KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY
26 AUGUST 2015 6 October 2011
INDEPENDENT FORTNIGHTLY COMMUNITY NEWS
WestConnex
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www.burwoodscene.com.au
NEWS
UPDATE
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LAST YEAR, Australian TV audiences witnessed the astonishing transformation of 24-yearold Queenslander, Dami Im in the X Factor.
VOLUME 10 No.4
NEWS
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Celebrate with Julie connects your Dad on
6 October 2011
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Septemer 6
Page 10
Dami Im for Festival
The shy girl of South Korean descent took centre-stage and brought the house down, winning the show convincingly and propelling her to stardom ever since. Dami will be the headline star at this year’s Burwood Spring Festival on Sunday, September 20, and performing her new hit single Super Love and more.
‘Bringing the Farm to the City’ is the theme for the Burwood Spring Festival with a focus on an artisan eatery, animals and sustainability. The Classic Car display is back and loads of rides for a full day’s entertainment.
FATHER’S DAY MEGA RAFFLE RSL - 96 Shaftesbury Road Club Burwood - 97 Burwood Road NEW CROYDON PARK CLUB IS NOW OPEN - 55 Seymour St (across from Croydon Park Public School) p. 8741 2888
Tuesday 1st September Tickets on sale from 6pm, draw starts at 8pm 50 prizes worth $6,000 in total to be won! WIN electrical goods, tools, vouchers, cookware & more! Treat Dad to a delicious meal in the RSL’s Brasserie (bookings for groups of 10 or more), Club Burwood’s Cafe 97 or Croydon Park Club’s bistro. Menus can be viewed on our website - clubburwood.com.au
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NEWS
26 August 2015
DESK
F
IVE and half hours for the Federal Liberal Party room to debate whether or not they should have a conscience vote on marriage equality in this term of government. Are you kidding me? Of all the issues to debate at length, same sex marriage isn’t one of them. Running a plebiscite or worse still a referendum is a waste of money. Elected representatives can govern and make decisions without running back to the people because they don’t know which way to jump on a touchy subject. That’s called dithering.
By Belinda Noonan
WHAT’S THE FUSS ABOUT? Same sex marriage is flummoxing politicians for a variety of reasons. Mostly emotional; couched in respectful phrases that tippy toe around a man and man, or woman and woman sexual relationship.
Should gay and lesbian people be able to recognise their partnership with a lawful marriage? It’s fine by me. I can’t see why not. As marriage equality moves into a media-fuelled political battleground, it was time to check into our local
federal pollies’ stance. Labor’s Albanese and Burke would support gay marriage and Liberal’s Laundy does not. What I find interesting about this debate is two-fold. The use of language, especially the word “respect” and why there is a conscience vote. Since a free vote (or conscience vote) was introduced there have been 44 such votes and it’s no surprise that life and death issues figure prominently such as the death penalty, euthanasia, stem cell research, sex discrimination and abortion. Prostitution also made the list. So it seems sex and death are the scary issues that invoke faith responses, which
invariably lead to debates requiring both sides of the argument to call for “respect”, as in respecting individual viewpoints. Marriage equality, gay marriage, same sex marriage – or whatever less threatening term they come up with next, is invoking a debate that stands outside other moral or ethical debates in terms of the respectful language we are using. The hours of courteous debate by the Federal Liberal Members on whether they would or could exercise a free vote on the future happiness of fellow Australians ended with a non-result. But if legislation went to the floor,
at least those Liberals who wished to cross the floor – could, so what’s the difference? Why should same sex marriage require a conscience vote when sending Australian men and women to war does not? The fabric of society is not going to unravel if people of the same sex get married. The most likely outcome is that more people would feel happier and those of us who don’t care will respectfully retain that view. Those who are against are probably not gay or lesbian so it doesn’t affect them either. Don’t dither – decide.
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
Childcare gets cooking the healthy way
@ SCHOOL JUST SAYIN’ POLLIE SALARIES SPORT
Pages 8-9 Page 11 Page 12 Page 15
Erin Kerr from the Health Promotion Unit (far right) providing a cooking demonstration for some of the early childcare service cooks.
MORE than 55 cooks working at local early childcare centres have now attended one of two workshops run by Sydney Local Health District to boost their skills and provide important updates on nutrition. The workshops are free professional development opportunities provided by the District Health Promotion Unit’s Munch and Move program, which encourages healthy eating, physical activity and reduced screen time for children up to five years old. The Director of Health Promotion, Professor Anna Whelan, said each cook brought along a copy of their current menu as well as their favourite recipe to share. “The workshops aim to ensure children receive the most nutritious food possible at our local child care centres so there
is a strong emphasis on levels of sugar, sodium, saturated fats, and kilojoules in food products, with practical sessions on how to compare nutritional information of products,” Professor Whelan said. Health Promotion project officer Erin Kerr said the workshops gave a valuable opportunity for the cooks to share recipes, create networks, and put what they had just learned into practice. “Menus have improved to a level where they now meet at least 50 per cent of the children’s daily nutrition requirements,” Ms Kerr said. “The cooks are now equipped to assess their own menus, giving them the ability to improve the nutritional intake of the children on their own.” More workshops will be held later in the year.
DINNER FOR TWO An independent fortnightly community newspaper. 100% family owned and operated. PUBLISHED BY SCENE NEWSPAPERS NEXT ISSUE: Wednesday 16 September 2015 DEADLINE: Wednesday 9 September 2015 Advertising: ads@burwoodscene.com.au Phone: 9715 2700 Fax: 9715 2007 Editorial: editor@burwoodscene.com.au Phone: 9715 2700 Fax: 9715 2007 Post: PO Box A187, Enfield South, NSW 2133 Editor: Belinda Noonan Deputy Editor: Mitchell Jordan mitchell@scenenewspapers.com.au Journalists: David Barden david@burwoodscene.com.au Paul Brown paul@burwoodscene.com.au Accounts: Aileen Soria aileens@scenenewspapers.com.au Art Director: Kevin Robinson Printed by: Rural Press 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.
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NEWS
26 August 2015
Extended WestConnex Survey is underway exhibition period NSW Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, has said he would consider a longer exhibition period for the Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for the Westconnex project than the statutory 30 days. Labor Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen, says Mr Stokes’ comment contradicts the Minister for Roads, Duncan Gay’s, on June 23 that the EIS would only go on display “for the statutory period.” According to Ms Haylen, when asked whether the Government would consider a longer exhibition period, Stokes said, “Given the complexity of these issues, what you raised is worthy of consideration.”
“There is plenty of development going on across Sydney and we do really want to hear what people have to say,” said Mr Stokes. Ms Haylen said the comments were “refreshing”. “Perhaps he understands what Minister Gay clearly does not – that community consultation is a good thing and that clearly, the statutory 30 days is not long enough,” Ms Haylen commented. “The EIS will likely be thousands of pages long and the Government expects the community to work through it in less than a month. That’s less time than it takes most
councils to approve a garden shed,” Haylen said. “A lot of people in the community are desperately waiting on the details in the EIS. “They have little to no information about how the project will impact their properties and their lives.” Ms Haylen moved a motion on June 19 calling on the Government to extend the exhibition period to at least 60 days. “I’m optimistic that the Planning Minister is more open-minded than the Minister for Roads,” Ms Haylen said.
Petition launched against M4East Tunnel location
IN EARLY August, Member for Strathfield, Jodi McKay launched a petition calling on the NSW Government to build the M4 east tunnel under Parramatta Road and not under 500 homes as plans have revealed. Speaking in the Parliament on August 4, Ms McKay said hundreds of property owners, from Homebush to Haberfield, were faced with the prospect of tunnelling occurring
underneath their homes, rather than under the existing Parramatta Road. “Since 2012, the Government and its Roads’ Minister have promised the tunnel would be under Parramatta Road, but the recently released detailed design plans show the tunnel passing under homes,” Ms McKay said. “Even a June 2015 press release persists in referring to a tunnel under Parramatta Road – we know now that
they want to build it underneath at least 500 homes, mostly in Burwood and Croydon. “I am launching a petition today to force the Government to listen to community concerns and explore other options that reduce the impacts of this project. “My community wants the issue debated in the Parliament and the Government held to account.”
Cintra Park tender awarded
WORK has begun to deliver new sporting grounds at St Lukes Park, Concord relocating Cintra Park hockey field with the tender for construction being awarded to Hargraves Urban. Cintra Park was identified as the most suitable location for tunneling activity for the M4 East WestConnex project, removing the need for residential property acquisitions and providing direct access to Parramatta Road for construction truck movements. Roads Minister and Drummoyne MP John Sidoti visited Cintra Park on August 19 ahead of work starting this week. “We’re breathing new life into the St Lukes grounds including new
fields, new lighting, grandstand seating for spectators, player facilities, an upgraded car park and two viewing mounds,” Mr Gay said. Local Member for Drummoyne John Sidoti said he wanted to ensure the community was informed. “We’re doing everything to ensure the community is well informed before work takes place and individual notifications have been sent to more than 600 local residents in the area as well as updates on the WestConnex website,” Mr Sidoti said. “Delivering the new sporting grounds is an added benefit of providing a new free flowing motorway for Sydney. “The M4 East will provide three lanes in each direction and connect
directly to a widened M4, removing through traffic from inner west suburbs.” Work to relocate and restore the sporting grounds includes site establishment, earthworks, concreting, constructing foundations and footings, landscaping, and installing drainage, irrigation, lighting and utilities at the St Lukes site. Work will take place between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday and between 8am and 1pm Saturday, weather permitting, and is expected to be completed early 2016. A review of environmental factors was carried out for the project and is available on the WestConnex website.
PLANNING for the extension of the M4 between Homebush and Haberfield by Leighton Samsung John Holland (LSJH) is underway with the contractors ready to begin surveys, geotechnical and utility investigations at locations throughout the project study area. These areas include Parramatta Road, the M4 Western Motorway, Concord Road, Wattle Street and other nearby local streets with work at temporary sites between August 2015 and the end of February 2016. “The majority of work will be completed during the day between 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am and 1pm Saturday however some night survey work may be required,” stated the WestConnex advice. Access to private property may be required which will be negotiated with individual property owners in advance.
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“These investigations are an important part of supporting and confirming the planning and design work currently underway for the project. The information will be used to inform geographical, geotechnical and utility profiles of the area,” the WestConnex media release online states. The survey will define property boundaries, building locations and heights above sea level and is expected to take less than a day to complete at any one location. The geotechnical investigations will take place at approximately 70 sites along the project corridor, will require a temporary worksite with safety fencing to securely contain the drilling equipment and will take between two and four days. The geotech work will generate intermittent noise for short periods the authority said.
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news YOUR NEWS
26 August 2015
M AY O R ’ S M E S S A G E
FROM BURWOOD COUNCIL
Protecting heritage in Croydon
Follow me on Twitter: @johnfaker
R
ecently, residents have raised concerns with me regarding the impact the upgrades at Croydon Station will have on the historical charm of the area. In its current state, Croydon Station is not functional for many users who attend schools, senior and disability services nearby which is why lift access is essential, however it is important that these works take into consideration the surrounding area. We will continue to work with the NSW Government to ensure that the distinct historical charm of
the Station and The Strand is not affected by the upgrades. Council has spoken with Transport for NSW who have advised us that an experienced heritage consultant will be engaged to carry out an impact assessment and any subsequent plan will be lodged with the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage. If you would like further information, please contact Transport for NSW on 1800 684 490, by email at projects@transport. nsw.gov.au or visit their website transport.nsw.gov.au.
Mayor Faker speaks to a resident at The Strand
Venues for hire
S
pring is around the corner and the new playground in Prowse Reserve has opened right on time for the warmer season.
C O N TA C T S
The new upgrades include a
C R J O H N FA K E R (Mayor) 9911 9916 mayor@burwood.nsw.gov.au C R TO N Y D O U E I H I
0437 970 499 tony.doueihi@burwood.nsw.gov.au
double swing set, climbing units and monkey bars, rubber soft fall material and shade structure to ensure a safe playing environment for children.
C R S A L LY D E A N S
0424 022 627 sally.deans@burwood.nsw.gov.au
C R L E S L E Y F U R N E AU X - CO O K
0408 227 826 lesley.furneaux-cook@burwood.nsw. gov.au
C
ouncil is now offering a promotional discount of 25% to Category A Commercial, Business, Government Agencies and Private Hire for the Library and Community Hub meeting rooms. The
CR GEORGE MANNAH
0448 133 396 george.mannah@burwood.nsw.gov.au
C R J U S T I N TAU N TO N
0448 083 108 justin.taunton@burwood.nsw.gov.au
Burwood Council, Level 2, 1–17 Elsie Street, Burwood NSW 2134
9911 9911 www.burwood.nsw.gov.au
MEETINGS
New playground for Prowse Reserve
reduced rate will be available to new hires for the duration of six months commencing 1 August 2015 until 31 January 2016. Please visit our website for more information.
•
Council Meeting – Monday, 28 September 2015 in Council Chambers at 6pm.
NEWS
26 August 2015
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Hearing loss is no impediment for Ambassador by Belinda Noonan
THE Catherine Sullivan Centre on the grounds of Santa Sabina College in Strathfield is a small organisation with a big impact that has helped babies and young children who are deaf or have hearing impairment, and their families since 1964.
To raise further awareness of the tremendous services they offer for any child or parent who needs help for their hearing impaired toddler, the Centre announced their first Ambassador, Rania Ajaka, who is profoundly deaf (congenital deafness) and who has one cochlear and one hearing aid.
Not that you could easily pick up that Rania is deaf. The engaging young mother of one, with another on the way, is a family lawyer with Legal Aid and is a perfect choice as the Catherine Sullivan Centre Ambassador. She also attended the Centre as a pre-schooler.
“Sister Margo was the one who picked up that I was deaf when I was about two, so I’m told. Then came pre-school at the Centre,” Rania explained. “I am excited and honoured to be an ambassador and help provide peace of mind and assurance to parents. It can be a shock to parents when they find out their child has a hearing loss but the children will be OK and be able to achieve anything.” “There are no barriers anymore. Any that may exist are mostly attitudinal.” Rania will also represent the Centre at functions and advocate for government funding. Because it is a small centre, much of the support work is provided by volunteers such as Sister Margo, Ann Marks, Claudia Dunstan and Lynn Eakin
whose husband Michael also serves as Chairman of the Board. Director Clare Hopley heads up a team of experienced, dedicated professionals who provide a program that empowers families to assist their children to listen and speak in a family-focussed and caring environment. “Rania is our first Ambassador and is someone who understands the work of the Catherine Sullivan Centre,” Clare said at the official launch on Wednesday, August 19. If you think your child has a hearing loss and you need more information, contact the Catherine Sullivan Centre on 9746 6942 or see www.catherinesullivancentre. org.au
MEDICARE services, that were in Westfield Burwood, relocated to the Burwood Service Centre on Railway Parade on Monday, 17 August, and are now combined with Centrelink as a one-stop shop. The move is the 200th Medicare and Centrelink one stop shop implemented across Australia since 2009. “The introduction of alternative Medicare claiming options and the removal of cash rebates for Medicare services has seen a drop in demand for face-to-face services at the service centre within Westfield Burwood,” Minister for Human Services Senator Marise Payne said. “The number of people visiting the Westfield-based service centre has decreased steadily, and in the past three
years demand has fallen by nearly 40 per cent. Residents can now process routine rebate items straight from the GP’s reception desk without having to make a separate trip to a Medicare service centre. “Claiming your Medicare benefit at the doctor’s surgery is the best way, and nationally, more than 95 per cent of all Medicare claims are lodged electronically at the point of service,” Minister Payne advised. Staff at the Burwood Service Centre can also teach customers how to access services online through myGov and the Department of Human Services Express Plus apps. The Burwood Service Centre is located at 56 Railway Parade and is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Burwood Medicare office moved
Ambassador Rania Ajaka (centre) with Strathfield Mayor Guilian Vaccari (right) and Chairman Michael Eakin with children who are currently at the Catherine Sullivan Centre or returning to visit for the launch.
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REAL ESTATE
26 August 2015
Croydon Park
Burwood
9716 6222
CROYDON PARK, 38 Blenhiem Street
A Charming Home with Brilliant Second Residence!
9715 2366
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richandoliva.com.au
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A picturesque tree lined street frames this highly sought after character filled home with bonus huge second dwelling and rear access from Tullimbar Street. This pristinely kept; appealing home boasts great proportions and is ready to be enjoyed now with a perfectly placed kitchen that overlooks the rear pergola and sun-filled grassed backyard and established garden. Its separately-metered freestanding dwelling with near new kitchen offers a multitude of options along with off street parking.
Auction: Contact:
• Three bedrooms, one with ensuite • Generous lounge room with original fireplace • Spacious dining room • Well positioned kitchen with walk-in pantry (gas)
Marco Errichiello 0414 433 318 Riccardo Errichiello 0421 827 997 sales@richandoliva.com.au
Offices:
129 Georges River Rd, Croydon Park 256 Burwood Rd, Burwood
• Period theme bathroom • Laundry with second toilet • Large outdoor pergola and grassed yard • Full height dwelling with kitchen, combustion fireplace and toilet.
• Side off-street parking from Tullimbar Street • Land size: 505 Sqm approx • Features: Air conditioning, threephase power, ornate ceilings and lead light windows
5th September 2015 at 11:30am
Inspections: Sat 2:00 - 2:45pm & Thurs 6:45 - 7:15pm
Summary: An extremely rare offering combined with an outstanding location that’s only moments from elite schools, parklands, shops, cafes and CBD bound transport links.
CROYDON PARK, 7 Parkhill Street
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Blue Ribbon Cul-De- Sac Location!
Nestled in a tightly held whisper quiet cul-de-sac setting is this quaint freestanding residence offering the perfect blank canvass. Past its well kept gardens you will find spacious bedrooms leading to a sun filled living and dining area, it’s perfectly placed kitchen with skylight overlooks the private and leafy rear yard and lock up garaging. Now featuring: • Three bedrooms, • Spacious living and dining area • Side drive to lock up garage
• Neat bathroom • Separate laundry room • Private rear yard
• Well kept original kitchen with skylight • Land size: 367 Sqm approx
Summary: The perfect choice to affordably enter a blue ribbon precinct & enhance to your own taste and style moments from schools, Henley Park, shops & CBD transport.
Auction:
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5th September 2015 at 12:30am
Inspections: Saturday 2:00-2:45pm Contact:
Marco Errichiello 0414 433 318 Riccardo Errichiello 0421 827 997 sales@richandoliva.com.au
Offices:
129 Georges River Rd, Croydon Park 256 Burwood Rd, Burwood
NEWS
26 August 2015
Women in Policing by David Barden
THIS year marks the centenary of women in policing and to celebrate, Bur wood Police are holding an event in Bur wood Park from 10:00am on 27 August 2015. In 1915 more than 400 women replied to a NSW Police Department advertisement seeking two female police officers. The successful applicants, Lillian Armfield and Maude R hodes were required to sign an indemnity releasing the Department of any responsibility for their safety and wore civilian clothes, as they were not issued a uniform. It was not until 1965 that female officers were sworn into the Police Force as regular officers, with full police powers, employment conditions and entitlements. Today, 26.9% of sworn police personnel are women, with a total of 35% representing the entire Force. S e rge ant D an i e l l e Johnston attended the
academy in 1994 and was first stationed as a constable at Burwood. “It sounds like an old cliché, but I was inspired to join the police force because I wanted to make a difference,” she said. “It became apparent to me early on that there weren’t as many female police officers on the force but the numbers are definitely picking up in recent years. “It’s nice to see women have success in the police and to me, it’s more important to have a workplace of equal opportunity rather than one of 50% men and 50% women.” “Obviously to begin with, the first women police were very limited in terms of what they could do but over the years there has been an increase in women becoming involved in more specialist areas such as the dog unit, mounted unit and working in the riot squad. “I think that shows that there’s been such growth in terms of our service being accepted and our capability as officers being recognised.”
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70 years for embroiderers
AUGUST 5 marked a major milestone for the NSW Embroiderers Guild as members celebrated 70 years at Concord RSL. To mark the occasion Clara Elliott, the President of CCWA attended to enjoy the special lunch and a superb cake baked and decorated by local member Freda Sutton. On display was the ‘In Flanders Field Poppy Quilt’ that will be raffled on November 11 with proceeds going to Defence Care.
Sergeant Johnston also highlighted the ways in which the Force allows women to be able to succeed in their career while also having a family. “Women who have wanted to start a family have been able to remain employed in the Force through a number of flexible work options and family friendly options in conjunction with the existing policies and entitlements such as maternity leave,” she said.
Pictured (left to right): Embroiderers Guild members Pauline James and Freda Sutton with CCWA President, Cara Elliott.
“This support has been a huge step forward in why we have success. “Women are no longer forced to choose between a career and a family, there are women in high ranking positions who have had success in their career and are also mums and enjoy a family life.” The celebration will begin at 10.00am with a relay run and several members of parliament and senior ranking officials in attendance. There will also be an exhibit demonstrating t he w ay i n w h i ch policewomen’s uniforms have changed.
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BACK TO SCHOOL 8
26 August 2015
@ SCHOOL Leading the way for Torres Strait helps OL HOcountry SCthe @and Principal close the gap women by Belinda Noonan
HOLDING the attention of almost 500 teenagers for over an hour is an accomplishment and that’s exactly what happened at Burwood Girls’ High School when Australia’s Foreign Minister and Liberal Deputy Leader Julie Bishop gave an inspiring ‘Women in Leadership’ talk. Organised by the Member for Reid Craig Laundy MP, students from Concord High, Strathfield High, PLC, Meriden and Santa Sabina were hosted by Burwood Girls’ High on Monday and were able to hear Ms Bishop and put their questions directly to the Foreign Minister. The lawyer turned politician recounted her journey saying how her mother had been a great influence reminding her that “You only go this way once and that if I can do any good or show any kindness, let me do it now.” Meeting the Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and her time at Harvard Business School, were the two main factors which drove Julie Bishop to enter the national debate. “When you set your mind to do something – and be absolutely determined – doors open,” The Foreign Minister said. “I don’t regret for one moment going into politics.” Australia is ranked 53rd by country in the world population stakes and has the 12th largest economy. “We really do perform well – exceptionally well. If I had to name our greatest natural asset, it’s our people,” she said.
Ms Bishop singled out the Australian Defence Forces for praise. “We use our defence force, which is small but very professional, in pursuit of peace and for rebuilding after natural disasters.” In the first hint of some of the stressful situations she has dealt with, Ms Bishop gripped the lectern for the first time in her address, leaned slightly forward and said, “We have to deal with the unexpected. I was woken by a call at 2am on July 17 last year about a plane crash over a war zone in Eastern Ukraine.” “What could we do thousands of kilometres away is the question.” Sponsored by Australia and together with the Netherlands and Malaysia the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2166 regarding the shooting down of MH17 was passed unanimously on July 21, 2014. Australia flexed its muscle to get the resolution that far and in the face of permanent Security Council member Russia, and at the head of that diplomatic tight-wire was Julie Bishop. “It would have been easy to say ‘it’s all too hard. 38 Australians were killed and it was people that shot that plane out of the sky.” In late July this year Russia used its power as one of five permanent Security Council members to veto a draft of a UN Security Council resolution calling for an international tribunal on the crash. You get the feeling MH17 is nowhere near over for this Foreign Minister and in answer to a brilliant question by a Burwood Girls’ High student, Ms Bishop had this to say.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
“How can one country veto it (the UN draft tribunal resolution)? It’s time we assessed whether one of the five permanent countries can veto the Security Council is right.” “Maybe it’s time for a larger Security Council and to take away the right to veto for permanent members on matters such as human rights issues and vested interests. You’d have to get those five (permanent members) to agree? How are we going to do that?” “Otherwise we leave the world’s security to the greatest military force in the world and that the USA and the USA would rather see other countries sharing that burden.” Julie Bishop gave her time and thoughts and participated in a few hundred selfies, with good grace and genuine respect to the students. In a quick interview following the photo rounds, which far exceeded the scheduled time, I asked Julie Bishop how she reconciles coping with different cultures - their different values and principles, particularly in regard to the Russian style of democracy. “You can’t reconcile it,” she said. “We don’t hector or lecture. What we do say is ‘this is our experience’.” “I don’t lecture but I do talk about freedoms and rule of law. I’ve had a whole lot of different discussions on Freedom of the Press. We seek to lead by example.” For the five hundred young women in Burwood Girls’ High hall and their teachers last Monday, they just got a masterclass on leading by example.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Back To Schoo l
Maree and student at Tagai.
SANTA Sabina College Principal, Dr Maree Herrett, recently had a very different experience in the world of learning in the isolated Indigenous communities of the Torres Strait Islands. Joining a delegation of Principals from the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia (AGSA), Dr Herrett travelled more than 2,700kms to visit two of Queensland’s most remote schools on Murray Island and Thursday Island for an educational and cultural exchange tour organised by Bond University. “The trip offered us a rare opportunity to meet educators, community leaders, Elders and families living on these remote islands – to hear their stories, learn about their culture and gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges they face,” said Dr Herrett. “The most powerful and moving experience of our visit was listening to the Murray Island women speak openly and honestly about what they want for their children. “They told us how hard it is for them to send their 12 year olds away to high school on Thursday Island or even further away to mainland schools but that they are passionate about them having the opportunity of a good education. “They also talked about wanting their daughters to have a voice; to have the
confidence to speak out in a way that their mothers and grandmothers haven’t been able to do.” Bond University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Catherine Sullivan wants to close the gap for Indigenous students. “We currently have 45 Indigenous students studying degrees at our Gold Coast campus, with more than half assisted by scholarships,” she said. “Ultimately, closing the gap is about the education pathway from primary to secondary to university or training and giving Indigenous Australians the best opportunity to establish a life-long career. Dr Herrett has a vital message for her Strathfield students. “We can’t understand what’s going on in the Torres Strait Islands unless we understand the global story,” she said. “The women of Murray Island and Thursday Island are no different to mothers anywhere else in the world in terms of wanting a better future for their children.” “Bond University’s initiative in organising a trip like this also illustrates that we can do so much more when we work together in partnerships – with universities, with our fellow School Principals, with government and with private enterprise.”
Back To Schoo l
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop gets in a selfie with the help of MP Craig Laundy at Burwood Girls High on Monday, 24 August.
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26 August 2015
Power of recycled plastic STUDENTS at Enfield Public put their school holidays to good use when they were set the challenge of designing and creating artwork using predominantly recycled plastic items. From astronauts, to zoo carriages there was a myriad of plastic art on show. Some of the items were inspired by recent movie experiences. The works resulted in ‘Fantastic in Plastic’, the school’s bi-annual student art exhibition. “Each class produced remarkable 2D and 3D objects, using recycled products such as clay, plastic, fibres, feathers, dye and determination,” explained Principal, Rick Daly. “Our hall was a picture to behold.” Pictured: Just one of the artworks that adorned Enfield Public School.
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Vocational focus for Skills Week OVER 400 Year 10 students in Sydney’s west from Strathfield Girls High, Arthur Phillip High, Parramatta High and Fort Street will get together to attend skills workshops to celebrate National Skills Week. From August 24 to 28. The opening address at one of the largest education events being held in the region by Member for Strathfield Jodi McKay MP outlined the importance of vocational skills. Students will also be able to work with Morgan McKinley, who hails from an international recruitment firm to provide free skills training to students. The workshops focus include information for job interviews and resume writing, and will give students an opportunity to collaborate with high energy discussions on the career issues facing current students in Sydney’s west.
Scholarships close soon
TEACHERS have until September 18 to apply for 400 teacher education scholarships, cadetships, internships and incentive scholarships. Education Minister Adrian Piccoli has reminded anyone with a passion for teaching to apply. “These incentives benefit aspiring teachers and enable public schools to secure the best teachers to inspire future generations. All scholars, cadets and interns are guaranteed a permanent teaching position in a NSW public school when they successfully complete their studies,” Mr Piccoli said. Former scholarship recipient Thomas Pollard, who teaches mathematics at Wagga Wagga High School, is already making an impact. Thomas praised the security of a permanent job offer as one of the strongest motivators to his university studies. “Overall teaching is great and it can be a rewarding job. I’m starting to get more senior classes now so I’m really enjoying teaching higher level maths, Mr Pollard said.” Full details are available at teach.nsw.edu.au
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Chinese culture on show THE magic of Chinese dance and arts is coming to Strathfield Girls’ High School this month. On 28 August, Cultural Infusion will give 140 students the chance to participate in an interactive workshop, dance performance and cultural presentation covering a variety of traditional Chinese dances. The program will provide students with an insight into the ancient world of Chinese culture, through the vivid display of colour, music and creativity.
The Cultural Infusion Schools’ Program is a multidisciplinary program utilising arts and cultural practitioners from diverse cultures as a primary communication tool to enhance the school curriculum. Cultural Infusion is a national organisation dedicated to creating intercultural contact for a positive change and is committed to building cultural harmony and wellbeing through a range of sustainable arts and engagement programs for education, youth and communities.
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FATHER’S DAY
26 August 2015
Making time for family
Craig Laundy MP with his wife Suzie and daughters Sophie and Analise and son Charlie. by David Barden
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WE ARE often quick to judge and criticise our politicians. They are either not listening to the people, making the wrong decisions or a mixture of both. However many of us don’t pause to think that while our elected representatives are working in Canberra, their families are often left behind missing out on spending quality time as a family. Craig Laundy, Member for Reid, was elected to the House of Representatives in 2013 after previously working in his family’s business, Laundy Hotels. Since the move into politics, his family life has been significantly impacted whilst dividing his time between Canberra and Sydney. “In a big way, the biggest change since moving into politics has been the time spent away from the family in the order of between 20 to 24 weeks each year,” he said. “In real terms, you spend six months away from your
family and that’s tough. I was fortunate before becoming a politician, I could go to the school assemblies, sports games, parent-teacher interviews and all those types of things.” “I could be there with my wife and the kids, take the time off work and be involved in the family environment.” In the six months of the year that Mr Laundy is back in Sydney, one would like to hope that he could make up for the time spent without his family. However, the reality is quite different. “In reality, as a marginal seat holder from the time you’re back in the electorate, you need to be out and about and in the local community,” he said. “Your family does tend to suffer on the home front and it’s tough. It definitely takes a toll on you however; we have tried to get some semblance of a balance – in between Christmas day and the middle of January I try to spend predominantly all my time with family.” The loss of their dad and husband to Canberra has been
felt throughout his family, with his eldest daughter Sophie making it clear to him that she misses having him around. “Pre - e l e c t i on , S op h i e campaigned with me very hard. She really got into it but if you were to ask for her position now, she misses the life we used to have as I was never far away,” he said. “The other two kids feel like that but probably haven’t enunciated it as well as Sophie but it’s fair to say that my children would rather have me around.” Mr Laundy is no martyr however, and uses every opportunity to bring normality back to his family life, as any other father would do. “We all make sacrifices for our families, I’m no different to any other father out there and I hope they all enjoy their day this Father’s Day.” Make sure you show your father, grandfather or father figure how much you appreciate them this Father’s Day on Sunday 6 September.
Why do you love your dad? TO CELEBRATE Father’s Day this year, Burwood Scene is inviting our readers to nominate their father, grandfather or stepdad in our ‘Why I love my Dad’ competition. You could win a double movie pass for you and your Dad to see a movie together…..awwwww.
To enter, simply ‘Like’ Burwood Scene on Facebook and post a picture of your Dad on our page and tell us why he is the best. Winners will be announced on the 4th September.
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26 August 2015
Fresh Awards go upmarket Just sayin’…
NEWS
11
By Mitchell Jordan
Mitchell@scenenewspapers.com.au
Out of the mouths of babes
Burwood resident and Chairman of the Sydney Markets Foundation, Billy Chalk with his wife Nina at the Fresh Awards launch at the MCA. by Belinda Noonan
WE ALL know that Australian produce is amazing and some of the best in the world. In launching their new Fresh Awards at the Museum of Contemporary Art on August 4, Sydney Markets proved why they are leaders in the fresh fruit and veg industry with an amazing lunch created by chef Matthew Kemp to celebrate the season. Among the many wonderful courses, which were all vegetable
and fruit-based other than a Palmers Island Mulloway for main and crab in the entree, was a Slow Baked Kabocha Pumpkin with cumin, spiced aubergine and goats yoghurt and Warm Cracked Wheat with dates, spiced carrots and olives. The piece de resistance for me were the table decorations. All edible fruit and vegetable displays that would rival any fancy flower arrangement. The colours and produce of the season were right in front of our eyes and ripe for the
tasting. Now that’s a novel table presentation idea. The Fresh Awards are Sydney Markets’ new and improved program to recognise various sectors of the fresh produce industry in NSW and the ACT and brings together the former long running retail excellence programs – the Greengrocer and Florist of the Year Awards, as well as the Fruit & Vegetable and Flower Grower of the Year Awards plus some new categories. The revised program will continue to be a platform for
encouraging and recognising best practice and innovations in fresh produce and flower growing and retailing, as well as showcasing the broader industry. For the first time, the program will also include a new category of awards for blogging, extending the awards outside of Sydney Markets to recognise the contributions of the blogging community in drawing attention to, and encouraging support of independent fresh produce and flower retailers.
Hit back at bottle shops selling to minors BOTTLE shops are being urged to check age identification of all young customers after school holiday compliance operations caught three venues selling alcohol to under-18s. The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing’s (OLGR) compliance blitz, last month, targeted bottle shops in Sydney’s west and north as well as the
Hunter and Central Coast regions, with 42 bottle shops checked for compliance with the liquor laws, resulting in a number of serious breaches detected. OLGR inquiries are continuing prior to regulatory action on these matters being undertaken. OLGR Director of Compliance and Enforcement
Anthony Keon said the operation should serve as a stark warning for all bottle shops. “The law couldn’t be any clearer. Selling alcohol to minors is illegal – no exceptions. “Any venue that can’t comply with this basic requirement will face strict sanctions, including possible criminal prosecution, suspension of licence and cancellation and disqualification
for repeat offences,” Mr Keon said. “It’s extremely concerning that a number of venues have failed to heed these warnings and have placed young people at risk by breaking the law. “OLGR is cracking down on the sale of alcohol to minors and will continue to conduct increased compliance operations across the state.”
YOU know you’re getting old when the words of teenagers impress, rather than irritate you. I was taken aback when, teaching a group of German teenagers this month, I asked them to talk about their friends. “My best friend’s gay,” said one 14-year-old girl, to which another 15-year-old boy replied: “Yes, one of my best friends is gay too.” Living up to the German stereotype of being ultra-serious, there was not a shred of sarcasm or judgement in these admissions which, in some parts of the world, could have left both teenagers open for ridicule and scorn. Considering they come from a country where, like Australia, gay marriage is not legal, their liberal attitudes at such a young age made me wonder how much had changed since I was a teenager.
Although my high school had two openly gay teachers, no more than two students dared to declare their sexuality. At this European school, there is a poster displayed near the canteen which reads: Lesbian? Lovely. Gay? Great. Bi? Brilliant. Trans? Terrific. Unsure? Unique. Back home, protesters continue to huff and puff over why they or their friends and family cannot legally marry when New Zealand, Ireland and the USA have all taken the step forward. Personally, I don’t know why anyone would want to get married, but when you hear how nonplussed the youth of today are about sexuality it all makes our current politicians look like cavemen in comparison to the leaders of the future.
Mitchell Jordan is Deputy Editor at Burwood Scene.
Boat trailers off the streets
NEW measures have been announced to crack down on boat trailers clogging suburban streets. A release from Member for Drummoyne, John Sidoti, claims that there are around 204,000 boat trailers currently registered in NSW. This number is forecast to increase by around 2.9 per cent per annum of the next decade. Currently, a boat trailer can be parked for an indefinite period unless there are parking restrictions or reasonable grounds to believe the trailer has been left abandoned or left unattended. This applies whether or not the trailer is registered. Mr Sidoti said boat trailers being parked in residential areas
has been an ongoing source of frustration for residents in high density areas. “Increasingly, boat owners are using street parking as a long term parking solution for their boats. This in turn has led to legitimate concerns about the loss of amenity,” he said. “ These new measures will allow council officers to specifically target boat trailers which have been parking for considerable periods of time and are causing concern to local residents.” The NSW Government has also set aside $5 million to assist local councils and other organisations establish off-street boat trailer parking facilities to help ease congestion.
12
NEWS
How much are our politicians paid? by David Barden
SEVERAL politicians from both sides of the political spectrum have been under increased scrutiny from the media lately due to their questionable use of public funds. According to the NSW Parliament’s publically available ‘Parliamentary Salaries and Allowances’ document elected Members of the NSW Parliament are paid $149,541 annually as a base salary. The NSW Premier Mike Baird receives a total remuneration, excluding electoral allowances, of $358,853. This consists of the $149,541 base salary, a ‘salary of office’ totalling $142,064 and an expenses allowance of $67,248. Senior NSW Ministers receive a ‘salary of office’ of $100,192 and a $38,881 expense allowance on top of their base salary. The Leader of the Opposition, Luke Foley, receives less than Mr Baird, with a total remuneration of $273,660. Elected Members of Parliament who do not hold any ministerial position are entitled to both a ‘salary of office’ and an expenses allowance each beginning from $9,346. Upper House Members receive a base salary of $149,541, with ministers receiving a $38,881 expense allowance and $52,885 electoral allowance. Notwithstanding the electoral allowance, Senior Upper House Ministers receive a total remuneration
of $288,614 whilst ‘Other’ Ministers receive $273,660. The current base salary for Federal Parliamentarians is $195,130, excluding an electorate allowance of $32,000 or up to $46,000 for electorates of 5,000 sq km or more. Prime Minister Tony Abbott receives an additional 160 per cent salary on top of the base $195,130 amounting to a total remuneration of $507,338. Ministers in Cabinet, such as Julie Bishop and Scott Morrison, receive an additional 75 per cent bringing their total remuneration to $336,559. As Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten receives an additional 85 per cent of the base salary, totalling $360,990. Shadow Ministers receive an additional 25 per cent bringing their salaries to $243,912. In addition, Members of Parliament also receive electorate
allowances to reimburse them for costs incurred in providing services to their constituents. Those parliamentarians who do not have a private plated vehicle are entitled to an additional electorate allowance of $19,500 per annum. Me m b e r s o f Pa r l i a m e nt benefit under the Parliamentary Entitlements Act 1990, which allow certain travel and accommodation to be reimbursed if it is related to parliamentary or electorate business. Entitlements include personal letterhead stationery; travel overseas and throughout Australia (first class scheduled commercial services, official cars and special purpose aircraft as approved by the Defence Minister), transfer of bulk papers to and from Parliament House and the member’s electorate office postage in relation to Parliamentary or electorate business.
26 August 2015
Masquerade Ball to kiss MS goodbye EACH year the Trish Mu l t i p l e S c l e r o s i s Research Foundation answers the call to raise vital funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) research. Its highly anticipated annual ‘Kiss Goodbye to MS’ masquerade themed Ball this year will be held on Saturday 12 September at 6:30pm in the Hilton Grand Ballroom in Sydney with Kieran Gilbert, Chief Political Reporter for Sky News, as host. Guests will be entertained by Janet Webb, Principal Flute, Sydney Symphony and Associate Artist (pianist) Jocelyn Fazzone. Janet has had a distinguished career in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, holding the Principal Flute position since 1985 while Jocelyn teaches at the Sydney C on s e r v at or iu m of Music, the Australian International C onservatorium and Wesley Institute. Australian tennis legend Ken Rosewall and his wife Wilma, Joint Patron of the Foundation Barry O’Farrell and his wife
Strathfield resident Niall King OAM
Rosemary and many of Australia’s eminent MS researchers will attend along with guest speaker, Ass o ci ate Profess or Michael Barnett. “The funds raised from our annual Ball are vital to helping us continue our work. Over the past 15 years the Trish Foundation has raised over $3.25 million for MS research and continues to make a significant contribution to MS research in Australia, as well as the worldwide effort,” Trish Foundation Chairman Carol Langsford says. The Trish Foundation works closely with MS Research Australia, and with researchers around Australia, towards a common goal of finding a
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cure or preventive strategy for multiple sclerosis. Each day in Australia, five more people will be told they have MS. Alarmingly, the prevalence in young people, including children, is increasing. Trish Foundation Board member and Strathfield resident, Niall King OAM is urging locals to support the Ball. “We are unique to many other charities as the Foundation is totally staffed by a team of volunteers and all funds raised, including those from our Ball, go directly to MS research,” he said. Tickets for The Trish MS Masquerade Ball i n c lu d e pre - d i n n e r drinks, a three-course meal and beverages, plus all entertainment. Corporate tables are also available including sponsorship benefits. See www.trishmsresearch.org. au for more details.
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NEWS
26 August 2015
Sidney Kitchener garden reopens THE Sidney Kitchener Money Memorial has now reopened to the public. The reinstatement of the garden follows the opening of the $400.4 million Underpass in June as part of the Northern Sydney Freight Corridor Program. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, said the North Strathfield Rail Underpass project had paid dividends for the community. “The Sidney Kitchener Money Memorial needed to be temporarily placed into storage so a new aerial concourse could be built at Concord West
Station, and today marks its reinstatement,” Mr Truss said. Federal Member for Reid Craig Laundy said the memorial marked the commitment of the late Concord Council alderman, Sidney Kitchener Money OAM, to the community over a 20-year period. “Mr Money spent a lot of time working with disadvantaged kids, Rotary, Meals on Wheels and many other community groups. It’s fantastic to see the memorial garden reinstated, and I’m sure Sidney would have appreciated the better quality of life created by this new infrastructure,” Mr Laundy said.
Elderly Australians are socially starved
AS MANY as 415,000 Australians aged 65 and over are craving more social contact, according to new research from aged care specialists, Whiddon. Of these, 71 per cent stated they wanted more interaction with their community, well ahead of more contact with friends (40%) and family (30%). The findings showed that community connection is even more crucial for those aged over 65 who are living on their own, representing 924,000 people in Australia. A large proportion of this group experience little to no social interaction. Karn Nelson, executive general manager strategic policy and research, Whiddon, believes that fostering close connections within community and maintaining social interaction,
interests and activities is essential to the wellbeing of older Australians. “Several studies have shown links between loneliness and social isolation and ill health, in particular the development of cognitive decline, depression and cardiovascular disease,” she said. Karen’s advice is to help the elderly stay social and engaged. “To combat this it is crucial to provide older people with the opportunities and support needed to access social activities, interest and community groups.” “We also need to raise awareness about the huge difference that small and regular gestures of kindness and social inclusion can make to the lives of those who are isolated.”
Councillors beware by David Barden
PLANNED changes to the NSW Local Government Act are expected to strengthen and improve the way councillor misconduct is handled. The changes come after news that former Ryde Mayor, Ivan Petch, was being prosecuted for of fe nc e s i nclu d i ng misconduct in public office, blackmail, and giving false or misleading evidence to the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The proposed modifications will mean that a councillor will be disqualified from holding civic office for a period of 5 years if they have been suspended for misconduct three times. There will also be a streamlining of the process for dealing with councillor misconduct to ensure faster and fairer outcomes and requirements for councillors to comply with any Performance Improvement Orders issued to their council.
Recent figures show code of conduct complaints about councillors are rising with 322 complaints made in 2014, compared to 296 in 2013. While this is a difference of only 26 complaints, the costs associated with dealing with complaints rose significantly from $745,988 in 2013 to $1,177,702 in 2014. Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole, announced the proposed changes which are to be introduced into the NSW Parliament later this month. “While most councillors serve their communities with integrity, communities need to know we can act swiftly to deal with misbehaving officials,” Mr Toole said. “The NSW community deserve their councillors to c onduc t t hems elve s appropriately in the interests of residents at all times. This is why the NSW Government seeks to impose strong deterrents to councillor misconduct, including powers of suspension.”
Entries open for the 6th GreenWay Art Exhibition ENTRIES are now open for the sixth annual GreenWay Art Exhibition which celebrates the urban green bush corridor in Sydney’s Inner West running from the Cooks River to Iron Cove. 22 May 2013 Artists are encouraged to submit works that celebrate the urban environment, sustainable transport and community connections in Sydney’s Inner West. The winner of the GreenWay Open Art Prize will receive a $3000 cash prize and the opportunity to have their works exhibited at Art Est. Art School and Gallery in Leichhardt as well as receiving a print package from Huxbury Print Group. There is also a $2000 Cooks River Small Sculpture Prize and People’s Choice Award for $500 worth of Derivan art supplies to be won. All works submitted must be able to be hung on a wall and fall within one of the following broad categories of painting,
Xrytrytr rytrytrytrt ryrytry drawing, printmaking and photography. Small sculptures submitted must not exceed 45cm3 and
must be able to be displayed on a plinth. Prize winners will be announced at the opening
night of the exhibition on 12 November. For more information visit greenway.org.au
Walk brings hope for baby Brianna by Mitchell Jordan
STRATHFIELD mum Kylie and her baby Brianna both need the community to put their best feet forward next month. In February this year, Kylie gave birth to her girl, Brianna. At just three years old, Kylie herself was diagnosed with Dopa Responsive Distonia, also known as Segawa’s Disease, for which there is no treatment. Knowing Kylie’s condition, she decided to test Brianna for DRD. Sadly, Kylie got the heartbreaking news that Brianna was showing signs of suffering the same difficulties as Kylie. Xrytryryrytry Photo: “When I was a kid, I could never go 360 ice skating, ride a bike or even play most sports – anything involving balance was a challenge. “I used to stay home during sports days because I couldn’t bear to just sit and watch,” she said. “The hardest thing is knowing that Brianna will miss out on so many things that other kids her age will enjoy.” As Brianna gets older and is more
active, she will tire out easily as the day progresses and lack coordination. “Our lives have changed in the way we have to be more careful with her and when she starts walking she may fall over more frequently due to this disease, and when she is sick with things like the common cold it makes the Dystonia more painful and noticeable,” Kylie said. The brave mum remains optimistic that her daughter can still enjoy childhood as much as other babies. “I hope Brianna can reach all her baby milestones – whilst some may be delayed – and live a happy life,” she said. “I look forward to taking her to the local park, zoo and aquarium when she is a bit older and I’m enrolling her in infant swimming later in the year.” On 13 September, hundreds of people from around Sydney will head to Parramatta Park to participate in a walkathon which raises money for Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Westmead. Ks for Kids – The Walk to Beat Childhood Disease gives walkers the option of taking on a 30km challenge or a shorter 6km version. To register, visit ksforkidswalk. gofundraise.com.au/
Brave mum Kylie and Brianna both face the challenge of living with Segawa’s Disease.
SUNDAY 6 & 20 SEPTEMBER
9.00am to 1.00pm Cintra Park (Car Park) Off Crane St, Concord
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NEWS
26 August 2015
BRIEFLY
FASTEST SELLING BOOK Dymocks has reported The 65 Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton, is the fastest selling Australian book in the last 10 years, with first day sales reaching more than 2,250. Andy will be signing copies of his new book at 10:30am on August 30 at Dymocks, Burwood. PHOTO COMPETITION The mEYE World Photographic Competition raises awareness of macular disease and its Australian patron Ita Buttrose is encouraging people to enter. Simply submit a photograph online along with a brief description of how it captures the competition theme See My World. There are more than $13,000 worth of prizes to be won. Entries close on September 8. See www.meyephotocomp.com.au ST PAUL’S PARISH FAIR A Parish Fair in the grounds of St Paul’s Church at 205 Burwood Road Burwood will be held on Saturday 5 September from 9am to 2pm. There will be a BBQ Breakfast, sale of jams, cakes, books, Bric a Brac, vogue clothing, morning tea, a Korean Food Stall and South African delicacies. NSW JUSTICES ASSOCIATION Ashfield/Burwood branch for the New South Wales Justices Association will hold their next meeting on Wednesday, 16 September at 7.15 pm, at Club Burwood RSL, 96 Shaftesbury Rd, Burwood. During the meeting a training session will be held. All Justices of the Peace and those wanting to become Justices of the Peace are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Free Punk Rock performances
Disabled become wheelie warriors PEOPLE with moderate to severe disabilities are being given the unique opportunity to experience riding on specially adapted wheelchair motorcycles thanks to a growing par tnership b etween AFFORD and Wheelie Warriors. Wheelie Warriors, a not-for-profit organisation that strives to enhance the quality of life for people living with disability, has been providing the rides to the Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD) Ashfield Day Program over the last 18 months. Team Leaders from AFFORD have requested visits from the Wheelie Warriors as a way of offering their clients new life experiences.
Meningococcal season Wanted: tradies strikes Sydney
With hormones raging and minimal adult supervision, nothing can mask the underlying tension that is building closer and closer to the surface. Performances are free, however bookings are essential through Eventbrite. Visit eventbrite.com.au and search for ‘Ashfield Youth Theatre’ or for further information visit ashfieldyouththeatre.com. Performances will be at 7:30pm on 20-22 and 27-29 August.
ELECTRICAL
of year for Sydney-siders to be wary of meningococcal, Sydney Local Health District has warned. The warning follows a student at the University of Technology, Sydney being diagnosed with the disease last month. Meningococcal disease is an infection that causes meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and severe blood infection. “The first symptoms of meningococcal disease may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet, and abnormal skin colour. Babies with the
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POSITION VACANT
tradespeople by industry employers. infection can be irritable, not THE next generation of “What industry employers feed properly and have an jobseekers are being urged need now are more skilled abnormal cry,” Dr Najjar said. to consider an apprentice or workers placed in jobs to meet “Other symptoms can include traineeship as a long-term career their high levels of business high fever, headache, neck option to take advantage of the confidence,” he said. stiffness, dislike of bright lights, current unprecedented period “The students today are nausea and vomiting, a rash of of investment in NSW. not just the tradespeople of reddish-purple spots or bruises, In an attempt to encourage tomorrow – they are our future and drowsiness.” more apprentices and trainees, entrepreneurs and our future The disease can be a the NSW Government has business leaders.” THE FRIENDLY PLACE TO SHOP AND DINE carpenters $2.3 billion in vocation “Electricians, life-threatening condition and invested up to 10 per cent of cases can be and training as well as investing and business services are the fatal. Infections may also result $48 million to create 200,000 fee trades and traineeships the next in severe complications that free scholarships over the next generation should be thinking about as a career or business cause deafness and loss of limbs. four years. Minister for Skills, John venture, as these are the jobs that Treatment with antibiotics will lead to a complete recovery in Barilaro, has highlighted industry needs to place skilled the high demand for skilled workers in.” most cases. by David Barden
IT’S THE TIME THE FRIENDLY PLACE TO SHOP AND DINE
ASHFIELD Youth Theatre is set to perform Simon Stephens Punk Rock this month at Ashfield Town Hall from 20-29 August. Punk Rock is an explosive and exposing look at a group of school students pushed to the limits as they strive to achieve to be the smartest, the funniest, the prettiest and the most athletic. Facing a disinterested world, these seven young people are trying to find their way out of their small town and the small people within it.
Steven Herald, CEO of AFFORD, highlighted the ways in which the unique opportunity enhances the emotional wellbeing of those who are involved in the program. “For some AFFORD customers in wheelchairs, participating in the Wheelie Warriors motorcycle rides is an exciting and thrilling new experience that they will always remember,” he said. “These unique activities engage the minds and b o d i e s of A FFORD customers and Team Leaders have commented that after a Wheelie Warrior ride, customers are more positive and happy.” For more information about AFFORD visit afford. com.au
SOCIAL
Resumes to be sent to:
concordhighschool@pandcaffiliate.org.au Applications close: Wednesday 2 September
PRINTERS SINCE 1977 • • • • • •
PHOTOCOPIES LETTERHEADS BUSINESS CARDS RUBBER STAMPS INVOICE BOOKS NEWSLETTERS
ALL GENERAL PRINTING 16 The Crescent, HOMEBUSH
T: 9746 6434 F: 9746 0495 E: select@zip.com.au
SOCIAL
The Friends of St Thomas’ Cemetery Saturday 29th August at 2.00pm JENNIFER BELL will speak on the
Residents of Willee Street, Burwood
Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Thomas’ Cemetery The memorials and graves in St Thomas’ Cemetery of men who fought in WWI will be marked for easy identification. Visitors can take a moment to remember these soldiers’ service to our country.
Back To Scho ol
For further information contact President, Concord High School P&C at email below. Full position description and Uniform Shop Policy available on request.
PRINTING
ST THOMAS’ LOWER CHURCH HALL KING STREET, ENFIELD
Saturday 5 September • 10am-4pm ST THOMAS’ CEMETERY 60a Coronation Parade, Enfield
DISABILITY ACCESS • PARKING AVAILABLE • FREE ENTRY Enquiries: Sandra
Crofts 9797 1673 sandracrofts84@gmail.com www.anglicansofenfield.org.au
ADVERTISE HERE in this space for only
$66.00
SPORT
26 August 2015
15
Swinging a mallet for school sport by Belinda Noonan
Rotary scholarship applications open BOTH a Pickett Scholarship and Blain Awards are being offered by Burwood Rotary to youth trying to better themselves in difficult circumstances. According to Peter Hamer, President of Burwood Rotary, it is important for the community to know that the Rotary Pickett Foundation and the grants can be made available to assist worthy applicants to develop their skill and talents. “The Award and Scholarship are awarded to persons who satisfy the Trust Criteria and the Trustees that they are financially disadvantaged and are undertaking some form of further study/sporting endeavour that is beneficial to themselves and to the community in general,” he explained. “The awardees do not have to be school aged children and in fact a number have been for post-graduate study.” “However, it is not uncommon for school aged children with excellent academic records or sporting qualifications to seek to improve their abilities through further study or training in their particular sporting, musical or academic field.” The Trustees have in recent times given Blain Awards for assistance with overseas study, attending international sporting events, Nursing, attending Rotary youth programs, financial assistance in completing study programs and overseas acrobatic gymnastics training and competition. To apply contact President Peter for information and an application form at hamerpjc@optusnet.com.au
STUDENTS from Strathfield Girls High School are starting to get the hang of Croquet strategies and stroke sequences involved in Beginner Croquet and by all accounts, the sport is a hit. “The girls have greatly improved their mallet stroke skills. It is such a buzz to watch the students enjoying themselves on our lawns, and they take pride in challenging their personal best each week in a game called ‘Best in Twenty’,” club spokesperson Ruth Bridger said. “What a sight as they stroll in for their sports session with us. We love it.” Strathfield Croquet Club have welcomed Member for Strathfield Jodi McKay as Club Patron who has visited the club to meet the current management team and try out the game. Regular competitions are in full swing with August being a busy month.
“Now that we have won the CroquetNSW Bronze Pennants competition for the second time in a row, competition players get ready for the Enid Brown Friendship Tournament in September, which this year includes AC players from Epping, Eastwood and Strathfield croquet clubs,” Ruth said. In October and November, the Makara tournament, which includes two croquet games played at the international level will be contested by seven Sydney clubs. Strathfield Croquet Club is located 50 Redmyre Road, Strathfield. For more information on the club, free try-out days or for school sport call Ruth Bridger on 9736 3410, email krbridger@bigpond.com or strathfieldcroquet@gmail.com or see their website; www.strathfieldcroquet.wix. com/strathfieldcroquet Pictured: Strathfield Girls High students arriving at Strathfield Croquet Club.
School Holiday Camps 9am-3pm Monday-Friday 21-25 September 2015 $200 per week or $50 per day
EARLY BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL TO GUARANTEE SPOTS
$10 DISCOUNT off the full week price for each additional sibling FREE LUNCH PROVIDED FRIDAYS – Friday is Pizza day! Ask us about Private & Semi-Private tennis lessons (Mon to Sat) After school and Saturday morning kids groups Adult Beginner & Intermediate Groups 24 hour restring service
See our fully st ocke pro sho d p!
4a Lyons Street, Strathfield (Parking via Morwick St), 5 mins walk from Strathfield Train Station Call Alex 0417 432 757 or Shaun 0412 745 557
coaching@strathfieldsportsclub.com.au
www.iwta.com.au
Previous Rotary scholarship awardee, gymnast Danielle Le Ray.
canterbury
8 week semester includes 8 free extra sessions
Olympic ice Rink
saturday 11am - 12.30pm monday 4.15pm - 5.45pm
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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 PhilliPs ave, tasker Park, canterbury
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www.canterburyicerink.com.au
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BURWOOD SCENE
26 August 2015