MaroondahConnect, supporting our community
Council’s free community support helpline is available for residents requiring extra support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A call to MaroondahConnect, can help you access a range of emotional, practical and social supports, particularly if you are feeling lonely or isolated or facing some difficulties. This includes emergency food relief; home support services; financial support; family violence support; mental health services; disability support; senior and youth services; and gambling and alcohol support.
The support line operates Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, and is funded in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services.For more information about MaroondahConnect call 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4589; SMS 0480 020 200 or contact us via live chat on our website.
COVID-19 grants kickstart community recovery
Twenty-three community organisations have shared in more than $116,800 in grant funding to assist in community recovery and relief resulting from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created real hardship for many people in the community, but particularly so for those who are vulnerable. The grants are one way that Council is supporting the community and not-for-profit organisations to continue their work, as well as supporting them to develop new initiatives in response to the pandemic.
The one-off funding grants are being used for a variety of purposes, including supporting those in need with food parcels; hosting virtual events and activities to keep people connected; provision of meals for community members and providing information in various languages to support our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities.
The funding was available to eligible community groups and not-for-profit organisations to allow them to continue to deliver, expand and introduce new programs, initiatives and services.
The Sunflower Effect Project sowing seeds of happiness
Since the launch of our Be Kind Maroondah campaign in October, we have been amazed and inspired by the many people, businesses, clubs and organisations who have jumped on board and shared their positive stories with us.
Thanks to the many residents who have shown their support for The Sunflower Effect Project by collecting free sunflower seeds to plant and share with their neighbours.
The project has helped neighbours to get to know each other and promote a message of hope during what has been a difficult time for many in our community.
We hope to have many streets in Maroondah blooming with sunflowers come early next year.
For more stories like this, visit our
Outdoor dining support for local hospitality sector
As cafes and restaurants across Maroondah reopen for business, Council is working with our business community to bring our business precincts back to life.
Council is helping local hospitality businesses to expand their outdoor dining areas, so they can welcome back customers now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing.
Council has introduced free temporary outdoor dining permits that allow businesses to use footpaths, on-streetcar parking, laneways and other spaces to cater for more customers.
Shop local, support local
We are delighted to see businesses reopen across our city as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease.
Shopping locally and supporting our local businesses will be key to rebuilding a post-COVID economy.
When you purchase locally, you’re not only supporting local jobs but your local community as well. And with numerous businesses moving online, it is also an opportunity for consumers to make a conscious effort to ‘buy local’.
Just as important as buying locally issuing local services and visiting local attractions.
Maroondah has more than 35 local shopping centres and retail strips that will be relying on the support of the community now more than ever.
With Christmas just a few short weeks away, why not explore one of Maroondah’s shopping strips for your gift and grocery needs? You’ll be amazed to discover what’s on offer.
To find out where the local shopping strips are located in Maroondah on our
Maroondah Leisure- it’s great to be back!
Maroondah Leisure has welcomed back members, user groups and casual users to all seven leisure facilities, following the further easing ofCOVID-19 restrictions.
You can now attend a gym, group fitness or a swim session at Aquanation and Aquahub.
Learn to Swim and Gymnastics classes have also resumed on a limited capacity. Further information on the start of regular Learn to Swim and Gymnastics programs will be available early 2021.
Maroondah Golf, The Rings and Maroondah Nets are also now open, subject to conditions.
Golfers are back enjoying the full 18 holes of golf at Dorset and Ringwood.
Pickleball popularity spreads to Maroondah Nets
Maroondah Nets has got your answer to keeping active with a low-impact racquet sport that’s gaining interest all over the world.
Pickleball is a paddle sport you can learn in minutes and play for a lifetime. It brings together elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis to create a sport that’s fun for all ages and skill levels, but that gets fast-paced and exhilarating at competitive levels.
In 2021, Council will be hosting a pickleball program in our climate-controlled Maroondah Nets stadium. The game, which consists of two or four players, is played on a court using a lightweight solid paddle and aerated ball. It’s a low-impact sport, so it’s easy on the body, and helps to improve hand-eye coordination, flexibility, strength, speed, agility and balance.
Whether you’ve been playing tennis your whole life, walking onto a court for the first time, young or old or in-between, strategic and competitive, or just want to get involved in something fun, social and active… pickleball may just be the game for you!
Equipment is provided, and no experience is necessary.
For bookings, more details or to watch a video of Pickleball in action, visit the Maroondah Nets page on Council’s Maroondah Leisure website or phone Maroondah Nets on 9298 4535.
Swimmers lap up reopening of Croydon Memorial Pool
Swimmers have dived right back in to Croydon Memorial Pool and are enjoying all the benefits of the 50-metre outdoor heated pool!
Lap swimmers have been making the most of the outdoor public pool since its earlier-than-usual season opening on 17 October.
The popular outdoor pool has been allowed to operate under the Victorian Government’s roadmap to reopening.
There are limits on the number of people who can use the facility at any one time so please keep an eye on the Maroondah Leisure website for the most up to date information.
You don’t need to be a member to enjoy all that Croydon Memorial Pool has to offer, with casual entry fees giving you the flexibility to choose.
For updates on additional easing of restrictions as they are implemented, as well as information on casual swim session rates or to purchase a season pass, visit the Maroondah Leisure website or phone 9294 5630.
Free, safe and reliable immunisation service
Council is continuing to operate its immunisation service to ensure the community is protected from vaccine preventable diseases, while working within the confines of COVID-19 health and safety measures.
Families in Maroondah can access vaccines at no cost to protect babies and children against infectious diseases as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Immunisation sessions cover the immunisation schedule for babies and children aged between six weeks and four years, as well as for adolescents and adults.
Victorian Government legislation (No Jab, No Play) requires that all children be fully vaccinated before enrolling for childcare and kindergarten, unless they have a medical exemption.
Immunisation is the best defence against the return of highly contagious diseases such as polio, rubella and whooping cough.
Council’s immunisation service has a full Quality Systems accreditation in compliance with AS/NZS iSO 9001.
To attend a session, bookings can be made online where you can select the time, date and venue of your choice.
For further information, contact Council’s immunisation team on 1300 88 22 33.
Buried in Treasures program supports challenges of hoarding
Has excessive collecting or neglected living conditions become a problem for you or someone you know? Council offers several programs to support members of our community living with the challenges of a hoarding disorder.
Hoarding behaviour is very common in our community. Difficulty discarding possessions often combined with over acquiring, can result in excessive clutter. In extreme cases this can become a major safety and fire hazard in the home.
For the individual, hoarding behaviour can lead to physical and mental health issues, homelessness and social isolation. Council’s Buried in Treasures program is a 16-week self-help course which offers individuals the opportunity to better understand their hoarding difficulties, along with strategies to help them make positive and sustainable changes to their home environment.
Council has partnered with both Tenancy Plus - Uniting and Mind Australia with support from SalvoCare East to deliver this course in Maroondah.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the course has been transferred to online delivery.
In addition to the full 16-week course, the Buried in Treasures Support Group (BITS) is a community led group supported by Council. The group meets on a monthly basis and is open to anyone affected by hoarding challenges and their family members.
For more details or for assistance with hoarding and squalor, see the Maroondah Hoarding and Squalor Network (MHSN) website or call Council on 1300 88 22 33.
What it means to be a responsible pet owner
There are many benefits to owning a pet, but with pet ownership comes certain responsibilities.
As a pet owner in Maroondah you are required to comply with the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and Council’s Local Laws governing animal management.
Deciding to become a pet owner requires thought and planning. Here are a few important things to remember when taking on the responsibility of owning a pet.
Dog and cat registration
If you’re planning to introduce a new furry member to the family this Christmas, don’t forget that you need to have them microchipped and registered with Council. All pet owners are required by law to register their cats and dogs with their local Council.
Maroondah pet owners are also reminded that animal registration renewal notices will arrive in the mail during March and are due by 10 April each year.
Registration is an important part of responsible pet ownership and helps to keep track of your pet. All dogs and cats must be registered by the age of three months, as well as microchipped.
Microchipping provides an extra level of protection should your pet’s collar become detached, and greatly improves the chances of your pet being returned to you if they become lost. It is also a requirement that your pet wears its Council-issued registration tag at all times. If your pet’s tag is damaged or lost, replacement tags are available from Council free of charge.
There are many payment options available, and owners registering their pet for the first time can do so online, or in person at one of Council’s service centres.
For more information, call Council’s Local Laws team on 1300 88 22 33.
Cleaning up after your dog
Leaving messes isn’t just unsightly, it’s unsanitary. Dog owners are encouraged to show courtesy for their fellow community members by picking up after their pet.
Dog droppings contain harmful nutrients and bacteria, and this can end up in our local waterways via the stormwater system. It’s also a good idea to carry appropriate receptacles, such as a bag, pouch or pooper-scooper, to remove and dispose of any dog waste when out walking your dog.
On and off-leash areas
When out in a public place, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, except in areas that are marked off-leash.
There are off-leash areas in Maroondah where you can exercise your dog without a lead, including Eastfield Dog Park, which is fully-fenced and has a time out zone for quieter dogs.
Although, when exercising your dog in an off-leash area you need to be aware of off-leash rules, including the need to stay at least 15 metres from playgrounds and picnic facilities.
To protect areas of conservation significance and biodiversity here are also some reserves where dogs and cats are not permitted.
How to minimise separation anxiety when returning to work
With COVID-19 restrictions easing, the idea of returning to workplaces minus our furry friends can be anxiety-inducing, especially for our four-legged friends.
So, before you grab your work bag and jump back into old routines, take some time to transition your pet to living without you for the workday.
Separation anxiety and stress can often manifest itself through destructive behaviour, such as excessive barking or yelping, chewing, digging and destruction, escaping or pacing.
The RSPCA recommends acting out your departure cues - grabbing your keys, wallet, heading for the door - and then sitting back on the couch. This will decrease your dog’s sensitivity to you leaving. By gradually increasing time spent alone - leaving the house for a couple of minutes to leaving for a couple of hours - your dog will start to realise that it’s okay to be alone.
Find an exercise routine that suits you and your pet, keeping in mind how you can still implement it when you return to work. Also, long-lasting treat toys can be great enrichment and help promote the idea that time alone can be fun.
For more helpful tips visit the