Made with FlowPaper - Flipbook Maker
ISSUE 69 AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2021 Cat Rabbit’s beary cute exhibition ¡ Bayside’s Paw Patrol ¡ Spring has sprung ¡ Council PlanInside this issue ISSUE 69 AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2021 Cover Cat Rabbit Zadie Smith 2021 felt, fabric, thread, wire. Courtesy the artist 11 New netting rules 7 Go native in Spring 10 Meet our paw patrol 14 The soft library 8 Thomas St Playground 5 Community kindness Customer service commitment We are committed to being easy to deal with, empathetic, effective and trusted. Making a complaint Complaints should be put in writing and can be lodged via Council’s website. You can expect to receive a response within 10 days. How to contact us bayside.vic.gov.au (03) 9599 4444 76 Royal Ave, Sandringham enquiries@bayside.vic.gov.au facebook.com/BaysideCityCouncil twitter.com/BaysideCouncil Your Councillors Councillors have a role in ensuring responsible and accountable governance. As elected community representatives, our councillors are involved in determining priorities and policies and establishing the strategic direction of the city. Mayor Cr Laurence Evans OAM Ebden Ward levans@bayside.vic.gov.au 0407 735 993 Deputy Mayor Cr Sonia Castelli Ivison Ward scastelli@bayside.vic.gov.au 0466 356 794 Cr Fiona Stitfold Boyd Ward fstitfold@bayside.vic.gov.au 0409 608 419 Cr Clarke Martin Beckett Ward cmartin@bayside.vic.gov.au 0466 356 805 Cr Jo Samuel-King MBBS Castlefield Ward jsamuel-king@bayside.vic.gov.au 0419 772 291 Cr Alex del Porto Bleazby Ward adelporto@bayside.vic.gov.au 0417 390 641 Cr Hanna El Mouallem Dendy Ward helmouallem@bayside.vic.gov.au 0437 859 978 Bayside ward map Beckett Ward Ebden Ward Ivison Ward Boyd Ward Castlefield Ward Bleazby Ward Dendy WardFuture planning COUNCIL The new Council Plan 2021–2025 lays the ground work for Bayside's future by setting out key priorities for the next four years. The new Council Plan is aligned to the aspirations of the new Council and community as articulated in the Bayside 2050 Community Vision - a vision to make Bayside a more sustainable, liveable and inclusive place for all. Mayor Cr Laurence Evans OAM said the Council Plan is a roadmap for how Council will work with residents over the next four years to achieve the community’s longer term aspirations for the future. “Bayside is a kind, connected and forward-thinking community; a community that expects us to lead and influence change on the big issues that affect all of us,” Cr Evans said. “This includes our shared responsibility to care for and protect the vitality, diversity, beauty and the community of life of Bayside. The Council Plan is divided into four key goal areas of focus for council: Our Planet, Our People, Our Place, Our Promise. “We will deliver on our goals by focusing on a range of priorities, programs and capital investment in the next four years,” Cr Evans said. Council also adopted the 2021–22 to 2030–31 Financial Plan. “Prudent financial management over time has placed us in a strong financial position with zero debt which means we are well placed to deliver on this Council Plan,” Cr Evans said. For more information o bayside.vic.gov.au/council- plan-2021-2025 This includes our shared responsibility to care for and protect the vitality, diversity, beauty and the community of life of Bayside Community Panel In February 2021, 10,0000 randomly selected household across Bayside received invitations to be part of the Council Plan 2021- 2025 Community Panel. Over 200 residents applied. 40 people were chosen to ensure that the Panel was broadly representative of the Bayside community. The Panel gave the Council Plan and Financial Plan a 79% acceptance rating. COUNCIL'S FOCUS Our Planet, Our People, Our Place, Our Promise. Let’s Talk Bayside 3Seniors Festival is back! EVENTS This October, the Bayside Seniors Festival is back with a diverse mix of events planned for both face-to-face (restrictions permitting) and online. Last year, Chair of the Bayside Healthy Ageing Reference Group John Barlow, took part in the Bayside Seniors Festival and said attendees were seriously spoiled for choice. “Whether we were bird watching or making dumplings, there was something for everyone in the program,” John said. If you are thinking about participating in this year's Festival, take a look at the program, find something you are interested in and get ready for a month of fun and entertainment. The Senior Festival is an opportunity to celebrate residents aged 55+ and the valuable contribution they make to Bayside. Bayside Seniors Festival is part of The Victorian Seniors Festival Reimagined 2021. Call Healthy Ageing if you'd like a hard copy of the program sent to you. For more information o bayside.vic.gov.au/seniorsfestival 9599 4373 Support for traders COVID-19 UPDATE It’s no secret that small businesses have been doing it tough this year and need community support more than ever. Council’s Local Economy Support Officers have been out visiting traders to help local businesses stay safe and open through 2021 as part of the Local Government Business Concierge and Hospitality Support program, funded by the Victorian Government. The officers are helping high-risk businesses and shopping strips comply with COVIDSafe requirements such as checking in, physical distancing and cleaning while proactively promoting COVIDSafe practices through direct engagement with businesses. COVIDSafe packs have so far been delivered to over 300 Bayside businesses and include signs, sanitiser and face masks. Council is also offering support to businesses through free Business Mentoring sessions and its Business Concierge service to help our traders stay safe and open. For more information o bayside.vic.gov.au/business- commerce Photo taken pre-restrictions STORE VISITS Chocolate Box on Church Street, Brighton. 4 Let’s Talk BaysideCommunity kindness boosts charity COMMUNITY In these tough and unusual times, it can seem like there’s not a lot of good news around. But at Bayside Community Information and Support Service (BayCISS), the staff and volunteers see the good in the world every day. “Unbelievable kindness” is how Executive Officer Karyn Doyle describes it. “Over the 20 months of the pandemic, the number of enquiries to BayCISS quadrupled. Half were people needing our services and the other half were asking how they could help,” Karyn said. A few weeks ago, despite dealing with lockdown, many local businesses donated goods and produce to the service for distribution. And all of that kindness and generosity is greatly needed. BayCISS provides a range of services and emergency aid to people across Bayside and parts of Kingston. Community information, professional counselling, tax and legal advice, budget assistance, and advocacy to utilities companies are all available. And the Covid pandemic has dramatically increased demand, particularly for homelessness support, food parcels and help with utility bills. “Utilities debt is huge at the moment,” Karyn said. “We have a solicitor who advocates for payment plans with utility companies.” The group also provides no interest loans to those on low-income and financial help for things like student camps and excursions. All through the pandemic, despite the many challenges that created, the team of about 70 volunteers and ten staff, has kept BayCISS running and available to people in need. “We feel lucky to be doing the work we do,” Karyn said. “And we are fortunate to be so well supported by our community, Bayside and Kingston councils and government departments.” If you want to support the great work at BayCISS, financial or food donations are always welcome. Find out more o bayciss.org.au A few weeks ago, despite dealing with lockdown, many local businesses donated goods and produce to the service for distribution Photo taken pre-restrictions TEAM WORK The BayCISS team are advocating for better social housing by building origami houses. Let’s Talk Bayside 5Vaccinations roll out COVID-19 UPDATE The vaccination program is well underway and more Australians than ever are eligible to get vaccinated to protect against COVID-19. Getting the COVID vaccine will help us all get back to doing the good things that we enjoy as a community - seeing friends and family, celebrating events, holidays and uninterrupted calendars. Being vaccinated also: • reduces your risk of getting sick with COVID-19 • protects you against becoming very sick if you do get COVID-19 • helps to protect your friends, family and community. The Australian Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine website includes a wide range of information on the vaccine and vaccination roll-out. If you need help to book or travel to a vaccination appointment, please contact Council on 9599 4444 so we can assist you. For more information 1800 675 398 o coronavirus.vic.gov.au The Victorian Government vaccination centre in Bayside is at Sandringham Hospital - Ambulatory Care Centre: Address 193 Bluff Road, Sandringham. Enter from Edward Street. Bookings 1800 675 398 Both AstreaZeneca and Pfizer are available based on eligibility Hours 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week The clinic is operated by Connect Health & Community, Sandringham Ambulatory Care Centre at Alfred Health’s Sandringham Hospital site. Council has dedicated some of its onsite parking spaces to hospital staff to support the community to be able to park on the hospital site. CALL TO ARMS Bayside Mayor, Cr Laurence Evans OAM received his second COVID-19 vaccination. 6 Let’s Talk Bayside Be a part of the conversations that influence the decisions that make Bayside a better place to live, work and play Join Have Your Say to hear first about new projects, and receive updates about the issues that matter to you. Projects open or welcoming feedback soon include ¡ Playground upgrade designs from Beaumaris to Brighton ¡ Proposed Development Plan for the former CSIRO site in Highett ¡ Urban Forest Strategy ¡ Domestic Animal Management Plan ¡ Cheltenham Scout Hall and former station building relocation Find out more bayside.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay or call 9599 4444Go native in Spring SERVICES Spring has sprung - and a Bayside gem is bursting with wildflowers and native plants. The Bayside Community Nursery is open again and volunteers like Rob Saunders are keen to show you around. “Daylight hours are lengthening and the soil is nicely moist. Both the soil and the air are gently warming too. Just what new plants love.” The nursery’s wonderful indigenous plants will help to turn your garden into a climate tolerant and wildlife friendly space. Plant Correas , for example, to attract the elegant, melodic Eastern Spinebill and Rob suggests giving smaller birds shelter from aggressive bigger ones by planting a prickly Acacia such as Spike Wattle. Volunteers at the nursery, which opened in 1978 to protect Bayside's biodiversity by growing plants from local seed stock, are knowledgeable and passionate. Rob said small but profuse wildflowers, already visible in the nursery and its display gardens, include Native Violet and the bright red Running Postman. The nursery also propagates plants for Council use in public spaces - part of our Urban Forest Strategy, Climate Emergency Action Plan and Biodiversity Action Plan - and for wholesale, including to golf clubs, to create habitat for wildlife. Long time volunteer Pauline Reynolds said she’d love everyone to give indigenous plants a try. “You will get a wonderful surprise,” she promised. Buy plants, enjoy a sausage sizzle and build your natives knowledge at a Gala Day on October 2 (pending COVID-19 restrictions). Bayside Community Nursery is at 315–317 Reserve Road, Cheltenham open Thursdays and Saturdays 10am–12noon (pending restrictions). For more information o bayside.vic.gov.au/nursery 9583 8408 fb.com/BaysideCityCouncil HEATHLANDS TOURS Enjoy guided tours by volunteers to explore colourful and vibrant heathland species and wildflowers that once covered Bayside (pending COVID-19 restrictions). n Donald MacDonald Reserve 1 September, 10am – 12noon n Cheltenham Park 5 September, 10am – 12noon n George Street Reserve 19 September 1pm – 3pm n Long Hollow Heathland or Balcombe Park 26 September, 1pm – 3pm Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary is open each Sunday 2pm – 4pm until 10 October. Gramatan Avenue Heathland Sanctuary is open each Sunday in September from 2pm – 4pm. Wonderful indigenous plants will help to turn your garden into a climate tolerant and wildlife friendly space. Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary Photo taken pre-restrictions PLANT POWER Community Nursery volunteers. Let’s Talk Bayside 7Playground for every body MAJOR PROJECTS The new all-abilities playground in Thomas Street, Hampton is a testament to thoughtful planning, innovative design and extensive community engagement. The Insta-worthy, modern alfresco fun factory, set amongst trees and generous landscaping has set tongues wagging, social media buzzing and captured the hearts and imaginations of young and old. The centrepiece is, of course, a timber castle in loving memory of the old wooden fort enjoyed for years by those who now bring their own children to the reserve. The new playground is a joyful space for everyone of any ability or age. Water-spitting dragons rule the splash area, a giant mouse wheel and colourful carousel cry out for curious little explorers to get aboard, gymnasts in the making can tackle the parkour course and adventurous young climbers can clamber up and through the sensational castle. And to ensure Thomas Street Reserve playground is every kid’s dream park, there is a spectacular flying fox. The equipment has been designed so children of all abilities can play together in this imaginative space. There are wheelchair trampolines, an in-ground sound pad, raised sandpit beds, and even the flying fox is accessible. And the youngsters aren’t the only ones catered for. At the park’s eastern side, a range of equipment provides for gentle exercise for older people, helping improve balance, mobility and flexibility. For the step counters, wheelchair racers and parents with prams or little ones on scooters, a 500-metre path meanders through the reserve. Intriguing, playful sculptured creatures, many created by artists with a disability, are dotted through the park creating an enthralling outdoor art gallery. Design advice The playground design is the result of significant community input including from local school children, Playground Testers and a Community Reference Group. Louise Khanbashi is a mum of five children aged 4 to 14 and knows a thing or two about what captures young imaginations. “When I saw there were plans to rebuild the park, I thought I can get on board or I can sit back and potentially be disappointed,” Louise said. “Being part of the Community Reference Group was a great experience. I brought my thoughts to the table and people with children with very specific needs brought their ideas. “It was great to hear what everybody needs in a playground. We all learned so much.” “The playground designer listened to us. There were no pre-conceived ideas of what a park should be. We went from ideas to sketches, ideas again, changes to sketches until we had a playground suitable for many different needs, that still took into account budget, safety and environment.” So, what do the five Khanbashi kids think of the finished product? “They love it. It is an amazing space and they can play with children of different abilities without segregation,” Louise said. “It fires imaginations and encourages risks - in a safe way. My four year old rode the flying fox and was thrilled with his daring.’ Toilets The block has two accessible cubicles. It also has a 'Changing Places' facility, which includes an adult-sized change table and tracking ceiling hoist, for people who require assistance with toileting and changing. Hoist users must bring their own sling. Apply for a key at masterlocksmiths.com.au/mlak Shelters Three shelters in the main playground area have tables and BBQs. The fourth in the seniors exercise area has tables and seats. Dogs Friendly reminder: the whole of Thomas Street Reserve is a dog on-leash area. Changing places facilities WONDROUS CREATURES Arts Access Victoria works with artists living with disability. The works feature throughout the playground Photos taken pre-restrictions SENIORS EXERCISE AREA Gentle exercise equipment designed for older people to improve balance and strength. 8 Let’s Talk BaysideFor the step counters, wheelchair racers and parents with prams or little ones on scooters, a 500-metre path meanders through the reserve. PLAYGROUND FAVOURITES The youngest Khanbashis enjoy the new play equipment. Post- lockdown playdate Let’s Talk Bayside 9Next >