Ryde Connector A Community Newsletter from Victor Dominello MP
April 2021
Kent Road Public School – It’s Amazing
The Hon. Victor Dominello MP with Principal, Denise Minifie
The Ryde Renaissance pipeline is producing more for the people of Ryde with the recent opening of Kent Road Public School’s new building and overhaul. I was proud to join our Premier, the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP and the Minister for Education, the Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC at the school opening in recognition of the important opportunities our school infrastructure will provide to students and the wider community. The finished works include a new building that will immensely increase the capacity and quality of facilities available to the students, teachers and community. We will see 34 new and permanent flexible learning spaces, 2 special program spaces, new administration and staff areas, a new and extended hall, new library, new canteen, a covered sports court and new open outdoor play areas. The
design even reflects colours of the native blue gum trees iconic to the Kent Road Campus, bringing the soul of the area into the modern era. This is a fully realised new development, accommodating 1,000 students for our growing community. It’s a $40 million upgrade as part of a $7 billion state wide education plan. These investments and deliveries reflect our determination
to provide for the Ryde community in the face of a global pandemic. The school community dealt with an unprecedented year of disruption on top of the construction works and should be congratulated for their perseverance in such a time. School leadership of Denise Minifie was crucial. ...continued on page 2
My Role as Minister Minister for Customer Service Minister for Digital
In a pandemic you need to respond with precision and laser-like speed. The Service NSW technology does just that. It’s free, easy to use and private. Personal information is held securely in a NSW Government data centre, and destroyed after 28 days. It is only accessed for contact tracing purposes in the event of infectious cases. The community has embraced the technology, with more than 100 million COVID Safe check-ins across NSW so far.
Easing of Restrictions The following restrictions were eased from Monday, 29 March: No caps on weddings and funerals; No restrictions on singing, including in places of worship; No restriction on dancing, including at weddings and in pubs and nightclubs; No cap on visitors in the home (if there are more than 100 people there must be a COVID-19 Safety plan and electronic recording of visitor details); It has been a challenging and exciting time for me as Minister for Customer Service. My portfolio includes responsibility for a range of agencies, such as: Service NSW; Liquor and Gaming NSW; Births, Deaths and Marriages; Digital Government; Cyber Security; and the State Insurance Regulatory Authority. Here are updates on a few important issues that may appeal to local families and businesses.
Latest COVID-19 Information Service NSW QR Code NSW’s response to the pandemic has been world-leading, much of which can be attributed to the community’s resilience and hard work. One of my top priorities has been the development and implementation of the Service NSW QR code for checkingin to venues, which has been a game changer for communities.
200 people allowed for personal outdoor public gatherings; All venues to move to the one person per 2sqm rule (venues will be allowed at least 25 people before the 2sqm rule applies); 100% seated capacity at entertainment venues including stadiums and theatres; and Mask use, including on public transport, will move from ‘mandatory’ to ‘strongly recommended’. The latest advice and information is available at www.nsw.gov.au
Kent Road Public School – It’s Amazing She was in constant communication and collaboration with Education Infrastructure ensuring the outcome was a success for all.
was also able to open its new three storey building to students, ensuring more of our community have access to world class facilities.
Kent Road was not the only school with works completed recently; West Ryde
This building along with others like it in our area, increase the capacity of the
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school as well as improving standards available to children. This build brings with it new innovative learning environments, including 14 new permanent flexible teaching spaces, upgrades to core learning facilities, a new library and improved play areas.
Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers Ryde customers can now participate in the State Government’s much anticipated Dine & Discover NSW program.
This program is a double win for the community – it will get more customers through the door, and provide households with hip pocket relief. It’s not too late for eligible businesses to register. It can be done online at www.nsw.gov.au
This $500 million stimulus program was the centrepiece of last year’s State Budget and will give businesses the boost they need after a busy summer.
Customers should also download the Service NSW app now and reap the rewards. A non-digital solution will be made available to customers without a smartphone.
Every NSW resident aged 18 and over will be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total, to spend in participating businesses. The vouchers will be accessible via the Service NSW app.
The vouchers can only be used at eligible businesses that have implemented a COVID Safety Plan and are registered as COVID Safe.
Dine & Discover NSW vouchers will be divided into two categories: T wo $25 vouchers to be used for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs from Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays. T wo $25 vouchers to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues, available 7 days a week, excluding public holidays. I know full well just how tough it has been for Ryde businesses. Many have been brought to their knees because of the pandemic.
As the Education Minister commented at the building, it has a professional feel to it that rings true to the rest of the school and the overall ethos created at West Ryde Public School. West Ryde has excelled in fostering a brilliant culture for its students that encourages
Making Life Easier for Families with Pets
Unsurprisingly, with this poor experience, only 23 per cent register their pets online. I’ll be working closely with the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock MP and the Office of Local Government to improve the register this year. Watch this space!
Download the FuelCheck App and Save Money The NSW Government’s free FuelCheck app is easy to use and could save you hundreds of dollars a year at the bowser. The app gives you real-time petrol price information for all service stations in NSW.
Many Ryde families own a pet, which sparks joy in their lives.
Almost 1.35 million drivers have downloaded the app, with 94 per cent giving it the thumbs up. That many people can’t be wrong.
The problem is, registering your pet is not a good experience. Each council has its own pet registration process and many use paper forms.
New data released recently showed that, over the past three months, Eastwood is the cheapest suburb in NSW for regular Unleaded 91 petrol.
Likewise, if you move houses, you cannot easily update your address with your new council on the online pet register. Which means, if your pet is lost, it is harder for the RSPCA NSW to reunite you.
I encourage Ryde drivers to do themselves a favour and download the app.
each individual to reach their potential and these facilities will help them meet those standards.
the student experience first. Further, thank you to the school community and leadership, especially Principal Sakuna Pho who collaborated with Education Infrastructure overseeing the works.
I’d like to thank all of the students, teachers and parents that dealt with the disruption of the build and putting
Ryde State Emergency Service awards Mr VICTOR DOMINELLO (Ryde – Minister for Customer Service) (16:54): Our State has been confronted by many challenges over the past 18 months. We have faced ferocious bushfires, a stubborn pandemic and a wave of economic difficulties, and we have all had to face down the same temptation to turn inwards and think about ourselves before others. But that is not what New South Wales is about. One of the greatest things about our State is the spirit of volunteerism and service to others that runs so deep among so many. The NSW State Emergency Service, or SES, is a marvellous example of that spirit. At the end of last year I had the privilege of attending the Ryde SES unit’s annual awards ceremony and presentation night. Throughout the evening I was struck by the strength of character on display among the unit’s volunteers, especially the unit members to whom I had the honour of presenting the National Medal. The National Medal recognises 15 years of service within the SES. Clasps may also be added to the medal to recognise additional 10-year periods of service. I extend my warm congratulations to Ryde Deputy Unit Commander, Dianne Gibson, on receiving the National Medal. I also congratulate the hardworking Simon McNamara and Karen Carran for receiving the National Medal Clasp One and the National Medal Clasp Two respectively. Together these medals and clasps represent a combined service period of 75 years—a remarkable feat and a tremendous example of service to others. Dianne, Simon and Karen are joined by many Ryde SES members in receiving recognition for lengthy service to the
Ryde community. I congratulate Ryde SES Unit Commander, Keiran Gibson, on receiving the NSW SES 20 Year Long Service Award; unit volunteers Josephine Bezzina, John Ha, John Hayes, John McCory, Anthony Montgomery, Julie Murray, Greg Shepherd and Warren Smith on receiving 10 Year Long Service Awards; and volunteers Matthew Belcher, Aaron Binns, Colin Button, Daniel Cassar, Joseph Gallagher, Dan Hinton, Linda Power, Tina Raiss and Colin Willis on receiving 5 Year Long Service Awards. Together these awards total an astonishing 220 years of combined service. I have no doubt that the Ryde community is deeply grateful for the enduring service of these fine men and women. Unit members from Ryde SES certainly did our community proud during the 2019-20 bushfires, with many receiving the New South Wales Premier’s Bushfire Emergency Citation. The Premier’s citation recognises the outstanding contribution of volunteers and service agency personnel who played a significant role in responding to the bushfires. I warmly recognise Ryde SES unit members Josephine Bezzina, Aaron Binns, Kathryn Crofts, Blake Derriman, Clifford Fenney, Joseph Gallagher, Keiran Gibson, Ann Greco, Dan Hinton, Luke Kechagias, Mark Lim, Simon McNamara, Anthony Montgomery, Robert Morton, Julie Murray, Tina Raiss, Fred Maobin Shao, Jade Victoire-Walsh, Oliver Williams and Colin Willis for their outstanding conduct in responding to the worst bushfire period our State has seen in decades.
The fact that so many Ryde SES personnel travelled to assist fire-damaged communities elsewhere in New South Wales is astonishing, but it is nothing new. In the past three years, the unit has responded to 1,273 requests for assistance, averaging around 400 jobs per year. These jobs are predominantly outside of the Ryde area, demonstrating the depth of the unit’s commitment to serve anyone in need of assistance, within or beyond Ryde. No matter the time or place, Ryde SES gets in, gets on and gets out when the job is done. Finally, it is important to recognise members of the Ryde community who support our SES members, allowing them to get on with the job. I draw particular attention to the vital support provided by family members and employers in the Ryde area, who each play a vital role in supporting the unit’s important work. It is also important that I recognise Unit Commander Keiran Gibson, who kept Ryde SES active in a COVID-safe manner throughout the lockdown period. I am told the unit missed only one week of training throughout the entire year by continuing to engage its members online. That ensured the unit not only stayed active but also remained ready to confront the next natural disaster or storm. Once again, I congratulate Ryde SES on a job well done throughout 2020.
Excerpts from Hansard
Community-minded
Clean Up Australia I joined with some wonderful community-minded young adults along the banks of the Parramatta River in Meadowbank for this year’s Clean Up Australia Day. It was a great sight to see so many members of our outstanding community working together to keep the local area safe and free from rubbish.
V ict or he lping t o C lean Up
Austral ia
Over successive Clean Up Australia Day events, I have noticed less and less waste in the Parramatta River at Meadowbank. In previous years we have removed parts of cars and building waste on the river banks, whereas now we are free to focus on plastics and other smaller items. This progress is in large part thanks to the efforts of our community, which has banded together to protect the local environment across many years. I was impressed to see so much diversity among the people ready to lend a hand. From primary schoolaged Scouts to retirees, everyone was prepared to get their hands dirty and wade into Meadowbank’s muddy mangroves. It was also great to see so many cultural backgrounds represented. We can all be proud caretakers of our local community within a multicultural society.
Communit y members he lpi ng to Clean Up
Australia
CONTACT VICTOR:
Interpreter services can be organised if required. In order to assist our Korean constituents in addressing state issues, a bilingual Korean staff member will be available on Mondays. To assist our Mandarin speaking constituents a bilingual staff member is available on Fridays.
뉴사우스웨일즈 주정부 이슈와 관련한 한국계 지역구민들의 민원을 돕기 위해 매주 월요일 영어와 한국어를 구사하는 직원이 근무합니다. 如果有需要的话，我们可以安排口译服务。每周五，我们还有讲普通话的 员工为选民服务。
VictorDominelloMP
VISIT VICTOR ON FACEBOOK
5-9 Devlin Street, Ryde NSW 2112 P (02) 9808 3288 F (02) 9877 6222 ryde@parliament.nsw.gov.au www.victordominello.com.au VictorDominelloMP
Community Migrant Resource Centre
CMRC officially open It was a privilege to officially open the Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC) at Top Ryde City. The CMRC is a purpose-driven, not-for-profit charitable organisation which supports new migrants and refugees to settle-in to life in Australia. The CMRC supports migrants and refugees by delivering quality services to culturally and linguistically diverse communities and assists in a multitude of areas such as housing and transport and education and training to secure and create pathways to employment, as well as social and cultural initiatives that ensure greater health and wellbeing in these communities. The CMRC is a one-stop shop for new migrants, refugees and humanitarian visa holders from Ryde, Ku-Ring-Gai and Hornsby Local Government Areas. At the core of the CMRC’s mission is integration and inclusivity of all – a critical component of any successful community – and I commend the commitment and motivation of all the staff and volunteers at CMRC who are striving to achieve this.
It is great to see a local organisation with such passion and drive. Of course, none of this would be possible without the hard-work and dedication of its staff. I make particular mention of Melissa Monteiro, CEO and Thevan Krishna, Chair of the CMRC Board,
without whom this incredible and reputable organisation would not have come to fruition. I look forward to seeing what the CMRC is able to achieve in the future and am certain that it will have a positive impact on our local community.
lens of a counsellor, Felix's work entitled ‘Global Citizens’ depicts humans from all walks of life.
abstract and experimental art. Ann has an interest in challenging conservative attitudes of contemporary art, with her artwork reflecting both an acceptance and rejection of her interlocking cultural and social identities.
Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club
Our Place Our Place is a portrait exhibition from members of the Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club that I had the honour of opening in the Fountain Court at Parliament House. The exhibition explores issues of identity, displacement, change and security. All four artists now live in Sydney, having come to Australia as migrants from very different backgrounds. Dr Felix Lo is the artist-in-residence, whose journey began at Saint Ignatius' College Riverview under the watchful eyes of his life-long art teacher and mentor, Mr Michael Kristie. Through the
My Le Thi migrated to Australia from Central Vietnam in 1985 and uses her work to speak to the differences and similarities between people of different colour, language and culture. She uses colour and script to describe the differences, with symbols such as lotus flowers and painted footwear connecting and expressing our common humanity. Ann Lin is a self-taught visual artist and writer whose paintings are influenced by a range of things, including street art, contemporary,
Larisa Klark uses various painting styles on silk and canvas, exploring concepts such as consciousness, as well as the connection of all people across different politics, regimes, race and religion. All of the artworks bring their own stories and it was a pleasure to commemorate such talented artists expressing their diverse culture and identities.
• Investing in our schools
Have your say
• Fighting over-development • Improving transport
Delivering Education for Ryde Delivering for Ryde
Kent Road Public School
Victor Dominello MP State Member for Ryde
Our new and improved schools are amazing and it all started with our community. The parents, grandparents, • New classrooms for Denistone East, West Ryde, and Kent Road teachers and friends who completed our petitions for schools to be rebuilt, modernised and for brand new schools to be
Public Schools;
designed and built – our community thanks you. Your support was critical in achieving the wonderful results we see today. Permanent buildings to replace
New Schools on Schedule to open
Please complete, cut, fold, tape and post this questionnaire
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Have your say
Victor Dominello MP State Member for Ryde
Please complete this questionnaire and return it by email or post. You can also take part online at www.tinyurl.com/rydehaveyoursay or by scanning the QR code opposite.
Please number from 1 to 4 the four state issues most important to you (1 being the most important): Development in Ryde
Tackling anti-social behaviour
Investing in our children’s education
Making government more accountable
Improving public transport
Reducing cost-of-living pressures
Building much needed road infrastructure
Protecting the local environment
Improving Healthcare services
Creating more local jobs
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Please return your completed survey to Victor Dominello MP Email ryde@parliament.nsw.gov.au Mail PO Box 736, Ryde NSW 1680 Authorised by Victor Dominello MP. Printed by Impress Colour, 4-6 Straits Avenue, South Granville NSW 2142 using parliamentary entitlements.