DHRA 2017 Community Grant Application to City of Melbourne successful – and other news.

Drill Hall Residents Association’s application for a City of Melbourne Community Grant has been successful.

So for the third year running, we have been awarded $3000.00 for our activities. This is an exceptional result, because normally such grants are only repeated over two years.

It will be spent on meeting spaces, refreshments at meetings, community garden equipment etc.

Secondly;  HCA has agreed to:

1) External window cleaning at Therry Street to be carried out in Mid-January 2017.

2) A pest control company to attend every quarter to treat all common areas (bin room and front foyer included) for preventative cockroach/pest treatment.

DHRA has been in conversation with  Hon. Ellen Sandell, our local State Member of Parliament who has agreed to make representations on our behalf where appropriate. We owe Ellen our thanks.

We recently had a visit to the garden from Councillors Cathy Oke and MIchael Caiafa who were impressed with the progress.

 

Community Garden Update

garden-design-proposal

Even though our cities are dramatically increasing in density, still the idea of The Australian Backyard has a firm grip on our concept of Home and Comfort.

In truth this is less about the size or scope of the space; it is more about a sense of ownership, of belonging that exemplifies how we experience a ‘Home’. For the residents of Drill Hall, this small patch of open space has become exactly that. Neglected over time, they took it upon themselves to occupy the space, to maintain it; soon adding raised vegetable gardens and having their own community gatherings; and in this way it became their Backyard.

When the time came to consolidate their ideas into a designed space, this was the only way to go – to create a backyard space that was both public and private, that provided for the needs of the residents who would have a sense of ownership over the space, who would maintain it in their way, but allow it to also be a community backyard, one that reflected the increased need for personal open space across the cityscape.

The intention of this design is to imply private space in a public arena, and allow the Residents of Drill Hall to grow the space in their own way, to build a sense of belonging in what has become their Backyard.

Elliot Summers

Creative Director

  0424 036 884 //  elliot@polygonla.com.au // www.polygonla.com.au

 

 

Latest news:

  1.  Eddie Kutner owner of Central Equity Apartments and founder of Wonderment Walks – art installations – has committed to installing an appropriate art work in the garden. This process will probably take several months. It will at all times be done in consultation with residents.
  2. The current design proposal by Elliot Summers of Polygon for the garden is presently with City of Melbourne for costing prior to submission as a Capital Grants Proposal.
  3. City of Melbourne has agreed to fund a gas lever for the lid of the worm farm making it easier to lift.
  4. HCA has submitted an application to the Heritage Restoration fund for contribution to repairing the the heritage wall around the perimeter of the community garden.

Inaugural meeting minutes of Victoria Square Precinct Committee

VICTORIA SQUARE PRECINCT MEETING – AUGUST 14  2013

MINUTES AUGUST 14th 2013

Minutes August 14th (Inaugural) Meeting

Meeting Type:   Drill Hall Community Steering Committee

Location:             White Room, The Multicultural Hub

Date:                    14 August 2013

Time:                    11am – 12pm

1. Welcome attendance and apologies:

Present:  Drill Hall Resident Association (DHRA): Martin Mulvihill  (President)

Mark Brown

Housing Choices Australia (HCA):           Jamie Hutchinson (Community Development Officer)

Central City Community Health Service (Doutta Galla)(CCCHS): Russ Sevior

                                                       (General Manager, Oral Health & Complex Needs Program)

Multi-Cultural Hub (MCH):                      Amrit Kaur (Community Engagement Officer)

Maria Tsopanis (Manager, Community and Volunteering)

City of Melbourne Council (MCC):         Barney? (Cultural Diversity Officer)

Apologies:  Nil.
2. Objectives of the Steering Committee

Martin provided an overview of the objectives of the committee which has been developed to benefit those living in, or with an interest in the Drill Hall community.

Each member of the committee introduced themselves and provided an insight into their respective roles and explained how they think the committee can operate successfully.
3. Topics for discussion:

1.   Use of the Triangle space:

The following points were raised:

·      Russ advised the Senior Leadership Forum (that Russ is part of) had proposed that the space be used for a memorial to the homeless. This proposal is currently with the City of Melbourne.

·      Martin indicated that the residents of Drill Hall would be interested in using the space for a community garden, which may include a communal BBQ for residents.

·      Barney advised that currently this is a passive space and highlighted that a community garden does not just mean vegetables. He also indicated the MCC are in the process for developing a community garden policy which may be of assistance for such projects.

·      Jamie indicated that HCA were supportive of a community garden/memorial that could be used for both purposes. Maria of the Multicultural Hub also indicated the same.

·      All parties discussed the current use of space by the homeless and the effect changes could have

·      Barney indicated that best people from MCC to talk to about a combined proposal for the area would be the Park Planners.

ACTIONS:

·        Barney to provide contact details to Russ and Martin of the correct contact people in the MCC.

·        Barney to investigate taking the chains down from the space to encourage use.

2.   Activation of the Elizabeth Street Forecourt:

The following points were raised:

·      Maria and Amrit discussed their aim to create a vibrant atmosphere in front of the Hub.

·      They indicated the Multicultural Hub will conduct a pilot program in October and conduct an activity out the front. This could be an arts performance, or cooking activity.

·      It was suggested that the activity coincide with the Wednesday Night Market, or on market days.

·      Russ indicated that the Central City Community Health Service may be able to provide services to discuss healthy eating.

·      Barney indicated that it would be beneficial to obtain the support of the hairdresser and Korean grocery for such community projects.

·      Barney also indicated that the Hub should investigate the possibility of obtaining permits from the MCC for such activities to broaden the possibility of events.

·      Martin indicated that the DHRA would welcome the opportunity to work with the Hub for the project

·      Jamie indicated HCA would also assist were possible.

3.    Involvement of Indigenous residents

Martin indicated that there are a number of indigenous residents in the Drill Hall and would like to find a way for them to engage in the community. The development of a basketball team was mentioned.

The following points were raised:

·      HCA is happy to work with the DHRA for such project and has developed relationships with such agencies including the Huddle at North Melbourne and soon, the YMCA.

·      The RMIT basketball courts or YMCA (Bungle?)facility could be options for a venue

·      Barney indicated that it is worth applying for a community grant for such projects.

·      Jamie indicated HCA would be happy to work with the DHRA for grant applications.

ACTIONS:

·        Russ to organise a time with DHRA for residents of the Drill Hall to view facilities of the Central City Community Health Service.

4.   Therry Street, Street Party

Maria informed the committee that the party would not go ahead as they did not get funding required.

5.   DHRA Community Night

Martin indicated the DHRA was looking at having a community night for people and organisations based in the Drill Hall precinct. All parties indicated this was a good idea and all supported the proposal.
3. Meeting Operations

  • All parties agreed in favour of the DHRA to organise and chair meetings.
  • All parties agreed in favour of HCA taking minutes.
  • It was agreed that meeting should be held every six weeks.
  Closed