government At the end of February, Council submitted its response to the State Government’s proposed merger of Lane Cove, Hunter's Hill and Ryde councils.
A Message from the mayor of LANE COVE
Councillor Deborah Hutchens
If you have an issue that you would like to raise with Councillor Deborah Hutchens, she can be contacted on: PHONE: 0422 174 730 EMAIL: dhutchens@lanecove.nsw. gov.au
In what will no doubt be an important document in the history of our local government area, the submission addressed the key legislative areas outlined in the State government’s proposal. This included financial sustainability, structural matters, ward boundaries and communities of interest. Trying to explain the nuances and connections that make Lane Cove the community that it is has been difficult, but I am confident that the submission provided by Council is one we can all be proud of. It speaks volumes about how a small Council can punch way above its weight and shows just how fortunate our community is to have had such a connected relationship between Council and the community. We have fantastic facilities, access to so many artistic, cultural and community pursuits, ongoing relationships with our sporting and community groups as well as a strong financial position. I certainly hope that the State Government reads between the lines of the submission and sees that this is a strong council with a stronger community as a result. As and when Council receives an update on the next steps of the State Government’s process, we will update the community. We expect this to take place sometime from April onwards. Visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/fitforthefuture for the latest news.
Walk Around the World It was wonderful to have a sunny morning to help officially kick-start the 2016 Walk Around the World program a few weeks ago. This fabulous Lane Cove initiative is a great way to highlight the health and wellbeing benefits of staying active. The Rotary Club of Lane Cove continues to inspire commitment to this important event. They are the backbone of the program with Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre and Council
providing solid support and resources to the program. A number of program sponsors have also joined in the event including principal sponsor Hyecorp as well as Blue Fit; Crayons; Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy; The Foot Group; and Total Surveying Solutions. It’s not too late to join by visiting www. walkaroundtheworld.org.au and registering $20 to receive your pedometer. Together we are aiming to walk even further than previous years and given that we are now in the program’s fifth year, I think this could be our best one yet!
Summer Reading Club I had the pleasure of presenting children who successfully completed the Library’s Summer Reading Club with their certificates last month. The Lane Cove Library continues to be a hub for some of our youngest members of the community who clearly have a love of reading.
Greenwich Baths Congratulations to the BlueFit Foundation for their successful Nippers day held for asylum seeker children and disadvantaged youth held at Greenwich Baths last month. It was a great initiative and one that will no doubt be a fond memory for all who had the opportunity to participate – well done.
International Women’s Day I am thrilled to be hosting Lane Cove’s International Women’s Day forum this month. This inspiring event celebrates women’s achievements while promoting greater equality and harmony amongst our community. Council and the Women’s Action and Information Group have arranged a terrific event that will showcase the experiences and lessons learnt from women who have achieved success in their chosen fields. The event is being held on Tuesday 22 March from 10:00am to 12:30pm at Lane Cove Library. This event does book out so I would encourage anyone interested in attending to phone 9911 3591 or email azann@lanecove. nsw.gov.au today to reserve their place.
Lane Cove in Harmony Each March Council runs its Autumn Harmony program which aims to celebrate the diverse cultures of people in Lane Cove and beyond. This year Council is linking its Neighbour Day campaign into the Autumn program and encouraging people to live in harmony. This includes extending welcome to new neighbours or offering to assist those in need. To assist, you can collect a free keyring from Council and pass this onto someone in your neighbourhood as a way of saying hello or thank you.
Mayor of Lane Cove, Clr Deborah Hutchens with local Rotarians at the launch of 2016's Walk Around the World. 30 I The Village Observer I N0. 249 I MARCH 2016
If you would like to celebrate Harmony Day, then why not head to the Living in Harmony event at Tantallon Oval on Friday 18 March.
