New library under construction
Unravelling Federal Election the NBN Page 10 September 7 Enrol to vote by August 12
Page 5
Page 3
KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY
FORTNIGHTLY COMMUNITY NEWS
7 August 2013
Olympic dreams 6 October 2011
2
NEWS
Danielle O’Brien and Greg Merriman’s Winter Olympic journey begins in their home rink
Fifteen years of training comes down to the next six weeks for Australia’s best-ever ice dancers as Danielle O’Brien (from Strathfield) and Greg Merriman (from Canterbury) vie for one of five remaining berths to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. And it all starts at Canterbury Ice Rink for the Australian qualification selection trials to be held at Skate Down Under from August 20 to 22, which has also attracted entries from Asia, Europe and South Africa. Skate Down Under will be the only opportunity to see the talented duo perform their Olympic routines in Sydney before the all-important Olympic Qualification event in Germany in late September. The Olympic Winter Institute scholarship holders moved to Detroit, USA two years ago in their effort to realise their Olympic dream after cruelly
by Belinda Noonan
missing out on the 2010 Vancouver Olympics when Greg became ill. It’s been a long road for the then shy 8-year-old Meriden student and her gregarious partner as they explained to influential US skating magazine, ice-dance.com. “I don’t think I spoke to Greg for the first year,” Danielle told ice-dance.com. “He probably wishes I’d go back to not talking now.” “Danielle tends to question herself too much, which is the one thing that really irritates me,” Merriman admits. “The best thing about her is that she’s had the patience to put up with me for this many years!” The move to Detroit has made the difference. “In Australia it was normal to skate with everyone, from learn-to-skate
www.burwoodscene.com.au
Volume 08 No.03
NEWS
3
6 October 2011
kids up to seniors. Being on the ice daily in a camp of top ice dancers enables us to learn not only from our coaches, but also from watching and working with our teammates,” Danielle and Greg said. “To qualify for the 2014 Olympics and have the opportunity to celebrate my 24th birthday in Sochi on the day of the Opening Ceremony would definitely be the icing on the cake,” said O’Brien. Also being decided at Skate Down Under will be the Olympic qualification place for the Ladies and Mens event, which will be hotly contested by Australia’s best figure skaters including Brooklee Han, Chantelle Kerry, David Kranjec and Brendan Kerry. Danielle and Greg compete at 5.30pm on Wednesday, 21 August and 6.15pm Thursday, 22 August. For full details of Skate Down Under and all event times see page 10. Follow O’Brien and Merriman on twitter: @OBrienMerriman Ice Dance Champions Danielle O’Brien and Greg Merriman will compete at Canterbury Ice Rink on August 21 and 22. Photo: Robin Ritoss
Kevin Rudd.
ADVERTISEMENT
›› More on page 15
Bad for jobs.
$1.8 Billion tax hit on car industry
Record debt and deficit
Carbon and mining taxes
Kevin Rudd launched a $1.8 Billion tax assault on the car sector – with zero consultation. This resulted in immediate job losses and will make it harder for everyday Australians to buy cars.
Kevin Rudd’s Labor Government has racked up the highest debt in our nation’s history. Interest payments alone are more than $8 Billion a year – resulting in job losses and less money for hospitals and education.
Kevin Rudd voted for the world’s biggest carbon tax. The carbon tax continues to drive up everyday prices and cost jobs across dozens of industries. He also supported a new mining tax – even after warnings over job losses.
Imagine 3 more years of Labor failure. Authorised by Mark Neeham, 100 William Street, East Sydney NSW 2011.
News
2
7 August 2013
Y
oU gotta hand it to the ultimate spin king, recycled PM Kevin Rudd. And finally we have an election called for September 7. Making hay while the sun shines would have to be his creed. Loads of announcements, “zipping” here there and everywhere – including Afghanistan, and why he did that seems superfluous as his Labor cabinet, local members and candidates campaign hard on the ground at home 24/7. Nowhere more vigorously than the inner west given the
desk By Belinda Noonan
The lull before the storm
BURWOOD number of media releases coming to the Burwood Scene inbox for the next arrival of a cabinet minister or opposition heavy weight. The inner west is critical mass for the Coalition – or more specifically the Liberals. Reid, currently held by Labor’s John
Murphy and being contested by the highly mobile and visible Liberal, Craig Laundy, is a “must win seat” says Tony Abbott. Watson still looks like a safe bet for incumbent Tony Burke, unless the swing exceeds 9.8%, but my money is on Burke holding and also
Anthony Albanese holding Grayndler, making Reid even more interesting. On to another matter. Flemington Railway Station and its pathetic condition cropped up again last week. From my records, we have been covering this issue for at least seven years. Apart from a small paint facelift nothing has happened apart from promises. There were always other priorities. The overpass is used by thousands each weekend (no exaggeration) as Homebush West residents, young and old, lug prams and shopping up and over the station to access Sydney
Markets, get across to Parramatta Road or use the train. The station has not had any significant upgrade in decades and certainly not since the multitudes of unit blocks housing thousands more families were built. Homebush West Public School has been upgraded many times to cater for the growing numbers. The railway station hasn’t. Homebush West has boomed and has become a still relatively affordable yet desirable place to call home but public transport infrastructure has not kept pace and that includes bus
transport, which has impelled Sydney Markets to operate a free bus shuttle loop service every half hour on Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 9am until 2pm from the Markets around to Lidcombe, Flemington, Homebush and Strathfield Stations. The inner west deserves better and Strathfield MP Charles Casuscelli reckons he has a good shot at making the case to Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian for an improved Railway Station with better access. Did I mention the concrete cancer in the overpass?
We welcome your Letter to the Editor, which must be supplied with your name, address and telephone number for verification purposes. The publisher takes no responsibility for views expressed in any Letter to the Editor.
Inside
“Ignored” by State Government says mayor
KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY
Canada Bay Scene
Page 7
Page 8 + 9
Page 13
@ school
Strathfield News 6 October 2011 Sport
2
NEWS
Page 15
Michael Youssef tries to convince Premier O’Farrell what colour tie he should wear.
An independent fortnightly community newspaper. 100% family owned and operated. Published by Scene Newspapers next issue: Wednesday 21 Aug 2013 deadline: Wednesday 14 Aug 2013 Advertising: ads@burwoodscene.com.au Phone: 9715 2700 Fax: 9715 2007 Editorial: editor@burwoodscene.com.au Phone: 9715 2700 Fax: 9715 2007 Post: P.O. Box A187, Enfield South, NSW 2133 Editor: Belinda Noonan Accounts: Aileen Soria Art Director: Lee McCluskey Journalist: Mitchell Jordan Sales Director: Robin Eggleton Printed by: Rural Press Burwood Scene Daily Online: Webmaster: Bullz Software Your Events: Emily Trussell (ads@burwoodscene.com.au) Burwood Scene is a registered trademark. All material appearing in this newspaper is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without the consent of the copyright holder. Delivered across four municipalities: Burwood, Strathfield, Canada Bay and Ashfield.
KORYO
The State Government is not by Belinda Noonan addressing the needs of residents in the inner west of Sydney says Burwood Mayor, Cr John Faker. doesn’t the Premier come and speak Mayor Faker’s www.burwoodscene.com.au concerns to us about issues that are important come after NSW Premier, Barry to locals, like explaining why we O’Farrell, made a brief stop at were evicted from Wangal Park, Burwood on Thursday, July 25 to the State Government’s proposal promote the payroll tax reforms, for council amalgamations and which increased the threshold from the proposed changes to planning $689,000 per annum to $750,000 powers which will have a direct impact on the day to day lives of from July 1. “The Premier doesn’t care about residents.” “For instance, the new changes the interest of local communities 3 indicated in NEWS powers and should listen to residents rather to planning than come here for a meet and the White Paper could result in 6 October storey2011 buildings along the greet,” says Mayor Faker. “Why 50-60
railway lines, anywhere from up to 10 stories next to your home without notification and less protection for heritage properties,” Faker continued. The Premier’s meet and greet along Burwood Road with Strathfield MP Charles Casuscelli included the owners of Meijo menswear Michael and Donna Youssef, Sahara restaurant owners Omar and Ayfer Euran and electrical store Bing Lee. Burwood has been identified in two consecutive NSW Government Metropolitan Strategies as the Major Centre of the inner west.
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News
7 August 2013
Woodstock hall on its way up Watching cement dry is not very exciting but laying the foundations is a significant milestone in the construction of Woodstock Community Centre’s new Community Hall. The iconic Georgian style building was built in 1873 by Mr Edwin Penfold, before being sold to the Keep family in 1914 and renamed “Broughton”. The Keep family resided there until 1941. The property was briefly transferred to Burwood Council until it was acquired by the Commonwealth Government in 1942 for use as Army divisional headquarters. After the war, the property remained vacant until 1949 when it was used as a migrant hostel until 1974. In 1976 Sir William McMahon arranged a long lease for Burwood Council on the property and the council restored, renovated and converted it to the community centre it is today. It was officially opened by the Governor General, Sir Zelman Cowan on November 11, 1979. Before his retirement from politics, McMahon the former Prime Minister and then Federal Member for Lowe, negotiated a sale, whereby the Council bought the property from the Commonwealth Government in April 1982 for $40,000. The 100 square building is set in several acres of land and is home to many local organisations and community groups. Earlier this year Burwood Council began work to the rear of the building in preparation for the new hall. The concrete slab was laid last
by Belinda Noonan
the Buzz
››››››››››
›› Sydney Local Health District’s mental health service is hosting a free and interactive community forum on Friday, 9 August to spread awareness and share stories for mental health wellbeing from 10.30 – 3.30 at Rozelle. Call 9378 1199 to reserve a place.
week and the prefabricated walls are on their way up. “The $1.6 million project will inject a breath of new life into Burwood’s iconic Woodstock Community Centre and will feature a new hall subdivided into two areas, a small coffee shop, and a lift to make the upper levels of the building more accessible,” said Burwood mayor, Cr. John Faker. The hall will cater for a variety of activities including theatre performances, dance and music recitals, educational activities, expos and functions.
›› White Pages has said that the top seven most frequent names in the Burwood Council area are Chen, Lee, Li, Zhang, Kim, Wang and Liu. The surname Lee was third highest last year.
Editor’s note: Historical details courtesy of wordstockrunners.org.au
›› It’s Homeless Persons Week. There are currently 105,000 homeless people any given night around Australia. ›› Help the RSPCA by baking. Cupcake Day for the RSPCA on August 12 is the biggest bakeoff in the southern hemisphere and involves cupcake cooks around Australia baking cupcakes and hosting a Cupcake Party to raise vital funds.
Builders on site at Woodstock Community Centre.
Enrol to vote by August 12 The federal election has been announced for Saturday September 7 and any Australian must act now to ensure they are enrolled to vote by the deadline of 8pm on 12 August, 2013. The Australian Electoral Commission has said that all Australian citizens aged 18 years and over are required by law to enrol and vote in the Saturday 7 September federal election. “To enrol, go online at www. aec.gov.au/enrol. Enrolments can also be completed by tablet or smartphone,” Electoral Commissioner Ed Killesteyn said.
3
Paper enrolment forms are available at any AEC office, Australia Post, Centrelink or Medicare outlet, and must be completed and returned to the AEC by the 8pm 12 August deadline. Mr Killesteyn urged all Australians to take the time to check that their address details were up-to-date on the electoral roll. “Every time you move, you must update your address on the electoral roll. You can do this online at www.aec.gov.au,” Mr Killesteyn said.
“If you haven’t kept your enrolment details up-to-date, you could have been removed from the electoral roll. If you’re unsure if you are on the roll, check your details now at www. aec.gov.au/check or call the AEC on 13 23 26. “Don’t leave it to the last minute to enrol and risk missing out on your vote. It only takes a few minutes to enrol or update your details online.” Seventeen year old Australians turning eighteen on or before 7 September 2013 can also enrol and vote in the federal election.
Make a difference
VOLUNTEER To d a y !
Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n Call Volunteer Network on 9911 9855 or reach us by www.volunteernetwork.org.au
›› McDonald College has sold land at North Strathfield to make way for the 150th Catholic primary school to open in North Strathfield in 2015, subject to council approval.
Business and Professional Women - BPW Are you a woman who means business?
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BPW Strathfield meet monthly, enjoy dinner, network and listen to a guest speaker. You can participate in projects such as “Equal Pay Day or “Mentoring” or simply enjoy the meetings.
Come along to our August meeting! Topic: From start up to a substantial business Guest Speaker: Karen Lebsanft – owner of Kurrajong Kitchen Wednesday 19th June BPW Strathfield Dinner meeting 6:30pm – 8.30 pm $50 per head - includes drink & two-course meal Club Burwood - 97 Burwood Road, Burwood
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NEWS
burwood Scene
7 August 2013
Mayor’s COUNCIL
Mayor’s Message
SAFETY: A TOP PRIORITY I
CONTACTS
by Cr John Faker
Cr John Faker (Mayor) 9911 9916 mayor@burwood.nsw.gov.au Cr Ernest Wong 0425 691 838 ernest.wong@burwood.nsw.gov.au Cr Sally Deans 0424 022 627 sally.deans@burwood.nsw.gov.au Cr Lesley Furneaux-Cook 0408 227 826 lesley.furneaux-cook@burwood.nsw.gov.au Cr George Mannah 0448 133 396 george.mannah@burwood.nsw.gov.au Cr Justin Taunton 0488 083 108 justin.taunton@burwood.nsw.gov.au Cr Tony Doueihi 0437 970 499 tony.doueihi@burwood.nsw.gov.au
believe that safety is paramount in our community, that is why I am pleased to announce the installation of a new mobile CCTV camera in Russell Street, Burwood.
This new device will allow Council to monitor illegal activity such as graffiti and illegal dumping of items including asbestos. In addition to new mobile cameras, Council continues to implement strategies to increase safety in our area. Recently, Council was successful in receiving the Taxi Security Scheme grant from the Federal Government to improve safety around taxi ranks. If you see any instances of illegal dumping or graffiti, please contact Council on 9911 9911. CCTV cameras in Burwood have helped increase safety in the area
COUNCIL MEETINGS
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By working together we can ensure that our area remains a clean and safe environment.
Building and Development Committee Meeting – 12 August 2013 at 6.00pm in Council Chambers Council Meeting – 26 August 2013 at 6.00pm in Council Chambers
Aritst impression of the Wangal Park wetlands
WANGAL PARK
C
onstruction of the Wangal Park wetlands is scheduled to commence shortly after Council successfully endorsed the tender for Stage One of construction of the wetlands in an extraordinary Council Meeting of 9 July 2013.
Residents discuss the new upgrades with Mayor Faker
PUBLIC HEARING DELIVERING CAPITAL ON BLAIR PARK WORKS UPGRADES ACROSS
T
he Draft Blair Park Plan of Management was placed on public exhibition from Monday 8 July to 4 August 2013. Comments from the community on the Draft Plan of Management will be received by Council until 18 August 2013.
As part of the community consultation process members of the community are invited to attend a public hearing on the Draft Blair Park Plan of Management. The public hearing will be held in the Holy Innocents Primary School hall at Queen Street, Croydon on Wednesday, 28 August from 7pm – 8pm. Please contact Council for more information.
OUR COMMUNITY
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ouncil continues to carry out its extensive capital works program with the installation of pram ramps, roundabouts and parking bays in the area. As part of this program, footpath upgrades are currently underway in Acton Street in order to improve pedestrian safety.
Burwood Council, Level 2, 1–17 Elsie Street, Burwood NSW 2134
9911 9911 www.burwood.nsw.gov.au
From upgrades to local footpaths and roads to the commencement of Major Projects such as the Library and Community Hub and Woodstock Community Centre Hall, these capital works will not only improve local amenity but also ensure that Burwood remains a proud place to live.
News
7 August 2013
5
Joint submission rejects council amalgamation
Artist’s impression: Front view of the new Library and Community Hub
New Burwood Library under construction The latest technology, private study and meeting rooms and a comprehensive catalogue ranging from Shakespeare classics to sci-fi are part of the plans unveiled for the new Burwood Council Library to be located at the old Council Chambers on the corner of Conder Street and Railway Parade. Construction of the Library and Community Hub is now underway and being located within a few minutes walking distance from Burwood Railway Station, it is expected that the new hub will be in a prime
position for residents, local schools and community organisations. “The hub will combine the heritage and progress of Burwood with modern architecture complimenting the existing historic building, making it one of the premier community centres in Sydney’s inner west,” said Mayor John Faker. “We remain committed to supporting education and the arts and celebrating the many cultures in our diverse community,” he added. The 2,000m² floor space centre will house a hi-tech loans system, study
rooms, a community hall, public access computers, comprehensive catalogue, meeting rooms and a public car park. The library is part of the larger major capital works program which also includes the construction of Wangal Park, a 4.2 hectare urban wetland oasis, a new community hall located at the historic Woodstock Community Centre and a multipurpose entertainment structure in Burwood Park. The Burwood Library and Community Hub is scheduled to be completed in 2014.
The Mayors of Ashfield, Burwood, Canada Bay and Strathfield made a joint submission to the Independent Local Government Review Panel in June outlining their view that any council amalgamation “will not be a viable solution and will not deliver any substantial benefits to our respective communities”. The submission was in response to the Panel’s “Future Directions for NSW Local Government” paper. The four mayors categorically jointly stated that they have no interest in amalgamations or in a county council model, as proposed by the Independent Panel chaired by Professor Sansom, focussing their comments on the assumptions made in the paper, alternative models and concern over the lack of public consultation on the final recommendations due in September this year. “The Independent Panel relies heavily on the findings from the T-Corp Report (Financial Sustainability of NSW Local
Government Sector report, 2013), which really only describes each Council in terms if their unfunded ability to depreciation rates on infrastructure works,” the submission says. “It is difficult to account and fund for a backlog of 120 years through a narrow window of a twenty year cycle.” Resource sharing remains the preferred model by the mayors who say they believe Councils can achieve greater strength by promoting further resource sharing opportunities, via Regional Organisations of Councils and other coordinated frameworks that would include a set of standardised targets and criteria. A call for a more balanced view was made in the submission, highlighting the mayors’ collective belief that the Panel set out the Report on a range of negative issues that cited “alleged inefficiencies and lack of strategic drive” and failed to note the large number of activities undertaken by Councils.
Burke still calls Watson home
denied by Mr Burke. “Mr Delezio’s comment is a lie. Sadly, there is no other way to put it. I have only ever lived in Beverly Hills, Penshurst and Roselands. It is one thing for Mr Delezio to live on the northern beaches of Sydney. It is another thing for him to falsely claim this when I have lived and worked side by side with our community my entire life,” he told Burwood Scene. “I have told him personally his claim is wrong and he has neither apologised nor corrected the record.”
Member for Watson Tony Burke has hit back at Liberal Member Ron Delezio’s claim he left the electorate to reside in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. In a recent interview, Mr Delezio, who is running for the seat of Watson and lives in the northern beaches, defended himself by saying: “Tony Burke lived in Woollahra before he was minister.” This comment was vehemently
Get ready for Burwood Festival
Over 50,000 people flocked to the Burwood Festival last year.
As the cooler weather is coming to an end, Burwood Council is preparing for the season of growth with Burwood Festival - the largest spring celebration in the Inner West in Burwood Park on Sunday, September 22. Shake off the winter lethargy with famous headline acts for the entire family and discover the Inner West’s best talent with non-stop performances throughout the day from 10am until 5pm. Burwood Park will be filled with culinary stalls featuring the finest flavours from around the world, a
variety of exciting entertainment and rides for children of all ages, spectacular shows and displays and the renowned Classic Car Show and Shine. This year Burwood Festival will feature a colourful market area with chic clothing, fresh produce, art, crafts and jewellery. There’s something for everyone so get ready for Burwood’s biggest celebration of the year. It’s all about family, fun and food. Burwood Scene is proud to be a Gold Sponsor and the Official Media Partner for the 2013 Burwood Spring Festival.
Be
Involved.
ANZAC Research Institute Medical Appeal. Burwood Scene supports the amazing work by Professor Hart and his team.
20% of any ad supporting the Appeal will be donated. Call 9715 2700 or email editor@burwoodscene.com.au
Putting your feet first Home and Community Podiatry Service, auspiced by Burwood Council, is for residents of the Ashfield, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury, Leichhardt, Marrickville and Strathfield Local Government Areas. We aim to provide a comprehensive, responsive and flexible podiatry service for the Home and Community Care target group which includes the frail aged, people with disabilities, and their carers. If you think you, a friend or family member may be eligible please call the Podiatry Service on 99 11 99 39 to talk to someone about the service.
6
burwood Scene
7 August 2013
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7 August 2013
Impressive benchmark for Canada Bay Council
The City of Canada Bay Council officers and ABC TV host Costa Georgiadis celebrate
The City of Canada Bay Council has won the Sydney Water Overall Sustainable Council Award for their ‘Sustaining Our Environment’ project in Keep Australia Beautiful NSW’s 2013 Sustainable Cities Awards Program in late July. The Sustainable Cities program recognises outstanding environmental initiatives implemented by local government authorities, schools,
business and community groups whilst raising public awareness of environmental issues affecting metropolitan NSW. Sydney Water delivers the Sustainable Cities Awards Program alongside Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, and sponsors the prestigious Overall Sustainable Council Award that was won by Canada Bay Council. The win for the council, which included an education
program to 3114 students in the area, was described as impressive by David Imrie, CEO of Keep Australia Beautiful. “Their ‘Sustaining our Environment’ project is a comprehensive and engaging approach to long-term sustainability in their community. It sets an impressive benchmark that other Councils can learn and benefit from,” Mr Imrie said.
There are costs associated with refinancing. Government Fees for Registration and Discharge of Mortgage and a Title Search Fee might add up to $250. Then the bank you are leaving might charge you a settlement fee of $250. The average cost is probably around $500-$600 unless you are breaking a fixed interest rate. Anyway, you should always check. But the main reason people refinance their home loans is not always about savings. Firstly, refinancing gives you the chance to get a higher limit so that down the track you can redraw more funds if you need to. It’s a good idea to think ahead like this. Remember, circumstances may change such that you can’t increase your loan in a couple of years! Of course you only pay interest on your loan balance (what you use) so many choose to increase their limit every few years. If you are not so financially disciplined, this may not be appropriate for you. I have been told “if it’s available I will probably withdraw it” Hmm. The other reason people refinance their loan is to get their finances structured perfectly. I always write about offset accounts and how linking your credit card to your offset
To refinance or to stay put? account will give you interest free money for up to 55 days on all your electronic purchases. It’s financially powerful but also great for lifestyle. You would never need to get online and manually transfer funds to your credit card if the full amount owing is automatically swept every period. This way you will also never pay a cent in interest. So there you go, it’s not all about the interest rate. Having said that, 99 out of 100 people would be shocked at how much they could reduce their repayments if they refinanced
their home loan. The banks are fiercely competing for new bank clients, with discounts up to 1.2% off the standard variable rate for the life of the loan. How can they do this? It’s because 80% of people haven’t recently asked a broker to look at their current deal. It’s their complacency that lets the rest of us enjoy these discounts. Yes the 80/20 rule surrounds us all. And now with banks sometimes offering $1,000 to new to bank clients, you can actually profit by improving your situation. Hmm.
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BACK TO SCHOOL 8
7 August 2013
Reaching for the max @ SCHOOL
A 1 6 - w e e k p e r s on a l development course for senior high school students, Max Potential, has highlighted the enormous resources that young people offer their communities whilst honing their leadership skills. The program, sponsored by DOOLEYS club, provides individual coaching from community volunteers, to young leaders from schools and the community to help them maximise their potential. This year, twelve students from Trinity Catholic College at Auburn led varied community projects that ranged from a winter appeal to keep homeless people warm, entertaining the elderly, a toy drive for children in Somalia to texture walls for autistic people to name a few. Year 11 student Isabelle Pesa and her fellow student Sharon Phung organised and ran a one-day special picnic program ‘Xing out the Negatives for Vulnerable Children’ at Mary’s Place in Bankstown – an outreach support service run by St Vincent’s. “I wanted to reduce the impact that domestic violence has on the young people who visit Mary’s Place. Many of the children (aged between 2 and 15 years) don’t talk to each other
personal message to share. “I’ve experienced domestic violence myself from birth to five years old,” Isabelle bravely shared. “It scars you emotionally and impairs your ability to trust. I didn’t want that for others.” Isabelle has a younger brother and with her now single Mum proudly watching the presentations to her daughter and all the other these extraordinary young people at DOOELYS Sports Club at Regents Park last month, Isabelle and her fellow students should know they have done themselves, family, school and community proud. The Max Potential program, run by Wayne Deeth for the past nine years, has been so successful that it will be expanded to the University of Western Sydney and carry academic credit points from next year with the University’s School of Business providing students as coaches for Max Potential from 2014. Mr Deeth also announced a partnership with the Centre of Volunteering for Max Potential that will offer Certificates I, II and III in Active Volunteering with recognition in the HSC syllabus. Mr Deeth thanked DOOLEYS and Auburn MP Barbara Perry for their commitment to the program.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Child Care Minister Kate Ellis at The Infants Home in Ashfield last week.
Child care places on the rise at Ashfield centre
SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN Isabelle Pesa (right) and Sharon Phung with their display at DOOLEYS Sports Club for the Max Potential presentations by Belinda Noonan
very much. I wanted to break down the barriers between them,” explained Isabelle. “Many of the children are disadvantaged and have experienced domestic violence abuse towards each other and themselves.” “We arranged a picnic day
with pre-organised games and made friendship bracelets. We wanted to show them that they are not alone,” said Sharon. “They were all talking by the end of the day and the mood became upbeat. It does make a difference,” both girls said. Following our interview, Isabelle chased after me. She had another even more important
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Grayndler, Anthony Albanese, and Early Childhood and Child Care Minister Kate Ellis visited Ashfield Early Learning and Care Centre on Tuesday 30 July to announce 50 new child care places at the centre. The Ashfield centre, which is owned and operated by The Infants Home, has recently opened a new early learning and care centre, Gorton House and expanded its existing services. The Australian Government contributed $3 million in capital works funding towards the new centre. In welcome news for local families, Mr Albanese said the expansion of Ashfield Early Learning and Care Centre means
it will be able to accommodate a total 283 children. “There is a shortage of child care places in the Inner West so it is great to see more places for local families, Mr Albanese said. “This is great news for local families and expands the availability of quality early childhood education options in the area, especially for those children with special needs.” Ms Ellis said the Government’s Early Learning and Care Centres were designed to provide children with the best opportunities to learn, targeted at areas with the highest demand and tailored to meet the individual needs of those communities.
Try Year 5 Give it a go, come and enjoy a day in the life of a Year 5 girl
LifeStyle
Thursday 22 August
9:15am to 12:00pm book online at http://www.trybooking.com/CWYB
Santa Sabina College
Santa Sabina College Independent Catholic School Co-Ed K-4, Girls 5-12 59 The Boulevarde Strathfield 2135 Ph: 9745 7030 |Email: enrolment@ssc.nsw.edu.au www.ssc.nsw.edu.au
is seeking candidacy for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme - 2014
Photo: Darren Horrigan
@ SCHOOL
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7 August 2013
@ SCHOOL Meriden girls make their marks.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Since 1897 Meriden has produced confident and articulate young women, renowned for making their marks academically and in the global community.
Open Morning Thursday, 12 September, 9am to 11am
SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN MLC Year 5 students and Environmental Monitors Amy Yarrow and Rehasna Kaur test their digging skills for National Tree Day at Keith Smith Park.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR 12 10-12 Redmyre Road Strathfield NSW 2135 Telephone 61 2 9752 9444 enquiries@meriden.nsw.edu.au www.meriden.nsw.edu.au
From little trees big things grow National Tree Day, organised by Planet Ark, was celebrated by all councils in the area with plantings and tree donations. Burwood Council teamed up with local schools to plant trees donating 50 trees to Croydon Park Public School and planted more than 20 trees and shrubs in Keith Smith Park with students from MLC Burwood. Students from Croydon Park Public
School also attended a special assembly, presented by Council, on the important role trees play in our environment. “We’re proud to take part in National Tree Day, planting trees is not only positive for our environment, it also adds to the beauty of our area,” says Burwood Mayor, Cr John Faker. “These activities will help educate young students and raise awareness on the need to sustain our natural environment.”
Cybersafety at Domremy College, Five Dock There is no denying that the internet and social media are a large part of a teenager’s life. At Domremy College, Five Dock, teaching students about cybersafety is an important part of the Pastoral Care Program. Senior Constable John Tikisci, Crime Prevention Officer at Burwood Police, visited the school and gave an informative talk to students about cyber bullying, cyber crime, child grooming and safe partying. He will also be addressing parents at an upcoming Parents & Friends meeting. Domremy students were impressed with Senior Constable John’s personable and frank approach to the matters of bullying.
Year 8 students at Domremy were amazed and alarmed with the statistics presented by the Police. Domremy College, Year 9 Guidance Coordinator Mrs Rebecca Morrice reflected “We all know it is important for adolescents to realise that the other person behind the screen may not be who they think it is. Adolescents are experts at navigating the Internet, but are still naive when is comes to protecting themselves. The police delivered an informative and engaging message to the girls about being cyber smart. This should make a difference in the way they approach interactions on the Internet”.
LifeStyle
PLC SYDNEY PLC Sydney is a school for girls from pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, offering boarding from Year 7. The College aims to educate young women from the basis of a Christian world view to make a difference in a rapidly changing global society. More than 50% of students achieved an ATAR over 90 in 2012. Extensive co-curricular programme including overseas exchange and international Service Learning opportunities. Exceptional facilities including an Aquatic Institute; Performing Arts Complex; Research Centre; Art, Design and Technology Studios; and a Centre for Public Speaking. We invite you to come along to an Information Session or visit us for a private tour of the College. Please call or visit our website for further information. (02) 9704 5666 enquiries@plc.nsw.edu.au Boundary Street, Croydon
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7 August 2013
CHEER THEM ON Australia’s Winter Olympic hopefuls compete against international figure skaters from Asia and Europe
20 to 22 August CANTERBURY OLYMPIC ICE RINK Phillips Ave, Canterbury
Tues 20 Aug: Events 4.30pm – 8.30pm Wed 21 Aug: Events 1.30pm – 9.15 pm (including Australia’s 2014 Winter Olympic hopefuls from 5.30pm) Thurs 22 Aug: Events 1.30pm – 6.15pm (including Australia’s 2014 Winter Olympic hopefuls from 3.45pm)
Adults: $10 Children/Concession $5 per day. Tickets at the door.
Your only chance to see Australia’s best figure skaters live
Rosslyn Sleeman, Michelle Tandy, Yasmine Arkinstall, Clare Hall and Gloria Walton.
Yasmine’s head start Entertaining members and guests at the 52nd Birthday Lunch for Concord West VIEW Club late last month was Learning for Life student and exceptional self-taught singer, Yasmine Arkinstall, who has benefitted from the club’s fundraising activities. The Concord West VIEW Club which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women, meets monthly at Burwood RSL, raising funds for The Smith Family that ultimately go towards programs to unlock opportunities for disadvantaged Australian children so that they can realise their potential through education. One such program is ‘Learning for Life’ in south-west Sydney’s Claymore community. Guest speaker and former primary school teacher, Michelle Tandy explained to the club that 35% of households in Claymore were single
parents against the national average of 16%, 50% were in housing commission and that 6.3% were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders with an average income of $580 per week. “There is a lot of talent in the community at Claymore. There is nothing more powerful than a child’s education. I thought there was more work to be done with families and so I left teaching to become a Learning for Life worker,” Michelle explained. “We support children from parents who are dedicated but can’t afford excursions, uniforms, school shoes, books and writing materials. Sometimes these families need a helping hand. We have had students who have gone onto tertiary education and as one student said, if it wasn’t for The Smith Family she wouldn’t have been able to stay at uni.”
Make a career out of caring. Community Aged Care Opportunities Do you want to make the difference in someone else’s life? Do you take pleasure in the achievements of others? Are you looking for a varied, fulfilling career helping people? If the answer to any of these questions Is YES, then a career in community care could be a great choice for you! Co.As.lt.,Italian Association of Assistance, is a not for profit organisation looking for part time Community Care Workers to assist older people in their homes to maintain their independence. As a Community Care Worker you will provide support and care to older people assisting them with meal preparation, respite care, social outings, transport, shopping, light housework and personal care.
Co.As.It is looking for people who can demonstrate: • Commitment in working with older people • Fluency in English and preferably a second language • Experience in aged care or disability • Commitment to ongoing training • A current NSW drivers licence and a reliable car Enquiries: Luana Campione 9564 0744 Please forward your application to: Human Resources PO Box 342 Leichhardt NSW 2040 Browse our website to discover the many services Co.As.It. can provide you, your family and your business.www.coasit.org.au
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7 August 2013
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Unravelling the NBN Playtime garden gets a work out John Sidoti, Member for Drummoyne, swapped parliament for playtime on Friday 2nd August, when he visited the new garden at Concord Occasional Childcare. The Concord Occasional Childcare committee are grateful for Mr Sidoti’s assistance in securing the grant which made the garden possible.
JPs branch out to give thanks Cr Helen McLucas, MPs John Murphy, Anthony Albanese and Tony Burke, Cr. Raj Datta, Cr Andrew Soulos at Strathfield Town Hall.
Are you confused about the NBN, what it costs, how the Labor and Liberal policies differ and how it affects your home? Join the club. Wi t h a n o v e r s i z e d , silly-looking orange button, Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister Tony Burke officially “switched” on 2,600 homes in Strathfield on July 23. But what does that mean? If you live in one of these 2,600 homes, you can now upgrade to “superfast” broadband. If you sign up to a broadband service provider plan, the installation of the fibre wall outlet, power supply unit and network termination device is free. Telstra was very quick to send Burwood Scene information about connection myths and answers that were, surprise surprise, littered with references to Telstra options. But nothing is really free, and there are a number of service providers with various plans to choose from. Mr Albanese says that the take-up rate by Australians of new technology is higher than anywhere in the world, yet only 780 (30 percent) of the 2,600 homes in Strathfield are expected to connect within six months, with another 2,300 premises to be connected in the coming months. But don’t expect the connection in multi-unit developments any time soon. Getting fibre into unit blocks has, according to the NBN Co website, “highlighted the challenges”. “We are the fastest embracer of new technology in the world, due in part to being an island nation and the tyranny of distance,” Mr Albanese said. “This is the largest infrastructure project in Australia. It’s not about downloading videos.” Among the benefits, Mr Albanese mentioned transformed health services, assistance to the elderly to stay in their homes, students who could undertake
by Belinda Noonan
courses by connecting to a virtual classroom and how councils could provide face-to-face service with council officers on line. Being the largest infrastructure project in Australia, it’s costing billions, but how many exactly is confusing. Recently it was announced as a revised $37.4 billion cost with an Australian Government investment of $30.4 billion. The Liberals say the public funding required would blow out beyond the NBN Co’s claim of $44billion and would exceed $90billion. “Under Labor’s model, only 3 per cent of Australians would require speeds in excess of 100 megabits but Labor would be imposing a huge amount of cost on all users of the network to pay for the 3 per cent,” said a spokesperson for Shadow Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull. “So far, Labor has no solution for tower blocks. The Liberals would use ‘fibre to the basement’ to provide high broadband speed to tower blocks, which is what is used in Japan and Korea and no-one is saying they have poor broadband.” “The Liberal policy is also a free connection, and uses copper and fibre that will reach speeds of between 50 and 100megabits per second. You can have the option to pay for fibre if you want it for the final run, which is usually 200 metres or less,” he said. According to Reid Liberal candidate Craig Laundy many premises are unable to be connected. “Many people live in units around here and 25 per cent of the homes can’t connect. There are also 1300 homes in Liberty Grove that can’t get ADSL. This is the biggest Australian infrastructure spend and there has never been a cost benefit
analysis,” Mr Laundy said. “In December 2010 the original forecast was that 960,000 homes across Australia would be able to connect within six months. By June 2013 the actual homes that can connect are just 107,500 and that has come at a cost so far of $8billion,” he stated.
Club Burwo od RSL and the Ashfield/Burwood Branch of the NSW Justices Association are celebrating 25 years of a successful relationship this month. The Ashfield/Bur wood branch, an integral part of the local community providing important Justice of the Peace
services for many residents, have expressed their appreciation towards Club Burwood RSL for their 25 years of support. Branch President, Brian Hughes said that “The Ashfield/ Burwood Branch owed the club directors and staff a debt of gratitude for the outstanding service they have provided
over the past 25 years, not only with a meeting venue but with the staging of functions as well”. Mr Hughes also noted that Club Burwood RSL have generously provided support to the Branch even though it was not a “club within the club”, and that the Branch “could not have achieved what we have as a Branch without the generosity of Club Burwood RSL”.
Commons questions and answers (provided by Telstra) Q: NBN doesn’t affect me if I
just use a home phone Fact: The copper network is being retired in areas served by NBN Co’s fibre network. Customers in these areas will need to move to an NBN connection if they’d like to continue to have a fixed line voice service. Q: I’ll have to change my phone number if I change over to the NBN Fact: You don’t have to change your phone number. Q: The NBN isn’t that fast compared to mobile broadband Fact: Mobile broadband is getting faster, but with the currently available technology, there are no consistent mobile broadband speeds that compare to the fastest speeds you can get on the NBN. Q: I’m not a heavy internet user, so I don’t need a fast internet connection Fact: As the copper network will be shut down after the NBN is rolled out, if you want to maintain a fixed line connection you will need to connect to the NBN. Q: It’s a hassle to get the NBN set up Fact: An NBN connection involves two installation appointments -- one with NBN Co, and one with your service provider.
Santa Sabina’s victorious debating team: Emilia Anderson, Olivia Fehon, Katie Garsia and Anna Power.
Six straight for Santa debaters For the first time in the Catholic Schools Debating Association’s 50 year history, the Santa Sabina Senior Debating team has won its sixth consecutive title. This years’ winning team Emilia Anderson, Olivia Fehon, Katie Garsia and Anna Power, provided a fitting end to the girls’ careers in their final year. The final, held on Friday 26 July, at Cerdon College Merrylands, saw the team
compete against OLMC Parramatta. Arguing the negative side of the challenging conceptual topic “Knowledge is Power”. Examples as diverse as the Syrian conflict, the relaxation of economic sanctions against Mugabe’s government in Zimbabwe, working conditions in Bangladesh, censorship in China, Nazi Germany and the Vietnam War were presented by the talented debaters.
Joining as a team in Year 7 and not knowing each other very well, the girls have become best friends. They have represented the College at the Archdale competition, Association of Heads of Independent Girls Schools (AHIGS) Festival of Speech Debating section and the Macquarie University Debating Competition, winning the senior division in Year 11.
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News
$1 million for Burwood roads announced Burwood Council has been successful in securing $1 million, by way of a loan, in Round Two of the NSW $100 million Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS) but Ashfield Council has missed out after Strathfield MP Charles Casuscelli revealed that Ashfield did not apply for funding. “I am delighted that Burwood Council was among the successful applicants in round two and the road repair program can now go ahead,’’ Member for Strathfield Charles Casuscelli said last week when the grants were announced. The total cost of the project is $1,000,000, all of which Burwood Council will borrow under round two of the Local Government Infrastructure Renewal Scheme. “There will be improved comfort for public transport users as a number of bus routes traverse some of Burwood Council’s collector roads and boosted safety for cyclists on roads with cycleway shoulder lanes,’’ Mr Casuscelli said. Round Two of the scheme subsidies were allocated to 57 infrastructure projects across 49 NSW councils, unlocking nearly $300 million worth of infrastructure at a cost to the NSW Budget of under $30 million to assist councils meet the cost of financing infrastructure backlogs. Ashfield Council copped a serve from the state member for not applying. “I am disappointed that Ashfield Council did not bother to apply for State Government assistance even though the state of its infrastructure, particularly footpaths, sporting and community facilities requires urgent attention” Mr Casuscelli said. Under the LRIS, 57 applications across NSW were successful for projects including roads and bridges, community halls and libraries, parks, sports fields and water facilities. “LIRS is a key part of the NSW Government’s commitment to address the $7.4 billion infrastructure backlog faced by local governments as identified by the recent Local Government Infrastructure Audit Report,” Mr Casuscelli advised. Applications for Round Three of the LIRS assistance subsidies will open later in 2013. “All NSW councils will be encouraged to apply, but I would like to particularly encourage Ashfield Council to do more to identify infrastructure priorities and submit applications for assistance through the program.’’
7 August 2013
From motherhood to mountains Penania resident Natalie Gane is trading motherhood for the perils of the Kokoda Trail this month to raise awareness of sick and premature babies. According to Ms Gane, who works as strategic performance manager at Rookwood Cemetery, the inspiration for the challenge was giving birth to her own child, Mitchell, who was eight weeks premature and weighed only 1.7kg. “My husband and I were completely terrified, not to mention unprepared,” she said. There is no denying that the 10-day trek, which kicks off on 12 August, is going to be demanding. In the lead-up, Ms Gane has spent every weekend hiking in locations such as the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra. “It’s been six months of preparation,” she said. “I grew up playing sport,
by Mitchell Jordan
and at the moment I’m playing a lot of golf, but I’m constantly being reminded of how hard Kokoda is.” Joining Ms Gane are her 20-year-old brother and a long-time friend from school. She hopes that the experience has brought to light some of the issues related to raising premature babies and how to cope with it. “Our experience didn’t follow the ‘book’ in any way – we hadn’t even done our birthing classes yet,” she said. So far, Ms Gane has raised over $3000, which will be donated to the Miracle Babies Foundation. Her colleagues at Rookwood Cemetery have been responsible for contributing to one quarter of the funds. To donate, visit miraclebabiesfundraising.org.au/ kokodatrekformiracles.
Natalie Gane is in training for Kokoda.
Off with the fairies Story and Photos by Mitchell Jordan
Fairy chimneys are part of Cappadocia’s charm.
Hiking through the valleys is a great way to see the area.
One of the hardest decisions anyone who journeys to Cappadocia in central Turkey will have to make is how they plan to see this sweeping landscape of fairy chimneys, underground cities and much, much more. Arriving in Goreme, the centre of Cappadocia and starting base for any tourist, it soon becomes clear that no amount of time is ever really going to be enough to understand this ancient wonder of over 4000 years, which was once part of the Roman Empire. In one sense, it’s possible to think of Cappadocia as a science experiment gone wrong. The result of millionyear-old volcanoes, Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasan and Mount Melendiz, and ensuing erosion, the area has not only survived the forces of nature, it’s instead used them to craft some of the strangest,
most impressive examples of civilisation. So where to begin? Goreme Open Air Museum is a short walk from the town centre and has an extensive display of rock-cut churches with frescoes still visible, homes carved from stone and views of the region. The sense of simplicity to these domestic dwellings is enough to make anyone with a conscience dispose of their dishwasher or electric toothbrush pronto. Hot air ballooning has long been top of the to-do list for any traveller to Cappadocia to appreciate the waves of rock from above. Indeed, many locals promote it as the best way, no doubt because the ever-growing number of hot air balloon companies in competition with one another offer the chance of employment to the 2,500 inhabitants in and around Cappadocia. Disaster struck in March this year, however, when three Brazilians died and 22 were injured following the collision of two hot air
balloons. The truly adventurous who prefer to stay a little more grounded can set off on a number of hiking paths, passing through the likes of the verdantly green Pigeon Valley, home to pigeon houses carved into rock, or Rose Valley. And then there is the underground. With 36 cities to choose from, most visitors toss a coin to decide between Derinkuyu, the deepest underground city, or Kaymakli the widest underground city. Swarming with tourists, and at times unbearably claustrophobic, Derinkuyu comes with its own culinary rewards for anyone who ventures off the tourist path. Nearby restaurants that look almost makeshift without menus or a word of English and generous Turkish hospitality are in stark contrast to the touristorientated Goreme and almost feel like as much of a revelation as the underground cave just a stone’s throw away.
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7 August 2013
The fight for Flemington Station continues by Belinda Noonan
THE FRIENDLY PLACE TO SHOP
Homebush West resident Bobbie Despotov in 2011.
CLASSIFIEDS
A young mother struggles with a pram. (Taken April, 2011).
The protracted battle for improvements to Flemington Station continues, this time with the Liberals coming out to battle for what Labor promised but did not deliver. Better access at Flemington Station. The Member for Strathfield Charles Casuscelli, Mayor of Strathfield Gulian Vaccari and the Liberal candidate for Reid, Craig Laundy visited the station on Friday 26 July to speak with rail staff, commuters, residents and local businesses about the decrepit facilities. A Sydney Markets survey four years ago determined that up to 5,000 people use the overpass each Saturday and anyone visitng or using the station on a regular basis will witness young mothers struggling with prams and the elderly trying to cope with their shopping, chipped hand rails and dangerous stairs. AND DINE has reported This newspaper for many years on the state of Flemington Station and the daily struggle faced by residents and commuters to use the steep steps and the concrete cancer ridden structure to reach the railway station or Sydney Markets. However, the frustration of the local community has not yet translated into any tangible action at Flemington. Local resident Bobbie Despotov campaigned for many years to urge the previous state government to act, but to no avail. Mr Laundy requested the latest meeting after having received many representations from members of the community complaining about the state of the station and that nothing had been done there for decades. Mayor Vaccari also noted that during last year’s local government election campaign, the upgrade to Flemington Railway Station was by far the number one issue for residents of Flemington and Homebush West.
Speed up your business success - hop on the bus! If you’re a small business owner looking for free mentoring and information to help you achieve business success, book an appointment to hop on board the Small Biz Bus, which will stop at Strathfield Golf Club on Friday 16 August between 9:30am and 2:30pm. Local small business operators will be able to connect with a range of business experts, who will provide free individualised advice on a range of topics, including finance and technology. The Small Biz Bus is also a great
opportunity to learn about the services offered by the local Small Biz Connect business advisory service, an initiative of the NSW government providing year round expert business advice to small business operators. To book email bus@ smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au or call 8222 4885. Strathfield Golf Club is located at 84 Centenary Drive, Strathfield. The Small Biz Bus is part of the Small Business Connect initiative, funded by the NSW Government.
Mr Laundy, Mr Casuscelli and Mayor Vaccari all agree that this is an issue deserving the urgent attention of the Transport Minster, Gladys Berejiklian. “I will be meeting with the Transport Minister next week with the support of the Mayor of Strathfield Council, the CEO of Sydney Markets, and the many local businesses to put the case for priority funding of Flemington rail station,” Mr Casuscelli said. Mr Casuscelli thinks he’s in with a better shot at securing action than his predecessor, Virginia Judge. “The difference [between the previous government and now] is we are making huge investments in public transport and roads, and not just making announcements. Better stations are part of the plan,” he said. “We are planning on addressing the housing shortage with substantial developments close to public transport, including close to rail stations Flemington, Homebush, Strathfield and Burwood.” Professor Derek Hart, Strathfield Rotary President Suzanne The Strathfield MP will also Freund and Dr Robin Gasiorowski. Photo: Brad Ayres be leaning on his previous expertise within the former RTA. “I have expertise in presenting a case for priority funding and not just leaving it to the bureaucrats, I know the The response the ANZAC Gasiorowski THE FRIENDLY PLACEtoTO SHOP Robin AND DINE spoke about process as well as anyone else,” Research institute Medical their work to advance towards he commented. Appeal to help fund the work human clinical trials for a cancer Many local residents would by Professor Derek Hart at antibody therapeutic therapy at hope that these meetings result Concord Hospital is gathering Strathfield Rotary last week. To be in significant upgrades at speed with local organisations involved in the Appeal please call Flemington sooner rather than and businesses taking up the Burwood Scene on 9715 2700. later. cause. Professor Hart and Dr Mayor Vaccari moved to assure the community that “Strathfield Council will be working closely with the State Government to investigate better parking, traffic management and access arrangements in support of a rail station upgrade. Council will also look closely at any development proposals from Sydney Markets that integrates with Flemington rail CLASSIFIEDS for the benefit of commuters and shoppers alike”.
ANZAC Appeal gains momentum
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7 August 2013
20 years for Sandakan Service
25th anniversary for Justices The Ashfield/ Burwood branch of the NSW Justices Association are inviting Justices of the Peace to attend their Branch Meeting and 2013 Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 21 August at Club Burwood R.S.L., 96 Shaftesbury Road, Burwood. The branch meeting will commence at 6.30 pm followed by the A.G.M. at 7.00pm. After the A.G.M. a Cocktail Reception hosted by Club Burwood R.S.L will be held to mark the Twenty Fifth Anniversary of the first branch meeting held on Club Premises. Enquiries to be directed to Kalingoell@gmail.com
2,345 Australian and British POWs never returned from the Sandakan to Ranau death marches in Borneo during the final months of World War II. 23 of those young men who were forced to march through the jungle to an even more cruel fate came from this area. Only six men, of the 2,345, lived to tell of the atrocities inflicted upon them by the Japanese. One was Nelson Short from Enfield. One who dies was Edward (Ted) Emmett, whose sister Margaret McStravrick (now 79) attends the Burwood Service every year. “Ted was with some of the men who escaped (eventually to freedom). He was at the river hailing a boat when he was shot at the water’s edge. Dreadful. He was only 24,” said Mrs McStavrick. “We come ev-
Free hearing tests Those who find themselves turning up the volume on the TV or straining to understand what people are saying can get their hearing tested for free in Burwood on 22 August from 9am to 4 pm at Burwood Plaza Amcal Chemist, 46-47, Burwood Plaza Shopping Centre, Railway Parade, Burwood. Book a spot by calling 9744 9508. Turn your Seniors Week ideas into reality Groups who are interested in creating and delivering events for seniors during 2014 NSW Seniors Week are encouraged to apply for NSW Government grants to turn their ideas into a reality. Funding will be made available in two categories - grants of up to $500 and grants of $1000 for successful applicant groups, for eligible events to be held over NSW Seniors Week, which will be held between 15and 23March 2014. Applications are now open and close on Friday 6 September 2013, and can be submitted at www.nswseniorsweek.com.au.
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electrical
ery year to this Service, which has grown and grown.” Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir, Governor of NSW,
delivered a moving, heartfelt Remembrance Address describing the horrors that the predominantly Australian
and British young men faced as they were shot during the death marches if they faltered or fell.
Getting the basics under control Wage grants for child care workers
Pay rates early for a chance to win Burwood ratepayers will be in the running to win THE FRIENDLY TOfullSHOP prizes valued at up to $2000PLACE by paying their year’s rates on or by 31 August 2013 and going into a draw to be held at the Burwood Festival on Sunday, 22 September 2013. 1st Prize: $2000 Gift Card, 2nd Prize $1500 Gift Card, 3rd Prize $1000 Gift Card, 4th Prize $500 Gift Card.
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Her Excellency, NSW Governor, Professor Marie Bashir after laying a wreath on Sunday, August 4.
Burwood Council has reaffirmed its focus is on AND DINE the basics and ensuring the community’s roads, footpaths and surroundings are “safe and looking their best”. “Good roads are vital for the Burwood LGA as they allow residents to move around the area freely and safely and good footpaths encourage more people to walk to their destination resulting in a healthy lifestyle,” said a council spokesperson.
Reid MP John Murphy increases to wages and will is urging local child care go some way to recognising providers to apply for grants the professionalism and under the $300 million qualifications of this highly Federal Government Fund valued workforce.” that will boost the wages of The Government’s Early early childhood educators. Years Quality Fund will “The local child care support more education and providers in my electorate care providers to deliver deliver great services to the wage increases to this community,” John Murphy sector through enterprise Capital works projects said. agreements: $3 per hour “ThePLACE early childhood for Certificate III underway are: THE FRIENDLY TO SHOP increases AND DINE l Rowley Street drainage. professionals are some of qualified educators with l Shaftesbury Rd/Belmore the hardest working people proportional increases across in my community. The the classification scale. Street Roundabout. l Appian Way drainage. view that child care is just Grants are now open and l Murray Street road child minding is out-dated. applications will be assessed This Fund will deliver real on an ongoing basis. restorations. Recent capital works completed include: l Blair Avenue Kerb and Gutter upgrade l Weil Avenue parking bays. l Linthorn Avenue parking bays. l Walsh Avenue parking bays. l Keith Smith Park playground. l St Pauls Close playground.
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19 June 2013
Wheels in motion for success In strong winds the Women’s Race Team for Lidcombe-Auburn Cycle Club (LACC) won the NSW WMAS Club Team Trial in Nowra late last month in a cracking time of 1:10:17:26 setting an average speed of 35.4km per hour in the challenging conditions. Fielding a team of three out of a possible four riders, the squad of Belinda Diprose, Kim Stokeld and Geraldine Blomfield-Brown rode as a well coordinated team and had a decisive win for the gold medal with almost a minute separating them from the second THE FRIENDLY TOmedallists SHOP placePLACE getters and silver Manly Warringah Cycling Club. Croydon resident, Neville Bathurst Cycling Club took out Brown, has not let MS stop him as third place and the bronze medal. LACC Women’s second team he prepares to wheel through his seventh City2Surf next Sunday took seventh place with a strong raising money for ParaQuad ride by some new members to NSW. Neville is looking for one this gruelling discipline known more “fast” volunteer to push in cycling as ‘the race of truth’. The team’s Directeur Sportif him to the finish line and hoping his community will donate to Donna Meehan, who rode with ParaQuad. Contact Melanie on the second team, said, “The result was particularly impressive as we 49696388.
Wheeling to the finish line
had Gerri back in her first race after time out with injury. Plus considering our complete team is less than six months old I am very proud of the results from both the teams. We have also lifted the bar for the men with both our teams managing to beat some of the men’s teams.” “The LACC Women’s Race Team and Development Squad was formed early in the year to race together and support each other. Part of the team’s goal is to encourage and develop other female club riders and younger AND DINE women both within the club and beyond. Our overall aim is to support, nurture and encourage female cyclists and to promote women’s cycling.” Geraldine Blomfield-Brown also backed up on Sunday and took first place in the women’s division of the Nowra to Sassafras N Back road race.
THE FRIENDLY PLACE TO SHOP AND DINE
The LACC Women’s Race Team and Development Squad are supported by Ashfield Cycles.
Grey Medallion sets course for seniors CLASSIFIEDS
Enfield Aquatic Centre offers programs for older swimmers.
It may be the middle of winter, but Enfield Aquatic Centre is running hot with a busy schedule of winter swimming lessons. A Grey Medallion course for seniors is underway teaching water safety and lifesaving skills for seniors and also to encourage a healthy, independent and active lifestyle. Participants are also able improve their swimming technique and skills to deal with emergency situations. Enfield Aquatic Centre provides swimming programs designed to develop confidence, skill level and water safety classes for infants through to adults during school terms. For the full range of swimming programs available, visit www. burwood.nsw.gov.au or phone Enfield Aquatic Centre on 9747 4319.
Dancers leap to competition success The accolades have continued to roll in for students at the Dorothy Cowie School of Dancing at Croydon, following a successful weekend at the 2013 Australian Teachers of Dance (ATOD) Australasian Scholarship Competition, held in Brisbane in late July. Students from the school brought home the highest number of places of CLASSIFIEDS any dance studio from NSW, including Stephanie DiCoio who received the prestigious David Atkins Bursary Award. This follows the outstanding efforts of Dorothy Cowie students at the state finals of the ATOD Competition, where they achieved 1st place in 12 sections of the competition, a record for the school. The school’s performance students are now eagerly preparing for their tour to Disneyland, Los Angeles and New York in September, where they are looking forward to utilising some of the valuable skills learnt in a workshop conducted in May by former Dancing with the Stars judge Joshua Horner. 9-year-old Alessia Spano who placed 1st in Junior Jazz and won the national title for under 14yrs.
8 week semester canterbury Olympic ice Rink BACK TO SCHO OL Skate with the best includes 8 free extra sessions saturday 11am - 12.30pm monday 4.15pm - 5.45pm
PubLIc skatInG
onLy
$150
BACK TO SCHOOL
mon-thurs 10:15am – 12:15am, 1pm – 3pm friday 10:15am – 12:15am, 1pm – 3pm 8pm – 10:30pm (Disco) saturday 2:30pm – 4:30pm, 8:15pm – 10:45pm sunday 1:15pm – 3:15pm
@ SCHOOL
PhilliPs ave, tasker Park, canterbury
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www.canterburyicerink.com.au
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burwood scene
7 August 2013
FIT FOR
RUNNING
SEASON It’s running season again and to ensure you’re ready for the race head to The Athlete’s Foot Burwood where our highly trained Fit Technicians will find the right fit for your foot type, from their wide range of running shoes.
GEL KINSEI
GLYCERIN 11
SAYONARA
BURWOOD: Westfield Shoppingtown Burwood, (02) 9715 2580