1

newsAUTUMN 2020

Knox Festival 29 Feb – 1 Mar

Goat-powered weed control Climate change actionCycling in Knox

2 3Knox News — Autumn 2020

The Careers and Skills forum is a free opportunity to get a feel for the study and career pathways available to school leavers

– and who knows, you may even connect with your dream employer at the event.

Leaving school is a turning point in most people’s lives, opening up a range of life and work possibilities. For some, university is the next step, but it’s not for everyone. Some prefer to take their first steps into the job market and their future career.

Knox’s Careers and Skills forum delivers real-life success stories, such as Dakota, who attended a past event with his parents. Dakota took an interest in the two-year apprenticeship after chatting with Bianca from Catten Industries. He’s tracking well in his new job and he couldn’t be happier with his decision.

“I’m one year into the apprenticeship and have learned a lot about manufacturing, including production and planning,” he says.

“I’ve made a lot of friends and I really like coming to work here.”

“I was very happy that I was offered the opportunity and so were my parents.”

This year’s forum will feature inspirational keynote speaker, Peter Hutton, who co-founded and is a director of the Future Schools Alliance. Peter will share his insights about how to improve the lives of young people by equipping them to deal with the challenges of our rapidly changing world.

Like Dakota, school leavers will be able to connect with representatives from a wide range of different industries – from aviation and bath products manufacturing to the leisure industry and information technology – and discover the training and apprenticeship opportunities these organisations have on offer. You can even sign up to train as a pilot.

Advice is also on hand if you need help with dipping your toe into various employment pathways – for example, assistance with CV writing and getting job ready.

The forum might point you in the direction of a long and rewarding career.

Mayor’s MessageCONTENTS

3When uni isn’t right for youUnlock a world of potential

4Ramon Cowling ReserveA generous bequest for nature

10Active in KnoxRunning around the world

14Your councillors

Knox City Council

511 Burwood Highway Wantirna South VIC 3152

knox.vic.gov.au

T 9298 8000 E knoxcc@knox.vic.gov.au

Keep up to date with Council news Subscribe to knox.vic.gov.au/news

Knox City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the City of Knox, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation.

Interpreter 131 450

National Relay Service 133 677

Printed on Pacesetter Laser Recycled paper which is 30% recycled and made from elemental chlorine free bleached pulp sourced from sustainably managed sources. It is manufactured by an ISO certified mill.

Written and authorised by Knox City Council, 511 Wantirna South VIC 3152

Autumn Knox News reflects a subdued start to the year, not only here in Victoria, but around the country, as local councils come to grips with bushfire devastation. On behalf of the people of Knox I extend my thoughts and wishes for a rapid recovery in affected communities. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to the men and women of our fire brigades and frontline services from Knox and further afield, who have risked everything to keep Australians safe.

Following a summer that demonstrated the fragility of our natural environment, this edition of the Knox News ponders some of the big challenges for Council in preserving it for future generations. In October 2019, we voted unanimously to take swift action on climate change – in this issue we outline how we’re living up to that pledge.

I encourage you to read about our secret weapon against weeds – goats. Goats provide sustainable weed management, particularly over large areas of steep and hazardous terrain. We are deploying herds of goats to clear overgrown areas of biomass, which can prove critical in fuel reduction over large spaces.

We celebrate the late Ramon Cowling, whose generous bequest means that a piece of habitat for native birds and wildlife will be preserved for generations to enjoy. Likewise, Quarry Reserve, which was, as the name suggests, once the site of a hard rock mine, has been renewed and now lives on as parkland, offering a delightful recreational space for the whole community.

Our local laws are up for their once-in-a-decade review, and we invite Knox residents to have a say in how these laws should keep us safe. We look at how these laws work, what they cover and how they keep pace with technology and changing demographics.

Our sports awards are on the horizon, and we highlight the story of one Knox resident who defied the odds by setting her sights on the world’s big marathons. We have a wealth of sporting activities and facilities in Knox, and Nicky’s story is a reminder that everyone can get out and participate in sport, regardless of age, ability or gender. Also on the theme of getting active, we look at one of the many benefits of living in beautiful Knox – our network of bike trails and repair stations, which make active travel in our area a viable alternative and a pleasure.

Knox has plenty to celebrate, and we’re about to showcase the best of our community at the Knox Festival, our flagship annual event featuring talented local performers, diverse food demonstrations and stalls, workshops on gardening and sustainability and entertainment for the kids and grown-ups alike. We really know how to put on a show in Knox, so come along and take pride in this wonderful municipality.

Cr Nicole Seymour, Mayor, Knox City Council

Cover photo: Carnival rides at the Knox Festival 2019.

Get social with us knoxcouncil knoxcc knoxcouncil

A heartfelt thanks...

“I’m one year into the apprenticeship and have learned a lot about manufacturing, including production and planning. I’ve made a lot of friends and I really like coming to work here.”

When uni isn’t right for you

Careers and Skills Forum 2020Wed 25 Mar 6pm–9pm Knox Civic Centre

Register by 13 March for this free event: knoxbiz.com.au/uni

Dakota, who secured an apprenticeship following the Careers and Skills Forum

4 5Knox News — Autumn 2020

A generous bequest from a passionate environmentalist and long-term Knox resident has been turned into a new bushland reserve to preserve habitat for future generations.

At 23 Stewart Street, Boronia, adjoining Old Joes Creek Reserve, is a 1.5 acre property formerly owned by long-time local resident, the late Mr Ramon Cowling. Ramon built a house on the property in 1972 and lived there continuously until 2016. An active member of the Knox Gardens for Wildlife Program, Knox Environment Society, Friends of Old Joes Creek and Friends of Chandler Hill, Ramon dedicated countless hours to caring for the plants and other natural assets on his land.

Ramon worked tirelessly to safeguard the important native flora on his property. He personally removed thousands of weeds and planted new trees in the area and championed local environmental organisations.

Friends and colleagues in local environmental groups say his energy and dedication to caring for the land would put many younger people to shame. Ramon himself commented that at 85, he could still “clamber up Chandler Hill,” and many marvelled at his seemingly unending energy to keep returning to the same spots, walking the same routes and consistently maintaining and preserving the landscape.

This work has undoubtedly left a long-term, positive impact on the land, as is evident by its exceptional condition today. The property is deemed a Site of Biological Significance, and is home to many local fauna such as Eastern Spinebills, King Parrots and even the occasional Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. It also contains one of the only known White Star Bush plants in Knox, which is a rare species in the state of Victoria.

The pristine condition of the environment and habitat on Ramon’s land are testament to his years of hard work, passion and dedication and are an example of what one person can do on a local level to make a difference.

Knox Green Areas and Rural Strategy: consultation

Are you interested in the future of Knox’s green and rural areas? We want to hear from you. Council has identified issues and opportunities for green wedge and rural land in Knox – specifically around The Basin, Lysterfield, and rural and parkland corridors along the Dandenong Creek Valley and Healesville Freeway reservation.

Your feedback will be used to develop a vision for each precinct, including strategies to identify and protect environmental and scenic values while supporting compatible economic opportunities including tourism, agriculture and other rural business. For more information and to make a contribution, please visit the Knox Have Your Say webpage at knox.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

Ramon Cowling’s gift of nature

Ramon Cowling

Ramon Cowling in his garden

Visitors enjoying the garden’s grand opening

A gift to the Knox community

In the years before his death, Ramon contacted Knox Council with a very special message – that upon his passing, he planned to bequeath his property to Council. This exceptionally generous bequest came with some very specific conditions.

Ramon’s wish was that the land he had preserved and cared for over 43 years would continue to receive the respect and maintenance he had given it. In particular, he expressed his wish that Council provide public access to the adjoining Old Joes Creek Reserve through his property.

In practical terms, this meant that the land would be set aside as a bushland reserve, with all buildings demolished and the property rezoned as a Conservation Zone. He also requested that a walkway be installed on the land to facilitate public access.

Council of course gratefully accepted Ramon’s conditions and after his passing in February 2016, worked for a number of years to thoughtfully and thoroughly complete the work required to meet his wishes.

“Ramon worked tirelessly to safeguard the important native flora on his property. He personally removed thousands of weeds and planted new trees in the area and championed local environmental organisations.”

“The pristine condition of the environment and habitat on Ramon’s land are testament to his years of hard work, passion and dedication and are an example of what one person can do on a local level to make a difference.”

Celebrating Ramon’s legacy

On 18 November 2019, which would have been Ramon’s 89th birthday, Knox Councillors and Council officers joined with Ramon’s friends, family and neighbours to open the newly-named Ramon Cowling Bushland Reserve.

Relatives flew in from as far away as New Zealand and Queensland to attend the opening, commenting that they too shared Ramon’s love of gardening and the environment and felt more connected to him through this celebration.

The reserve will serve as a reminder of Ramon’s generosity and tireless work for the environment.

“The foresight to create a space to preserve, discover and enjoy our local flora and fauna is an incredibly generous gift that Ramon has given to all residents of Knox,” says Knox’s Mayor, Cr Nicole Seymour. “We are grateful for Ramon’s many years of dedication and passion for this community and this land, and proud this reserve will bear his name to recognise his contribution.”

The Ramon Cowling Bushland Reserve is now open to the public to explore and access Old Joes Creek Reserve. Council, together with volunteers from the Gardens for Wildlife program, will continue Ramon’s important work maintaining the biodiversity of this area.

Ramon’s nephew, Ross Cowling, visited from Brisbane to open the reserve with Mayor Nicole Seymour

6 7Knox News — Autumn 2020

Cycling saves money and gets you out of your car, which boosts your fitness and helps the environment. In Knox, it’s easier than ever to get around on a bike.

Knox’s bike network is not only great for a scenic adventure, it’s interconnected and functional, with more than 100 kilometres of shared paths throughout our municipality allowing you to get to major parks, reserves, schools and shopping precincts with ease.

We have now installed 12 bike repair stations around the network, which provide great peace of mind when you’re travelling along these paths. Each repair station includes a pump, some basic repair tools and a stand to allow you to complete minor maintenance on your bike.

Marie Wallace Reserve

WantirnaSouth

Wantirna

Knoxfield

Scoresby

Upper Ferntree

Gully

Ferntree Gully

Bayswater

RowvilleLysterfield

Boronia

The Basin

Get on your bike

“The motto reduce, re-use and recycle sums it up – the large volumes of waste going to landfill create greenhouse gases and are environmentally unsustainable.”

On 28 October 2019, Council voted unanimously to take swift and decisive action to address climate change. We’re now rolling up our sleeves to deliver on this resolution.

Following a blistering summer, Council is working hard to progress initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint, reduce waste and protect our natural environment.

Leading by example

There are a range of ways Knox Council is taking action to reduce our own energy usage, saving rate payers’ money in the process.

We are starting to scope out the details of our Climate Response Plan, and are conducting capital works such as energy efficiency upgrades to major Knox facilities such as Leisure Works and Rowville Community Centre. Council is preparing a business case to upgrade streetlights on major roads with energy efficient LED lighting.

We have commenced a feasibility study into a solar farm on the closed landfill site located at High Street Road Wantirna South. Solar farms make use of large, unoccupied spaces such as former landfill areas – which have limited potential uses – to produce startling amounts of clean, renewable energy to help Councils with their power consumption requirements.

Helping residents save energy

Knox residents are invited to participate in the Solar Savers program again this year. Many householders want solar energy but may find the installation process complex and confusing, not to mention expensive. Solar

Savers makes it easier and more affordable for residents to install a quality home solar system. The program uses reliable, accredited and certified electricians to install quality systems at an affordable rate.

To register for Solar Savers, visit: solarsavers.org.au

Reducing waste

The motto reduce, re-use and recycle sums it up – the large volumes of waste going to landfill create greenhouse gases and are environmentally unsustainable. Composting kits are one way of making something useful out of organic waste and reducing your own greenhouse emissions in the process. Knox Council subsidises a range of composting systems for large or small homes. Through our community compost program, Knox residents receive a large discount when they purchase one of these kits.

There is a kit to suit every household. If you’re not sure which system to choose, here is a brief summary:

• Worm farms – worm farms are suitable for small gardens. They take vegetables only and they require a bit of care and maintenance to keep the worms alive.

• Composting – suits medium to large gardens, breaking down organic garden waste and food waste over time.

• Bokashi bins – these indoor units will rapidly break down anything organic you put into them, including meat and dairy waste, and are suitable for small gardens or apartments.

For more information and to order your kit, visit: knox.vic.gov.au/composting

If you’re heading to the Knox Festival, come along to our educational waste workshops, which can help you to live more efficiently and sustainably by reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill.

Together we can make a difference!

Knox walks the talk on climate action

Blind Creek Lane Wantirna South

Collier Reserve Wantirna South

Marie Wallace Reserve Bayswater

Tim Neville Arboretum Ferntree Gully

Lewis Park Wantirna South

Fairpark Reserve Ferntree Gully

Wally Tew Reserve Ferntree Gully

The Basin Triangle The Basin

Colchester Reserve, Boronia

Power Road Bayswater

Liberty Reserve Rowville

Knox Skate and BMX Park Knoxfield

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as finding a use for something you were about to throw away. Council has conducted a trial of a new product that incorporates recycled materials – such as plastic from bottle lids – into the asphalt mix on a local street in Wantirna South. This solution to road resurfacing is green and sustainable, taking waste plastics and glass out of our environment and landfill and giving them a new purpose. It also results in high-performance road surfaces – the asphalt created by these recycled materials is durable and hard-wearing.

The amount of plastic diverted from landfill and our oceans is impressive. Every tonne of asphalt produced includes approximately 25 plastic bottles, normally destined for landfill, which are recycled and placed into the road pavement. In the recent trial, conducted in Fraser Crescent, Wantirna South, we used 130 tonnes of asphalt, which amounts to 3,250 plastic bottles or up to 65 wheelie bins full of plastic bottles.

That’s a lot of old plastic being put to work beyond landfill.

Paving the way to the future

8 9Knox News — Autumn 2020

Goats are emerging as an environmentally sustainable solution to the problem of weed control on land that is too dangerous or inaccessible for humans.

Goats are nature’s living lawnmowers. They have a voracious appetite for non-native weeds and are sure-footed on steep, hazardous terrain, unlike most humans. Goats are more than happy to clear large areas of foliage deemed too difficult to uproot by other means, and they achieve this without the use of chemical herbicides.

At Quarry Reserve, a herd of up to 30 hungry goats have been used at the half-hectare site over a period of months. The goats have removed impenetrable thickets of weeds of up to three metres in height from residential boundaries and cleared a large target area. Over the course of 2020 it is expected that the goats will be deployed to treat an additional part of the site. In return for their work, the goats are well looked after – with shelter, nutrition and veterinary care – for life.

The goats have been hand-reared by Colin Arnold of Graze Away. Colin has a wealth of experience in revegetating bushland reserves, and his goats have been working with him to restore native habitats for two decades.

“Because goats eat such a wide variety of plant material they are brilliant at opening up areas that are clogged with plants,” Colin says. “This process of weed control is gentle on the environment and there are very few occupational health and safety issues.”

A particular benefit of goat grazing is bushfire fuel reduction. “When you spray a blackberry plant it dies and you are left with a tinder box of dead canes – when a goat eats a blackberry plant it is completely gone, and any remnants of the plant are trampled into the ground and disappear back into the landscape.”

What’s the down side? “Goats eat weeds, but they also eat native plants, so you have to know what you’re doing,” says Colin. “They’re also talented escapees, so your infrastructure and fencing needs to be strong.”

“It’s about playing the long game,” says James Rose, Knox’s Bushland Management Team Leader. “Weeds that are sprayed might not grow back, but a more tenacious species may grow in their place – or they may become resistant to the spray. Goats eating weeds over time will kill the plant because it takes energy for the plant to keep trying to regrow. This is more sustainable.”

The goats are a great resource and are part of a balanced toolkit of weed reduction options available to Council, which includes responsible use of herbicides where necessary and appropriate. “We recognise the need to strike a balance for everyone involved in maintaining our spaces so they are safe for the whole community,” James says.

Weeds are a feast for hungry goats

“Goats are more than happy to clear large areas of foliage deemed too difficult to uproot by other means, and they achieve this without the use of chemical herbicides.”

Goats can clear weeds of up to three metres in height

What is the local law? It’s a range of laws formed by the Council to protect what we love about Knox, and to ensure it remains a safe and liveable community for you and your family. Local laws are designed to protect the community, local amenity, the environment and Council assets.

Knox Council will be reviewing and updating the General Provisions Local Law 2010 (‘the Local Law’) this year, as part of a once-in-a-decade review.

Local law deals with many aspects of our day-to-day lives, including household waste and recycling services, improving the appearance and condition of private properties, safety issues on footpaths and roadways, signage and advertising on Council property and the keeping of pets and other animals.

These laws need to keep pace with changing circumstances, public issues and technology, so they are required to be reviewed every ten years.

We want to improve our local law to address today’s challenges and contribute to a better Knox. We want residents and local businesses to let us know how we can make our local law better, so it increases public amenity and enhances the lives of those living and working in Knox.

Once approved by the Council, a draft of the proposed new local law will be made available to our community for review and comment. We want your feedback on how we can ensure that our local laws are fair, reasonable and up to date.

If you are interested in reviewing the draft Local Law, visit:

knox.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay for more information and to register.

When Council releases the draft Local Law for community comment – expected March 2020 – you’ll be invited to provide an online written submission or to attend a drop-in session at the Knox Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South to provide your feedback.

Keep an eye on the website for session details – we’d love to hear from you!

Have your say on the local law

Register your pool or spa by 1 June.Find out more: knox.vic.gov.au/pools

10 11Knox News — Autumn 2020

What makes running a marathon such a thrilling goal? Knox resident Nicky Hamilton-Morris has participated in some of the world’s great marathons – and she’s not done yet.

Nicky Hamilton-Morris is a financial adviser who has lived in Knox since her family moved here from the UK in 1989, and she couldn’t love it more. “Knox is central and easily accessible to so many things – the city, the beach, the Yarra Valley,” she says. “I love the Dandenong Ranges, getting outdoors and exploring new trails.”

Nicky has been sporty for as long as she can remember, beginning with Little Athletics and school sports. “I love sport mostly just for the personal health benefits, both physical and mental,” she says. “Running is a great opportunity to switch off from electronics and clear the mind, or just catch up with mates.”

It was a team-sport injury that set Nicky on the path to running marathons. She had played soccer for the Bayswater Strikers for 13 years until a devastating injury and a full knee reconstruction restricted her from playing for 18 months.

“As part of my recovery I was only allowed to run in straight lines,” Nicky says. “I had never run more than about 3 km before, but I needed something to keep me motivated so I registered for a 10 km run and started slowly building.” That was in 2012 – since then Nicky has fallen in love with running. “The following year I did my first half-marathon (21.1km), then a marathon (42.2km), then 12 more, and one ultra-marathon (56km).”

In 2018, having run a few Australian marathons, Nicky realised she had qualified for Boston Marathon and jumped at the opportunity. She then made a promise to herself to do each of the six famous marathons in the World Marathon Majors series, covering Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London and Tokyo. She’s well on the way – soon after Boston she ran in the New York marathon, and this year she participated in the Berlin marathon.

“It's a great feeling running on the world stage with 45,000 to 50,000 other people,” says Nicky. “The atmosphere is amazing – I can't think of any other sport where you get to share the race with elite athletes. It's quite incredible.”

This Girl CanCome along to a photo exhibition that recognises and promotes women of all ages and abilities playing team, individual, traditional and non-traditional sport within the Knox community.

The exhibition will run from 23 March to 29 March 2020 at Westfield Knox.

The stories in the exhibition demonstrate self-confidence, strength and positive belief, and portray girls and women in leadership roles within clubs. Council encourages sporting clubs and associations within the Knox community to register as a This Girl Can supporter and post positive images of girls and women playing sport within their club.

Half Marathon

21.1km

Marathon

42.2km

Ultra Marathon

56km

Preparing for a marathon is an exercise in focus, self-discipline and goal-setting. “I have been running for seven years now, so I have a very good base fitness to maintain, but I generally set a specific 12-week plan leading up to a big event, involving a couple of gym sessions doing strength training, mostly to generate speed and assist with injury prevention, and running five days per week getting to around 80 to 100km per week in peak weeks.”

Nicky participates in speed sessions with the Eastern Masters (a division of the Victorian Masters Athletics) and in long slow runs with the Knox Roadrunners on the weekend. “It's been so beneficial connecting with running groups to meet like-minded people and have people to train with and offer support,” she says.

Mental preparation is necessary on the day, as she contends with nerves and trains her focus on the moment and the conditions. “I break the run down into smaller targets to get through,” Nicky says. “Afterwards it's a combination of relief, exhaustion, elation, pride, and hunger – it can be quite overwhelming.”

The effects of marathon running on Nicky’s work, her life and her self-esteem have been transformational. “Running has so many benefits – feeling physically and mentally fit, meeting new friends and gaining such a sense of achievement,” she says.

“It's also taught me valuable lessons that transfer into the workplace, such as goal setting, planning and overcoming challenges.”

So would she recommend it to other women? “Absolutely! It's a great way to meet new like-minded friends and get fit – you just don't realise what you are capable of until you try.”

If you know a local sporting hero like Nicky, or a great sporting team in Knox, nominate them now for the Knox Sport and Leisure Awards. Nominations close Sunday 29 March. knox.vic.gov.au/sportawards

From the Knox Roadrunners to the world

“I can't think of any other sport where you get to share the race with elite athletes. It's quite incredible.”

“The effects of marathon running on Nicky’s work, her life and her self-esteem have been transformational.”

Nicky Hamilton-Morris competing at the New York Marathon in 2018

12 13Knox News — Autumn 2020

Knox's Stormwater team has won an Excellence in Infrastructure award for designing a fully integrated water harvesting, flood protection and water quality treatment using water collected from Dobson Oval and the Tim Neville Arboretum wetlands and lakes. The award-winning system collects water run-off from the oval, sends it across to the Arboretum where the wetland plants

help filter and clean the water and then carries it into the lakes. Water from the lakes is then re-circulated back to the oval to water the grass.

For more information about why managing stormwater is important for our environment, visit our webpage.

From wasteland to parkland

Throughout 2019 we have engaged in extensive community consultation to understand how best to upgrade Marie Wallace Reserve, known by many in Bayswater as ‘train park’. We reached more than 10,000 people through social media, a letter drop and community consultation, and the feedback confirmed that the park holds a special place in the hearts of many in the local community and that the design should look to enhance what already exists rather than change the look and feel of the space too dramatically.

This year we will be working on a range of upgrades to the facilities in this park based on the community feedback we received. The first phase of these works includes a carpark upgrade, the creation of new shared paths and additional path links. The next phase of works will cover the traffic school and playground facilities, including replacement of the kids’ traffic lights.

Stay tuned for updates on the upgrades as they are rolled out through the year at knox.vic.gov.au

Train park gets an upgrade

Knox stormwater solution wins Water Award

We tend to think that green spaces get swallowed up by development, but Quarry Reserve – an old mine pit, as the name suggests – went the other way, and is now a stunning park for everyone to enjoy.

The Knox community has a strong connection to the natural landscape. Parks and gardens have a vital role to play in recreation, increasing social and physical wellbeing for Knox residents. They also provide natural habitat for native species of birds and wildlife.

Council manages more than 700 hectares of parkland. This means keeping them well-maintained, safe and enjoyable for the public. In the case of Quarry Reserve in Ferntree Gully, it has been a case of turning nothing into something.

Over time, considerable work has been done to turn a disused, overgrown hard rock quarry into a stunning nature reserve featuring a lake and wildlife, not to mention leisure facilities such as a barbecue area and picnic shelter, a drinking fountain and a play space.

This large piece of land, which features some challenging terrain, has been rehabilitated from a disused hard rock quarry that had been in operation for 100 years before it was retired in 1996. The quarry pit has been partially infilled and the remainder forms a lake with surrounding parkland.

Such is its rehabilitation that the old pit is now home to hundreds of rainbow trout, Murray cod and golden perch, which were introduced to the lake last year. Fishing platforms have been built to encourage locals and tourists to catch some of these new inhabitants.

The area was formerly overgrown with weeds, some up to three metres in height, which needed to be cleared. See our article in this issue of Knox News about how a herd of goats are handling this task in the steep and hazardous areas of the reserve.

Council plans to make this public amenity even better for birds, animals and humans over the course of the next couple of years, with plans for more trees to be planted, and improved trail links to allow better access to this now-natural wonder.

Renew your pet registration by 10 April.Register online: knox.vic.gov.au/petrego

Quarry Reserve has undergone a rejuvenation and is open to the residents of Knox to enjoy

Image by Richard Kelly, Knox Photographic Society

Stormwater Coordinator Caroline Carvahlo accepts Knox’s award

“Parks and gardens have a vital role to play in recreation, increasing social and physical wellbeing for Knox residents.”

14 15Knox News — Autumn 2020

Your Councillors

In the short time since I became Mayor, we’ve already worked on some significant strategic milestones. The work we’re doing covers a broad range of programs for the community. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues as we navigate the future, and I look forward to a productive term in the service of the people of Knox.

There is so much infrastructure planning and regeneration going on in Knox, and it’s a source of great satisfaction to see new projects going ahead. The renewal of the Burwood Hwy service road will make driving safer for Knox drivers, and I’m pleased to see this and other projects underway.

I would like to congratulate our Knox Health Officers for the great job they did in investigating and prosecuting a local restaurant for health violations including failure to adequately maintain premises, clean equipment or control pests, among other things. We take the health of our community seriously.

I attended two of the three consultations in relation to the new Wantirna Health Precincts. It was great to hear from those in the local area on the views of the planning authorities and their bold plans for the future of the precinct, including delivering public hospitals, aged care facilities and research and development areas.

Friberg residents can expect to see upgrades underway at Ferntree Gully Shopping Centre, including resurfacing of car parks and pedestrian paths. These works will enhance amenity for shoppers in the local area, and local businesses will be open for trading throughout the works period.

Knox Gardens in Scott Ward will be part of a suite of integrated stormwater drainage projects Council is planning to roll out. These innovative projects will make best use of stormwater in the environment, collecting and reticulating it through parkland that all residents can enjoy.

There are a number of innovative stormwater projects underway in Knox, including at Tim Neville Arboretum. Stormwater harvesting is a great way to conserve water and regenerate the natural environment, which are both crucial in times of very dry weather. I’m excited about the award-winning work Council is doing in this space.

I am proud to have worked with my colleagues, Council officers and the community towards the adoption of meaningful climate action policies. The devastating fire season brought out the best in our community, through generous fundraising, practical support and the help of teams of local firefighters who joined the fight.

I was a judge for the Knox Factor competition at the Carols by Candlelight and was impressed by the quality of musical talent we have here in our community. I encourage everyone to get along to the Knox Festival and participate in these community events which bring us all together.

Mayor Nicole SeymourTirhatuan Ward

0427 245 834

Deputy Mayor Marcia Timmers-LeitchCollier Ward

0428 162 218

Cr Adam GillDinsdale Ward

0439 650 260

Cr Lisa CooperScott Ward

0407 240 275

Cr Peter LockwoodBaird Ward

0419 970 565

Cr John MortimoreChandler Ward

0402 780 942

Cr Jake KeoghDobson Ward

0418 228 852

Cr Tony HollandFriberg Ward

0427 190 389

Cr Darren PearceTaylor Ward

0402 780 950

Tax essentials for small businessWednesday 19 February 9:30am to 11:30am Knox Civic Centre

Are you new to business, or thinking about starting a small business? Give your business the best start with this session on tax rates, rules, deductions and obligations. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about online tools and resources and to network with other business owners.

Free event

Register: knoxbiz.com.au

Knox FestivalSaturday 29 Febuary and Sunday 1 March 10:00am to 9:00pm and 10:00am to 5:00pm Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully

Celebrate life in our thriving community at the Knox Festival, which brings together the best Knox has to offer through art, music, sport, food, culture and entertainment. Experience food from around the world, visit market stalls, get creative with the kids, play some basketball with the Boomers and participate in gardening and sustainability workshops.

Free event

For a full program, visit: knox.vic.gov.au/knoxfestival

Pets in the ParkSunday 15 March 10:00am to 4:00pm Gilbert Park Reserve, Knoxfield

Treat your pets to a fun day out. The annual Pets in the Park offers a range of free activities including rides and facepainting for the kids, reptile displays, animal farm, live performances and giveaways guaranteed to keep both two-legged and four-legged friends amused. Food trucks and exhibitors will be there to provide refreshments.

Don’t miss the pet parade or the ever-popular pet and owner lookalike contest.

Interested in being a stallholder? Submit an application by 28 February via the website.

Free event

For more information: knox.vic.gov.au/petsinthepark

Women on the Go: Business Accelerator Program 2020Several workshops 3 March to 28 April Quest Burwood East

Calling all women who run small businesses based in Eastern Melbourne who seek meaningful and practical business assistance. This innovative program offers flexible on-line and in person delivery to provide ‘real time’ mentoring support, the opportunity to build lasting networks and strategic solutions tailored to your business.

Cost: $500

Register: knoxbiz.com.au

Knox Community Arts Centre 2020 ProgramThe Knox Community Arts Centre is thrilled to announce its 2020 Season. The program expands in 2020 to showcase a diverse mix of professional evening shows featuring quality comedy, music, theatre and cabaret performances, along with the well-loved daytime program and family shows offered during school holidays.

To view the program and to book tickets, visit: knox.vic.gov.au/kcac or call 9729 7287.

Gift Certificates are available.

Ordinary meetings of council Meetings are open to the public and held at Knox Civic Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend:

Monday 24 February, 7:00pm

Monday 30 March, 7:00pm

Monday 27 April, 5:00pm

What’s on in Knox

511 Burwood Highway Wantirna South VIC 3152

9298 8000

knox.vic.gov.au knoxcc@knox.vic.gov.au

Stay up to date and connected with us

Twitter knoxcc Facebook knoxcouncil eNews knox.vic.gov.au/news

Celebrate life in our thriving community at the Knox Festival

Saturday 29 February 10am–9pm

Sunday 1 March 10am–5pm

Wally Tew Reserve

Experience food from around the world at our Global Kitchen

Visit market stalls and get creative with the kids

Learn about sustainable living at our all-new Sustainability Hub

Shoot some hoops with the Deakin Melbourne Boomers and the Knox Allstars

Stay for dinner, music and amusements as the sun sets on Saturday night