KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY
Independent FORTNIGHTLY COMMUNITY NEWS
20 MAY 2015 6 October 2011
Calling WWII Veterans
BE WELL FEEL WELL
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NEWS
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Volume 09 No.20
NEWS
The ultimate selfie
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6 October 2011
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Golf club swings $50m land deal Strathfield Golf Club has secured its future following a $50million sale of 2.2 hectares of redundant land on April 23. by Belinda Noonan
THE land sell off to Brisbane residential developer Metro Property Developments and financiers Alceon Group will leave the golf course area untouched, thus giving the club the funds to design a new course layout and purpose-built, state-of-the-art clubhouse on the northern side that is likely to be traditional in design. Covering over 39 hectares, the 2.2ha of redundant land sold is the current site of an out-dated clubhouse, carpark and a practice range. Metro’s development application to Strathfield Council could seek a mixed development of up to 310 apartments and townhouses with north-facing views over the golf course, but there is a suggestion that the development would not be that large. The sale is a huge bonus and a relief for Strathfield Golf Club’s board, general manager and members. “We are delighted with the outcome because six months ago when we sought and gained enthusiastic approval from our members to sell the land, we were given a valuation of about $34 million,” General Manager Neil Hardy said. “To receive what we have from Metro Property Development is a great result.”
Strathfield Golf Club General Manager Neil Hardy alongside the practice range that has been sold.
Big plans for a ‘premium’ Strathfield course Continued on page 14
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20 May 2015
O
NCE upon a long forgotten time, only one sound would emanate from the desire or need to communicate – other than yelling at someone in the house to get attention. The trusty telephone sitting on the hallway stand or on the desk. Because old movies are on my fave list, I was watching one of those 1950s American fluff jobs and a scene came up with a row of women manning a bank of telephones – putting cables in and out, saying “Please hold the line sir” and such like.
desk
Skype, FaceTime, Pinterest and Instagram on multiple devices you are never alone. What’s more, the devices have different noises for each function. A text message alert is not the same as an incoming email and so on.
By Belinda Noonan
Ping, Ding, Beep, Warning, Alert! Being an advocate for women’s equality (why wouldn’t I be – I am a woman), two observations on how life has changed sprang to mind. Firstly, there were never any men in the telephone exchange and the bosses
were rarely women. That’s the way it was.
As I sit at my desk there are four communication tools close to hand. With an average of three hundred emails coming into the office daily, the ping, ding and beeping is constant.
Then my iPad pinged, followed by a mobile phone beep (now called a device) and one of the desktops had a ding fest. Nowadays between email, Twitter, Facebook,
Absorbing the extra noise into my life happened slowly, insidiously and by stealth. I guess it’s like living near a railway line – your mind adjusts to the noise. I hadn’t
fully comprehended how that had occurred to me until a colleague mentioned it after she appeared as an HR expert on SBS’s Insight last week. She was new to Twitter and her appearance on the show doubled her followers in a few hours. “I’ve never heard so many beeps,” she told me. “Facebook and Twitter were going off.” Australians have always been one of the fastest people to adopt new technology, probably due to our remoteness. Our thirst for communication goes back to one of the world’s greatest engineering feats – The 3200km Australian Overland
Telegraph Line from Adelaide to Darwin in 1872, followed by an extension of the line to Western Australia in 1877. Australia was in communication with the world and we loved it. The letters from home to relatives in Old Blighty that took months to exchange could be replaced by a telegram. As of December 2013, Australians owned 30.2 million mobile phones for a population of 22.7 million. But hark, what is that I hear? The land-line telephone! I wonder how long it will be around?
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Inside
Burwood actress gets down to business
JUST SAYIN’ HEALTH @ SCHOOL SPORT
but she sees what she wants and makes sure she gets it,” Isobel Xrytryryrytry Photo: FRESH out of her musical theatre explained. A self-described “chatty and course at NIDA, Burwood’s Isobel 360 to outgoing” child, Isobel started Rose Graham is looking forward bringing the laughs when she stars acting in kindergarten. in Ashfield Musical Society’s How “I would never shut up as a child, to Succeed in Business Without and mum thought I could do that Really Trying. elsewhere,” she recalled. 19-year-old Isobel plays the lead Singing came later on, but the role of Rosemary in the musical, thrill of performing does not come which is based on the book by without nerves. Shepherd Mead. She sees part of “I get horrendous stage fright, but herself in Rosemary. if you surrender to the character “She’s a little bit like me, a bit you don’t feel that anymore,” she socially awkward in some respects said. by Mitchell Jordan
Page 7 Pages 8-10 Page 11 Pages 14-15
An independent fortnightly community newspaper. 100% family owned and operated. Published by Scene Newspapers next issue: Wednesday 3 June 2015 deadline: Wednesday 27 May 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: Sami Jeong saimi@burwoodscene.com.au Paul Brown paul@burwoodscene.com.au Accounts: Aileen Soria aileens@scenenewspapers.com.au Art Director: Kevin Robinson Sales Director: Robin Eggleton 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.
Landing the lead role was also something of a surprise for Isobel, who hasn’t been in the spotlight like this since she was in a school musical in Year 11 at MLC, Burwood. Currently studying social work, she hopes to stay on the stage as much as possible. “Social work is my rational career choice – musical theatre was my irrational choice,” she explained. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying runs on May 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8pm and May 23, 24, 30, 31 at 2pm.
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News
20 May 2015
Finding our WWII veterans
WWII veteran Joe ‘The Survivor’ (front) prepares for his portrait, while Stanley Shardlow, Robert Kirkpatrick, James ‘Jock’ Auld and Victor Totman catch up on old stories.
THE Reflections: Honouring our World War II Veterans project is one of the most ambitious photographic projects ever undertaken in Australia. Members of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) are aiming to commemorate our unsung heroes of World War II in print, and will gift the collection to the Australian War Memorial archives. The collection will provide a compelling pictorial record of returned servicemen and women living in Australia, reinforcing the ANZAC
tradition, “We will remember them”. Local professional photographer Wendy Chung is one of the volunteers as part of this national project. “There is no cost to WWII veterans who will also receive a copy of the image and we are seeking veterans to come forward to take part on the project,” Wendy said. Wendy held the first of three shoots on May 12 at Concord Hospital. The second photo shoot is on May 20 with the third on June 3 from 3pm
to 7pm at Burwood RSL, 96 Shaftesbury Rd Burwood. AIPP have partnered with the Australian War Memorial and the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) and all portraits will be gifted to the Australian War Memorial’s collection in a strictly not for profit community project. Any profit from the resale of photographs will be donated to Legacy and the RSL Foundation. Each veteran will receive a complimentary Kodak printed portrait in a presentation folder to commemorate their service given some 75 years ago.
“The WWII veterans are all in their 90’s now and if we don’t act now to preserve their portraits, it will be too late and all records will be lost,” Wendy said. Anyone who served in World War II is encouraged to register for their free portrait at www. aippveterans.com or call Wendy Chung on 0413003437 or AIPP on (03) 9888 4111. For more information on the AIPP Reflections project visit www.aipp.com.au/about/ the-aipp-reflections-project or call AIPP.
Poles and wires inquiry AN upper house committee was established earlier this month to inquire into the leasing of the electricity network currently owned by the NSW government. The select committee has been examining the government’s proposal to lease 49 per cent of the electricity network, including Ausgrid, TransGrid and Endeavour Energy. T he gove r n me nt has announced its intention to use the proceeds of the lease to fund key infrastructure projects across the state. The committee is looking at the likely implications of the lease on electricity prices, as well as the regulatory framework and newly proposed role of the Electricity Price Commissioner. Expert reports into the proposal, such as those
produced by UBS, Deloittes and Ernst & Young, are being considered, and the inquiry will hear from union and consumer representatives, as well as other government and community organisations. The committee has called Premier Mike Baird and Treasurer Gladys Berejikilian as witnesses. Committee chair Reverend Fred Nile MLC said the inquiry would be important in examining the impacts of leasing the state’s poles and wires, including concerns that electricity will rise and people will lose their jobs. The committee was open to submissions until May 14, and three hearings for the inquiry were held between May 11 and 18. The final report is due June 2.
Motorists pay half a billion in fines NSW motorists paid a record-breaking $553.7 million in road fines during the past four years. The Baird government issued nearly 2,282,000 fine notices over its term in office with revenue growing from $101.9 million in the first year to $178.4 million in the fourth year – a 75 per cent increase over four years. Shadow Minister for Roads Jodi McKay said the spike in fines revenue was the result of the Baird government’s roll out of an extra 200 cameras and
expanded mobile speed cameras which operate up to 7000 hours a month. “Road safety has to be more than just putting up a speed camera and mailing a fine to motorists weeks after the incident has occurred,” Ms McKay said. “We need to be focusing on high-visibility policing, warning notices and more speed monitoring signs to encourage motorists to change their behaviour before they put themselves and others in harm’s way.”
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news YOUR News
20 May 2015
FROM BURWOOD COUNCIL
M AY O R ’ S M E S S A G E
Unveiling the statue
The Bugler from Burwood
Follow me on Twitter: @johnfaker
I
t was an honour to unveil The Bugler from Burwood at our Anzac Day Centenary Service in Burwood Park. The sculpture, an initiative of Burwood Council and Burwood RSL in conjunction with the Burwood Anzac Day Centenary Years’ Commemorative Service Committee, will serve as a permanent reminder of those who defended our nation in World War I. One of the local stories immortalised in the statue is of Leonard Hall who survived Gallipoli,
fought with Lawrence of Arabia and returned home to the love of his life. You are able to read his story on one of the plaques located on the base of the sculpture. I encourage you to visit Burwood Park to see the sculpture as it watches over the Burwood Memorial Arch and the 937 names inscribed on it. Over the next four years we will continue to hold a range of services and initiatives in commemoration of the centenary of Anzac.
Wrap with Love group
The Bugler from Burwood unveiled
T
he Bugler from Burwood was unveiled at the Burwood Anzac Day Centenary Service.
Wrap with Love turns five L
C O N TA C T S
The Bugler from Burwood
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
C R S A L LY D E A N S
C R L E S L E Y F U R N E AU X - CO O K
C R J U S T I N TAU N TO N
0408 227 826 lesley.furneaux-cook@burwood.nsw. gov.au
0488 083 108 justin.taunton@burwood.nsw.gov.au
CR GEORGE MANNAH
0425 691 838 ernest.wong@burwood.nsw.gov.au
0448 133 396 george.mannah@burwood.nsw.gov.au
CR ERNEST WONG
0424 022 627 sally.deans@burwood.nsw.gov.au
Burwood Council, Level 2, 1–17 Elsie Street, Burwood NSW 2134
9911 9911 www.burwood.nsw.gov.au
MEETINGS
ast Tuesday the Burwood Wrap with Love group celebrated their fifth Birthday at the Library and Community Hub.
The Wrap with Love group knits blankets and wraps that go out to more than 40 aid agencies to help those in need.
• Council Meeting – 25 May 2015 at 6pm in Council Chambers Please note: Council Meeting for 22 June 2015 has been cancelled
News
20 May 2015
5
Young inventors come Vivid lights shine on inner west up with ultimate selfie ERSKINEVILLE will join Circular Quay and other parts of the city for this year’s Vivid Sydney lightshow, which begins May 22 and runs until June 8. A record number of high profile international artists, weeknight cabaret and a drag show will all be part of the menu at the Imperial Hotel and Spice Cellar for VIVID ERSKNVL. The venue will become a hub of arts, music and light for two weeks to mark the arrival of the celebrated lightshow to the inner west. “Vivid Sydney 2015 is all about spreading our wonderful festival right through the City, so it’s great see Erskineville come into the Vivid fold,” said Ignatius Jones, creative director of Vivid Sydney. For water taxi operators, Vivid Sydney is a bone of contention after the RMS imposed restrictions on the use of wharves on peak nights and will not allow
The SelfiePlus Tempus by Saimi Jeong
THE hottest craze on the market is the ‘selfie stick’, which allows those swept up in the phenomenon of taking photos of themselves to position their smartphone beyond the limiting arms-length range. Four friends jumped on the bandwagon, but after three broken selfie sticks and a smashed-up Samsung Galaxy S4, they were frustrated enough to create their own. The young entrepreneurs, Filadelfo Briganti, Erwin Wong, Philip Liang and Alyssa Mak, all aged between 18 and 24, got together in a
Vivid Sydney kicks off on May 22.
access from four others. After complaints by the operators, the RMS revised some of the restrictions. “Following consultation it has been decided to permit water taxis to enter Sydney Cove and use berthing facilities at Eastern Pontoon on Friday and Saturday 22
and 23 May, between 6pm and 11pm for passenger transfer provided certain conditions are met,” the RMS advised. Among the restrictions are that vessels are to wait behind the waiting line in east Circular Quay, will not impede the operations of other commercial vessels
using Eastern Pontoon and that passengers waiting to board water taxis will not be marshalled on the promenade adjacent to Eastern Pontoon. “I, along with the other water taxi companies could not find any reason for these restriction to be imposed,” said Lance Jones.
Protect yourself from Fraud SelfiePlus inventors Erwin Wong 22, Alyssa Mak 20, Philip Liang 24, Filadelfo Briganti 18.
The Friends of St Thomas’ Cemetery
The next meeting for the Friends of St Thomas’ Cemetery is on
Saturday 30th May at 2pm
in the St Thomas’ Lower Church Hall, King Street Enfield Sandra Crofts will speak on the ‘Legislative leaders buried in St Thomas’ Cemetery’. A walking tour of the Cemetery will follow the presentation.
back room in Elsie Street in Burwood to design a new compact extending selfie stick that they would want to use. The group branded their design ‘SelfiePlus’ and now plan to produce more of the completed product, the Tempus selfie stick. Er win Wong, the operations chief, says the selfie stick trend has taken hold in the market. “Anyone can buy a selfie stick from generic hot dollar stores or on eBay for under $10, but the likelihood of it breaking after a few uses is incredibly high.” “You could fork out $100 or more for the type used by serious hikers and adventurers. The only issue with that is that you look more like you’re carrying a camera tripod than a selfie stick,” Erwin says. Quality is what the group is after. “The only thing that truly matters is quality. Why buy a fragile $10 selfie stick from your local two-dollar store to hold up your branded $1,000 phone?” Philip Liang asks. The f ina l hurd le for SelfiePlus is the manufacturing cost, which they expect will cost three times more than the average stick. In order to put the Tempus on the market at an affordable price, the group launched a Kickstarter campaign last week to raise the funds to manufacture in bulk, thus bringing costs down. C he ck out w w w. myselfieplus.com
valued at tens of millions of dollars. Commander of the NSW Fraud and Cybercrime Squad, Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis, said fraud, particularly online fraud, was one of the great modern challenges for police. “O ur reliance on technology has created aa raft of new opportunities for criminals, but members of t h e c om mu n it y can greatly reduce the probability of becoming a victim,” Det Supt Katsogiannis said. “From protecting your
personal details online to being cautious about the websites you visit, to knowing how to spot a scam, there are a range of steps you can take to protect yourself. Police launched three online videos and a series of fact sheets to help people avoid the traps of three common types of fraud: online fraud, credit and debit card fraud, and scam. Fraud tips will be tweeted all this week with the hashtag #FraudWeekNSW. “I also want to stress t hat your p ers ona l information, from your
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birth date and address to your banking details, are incredibly valuable to criminals who can use that information to access your financial accounts or set up fake identities which are then used to commit other crimes,” Det Supt Katsogiannis said. The videos and fact can be viewed at www.police. nsw.gov.au. Cybercrime reports can be made online at www.acorn.gov.au or at any police station. Information on scams can be found at www. scamwatch.gov.au
Have you taken care of your Will? We can help.
Most of us don’t think about it very much, but having a good Will is one of the best ways to make sure the people who matter to you are taken care of. And it doesn’t have to be difficult or costly. The Salvos offer a community service in which generous local solicitors put Wills together in exchange for a $50 contribution to our community work. It’s a great way to make sure you have a Will that reflects your wishes and help people in crisis at the same time.
Wednesday 3 June 2015
31 Wilga Street, Burwood 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm There is no obligation at all to provide a bequest to The Salvation Army. If, after taking care of your loved ones, you would like to support our services for the community, you are of course most welcome to do so.
Appointments essential.
To make an appointment call 1800 337 082 between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Refreshments will be available
ATTENDANCE IS FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME Enquiries to SANDRA CROFTS on 9707 1673
THE NSW Police Force is urging people to protect themselves from fraud in a crime prevention campaign launched for National Consumer Fraud Week. Fraud offences cost the Australian economy billions of dollars each year and in NSW alone 43,000 fraud incidents were reported to police in the 12 months to February 2015. The ACCC reports that almost 100,000 scams are reported to authorities in Australia each year, with losses from those scams
For more information visit salvos.org.au/wills
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20 May 2015
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The ‘powerhouse’ behind the Arch Just sayin’…
By Mitchell Jordan
Mitchell@scenenewspapers.com.au
A struggle with reality
(at back from left) Peter Stephens, Sheilagh Kelly-Stephens, Wesley Stokes, Elaine Stokes (nee Stephens). (seated) Prof Emeritus (Surgical Oncology) Fred Stephens. by Belinda Noonan with Peter Stephens
THE last family to lay a wreath at the Burwood ANZAC Memorial Service this year has possibly the strongest connection to Burwood’s Memorial Arch. The Stephens family quietly, and without fanfare or introduction, came around from the front of the Arch to lay flowers and privately pay their respects. The group of five conveyed a collective solemn emotion, which drew my attention. The eldest family member to attend the Service, Professor Emeritus Fred Stephens is the son and nephew of two World War I veterans on the Memorial Arch. He is also the grandson of the Burwood Mayor (1915, 1922 and 1923), Frederick Reed who raised the funds to build the Arch. “My grandfather Hedley L Stephens and his uncle F. Harold Reed were both Burwood boys who served
on the Western Front in WW1. “Both are memorialised on the Burwood Arch, as are many of their cousins and mates, several of whom did not come home,” said Peter Stephens (great grandson of Fred Reed and son of Prof. Stephens). “In raising the funds to build the Arch, Fred Reed asked returned soldiers whether they would prefer to raise money for a Soldier’s Memorial Monument or a Club Room. In the end they raised enough money for both.” “Being a strict Methodist, it was a proud boast of Fred Reed’s that both were erected ‘without one penny of the funds having been raised from raffles, penny-wheels or any form of gambling, however mild’,” Peter said. That Fred Reed was a powerhouse in the community is evident. He was mayor three times, his son Harold Reed was also a mayor at some
point and between them they served continuously on Burwood Council from around 1910 to 1974. They ran local bakeries ‘Reed & S ons’ and ‘Stephens & Reed’ and the list of Fred’s positions in the community is staggering and include: President of Burwood RSL, President of the Croydon Chamber of Commerce, Grand Master of the Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of NSW, Master of the NSW Masonic Lodge Empire Temperance and Patron of Croydon Boy Scouts. He sat on the Western Suburbs Hospital and the Malvern Hill Methodist Church Boards (for which he purchased the land and co-founded in 1909) and represented Australian business at the League of Nations in 1925 as President of the Master Bakers Association of Australasia. Hi great-grandson, Peter Stephens has written a 70,000 word draft on the impact of the Great War on this tight little
Burwood group, based largely on their surviving war letters, War Service Records, archival material and surviving local history. Anyone interested in knowing more can contact Peter by calling 0431 578 684 or email peter-stephens@optusnet. com.au
HOW the SBS must have been laughing after the media frenzy – garbage trucks and all – over its documentary, Struggle Street. No psychic ball was needed to know that, even if it was one hour of watching the grass grow, the documentary debut was still going to be a ratings winner, and indeed it was, attracting an audience of 1.31 million. You couldn’t ask for better publicity. Labelled “poverty porn”, the threepart series about life in Mount Druitt, which was shrunk to span across just two weeks is a complex beast. The introduction and voiceover are cringe-worthy, its portrayal of drug addiction, pregnancy and domestic violence is brutally realistic and heavy going, while other scenes, such as a nomadic Aboriginal man living in the bush with a mobile phone, and claims that a down-onhis-luck father’s choice for snack food were paid for by producers, raise more questions than they answer. Yet for any of its faults – this is reality television, after all – Struggle Street has started a much-needed dialogue that has been silenced for too long by political correctness. Born in Windsor, I have never been to Mount Druitt, but I did spend more than a decade in rural New South Wales. On some levels there is little difference: pregnancy happens young, job prospects are few and boredom and isolation lead to drugs or anything that might appear exciting, regardless of the consequences. Of all forms of media, television is arguably the most restrictive. If Home and Away is to be believed
or taken as an accurate portrayal of Australia, youth hang out at the diner, have perfect bodies despite a staple diet of hamburgers and milkshakes, know how to surf and are all white and middleclass. When was the last time you saw someone on commercial TV living in a housing estate and collecting scrap metal to make ends meet? Even Kath and Kim live in a two-storey house with a spa. My friend, who moved to Australia from India, often despairs over the lack of Indians and other nationalities on Australian screens. Neighbours, set in Melbourne – a city with a strong Indian community – introduced an Indian family into Ramsey Street, though such a move was met with opposition from viewers and the characters were eventually written out. Meanwhile, the state’s reality show, The Real Housewives of Melbourne is very white, very melodramatic but doing well enough to be in its second season. When I started out as a journalist I remember reading a quote that: “News is what makes someone, somewhere angry.” These words have compelled me to keep writing even though our society trains us to anticipate offense or injustice over every word. One three-part program can never speak for everyone who lives in a suburb, but we should congratulate those willing to share their struggles. If watching their lives and listening to their stories make people feel uncomfortable then the SBS has done its job.
Mitchell Jordan is Deputy Editor at Burwood Scene.
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BE WELL…FEEL WELL to deal with Natural Therapies Fair How bullying behaviour TAROT readings, exotic lotions and potions will feature at the first Connections Natural Therapies and Gifts Fair held at Burwood RSL next month. Local practitioners in natural therapies and psychic healing will be brought together on Sunday, June 21, to promote Burwood businesses in the area of mind, body and spirit healing. Visitors can look for new ways to de-stress, relax, try meditating and learn from alternative therapists. The fair’s organiser, Cheryl Cattarin, has worked in natural therapies for more than 25 years. “Often, natural therapies businesses need help to promote themselves, and the fairs provide that opportunity,” Ms Cattarin said. T he re w i l l b e a variety of gifts, as well as opportunities to be pampered with reflexology, which involves applying pressure to the feet and hands, and reiki,
Cheryl Cattarin
a technique used by practitioners who believe they are transferring “universal energy” through their palms to encourage healing. Specialists will talk about self-healing, positive
sore feet?
lifestyles, nutrition, naturopathy, kinesiology, hypnotherapy, mind, body and spirit well-being. All workshops and stage presentations are free after the entry fee of $15.
Burwood Scene readers can take advantage of a discount by presenting the ‘Wellness Fair’ ad on page 9. For more information, visit www.ntgf.com.au
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AT SOME point in our lives, we have all been exposed to bullying – whether it be in the school yard, at work, socially or at home. Catherine Cahill from Worksense Solutions, who has many years expertise advising business, says that the cause of bullying at work can range from poor management due to a lack of skill or training, through to very serious, toxic behaviour. Bullying could be caused by a personality disorder such as Narcisistic Personality Disorder. Some experts estimate as many as one in 100 people can display this severe form of bullying behaviour. Typical behaviours of this type of bully in the workplace – or organis at ion, w hich can include volunteer organisations, sporting groups and the like can be characterised. The Narcissistic Bully can be: • Engaging and Charming and then, without warning, aggressive and frightening. • People not on receiving end find it hard to work out what they are really like • Spend lots of energy manipulating others • F ind powerful and influential people to support them, then target others to bully • L ack normal empathy,
so they don’t care about making others feel bad • Want to feel powerful and make all the decisions, and be singled out for praise • Have little insight into the impact of their behaviour – so they don’t respond to their victim’s negative emotions • If a victim learns how to effectively disengage from a bully, the bully eventually loses interest and moves on to someone else. “In my experience Not for Profit organisations can attract as many if not more bullies than other organisations, because bullies can more easily access positions that make them feel powerful,” Catherine said. “With volunteers in particular, there are fewer checks and balances and a great reluctance to discipline a volunteer, and so the bully is more likely to get away with the behaviour.” Dealing with Narcissistic Bullies • Do not confront the bully directly. This could lead to the situation becoming worse. • Remain grounded and calm (this takes practice) • Do not give in or cave to a bully’s tantrums; try not to respond emotionally to their tantrums. Try to view their outbursts as you would a 2 year old throwing a tantrum (ie wait it out).
• Recognise you are dealing with a bully, and accept that you’re “normal” responses will not work. • R ealise that bullying behaviour is not personal – there is nothing wrong with you. • This type of Bully will bully anyone they can. • Adopt a mindset that you will ‘let the bully down’ but not the organisation or bu s i n e s s . St ay detached from the Bully. • Recognise the physical responses you have to bullying behaviour (ie: does the bully make you feel intimidated, which results in physical responses or reactions?) Practice recognising and reducing this response • In emails: Only reply with points that need to be actioned. Keep all emails short and do not engage in multiple back and forth emails. Do not react to any insults or criticisms. Stick to facts only. • Speaking: Pause before responding. Repeat what the bully has said to you in a neutral tone, so that – if possible more people can hear and comprehend what is actually being said. Example: “Did you mean to say…” or repeating back what said. Catherine suggests the book ‘Emotional Vampires’ by Albert Bernsteim, which provides a step-by-step guide on how to deal with bullies.
When your shoes come to you FIT WELL Footwear in Enfield are a specialist shoe store that are leaders in providing health and comfort solutions. People with various medical conditions or foot problems who require well fitting, comfortable shoes that suit all occasions will find what they are looking for. Owner, Susan Cansdell and her specialised staff are
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THIS winter Australians will have access to vaccines which cover the four most common influenza viruses. The general public will have the opportunity to access FluQuadri/ FluQuadri Junior (inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine) on private prescription this flu season, which typically runs from May to October. Both offer protection against the flu from 6 months of age onwards. “The availability of quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIVs) provide us with another option in safeguarding against the
flu,” said Sydney-based GP, Dr Ginni Mansberg. According to a release from Influenza Specialist Group, flu causes an average of over 18,000 hospitalisations and between 1,500 and 3,500 deaths in Australia from complications such as pneumonia and secondary bacterial infections. “It is important to get your flu shot early, to allow about two weeks for antibodies to develop. Flu viruses change all the time, so the vaccine from last year may not cover the strains of virus circulating this year,” Dr Mansberg added.
YOUR HEALTH
20 May 2015
Winter warmers that won’t widen the waistline
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WINTER is just around the COMFORT FOOD SWAP WITH corner, which means cravings Hot Potato Chips Hot Pumpkin Chips for carb-laden comfort foods Steer clear of these empty carbs, which have Make these in the oven at home for a tasty, lowcan’t be far behind – and packing on a few pounds under snuggly close to no nutritional value. carb snack, packed with nutrients. layers is the inevitable result. Pizza Cauliflower Crust Most Australians will admit Switch out the base and you can still enjoy it – For a low-carb alternative, blend or finely chop to eating more fast food, snacks just beware the hidden carbs in the sauce. cauliflower, then add cheese and egg. and take-away treats once the chill sets in because they make Pies Shredded Broccoli with Cheese them feel warmer and happier. Pies sold in cafes and restaurants are often Make your own potpie at home, swapping pastry However, happiness often loaded with sugars and thickening agents. for shredded broccoli and cheese. gives way to disappointment Pasta Zucchini and Carrot Strips, or Low-Carb Pasta come spring time, when we find Pasta is loaded with simple carbohydrates that Swap spaghetti for veggie strips made from we’ve gained a few kilos without will leave you craving more. zucchini and carrot. noticing. A new editorial published Hearty Soup Skip the roll and choose wisely in the British Journal of Sports Avoid minestrone or other soups containing Skip the roll and opt for pumpkin, low-carb Medicine has revealed excess pasta or potato. veggie or tomato flavours. sugar and carbohydrates, often our go to foods during winter, Noodle Stir Fry Vegetable Stir Fry are the key culprits in weight Noodle heavy stir-frys regularly can end in Pick protein and veggies instead with natural gain and lifestyle diseases. overeating, bloating and feelings of guilt. flavours such as olive oil, chilli and garlic. There is a solution though, Fried Rice Cauliflower Rice with nutritionists revealing White rice doesn’t satisfy like fats and proteins Chop cauliflower florets and sauté in olive oil clever ways to enjoy your do and spike insulin levels. with bacon and low-carb veggies. winter comfort foods without sacrificing your waistline – and it’s all about food swapping. The Atkins diet focuses on whole fruits, leafy green vegetables, whole meat and tofu) – while eliminating Atkins’ top winter food swap foods rich in vitamins and ‘good grains, nuts, legumes, dairy, good ‘bad’, highly processed carbs such suggestions include: carbohydrates’ including low sugar fats, and protein (fish, poultry, red as white flour and sugar.
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YOUR HEALTH
20 May 2015
Antibiotic overuse creating resistance to bacteria THE World Health Organisation has recognised antibiotic resistance as one of the most “primary global health threats today”. In 2014 a report commissioned by the UK Prime Minister estimated that a continued rise in antibiotic resistance by 2050 would lead to 10 million people dying every year, with a financial cost to the world of up to US$100 trillion. Ahead of the 2015 cold and flu season, the Australian Department of Health funded NPS M e d i c i n e Wi s e h a s launched its ‘Winter is coming’ campaign to fight antibiotic resistance to encourage people to spread knowledge, not infection. NPS MedicineWise
Clinical Adviser Dr Jeannie Yoo is encouraging people to get involved and help fight antibiotic resistance this cold and flu season. “Winter is coming and we need people to know the facts about antibiotic resistance. “ The discover y of antibiotics is one of the most important advances of modern medicine but now, because of the overuse and misuse of antibiotics some bacterial infections that were once easily cured with antibiotics are becoming harder to treat,” says Dr Yoo. “Australia’s high level of antibiotic use does contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance, but we are also becoming a global leader in bringing about change.”
As part of its f ive-ye ar c amp aig n, NPS MedicineWise has partnered with Tropfest to launch a novel short film competition #savethescript designed to tap into the skills and expertise of our creative storytelling community. The competition encourages people to make short 45 second films to generate awareness about this global health issue. Australians are asked to get involved by sharing our antibiotic resistance facts on social media, taking The Pledge to fight antibiotic resistance, and entering the #savethescript short film competition. “The reality is that antibiotics are losing their power. But individuals,
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through their own actions and choices, can be part of the solution,” says Dr Yoo. “We are encouraging people not to ask for antibiotics for ordinary colds and flu this winter because they understand that antibiotics won’t help them recover faster from a viral infection.” Dr Yoo says that your immune system can fight viral infections. The #savethescript Tropfest and NPS MedicineWise competition is inviting entries until 5pm Friday 31st May 2015. $10,000 in prize money is up for grabs. To find out more visit winteriscoming.nps.org.au
Eco Living for tots and toys
A BABY clothing and toy swap event is being held by Ashfield Council on Thursday May 28 as part of the Treading Lightly Eco-Living in the Inner West program. The treading lightly program aims to reduce waste and to look at practical ways to help the local environment. “If you need a few
extra things for bub for winter why not pull out those too small but hardly worn clothes and swap them for something the right size?” the Mayor of Ashfield, Lucille McKenna suggested. “A great way to do that is to swap items that have been sitting unused in a cupboard for items that you can use instead of buying new ones.”
Swapping items reduces the amount of textile waste going to landfill, conserves resources, and reduces the use of chemicals used in the manufacture of synthetic fabric and dyes. And it saves money. The Baby Clothing and Toy Swap event will be held on Thursday 28 May in the Ashfield Town Hall. Residents are encouraged to drop off
their items between 9.00am and 9.45am. Swap Time commences at 10.00am. Residents are able to bring up to ten items per person with sizes from 000 to 2. Due to health regulations no soft toys are allowed and only clean and good quality clothing and toys will be accepted.
Happy workplaces AUSTRALIAN businesses receive an average return of $2.30 for every $1 they invest in effective workplace mental health strategies, according to
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beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman. “ T h i s i s b e c au s e healthy employees take fewer sick days, file fewer compensation claims and are more productive at work than employees who are unwell,” she said. Employers are being offered heavily subsidised beyondblue workplace training sessions to improve the mental health of the Australian workforce. The offer, which expires on June 30, is open to all Australian small and
medium businesses with up to 199 employees and all not-for-profit organisations. beyondblue’s National Workplace Program offers organisations five different training sessions, ranging from courses designed specifically for managers and HR professionals, to one designed for executives that offers training on leadership strategies to address mental health in the workplace. The subsidy means that, for as little as $300, organisations can have
mental health professionals attend their workplace to train an unlimited number of staff about depression and anxiety, the impact of these conditions and how to support colleagues who may be struggling. The subsidy is provided by the Commonwealth Department of Health and courses range in length from half an hour to four hours. To book a training session call 1300 134 644 or email mentalwellbeing@ davcorp.com.au
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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.
@ SCHOOL 11
20 May 2015
@ SCHOOL
Pre kindies stretch their wings
Federal funding for preschools
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
FAMILIES will continue to have access to 600 hours of preschool per year, or 15 hours per week, with the federal government committing $840 million to early childhood education. The federal government will provide state and territory governments with another two years of preschool funding over the 2016 and 2017 calendar years, in addition to the 12-month extension provided last year. Member for Reid, Craig
Laundy, said that funding under the National Partnership Agreement would be indexed for the first time. “Since 2008, both preschool enrolments and attendance have increased greatly, but there is still some way to go, particularly in relation to attendance by indigenous, vulnerable and disadvantaged children,” Mr Laundy said. “This funding will be used to support continuing increases in both enrolment and attendance.”
THREE to five year olds at All Saints Early Learning Centre arrive each day with excitement, looking forward to the day’s event and socialising with their friends. The purpose-built Centre at All Saints, which is located across the road from the primary campus gives children the best of both worlds. The centre provides a rich environment whereby learning takes place indoors and outdoors,” said Head of School Elfa Lillis. The children also have the benefit of having close contact with the Primary school, visiting the campus for specialist music lessons, library and the school gymnasium for PE. A specialist language teacher visits for a Greek language session, which provides a wonderful association with the school and teaching staff and contributes to the positive transition to school for our students,” said teacher Emma Lyon. The program at Pre-Kindy is child centred and based on the view that children learn best through interaction with parents, staff, their peers and environment. “We empower children to discover their true potential as they create meaning in their world, stretch their creative thinking and practise social skills, meet new challenges and build resilience,” Miss Lyon said.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Survey on Schoolies Back To safety at Gold Coast
PAST Schoolies remember the iconic end of year celebration not only as the best week ever, but as a safe one too, a recent survey has found. Conducted by an online accommodation provider, Schoolies.com, the survey was completed by 7,500 students who attended Schoolies in 2014, with an overwhelming majority speaking highly of Red Frogs, a program that provides peer presence to promote safety in alcohol-fuelled environments where young people gather. “They were like older siblings!
Schoo l Pre-Kinders at All Saints.
Burwood prefects for Nepal Back raise To$2000 Schoo l
Always there for you – and who else would make you pancakes at 1am?” one respondent wrote about the program’s volunteers. “The Red Frogs deserve a medal – these people are seriously real life superheroes during Schoolies… walks back to your accommodation, visits and lots of laughs, what isn’t there to love?” wrote another. Students have already started to book for the weeklong celebration. Around 30,000 Schoolies visit the Gold Coast each year.
Still needs your help
Donations: www.legacy.com.au
BURWOOD Girls High School (BGHS) prefects invited Homebush Boys High School and Ashfield Boys High School to assist in raising money for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal. On Thursday evening, prefects from all three schools coordinated an inter-school disco at BGHS for year 7 and
8 students across the three schools. The night was enthusiastically supported by more than 300 students as well as staff members from the three inner west schools. Tremendous support was also provided by the BGHS P&C who gave their time
to provide music, help with supervision and organise refreshments for the dancers. The $2000 raised will be donated to the Nepal Earthquake Appeal, an issue close to all three schools with students of Nepalese background in their communities.
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Celebrating
Join our open morning tours Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6 Thursday 21 May @ 9:00am Years 7 to 12 Friday 22 May @ 9:00am To register contact the Enrolment Officer on 9718 7715 Primary Campus (Pre-Kinder - Yr 6) Belmore Secondary Campus (Yr 7 - Yr 12) Belmore South E: enrolments@allsaints.nsw.edu.au I www.allsaints.nsw.edu.au
Years
1990 - 2015
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News
20 May 2015
briefly
JOIN PROBUS Strathfield Ladies Probus Club meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at 10am at Burwood RSL Club on Shaftesbury Road. Morning tea is provided, plus guest speakers, bus trips and outings. The ladies also stay after the meeting and enjoy lunch at the Club. Details Sandra 97434260. AUTHORS AT ASHFIELD Monday May 25 – 10am-1pm Level 6 Council Chambers. David Lewis illustrated lecture on Hardboiled Crime Fiction. Morning tea break included. Wednesday May 27 – 1pm Level 6 Council Chambers. Judy King illustrated lecture on Remembering the Lusitania 1915-2015. VIEW CLUB MEETING Concord West VIEW Club will hold its Luncheon Meeting on Wednesday, 27 May at Burwood RSL. This month’s speaker will be June Watson who will be talking about crime novelist Agatha Christie. VIEW Club Ladies raise funds to help the Smith Family to educate the children of struggling families. New members always welcome. For all enquiries call 9747 2829. NEW COMMBANK FOR ASHFIELD MALL Located in Ashfield Mall on level 4 the new CommBank branch features the very latest in banking technology. Alongside the same friendly customer service team, the new features of the branch include; Instant Cash and Cheque Deposit ATM’s, coin counting machine, Video Conferencing capabilities to help get customers face to face with the right banking specialist straight away, iPad Netbank Kiosk and in branch customer Wi-Fi. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday: 9:30am – 4:00pm and Friday: 9:30am – 5:00pm.
NO SMOKING TRIAL IN MARTIN PLACE A year-long smoking ban trail began in Martin Place on 11 May following an investigation by the City PLACE TOthinks SHOP ofTHE Sydney FRIENDLY Council into what the community about smoking in outdoor public places, including Martin Place. Smoking is already prohibited in some areas of Martin Place under NSW Government legislation, including smoking restrictions within up to four metres of a public building doorway with pedestrian access. The government also has no smoking bans in outdoor dining areas coming into force from July this year. BIGGEST MORNING TEA GracePoint Burwood Morning Church are holding a Biggest Morning Tea on Sunday, May 31 at Woodstock, 22 Church Street, Burwood from 10.30am. Sample a smorgeboard of delicious treats and coffee or tea whilst raising money for the Cancer Council. A range of food, including nut-free, gluten-free and dairy-free will be provided, plus fun children’s activities on the day.
ACU dispute settled A CONCEPT plan has been approved by the Land and Environment Court in relation to a staged redevelopment of the Australian Catholic University (ACU) campus at Strathfield. The plan requires any increase in student numbers by ACU is contingent on construction of additional on-site parking and any increases in student numbers will be governed by an independent Campus Travel and Monitoring Plan incorporating targets set out in a ‘green travel plan’, which aims to reduce the number of private vehicles attending the campus. The dispute between residents, Strathfield Council against the ACU has been running since 2012 when Strathfield Council began proceedings in the Land and Environment Court concerning ACUs alleged breach of the existing approvals related to student numbers and the corresponding impact on the surrounding residential areas. Council and ACU recently participated in the Land and Environment Court formal mediation process and reached an agreement to settle these proceedings. The settlement focusses on reducing the transport and parking impacts on local residents in exchange for allowing ACU to maintain its current population of approximately 1450 persons until they can achieve the 1800 and 2200 persons allowable under the court’s AND DINE concept plan approval. Key outcomes include an independent expert to be agreed between Council and ACU to prepare the ‘Green Travel Plan’ and the construction, within two years of the date of court approval, of the new underground car park with a capacity for 292 vehicles, to reduce the number of cars parked on the street. “Strathfield Council was also pleased that a ‘fast-tracked timetable’ had been established to implement key elements of the concept plan approval such as the on-site parking which aid the amenity of surrounding residents,” a council spokesperson said. “The mediation also provided a cost-effective outcome to the court proceedings rather than the matter continuing to a court hearing.”
ELECTRICAL
PUB POLITICS
The budget was around the corner and out came the pollies. Two of the few business-men-turned-pollies, Malcom Turnbull and Craig Laundy organised a Politics in the Pub evening gathering at The Place Hotel in Mortlake. Over 250 locals showed up to let Turnbull and Laundy know their views on all things political. Editor’s Note: The steak and the salmon at the pub was first class! Best pub grub we’ve had in years.
McKay questions Planning Minister over Flower Power THE new Member for Strathfield, Jodi McKay has written to NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes asking about the status of the Department of Planning and Environment’s review into the pre-gateway process. Ms McKay’s letter in early May, after which the Minister has 30 days to reply, asked for the Terms of Reference of the pre-gateway process, who conducted the
review and how many applications have been received by the department. The proposed re-zoning of the Flower Power site at Enfield is determined by the pre-gateway process. Ms McKay has asked the Planning Minister if he will, “agree to meet with residents of Croydon Park and Enfield opposed to the development of the Flower Power site at 27 Mitchell St, Enfield to better understand the significant deficiencies with the pre-gateway process.”
Arnott’s celebrates 150 years FOR its 150th year anniversary, Arnott’s
with their suppliers and charity partners
Parliament House on Thursday, May 7. NSW Premier Mike Baird spoke at the event, which was co-hosted by John Sidoti, Member for Drummoyne. Representatives from Arnott’s bakery at Huntingwood and Arnott’s Asia Pacific headquarters at North Strathfield, along
their staff to enjoy a cuppa and an Arnott’s biscuit. Arnott’s employs around 2400 people in Australia and 99 per cent of Arnott’s biscuits sold in the country are made at one of three bakeries in Huntingwood, NSW; Virginia, QLD; and Marleston, SA.
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News
20 May 2015
13
The town where water works wonders Record April
storm response
Story and photos by Mitchell Jordan
IT’S EARLY on Sunday morning at Central station, and the south coast-bound train is already filled with passengers. Having spent my youth in Wollongong, returning to the south is always a bittersweet experience. The train ride is slow, but visually pleasing with its views of the escarpment and ocean, though I am always quick to remember how, as a teenager looking for anything exciting and different, the dullness of Sundays was almost crippling. There is no discernible trace of cynicism amongst my fellow passengers, who each have wide smiles on their faces that remain for the almost-three hours it takes to reach the train’s final destination, Kiama. The sleepy coastal town of just under 13,000 people has a distinctly different vibe to Wollongong, which feels almost like a city in comparison. Yet it is the former that remains more of a drawcard for tourists. According to Lisa Kelsey, operations manager of Kiama Tourism, the town attracts 900,000 visitors a year. When a friend asked me what there was to see and do in Kiama, I could think of only one response: the Blowhole. And for most who visit, this is reason enough to make the train trip. “It is the famous Kiama Blowhole that draws the crowds every day,” Ms Kelsey explained, “This natural rock formation spouts spectacular plumes of water meters up in to the air, to the delight of visitors.” Still uncertain whether we really wanted to see the Blowhole or not, my friend and I quickly realised that, in Kiama, all paths lead to the spouting rock formation where the number
TOP SHELF
Above: Kiama rock pool is a popular place to swim. Right: Visitors watch the Blowhole in action.
of onlookers could almost rival the population of the town. With masses of rocks to explore surrounded by nothing but blue sky and ocean there is a feeling, perhaps aided by the fact that this is the last stop on the train line, that Kiama could well be the most peaceful place possible. And it is surprising how the simple act of waiting for water to blow up into the sky can be so relaxing, though trying to capture the act with a camera is almost impossible. Perhaps a little-known fact, and one that might make travellers reconsider just taking a daytrip is that the Blowhole also has what Ms Kelsey described as “a smaller relative”, The Little Blowhole, located in Kiama Heights. “This is a great stop on our beautiful Kiama Coast Walk which is a 22km walk which stretches all the way along the coast from Minnamurra to Gerringong,” she added. As far as most visitors are concerned, Kiama is mostly just a main street filled with restaurants and cafes, along with some independent stores that, like the Blue Mountains town, Leura, give
Book review with Mitchell Jordan
Girl in a Band
By Kim Gordon During her thirty years as lead singer and bassist of alternative rock group, Sonic Youth, Kim Gordon was constantly asked the same question by the press: “What’s it like to be a girl in a band?” Her memoir is not entirely devoted to answering this question, but it does give us some idea. Beginning with Sonic Youth’s final concert in 2011, Gordon concentrates on the demise of her marriage to co-singer Thurston Moore after his affair with an unnamed, younger woman. “The couple everyone believes was golden and normal and eternally intact … was just another cliché of middle-aged relationship failure – a male midlife crisis, another woman, a double life,” she writes. Surprisingly, there is little that is clichéd about Gordon’s account of rock and roll life which is by turns literary, gossipy and arty, taking on elements of a scrap book
it an old-world charm that has thankfully avoided becoming overly sentimental. It’s a simple life here in Kiama, which is a stunningly simple place, and it isn’t until you have lived in the city that this starts to become appealing again.
Salvos Captain wins Heart of Community D O O L E YS C l u b a t Lidcombe has awarded former Auburn Salvation Army Captain Nesan Kistan with their Heart of the Community Award at the 2015 Clubs and Community Awards for his ongoing contribution to the Auburn community.
Nesan’s devotion to the community through his work with the Salvation Army has grown from strength to strength since he emigrated from South Africa to Sydney when he was eight years old.
of memory. It’s certainly less rock and roll, but the strongest parts of Gordon’s story are those dealing with her relationship with a schizophrenic brother and her evocation of a long-lost New York where anything seemed possible.
REQUESTS for assistance inundated Strathfield’s NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) Unit during the latest storm, at 59 requests between April 20 and May 2. Strathfield SES Local Controller Darrin Parkin said the unit hadn’t seen this number of jobs from one storm since June 2007, which caused the massive cargo ship Pasha Bulker to run aground off Newcastle. “During 2007, we had 60 requests for assistance in Strathfield,” Mr Parkin said, adding that he was proud of the response by the local NSW SES volunteers during the recent storms. “We’ve had 24 volunteers working on-the-ground to keep the community safe, putting-in a collective 595 operational hours, and I’m proud of our local volunteers for giving up their time to protect the community, even when some had their own houses affected by the storm.” Strathfield SES volunteers were also deployed to Wyong and Gosford to support local crews once the Strathfield area was made safe. Mr Parkin emphasised that the April storms were not during the usual storm season, which is typically in the Christmas period, and served as a reminder of the importance of being prepared. “These recent severe storms fall outside the peak storm season of November to February – so I can’t stress enough to everybody in the Strathfield area how important it is to be prepared and keep your insurance up to date.” Locals can find out more about how to be prepared at stormsafe.com.au. Things you can do to prepare for a severe storm: • Have a storm home emergency plan (make one at seshomeemergencyplan.com.au) • Prepare a home emergency kit • Remove debris from your yard • Trim any overhanging branches • Ensure your roof is well maintained • Keep your home insurance up to date Editor’s Note: Strathfield SES headquarters at the council depot on Weeroona Ave was destroyed three years ago by a suspicious fire, four years after the unit lost all their equipment in another blaze in 2008.
He went to work for the Salvation Army in Auburn over 10 years ago, where he initiated many programs including ‘Salvos Legal’, providing free legal advice for disadvantaged residents. While he’s championed many key projects, Nesan was instrumental in setting
up the Auburn to Africa project in 2009, which set out to adopt the village of Lui in Sierra Leone in order to provide schooling for the village’s 200 children and literacy classes for parents and young adults. Local migrants have also benefitted from the English classes he organised in conjunction with Macquarie University, which have helped them to better integrate into their new communities. “Nesan is an outstanding community leader and has made an enormous contribution not only to the Auburn community but to Western Sydney as a whole,” DOOLEYS CEO David Mantle said. “In recognition of Nesan’s great work, he has recently been promoted to the position of Multicultural C o ordinator for t he
Dooleys CEO David Mantle, Nesan Kistan and club Chairman John Munce.
Salvation Army Australian Eastern Territory.” DOOLEYS also received a Highly Commended Award in
the Education category for their support of local community swimming and water safety programs.
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NEws
20 May 2015
‘Wow’ factor planned for golf club by Belinda Noonan Continued from page 1
STRATHFIELD Golf Club’s $50million land sale of its redundant land to the Metro Property Group paves the way for a new course layout by designer Jim Wilcher from the Golf By Design group. According to General Manager, Neil Hardy the new layout will see Strathfield rival other premium courses but unlike expensive, private clubs, Strathfield Golf Club will first and foremost remain a community-based operation. “We are now focussing on a new clubhouse and new course layout. A Master Plan has almost been agreed upon and is expected to be shown to club members soon,” Mr Hardy explained. “ The b oard prepared diligently for this venture with detailed preparations for over two years. When we applied for rezoning of this land in 2012 we included a planning proposal that involved about
100 apartments and Strathfield C o u n c i l ap p r ov e d t h e subdivision on that basis.” A major benefit of a revitalised layout will be to have the first and 10th holes as a two-tee start configuration near the clubhouse, which would be built on the northern side of the course and entered from Weeroona Avenue. Plans also include better use of the Cooks River as a feature within the course. “We are looking to drastically improve the Cooks River itself and make it a feature of the course with some of the holes crossing it,” Hardy said. The move to a new clubhouse is expected to take place in 2017, with plans for the site and new building already progressing to tenders from architects and other consultants in order to seek Development Approval from Strathfield Council by the end of 2015. The new clubhouse will be specifically designed for modern-day use for members and importantly, weddings
and functions. Hardy sees the desperately needed new clubhouse as a valuable and necessary source of income. “Golf clubs can’t survive these days on member subscriptions alone,” he said. “I inspected the new Huntingdale clubhouse in Melbourne recently and it is fabulous. It boasts so much useful technology, which could not be added on to an existing golf clubhouse.” Plans for the new club house will include greater opportunity for junior golfers and the biggest growing golf demographic – women. “Mostly we are looking to have a fabulous community facility. This is about a premium course that is available to the community and which has the ‘wow’ factor,” he explained. “Our members appreciate that we have a great opportunity to really improve our club in many ways that will benefit everyone without having to borrow the money to do it. However there still is a hell of a lot of work to be done.”
Trinity Grammar is athlete friendly TRINITY Grammar School is one of nine International Baccalaureate schools in the world to be accredited as a World Academy of Sport Athlete Friendly Education Centre. The World Academy of Sport (WAoS) launched a global initiative to accredit schools, universities and other education centres as Athlete Friendly Education Centres in March this year. Trinity will allow student at h l e t e s fo l l ow i ng t h e International Baccalaureate diploma program to gain their IB diploma over a period of up to 4 years instead of the
standard 2 years to help them combine training commitments with academic studies. Chris Artemi, a Year 12 student and water polo representative at Trinity Grammar, said that if he had been given the opportunity to complete the International Baccalaureate over a 4-year period, he would have taken up the offer immediately. “Being a competitive water polo player, I constantly find myself missing out on school for extended periods of time,” he said. Trinity Grammar completed its accreditation visit by the
WAoS in 2014 during which the school showcased its sport program and facilities. Chris Solly, WAoS Director said athletes committed to their sport struggle with prioritising either sport or education, at times sacrificing achievement in one to get ahead in the other. “We aim to be able to work with schools and universities throughout the world to ensure that sacrifices which athletes have had to make in order to achieve their goals in both school and sport are more streamlined and manageable,” Mr Solly said.
Entry to the new clubhouse will be via Weeroona Avenue.
“Most of our members are prepared to endure the temporary course disruptions because the ultimate benefits to them will be huge.” To ease disruption, course designer Jim Wilcher plans a staged occasional greens closure over the two-year building program beginning in early 2016. It is likely that the course will not have two even nine holes in the new layout, but eight holes out and back to the clubhouse and then ten holes on the other side.
Residential haven Metro Property Group, who purchased the 2.2 hectares where the old club house, car park and practise range are currently located, expect to market the first stage of the new residential development by the end of this year. The Brisbane-based group have made several successful forays into other states before clinching the deal for the prime inner west location. “It’s our first apartment site in Sydney and we expect a strong
owner-occupiers interest, as well as interest from the investment market,” Metro chief executive Luke Hartman told The Australian Financial Review. “The proposed development of apartments and townhouses has proved popular with Strathfield club members with many already inquiring as to when they will be available to buy off the plan.” The Strathfield site will offer a north-facing aspect, overlooking a lush green and leafy golf course.
Centenary Park to go ahead LABOR Member for Strathfield, Jodi McKay, has written to NSW Sports Minister, Stuart Ayres, asking when the promised $500,000 funding to upgrade the amenities block at Centenary Park in Croydon will be provided to Ashfield Council. Prior to the state election, NSW Premier Mike Baird
promised the funding for the ageing facility that services thousands of sports participants each week. Mr Ayres has confirmed the government’s commitment, saying, “Prior to the March 28 election, the Government committed funding to upgrade
the amenities building at Centenary Park, Croydon.” “That commitment will absolutely be met by the NSW Government. At this stage, I cannot pre-empt any announcements ahead of the State budget on 23 June,” the Minister said.
Strathfield Golf Club
LOOKING FOR A GOLF CLUB TO J IN?
YOU CAN JOIN AND PLAY 7 DAYS A WEEK from as little as
$1300
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NEW LIMITED 35 GAME CATEGORY Only $900 per annum *
• Group 1 top class club • Situated in the heart of Sydney • Easy walking course-carts and buggies available • Competitions daily – Men’s and ladies competitions every day • Open days for members and guests Mondays and Fridays • Excellent dining / bistro / clubhouse recently refurbished
• Excellent practice facilities • Junior/cadet program • Free Golf lesson + 2 complimentary guest vouchers for new members • Direct Debit/quarterly/ half yearly subscription payment options • AAA accredited PGA professional Mark Reeve available for golf lessons • 3 month membership for overseas guests
Special membership available to two members of the same household. First member pays full category price, additional family member living at the same address will receive a
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who join before 30 June 2015 will also receive a
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Strathfield Golf Club 84 Centenary Drive, Strathfield NSW 2135 Office: 9642 0326 Pro shop: 9642 8642 Email: office@strathfieldgolf.com.au
www.strathfieldgolf.com.au
Choose Trinity to inspire your son to achieve. As did Old Boy Dominic Gilbert (’13) * Gained an IB score 37 (95.5 ATAR) * Was winner of 3 consecutive CAS titles 1st V Basketball * Received an Academic and Athletic Scholarship – University of British Columbia, Canada, one of the most prestigious schools in the world ranked in the top 40. Chose the IB because “It is recognized and highly regarded world-wide. This was important to me as studying abroad after completing high-school was always something I had strongly considered. The IB has prepared me very well for university and significantly improved my time management and organizational skills.” Chose Trinity because “Trinity has a true multi-cultural environment, a strong sense of community and excellent academic standards, which can be seen through its exceptional IB program.”
Trinity Grammar School – No.1 IB School Results in Australia for 2014 – where boys realise their potential, passions and purpose. Visit www.trinity.nsw.edu.au. or call 9581 6001.
15
20 May 2015
Melbourne tops Sydney in final by Paul Brown
IN A GAME that was labelled as the ‘marketer’s dream’ the two biggest clubs in the A-league battled it out for the title of Australia’s best football team on Sunday night. Only 30,000 fans could attend the hotly contested final because of the refusal by the Western Bulldogs to give up their AFL fixture at Docklands Stadium. At a time when the popularity of football is at an all-time attendance record high, and after
the success of the Asian Cup, it is unfortunate that FFA bosses could not have better planned for such a big event and made arrangements for a possible Melbourne victory premiership g round advantage. With the current FFA leadership, it always seems to be one step forward and two steps backwards. The idea of fans missing out on a live Grand Final match, especially when those same fans are expected to fund the recently released ’Whole of Football Plan’, is a debacle.
W h at s h o u l d b e remembered is that the Hyundai A-league Grand Final was not only a football match, but also a sales pitch to Channel 7 and Channel 9 to invest in the League by way of broadcasting rights, and viewer numbers will play a major part in this. The 2015/2016 season is the last season in the Hyundai sponsorship agreement and Hyundai may opt to sponsor a better product, however, they do have a vested interest in football having established a 14-year partnership with
FIFA, which could be a safe-hold for the FFA. Both Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory have arguably the best 22 players in Australia and have been the two best teams for most of the season. All three of their regular season matches have ended in a draw, which had all the makings for a thriller. Both Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory had fully fit squads heading into the match, billed as one of the biggest rivalries in A-League history, and the animosity between
coaches Muscat and Arnold has been no secret. The game was exciting and the three goals scored by a technically superior Melbourne side were pleasing to watch, but the question should be asked whether FFA’s product is worthy of financial support, as the match at times and Robbie Slater’s commentary, was more befitting a boxing match rather than the top tier of football in the country. The smaller capacity stadium did show the potential, with a jubilant,
packed crowd and if this was a regular league match the commercial channel’s executives would be rubbing their hands together. Unfortunately, this was
a Grand Final and the biggest match of the year in which the governing body couldn’t arrange a stadium big enough to house the A-League’s most ardent supporters.
Strathfield Sports Club 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 stocked pro shop
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
Sydney FC players after full time on Sunday.
Croquet in Wonderland THE ever increasing interest in local croquet in Strathfield has led to a recent ‘Wonderland Tournament’ where the grounds were transformed with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Three blocks of players from across Sydney, eighteen in all, competed in advanced handicap play followed by a high tea.
The formal game of croquet can take up to 2.5 hours, but in line with modern times other games have been successfully developed that are much shorter and better suit a busy person. Strathfield Croquet Club is located on Redmyre Road, just a few hundred metres from Strathfield Station. New members
are warmly welcomed by friendly players and tuition is provided. Strathfield MP Jodi McKay visited the Crquoet club stall at the recent May Fair and expressed an interest in learning the game. If you want to know more see www. strathfieldcroquet.wix. com/strathfieldcroquet
Nick Begetis
Nick Begetis has been servicing the local area for over 20 years Combining expert knowledge and a personal approach to the property market
Begetis Estate Agents supports the community and is a proud sponsor of: • Burwood Football Club • Concord Burwood Wolves Rugby League Club • Croydon Park United Cricket Club
Strathfield MP Jodi McKay with Strathfield Croquet Club members at the May Fair.
97442300
begetis.com.au
16
BURWOOD SCENE
20 May 2015