Category: Maroondah City Council
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Transport Infrastructure for Victoria: The Challenges
This afternoon I attended a CEDA lunch featuring a presentation from Howard Ronaldson, the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure (DOI). The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) is an independent think tank, which aims to promote the economic development of Australia in a sustainable and socially balanced way. As part of its series…
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Forum: 40 years as citizens where to next?
Today I attended a forum as part of the discussion surrounding 40 years of citizens where to next? Today’s discussion focused around a number of key themes, including citizenship, governance, business development, justice, education and health. The morning began with a Ministerial Address by the newly appointed Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Richard Wynne. While the…
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Maroondah Journal: A little less conversation, a little more action wanted at station
The Maroondah Journal has been following the progress of the latest campaign to achieve a State Government commitment for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station. Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin said commuters were rightfully frustrated. “The No. 1 issue is the poor condition of the station and the poor image. It really is crunch for Ringwood’s transit…
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Panel discussion: 40 years as citizens where to next?
This evening I was invited to participate in a discussion surrounding reconciliation and the role of local government. The panel included several aboriginal elders, business entrepreneurs and departmental officials. With indigenous life expectancy being 20 years less than other Australians, there is a clear need to address disadvantage and to actively engage indigenous Australians that…
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Maroondah Journal: East misses out on extra trains
The Belgrave and Lilydale lines have been missed completely by a new train timetable announced by Conex and the State Government and the Maroondah Journal has reported on this neglect: Eastern Transport Coalition spokesman, Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin, said the east had been neglected. “The Belgrave and Lilydale lines, which serve Melbourne’s eastern suburbs have…
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Delegates' report: volunteerism and community engagement
The previous month marked a number of events that I would like to share with my colleagues and the gallery this evening. On the 4th of September I had the pleasure of opening Brush Strokes, an art exhibition featuring works created by members of the Croydon Stroke Support Group and I would also like to…
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Eastern Transport Coalition – Meeting the Minister
This evening’s Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) meeting included a discussion with Lynne Kosky, the Minister for Public Transport. While the chair of the ETC, Cr. Mick van de Vreede, met the Minister earlier this year, tonight’s meeting marked the first occasion where the Minister addressed the entire organisation. Encouragingly the Minister acknowledged the current difficulties…
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2007 AGM for Heatherdale Community Action Group
This evening marked the 2nd Annual General Meeting for the Heatherdale Community Action Group and provided an opportunity to reflect on the successes over the past year. The Action Group has continued to represent the Heatherdale Community and provide a voice for residents who face the unique situation of being split into two differing municipalities.…
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2007 Graduation for North Ringwood Community House
This evening I was invited by the North Ringwood Community House to present certificates to graduates of the 2007 Certificate III Aged Care Work and Certificate IV in Disability Work Courses. North Ringwood Community House, located in 120 Oban Road, Ringwood North, provides these courses in a friendly and personalised atmosphere compared to traditional educational…
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Maroondah Journal: Volunteer centre in need of new home
One of the ongoing issues for the Eastern Volunteers Resource Centre (EVRC) has been the need for a new community premises to cater for the ongoing growth of the organisation. The EVRC provides volunteer assistance and community transport and also serves as a critical conduit for the encouragement and recruiting of volunteers within Maroondah, as…