Ryde Connector A Community Newsletter from Victor Dominello MP
December 2019
Digital Drivers Licence
After years of anticipation, finally it’s here! NSW now has a Digital Drivers Licence, and the uptake has exceeded all expectations. Since the official launch in early November, nearly one million people have downloaded their ‘DDL’, with a satisfaction rating tracking around 97%. It makes me especially proud to see that the people of Ryde are getting behind the DDL, with the suburb ranking in the top 10 for DDL downloads. I’d like to pay credit to the staff in my Department of Customer Service (especially the Service NSW team) as well as NSW Police and Transport for NSW for their sterling efforts in making the DDL a reality. The DDL is now legal for use across NSW for permission to drive, proof of age and proof of address at Registered Clubs. It’s optional and doesn’t replace the plastic card. ...continued on page 2
Digital Drivers Licence ...continued from front page We are working with industry groups to develop a copy solution which will enable ‘checkers’ to use a DDL to verify a person’s identity in other day-to-day situations like renting a car, checking into a hotel, having a document witnessed by a Justice of the Peace, setting up a bank account or taking out a loan. While we are still in the initial stages of rollout, I encourage you to carry your plastic licence as backup while venues get used to accepting the DDL as identification. When using your DDL, you must ensure that your phone screen is not cracked and your phone is charged. It is illegal to access your DDL when driving, even when stationary, so if you are stopped by police, do not access your DDL until asked to do so by a police officer. The DDL is hosted securely on the new Service NSW app, locks with a PIN and can be accessed offline. It will provide additional levels of security and protection against identity fraud, compared to the plastic drivers licence. There is still lots more to do, and we have been listening to your feedback. Here are four key enhancements to keep an eye out for into the New Year: 1. We are enabling customers to open their DDL using Siri before Christmas and via Google Assistant in early 2020. 2. We are working with our colleagues across borders to help them accept the NSW DDL and are exploring legislative changes to support this. 3. We have started work on a Digital Photocard and are aiming to make this available in the first half of 2020. 4. Our next Digital Licence in the Service NSW app is likely to be for those who work with vulnerable people as part of the NDIS, which we are aiming to introduce in early 2020. To get your digital drivers licence, download the latest version of the Service NSW app to your smartphone, log into the app with your MyServiceNSW Account details and follow the prompts. If you have any issues getting your digital driver licence, please call Service NSW on 13 77 88.
Bee Highway Bee Prepared Ryde! We’ve found our honey, and you can expect a morning buzz from something other than your phone. It’s a well-known fact that bees and pollinators play an important role within our ecological systems. They promote a healthy network of plants and are crucial to the character of an area, giving it a glow of green. Unfortunately a side effect of a growing community has been damage to the pollinator’s population in Ryde. We were asked to bee or not to bee, and the community was outspoken in their choice to fund the B&B Highway across Ryde through the My Community Project grant. The B&B Highway aims to renew the environment for all manner of Bees, Butterflies and Birds. The project will create habitats and food sources across to help the pollinators directly, encouraging better conditions and laying groundwork for a healthier population integrated into our urban environment. The gardens will be composed of flora that can support pollinators and promote the environment around them, and habitats for native stingless bees will be provided. These habitats and gardens will be situated across different community institutions including: Ryde East Public School Truscott Street Public School The Children’s House Montessori School
Native Stingless Bees (Tetragonula Car bnaria) North Ryde Community Pre-School Ryde Public School Banksia Cottage Pre School St Dunstans Preschool Macquarie University and Macquarie University Mia Mia Early Learning Centre Holy Spirit Primary St Kevins Primary School Smalls Road Primary School While the bees themselves and gorgeous gardens filled with native flora will offer an enormous benefit to our community, the program is also educational in nature. The program is aiming to provide Ryde with more information about the role pollinators have and ways in which we can better co-exist. The community coming together around a great cause has innumerable benefits for future generations. This project is one that enhances all aspects of life in the city, more gardens, and education, social cohesion and critically, local sources of prized Australian honey. The organisers through Foodfaith Australia need to be commended for a fantastic idea and bringing so much to Ryde. Particularly Judy Friedlander, Jenny O’Neill and Donna Loneragan all deserve a royal praise for bringing a honeymoon to Ryde.
@Ryde Susan Tovar
John Croll
Susan Tovar came back from Peru with the inspiration for a new fashion line.
It was fantastic to meet with local hero John Croll, who’s spent his career in Media and Public Relations. However changed directions when he was confronted with the stories of the Paralympian competing in the Turnin Winter Games in 2006.
Susan is a local fashion designer established in West Ryde. She has been creating waves with her new line of knitwear inspired by the Rainbow Mountains in Peru.
On his return home, he knew he couldn’t sit on the sidelines – John spent 8 years as the Vice President of the Australian Paralympic Team where he was successful in purchasing the TV rights for the Paralympic Games and securing commercial funding for the organisation. After feeling he had accomplished all he could for Paralympics Australia and securing a successful future – John moved on to become the Chairman of Disability Sports Australia.
Brianna Casey
Textiles and fashion was a natural choice for Susan, who first picked up an interest in the skill of sewing and creating something new and interesting from her mother.
It’s not often you hear from a CEO that their ultimate goal is to not have a job, but this is exactly what Brianna Casey said to me when we caught up.
During high school she further developed her skill set and became a natural on the sewing machine. It was at UTS’s (University of Technology Sydney) Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, however, that she was able to further her creativity and love for the design process.
She is the current CEO of Foodbank Australia, a mother of two boys and a proud Ryde resident. Brianna is working to eradicate food insecurity in Australia. Before becoming the CEO of Foodbank, which is the largest provider of food and grocery relief in Australia, Brianna started at the Queensland Farmers’ Federation as Executive Director. She then took up the position as CEO at the Australian Childcare Alliance NSW for three years and was thrilled to receive an offer to become the CEO of Foodbank Australia.
Right now Susan is focusing on pulling different textures and colours together to create her new collection and I have the top secret news – this collection will be inspired by the environment of the Salineras dear Maras in Peru. Fashion may sound glamorous – but having a coffee with Susan has made me realise that it is also a lot of hard work. Susan has a normal 9–5 job and then comes home to create new and innovative pieces. Susan is a superstar – she absolutely deserves every success!
In this role, she has been able to combine her love for social justice with her wealth of experience. According to research, 18% of Australians have experienced some kind of food insecurity in the past 12 months, which is an awful statistic. Foodbank works with local charities, schools and major corporations to provide nutritious food
For anyone that knows someone with a disability or has a disability, you may understand the struggle to find different forms of physical activity that are accessible. This is where Disability Sports Australia comes in; they are creating an online platform for parents to locate sporting facilities in their area that are accessible and inclusive. The major aim for John in his role is to provide a sense of community and purpose for some of the most vulnerable of people. One part of this is sport, but a huge part is funding and supporting research into new technologies and science to help improve the lives of people living with physical disabilities. Ryde is very lucky to have such dedicated citizens who are driven by a desire to make the world a better place for all. to the people that need it the most. In Ryde alone, Foodbank assists six charities and many of the local schools with breakfast programs. When I met with Brianna, she had just flown in from Melbourne after speaking at a conference about Foodbank’s work. Her determination and love for the cause is inspiring – it’s hard not to get excited about all the work she is doing.
More @Ryde personalities in the next Ryde Connector
Excerpts from Hansard – 20th November 2019
Creator Academy Our future lies with the next generation and it is our obligation as a society to provide them with the skills, knowledge and leadership to tackle the future. Whether it is across the arts, technology or maths, it is important we embrace the full potential of our children and provide every opportunity available. In Ryde I have been privileged to see the amazing work of the Creator Academy, which is harnessing the natural ability of our kids in technology and engineering. The academy introduces science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to our kids through one of the most complicated yet interesting fields available: robotics. Using some familiar objects like LEGO and key STEM principles, kids are able to both construct and instruct their very own robot.
only in science fiction. Programs like that of the Creator Academy are key in raising a generation that is conscious and capable of these developments. This is already evident with students from the Academy representing the State in STEM competitions. The program has had significant outreach too. Roughly a third of classes comprises girls, increasing their involvement in this ever more crucial area. Furthermore, children from as young as seven years old are able to partake in the program and online
The program gives kids an understanding of physics, maths, coding and technology. These skills in STEM fields are invaluable not only to their future education but to their career and society as a whole. Engineers are faced with complex infrastructure demands while new, powerful technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, mixed reality and augmented reality present a world of technologies previously thought possible
courses are also available to further its reach beyond its five education centres. The New South Wales Government has thrown its full support behind programs that encourage this level of functional education, as seen by our provision of Creative Kids vouchers. We are doing our best to allow members from all walks of our community to access the fundamental keys to the future. I sincerely thank the founder, Garry Law, for growing and building an institution that clearly provides so much to our children and to Ryde as a whole.
Creator Academy kids with some of their STEM projects
Excerpts from Hansard – 13th November 2019
Remembrance Day We are lucky to live in a time that is afforded peace and prosperity. Our world is a product of history and our history in the Great War is one marked by honour, courage, bravery and mateship. This has since come to define our Australian spirit and forged an identity for us all. Yet this history is also mired in tragedy, loss and conflict. We have Remembrance Day on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month to rightly pause, reflect and remember. This spectre of war affects us all and it uniquely haunts those who have been so vividly touched by family bereavements and sacrifices. The stories and memory of those who stood are passed on to us and we remember the fallen as a way to comprehend this era of our history. Hearing perspectives of the war often inspires a deep sense of empathy and
provides us a perspective to view the world and others. James Hobson recently honoured the story of his father, Private George William Hobson. James, known as Jim, is a local Ryde resident who professionally collated records of his father as well as his father’s personal stories over the years, putting them into writing and, in doing so, contributing a missing piece of Ryde’s history. George William Hobson’s story is one of immense bravery. He served under the 4th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force, which saw conflict across Gallipoli, the Somme and Ypres. George was a runner, and told of experiences serving with militaries from across the globe on the front lines. Being a runner, he had to leave dugouts to carry enormous quantities of supplies
in immensely dangerous conditions. George’s story conjures images of the front that echo our legends. One can scarcely wonder what it might have been like to operate among the bogs of mud, disease and anguish. The final lengths of the war saw the introduction of chemical weapons. George was one of many that suffered terrible respiratory burns in the deployment of those cruel weapons. Others on the front had temporary blindness and other terrible injuries from these evil weapons. George’s wounds lead to his admission to the 14th General Hospital followed by the Royal Herbert Hospital and eventual discharge. Jim has done us all a service. Grounding the tragedy of war in the experience of his father is a difficult yet important tale to tell.
My Role as Minister There are many exciting initiatives being led by the Department of Customer Service. Here are a few of the highlights.
Life journeys About five months ago, I posted online about the number of forms required following the passing of a loved one. It is cruel that in the darkest of times, you have to navigate through a labyrinth of government paperwork. There was strong response to that post – overwhelmingly one of empathy for those left to grapple with the death of a loved one. Since then my department has been working on a few initiatives to try to make things easier. Firstly, we are creating online ‘life event navigators’. The After a Death navigator is the first to go live. It is a one-stop shop, providing information about death certificates, planning and organising a funeral and administering a will. If you know of anyone going through
the grieving process, please encourage them to have a look at the After a Death Navigator at www.service.nsw.gov.au/ life-events/end-of-life/after-a-death. We are also working on ways to make it easier for parents to register the birth of a newborn. There are currently around 30 websites to find information, 10 phone numbers to call, and at least 12 different forms to complete. Planning to have a baby should be about bundles of joy, not bundles of paperwork. We are looking at ways to simplify our processes, which will improve the customer experience for parents. Keep up to date by following my posts on Facebook and LinkedIn.
PARK’nPAY Parking is painful at the best of times. Looking for coins and ducking out of meetings or dinners to top up the meter is just painful, not to mention so 20th century. My job is to make your life easier. One of the ways we are doing this is through PARK’nPAY, which launched in October. You can now find the nearest parking meter directly on your phone, get reminders for when your session is
about to expire, and top up on the go via mobile. This one state-wide app will be a far better experience than having over 100 individual Council apps. We are starting with the Rocks, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont and Liverpool Council area, and encourage all other councils to come on board. To register for PARK’nPAY, head to www.parknpay.nsw.gov.au or download the app on your phone.
NSW AI Strategy Do you use Google to search? Amazon to shop? Uber to transit? Spotify for music? If you do – then welcome to the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The NSW Government has made great progress in improving customer service delivery to citizens through digital services and use of insights. Service NSW, Fuel Check, Easy to do Business, ePlanning and now the Digital Drivers Licence are just some examples of how we are delivering better outcomes for citizens through digital transformation. NSW is regularly ranked as the most digital-ready government in Australia. There is huge potential for AI and other emerging technologies to help deliver great government services. However, we must make sure the right oversight is in place to ensure that the increasing use of AI in the pursuit of better services does not have unexpected side effects. I recently convened a summit of thought leaders to discuss the privacy, security, transparency and ethical settings we need in place for the effective, safe, and trusted use of AI in the NSW Government. The summit included more than 70 leaders from across industry, academia and government. By early next year, we will release a strategy and user framework for AI in the NSW Government. It will focus on addressing the key issues we’ve heard to date, including public trust, data and skills. As part of this work, we will host community consultation to get your views on how greater use of AI might affect you. Stay tuned for more updates.
Smalls Road Public School The excitement is building as Smalls Road Public School nears completion. The main building is in its final stage of fit out and it looks amazing. The landscaping, sports court and carpark will be completed in the next week and the kiss and drop zone by the end of the year. I am about education, opening new and renewing older schools to better equip our students for their future by creating learning environments that assist our teachers and students to achieve their best. Smalls Road will be open Day One, Term One 2020. The school has 43 permanent air conditioned classrooms, school hall, two storey library, covered outdoor learning areas, OOSH care facilities, a canteen, administration facility, multipurpose sports courts and 47 car spaces. Our Principal, Meghan Gibbons, was appointed in August 2019. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role as a dedicated educator who is committed to the pursuit of excellence and high quality education
Victor at Smalls Road Public School – It’s looking fantastic opportunities for each and every student. A deputy principal and administrator have also been appointed. Enrolments for kindergarten students are underway for 2020 and years 1 to 6 students will commence in 2021. Kindergarten students and their parents
have had two information evenings and orientation will begin in December. I will bring you updates on the progress of our schools as information comes to hand and in the meantime please access https://smallsroad-p.schools. nsw.gov.au/ for further information.
Denistone East Public School upgrade complete I recently joined the Principal, Ms Michelle Collyer and some of the students from the school in their new learning space. The innovative learning spaces are mobile, flexible, varied and yet connected. They provide students with choice as to where and how they learn. For teachers the ability to adapt the spaces to accommodate different learning modes and technology is an integral part of the way students receive optimum learning. Denistone East students and their teachers are now enjoying the six new permanent, flexible learning spaces, two special program rooms and a shared withdrawal space along with practical activity spaces. The Administration areas has also been upgraded and refurbished.
Michelle Collyer, Victor and Denistone East students in the new learning space
BEATL
Bravery Empowering Adolescents to Lead – Drumming Skills and Leadership Christian Community Aid, working out of Eastwood, is an organisation that upholds the stated values of respect, integrity, social justice, cooperation and independence by giving help to those who need it and strengthening community. The mission of Christian Community Aid (CCA) is one that echoes across all boundaries, regardless of individual differences, to engage all communities, including vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians, to enable better lives. These are admirable and very lofty goals. To meet the different needs posed by different challenges, CCA provides a vast array of services. Its services range from crucial financial counselling, emergency relief, advocacy and referrals for all in need as well as some more specific and sometimes overlooked basic provisions such as transport to and from health services.
The team from CCA: Back Row (L–R) Evan, Alison, Irving, Victor and Heather Front Row (L–R) Stella, Alex, Emma and Elyse The work of Christian Community Aid is indispensable and the NSW Government is actively supporting CCA’s endeavours. Christian Community Aid was selected from hundreds of applicants across the state to receive $50,000 for BEATL: Bravery Empowering Adolescents to Lead – Drumming Skills and Leadership. BEATL will teach 20 Ryde LGA youth to play drums and then train their peers in drumming, culminating in one or more BEATL events. Participants will build community connections, life and leadership skills along with creative skills
in music, promotion, team and event management. This youth-led initiative creates opportunities for young people to take an active role in identifying, designing and implementing projects. Engaging young people by providing positive opportunities that help them improve their wellbeing and thrive into adulthood makes these grants the perfect platform to promote valuable and innovative ideas from our young people. Congratulations to Heather Pinto and her team for making this opportunity possible.
Marsden High School’s 60th Anniversary It was my pleasure to attend the 60th Anniversary of Marsden High School and congratulations to those who organised the Assembly.
from the late 1960s and early 70s. Leigh, a journalist of some note for the past 40 years is now the Director for Public Affairs with Hammond Care.
Originally, Ermington High School was established in January 1959 and was renamed Marsden High School in March of that same year. Marsden High School was the first co-educational high school in Sydney and students of note include Professor Caroline de Costa, who is now a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at James Cook University in Queensland; Professor Margaret Gardner AO who became an economist and the Vice-Chancellor, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; Mr Kim Wiliams AM, a media executive of News Corp Australia, Foxtel, Fox Studios Australia, the Australia Film Commission, Southern Star Entertainment and Musica Viva Australia and a senior executive at the ABC; Mr Greg Matthews, who became an Australian Test Cricketer; Mr Dan Parks who went on to play International Rugby Union for Scotland and is now an international coach.
It was inspirational to hear about the path of so many past students and I know there are many more not mentioned.
The guest speaker for the day was Mr Leigh Hatcher, also a former student
It was also motivating to speak with and listen to the current students, to
watch as they moved effortlessly about the stage with such professionalism and confidence, to see and hear the technical talent behind the lighting and various AV systems utilised and hear the music created by the School Bank and the mash-up that Nathan Saba performed. Thank you to Principal Lance Berry, the teachers and students of Marsden High for your celebration of 60 years of Education.
School leaders with Victor. L–R: Minh Dang, school vice-captain; Zahra Ashraf, prefect; Olivia van Uden, prefect; Victor; Jessica Jamal, school captain; Bejaie Gale, school captain; Keisha Tran, school vice-captain.
Victor’s Diary Tuesday, 26 November 2019
We’ve just come back from community cabinet in Bourke – what an instructive experience – I would like to share this story with you... 8 years ago I met this young man when he was 14 years old and participating in Clontarf Foundation and I was Minister for Aboriginal Affairs – he came up to me after all these years and proudly told me that he is a now a crew leader with his local NSW RFS Brigade – it made my day.
CONTACT VICTOR: 5-9 Devlin Street, Ryde NSW 2112 P (02) 9808 3288 F (02) 9877 6222
Authorised by Victor Dominello MP, Ryde, NSW. Printed by Impress Colour, 4-6 Straits Avenue, South Granville NSW 2142. This newsletter was produced using parliamentary entitlements.
ryde@parliament.nsw.gov.au www.victordominello.com.au