong

14 January 10am–12pm paddy o’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 buckley street, noble park

21 January 1pm–2pm springers leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham road, keysborough

22 January 10am–12pm springvale service for Children, 23–28 lightwood road, springvale

22 January 1.30pm–2.30pm Dandenong maternal & Child health Centre, 3/43 Clow st, Dandenong

Date time loCation

2 December 6.30pm–7.30pm springvale service for Children, 23–28 lightwood road, springvale

10 December 1pm–2pm Jan Wilson Community Centre, 1 halton road, Dandenong north

12 December 2pm–3pm Dandenong library, stuart street, Dandenong

16 December 5.30pm–7.15pm Dandenong library, stuart street, Dandenong

17 December 1pm–2pm springers leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham road, keysborough

the immunisation timetable for the City of greater Dandenong is available from Council’s customer service centres or maternal and Child health centres. phone Council on 8571 1000 for more information on the following immunisation sessions:

Summer reading Club for kidsLocal youngsters are invited to join in the fun at Greater Dandenong Libraries’ Summer Reading Club.

Keep entertained over the school holidays by exploring new worlds, taking exotic adventures and learning new things – all through the pages of a book!

Join the Summer Reading Club and receive your kit, reading log and competition entry forms.

Simply fill out the log every time you read a book. Read five to collect a free bookmark.

Read 10 books to collect a sticker and enter the competition to be in the running for some great prizes – including a Playstation console and games plus an X-box console and games.

You can also enter:

•the Grammatikus Quiz

•the Seven Secret Codes Competition

•the Spot the Difference Competition

•the Famous Five Drawing Competition.

Entry forms and instructions for these competitions are in the Summer Reading Club kit.

The club runs from Friday 13 December to Wednesday 22 January.

A Summer Reading Club Prize Presentation event will be held 3pm Saturday 25 January at Springvale Library. The free community event features entertainment from Australia’s master magician Duck Cameron.

Brand new Persian (Farsi)/Dari collectionGreater Dandenong Libraries is proud to present a new Persian (Farsi)/Dari collection.

Located at the Dandenong branch, it features fiction, non-fiction and children’s titles.

It builds on the existing Farsi/English bi-lingual material already available in the Children’s ‘Let’s Read’ collection.

Library summer opening hoursTuesday 24 December 9am-5pmWednesday 25 December CLOSEDThursday 26 December CLOSEDFriday 27 December 9am-6pmSaturday 28 December 10am-5pmSunday 29 December 12pm-5pmMonday 30 December 9am-6pmTuesday 31 December 9am-5pmWednesday 1 January CLOSEDThursday 2 January 9am-9pm (normal hours resume)

23the City

All ag�Art and craft

Music, dance and moreCircus and games

Special under 5s world

AUSTRALIA DAYFestival in the ParkSunday 26 January

3pm-9.30pm

Cnr Pultney and Foster streets, DandenongDandenong Park

facebook.com/greaterdandenong • greaterdandenong.com/australiaday • 8571 1000Drug and alcohol free event