COMMUNITY
GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL MAGAZINE
SUMMER EDITION 2023 - 2024
Georges River gets ready to celebrate
THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON PLUS Summer events and activities for the whole family
Australia Day In Good Taste School Holiday programs
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Contents 2.
Mayor's Message
Mayor’s message
Prize that were announced in late October. I had the pleasure of opening the two opening nights. The calibre of national and local artworks submitted were astounding. I highly recommend visiting the exhibitions at the Hurstville Museum and Gallery and the Clive James Library, Kogarah, before they wrap up on 18 January.
FEATURES 3. Georges River Art Prize winners 6. Battle of the Bridges 2023 7. Artist in Residence: Manfred Krautschneider 8. Community Champion: Carol Ferrone 10. R U OK? Day St George Migrant Information Day 2023 11. In Good Taste Recipe: Mango Pachadi
YOUR COUNCIL 12. Start strong with Council’s Early Learning Services 13. Kerbside Clean up Join the Compost revolution Battery Awareness 14. Promoting inclusion at Georges River Libraries 15. Community Grants Program Resourceful Australian Indian Network Inc. (RAIN)
YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD 16. Murals and Public Art: A year in review 20. Awards and accolades 21. Historical Markers program
SUMMER EVENTS 22. Australia Day 23. School Holiday Activities 24. Lunar New Year Festival 2024: The Year of the Dragon 26. In Good Taste Festival 2024
As newly appointed Mayor, I’d like to welcome you to the bumper summer edition of Community. I am looking forward to the summer schedule of Council events now the weather is warming up. Our events team have been busily working to coordinate stellar events such as Magic of Christmas, and in early 2024, Lunar New Year and In Good Taste multicultural food festival, that I’m sure you, your family and friends will enjoy. The St George Migrant Information Day 2023 also saw a great turnout. More than 350 state-wide attendees celebrated the day at the Marana Auditorium in Hurstville. Georges River Council and Bayside Council partnered with Advance Diversity Services (ADS) for the annual free event that supports new migrants and refugees settling into our community. It was a pleasure to officially open the day and speak with so many attendees looking for information. It was great to see the winners from south Sydney’s first “Battle of the Bridges” youth music event were Georges River acts. We partnered with Sutherland Shire Council for this celebration, and it was wonderful to see so many youth from both areas enjoy the festivities. A big congratulations is extended to the winners of the 2023 Georges River Art
I’d like to congratulate the Georges River Libraries staff for becoming a finalist for their Self-Care Bingo initiative in the 2023 Mental Health Matters Awards. This demonstrates how our libraries are not only a wealth of knowledge, services, and resources, but also that they are attuned to our community and know how to create valuable projects. We also celebrate another accolade, with Council in partnership with Georges Riverkeeper Connells Point Public School winning the prestigious Keep Australia Beautiful NSW (KAB NSW) 2023 Sustainable Cities Award. The award recognised the “Zero Littler in Georges River” program, which sought to empower future generations with the knowledge and know-how to preserve Georges River. In a tribute to local history, the Georges River Council 2023 Historical Markers have been unveiled. These honour and acknowledge the historical and cultural significance of local individuals and locations. With the summer school holidays just around the corner, I encourage you to check out Council’s summer event schedule, Council’s What’s On page and school holiday activities at our libraries and Hurstville Museum & Gallery. I hope to see you at our next community event.
Sam Elmir Mayor, Georges River Council
Georges River Council acknowledges the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Custodians of all lands, waters and sky in the Georges River area. Council recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as an integral part of the Georges River community and values their social and cultural contributions. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who live work and meet on these lands.
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FEATURE
GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL
I’m right behind you (except when I’m right in front of you) by Libby Moore
Winners of the Georges River Art Prize 2023 announced The winners of the 2023 Georges River Art Prize and Little Artist and Youth Prizes were announced at two ceremonies in late October. The Little Artist and Youth Prizes were awarded on 26 October 2023 at Clive James Library Kogarah to an excited audience of young creatives and proud parents. The main Georges River Art Prize was awarded on 27 October at the Hurstville Museum and Gallery. Judges Tony Costa (winner of the 2019 Archibald Prize), Patrick Cremin (Sydney-based artist and arts worker), and Carrie Kibbler (Curator at Hazelhurst Arts Centre) had a tough job but were impressed by the high calibre and diversity of this year’s entries. This year’s top prize went to Libby Moore for her painting, I’m right behind you (except when I’m right in front of you).
This year’s top prize went to Libby Moore for her painting, I’m right behind you (except when I’m right in front of you).
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The overall Georges River Art Prize category saw the themes of portraits, and urban and natural landscapes featured prominently. Additional prizes were awarded in the following categories: • Sculpture Prize - $5,000: Kerry Cannon, The angels will bring Benny Whitecrane, Mike Piper and Arlan Pride to heaven • Local Artist Prize - $4,000 acquisitive + solo exhibition: Margaret Lyons, Birthday cake and Namitjira • Little Artist Prize (7-12 yrs) - $200 materials voucher: Scarlett Horne, From the heart • Youth Prize (13-17 yrs) - $400 materials voucher: Phoebe Luo, Random perception The biennial event, a cultural cornerstone of the Georges River community, received 366 entries from across Australia, blending different mediums and traditional and abstract styles, artists depicted life, people, and portraits, as well as serene suburban scenes and the natural world. An important platform for local creatives, the event’s growing popularity in recent years exemplifies the region’s thriving artistic community. Georges River Mayor Sam Elmir said,
“I encourage all residents to visit the main and youth finalists’ exhibitions to support and enjoy our local and national art community’s works. Art of all genres strengthens our community through creative self-expression, and cultural appreciation by breaking cultural, social and economic barriers.”
Georges River Art Prize opening night
The Georges River Art Prize will be exhibited at the Hurstville Museum & Gallery until 18 January 2024. Little Artist and Youth artworks will be on show at the Clive James Library and Service Centre, Kogarah.
For more information, visit Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s Georges River Art Prize page on Council’s website. Youth Prize winner Phoebe Luo with Georges River Council Mayor, Sam Elmir
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GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL
The angels will bring Benny Whitecrane, Mike Piper and Arlan Pride to heaven by Kerry Cannon
Little Artist Prize winner Scarlett Horne with Georges River Council Mayor, Sam Elmir
Birthday cake and Namitjira, Margaret Lyons was awarded the Georges River Local Artist Prize.
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FEATURE
Battle of the Bridges 2023
Crowd at Battle of The Bridges
On 23 September, Georges River Council partnered with Sutherland Shire Council to present Southern Sydney's first ever 'Battle of the Bridges', a youthoriented music event. This event brought communities from both Council Local Government Areas together for a night of great vibes, music and friendly rivalry. The Sutherland Arts Theatre was filled by over 180 attendees of all ages who came to cheer on the six emerging musicians including: Spinning Cupids, Vermanic, and Sundryver (all representing Sutherland Shire Council), and Jacinta Drumond, Pocketwatch, and DOLOR (all representing Georges River Council). In the end, it was the acts representing Georges River that were voted as the winners of the battle by the audience in attendance! Congratulations to Jacinta Drumond, Pocketwatch and DOLOR. Thank you to Sutherland Shire Council for hosting at the spectacular Sutherland Arts Theatre and the comradery throughout event planning and delivery. We’ve enjoyed every part of this collaboration and look forward to next year’s event. To each of the performers, thank you for a fantastic evening. We look forward to seeing your musical careers flourish!
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Council is committed to serving young people in our community by supporting and encouraging youth involvement in decision making. Our youth services are based on empowerment, purposeful engagement, and inclusiveness. We want to ensure that the voices of young people are heard. Learn more about young people in Georges River on our website.
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Artist in Residence Every year, the Georges River Artist in Residence program provides outstanding artists with the opportunity to spend up to three months at the picturesque Carss Park Artist’s Cottage. The residency allows artists the time, space, and freedom to explore new ideas and create new works and interact with the local community through public programs. Our final Artist in Residence for the year, Manfred Krautschneider, is a painter, photographer and new media artist whose mission it is to capture the Georges River region as seen from the edges - from outside or tangentially - in order to acquire something essential but new and surprising in relation to place. During his residency, Manfred will be facilitating two surreal streetscape photography sessions on 25 November and 9 December.
For more information and session bookings, please visit Council’s What’s On page.
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FEATURE
COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Carol Ferrone
Carol Ferrone at the opening of Home in St George 1920-1960 at Hurstville Museum & Gallery
Local ABC presenter Carol Ferrone was the special guest speaker at the opening of Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s major exhibition, Home in St George 1920-1960 this year. We explore her love of history and why she loved the exhibition.
changed my perspectives on life and given me an appreciation for the privileges that we have today. We are fortunate to live in a country where women of the past forged a path for us, and we now have choices.
You and your family went on a time-travelling adventure in Back in Time for Dinner to cook, eat and live from Federation to the 1940s, and Back in Time for The Corner Shop to navigate the highs and lows of being shopkeepers through 150 years of Australian history. What was your experience like?
Locals would come in to buy their groceries but also stop for the local news or gossip. Today, we shop, socialise and even date online.
The first two series really highlighted the changing role of women throughout the decades. Living as a woman of the past, but with the knowledge and insights of a woman of the present, has
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Life as a shopkeeper taught us about community and how, in today’s busy world, we have lost that sense of community.
As time goes by, our sense of community diminishes even further as we hide behind our phones. I think that’s why our audience became so enamoured by us and our Back in Time adventure, as it reminds them that not all things in the past should be left there.
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What were some of the challenges you and your family had to go through? The biggest challenges were definitely the food! We are fortunate that we enjoy a good, balanced diet in our modern life. Periods of food insecurity, such as the food rations during the Great Depression were the most challenging as we had no choice but to eat whatever was available. In our case it was all parts of the animal. Our very first meal in Back in Time for Dinner was tripe boiled in milk and lemon juice – talk about a baptism of fire!
"Mortdale encompasses that sense of community spirit of yesteryear where you can walk to the local village and the shopkeepers know you by name, the café owners know your regular order and the locals smile and greet you on the street. There’s a real sense of belonging here that we enjoy."
Anything you’ve learned when stepping back in time? Australians have gone from food being influenced by our British heritage to having the world on our dinner plate – largely due to immigration and multiculturism. The foods and flavours that we enjoy today didn’t exist on our shores a few short decades ago. We are so fortunate to live in a country that welcomes people of all faiths and cultures and that is reflected on our dinner table.
Home in St George Exhibition What did you think about the exhibition? Visitors were transported to domestic life in the 1920s to the 1960s. We’ve all heard it at some stage, or even said it … “back in my day things were better…” or “you don’t know how lucky you’ve got it these days…” So, what if you could find out if those statements from your parents or grandparents were true? This exhibition allows you to step back into the past and experience those bygone days. Visitors saw how homes in the area were designed, built and furnished, along with some early domestic appliances and tools. For me, the exhibition was like stepping back into my ‘Back in Time’ home once again. What items were your favourite from the Home in St George exhibition? My favourites items were the clothing – the beautiful, beaded gown that made a one-off appearance, the shoes and the hand embroidered aprons – I spent many, many hours in the kitchen and wore many aprons over the decades! The aprons were very nostalgic for me.
"Australians have gone from food being influenced by our British heritage to having the world on our dinner plate – largely due to immigration and multiculturism. The foods and flavours that we enjoy today didn’t exist on our shores a few short decades ago."
Being a Georges River local Tell us about your family history and living in Mortdale. We’ve lived in Mortdale for 16 years now, coming from the inner west, we were looking for somewhere that offered more of a sense of community, as well as more green space options. We were attracted to the village atmosphere of Mortdale and that we have the local shops, parks and amenities within walking distance, as well as both primary and high schools all at our doorstep. Mortdale encompasses that sense of community spirit of yesteryear where you can walk to the local village and the shopkeepers know you by name, the café owners know your regular order and the locals smile and greet you on the street. There’s a real sense of belonging here that we enjoy. What do you love about the Georges River area? What I love about the Georges River area is the lifestyle balance it offers. It is within close proximity to the city, while still enjoying the spoils of mother nature with national parks, beaches and of course, the beautiful Georges River. You can jump on the M5 or in a train and can be in the city within 30 minutes (traffic permitting) or enjoy a picnic along any of the beautiful parks and reserves along the river. We’re fortunate that many of our schools have beautiful, leafy grounds and are not just concrete. Any hidden gems you would like to share with our readers? Being a foodie I’m always out during the day having meetings or socialising in cafes (that don’t serve offal!). My favourite local places are Cup n Cook at Kyle Bay and Silver Fox at Mortdale. Both have seasonal menus that are definitely a step up from the standard café menu and their service is always on point.
To follow more of Carol and the Ferrones then connect on Instagram @carol_ferrone and @ferronefamily5
Do you know of someone who is a Community Champion? We’re on the hunt to feature our next community hero, someone who has positively impacted the Georges River community. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please complete the submission form online here.
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Celebrating R U OK? Day in Georges River Did you spot our dedicated Child Protection & Youth Services Officer Brad and Georges River Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members Evelyn and Leticia out and about in Hurstville in September? In recognition of ‘R U OK Day?’, our trio of well-wishers were part of a team who handed out free self-care goodie bags packed with food, activities, and resources to support mental health. A total of 100 bags were distributed on Tuesday 12 September by 2Connect Youth and Community’s Young Leaders at Kogarah, and Thursday 14 September by the Georges River Council YAC at Hurstville Plaza and Hurstville Library. Council’s YAC came up with the idea of engaging with other young people in their community, while promoting local youth service providers, and reminding people of the importance of checking in on those around us. Their efforts were a great reminder that we can all make a big difference for someone who is struggling just by starting a little conversation to ask, "Are you okay?" Remember, you are never alone, there's always someone willing to listen. Thank you, Brad, Evelyn, and Leticia, and the Young Leaders representing 2Connect Youth and Community for helping to create a more caring, supportive, and connected community in Georges River on ‘R U OK? Day’ and every other day. The YAC is an advisory body to Council comprised of young people aged 12-24 who live, work, study or have ties to the Georges River Council local government area. The YAC represents the voices of local youth through the provision of insight and feedback to Council on issues that matter to them.
St George Migrant Information Day 2023 More than 350 state-wide attendees celebrated St George Migrant Information Day 2023 at the Marana Auditorium in Hurstville on Wednesday 11 October. Georges River Council and Bayside Council partnered with Advance Diversity Services (ADS) for the annual free event that supports new migrants and refugees settling into our community. The event was initiated by the St George Multicultural Network and has been a vital resource for new migrants and refugees for over two decades. It offers valuable information on various aspects of integration, including housing, health, employment, education, support, and government services. This year included 43 information stalls with multilingual information from government and non-government organisations, colourful cultural performances, and a complimentary barbecue by Lions Club of Lugarno.
Brad, Evelyn, and Leticia handing out goodie-bags in Hurstville.
Interested in joining Georges River Council’s YAC? For more information or to join, make sure you complete the registration form on the Young People page on Council’s website.
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This year’s theme “Culture Through Movement - Every Move Counts” to promote healthy lifestyles, was a fun and popular choice with enthusiastic attendees participating in the Tai Chi, Balance and Zumba exercise sessions. The event's success highlights its role in easing the transition of new arrivals into our community and enhancing their understanding of available resources.
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IN GOOD TASTE RECIPES
Navarathri Festival Special Mango Pachadi Region: India Contributor: Resourceful Australian Indian Network Inc This recipe is for Navarathri which happens in October and March/April.
Feature your recipe and story in an upcoming edition of Community, Council’s quarterly magazine. If you have a recipe and story to share, please submit your recipe, an image and a short blurb about your connection to the recipe to media@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Ingredients • 1 green mango • ½ cup Jaggery powder (can be adjusted according to taste) • ¼ teaspoon Turmeric powder • 1 to 1 and a ½ teaspoons Rice flour • 2 small dry red chilli • ¼ teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
4. Add the turmeric powder and salt and cook for 5 to 10 minutes till the mango pieces are cooked nice and soft. 5. When cooked well, add the jaggery powder and let it simmer for about 5 minutes (till the raw smell of the jaggery disappears) 6. Mix the rice flour with ¼ cup of water, mix well without any lumps and add it to the mango mix. Let it cook for a few minutes till the rice powder mix gets cooked and the whole lot comes together.
• 2 to 3 teaspoons clean dry neem flowers
7. Take it off the stove.
• 2 teaspoons melted ghee for seasoning
8. Heat a kadai (Wok), add the ghee. When it turns hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Method
9. Break the red chilies into two and add.
1. Peel the skin of the mango and cut into small pieces.
10. Add the neem flowers and fry till it turns golden.
2. Take half a glass of water in a vessel and place it on the stove
11. Switch off the stove and add the seasoning to the pachadi.
3. Add the mango pieces.
12. Mix well and serve.
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YOUR COUNCIL
Start strong with Council’s Early Learning Services Enrolling now for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years
“Children who attend a high-quality early education program in the year before school are up to 40 percent ahead of their peers by the time they reach Year 3 in primary school.” Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth Research shows early learning equips children with the social, cognitive and emotional skills needed for continued learning. These benefits extend beyond primary school with higher levels of educational success, employment and social skills linked to moderate levels of participation in quality early childhood education. Georges River Council believes education builds capable communities. Council provides high quality early education and care to meet the educational needs of our community’s children and their families. With a focus on play-based learning and holistic development, we cultivate innovative and sustainable places and spaces for children to thrive. Council’s highly qualified team facilitate programs to give each child the fundamental skills needed for life-long learning. Our transition to school programs provide children with literacy, numeracy, social interaction and self-help skills to support their development.
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With a strong focus on inclusive and sustainable practices, Council offers educational programs across six locations in the Georges River Council local government area. Our early learning centres are located in Beverly Hills, Kogarah, Carss Park, Penshurst, South Hurstville and Oatley West. Each service caters for every child’s individual, cultural and developmental needs. We value our links with the local community and strong partnerships with our families which embed a sense of belonging within our early learning centres. Our children engage in intergenerational experiences with our senior community members and participate in collaborative cultural learning with First Nations organisations. The Georges River Council Community and Early Learning Services’ wide network of educators, managers, community officers, librarians, art and social history curators and child protection professionals, work collaboratively to educate and support families and the community.
To enrol in one of our early learning centres, or to simply learn more visit Council’s Early Learning Services pages on our website.
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Join the Compost Revolution Kerbside Clean Up If you have unwanted items that cannot be reused, donated, or sold you can book a Kerbside Clean Up. Before booking a Kerbside Clean Up collection, please see Council’s Reduce, Reuse and Recycle page and A-Z of Recycle Guide to see if the items can be reused or recycled.
The online booking portal is now up and running for all residents of the Georges River LGA. This booking system now aligns the whole LGA to a pre booked Kerb Side Clean Up collection system. Residents can book a collection service on a date and time that suits them. This is a convenient improvement to services, compared with the pre-scheduled clean up that occurred in the former Kogarah LGA, where Council nominated the dates of collection. To make a booking, visit the Kerbside Clean Up page on Council's website, scan the QR Code or phone the Waste Hotline on 1800 0479 390. Note: Multi-unit dwellings of six or more units must contact their Strata or Body Corporate to organise a Kerbside Clean Up with Council During peak periods, wait times can take up to 8 weeks.
In Australia and across the globe, food is one of the most wasted items. In fact, 35% of the average Australian general waste bin is made up of food waste alone. This waste is sent to landfill where it becomes a significant source of methane a harmful greenhouse gas. Having your own compost bin, compost heap, worm farm or Bokashi bucket is a cheap, rewarding way to recycle your food scraps and garden cuttings. Worm farms can be kept in courtyards, balconies, and backyards. By composting your food and organic waste, you will ensure the following. • Reduce landfill waste. • Help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. • See a decrease in the amount of waste in your red-lidded general waste bin. • Create nutrient rich soil in your garden. • Promote biodiversity in your garden. Join the Compost Revolution with 50% off a compost bin, worm farm or bokashi bin plus FREE delivery courtesy of Georges River Council. During the month of December get an extra 20% off by visiting the Compost and Worm Farming page on Council's website or by scanning the QR code.
Safe Battery Disposal The NSW Fire and Rescue have recently reported they are experiencing one waste collection truck fire every three weeks in NSW. The main causes of these fires are the incorrect disposal of batteries in the general waste bins or recycle bins. Georges River Council have experienced four truck fires this year alone. No batteries are allowed in any household bin. Batteries can be disposed of at various places across the LGA including Councils small recycle stations, Councils Chemical Clean Out and E-waste drop off events and various supermarkets. When disposed of correctly 95 percent of the battery can be safely recycled.
For more information on battery disposal please visit the A-Z of Recycle Guide or Council's website
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YOUR COUNCIL
Promoting inclusion at Georges River Libraries Georges River Libraries provide a range of learning experiences for our members and visitors, in a safe and welcoming environment. A social service to our communities, our libraries champion diversity and inclusion, aiming to reflect and represent everyone who enters our spaces regardless of ability, age, religion, race, or orientation. Our Early Literacy programs, Rhyme Time (for children aged 0-3) and Story Time (for children aged 3-5), inspire imaginations, foster a love of literacy and learning, and reduce feelings of social isolation among the community. A little goes a long way which is why we have been making a conscious effort in our Early Literacy programming to reflect the amazing diversity of our communities in the stories, songs and rhymes we share with children and their carers.
Literacy programs always aim to promote acceptance, inclusion, and a world without barriers. Georges River Libraries are committed to making our spaces and services more inclusive for everyone. Sensory maps and social stories are currently being developed to further assist members of our community living with disability better navigate our libraries without barriers.
From Auslan signing accompanying songs and books, to celebrating diverse days of significance, Georges River Libraries are shining a light on all the ways there are to belong, and increasingly reflecting this in our programs. Books can act as mirrors, windows, or sliding glass doors, with the potential to reflect the person reading them, allow a glimpse of other worlds (real or imagined), or open the opportunity for different ways of thinking. The books we share in our Early
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Early Literacy programs are run across all five Georges River Library branches during school term; for more information please visit our website.
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Georges River Council’s Community Grants program
Resourceful Australian Indian Network Inc. (RAIN) is a not-for-profit organisation providing services for multicultural communities and seniors from their community centre based in Penshurst. Services provided by RAIN support independent living, social interaction, dietary and cultural needs of seniors of the Indian Sub-Continent living in Georges River, helping them to lead their best lives. RAIN provides services for 300 members each year with a team of volunteers supporting the community garden and community kitchen at the community centre.
Above: RAIN cooking workshop. Below: Wok and burner in new kitchen
As part of Georges River Council’s Community Grants program, RAIN was successful in being awarded a Capacity Building grant in 2021-2022 Round 1 to improve their community kitchen facilities to continue to provide a meal delivery service three times each week for 45 seniors in the Georges River community. With the grant, RAIN was able to purchase a commercial grade wok and burner for volunteers to use to cook fresh Indian vegetarian meals for the meal delivery service. With the new equipment, RAIN is also now able to deliver training on food safety for volunteers and provide cooking workshops using traditional recipes from the community kitchen. As a result of this project, there is now: • Improved cooking facilities at RAIN’s community centre with commercial equipment to provide a vital service for the community • Increased social inclusion and nutrition for seniors in multicultural communities in Georges River • Improved cooking skills and increased opportunities for training for volunteers.
To learn more about Council’s Community Grants, visit Council’s Grants and Sponsorship page.
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YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
Murals and Public Art;
A year in review Chrissy Lau, Fun Rabbit, Fun Rabbit, Fun, Fun, Fun, paint on marine plywood Installed January 2023, Hurstville Interchange Open Air Gallery. Lunar New Year 2023 – Georges River Council © Salty Dingo 2023 CK2132
Chrissy Lau is an award-winning British born Chinese artist based in Sydney. Chrissy is a multi-disciplinary artist designing with artistic excellence and appreciation of her Chinese heritage, working in several mediums including pen and ink, digital design and animation and large-scale painting. ‘Fun Rabbit, Fun Rabbit, Fun, Fun, Fun’ features 8 lucky Feng Shui rabbits leaping, dancing and celebrating the Lunar New Year. They are adorned with lucky red and gold colours and auspicious Lunar New Year imagery – new clothes, gold ingots, dumplings, coins, mandarins, lanterns and red envelopes.
To reduce the amount of litter in the Georges River, Connells Point Public School was invited by Georges Riverkeeper to receive free environmental education by professional educators, focusing on litter reduction and stormwater, aligned to the NSW curriculum. Students learned about the problem of littering, and looked at how drains carry pollution from our streets and back yards straight to the river. Inspired by what they had learnt, they created artworks to help encourage the community to dispose of litter thoughtfully. These ephemeral artworks have been painted by Corey Nichols, aka Born Ready on footpaths near Connells Point Public School, Oatley Memorial Park and Hurstville Station Interchange. Georges Riverkeeper won the Littler Prevention/ Clean Waterways category in the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW (KAB NSW) 2023 Sustainable Cities Awards for its “Zero Litter in Georges River” project.
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Born Ready, Zero Litter in Georges River campaign. At various locations at Connells Point, Hurstville and Oatley. Installed March 2023
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In April 2023, the public artwork Interwoven was installed in the transit corridor of the Hurstville Railway Station interchange. This is an imaginative light-based sculptural installation, that utilises suspended LED lighting to create a sensory experience and immersive journey along the Ormonde Parade transport hub.
Lawrence Liang Public Art, Ali Megahed in collaboration with Tilt Industrial Design, Interwoven, aluminum, steel, LED lights. Installed April 2023, Ormonde Parade, Hurstville
.................................................................................. At the 2022 Un[contained] Art Festival, which took place on Belgrave Street, Kogarah in June 2022, four artists painted murals measuring 6m x 2m live across the three nights. Jasmine Sarin is a proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman from NSW. Jasmine’s artwork tells the story of her experiences growing up and her ongoing journey in this world, allowing her to bring contemporary methods and concepts to the oldest culture on earth. In Pilar Basa’s own words, she is silly. She likes to draw, paint, create and muse about things that will make people smile. Growing up in Sydney, Pilar takes inspiration from life under the sun and the many wonderful people and things that make Australia home.
Jasmine Sarin, MacMahon Street car park, 2023.
Pilar Basa, Hurstville Seniors Centre car park, 2023.
Whether it be a classic Aussie bush scene, the smallest of bugs, a delicious home-style Filipino meal or magpies driving a rally car, she believes that we can find beauty in everything that surrounds us, and that just a calm moment or a tickle of hilarity is the key to enjoying this whole heartedly.
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YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
Christina Huynh (STYNA), Rejuvenate, Hurstville Seniors Centre car park, 2023.
Christina Huynh is an award-winning illustrator and muralist based in Western Sydney, Australia, that paints under the name STYNA. Her art practice involves creating murals, illustrations and picture books from differing mediums of pencil, watercolour, ink and pen, to acrylic and aerosol. Christina created the work Rejuvenate. Rejuvenate, means to restore, renew, refresh. The work is inspired by the 2002 American meta-comedy drama, Adaptation, directed by Spike Jonze, and the 1998 non-fiction novel, The Orchid Thief by American Journalist Susan Orlean. There are two types of orchids featured, both endangered species, the Wyong Sun Orchid with a more bulbous shape and rounded petals that are violet-blue in colour, and the Pale Yellow Doubletail a more fragile-looking, butterfly-like bloom, with yellow petals tinged with magenta.
Keith Stanley, The River Dragon, MacMahon Street car park, 2023.
Keith Stanley is a freelance artist from Sydney, Australia. Harnessing his fascination with the creatures under your bed and monsters in your closet, Keith brings colour to the darkness and nightmares to life. Keith painted The River Dragon which was inspired by the iconic Georges River Council logo incorporating the colors and design elements. Keith explains “a powerful dragon deity called ‘The River Dragon’, symbolizes power, strength, and bringing
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good luck. Water represents the importance of the Georges River bringing life throughout the area, and a sense of fluidity, surrounded by flora and the flowering Port Jackson Fig leaves, native to eastern Australia and acknowledging the Aboriginal people as the first peoples of Australia”. When the festival came to a close, these murals were relocated within the local government area to the MacMahon Street car park, Hurstville.
GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL
Ox King, Belgrave Street, Kogarah, 2023.
Ox King is a UK born illustrator and painter working in Sydney. Ox King has a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours (2007) and has been exhibiting work and painting murals for over nine years in Australia, Mexico and Japan. He is an illustrator and painter, alternating his practice between the studio and large-scale murals, exploring the artificial and the natural world in a modern urban environment. Ox King completed a mural on Belgrave Street, Kogarah which was painted in the lead up to the 2023 Un[contained] Arts Festival. This mural is a fusion of traditional graffiti and botanical illustration, drawing inspiration from the local flora in the Georges River area. The artwork creates an aesthetic blend of colour and form that acts as both a decorative piece and draws ties between the modern urban environment and the natural world. The bold use of unnatural colour emphasises our sometimes-disconnected relationship with the natural world. The mural also displays the foundation of the local natural environment in a modern urban area, asking the viewer to pause and reflect on their own place in nature.
COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION 2023-2024 | 19
Georges River Council celebrates win with Georges Riverkeeper Library staff with Outstanding Achievement in Mental Health Promotion Award
Self-Care Bingo Kit named finalist A Self-Care Bingo Kit project developed by Georges River Libraries has been named a finalist in the 2023 Mental Health Matters Awards. The Georges River Libraries team initiative was selected for the Outstanding Achievement in Mental Health Promotion Award category, which recognises excellence and innovation in mental health promotion activities that increase mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance wellbeing. Georges River Libraries staff involved in the project joined finalists and winners at a ceremony at Hyatt Regency on 6 October 2023, where winners from across eight award categories were announced. “The Creative Self-Care Bingo Kit project was developed by the Georges River Libraries programs team to encourage and celebrate self-care and community connection post-Covid lockdowns,” said Georges River Council Mayor Sam Elmir. Mayor Elmir said the kits were distributed for Mental Health Month in October 2022, and proved to be a great beacon of kindness and support, with lasting effects. “Congratulations to all of the staff involved for this well-deserved recognition and thank you for demonstrating such remarkable compassion and ingenuity during what were trying times for many people in our community,” he said. The kits contained everything participants needed to get started, with activities designed with materials that were easily accessible and affordable. The bingo activity included 25 creative self-care prompts that could be chosen at random to help people practice mindfulness. Each kit contained activities to engage, uplift, and reconnect participants at their own pace, including the creation of a ‘nature mandala’, colouring-in postcards to send to friends, and materials to craft a ‘kindness heart’ to keep or to donate to patients experiencing social isolation at local hospitals. As a result, 104 kindness hearts along with 150 handmade Christmas cards by children from Georges River Council’s Early Learning Centres were sent to patients in December 2022 to spread love and well wishes
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Georges River Council would like to congratulate Georges Riverkeeper for winning the prestigious Keep Australia Beautiful NSW (KAB NSW) 2023 Sustainable Cities Award for its “Zero Litter in Georges River” project. Best in the Litter Prevention/Clean Waterways category, the “Zero Litter in Georges River” project was funded by the Australian Government. It was delivered by Georges Riverkeeper, six local councils, six primary schools, and their communities, to reduce litter entering the Georges River through stormwater. Council worked with Connells Point Public School as one of the six partnerships with Georges Riverkeeper on the project. The ‘Zero Litter in Georges River’ program provides environmental education, aligned to the NSW curriculum, about stormwater pollution, and encourages students to look for solutions to reduce litter flowing to the Georges River. In December 2022 Connells Point Public School completed the education program with the support of Georges Riverkeeper and Georges River Council. As part of the project, students created designs for artworks to be painted on local footpaths near stormwater drains. The students participated in campaign videos with the footpath art and QR codes linked to the program information to help to educate their school community. The street art developed for the campaign features the innovative use of Augmented Reality technology and allowed passers-by to scan a QR code to interact with a virtual long-neck turtle called ‘Zero’, one of the native animals found in the Georges River and is threatened by pollution. Sponsored by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the award recognised Georges Riverkeeper’s commitment to preserving the health of the Georges River and is a testament to its catchment-wide approach. To find out more about the program, visit the Georges River Council and Point Public School’s Litter Hero page.
GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL
Jimi Karagiannis who submitted the nomination for Federal Brick Company
2023 Historical Markers launched in Georges River Council’s tribute to local history The Georges River Council 2023 Historical Markers have been unveiled, honouring and acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of local individuals and locations.
Established in 2018, the Historical Markers program is driven by nominations from the local community and aims to foster a deeper connection with the area’s heritage. This year the program received 18 nominations, from community members and Local Studies researchers, presenting a captivating array of historical and cultural narratives that have enriched the local landscape. At the launch event, attendees discovered the chosen markers for 2023 and the remarkable stories that lie behind them. The selected markers for 2023, including their inscriptions and where they will be installed, are as follows: • John Radecki (1865-1955): A Polish immigrant and former coal miner who became the first stained glass artist trained in NSW. His work can be found across the state, including at the Mitchell Library and St Raphael’s Church. Location: Inset in a concrete slab on the nature strip outside St Raphael’s Church at 88 George Street, South Hurstville. • Silvester’s Castle: Henry C Silvester attempted to construct a castle during WWI but abandoned the project in the 1920s. Children played in the ruins, and traces of stonework remain nearby. Location: Inset in a sandstone plinth on the corner of Southern Street and Yarran Road, Oatley, at the corner of the historic site of Silvester’s Castle.
• Ruth Staples (1930-2020): A founding member of the Lime Kiln Bay Preservation Committee that protected nearby natural places, including the wetlands and Dairy Creek. Location: In the eastern side of Lime Kiln Bay Reserve, inset in a sandstone plinth at the T-junction of the walking track, near Waterfall Road, Oatley. • Federal Brick Company (1906-1957): The company manufactured bricks and earthenware products for the local building trade at this location for over 50 years until it closed in 1957. Location: Inset in a concrete slab near the bus stop at 75 Durham Street, Hurstville, adjacent to Kempt Field. • Jack Napier Davenport DSO, DFC & Bar, GM, MID (1920 – 1996): RAAF Wing Commander of 455 Squadron (1941-1946), recipient of the Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Flying Cross. Awarded the George Medal in 1945 for extraordinary bravery after saving a crew from a burning plane. Location: Inset in a concrete slab on the nature strip outside Davenport’s previous residence at 51 Kyle Parade, Blakehurst. The Historical Markers Program is committed to preserving the heritage of the Georges River area and celebrating the rich tapestry of our local history. To learn more about the Historical markers program please visit Councils Historical Markers Web Page.
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YOUR CALENDAR JANUARY
Australia Day Picnic 2024 Join us on Australia Day 2024 with a free outdoor picnic at Carss Bush Park on Friday, January 26. The festivities kick off at 4.30pm, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display over Kogarah Bay at 9.00pm. Grab your picnic blanket and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of this community event. Indulge in the culinary delights offered by various food stalls and partake in a range of activities designed for children. It's an opportunity to enjoy our beautiful outdoors and come together. EVENT DETAILS When: Friday 26 January 2024 from 4.30pm - 9.00pm Where: Carss Bush Park, Carwar Avenue, Carss Park Entry: Free What to bring: Picnic rug and chairs Please note this is an alcohol-free event Further information: Limited parking available at Carss Park Flats We encourage you to walk, cycle or catch public transport where possible.
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GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL
School Holiday activities Georges River Libraries 2023 Summer Reading Challenge Children and young people aged 16 and under are invited to spend some time this summer getting lost in a good book (or 20!) as part of the Georges River Libraries 2023 Summer Reading Challenge! Simply log your reading to collect rewards and entries to the major prize draw. The Summer Reading Challenge runs from Friday 1 December 2023 to Wednesday 31 January 2024. For more information including how to register and Terms and Conditions, please visit the Georges River Libraries website
Hurstville Museum & Gallery Hurstville Museum & Gallery offers a range of fun activities and performances to entertain and educate children during the school holidays. Cost: $8.00 per child, per activity. Bookings are essential.
Microscopic worlds Learn how to use a real microscope and explore the beauty of cells! Let’s paint the hidden world! Wednesday 17 January Session 1: 10.15am-12.00pm (5-8 years) Session 2: 1.15pm-3.00pm (9-12years)
Mythical creatures Let your imagination run wild and create your own mythical creature in this workshop. Saturday 20 January Session 1: 10.15am-12.00pm (5-8 years) Session 2: 1.15pm-3.00pm (9-12years)
Egyptian Art Be an archaeologist for a day! Uncover the secrets of the Pharaohs, their pyramids and treasures. Wednesday 24 January Session 1: 10.15am-12.00pm (5-8 years) Session 2: 1.15pm-3.00pm (9-12years) The full range of school holiday programs in the libraries and Hurstville Museum & Gallery are listed on Council’s What’s On page
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YOUR CALENDAR FEBRUARY
Lunar New Year Festival 2024:
Year of the Dragon Council eagerly anticipates ushering in the auspicious Year of the Dragon during our upcoming Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Celebrating the Year of the Dragon holds special significance for Georges River, as it aligns with our emblematic figure, our mascot Georgie the Dragon, intricately woven into our logo. Inspired by the legendary Saint George, the dragon symbolises our strong ties to the broader St George area, embodying the Council's commitment to spearheading positive change. We invite you to join us along Forest Road in Hurstville, where a vibrant tapestry of food and market stalls awaits, accompanied by captivating roving performances. Venture to Hurstville Plaza to witness an array of spectacular entertainment gracing the stage. It's a festive occasion not to be missed as we unite in the spirit of joy and community during this special Lunar New Year celebration. The festivities commence at 3.30pm with the official opening ceremony, setting the stage for a series of community performances that will continue until 9.00pm. EVENT DETAILS Lunar New Year Festival 2024 When: Saturday 3 February 2024, 12.00pm-9.00pm Where: Forest Road, Hurstville & Hurstville Plaza Entry: Free Further information: Forest Road Street Markets are from 12.00pm-9.00pm. Hurstville Plaza Stage Performances from 3.30pm
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GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL
COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION 2023-2024 | 25
In Good Taste Festival 2024 Get ready for a delectable journey as Georges River Council proudly presents the In Good Taste Festival 2024, once again transforming the streets of Hurstville into a global culinary haven. In Good Taste is a vibrant celebration of the rich tapestry of global cuisines, reflecting the multicultural and diverse essence of our city. Explore a myriad of flavours at food stalls showcasing culinary delights from around the world, while a diverse entertainment program promises a delightful experience tailored for everyone. Join us on MacMahon Street, Hurstville, where an array of enticing food and drink options await, or make your way to the MacMahon Street car park for a front-row seat to the sensational entertainment gracing the stage. This festival is a feast for the senses, promising a day of indulgence and cultural celebration.
EVENT DETAILS In Good Taste Festival 2024 When: Friday 16 February 2024, 4.30pm-9.00pm Where: MacMahon Street, Hurstville Entry: Free
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GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL
COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION 2023-2024 | 27
Blakehurst
Hurstville
Kogarah Bay
Mortdale
Peakhurst
Mayor Sam Elmir
Colleen Symington
Nick Katris
Nick Smerdely
Lou Konjarski
Natalie Mort
Nancy Liu
Deputy Mayor Elise Borg
Ashvini Ambihaipahar
Peter Mahoney
Sam Stratikopoulos
Christina Jamieson
Veronica Ficarra
0410 654 310 selmir @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
0499 522 200 nmort @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Kathryn Landsberry
0419 984 934 klandsberry @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
YOUR
SAY
0409 546 202 csymington @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
0400 681 188 nliu @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Ben Wang
0499 366 888 bwang @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
0419 402 191 nkatris @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
0477 222 089 eborg @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
0438 750 355 sstratikopoulos @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
0431 646 321 nsmerdely @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
0434 494 231 aambihaipahar @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
0431 833 609 cjamieson @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
0421 188 896 lkonjarski @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
0419 374 727 pmahoney @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
0403 557 562 vficarra @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Be involved in important projects that shape the future of the Georges River area. Your feedback matters. Register via Council’s website at yoursay.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.
Phone: 9330 6400 georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
& mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au f georgesrivercouncil i grcouncil y Georges River Council
Georges River Civic Centre Corner MacMahon and Dora Streets, Hurstville Mon to Fri 8.30am-5.00pm
Clive James Library and Service Centre Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street, Kogarah Mon to Fri 9.00am-6.00pm Sat 10.00am-4.00pm Sun 10.00am-1.00pm