Building Community

It’s March already. The busyness and excitement of the holiday period is now just a memory of good times amongst crowds at the fireworks, beach, cricket and The Canopy. And yet not everyone in a crowd is necessarily happy. The late comedian Robin Williams is quoted as saying “I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It’s not! The worst thing is to end up with people who make you feel alone’’.

Many people believe that loneliness can never happened to them but in reality it is part of life. Being lonely from time to time is OK but persistent loneliness is a concern.

Loneliness and social isolation had a significant impact on people in both Australia and globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. New research shows that the health and social consequences of the pandemic will be felt for many years to come so now is the time to act to accelerate social recovery and build the strength of community.

The Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy is a member of Ending Loneliness Together – an Australia-wide organisation which aspires to address loneliness through both research and action. It holds the Vision ‘’imagine a world where everyone feels a sense of connection and belonging’’. What a fantastic aspiration!

The impact of loneliness is not restricted to particular age groups, gender or vocation. Those who suffer from the sense of loneliness often do so in silence – there-by deepening their sense of despair.

Phil McAullife [www.thelonelydiplomat.com], suffers from a sense of loneliness. He observes ‘’people do not know how to respond to someone who says they are lonely – typically they offer platitudes and then adopt distancing behaviours’’. The activities of the Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy provide safe and supportive ways to offer friendship and connection. Community groups, especially those offering the involvement and engagement of volunteers, present an opportunity for the lonely person. However, joining a new group activity can be daunting and requires courage and persistence.

Let’s do all we can to look after one another. A friendly smile and greeting can be both therapeutic and maybe the start of a new relationship. Make a personal commitment to invite new people to your activity as together we strive to build and sustain a resilient, supportive and respectful community. To learn more about Ending Loneliness Together, or if you are looking for someone to chat with, make contact with the Chaplaincy team.

Peter and the Chaplaincy team

P: 0410 489 161 (Pastor Rick)

E: lanecovechaplain@gmail.com www.lanecovecc.com

Supported by Lane Cove Uniting Church

Hunters Hill Citizens honoured on Australia Day

Hunter’s Hill Council recognised outstanding achievements and welcomed new citizens in a ceremony at Bedlam Bay (26 January). Individuals and groups nominated by the community received Australia Day Awards, while nine others took part in an Australian Citizenship Ceremony.

John Reading was named Hunters Hill Citizen of the Year. A senior leader in education, he is well-known for his more than 40 years’ association with St Joseph’s College, as a teacher, sports coach, referee and administrator in rugby and rowing, and as a boarding master. He is also a founding member of the Hunters Hill Good Guys cycling group.

“I’ve lived in Hunters Hill for almost 60 years and I know there are so many extraordinary, talented, kind and compassionate Hunters Hill residents, so to be singled out in that company is certainly a very great honour,” John said.

“I’m also very proud to accept the honour to represent the teaching profession and represent the many teachers who live or work in Hunters Hill.”

Rohan Stannage was named Young Citizen of the Year. A competitive sailor and qualified instructor who works and volunteers in the sailing program at Hunters Hill Sailing Club, he has been involved in rescues and recoveries to shore. While in year 12, Rohan volunteered in support of the Hunters Hill High School learn to sail programs, and has coached young competition sailing squads.

Rohan said that the honour was a surprise and he was happy to be a part of the awards.

Sam Newton was named Sportsperson of the Year. Sam is a home-grown talent whose sailing career has included winning seven 18-foot skiff world championships, back-to-back SailGP championships with the Australian SailGP team, and Sydney to Hobart line honours onboard

Black Jack in 2021, as well as an America’s Cup in 2013 with Oracle Team USA.

He is in training for his 2nd Etchells world championship and with his SailGP team is involved in environmental education with young sailors and students.

“I’m honoured to receive this award,” he said.

“I’m very proud of the achievements my teams and I have accomplished over the past year.

“I love living, working an being a part of the Hunters Hill community.”

Hunters Hill Rugby Union Football Club was named Community Group of the Year.

Formed in 1892 it caters for a playing group ranging in age from 6 to 60, for men, women, juniors and ‘golden oldies’, of all abilities, with skill levels ranging from novices to internationals

The club has a well-established referee training program, and has successfully promoted a strong supporter and volunteering base, contributing to numerous off-field community events and charity fundraisers.

“It’s a great recognition of the work that’s done by hundreds of volunteers, the thousands of hours that are put in each year,” the club’s Vice-President Peter McFarlane said.

A Citizenship Ceremony was also conducted as part of the Australia Day event.

Nine people, with origins in Iran, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, Morocco, Taiwan and Hong Kong, took a pledge of commitment to become Australia citizens.

Councillor Andrew Zbik, Mayor of Lane Cove

P 0411 894 788

March 2023

E azbik@lanecove.nsw.gov.au

Did you see that Lane Cove Plaza was alive with rainbow colours to support WorldPride? Sydney (and Lane Cove) put its best foot forward welcoming tens of thousands of people from all over the world to celebrate inclusivity, diversity and human rights. We hosted several events on the WorldPride calendar.

There has been interest from our community about access to walking tracks along the foreshore at St Ignatius College, Riverview. The walking tracks are on the school’s land. Council staff and I met with the school’s Principal Dr Paul Hine in February and we have agreed to work together to maintain public access to the foreshore along the River as far as practicable. I will keep you updated with further details.

Recycled Picnic Bench

You’ll notice a flash new picnic bench at Portview Road Reserve. Made from recycled plastics, it’s sure to impress in this lovely shady spot. Perfect for a picnic and perfect to help reduce plastics going into landfill.

Blackman Park

Blackman Park’s LED lights are beaming bright with the turf for the dog park now laid after we suffered a sinkhole last year. Surfacing under the agility equipment has also been refurbished. The dog park reopens this month – weather permitting. Construction on the new skate park will begin soon following community consultation on the design last month.

Clean Up Australia Day

An event that I have participated in many times is Clean Up Australia Day. Get involved with Council’s Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 5 March at Blackman Park from 10:00ammidday. We'll clean up local areas while enjoying a beautiful bushwalk. All ages welcome, low – moderate fitness required. Bags, gloves and litter pickers provided

Community representative needed!

Could you help us determine development applications?

We're looking for a community representative to join the Local Planning Panel. You must live in the Lane Cove local government area and be committed to procedural fairness in decision making. Find out more and apply on Council’s website before Friday 24 March.

Did you know?

Soft plastics recycling is back! Book a free Power Pickup and RecycleSmart will collect your soft plastics from your doorstep and transport it to a facility in Victoria for recycling. Find out more and book your Power Pickup: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/recyclesmart