Firstly, I would like to wish everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year this month a happy and prosperous New Year. Greater Dandenong is such a multicultural community and all across the year the many different cultures celebrate festivals and traditions that are important to them, including new years. We proudly support all of these celebrations and encourage our residents to share their traditions.
In the Springvale South Ward we have a few projects that will be completed this year, including the shade sails at Burden Park. The two shade sails and a large umbrella over the sandpit will help protect children from the sun while they play.
To celebrate National Tree Day last year, more than 800 students from across Greater Dandenong planted thousands of seedlings at Springvalley Reserve. This year we will add to the amenity at the reserve by adding a walking track, furniture, a barbecue, shelters and more trees. This former landfill site, which covers 32 hectares, is coming back to life and attracting visitors who are enjoying the wide open green space.
One of our most popular attractions in Springvale South is Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve. This valuable resource is one of the last remaining examples of the vegetation that covered this area before European settlement. The 4 hectare park in Mackay St, is open to the public every Friday and on the third Sunday of the month during spring, summer and autumn, and includes a visitors centre and sense trail. You can even bring a picnic or use the barbecue at the park for a fun family day out.
The Springvale Community Hub is hosting free Open Air Movie screenings on Friday 16 and Friday 23 February. Bring your own snacks, a picnic blanket or chairs.
You can reach me at loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au or contact me on 0466 004 618.
