JUNE/JULY 2018 Spotlight on Traffic Services Caffeine for a cause at Moon Rabbit! Fruit Squad to the rescue!
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
JUNE/JULY 2018 Spotlight on Traffic Services page 3 Caffeine for a cause at Moon Rabbit! page 6 Fruit Squad to the rescue! page 7 Sam Fisher from Moon Rabbit Cafe with Kira Whittaker from Plasticwise Darebin at the Moon Rabbit Cafe in Preston.
1 YOUR COUNCILLORS Cazaly Ward Steph Amir Lina Messina (Deputy Mayor) Julie Williams Steph-Amir@cr.darebin.org Lina-Messina@cr.darebin.org Julie-Williams@cr.darebin.org M 0419 750 192 M 0419 750 504 M 0419 750 152 Cr Steph Amir Cr Lina Messina Cr Julie Williams One thing I’ve learnt as a Every day, untold numbers of I’m really pleased that Council has councillor is that the best people throw away their used confirmed funding from the solutions are those that solve plastic containers and food Victorian Government for a new multiple problems. The Darebin packaging without considering accessible toilet in Preston as part Fruit Squad does exactly that. the impacts. Do we dispose of the Changing Places program. of these items based on our Through the fruit squad program, habitual patterns of behaviour? The new facility will be located at volunteers receive training the corner of Gower Street and in horticulture then visit the The impacts aren’t just Kelvin Grove – and will feature gardens of older residents who environmental – they’re also a tracking hoist system and an may not have the time or ability economic. Did you know that adjustable changing bench. to manage their fruit trees or the Victorian Government These kinds of facilities are crucial vegetable patch. They often established a landfill levy in 1992 to make Darebin more accessible stay for a chat, then take any to minimise waste and promote for people with a disability. excess fruit and vegetables investment in alternatives to They make a huge difference to back to DIVRS in Preston, where landfill disposal? The levy in 1992 people’s sense of dignity and it’s distributed to low-income was $2.78 per tonne – today it pride and make everyday life a families who can’t always afford is $64.30 per tonne! It’s a huge lot easier for people who have a fresh produce. expense to councils. disability. Council has committed to building a further three This one program offers skill- Understanding these negative changing place facilities over development, creates new social, environmental and the next four years. friendships between people of economic impacts, I recently different ages, reduces loneliness, initiated a Motion to eliminate If you’ve been thinking of going reduces food waste, provides the use of single plastic items at solar, now is definitely the time. a useful gardening service, and Council-run events and at events Close to 500 residents have ensures that local families have held at Council sites. already benefitted from Council’s access to fresh healthy food. terrific Solar Saver program Plastic Free July is coming where the upfront cost of a I know that similarly good up and I’m working with system and installation is paid work is happening across the the Metropolitan Waste and for by Council and residents then municipality with groups like Resource Recovery Group to have up to 10 years to pay it off. Transition Darebin creating stop the wasteful use of our Solar Savers is now available to opportunities for residents to resources. We need to work to all Darebin households. There’s meet each other and share collectively change consumer more information in this edition. home-grown produce. behaviour and advocate for industries to implement more For me it demonstrates that sustainable processes. although suburban communities have changed in recent decades, I encourage you all to think of the spirit of generosity and ways you can reduce waste connectedness remains, with and plastic this July – such as wonderful opportunities to grow. avoiding plastic straws and opting for a reusable coffee cup.
2 MAYOR’S MESSAGE Can you think of a local hero you know who’s doing great things for the Darebin community? A SMALL TRIBUTE TO THE BELOVED If so, I’d encourage YOUTH MURAL you to nominate them This June, Council is installing a special marker for our refreshed and commemorating the much-loved Youth Mural renewed Darebin which for many years adorned Rubie Thomson Community Awards. Reserve in Northcote. The Awards celebrate the The 45 metre-long mural was And even more sadly, the art achievements of people designed by acclaimed artist work itself had been damaged who live, work, study or Megan Evans and painted by beyond repair due to vandalism. volunteer in Darebin and her along with Les Griggs, Council was forced to make the who have made outstanding Marina Baker and a group of unenviable decision (in consultation contributions to our local local young people in 1987. with Megan Evans) to demolish community. This year the the mural wall. Awards ceremony is taking Inspired by a series of conversations place on Friday, 24 August. Evans had with local young people, The commemorative marker is the mural featured several set to be installed by the end There’s a range of different intertwining vignettes exploring of June and will feature a high categories for awards and themes such as Indigenous land resolution digital print of the the deadline for nominations rights, the threat of nuclear war, original mural laid out across is 31 July. You can find more anxiety about drugs and addiction several panels on a plinth. information in this edition. and struggles with identity. It will also be accompanied Speaking of awards, a big Sadly however by 2017 the ageing by an information board congratulations is in order wall the mural had been painted detailing the Youth Mural’s for the team behind CERES on had become a safety risk due history and significance. Fair Wood, who recently to structural problems. took out the Darebin Pitch It! Grand Final. The competition saw some great ideas pitched by NOMINATE A COMMUNITY HERO! some very talented local entrepreneurs. But ultimately The deadline to nominate a community champion for the the team at CERES took refreshed and renewed Darebin Community Awards is out the top honours with approaching, with nominations closing at the end of July. their idea to bring sustainable Victorian timber from farms to the city. The Awards celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait achievements of people who Islander people in Darebin. They’re a great example of live, work, study or volunteer the forward-thinking ingenuity in Darebin and who have made Nominations are now open and we have here in Darebin. outstanding contributions to close on Tuesday 31 July 2018 our local community. The Awards at 4pm. ceremony is taking place on Cr Kim Le Cerf Friday 24 August. For more information about the Mayor categories and to request a We’ve now added two new nomination form, call 8470 8888, email categories to the Awards to civicevents@darebin.vic.gov.au or visit highlight the achievements of darebin.vic.gov.au/communityawards
3 SPOTLIGHT ON TRAFFIC SERVICES Being a parking officer isn’t always the easiest job, but Council’s team of seven officers carry out a crucial role for our municipality. Led by Angelo Russo, Team Last year alone we responded to “There’s definitely a sense of Leader Traffic Services, the team 11,000 such concerns – whether satisfaction from knowing you’re is responsible for the smooth and it was a vehicle blocking a out there helping keep the safe flow of traffic across Darebin driveway, a car obscuring vision community safe and traffic moving. and also ensure there’s a regular at a busy intersection or even a and fair turnover of parking child locked in a vehicle on a hot “I also enjoy the education side spaces – which is essential for summer day.” of things in terms of ensuring the local economy. drivers know how to park “Also, it’s important for people correctly – especially around What’s more, the team play to be aware that we don’t make school crossings and clearways an important role in terms of the rules or set the penalties. at peak hour. Poor parking in public safety, looking out for That’s all mandated by State those areas can present major cars parked dangerously around Government – our role is to safety risks and significantly school crossings, intersections, enforce those rules in a fair and disrupt traffic flow,” said Angelo. clearways and no stopping zones. equitable manner,” said Angelo. While inevitably Angelo and Despite that, Angelo says there’s his team do sometimes bear often a public perception that the brunt of irate recipient of a parking officers are simply out parking fine, there are also plenty there trying to gather revenue. of positives to their job. For more information on parking in “The reality is, a lot of the time Darebin, including information on we’re responding to public local parking laws and how to pay a concerns we’ve been alerted to. fine or lodge an objection, visit darebin.vic.gov.au/parking or call 8470 8888.
4 CERES HAS THE CHOOSING THE WOOD ON THE RIGHT KINDER OR COMPETITION CHILDCARE CENTRE Congratulations are in Choosing the right order to CERES Fair Wood kindergarten for your child – who recently took out the and working out how to get top honours at the Darebin them registered can often Pitch It! grand final held at seem like a pretty Preston Market. complicated process. Council has recently The annual competition gives CERES Fair Wood General Manager, created an easy-to-follow Darebin entrepreneurs a chance Chris Ennis, said the award animated video to help to pitch sustainability-focused was the culmination of two explain the process for the business ideas in areas such years’ work with award-winning as new energy technologies, architect, Paul Haar. Darebin Registration System. food innovation, security and social business. “Working with Paul, I came to The video breaks down the understand that by choosing registration process into simple This year more than 50 business imported timber I could be steps and provides all the key concepts were submitted, but impoverishing Indigenous people, information and dates you need that was pared down to five endangering species, polluting to know. promising local start-ups for the rivers and changing the climate. grand final – with each team given Conversely, just by buying timber Along with the kindergarten 10 minutes to pitch their idea in grown by local farm foresters, I video, we’ve also created a step pursuit of $20,000 start-up cash! could be doing the exact opposite by step video on how to register – and that’s how CERES Fair your child for community There were some great ideas Wood started,” Chris said. childcare in Darebin. pitched on the night, but ultimately CERES Fair Wood Congratulations also to the other And while we’re on the topic, prevailed with their idea to create four finalists – Medical Connect, Council recently launched a a social enterprise supplying Refillr, Pollinator Protectors and new portal for kindergarten locally-grown, sustainable timber MUVi – who all received $2000 and childcare registrations – to the Victorian building industry seed funding to kick-start their ideas. meaning you no longer have – instead of imported timber, to register in person at Council which often comes at an immense Customer Service Centres or environmental and social cost. go through the hassle of mailing your forms. A NEW ACCESSIBLE CHANGING PLACE ON THE WAY FOR PRESTON Preston will soon have a Each facility has a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a new changing place facility tracking hoist system, space for at the corner of Gower two people and provides a safer Street and Kelvin Grove and cleaner environment. after Council successfully Council has committed to building applied for funding from a further three new changing the Victorian Government. place facilities in Darebin over the next four years. Construction of the central Preston facility is set The facility is one of 26 new to begin in August. locations announced for changing places in Victoria To check out the videos, as part of a program to create For more information go to access the portal and for more accessible toilets to meet darebin.vic.gov.au/access more information, visit the needs of people with a or call 8470 8888. darebin.vic.gov.au/children disability and their carers.
5 GET WISE AND DITCH THE PLASTIC THIS JULY! Plastic Free July is coming up and Council is calling on Darebin residents young and old to do their bit by avoiding single-use plastics. Plastic Free July is marked by nearly 160 countries now and aims to raise global awareness about the problems presented by single-use disposable plastic and challenge people to do something about it. One young person who’s doing her bit locally is Kira Whittaker. She recently launched a Facebook group called ‘Plasticwise Darebin’ that aims to help people reduce waste – particularly the amount of plastic ending up in landfill and our oceans. It’s early days for the group (which is part of a growing network of Plasticwise groups Kira also recommends buying across Australia) but Kira says more products in bulk – rather it’s important to bring people than smaller individually- together locally to find solutions packaged items. And to look out for this global problem. for product options that avoid RECYCLING RIGHT excessive packaging. “Every piece of plastic we’ve This year, you may have read ever produced still remains “For instance I’ve recently about China’s ban on accepting somewhere on earth today, discovered you can purchase contaminated recycling. often in our oceans. So as a shampoo and conditioner in a society, we need change our bar form – like a bar of soap. Right now, it’s business as habits and stop looking at Which means one less plastic usual for recycling here in plastic as being disposable,” container needs to be produced,” Darebin, with no interruption said Kira. said Kira. to your recycling collections. One idea in particular Kira is Another tip she has is to get For more information pushing is for people to focus into the habit of carrying a on recycling visit more on re-using rather than backpack with a water bottle, darebin.vic.gov.au/recycling just recycling. a keep cup for coffee, re-usable shopping bags and a container “We’re in the midst of a recycling for food including your cutlery. crisis, so we need to think about ways to reduce all waste we “More than anything, overcoming produce – including recyclables. our plastic addiction is about To find out more The best way to do that is to forming good habits. Even small about Kira’s group visit consume less plastic and, if you decisions we make on a daily facebook.com/plasticwisedarebin must buy products with plastic basis can add up and contribute – and for more information about packaging, think about ways you to either positive or negative Plastic Free July visit can re-use it.” change for our planet,” said Kira. darebin.vic.gov.au/plasticfreejuly
6 CAFFEINE FOR A CAUSE AT MOON RABBIT! A café with a difference has recently opened at 218 High Street in Preston – Moon Rabbit – and they’re serving up excellent Padre coffee, premium teas and gourmet jaffles to support a great cause! Moon Rabbit is a social enterprise “Through hands-on learning at the Similarly, all their delicious cakes – which means they’re not-for- café we’re helping to instil them and jaffles are served sans plastic, profit and are working to support with confidence to unlock their their coffee grinds are all reused in local community initiatives. full potential,” said Sam. the Croxton Community Garden and They operate out of The Bridge much of their produce is purchased Preston, which is one of seven Once the training program is using reusable containers. neighbourhood houses supported complete they’re aiming to by Council through the provision find job placements for the Sam says this determined of a Council-owned building and participants with local businesses approach means they barely annual funding. around Darebin. produce enough waste each day to fill a tiny tabletop bin. Moon Rabbit’s Sam Fisher, says As well as their training program, one of their main focuses is a Moon Rabbit is aiming to generate “We take pride in keeping waste training program they run to up- much-needed income for local to an absolute minimum – and skill young people with additional community programs such as right now the only real plastic needs and help them find Laneway Lunches – a weekly waste we’re producing comes employment opportunities. community lunch that feeds from the seals on our milk 40-60 people every Friday. containers. But we’re working “We’re running a 26-week pilot to eliminate that too!” program called Tiered Training Moon Rabbit is also right up there and Transition for young people when it comes to sustainability. who are often very capable but They’ve virtually eliminated all lack confidence, often due to single use plastics – meaning For more information visit invisible disabilities. customers must bring their own moonrabbit.org.au keep cups for takeaway coffees (or borrow one of their lovely mugs).
7 FRUIT SQUAD TO THE RESCUE! Have you got a tree on your property producing more fruit than your household can handle? Then you better call the Fruit Squad. Part of the Urban Food Program at “We’ve actually just reached “We harvest all sorts of fruit the Darebin Information Volunteer the 10-tonne mark in terms of – everything from apples, and Resource Service (DIVRS), fruit collected and distributed plums and oranges to pears, Darebin Fruit Squad has 18 since the program began – which pomegranates, and figs. committed volunteers who we think is pretty impressive,” harvest donated fruit from more said Martin as he plucked a “And it’s not unusual to harvest than 470 private and public trees. grapefruit from a tree at 50-100kg of fruit from a Fairfield Lions Village. single household – in fact The bounty of fruit they collect we recently collected over is distributed to some of the Martin says his team are currently 120kg of persimmons from one most vulnerable members of harvesting trees from 111 private just tree in Preston,” said Martin. our community through DIVRS’s properties and six community Emergency Relief Food Bank. gardens across Darebin – but they’re always on the lookout Running since 2012, Fruit Squad for more trees. If you’d like to volunteer for the is coordinated by Urban Food Fruit Squad – or register a tree to be Program Leader Martin O’Callaghan – harvested through the program, and he says they recently reached call 9480 8207 or email urbanfood@divrs.org.au a big milestone.
8 DON’T GET STRUCK DOWN BY THE FLU THIS WINTER With flu season well and truly upon is, now is a good time to reduce your risk by getting a flu vaccine. Vaccination is the best defence against the flu – which can be a serious affliction, especially for the elderly, those with chronic illness and pregnant women. Having said that anyone, including very healthy people, can become seriously unwell with the flu. To help minimise your risk, Council is offering flu vaccinations over June and July at immunisation sessions taking place at locations across Darebin. The cost is $20, although we offer free vaccinations for: • children aged between COUNCIL VENUES AVAILABLE FOR HIRE 6 months and 5 years Did you know Council has a range of meeting spaces • Aboriginal and Torres Strait and venues across Darebin available for hire for Islanders aged 15 years and over community groups, education sessions and sometimes private functions? • pregnant women (anytime during pregnancy) Most venues are available for hire at These rooms can be booked • adults aged 65 years affordable rates – and some spaces for free, provided your use and older can be booked for free, provided of the room meets the centre’s they’ll be used for something that criteria for supporting the • people with a medical benefits the community. local community. condition that increases the risk the flu poses. At the larger end of the scale there’s And then in between, there’s the the Preston Shire Hall which was medium-sized Ruthven Pavilion. recently upgraded to include LED It caters for community group Council can also offer an feature lighting, acoustic panelling meetings, training sessions and on-site immunisation service and a fresh timber floor (perfect small conferences. It has the for offices and workplaces in for dancing). It has a capacity of capacity to seat up to 80 people Darebin, call 0419 765 230 up to 200 people, has its own with a small kitchenette for or email lryan@darebin.vic.gov.au commercial kitchen (meaning you heating and serving food. for further details. can bring your own caterers) and there’s even a sound system and portable stage available for hire. For smaller bookings, there’s For a list of all the different Council the new East Preston Community For more information about venues available in Darebin, and for Centre – which has five different more information on how to book Council’s immunisation program rooms catering for local visit them and any costs involved, community support groups darebin.vic.gov.au/immunisation visit darebin.vic.gov.au/venues or call the number listed above. and education courses. or call 8470 8888.
9 KEEPING THE ART OF TRADITIONAL ON TRACK TO DOUBLE WINEMAKING ALIVE DAREBIN’S SOLAR Several Darebin residents CAPACITY recently got the chance to Council is powering towards learn traditional winemaking our goal of doubling the skills from local experts solar capacity of Darebin thanks to a new mentor with our Solar Saver scheme program supported by the – and now’s a great time Darebin Homemade Food to get on board. & Wine Festival. Under the program households One of the mentors was Tarcisio are able to install solar on their Meneghetti. Born in Bassano own roofs, through a Council- Del Grappa, at the foothills of appointed provider, at no up-front the Italian Alps, he grew up in cost. Households pay Council an area famed for its strong red back for their systems over a 10 wines and, like many Italians, he year period – and the savings on was taught how to make it at a power bills will almost certainly young age. more than cover those costs. Having emigrated to Australia Nearly 500 households have in 1960, Tarcisio soon learnt the already participated in previous soil conditions here were more rounds of the program and suited to lighter grape varieties, Council is hoping to help another and he began producing his own 1000 households install solar shiraz cabernet. Sixty years later, by the end of 2019. Tarcisio still produces around 170 litres of wine each year. While the program was previously “It begins with selecting the best only open to pensioners and low Tarcisio and his wife Lucy are possible grapes and treating the income households, it’s now open both active in the local Italian fruit with respect to extract the to all Darebin households. community, with Lucy the best end product. Crushing the treasurer of the Italian Senior berries and fermentation is where Solar Saver will continue over the Citizens Club of Preston. the fun happens and leaving the next three years, so if you are not wine with the skins is where the yet on the waiting list – it’s not Last year Council announced best flavour comes from. too late! a partnership with the Club to Then the wine has to be allowed help older DIY winemakers to settle and develop in a barrel share their winemaking skills before bottling – and drinking!” with young people. said Alistair. Tarcisio says while there are Alistair is yet to sample the wine many Italians here in Darebin, he helped produce – as many most have forgotten the moons must pass before it’ll be traditional art of winemaking. ready – but Tarcisio is sure he’ll enjoy it in due course. “That’s sad because there’s something beautiful about “When you make your own wine, making your own wine – you you learn wine is really art. You know exactly what goes into it respect the wine and you drink and you can make it just how it slowly to savour the taste – you like,” said Tarcisio. you don’t binge on the stuff!” said Tarcisio. Tarcisio was paired with Alistair Payne, a 38 year old finance professional from Northcote who If you’d like to take part in the soon learnt there are many steps Darebin Homemade Wine Mentor You can read all about the program involved in making good wine. program next year, you can register and register your interest at your interest by emailing darebin.vic.gov.au/solar amanda.palmer@darebin.vic.gov.au
10 DAREBIN EVENTS CALENDAR For more information about community events call 8470 8888 or go to darebin.vic.gov.au/events JUNE JULY PRESTON LIBRARIES AFTER DARK NAIDOC WEEK FLAG RAISING CEREMONY Thursday nights till 10pm Monday 2 July, 9-11am Preston Library Mantra Bell City, 266 Gower Street, Preston 215 Bell Street, Preston Preston Library is open till 10pm every Thursday Council invites residents to join the NAIDOC Week and each week there’s a free event – from live celebrations by attending our annual Aboriginal Flag music, movie screenings and craft circles to Raising Ceremony at Mantra Bell Street. The flag will fly author talks and more. throughout NAIDOC Week as a symbol of recognition, celebration and respect. Morning tea will be provided. Check out the Preston Library Facebook page or For catering purposes, please RSVP by calling 8470 8366 darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au for the latest event news or emailing stuart.mcfarlane@darebin.vic.gov.au BUILDING MORE NETBALL COURTS FOR DAREBIN Council is forging ahead with plans to construct four high-quality outdoor netball courts at John Cain Memorial Park – with design work now underway. The project is a partnership with We’ll be in contact with residents The new courts reflect Council’s Sport and Recreation Victoria in surrounding areas in the coming commitment to creating more (SRV) and will be an important months and provide more specific facilities for the local netball step towards Council’s longer- information about the proposed community. A number of other term vision of creating a Women’s works and their timing. netball courts have also been Multi-Sports Stadium at the park. constructed or upgraded recently SRV have provided Council with at J.C Donath Reserve, J.E Moore As well as the four courts, the funding of $160,000 for the design Park and the Darebin Community project will involve the installation of the courts and Council will Sports Stadium. of LED sports lighting, a pre- continue to advocate for further fabricated pavilion with accessible funding from State Government toilets, an umpires’ office and through its Inner City Netball For more information about extensive landscaping work. program – which aims to create Council’s plans to create more 64 new competition-ready netball netball facilities in Darebin, courts across Melbourne’s inner north. call 8470 8305.
11 CALLING ALL CRAFTERS! Bundoora Homestead Art Centre is calling on local crafters to get on board Craft Lab+ – a two-month program of projects, exhibitions, and workshops that celebrate the work of local crafters. If you’re new to craft, or want to gum leaves for an installation in extend your skill-set, there’s a series the Homestead café. of free workshops led by renowned Another highlight is textile and crafter and artist Ramona Barry installation artist John Brooks, happening every Thursday and who’ll be at Bundoora Homestead Sunday from now till 26 July. All as an artist in residence. materials will be provided and the works created will be exhibited in Brooks has a unique approach the Homestead’s galleries. to textiles, blending craft with NEW FILM conceptual art, and this will be CELEBRATES You can also see local artist Lindy an opportunity to see him in De Wijn transform the exterior action and chat with him about DAREBIN’S NATURAL of the Homestead with a large- his works in development. HERITAGE scale rope creation combining traditional and contemporary Craft Lab+ runs from now till 29 July Council recently released – for a full list of events, workshops lace-making techniques. To coincide Darebin’s Natural Heritage with this, Lindy will present two and exhibitions on offer visit bundoorahomestead.com - a wonderful short film free lace-making demonstrations or call 9496 1060. that captures the beauty where visitors can create individual of the natural environment we have at our doorstep REFUGEE WEEK FILM SCREENING – here in Darebin. HUMAN FLOW BY AI WEIWEI Running from 18–23 June, The film documents some of the most important natural heritage Refugee Week is an annual sites in Darebin, showcasing event that promotes positive some of our unique flora, fauna images of refugees and and geological features. celebrates the valuable The film also has some fascinating contribution they make insights from Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson – as well as to Australian society. community members and Council staff – highlighting conservation To mark the week, Darebin efforts and explaining why our Intercultural Centre is hosting local eco-system is so special. a free screening of Ai Weiwei’s film Human Flow on Thursday 21 June at 6pm. Bookings are essential. You can view the film online The film looks at the staggering Call 8470 8440 or email by visiting scale of the global refugee crisis, intercultural@darebin.vic.gov.au darebin.vic.gov.au/naturalheritage with your full name and following a chain of human stories contact number. that stretch across the globe. /cityofdarebin /cityofdarebin /darebincitycouncil /darebincouncil CITY OF DAREBIN National Relay Service Speak your language 274 Gower Street, Preston If you are deaf, or have a T 8470 8470 PO Box 91, Preston, Vic 3072 hearing or speech impairment, T 8470 8888 F 8470 8877 contact us through the E mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au National Relay Service. darebin.vic.gov.au relayservice.gov.au
You can also read