CITY LIFE AUTUMN EDITION ISSUE 74 MARCH 2017
WELCOME 2017 WHAT’S INSIDE
• NSW GOVERNMENT FIRE LEVY • BRING IT ON! FESTIVAL • SENIORS WEEK
www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
FAIRFIELDCITYCOUNCIL
MAYOR’S MESSAGE Welcome to the first edition of City Life for 2017. I, along with the returning Councillors, am pleased to bring you our City Life newsletter. We have had much to celebrate in our community recently. Council held another successful Illuminate New Year’s Eve event that allowed thousands of the City’s residents to enjoy fireworks not only at nine sites scattered throughout the City, but also from their own back yards. Australia Day was celebrated with free entry to our leisure centres. Fairfield City Council’s Australia Day Awards ceremony acknowledged some of our community stars who are making a real difference to the community. Lunar New Year celebrations took place at Cabramatta and Canley Heights and, despite a weekend of record high temperatures, the two-day event at Freedom Plaza on February 11 and 12 attracted more than 8,000 people.
Lunar New Year in Cabramatta.
Aquat
opia
On the topic of hot days, our fantastically popular Aquatopia water park at Prairiewood Leisure Centre has been the place to go to keep cool during summer. More than 30,000 people have visited the park since it opened on 10 December. Council will continue with further projects this year aimed at benefitting the community. These include upgrades to our roads, including making Smithfield Road two lanes each way between Polding Street and Elizabeth Drive.
Water park at Prairiewood Leisure Centre.
Transforming our libraries into modern, comfortable and technological places for our residents continues as work starts on a café at Whitlam Library in Cabramatta. We’ve also lined up some world-class headline acts for our annual Bring It On! Festival, Moon Festival and Culinary Carnivale. I look forward to 2017 being another great year as we work to make Fairfield a great place for families to live, work and play.
Frank Carbone Mayor of Fairfield City fcarbone@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au 2 CITY LIFE
The tree top walk within the new Obstacle Course at Fairfield Park.
Fairfield City Council recognised its outstanding citizens at the 2017 Fairfield City Australia Day Community Awards. Mayor of Fairfield City Frank Carbone awarded four residents for their exceptional work within the Fairfield community on Wednesday 25 January. Congratulations to all nominees on their achievements and thank you to Todd Greenberg, Fairfield City’s 2017 Australia Day Ambassador.
Back row: Councillor Andrew Rohan, Clr Sera Yilmaz, City Manager Alan Young, Australia Day Fairfield Ambassador for 2017 Todd Greenberg, Clr Charbel Saliba, Clr Ninos Khoshaba. Front row: Clr Adrian Wong, Volunteer of the Year Robert Ward, Citizen of the Year Roy Hilton, Mayor Frank Carbone, Sports Achiever of the Year Elisabeth Kidane, Young Citizen of the Year Fadi Aluboodi and Clr Anita Kazi.
2017 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
2017 YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Roy Hilton Roy is an integral part of the Rotary Club of Wetherill Park. He has coordinated many fundraising events and in this time he has personally raised more than $500,000. Roy has also organised various community events, including Carols at Horsley Park and the annual Golf Day at Fairfield Golf Course.
Fadi Aluboodi Fadi is a volunteer for the Salvation Army. He was involved in the Fairfield Relay for Life and recently became a White Ribbon Ambassador. He is also a member of Project L.E.A.D., a network of young leaders from various schools across NSW. Fadi is a member of the Fairfield Youth Advisory Committee and volunteers at Summit Aged Care.
2017 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
2017 SPORTS ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
Robert Ward Robert was a founding member of the Western Sydney Cycling Network, volunteering continuously for 10 years. He is a qualified ride leader and bicycle coach. He has also volunteered at Fairfield’s Flora Park for 10 years, where he encourages people to look after our native plants.
Elisabeth Kidane Elisabeth has won or placed in every competition she has entered since starting aerobics seven years ago. These include State and National Championships every year. She competed at the Suzuki World Championships in 2016 and was fifth in the world in her division.
CITY LIFE 3
GOOD GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP
AUSTRALIA DAY COMMUNITY AWARDS
NSW GOVERNMENT FIRE LEVY The NSW Government made the decision that Councils must collect the NSW Emergency Services Property Levy on its behalf. The levy funds the NSW Fire and Emergency Services. This is a NSW Government policy.
WHEN
From July 2017, the State Government requires all Councils to collect this levy, which is about $160 a year, through your Council rate notice.
WHO
The levy goes to the State Government and was previously collected through property insurance premiums. The State Government has said your insurance should reduce by about $200 to compensate for its increase on collection with the rates.
WHY
Council has advocated against taking on the role of collecting the State Government levy. The State Government says the change will no longer burden only those with property insurance.
CHECK CONTACT
Check your insurance policy to ensure the levy has been removed (from 1 July 2017). You should contact your insurance company if your premium has not reduced. Should you have any concerns or complaints contact: Emergency Services Levy Insurance Monitor enquiries@eslinsurancemonitor.nsw.gov.au or 1300 607 723 Alternatively you can contact your local MP.
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Council’s award-winning annual Youth Week event Bring It On! Festival will feature a massive showcase of youth talent and culture on Sunday 9 April. Bring It On! Festival is a free music, sporting and arts festival held in National Youth Week. One of the largest National Youth Week events in Sydney, Bring It On! Festival will excite audiences from the moment they enter Fairfield Showground. Performances from music sensations In Stereo, Vlado Saric, and The Fisher Boys will smash it, while DJ Mashd N Kutcher will be dropping beats during the evening’s dance party. Parkour, trampoline and dance workshops, testing your skills on the racing car simulators, or learning how to make robots move are just some of the free activities. Face painting, dance comps, rides and cultural performances ensure something for everyone. There will be heaps of giveaways, including Hoyts movie tickets, tasty food and youth services info for everyone!
Mashd N Kutcher
rty Dance Pa
The event is drug and alcohol-free. Free transport will be provided to the Bring It On! Festival from Fairfield, Cabramatta and Canley Vale stations all day. For more information visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/ bringiton or follow #bringitonfest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CITY LIFE 5
COMMUNITY WELLBEING
In Stereo
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
GREEN TEAM GATHERS STEAM Fairfield City Council’s streetscape cleaning team has leapt into action to beautify our City’s 350 kilometres of main roads. The team, also known as the Green Team, is sprucing up and cleaning roundabouts and traffic islands, slashing overgrown verges, pruning trees and removing litter on major thoroughfares to have our City gleaming. This service is in addition to existing street sweeping and cleaning provided throughout the City. Residents should soon start to see the Green Team’s positive results as it works its way across the City. Council’s “Main Roads Beautification Program” is in response to one of the community’s top 10 priorities, a desire for “A Clean and Attractive Place”. We should all do our bit because keeping our City looking great is everyone’s responsibility. Residents are encouraged to take their litter with them or put it in a bin. Residents can also report dumped rubbish or something that needs maintenance at www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/reportanissue or by calling 9725 0222.
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY Council is encouraging the City’s businesses, schools and the wider community to get involved in this year’s Clean Up Australia Day activities to help clean up local parks, bushland, waterways and streets. It’s easy, fun and anyone can participate to make a difference to the environment. Clean-up events will take place on: •
Business Event – Tuesday 28 February 2017
•
Schools Event – Friday 3 March 2017
•
Community Event – Sunday 5 March 2017
There are several registered sites throughout Fairfield City for the main Clean Up Australia Day event on Sunday 5 March 2017. Visit www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or call 1800 282 329 to register your own Clean Up site or volunteer at a site near you. For more information, email environment@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au or call Council’s Sustainability Team on 9725 0222. 6 CITY LIFE
COMMUNITY WELLBEING
ROAD UPGRADES
Lunar New Year a hit
Start of Smithfield Road consultation
It was a great event where many families enjoyed the fantastic line-up of entertainment and activities, including the God of Fortune handing out lucky red envelopes, fun contests such as the one-handed prawn peeling challenge, interactive art and craft stalls, baby animal farm and magicians.
Council’s hard work in securing $30 million for essential road upgrades is a win for thousands of drivers and commuters in Fairfield City, meaning more respite from time stuck in traffic and more time with families.
Being the Year of the Rooster, there was a bird show that included a chicken display where people could pat baby chickens and find out fun facts. Lunar New Year is an important cultural time for Fairfield City residents and the wider Sydney community. To coincide with Lunar New Year, Council also officially opened Dutton Plaza. The shopping plaza is open every day from 9am to 6pm and is the place to shop for fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables, Asian groceries, beauty and fashion, mobile phones and accessories, and kitchenware. You’ll also find a newsagent and café.
Community consultation will soon take place for works on Smithfield Road, which will see $16.4 million invested to upgrade the stretch between Polding Street and Elizabeth Drive. The proposed project upgrades the major intersections along Smithfield Road and will provide two traffic lanes in both directions to make for more efficient and safer travel. Council is keen to hear your views on the proposed works on Smithfield Road, which link into existing upgrades at Wetherill Street. Visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au for more information on these projects and how to comment on the road works. The Wetherill Street project was completed in July last year as part of a $13.6 million project funded under Round 1 of the Local Roads Package. Upgrades were also completed on the Cumberland Highway at the John Street, St Johns and Hamilton roads intersections. The works were funded under the Local Roads Package, which is part of the joint State and Federal governments’ $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan.
Dutton Lane Plaza is now officially open for trading.
Wetherill Street during construcion.
CITY LIFE 7
PLACES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
LUNAR NEW YEAR
COMMUNITY WELLBEING
FAIRFIELD YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Young people are encouraged to take advantage of the Fairfield Youth and Community Centre’s free open days every month. The centre opens its doors for free on the first Sunday of each month from 11am to 4pm. Come and experience our Chill Zone for gaming, the rock climbing wall, the trampolines or the double sports court, which can be used for basketball, futsal, volleyball, badminton, bubble soccer and netball. Fairfield Youth and Community Centre is next to Fairfield Leisure Centre, the Adventure Park and outdoor Obstacle Course in Vine Street, Fairfield. Visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/fycc for more information.
Basketball and table tennis are just two of many activities available at Fairfield Youth and Community Centre.
LIBRARY REFURBISHMENT Work has started on a new ground floor café, which will further transform Whitlam Library in Cabramatta. The project forms part of a major overhaul for the Whitlam Library on the back of a $200,000 Public Library Infrastructure Grant received by the State Government in February 2016. The grant has helped Council to upgrade the library’s facilities and create a modern space for customers that reflects the evolving role of libraries. Whitlam Library will become a dynamic space focusing on people spaces and the latest technologies. Features of the library that have already been unveiled include new carpeting, the removal of the front counter and installation of self-checkout counters. Council has already implemented elements of Open Libraries by introducing free Wi-Fi and free use of PCs and iPads, and plans to support opening the Library 24/7 are in progress. Mayor Frank Carbone reading with students from local schools.
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FAIRFIELD HEIGHTS UPGRADE
Shoppers, visitors and local businesses are set to benefit from an additional 24 car parking spaces along The Crescent, between Fairfield Station and the Hamilton Road roundabout.
Council will start Stage 3 works on the Fairfield Heights Streetscape upgrade soon.
Adequate parking within the centre helps boost the local economy, making it easier for shoppers and visitors to access the city centre and services. Council is creating these extra spaces through converting existing parallel parking to 90 degree parking. This means 24 additional parking spaces can be provided. This is another example of Council working smarter with existing resources to benefit the community. Council will also widen the existing footpath to allow for the removal of nine Plane Trees. Due to their large pollen drop, Plane Trees cause significant allergy problems. A more suitable tree species will replace the Plane Trees. There will be some disruption while works are undertaken, but access to businesses will be maintained and there will be an ongoing long-term benefit over many years. Works will begin soon and are due for completion by June.
Council is rolling out more than $600,000 in major works in 2017 to continue to boost the look of The Boulevarde in Fairfield Heights Town Centre. The result will be a more contemporary and attractive area for businesses, residents, shoppers and visitors. The upcoming works will replace a portion of the old concrete footpath with new, contemporary pavement on the western side of The Boulevarde. The final scope of these works is still to be determined. The new pavement replicates what has been used in earlier staged works along the front of Woolworths down to Station Street on the eastern side of The Boulevarde. Additional upgrades include replacing street furniture, changing the entry and exits of pedestrian crossings to improve safety and replacing kerb and guttering. New street trees will provide additional shade to make it more comfortable in the warmer months. Work is expected to start after Easter and take between eight and 10 weeks. One of the upgraded intersections in Fairfield Heights.
Council will create 24 extra parking spaces at the Crescent, Fairfield.
CITY LIFE 9
PLACES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
MORE PARKING FOR THE CRESCENT
LOCAL ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
FAIRFIELD MARKETS Enjoy a great day out with your family and grab yourself a bargain! There are more than 600 undercover stalls selling everything from children’s toys to clothes, sporting gear to jewellery, household items to car accessories, and fresh fruit and vegetables. There is something for everyone. Keep your children entertained on the jumping castle, carnival rides, merrygo-round or pony rides. Feast on some delicious kebabs, burgers, Asian delicacies, ice-creams, doughnuts, cold drinks or coffee and more. Entry is free and there is lots of parking. Enjoy the markets every Saturday from 9am-4pm at Fairfield Showground, 443 Smithfield Road, Prairiewood
Wednesday Pickers Bazaar If you love “trash and treasure”, then the weekly Wednesday Markets from 8am to 1pm in the undercover area at Fairfield Showground are for you. Browse through a large number of sellers offering second-hand goods, trinkets, shoes, glassware, antiques and collectibles. Come and check out what Sydney has stored up and is now ready for sale.
You’ll find more than 600 stalls at Fairfield Showground’s Saturday markets.
SMALL BUSINESS CONNECT PROGRAM Business advice available Fairfield City Council proudly supports small and family businesses in the local community. We believe small businesses are the life blood of our economy and, to help support them further, Council is hosting the Small Business Connect Program. The program is run by Western Sydney Business Centre (WSBC). A WSBC adviser will be available every second Monday at Council’s Administration building from 9am-4.30pm. Whether it’s to start a business, grow a business or just for guidance along the way, WSBC advisers are available to meet business owners on a one-off or ongoing basis to help a business reach its full potential. The first two hours with an adviser are free. The Western Sydney Business Centre has been operating locally for more than 28 years, specialising in business advice and training services for start-up and existing businesses. For more information visit wsbusiness.com.au or to make an appointment with Rebecca Di Noia call 0434 507 079 (English and Mandarin).
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COMMUNITY WELLBEING
SENIORS WEEK
Seniors Week Expo and Talent Quest Thursday 9 March, 10am-2pm Where: Club Marconi, Colosseo Room, 121 Prairie Vale Road, Bossley Park. Council will host a Seniors Talent Quest, with a variety of performances from singers, musicians, dancers and cultural groups aged 55 or over. The expo will showcase seniors’ programs and services in the community. There will be interactive entertainment, activities and information stalls.
Memory Box Wednesdays, 10.30am-noon Where: Fairfield City Museum and Gallery, 634 The Horsley Drive, Smithfield. Beginning on March 8, Memory Box is a new, immersive program that gives people living with dementia a chance to connect with the world through the Vintage Village and objects at Fairfield City Museum and Gallery. Free during March, from April the cost is $5 a person (minimum of five people per booking). To book, call 9725 0190.
Residents enjoy the positive energy of Seniors Week.
COMMUNITY GRANTS Council offers a number of grants and funds to individuals, community groups and not-for-profit organisations to support community achievement. The Social Change through Creativity Grant supports creative initiatives that address community issues. Applications close on 6 April 2017. The ClubGRANTS program is open until 3 April to organisations that support employment assistance, community welfare, community development and health services. Council also offers various funds to the community, including: Mayoral Scholarship Fund - financial support of up to $2,000 for academic, artistic, sporting or special needs. Mayoral Donations Fund - small one-off donations of up to $500 to individuals and groups who build communities and help individuals achieve their full potential. Community Volunteer Fund - financial support of up to $1,000 to support existing or new community programs by volunteers and community groups. Language and Cultural Awareness Fund - financial support of up to $1,000 for local programs or events that develop English language skills or cultural awareness. Interested applicants at a 2016 Grant Workshop.
Visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/grants for the full list of funding opportunities and information on how to apply. CITY LIFE 11
COMMUNITY WELLBEING
Council’s New Year’s Eve celebration Illuminate delivered an amazing event with a spectacular finale fireworks display at Calmsely Hill City Farm. Families enjoyed an evening filled with entertainment, rides, roaming performers, farm animals, craft activities, live music and more. Thousands also viewed fireworks shows at nine locations across the LGA and from their own backyards.
Aquatopia a huge success The City’s fantastic waterpark, Aquatopia, has surpassed all expectations with more than 30,000 people having visited since it opened in December. Aquatopia is one of the most successful and affordable family friendly attractions in Western Sydney. Each Aquatopia element has been highly successful with something for all ages. The aqua tower, toddlers’ play area, giant slides and picnic areas appeal to all members of the family from babies, young children, youth and adults. Council looks forward to opening Stage 2, which includes the Stingray Surf Ride, in the next few months. The first of its kind in Australia, the Stingray will boost the Aquatopia experience further for local families. Council designed Aquatopia with Fairfield families in mind. It’s an affordable place for people of all ages and ability to come together, get active and get healthy.
Illuminate provided lots of family fun with great entertainment.
12 CITY LIFE
Splish, splash! Aquatopia’s water slides are a hit.
COMMUNITY WELLBEING
HARMONY DAY Living Cultures Festival 2017 Saturday 25 March, 11am-2pm Fairfield City Museum and Gallery, corner The Horsley Drive and Oxford Street, Smithfield. Celebrate the energy and diversity of Fairfield and our communities at the Living Cultures Festival, hosted as part of the Harmony Day celebrations observed across Australia. Set in the heart of one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, the Living Cultures Festival is about inclusiveness, respect and community. Immerse yourself in contemporary and traditional music and dance, exhibitions, art, displays and demonstrations. The festival will include free performances, face painting and craft activities for the whole family. Register your attendance by emailing museumgallery@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au or call 9725 0190. Visit www.livingmuseum.com.au or facebook.com/ fairfieldmuseumgallery for more information. The Living Cultures Festival is about inclusiveness, respect and community.
Each edition of City Life we will be profiling the councillors elected in September 2016.
PAUL AZZO FAIRFIELD WARD
Questions 1.
First job? McDonald’s
1.
Favourite colour? Khaki
2.
Favourite food? Anything healthy
3.
Favourite movie? Alexander The Great
4.
Favourite TV show? Seinfeld
5.
Favourite sport? Cycling
6.
Favourite sports team? Western Sydney Wanderers
7.
Favourite pastime? Listening to Music
8.
Favourite place in Fairfield City? The whole City as each part of the City is unique and has a story to tell. CITY LIFE 13
GOOD GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP
COUNCILLOR PROFILE
WHAT’S ON
MARCH 2017
Thursday 9 March SENIORS WEEK EXP0 AND TALENT SHOW Club Marconi 121 Prairie Vale Rd, Bossley Park
21 March
Saturday 25 March
HARMONY DAY EVENING STORYTIME
LIVING CULTURES FESTIVAL HARMONY DAY
Bonnyrigg Library 6-7pm
Fairfield City Museum and Gallery 11am-3pm 9609 3993
10am-2pm
Thursday 30 March
Friday 31 March
CABRAMATTA EAST COMMUNITY FUN DAY
YOUTH WEEK COMMENCES
April
Saturday 8 - 25 April SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Fairfield City Museum and Gallery 9609 3993 Libraries 9725 0333
Cabravale Leisure Centre 3-6pm
LEARN TO SWIM Leisure Centres 9754 2078
Sunday 9 April
Monday 10 -21 April
Wednesday 12 April
BRING IT ON! FESTIVAL
ANZAC DAY CRAFT ACTIVITIES
EASTER BUNNY ARRIVAL
Fairfield Showground 10.30am-7.30pm
Canley Vale Town Centre 10am-noon
For days and times phone libraries 9725 0333
Canley Heights Town Centre 1-3pm
Thursday 13 April
Friday 14 April
Tuesday 25 April
EASTER BUNNY ARRIVAL
GOOD FRIDAY
ANZAC DAY
Cabramatta Town Centre 10am-1pm Fairfield City Centre 11am-1pm
EXHIBITIONS 6 May-2 September CABRACADABRA – ANNEY BOUNPRASEUTH Intentionally conveys the search for belonging and finding your place within a community or more dominant culture.
13 May-9 September SHANASHEEL In partnership with the Iraqi Australia Graduate Forum: Iraqi-Australian artists living and working in Western Sydney. Fairfield Museum and Gallery Exhibitions 9609 3993
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MAY
Sunday 16 April EASTER SUNDAY
Monday 8 May
Monday 22 May
FOR MORE INFORMATION
MOTHER’S DAY STORYTIME
LIBRARY & INFORMATION WEEK AND NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME
Contact Fairfield City Council 9725 0222
For days and times phone libraries 9725 0333
For days and times phone libraries 9725 0333
Council’s events and programs are correct at time of printing.
MEET YOUR COUNCILLORS PARK WARD
FAIRFIELD WARD
CABRAVALE WARD
MAYOR
Peter Grippaudo 0414 895 050 pgrippaudo@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
Paul Azzo 0414 303 175 pazzo@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
Ninos Khoshaba 0447 112 210 nkhoshaba@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
Mayor Frank Carbone
Tel 9725 0203 fcarbone@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au FC.FrankCarbone
@FairfieldMayor
CONTACT US
Dai Le
Del Bennett
Joe Molluso
0410 899 787 dle@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
0409 665 101 dbennett@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
0418 440 971 jmolluso@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
Kien Ly
Anita Kazi
Andrew Rohan
0428 639 642 akazi@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
0431 264 990 arohan@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
Adrian Wong
Charbel Saliba
Sera Yilmaz
0416 535 617 awong@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
0417 708 582 csaliba@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
0436 434 141 syilmaz@fairfieldcity.gov.au
WAKELEY ADMINISTRATION CENTRE 86 Avoca Road, Wakeley Business Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm PHONE 9725 0222 | FAX 9725 4249 MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 21, Fairfield NSW 1860 mail@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
Deputy Mayor 0427 961 710 kly@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au fairfieldcity @fairfieldcity
CITY LIFE 15
SUNDAY 9 APRIL
10.30am - 7.30pm Fairfield Showground
FREE ENTRY
DRUG & ALCOHOL FREE EVENT
Shuttle Bus Fairfield, Canley Vale, Cabramatta Station.
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