Alison van den Dungen for Kingston in Mentone South, Victoria, Australia | Political candidate
Alison van den Dungen for Kingston
Locality: Mentone South, Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 408 356 539
Address: Mentone Parade 3194 Mentone South, VIC, Australia
Website:
Likes: 739
Reviews
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25.01.2022 Bullying and intimidation has no place in our community. Not in our schools, our workplaces, our community organisations and definitely not our council. I am standing up today to call it out and if elected I will continue to call it out. To challenge the existing processes that make it possible and ensuring every member of our community is listened to and heard regardless of their age, gender, beliefs or race
23.01.2022 Let’s talk Mental Health and community sporting clubs and associations. One in seven young men aged between 16 and 24 experience depression or anxiety each year and young women aged 18-24 years had the highest rate of psychological distress of any age group or sex in 2017-18* However, often the symptoms aren't recognised and therefore young people don't get the help they need. ... For many people, the participation and network provided by local sporting clubs or associations is the only thing holding their life together but these groups are often il-equipped to recognise and or deal with issues before tragedy strikes. If elected I will ask Kingston Council to set aside a dedicated budget - with clear parameters - so that when tragedy strikes community clubs or associations can call in the appropriate support (ie counselling) immediately, knowing that when they have the time to fill out the paperwork subsidy will be there waiting for them. It was great to chat about this with Chris from Mentone Cricket Club and Shaun from St Bedes/Mentone Tigers AFC today. Both clubs are already doing such great work for our local community in this space but they know they could do more with additional support from Council. *stats from Beyond Blue
22.01.2022 Could this be Mentone’s first food truck Precinct?? This picture shows another empty block of land in Mentone... how amazing would it be if I could take a picture here in two months time and see a vibrant outdoor area full of local food trucks like The Greek Trojan Yiros (and socially distant customers). This block of land on Collins Street was the site of the old council depot. It Is now owned by Mercy Health and is currently the subject of an ongoing negotiation regarding... the size and scope of a new aged care facility. I am calling on both organisations to think of the bigger picture and look to use this block for the good of Mentone and local traders over the summer months. Let’s fill it with food trucks... or restaurant kitchens made out of shipping containers and revitalise the area - even temporarily - during a time where so many hospitality businesses are under threat. While I understand there are many considerations, many factors to play out, I truly believe that it will be the municipalities with proactive and brave councils that will not only survive but thrive as we come out of Covid-19
21.01.2022 I’ve officially voted!! I won’t lie this was a pretty awesome moment I would love your support and for those interested I have included my how to vote card here. Remember you need to post your ballot paper back before the post is cleared on Friday 23 October, remember red letterboxes are cleared at different times. Most are cleared between 12 noon and 4 PM, so be aware of your local times! ... VOTING IS NOW COMPULSORY for everyone on the electoral roll - including those over 70yrs of age who have previously not had to vote in council elections. Please make sure your parents or family members over 70 also know to send their votes back! Failure to vote incurs a fine If you don’t get a ballot pack by Friday 16 October, call your local Election Office to request a replacement. Our local Kingston Election Office phone number is (03) 8619 1435. Authorised by Alison van den Dungen 92 Mentone Parade, Mentone 3194
21.01.2022 Would you feel safe letting your child cross this road on their own? Would you feel comfortable walking your child who wants to ride a bike or scooter to school towards this road, knowing there was no safety measures in place if they got there before you? Behind me is the new permanent crossing over the train tracks on Como West. City of Kingston has decided this route DOES NOT require a school crossing supervisor, or even a zebra crossing... when it VERY CLEARLY DOES.... Due to the upgrades at Mentone Station this crossing is now a main thoroughfare for children and families as they make their way East or West to our two primary schools, five high schools, kindergartens, and multiple early learning centres and daycare centres in Mentone. Earlier this year 1200 people signed my petition calling for a permanent school crossing to be installed here and, while I respect that work has been considered to improve the safety of this area the response is simply not good enough. As well as multiple emails and phone calls voicing my concern I have completed the following survey recently sent out by Kingston Council. I urge any parent/grandparent/guardian/carer or just concerned resident to join me in sending their feedback to council by filling out this online survey here https://www.yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/ped-safety-mentone Or send direct feedback to David Wang on [email protected]
21.01.2022 When the COMMUNITY stand together we WIN together Doing a little happy dance on the way to school drop off today when we were able to safely make our passage across Como Pde West and Como Pde East following the installation of these new supervised school crossings!!! I want to say THANK YOU to every single one of the 1204 people who signed my Get our kids to school safely petition earlier this year and the Councillors who listened to our concerns and fought for these impo...rtant safety upgrades. Yesterday local residents received an information bulletin from the City of Kingston confirming the following: A temporary supervised school crossing on Como Pde West near Cremona Street (further community consultation is to happen before this is made permanent and won’t be completed until after the October election) A supervised school crossing on Como Pde East near Rogers Street New line-marking on Rogers Street to improve separation between vehicles exiting Rogers Street and the new school crossing There is still work to be done but today let us as a community celebrate what we can achieve when we come together to call for change.
19.01.2022 Would the real housewife please stand up Gone are the days when women were expected to vote by the views of their husband. It is 2020 and I am proud to be standing for Kingston Council as a strong, independent female candidate! Because of this I was shocked when a local resident recently asked me just one question following receiving my flyer... please confirm who your husband votes for ... Full disclosure. My husband is a proud member of the Labor party and I love his passion. But this has NOTHING to do with me. We are both passionate, about many things, and we have different views, about MANY things, and in 2020 that’s allowed! I am my own person - both in my household, and in my community - and will continue to be so if I am fortunate enough to be your representative on Kingston Council.
19.01.2022 Hands up who’s excited that playgrounds have reopened Aside from providing time outside in the fresh air - and a great place to play with or meet new friends - The movements children perform on a playground build both gross and fine motor skills, along with core strength. Playground play also enhances the vestibular system the sensory system that controls balance and coordination and develops better body awareness.... I believe it is incredibly important that each ward in Kingston is able to provide residents with playgrounds that are not only accessible to all but cater for a wide of age groups. What do you think our playgrounds in Como Ward need?? Upgraded equipment? More inclusive play areas or equipment for children of all abilities? More facilities like bathrooms? More picnic tables or BBQs? I would love to hear from you.
19.01.2022 When you unknowingly match your outfit with your smoothie date!!! Unfortunately the gorgeous Kira can’t vote for me but YOU still can so make sure you find those ballot envelopes and send them back in - before mail collection on Friday (for me this means 4pm)! Voting is compulsory - even for those over 70 this year - so avoid a fine and send in your votes! ... You may also notice Kira is sporting a gorgeous blue nail in support of the Polished Man campaign so if you have already voted but want to do something to support this post check them out and make a donation! [Authorised by Alison van den Dungen 92 Mentone Parade Mentone 3194]
18.01.2022 And just like that school is back!! Lockdown homeschooling has been a crazy adventure and something I know we will look back on with a level of pride and fondness - even though it was tough and there were many moments I didn’t think we would make it through. I’m so grateful for the support of the teachers and staff at Mentone Primary School as they taught us parents while continuing to teach our children. ... Now it’s time for our kids to get back to school the way it is meant to be and I already can’t wait to hear about my son’s day when I pick him up. Authorised by Alison van den Dungen, 92 Mentone Parade Mentone 3194
18.01.2022 While it may seem a while away right now, soon we will be able to reconnect with friends and local traders and sit down for a meal. What will your first post lockdown eat in meal be? I’ve always loved a brunch with friends so think I'll be heading to one of my favourite local café's Busyboy Mentone!!
18.01.2022 Owning a small business is never a walk in the park Every day you have to fight - for the survival of the business, your family’s future and the stability of those who work for you. This picture shows one of those battles. It’s 3am and I’m using a bilge pump to suck up the water that flooded our shop a few years ago.... However, for many business owners the challenges they have faced in the past pale in comparison to the challenges we are all facing now. Our family business pictured here has now been closed for nearly 3 months. As a result, I have a very acute understanding of the challenges that the lockdown is presenting to local businesses and their families. I can say hand on heart that I will be looking and advocating for ways council can provide the most amount of support possible for our local businesses. While the current lockdown measures sit outside the remit of Local Council, what will be important for the City of Kingston and where the Council should direct their attention and energies is into removing red tape and barriers that have traditionally stymied the efforts for growth of many businesses, schools, community groups and sporting clubs. It is critical that the new Kingston City Council actively engage with the broader business community and develop policies and procedures that deliver real growth opportunities. In my personal opinion we should aim for Kingston to thrive, not just survive. My Mentone Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce Parkdale3195 Cheltenham3192
17.01.2022 Today is the 30th Anniversary of the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons. In the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, it is important to understand that whilst we should take today to celebrate our Older Australians we must also understand and acknowledge that they are most at risk of a severe reaction to the insidious Coronavirus disease. We must also commit to bettering the lives of all Older Australians, no matter who they are or where they live.... This is a picture of an incredible lady, Maggie, talking with me about some innovations our business is bringing to the Aged Care sector. Maggie told me some incredible stories of her life working with Molly Meldrum back in what she referred to as her ‘heyday’. Today is a day to call all the Older Australians in your life to tell them how you feel about them, to check in on their general welfare and maybe even hear some increble stories from their ‘heydays’. The 2020 International Day of Older Persons aims to: -Inform participants about the strategic objectives for the Decade of Healthy Ageing. -Raise awareness of the special health needs of older persons and of their contributions to their own health and to the functioning of the societies in which they live. -Increase awareness and appreciation of the role of the health care workforce in maintaining and improving the health of older persons, with special attention to the nursing profession -Present proposals for reducing the health disparities between older persons in the developed and developing countries, so as to Leave no one behind. -Increase understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on older persons and its impact on health care policy, planning, and attitudes.
17.01.2022 Road and footpath safety plan for Kingston I'm running for Como Ward because EVERY resident, no matter their size, speed or ability deserves to be safe on our local roads and footpaths and this an area that I believe needs a stronger focus by our council moving forward
17.01.2022 Today I bumped into Dylan Styles for Kingston who is running in my neighbouring ward of Melaleuca while getting coffee at Station Stop Cafe in Parkdale. With the introduction of a new smaller ward structure Como and Melaleuca split Parkdale in half. Dylan and I spoke about how collaboration between the councillors elected in our two wards will be even more important for everyone who lives, works and goes to school in the area. Along with other things, together we would like... to see City of Kingston focus on the revitalisation of the Parkdale shopping strip - not just as we navigate the coming months of Covid-19 restrictions, but for the long term vitality of this great suburb. The spirit of collaboration should not just be between neighbouring wards and I truly believe we need a Kingston Council made up of councillors who are willing to debate but can do so with a culture of mutual understanding and respect. I am excited by so many of the candidates who are putting their hands up to represent Kingston and hope to be able to work with them collaboratively for the betterment of everyone in the future.
16.01.2022 Happy 100th Birthday to the Mentone Lifesaving Club!! I know my kids are hanging for nippers to return () and many local families will be grateful for their presence on the beach this summer as always!
15.01.2022 We can do more for those in our community living with disability Recently my attention was drawn to the following action plan created by Association for Children with a Disability (ACD Vic) (the leading organisation advocating for the thousands of children living with disability and their families in Victoria). I believe as a council we can do more to ensure our local community is truly inclusive. ... I have previously raised issues about the inclusiveness of the playgrounds I see in Como and neighbouring wards but there is so much more to be done and this action plan highlights the many ways council needs to do better. https://www.acd.org.au//ACD-Local-Government-Action-Plan_a If elected I want to work closely with organisations such as ACDVic to ensure the needs of those with disability in our community are represented in the decisions and future plans we make. #ACDSpeakingUp #ACDLocalGov2020
13.01.2022 Let’s talk WATER SAFETY! Tragically, 56 people in Victoria lost their lives to drowning in the 2018-2019 year. It was the state’s highest annual drowning toll in more than two decades and 17 more than the average number of drowning incidents in Victoria over the past 10 years (2008/09-2017/18). Living in beachside suburbs it is even more vital that the ability to learn to swim is accessible to all residents - no matter their age, socio economic or cultural background. ... I would like to work with City of Kingston, the State Government and Life Saving Victoria to investigate programs that can be implemented at a local level to encourage ALL residents to take potentially life saving swimming lessons. **figures taken from 2018/19 Life Saving Victoria Drowning Report** Mentone Lifesaving Club Mordialloc Life Saving Club Swimsafe Mentone Waves Leisure Centre Don Tatnell Leisure Centre Bonbeach Life Saving Club Inc. Aspendale Life Saving Club - Public Page Edithvale Life Saving Club
13.01.2022 Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened Dr Seuss As my campaign comes to an end and we wait for the results I just wanted to take the time to say Thank You to everyone who engaged positively with me over the past few months. To everyone in the community that reached out with messages of support you will probably never know how much they meant to me - I am truly grateful. ... To my family and friends - who held me up on the rough days, walked kilometres letterboxing flyers, put my poster in their yards or shops and just generally rocked with their passion for my campaign I couldn’t have done this without you! To the other candidates from across Kingston that I got to know along the campaign trail Thank You for your advice, encouragement and guidance. Meeting you has been the best part of this campaign and I look forward to carrying on our friendships as councillors or just active members of our community. Good Luck! This was an adventure I never thought I would take and it will be one I always look back on for strength and inspiration no matter what the outcome [Authorised by Alison van den Dungen 92 Mentone Parade Mentone 3194]
12.01.2022 As promised. The ‘Glitterbomb Your Bullies’ art exhibition. Thank you to everyone who reached out and created some positive art magic from my vandalised campaign signs. PS there is more to come ... [Authorised by Alison van den Dungen 92 Mentone Parade, Mentone VIC 3194]
12.01.2022 Shopping local helps keep local families in business! This is Jules and her fabulous shop Pheobe & Lulu. Jules has lived in Kingston for the past 25 years and has run a successful hairdressing business in the area for all that time. In November Jules fulfilled a life long dream and opened a retail store, with her daughter Ruby, selling local, sustainable and ethically sourced clothing and lifestyle products on Charman Road. Then, only 4 months later, Covid-19 hit and her bu...siness that was just starting to take off was forced to close. In great news for all of us you can still shop all their fabulous range online (like I did with these pants) and she even delivers for free in a 10km radius of the shop. Oh and did I mention there is a full hair salon in store as well?! https://www.pheobeandlulu.com.au
12.01.2022 Today is Paramedic Practitioner Day This photo is of my sister Fiona and one of her work partners Nikki taken on Christmas Day. If you ask me they, like every other paramedic around the country, deserve to be celebrated every day of the week! The hard work, care and compassion shown by our fearless paramedics everyday is inspirational as they go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care, in highly emotional and time-critical circumstances. ... While they never expect to be thanked for the job they do I want to take this moment to say THANK YOU! [Authorised by Alison van den Dungen 92 Mentone Parade, Mentone VIC 3194]
11.01.2022 Kids and families are still in danger at Como Pde West pedestrian path Last week a motion was put forward highlighting the flaws in the communication sent out by Kingston Council regarding the ongoing debate around the safety of the pedestrian path at the new Rogers/Cremona Street train crossing. While grateful our concerns were heard, the motion asked council officers to redraft this communication and send it out again. This, combined with the caretaker period council is ...currently in ahead of the election, will mean any real progress in this area will be delayed by months. With the return of the majority of school students fast approaching I have again raised my concerns with council officers and asked them to put in temporary support for families and children for term 4 while they decide what to do long term. This will not only ensure our safety but will provide them with some valuable figures regarding how many families and students will use this crossing if it is safe. I first raised the dangerous nature of this pedestrian with council four months ago and 3 months ago a petition with 1200 signatures was tabled and yet we are still waiting for appropriate action to be taken. If, like me, you want to voice your concerns now you can do so by emailing council on [email protected]
10.01.2022 Let's talk WATER SAFETY! Did you know that in Victoria, drowning remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children aged 0-14 years. Living be the beach, the ability to swim (or know basic water survival skills) is in my mind one of the most important safety lessons we can teach our children, but lessons are not accessible for all. ... While great work has commenced at a primary school level I want to investigate how City of Kingston can work with our Life Saving Clubs, local pools and other educators to give ALL children in the 0 - 5 age group, regardless of their socio economic status, an even better head start at such an essential life skill.
08.01.2022 Open green space is good for mental health!! I believe Como Ward needs more green space. While we are surrounded with fabulous places, like the Kingston Botanical Gardens my boys are exploring in these images, none of them are in Como Ward. Parks and nature/bush reserves encourage exercise, socialisation opportunities (especially during Covid-19), decreased noise and air pollution and even an increased immune function due to exposure to natural germs. Perhaps most importan...tly, green space can provide a vital relief for over stimulated minds. Studies around the world, such as the one by Denmark’s University of Aarhus, show that exposure to green space, particularly during childhood, and making green-spaces a focus during urban planning is a fabulous early intervention tool for reducing mental health problems in the community. I want to fight for green space for ALL Como Ward residents and hope you can support me in this fight.
08.01.2022 Celebrating the end of the first week back at school with milkshakes from 10balcombe [Authorised by Alison van den Dungen 92 Mentone Parade, Mentone VIC 3194]
08.01.2022 My local council pledge: I will always act to further equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people, work to end discrimination, and stand up for human rights.... I take seriously the impact that my actions and decisions both as a candidate for local council, and a councillor, can have on my local LGBTIQA+ community. I will actively consider and consult with LGBTIQA+ members of my community and provide them with an opportunity to be heard. If elected, I pledge to campaign for and support: undertaking Rainbow Tick accreditation for council-run services establishing and continuing an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee to council developing and implementing a LGBTIQA+ action plan for council flying the rainbow flag from council buildings on LGBTIQA+ awareness days marching in Pride March under a council banner or participating in Midsumma or local pride events I strongly believe in diversity and inclusion and that communities are better when we engage and support everyone. Diversity of thought and opinion is so important to create healthy and respectful debate and to ensure that decisions made take into consideration all members of our community. Victorian Pride Lobby
08.01.2022 Today I officially nominated as your independent candidate for Como Ward. If elected I will fight for the concerns of all residents on issues you have told me are important: Getting our kids to school safely ... supporting our local businesses to thrive not just survive as we come out of Covid-19 restrictions safer footpaths for our neighbourhood streets water safety survival courses for ALL residents upgrading our local parks and playgrounds supporting local sporting clubs and community groups support to deliver vibrant local shopping strips Seniors being respected and listened to Most importantly I want to hear from YOU so reach out and let me know what is important to you.
07.01.2022 What’s the story behind this larger than life part of my campaign? This week I’ve had lots of residents ask me this. Just as I’ve shared with them, here are some of the facts about the VAN den Dungen campaign office. Yes it’s ours - well my father-in-law Henk’s to be specific ... What do we normally use it for? It is the delivery van for our family business - Forty Winks Who came up with the idea to turn it into a campaign van? That would be my husband Cameron - I thought he was crazy Why did you decide to do it? Due to Covid-19 business closures it wasn’t doing much at all and with campaign restrictions meaning the cancellation of several planned activities we decided to use our small budget wisely and create a larger than life billboard to spread my message. It was actually cheaper than printing and professionally distributing one flyer! Can you reverse park it? I prefer not to, especially due to the lack of visibility out of the back - it’s like there is a face staring back at me Who paid for it? As an independent my entire campaign is self funded Does it have any other uses? With two boys 6 and 3 it has also been a dinner table, a police station/jail, a secret hideout for Henry Danger and a Nerf War assault vehicle. Let’s just say it will be harder to get rid of than the time I had the f1 safety car here for a few days Who did the signage work? We used Cartrek Sign & Design, who have done all my event work and my husbands retail work for years
06.01.2022 It was great to catch up with Julian Taylor at Parkdale Beach Cafe recently. Julian is also running for Kingston Council - in Yammabrook Ward - but knows Como Ward incredibly well having attended St Bedes Mentone. As well as talking about our experience so far as first time candidates we also spoke about a really important issue to both of us - the mental health struggles of young men in our community. ... We spoke about the important role our local sporting clubs play in the support of not only young men suffering from mental health issues but as a vital network for the ones left behind when support is not enough. If elected I will ask Kingston Council to investigate and help subsidise programs designed to support our community clubs better perform this important role.
05.01.2022 There has never been a more important time to check in with friends and family, or even the lady you see in the street walking their dog or your barista when you collect your morning coffee. 2020 has thrown challenges at all of us that we could never expect and more of us than ever before are not ok! But with the help and support of those around us we can be. ... So today - and every day - I encourage you to pick up the phone, send that message or ask that question to those around you. If you need someone to talk to today please feel free to send me a DM!
04.01.2022 Mentone sporting institution in urgent need of support The Mentone Athletics Club has been a proud, local institution since 1942, and the track at Dolomore Reserve has a rich history throughout that time... at one point it was even made up of the cinders from the 1956 Melbourne Olympics track. These days the track is in urgent need of significant resurfacing due to track degradation and tree roots causing damage from underneath. The state of the track is preventing it from b...eing rented out to school groups or private sporting clubs causing significant income loss for the clubs. Recently fellow Como Ward independent candidate Chris Hill - Candidate for Como Ward - City of Kingston and I caught up with Rupert (Mentone Athletics Club President and Coach) and active member Paivi to talk about their concerns. Whilst there is currently money set aside in the City of Kingston budget for upgrades, there is a very real concern that there isn’t any flexibility in the usage of these funds, or follow up consultation with the clubs as the discovery works are undertaken. With Council funding for track upgrades occurring, on average, every ten years it is critical that this work is perfectly suited to the needs of the Clubs that use the site, as well as the hundreds of social uses who frequent the site each week, for the next decade. If elected I will ensure that all the Clubs using this facility are listened to, and continue to remain involved throughout the upgrade process. I will also fight to ensure the expedition of the upgrades as a priority. [Authorised by Alison van den Dungen 92 Mentone Parade, Mentone VIC 3194]
03.01.2022 Who wore it better?!? When you unknowingly match your outfit with the newest coffee window on the block 10balcombe Get on down and say hello to Sarah, Levi and the team
03.01.2022 On 29 September each year, we pause to remember the Victoria Police employees who have passed away over the past 12 months. This is a time for members of Victoria Police and the community to honour the dedicated men and women who have died serving their community. I would also like to take a moment to say Thank You to every member of Victoria Police, and their families, who risk their lives each day to keep us safe
02.01.2022 As of Monday I will be allowed, during my outdoor exercise time, to recommence my letter dropping campaign I had to stop at the commencement of Stage 4 Restrictions. This is a great win for all of us wanting to get our messages out to the community - especially those that aren't online. Yesterday I spoke with Rachel Eddie at The Age about the challenges of campaigning during a pandemic. ... https://www.theage.com.au//letterbox-drops-allowed-as-coun
