monbulk aquatics trophy night

It was presentation night for season 2008/09 for the Monbulk Aquatic Club. I was pleased to be invited to attend to hand out Club Championship Medallions and the Shire of Yarra Ranges Handicap Trophy for 400m freestyle.

Guest speaker for the night was Emily Rooke, Australian representative for the World Triathlon Championships. She talked about the passion she had for her sport and the importance of writing down your goals.

The Shire of Yarra Ranges Handicap Trophy is a hotly contested perpetual trophy for the club and it is the one trophy that leaves people guessing who the winner is right up to the last minute. It was great to announce Ryan Pinchbeck winner of the trophy for this season, Ryan was greeted with a great cheer from the crowd as he came down to accept his trophy.

Me and Ryan Pinchbeck, winner of the Shire of Yarra Ranges Handicap Trophy 2009 at the Monbulk Aquatic Club presentation night.

It was a terrific night and there was a lot of talk and a great deal of excitement about the redevelopment of the Monbulk pool. I have been working with the club and community members as part of the Project Control Group for the redevelopment. Refurbishment of the pool is well overdue and I look forward to seeing the redevelopment project come to fruition.

vote 1 samantha dunn

on the campaign trail.....

a busy time talking to residents from Tecoma, Belgrave South and Belgrave over the last couple of days about all manner of issues and getting many well wishes from the community.





“Monbulk Aquatic Club Inc acknowledges and thanks Samantha Dunn for her assistance and ongoing support of the Monbulk Pool redevelopment project which will benefit not only the Monbulk Aquatic Club but the local community as well. It is great to see our Councillors getting behind local sporting groups to ensure access, fun and fitness for all, ultimately providing the best possible services to the Hills community.”

Gaby Mitchell – Monbulk Aquatic Club

“Councillor Dunn acted swiftly to oppose high density housing in parts of Belgrave, Tecoma and Upwey when the Shire’s Draft Housing Strategy was released last year. The residents were outraged at this threat to their lifestyle and environment. She listened and acted to change the Shire’s long term plans to increase housing density in these townships.”

Betty Marsden – Kallista

monbulk pool officially turns one

Well it’s official, the Monbulk Pool Redevelopment was officially recognised at it’s one year community birthday party. 
 

It’s been quite a journey for the community and the pool.

The talk about redevelopment started back in 2004 when the council of the day allocated $2million towards the project, for whatever reason unknown to me and before my time as a councillor, council reallocated the money to other projects. 

Talk about the project did not recommence until 2009. In 2010 a planning permit was issued for the $6.1million redevelopment project. In July of that year, council signed off on $7million for the project. After the tender process in 2011 the project was costed at $8.4million. I had to ask my councillor colleagues at Yarra Ranges Council for an increase in funding 3 times as the scope of the project evolved and to their credit they agreed to additional funding on every occasion.

 

The new gym is a great addition to the Monbulk Pool,
boasting one of the best views from any gym, anywhere.

In 2012 construction commenced, originally the pool was scheduled to open in April 2013, but eventually opened in August, 2013 at a cost of $8.7 million with council contributing $7.12million, state government $837,500 and federal government $742,000.

There were many construction challenges along the way, there was the surprise find of asbestos buried underneath the pool and admin buildings, the site shutdown due to dangerous trees, the issues with water and electricity connection and I can confirm that yes you do fill a 25mt pool with a garden hose (and it was a very chilly day to be playing under the hose!).
 

 

It was terrific to be part of an all women team overseeing the project, a rarity in local government, myself as ward councillor along with Julee Scott – Manager Major Projects and Jane Sinnamon – Manager of Urban and Built space, their input and support was invaluable.
 

 

Special thanks must go to members of the Project Steering Committee, Bev Hocking, Jean Gillard, Monbulk Aquatic Club members Gaby Mitchell and Donna Stewart, Mantric Architect David Newstead, Yarra Ranges Officers Ben Bainbridge and Ron Pearce and Belgravia staff, Frank Van Der Kraan and Helen Hostettler. To Helen specifically, she played a key role, the link between the pool users and pool manager. Her dedication to making sure we had the best available refurbishment that delivered on community expectations was exemplary. She spent countless hours gathering community input and provided a sound level of advice in the development of plans – she was a wonderful person to have as part of the project and a great advocate for community.

The response from the community has been wonderful and visitation has well and truly exceeded expectations, to June 2014 over 155, 000 people have visited the pool and estimations have visitation at over 170,000 for 14/15. The important element of community has not been lost with the redevelopment. Monbulk Pool has always been an important part of the community, more than a pool, a meeting place and hub of social activity and support, and it’s great to see it’s still playing this fundamental role to the Dandenong Ranges community.

A rousing rendition of Happy Birthday was sung and I was delighted to cut the cake with Helen Hostettler.
 

 

It’s wonderful to have legacy projects and the Monbulk Pool is one I’m very proud of.

monbulk pool redevelopment underway

Last week I attended the first project meeting for the Monbulk Aquatic Centre (MAC) redevelopment. It is a very exciting start for this project. The community members on the MAC Redevelopment Working Party are very enthusiastic and pleased to be part of the process. The redevelopment of the Monbulk Pool has certainly had its ups and downs in the past. The last time funding was announced for the pool it suddenly was withdrawn by the council of the day, reasons unknown.

Given past disappointment I am committed to see this project through to completion. I have been able to secure $1.5 million in council funding towards the project. The MAC is a thriving community facility, well loved and well used with around 100,000 visits per year. My family have used the facility for some 7 years and it is the place my son learnt to swim. The Learn to Swim program is one of the centre’s most popular programs and invaluable for children to participate in, to teach them not only swimming but water safety as well.


The redevelopment will consider a number of different possibilities which will be determined in consultation with the community. There is no doubt that some work is required around the possibility of a program pool to free up pool space for leisure activities. I know on the top of my list is change rooms and in conversations I’ve had with community members I think this is on the top of their list too!


If you would like to input into this exciting redevelopment of the MAC please contact me on s.dunn@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or call 9752 6869. I’d be pleased to hear your contributions.

budget 10/11 off and running

report from the roundtable – 29 jun

This week council had only one item to consider on its agenda, the draft 2010/2011 budget. It was supported unanimously by councillors.

The $140 million budget earmarks more than $38 million for a range of capital works throughout the shire from road improvements to improvements to open space and a vast array of major projects.

The budget sees council allocate an additional $730,000 to bushfire preparation works. These works include removal of roadside debris for expanded roadside slashing on strategic roads in Township Protection Plan areas as well as preparation and maintenance works at Neighbourhood Safer Places (Places of Last Resort), necessary works to improve community safety.

This year's budget features funding for ongoing critical community services. Support for older-frail residents, families and young people will also be strengthened with funding to deliver a range of programs including:
• $7.8m to support the delivery of aged care services helping older members of the community and people with disability to remain healthy and active in their homes and local communities.
• $7.7m for programs and services directed to families and young people through maternal and child health care, immunisation, youth counselling, events and leadership development.
• $5.9m to support economic and community development—ensuring local economies remain strong and communities and individuals are socially connected. • $3.2m for arts, culture and heritage development

Local projects specific to the Lyster Ward include:
$30,000 to upgrade the toilet at Birdsland Environment and Education Centre – Belgrave South
$15,000 to upgrade facilities at Rae's Park – Narre Warren East
$85,000 to upgrade drainage on Bonham Road – The Patch
$130,000 to create a footpath link between Kallista and Belgrave
$17,000 for Belgrave Lake Park - Belgrave
$163,000 to commence works on a shared trail from Lysterfield Lake to Birdsland – Belgrave South
$90,000 for drainage rehabilitation works on Kaola Street – Belgrave
$51,500 to commence works on the Belgrave Swimming Pool – Belgrave
$836,000 to commence works on the Monbulk Aquatic Centre – Monbulk
$51,500 to develop a business case for the Belgrave Hub

Twelve months ago Yarra Ranges Council announced its largest ever capital works program designed to support the local economy and deliver new community facilities. The $272m 10 year capital works program featured an extra $68.5m to stimulate construction in the region and help support local jobs.

The 10 year program will deliver new purpose-built community, cultural and sporting facilities.

It will also ensure council's assets are preserved, maintained and upgraded to provide for our community into the future.

This year will see $13.47m of Council funding spent on major projects across the Shire, including local projects:
$4.82m Burrinja Community Cultural Centre - (part of a $9.6m project including Arts Victoria and Federal Government funding)
$3.43m Sherbrooke Family and Children's Centre & the Upwey Hall (Upwey Children's Services Hub) - (part of a $7m project including state and federal government funding)
$515,000 Olinda Aquatic Centre
$309,000 Monbulk Soccer Facility - (part of a $4.6m project)
$132,000 Monbulk Community Centre redevelopment for furniture and equipment for the nearly completed facility - (as part of a $5.5m project including state and federal funding)
$260,000 Future community projects funded for this year include almost for the development of feasibility studies and concept proposals for new community hubs in Belgrave
$836,000 Monbulk Aquatic Centre

There are still challenges for the future and this budget sets a blueprint for that future. The budget supports Council's priorities for the next four years, these priorities have been identified in the Council Plan.

Council's 10 key priorities are to:

• Implement the bushfire recovery program and respond to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission outcomes

• Manage our environment and respond to climate change

• Streamline planning approvals and processes

• Upgrade community and sporting facilities

• Improve roads, footpaths and bike trails

• Respond to population ageing

• Improve housing diversity and affordability

• Focus on youth and children

• Support economic development and agriculture

• Create a high performing organisation

monbulk pool takes shape

Today I attended a meeting to discuss the redevelopment of the Monbulk Aquatic Centre (MAC). It’s a very exciting redevelopment and one that has a great level of support and enthusiasm from the community.

Up for discussion were the various elements that will make up the redevelopment. Some of the key drivers include the installation of a program pool, an upgrade of the change rooms, expansion of the gym and development of community/social space in the facility.

I was at the pool last Friday (on that 45 degree day!) for the Fun Family Friday, where the pool was packed with families enjoying the water and escaping the heat. It is a very well supported facility and its redevelopment will see the pool go from strength to strength.

If you would like to input into this exciting redevelopment please contact me on s.dunn@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or call 9752 6869. I’d be pleased to hear your contributions.

monbulk pool getting very close now

It was terrific to join with Monbulk Aquatic Centre Manager, Helen Hostettler, for a very quick dip in the Monbulk pool, it was very chilly!

Believe it or not, yes, the pool is filled with a garden hose,
at this stage there was around 6 inches of water in the deep end.

I also took the time to have a quick look around and experience the change rooms first hand too (for those users of the old Monbulk Pool, you'll understand why change rooms are a key part of the redevelopment). It's an impressive looking facility and I look forward to it being open to the public, but alas I can't provide a date as yet. Maybe mid August.

A sneak peek, the view from the new pool looking back
towards the 25m pool which has been fully refurbished.

The pool is a great example of community consultation, cooperation and collaboration and I'm delighted to be part of a team led by women including Helen Hostettler - MAC Manager,   Jane Sinnamon - Manager Capital Works & Urban Planning and Julee Scott - Coordinator Major Building Projects. It's rare that women feature so prominently in building projects and I'm proud to be part of such a dynamic and energetic team.

I have no doubt the community will be very pleased with the redevelopment, not only are the pools looking great the gym looks sensational. I am very much looking forward to the official opening. I'll keep you posted as I know more.

monbulk pool - keep in touch

Monbulk Pool will soon be undergoing a well overdue, major refurbishment.

In 2010 council approved the planning permit to allow for the redevelopment of this well loved community facility.

The redeveloped pool will include:
Refurbished 25mt pool
New Learn to Swim and Leisure pool with beach entry
New Male and Female change rooms
New pool storage and family change room
New plant room
New foyer, administration area and kiosk
New outdoor deck area
Refurbishment of the existing gym and childcare area

To keep community members informed about the construction, the Monbulk Aquatic Centre manager has created a facebook page, so you can keep in touch with the latest news on the redevelopment.

If you'd like to stay in touch with our favourite local pool click here (you'll need a facebook account for this one).

monbulk pool getting closer

so close but so far

It's been terrific to follow the progress of the redevelopment of the Monbulk Aquatic Centre as a member of the Project Control Group. However with that there is the frustration along the way as various issues come up which delay the construction and as a consequence also delay the completion.

I'm pleased to report that the construction works are virtually completed with very little left to do, however the connection of power has been delayed meaning that the facility can't be commissioned until the power is connected. Commissioning takes time, it's about testing all the equipment, getting the water quality right and making sure that the facility is 100% operational. 

 

The timing of the power connection is out of our hands, another one of these frustrations along the way. What does this mean to the opening date? It is most likely that the pool will now officially open in mid July.

I

 can't wait, I know the community are keen to return to the pool and ladies I can report you will be much, much happier with your new change rooms.

I'll keep you updated with more info as it comes available, but we are getting so very close now. 

Thanks to David from Mantric Architecture for the pics.