When will this Council ever learn from its past and ongoing bloopers? That history has not taught this lot a thing was made clear this morning when a Mr Michael Silverstein rang Jon Faine’s breakfast show to complain about his kids being warned off for playing Frisbee (yes! that dreaded word again) in an East Bentleigh park without a permit.
To refresh readers’ memories, we‘ve had the headlining farces of ‘kids in the park’; the footy ‘schleppers’, and Michael Lipshutz’s son’s group playing regular, advertised Frisbee games in Caulfield Park for years on end – the latter without a permit! Remember, the situation has been ‘monitored’ for year after year after year!
When will common sense prevail and the infamous Local Laws Committee, chaired by none other than Lipshutz, wake up and do something about this ridiculous law and its far from even handed implementation? That this issue has been allowed to simmer since at least 2005 is unbelievable.
Our sympathies go to Mr Silverstein in that none of these kids happen to be related to, or friends with sitting councillors!
PS: From the Caulfield Leader, PLUS 10 comments already up.
Caulfield Park Frisbee ban
11 Oct 12 @ 11:11am by Jessica Bennett
FRISBEE loving teens have told to stop their weekly game unless they pay $120 for a permit.
East Bentleigh mum Tal Silverstein said her 18-year-old son and his friends played frisbee in Caulfield Park most Friday afternoons.
“Last Friday someone from Glen Eira Council made them stop the game,” she said.
“They said it was an organised sport and that they couldn’t play without a permit.”
Ms Silverstein said the group of teenagers were told they would need to obtain a permit at a cost of $120 to continue playing.
She said the teens organised who would be turning up to play via a Facebook page, but that was their only form of organisation.
“The have the Facebook page, but that is just how they communicate these days,” she said.
“They don’t all go every week, they have no coach, no uniform and no league – how is that organised?
“I thank God that instead of going out drinking or hanging around in the streets they are playing sport.
“But they can’t afford to pay $120 every time they want to throw the frisbee around.”
Glen Eira Council has been approached for comment.
COMMENTS:
Andre writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:33pm
As a father of one of the boys, I thougt he was playing tricks with me. With so little time on their hands due to school commitments, these boys are getting some healthy exercise for an hour a a week Shame on you Glen Eira.
Park user. writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:21pm
Agroup of kids took over Ardrie park every Saturday about 2 years ago. Put their markers out and played soccer in it for about 2 hours. This is a leash-free park for our dogs and they are only allowed on the oval area. Quite rightly, the kids were told to go to one of the other many ovals in the area to play, or indeed, play on their school oval. I agree with Council in this instance. If the park they’re talking about is for off-leash dogs, then it is a nightmare for the animals, who naturally want to chase anything that is thrown.
Rosemary Balfour writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:21pm
Bureaucracy has become a business in its own right. How utterly nonsensical!! Leave them alone. They are having harmless, healthy fun. Crawl back under your rocks, Local Councils!!
Mel writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:16pm
Welcome to Australia! It’s becoming more and more ridiculous by the minute! Considering the amount of permits and restrictions it’s coming surprisingly close to the Stasi in Eastern Germany but in a different way. What do you need next? A permit to fart????
Bill Bartlett writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:15pm
Another case of the councils weilding there big sticks, they can’t handle anyone having and if you do you’ll be fined for it.
Janine writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:13pm
What an appalling display of money grabbing behaviour by Glen Eira Council. They should be encouring these teenagers to exercise and enjoy sport socailly; not pouring cold water on there plans to enjoy Caulfield’s parks and open areas. Shame on your Glen Eira Council. I do not sanity prevails on this one.
Mick Of Ferntree Gully writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:44pm
Typical local government beauracracy. Unfortunately a number of local councils are being taken over by a bunch of pea brains
Kate writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:36pm
I heard this story on ABC radio this morning. On the face of it, it does seem ridiculous. I will be interested to see Council’s response. On radio Mr Silverstein said the kids were also required to have public liability insurance. As a business person, I need that insurance and it doesn’t come cheap! This seems to be an example of Local Laws that may need a good review.
I have seen the young people playing frisbee in Caulfield Park where I walk my dog every day. It certainly doesn’t bother me and seems like a harmless, healthy and fun activity! Is Council that short of money?
Dr. Kate Dempsey Independent Candidate for Camden Ward
Helen writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:28pm
How ridiculous, kids playing frisbee! Shame on the money grabbing council!
Peter writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:25pm
As long as they wear the mandatory helmets, and body protection devices there is no reason why people should not be entitled to play such an extreme sport in a public area
Glen Eira Debates 
October 11, 2012 at 12:01 PM
One meeting in the past year for the laws committee and no meeting for the sports and recreation committee. Not surprising then that the inequitable status quo still exists and that monitoring is the only pseudo action that they are capable of. Perhaps both Tang and Lipshutz should be required to explain why these kids were ordered to get a permit and the notorious frisbee group in Caulfield Park somehow escaped this necessity.
October 11, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Quite frankly I am sick and tired of the continuing Frisbee saga. It would have been a simple thing for this Council to address on day one but they failed to do so, hence its reappearance. Lets hope this time they finally do something about it.
October 11, 2012 at 3:42 PM
they could go and use the racecourse instead. Council would not kicking them off there. Also noticed the helicopter was hovering over my house in East Caulfield for about an hour yesterday. What rights do residents have as it will obviously be happening over the next 2 weeks. Doesnt happen at the MCG. I think the copter hovers over the houses as well so as not to disturb the horses or race patrons
October 11, 2012 at 11:20 PM
People don’t know how to access or if its open. The fact the MRC lock the gates at 6pm is also not helpful despite it being daylight savings. Whatever happened to the agreement signed by Crs Lipshutz, Esakoff, Pilling and Hyams with the MRC. Seems the MRC take no notice of these dud Councillors.
October 11, 2012 at 7:32 PM
More Online Leader comments –
John Williams writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 05:29pm
Should kids be allowed….etc….. Wrong question. Should water-boarding of Council Officers be legal? There….fixed.
Ian writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 05:26pm
This is typical of all levels of governments – local, state and federal – which are all becoming Orwellian in nature. Unless people stand up for their God-given rights, the control freaks in government will continue to take away personal freedom and liberty.
John writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 04:42pm
Puzzled, ” I think it is about time the Government stepped in and stopped councils making nonsensical rules. ”
That’s our problem – right here. As soon as something happens we start crying for the Government to “do something”. And the government happily steps in “doing something”, usually unhelpful (in hindsight). They are chipping away our freedoms little by little. And we let them. No, we even ask them. What should be done is citizens’ campaign against stupid rules and make sure you cast your vote in informed way. Politician on every level should not ever forget who they serving to. And it is our job to not let them forget this.
Lea Bushell writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 04:19pm
To the East Bentleigh Mum, Tal, I agree with you that this is ridiculous and the Council is simply out of control.
As to the Park User, it is a park with an oval on it, what your dog does off leash is up to you to control.Let the kids play, the animlas may enjoy themselves as well.
What next, a permit for a group of ladies who go walking together every morning, if over three in number?
Ash Preston writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 04:06pm
Dear Glen Eira Council,
What an absolute disgrace! We live in a society where obesity and violence is growing at an alarming rate. What’s the point in having all these wonderful parks if the public can’t use them? After all, we do pay rates to have our neighbouring suburbs looked after, what’s the point if we have to pay more money to use them?
I hope the council of Glen Eira reassesses this policy and common sense prevails.
By the way, if I went and organised a weekly run and as part of that we ran around Caulfield park, would I have to pay $120 each time?
bill writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 04:01pm
To use the words of our Prime Minister what nut job decided this was a good idea. I suppose it is so much better to let the kids do nothing and get into trouble than letting them play a healthy game in the fresh air.
Really I would be outraged but what is the point. Stupid council, stupid rule. Guys let me know when you are going to play I will come down and play as well with my two disabled sons and if the council wants to fine you they have to fine me and my two disabled sons. What do you actually pay rates for?
I will take them to the cleaners, the ombudsman, the equal opportunity commission, the government, the media and sue them all personally for stress, anxiety and loss of income as I have to defend myself. It will cost them a lot more than $140 I can assure you.
Pathetic and mean but they wont care. As for park user it is a mixed use park. Your dog should be well behaved and it does not give you exclusive use of the park. What a hide you have.
Bemused writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 03:57pm
Would this be the same council that rings up junior sporting clubs complaining that kids are ruining their lovely sports grounds by training on them for 1-2 hours a week?? Set & Federal governments plus health authorities warn of the obesity crisis and lamblast the sedentary lifestyle we have become accustomed to. Here we have a group of kids who get together occassionally for fun and a bit of exercise in a large multi use park. Casual users not an organised sporting club or group, based on the councils assessment they should also be stopping the local mothers groups who have organised plays with their kids at the parks facilities. Councils are very good at managing by-laws and collecting rate income. Yet they fail to meet one of the basic needs of their rate payers. Councils should be declared a common sense free zone as there is very little shown here.
Stephen writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 03:46pm
This is the sort of stupidity that Glen Eira council displays. I believe they are also planning on moving a skateboard ramp near the GESAC, possibly to make more parking spaces. One starts to wonder if they are anti teenager?
Sabina lokic writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 03:39pm
If its just a few people kicking a ball or throwing a frisbee. If its a group of people blocking off a fair section then they shouldmove to asporting area. Just hope they don’t ban beach cricket!
John writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 03:27pm
On the surface of this report it seems absurd that kids cannot play frisbee in the park. Where else do you go with a frisbee? Councils have gone well beyond their purpose when they deny kids a place to play. On the other hand, if they had become a nuisance or were abusive to other park users then the council does have a case.
Tangaroangaiwi writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 03:22pm
What a nonsense, Park user!
We are all park users and, unless there are any marked exclusive use areas, then I cannot see why we cannot play games. It is fair for teams wishing to use marked football areas to book and perhaps there will be a fee involved for that privilege but apart from that why should we discriminate against anyone else
Although I dislike the idea of your dogs using ovals as toilets, i respect the fact that these are marked free rein areas and sportspeople must take their chances if they wish to play there, bookings or otherwise
Get off the grass and let people enjoy the facilities we pay for
Mark writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 02:43pm
Bureaucracy gone mad. Do they get $120 fines each? Or the club? Oh, that’s right, there is no club…
And nice hi-jack there, Park user! Sensible, right-minded people with dogs versus kids with frisbees. Are you a sub editor in your spare time?
SoccerToo writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 02:17pm
They did the same thing to my group of friends about 3 years ago. Only difference was we played soccer. As per above, we didn’t all go every week, had no coach, no uniform and no league. We’d been playing on and off for a few years, but that was our last game ever.
Cory writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 02:05pm
Hmm, a group of friends of mine used to regularly play soccer for years. It wasn’t organised but we just all knew if we turned up there would be enough people to have a run for a couple of hours. That was until the kill joy council turned up taking photos a threatening us with all sorts if we didn’t stop. As non of us were us of our rights we eventually succumbed and stopped playing. To this day I am still shocked that in Australia we cannot pick up a ball and go have a run without a permit. What’s all that about?
Puzzled writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 02:03pm
What next, councils will be charging us for walking down our own streets. I thought a park was there for people to sensibly enjoy themselves and I do not think playing frisbee is wrong. As one of the mothers says, they are out playing frisbee not drinking and annoying people in public areas. It is about time councils started to apply commonsense rather than a cash grab. The council would seen complain if these kids were out destroying council property. I think it is about time the Government stepped in and stopped councils making nonsensical rules. A park is for use by all people and as long as the lads are not causing problems with other park users, LEAVE THEM ALONE.
Andre writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:33pm
As a father of one of the boys, I thougt he was playing tricks with me. With so little time on their hands due to school commitments, these boys are getting some healthy exercise for an hour a a week Shame on you Glen Eira.
Park user. writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:21pm
Agroup of kids took over Ardrie park every Saturday about 2 years ago. Put their markers out and played soccer in it for about 2 hours. This is a leash-free park for our dogs and they are only allowed on the oval area. Quite rightly, the kids were told to go to one of the other many ovals in the area to play, or indeed, play on their school oval. I agree with Council in this instance. If the park they’re talking about is for off-leash dogs, then it is a nightmare for the animals, who naturally want to chase anything that is thrown.
Rosemary Balfour writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:21pm
Bureaucracy has become a business in its own right. How utterly nonsensical!! Leave them alone. They are having harmless, healthy fun. Crawl back under your rocks, Local Councils!!
Mel writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:16pm
Welcome to Australia! It’s becoming more and more ridiculous by the minute! Considering the amount of permits and restrictions it’s coming surprisingly close to the Stasi in Eastern Germany but in a different way. What do you need next? A permit to fart????
Bill Bartlett writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:15pm
Another case of the councils weilding there big sticks, they can’t handle anyone having and if you do you’ll be fined for it.
Janine writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:13pm
What an appalling display of money grabbing behaviour by Glen Eira Council. They should be encouring these teenagers to exercise and enjoy sport socailly; not pouring cold water on there plans to enjoy Caulfield’s parks and open areas. Shame on your Glen Eira Council. I do not sanity prevails on this one.
Mick Of Ferntree Gully writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:44pm
Typical local government beauracracy. Unfortunately a number of local councils are being taken over by a bunch of pea brains
Kate writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:36pm
I heard this story on ABC radio this morning. On the face of it, it does seem ridiculous. I will be interested to see Council’s response. On radio Mr Silverstein said the kids were also required to have public liability insurance. As a business person, I need that insurance and it doesn’t come cheap! This seems to be an example of Local Laws that may need a good review.
I have seen the young people playing frisbee in Caulfield Park where I walk my dog every day. It certainly doesn’t bother me and seems like a harmless, healthy and fun activity! Is Council that short of money?
Dr. Kate Dempsey Independent Candidate for Camden Ward
Helen writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:28pm
How ridiculous, kids playing frisbee! Shame on the money grabbing council!
Peter writes:
Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:25pm
As long as they wear the mandatory helmets, and body protection devices there is no reason why people should not be entitled to play such an extreme sport in a public area
October 11, 2012 at 11:21 PM
Three times bitten makes them very shy. I happened to catch Faine’s show this morning and he said they were trying to contact council for some comment. Nothing eventuated. They must have all been ducking for cover. When, oh when, will they ever learn as the song says.
October 12, 2012 at 3:35 AM
Maybe council could supply these youth with a brush and paint supply for the graffiti enjoyment which they could substitute for their entertainment.
It’s all very interesting as I was traumatised when a savage dog ran out at me on the footpath and when I looked up the dog belonged to Councillor Lipshutz. The doudle standards are amazing.
October 12, 2012 at 8:46 AM
I see it was even mentioned in Sunrise
http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/soapbox/article/-/15099730/kids-asked-to-pay-for-frisbee-permit-at-park/
October 12, 2012 at 10:02 AM
The Australian too. They’re a national laughing stock.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/city-of-glen-eira-demands-120-permit-for-throwing-a-frisbee/story-e6frg6n6-1226493952484
October 12, 2012 at 10:17 PM
Channel 10 News: check out the council “mouthpiece” – Michael LIpshutz. Strange, but the local law states that all media releases via councillors be done through the Mayor, or the Deputy Mayor. Lipshutz is NEITHER!
See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20ujFVNsxnc
October 12, 2012 at 10:51 PM
Lets face it, Lipshutz has been the key player behind this inept Council for years now. Give Lips the flick.
October 12, 2012 at 11:37 AM
I reckon this is pretty easy to solve. As elections are about to take place lets just ask each candidate to tell us their position on charging for a permit to play frisbee. . As elected officials they make the laws. As ratepayers we will decide who we vote for.
October 12, 2012 at 12:44 PM
ok this is frisbee what if it was an organised game of football by a club that has not paid to use the facility. What if the field is damaged for these teams? This is the reason the rules are in place (I know it is a different rule for different people). If there were ‘free spaces’ availble to casual users then it is not really an issue eg how about the soccer pitch at caulfield east reserve whereas keep the main oval for organised sports. If I played cricket I would not be happy if the turf wicket at Glenhuntly park was damaged by casual users. Interestingly enough Caulfield racecourse in its present state is great for casual users. I imagine if you asked anyone who owns a dog whether they prefer it now or when the ‘car park’ is built they will say it is perfect the way it is.