KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY
INDEPENDENT FORTNIGHTLY COMMUNITY NEWS
3 JUNE 2015 6 October 2011
2
VOLUME 09 No.21
NEWS
3
BARBARA’S MURAL UNVEILED
Dancing their way to Hollywood
Our Young Walkley Award finalist
NEWS
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www.burwoodscene.com.au
6 October 2011
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CITY OF SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK? 250,000 people if four councilsAmerged today UBURN PU UP MERGE TS PROPOSALR
CANADA BAY
AUBURN
STRATHFIELD
Councils Considering Amalgamation…
✔AUBURN ✔CANADA BAY ✔BURWOOD ✘ STRATHFIELD
PADDYS JUNE LONG
WEEKEND
As the June 30 deadline looms for NSW councils to lodge their Fit for the Future submissions, Auburn Council has put forward a proposal to merge with Burwood and City of Canada Bay and has placed their plans on public exhibition for comment until June 24. by Belinda Noonan
BURWOOD
“IT HAS become quite clear that NSW State Government policy does not entertain the idea of councils standing alone if they do not meet the Fit for the Future benchmarks and the underlying population threshold,” Mayor of Auburn City, Ronney Oueik said. “Auburn City would prefer to stand alone but this is not a viable or logical proposition.” If a merger was to proceed the possibility of a new entity around Sydney Olympic Park has been suggested. “Branding a new entity around City of Sydney Olympic Park as a name is attractive and one possibility if a merger came to fruition,” Auburn General Manager Mark Brisby said.
Burwood and City of Canada Bay councils have voted to stand alone as their preferred outcome, but are willing to look at options. Strathfield Council is adamant that they will not engage in any further talks with other councils. “Strathfield will stand alone and we do not have a Plan B,” Strathfield Mayor Guilian Vaccari said. His Mayoral Minute on May 26 said that “any council which includes an amalgamation/merger proposal with Strathfield Council in their Fit for the Future submission be advised that Strathfield Council does not agree to any such proposals.” • Full story on page 3
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NEWS
3 June 2015
H
ERE we go folks. The merger merry-goround. It’s been an intense two weeks for local councillors, not to mention countless council staffers, as they scramble with their Fit for the Future council amalgamation submissions due on June 30 to the State Government. The current state of the game, and it is now a game of a political nature, is that Auburn, Burwood and Canada Bay will entertain the notion of amalgamation. Strathfield is steadfast. They don’t want to talk to any other council let alone consider
DESK By Belinda Noonan
Step right up. The ride is about to start. a merger. No Siree… they will not. Ashfield doesn’t want to talk to any western neighbours either. They are looking towards their city neighbours for any possible amalgamation. Basically, every council would rather
stay put and keep the status quo except that the State Government has repeatedly said that’s not an option. As the pointy end of the stick approaches, politics are in full swing. Who gets what and where, is the name of the game. Territorial advantage.
Let’s not forget the developers. What a field day they are going to have all the way from the city to the Blue Mountains. “Go west young man”. Will the community (resident/regular person) view be reflected? It’s hard to say but I’m thinking unlikely. There is too much at stake. Political boundaries, developer heaven and elected officials holding sway or trying to. Unless the Baird Government magically decides the amalgamation talk was all a figment of our collective imagination, something will happen. Labor floated council
amalgamation sometime after the 2008 state election, but they were already in dire strife and couldn’t mention the “a” word in their last term because by then, they were a basket case. In come the Libs and promise ‘no forced amalgamation’ in their first term. It’s now the second term and that promise is gone. In talking to residents about council mergers when I’m out and about, they mostly don’t care or don’t know. Interestingly, when the Auburn merger proposal sprung up out of the blue, I asked a small group of three
people, whom I’d never met before, what their first reaction would be to the idea of a multi-council merger that could be named ‘The City of Sydney Olympic Park’? The immediate response from two. “Wow”. They liked it. For me, personally? I don’t mind. As long as the garbage bin gets collected and I don’t have to dig a hole in the backyard to bury the rubbish, I’m happy. So step right up ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. The carnival has just begun.
We welcome your Letter to the Editor, which must be supplied with your name, address and telephone number for verification purposes. The publisher takes no responsibility for views expressed in any Letter to the Editor.
INSIDE
Our journo: A Young Walkley finalist
CROYDON PARK HOMEBUSH @ SCHOOL SPORT
FINALISTS in the Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year Awards for 2015 have been announced, and Burwood Scene’s Saimi Jeong has been announced as one of three finalists in the student award category. According to The Walkley Foundation, finalists were “selected on the basis of journalistic excellence in the fundamental tenets of the craft as well as their ability to present distinctive and original journalism that pushes the boundaries of the profession”. Saimi Jeong, a journalism student at UTS and a former student at Burwood Girls’ High, has been with Burwood Scene since March 2014.
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Saimi Jeong
An independent fortnightly community newspaper. 100% family owned and operated. PUBLISHED BY SCENE NEWSPAPERS NEXT ISSUE: Wednesday 17 June 2015 DEADLINE: Wednesday 10 June 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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Not long after she started, we sent her off to the NSW state budget lockup, from which she reported budget announcements that impact our side of town. Since then, we’ve had her interview local MPs, small business owners, and see what the Prime Minister and the Premier had to say on their visits to the inner west. But the most important stories have been the human interest stories – about residents and our community – such as the closure of the last hostel providing temporary accommodation in Sydney for Aboriginal people, and the impact of huge roads built through our suburbs.
All the while, Saimi has worked on stories as a freelancer, some of which were commissioned by Guardian Australia. She interned not long ago with ABC’s Lateline and works in online production at The Sydney Morning Herald as well as maintaining her post at Burwood Scene. The winner of each category, announced on July 29, will go in the running to be named the Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year and receive flights to the USA to undertake work experience with CNN, Twitter and Huffington Post. Congratulations Saimi, and good luck!
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
3 June 2015
Journey so far
A Local Government Independent Panel Report had recommended to the NSW Government that six inner west councils merge (Ashfield, Marrickville, Strathfield, Burwood, Canada Bay and Leichhardt). A Mor r i s on L ow re p or t commissioned by five of the councils last year (Strathfield declined to take part) was inconclusive as to the benefits or otherwise of that merger.
STRATHFIELD
Burwood and Canada Bay continued to talk, and conducted in-house modelling of a potential merger before they were approached by Auburn to explore a possible amalgamation that would include Strathfield. After an initial meeting between the General Managers of the four councils, Strathfield opted out. What needs to be borne in mind is that any Fit for the Future voluntary merger proposal requires the consent of the councils concerned. According to a Burwood Council report, a further Morrison Low modelling study revealed that the merger of Auburn, Burwood and Canada Bay could present a manageable and sustainable model. “It would create a very strategic local government area, with good representation, as well as a strong economic base thanks to future growth areas that will contribute to the infrastructure replacement needs,” the report states.
Bigger councils could potentially form a oneparty block, with a mayor or council that is too influential or more powerful than a State Member. The benefit to property developers in having to deal with only one or two mayors along a tranche of highly valuable real estate worth billions between the city and the Blue Mountains is self-evident. What is likely is that the eventual decision on council mergers and the resultant boundaries will be political.
AUBURN
Where each Council stands now “Auburn City Councillors have acted solely in the best interests of our community by supporting this merger proposal which is vastly superior to the Sansom option of Auburn City being subsumed by Parramatta,” Mayor of Auburn, Ronney Oueik said. “We appreciate that our potential merger partners, Burwood Council and City of Canada Bay Council must also carefully consider the views of their communities as they deal with this very important issue. We also remain hopeful that Strathfield Council will also positively engage with this proposal.” An amalgamation of the four councils would have a population of 250,000 immediately and over 290,000 by 2021, which would meet
BURWOOD
BANKSTOWN the population threshold of Fit for the Future. There is also a logical connectivity between the councils through Parramatta Road and an extensive river frontage with three strategic centres in Sydney Olympic Park, Burwood and Rhodes.
Burwood rescission motion coming
Bur wood’s councillors were presented with a report and two options at its May 25 meeting: stand-alone or merge with Auburn and Canada Bay. In the absence of Labor’s Cr Sally Deane, the Liberals and BCV’s Lesley Furneaux-Cook voted to stand alone, but Mayor Faker says a rescission motion is already on the table. “We have to put something in (to the state government). Are the Liberals trying to get Burwood declared unfit so they can draw the boundaries without community input?” Faker asked. “Amalgamation with Auburn would mean an immediate rate drop because we pick up all the commercial area,” he said. A snap poll of 500 Burwood residents in May showed that 68 percent wanted to stand alone, but if that wasn’t possible then 59 percent would be in favour of amalgamation with Auburn and Canada Bay. Cr Lesley Furneaux-Cook says the Auburn proposal “wasn’t a good deal.” “I could only deliberate what’s in front of me. 68 per cent wanted to stand alone. The merger would be unworkable without Strathfield because there are no common boundaries.” She also questioned the Minister’s power to remove a council “with the stoke of a pen.” “It’s not a tick and flick exercise,” she said. “The crunch will be the iPart decision on scale and capacity.”
2031
44,175 53,900
Strathfield opted not to join the shared modelling study and in April restated that they would not be participating in any further discussion.
(Source: ID)
83,355 127,433
Ashfield preferred (as all councils have) to stand alone, or to merge with city-facing councils.
CANADA BAY
35,298 50,800
AS RECENTLY as May 14 NSW Local Government Minister Paul O’Toole said in Parliament “Clearly, it is not an option to make no change,” in response to MP Alex Greenwich’s motion that the government oppose forced amalgamations of councils that are financially sustainable. “Our city cannot continue to be constrained by boundaries that were set more than 100 years ago,” Minister O’Toole said. 152 NSW councils, ranging in size from 6 sq kms to 53,000 sq kms with a population range from 1,200 to 300,000 people, are finalising their Fit for the Future submissions by the June 30 deadline. In April the NSW Government asked IPART (the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) to form an Expert Advisory Panel to assess how council proposals meet the Fit for the Future criteria. “Our role is to consider proposals independently and ensure a consistent, fair and impartial assessment,” an IPART statement says. The proposed methodology to assess whether a council is fit or unfit is IPART’s overall brief but what councils are waiting for is IPART’s criteria for the scale and capacity that each council must meet. Community members may shrink into insignificance as political heavyweights weigh up potential new boundaries that send an area blue, red or green along party lines and the ramifications those boundaries could have on local, state and federal elections.
Ultimately, any eastward facing voluntary council merger failed as it appeared clear that the differences between Burwood, Leichhardt and Marrickville would be insurmountable in terms of community composition, economic fabric, geographic locations and built environment.
38,358 56,500
by Belinda Noonan
2013
83,355 127,433
Billions at stake
Estimated and Projected Population
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ASHFIELD
CANTERBURY Cr Justin Taunton said the Auburn proposal “doesn’t align with the Communities of Interest’ test.” “A proposal with Canada Bay would align with Burwood, but creating a donut around Strathfield wouldn’t.” A meeting was facilitated by Liberal lobbyist Joe Tannous on Friday May 22 with Liberal councillors in the area so that the Auburn Liberal councillors could have “a frank and open discussion,” Cr Taunton said.
Canada Bay wants answers
At an extraordinary meeting on 26 May, Canada Bay voted unanimously to defer a decision on its future until it has direction about what criteria will be in place to assess submissions about proposed amalgamations. IPART are due to advise that criteria in early June. “Let’s be very clear on this – we are against forced amalgamations,” Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said.” “We firmly believe it (the Auburn proposal) needs to be an option that has a strong economic base and reflects the long-term state and regional priorities of growth around the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.” “How can we expect to submit an application when we don’t know what it will be judged against? That is setting all Councils up to fail,” he said.
Strathfield will fight
“To the last breath, Strathfield will fight amalgamation until the day it is gazetted,” Mayor Guilian Vaccari said. “Strathfield has not had an IPART special rate variation and we are the only council (in the inner west region) with no debt.” “The government isn’t brave enough to numerically tell us what the scale and capacity is.”
Inquiry
An Upper House Parliamentary Inquiry into Fit for the Future was called on May 27 to examine the criteria used by the Government to assess amalgamation proposals, in particular the scale and capacity criterion – as well as the impact of forced amalgamations on council finances, staff and communities. “This inquiry should shed some light on concerns raised by people of all political stripes,” said Shadow Minister Peter Primrose MLC. Hon Paul Green MLC will chair the committee. Submissions can be made until Sunday 5 July 2015 via www. parliament.nsw.gov.au/gpsc6 or call 9230 3534.
State Government position
IPART will present a final report to the Premier and Local Government Minister by 16 October 2015 following a public exhibition. “From O c tob er, t he St ate Government intends to formally commence the process of structural changes, with transitional governance arrangements put in place with local transition committees comprising the Mayor and 1 councillor from each council plus the General Managers, with mergers completed by September 2016 in time for the next local government elections,” a Burwood report stated.
Auburn merger proposal on exhibition
Anyone can lodge a submission on the Auburn Council proposal in writing until 4pm, Wednesday 24 June 2015. All written submissions must be addressed to the General Manager, Auburn City Council PO Box 118 Auburn NSW 1835.
news YOUR NEWS
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3 June 2015
M AY O R ’ S M E S S A G E
FROM BURWOOD COUNCIL
Follow me on Twitter: @johnfaker
National Servicemen’s Memorial Service O n Sunday we held the ninth annual National Servicemen’s Memorial Service in Burwood Park on behalf of the Burwood and District Sub-Branch National Servicemen’s Association Memorial Committee and Burwood Council.
This year, we acknowledged the contribution our National Servicemen, or Nashos as we have come to know them, have played alongside the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force during the National Service Schemes between 1951 and 1972.
The National Servicemen’s Scheme brought the reality of war close to home for many families; with young sons, brothers and nephews called upon to help protect our nation post-war and during times of conflict.
From the pioneers who partook in the scheme in 1951, to the brave men who served overseas during the Vietnam War, our Nashos have all demonstrated the values we hold dearly as Australians; courage, sacrifice, mateship and commitment to our great nation.
19 local groups received grants for a range of community programs
Pic to come
Recognising our T Nashos in Burwood C O N TA C T S
he National Servicemen’s Memorial Service was held in Burwood Park on Sunday in honour of the 800,000 men who took part in the Scheme from 1951 to 1972.
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
Supporting our community
N
on-profit groups received a big boost with 19 local organisations receiving a total of $30,000 in grants as part of Council’s Community Grants program.
C R J U S T I N TAU N TO N
0408 227 826 lesley.furneaux-cook@burwood.nsw. gov.au
0448 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
Paying respect to our Nashos
The funding will assist in delivering services and initiatives to members of our community including seniors, culturally diverse, people with a disability, youth and families.
Please note: Council Meeting for 22 June 2015 has been cancelled due to lack of quorum
NEWS
3 June 2015
5
The price of a handbag Friendship cities for Canada Bay by Belinda Noonan
A CONSUMPTION tax, raising the GST and how superannuation is treated were all up for discussion at a Small Business Forum with the Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Craig Laundy MP and a few dozen business operators at the Coronation Club on May 20. Mr Frydenburg said that of 800,000 Australian companies, 96 per cent make up the federal government’s revenue and turn over $2million or less and that there had been an immediate 3.6 per cent jump in consumer confidence following budget night. The big figures and glossy sales chat went down well in a mostly supportive room but the challenges remain as Burwood dentist Eli Gold outlined. “There appears to be a downward pressure on prices and deflation. For small business to make a profit and to reinvest is hard. What are your thoughts?” Mr Gold asked Frydenburg. “The economy relies on confidence and what we want to do is reduce hand-outs in favour of hand-ups,” Mr Frydenburg answered. Always the business man, Craig Laundy described the federal budget as “merely our annual profit/loss statement” and said that a consumption tax should be floated for discussion.
Strathfield Mayor and pharmacist Gulian Vaccari thinks it is appropriate that business owners be given the 15 per cent superannuation tax break, saying, “When it comes to the business owners, we pay our staff superannuation but when it comes to our own super we put in extra when there is left over money – and there’s not.” Australia now holds 1.9 trillion in superannuation, with predictions that it could rise to 9 trillion by 2040. “We need to do more to encourage superannuation,” Mr Frydenburg said. “Less that 1 percent of super and pension funds is currently invested in infrastructure. This is one area we are working on internationally through the G20.” The Assistant Treasurer made a slick delivery of the big numbers and big ideas, yet it was a question about the price of a handbag that brought forward debate on the GST. “Will the cost of collecting GST be a part of the tax review?” asked Sandra Blackmore. “I like a good hand bag,” Sandra explained. “So does my daughter. We see the bag online for $700 - $800 but in the shops it is retailing for $3,000, which would include the GST. I can’t afford that and I don’t want to support online business where the GST is not being charged.” “I do the BAS quarterly statements for my husband’s small business. That takes about
ten hours and is worth $1220 per quarter that other businesses have to pay,” she said. “It would be better to have a minimum 15 percent GST to warrant the cost of small business collecting it.” Craig Laundy believes major structural tax reform is essential. “How all taxes function together is the key to the Tax White Paper. We must look at all tax across the three levels of government.” In Australia there are currently 125 taxes. “But only ten taxes produce 90 per cent of the revenue,” Mr Frydenburg said. You can feel where the long-term discussion is going: Higher tax on less items that have the capacity to generate more revenue. Even as a Liberal supporter, Sandra Blackmore takes issue with the government on efficiency and effectiveness. “What they always say is that small business has the benefit of holding the gst as a free form of finance, but that only matters if you are using an overdraft to cut down on the fees,” she said. “Catching the criminals and corrupt people would be my suggestion. If everyone is correctly identified with an Australian biometric identification card from birth or citizenship there would be a range of benefits including safety measures and catching the cash businesses.”
Over 30 representatives gathered to celebrate the official start of the sister city relationship between Canada Bay and two Chinese cities.
THE City of Canada Bay has established ‘Friendship’ with two Chinese cities. The decision to become a Friendship City with Dongtai in Jiangsu province and Jilin in Jilin province follows a recommendation presented by the Rhodes Multicultural Community Association and local Rhodes community and business leaders. Over 30 members of the Rhodes community witnessed the unanimous council decision, which aims to create meaningful business, education and cultural relations. In light of the decision, a China Australia Business
Council has been established in Rhodes. Like the City of Canada Bay, Dongtai is rich in cultural heritage and scenery and is surrounded by water. The Chinese city Dongtai, which is a two-hour drive from Shanghai, has also been dubbed “Last Uncontaminated Land on the West Coast of Pacific Ocean”, and is one of China’s most popular tourist cities. Jilin City is the second biggest in the Jilin province, northeast China, and in 2007, co-hosted the Asian Winter Games. The mountainside city is surrounded by the Songhua
River, with locals using its original name, “River City”. Three people have been selected to represent Canada Bay in the sister relationship with Jilin City. Ava Zhang (CEO of Lokvale Group), Yuehan Zhang (Secretary Treasurer of the RMCA) and Jessica Zhang (Director of Fitness Business) are the elected community ambassadors in Rhodes to assist the Council to establish and enhance the relationship. Andrew Ferguson is the representative of RMCA and Nancy Wang is the ambassador for the Canada Bay-Dongtai sister city relationship.
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NEWS
3 June 2015
Twins take on Hollywood by Mitchell Jordan
TWO of Australia’s leading dancers, Croydon Park sisters Kahlia and Karinna Greksa have Hollywood in their sights. The two girls, who trained at Brent Street, each have enviable track records. Kahlia is an astonishing dancer and Karinna is also a highly accomplished dancer. One of Kahlia and Karinna’s career highlights was being hand selected by directed Baz Lurhmann for his movie The Great Gatsby.
The girls were cast as lead dancers “The Twins”, where they had three dance scenes written for them with especially designed and fitted costumes by Oscar winning designer Catherine Martin. The girls were also cast to perform at the movies premier and red carpet event also directed by Baz Lurhmann. While it may look like they are twins, Kahlia and Karinna are individual dancers who are looking to move to Los Angeles to break into the American
dance industry, where they see more opportunity for their skills. In 2013 Kahlia and Karinna were selected out of 200 girls to be the leading tap dancers in the Bollywood film Dhoom 3. The girls were flown to India to film the movie, which was choreographed by Tap Dogs founder, Dein Perry. Last year, the girls worked on The Veronicas’ film clip ‘You ruin me’, as lead ballet dancers and continue to work as lead dancers on shows such as The X-Factor.
Funding vital work Sisters doing it for themselves: Kahlia and Karinna Greksa.
by Saimi Jeong
AFTER 22 years of active service as a Salvation Army officer, including many as a rural chaplain, Major Ron McMellon says his current role as a part-time wills and bequests representative for The Salvation Army is an honour. In retirement, Ron stays in touch with more than 30 Honoured Friends who intend to gift a bequest to The Salvation Army through phone calls and, if they wish, home visits. “In the role, you meet really interesting people – often people who have positively crossed paths with The Salvation Army in their lives and plan to leave a bequest as a result of that experience.” Ron, who served in the military before becoming a Salvation Army officer, says he has seen first-hand the impact bequests have had on the lives
Green Globe awards light up again of people struggling with pain, poverty, isolation and suffering through times of disaster. “A few years ago, for example, a pastoralist left a significant legacy and that helped fund our flying service that has reached so many people in remote areas. That donation and many others have helped so many people,” Ron says. Together with his wife Ellen,
whom Ron calls his co-worker and constant support, Ron has served The Salvation Army in many rural communities, mainly as a rural chaplain. One Vietnam veteran, who says Ron’s care saved his life at a very low point, explained: “Ron’s friendship is an honest friendship. You know he’s doing the work he does because he genuinely cares for people.”
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BUDGET 2015
NOMINATIONS are open for the Green Globe Awards, celebrat ing outst anding environmental achievements across NSW. The Green Globe Awards are NSW’s biggest and most important sustainability awards, with 17 award categories covering a range of resource, business, community and individual sustainability initiatives. Claire Hanley, a 2014 finalist in the Built Environment
Sustainability – Commercial and Residential Properties award welcomes the new award. “Being a finalist was a great opportunity to spread the word about the advantages of ‘eco’ renovations and it’s nice to be rewarded for all the hard work too,” Ms Hanley said. In 2014, Southern Cross Resorts was a proud recipient of the highest commendation – the Premier’s Award for Environmental Excellence. “There are many reasons why
an individual or organisation would consider entering the Green Globe Awards,” owner Chris Denny said. The Awards will be presented at a gala night hosted by the Hon Mark Speakman SC MP, Minister for the Environment and Heritage at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in early October. Nominations are open until Monday 13 July. To enter visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ greenglobes.
Rotaract movie night
SYDNEY City and Burwood Rotaract have combined to host a movie night on June 12 to raise funds for victims of the Nepal earthquake. All funds will be donated to the Rotaract Club of Kathmandu and Shelterbox to support the victims. Jurassic World will be screened at the George Street Cinemas in the city. Tickets are $30 each. For t i cke ts or more information, email Burwood Rotaract member Anna Hoyles at ahoyles@gmail.com
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7
3 June 2015
Kids’ Champion mural unveiled by Belinda Noonan
THANKS to a Community Grant from Burwood Council, the legacy left by NSW Children’s Court magistrate, the late Barbara Holborow OAM will be forever remembered on a wall mural on Beresford Avenue in Croydon Park, where she lived all her life. Created by artist Paul Jufferman, the mural depicts aspects of Barbara’s adult life and love for children. “It’s just beautiful,” said daughter Louise Holborow at the unveiling on May 23 alongside other family members and friends. “The mural shows her first day on the bench, her children
and grandchildren and love of all children.” “I’d like to thank Burwood Council, Paul Jufferman and also the Crossley family who allowed the mural to be painted on the external wall of their property,” Louise said. Barbara knew all about children in trouble and how to keep them out it. She established the first NSW Children’s Court, fought for free Legal Aid for children and, as magistrate, presided over that position for 12 years while advocating for better children’s services. Her outspokenness was the stuff of legends and she put her heart where her mouth was. Along with her daughter Louise, Barbara is survived by her adopted Aboriginal son Jacob.
Artist Paul Jufferman (centre) along with members of Barbara Holborow’s family in front of the memorial mural on Beresford Avenue.
Festival volunteers thanked by Belinda Noonan
CROYDON Park’s Festival last October was a surprise hit for local residents, but really no surprise to the Chamber of Commerce who put many months of planning into the event. Led by President Toni Franz, the Croydon Park Chamber of Commerce, with assistance and support from Burwood Council, mounted an ambitious and successful festival that showcased local businesses alongside cultural free activities. Last week the Chamber officially thanked it’s many volunteers with a cocktail party at Hair Collections (owned by Toni Franz) on Georges River Road. Among the organisers and guests who attended was artist Julie Muir, who co-ordinated the art shows, Burwood Chamber President Doug Sutherland, and Strathfield MP Jodi McKay.
Online system bypasses planning approval need by Saimi Jeong
Croydon Park Chamber of Commerce members, volunteers and guests at the Festival ‘Thank You’ party.
BRAND NEW | OPENING SOON
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LOD GING a fast track comply ing de vel opme nt application in Burwood will be more convenient under a NSW government program that enables people to apply any time, from any location. Burwood Council switched on the online system from the Department of Planning and Environment program this week, along with 75 other councils across the state. The system lets builders, architects and home owners lodge a complying development for a new home or home renovation. A complying development is a straight-forward project that meets all the buildings standards for complying development, without the need for a development application.
The Electronic Housing Code means faster planning approval times for home building or renovations and removes paper applications to councils with planning rules online, with applications able to be submitted electronically twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The online process will allow for developments such as renovations, extensions, first floor additions and garages, as well as cubby houses and carports, without the need for planning or building approval. The Department is providing IT support and training for Burwood council staff to implement the system. Still needs your help
Donations: www.legacy.com.au
8
THE FRIENDLY PLACE TO SHOP AND DINE
3 June 2015
The 1948 bank bandits
Embracing Homebush
THE FRIENDLY PLACE TO SHOP AND DINE by Belinda Noonan
Jessie serves local regulars Rod and Debora with Avocado fetta smash bruschetta. by Belinda Noonan
YOU don’t have to be in Jessie Tabet’s company long before the word “love” comes into the conversation. It’s almost a year since the 24-year-old former event manager opened Jessie’s Den on Burlington Road and she loves the business, the customers, Homebush and everything that goes with her successful new business. “Hospitality and making coffee was my first job when I was 16. I just loved it and have ever since,” she said. “I love customer service, problem solving and dealing with different characters. No day is ever the same.” Jessie’s Den started with coffee alongside a small supermarket in July 2014 before expanding with
Lebanese sweets, then introducing a kitchen and after just six months, revamping the premises again to open with a new layout in January offering a greater emphasis on meals. “We introduced the kitchen not long after opening and it’s been an amazing journey. Starting from scratch and even though there are other cafes on the main street, we have been welcomed into Homebush community.” The large open area has worked to Jessie’s Den advantage and with the introduction of more meals and her two chefs Lesi, on char grill and dinner, and Phil for breakfast and lunch, Jessie feels they are headed in the right direction. “I call Jessie’s Den a big ship. You’ve got a captain and crew who are with you to get to the destination.”
Being responsible for up to ten employees at such a young age sits easily on Jessie’s shoulders. “I’ve gone from being told what to do, to being the decision maker. It’s about taking the steering wheel and directing because that’s all it takes with such a good, happy crew,” she said. “Homebush has variety and it’s a cosy and close-knit community. We have customers coming from the Strathfield Plaza area because there is less hustle and bustle here. It’s more relaxing,” Jessie explained. “We get along great with the other traders and that’s Homebush in general. Everyone looks out for one another. I love it. I don’t plan on moving anytime soon.”
J ESSIE’S DEN
ONE of Aust ra lia’s pioneers in the surf board industry was a Homebush lad and as boys do, he and his friends got up to their share of mischief, which forms a funny tale and is part of the area’s history. In 1948, as a boy, Denis McDonagh and his friends were doing what kids do on their bikes in the school holidays back then - zooming around Homebush looking for something to do. “There was a group of six young lads – we were all about 10 or 12, and we put bandanas over our noses and donned our cowboy hats. “We all had toy cap guns back then and those went in our belts and on our bikes we got,” Denis recalled. Off they went to the Commonwealth Bank on The Crescent (opposite Homebush St ation), parked their bikes on the wall beside the front door and entered the bank.
“We walked in with our toy pistols, cowboy hats on, bandanas over half our face and declared ‘This is a stick up’. “The customers and staff knew we were silly kids but dropped what they were doing and held up their hands.” “We panicked and bolted.” The incident was reported in the local paper at the time as a light-hearted story. “I was telling my grandchildren about this story, who thought it was very funny. I had a copy of the article as it appeared years ago, but it’s now gone,” he said. “I would be grateful to anyone who knows what the local paper was at the time so I could track it down.” Denis grew up at 76 Burlington Road in Homebush and the bank bandit escapade wasn’t his only foray into mischievous deeds. As an even younger boy, Denis recalls the milkman
EDITOR’S NOTE: It may be likely that the local paper in the Homebush area circa 1948 was The Aeroplane Press. Many editions are held at the State Library but if you have any information that may assist Denis, please contact Burwood Scene on 9715 2700 or email editor@burwoodscene.com.au
Looking for winter woollies superheroes
RED CROSS shops around Australia are looking for donations of all types of winter clothes. R e d C ro ss shop s manager, Kate Dear, said anyone can be a winter woollies superhero this winter by helping to stock
Red Cross shops with winter clothes. “Your daggy jumper, u nw a nt e d c o at o r ridiculous beanie can be turned into a phone call to check on an elderly person living alone, a shower and a hot meal for
a young homeless person, or clean drinking water for someone affected by a disaster. “It is as easy as donating a woolly jumper or a warm coat that you probably won’t wear this year,” Kate said.
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filling up the billy cans with milk and cream. “The milkman would leave the horse and cart and go along each house in the street filling up the billy cans. I saw two taps behind the cart and turned one on and tried to put the horse’s head in the gutter for a drink,” Denis said. “The milk flow became a river all the way down to and across Rochester Street. Then Mum came out and saw what I had done. I was in big trouble. Mum asked if she could compensate him for what I’d done.” “He answered ‘No’, it was OK and asked if we had a garden hose. He filled up the milk with water.” Denis went on to become the co-founder of Surf, Dive n Ski with his brother Greg.
by appointment
Part of the local community since 1983
Burlington Road , H ome 444 4Burlington Rd, Homebush 2140 bush | Phone: 974
974 6 5312
@ SCHOOL 9
3 June 2015
@ SCHOOL
Our kitchen rules Students think big questions
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
COOKING a delicacy like kangaroo hamburger with bush tomato relish may not be within everyone’s repertoire, but it’s all in a day’s training for Indigenous students at Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College in Burwood. The College is working to close the school completion gap for Indigenous students with a hospitality training program which aims to expose students
to different options available in Vocational Education and Training (VET). The program is an initiative and partnership between Sydney Institute TAFE and SCCVC. Staff from both providers collaborated in the design and delivery of the program. Year 9 and 10 students from De La Salle College, Ashfield participated in the hospitality program at SCCVC, spending one week in the College’s state-of-the-art commercial cookery facilities developing skills in meal preparation for catering events, learning hygiene practices and work, health and safety procedures. According to Jenny Newman, SCCVC Hospitality Manager, students in the program learned how to cook modern dishes using Indigenous herbs and spices in order to “give students a taste of their culture and the chance to explore their passion for cooking”. Year 10 student Christopher Zagoudis, whose indigenous heritage dates back to his great grandfather, confirmed his ambitions to enter the hospitality industry. “It’s a big passion of mine,” he said. “Now I can see what I am capable of, and what skills I need to work in a commercial kitchen.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Back To Schoo l Back To Schoo l
VET students at SCCVC.
Dr Peter Vardy at Santa Sabina
SENIOR students from around Sydney gathered at Santa Sabina College on Monday, May 18 for the annual Peter Vardy Student Ethics Conference. Dr Peter Vardy is an internationally renowned ethicist and lecturer with a particular interest in working with schools to encourage a broader vision
The Arnold & Dorothy Wilcox scholarship is a full remission scholarship awarded to a Year 11 2016 student. The scholarship recipient will have an interest in Mathematics and Science and intend to study higher level Mathematics or Science for the HSC. The scholarship is presented by Maura & Hilary Wilcox in memory of their parents. Santa Sabina College Independent Catholic School | Co-ed P-4, Girls 5-12. 90 The Boulevarde Strathfield NSW 2135 Phone: +61 2 9745 7030 | Email: enrolment@ssc.nsw.edu.au www.ssc.nsw.edu.au
for education, to enthuse young people with a lifelong passion for learning and to consider the big questions in life.
Year 10 students from Santa Sabina were joined by the Australian International Academy, Moriah College and Loreto College Normanhurst to explore topics including what
it means to be human and the potential impact of genetic manipulation.
The final session of the day explored ethics in sport, with Dr Vardy moderating a debate of gamesmanship versus sportsmanship. The discussion introduced examples of the impact of
biomedical technologies and what they may do to the concept of a level playing field. Students were challenged to think about the process of thinking, with Dr Vardy emphasising that reasoning based on “because I think so,” has no place in informed, rational decision-making.
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10
NEWS
3 June 2015
From clowns to inclusion Hand up for small business SINCE the Federal Budget was handed down in April, Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Treasurer Joe Hockey and Small Business Minister Bruce Billson have been criss-crossing the country selling the $20,000 asset write-off to small business. On May 19, Mr Abbott with Minister Billson and Reid MP Craig Laundy in tow, met with three Chinese/Australian business groups at Concord restaurant Angelo’s on the Bay for a morning tea. The Sydney Young Chinese Business Association, the Sydney Inner West Business Association and the newly
for me d Aust ra lia/C hina Business Summit each mustered their numbers on short notice to attend the briefing. “This is the best budget for small business ever,” the Prime Minister said. “We don’t want you giving any more of your money to Canberra than necessary.” Vice President of the Sydney Young Chinese Business Association, Gordon Li supports the 2015 Budget. “Of our 500 members, somewhere between 30 to 50 per cent fit into the Small Business category. I support this new policy and can see our
members using the opportunity for infrastructure,” he said. Labor will support the Asset Write-off Member for Watson Tony Burke has confirmed that Labor will support legislation for the $20,000 Instant Access Tax Write-off for eligible small business with under $2million annual turn-over until 2017. “It was introduced by Labor during our second term (after 2010) for $6,000. Last year the Abbott government got rid of it and they should have kept it. Now they are bringing it back at a higher amount but for a shorter time,” Mr Burke said.
Daniel, Alexa and Amelia get ready to add their handprints on the Inclusion Mural.
“We have multicultural staff and kids, so what better way to change and evolve than by showing respect for diversity and respecting Indigenous Australia?” said Connie
Koutsoubos, who established the preschool in 1985 and has run it, since. The children have begun to create a sea of handprints including colours of the Aboriginal flag to tie in with Naidoc Week. This year’s theme is We all stand on sacred ground: Learn, respect and celebrate. “We’d like to know more about introducing Aboriginal cultural perspectives into early childhood education,” Connie said. She wants to use art to help teachers, children and families start conversations about Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander cultures and reconciliation. “We invite any Aboriginal elders, artists or anyone who can share their knowledge of dot painting to come to our centre and add to our Inclusion Mural.” Connie said the Early Years Learning Framework recommends helping children to connect with their world and create secure, respectful relationships. “We should understand and value different cultures and ensure that children have the opportunity to learn about the culture of Australia’s first people.”
RATES in Ashfield are set to increase following a decision by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to grant it a Special Rate Variation. Following an extensive c o n s u l t at i o n w i t h t h e community as part of the ‘Your Say, Your Future’ campaign, Council lodged an application with IPART after ratepayers clearly indicated they wanted to see infrastructure improvements in the local area.
IPART approved percentage rate variation increases to be phased in over four years as follows, starting in July 2015. Year 1: 2015/16 will see a 7.5 per cent increase; Year 2: 2016/17 will see an 8.2 per cent increase; Year 3: 2017/18 will see an 8.9 per cent increase, while Year 4: 2018/19 will have a 9.3 per cent increase. Mayor of Ashfield, Lucille McKenna OAM, said that the approval means Council will be
able to renew existing assets and to carry out essential works to the Ashfield Aquatic Centre, a key focus area identified in the Community Strategic Plan, Ashfield 2023.
by Saimi Jeong
IN THE lead up to Naidoc Week, a circus-themed mural has been painted over to leave a blank a wall at a preschool in Croydon. After weeks of discussion between teachers at Kiddies Kapers, the children and their families, an idea for a new mural was formed.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott with members from the Chinese/Australian business community at Concord.
Ashfield rate hike coming in July “The highly utilised Ashfield Aquatic Centre is in desperate need of a significant upgrade for it to remain functional into the future,” she said. “The centre will now get a new lease of life with a $14
million redevelopment. This will include an additional new 25-metre indoor pool, a new outdoor 50-metre pool, a new competition standard water-polo pool and a new grassed passive recreation area.”
An additional $2.7 million per year will be spent renewing other infrastructure assets including $1 million for community buildings, $1.1 million for roads and footpaths
and $500k for parks and $100k for drainage.
According to general manager of Ashfield Council, Vanessa Chan the community has been saying that they want to see more works undertaken to improve the area. “They want us to create a vibrant town centre, to improve the conditions of local streets and to upgrade our Aquatic Centre,” Ms Chan said.
“However, like many councils across the State, Ashfield faced the challenge of how to best maintain services and ageing infrastructure – the costs of which were rising faster than Council’s income was being generated.” Council will increase the pensioner rebate introduced in 2013 from $25 to $75. Pensioners will also be entitled to free entry to the Aquatic Centre.
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NEWS
3 June 2015
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Pride of workmanship awards presented
Left to right: MP Jodi McKay, Musa Ovalle, Anju Alvarez, Julie Stralow, John Faker, Leeann Burdon, Patricia Ablaza, Irene Giardino, Janene Lee Baker, Conny Barletta, Jeremy Edwards.
COMMUNIT Y members celebrated those who go the extra mile in their jobs, in an award ceremony at Burwood RSL last month. The Pride of Workmanship Awards for excellent workplace contributions was organised by John Mansour from the Rotary club of Burwood, with
Strathfield MP Jodi McKay and Burwood Mayor John Faker in attendance. Marking the 37th year of the Pride of Workmanship awards, the 2015 theme was “Do it once, do it well’’. Awards were presented to Janene Baker of Fitbodz, Patricia Ablaza of Westpac
Burwood, Anju Alvarez of Walker Strategies, Musa Ovalle of PCYC Burwood, Julie Stralow of Burwood Council, Jeremy Edwards & Leeann Burdon of Abel Tasman Village and Conny Barletta of Nettex. Two awards were given to David Viner of Club Burwood and Diana Saw of Burwood
Girls High School, who were unable to attend. Burwood Rotary President Irene Giardino said the Pride of Workmanship awards are meant to encourage and recognise vocational excellence. “ The awards provide employers with the opportunity, through Rotary, of recognising
Parramatta Road consultation to restart
THE new NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes has reinstated the Parramatta Road community consultation originally planned by Urban Growth that his predecessor Pru Goward cancelled.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 9715 2700
Last year Urban Growth, the NSW Government agency responsible for delivering the Parramatta Road project, planned up to 170 community engagement sessions in a comprehensive program to inform the community and get feedback on what will be the biggest ever redevelopment in the inner west. After two community forums in Ashfield and Granville, the remainder of the sessions were cancelled. The turn-around by Minister Rob Stokes is being claimed as a victory by Labor’s Strathfield MP, Jodi McKay. “Genuine consultation over Parramatta Road was my number one priority during the campaign, and I applaud the decision of Planning Minister Rob Stokes to roll out a serious consultation plan for the people of the inner west,” Ms McKay said. Ms McKay said she has met
with the new Minister on several occasions, and was confident he understood the challenges, as well as the community’s concerns over how the project was unfolding under the previous Minister. This is a once in a lifetime chance to get the balance right in terms of development and infrastructure along Parramatta Road,” she said. “We must ensure the community has input into firstly what sort of density is sustainable, and secondly the associated infrastructure – schools, childcare centres, along with community and greenspace, to support such populations.” “I want to work closely with the Minister and Urban Growth to ensure the community is brought along and engaged throughout the process,” Ms McKay said. “They’ve agreed to implement what Urban Growth originally proposed before the Minister intervened. It’s a good outcome.”
canterbury
people from the business community wanting to join as members or putting proposals forward for fundraising or worthwhile local causes. Rotary meetings are held on Monday evenings at Burwood RSL from 6.15pm.
Purple photo puts women in spotlight AN arresting portrait by Australian photographer Raphaela Rosella is among the winners in the 58th World Press Photo Contest on show at the State Library of NSW this month. Selected from 97,912 images entered by 5,692 press photographers, photojournalists and documentary photographers from 131 countries, Raphaela’s photograph shows a girl named Laurinda, who waits in her purple dress for the bus that will take her to Sunday School. According to the artist, “She is among the many socially isolated young women in disadvantaged communities in Australia facing entrenched poverty, racism, trans-generational trauma, violence, addiction, and a range of other barriers to health and well-being.” Among the other striking images is Danish photographer, Mads Nissen’s picture, ‘Homophobia in Russia’, that shows Jon and Alex, a gay couple, during an intimate moment in St Petersburg, Russia. World Press Photo Contest runs from 23 May to 21 June.
Raphaela Rosella’s photo, Laurinda, (Moree, New South Wales, Australia), First Prize Portraits, Singles.
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NEWS
3 June 2015
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NEWS
3 June 2015
Recipes to help warm this winter Just sayin’… FIGHT the cold and get the feeling back into your toes with warm winter recipes. During the colder months it can be tempting to indulge in comfort food rather than choose the healthy option, but it is possible for recipes to have both. Nothing warms the soul like soup on a winter’s day, and sweet potato, red lentil and
capsicum soup is full of hearty and healthy ingredients, with a hint of spice. Come dinnertime, turmeric and yoghurt roasted chicken with cauliflower and eggplant is a throw-together weeknight meal. Roasted chicken is a warm, quick dinner that can be adapted to include whatever veggies are in the fridge.
Enough on our plates IT STARTED off as a simple drink with friends at an overpriced restaurant and ended up being something far more sobering.
As we struggled to pick our jaws up off the floor after looking at a menu that made it quite clear that no self-restraint would be needed, one drink was all we could afford, the happy family continued eating their meals. “How do they do it?” we asked. Paying $18 for a meal might be okay when you’re solo or on a date, but when multiplied by four the equation seems staggeringly off-balance. Without sounding too judgemental, the family were by all accounts ordinary, and the restaurant far from Michelin. Single and employed in professional careers we knew our limits.
Makes approx. 2 litres Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil 1 large onion, diced 2 red capsicums, roughly chopped 5cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds 1 teaspoon turmeric pinch dried chilli flakes, plus extra for serving salt, to taste 500g sweet potato, peeled and chopped 400g can good quality chopped tomatoes 1 cup red lentils 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock 500ml Greek-style natural yoghurt ½ cup finely chopped coriander, plus extra for garnish Method: 1. Heat oil in a large pot, add onion and cook over medium heat until translucent. Add capsicums, ginger, garlic, spices and salt and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add sweet potato, tomatoes, lentils and stock to the pot and simmer, partly covered and stirring occasionally, for 45-50 minutes or until the vegetables and lentils are tender. Cool slightly before blending then return to the pot. 2. Warm gently without boiling and stir through half the yoghurt and coriander. Serve with a swirl of remaining yoghurt and garnish with coriander and chilli.
Turmeric and Yoghurt Roasted Chicken, Cauliflower and Eggplant Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds 1 tablespoon ground coriander 2 teaspoons turmeric chilli flakes, optional 1½ cups natural yoghurt 4 x 150g chicken breast fillets ½ cauliflower, cut into small florets 1 medium eggplant, cut into small cubes ½ red onion, cut into thin wedges 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup pistachio nuts, toasted 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted fresh coriander, to serve Method: 1. Combine spices and divide mix in half. Combine half of the mix with ½ cup yoghurt and use to coat chicken breasts. Place chicken in a single layer on a large lined baking tray. 2. Combine the cauliflower, eggplant and onion in a bowl with oil, remaining spices and season with salt. Arrange on the baking tray around the chicken. 3. Bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are browned and tender. Transfer to a serving plate and serve drizzled with remaining yoghurt, pistachio nuts, sesame seeds and fresh coriander.
By Mitchell Jordan
Mitchell@scenenewspapers.com.au
In the same room as my Gen Y buddies and me was a family of four: mum, dad, boy and girl (both of whom would have been no older than five).
Sweet Potato, Red Lentil and Capsicum Soup
13
Yes, so much for the stereotype that young Australians throw caution to the wind in favour of hedonism. Like buying a house, starting a family is something that most people I know talk about in the same way as winning the
lottery: it’s so far off and imaginary that just considering it seems like an overindulgence. At the risk of sounding like a complete wimp, I just don’t know how families do it. Life in Sydney is expensive enough for one person, let alone the childcare, school fees, school holidays, sport or music lessons, birthday parties and Christmas presents that come with being a mum or dad. This stark reality hit home even harder when an acquaintance told me that he had no choice but to work two jobs to save the $20,000 it would take for him, his wife and two kids to go overseas. From that moment, I vowed that if I found myself overcome with paternal longings, I’d simply resort to buying a cabbage patch doll or tamagotchi. Maybe I’m not alone in this thinking. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of marriages decreased in 2013 by 4,282 (3.5 per cent). The ridiculously overblown cost of a wedding is reason enough to reconsider it but, frankly, when you have enough trouble feeding one mouth why would you want to bite off more than you can chew? Mitchell Jordan is Deputy Editor at Burwood Scene.
Police meeting tackles service issues by Saimi Jeong
SUPPORT services were a major talking point at the most recent community meeting run by Ashfield police, with discussions covering homelessness, mental health issues and drug addiction. The Exodus Foundation’s Peter Valpiani told the 15 local community members, including five police officers, that the foundation had received a grant to improve security on its Liverpool Road, Ashfield site. The foundation had hired a security company to deal with people arriving out of operating hours, with the aim of redirecting them to short term accommodation services. Community programs manager at Ashfield Council, Gabrielle Rennard, said the council was still trying to find a way of dealing with homelessness in the area. The Exodus Foundation is seeking to improve onsite counselling, general medical and
dental services, pending approval on a recent development application. Lucinda Castaldi of the Summer Hill United Gardens Clinic, which helps treat drug addiction, said her clients used the dental services provided by the Exodus Foundation. Ms Castaldi also said that Marrickville council had introduced syringe stations at “hot spots” in an attempt to reduce needle stick injuries. Needles and blood had been found in the public toilets at Darrell Jackson Gardens in Summer Hill,
prompting police to close the toilets and arrange for additional patrols of the park. Filomena Leone, a local counsellor, told the meeting that there were counselling services for people affected by drug use, mental health issues and problem gambling, available at Wesley Mission, Ashfield. Ms Rennard added that Headspace, which provides counselling, general medical and employment services for young people, had also opened in Ashfield.
Savings for seniors A NEW partnership between the NSW government and AGL Energy will allow seniors card holders to access discounted energy plans. Seniors can receive 20 per cent off electricity and 18 per cent off gas, and switching gas and electricity to AGL before June 30 will give them a $50 credit on each of their accounts. Seniors who purchase a system outright will receive an initial $100
credit on their electricity bill, and those who take up the Senior Solar Smart Plan will save at least $200 off the solar energy plan compared to regular customers over their entire contract. Senior card holders will also receive a 5 per cent discount off AGL tradespeople and appliances for heating, cooling and hot water.
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NEWS
3 June 2015
BRIEFLY
JUSTICES MEETING Ashfield/Burwood branch of the NSW Justices Association will hold their next meeting on Wednesday 17 June at 7.15pm at Club Burwood RSL, 96 Shaftesbury Rd, Burwood. Guest speaker will be Rowan Brownette, the Pilot Manager for Sydney Ports Corporation. All Justices of the Peace and those wishing to become Justices of the peace are welcome to attend for more details contact margaret.arnaout@ gmail.com AUTHORS AT ASHFIELD Carol Baxter Black Widow: Fast-paced and surprising, this story of Australia’s first female serial killer is as exciting as it is thought-provoking. Carol Baxter, better known as the History Detective, is a prolific Australian history author. Wednesday June 10, 1pm Level 6 Council Chambers Robert Wainwright Maverick Mountaineer: Once the most famous man in the world, George Ingle Finch was much more than the father of Peter Finch. He was a maverick colonial who turned the British Alpine climbing establishment on its head. Find out more about this colourful Australian in this first full length biography of him. Monday June 15, 1pm Level 6 Council Chambers SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK WHARF REOPENS
The Sydney Olympic Park wharf has reopened THE aFRIENDLY PLACE TOF3SHOP following safety and accessibility upgrade. Parramatta River services resumed at Sydney Olympic Park last month. The wharf has a new covered pontoon and seats, while the redesign will make docking safer and easier for vessels. The wharf was renovated under the $770 million transport program funded by the NSW government. DANCE FOR LYMPHOMA The Gift of Life Gala Ball aims to raise awareness of lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system’s cells, and the need for more Australians to join the bone marrow registry. Run by Lymphoma Australia and the Strathfield Rotary Club, the dinner and dance gala will be held at Sydney University Great Hall on Saturday, August 22. Call 0412 284 196 or 0417 700 717 for tickets.
Rookwood’s year-long ANZAC campaign A NEW campaign to remember and commemorate ANZACs has been rolled out by Rookwood General Cemetery Reserve Trust (RGCRT). The program includes a series of initiatives, from daily remembrance services at the Fountain of Remembrance through to the commissioning of a special short film about some of the notable soldiers, servicemen and women buried at Rookwood to community events to keep the memories alive. Within the grounds that RGCRT manage, there are over 1000 symbolic graves for servicemen and women who were either killed in action, died of wounds or illness overseas, or who were missing in action and never buried. There are also physical graves of soldiers who died in training as well as those who returned but whose burials are not marked by an official Office of Australian War Graves headstone. As part of the initiative to commemorate Rookwood’s ANZACs, RGCRT staff will give their time to attend daily remembrance services at the Fountain of Remembrance to recognise each and every soldier buried in the grounds throughout the course of this anniversary year. The daily service will also see a poppy placed at the graves of each, on the anniversary of their death, and a minute’s silence recognised in their honour.
The daily remembrance service will be published on the RGCRT website as public recognition. RGCRT CEO, Fiona Heslop believes that remembering the ANZACs goes beyond that of simply Anzac Day itself. “While the nation came together to reflect and remember on ANZAC Day, Rookwood Cemetery wishes to extend the honouring of our servicemen and women throughout the course of the year of this centenary milestone,” she said. “It is also a timely opportunity for us to reconnect and honour the names of over 1000 symbolic and physical graves maintained at Rookwood.” “We urge all family members to look into the resting places of their fallen loved ones to ensure they are properly recognised.” Three key events will take place this year including ‘Tales of Valour’, an ANZAC afternoon picnic event curated by historian, Warren Fahey AM and a guided tour of our war-related heroes, to be held in July. Further on in late September, Rookwood will step back in time with ‘Tales of Rookwood Necropolis, a day of historical talks and tours, as well as the inaugural screening of a new film about Rookwood’s ANZACs. On Remembrance Day, November 11, RGCRT will be holding a commemoration at the cemetery.
Domestic violence checks: have your say AND DINE INFORMATION about the potentially violent pasts of partners could be made available under a scheme being considered by the New South Wales government. The proposed “right to ask” is one of the questions being considered in the lead up to creating Australia’s first domestic violence register, a discussion paper released last month shows. Other questions raised by the paper include whether a person should have the right to know about a previous partner’s
violent history, or whether billions of dollars spent over any admissions, and the paper decades-old convictions should decades. warned that if ADVOs were be disclosed to a new partner. The Baird government’s included in the disclosure NSW minister for the Going Home, Staying Home scheme, “the number of prevention of domestic violence, reforms to funding for respondents consenting to an Pru Goward, has called for homelessness services were ADVO without admissions feedback from the public and criticised for closing women’s could drop, and the number will hold closed-door meetings refuges. of defended hearings could with legal, social and health One of the concerns raised in dramatically increase”. THE FRIENDLY PLACE TO SHOP AND DINE experts. the discussion paper relates to This could force women to go The scheme will be piloted apprehended domestic violence through court, which is usually over two years in four areas in orders (ADVOs), civil orders NSW. If successful, it could be that can be granted with both a traumatic process. Submissions close on 19 June. rolled out across NSW. parties’ consent to provide quick To view the discussion paper Ms Goward said domestic protection for those at risk. violence remained one of NSW’s A defendant can consent and provide feedback, visit biggest social problems, despite to an ADVO without making haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au
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3 June 2015
Local reaction to the FIFA scandal by Paul Brown
DESPITE the dawn raids and the arrest of a number of FIFA officials on charges of bribery, money laundering and corruption Sepp Blatter defied scandal to win a fifth term as President of FIFA. Ian Holmes, CEO of C anter bur y and District Soccer football
Association, said “that the outcome was extremely disappointing and not in the best interests of the game.” “You cannot sit in the position that he has sat in for 17 years as President and preside over the level of misconduct which has occurred. Ultimately the buck stops with him and he could not have been totally
oblivious to what has been going on.” “It’s a question of what standards of corporate governorship you want in an international organisation of this magnitude and certainly the standards that he has allowed under his leadership have fallen very short of where they should be.”
Prime Minister praises Meriden tennis players
SIX Meriden tennis players were congratulated by the Prime Minister after their victory in Qatar. The girls, who performed incredibly well to win the World Schools Tennis Championships in Qatar in March of this year, were last month presented with a personally signed letter from the Prime Minister, congratulating them on their success a n d a c k n ow l e d g i n g
their determination and courage. Federal MP for Reid, Craig Laundy, attended an afternoon tea at Meriden School to present the framed letters. After personally congratulating the players, Mr Laundy specifically acknowledged the role of their parents. “Many parents support their children to play sport all over the state or
the country, but you have supported them to play on the other side of the world. Thankyou for the sacrifices you have made to allow your daughters to follow their dreams,” he said. Mr Laundy also told the girls that their success was announced in Parliament, and encouraged them to access the Hansard record so that they could one day show their children and grandchildren.
Sepp Blatter in happier times.
“Sepp Blatter’s FIFA, double dealed this country in relation to positions in the World Cup… and Mr Lowy’s position was the correct position and it is a shame that more countries around the world did not demand more from their national bodies. Football Federation Australia (FFA) voted for Sepp Blatter’s rival Jordanian Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein after the latest corruption scandal despite being caught up in alleged bribery allegations themselves. The Asian Football Confederation have always been a strong supporter of Blatter, and Lowey’s
decision to go outside their influence could weaken an already shaky relationship, with a number of Asian nations declaring their continued disappointment in Australia’s inclusion in the AFC. As the world watched and waited, Blatter’s rival Prince Ali bin Al Hussein pulled out after the first round of voting after voting went 133-73 in favour of Blatter – four votes short of a two-thirds majority with most of those votes, it seems, coming from the strong African and Asian Confederations that require FIFA funding. A f r i c a a n d As i a command 100 votes of
the 209 confederation so in essence having their support pretty well guarantees election for the FIFA Presidency. “Without Blatter we wouldn’t enjoy all the benefits we enjoy today from FIFA what Blatter pushes is equity, fairness and equality among the nations. We don’t want to experiment,” said Amaju Pinnick newly elected president of the Nigerian Football Federation. Local Enfield Rovers head coach Tony Dunn says there should be a clean out at the top. “It’s a shame I think it puts us back again, in football terms, in respect
to the governing body anyway, Dunn said. “I believe we need a complete clean out of FIFA, so that people can get trust back into FIFA again,” Mr Dunn reported. In his acceptance speech Sepp Blatter replied that he couldn’t leave all of a sudden and reiterated that he was the man to ‘fix this mess’.
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Ladies of letters… World Schools Tennis Champions with Mr Craig Laundy MP: (L-R) Claudia Furdi, Violet Apisah, Amne Ghamraoui, Michaela Haet, Linda Huang and Shubhika Dubey. – Photo by Bryan Fisher
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BURWOOD SCENE
3 June 2015