Millgrove Community Plan - Yarra Ranges Shire · Web viewUnemployment in Millgrove was higher in...

Millgrove Residents Action Group

2015

Millgrove Community Plan

Produced by MILLGROVE RESIDENTS ACTION GROUP (MRAG)

Post: Shop 5, 3043 Warburton Hwy, Millgrove 3799 VicEmail: [email protected] and/or [email protected]: Millgrove Residents Action Group

Millgrove Residents Action Group

President: Maureen HalitSecretary: Bob LillieTreasurer: Nancy Watson

Members: Robert Hendy, Bert Saunders, Kerry Slater, Brenda Morgan, Lynn Turbitt, Michael Corrie, Barry & Frances Hayward, Kate Baselier, Arthur Saunders, Sheila Goodwin, Louise McNamara

Established in 2005, the Millgrove Residents Action Group (MRAG) is one of the longest serving township groups in the Yarra Ranges. In 2012 the group was named Community Group of the Year by Yarra Ranges Council Australia Day Awards. In the same year, thanks to the efforts of MRAG, Millgrove was deemed a finalist in the Tidy Towns-Sustainable Communities Awards for Community Leadership. An extra thank you to Michael Corrie for his continuous and tireless effort to maintain our gardens.

MRAG’s vision statement which was ratified in 2005 states: “We see a vibrant, joyful and safe community with positive opportunities for all. A place we are proud to call home”.

MRAG’s mission statement: to contribute towards and foster the community spirit within Millgrove.

MRAG’s objectives:

Highlight and promote the many positives within our community Encourage and nurture partnership in community initiatives Contribute to the process of identifying and addressing community needs and concerns Raise awareness of services and opportunities within our community

ACKNOWLEGEMENTS

Thanks to everyone who helped to create this plan:

Residents, landowners, workers, students and traders of Millgrove who participated in this process MRAG committee members Cr Jim Child, Yarra Ranges Council Cindy McLeish, MP Kimbra White, Mosaic Lab, who facilitated one of the workshops Maxine Burke, Double Edged Training and Consultancy, who facilitated another workshop Chris Riseley, Community Development Officer, Central and Upper Yarra, Yarra Ranges Council

Millgrove Community Plan, 20 November 2015 Page 2

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowlegements............................................................................................................................................2

INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................4

MILLGROVE’S CHARACTERISTICS.............................................................................................................4

COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN MILLGROVE, 2005-2015.............................................................8

THE COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS IN MILLGROVE, 2014-2015....................................................15

Workshop, August 2014.............................................................................................................................15

Workshop, November 2014.......................................................................................................................15

Posters outside the Newsagency, February 2015.....................................................................................16

Listening Post, February 2015...................................................................................................................16

DIsplay at the Millgrove Market, March 2015.............................................................................................16

High School Students at Upper Yarra Secondary COllege, May 2015......................................................17

Collating and Categorising the Ideas and Suggestions, July 2015............................................................17

Students at Milwarra Primary School, June 2015......................................................................................18

Survey, June 2015.....................................................................................................................................18

Community Dinner and Workshop, June 2015..........................................................................................19

Finalising the Plan, September - October 2015.........................................................................................21

Release of Draft Community Plan, October 2015......................................................................................21

THE MILLGROVE COMMUNITY PLAN, 2015-2017....................................................................................22

Vision Statement........................................................................................................................................22

Strategies and Actions...............................................................................................................................22

Annex 1: Areas for Action and Project Ideas.................................................................................................27

Annex 2: Milwarra Primary School Students.................................................................................................29

Annex 3: Fifteen Millgrove students at UYSC, 13 May 2015.........................................................................31

Annex 4: Millgrove ABS summary profile, 2011............................................................................................32


INTRODUCTION

The township of Millgrove is 63 kilometres east of central Melbourne, and 32 kilometers east of Lilydale, along the Warburton Highway, in the Upper Yarra Valley. The Yarra River runs through the town. There are several residential clusters located amongst forested hills. Residents travel by car or bus to Warburton and Yarra Junction to access most of their retail and community services. A railway line from Lilydale to Warburton was opened in 1901, to transport timber

and farm produce out of the area. The line was closed in 1965 and has been replaced with a well-used recreational rail trail. The primary school was opened in 1914.

A community building project was initiated in Millgrove by Tammy Lobato MP in 2004, following her election to the Victorian State Parliament. The project led to a range of actions that were taken by Ms Lobato on behalf of the Millgrove community. It also led to the formation of the Millgrove Residents Action Group Inc. (MRAG).

To mark the 10th anniversary of MRAG, the committee initiated a community planning process. Community planning is a process where the members of a community work together to identify a shared community vision of the future, and priorities and actions that they can undertake to improve their wellbeing.

MILLGROVE’S CHARACTERISTICS

Demographics

Millgrove has a population of 1,649 people (2011 Census). The population increased dramatically between 1961 (273) and 1991 (1,715), as new residential areas were opened up, on relatively inexpensive land. Since then the population has declined slightly. The proportions of one parent families (19.2%) and lone person households (30.5%) are much higher than those for Yarra Ranges as a whole, while the proportion of households with couples, either with or without children, is much lower than for Yarra Ranges as a whole. However, in 2011 8% of the population was aged 4 and under, compared to 6.5% for Yarra Ranges.

Unemployment in Millgrove was higher in 2011 than for Yarra Ranges as a whole, at 6.9% compared to 4%. This is a better situation than in 2001, when unemployment was 11.9%. Nearly 39% of persons aged 15+ were not in the labour force, compared to 30% for Yarra Ranges as a whole. The SEIFA Index of Disadvantage for the combined area of Yarra Junction, Millgrove, and Wesburn is 947.5, the lowest in Yarra Ranges.

Within Yarra Ranges, the areas with the highest rates of psychological / psychiatric disability support pension recipients were in the 3799 postcode area (which includes Millgrove), at 27.5 per 1000.

Incomes are lower in Millgrove than in Yarra Ranges as a whole. Two-thirds (66%) of households had an income of less than $1250 per week in 2011, compared to about 43% in Yarra Ranges as a whole.

Nearly 29% of households in Millgrove were not connected to the internet in 2011, compared to 15% in Yarra Ranges as a whole.


Features

The Yarra River is a significant environmental asset for the community, and the vegetation on the riverbanks is an important habitat for native fauna. The Yarra Ranges National Park, including Mt Donna Buang, reaches down to the outskirts of the town. At the end of Dee Road there is access to the 30km long O’Shannassy Aqueduct trail that stretches from Don Valley to East Warburton.

The retail businesses in Millgrove include a general store, a newsagent / post-agency, a bakery, fish and chips shop, a nursery/music shop, strawberry farm and a sawmill. The sawmill salvages and mills logs that are not harvested by other timber industry operators. There are 280 registered businesses in Millgrove.

A picnic and BBQ area with toilets is located next to the rail trail, opposite the shops, and is an important stopping point for visitors and a meeting place for locals. McKenzie King Reserve, at the start of McKenzie King Drive, has a playground.

The town has a primary school, pre-school, two churches and a soccer club. A new community centre was recently constructed on the grounds of the school, in partnership with River Valley Church, and is used by the church and community groups, as well as the school. Pallotti College sits above Millgrove and can be hired for conferences and other group activities. A new CFA Station / Community Fire Refuge will be finished and opened by the end of 2015.

There is a public bus that runs at least hourly on weekdays between 6am and 8.30pm, to Lilydale Railway Station and Chirnside Park Shopping Centre. One service in the morning and one in the afternoon divert through the town on school days and are open for public use. On Saturdays and Sundays, the service runs hourly and starts at 7.30am and 9am respectively. Taxi services are limited.


Assets

At the first workshop in August 2014, attendees “mapped” their assets and showed the connections between them.

Listed below are other assets that attendees at the two workshops in 2014 value about Millgrove:

Men’s working group

Friendly Different charm

Community Hall

Weekly bible study

Affordable housing

Neighbours Healthy lifestyle

Picnic area at reserve

Clean air Business opportunity

Kids

Warburton-Millgrove Football and Netball Club

Sharing and caring

Beautiful environment

Rail Trail Swimming in river

Safe place

Maureen (MRAG) Community spirit

Mountain views

Friendly people

Birdlife Space

Open people, easy to get on with

Authentic people, chatty, not judgmental


Our skills (what we as individuals are good at)

Teaching – disability, aged, mental, counselling Building & fixingListener Motor mechanicNetworking Metal constructionResearch BricklayerNegotiating IT - Info technologyOrganiser & Practical GardeningBusiness skills Helping others & lift self esteemMoney Family – caring for other peoplePresentations CarpentryCommunication Handy

What the town is good at

Identifying problems & finding solutions

Coming together – despite circumstances – for a cause, in crisis

Good networking

Unique: able to structure community support

Strong advocates for the town


COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN MILLGROVE, 2005-2015

Millgrove Community Building Project, 2004-5

The Millgrove Community Building Project was initiated by the newly elected Member for State Parliament for the seat of Gembrook, Tammy Lobato. A “Millgrove Community Building Day” was held in November 2004, which attracted 100 residents. At that time, residents were concerned about social and economic issues arising from inter-generational unemployment, skill shortages and poverty. The Millgrove Community Building Project was modelled on the successful Neighbourhood Renewal Program, which aimed to tackle the root causes of disadvantage, and to build new partnerships across government and communities.

Groups involved in this day included the River Valley Church, Millgrove Environment Restoration Group, Warburton/Millgrove Football Club, Millwarra Primary School, Millgrove CFA, Wesburn Junior Football Club, and Victoria Police, as well as local and state government representatives.

The table below summarises the key outcomes from this planning day:

Issues Plan Outcome

Children and Youth

Establish a Youth Advisory Committee at Upper Yarra Secondary College Established

Infrastructure and Services

Lobby to seal shoulders on Warburton Highway Ongoing (Shire)

Request that Millgrove be included in a study to look at how bus services could be improved Insufficient support received

Lobby for a pedestrian crossing where the Rail Trail crosses Warburton Highway, and trimming of trees in sightlines

Constructed

Lobby for Wonga Road to be included in Council’s dust suppressant program Implemented

Lobby for repair of River Road and McKenzie King Drive McKenzie King Dr implemented

Expand mail delivery to all parts of Millgrove Wonga Rd delivery established

Lobby for new signage and rolled crushed rock on Rail Trail Implemented

Erect an interpretation gateway with map, information, and business promotion at Millgrove train station site Included in 2015 plan

Sport and Recreation

Lobby for Master Plan for Millgrove Recreation Reserve Plan completed in 2007

Lobby for a playground for McKenzie King Reserve Constructed

Lobby for public toilets for Warburton Highway and at Constructed


the Recreation Reserve

Community Learning

Establish Millgrove Residents Action Group Inc. which would act for the best interests of residents, and could apply for funding for festivals and events

Established

MRAG to distribute a regular Millgrove community newsletter

Newsletter replaced by social media (Facebook + Blog)

Apply to the Community Facilities Fund for a multifunction facility which will provide a range of learning initiatives for the Millwarra school and Upper Yarra communities.

Millwarra Community Centre built

Women Raise concerns about the prevalence of Domestic Violence in Victoria.

Letter from Tammy Lobato to the Minister for Women’s Affairs and the Women’s Caucus.

Environment

Request funding for weed control along Yarra RiverFunding provided to Millgrove Environmental Restoration Group.

Request that a committee be appointed to manage the river frontages

MERG appointed as committee of management for the Yarra River frontage

Community Safety

Support a funding application for Upper Yarra SES to purchase a hydraulic generator. Application was successful


Upper Yarra Community Building Initiative (UYCBI), 2006-2011

In October 2005, a year after the Forum in Millgrove, Upper Yarra Community House successfully applied for funding from the Victorian Department of Victorian Communities, to establish a Community Building program in the Upper Yarra. The newly formed Millgrove Residents Action Group was a partner in this project, along with similar groups in Warburton and Yarra Junction, as well as Yarra Ranges Council. Advocacy and project work was carried out over the next 5 years throughout the Upper Yarra, including lobbying for better transport, medical services, recreational facilities, employment opportunities and affordable housing.

In Millgrove, the significant project that was attempted as part of the UYCBI was the “third bridge” project, a pedestrian bridge which was proposed to cross the Yarra River roughly half-way between the two existing road bridges over the river. This bridge would improve access to the centre of the town for residents in River, McKenzie King and Wonga Roads, and would also improve pedestrian safety for schoolchildren. Despite many years of research and advocacy by the community, government support for this project was not forthcoming.

Other significant projects were supporting the establishment of the Upper Yarra Community Environment Park in Wesburn, now known as Yarra Valley ECOSS, and successful advocacy that led to the creation of new sporting facilities at Yarra Junction Recreation Reserve.


Projects involving Millgrove Residents Action Group, 2005-2014

2006 Community Men’s Kitchen Mail Deliveries in Wonga Road Supported Community hall Road Signs/speed restriction signs Mirror at the end of Tulloch Street Signs forbidding the dumping of rubbish Pedestrian Lights Restoration of Millgrove First World War Avenue of Honor (Ongoing) Improvements to the Millgrove Station Reserve Area (Ongoing) A Welcome Sign for Millgrove (Ongoing) Involvement in Carols by Candlelight After Hours Medical Clinic Campaign Take responsibility for Millgrove Sunday Market

2007Affordable Housing CampaignRailway/PO Centenary Celebrations3rd Bridge Project (Not forthcoming)

2008Solar Power Project

2009The inauguration of the Millgrove Anzac Day Dawn ServiceCarols By Candlelight at Pallotti College

2010Graffiti Clean Up Day & Community BBQ

2011 Inauguration Remembrance Day Service

2012 Shire of Yarra Ranges Community Group of the Year Certificate of Recognition, Tidy Towns 2012

MRAG donates annually to various local community groups, schools and churches


Millgrove Environmental Restoration Group (MERG)

MERG was established in 2007 and has been a very successful working group in creating paths along the Yarra River. Working bees with the community and many tree planting days with Millwarra Primary School have been held. MERG has also been involved with Ben’s Shed, a men’s working group, to build picnic tables on the banks of the Yarra.

In 2012 MERG (under the MRAG umbrella) won the Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards for Protection of the Environment.

Millgrove Preschool

The program at the school uses Millgrove to make the children aware of the beauty of our township, by using the oval for runs, going to the river for lunch (on hot days paddle their feet in the river) and go for autumn walks to discover the exiting colours of nature. In winter when the weather keeps the children inside for too long, the Community Building’s Gym is available.

Millwarra Primary School:

Some elements of the Enrichment Program linked to the community.

ANZAC Day CeremoniesBen’s ShedCookingCraftSt. John First AidGardeningGolden Wattle Club – Inter generational ProgramInterschool AthleticsLeaders Day at Pallotti CollegeYarra Junction Library ExcursionRadio Show, monthly at 99.1 Yarra Valley FM (10.00am-10.30am)Ride/Walk to school daysWalk with Grif, local environmental walksTree planting along walking track near river with MERG

Pallotti College:

Good Tucker Day Shared on alternating Tuesdays with the River Valley Church in the Millgrove Reserve opposite the shops. Available for anyone in the community to attend.

Christmas Day Lunch Free to the communityWood Bank For local familiesEmergency accommodation

Through referrals from agencies and churches

Emergency relief Food, support, referrals – accessible to all community members. A minister, residing at the College, is always available for anyone in the community


Regular programs delivered by River Valley Church between 2005 and 2015.

The River Valley Church aims to be relevant and reactive to assisting the community in many ways by providing physical, social, emotional and spiritual support. Apart from religious activities, the following community-wide activities are offered by Church volunteers:

Men’s support group weekly at the River Valley Centre

Good Tucker Day Every Tuesday in the Millgrove Reserve opposite the shops. Available for anyone in the community to attend. Often attended by outside agencies who provide support and information to those attending

Rivertots Playgroup every Thursday

Youth programs youth group meetings fortnightly – open to all youth

Super Heroes camps annual low-cost camps available to children within our community

After school kids club weekly (for the first six years of River Valley Church)

Breakfast programs held in the reserve opposite the shops at Millgrove and also at Upper Yarra Secondary College and twice weekly at Millwarra Primary School

Carols by Candlelight earlier events done in partnership with other churches. Currently in partnership with Warburton Advancement League

Step up for LIFE programs held during the term at the River Valley Centre in Millgrove – for all community members

Emergency relief programs provided all year round by the River Valley Careworks Team at the River Valley Centre. Food, support, referrals, limited financial assistance, bill relief, transport assistance, limited home help and so on –accessible to all community members

Christmas Toy Shop provided in conjunction with other emergency relief agencies in the area. All community members can access this service which provides good, new and substantial toys for children at the cost of a donation

Community Workshop and Trade Skills

currently weekly on Thursdays

Christmas Hampers River Valley provides hampers for community members in the week prior to Christmas. Those who have accessed Careworks and other community members are eligible

Support groups weekly groups that provide home visits, pastoral care, counselling services, group programs, mentoring etc.

Term programs programs are provided weekly and are advertised through the distribution of brochures and are displayed in the window at the River Valley Centre

Millgrove Market organised in association with MRAG

Millgrove Anzac Dawn Service and Remembrance Day Service

organised in partnership with MRAG

Management of Millwarra Community Centre

the Church was a key stakeholder in the development and construction of the Centre, and contributed significant funding. Currently Community Centre Facility Managers

Many groups use the Community Centre and the River Valley Centre, on a weekly basis.


Regular Programs Delivered by the Millgrove Baptist Church between 2005 and 2015

The Millgrove Baptist Church seeks to be part of the local community and not just a place of worship.

Second Bite Every Friday morning from 10-11:30 in the church hallMobile Library Every second Friday morning from 10-11:30 in the church hallCarpet Bowls Every Friday morning from 10-11:30 in the church hallOpportunity Shop On Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings. Funds are used to help

people with specific needs in our community.Emergency Relief / Christmas Hampers

Through connections with LinC for residents needing assistance in Millgrove.

Christmas Social Event First Thursday of December (games, a children’s Christmas play and a BBQ.

Community Fun Day On a Saturday during the summer. Every activity free of charge.(This has not happened the last two years)

Church Facilities / Hall Open for use by people and groups in the community.School Holiday Programs In first and third term holidays, one day programs are conducted for

primary aged school children


THE COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS IN MILLGROVE, 2014-2015

In total, about 200 people actively participated in the community planning process in Millgrove, by attending events and by providing suggestions at various events or via email, Facebook or phone calls. The various events that were held are described below.

WORKSHOP, AUGUST 2014

Organised by Catherine Nelsson from Council’s Emergency Management unit.

Ideas coming forth out of this meeting:

More footpaths More sealed roads Better access to rail trail Safety for cyclists on highway Child safe fence around playground More landscaped gardens More picnic facilities Better public transport Increase local volunteering A women’s working group Fun, social activities

WORKSHOP, NOVEMBER 2014

This workshop was facilitated by Kimbra White from Mosaic Lab.

The purpose of this forum was to decide on community projects that will make Millgrove an even better place to live and also to form groups to take action on agreed projects.

The community assets were identified by the group as a whole. In smaller groups resources and skills, available in the community, were identified as well.

Among a lot of ideas two major projects identified were:

- River Road Walking Track- Better use of Community Buildings


POSTERS OUTSIDE THE NEWSAGENCY, FEBRUARY 2015

A series of three posters were put on the noticeboard outside the newsagent, during February. Each poster stayed up for at least one week. Residents wrote their ideas. It was interesting that many people made their contributions at night.

LISTENING POST, FEBRUARY 2015

Bob from MRAG set up outside the shops on a Saturday morning in February and spoke to passers-by, and asked them the following questions:

Questions Some answers

What do you like about Millgrove? It’s friendly, no smog, affordable living, country atmosphere, feeling at home, cheap rent

What would you like to see created in Millgrove? Lowering speed limits, footpath between Gillis and Dee Road, issues about safety, better mobile phone reception, late night bus service, family focused social get-togethers

What does “Community” mean to you? Support network, inclusion, social diversity, people working together

Would you like to be involved in making things happen in Millgrove?

No, too busy / not a lot of time due to commuting

DISPLAY AT THE MILLGROVE MARKET, MARCH 2015

To try and get as many people involved, food and survey were combined at the MRAG market stall. The focus was on the River Road project, as the November 2014 Forum had shown that there was a lot of interest in developing the north side of the river and linking it up with the Dee Road track. A poster wall was erected explaining that this area is a prime recreational site and encourages engagement with nature. Visitors were encouraged to write their opinions down.

In Annex ideas for this project can be found under number 1


HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AT UPPER YARRA SECONDARY COLLEGE, MAY 2015

Nancy from MRAG and Chris and Simon from the Shire of Yarra Ranges Council visited Upper Yarra Secondary College to find out what were the burning issues for teenagers from Millgrove. Fifteen students attended a half hour lunchtime session.

Below are the most common ideas:

Ideas

- Gym and other recreation activities at the Community Centre

- Upgrade equipment and facilities at McKenzie King Park

- A rope swing on the river

- More police presence in the town

- Better roads and streetlights

- A motor-cross or go-cart or BMX track

- Skate park

- Millgrove sports teams for girls, e.g. basketball, netball.

COLLATING AND CATEGORISING THE IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS, JULY 2015

At the monthly MRAG meeting in July, members sorted through all of the ideas and suggestions gathered so far, and sorted them into seven categories.

1. River Road walking track2. Good solid path between Primary School and shop area3. Shade cloth over the picnic area opposite shops4. Timber log with inscription “Millgrove” to the entrance/park area of town5. Wall notice board with info about venues and business advertising6. Rotunda in park reserve near BBQ7. “Millgrove” Facebook site that links with QR-codes


STUDENTS AT MILWARRA PRIMARY SCHOOL, JUNE 2015

Nancy and Kate from MRAG visited the primary school and held a session with 17 Grade 3-4 students and another session with 16 Grade 5-6 students.

Results can be found in Annex 2.

Below are the most common ideas:

- BMX jump- footy/netball team- Tree house- Water bubblers- Better hospital access- More police presence

SURVEY, JUNE 2015

In June 2015 MRAG conducted a community survey. The aim of this survey was to prioritize the seven goals. The community was asked to place a number next to each goal, 1 being considered their highest priority and 7 being their lowest priority. Overall 90 community members contributed to this survey. 79 completed surveys were returned via the news-agency or handed in at the community dinner and another 11 via an on-line survey.

As well as providing a means of gathering community input and generating interest, the survey also invited the community to attend a free Community Dinner and Workshop hosted by MRAG, to be held on Saturday 27th June.


COMMUNITY DINNER AND WORKSHOP, JUNE 2015

This workshop was facilitated by Maxine Burke from Double Edged Training and Consultancy.

Over 65 people attended the Community dinner. The audience ranged from residents who had lived in Millgrove for over 65 years, to new residents who had only recently moved to Millgrove within the past month.

At the beginning of the night, MRAG provided an overview of the projects they had worked on over the past years, and also explained the process that was followed to gather community input as part of the community planning process. There was also a trivia quiz about Millgrove.

Top Five Priorities for Action

A weighting system was used to identify the top five priority areas. Each priority vote 1-7 was given a specific number of points. The five goals which received the most number of points once all surveys were recorded were deemed the greatest priority for the township.

The top five priority goals were as follows:

1. Create linked walking tracks to provide safe access to schools, shops, churches and the Warburton Rail Trail

2. Create welcoming and attractive entrances to Millgrove3. Lobby for better mobile phone coverage and internet access4. Use Millgrove’s community buildings and spaces for new activities that encourage residents to

get to know one another5. Address community safety issues with authorities

Identifying Project/actions

Guests then worked in small groups with each group focused on a particular priority goal. Through discussion and conversation each group explored the community projects/activities that had been identified under their action area. The group participants were invited to add any additional projects not listed which they felt were relevant to the town. Eventually each group identified two project ideas which they considered to be the highest priority for implementation.


Action Plans

Each group was asked to complete a Taking Action template for each of their two project ideas. At the conclusion of this workshop activity plans were drafted for fifteen project activities. Due to the limited actions which could be taken with the action goal to “lobby for better mobile phone coverage and internet access”, one group decided to also address the goal relating to lobbying for better public and/or community transport which was pointed out by them as just falling outside of the top five priority goal areas.

Project ideas proposed at the Workshop

1. Create a gravel path from the Millwarra Primary School to the shops 2. Provide a footpath outside homes and create a river walk along River Road3. Erect a cover over picnic seating at the Millgrove shops and landscape the site4. Provide a footpath from Dee Road to Gillis Street along the Warburton Highway5. Install vertical flower boxes under the Millgrove sign6. Erect a Bull-nose Rotunda around the barbeque 7. Relocate Goldsmith Mill to Alpine Mill8. Move Telstra tower to Mt. Little Joe9. Provide regular community activities (day and evening). Use of Millwarra Community Centre as a

Millgrove Social Club offering different activities for the community. 10. Establish a local CWA or U3A in Millgrove 11. Better identify Millgrove’s Community Buildings including Pallotti, Baptist Church; Soccer Club rooms;

Community Centre. 12. Township Facebook page/website to connect everyone, especially the younger generation. Upload

events, news, and information about what is happening in Millgrove etc. 13. Install CCTV in the wider community e.g. McKenzie King Park and the toilet block near the CFA14. Seal Cavanagh Road, River Road as a priority, and all other roads in Millgrove and Install drainage at

the front of Millwarra Primary School. 15. Provide a Telebus from Warburton/Millgrove/Yarra Junction visiting Millgrove estate every hour for a

reasonable fare.

A Vision Statement for Millgrove

Guests were provided with a brief introduction to the concept of Vision Statements. Maureen Halit from MRAG provided guests with a reminder of MRAG’s Vision Statement and explained how MRAG members felt the time was now right to develop a new Vision Statement to take MRAG and Millgrove into the future.

Still working in small groups, each guest was asked to suggest five words which they felt would best describe Millgrove in five years’ time. Guests were then asked to share their five words with the rest of their group.

Again through conversation and discussion, each group was then asked to consider all the words put forward by their members and then choose five to share with the rest of the room.

The words contributed from all groups across the room were then reviewed to identify similarities and duplicates, reducing the final number of words to 20:

Welcoming Active Friendly CaringDynamic Diverse Picturesque CohesiveBeautiful Safe Quiet A HubWonderful Eden of the North East Dreams A HabitatProminent Vibrant Inclusive Loving


FINALISING THE PLAN, SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015

At MRAG’s meetings in August and September, the actions that were proposed at the community dinner and workshop were discussed at length. The top priority projects were identified.

For MRAG’s October 2015 meeting, all committee members were asked to come up with a draft statement. After extensive discussion, the group came up with the following statement:

Working to create a welcoming, safe and vibrant place, by being inclusive, caring and positive.Millgrove, a place we are proud to call home.

RELEASE OF DRAFT COMMUNITY PLAN, NOVEMBER 2015

This draft plan was completed by Millgrove Residents Action Group in November 2015. The community was informed about the plan and asked for feedback by a letterboxed flyer, as well as e-mail and social media. The full plan was available from the Newsagency as a hard copy and online through the Blog and Facebook.

36 hard copies have been picked up. An email was sent to 68 addresses. The Facebook post reached 886 people, had 102 post clicks, 33 likes/shares and zero comments.

16 positive comments were received by Maureen Halit at the Newsagency.

The plan was finalised and presented to Yarra Ranges Council for acknowledgement on 1 December 2015.


THE MILLGROVE COMMUNITY PLAN, 2015-2017

VISION STATEMENT

Working to create a welcoming, safe and vibrant place, by being inclusive, caring and positive.

Millgrove, a place we are proud to call home.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS

Action Next Steps When Who

Create linked walking tracks to provide safe access to schools, shops, churches and the Warburton Rail Trail.

Create a gravel path from the Millwarra Primary School to the shops

Contact landholder to ask permission

Landholder to apply for permit(s) Establish a working bee group Skilled volunteers build path

2015-2016 LandholderMRAGSkilled volunteers

Create a river walk along River Road

Discuss idea with landholder/s to gain their support

Draw up a plan Organise permit(s) Establish a “River Road” group Apply for grant/s Organise skilled volunteers

2015-2017 Parks VictoriaMelbourne WaterYarra Ranges CouncilMRAGSkilled volunteersSchools (students)Scouts



Create welcoming and attractive entrances to Millgrove

Erect a cover over picnic seating at the Millgrove shops and landscape the site


Draw up a plan Landholder to apply for permit/s Organise working bee

2016-2017 LandholderMRAGSkilled volunteers

Lobby for a footpath from Dee Road to Gillis Street along the Warburton Highway

Hold events to gain community support

Contact VicRoads to get their support

Draw up a plan

2016-2017 VicRoadsMRAGSchool (Students)

Erect a Rotunda around the barbeque in Reserve

Contact Council to seek permission

Draw up a plan and present to Council

Seek donations of materials

2016-2017 Yarra Ranges CouncilVicRoadsMRAGLocal tradesmen/ volunteers

Create a log bogey at the entrance to the Reserve

Contact Council to ask permission

Draw up a plan and present to Council

Seek donations of materials

2015-2016 Yarra Ranges CouncilVicRoadsMRAGSkilled volunteersMill owner

Install enclosed noticeboard on wall between Newsagency and Bakery


Seek donations of materials Identify skilled volunteers Build and erect noticeboard

2015-2016 LandholderMRAGSkilled volunteersCFA



Make better use of Millgrove’s community buildings and spaces, and start new activities that encourage residents to get to know one another

Encourage greater use of Millwarra Community Centre as a Millgrove Social Club offering different activities for the community.

Contact groups that already use the Centre

Put together a list of existing and potential activities

Invite community to come and discuss wish-list

Establish new afternoon/night activities

2016-2017 MRAGRiver Valley ChurchOther users of CentrePrimary school

Encourage local CWA and U3A groups to be more active in Millgrove

Establish group of interested volunteers

Organise information nights at Community Centre about Upper Yarra U3A and Upper Yarra CWA

Encourage residents to join these existing groups

Invite existing groups to run activities in Millgrove

2016-2017 MRAGCommitted volunteersUpper Yarra U3AUpper Yarra CWA

Promote Millgrove’s Community Buildings, including Pallotti, Baptist Church, Soccer Club rooms, Community Centre.

Identify available buildings and outdoor spaces

Promote to community as a small directory in the shape of a pamphlet

2016-2017 MRAG

Set up a Township Facebook page and/or website.

Create a Millgrove township Facebook page

Upload events, news, and information about what is happening in Millgrove etc.

2015-2016 Any committed computer / social media skilled volunteer

Set up a New Residents Welcome Group

Establish group of interested volunteers

Create a Welcome Bag/Folder Identify new residents

2016 Committed volunteersMRAG


Project/Action Next Steps When Who

Lobby for better public and/or community transport

Lobby for a Telebus from Warburton/ Millgrove/ Yarra Junction visiting Millgrove estate every hour for a reasonable fare.

Research previous attempts to provide bus service (River Valley Church)

Contact Martyrs Draw up plan Survey / petition Lobby

2017 Yarra Ranges CouncilMartyrs

Project/Action Next Steps When Who

Address community safety issues with authorities

Install CCTV in the wider community e.g. Shops, McKenzie King Park and the Reserve

Meeting with police Set up plan Apply for grant

2017 MRAGCFAYarra Ranges CouncilLocal shop keepersSchoolPolice

Support residents who want to seal their road: Cavanagh Road, River Road as a priority, and all other roads in Millgrove

MRAG to support residents to meet together if they wish to put in place a special charge scheme to seal their road

2016-2017 MRAGResidentsSchool

Campaign for drainage at the front of Millwarra Primary School.

Petition from residents Check if there are other schools

on dirt roads in Yarra Ranges Lobby Council

2016-2017 MRAGSchoolParents of school studentsUsers of Community CentreSports Clubs


Action Next Steps When Contact

Set up new recreational facilities in Millgrove

Establish new recreational activities in Millgrove

MRAG members to meet principals for Millwarra Primary School and Upper Yarra Secondary College to discuss outcomes of consultations with students

MRAG members to have follow-up meetings with students

Identify priorities Approach sports clubs and

recreation service providers to start new activities in Millgrove.

2016-2017 MRAGInterchange Outer EastSports clubsMisfit Theatre

From "The Seasons in our Town": a picture book by children from Millgrove, Wesburn and surrounds, Yarra Ranges Council 2012


Annex 1: Areas for Action and Project Ideas

1. Create linked walking tracks for safe access to schools, shops, churches and the Rail Trail Create walking track on the Yarra River bank (River Road side) to link up with Dee Road track Complete the walking track on both sides between McKenzie King Drive and Dee Road Bridges Clear river bank on Dee and River Road for easier access to recreational use, and extend river path Seal footpath along highway between Dee Road and Gillis Street Seating on River Road Seal path between school and shops Proper drainage on streets Rubbish bins by the river Pedestrian overpass over highway Better access to rail trail Footpaths safe for walkers

2. Use Millgrove’s community buildings and spaces for new activities Working women’s group to tackle jobs we need doing as a collective Involve pensioners in our community, make them feel welcome Community building project – connections and engagement/a sense of belonging for everyone More whole of town get-togethers Regular community activities (days and evenings) Community notice board Build confidence to speak out as a community Family focused social get-togethers More Sunday markets Welcome new residents Increase local volunteering Music festival Talent night

3. Create welcoming and attractive entrances to Millgrove Upgrade McKenzie King park equipment, toilet, shelter, fence Post and Rail fence continued from toilet block to pedestrian crossing (Bull nose) Rotunda – from new fire station to toilets as shelter e.g. for markets Train silhouette on existing rail line near pedestrian lights as entrance to Millgrove Vertical flower boxes spelling Millgrove Village feel to shopping complex: notification to shop owners to develop a plan Steel constructed Christmas Tree, replacing lost pine solar lights More picnic facilities More landscaped gardens (More) sanitary bins for girls toilets Sculpture or art piece Public bins in parks Convert timber mill to wetland Clean up Mill site More seats and shade along rail trail Roses for our diggers next to plaque near toilet block Theme park Black Saturday memorial plaque at CFA Information about the history of Millgrove on display near Rail Trail Maintain beauty of mountain background in Millgrove Plantings to hide Mill from the shops

4. Set up new recreational activities in Millgrove


Have a Community Centre, a place to hang out Millgrove sports teams for girls e.g. basketball/netball Athletics running track Bring back rope swing on river Youth group after school (gamers, pool tables) like at Redwood Centre in Warby Fitness Park A walking group Skate Park More organised youth activities Activity playground River walking track A running group Gym/Bowling EB games shop BMX Trails (get bikes off roads)

5. Address community safety issues with authorities 50km/hr and signs on all local roads in Millgrove Sealing of unmade roads and footpaths – Wonga Road, Dee Road, River Road. Security plus toilets at McKenzie King Park Community watch “keep our children safe” Police station/more patrols/less drug dealing and “Rats”at park Traffic lights at intersection of McKenzie King Drive and Warburton Highway Child safe fence around playground Put up bus shelters that can’t be smashed More street lights through Millgrove Less drug dealers in town Traffic lights at CFA station Safety for cyclists on highway A safe children’s playground CCTV at shops Safe sleeping places for homeless Better roads Speed humps on McKenzie King Drive 50km/hr zone on highway between Wesburn and Warburton Kid’s playground using recycled materials

6. Lobby for better public and/or community transport Community bus from Warburton to Yarra Junction ($1 each way) Tele-bus service from Yarra Junction to Warburton Divert public bus through estate (McKenzie King Drive) Public bus 6am-8am on weekends Late night bus service and on weekends Bring back the Railway

7. Lobby for better mobile phone coverage and internet access Relocation of Telstra tower, away from Mill site 4G mobile phone reception


ANNEX 2: MILWARRA PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Survey 19 June 2015 with Grades 3-4 (17 students) and Grades 5-6 (16 students)

Theme Ideas No. of responses

Grade 5-6

VOTE

Grade 5-6

No. of responses

Grade 3-4

VOTE

Grade 3-4

Total

OUTDOORS A better playground 1 6 7

More play grounds 1 1

New (cleaner) toilets 2 1 3

Water Bubblers 2 3 5

SPORT/ RECREATION

Footy Ground 1 1

Skate Park 2 1 3 6

Rope Swing - 1 1 2

Flying Fox - 1 - 1

Tree House - 1 11 12

Bike Club 1 1

Car Club 1 1 2

Go Kart Track 1 3 4

Motor Cross Park - - 1 6 7

BMX jump 1 3 1 2 7

Community vegie garden 2 1 3

More groups like youth theatre 1 1

Hotel allowing pets 1 1

Cinema - - 1 1

Gym - - 1 3 4

Swimming Pool - - 1 3 4

Footy – Netball Team - - 1 17 18

PUBLIC ASSETS

Bush projects 1 2 3

More paths (in the bush) 2 2

A bike path (to school) 2 2

Walking tracks 1 1 2

Foot paths – River Rd- from estate to shops 1 1


Walking bridge over the river (from Tullock Rd) - - 1 1

Bigger parking areas 1 1

Help the mill consume less wood (less wood at mill)

1 1 2

Have less rubbish on the ground 1 1

Litter pick-up group 1 1

Signs “Put rubbish in bin” - - 1 1

Community park on the main road (make it better)

1 1

Bus Depot 1 1

Have real life game characters from games like Pokemon

1 1

More Trees - 1 1

SHOPS Make Millgrove more modern 1 2 3

New shopping centre 1 1

More shops 3 1 4

Game store

Movie/video store

Bookstore

Bike shop

Lolly Shop

Ice-cream Shop

Hairdresser

3

1

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

1

1

1

-

-

-

-

8

5

-

3

1

1

1

9

6

1

Small IGA/Safeway - - 1 - 1

Car wash 1 1

SERVICES Welcome to new residents in Millgrove 1 1

Library (not aware that it is in Baptist Church now)

3 3

Out of school Homework Club (exists) 1 1

Animal Care Group 1 1 2

SAFETY Have a police station (because of hoons, unregistered motor bikes on the road)

1 5 6

Have a hospital (Re-open the hospital in Warby) 3 7 10

Large fire truck 1 1

Traffic lights at McKenzie King bridge to get to 1 3 4


bus stop on trail-side / School crossing

ANNEX 3: FIFTEEN MILLGROVE STUDENTS AT UYSC, 13 MAY 2015

What do we need to create, change, modify, regain, keep in Millgrove?

Process - a few minutes of writing down ideas on sticky notes individually, put them on the whiteboard under categories, grouping of ideas, group discussion to clarify ideas, then 3 votes each on their favourite ideas)

Theme Idea No.of responses

Votes

Total

Transport Divert public bus through estate (McKenzie King Drive) 1 8 9

Outdoors Upgrade McKenzie King park equipment, toilet, shelter, fence

5 6 11

Bring back rope swing on river 9 4 13

A garden maze 1 1

Sport and Rec Millgrove sports teams for girls e.g. basketball, netball 3 1 4

Moto X / BMX / Go cart track 5 1 6

Skate park 2 1 3

Rec centre/gym/bowling 4 10 14

Athletics running track 2 4 6

Public assets A bridge across to Westley Road 1 1

Seal Wonga Road 1 1 2

Better roads 2 4 6

Tidy up the sawmill 3 3

No more smashed bus shelters 1 1

Keep the ANZAC memorial rock 2 2

Keep the CFA 2 2

Shops Hungry Jack’s/Macca’s/Pancake Parlour/Chinese 5 5

A good food place 1 1 2

Pub 1 2 3

Supermarket 1 1

Services Youth group after school (games, pool table), like at Redwood Centre, Warby

1 1

Long day care 2 2

Safety Police station/more patrols/less drug dealing and “Rats” at park

6 4 10

Streetlights 1 4 5


ANNEX 4: MILLGROVE ABS SUMMARY PROFILE, 2011

Name Number %

Yarra Ranges Council area %

Population Summary

Total Population 1,649 100.0 100.0

Males 831 50.4 49.5

Females 818 49.6 50.5

Australian citizens 1,424 86.4 90.1

Eligible voters (citizens 18+) 1,079 65.4 67.4

Indigenous population 13 0.8 0.7

Australian-born 1,296 78.6 79.5

Speaks language other than English at home 76 4.6 6.0

Overseas-born 224 13.6 16.3

Needs assistance due to age or disability 109 6.6 3.8

Age Structure

Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) 131 8.0 6.5

Primary schoolers (5 to 11) 139 8.4 9.2

Secondary schoolers (12 to 17) 114 6.9 8.6

Tertiary education/independence (18 to 24) 153 9.3 9.3

Young workforce (25 to 34) 176 10.7 11.2

Parents and homebuilders (35 to 49) 348 21.1 22.1

Older workers & pre-retirees (50 to 59) 293 17.7 14.3

Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) 189 11.5 10.9

Seniors (70 to 84) 93 5.6 6.6

Frail aged (85 and over) 13 0.8 1.4

Total Population 1,649 100.0 100.0

Household Types


Couples with children 156 22.2 37.1

Couples without children 133 19.0 25.8

One parent families 134 19.2 11.3

Lone person households 214 30.5 19.7

Group households 25 3.5 2.2

Total households (inc. non-classifiable) 701 100.0 100.0

Religion

Christian religions 755 45.9 53.9

Non Christian religions 62 3.7 2.3

No Religion 557 33.9 33.8

Not stated 233 14.2 8.9

Total persons (inc. non-classifiable) 1,644 100.0 100.0

Education

Attending pre-school or primary school 158 9.6 10.6

Attending secondary school 93 5.6 7.4

Attending university or TAFE institution 77 4.7 5.5

Total persons (including those not attending) 1,646 100.0 100.0

Labour Force

Employed 642 93.1 96.0

Unemployed 47 6.9 4.0

Total labour force 689 51.9 66.3

Not in the labour force 512 38.6 29.8

Total persons aged 15+ (inc. Not Stated) 1,327 100.0 100.0

Dwelling Summary

Separate houses 764 98.7 91.9

Medium and high density 1 0.1 7.5

Other dwellings (inc. Caravans, houseboats) 9 1.2 0.7

Occupied private dwellings 704 91.4 92.4

Unoccupied Dwellings 66 8.6 7.4


Non private dwellings 0 0.0 0.2

Total dwellings 770 100.0 100.0

Housing Tenure

Owned 207 29.4 33.3

Purchasing 299 42.5 47.0

Renting 138 19.7 14.4

Total households (inc. not stated and other) 703 100.0 100.0

Household Income

Less than $600 (low) 212 32.2 18.0

$600 to $1,249 (lower middle) 223 33.9 25.4

$1,250 to $1,999 (upper middle) 104 15.8 21.1

$2,000 or more (high) 38 5.8 24.3

Incomes not stated 82 12.4 11.1

Total households 658 100.0 100.0

Internet Connection

Broadband connection 393 56.0 72.8

Dial-up connection 27 3.8 3.4

Other connection 24 3.4 2.9

No connection 201 28.6 15.4

Not stated 58 8.2 5.4

Total households 701 100.0 100.0

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011.Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id, the population experts.


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