City Life | Issue 88 | September 2020 by Fairfield City Council

WINNER AR BLUETT MEMORIAL AWARD 2018

‘Most progressive council in NSW’

CITY LIFE Issue 88 | September 2020

WHAT A GOAL!

A-LEAGUE TEAM CALLS SHOWGROUND HOME

BUILDING YOUR CITY YOUR RATES AT WORK

AROUND OUR CITY

NEWS AND EVENTS

DISCOVER FAIRFIELD

OUR AMAZING PARKS

MAYOR’S MESSAGE Frank Carbone

We welcomed hundreds of families to the Fairfield Drive-In

As the City faces the ongoing challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, I want everyone to know that Council is working hard to support the community through rates relief and strong investments in our local economy. We have reduced our domestic waste charge and suspended the stormwater levy, which will mean the majority of residents won’t see an increase in their overall rates bill for 2020/21. This means Council will have a $3 million deficit for the year but thanks to our strong financial position and very small debt, we will be able to absorb this cost without impacting services in these difficult times. Council has also modified its hardship assistance program, to help any residents who are genuinely struggling to pay their rates due to COVID-19. The 2020-21 Operational Plan lists all of Council’s projects and expenditure planned for the coming financial year. We are investing more than $75 million on infrastructure this financial year, including major projects like the construction of a new wave pool at Aquatopia, sporting facilities, footpaths and play equipment throughout the City.

The community embraced making masks at Whitlam Library to fight COVID-19

Upcoming highlights include a new library at Fairfield, an all-abilities playground at Deerbush Park next to Fairfield Showground, a new car park at Hughes Street in Cabramatta, and upgrading Cabravale Leisure Centre into a health and wellbeing precinct. This is just a snapshot of the exciting things we are delivering for our City’s residents. We are doing this and a lot more while maintaining our strong financial position and keeping rates among the lowest in Sydney. The challenge of COVID-19 is still with us, but I’m committed to getting on with the job of making Fairfield City a great place to live, work and raise a family, while supporting local families and the economy. Together we will get through this.

Frank Carbone Mayor of Fairfield City fcarbone@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au Mayor Frank Carbone with councillors Dai Le, Sera Yilmaz, Ninos Khoshaba, Adrian Wong and Deputy Mayor Peter Grippaudo preparing COVID Care packs

@FC.FrankCarbone @FairfieldMayor

Information and events in this publication are current at the time of printing.

Investing in our community highlights 2020/2021 Residents will benefit from exciting asset improvements as well as a strong and innovative program of Council works for the financial year ahead. Council will continue to deliver quality services and projects, creating jobs and valuable infrastructure that will be enjoyed by the community for years to come. Some upgrades include:

Roads and transport upgrade program

New and upgraded footpaths

Public buildings and facilities upgrades

Playgrounds and sportsfields upgrades

Town Centre upgrades

$13.1 million

$3.1 million

$4.1 million

$1.25 million

$1.1 million

Financial health check Fairfield City Council budgeted expenditure on assets in 2020/2021 in $m 45.7m

Comparable rates and charges based on land value of $600,000 when compared to 240 litre bin collection service.

26.0m

Fairfield City Council has one of the lowest borrowings in comparison to other councils while providing a high level of service to the community.

8.0m OPEN SPACE

3.7m

13.1m

ROADS

2.6m

20.2m

PLANT

1.7m

OTHER ASSETS

LIVERPOOL

PENRITH

PARRAMATTA

CAMDEN

FAIRFIELD

BANKSTOWN

0m 0.2m

STORMWATER DRAINAGE

39.4m

FOOTPATHS AND CYCLEWAYS

44.4m

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES *

Financial borrowings as at 30 June 2019 in $m

28.2m

PENRITH

$1989.85 - 30.0% higher CAMDEN

$1912.80 - 25.0% higher HOLROYD

$1856.00 - 21.3% higher BLACKTOWN

$1833.79 - 19.8% higher BANKSTOWN

$1793.36 - 17.2% higher LIVERPOOL

FAIRFIELD

$1530.51

Average residential rates 2020/2021 in $

$2451.29 - 60.2% higher

Fairfield City Council is in a strong position in comparison to other councils while maintaining one of the lowest residential rates in Sydney. We also pride ourselves on our robust program of investing in infrastructure and services in our City while maintaining a very low borrowing compared to other councils.

Council’s budgeted infrastructure expenditure for 2020/2021 totals more than $75 million. * This includes new and upgrades to buildings and facilities, such as major projects

COMPARE YOUR RATES – Visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/comparerates

COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL GARDEN Council will soon finish building a fantastic new community educational food garden at the Showground to help garden volunteers, young and old, enjoy being outdoors together. The garden will be a demonstration garden of vegetable and fruit growing with an educational aspect for both volunteers who work on the garden as well as participants in our regular free sustainability workshops. Council has paved the area for inclusive access and installed beds, irrigation and an open air classroom area.

bonus of being a volunteer is being able to eat the fruits of your efforts! Some of the delicacies likely to be grown include tomatoes, shallots, bush cucumbers, broccoli, parsnips, potatoes, carrots, lemongrass and coffee trees. Interested residents are encouraged to join the Nursery and Garden volunteer program or participate in future Sustainability Education workshops. For more information call Council on 9725 0222.

Apart from learning all there is to know about growing fruit and vegetables, the

GARDEN WASTE VOUCHER Voucher for one FREE garden waste drop off

FREE GARDEN WASTE DROP OFF VOUCHER

Don’t forget to use your free garden waste voucher attached to your July rates notice. You have until 30 June 2021 to use it.

I urge residents to take advantage of the opportunity to take your garden waste to the Recycling Drop Off Centre, corner of Davis and Widemere roads, Wetherill Park. Open Saturdays from 8am - 3.30pm excluding public holidays.

We want to help keep Fairfield City a clean city so take this opportunity to dispose of garden waste that can’t go in your normal bin. To find out more about what Council will accept, visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/recycling. 4

Bring this voucher with you for one free drop off. Items that can be dropped off include grass clippings, small branches, leaves and palm fronds. No dirt, soil, rocks or tree stumps. Limit of one box trailer load per voucher.

Voucher for one

FREE garden waste drop off

Valid to 30 June 2021 Property address: Assessment No:

Frank Carbone Fairfield City Mayor

SAMPLE ONLY

IN A-LEAGUE OF ITS OWN Fairfield City Council has scored a massive goal for the City and local football fans with confirmation A-League expansion club Macarthur FC will use Fairfield Showground as its training base for the coming season. The Showground’s newly-developed elite sports facilities will give Macarthur FC the edge when it begins training for its first year in the top-tier Australian football competition in September. It establishes a local connection with the most northern parts of the club’s catchment area. The Showground’s facilities have been created with grassroots and professional level sports in mind and will continue to welcome the community and other teams to use our wonderful new sporting centre of excellence.

Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone and Macarthur FC Head Coach Ante Milicic at Fairfield Showground. Fairfield Showground’s transformation includes a FIFA-accredited all-weather synthetic pitch, an elite turf sporting field, festival arena suitable for AFL and cricket matches, multipurpose amenities building, lighting upgrade and covered festival space.

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR YOUTH Local young gamechangers were recognised at the Fairfield City Mayor’s Youth Achievement Awards presentation at last month’s Council Meeting. Held by Fairfield City Council, the awards recognise young individuals and groups who inspire community pride through their achievements and contributions in the sports, arts, business, humanitarian, and community activism arenas. For more information on the awards and bios on the winners, visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw. gov.au/mayorsYAAawards. 5

MAJOR PROJECTS UPDATE

Construction of Hughes Street car park

Hughes Street car park, Cabramatta Work has begun on the construction of a new 220-space car park in Cabramatta. The new multi-storey car park at the corner of Hughes Street and Dutton Lane will connect to the existing multi-storey car park with access to a new lift and pedestrian connection to the existing Dutton Plaza lifts. The new car park will include bicycle and motorcycle parking in addition to the car parking, bringing the total number of parking spaces in the Dutton Lane precinct to 992. The car park will feature rainwater harvesting and solar energy collection, motorcycle and bicycle parking, and electric car charging bays. The new car park and adjoining car parks will receive an eye-pleasing façade. The Dutton Lane exit onto Hughes Street will periodically close to allow construction. Please follow the signs and the direction of traffic controllers. Work is scheduled to finish in early 2021. 6

Koonoona Park at Villawood

Koonoona Park at Villawood now open

Artist impression of Deerbush Park

Work begins at Deerbush Park

Koonoona Park is now open for residents of Villawood and Carramar to enjoy with their families and friends.

Council has broken ground on an exciting new all-abilities playground at Deerbush Park, next to Fairfield Showground.

The $1.9 million, 3200 sqm park at the corner of Koonoona and Karella avenues is the biggest neighbourhood park in the Villawood and Carramar areas. It was built with $300,000 from the NSW Government under the Clubgrants Category 3 Grants Program.

The $6.5 million playground is being jointly funded by Fairfield City Council, and the Federal and State governments: Fairfield City Council ($4.2 million); Western Sydney City Deal Liveability Fund ($1.71 million); The NSW Office of Responsible Gambling’s ClubGrants program ($293,596); NSW Planning Industry & Environment – Everyone Can Play program ($200,000).

Council purchased six residential blocks to transform into green space for local families to enjoy. The centrepiece of the park is the ground level ropes course that allows children to climb onto a rope net structure via a number of different climbing paths. Play items include a multiple seated swing set with a boat seat, flying fox, and toddler play items with shade. Active spaces include a permanent outdoor table tennis table, half basketball court, and exercise equipment. A shelter with picnic seating is also included as well as a circuit path, turf areas, trees, seating and Exeloo.

The park will include a Liberty Swing, wheelchair-accessible carousel, ground-level trampoline, and an accessible public toilet facility with a change table that can be raised and lowered. A ground-level ropes course, flying fox, riding track, climbing net fort with slide, accessible riverbed crossing, sand digger, picnic tables and bench seating, trees and landscaping will be included. The City’s first splash and play area will also be built. Adults will also be able to enjoy the new outdoor gym equipment.

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Festivals and activities

Mayor Frank Carbone with the People’s Globe

People’s Globe Work is nearly completed on our People’s Globe - a special tribute to Fairfield City’s rich diversity. The new landmark at the Fairfield Showground main entrance on Smithfield Road includes Australia’s largest Kugel Ball – a granite sphere positioned on a water basin which will allow visitors to rotate it. The 1.6 metre diameter sphere is engraved with the world map. A wall of ceramic tiles representing the ancestry of Fairfield City’s residents and bronze plaques pointing out the direction and distance of birthplaces celebrate the rich heritage of our citizens. More than 107,000 people currently living in Fairfield City were born overseas, with residents hailing from more than 104 different nations. A flagpole with a large Australian Flag will be installed marking the location for visitors and residents alike.

Cabravale Lesiure Centre will be upgraded

Cabravale Leisure Centre upgrade

News and events

Council is working on plans to transform Cabravale Leisure Centre into a specialised health and wellbeing precinct, to build upon the centre’s existing facilities and services. It will be a onestop shop for seniors, people with disabilities and people recovering from health conditions in our community, enabling them to access the best facilities and programs, to help them stay fit and healthy. It’s intended that this facility will be expanded into a rehabilitation centre, including: • a new pool for more specialised fitness and rehabilitation programs; and • the expansion of our gym, which will see improved accessibility and an innovative indoor/outdoor gym space for boot camps and other activities. Council is currently considering a number of different options for this project, and will engage with various stakeholders to ensure the centre meets today’s expectations and the future needs of the community.

Major project reveals

And so much more

OPERATIONAL PLAN

ROAD UPGRADES - $10.5 million (RENEWAL AND UPGRADES) ROADS PROGRAM 21.5km This includes repairs to roads, pavements and resurfacing. Some areas to benefit this year include Abbotsbury, Bonnyrigg, Bossley Park, Fairfield, Fairfield East, Greenfield Park, Mt Pritchard, Smithfield and Wetherill Park. SRV Non-SRV

NEW AND UPGRADED FOOTPATHS - $3.1 million (NEW, RENEWAL AND UPGRADES) FOOTPATH PROGRAM 13.2km This includes new footpath links and upgrades to existing cycleways, walkways and pathways. Some of the areas to benefit this year include Abbotsbury, Bossley Park, Fairfield, Fairfield Heights, Prairiewood, Smithfield and St Johns Park. 8

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Projects Road Upgrades Traffic Facility Upgrades Stormwater Upgrades Community Building / Open Space Upgrades Footpath Upgrades Landscaping Improvements Major Events

*SRV - Special Rate Variation

PUBLIC BUILDING AND FACILITIES UPGRADES - $4.1 million (RENEWAL AND UPGRADES) This program includes renewal and upgrades to multi-level car parks, community buildings, public toilets, childcare centres, Fairfield Showground, leisure centres, libraries, sportsground and park amenity buildings.

PLAYGROUNDS AND SPORTSFIELDS UPGRADES - $1.25 million (RENEWAL AND UPGRADES) This includes renewal and upgrades of play equipment, seating, landscaping and sport court renewal.

AROUND OUR CITY NEWS AND EVENTS

amilies loved the Fairfield Drive-In movies at Fairfield Showground - the perfect COVID-safe and affordable night out in our City. Free COVID-19 testing clinics were held across the City, including Fairfield Showground, Cabramatta and Fairfield West.

Our new chidren’s area at Whitlam Library, Cabramatta was opened, providing exciting learning opportunities for local children.

Here are some of the services and events delivered around our City 10 1010 10 10

Children at Fairfield Preschool received a brand-new playground, supporting their physical health and learning.

New businesses are opening up in our City. Please make sure you buy local and support our local businesses.

We opened new outdoor exercise equipment at Powhatan Reserve at Greenfield Park, and Chisholm Reserve at Canley Heights.

The winners of our 2020 Capture Fairfield competition received their prizes at the July Council Meeting.

Work continued to refurbish our historic Moorefield Grandstand at Fairfield Showground.

Sweethaven Road has been extended to provide an uninterrupted link between Edensor Road and Prairie Vale Road.

11 The Fairfield City Heritage Collection archival website was launched, giving residents access to thousands of historical items.

COVID-19 PACKS FOR SPORTING CLUBS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS

MASK MAKING AT THE LIBRARY Looking for a practical way to help out during the COVID-19 pandemic? Sewing machines have been set up in Whitlam Library at Cabramatta to allow volunteers to come in and help sew face masks. The library will wash the masks and keep them in reserve to be given to our most vulnerable residents as required. Volunteers can also collect a Take and Make kit from the library, with easy to follow templates and material to make masks at home, or download a template from our website. To register to volunteer at Whitlam Library, register for a Take and Make kit or download the mask template, go to www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/maskmaking.

COVID-19 CHECKLIST Stay home if you’re unwell Get tested Wash your hands

When out, keep your distance If you can’t keep your distance, consider wearing a mask Don’t travel if you don’t need to Look out for the elderly and those with 12 underlying health issues Support local business – it’s the heart of our economy

Sanitise your hands when out and about

Don’t touch your face

FAIRFIELD CITY MUSEUM & GALLERY SWITCHING CODES

7 November 2020 - 13 February 2021 Switching Codes is a solo presentation of new work from Sydney-based artist Shireen Taweel. Focusing on language, the exhibition unpacks the ongoing Arab, French and English cultural practices in Lebanon, and its effects on the shared Lebanese cultural identity in Australia and Lebanon.

Visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/FCMG for more information about What’s On at the Fairfield City Museum & Gallery.

fairfieldcitymuseumgallery Shireen Taweel, Switching Codes, 2020. Engraved and pierced copper. – Image by Document Photography.

@fairfieldcitymuseumgallery

LAB.LX STEAM GROWS FUTURE JOB OPPORTUNITIES lab.LX STEAM, a new free creative space at Bonnyrigg Library, will support the advanced skills needed by our workforce, especially local young people, to prepare for the jobs of today and into the future. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics – the highly sought after skills in today’s economy. lab.LX STEAM is an investment in our community’s future. Featured throughout the space will be a range of state-of-the-art technologies, not easily or

cheaply accessed by students, such as: • 3D printing and modelling software • Robotics • Data visualisation • Simulation technology • Augmented reality • 3D animation • Computers and tablets Programs, workshops and events will be developed to upskill participants in the use of cutting edge technology hardware and software.

FAIRFIELD ADVENTURE PARK

Purpose-built playgrounds for tweens are very rare, which is what makes Fairfield Adventure Park unique while still catering for kids of all ages, and all appetites for adventure! The park combines traditional and modern play equipment, featuring three giant slides that can only be accessed by climbing an 11m rope tower. While the slides are definitely a drawcard, the hidden surprise and what sets this park apart from others is the obstacle course. Covering 7,500sqm, there are tyre and rope climbing walls, a treetop walk, climbing mound, large walking seesaw and two flying foxes. The playground is a 10 minute walk from Fairfield Station, and located in the Fairfield Park precinct area which includes Fairfield Leisure Centre, Fairfield Youth and Community Centre, sports ovals and picnic areas.

Experience nature without leaving the City! A sprawling oasis of parklands across Fairfield City means you don’t have to travel too far to experience wide open spaces, sweeping views and breathtaking landscapes. We’ve got the low down on where you can get outdoors and embrace the physical and mental benefits of our green spaces, free from the crowds.

WESTERN SYDNEY PARKLANDS

If it’s wide open space you’re after without leaving the City, look no further. Lace up and get set to explore the 60km of tracks and trails at Western Sydney Parklands. There is no shortage of beautiful bushland, award-winning playgrounds, picnic facilities and an abundance of wildlife to discover. Hike, run or cycle the 3 new Fairfield loops launched earlier this year that cater to different fitness levels. If you’re keen for a challenging loop, try the Moonrise or Sugarloaf where you’ll spy fields of bluebells and a wallaby or two, while the Pimelea is an easier option linking Lizard Log and The Dairy with playgrounds, lookouts and waterways. Visit www.westernsydneyparklands.com.au/thingsto-do/get-back-on-track-2/digital-maps for an interactive map and more information on the loops.

Image courtesy of Western Sydney Parklands

Our City’s talented photographers and artists were recognised for their skill and dedication at July’s Council Meeting with the announcement of the 2020 Fairfield City Council Capture Fairfield Visual Arts & Photography Competition winners. This year’s competition received 473 entries across the visual arts and photography categories – the most ever submitted for the competition. Judges made their selection based on the skill, strong visual appeal, and response to the theme ‘Discover Fairfield’.

FIRST PRIZE – SECONDARY Lauren Alzamora, Mary McKillop Catholic College, Zoom across Fairfield FIRST PRIZE – PRIMARY Charlotte Lee, Bossley Park Public School Mysterious Mantis – Bossley Park

FIRST PRIZE – SECONDARY Robert Lin, Prairiewood High School To Rest in Highest Excellence – Cabramatta

The Capture Fairfield exhibition is now open weekdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm at our Administration Centre in Wakeley. A COVID Safe plan is in place. Visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/ capturefairfield

FIRST PRIZE – ADULT Diane Yousouf Autumn Gold

FIRST PRIZE – PRIMARY Olivia Grinage - Casasola Harrington Street Public School The Love of Aquatopia

2021 Australia Day Community Awards Know someone who makes a valuable contribution to our community?

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Citizen of the Year | Young Citizen of the Year | Volunteer of the Year | Sports Achiever of the Year

For more information call 9725 0222 or visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/australiaday Applications close on Friday 6 November 2020.

FIRST PRIZE – ADULT Jason Ghaby Serenity is just around the corner – Western Sydney Parklands

YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES CABRAVALE WARD

Frank Carbone Mayor of Fairfield City Peter Grippaudo Deputy Mayor 0436 299 612

Dai Le 0410 899 787

dle@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

Kien Ly 0412 564 388

kly@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

Adrian Wong 0416 535 617

awong@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

pgrippaudo@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

fcarbone@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

9725 0203 @FC.FrankCarbone @FairfieldMayor

FAIRFIELD WARD CONTACT US Phone TTY TIS

Paul Azzo 0414 303 175

pazzo@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

Del Bennett 0409 665 101

dbennett@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

Anita Kazi 0412 147 755

akazi@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

Charbel Saliba 0417 708 582

csaliba@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

PARKS WARD

9725 0222 9725 1906 (Hearing Impaired) 131 450 (Interpreter Service)

Administration Centre 86 Avoca Road, Wakeley Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm Call Centre Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm PO Box 21 Fairfield NSW 1860 mail@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au @FairfieldCity

Ninos Khoshaba 0447 112 210

Joe Molluso 0418 440 971

nkhoshaba@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au jmolluso@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

Andrew Rohan 0431 264 990

arohan@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

Sera Yilmaz 0436 434 141

syilmaz@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

Fairfield City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land in which the Fairfield Local Government Area is situated - the Cabrogal of the Darug Nation.