Government

What’s On:

Lane Cove

FEBRUARY

PLAZA EVENTS

Sunset Sounds - Romancing the Plaza: Thursday 14 February, 6:00pm - 8:00pm Enjoy a seductive set of laidback, romantic tunes with someone special in Lane Cove Plaza this Valentine’s Day evening. Sunset Artists’ Market: Friday 22 February, 5:00pm - 8:00pm This popular annual market will feature a broad range of talented artists and makers selling their wares accompanied by exquisite live music and a kids workshop.

BUSHCARE

Bookings essential: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ bushcareevents or 9911 3579.

HarbourCare Kayak: Saturday 16 February, 9:30am - 12:30pm. Search the bays of the Lane Cove River and collect rubbish before it is forever lost to the ocean.

Bushcare Walk: Saturday 23 February, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Moore Street, Lane Cove West. Join us for a bushwalk to see the plant and bird life of an urban creekline followed by a delightful afternoon tea.

LANE COVE LIBRARY

All events are free. Call 9911 3634 or visit www.lanecove. nsw.gov.au/library to book. Toy Swap: Saturday 2 February, 9:30am – 1:00pm. Are your children’s toys lying around gathering dust or have they simply outgrown them? Why not exchange them for something new! Check in at 9:30am – 10:30am; Swap 11:00am – 1:00pm Seniors Poetry Slam writing sessions: Tuesday 5, 12, 19 February, 10:00am – 12:00pm. Be mentored by a professional spoken word artist, to write your own poems and take your poetry to another level. Poets will perform their pieces at the Seniors Poetry Slam on 28 February. Library Book Sale: Wednesday 6 February, 9:30am start. Technical Demonstration of Visual Aids: Wednesday 13 February, 10:30am - 3:00pm. An interactive demonstration for people who are blind or have low vision. Try Orcam, Iris Vision, audio books and electronic video magnifiers.

For more details on these events visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au or call Lane Cove Council on 9911 3555.

Library Lovers Day Craft Session: Thursday 14 February, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Make a date with the Library and discover a new love of all things creative.

History Talk– The Armistice of 1918: An Armistice without

Peace: Tuesday 19 February, 6:15pm – 7:30pm. Hear military historian Lieutenant Colonel Rowan Tracey LLB BA discuss this pivotal time in history. Ozobot Races for Seniors: Thursday 21 February, 10:30am – 11:30am Use colour coding to design a 100 centimetre track, then line up to race your Ozobot (materials provided). Film Screening – The Book Club (PG): Tuesday 26 February, 2:00pm – 4:00pm Thursday Tunes - The history of early music: Thursday 28 February, 10:15am – 12:00pm Local musician Graham Ball will discuss the development of western classical music in Europe from the Dark Ages until the end of the 19th century.

SENIORS

Improving your Photography Workshop: Wednesday 20 February, 10:00am – 12:30pm, Living and Learning Centre This session describes making improvements to your photos, whether using a phone, point and shoot or the more expensive through the lens camera. Free – bookings essential: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/seniors Raunchy Romance Storytime: Monday 25 February, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, Lane Cove Library Take one romance book lover, let her loose with a line-up of Australian actors and performers and get a night of the raunchiest, naughtiest, funniest, swooniest stories around. Tickets $5 – www. romancestorytime.eventbrite.com

SUSTAINABILITY

Visy Materials Recycling Facility Bus Trip: Tuesday 12 February, 9:00am – 11:30am. Visit the Smithfield Visy Materials Recycling Facility and find out what happens to your recycling once it’s in your bin. Details: www.lanecove.nsw. gov.au/greenevents

Councillor Pam Palmer, Mayor P: 0431 959 980 E: mayor@lanecove.nsw.gov.au FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2019

Did you know that close to a quarter of the Lane Cove community is made up of a wonderful group of Seniors aged 55 years+? This February we celebrate our Seniors with a month-long program of local events for everyone in Lane Cove to enjoy. From taking up new hobbies to meeting new people and exploring new parts of Lane Cove, this year’s program features poetry slams, walks, dancing, drumming, sewing, robotics (!), a local food tour and a performance by Keystrokes Choir. In fact, I think all the events sound so inspiring I recommend that you check on the full program available from Lane Cove Library, Lane Cove Civic Centre or online at www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/seniors. With the summer heat still with us, I realise many people are interested to know what is happening at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre. In my last column I mentioned upcoming works to the outdoor 50m pool and grandstand. Since then Council has appointed project architects to oversee the planning and construction. The finalisation of the plans will take on board the feedback provided by the community and the construction is anticipated to start mid-year. All the latest information is available at www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/poolandgrandstand. Following a successful debut last year, I am pleased to say that Council will again be presenting Neighbour Day Awards at its annual Citizenship Awards evening. If you know a local who is deserving of recognition for their contribution to your street, neighbourhood or beyond, please visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/lovewhereyoulive for nomination details.

Local News & Information

Funding for local community groups

Each year Council provides funding to a range of organisations that help the Lane Cove community. Applications are currently open for funding for the following programs: Financial Assistance Funding for 2019/2020 - closes Monday 4 March. Cultural Venue Hire Subsidy for 2019/2020 - closes Monday 4 March. Sustainability Small Grants (first of two rounds) - closes Friday 15 March. For details of these opportunities please visit Council’s website www. lanecove.nsw.gov.au

New play equipment almost ready

The first stage of Mindarie Park will soon be completed with the inclusive playspace due to be open by the end of Summer. Finer details of the timing and official opening will be made available online shortly: www. lanecove.nsw.gov.au/mindariepark

Field upgrade now complete

Council has successfully upgraded playing fields B3 & B4 at Blackman Park. It provides the opportunity for a full length AFL field and two new fullsize cricket wickets. Work can now commence on the new fenced dog park due to open in Autumn 2019.

Out & About in Lane Cove

Move More in March

Are you looking for motivation to move more in 2019? Lane Cove’s own Move More in March could be the perfect excuse for you to get active, one step at a time. Now is the time to register as an individual or group and take part for a few weeks, weekends or the whole month of March. For details visit www.movemoreinmarch.com.au

Keep your pets safe

Do you own a pet rabbit? A regional feral rabbit control program gets underway in northern Sydney this month. Chat to your vet to discuss vaccination and other measures.

Nature Strip Planting

Council’s Bushland Team has been working with local residents in Johnston Crescent to plant their nature strip with indigenous plants from Council’s Community Nursery. The project was developed in conjunction with Council’s Bush Friends program which aims to help those living in close proximity to bushland to undertake regeneration works. By using bush regeneration techniques residents can help curb the encroachment of weeds from private property onto public land.

Did you know?

A new defibrillator is now in place at the eastern end of Lane Cove Plaza (near the NAB). This is one of 13 lifesaving defibrillators installed in the local area by Council. If you notice a defibrillator in need of service, please call Council on 9911 3555.

It was my pleasure to attend the Bushcare It was my pleasure to attend the Bushcare Christmas Party in December. A big thank Christmas Party in December. A big thank you to our local volunteers who contributed you to our local volunteers who contributed more than 4,100 hours of service in 2018. more than 4,100 hours of service in 2018.

Latest Works

• A new footpath was completed near the Linley Point bus stop (western side) • An extra Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) has been installed near

Mindarie Park to help capture debris before it enters the stormwater system • A new footpath has been installed on the approach to Mindarie Park • New electronic parking pods are now in place in timed parking spaces throughout the Village CBD

Councillor Mark A. Bennett

MAYOR OF HUNTERS HILL

P: 9879 9415 E: markbennett@huntershill.nsw.gov.au

Anthony Roberts, MP

MEMBER FOR LANE COVE

P: 9817 4757 E: lanecove@parliament.nsw.gov.au

My first official duty for 2019 was the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony held in the Hunters Hill Town Hall on Australia Day. It was my honour to present awards to those members of our community who were selected for their outstanding service to the Municipality, and also to present Australian Citizenship Certificates to seven members of the Municipality from the nations of Britain, China, Hungary, New Zealand and Iran. The event began with Welcome to Country from David Bird and an indigenous performance by Alfred Cool Well; followed by a riveting address from our Australia Day Ambassador, awardwinning journalist Michael Tomalaris. Michael has covered the Tour de France for SBS since 1996 and is known for his supreme knowledge of cycling. The 2019 Hunters Hill Citizen of the Year is Mr Peter Astridge. Peter, a retired SAS Commando, served continuously as an Independent Councillor on Hunter’s Hill Council for 22 years, receiving the Local Government Medal for his dedicated service to local government and the community. Peter has been a longstanding member of Gladesville RSL Sub Branch and Gladesville RSL, looking after the welfare of veterans and their families and ensuring generations to come are informed about the sacrifices and service of Australians in all wars. Young Citizen of the Year is Miss Sylvie Stannage. Sylvie has excelled in the field of sailing, becoming Australian Youth Sailing Champion in the Laser 4.7 Class and achieving impressive results in regattas and championships. Sylvie was awarded 2016/17 Youth Sailor of the Year and is currently Youth Captain for the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Sylvie has made an incredible contribution to the Hunters Hill community by working as a volunteer and instructor at the Hunters Hill Sailing Club in learn-to-sail programs, mentoring future generations of Hunters Hill sailors. Sportsperson of the Year, Mr Vincent Creagh, was recognised for his outstanding achievements and leadership in Australian Schoolboys Rugby and service to the wider Hunters Hill Community. Vincent has been Captain of the First XV Rugby Team at St Joseph’s College, who won the AAGPS premiership for the first time in 11 years. Vincent was then selected as Captain of the NSW II Schoolboys Rugby team and the Australian Barbarians Schoolboy team. Vincent’s great sportsmanship was rewarded with the NSW Parliament Award for Goodwill and Leadership. Community Event/Project of the Year was the inaugural A Festival of Wellbeing held at Bedlam Bay Oval in the old Gladesville Hospital grounds. There was live music, art therapy, craft, yoga and gardening activities to name a few. This free event was organised by The Happy Hens Social Enterprise Inc. in an effort to destigmatise mental health issues so prevalent in our society, and to build community connections between individuals, service providers and local businesses. We are looking forward to 2019 with our new General Manager, Lisa Miscamble, at the helm.

Welcome to 2019!

I hope that everyone in our community had a wonderful holiday experience, enjoyed family and goodwill and spent the holy season safely and in good health. And for those of us who were fortunate enough to do so, I would like to sincerely thank our front line workers, first responders and volunteers who worked to keep us safe and healthy over the Christmas and New Year period. I thank our police, firefighters (full time and volunteers), doctors, nurses, paramedics and State Emergency Service volunteers. Your dedication to the community is invaluable and I am certain you have the admiration of us all.

I am extremely proud of what the community and I have been able to achieve for the Lane Cove electorate and I intend to keep this momentum going. About $60 million worth of funding has gone to upgrading local infrastructure - schools, roads, public transport, parks and open spaces, to mention a few. And last year alone, the Lane Cove electorate has greatly benefited from funding for numerous local projects including: • $1 million for a massive upgrade of Boronia Park • $1 million to make Mindarie Park an inclusive play space • $50,000 for an off-leash dog facility at Blackman Park • $107,000 for repairs to Greendale Scout Hall • $180,000 for Longueville Sporting Club • $100,000 for Kingsford Smith Oval • $105,000 for improved boating access • $450,000 for Tantallon Oval • More than $70,000 for Putney Tennyson Bowling and

Community Club • $150,000 for planting azaleas on Epping Rd • Almost $31,000 for the upgrade of Carisbrook House I am excited to say that there will soon be many hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of other announcements – upgrades to community facilities and grants to community groups - for the benefit of our community. As we enter another momentous year, I would like to wish you the very best of everything. I wish you all a healthy and prosperous New Year and I look forward to continuing to represent you to the best of my ability.

Trent Zimmerman, MP

P: 9929 9822 E: trent.zimmerman.mp@aph.gov.au

Trent Zimmerman MP, Anthony Roberts MP and Councillor Scott Bennison welcoming some of our newest citizens at Lane Cove’s Australia Day ceremony. Temporary storage is now in place at the Lane Cove Sailing Club.

The New Year is always a time of renewed energy and new beginnings. As this is the first edition of the Village Observer for 2019, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family every success for the year.

Most of us celebrated the New Year over a month ago. For Australians with Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean heritage, the Lunar New Year has been in full swing over the last week or so. The Lunar New Year is now a vibrant celebration across Australia, and in 2019 it has ushered in the year of the pig. To all those celebrating the Lunar New Year, I wish you prosperity and happiness in the year ahead.

Australia Day

Congratulations to our local Councils and community organisations that organised our local celebration of Australia Day. It is an important occasion, and I know it is very special for those newest citizens who became Australians at ceremonies on the day.

Federal funding to help Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Club

In 2018 the Lane Cove Sailing Club suffered an extraordinary loss when its storage sheds, and the boats they contained, were destroyed in a fire. Many of the lost boats had been handmade and also passed down from one generation of sailors to the next.

I have been working with Lane Cove Council to support the Club so it can rise from the ashes – literally.

It will take some time for permanent new storage facilities to go through the planning process, but as an interim measure I was pleased to be able to secure $10,500 in funding to help the Club build temporary storage on site.

I know the Club has a bright future and will continue to inspire future generations of keen sailors.

Stronger Community Grants

The Federal Government funds an important program which helps build stronger communities by supporting local organisations making a difference in neighbourhoods across Australia. I have been working with the community and Councils to deliver funds to local groups and I have been pleased to see some very positive outcomes.

In the most recent round, funding has been provided to:

● Hunters Hill Preschool for improvements to its playgrounds

● The Lane Cove Youth Orchestra for musical equipment

● A local Women’s Refuge for improvements to its facilities

● The Lane Cove Historical Society to support their important work at historic Carisbrook House

● Gallery Lane Cove for new kilns

● Several local scout groups to support their work

There are so many wonderful community organisations in our area and assisting them is always one of my priorities.