Doncaster Shoppingtown area parking fines

For those heading to Boxing Day and Stocktake specials at Shoppingtown, I noticed as I was walking along Tower Street five cars (nearly every second car) had a parking ticket. It was 10:30am. Take car with parking or organize a lift. Don't take the chance of spoiling your day with a parking ticket.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Eastland Shopping Centre Ringwood shopping (trading) hours

Eastland Shopping Centre Christmas trading times ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Doncaster Shoppingtown (Westfield) Chistmas Shopping (trading) hours

Westfield Doncaster is open for extended trade this festive season.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Manningham deputy mayor Fred Chuah resigns

MANNINGHAM’S deputy mayor Fred Chuah has resigned from the council, citing health reasons.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

NOTHING will now get between toddler Archer Ludwell and Santa.

Archer Ludwell uses a special walking frame for the first time to get to Santa at Westfield Shopping Centre, Doncaster, yesterday... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Recycled wish lanterns join Manningham's carols event

St Kevin's Primary School students Joseph, 9, Eden, 9, and Mireille, 8, with wish lanterns.Left: Carol singers, clockwise top left, Hazel Celotti, Emily McLennan, Laura McLennan, Molly Elmer Tayla MacMillan and Hudson Scheggia... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Site sale delays costing Doncaster's Eastern Golf Club

THE Eastern Golf Club’s annual report has revealed delays to the sale of its Doncaster course are costing the club more than $110,000 a year in interest payments.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Doncaster ballroom dancing champ floored by loss of partner

DONCASTER ballroom dancer Ashlee Pointon has everything it takes to win at this weekend’s Australian Dancesport Championships - except someone to dance with.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Christmas Services at Doncaster Church of Christ

Our annual Christmas Celebration Service with carols, drama and much more.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Westfield Doncaster stake sold

A quarter stake in Westfield Doncaster, in suburban Melbourne, has been sold. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Doncaster six-year-old dies after being found in neighbour's pool

A DONCASTER boy, 6, has died in hospital after being found unconscious in a neighbour’s pool. ... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Trams DownUnder

Re: Doncaster railway and Light Rail... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Curry Blake New Man Series

The purpose of the New Man seminar is to reveal to believers what was accomplished by Jesus for us through His death, burial, and resurrection.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Memory-loss man avoids jail term

George Rabbito, 49, of Doncaster, pleaded guilty to the attack, sparked by a dispute over pizza boxes spilling from a neighbour's bins.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Two Manningham councillors threatened over 'defamation'

THE owner of Donvale’s On Luck nursing home is threatening to sue two Manningham councillors.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Gurus to rock Doncaster's Shoppingtown Hotel

Aussie rock legends Hoodoo Gurus are hitting the road to promote their ninth album, Purity of Essence.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Doncaster Hill: Moving up in the world

Former Manningham mayor Bill Larkin remembers when the first developer tried to build a multi-storey apartment complex on Doncaster Hill more than a decade ago.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Two terms enough, says outgoing mayor

MANNINGHAM will have a new mayor next week with incumbent Charles Pick declaring he will not stand for a third consecutive term.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Victorian Election results 2010

For those interested in the Victorian Election results for 2010 visit the VEC site. Select Current Election. Select Results. On this page you’ll see a summary in terms of numbers of votes and percentages for parties. If you select the “More detailed” link you can then change the result for your district and similarly for the region. The VEC doesn’t show a good summary of the situation with the seats for each party. For that it is best to check a couple of the main media sites.

Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by Kelvin Eldridge 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Councillor dares Manningham mayor to launch assault legal action

MANNINGHAM councillor David Ellis is challenging Mayor Charles Pick to launch civil proceedings after he allegedly “karate chopped” Cr Pick in the stomach.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Greens want 24-hour party people home safe

‘‘We’ve still got an enormous number of people in Doncaster or Rowville who have limited access to public transport.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Casting call for Doncaster summer musical

Templestowe theatre company Perry’s Young Stars has put out the call for young performers to star in a summer holiday production of the film.... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Boy critical after near drowning at Doncaster

A SIX-year-old boy was revived by paramedics after almost drowning in a neighbour’s swimming pool at Doncaster last night.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Remembrance Day commemorated by students and veterans in Doncaster

World War II veterans Jeff Fraser, Les Manning and Len Atyeo have a chat after the Remembrance Day service in Doncaster.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

VOTE 1: Kelvin ELDRIDGE - Bulleen District

Vote 1 for Kelvin Eldridge - Independent and I will represent YOU in parliament, or vote for someone who will represent their party.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Kevin Tan

Your local Family First candidate for Bulleen is Kevin Tan.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Ken Smithies

Your local Family First candidate for Doncaster is Ken Smithies.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

School falls foul of fool's gold

Doncaster Secondary College is investigating how a 14-year-old student was allowed to run in a 100m race for 12 and 13-year-olds.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Doncaster's Sophie Peskett makes state team

Doncaster hockey star Sophie Peskett has been selected for the Victorian under-21 indoor women’s team.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Youth organisation pulls plug on Doncaster Centre

MANNINGHAM Council is to step in after Try Youth and Community Services announced plans to close its Doncaster centre on January 1.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Police drop Doncaster candidate's assault case

A POLICE investigation into allegations Manningham councillor David Ellis “karate chopped” Mayor Charles Pick in the stomach after a council meeting has been dropped because of a lack of evidence.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Push for cat curfew in Manningham

CAT owners could be fined for letting their pets out at night under a proposal to be considered by Manningham Council.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Santa Photography at Westfield Doncaster

Santa's photography trading hours are as follows:

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Libs pledge pledge $3.5m to Doncaster primary school

DONCASTER state Liberal MP Mary Wooldridge has promised to provide $3.5 million to upgrade Doncaster’s Birralee Primary School if her party wins government on November 27.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

No guarantees on Doncaster Eastern Golf Course open space

DONCASTER MP Mary Wooldridge has refused to guarantee a Liberal government would deliver 20 per cent open space in the Eastern Golf Course development.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Something for everyone, but where will they get the money?

With that money, their ''People Plan'' proposes dozens of new public transport projects including a Doncaster rail line linked via a sunken line through Fitzroy and Carlton to the city,

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Manningham Multicultural Festival cancelled

THE Manningham Multicultural Festival due to go ahead tomorrow (Saturday) has been cancelled.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Doncaster

Doncaster has been a safe Liberal seat since it was first contested at the 1976 election.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Doncaster employer fined $30,000 over worker's death

A DONCASTER contractor has been fined $30,000 over the death of a worker who fell 3m through an uncovered hole in the floor at a Lower Templestowe building site.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Drivers booked for using bus lanes

Manningham TMU Sgt Simon Webb has warned motorists to stay out of bus lanes

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Teaching life skills adds up, says pioneering principal

Doncaster Secondary College principal Frank Sal saw this dilemma as a call to arms.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Home out of luck on Donvale expansion

MANNINGHAM Council has resolved to formally oppose plans to expand Donvale’s On Luck nursing home.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

MANNINGHAM COUNCIL WELCOMES DONCASTER RAIL STUDY

Manningham Council has welcomed the Liberal Party announcement pledging to undertake a Doncaster rail study if elected.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Doncaster rail announcement welcome

The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has welcomed the Liberal Party’s announcement on the Doncaster railway line, while slamming the government for refusing to make a better offer.

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Libs ended hope of Doncaster line

AN IMPORTANT component of the history of the Doncaster rail link must be added to Clay Lucas's article (''Baillieu promises new line'', The Age, 4/11).

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Why do most Melburnians want to live in the suburbs?

While some of us might have felt a little schadenfreude at the protests against redevelopment at Camberwell station, others might have felt that impositions of umpteen moderne terraced units into Doncaster,

- Kelvin Eldridge
Authorised by: Kelvin Eldridge, 12 Stradmore Avenue Templestowe 3106

Kids to light up Manningham Multicultural Festival parade

Carey Grammar, Templestowe Heights, Doncaster Gardens, St Kevin’s and Warrandyte primary schools have all been taking part in a special arts project in the lead-up to the festival, with nearly 200 students creating handmade lanterns inspired by Persian, Chinese, Italian and Greek cultures.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster Public Housing Block Reaches Full Height

MELBOURNE’s next public housing tower – a 10-level, 98-unit complex opposite Doncaster Shoppingtown - has reached its full height.

- Kelvin Eldridge

MCA to take greater responsibility for Doncaster aged centre

THE Manningham Centre Association is to continue on as the operator of Manningham Council’s residential aged care centre.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Manningham carols fireworks to go to the people

THE fireworks at Manningham Council’s Carols by Candlelight events could be snuffed out with the council to investigate having a laser show instead.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster Railway Line The Better Option

The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has welcomed the Liberal Party’s announcement on the Doncaster railway line, while slamming the government for refusing to make a better offer.

- Kelvin Eldridge

GREENS ON BOARD FOR NUMBER 48 TRAM EXTENSION TO DONCASTER

The Victorian Greens have committed to extending the Number 48 Tram from Balwyn North to Doncaster.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Does the Opposition's pitch on Doncaster rail stack up?

So now the Victorian Opposition has jumped on the Green’s bandwagon and proposed a new rail line along the Eastern Freeway from Clifton Hill to Doncaster!

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster rail line rejected by earlier study

THE proposed railway line to Doncaster has been branded a waste of money.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster social services call for more money

MANNINGHAM’S health and welfare agencies have challenged the area’s election candidates to give their constituents a fair share of funding for community services.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster Hill development panel named

THE State Government has revealed the makeup of the Doncaster Hill Development Assessment Committee

- Kelvin Eldridge

Baillieu Government To Build Doncaster Railway via Clifton Hill

Liberal Member for Doncaster Mary Wooldridge said she had made Public Transport her number one local priority.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Libs promise $6.5m for Doncaster rail

STATE Liberal leader Ted Baillieu has promised a Coalition state government would spend $6.5 million on planning the long-awaited Doncaster rail line.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Heavy rains leave Manningham homes flooded

Doncaster SES controller Greg Mitchell said of the 12 call outs made during the weekend one was for a fallen tree with the rest for flooding.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster Hill Green Civic Precinct

Located in the metropolitan suburbs of Victoria, the Doncaster Hill Green Civic Precinct project will develop a Sustainability Education Hub.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Manningham welfare agency Doncare records deficit

MANNINGHAM’S welfare agency Doncare says it will not have to cut any more programs despite recording a deficit for the second year in a row and running out of cash reserves.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Country music star Lee Kernaghan set to rock Doncaster

AUSTRALIAN country music star Lee Kernaghan has turned to the cyber realm to help him tap into the spirit of the bush.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster Lib critical of Labor promises for Manningham

THE Labor Government has come under fire after delivering on two of its 2006 election promises only weeks out from the next state poll.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Manningham residents caught up in $5m scam

AT LEAST 50 Manningham and Nillumbik residents have been conned in a Ponzi scheme that has so far netted more than $5 million.

- Kelvin Eldridge

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Doncaster MP nominates election priority

DESPITE recent bus service improvements public transport is still the number one issue in Manningham leading up to the November 27 state election, says Doncaster state Liberal MP Mary Wooldridge.

- Kelvin Eldridge

The Melbourne Urbanist

Planning and development issues with a particular focus on Melbourne, AustraliaA Doncaster rail line – is this really what the Greens stand for?

- Kelvin Eldridge

City apartment boom time

Typically older couples or individuals from places such as Doncaster or Templestowe, they would buy early into a master plan, intending to move in or retire there at a later date, renting out the apartment in the interim.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster breath-test court case dismissed

A DONCASTER case could set a precedent for scores of motorists seeking to escape breath testing-related charges because of badly-worded police charge sheets, a lawyer has warned.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Road funds to shift big trucks of 'little help'

Greens' upper house candidate Damian Magner said the party wanted train lines built to Doncaster and Rowville, the 75 tram route extended to Knox, and the 48 tram line continued to Doncaster hill.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Rare treasures donated to Doncaster rummage shop

A NEW batch of bric-a-brac donated to Doncaster’s Rotary Rummage Shop included some rare treasures dating as far back as the 1930s.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Membership Scheme Manager

Ambulance Victoria (AV) is currently seeking a Membership Scheme Manager to join our Commercial Services department based in Doncaster.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Manningham deputy mayor hospitalised

MANNINGHAM deputy mayor Fred Chuah was last week in Box Hill hospital after being admitted with suspected heart failure.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Move to end fireworks at Manningham Carols

MANNINGHAM’S Carols by Candlelight could go off without a bang this year if a Manningham councillor has her way.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Trucks banned from Eastern Freeway right lane

TRUCKS will be banned from the right lane of the Eastern Freeway from midnight.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Chuah accused over nursing home cash

Documents seen by Leader reveal Cr Chuah gets a $16,000 annual honorarium along with other benefits from CCSSC.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Manningham cheap housing subsidy sought

But Doncaster Hill Residents Group spokesman Warren Welsh condemned the proposal, saying “it would be hard to justify a rate concession windfall extended to a major development at the expense of Manningham residents”.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Thai Restaurant Bulleen - Instead of Chicken Tonight perhaps think about Thai Tonight

The aim of JustLocal is to encourage local businesses to promote themselves online so locals can more easily find and use their services. It is my belief every restaurant, tradesperson and in fact any small local business can help their potential customers by having a basic web presence.

When we have friends over and we’re thinking about grabbing some local takeaway, often the only menu we can find online is one of the big well known companies. There’s nothing wrong with that but I also like to also help the smaller businesses when I can.

I’ve recently sponsored and completed a menu for a new Thai restaurant in Bulleen, Tra-La Thai Restaurant, so now you can check out their menu online and enjoy some delicious Thai food. I’ve eaten there a number of times. Recently my daughter and a friend went there and we’ve all had a lovely experience.

Please feel free to check out the Tra-La Thai Restaurant’s menu at www.Tra-LaThaiRestaurant.com. You can also find Tra-La Thai Restaurant on the JustLocal 3105 page (www.JustLocal.com.au/3105).

 

Kelvin Eldridge

Council records whopping $47m surplus

MANNINGHAM Council has touted a successful year with a better than expected $47.24 million surplus in its draft 2009-10 annual report.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Manningham councillors' alliance denied

AN alleged alliance between five of Manningham’s councillors is causing controversy amid claims personal agendas are derailing the democratic process.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Horticulturalist Michelle Stratton at the Kevin Heinze Garden Centre

The Kevin Heinze Garden Centre Spring Fair is on Saturday, October 16, from 9am-3pm, at 39 Wetherby Rd, Doncaster.

- Kelvin Eldridge

TED: Ideas worth spreading

I’ve listened to a number of the talks from a site called TED. I find some of the ideas shared to be thought provoking and felt that perhaps others may wish to know about the site.

 

Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world

- Kelvin Eldridge

TRUCK LANE RESTRICTIONS ON EASTERN FREEWAY NEXT WEEK

Trucks travelling on the Eastern Freeway will be restricted from the right hand lane from next week, Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced today.

I found this article as a result of the discussion on this forum http://www.netrider.net.au/forums/showthread.php?t=116059. I hadn’t been aware these changes were coming about. Things just seem to happen in Victoria without any input by the people.

I was driving back from Geelong on Monday using the freeway and noticed some writing in the right lane indicating some form of restriction. There was three lanes. No one was in the right lane. I was in the left lane and a car was further back in the middle lane. I could see a truck approaching that was stuck behind the car in the middle lane. I had my cruise control on and my car was gradually moving further forward. The truck moved into the lane behind me. My cruise control was set to 100kph but I know because of the way most speedometers are set low and I’d just measured my 100kph speed using the speed check, that I was really doing 95kph. So here is a truck that can overtake in the right lane which had no traffic at all, now forced to be stuck behind slower cars in the middle and left lane. I moved into the centre lane enabling the truck to move on and then moved back to the left lane after the truck had moved ahead. The driver showed their appreciation.

I understand there will be reasons for the laws to be changed. But when I see a situation like this it reminds me the government seems to use a sledge hammer to crack a nut. Surely when there is a low volume of traffic and no one is in the right lane, trucks should be able to use the lane for a short period to pass slower moving traffic. I have to add I don’t know any of the specific reasons for the new legislation. It would be interesting to see a list of the reasons for the change in legislation, the options considered and why this was considered the best compromise.

- Kelvin Eldridge

New SmartBus Routes and DART Smartbus 901, 905, 906, 907, 908.

I found the references to Smartbus and then DART to be somewhat confusing. Are there now three bus services or something I thought. So I thought I’d simplify things. A bus is a bus. Just think of the Smartbus and DART as marketing, remove the terms and think of a bus service. Then it becomes simpler.

901 – This bus goes from Frankston to Melbourne Airport. Quite a few people have said to me who’d bother. But I reply, “think of the bus as a continuous route where you can get on and off where it suits you. If I just want to go from Templestowe to the Pines I can”. Just because a bus can go from Frankston to Melbourne Airport doesn’t mean we all have to use it that way. The 901 travels up Blackburn road to the Pines, along Reynolds Road, Fitzsimmons Lane, Main Road, Para Road, Greensborough Station. To me we now have a service which services Templestowe, Doncaster East, and can be used to go to Greensborough Plaza, The Pines and at a push, Ringwood shopping centre.

905 – City to The Pines. This bus travels from Lonsdale Street, Victoria Parade, Hoddle Street, Eastern Freeway, Thompsons Road, Parker Street, Porter Street, Blackburn Road, The Pines. It replaces the old 301 route and now makes the service a continuous service every fifteen minutes between 6:30am and 9Pm on weekdays and 30 minutes at other times. Previously the 301 stopped travelling to the city and a bus charge was required.

906 – City to Warrandyte. This bus travels from Lonsdale Street, Victoria Parade, Hoddle Street, Eastern Freeway, Blackburn Road, The Pines, Andersons Creek Road, Heidelberg Warrandyte Road, Warrandyte. The bus runs seven days a week every 7-10 minutes during peak times, every 15 minutes during weekdays and every 30 minutes at other times.

907 – City to Mitcham. This bus travels from Lonsdale Street, Victoria Parade, Hoddle Street, Eastern Freeway, Doncaster Road, Mitcham Road, Mitcham Station. The bus runs seven days a week every 7-10 minutes during peak times, every 15 minutes during weekdays and every 30 minutes at other times.

908 – City to The Pines. This bus travels from Lonsdale Street, Victoria Parade, Hoddle Street, Eastern Freeway, High Street, King Street, Blackburn Road, The Pines. The bus runs seven days a week every 7-10 minutes during peak times, every 15 minutes during weekdays and every 30 minutes at other times.

To me the really interesting route is the 901. Because this always stays in zone 2, it means only a zone 2 ticket is required and that can be more cost effective.

I still feel there are two aspects missing. A bus going from The Pines to Heidelberg station via Foote Street and Templestowe Road would help reduce one bus for locals travelling to La Trobe University and those taking the train from Heidelberg station. A second aspect is the cost of public transport discourages very short trips. It costs me the same to go from Frankston to the Airport as it does to go from my local bus stop to Templestowe Village shops or up to the local swimming pool. I noticed the same problem in the UK. Short trips aren’t encouraged and I think that is short-sighted. This encourages people to use their cars. The fuller buses are the better for the environment. When buses run around empty and via quite indirect paths, a fuel efficient car may be a better environmental choice and that shouldn’t be the case. A gold coin option for short trips on buses I feel should be part of our public transport options.

The update to the bus network in the Templestowe area is a welcome change. Will it encourage more people to use public transport. Only time will tell.

Kelvin Eldridge

 

 

Sods turned on Doncaster Hill hub

CONSTRUCTION of Manningham’s new multi-million dollar Doncaster Hill community hub has officially been kicked off with a ceremonial turning of the sod.

- Kelvin Eldridge

A grave injustice at Springvale Cemetery

Doncaster lawyer Hina Pasha said David and Margaret Chan were worried their descendants would suffer bad fortune if the situation was not resolved before they died.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Greenies fight Eastern Golf Club move

THE Eastern Golf Club has found itself in the rough with environmentalists who have appealed against its proposed new golf course.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Manningham actors star in Frankenstein play

Doncaster’s Lauren-Anne Kempster and Warrandyte’s Luke Lennox will explore their dark sides in Blood and Ice, the sordid tale of the Frankenstein novelist Mary Shelley.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Reduce the need for printed catalogues like Target's

I often think there is no need for printed catalogues from most of the major department stores and have a no junk mail sign on my letterbox. Unfortunately that doesn’t stop the department stores as they simply move their catalogues into the local papers and local papers ignore the no junk mail signs. If I want to check out a department store’s catalogue I just go to their site such as Target’s (http://target.dynamiccatalogue.com.au/portal?lsm) and select the area. Catalogues will keep coming because department stores make money from the catalogues as advertisers have to pay for product placement. If catalogues were a cost they’d probably stop tomorrow and that would save a lot of trees. Check out the online catalogues. You can often find out the information before your local paper arrives. When I’m looking to buy a commonly advertised item I’ve often checked for and found products using the online catalogues saving some money.

Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster footballer off to South Africa

DONCASTER footballer Paul Florence is heading to South Africa to showcase Aussie rules football.

- Kelvin Eldridge

$1 deal on Doncaster land comes at a cost

EIGHT Doncaster residents who have been occupying a strip of council-owned land for years will have the option to buy it for $1.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Free passes to local gyms

I found this link (http://www.gymlink.com.au/Gym-Bulleen/VIC) and couldn’t help feel a free pass is a good way to test out each gym if you are thinking of joining a gym.

Kelvin Eldridge

Mobile speed camera locations (Bulleen, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Eltham, Lower Plenty, Montmorency, Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Warrandyte)

Published mobile speed camera locations for October 2010.

Bulleen
Bulleen Road, between Thompsons Road and Manningham Road

Doncaster
King Street, between Williamsons Road and Veda Court
George Street, between Victoria Street and Williamsons Road
High Street, between Manningham Road and Doncaster Road
Wetherby Road, between Doncaster Road and Koonung Creek
Doncaster Road, between Rose Street and High Street

Doncaster East
Doncaster Road, between Blackburn Road and Wetherby Road
King Street, between Nedlands Court and Ashcroft Avenue
Blackburn Road, between Raintree Road and Johns Grove
Blackburn Road, between Beverley Street and Turnstone Street
Blackburn Road, between Reynolds Road and King Street

Eltham
Main Road, between Leane Drive and Kalbar Road

Montmorency
Sherbourne Road, between Porter Street and Karingal Drive

Templestowe
High Street, between Rosemary Street and Linton Avenue
Serpells Road, between Church Road and Killibury Court
Reynolds Road, between Hawtin Street and Smiths Road

Templestowe Lower
Manningham Road, between Ayr Street and High Street

North Warrandyte
Research-Warrandyte Road, between Camelot Close and San Angelo Road


Kelvin Eldridge

Public Open Space Strategy Review 2010-2011

Manningham City Council is undertaking a review of the Public Open Space Strategy to ensure the ongoing enjoyment of Manningham's green spaces and plan for the pressures that will be placed on these spaces by increasing population, and is seeking the involvement of the local community to plan our open space priorities for the future.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster Free Cricket Clinic

Metlink is hosting a cricket clinic for boys and girls ages 10-14. This is your chance to play with the Victorian Cricket players!

- Kelvin Eldridge

Debra Moore is collecting old eyeglasses for recycling.

That’s why the funeral home is taking part in the Recycle for Sight initiative, which has participants collect unused prescription glasses to be put to use in the world’s poorest countries.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster hockey player still going to Delhi

DESPITE the never-ending forecasts of doom and gloom flooding out of India on a, seemingly, hourly basis, Doncaster Hockey Club’s Chris Ciriello is itching to get to Delhi for his crack at a Commonwealth Games gold medal.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster police pay tribute to a pillar of the community

POLICE Sgt Paul Leighton was an exceptional police officer and an exceptional man.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Manningham, you're being watched

BIG brother is watching - hundreds of CCTV cameras keep an eye on Manningham’s streets, roads and residents day and night.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Survey a vehicle to gauge bus usage

SUPER sleuth Tom Dowsley will investigate whether local bus upgrades will actually boost the number of residents in Manningham abandoning their car and hopping on a bus.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Residents not hopeful of major VCAT reforms

But Doncaster Hill Residents Group spokesman Warren Welsh said the proposed changes were only “cosmetic”.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Manningham students break down barriers

STUDENTS from Doncaster Secondary College are broadening their friendship group through a new integration program.

- Kelvin Eldridge

David Jones delays stores due to GFC

One of the biggest sales being marketed is LaSalle Investment Management's 50 per cent share in the Westfield Doncaster shopping centre in Melbourne.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Reward offered for information on Doncaster armed robbery

The suspect is described as an Asian man, approx 20-years-old, of slim build, about 165cm tall, with sickly pale skin, a clear complexion, and dark collar-length straight hair. He was wearing a dark top at the time of the attack.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Stabbed in the chest in the driveway of her Ivan Street home at Doncaster

A $100,000 reward is being offered to help identify the man responsible for a violent armed robbery in Melbourne's east two years ago.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Heart Foundation Doorknock Appeal

Marian Dimmick hopes residents will open their doors and the hearts during the Heart Foundation Doorknock Appeal.

- Kelvin Eldridge

SICK children at the Austin Hospital will have new toys, board games and books to help brighten their stay.

Last week, the children’s ward received $4700 from Myer Doncaster to buy new educational and recreational equipment for their small patients.

- Kelvin Eldridge

VicRoads' cash grab for Doncaster parkland

MANNINGHAM Council must pay $150,000 to VicRoads to stop a piece of Doncaster parkland from being sold to property developers.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Mobile speed camera locations - September 2010 (Bulleen, Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Eltham)

Mobile speed camera locations for September 2010.

High Street, between Rosemary Street and Linton Avenue, Templestowe
Serpells Road, between Church Road and Killibury Court , Templestowe
Reynolds Road, between Hawtin Street and Smiths Road, Templestowe
Manningham Road, between Ayr Street and High Street, Templestowe Lower
King Street, between Williamsons Road and Veda Court, Doncaster
George Street, between Victoria Street and Williamsons Road, Doncaster
High Street, between Manningham Road and Doncaster Road, Doncaster
Wetherby Road, between Doncaster Road and Koonung Creek, Doncaster
Doncaster Road, between Rose Street and High Street, Doncaster
Doncaster Road, between Blackburn Road and Wetherby Road, Doncaster East
King Street, between Nedlands Court and Ashcroft Avenue, Doncaster East
Blackburn Road, between Raintree Road and Johns Grove, Doncaster East
Blackburn Road, between Beverley Street and Turnstone Street, Doncaster East
Blackburn Road, between Reynolds Road and King Street, Doncaster East
Bulleen Road, between Thompsons Road and Manningham Road, Bulleen

Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster burglary squad team leader Det Sgt Doug Beare said the results were pleasing

RESIDENTIAL burglary reports are down, but the number of commercial burglaries reported to police in Manningham have increased over the past year, newly released police figures show.

- Kelvin Eldridge

DONCASTER Secondary College's careers adviser Juliet Elizabeth

DONCASTER Secondary College’s careers adviser Juliet Elizabeth spends much of her day offering up words of wisdom to worried students.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster Shoppingtown Free WiFi (Wi-Fi)

On Thursday night I noticed a sign on a table in the food court letting customers know about free WiFi. I decided to try it out. Using my Apple 3G iPhone I found the wireless access point and tried to connect. I wasn't able to get access to the internet. I then decided to check the McDonalds free WiFi and whilst this time I got to the sign on page, I wasn't able to get any further.

On the recent video of Steve Jobs releasing the new iPhone 4 we saw how too many people using wireless in the audience caused the demo to fail. I suspect the same issue may be occurring as Westfield Shoppingtown, but it is only a guess.

I then resorted to my telco's 3G data service and was able to access the internet.

The frustrating aspect of free WiFi is it is a great service when it is working, but when it isn't you can't help but curse. That isn't good for the business providing the free WiFi service, which in this case is Westfield. The problem is if it becomes too hard for Westfield to provide a quality service they are likely to remove it and that to me would be an undesirable outcome.

I do hope this was a once off experience and will check the service next time I'm at the food court.

Kelvin Eldridge

Eastern freeway traffic cameras show up-to-date traffic conditions (Bulleen Road, Yarra Bend)

Frequently when I get to around Bulleen Road on the Eastern Freeway of a night, the bank up of traffic ahead is shocking. I’ve often wondered if there was a way I could check out the traffic beforehand. As it turns out VicRoads provides a live feed from their cameras which are updated frequently. Below are the links to the cameras that interest me and may be of interest to others in the local area.

 

Bulleen Road looking East

http://livetraffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/region/23010?expanddiv=group3

 

Eastern Freeway at Yarra Bend looking East

http://livetraffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/region/23002?expanddiv=group3

 

Happy motoring.

 

Kelvin Eldridge

 

MELBOURNE'S 10 most violent railway stations aren't Eltham, Heidelbery or Box Hill

The analysis showed 45 per cent of all reported assaults occurred at Flinders Street, Dandenong, Broadmeadows, Footscray, St Albans, Ringwood, Bayswater, Frankston, Southern Cross and Thomastown stations.
I was pleased to read in this article in The Age, the local railway stations which are typically used by people from my local area weren’t in the top ten list of stations. Of course Southern Cross is a concern as it is one of the common destinations in the city.
I also liked reading that by being sensible and covering just 10 stations where 45% of the violence occurs, targeted use of enforcement resources may be able to make a difference for a lot of commuters. One of the concerns with public transport is always safety and poor safety can easily dissuade people from using public transport.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Apple iPod Touch Doncaster Shoppingtown availability update

For those interested in the new Apple iPod Touch I dropped into the Doncaster Shoppingtown Apple store last night. A week ago I asked about stocks and they said they'd be arriving this week. At the moment the 8GB unit is in stock. The 32GB and 64GB units are currently not in stock.

Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster Shoppingtown (Westfield) sign rejected.

AN electronic advertising sign proposed by Westfield for the Doncaster Rd/Williamsons Rd intersection has been rejected after VicRoads’ pulled rank on the council.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Doncaster Area Rapid Transit (DART) project,

The Doncaster Area Rapid Transit (DART) project, which will significantly boost services on four city-to-Manningham routes, will start October 4, less than two months before the state election.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Local Doncaster news

Links to news articles relating to Doncaster.
Victorian Opera music director Richard Gill went back to school for a special performance at the Doncaster school.

The balloon release will be part of the Teddy Love Club’s (TLC) first Victorian Memorial Walkathon on Sunday, September 19.

A THIRD multi-storey residential apartment complex is set to rise in Tram Rd with plans for a new $6 million, seven-story building.

A 1969 government plan outlined new train and road links for the city. Most of the roads, including EastLink, have been built, but the rail connections to Doncaster and Rowville will not be built any time soon.

Mr Pakula said passengers could use the new bus services free for a fortnight from October 4 and the new SmartBus Route 901 to the airport from September 26.

Doncaster SES gives tips on protecting property

Homicide squad detectives are investigating whether the man, 56, killed his wife during a violent argument in their Marilyn St home in Doncaster.

In a statement, Exit International's Director Dr Phillip Nitschke says the raid caused unnecessary stress and disruption to the organisation's staff and volunteers.

A CONTENTIOUS bid to ban off-lead dogs in Doncaster’s most popular park has been dumped following intense community backlash.

The 74-year-old victim was found dead at his home in Wilton Way on July 12.

In the most expensive deal so far, a Chinese developer is paying more than $100 million for Doncaster's Eastern Golf Club, which covers 47 hectares, sources say

DEDICATED Doncaster Secondary College teacher Peter Mason has helped guide young students towards a bright and successful future for almost half a century.

Road-raging doctor escapes conviction, fined $1000

At 44, probationary Constable Grimley is not your typical new recruit to the police ranks.

A PILOT program that uses GPS devices to track people with dementia could help Doncaster police quickly find "regular wanderers".

A LOCAL architect/developer has paid $5.1 million for a landmark development site in the Doncaster activity centre zone.

HOUSING experts agree Doncaster Hill will "set the benchmark" for apartment-style living and the new standard for housing in Victoria.

When Ms Mercieca went to the ATM at Doncaster shopping centre on Sunday, June 20 she was shocked when $50 notes started rolling out.

The card's owner had lost her wallet in Doncaster and failed to cancel it in time.

Farah Jama, 22, launched his compensation bid after spending 15 months in jail when his DNA sample contaminated one taken from a woman allegedly sexually assaulted at a Doncaster nightclub.

The 25-year-old was working on the public housing development on Tram Rd, Doncaster when he fell through some roofing and landed on a scaffolding pole.

Kelvin Eldridge

Science whiz off to Canberra

Jocelyn Shann (pictured) of Doncaster

- Kelvin Eldridge

Availability of new Apple TV, Apple iPod nano, shuffle and touch at Doncaster Apple store

Today I dropped in to the local Apple store to find out when the new Apple iPod touch (which some call the iTouch) was expected to arrive. The sales assistant advised me they expect to get them sometime next week. This is also supported by Apple's press release stating "the new iPod touch will be available next week".

Also of interest to those with an existing second and third generation iPod touch, the updated operating system iOS 4.1 will be available on September 8 free of charge.

For those interested in the iPod nano and shuffle, these will also be available next week.

Apple considers the Apple TV as a hobby, but I think it could be a very interesting device at an affordable price. The Apple TV will be available later this month.

Kelvin Eldridge



Link: Apple Store Australia

Free coffee for seniors at Red Rooster Doncaster

I noticed this sign as I was using the drive through at Red Rooster at Doncaster and thought seniors in the area may be interested to know about the free coffee.

What I also find interesting is I would have sworn Red Rooster was located in Templestowe Lower, as it is on the northern side of Manningham Road. A check of the Melways reveals an anomaly (often the boundary of the postcode area is the main road), where in this case there is a section encompassing the Metropolitan Ambulance Headquarters, Manningham Centre Nursing Home, Melaleuca Lodge Nursing Hostel and the commercial premises as part of Doncaster. Just to confuse things even further the Lower Templestowe McDonalds which should actually be Templestowe Lower McDonalds is also in Doncaster. Who would have guessed!

Nows there's something to ponder whilst you enjoy your free coffee.

Kelvin Eldridge

Mobile speed camera locations in Doncaster for August 2010

Courtesy of the Victorian government the following are the locations of mobile speed cameras in Doncaster for August 2010. As stated on the government site "Mobile cameras are installed in unmarked vehicles parked on the side of a road."

King Street, between Williamsons Road and Veda Court
George Street, between Victoria Street and Williamsons Road
High Street, between Manningham Road and Doncaster Road
Wetherby Road, between Doncaster Road and Koonung Creek
Doncaster Road, between Rose Street and High Street


Kelvin Eldridge

Property update: Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Bulleen, Eltham and Eltham North

The following properties have recently been listed.

• 9A Eama Court, Bulleen, Victoria 3105
• 6 Wakefield Place, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 5 Morang Avenue, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 2 Oak Crescent, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 2/5 Thiele Street, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 1 Citrus Court, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 126 Landscape Drive, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 1/24 Boronia Grove, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 3/24 Boronia Grove, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109

Happy home hunting.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Property update: Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Bulleen, Eltham and Eltham North

The following properties have recently been listed.

• 2/1147 Main Road, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 7/ 17 Silver Street, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 1/ 24 Boronia Grove, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 3/ 24 Boronia Grove, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 35 Leeds Street, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 12A Roger Street, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109

Happy home hunting.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Property update: Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Bulleen, Eltham and Eltham North

The following properties have recently been listed.

• 16 Elm Crescent, Eltham North, Victoria 3095
• 21 Dumossa Avenue, Bulleen, Victoria 3105
• 196 Manningham Road, Bulleen, Victoria 3105
• 1/13 Mossdale Court, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 16 Whitehall Court, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 2 Scott Close, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 326 Thompsons Road, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 8 Teak Court, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 4 The Glades, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 66 Deep Creek Drive, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109

Happy home hunting.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Property update: Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Bulleen, Eltham and Eltham North

The following properties have recently been listed.

• 5/28 York Street, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 24 Lynnwood Parade, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 13 Eucalypt Avenue, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 86 Macedon Rd, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 1/16-18 Whittens Lane, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 2/25 Clay Drive, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 12a High Street, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 5 St Claire Walk, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 7 Halcyon Court, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109

Happy home hunting.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Property update: Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Bulleen, Eltham and Eltham North

The following properties have recently been listed.

• 7a Austin Street, Bulleen, Victoria 3105
• 2/ 82 Wood Street, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 24 Abelia Street, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 6 Airlie Court, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 4 Morlborough Court, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 4/18 Peter Street, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 35 Woodlea Street, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 108 Bellevue Avenue, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 1 Belinda Crescent, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 165 Blackburn Road, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 4/ 18 Peter Street, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109

Happy home hunting.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Property update: Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Bulleen, Eltham and Eltham North

The following properties have recently been listed.

• 67 Lower Road, Eltham North, Victoria 3095
• 1 Scenic Crescent, Eltham North, Victoria 3095
• 17 Calendonia Drive, Eltham North, Victoria 3095
• 13 Heddon Court, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 2 Gleneagle Way, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 5 Hollyoak Rise, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 92 Helene Street, Bulleen, Victoria 3105
• 17 Kelvinside Drive, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 18 Duxson Drive, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 1 Gum Ridge Close, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 4 Tennyson Court, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 411 Porter Street, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 40 Eucalypt Avenue, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 1/2 Rosemary Street, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 1 Alfred Street, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 1/ 92 Foote Street, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 2/2 Malcolm Crescent, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 19 Curnola Avenue, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 3 Hardidge Court, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 9/9 Darcy Street, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 47 Winston Drive, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 45 Pine Hill Drive, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 20 Pine Way, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 13 Dianne Street, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 8 Rowallan Court, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 3 Newstead Court, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 15A Lionel Street, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109

Happy home hunting.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Property update: Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Bulleen, Eltham and Eltham North

The following properties have recently been listed.

• 2/42 Bible Street, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 62 Wycliffe Crescent, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 3 Charles Wilson Close, Eltham North, Victoria 3095
• 5 Bayfield Drive, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 1/15 Estelle, Bulleen, Victoria 3105
• 6A Colite Street, Bulleen, Victoria 3105
• 30 Templemore Drive, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 13 Melaleuca Avenue, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 7 Maverick Close, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 3 Ridley Court, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 5 Kent Court, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109

Happy home hunting.

- Kelvin Eldridge

Property update: Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Bulleen, Eltham and Eltham North

The following properties have recently been listed.

• 1370 Main Road, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 50 Grove Street, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 3 Abbey Mews, Eltham, Victoria 3095
• 28 Parry Rd, Eltham North, Victoria 3095
• 2/33 Carrathool Street, Bulleen, Victoria 3105
• 28 Derreck Avenue, Bulleen, Victoria 3105
• 21 Lincoln Drive, Bulleen, Victoria 3105
• 10 Warrick Grove, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 89 Atkinson Street, Templestowe, Victoria 3106
• 5/236 Greenslopes Drive, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 2/99-101 Foote Street, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 2 Dove Court, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 2/12 Omar Street, Templestowe Lower, Victoria 3107
• 2/ 72 Ayr Street, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 39 Norfolk Circuit, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
• 60 Leeds Street, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 8 Finch Street, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 3 Correa Court, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
• 3 Norman Street, Doncaster East, Victoria 3109

Happy home hunting.

- Kelvin Eldridge