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The average Greater Dandenong ratepayer will pay about $71 extra next year, according to the council’s draft 2018-’19 budget.

Councillors voted to put the proposal out for public feedback for 28 days at their Monday 23 April meeting.

They’ll make a final decision at their Tuesday 12 June meeting.

The headline project in the $58 million capital works program is the Springvale Civic Precinct.

There’s $18.5 million allocated to start construction, which is due for completion by December next year.

The draft budget also includes $1 million to design the Keysborough South community hub, on top of $3 million already set aside for land.

The Thomas P Carroll Reserve pavilion is pegged for a $2 million overhaul, the Dandenong Park makeover would continue with $1.5 million and Robert Booth Reserve would receive floodlighting in an $815,000 plan.

The budget proposes $200,000 in CCTV for the Brady Road shopping precinct, $5.56 million in road resurfacing and reconstruction, and just over $1 million for new library resources.

Cr Matthew Kirwan also highlighted cash to continue Walker Street and Springvale Road beautification works, put solar panels on the Dandenong Civic Centre, build a cycle path on Hammond Road, and design an all-abilities playground.

He welcomed $46,200 for a tribute to the Greater Dandenong Living Treasures and $22,200 towards a book celebrating the City of Greater Dandenong’s 25th anniversary.

Corporate services director Mick Jaensch said an increase in recycling costs added about $2.5 million to the overall council budget.

Ratepayers will fork out an extra 16 per cent or $53 to recover the cost.

The budget report said the council’s recycling contract “has been immediately impacted by the National Sword Policy implemented by China’s Customs on 1 January 2018, which aims to restrict the import of contaminated paper, cardboard and plastics”.

Engineering services director Julie Reid said there was no planned interruption to the council’s household recycling service.

“Our service is operating business as usual and we continue to encourage our residents to recycle,” she said.

The Local Government Minister determined that the rate rise for the 2018-‘19 financial year for councils across the state would be capped at the forecast rate of inflation of 2.25 per cent.

The cap is on the total amount of rates that the council can collect.

Each individual increase will depend on any change in property value since the previous valuation.

Greater Dandenong property values increased about 25 per cent in past two years.

Properties that rose by less than this figure would attract a lower rate increase, and those with a greater rise would have a higher rate increase.

The increase for the median residential valued property will be 5.50 per cent, including the waste charge increase.

That’s $71.15 for the year, or $1.37 cents per week.

The draft budget report said the council was confident it could continue to manage rate-capping this year, but it would become more difficult.

“Particularly as the delivery of new facilities such as the Springvale Community Precinct add considerable costs to the council’s operational budgets without the ability to offset this via increased rates,” it said.

“These projects…also create an additional maintenance requirement going forward increasing operational costs into the future.”

The average Greater Dandenong ratepayer will pay about $71 extra next year, according to the council’s draft 2018-’19 budget. Councillors voted to put the proposal out for public feedback for 28 days at their Monday 23 April meeting. They’ll make a final decision at their Tuesday 12 June meeting. The headline project in the $58 million capital works program is the Springvale Civic Precinct. There’s $18.5 million allocated to start construction, which is due for completion by December next year. The draft budget also includes $1 million to design the Keysborough South community hub, on top of $3 million already set aside for land. The Thomas P Carroll Reserve pavilion is pegged for a $2 million overhaul, the Dandenong Park makeover would continue with $1.5 million and Robert Booth Reserve would receive floodlighting in an $815,000 plan. The budget proposes $200,000 in CCTV for the Brady Road shopping precinct, $5.56 million in road resurfacing and reconstruction, and just over $1 million for new library resources. Cr Matthew Kirwan also highlighted cash to continue Walker Street and Springvale Road beautification works, put solar panels on the Dandenong Civic Centre, build a cycle path on Hammond Road, and design an all-abilities playground. He welcomed $46,200 for a tribute to the Greater Dandenong Living Treasures and $22,200 towards a book celebrating the City of Greater Dandenong’s 25th anniversary. Corporate services director Mick Jaensch said an increase in recycling costs added about $2.5 million to the overall council budget. Ratepayers will fork out an extra 16 per cent or $53 to recover the cost. The budget report said the council’s recycling contract “has been immediately impacted by the National Sword Policy implemented by China’s Customs on 1 January 2018, which aims to restrict the import of contaminated paper, cardboard and plastics”. Engineering services director Julie Reid said there was no planned interruption to the council’s household recycling service. “Our service is operating business as usual and we continue to encourage our residents to recycle,” she said. The Local Government Minister determined that the rate rise for the 2018-‘19 financial year for councils across the state would be capped at the forecast rate of inflation of 2.25 per cent. The cap is on the total amount of rates that the council can collect. Each individual increase will depend on any change in property value since the previous valuation. Greater Dandenong property values increased about 25 per cent in past two years. Properties that rose by less than this figure would attract a lower rate increase, and those with a greater rise would have a higher rate increase. The increase for the median residential valued property will be 5.50 per cent, including the waste charge increase. That’s $71.15 for the year, or $1.37 cents per week. The draft budget report said the council was confident it could continue to manage rate-capping this year, but it would become more difficult. “Particularly as the delivery of new facilities such as the Springvale Community Precinct add considerable costs to the council’s operational budgets without the ability to offset this via increased rates,” it said. “These projects…also create an additional maintenance requirement going forward increasing operational costs into the future.”

 Punters have splurged more than $22 million on pokie machines within the Cardinia Shire in the past nine months, new figures have revealed.

Between July 2017 and March 2018, the region’s five gaming venues raked in a combined average of $2.2 million per month, according to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).

The Cardinia Club was the biggest earner, followed by Castello’s Cardinia Hotel.

It comes as Station Hotel’s controversial proposal to introduce 80 pokie machines in Officer is being heard by the VCGLR.

Jerry Field, a member of the fierce anti-pokies movement in Officer, fears the new machines will worsen an already “concerning” gambling issue in the region.

“We have faith that the right decision will be made – especially given how much money they’re already taking from the community,” he said.

“It would be negligent for the commission to allow another venue.

“People in our shire are already losing $75,000 per day.”

The proposal came before Cardinia Shire late last year, but was unanimously quashed by councillors.

In a separate battle, owners of Officer’s Station Hotel are appealing the refusal in VCAT with a hearing set for 14 May.

Andrew McNabb – fed up by the long-running ordeal – has now spearheaded a fundraiser to construct a freedom of information request.

“We need a freedom of information request to disclose the applicant’s shonky practices in their existing venues,” he said.

The applicant of the new venue is counting on the fact that the request can’t be funded.

We can’t let cost be a barrier to exposing their predatory behaviour when it will impact the Officer community.”

According to Mr McNabb, he needs $300 to process the request and an additional $200 to print and distribute the information.

In a report prepared by Progressive Venue Services, the 80 new machines would yield approximately $5.9 million in the first 12 months of operation.

About 76 per cent would be pulled from other Cardinia Shire venues, with 24 per cent – or $1.4 million – coming from new expenditure.

Station Hotel director Timothy Rice said the venue would willingly make a $120,000 contribution to the community every year – if the site goes ahead.

“The money will go to local sporting groups and charities and local responsible gambling service providers,” he said in a letter to the commission.

“I am delighted to be part of this exciting project in my local community and look forward to offering our patrons the best and safest environment in which to relax and enjoy themselves.”

 Punters have splurged more than $22 million on pokie machines within the Cardinia Shire in the past nine months, new figures have revealed. Between July 2017 and March 2018, the region’s five gaming venues raked in a combined average of $2.2 million per month, according to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR). The Cardinia Club was the biggest earner, followed by Castello’s Cardinia Hotel. It comes as Station Hotel’s controversial proposal to introduce 80 pokie machines in Officer is being heard by the VCGLR. Jerry Field, a member of the fierce anti-pokies movement in Officer, fears the new machines will worsen an already “concerning” gambling issue in the region. “We have faith that the right decision will be made – especially given how much money they’re already taking from the community,” he said. “It would be negligent for the commission to allow another venue. “People in our shire are already losing $75,000 per day.” The proposal came before Cardinia Shire late last year, but was unanimously quashed by councillors. In a separate battle, owners of Officer’s Station Hotel are appealing the refusal in VCAT with a hearing set for 14 May. Andrew McNabb – fed up by the long-running ordeal – has now spearheaded a fundraiser to construct a freedom of information request. “We need a freedom of information request to disclose the applicant’s shonky practices in their existing venues,” he said. The applicant of the new venue is counting on the fact that the request can’t be funded. We can’t let cost be a barrier to exposing their predatory behaviour when it will impact the Officer community.” According to Mr McNabb, he needs $300 to process the request and an additional $200 to print and distribute the information. In a report prepared by Progressive Venue Services, the 80 new machines would yield approximately $5.9 million in the first 12 months of operation. About 76 per cent would be pulled from other Cardinia Shire venues, with 24 per cent – or $1.4 million – coming from new expenditure. Station Hotel director Timothy Rice said the venue would willingly make a $120,000 contribution to the community every year – if the site goes ahead. “The money will go to local sporting groups and charities and local responsible gambling service providers,” he said in a letter to the commission. “I am delighted to be part of this exciting project in my local community and look forward to offering our patrons the best and safest environment in which to relax and enjoy themselves.”

A trail-blazing Berwick IT student says she is keeping her options open – after all, the jobs of the future may not even exist yet.

Amy Thompson is one of 35 young innovators to have won Westpac Young Technologist national scholarships.

More than half of the awardees are female – a deliberate push to fast-track more gender and socio-economic diversity into technology.

Ms Thompson is already seeing positive change in her first-year class at RMIT University.

“There’s quite a number of girls in my course, many more than I expected.

“In my view, there needs to be more diversity in gender and more cultures because everyone has so much to offer.

“Having a more diverse mindset in the technology industry will create many more opportunities.”

Ms Thompson has an interest in app and website design, with plans to move into IT management.

She was always encouraged to follow her passion for computing as a student at the all-girls St Margaret’s School, Berwick.

“All of the girls were incredibly smart and had such an idea of what they wanted to do in the future.

“They were driven to go into technology fields.

“We had the largest IT class of girls that the school had so far.”

There’s a lot of options to explore in the dynamically changing IT environment, whether it’s in 3-D printing or in a coding lab.

Ms Thompson isn’t sure of where she’ll land, though it probably won’t be in a “back room” writing computer programs.

Already through her scholarship, Ms Thompson said she’d met inspiring past and present recipients, such as one designing prosthetics for war veterans.

She has lifetime membership to a Westpac100 Scholars Network to collaborate on Australia’s most pressing problems, as well as relevant work experience.

“I’m not really sure exactly what I’ll do. I’m leaving it open.

“In the future there’s going to be jobs that don’t even exist at the moment.”

The scholarship of up to $25,000 will pay off a fair chunk of her HECS bill for her IT course. It not only takes the financial pressure off, it makes Ms Thompson feel others have faith in her.

“It’s pushing me to do my best and take hold of my future.”

Westpac Bicentennial Foundation chief executive Susan Bannigan said the scholarship fast-tracked the development of young people from “all walks of life”.

“The future of work is going to be driven by technology so it’s critical we invest in young, innovative Australians to help build a strong pipeline of talent in the industry for years to come.”

A trail-blazing Berwick IT student says she is keeping her options open – after all, the jobs of the future may not even exist yet. Amy Thompson is one of 35 young innovators to have won Westpac Young Technologist national scholarships. More than half of the awardees are female – a deliberate push to fast-track more gender and socio-economic diversity into technology. Ms Thompson is already seeing positive change in her first-year class at RMIT University. “There’s quite a number of girls in my course, many more than I expected. “In my view, there needs to be more diversity in gender and more cultures because everyone has so much to offer. “Having a more diverse mindset in the technology industry will create many more opportunities.” Ms Thompson has an interest in app and website design, with plans to move into IT management. She was always encouraged to follow her passion for computing as a student at the all-girls St Margaret’s School, Berwick. “All of the girls were incredibly smart and had such an idea of what they wanted to do in the future. “They were driven to go into technology fields. “We had the largest IT class of girls that the school had so far.” There’s a lot of options to explore in the dynamically changing IT environment, whether it’s in 3-D printing or in a coding lab. Ms Thompson isn’t sure of where she’ll land, though it probably won’t be in a “back room” writing computer programs. Already through her scholarship, Ms Thompson said she’d met inspiring past and present recipients, such as one designing prosthetics for war veterans. She has lifetime membership to a Westpac100 Scholars Network to collaborate on Australia’s most pressing problems, as well as relevant work experience. “I’m not really sure exactly what I’ll do. I’m leaving it open. “In the future there’s going to be jobs that don’t even exist at the moment.” The scholarship of up to $25,000 will pay off a fair chunk of her HECS bill for her IT course. It not only takes the financial pressure off, it makes Ms Thompson feel others have faith in her. “It’s pushing me to do my best and take hold of my future.” Westpac Bicentennial Foundation chief executive Susan Bannigan said the scholarship fast-tracked the development of young people from “all walks of life”. “The future of work is going to be driven by technology so it’s critical we invest in young, innovative Australians to help build a strong pipeline of talent in the industry for years to come.”

Pakenham’s highly-anticipated Yakkerboo Festival has been declared a “huge success”.

Thousands flocked to Bourke Park and Main Street to partake in the 43nd annual event, which has ballooned in popularity since its inception.

Yakkerboo committee president Michael Porter said he was extremely satisfied with the outcome and the behaviour of patrons.

He has implored the community to get involved due to the committee’s declining size.

“As the shire grows, the festival has to keep getting bigger and better and with that comes more work,” he said.

“The biggest problem with that is that the committee keeps getting smaller.

“We struggled in manpower this year and we’re really looking for new people to spread the workload.

“Other than the car par incident, the day was very successful and we trust everyone enjoyed themselves.”

According to Mr Porter, James Street’s underground car park entry was closed when it should have remained open – creating congestion for those trying to leave.

However, festival goers have expressed overwhelming praise for the event.

“It was a great day out for the kids and one of the biggest turnouts we’ve seen so far,“ Pakenham’s Sarah White said.

“Hopefully it will continue to grow in the years to come.“

Yakkerboo’s Saturday night entertainment was described as the highlight, boasting the biggest turnout of the weekend.

“The Saturday night was a huge success,“ Mr Porter said.

“This year we decided to put a band on and have some food trucks and it worked.

“The park was just so full, we’ll definitely be doing that again.“

Those who are interested in joining the Yakkerboo Festival Committee can contact admin@yakkerboo.org.au.

Pakenham’s highly-anticipated Yakkerboo Festival has been declared a “huge success”. Thousands flocked to Bourke Park and Main Street to partake in the 43nd annual event, which has ballooned in popularity since its inception. Yakkerboo committee president Michael Porter said he was extremely satisfied with the outcome and the behaviour of patrons. He has implored the community to get involved due to the committee’s declining size. “As the shire grows, the festival has to keep getting bigger and better and with that comes more work,” he said. “The biggest problem with that is that the committee keeps getting smaller. “We struggled in manpower this year and we’re really looking for new people to spread the workload. “Other than the car par incident, the day was very successful and we trust everyone enjoyed themselves.” According to Mr Porter, James Street’s underground car park entry was closed when it should have remained open – creating congestion for those trying to leave. However, festival goers have expressed overwhelming praise for the event. “It was a great day out for the kids and one of the biggest turnouts we’ve seen so far,“ Pakenham’s Sarah White said. “Hopefully it will continue to grow in the years to come.“ Yakkerboo’s Saturday night entertainment was described as the highlight, boasting the biggest turnout of the weekend. “The Saturday night was a huge success,“ Mr Porter said. “This year we decided to put a band on and have some food trucks and it worked. “The park was just so full, we’ll definitely be doing that again.“ Those who are interested in joining the Yakkerboo Festival Committee can contact admin@yakkerboo.org.au.

“Never let anybody say that you cannot do something.”

This was among the advice Basketball star Andrew Bogut shared with Doveton College students on Monday 23 April.

He stopped by to officially open the school’s new outdoor play space, “our big back yard”.

“If you put the time and the effort into anything…you can do anything you want,” he said.

“It doesn’t just come easy. You have to put in the time and hard work.”

Bogut’s visit coincided with news breaking that he was ending his 13-season career playing in the US in the NBA and returning to Australia to play in the NBL with the Sydney Kings.

He told the Journal that he wanted to give the kids something to aspire to.

“It’s not an area that gets a lot of positive attention,” he said.

He grew up in Eumemmerring and went to St John’s Regional College in Dandenong, and his dad went to Doveton Tech.

Bogut has friends in Hallam and Dandenong and said he still spent a lot of time in the area.

He told students to listen to their parents, teachers and principal, to do their homework and eat their vegies.

“Treat the person next to you and the person behind you the way you would want to be treated,” he said.

“If you see one of your classmates that’s a little sad or down, maybe put your arm him and ask him if he’s doing ok.”

He said his most important message for them was to enjoy being kids.

“I would give anything I could to be your age again and just have no responsibilities,” he said.

“This is the best time of your life, enjoy it.”

College benefactor the Colman Foundation funded the “big back yard”.

Founder Julius Colman organised Bogut’s visit.

“We want to show them they can achieve,” he told the Journal.

“I don’t know him. I got a number and called him out of the blue.

“He said yes.”

Mr Colman told the official opening: “Andrew is an example for you that you too can do anything that you want if you really try”.

College principal Greg McMahon said the space would allow kids to actually be kids.

“It’s a great opportunity for our little ones to have this space to run around in and get dirty,” he said.

“We’re really proud of what’s happened here.

“Seeing a local made good is just the inspiration they need.”

 

“Never let anybody say that you cannot do something.” This was among the advice Basketball star Andrew Bogut shared with Doveton College students on Monday 23 April. He stopped by to officially open the school’s new outdoor play space, “our big back yard”. “If you put the time and the effort into anything…you can do anything you want,” he said. “It doesn’t just come easy. You have to put in the time and hard work.” Bogut’s visit coincided with news breaking that he was ending his 13-season career playing in the US in the NBA and returning to Australia to play in the NBL with the Sydney Kings. He told the Journal that he wanted to give the kids something to aspire to. “It’s not an area that gets a lot of positive attention,” he said. He grew up in Eumemmerring and went to St John’s Regional College in Dandenong, and his dad went to Doveton Tech. Bogut has friends in Hallam and Dandenong and said he still spent a lot of time in the area. He told students to listen to their parents, teachers and principal, to do their homework and eat their vegies. “Treat the person next to you and the person behind you the way you would want to be treated,” he said. “If you see one of your classmates that’s a little sad or down, maybe put your arm him and ask him if he’s doing ok.” He said his most important message for them was to enjoy being kids. “I would give anything I could to be your age again and just have no responsibilities,” he said. “This is the best time of your life, enjoy it.” College benefactor the Colman Foundation funded the “big back yard”. Founder Julius Colman organised Bogut’s visit. “We want to show them they can achieve,” he told the Journal. “I don’t know him. I got a number and called him out of the blue. “He said yes.” Mr Colman told the official opening: “Andrew is an example for you that you too can do anything that you want if you really try”. College principal Greg McMahon said the space would allow kids to actually be kids. “It’s a great opportunity for our little ones to have this space to run around in and get dirty,” he said. “We’re really proud of what’s happened here. “Seeing a local made good is just the inspiration they need.”