New pavilion for Olinda

A new, state of the art $1.7m pavilion is taking shape at the Olinda Recreation Reserve. Local and visiting clubs will enjoy the fresh, bright training and gym area, change rooms and first aid room. The wider community is set to benefit too, with a spacious multi-purpose area, modern kitchen and meeting room available for use.
Coming to the party with funding for the pavilion were Council ($1m), the state government ($350,000), Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group ($250,000) and the supporting community ($100,000).
$120,000 worth of new lighting is already brightening up the grounds, with Council, the federal government and sports clubs all pitching in for the project.
The new rooms will be used by clubs including Olinda Ferny Creek Football Netball Club, Olinda Ferny Creek Junior Football Club, Olinda Cricket Club, Sassafras Ferny Creek Netball Club and Kalorama Mt Dandenong Tennis Club.
The pavilion is due to be completed in October.

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Have you seen your Local?

Have you seen our new publication, Yarra Ranges Local?
Launched in March, the newsletter replaces the Shirewide magazine.
With three editions covering the urban, hills and valley areas every two months, we'll keep you in the know about Council projects and happenings that are relevant to you and your community.
You can  can pick up a printed copy from any of Community Links, libraries or communities centres. If you'd like a copy mailed to you call 1300 368 333.
Or jump online and subscribe to the Yarra Ranges Local e-newsletter at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/yrl
Full online stories can be found here on the Yarra Ranges blog.

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Changes to smoking laws

Children’s play areas and outdoor areas at public swimming pools will be smoke free from 1 April.
Changes to the State Tobacco Amendment Act 2013 mean smoking is now prohibited within 10 metres of children’s playgrounds, outdoor skate parks and sporting venues during underage sporting events.
Would you like more information? Go to the Department of Health’s website:
www.health.vic.gov.au/tobaccoreforms.

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Street light upgrade

New energy efficient street lights are set to save millions of dollars and help the environment at the same time.
Council contractors are upgrading 7000 street lights with T5 fluorescent bulbs across the Yarra Ranges.
The new lights will give an instant 70 percent reduction in energy use and operating costs. T5 technology produces a clearer light, reduces glare and meets the Australian Standards for safety reasons and light levels.
Council is funding the $1.85 million project, which will pay for itself in four years and save almost $8 million over the 20 year life of the new lights.
The upgrade will help Council meet its commitment of reducing annual greenhouse emissions by 30% (based on year 2000 levels) by 2020.
New street lights are already being installed in Lilydale, Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park. The project will be completed throughout the Yarra Ranges by mid year.
The changeovers do not interrupt power supply to residents or businesses, and have minimal impact on parking and traffic flow.
Track the installation progress or get more information at:
www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/streetlightupgrade.

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Blank canvas for Kilsyth

A group of passionate Kilsyth residents are relcaiming a public walkway, prone to graffiti, with plans for public art.
The Adopt-a-Spot group, including representatives from Walmsley Friendship Village, launched their 'Blank Canvas Project' in February.
The project will look at ideas to reclaim the Churinga Walkway behind Churinga Village through community consultation and creativity.
Plans include artwork for the wall and landscaping.
As part of the project, residents will learn graffiti removal techniques, contribute ideas and participate in creative workshops.
For more information on the project contact Santha Press on 1300 368 333 or email s.press@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

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Get on board for better public transport

Do you use public transport? Want to see more, or better services?
You're invited to join in the Commuters Count Summit, organised by the Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC).
The summit will discuss how current and future state budgets could beused to meet the transport needs of the reigon. Local government, business, MPs and education will be also attending.
The ETC represents seven council areas including the Yarra Ranges, and advocates for improved public transport in Melbourne's outer east.
The ETC recently made a submission to the state budget planning process, calling for more investment in rail and public transport infrastructure. The April summit will discuss how this can be achieved.
If you'd like to find out more about the ETC, go to www.etc.org.au

Commuters Count Summit
Wednesday 9 April
9am-1pm
Community Building, Springvale Reserve, Newcomen Rd, Springvale

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Melba Park Stage 2

If you've visited Melba Park in Lilydale recently, you will have seen the latest improvements, including a spectacular new playground, and upgraded car parks and pathways.
Stage 2 of the transformation is now underway-creating a submerged wetland to improve the water quality in Olinda Creek.
The landscape will take about eight weeks to complete, depending on the weather. Access to some areas of the park will be blocked off during this time.
The wetland will be planted in spring with low growing plants to help filter the water which flows into Olinda Creek.
Other works planned for the park include lowering earth mounds to improve sight lines and developing more nature based play areas for families to enjoy.

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Lilydale - Made for Walking

A million dollar project in Lilydale is encouraging pedestrians to leave the car behind.
To understand pedestrian movement in Lilydale, Council studied the existing footpaths and surrounds, and analysed vehicle and walking routes. The results revealed that minor changes could make Lilydale much more accessible on foot.
Improvements to the John St roundabout and Kidgell St and Chapel St footpaths have been made, with another seven raised pedestrian crossings due to be completed by July.
The intersection at Albert Hill Rd and Kidgell St has also been upgraded. Wayfinding signs will be installed highlighting timed routes for to public transport and Main St.

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Warburton skate park

Work is underway on designing the Warburton Skate Park with plans to have it built as soon as possible this year.

Council recently met for a workshop with the community, including young people, to discuss what the community would like to see in the park.

We will continue discussions with a view to finalising the plans in the next couple of months and beginning construction mid year.

The design process will also take into account the whole area and include provisions for shade and drinking water.

Council is also in the process of reviewing its skate plan for the whole of the Yarra Ranges.

We hope to have a draft skate strategy to present to Council for consideration mid year.

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Queens Park skate park

Skateboarders and BMX riders in Healesville are enjoying a brand new skate park in Queens Park.
Situated next to the existing BMX track, the $300,000 project includes landscaping, shelter, seating and a drinking fountain.  

Works on the new skate park were completed in December with the old skate park near the tennis courts currently being demolished due to its poor condition.

There are six skate and two BMX parks in the Yarra Ranges.

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3...2...1 new website set to go

Keep an eye out for our new website—it’s coming soon.

Whether you’re at your desk, or out and about, you’ll be able to stay connected and find out what’s happening near you.
Share your thoughts on our online forum, find your bin or hard waste days, check the progress of your requests, make a payment and more—we’re making things easier for you.
We listened to your feedback and our new site will be full of easier-to-find information and focused on the things you want to know.
www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au

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Help develop our new environment strategy

 

We’re developing a new environment strategy—and we need your help!
Tell us what you think is important, what concerns you and what you’d like to see in the strategy.
We’d like to know: What do you like most about our natural environment? What would you like to see changed?
You can call us, fill out a form on our website, email us or write a letter— we’d really like to hear from you.
Your feedback will be used to help prepare a draft of the strategy, which will be released later this year.
There are discussion papers online if you’d like more background information.
www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/environmentstrategy

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Olinda Pool update

The Olinda Pool may be closed for this summer, but the conversation continues about its future.
Chandler ward councillor Jason Callanan is encouraging the community to start considering what they think that future should look like.
Later this year, Council officers will plan a number of consultation activities so you, the community, can have your say on the future of Olinda Pool.
We know that many of you are passionate about this pool, and we thank you for sharing your thoughts, stories and memories—some of which go back around 50 years.
It’s never easy for Council to make decisions about the future of a well loved community facility. However, the condition of the Olinda Pool and its facilities has always been the focus of discussions around this issue.
Stay tuned for more information in YR Local about how you can be involved in the future of the Olinda Pool.

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VCE Showcase

Celebrate the talents of some of Yarra Ranges’ most creative young people at the annual VCE Showcase exhibition.
Fifty-six students from 18 local schools will have their artwork on display at galleries at the Mooroolbark Community Centre, Upper Yarra Arts Centre and Burrinja Cultural Centre.
 
 

You can see the works of local students at these locations:

Red Earth Gallery

Mooroolbark Community Centre, Mooroolbark
13 March – 17 April 2014

Jarmbi Gallery
Burrinja, Upwey

14 March – 13 April 2014
 

The Studio
Upper Yarra Arts Centre, Warburton
8 March – 3 April 2014

 

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Flu vaccine

Don’t have time for the flu this year?
Come along to one our immunisation sessions in April or May and get a flu vaccination.
$25 Fluvax will be available to people over 10 years of age, or free if you are at high risk. EFTPOS payments only. No bookings needed.
Our immunisation team can also visit your workplace for group flu vaccination sessions.
To find out more, call 1300 368 333 or go to www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au


 

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Local Grants Expo - Hunting for buried treasure

Finding local grants and funding can be like hunting for buried treasure—how you do know where to start?
Fortunately an upcoming expo coming can help answer your questions. Chat to local grant makers from government, community, business and philanthropic organisations, or catch a mini seminar covering top tips for finding funds.

Where: Mooroolbark Community Centre
When: 30 April, 3pm–8pm
Call Lou Sbalchiero on 1300 368 333 or go to www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/communitytraining

 

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Instructed motorcycle rides

Motorbike riders can pick up some potentially lifesaving tips during two guided rides in the Yarra Ranges.
Riders can book into a beginners/return rider full day ride to Toolangi on Sunday 16 March or an advanced ride to Reefton on Sunday 6 April.
The guided rides cover two of the more popular routes often used by motorcyclists.
For details on the program check out Council’s Community Safety page at:
www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au or call 1300 368 333.
To book, email: commsafety@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

 

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$$$ for development

Need a boost for your local sport or recreation club? Why not apply for a capital funding grant?
Council’s annual capital development program offers one-off grants of up to $50,000 for projects aimed at improving infrastructure at sport and recreation venues.
Check out the eligibility criteria online and get your application in by 16 May. Successful applicants will be notified in June.
Need a boost for your festival, event or community project instead? The community grant program will open in June—stay tuned for more details.
www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/grants

 

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SafeTALK WORK SHOP

Learn to be a suicide alert helper at a workshop in Seville this March.

The free SafeTALK workshop will be at the Seville Cricket/Football Clubrooms, Seville Recreation Reserve on Wednesday 19 March from 5.45pm–9.30pm.

Participants will learn to:
• Notice and respond to situations in which thoughts of suicide may be present
• Apply basic TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen and Keep Safe)

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Soccer centre rolls on

Score! Good news on the progress of the Monbulk Soccer Centre—the project has reached the detailed design stage.
A Council team is consulting with the club about the details of the new centre to make sure all bases are covered.
Tenders for the project will go out later this year and it’s expected work will begin in 2015.
Combined funding of $7.15m from Council, $2m from the federal government and $650,000 from state government, will allow the centre to be built to cater for a wide range of ages, levels and even regional events.
Planning for the centre started in 2007 as part of Council’s Regional Soccer Strategy. The Planning Minister recently approved a planning scheme amendment for the site, the final step in the process.
The centre will be a major hub for soccer in the local and wider area. The Monbulk Rangers Soccer club is associated with over 650 players and 45 teams, so the new centre has a large group of enthusiastic supporters eager for the first kick off.

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Yarra Centre gym

Fitness buffs in the Yarra Valley can enjoy a newly expanded gym at the Yarra Centre in Yarra Junction.

Council spent $397,000 to extend the building and accommodate a larger gym following community feedback.

The new gym will allow membership numbers to increase and offer more for existing members.

Call 5967 1675 for information about memberships.

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Makes tracks for culture

If you’re hankering to hear, see or join in with some quality arts or cultural events, there’s plenty to enjoy close to home—all year long.
Culture Tracks is Council’s dynamic program of arts and events. There’s lots in store this year with music, exhibitions, theatre, family focused events and more.
Acts, events and activities cover a diverse range—from acclaimed Aboriginal singer/songwriter Archie Roach, to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow. Or maybe you’d prefer to see ARIA award nominated Jeff Lang, or Barassi: the Stage Show, or Wombat Stew, a play celebrating 30 years of the iconic children’s play.
There’s something for everyone in this smorgasbord of events.
Culture Tracks events are held at all our cultural centres, from Burrinja in Upwey, to Yarra Ranges Regional Museum in Lilydale, Montrose Town Centre, Healesville Memo Hall, Mooroolbark Community Centre and the Upper Yarra Arts Centre.
Pick up a copy of the Culture Tracks program at your nearest venue, or book online.
www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ach.

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Children’s centre opens in Healesville

Families can find a range of children’s services under one roof at the new Wurun Child and Family Place in Healesville.

The Robyn Jane Children’s Centre, which is part of the new hub, has undergone a $1m transformation funded by the Department of Education and Childhood Development. The upgrade increased the number of places from 35 to 68.

The Wurun Child and Family Place offers a place of belonging for all children and families in the Healesville community, with a focus on enabling Indigenous children to participate. The hub aims to enhance respect, caring and sharing.

The Wurun Child and Family place is located at 24 Haig St, Healesville.

If you’d like to know more about the Robyn Jane Children’s Centre call 5962 4842.

Services at the new hub include:
• Boorai Early Years
• Sessional kinder programs
• Early childhood intervention
• Maternal and child health services
• Outside school hours care
• Supported playgroup
• Health and wellbeing programs
• Aboriginal cultural development.
Partners involved in the Wurun Child and Family Place include:
• Yarra Ranges Council
• EACH – Early Childhood Intervention Service
• Healesville Indigenous Community Services Association.
• KinderLink Inc.
• Robyn Jane Children’s Centre Inc.
• Yarra Valley Community Health – Aboriginal Health Service – Boorai Early Years.

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Planning pre-application meetings

If you're planning on doing some renovations to your place, or maybe an extension, chances are you'll need a planning permit.
Make it easier on yourself and avoid common or costly pitfalls - give our Planning team a call first.
You can meet with a planner and get answers to all your questions before lodging your application - and avoid any surprises along the way.
You can also check on building and health requirements.
Call 1300 368 333 to talk with a Council planner or book a meeting.
Find out more at: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/planning.

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Pet registration

Pet registration is due on April 10.
All cats and dogs aged over three months must be registered (it's a state government requirement). Registration also helps us return your pets to you if they're lost.
You can pay in person, by POST Billpay, by mail or online at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Want to know more? Call us on 1300 368 333.

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Pinks Reserve

Work on the long awaited Pinks Reserve Netball precinct is underway, marked by the official switch on of traffic lights at Liverpool Road entrance to the reserve last month.
Traffic lights were installed at the intersection after Council consulted with local residents, who had concerns about traffic management.
Other improvements so far include widening the access road for two-way traffic and constructing approximately 270 car parking spaces, as well as gravel parking around the sports oval.
Work will now start on the construction of 12 outdoor courts and the pavilion, to integrate with the existing two indoor courts. The precinct is due to be completed by the end of the year.
The Lilydale and Yarra Valley Netball Association will relocate to the new precinct at Pinks Reserve in Kilsyth.
Already home to a regional basketball stadium, Kilsyth will now be a regional hub for netball.
The $6.59m Pinks Reserve project is jointly funded by Council, the state government, Mooroolbark Bendigo Bank and the netball association.

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Wheelchair Skate Launch

World renowned wheelchair skater and surfer Christiaan Bailey will showcase his sklls at Mt Evelyn Skate Park as part of the Council's Health and Wellbeing Strategy Launch
Direct from the USA, Christiaan Bailey is a role model for being active and involved.
He is one of only two professional chair skaters in the world and is also a professional big wave surfer.
Christiaan spends his time touring as a professional surfer and founded the OCean Healing Group, a non-profit organisation that provides surf adventures to wheelchair bound young people and their parents.
His appearance will help launch Council's new Health and Wellbeing strategy.
The strategy sets out priorities for improving health and wellbeing such as increasing physical activity.
Christiaan will demonstrate his skills at the skate park in Birmingham Rd, Mt Evelyn at 4pm on Thursday 27 March and invites people to come along and skate or ride with him.
To see the strategy, go to:
www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Reports_Policies or contact Rachel Murphy on 1300 368 333.

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