KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY
Independent FORTNIGHTLY COMMUNITY NEWS
1 APRIL 2015
Celebrate Sidoti romps in $150 million for Concord Easter McKay wins
6 October 2011
2
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NEWS
Pages 8-10
ELECTION RESULTS Page 3
Volume 09 No.17
NEWS
3
6 October 2011
Hospital
Page 7
Centenary Park scores
MIKE BAIRD’S TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO POWER IN NSW SPELLS GOOD NEWS FOR SPORTS LOVERS IN THE INNER WEST. by Belinda Noonan
THE Premier and former PM John Howard visited Wests Sports Club three days before the state election to announce $500,000 for a major upgrade for Centenary Park in Croydon after Labor’s Jodi McKay made a similar promise a few weeks prior. “If re-elected, the Baird Government will fund the upgrade of the park’s amenities building including new toilets and change rooms,” Mike Baird said at Wests Sports Club on the Tuesday before the election. With Charles Casuscelli losing his Strathfield seat to Labor’s Jodi McKay, the Premier’s promise was vital and comes as a relief for the long-suffering sports users of the park.
Last June, Sports Minister Stuart Ayres met with Burwood Football Club, Canterbury District Soccer Football Association and Ashfield Cricket Club to discuss an upgrade to the park. Burwood Football Club President, Andrew McVeigh, said the funding guarantee was desperately needed. “Centenary Park is really the only park that services Ashfield, Burwood and Croydon. Around 56 clubs from all over the area use it for Saturday and night games,” Mr McVeigh said. A conservative estimate of 10,000 football players, 12 cricket teams, touch football sides and local schools use the park which currently has a 1950s amenities block with only four toilets. The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.6million. Election report on page 3
Premier Mike Baird and former Prime Minister John Howard at Wests Sports Club in Croydon last week. The current 1950s amenities block in Centenary Park to be replaced by a new facility after a DA is approved by Ashfield Council.
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News
1 April 2015
A
USTRALIANS ARE known for their love of sport. It’s part of our national identity and when an Australian is successful on the international stage – we applaud and revel in their success. National news broadcasts can be delayed for a cricket or tennis match and oh, how we love the Olympics, summer or winter. Why is it then that state and federal Sports Ministers are almost unheard from? This year the Australian Sports Commission (ever heard of them?) is rolling out a new national policy platform which aims to improve participation in organised sport.
desk By Belinda Noonan
SPORTING CHANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH Play.Sport.Australia. is the ASC’s grassroots complement to the national high performance plan Winning Edge, and is built around better engagement with the community, stronger governance for sports and innovative ways to improve their long-term financial sustainability. Apart from the lack of actual
diligent governance evident in many sports because not all sports are funded or subject to a stringent review, state and federal governments are missing a key point. The link to health. An additional 1.5million people will live in Sydney by 2031. The inner west will see 60,000 dwellings constructed. In those dwellings will be
families who will require somewhere to play. Parks and sporting clubs are at capacity now or as the Canterbury District Football Association CEO, Ian Holmes rightly pointed out, “We are faced collectively with other sports with a looming crisis in terms of the availability of space for active sporting recreational activity.” “Community sport adds social capital to the community through the work undertaken by volunteers and is at the front line of combating the increasing threat of life style related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease,” he said. The link to health is obvious. Active people are healthier
and therefore, less of a burden on an already stressed health system. The ASC website says that ‘grassroots participation remains a key priority’ and its Chairman John Wylie believes that participation still remains the best measure of the strength of our sporting sector. Last month a group, ‘Sporting Alliance’ formed by sports in Balmain including the Tigers Rugby League and Netball clubs, Little Athletics, Football and Balmain Cricket wrote to UrbanGrowth NSW and Planning Minister Pru Goward asking that Active Open Space be properly considered. Sporting Alliance want confirmation, from Ms
Goward, that UrbanGrowth will conduct an Open Space and Recreational Needs Study that scales a level of new dwellings to proposed population and then required sporting facilities. That’s great, but any study should go a step further and be linked to the Health Ministry and ditto for the federal government. The national sports sector generates just under $13 billion in annual income and employs more than 100,000 people along with 2.3 million volunteers. The Play.Sport.Australia program that is expected to reach 850,000 children is budgeted at just $100million.
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Inside
New lease of life for Rookwood Cemetery
JUST SAYIN’
THE FIRST STAGE of Rookwood Cemetery’s five-year plan to demystify any darker notions surrounding cemeteries is under way. The developments will see the inclusion of a Community Hub which will feature a research centre, condolence rooms, and an upgraded café and florist. In addition, several roads and access pathways will be upgraded to incorporate cycle ways and recreational walkways. The plans see the current Reflections café, situated near the Werona Road entrance, improve to allow for more appropriate reflection and remembrance, with expanded facilities including individual condolence rooms for families who may also choose to use the new spaces for wakes and functions.
Page 7
EASTER CHURCH SERVICES
Pages 8
ANZAC CENTENARY BRIEFLY
Page 12 Page 14
An artist’s interpretation of the new Rookwood.
An independent fortnightly community newspaper. 100% family owned and operated. Published by Scene Newspapers next issue: Wednesday 22 April 2015 deadline: Wednesday 15 April 2015 Advertising: ads@burwoodscene.com.au Phone: 9715 2700 Fax: 9715 2007 Editorial: editor@burwoodscene.com.au Phone: 9715 2700 Fax: 9715 2007 Post: PO Box A187, Enfield South, NSW 2133 Editor: Belinda Noonan Deputy Editor: Mitchell Jordan mitchell@scenenewspapers.com.au Journalists: Sami Jeong saimi@burwoodscene.com.au Paul Brown paul@burwoodscene.com.au Accounts: Aileen Soria aileens@scenenewspapers.com.au Art Director: Kevin Robinson Sales Director: Robin Eggleton Printed by: Rural Press Burwood Scene is a registered trademark. All material appearing in this newspaper is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without the consent of the copyright holder. Delivered across four municipalities: Burwood, Strathfield, Canada Bay and Ashfield.
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“These developments all form part of a Landscape Master Plan (LMP) being undertaken by ‘Rookwood’ which continues our mandate to make the grounds not only important places for reflection and remembrance, but of vitality and life,” said Rookwood’s CEO, Fiona Heslop. The cemetery will continue its improvements of the site’s landscape and gardens, including cycle ways for leisure rides. The Dulwich Hill Cycle Club hosts multiple races throughout the year and participated in last September’s Open Day. The club will be cycling through Rookwood Cemetery on Sunday 26 April, Sunday 21 June and Sunday 13 September. Spectators are welcome.
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school holiday fun
Wednesday 8th & Wednesday 15th April Bingo - Doors open 10am, games start 10:30am Free Movie - from 1:30pm in the Dome 8/4 - Boxtrolls (PG) 15/4 - The Reef 2 (PG)
Club Burwood RSL is open till 3am DAILY commencing 1st April
News
1 April 2015
Sidoti victory but Labor takes Srathfield
2015 NSW Election Results
Results as of 9am Monday, 30 March 2015
STRATHFIELD Candidate DALE CHEHAB McKAY BROOK CASUSCELLI
Electors enrolled 53,028
Party GRN NLT LAB CDP LIB
Formal Votes % Total Formal Votes 3,610 8.65% 923 2.21% 17,682 42.39% 1,324 3.17% 18,175 43.57% Total formal votes 41,714
Two Candidate Preferred Jodi McKAY LAB Charles CASUSCELLI LIB
DRUMMOYNE Party LIB ORP GRN LAB NLT CDP
51.41% 48.59%
Formal Votes % Total Formal Votes 26,156 61.84% 459 1.09% 4,485 10.60% 9,960 23.55% 629 1.49% 610 1.44% Total Formal votes 42, 299
Two Candidate Preferred John SIDOTI LIB Jason KHOURY LAB
SUMMER HILL
69.83% 30.17%
Liberal Drummoyne MP John Sidoti with supporters (pictured on polling day) increased his winning margin to nearly 20 per cent.
Electors enrolled as on 28/03/2015: 54,174
Party LAB NLT GRN LIB SA CDP
Formal Votes % Total Formal Votes 16,033 43.15% 682 1.84% 10,337 27.82 8,722 23.48 58 1.56% 210 0.57% 589 1.59% Total formal votes 37, 154
Two candidate Preferred Jo HAYLEN LAB Julie PASSAS LIB
CANTERBURY Candidate ISSA MAIORANA BURNEY EISLER PANAYIOTAKIS
by Saimi Jeong
Electors enrolled 52,441
Candidate SIDOTI BELGRAVE MANTEL KHOURY DI COSMO ZAFIRIAN
Candidate HAYLEN TAURIELLO PHILLIPS PASSAS PRICE COGAN FRENCH
15,286 14,450
15,040 6,600
69.5% 30.5%
Electors enrolled 55,787
Party CDP NLT LAB GRN LIB
Formal Votes % Total Formal Votes 3,893 9.94% 1,058 2.7% 19.888 50.76 3,702 9.45% 10,640 27.16 Total formal votes 39,181
Two Candidate Preferred Linda BURNEY LAB Nomiky PANAYIOTAKIS LIB
17,548 9,359
65.22% 34.78%
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Newly elected Strathfield MP, Jodi McKay.
JOHN SIDOTI won a landslide victory for the Liberals in Drummoyne, but Labor’s take back of the key Strathfield seat has made the inner west a haven for the left. The Baird government was returned but Labor has boosted its seats in Parliament from 20 to the mid thirties. Labor leader Luke Foley said on Saturday night his party had “gone from a rump to a real opposition”. Premier Mike Baird thanked Mr Foley in his victory speech, calling him a “tough opponent”. Labor took Strathfield from the Liberals, Jo Haylen won the new seat of Summer Hill and Linda Burney increased her margin in Canterbury from a safe 7.4 per cent to 15 per cent. A very nervous Jodi McKay remained cautious of announcing a win over the weekend, when she was “in front by a nose”. On Monday she finally declared in a tweet: “It’s now clear I will be the next Member for Strathfield.” “We had 300 volunteers and made 30,000 phone calls. I am relieved and thankful for the great volunteer support. I thank the community on being
elected their local Member,” Jodi said later on Monday. Between the ANZAC Bridge and western Sydney, the Liberals’ presence waned to four seats: Drummoyne, Parramatta, Seven Hills and Penrith. Overall the Liberals hold a majority of 53 seats in the 93 seat Parliament. Liberal MP John Sidoti said he was humbled by his emphatic win, which saw his already safe margin increase to just under 20 per cent. “Don’t let anyone tell you that hard work doesn’t pay off,” he said on election night. “I’m humbled by my volunteers. People such as Alan Wright and George Orban who are in their 80s. Also my father, Richard, who is 78, and many more.” Drummoyne has never been represented by a Minister and Sidoti’s win is one of only four swings to Liberal (at 2.4 per cent). Apart from Drummoyne, inner west seats have swung to the left and Labor faces a much greater challenge from the Greens in future. Max Phillips, Greens candidate for Summer Hill, finished with around 40 per cent of the vote after preferences. The Greens also took the new seat of Newtown and hung on to Balmain.
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news YOUR News
1 April 2015
FROM BURWOOD COUNCIL
Follow me on Twitter: @johnfaker
Fostering a sense of pride
S
ummer might be over but Council is continuing to provide civic events to our community in order to foster a sense of pride in the local area. Our Seniors Week celebrations have now finished following the vibrant Live Life in Full Colour photo exhibition and annual luncheon.
Greek culture T celebrated in Burwood
he Greek culture was on display last Wednesday night as hundreds gathered at the Library and Community Hub to celebrate Greek Independence Day.
C O N TA C T S
The evening was filled with traditional singing and dancing in celebration of the contribution the Greek community has made to the local area.
C R J O H N FA K E R (Mayor) 9911 9916 mayor@burwood.nsw.gov.au C R TO N Y D O U E I H I
0437 970 499 tony.doueihi@burwood.nsw.gov.au
C R S A L LY D E A N S
C R L E S L E Y F U R N E AU X - CO O K
Last Saturday, we held our Easter in the Park event in conjunction with the local churches which was a great success.
Burwood Park on Anzac Day to pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Looking ahead, preparations are now underway for our Centenary Anzac Day Dawn Service to be held at 6am on Saturday, 25 April in Burwood Park.
At the service, we will be unveiling a special sculpture which will serve as a permanent reminder of the centenary and forever honour our local heroes who served during World War I.
I encourage you to come down to
Have your say on Local Government reforms T
he NSW Government has announced one of the most significant reform proposals in our State’s history with the intention to reduce the number of Sydney
C R J U S T I N TAU N TO N
0408 227 826 lesley.furneaux-cook@burwood.nsw. gov.au
0488 083 108 justin.taunton@burwood.nsw.gov.au
CR GEORGE MANNAH
0425 691 838 ernest.wong@burwood.nsw.gov.au
0448 133 396 george.mannah@burwood.nsw.gov.au
CR ERNEST WONG
0424 022 627 sally.deans@burwood.nsw.gov.au
Burwood Council, Level 2, 1–17 Elsie Street, Burwood NSW 2134
9911 9911 www.burwood.nsw.gov.au
MEETINGS
M AY O R ’ S M E S S A G E
Live Life in Full Colour photo exhibition
Metropolitan councils from 41 to 18. Please visit our website to have your say or find out more on how these reforms will impact Burwood’s future.
• Council Meeting 27 April at 6pm in Council Chambers
News
1 April 2015
5
Free business service Sisters in step with history for Burwood area by Mitchell Jordan
BURWOOD Council has launched a business and community initiative designed to improve business networking. Local business owners have been invited to sign up for the free Community and Business Newsletter that services the Burwood local government area. The quarterly newsletter will include updates from council, local business profiles and information about upcoming events. It w i l l a ls o prov i d e information on business services available in the Burwood area. In an email to local businesses, C o u n c i l ’s E n g a g e m e n t Officer Simone Sheridan said Burwood Council is looking to strengthen collaboration between businesses and local community groups. “This newsletter will ensure that the local business sector has the opportunity to discover local community and council news,” said Ms Sheridan. Burwood Mayor John Faker said the council has made a firm effort in the past year to increase the number of business engagement initiatives. “Local businesses are the backbone of our community,
helping to inject $2.62 billion (Gross Regional Product) into the local economy,” Mr Faker said. Last year Burwood Council established its Economic Development Advisory Panel, which is comprised of local industry leaders, with an aim to provide strategic vision for the local economy. “We also maintain a strong relationship with our local Chambers of Commerce through ongoing communication and support of initiatives,” Mr Faker said. “In addition, our Small Business Advisory service continues to provide ongoing support to local businesses.” Mr Faker said promoting local businesses supports the economy as well as local tourism. “Our focus is to highlight Burwood as a major destination, which attracts visitors from across Sydney by providing jobs, dining, retail and entertainment,” he said. Interested persons should visit the council website www.burwood.nsw.gov.au or call Simone Sheridan on 9911 9982.
Burwood Scene Online www.burwoodscene.com.au
DANCING runs in the family and through history for Strathfield sisters Shirley Dawson and Lorraine Hawkins. Their mother was a dancing instructor and both women began performing at an early age. Lorraine went on to open her own studio at Five Dock, though neither of the two expected that one day they would be performing for a very different audience when they were chosen to entertain troops and those in Sydney prisoner of war camps during World War II. 90-year-old Shirley can still recall the excitement she felt as a young woman travelling to the top-secret locations. “You never knew where you were going. The only people who knew were the car drivers from the NRMA,” she said. One camp Shirley travelled to was in Liverpool, though she remembers visiting one that could only be reached by wandering through a mass of trees. Performances often took place in a hall. The stage which singers and dancers used faced the prisoners of war, with a fence separating them from the army personnel who sat on seats while trainees stood by a wire wall, watching. “We didn’t get any closer than that, but it was very exciting because every soldier had a fixed bayonet and they were sharp!” Shirley said. Many of S h i r l e y ’s performances consisted of
tap dancing and singing with another dancer, also called Shirley. Together, they were known as The Two Shirleys. Of all the styles, it was tap dancing which Shirley most enjoyed. “I like tap dancing better than anything because it makes a lot of noise,” she said. Shirley described the soldiers she met as “very nice.” “We were very young, so we didn’t get to know them personally,” she said. A highlight was being taken to “Sergeant’s Mess”, where the soldiers ate, for supper afterwards. Another fond memory was the clever way the women found to get changed before their performances. “The soldiers escorted you to change into tents lit with a kerosene lamp. All the girls had to change, but we made a circle around the girls and each one would get changed one at a time because you could see our figures on the wall,” she said. For Shirley’s older sister, Lorraine, who was involved in coordinating and taking part in entertainment at Army, Navy and Air Force camps during the war years, performance was a way of bringing hope to those who needed it. “It was making things a bit brighter for them,” Lorraine said. “I have good memories of going out to the army barracks and being welcomed there.” In 1940, Shirley trained with the Women’s Air Training Corps as an aircraft engineer,
Sisters Lorraine Hawkins (left) and Shirley Dawson.
though she had to return to her profession as a dressmaker. “I was in a protected industry and couldn’t join the forces,” she explained. “I regretted [not being able to do] it at first, but I knew I was doing a good job entertaining.” After the war, the sisters pursued different careers: Shirley stayed with dress making, while Lorraine became a theatre professional, travelling the country judging dancing eisteddfods before the pair moved in together in Strathfield. However, their time on makeshift stages in obscure locations has never left them.
In fact, performing was a duty that Shirley felt she “had to do.” “I was always glad I did it,” she said. “My father was a First World War man and he encouraged it.” Shirley has been involved with the Burwood Film library and in voluntary work at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway. She hopes that young children will remember those who, like her father, made great sacrifices for their country. “It’s very important for children to learn not only the history of the ANZACs, but of Australia,” she said. “You need to know what has happened to your own country.”
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News
1 April 2015
25 Conder St Burwood to be Auctioned, 12th April 2015, Onsite 11.15am Below: Architectural Sketch Study (STCA), Black Lines Reflect Pre-Existing 25 Conder St’s Building Boundaries
Strike Go with HeritaGe T
HINK HERITAGE IS A MINEFIELD WITH limited return on investment? Think again with Roscommon Manor. Registered as heritage item under Burwood Municipal Council, Roscommon Manor’s local significance lies in its Victorian Italianate terrace architecture.
Location, Location, Location As a settlement-building, like many of its Inner –West/City counterparts, it’s not surprising Roscommon Manor is situated in prime location. Being 600m to Burwood train station where express trains take 15min to reach the City on frequent basis, Roscommon Manor is right at the footstep of the upcoming mixed apartments and shopping complexes, B1 Square Burwood & Burwood Grand. No doubt Roscommon Manor belongs to the classical mantra of location, location and location. But like the rest of Sydney, it’s easy to think Roscommon Manor is caught up with epic battles staged between developers and heritage lovers. Yet it’s a mistake to think there is no middle ground between those wanting to maximise development potential and heritage purists insisting on static preservation.
Re-Invention Roscommon Manor illustrates how sensitive adaptation can retain its Victorian Italianate grandeur without overturning modern needs. Here lies the common misconception about heritage buildings:
It’s a fallacy that heritage properties must be preserved like mothball museums lost in a time warp. When adapted appropriately, heritage buildings provide what new developments seek but find almost impossible to capture. It’s the brand of magic, even where money is no question – like Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace and the Venetian, that cannot be re-captured any more than a forgery trying to imitate a real masterpiece.
Hidden Gold Astute buyers will know 25 Conder St Burwood is in a unique position to capitalise on its versatilities as R1 zoned property. Peaking at 12m with three stories, Roscommon Manor is unusual for Burwood’s dominant one story bungalow housing stock. Just 2m short of the current max height limit of 14m, Roscommon Manor retains its grandeur (both in style and proportions) to present day with some ceiling heights close to 4m! Built with premium materials such as Cedar hardwood, marble, sandstone and antique glass, Roscommon Manor has features that go beyond being a “designer” building.
Referred as “red gold”, did you know that Australian Cedar is almost extinct? These are irreplaceable time machines, passed down the generations like a finely crafted Swiss watch, and that’s why Roscommon Manor is a heritage item. Mature trees line the front also provide privacy for its occupants in all three stories. Altogether, they make this property prestigious, classy and iconic.
Adaptation Potential The existing building occupies only a relatively small footprint. With surrounding land on the northern and western sides, there are many possibilities to pursue that 2:1 floor space ratio. The vendors have explored with Welsh & Major architects who specialise in integrating new additions to heritage items. They found it is possible (STCA) to develop four dwellings onsite with three car parking spaces in the front, whilst even retaining existing trees. Under R1, for example, one could use a shoptop configuration, making it ideal for professionals wanting work-life balance with even multigenerational dwellings such as having both in-laws in each building at the back? Mutual savings from retirement villages and childcare? Or use as additional rental income arrangements? If you are using Roscommon Manor as shop-top housing, permitted under R1 and not under R2, the heritage components together with its vicinity to all kinds of amenities make the property an instant stand-out - unlike other anonymous, highly dense and generic housing. This is a golden opportunity to get a foothold onto a tightly held location.
ON-SITE AUCTION – 12 April 2015, 11.15am (30 minutes prior for registration)
For more information see
http://goo.gl/6mnKz0 or contact
Roscommon Manor, 25 Conder St Burwood
Hai Le: 0413 863 331
OPEN HOUSE INSPECTIONS Every Saturday 1.00-1.30pm until Auction 21 and 28 March 2015 4 and 11 April 2015
News
1 April 2015
7
$150m Concord Hospital Just sayin’… redevelopment promise to honour Rusty Priest Flying the flag for freedom By Mitchell Jordan
Mitchell@scenenewspapers.com.au
NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner made a promise the week before the state election that a re-elected Baird Government will build the nation’s first comprehensive care centre for returned servicemen and women and their families as part of a $150 million redevelopment at Concord Hospital. The centre would be named the Rusty Priest Centre for Rehabilitation and Aged Care in honour of the long-standing president of the NSW Returned and Services League (RSL), who was known to so many people in the inner west, beyond his national identity and lifelong work for the RSL. The announcement was made in the hospital’s Kokoda Track Memorial Rose Garden where she was joined Mr Priest’s daughter Carole-Anne Priest and son Tim Priest. “I knew Rusty Priest well - as my husband was a naval officer, he and I shared many conversations about military matters. “Given his tireless advocacy for veterans, and his deep ties with Concord Hospital, it is fitting we honour Rusty in this way - and at this time, as the nation prepares to mark the centenary of Gallipoli and the birth of the ANZAC legend,” Health Minister Jillian Skinner said. Plans for the new centre have reached the stage of creating
‘Artist Impressions’ of how the facility would look and would include floors dedicated to acute aged care, sub-acute rehabilitation, psycho geriatric care, as well as an acute medical and surgical ward and ambulatory care. One floor would be dedicated as the National Centre for Excellence for Defence Force Personnel. “In Australia, there is currently no comprehensive centre providing an integrated model of care for defence force personnel which treats the ‘whole person’ and their loved ones,” Mrs Skinner said. “Given the number of defence force personnel based in Sydney and Concord’s proud history as a repatriation hospital, it is a natural choice as the site for such a centre of excellence.” Rusty Priest AM, who passed away in 2013 aged 86, championed for the rights of returned service personnel all his adult life. He joined the army towards the end of World War II, finishing his training in Cowra as the war ended. He served with the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces Signals Regiment, 8th US Army Signals Corps and ‘A’ Field Battery Royal Australian Army in Japan from April 1946 until December 1948 and remained in the army for a further 22 years. It was Rusty’s vision and dedication that saw
THE first thing I notice when I take the train to visit my family in Picton isn’t how much bigger the houses are outside of the innerwest, or the fact that so few have bars on the windows, but the number of Australian flags I see in people’s front yards. Admittedly, I don’t find it particularly attractive and I can’t imagine that I would ever choose to erect one if I had a house of my own, though it seems somehow reassuring to know that there are still people who are so unashamedly proud to assert their love for this country.
Rusty Priest AM in 2008 at Burwood’s ANZAC Memorial Photo: Christine Parfait Service.
the 800 metre Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway from Concord to Rhodes come to fruition under his Chairmanship. The $150 million committed to the Rusty Priest Centre would see Sydney Local Health District implement its plan to build a six-storey building on the grounds of Concord Hospital. “No hospital in the nation can boast as proud a service to the military and veteran communities as that delivered by Concord Hospital for more than 70 years,” Mrs Skinner said. “This new centre of excellence will be the
national and state centre f o r t r au m a - r e l at e d disorders for defence force personnel - those returning from overseas tours of duty and those who serve at home. “Its aim will be to provide world-class physical rehabilitation whilst managing the acute psychological needs and social wellbeing of patients, including re-employment skills.”
Living in the city, I never see that type of pride. In fact, nationalism is severely looked down upon and scorned as the stuff of racism pure and simple. It’s certainly true that the Cronulla riots left a bad, and lingering, taste in the mouths of many; but it is disproportionately sad to think that people should feel so afraid or embarrassed of their country when so many Australians adorn T-shirts declaring their love for Los Angeles or New York and salivate over London and Paris.
Perhaps we all long for the unknown, or what we cannot have. On any given Australia Day the number of overseas visitors, tourists or migrants simply happy to be here even if it means having to clean toilets, who are draped in the Australian flag, face covered in green and yellow zinc, vastly outweighs that of permanent residents who are just grateful for a day off work. For all of its shortfalls (namely being so expensive), there remains much to love about Australia. I could list a million things, but there is really only one important factor, and that’s the freedom we have here. Coming off the back of celebrations like Mardi Gras and Harmony Day, it does appear that the divide between pride and prejudice is widening. Maybe we don’t need flags to show it, but this is definitely something we need to celebrate. Mitchell Jordan is Deputy Editor at Burwood Scene.
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1 April 2015
SCHOO CELEBRATE EASTER L HOLID AYS
3-6 April
Youth breathe new life into St Alban’s Easter Church Services ON EASTER DAY, a team of 25 young adults will be launching a new evening church service for young adults in and around Five Dock. “This new community is the culmination of 5 years of planning and we really hope to be a blessing for Five Dock,” said local pastor, Matt Steele. Rev Steele believes that young adults in their late teens and twenties are at a critical stage of life, working out who they are and what direction they want their lives to take. “That’s why we’re launching this new community,” he explained. “Our vision is to be a place where young adults can find real connection and friendship as they seek to work out what a life that is meaningful and rewarding looks like.” The new community will begin on Sunday 5 April with a 6pm Easter Day service at St Alban’s Church in Five Dock followed by a Launch Party at 7pm.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS CATHOLIC
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ST ANNE’S Cnr Homebush and Beresford Roads, Strathfield 9746 6349 www.annes.org.au Thursday 2 April: 7.00pm Maundy Service Holy Communion Friday 3 April 8.00am and 10.00am Holy Communion Sunday 5 April: 8.00am and 10.00am Holy Communion and 7.00pm Holy Communion
Back To Schoo l ANGLICAN
Reverend Steele at St Alban’s Five Dock.
Easter goodies toxic to pets Strathfield Sports Club Ask us about Private & Semi-Private tennis lessons (Mon to Sat) After school and Saturday morning kids groups Adult Beginner & Intermediate Groups 24 hour restring service See our fully stocked pro shop
School Holiday Camps Camp 1: 9am-3pm Tuesday 7th to Friday 10th of April 2015 $150 per week or $50 per day
ST ANNE’S Corner Bede Street and St Anne’s Square South Strathfield 9642 1523 Thursday 2 April: 6.00pm Holy Thursday Last Supper Good Friday 3 April: 10.00am Way of Cross 3.00pm Main Ceremony, Holy Communion Saturday 4 April: 6.00pm Ceremonies and Vigil Mass of Resurrection Sunday 5 April: 8.00am Dawn Mass 10.00am Day Mass
ST PAUL’S (continued) Sunday 5 April: 8.00am Eucharist Sung Festival 9:30am Festival Choral Eucharist
Camp 2: 9am-3pm Monday 13th to Friday 18th April 2015 $180 per week or $50 per day
$10 discount off the full week price for each additional sibling
Free lunch provided every day 4a Lyons Street, Strathfield (Parking via Morwick St) 5 mins walk from Strathfield Train Station Call Alex 0417 432 757 or Shaun 0412 745 557
coaching@strathfieldsportsclub.com.au
www.iwta.com.au
by Caroline Zambrano
EASTER is a wonderful time to celebrate with family, but sadly many pets end up in veterinary hospitals due to poisoning. Dr Sarah Goldsmid, specialist small animal surgeon from the Animal Referral Hospital said she sees many dogs come into the hospital with chocolate poisoning – particularly dark chocolate, which contains a higher level of the toxin ‘theobromine’. “Dogs with chocolate poisoning can get anxious, hyperactive, start vomiting, diarrhoea and potentially collapse and die,” she explained. “Cats are less prone to eating chocolate as they are unable to taste sweetness. “Cats are instead more likely to get into trouble with Easter decorations, such as eating foil or strings, which can cause obstruction of their gut and make them vomit, sometimes requiring surgery,” says Dr Goldsmid. “Easter Lilies are also extremely
toxic to cats. One bite of the plant – leaf, flower or stem – can kill a cat by sending them into kidney failure! “Grapes, raisins or sultanas are also toxic to dogs, so make sure you keep hot cross buns out of reach, as even one or two buns can be a problem,” she adds. Pets eating leftovers, ham bones and other cooked bones can also be problematic. Fatty meals can cause life-threatening pancreatitis and bones can cause death by choking. Also, onions and garlic can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia. “Keep pets away from Easter treats and avoid unnecessary trips to the vet,” says Dr Goldsmid. “For more advice, contact your local vet.” EASTER DANGERS FOR PETS • Chocolate • Easter Lilies • Easter eggs (dyed & plastic) • Grapes • Raisins and sultanas •E aster decorations and toys (eg Easter grass, baby chick toys)
canterbury
ST ALBAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH 173 Great North Rd, Five Dock Good Friday 3 April: 10.00am Service Saturday 4 April: 10.00am and 6.00pm* (6.00pm Service is a new
ST THOMAS Coronation Pde and King St, Enfield 9706 7517 Good Friday 3 April: 9.30am Easter Friday Service Sunday 5 April: 9:30am Easter Sunday Service
Sunday 5 April: 10.00am and 6.00pm
ST ANDREW’S 37 Swan Ave, Strathfield Good Friday 3 April: 10.00am English service 7.00pm Korean service Sunday 5 April: 9.00am English service 11.00am Korean service
evening congregation followed by a free supper at 7pm)
ST JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH 81 Alt St, Ashfield Thursday 2 April: 8.00pm Dark Church Good Friday 3 April: 8.00am and 10.00am Saturday 4 April: 8.00am, 10.00am and 6.00pm Sunday 5 April: 8.00am, 10.00am and 6.00pm ST PAUL’S 207 Burwood Rd, Burwood 9747 4327 Thursday 2 April: 7.00pm Sung Eucharist with foot washing Good Friday 3 April: 9.00am Liturgy of the Lord’s Death Saturday 4 April: 9.00am Preparation of Church for Easter
UNITING BURWOOD UNITING CHURCH 134 Burwood Rd 9744 9635 Good Friday 3 April: 9.00am Good Friday service Sunday 5 April: 10.00am Easter Sunday service 6.00pm Easter Sunday service CP@10 CHURCH 49a Boyle St, Croydon Park 9746 6964 Good Friday April 3: 10.00am Good Friday Service Sunday April 5: 10.00am Easter Sunday Service
CLOCKS GO BACK
EASTER SUNDAY - 5 April 2015 clocks go back 1 hour at 3am Don’t forget your SMOKE ALARM batteries at the same time!
School Holiday Learn to Skate Program
Olympic ice Rink
$23
per person (includes skate hire) *No class Monday 6 April
Skate with the best
One hour group lesson 10.00am-11.00am
SCHOOL HOLIDAY LEARN TO SKATE PROGRAM
PLUS free public session 11.00am-12.30pm
PUBLIC SESSIONS:
7-10 April • 13-17 April
11.00am-12.30pm and 1.00pm-3.00pm
CLOSED GOOD FRIDAY
No School Holidays Lessons Easter Monday
PhilliPs ave, tasker Park, canterbury
|
www.canterburyicerink.com.au
EASTER
1 April 2015
What’s on these holidays SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW THE 2015 Sydney Royal Easter Show will provide 12 hours of free, all-ages entertainment every day from March 26 to April 8. Dinosaur Ice World will treat audiences to an interactive Ice Age exhibition in a fully-themed area featuring snow trees, ice rocks and falling snow. Visitors will also come up-close to a life-sized Woolly Mammoth,
Woolly Rhinoceros, Penguin family and a rare Glyptodont. As ever, the Sydney Royal Woodchopping and Sawing competition is on. New attractions include comedy hypnotist Anthony Laffan and the Feathered Friends Bird Show. Extreme Corruption and the Human Cannonball Lady will also perform each night in Spotless Stadium. See www.eastershow.com.au
KIDS IN THE PARK THIS year’s Kids in the Park school holiday program will be hosting 54 different activities, including 11 free and eight budget options costing less than $20 per person. Held at Sydney Olympic Park from April 3 to April 19, events range from sports to creative and nature-based pursuits. More than 20 sporting activities will take place, including the AC Milan Junior
Learn to Sail holiday
certificate of participation and Yachting Australia membership and insurance. Training will take place in Optimist and Sabot sailing dinghies. The four day course costs $350 and is aimed at children 8 -12 years of age who are able
to swim 50m in deep water unassisted. No previous sailing experience is necessary. To register for the holiday course or any other courses contact David Loring on 9636 4370 or dwloring@optusnet. com.au
EASTER AT STRATHFIELD PLAZA 2ND – 4TH APRIL 2015
Soccer Camp at the Athletic Centre where children will learn soccer skills from former professional AC Milan Player, Andrea Icardiu. Curious and creative kids will be spoilt for choice with the several science workshops on offer, as well as various writing workshops and free art workshops. Kids in the Park will also feature an Urban Jungle Adventure Park, Flying Trapeze, Clue Trails and Splasher’s Water Playground. See www.kidsinthepark.com.au
RHODES WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE
Having fun under the watchful eye of Sailing Instructor Jonathan Gough.
CONCORD and Ryde Sailing Club’s Discover Sailing Training Centre is running a Learn to sail holiday camp from Tuesday to Friday, 14 to 17 April. The camp includes training materials, safety equipment (lifejacket), lunch and morning and afternoon refreshments, a
RHODES Waterside will be hosting an Easter craft zone near the food court from 11am until 2pm as well as an Easter Hat Parade at 1:30pm, on Saturday, April 4. Maritime Authority Bruce Shying will be at Rhodes Waterside from 9am on Thursday, April 9 giving humorous and insightful speeches about ships and ‘Women of the Sea’. The talks will be held at Rhodes Phoenix Chinese Restaurant (level 5). Hoppy the Easter Bunny will be around until Monday, April 6. Hoppy is a digitally animated, life-sized Easter Bunny brought to life via a free smart phone app. Hoppy will delight children as he hops out of the floor, spins, wiggles, laughs and twitches his tail. The app can be downloaded for free by searching ‘Hoppy Easter’ on iTunes or Google Play. Educational talks by Ben Britton and The Wild Animal Encounters Team will be held near the food court at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2pm daily from Monday, April 13 until Friday, April 17.
Sydney Olympic Park will be hosting over 50 activities as part of Kids in the Park this April.
J ESSIE’S DEN EAST
ROAMING EASTER BUNNY & ALICE IN WONDERLAND! Come and meet & greet our EASTER BUNNY! Get yourself some FREE EASTER EGGS and HATS! THUR 2ND APRIL SAT 4TH APRIL 11AM-2PM DAILY
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM.AU/STRATHFIELDPLAZA
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MADE ON PREMISES
Open 7amER (Thurs & S7pm at) CLOSED GOOD FRID AY Easter Sun d 9am-5pm ay
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ALL DAY BREAKFAST until 3pm daily NEW MENU • NEW CHEF 25 BURLINGTON ROAD, HOMEBUSH Open 7 Days 7am-7pm
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EASTER
1 April 2015
The simple things in life THIS Easter holidays, spend some down-time with your children through the pursuit of simple pleasures, say experts. “Term time can often involve a hectic schedule of dropping off, picking up and after school activities, with little time to draw breath. Children and parents can all benefit from the change-of-pace that school holidays offer, with the chance to take some time out, re-charge and re-connect,” says Ms Jocelyn Brewer, child psychologist. Jocelyn says that over-scheduling and an over-reliance on technology such as the computer, tablets, or television, can all fuel this sense of ‘disconnect and busyness’ that can distract us from spending mindful, quality time with our children. “Even though many of us are working during school holidays, the Easter public holiday weekend offers a great opportunity to turn off the television and computer and spend some one-on-one time with your children. Getting back to basics will help re-connect,” says Jocelyn. Back to basics activities can include sharing stories, spending time in nature, visiting local parks, baking or cooking some healthy food. “Children connect with their siblings and parents through play. Calming craft activities that involve cutting, glueing, sticking and colouring can be totally absorbing and are a great way to enjoy family time together,” she says. Making Easter cards could be one way of spending a fun few hours that doesn’t break the bank balance.
MATERIALS: - Pilot Frixion Colours - Pilot Frixion Black Ball Pen - Sellotape Sticky Dots - White A4 cardboard - A4 paper - Scissors - Printer INSTRUCTIONS: Step 1: Print out the Easter egg template provided. You can use either the blank egg template or the egg template with the circles and ribbon on it. Step 2: Using a white A4 sheet of cardboard, fold it in half down the middle to make an A5 size card. Step 3: Cut out the desired Easter egg template chosen. Step 4: Using the Pilot Frixion colours range, trace the circles onto the egg and colour in as desired, as shown. If you make a mistake, don’t worry! It can easily be fixed by erasing the mistake. TIP: Use different Frixion colours to achieve a variety of looks. Step 5: Using the Pilot Frixion Black Colour pen, write “Happy Easter” on the ribbon as shown. Step 6: This picture shows the back of the egg shape. Adhere a few Sellotape Sticky Dots to the back of the egg shape, then adhere this onto the front of the card. Step 7: Using a Pilot Frixion black ball pen, draw some freestyle lines around the edge of the card, as shown. Using the same pen, write your Easter message inside the card.
Easter Egg Templates – Left: Easter egg with circles and ribbon. Right: Blank Easter egg.
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News
1 April 2015
Spaghetti inner western-style
In the can: Gyton Grantley will star in Spaghetti. by Mitchell Jordan
EXPECT to see lights, cameras and tinned spaghetti as Croydon Park Public School is transformed into the setting for Peter Nizic and Shannon Wong-Nizic’s short film Spaghetti next month. After managing to raise $8,000 to produce a short comedy that follows the life of Eddie, an eight-year-old who loves spaghetti more than anything else, the Croydon Park couple have also secured Logie Award winner, Gyton Grantley to play the role of Principal, B.R. Occoli. “It was just a matter of asking. If you don’t ask, you don’t get,” Peter explained of the celebrity coup. Days of auditioning which attracted hopeful actors from as far as Brisbane eventually saw Noah Wiseman chosen to play Eddie. “We didn’t see Noah until our third round of auditions, but when he walked through the door Shannon and I looked
at each other with a knowing smile,” Peter said. While Shannon might be seen fleetingly in the background, Peter does not plan on stepping in front of the camera. “I’m going to stay firmly behind it. I want to keep an eye on the shot and make sure things go exactly as I want to,” he said. Croydon Park’s principal, Daniel Hurd was all too happy for the school to be used. “He was really keen to help out a local production because we’re locals.” With filming slated for mid-April, the pair expect post-production to be complete by September, meaning that it will likely be 2016 before the public can watch the film – hopefully at one of the many short film festivals the couple plan to enter it in. Peter and Shannon described the process so far as “fun but super-stressful”, joking that their second child – due in May – is not allowed to arrive before they are finished with Eddie and his world of spaghetti.
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Money for harmony BURWOOD Girls High School has celebrated its annual International Day with a range of activities and fundraisers promoting cultural harmony. International Day is a celebration of cultural diversity within the school, where three quarters of students come from a language background other than English. Celebrated on Friday, March 20, International Day ran in conjunction with Harmony Day and Close the Gap Day. All 1,174 students, who speak a total of 68 languages, participated by dressing in their own national costumes or borrowing a nationality for the day. The event featured dance and music performances, calligraphy, Islander weaving demonstrations, Henna stalls and an address by the Consul
Students celebrate International Day at Burwood Girls High School.
General of the Republic of Korea. Students also operated over 20 international food stalls, raising funds for the school’s ‘Hands Across The
Ocean’ charity which supports Indigenous communities and various international charities. This year ‘Hands Across The Ocean’ raised $12,000, with a
further $1000 being raised for a Vanuatu appeal. The school was also thanked by World Vision for the $14,000 they collected for the 2014 40 Hour Famine.
guided history lesson with a stop at the Building 39 exhibition, which has a display of missiles, torpedoes and other WW2 munitions. Visitors to the park will also be able to visit the new ‘Their names upon Gallipoli’ exhibition opening in late March at Bunker 20 at Newington Armory. The
installation, which runs every weekend from Saturday 28 March to Sunday 14 June, features contemporary large format images of the battle sites with video and sound installations commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
Railway ride back in time
An historic ride to remember on the Heritage Railway.
HISTORY buffs and military aficionados can learn a bit more about Australia’s past on Sydney Olympic Park’s Heritage Railway, being offered every Sunday at Newington Armory. Once used to transport WW2 munitions around the former Royal Australian Navy Armament Depot site, the
Heritage Train is one of Sydney Olympic Park’s most popular attractions. There are two rail experiences on offer: Riding the Rails, a 30-minute ride for the whole family aboard the heritagelisted narrow gauge railway; and the Heritage Railway Discovery Tour, a 75-minute
PRESCHOOLERS TO ADULTS - BOYS & GIRLS
TH
TERM 2 STARTS 20 APR 2015
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NEWS
1 April 2015
Burwood RSL hits the streets for ANZAC Day
ANZAC appeal upholds the nation’s respect RSL Appeals NSW believes that this year provides an important opportunity to share some stories illustrating the heroism of our Australian Defence Force personnel, past and present. For the 2015 fundraising appeal, there is a range of badges, some new, and all with different presentation. Four of the pins have backing cards which provide a brief history of four fallen ADF members and why RSL Appeals believes honour is owed to them every day including this Anzac Day.
“There’s an enormous demand on RSL services, for injured and affected veterans and their families, so we ask all Australians to support our ANZAC Day Appeal. Your donation towards an ANZAC Appeal token will support Veterans in need,” said acting state president, Peter Stephenson OAM. Collectors will find the range at sub-Branches, through the website shop, at Woolworth’s stores, Officeworks and on ANZAC Day. Each represents a donation of different values.
Strathfield’s ANZAC soldier on show by Mitchell Jordan
THE 100th ANZAC anniversary has prompted Burwood RSL to change its service to outdoors. Colin Hodges, honorary secretary of Burwood RSL sub branch explained that the milestone event led to the creation of an ANZAC Centenary Committee which decided to hold a service in Burwood Park. On ANZAC Day, a march-off will begin at 6am, leaving from Church Street in Burwood. Free buses will pick up patrons from Burwood RSL from 5.45am to transport them to the park. Arriving at Burwood Park, attendees will witness the unveiling of a special commemorative bronze statue which Mr Hodges speculated could be “first up.” Professor Robert Lusby has been confirmed as the guest speaker for the service. “He’s local and has a military background,” Mr Hodges said. On completion of the service, buses
will take attendees back to the RSL for a free breakfast, while another bus will drop passengers off at Dean Street where they can take the train to the city for the 9am march. Mr Hodges predicted that up to 3,000 people will attend the Burwood service. “We believe that the 100-year anniversary will bring out more people. There’s been so much discussion in the media and amongst schools,” he said. “It’s very important to celebrate ANZAC Day so that future generations will always remember it – it’s the most important date in Australia’s calendar year.” Mr Hodges hit back at criticism that the day is a “glorification” of war. “It’s not about glorifying anything, but rather making us all aware of what happened to those who went before us and their courage, endurance, sacrifice and mateship,” he said. “We want to remind youth that those four qualities are what make this country as great as it is.”
STRATHFIELD ANZAC soldier, Corporal Francis Reynolds Cowdery will be commemorated at the Lemnos 1915 ANZAC photographic exhibition. Born on 17 November 1888 in William Street, Burwood, to George Robert Cowdery and Martha Anne Cowdery (née Giles), Corporal Cowdery was educated at Sydney Grammar School and remained in the inner west until joining the Australian Imperial Force and leaving Sydney for Cairo on 20 December 1914. In August 1915, the seventh Australian Light Horse Regiment was ordered by the Australian Imperial Force to fight against the Turks in the battle of the August Offensive in Gallipoli. On 5 August Corporal Cowdery, du r i ng t he Au g ust
2015 FUN FAIR
Offensive battle, was severely injured suffering from shrapnel wounds. He was transferred to the third Australian General Hospital in Lemnos, Greece. On 7 August he was declared seriously ill suffering from peritonitis as a result of the shrapnel wounds. He passed away in hospital on 10 August 1915 aged 26. He is buried at the East Mudros Military Cemetary (Plot II, Row D, grave no. 54) in Lemnos, Greece. Following his death, both his eldest brother George Eric Cowdery and younger brother Leutenant Harold Raymond Cowdery both joined the Australian Imperial Force in 1916 and also fought for their country in WWI. In the 10 months that Francis Cowdery was a member of the Australian Imperial Force, he was
promoted from Private to Corporal and was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and ANZAC Medallion.
Corporal Cowder y currently features in the Lemnos 1915 ANZAC photographic exhibition at Strathfield Library.
Gallipoli passes in the post
T H E w ait is ove r for Australians attending Anzac Day commemorat ions at Gallipoli this year, with attendance passes already in the mail. Prime Minister the Hon. Tony Abbott MP joined the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, and Member for Deakin, Michael Sukkar in visiting ballot recipient Mr Kimberley
Cornish of Blackburn North to present him with the very first double attendance pass. Mr Cornish is the son of First World War veteran Albert Edwin Spencer Cornish who fought and was wounded at Gallipoli in 1915. He will take his son Dominic to the service at Anzac Cove where he will be met by his brother Christopher, who was also successful in the ballot.
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LOCAL APPROVALS POLICY FOR MANAGING WASTE IN PUBLIC PLACES Council has drafted a Local Approvals Waste Policy, Managing Waste in Public Places. The Policy specifies the requirements and circumstances under which waste containers may be placed on public spaces including footpaths. The Policy applies to all residential and commercial premises within the Burwood local government area. The community is invited to view and inspect the draft Policy and comment upon it. The draft Local Approvals Policy for Managing Waste in Public Places is available for inspection from 31 March 2015 to 29 April 2015 at the following locations: Burwood Council Customer Service Centre Suite 1, Level 2, 1-17 Elsie St BURWOOD NSW 2134 Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.45pm
Burwood Library & Council’s Website Community Hub 2 Conder St, Burwood www.burwood.nsw.gov.au Mon-Fri 9.30am-8pm Sat 9.30am-4pm Sun 12noon-4pm
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Burwood Council PO Box 240, BURWOOD NSW 1805 Fax: 9911-9900 Email: council@burwood.nsw.gov.au
News
1 April 2015
13
Catering for children for over 60 years Sign up now for a cuppa
St John’s pre-schoolers having fun in the “outside the gate” program.
ST JOHN’S Preschool in Ashfield began 65 years ago with the vision to cater for families and children throughout the Ashfield area. For many years the Preschool operated out of an ex World War II army hut but is now housed in a modern purpose-built facility on Bland Street.
Recent building extensions have been completed allowing the Preschool to cater for 60 children a day. “There has been much discussion in the media lately regarding the state government’s decision to only fund positions for four-year-old children at
Preschool,” said a St John’s spokesperson. “The recent extensions allow St John’s to continue to cater for families with three-year-olds as we seek to fulfil the needs of families throughout the Ashfield community.” St John’s offers a program that includes Language, Creative Arts,
Exercise, Music, Science and Sustainability. All activities are linked to the Early Years Learning Framework, which encourages children to become independent and confident learners. You can find St John’s Pre s cho ol at w w w. stjohnspreschool.org.au or on Facebook.
AUSTRALIA’S Biggest Morning Tea helps the Cancer Council raise vital funds towards cancer research, prevention and support services and it’s on again this May. It’s easy to make your cuppa count and show your support for the one in two Australians who will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Simply register to host, get together with your friends, family or workmates, put the kettle on and enjoy some delicious food. This year Cancer Council aims to recruit over 14,000 generous morning tea hosts and raise $4.8million in NSW alone. Every morning tea matters, so whether it’s a coffee catch-up with the
girls, an office morning tea or a school bake sale, Burwood residents will make a big difference to the lives of thousands of Australians affected by cancer each year. The official date for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is Thursday May 28 but you can host a morning tea anytime from now until June. Now in its 22nd year, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is one of Cancer Council’s leading fundraising events and the largest, most successful of its kind in Australia. Inner west residents Catherine Giunta and Nancy Sherry celebrated their 20th Biggest Morning Tea last year at The deckhouse in Woolwich. “To me it’s always a
magic day,” says Nancy Sherry as she recalled co-hosting the now signature event for NSW Cancer Council’s Au s t r a l i a’s B i g g e s t Morning Tea event with the unstoppable Catherine Giunta. “The atmosphere, the people, the generosity and the giving on the day is wonderful. This year, was our 20th anniversary and it was a hoot,” Nancy said. Register to host at www.biggestmorningtea. com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 and help support Cancer Council’s vital work. You’ll receive a free host kit packed with fundraising ideas, party tips, mouth-watering recipes from celebrity chefs and everything you need to get started.
Stamp of approval for healthy seniors by Mitchell Jordan
TWENTY healthconscious seniors got a work out in Strathfield as part of Seniors’ Week. Local walking group, T h e Vit a l it y C lu b, organised its annual Health Passport, an exercise event to introduce seniors to basic exercises, and help them to understand their physical capacity, and teach them how to maintain their independence as they age. 15 volunteers led the day, helping seniors to complete five different circuits of exercise, as well as measure their
blood pressure, BMI and waist to hip ratio. Some participants also took part in last year’s event and brought their passport back to compare their results since then. 74-year-old resident, Mary Garde, praised the day as “the best seniors week event” she had attended. “I had a great time meeting new people, and learning about how improve my health, and new exercise I can do to stay independent,” she said. Founder of the Vitality Club, Ahilan St George said the group was pleased
with how successful Health Passport was. “We look forward to building on our progress and running it for a third year in a row next Seniors’ Week,” he said.
world-leading medical researchers in preventing, treating and curing illness and disease,” said Reid MP Craig Laundy. Laundy said that every $1 spent on health and medical research generates a health benefit valued at $2.17 to be exact. “ T h e re h a s b e e n widespread support in the Minister’s consultations for the Government’s Medical Research Future Fund,” he said.
Health Minister Sussan Ley visited many GPs around the countr y, including Concord last month. “Fundamentally, the Government’s position remains that any savings in the health budget are reinvested into the Medical Research Future Fund. The real question is why do Labor continue to refuse to support the Government’s plans to provide additional funding for medical research and
“All participants loved how personal the events were, and how much information and help they received by attending.”
Nancy Sherry (left) and Catherine Giunta last year.
Young and old worked out together at Health Passport.
Research Fund still on the table by Belinda Noonan
FOLLOWING the Abbott Government’s backdown on the GP Co-payment scheme, the Liberals have announced they remain committed to the Medical Research Future Fund. “This is about investing in high quality health outcomes and is an important part of the Government’s plan to support the vital work u nd e r t a ke n by ou r
protect Medicare for the long-term?” Minister Ley asked. The Abbott government is looking to introduce legislation to establish the Medical Research Future Fund later in the year. “The initial MRFF funding, at just under $1billion, will come from uncommitted funds from the HHF and all health portfolio savings in the 2014-15 Federal Budget,” Ms Ley advised.
Photo: Michael Santer
Putting your feet first Home and Community Podiatry Service, auspiced by Burwood Council, is for residents of the Ashfield, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury, Leichhardt, Marrickville and Strathfield Local Government Areas. We aim to provide a comprehensive, responsive and flexible podiatry service for the Home and Community Care target group which includes the frail aged, people with disabilities, and their carers. If you think you, a friend or family member may be eligible please call the Podiatry Service on 99 11 99 39 to talk to someone about the service.
NEws
1 April 2015
briefly
JUSTICES MEETING Ashfield/Burwood branch for the New South Wales Justices Association will hold their next meeting on Wednesday 15 April at 7.15 pm at Club Burwood RSL, 96 Shaftesbury Road, Burwood. Jillian Comber JP. Archaeologist, will speak on Archaeology and Researching your House. All Justices of the Peace and those wishing to become Justices of the Peace welcome to attend.
Grafitti warrior rewarded Join the army of
home
AUTHORS AT ASHFIELD IN APRIL Wednesday April 15 at 1pm Level 6 Council Chambers Ashfield Civic Centre Douglas Newton Hell-bent : Australia’s great leap into World War One Hell-Bent offers a critical history of Australia’s role during the international crisis of July-August 1914. It is the first to interweave a close study of events in Australia and Britain during the last days and hours of peace. Part of Ashfield Library’s commemoration of 100 years of ANZAC. Book for sale and signing. VIEW CLUB Five Dock Evening VIEW Club will hold its next Dinner meeting on Wednesday, 8 April at 7pm at Club Five Dock, Great North Road. Ladies come along and enjoy a good meal, great company and a guest speaker from The Royal Botanic Gardens. The club also holds mid-week lunches and weekend outings. Details Margaret 9798 3339. KNITTING FOR A GOOD TIME Cancer patients, their carers, family and friends are invited to take part in some recreational knitting at Concord Cancer Centre’s Sydney Survivorship Cottage. Conducted by a sewing group from Nestle, the new program will run on 14 April, 12 May and 9 June from 12.30 to 1.30 p.m. A spokesperson for Concord Hospital described the event as “not so much about sewing as being social, relaxing and having a good time.” Those interested in coming along can contact: Janice. Millett@AU.nestle.com
NSW Attorney General, Brad Hazzard (left), Rotarian Peter Smith and Strathfield MP Charles Casuscelli.
STRATHFIELD Rotary Club has been on the warpath against Graffiti for over three years. With the suppor t of Strathfield Council and volunteers, Strathfield Rotarians embarked on a graffiti removal project with a specially modified trailer, professional removal products and expert training to rid local businesses, homes and community areas of unsightly graffiti. One of the project’s chief organisers, Peter Smith, was
recognised for his leadership and dedication to the project from NSW Attorney General, Brad Hazzard on March 18. Mr Hazzard came to Strathfield to present Mr Smith with an award for his involvement in organising Graffiti Removal Day last year, which was launched at Strathfield. Strathfield Rotary is currently working with Sydney Trains to set up a program removing graffiti from their assets.
International students celebrate harmony
THE FRIENDLY PLACE TO SHOP AND DINE
COMEDY SHOW FOR CANCER Concord Cancer Centre’s oncology volunteer, Maggie Scott, is producing a comedy show, Jerry & Tom, to raise money for the Sydney Survivorship Centre. The show runs from April 9 to 30 at The Craftsman’s Bar, Balmain. Tickets are $50. For enquiries call 0403 224 980. FORUMS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Concord Hospital’s forums for cancer survivors continues in April and May. On 13 April from 5 to 6.30 p.m., it will run a forum on complementary and alternative medicines for cancer patients, featuring Professor Andrew McLachlan, Michael Dash, Gwenda Bate, Jessica Zhang, Alan Lem. On 11 May, it will hold a forum on the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. The forums take place at Concord Hospital Medical Education Centre – Lecture Theatre 1, Ground Floor. Contact: survivorship @sswahs.nsw.gov.au
MIGRANTS and refugees came together in Burwood to celebrate Harmony Day on March 19. Students from English language college, Navitas, celebrated with a BBQ picnic and games, while other colleges from western Sydney held their own separate events throughout the month. Navitas’ executive general m a n a g e r, E n g l i s h a n d foundation skills, Michael
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Dear Editor, I am very disappointed with the Strathfield Council attitude of the push to erect the statue for the Korean Women used as slaves in WW2. It will cause problems between two countries, who wish to call Australia Home. This will start another War between newly arrived citizens. I am surprised this problem was not left alone, the war was fought overseas, not in Australia, and it was 70 years ago. Many things have happen on all sides and should be put to bed ASAP. Let us remember our Servicemen and Women that we lost, and on ANZAC Day 2015, “We will remember PLACE them”. TO SHOP AND DINE We also should remember WW1 was “The war to end all Wars” Let us not start another. Yours Faithfully Marlene Doran (Strathfield resident of over 60 years)
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this can be a very rewarding and enjoyable exercise to be involved in.” T h i s y e a r’s n at i on a l fundraising goal for the Red Shield Appeal doorknock is $9.5 million. People wanting to volunteer should call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online at salvos. org.au/volunteer. Schools wanting to know more should visit salvos.org. au/redshield.
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Cox, said the day provides clients with the opportunity to build community, respect and understanding. “Harmony Day is a wonderful way for the people to feel a sense THE FRIENDLY of belonging to a community and to acknowledge the value of diversity. Our clients and staff represent a broad range of cultural backgrounds and value the opportunity to come together and share their experiences,” he said.
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AS THE Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal hits 50 years of the Red Shield Doorknock in Australia, the Salvos are asking people in the inner-west to spare just a few hours to help the Appeal. Captain Rhombus Ning from the Burwood Salvation Army said that a massive number of people end up falling on hard times, pointing out that, for many individuals and families, hard times may be just one pay cheque away. “We need drivers, people to help run our counting houses and to volunteer at our community collection points. There are many practical ideas on our website and it is easy for schools or groups to get involved and help Australians in need,” he said. “We’d urge all schools and their teachers to consider that
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1 April 2015
Six medal streak for Byron T R I N I T Y Gr am m ar S c h o o l ’s Byron Hollingworth-Dessent scorched the track at Sydney Olympic Park with a staggering six-medal haul
at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships, held in mid March. The Year 10 boarder from Goulburn defended his Junior 100 metres
hurdles title for the third year and he also is credited as winning the most medals of any athlete at the prestigious meet, after competing in ten races
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over four days. Byron took up Athletics three years ago to maintain his flexibility and speed for Rugby and has since been a revelation to the sport. Tr i n i t y B o a r d i n g Housemaster, Rodney Fitch, quoted Byron as saying, “I didn’t know I could run that fast, Sir.” Byron was feeling the pressure going in to the national titles after making training adjustments to his stride pattern and leg in the blocks, which had left him feeling weaker. “It was like trying to write with your opposite hand”, Byron said of his changed technique.
Byron also claimed gold in the 100m relay, breaking the national record, and 200m relay. The 200m hurdles event saw Byron win silver and he took home the bronze in both the 100m and 200m sprint races. “I’m really proud of my achievements so far. There is a lot of time and training that goes into the athletic season and to have your hard work result in such rewards inspires me to keep going,” Byron said.
Byron will continue to work to develop his technique and will focus on a few selected events, with a goal of making the 2018 Commonwealth Games team to be held on the Gold Coast.
“A ping of excitement resonated inside of me when the venue was announced, but I may be a little bit too young, which is okay because there are always goals to set,” he said. “Either way, at the
VOLUNTEER NETWORK OUTREACH SERVICE
Volunteer Network is a volunteer resource program whose aim is to find volunteering opportunities for people in their local community. Volunteer Network also provides support in the form of training, best practice, information, networking and communication. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please come to Burwood Library on the second Wednesday of the month from 10.00am to 12.00pm and meet the staff of Volunteer Network and discuss how we can find the best volunteer position for you.
moment I’m just enjoying every bit of what I’m doing and wouldn’t have it any other way.” Byron said he owed his success to Trinity coaches, Mr Murphy and Ms Van Der Wall.
Meets every second Wednesday of each month from 10am to 12 noon. For more information contact Volunteer Network on 9911 9855.
TECH SAVVY SENIORS
Tech Savvy Seniors is a partnership with Telstra to provide free computer training to those over 60 to engage online and connect. Burwood Library offers this service in English, Arabic and Chinese. Please contact the Library on 9911 9999 for more information including session times.
OFF THE SHELF
The time and energy devoted to perfecting his technique paid off, paving the way for a third gold medal in his favourite event.
Byron at the Australian Junior Championships
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BURWOOD SCENE
1 April 2015