Meeting was held on Zoom. 24 members participated and there were 4 apologies.
The chair was President Helen and the guest speaker was Nick Staikos local Member of State Parliament.
Helen introduced Steve as a very “local” boy in that he was born in Moorabbin Hospital, grew up in the area and attended local schools. He graduated from Monash University and was also the youngest councillor ever elected at the age of 19 years. Steve’s presentation was about the key local projects that he wanted to share with the members of the club. Steve emphasised the 4 keys projects that are in progress which will benefit the local community on some shape or form.
The first project was the establishment of a second campus for McKinnon Secondary College.
This will be at Virginia Park and will be operating from the next school year in 2022. Steve gave a history of how the land was acquired and the development of the school. The school will be able to accommodate 1100 students and it is planned that years 8 and 9 students will be accommodated there.
The second project is the upgrade of South Road. South Road has gradually become busier over the years. The project to upgrade South Road is jointly funded by State and Federal Governments. Steve outlined the changes and improvements that will take place.
The third project is the establishment of an ambulance branch at East Bentleigh. Currently ambulances for the local area come from the branch at St Kilda East. It is logical that the ambulance serving the local area should be local. Steve stated that securing the land was very challenging and that they are now very close to signing off on the location. If all goes well, construction may commence next year.
The fourth project focussed on the health and well being facilities at Moorabbin Reserve. It would be incorporated in the renovations and development currently taking place at what was the St Kilda Football club ground. The facilities will include a hydrotherapy pool as well as facilities for mental health practitioners.
In the Q and A session which followed, Steve was admirable in steering away from political issues and answered personal and philosophical questions from members in a very skilful and diplomatic manner.
The meeting concluded with a very short Sargent’s session.
