The Maroondah Citizens’ Advice Bureau provides assistance and referral advice for people who are experiencing hardship. The organisation has offices located in Ringwood and Croydon and is staffed primarily through volunteers through a voluntary committee of management.

Today’s AGM elected the committee of management for the following twelve months and I am pleased to announce that I have been re-nominated onto this committee. The meeting included Senior Constable Stuart Sorrell from Victoria Police as the guest speaker. Stuart discussed the changing face of Maroondah in relation to newly arrived migrants.

The City of Maroondah and Victoria Police have been proactive in assisting these migrant communities to ensure that they are able to partake in community, employment and educational opportunities. Many of these migrants, particularly those from Sudan and Burma, have endured many years within refugee camps and have arrived in Melbourne, Australia to start a new life. It is important that as a municipality we do what we can to assist these communities so that they can begin their new life within Australia.

It is great to see the Maroondah Citizens’ Advice Bureau acknowledge the changing face of Maroondah and ensure that its services meet the needs of our community.