Latest Contributions
We are sure you will agree that waiting around to get the good stuff has got knobs on it. This post will give you an early glimpse of some of the articles we will be including in the next two-monthly edition of the newspaper.
We will continually refresh this post as we receive new contributions.
If you have a burning issue that you want to tell the world about, please sit down and start writing now. When we receive it, we will immediately consider it for publication here and also later in the newspaper. If you have any comments on articles published here, please email us at eastsidernews1@gmail.com.
We would also like to keep you informed about what is happening in the many local organisations in our regions. These groups fulfill many purposes and bring people together to work towards shared goals. We want to help publicise what they are doing and to increase awareness of their important community building role.
Top Image by Alexa from Pixabay
Line dance with Marie
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Day or evening.
Classes are held at Forest Hill, Ashburton, Rowville, Camberwell, Vermont South and Keysborough. All ages welcome. A workout for your whole body with a thorough and patient instructor.
Contact Marie about specific class times and locations, how to register and any other questions by email at mariepietersz@hotmail.com or by phone on 0412 296 827.
Community radio station 3WBC broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed entirely by volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
The best way to experience what 3WBC has to offer is to tune your radio to 94.1FM. Whatever time of day or night, you are sure to find music and conversation to suit your taste and interests. To find out more about their programs, go to their website at https://www.3wbc.org.au/
Disclaimers
Eastsider News is a means by which people in Whitehorse, Boroondara and adjacent areas including Manningham and Monash can share information, opinions and experiences. A spread of interests and views that reflects the diversity of people in the area is encouraged, but views expressed in Eastsider News by individual writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editors, Independent Community News Group Incorporated, or any other organisation.
Copyright © 2024. Copyright rests equally with the named authors and Independent Community News Group Incorporated. All rights are reserved but, consistent with the community spirit of the venture, a Commons approach to reproducing material is taken on the understanding that it is accompanied by an attribution which refers to both Eastsider News and the author, and a copy of the reproduction is sent to eastsidernews1@gmail.com.
Responsibility for material related to elections is taken by named authors and Independent Community News Group Incorporated. We accept advertising in good faith, but readers need to apply caveat emptor.
Shop Local this Christmas
Sal Dugan
The 2024 Deloitte retail holiday report tells us that on average each consumer will spend just over $1000 during the Christmas holiday season. That’s a fair whack when you think about it. But where is it to be spent? The Internet? Massive shopping plazas? Let’s hope not, well at least not exclusively.
With so many wonderfully diverse strip shopping centres in our readership area, we have a fabulous choice not only to shop local, but to acquire an array of gifts and plenty of Christmas fodder without having to waste fuel and energy traversing the city or just heading to the CBD.
Strip shops offer fabulous greengrocers, delis, butchers, fishmongers, gift shops, newsagencies that these days stock more cards and gift items than newspapers and magazines, the odd antique market for something novel, op shops for something interesting and inexpensive. Some strips boast boutique clothing stores, patisseries, specialist confectionary shops, etc.
There is plenty of choice close by, so do remember the precious existence of the local strip shops when you’re planning Christmas, summer barbies, New Year parties and holidays.
The strip shops that come quickly to my mind are High Street Kew, Glenferrie Road, Auburn Road, Belmore Road, Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Union Road, Surrey Hills, Maling Road, Canterbury, Canterbury Road Blackburn South, Hamilton Street, Mont Albert. I’m sure there are others near you.
Please support them, for without your support they could easily disappear! And that, I reckon, would be tragic.
Victorian Electric Vehicle Enthusiasts Drive Australia’s Green Revolution
Virginia Hunt
In the bustling heart of Melbourne, a quiet yet powerful revolution is gaining momentum. The Victorian branch of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) is charging forward with a vision: to make electric vehicles (EVs) an everyday reality in Australia. As electric cars zoom quietly through Melbourne’s city streets, the AEVA Vic branch is working tirelessly behind the scenes to accelerate the adoption of sustainable transport across the state.
The Clash: Higher Density Living and a Changing Climate
Geoff White
The Combined Residents of Whitehorse Action Groups (CROWAG) Forum held on Saturday 19th October at the Box Hill Community Arts Centre with over 80 attendees was both timely and compelling.
The theme – The Clash: Higher Density Living and a Changing Climate was prescient, given the State Government announcement the following day for upzoning 50 new activity centres across Melbourne to allow for high rise development up to 20 storeys.
Infrastructure Victoria quotes Government projection that around 11 million people will live in Victoria in 2056 or about 4.5 million extra people compared to 2022. Plan Melbourne 2017–2050, Melbourne’s metropolitan planning strategy, includes an aspiration for 70% of new homes to be built in established areas for a projected population of 9 million from the current population of 5.3 million.
A more compact city has to provide a broader range of medium density homes such as townhouses, terrace homes and low-rise apartments, as well as higher density apartments over 5 storeys beyond detached houses.
Planning changes cannot ignore the impacts of a warming climate. Urban heat causes more deaths than floods and bushfires therefore future urban development must be designed for a 2100 climate, likely to be 2.7 degrees warmer than the early 1900’s. Housing must be fit for purpose, where children born today, living in new and denser housing are safely sheltered.
Neil Plummer, Climatologist speaking about the current impacts of climate change also pointed out that the Insurance Council of Australia payments to policy holders impacted by extreme weather has more than doubled, the past 5 year average being $4.5 billion compared to the past 30 year average of $2.1 billion.
Adaptation for a hotter climate will require greener building and infrastructure design; greater energy efficiency and urban greening to provide cooling, maintain amenity and biodiversity. Professor Joe Hurley, RMIT Centre for Urban Design emphasised that high amenity, liveable neighbourhoods, that support sustainability and equity are possible.
He argued that good planning systems ensure that publicly agreed social and environmental values are protected from inappropriate development. He also commented that removing local voices for development expediency is a retrograde action.
Dr Stephen Rowley, RCI Planning spoke to Climate Change Provisions in the Planning System. He highlighted the slow implementation by the State Government of the environmentally sustainable development of buildings and subdivisions roadmap, something that metropolitan councils sought in local policies in the early 2010s by an alliance of councils (including Whitehorse).
He also noted that a more compact city requires 20-minute neighbourhoods giving people the ability to meet most of their needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip from their home. He further acknowledged that the proposed ResCode ‘deemed-to-comply’ planning changes to existing height; setbacks; overlooking and site coverage standards would intensify outcomes whilst reducing public consultation and eliminating pathways to object. He highlighted the need to establish which models for urban consolidation can do it well, being a discussion that both community and government need to be willing to have.
CROWAG believes that good planning systems should ensure that publicly agreed social and environmental values are protected from inappropriate development whereas the new ‘deemed-to-comply’ standards ignore context, neighbourhood character or amenity issues of neighbourhoods and remove rights of appeal for affected residents.
The speakers slide presentations can be viewed on the CROWAG web page for events at https://www.crowag.com/events.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Celebrating centenarian dynamic duo, Olive ‘Ruth’ and Sam Teed
Balwyn Evergreen Centre
Balwyn Evergreen Centre is honouring two remarkable members, Olive ‘Ruth’ and Sam Teed, both centenarians who continue to inspire with their vibrant lives, resilience, and connection to their community. Ruth and Sam’s contributions and enduring spirits are a reminder of the power of social connection and staying active, values that the Centre champions every day.
Ruth, as she prefers to be called, celebrated her 102nd birthday in May this year. Born in Essendon in 1922, Ruth’s life has been marked by a deep sense of kindness and service to her community. Over the last 15 years, she has found a second home at Balwyn Evergreen Centre, where she remains an active and cherished member.
Reflecting on her life, Ruth highlights her education, receiving a scholarship to business college, and her work at Government House as key milestones. Beyond her professional achievements, Ruth’s family and faith have been her constants, and she speaks proudly of her five children, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
‘My family means the world to me, and staying connected with my friends keeps my heart young,’ Ruth said.
Her secret to longevity lies in a combination of healthy eating, staying active, and travelling. Ruth remains socially engaged through her church, coffee catchups with friends, and volunteering. She regularly participates in Evergreen’s bus outings and the Divas program, and her enthusiasm for life never wanes.
Ruth said, ‘The staff at Evergreen are simply wonderful; they truly care about each one of us.’
Sam Teed, who recently turned 101, attributes his long life to staying busy and socially connected. Born in England in 1923 and migrating to Melbourne in 1925, Sam’s adventurous spirit led him to serve in World War II. Post-war, Sam’s career as an accountant took him across Asia, where he and his family immersed themselves in different cultures, learning Thai and Malay along the way.
Sam’s journey brought him to Balwyn Evergreen Centre, where he remains an enthusiastic participant. From exercise classes to community lunches, he enjoys being part of a thriving and supportive group.
Sam’s daughter Robyn remarked, ‘Evergreen is simply a lifeline for Dad. Connecting with the community brings him so much joy.’
Tina Hogarth-Clarke, CEO, Balwyn Evergreen Centre, said, ‘At Balwyn Evergreen Centre, we believe that social connection and friendship are vital to wellbeing. Ruth and Sam exemplify the rich and full lives that our members lead and their stories inspire us all. We are honoured to celebrate their lives and the joy they bring to our community.’
Kew’s new learning and lifestyle hub for locals with disability
Endeavour Foundation
At Endeavour Foundation’s new Learning and Lifestyle hub in Kew, activities on offer include cooking, social engagements, fitness options, literacy and numeracy life skills programs, as well as access to Virtual Reality, video Thrive programs, and creative arts activities.
Located in the Kew Library, the new hub will open every Wednesday, supporting people to engage, learn and grow in their own time, and at their own pace.
Endeavour Foundation has been providing disability services for over 70 years with that at Kew being their newest. Operations Manager, Palani Subramanian, invited locals to visit and explore the support on offer in their neighbourhood. ‘Our organisation was established to advocate for the rights of people living with disability. Seven decades later, we’re still ensuring the people we support have access to enriching opportunities in our community, to thrive and live their best lives however they choose.’
Kew Learning and Lifestyle participant, Kylie Roach, agrees. ‘We are learning life skills, how to do budgeting and then going out to the supermarket to grab the shopping for our lunches. The latte-lovers session is a nice social activity at a local café. We have loved the fitness sessions too.’
Endeavour Foundation Service Manager, Rebecca Mistriotis drew attention to the inforrmation sessions to help raise awareness around extra supports available on NDIS plans, and also the work and other personalised services we offer through Endeavour Foundation’.
State MP for Kew, Jess Wilson, said she welcomed the new hub, and commended Endeavour Foundation on their commitment and connection helping to improve access and inclusion for all people to reach their potential. ‘The City of Boroondara is home to over 20,000 people with disability and that number is increasing.
‘Having access to the Learning and Lifestyle centre right on their doorstep in Kew, is a wonderful attribute for the community; it’ll play a truly valuable part in ensuring our community is even more inclusive, accessible and supported now and into the future,’ Ms Wilson said.
To find out more about Endeavour Foundation and its services, call 1800 112 112, or go to endeavour.com.au.
Photo: credit endeavour Foundation. Cutting ribbon – L to R Grant and Kylie (Kew L&L participants), Jess Wilson MP, Beverley Knowles (member on EF Board of Directors)
Journey to the Centre of Oz
Carmel McNaught
This reflection is based on a recent five-week camping trip to Australia’s Red Centre with my husband, David. The trip, like a tapestry, had several interwoven threads, two of which are: the beauty of the outback of our vast country juxtaposed with many signs of environmental damage; and the camaraderie of campgrounds with their joy of laughter and warm conversations juxtaposed with the evidence in several towns of economic stress and folk living on the margins.
So, like a tapestry where the final pattern is a mix of light and dark hues, our experience had both light and dark moments.
Our route on this 6,800-km trip took us through the Flinders Ranges, up to Uluru and The Olgas, to Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges; and then to Alice Springs and a week-long muster of about 200 folk who have similar campers to ours at Ross River. Our route home went via Coober Pedy and parts of Victoria we know well.
To read the full article, please click here.
All photos are of Palm Valley. Credit: Carmel McNaught
Boroondara’s Urban Forest
Ray Peck
The term urban forest was first coined by Danish-Canadian forester Erik Jorgensen in 1974. He identified Urban Forestry as ‘A specialized branch of forestry that has as its objectives the cultivation and management of trees for their present and potential contribution to the physiological, sociological and economic well-being of urban society. These contributions include the over-all ameliorating effect of trees on their environment, as well as their recreational and general amenity value.’ Fifty years later, this definition holds up well.
But how are Boroondara’s trees?
Theme 2 of the Climate Action Plan is ‘Biodiversity and trees’ and action 2.11 is ‘Develop an Urban Forest and Urban Greening Strategy for Boroondara with a related planting plan.’ The Tree Canopy Strategy 2024-2024 states, ‘The extent of Boroondara’s tree canopy depends both on the growth of new and existing trees and the planting of new trees.’
However, after the loss of around 16,000 trees from North East Link, more from crossing removal work, and potentially hundreds more if the proposed Camberwell Junction Activity Centre eventuates, Boroondara’s tree canopy is reduced and threatened more than ever.
Residents can help the Council protect and grow our urban forest in several ways.
One way is to identify and nominate significant trees. Significant trees are protected under the Tree Protection Local Law and are listed in the significant tree register. They are outstanding trees because of their impressive size, age, rarity, ecological value, or cultural and historical significance. They can be on private property or public land. A significant tree can be a single tree, an avenue of trees or a hedge.
Identifying a significant tree is an easy process that can even be done on a mobile phone when out walking. Alternatively, take a photograph, note the location and complete the nomination on a computer or tablet when home. The process is described at forms.boroondara.vic.gov.au/nominate-a-significant-tree/
A second way is to request a tree to be planted on your street, at a Council facility or in a park. An arborist will assess the site to make sure it’s suitable. Rather oddly, this is done at service.boroondara.vic.gov.au/report-an-issue/#gf_229 by clicking on the Trees and Tree planting radio buttons and describing your request in the ‘Describe the issue’ box.
These are practical ways residents can help protect and grow Boroondara’s urban forest.