newsAUTUMN 2019

Knox Festival 2019

LOADS OF FREE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY — PAGE 10

WHAT’S ON AROUND KNOX THIS AUTUMN — PAGE 7

WHERE YOU’VE SEEN US WORKING — PAGE 12

Welcome to the Autumn print edition of Knox News.As a new year is upon us so too are new projects, deliveries and challenges ahead.

I’d like to congratulate all the Knox citizens honoured in our recent Australia Day Awards. It was a pleasure to congratulate and highlight the achievements of our most deserving winners, and the outstanding field of nominees.

It is wonderful to recognise all the hard working community members of Knox as part of these Awards and I want to thank all the nominees, and of course those that nominated them, for their hard work throughout the year.

Let’s keep celebrating!

I very much look forward to getting along to the Knox Festival on the first weekend in March at Wally Tew Reserve, on the weekend of 2 and 3 March. It is a free community festival with plenty of fun for all ages and abilities, from community and market stalls, delicious food trucks, all-day stage entertainment to free children’s activities and more.

Design Awards

For this first time Council is excited to bring you the inaugural Knox Design and Development Excellence Awards, celebrating excellence in Knox’s built environment. Council is committed to working with the community to continue improving design and development outcomes for Knox.

If you’re a builder, developer or architect I encourage you to enter a project that showcases excellence in both design and development in Knox.

Delivery of major projects

It’s always satisfying to start a new year with the delivery of some major and essential capital works projects, like the new Knox Children and Family Centres in Wantirna South now open, with the Bayswater Centre opening soon after. So too, the completion of Stamford Park Homestead and Gardens with the new restaurant set to open in the coming weeks and renovated gardens will be a wonderful addition to all we have to offer in Knox.

Immerse Exhibition 2019

Later this year Council will also proudly present Immerse 2019, an exhibition program outside the traditional art gallery space. Developed and coordinated by Council, Immerse has become a celebrated community arts event and I’m sure will inspire again this year.

With more than 10,000 people enjoying the last Immerse I hope this year’s program is even more successful for artists and visitors alike.

Where We Are Working

Council continues to provide and maintain essential local infrastructure throughout the municipality, including our suburban streets, parks and reserves, footpaths and lighting among other things. There’s always so much work happening at Council in this area and we’re happy to keep informing our community about the work we’re doing right across Knox. Be sure to read Where You’ll See Us Working (pg 12).

I hope you’ll enjoy reading this edition as much as the wider Knox team has enjoyed bringing it to you.

Cr Jake Keogh, Mayor, Knox City Council

Much to Celebrate

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

CONTENTS

PAGE 3

KNOX AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

PAGE 4

NEW DOG PARKS PROPOSED

Good news for dogs in Knox

PAGE 8

MASKED SET FOR RELEASE

created in conjunction with the Knox ‘Free 2 Be Me’ LGBTQIA Youth Group

PAGE 14

YOUR COUNCILLORS

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CONTACT

Knox City Council

511 Burwood Highway Wantirna South VIC 3152

knox.vic.gov.au

T 9298 8000 E knoxcc@knox.vic.gov.au

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Keep up to date with Council news Subscribe to knox.vic.gov.au/news

Knox City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the City of Knox, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation.

Interpreter 131 450

National Relay Service 133 677

Printed on Pacesetter Laser Recycled paper which is 30% recycled and made from elemental chlorine free bleached pulp sourced from sustainably managed sources. It is manufactured by an ISO certified mill.

Written and authorised by Knox City Council, 511 Wantirna South VIC 3152

The 2019 Knox Australia Day Award recipients have been recognised at Council’s Australia Day Breakfast and flag raising ceremony on the 26th of January.The winners were awarded for their beneficial contribution to the Knox community throughout the year.

This year there was an outstanding field of nominees—all representing people in the Knox community who have gone above and beyond in serving their fellow citizens.

The awards provide Council with an opportunity to recognise individuals who have contributed to enriching our local community.

The 2019 Citizen of the Year Award joint winners are Andrea Cobern and Johann Poppenbeck.

Andrea Cobern was nominated by Joe Grimes for encouraging and supporting local talent in the performing arts. Involved in the music industry for 30 years, Andrea is a gifted singer, vocal, music and performance coach and business woman.

Based in Ferntree Gully, Andrea develops and encourages local talent

from young children through to adults, to rehearse, develop, perform and become teachers and performers. Andrea uses her talents to develop young people to become professional performers and teachers that contribute to the local, national and international music and arts scene.

Andrea is a keen member of Council’s Arts Advisory Committee and has been a key visionary and organiser for performances at local Relay for Life Cancer Council fundraiser, Stringybark Festival, Knox Festival, amplified workshops and the Knox Factor Competition at Carols by Candlelight which has provided significant opportunities to showcase Knox’s local talent.

Johann Poppenbeck was nominated by Timothy de Graff for his volunteering activities with the Knox Churches Soccer Club.

Johann has significantly contributed to the Club’s recognition as a leading community sports group in Knox with 480 playing members. With Johann’s leadership, the group has received nominations in the Aston Community Awards in 2018 and won a Club of the Year Award.

Johann has established a female competition round in the soccer association, a sport and life training program and introduced a community fund providing support for members’ experiencing hardship. He’s developed relationships with local businesses for mutually beneficial sponsorship programs, and all levels of government for development of the club, which most recently saw a much needed storage upgrade funded by Council.

Johann also volunteers with the One Hope Community Church and community meals program, and Hope Builders International which is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in Africa.

Through his dedication and positive outcomes achieved for the Knox community, Johann demonstrates a genuine passion for growing community clubs and sport.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the 2019 Knox Australia Day Awards.

Read about the events and winners at knox.vic.gov.au/news or visit knox.vic.gov.au/ausday

Knox Australia Day award winners announced

2019 Knox Australia Day Award recipients

Citizen of the Year Andrea Cobern & Johann Poppenbeck

Young Citizen of the Year Joel Porter

Elder Citizen of the Year George & Pat Hetrel

Volunteer of the Year Lyn Shepherd

Local Hero Shameela Essop

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There’s so much more to find at your local library besides books. It’s also a place where you can get information about a range of local services, connect with your community, and – for seniors in particular – keep up-to-date with the latest services Council provides.

From January, members of Council’s Active Ageing team will start regular, fortnightly visits to the Boronia and Bayswater Libraries, to share information about the Active Ageing services council provides and to answer questions.

You can get information on things like domestic assistance, personal care, flexible respite, food services, occupational therapy, home modifications, home maintenance, social support, activities, events and workshops.

Staff will be at the Bayswater Library every second Thursday from Jan 31 and the Boronia Library every second Friday from Feb 8.

Pets in the Park is back on Sunday 31 March at Gilbert Park Reserve in Knoxfield.

Treat your pet and the whole family to a fantastic day of free entertainment and giveaways, plus learn about responsible pet ownership from Council’s Community Laws team.

Free Activities

• Stage Entertainment• Lure Course• Face Painting• Reptile Display• Cattle Dog demonstrations• Demo Area• Kids Rides• Animal Farm • Gourmet Pet Food • Pet Training Tips

Exhibitors

Visit the exhibitor area featuring pet related products and services. Spoil your pet with tasty gourmet food, the latest pet accessories and indulge in grooming services and products. Even get training tips for your naughty pet!

Interested in being a stallholder? Complete an application form at knox.vic.gov.au/petsinthepark

Good news for the 17,576 dogs in living in Knox! Following on from our community consultation, Council has identified three more dog play parks which could now be considered in the 2019-20 Capital Works program for design and staged delivery.

These parks, if approved, are: • Wantirna Reserve, Wantirna • Emerson Place Reserve, Rowville• Llewellyn Reserve, Wantirna South

These off-leash areas would be fenced and have a number of amenities such as drinking fountains, bins, seating and information signage. The new parks will add to the very popular Knox Dog Play Park already in use in Knoxfield, off Ferntree Gully Road.

During our consultation process, Council reached 23,748 people using social media, while 738 people completed our online survey.

The research found that 26 per cent of people typically visit dog parks a few times a week, and the most preferred feature at a proposed dog park was a drinking fountain with dog bowl, followed by a dog litter bin and trees for shade.

Mayor Jake Keogh said it was great news for Knox to see these sites identified as proposed parks, with dogs providing some important motivation for people to exercise more. Dogs also provide a means for people to meet and engage with other people.

“For many dog owners, their pet is a valued companion and considered part of the family,” said Mayor Keogh.

“Our community has told us that they would like more designated off-leash dog areas in Knox and we will look at how we can meet that need in this year’s budget,” the Mayor added.

ACTIVE AGEING IN THE LIBRARY

Find out more about Council’s Active Ageing programs at knox.vic.gov.au/healthyageing

Pets in the ParkParticipation in sport across the outer eastern suburbs is the big winner out of an historic new partnership between Council and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Club, the Deakin Melbourne Boomers.

The partnership over the next five years will deliver unprecedented access to elite female sport, while supporting a host of Council community engagement activities and initiatives across Knox.

Through its partnership with the Boomers, Council aims to strengthen the ongoing elite basketball program at Knox Regional Sports Park (KRSP) to further reinforce its positioning as the State’s premiere basketball facility.

While boosting participation in local sport is a key objective of the partnership, of equal importance will be the availability of Boomers’ players to encourage and inspire budding athletes of the future, in particular girls and women.

This will involve Boomers’ player appearances at community events across Knox and through tailored content that supports these objectives. Fostering the growth and development of female participation in sport at a grass roots, regional and elite level will be a key

focus of the Boomers’ involvement with Council’s community activities.

Mayor Jake Keogh said Council was thrilled with the partnership: “This will deliver unprecedented access to elite female sport in outer eastern Melbourne, cementing the Knox Regional Sports Park as the state’s premiere basketball facility,” Mayor Keogh said.

Chair Deakin Melbourne Boomers Tony Hallam said the Boomers were honoured to enter into this milestone partnership, allowing the team to put more resources into player and coach development.

“The investment will have a direct impact on the Knox community through Council programs and on game day

– showcasing and giving access to positive role models that young girls and boys can look up to,” Mr Hallam said.

News of the partnership follows the announcement by the State Government last year of $82m funding for the expansion and upgrading of the KRSP, including a new show court and upgraded facilities for the Boomers. Council will contribute a total of $25m towards the project, delivering:

• Ten new community courts for local basketball competitions;

• A new gymnastics facility suitable for regional level competition; and

• Conversion of existing 5-a-side soccer pitches to one (1) full size field and six (6) new 5-a-side pitches, as well as extension to the existing pavilion.

As ‘Melbourne’s team’, the Boomers is the oldest WNBL Club, home to more Olympians and Opals than any other, and the longest running elite-level women’s sports team in Australia.

To keep up to date with Council’s partnership with the Deakin Melbourne Boomers, subscribe to Knox eNews at knox.vic.gov.au/news and Facebook page facebook.com/knoxcouncil

Council partners with Boomers

Knox Sport and Leisure Awards

New dog parks proposed

For more information visit knox.vic.gov.au/petsinthepark

The annual Knox Sport and Leisure Awards recognise and reward the dedicated volunteers in our local clubs.

The Awards also recognise clubs that have worked diligently to provide positive programs and opportunities for the Knox community.

The Awards aim to create a more sustainable sporting landscape through the retention of current volunteers and attracting new volunteers.

In 2018 the Awards honoured 90 year old Keith Bolderston, a volunteer at

Bayswater Football Club for 50 years. Keith has been a committee member, goal umpire and is the current interchange steward for the senior teams at the club.

The awards include:

Individual Awards

• Club Person of the Year (Adult)

• Club Person of the Year (Junior)

• Women in Sport Leadership

• Years of Service Recognition

Club Awards

• Club of the Year

• Best Club Initiated Program

Applications are now open for the awards on Wed 12 June. Help recognise the unsung heroes of local Knox sport. To nominate a volunteer, visit knox.vic.gov/sportawards Nominations close Sun 3 March.

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Chair Deakin Melbourne Boomers Tony Hallam with Mayor Jake Keogh

Knox Design and Development Excellence Awards

Immerse Exhibition 2019

Council is excited to announce the very first Knox Design and Development Excellence Awards, celebrating excellence in Knox’s built environment.

Nominees are invited to enter a project that showcases design and development excellence in Knox.

As urban density increases to cater for a growing and changing population, Council is committed to working with the community and industry on improving design and development outcomes in the municipality.

The award categories and judging criteria are, in part, aligned to the preferred housing typologies within the areas defined in the Knox Housing Strategy: Bush Suburban, Local Living, Knox Neighbourhood or Activity Area and sets out the preferred types of housing – detached dwellings, dual occupancies, villa units, townhouses and/or apartments – for each area.

Award categories will be offered for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional design and development. A special award, The Knox Award, will be selected as an exemplar from all the category winners.

Awards categories are:

• Bush Suburban, Residential

• Knox Neighbourhood, Residential – small lots and large lots

• Local Living, Residential – all lots

• Activity areas, Residential – all lots

• Industrial, commercial and institutional

• Landscape design

• The Knox Award

There are no fees associated with submitting a nomination to the Knox Design and Development Excellence Awards 2019.

How to enter

Entries are open now until 31 March. Projects eligible are required to have been completed in the three year period between 1 Jan 2016 and 1 Jan 2019.

Judging

The jury panel will consist of up to three recognised design industry professionals, the Mayor of Knox, two Councillors and a Knox Council senior design professional.

Awards Event

Award recipients will be announced at the Knox Design and Development Excellence Awards event on the evening of Thur 27 June at the Knox Civic Centre.

Immerse is a exhibition program outside the traditional confines of an art gallery.

Developed and coordinated by Council, Immerse has become a celebrated community arts event and will certainly surprise and inspire again in 2019.

Encouraging brave new ideas across all art disciplines and across all mediums from street art to sculpture, paintings to photography, site installations to projections, and for the first time, performance arts.

More than 10,000 people engaged with the last Immerse Exhibition program, with locals and some visitors coming from outside of Knox, helping

to stimulate the local economy while enjoying public art.

The program aims to make the arts more accessible by engaging with people as part of their everyday lives. It also provides artists the opportunity to expose their artwork to the public, collaborate with an experienced curator and potentially, win prize money.

The Immerse exhibition program runs for the entire month of September.

If you are an Artist keen to participate in Immerse 2019, registrations are now open online until midnight, Sun 17 Feb.

To learn more about what it means to be an Immerse Artist or Venue, and to

register your interest, visit knox.vic.gov.au/Immerse

To discuss your ideas, contact Knox Arts and Cultural Services on 9298 8000 or email immerse@knox.vic.gov.au

Nominees can enter and read the judging criteria for each award at knox.vic.gov.au/designawards

WHAT’S ON: FEBRUARY TO APRIL 2019

To find out about more events visit knox.vic.gov.au/calendar Business Events knox.vic.gov.au/events Follow us facebook.com/Knoxcouncil

2019 Theatre Program Launched

The 2019 Knox Community Arts Centre program is filled with music, theatre, comedy and kid’s shows, so jump online to download your copy at knox.vic.gov.au/kcac or call 9729 7287 to receive the 2019 program brochure in the mail.

Tax Essentials For Small BusinessWed 13 Mar, 10am-12pm Knox Civic Centre

Register for this free event to learn the tax essentials for small business, including tax rates and rules, deductions including vehicle deductions, depreciation and home-based business expenses, reporting requirements, record keeping principles, plus where to go for help and information.

Bookings: 9298 8000 or email business@knox.vic.gov.au

Playgroup Playday – Veggie growing workshop Wed 20 Mar, 10-11:30am West Gully Children & Family Centre

Experience planting and growing veggies together with your children or grandchildren. Gardens for Harvest and Playgroups invite you to come experience with us:

• Why keep/start gardening at any age • Garden design, maintenance and

safety tips for garden enjoyment • How to access community resources • Outdoor and indoor play• For babies to pre-schoolers

Free. Bookings essential: 9298 8348 or email play@knox.vic.gov.au

Committee Roles and ResponsibilitiesWed 6 Mar, 6:30-9:30pm Knox Civic Centre

This interactive workshop will help your group to understand more about the responsibilities of the committee and what accountabilities are relevant for each committee member role.

Free. Bookings essential, visit knox.vic.gov.au/communitytraining

Building Community with Social MediaThur 28 Mar, 6:30-9:30pm Knox Civic Centre

This interactive session will provide you with a basic overview of Australia’s most popular social media platforms and insights. This session will be most beneficial to those that are new to promoting their organisations through social media channels.

Free - Bookings essential, visit knox.vic.gov.au/communitytraining

Knox Youth Film Festival Fri 5 – Sun 14 Apr

To be held as part of National Youth Week.

Payroll for small businessTues 23 Apr, 10-11am Knox Civic Centre

Are you an employer, or thinking of hiring workers? Join us for this free one hour session to understand how your payroll tax and super reporting obligations, as an employer, have been streamlined.

Free. Bookings: 9298 8000 or email business@knox.vic.gov.au

Bike Education School Holiday Program Wed 17 & Thur 18 Apr, 9:30am-1pm Marie Wallace Reserve, Bayswater

A 2-day bike education holiday program for 9–12 year olds focused at teaching children a range of skills including:

• Scanning and signalling

• Riding on different surfaces

• Road rules and signs

• Basic repairs and maintenance

Participants must bring their own bike (no training wheels) and helmet.

Cost: $20 Lunch provided Max. participants: 15 Register at knox.vic.gov.au/cycling

Carrington Park for hire

Need a venue for your next sporting event, function or meeting? Carrington Park Leisure Centre in Knoxfield is next to the oval and a children’s playground.

The Leisure Centre features:

• Meeting rooms & kitchen

• Disabled access and toilet

• Ample car parking,

• Change rooms

If you’re interested in booking the leisure centre, please contact the Carrington Park Committee on 0403 413 202.

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Meetings are open to the public and held at Knox Civic Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend:

Mon 25 Feb, 7pmTues 26 Mar, 7pmMon 29 Apr, 7pm

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Blue rollers, from the Bittersweet series by Jenny Huang, winner of Immerse Emerging Artist Award 2016

Knox Festival 2019

GETTING THERE

• Parking is limited so where possible please walk, ride or take public transport to the event

• Bike Parking Bays located near Lyndale Court entry, please BYO bike lock

• Free Shuttle Bus loop from Ferntree Gully Station to the event

• Accessible Parking available via entry at Glenfern Road, Ferntree Gully

• Drop Off / Pick Up Zone located on Brenock Park Drive for a quick and easy access

• Please observe parking restrictions in neighbouring residential areas

Ferntree Gully Community Arts Centre – free arts and crafts play

Playground Weaving Web – a remarkable maze of threads to explore and help build

Primary Schools Banner Competition – where you can be the judge!

‘Life in a Jar’ Secondary Schools Arts Installation, where diversity is explored in miniature

Knox Festival aims to provide an accessible experience for all patrons by including:• Event access information and support at the Event

Info Hub

• Accessible amenities on site near the Pavilion

• Accessible Chill Out Space at Ferntree Gully Community Arts Centre and Library

• Event Access Key to enable a planned event day for those seeking a calm event day

• Accessible pathways for mobility assisted patrons

• Event Info Hub –event info, accessibility and lost children collection point. Located near the Cricket Pavilion

• Guide and companion dogs welcome

ACCESSIBILITYCREATIVE ARTS HUBS

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Volunteering at Knox Festival

If you would like to join the festival team as a volunteer, please contact us at volunteers@knox.vic.gov.au or visit knox.vic.gov.au/knoxfestival

Food Truck Hub with all your favourite food trucks and cultural delights!

Amusement Rides offering the classic carnival favourites and some thrilling adrenaline pumped rides

High Energy Hub get your game on here with BMX tricks, basketball shoot outs and adrenaline filled fun

Youth Hub where you can expect games, giveaways and youth-lead activities

Circus Arts Hub with the amazing Ruccis crew showcasing their talent and sharing their art from with playful workshops

Global Kitchen featuring dishes from around the world, prepared by local cultural groups and master cooks, with lots a free taste testing!

Massive ‘Lost Island’ Sandpit in the heart of the site where pirates, treasure, mermaids and magical wonder will be found!

Sporting Hub where local sports clubs offer fun challenges and the annual Knox Gift sprint race, registrations open soon on the Knox Festival webpage.

Water Play Hub where the much loved CFA firetrucks, firehose play and water fun will cool off the heat - be prepared to get wet!

Kid’s Fun Hub featuring free inflatable and active attractions, games, cooking, workshops and vibrant stage entertainment

Market Stalls with all your favourite home grown goodies, arts, crafts, clothes and trinkets

Knox Community Sites capturing the spirit of Knox’s many and varied community groups, services and clubs, with loads of interactive activities and give-aways

Medieval Village where you can step back in time to the 14th century for medieval games, costumes, photo booth and medieval kitchen cook-ups

Community Stage bursting with talent from outstanding local bands, cultural performers, vocalists, dancers and comedic theatre, a fabulous mash up of all our best local talent!

Canopy Stage celebrating some remarkable local and regional artists with an indie vibe by day

Knox Festival is a free community festival with plenty of fun for all ages and abilities, from community and market stalls, delicious food trucks, all day stage entertainment, free children’s activities, through to thrilling rides and loads of free fun for the whole family.

Join us as the sun sets over Knox, where the amusement rides, food trucks and live music kicks on, so get your dancing shoes on and enjoy some big ride thrills, burgers, burrito’s and bouncy beats!

FREE ENTRY!

SAT 2 & SUN 3 MARCH

WALLY TEW RESERVE, BRENOCK PARK DRIVE, FERNTREE GULLY10AM TO 5PM

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An outdoor ‘leisure play park’ will be a popular new future addition to Knox’s leading indoor pool and fitness centre.

Council announced the addition to Knox Leisureworks in Boronia as part of a five-year plan for its future growth and operation.

The new leisure play park will be added within the next five years to reinvigorate the outdoors precinct of the Tormore Road facility in Boronia. It will cost almost $400,000 to complete.

The new addition to Knox Leisureworks came as part of the successful tender by Belgravia Leisure that Council announced in December. Belgravia has won the contract for the next five years, with further possible extensions based on meeting performance standards.

News of the new operator has been hailed as an ‘exciting new chapter’ in the centre’s operation, leading a facility that has served the community for more than 50 years.

Council’s transfer of operation builds on the work of past operator Victorian YMCA, with the centre being recently awarded the Aquatics and Recreation Victoria 2018 Health Club of the Year.

MASKED is a new short film created in conjunction with the Knox ‘Free 2 Be Me’ LGBTQIA Youth Group, supported by Council’s Youth Services team and the amazing work of Momentum Studios Australia.

The film is a 15 minute short feature film that follows the story of High Schooler, Zoe, struggling to come out as a trans man. After knowing who they truly are for a while, Zoe finds themself fatigued by their fear of whether others will accept them or not.

This exciting partnership showcases the amazing work of young people aged 15-18 and the Momentum cinema team.

The ‘Free 2 Be Me’ LGBTQIA Youth Group has been working on this film in collaboration with Momentum for more than six months, learning and covering all elements of production, including story and script writing, character development, production design, producing, directing, camera, lighting, sound production and post production.

Co-Director and ‘Free 2 Be Me’ group member, Jay Beckerleg said that although it was a huge commitment, making MASKED was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

“I wish I had something like this when I was discovering myself,” Jay said.

“For kids at my age to have this kind of opportunity is truly life changing.”

Momentum Studios CEO and Co-Director of MASKED, Michael Hardinge said they wanted to create something that didn’t shy away from the big issues of the LGBTQIA community of young people.

“The passion and drive these young people have to help make a difference is nothing short of inspiring, so it’s been an absolute pleasure for the team and I to be able to help them shine a light on an issue which is far too often swept under the carpet,” Michael said.

Council is committed to addressing and preventing discrimination and exclusionary practices affecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and or Questioning (LGBTIQ+) community members to ensure a safe and inclusive community for all.

Council participates in a number of events that celebrate our LGBTIQ+ community, including Midsumma Festival, Pride March and IDAHOBIT Day.

To see the film on YouTube go to youtu.be/bLk8Dxf1xFk or you can search hashtag #MASKEDFILM

For more information contact Madeleine Power, Knox Youth Services on 9298 8000 or visit knox.vic.gov.au/youth

OUTDOOR PLAY PARK FOR LEISUREWORKS

To keep up to date with the addition of the play park subscribe to Council’s digital newsletter, Knox eNews at knox.vic.gov.au/news

Short film Masked set for release

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Where you’ve seen us working

EARLY YEARS HUBS OPEN

The brand new Knox Children and Family Centre in Wantirna South has now opened with Bayswater opening soon. Each Centre includes: Maternal and child health, four-year-old sessional preschool, playgroups, long day care, Wantirna South Centre also offers occasional care.For enrolment visit knox.vic.gov.au/childrenandfamilies

UPDATES TO CRICKET TRAINING FACILITY

Improvements have been completed on cricket training facilities at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully. The new structure incorporates three enclosed cricket nets with retractable netting as well as one publicly accessible net. Stage 1 of the project is currently completed and we’re now onto Stage 2, installing new lighting for the site.

SUFFERN RESERVE WETLANDS

Council recently created a new stormwater treatment wetland within Suffern Reserve. Works included creating a new water quality treatment/habitat wetland, seating areas and new path links to improve plant diversity and habitat for wildlife, and aquatic plants to provide safe breeding areas for native fish, turtles, frogs and birdlife.

This is one of six treatment wetlands recently constructed as part of the Melbourne Water partnership – Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek – which won the Program Innovation Award at the Victorian Water Awards!

GEORGE STREET TIP

Council has commenced works to re-construct the shared path nearby the George Street Tip, which was destroyed by fire last year. A temporary gravel path around the construction area should be used in the meantime.

LEWIS PARK

Council requested community feedback on the draft Masterplan Lewis Park, receiving positive feedback on plans to reinforce the green and leafy character of Knox, improve access and connectivity and to provide more open space for people to socialise and keep active.

The final Masterplan will incorporate community feedback related to preserving the retarding basin function, telling the story of Indigenous culture and heritage, and planning for car parking. View the Masterplan at participate.knox.vic.gov.au

MANSON WETLANDS

A new biodiversity wetland system will be constructed in Manson Reserve in Wantirna, designed to treat urban stormwater runoff from the underground pipe network, before it enters Dandenong Creek. The system will also support the preservation of both aquatic flora (including rare and threatened species) and fauna (frogs, aquatic birds, good water bugs, etc).

TALASKIA RESERVE

Stage 1 Masterplan works are now complete at Talaskia Reserve in Ferntree Gully, including a multi-basketball court, netball hoop, junior tennis, handball court and running track. A new social space includes a shelter, BBQ and picnic tables.

NEW TENNIS COURTS FOR SCORESBY

The tennis courts and carpark works at Scoresby Recreation Reserve are now open. The works included the establishment of three brand new floodlit tennis courts and car parking. The surface of the new courts is designed for safe training, and provides a high level of surface performance for competition.

The Reserve has eight centrally located tennis courts which are easily accessible from the nearby clubhouse, with car parking for both members and casual users.

The project was a joint venture between Council, Tennis Australia, and the Scoresby Tennis Centre.

STAMFORD PARK

The renovations of Stamford Park Homestead and Gardens are near completion. The Homestead will soon be open, operating as a restaurant and function spaces, while the Gardens will be accessible to the public. The Stamford Park Homestead Gardens have been renovated and developed with major improvements made to drainage with significant tree and shrub planting, lawn preparation, fencing, car parking, driveway and retaining walls. Visit knox.vic.gov.au/stamfordpark

Local Works

ROAD SAFETY WORKS

Construction is underway of School Crossing slow points on Brenock Park Drive, Ferntree Gully and Early Years Hub, Argyle Way Wantirna South.

DRAINAGE WORKS

Drainage works are completed/nearing completion at:

• 3 Maryborough Rd, Boronia

• Stamford Park – Swale drain and carpark

• 156 Dandelion Drive, Rowville

• 56 Golding Ave, Rowville

ROAD RENEWAL PROJECTS

Replacement of kerb and channel and asphalt resurfacing are currently underway or now complete at:

• Parkhurst Drive, Knoxfield – entire length

• Cherrington Square, Wantirna – entire length

• Selman Ave, Ferntree Gully – Burwood Hwy to Spring St

• Albert Ave, Boronia – Bambury St to Olive Grove

• Underwood Rd, Ferntree Gully – Lording St to Veronica St

• Ashton Rd, Ferntree Gully – Adele Ave to Ferntree Gully Rd (works are due to commence and expected to be completed by March.)

RESURFACING WORKS

Asphalt profiling and resurfacing works undertaken include:

• Tyner Rd, Wantirna South

• Nyadale Drive, Scoresby

• Dobson Street

• Badminton Ct, Wantirna

• Barnsdale Ct, Wantirna

• Boronia Rd service road, Wantirna

• Mareeba Cres, Bayswater

• Clifford St, Bayswater

• Caroline Ct, Bayswater

• Tolga Ct, Bayswater

• Old Orchard Drive, Wantirna South

• Hewson Ct, Wantirna South

• Kingloch Pde, Wantirna

• Kelso Place, Wantirna

FOOTPATH WORKS

Kerb and Channel/Footpath repairs are underway in preparation for road resurfacing at:

• Lance Road, Bayswater

• Bells Court, Wantirna South

• Stud Road Service Road, between Ireland Ave and Somerset St, Wantirna South

• Underwood Road, between Daffodil Rd and St Elmo Ave

1 31 2 KNOX NEWS I AUTUMNAUTUMN I KNOX NEWS

Before

After

Dinsdale Ward

CR ADAM GILL 0439 650 260

The road safety bike park at Marie Wallace Bayswater Park re-opened just before Christmas, with families eagerly waiting for the gates to open! We also upgraded the picnic and BBQ areas which has been ideal for the Summer holidays and it’s been great to see the park full of families. I’m looking forward to seeing the finishing touches to the bike park over the coming months.

I’m also looking forward to the new pedestrian pathway at Lewis Park, connecting the skate park with the tennis court.

Scott Ward

CR LISA COOPER 0407 240 275

It’s wonderful to see all the hard work pay off with the opening of the first Early Years Hub in Wantirna South for the 2019 year. I’m so pleased for all the families and children in Knox that will benefit from these state-of-the-art facilities. I’m also excited about the opening of the modular buildings at Knox Gardens Reserve providing modern change rooms for the huge growth in women and young girls in sport. It will be great to see them in use for the upcoming 2019 sports season.

Your Councillors

Collier Ward by-election

Ratepayers in Collier Ward will be heading to the polls on Saturday 30 March to elect a new councillor for their ward.

Nominations for candidates open Thursday 21 February and close Tuesday 26 February. Voters will need to cast their vote in person on Saturday 30 March; 8am-6pm. For more information, visit vec.vic.gov.au

Dobson Ward

MAYOR JAKE KEOGH 0418 228 852

This year I’m keen to see our plans for the expansion of the Knox Regional Netball Centre in Ferntree Gully come to life. As the premier netball centre in Knox, playing host to more than 4,000 netball players each week, the demand for upgraded and expanded facilities to meet the growing needs of players in Knox is huge, and is set to increase further. Council is seeking further Federal election funds to help us realise these plans.

Tirhatuan Ward

CR NICOLE SEYMOUR 0427 245 834

I’m very excited about the new Stamford Park Homestead and Gardens which the public can finally begin to enjoy. The restorations to this historic Homestead, including a restaurant and function spaces opening next month, and development of the Gardens over 38 hectares has transformed it into a beautiful and significant public space for all to enjoy.

The delivery of the new tennis court facilities at Scoresby Recreation Reserve has been a great addition to the area with three brand new floodlit tennis courts and high-level surface for many to enjoy.

Chandler Ward

CR JOHN MORTIMORE 0402 780 942

It’s wonderful to see Pat and George Hetrel’s generous $1 million donation to our community through Council coming to fruition, with new modern changing facilities at Batterham Reserve and additional works in the pipeline, including new flood lighting and cricket nets. Terrific to see Pat and George awarded in Council’s Australia Day Awards too – so well deserved.

We’ve also received some valuable community feedback on the future of historic Miller’s Homestead, so I look forward to helping determine the future of this marvellous community asset.

Taylor Ward

CR DARREN PEARCE 0402 780 950

I’m looking forward to upgrades to the Aimee Seebeck Hall in Rowville, which will see the toilets converted into store rooms, and an extension of the building to provide updated accessible toilet facilities. Council has recently awarded the tender and construction will begin in March. The Hall is available for hire to the public, so these upgrades will benefit the whole Knox community.

Great feedback too from our social media consultation which identified Emerson Place in Rowville as one of three new off-leash dog parks for Knox.

Friberg Ward

CR TONY HOLLAND 0427 190 389

I’m so pleased the hugely popular Pets in the Park event will be back this year. There’s fun for the whole family with stage entertainment, cattle dog demonstrations, an animal farm, reptile display, rides for the children and more! I hope everyone and their four-legged friends can come to this fantastic day of free entertainment and giveaways on Sunday 31 March at Gilbert Park Reserve.

It’s great to see so many people enjoying the newly upgraded parkland behind Mountain Gate Shopping Centre in Ferntree Gully too.

Baird Ward

CR PETER LOCKWOOD 0419 970 565

We received some great feedback from the community on the Boronia Renewal Project draft strategy before Christmas. This new strategy builds on the original 2006 Structure Plan and looks to develop the nine key directions through new goals and strategies to be implemented over the next 10 to 20 years. The feedback we received from the consultation with the community will be used to develop the final renewal strategy.

Tonnes of rubbish is collected from Knox homes every week. Much of this can be reused and recycled. By choosing the right bin you can put your rubbish to work.

Rubbish

There’s lots of rubbish you can’t put in your household waste bin. Rubbish such as timber, bricks, paint, batteries, chemicals and green waste don’t belong in your rubbish bin. Find out what you can and can’t put in your household bin at knox.vic.gov.au/waste

Composting

Food waste makes up almost half of the rubbish in our bins. Join the Compost Revolution and receive 60% off the retail price of eligible products to help you reduce your organic food waste at compostrevolution.com.au/knox

Learn more about composting your food scraps in a compost bin or worm farm to reduce the amount of food waste going into landfill at knox.vic.gov.au/composting

Recycling

Make sure you empty items before recycling and put them loose into your bin – not in plastic bags which stop them from being sorted. Council has a complete A-Z Guide to Recycling at knox.vic.gov.au/recycling

The Knox Transfer Station and Recycling Facility offers free recycling of car batteries, televisions, computers and computer equipment. Read about what else you can recycle or dispose of at the Knox Transfer Station at knoxtransferstation.com.au

Hard waste

Where items can’t be donated to charity or recycled, Council provides a range of options for you to dispose of these goods. All households paying the Residential Garbage Charge on their rates can book up to two free hard waste collections each financial year. To read what can and can’t be included in a hard waste collection, visit knox.vic.gov.au/hardrubbish

Green Waste

Find our more about our green waste bin and bundled green waste collection services.

Illegal dumping

Council removes dumped rubbish from Council land such as roads, nature strips, reserves and Council car parks. To report dumped rubbish call Customer Service on 9298 8000. Remember that rubbish on a nature strip may be out for a hard waste collection.

Replace a bin

You can request a bin, replace a stolen bin, find out about collection dates and enquire about a missed rubbish collection at knox.vic.gov.au/waste

Put your rubbish to work

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Community and Council Plan – Midterm Review

Council is currently preparing the midterm review of the Knox Community and Council Plan 2017-21. The review is updating data and engaging with key stakeholders to ‘check-in’ on how we are travelling towards our eight shared goals, outlined in the Plan at knox.vic.gov.au/communityplan

Community members will have an opportunity to get involved in the conversation at Council’s engagement space at the Knox Festival (2-3 March). Activities held over the two-day Festival will capture what our community feels is important and where we are doing well.

Also informing the review, on 12 February a breakfast session was held with more than 50 representatives from agencies and community organisations sharing their achievements from the last 18 months. The participants highlighted future challenges and opportunities in moving toward the shared goals. A graphic recording of this event will be available soon on Council’s website knox.vic.gov.au.

Finally, in April there will be inaugural coming together of Council’s 11 formal advisory committees. This unique opportunity will allow participants to share achievements, highlight opportunities to inform Council planning and consider emerging trends that may impact the community into the future.

The final midterm review report will be available at knox.vic.gov.au/communityplan in July. For any further information email communityplan@knox.vic.gov.au or phone 9298 8000.

COMMUNITY AND COUNCIL PLAN 2017-21 UPDATE

The Community and Council Plan 2017-21 is Knox’s roadmap for the future. It describes the desired future for Knox, what we are going to focus on for the next 10 years and beyond, and what Knox City Council has committed to for the next four years to help us get there.

511 Burwood Highway Wantirna South VIC 3152 9298 8000knox.vic.gov.au knoxcc@knox.vic.gov.au

Stay up to date and connected with us

Twitter knoxcc Facebook knoxcouncil Enews knox.vic.gov.au/news

For more information or to view the plan visit knox.vic.gov.au/communityplan

Council has a number of online services to make it easier for our community, available for you 24/7.

Skip Bin Permits

Need a skip bin for your renovations or home repairs? A permit is not required if a skip is placed on private property. However, if it is place on roads, footpaths, crossings, nature strips or lanes, get a permit at knox.vic.gov.au/skipbins

Pet Registration

You can apply to register your cat or dog and renew and update your pet registration details all online. Registrations are due 10 April. Go to knox.vic.gov.au/petrego

Pay your rates

Save paper and receive your rates notice online at knox.vic.gov.au/rates

Report graffiti

For tips on how to prevent and remove graffiti, or to request a graffiti removal kit, visit knox.vic.gov.au/graffiti

View Infringements

Received a parking infringement? View the details and photos online at knox.vic.gov.au/infringements

New Building Plans

Do you have a renovation or extension planned? Before you start, get advice online about your development, change of use, subdivision and more.

Advertised Planning Applications

View all planning applications that are currently being advertised online. If you have any questions about a planning application at advertising stage, contact Council’s Building and Planning team during business hours. Go to knox.vic.gov.au/planning

ONLINE SERVICES