Community Magazine - Summer Edition 2018

COMMUNITY SUMMER EDITION 2018

Summer of sport

Women’s Big Bash League and Sydney FC hit the Georges River

WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

A MESSAGE FROM OUR MAYOR

CONTENTS

It’s summertime at last, which marks the start of our Summer Events program. By the time you read this we will have celebrated the Magic of Christmas at Carss Bush Park.

We encourage you all to come along to our next major event – Australia Day at Carss Bush Park. Read on for more information on the incredible line-up of acts.

Have your say....................................... 3

This is the time of year where we look back and reflect on our achievements. Our recently published annual report reveals that Georges River Council has had a year worth celebrating, delivering 95% of its 137 capital projects on time and within budget.

Council awarded an impressive $31.4 million of works for assets and infrastructure projects, including the multi-million dollar Jubilee Park Adventure Playground which was completed in January this year and the refurbishment of local facilities including Olds Park, Sans Souci Pool and the Hurstville Service Centre.

We have continued to assist local community groups so they can keep doing great work, allocating $1 million in funding to 27 community groups under the Community Grants Program. Additionally, $170,858 worth of inkind support was provided to 39 community groups through the Venue Hire Grants Program.

From a financial perspective, Council has significantly surpassed its savings target of $438,365, with a total of $812,000 identified in actual savings. More than 936 Development Applications were lodged, with an estimated total value of $1.5 billion.

Our staff members have been busy, with 224 tonnes of waste diverted from our waterways and 29,215 tonnes from landfill over the financial year.

Council staff re-sheeted more than 5 kilometres of roads, and constructed the equivalent of 64 kilometres of new footpaths throughout the local government area, making our area more accessible and liveable.

Importantly, Council has made great strides in improving its community engagement over the past 12 months, engaging directly with 2,616 community members. We also launched the Meet Your Ward Councillors Community Open Days, giving community members the opportunity to share their feedback in person with a Councillor. We look forward to maintaining high levels of engagement with the community into the future.

I would like to wish everyone in the Georges River community a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and happy New Year.

Kevin Greene, Mayor Georges River Council

2 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

Fresh new look for Customer Service Centre in Hurstville.............................. 4 Word on the street................................ 5 Pools re-open in time for summer at Sans Souci............................................ 5 Centre snapshot - Riverwood.............. 6 Oatley Heritage and Historical Society celebrate 25 years.................. 7 War heroes from the Georges River....................................... 9 Students spend a day in the life of a Councillor ........................................... 10 Mural helps to clean up graffiti hot-spot............................................... 11 Sydney Sixers Women's Big Bash League................................................. 12 Sydney FC kicks off on home turf.... 13 St George Leagues Dance Club ....... 14 What's in a name - Blakehurst.......... 15 Exhibitions.......................................... 16 Summer events................................... 18 What’s going on.................................. 22

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

Subsequent changes may occur.

Georges River Council does not guarantee that this publication is without flaw or wholly appropriate for your purposes. It and its employees expressly disclaim any liability, for any loss or damage, whether direct or consequential, suffered by any person as the result of or arising from reliance on any information contained in the publication.

Georges River Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land in which the Georges River Local Government Area is situated - the Biddegal people of the Eora nation.

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

YOUR

SAY

Annual Report Council's Annual Report 2017/2018 is now available for you to view.

It contains an overview of our local area and organisation, key statutory information and details Council's performance against our Implementation and Operational Plans.

The strategy will outline goals and aspirations for cultural development within the local government area, in a range of areas including The Arts, Festivals and Major Events, Cultural Industries, Community Facilities and Cultural Infrastructure and Heritage.

Create Georges River will support the development of existing cultural centres, while also creating new opportunities. We want to work alongside our community members to develop the area into a place that draws people from all over Sydney to experience what we have to offer.

ANNUAL REPORT

You can share your feedback in the following ways: Online: https://yoursay.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/ By post: Create Georges River, Georges River Council, PO Box 205, Hurstville BC NSW 1481

2017/2018

Local Strategic Planning Statement Our residents have told us they want a well-planned, progressive, environmentally and culturally rich community so they can continue to enjoy the unique lifestyle offered by the area.

For more information, visit www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au and click on the Have Your Say icon.

With this in mind, we need your help to identify the special characteristics of the local area, in order to manage any necessary land use changes over the next 20 years.

Your input will feed into the development of our Local Strategic Planning Statement.



The Greater Sydney Commission has set targets for the approval of numerous additional dwellings in Georges River between 2016 and 2036.



D

We want you to share your ideas for building on the Georges River area’s cultural identity, no matter how big or small. We want to know what culture means to you and which cultural activities are most important to you, so that creative programs and events reflect the community’s values and diversity.

To download your copy, visit www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

R AF T D R AF T

Council invites you to have your say on Create Georges River, the ten-year cultural strategy for the Georges River area.



Have your say on culture in the Georges River area

To have your say, visit www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au and click on the Have Your Say icon, then head to ‘Our area in 20 years: Local Strategic Planning Statement’ to provide your feedback.

1

O

Council App Coming Soon!

Council will be unveiling its new app in 2019 which will make it easy to lodge service requests, and will have information on key services, facilities and upcoming events, as well as specific information relevant to your property address. Handy!

COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION | 3

Fresh new look for Customer Service Centre in Hurstville We would like to invite our community members to come and take a look at the recently refurbished Service Centre at the Georges River Civic Centre.

The new look is fresh and contemporary, and provides the community with meeting spaces equipped with smart boards and internet access.

A concierge is on hand to triage enquiries and administer a queue management system, which we expect will help us to provide a much improved customer experience.

We look forward to your visit!

4 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

WORD ON THE STREET White Ribbon Walk participants talk about why they marched - see the full story on page 18

"It’s nice to see such a large turn out to raise awareness for White Ribbon and violence against women. The statistics are quite startling regarding this issue. It’s important to raise awareness for the next generation to take control that's what we’re here for."

- Teresa Polias Captain (Sydney FC)

“We don’t like violence of any type, especially violence against women and children."

- Wendy Short and Gabby Fernandez

“It’s a very important cause...violence shouldn’t be tolerated."

- John Head

“Basically it’s just to stop violence against women... there’s been so many women this year, about one a week, who’ve been killed by their husband, boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, partner, and whoever. It’s just appalling.

That's why we’re here."

- Frances and Carmel Woods

Pools re-open in time for summer at Sans Souci!

Members of the local swimming community turned out for the official re-opening of Sans Souci Leisure Centre’s refurbished swimming pools on Saturday 17 November.

Mayor of Georges River Council, Councillor Kevin Greene was on hand for the official unveiling which saw the centre’s newly refurbished 50-metre pool and toddlers pool reopened for public use.

The works which commenced in April have seen both pools undergo structural concrete repair, joint repair to existing concrete slabs, re-waterproofing and new tiling.

The upgrades were made possible through funding supplied by the NSW State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund. A total of $1 million in State Government funding was placed into Georges River Council’s Aquatic Facilities Refurbishment Program, affirming Council’s commitment to providing the community with quality aquatic facilities. The works undertaken at Sans Souci have seen the 50-metre pool return to international FINA standards.

COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION | 5

Centre Snapshot

Riverwood During World War II, the area known as Riverwood was originally used as a US military hospital.

It was then used for emergency accommodation during the postwar housing shortage, and was later developed mainly for public housing, with local streets named after American presidents.

More recently, but still consistent with the area’s modern history, Washington Square, a new residential development, has been

constructed just outside the LGA’s boundary and adjacent to the existing social housing. Newer residents to the area are driving a shift in the retail mix of Riverwood.

The centre is known for an increasing number of iconic local businesses such as Club Rivers, Conca D’oro Reception Centre and Miss America’s Pop Up Diner. Additional large-scale urban renewal projects slated for the area will create further opportunities for this lively and quirky centre.

Miss America's Pop Up Diner

6 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

Riverwood Railway Station Signage, Riverwood NSW, Date Unknown

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Oatley Heritage and Historical Society celebrate 25 years The Oatley Heritage and Historical Society, who will celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2019, welcome new community members who share their passion for local history.

The Society has an extensive collection of historical photographs and documents which help paint a picture of times past. If you have any special photos, documents, memorabilia and interesting stories which help showcase the history of our area, and would like to help promote our unique history, the Oatley Heritage and Historical Society would like to hear from you.

Membership to the Society costs only $6 per year.

More information is available at http://oatleyhistory.org.au/

The Society has an extensive collection of historical photographs and documents which help paint a picture of times past.

A photograph of the Oatley School of Arts (now part of Oatley Library) was recently donated which provides an interesting insight into life in the Georges River area during the Great War. The image captures a local woman helping to construct the building in 1916, demonstrating the increasing involvement of women in occupations vacated by young men who were fighting abroad.

A few interesting facts about Oatley’s History • Oatley School of Arts, built in 1905, has been used for a range of activities over the years. In 1969 a baby health clinic was constructed in front of the School of Arts during the Spanish influenza epidemic.

• In the early days of settlement oyster farmers from Oatley’s Neverfail Bay developed an innovative oyster production process known as the ‘tray method’ which was later adopted by oyster farmers around the world.

• The streets running north-south in and around Oatley village are named after girls (Letitia, Ada, Annette, and Alice) while east-west running streets have boy’s names (Frederick, Neville, Charles, Herbert, Russell, William and Cecil). These are named after the relatives of Charles Cecil Griffiths, an early local landowner.

• Oatley Park became a public recreation area over 130 years ago and is enjoyed by visitors who meet there to picnic, bushwalk, swim in the serene tidal baths or simply enjoy the tranquility of the pristine bushland on the shores of Georges River.

COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION | 7

Bowmaker Soldiers ANZACs

Thomas Burns postcard - back

Thomas Burns postcard - front

Thomas Burns letter

8 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Armistice celebrations Mortdale, NSW 1918

War heroes from the Georges River Remembrance Day this year marked 100 years since Germany signed the Armistice Agreement which would finally end the Great War. On November 11, Australians across the country paused to remember the 416,000 courageous Australians who served and sacrificed during World War I. Two of these men, brothers John and Roy Bowmaker from Hurstville, enlisted in 1915, aged just 20 and 21.

Sadly, John died on 22 September 1915, from injuries sustained at Gallipoli on 13 September 1915.

Roy’s granddaughter, Margaret Morris, describes Roy as a hardworking, well-respected member of the community.

“Roy was proud to serve his country.

I think he was only in Gallipoli a few days before his brother John was killed. John was the younger brother

a gunshot wound to his knee in Gallipoli in August 1915, and after he recovered in London, rejoined his battalion in France in June 1916.

and Roy's mother had asked Roy to take care of John,” said Margaret.

“Roy was wounded and sent to England to rehabilitate. Whilst he was in hospital he met Annie Holden who was a British volunteer there.”

Tom was wounded again by a gun at Pozieres in August 1916 and was discharged as medically unfit, returning to Australia in January 1917.

Fiercely determined, Tom re-enlisted, and rejoined the war in August 1917.

“They soon married and had nine children altogether, including four sons, who all served for Australia in WWII and survived.”

“They soon married and had nine children altogether, including four sons, who all served for Australia in WWII and survived.”

Roy returned home to the Georges River area in 1917, where he was well-known in the community as the Ferry Master of the Lugarno Ferry.

Turella resident Thomas ‘Tom’ Lawrence Burns, also enlisted in 1915, and served as a bugler in the 18th Battalion.

Described by his relatives as a “popular, quiet, hardworking, kind, determined and generous” man, Tom showed great bravery and mateship during the war. He received

Tom served until the war’s end and returned to Australia in 1919, where he married. Tom was a popular member of the Georges River community and did not let his war injuries slow him down, joining the newly-formed St George Rugby League Club in 1921.

COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION | 9

Students spend a day in the life of a Councillor Oatley Public School students from Years 5 and 6 recently visited Council on an excursion, as part of their study of Federation, Parliament and the Australian government system. Students participated in a mock Council meeting and walked in the shoes of key members of local government.

The meeting was facilitated by Council’s General Manager Gail Connolly and Mayor Kevin Greene.

The excursion gave students the chance to learn local government processes first-hand and gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of local government figures.

Student reflections signalled the excursion’s success, with many students commenting on what they learned on the day:

“The dragon is for the St George dragons, and also represents the Chinese culture. The blue is the Georges River, and the leaf is a fig tree and represents Aboriginal culture” “I enjoyed the meeting and it was really fun. The microphones were interesting and I learned how they designed the council logo. The dragon is for the St George dragons, and also represents the Chinese culture. The blue is the Georges River, and the leaf is a fig tree and represents Aboriginal culture” - Elyssa T. “I really enjoyed going to the council because we got to see what one of

Michaela G and Sofia H from Oatley Public School

10 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

their real meetings were like. I think other schools should definitely go and visit too” - Mali S. “It was great learning about the certain positions people sat in as well as experiencing how a meeting played out. It was also good learning about the current events going on” - Jye H. “I really enjoyed the excursion - it was very interesting and fun. I enjoyed doing the role-play and I really liked being the speaker and reading my speech to everyone. I think that nothing can be improved, it was a great experience” - Rose H. Any schools interested in arranging an excursion to Council can contact the Office of the General Manager on 9330 6400.

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Matthew Bramston in front of new mural in Oatley

Mural helps clean up graffiti hot-spot To support Graffiti Removal Day this year, Council’s Painter Matthew Bramston came up with a concept which not only cleaned up a graffiti hot-spot on Hurstville Road in Oatley, but gave community members an opportunity to get involved in the creation of public art.

Matthew, who loves any opportunity to get creative, dreamed up a themed mural to honour early landowner and renowned local clockmaker, James Oatley.

“I designed the mural so that the community could participate, no matter what level of painting they were capable of,” says Matthew. “I

remembered the ‘paint by numbers’ method from years ago, and thought it would be a fun way for the community to get hands on. You don’t need a lot of skill, just a lot of enthusiasm.

and get busy with a paintbrush.

We’re really pleased with the result, and other councils have expressed interest in adopting this concept for next year's Graffiti Removal Day,” adds Matthew.

“There were a lot of clock wheels for people to paint, and to make it easier we thought it would be best to make a couple of stencils rather than draw each one by hand. My colleague, Dave Cologon and apprentice Dylan Meres, helped with the preparation so that people could just turn up

Since the mural was finished, members of the community have been in touch and suggested a range of locations for potential mural sites within the LGA. Well done to Matthew and his team!

“I designed the mural so that the community could participate, no matter what level of painting they were capable of.”

COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION | 11

Sydney Sixers Women’s Big Bash League The Big Bash is coming to Hurstville Oval this summer and it’s your chance to experience a match-day like no other!

The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) is bringing together some of the best cricketers from all over the world for two blockbuster days of cricket at Hurstville Oval.

Hurstville Oval will be transformed into a summer festival with entertainment on offer for the whole family including food trucks, music, a stack of giveaways PLUS the chance to meet your WBBL heroes.

Hurstville Oval will be transformed into a summer festival with entertainment on offer for the whole family

12 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

Get the whole family to down to Hurstville Oval and watch your WBBL heroes live!

Sydney Sixers vs. Brisbane Heat Sunday 23 December, 2.10pm Sydney vs. Adelaide Strikers Friday 28 December, 2.10pm



On Saturday 22 December and Thursday 28 December, the Sydney Sixers WBBL side will arrive in town for two days of cricket action and family fun. It’s not just the blockbuster

Big Bash action on the field that supporters can look forward to.

Tickets can be purchased via Ticketek.com.au

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Sydney FC kicks off on home turf International football stars Sydney FC are playing seven home games at Jubilee Stadium as part of the A-League season, which kicked off in November.

Sydney FC Captain Alex Brosque says the team is feeling confident about the A-League Season and competing in familiar territory.

“We are extremely excited to be playing home games at Jubilee Stadium this season as it is right in the middle of Sydney FC’s heartland. It’s a fantastic venue, it will be brimming with Sky Blue and I expect it to be full each week, so it will really feel like a home ground for us,” says Alex.

Georges River residents have the opportunity to see world-class football matches close to home, with five games still to come. Suitable for all ages, the action-packed games promise blockbuster rivalries and a fantastic night out cheering on the Sky Blues.

"We are extremely excited to be playing home games at Jubilee Stadium..."

Sydney FC A-League games at Jubilee Stadium Sydney FC vs. Brisbane Roar Saturday 29 December, 7.50pm Sydney FC vs. Central Coast Mariners Friday 4 January, 7.50pm Sydney FC vs. Adelaide United Sunday 13 January, 6.00pm Sydney FC vs. Newcastle Jets Saturday 19 January, 5.35pm Sydney FC vs. Melbourne City Sunday 3 February, 5.00pm

The A-League squad boasts international stars Milos Ninkovic, Adam Le Fondre and Siem De Jong - with the W-League team featuring six Matildas including Lisa Da Vanna, Chloe Logarzo and Alana Kennedy.



“We're feeling very good about the Hyundai A-League season, we have started really well and Steve Corica has brought in some excellent new players who have really improved

the squad. I think we will continue to be successful this season and am looking forward to winning more silverware.”

Tickets can be purchased via Ticketek.com.au

COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION | 13

St George Leagues Dance Club Keeping fit doesn’t have to be a burden, just ask the folks at St George Leagues Dance Club.

“When our children left home, we needed to find something else to do,” says Nancy.

On any given Monday at Marana Auditorium, local dancers come together for over four hours of sequence dancing that’s not only great fun, but beneficial to both the mind and body.

“Most of the participants are retirees.

They get dressed up, they come to the hall, and they talk, laugh and dance, so it’s all beneficial in many ways.

“Dancing is good exercise and a social activity,” says St George Leagues Dance Club participant Nancy Oh. Nancy and her husband, Club president Albert Oh, began dancing in their fifties when their children left home, and now dance at a professional standard in their seventies.

"Each week is different, with a selection of cha chas, rumbas, fox trots, jives, tangos, swing and sambas."

“Each week is different, with a selection of cha chas, rumbas, fox trots, jives, tangos, swing and sambas. The dancers have to

14 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

remember a variety of sequences in those steps, so it’s good stimulation for the brain and beneficial in terms of dementia.”

Monday night dances at the Marana run from 6.00pm-11.00pm. There is a one hour dance lesson conducted

by Albert and Nancy prior to the commencement of the social dance at 7.00pm.

If you would like more information about the St George Leagues Dance Club, please get in touch with Albert Oh, Club President on 0414 398 833.

For more information on the Marana Auditorium, please contact Council.

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

WHAT’S IN A NAME

Blakehurst Originally called Georgetown, or Georgeton, Blakehurst was named after William Blake, who made his home there in 1848, where he established a quarry and small farm near the present day Blakehurst Public School.

Blakehurst is a combination of Blake and Hurst, which is an old English word meaning “small wooded hill”, with the literal translation being “Blake's hill.”

Early industries in the area included timber cutting, charcoal burning and lime making, before making way for farmers and ship builders as more of the dense forest was cleared.

Tenders for the construction of Blakehurst Public School were called in 1880 and building began in April 1881, with the school opening a year later in 1882, making it one of the oldest schools in the area. The school catered not only for children

in the Blakehurst area, but also for a dozen or so from Sylvania, who crossed daily by the Tom Ugly’s Point punt.

The punt operated until the construction of Tom Ugly’s Bridge in 1929.

Tom Ugly's Bridge 1929

COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION | 15

EXHIBITIONS

Keep in touch Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s latest exhibition, Keep in touch, has inspired visitors to both reminisce and discover how technology and communication has developed in the Georges River area, moving from analogue to digital. Recent visitors have commented on how fun the interactive activities are, which include watching old television clips in a recreated 1960s living room, sending and decoding a message using a Morse Code machine and using a tin can telephone.

While the majority of the exhibition focuses on the technological side of communication, a theme that runs throughout the exhibition is connecting with others, inspiring the exhibition’s title.

providing new and unexpected ways to be more involved in the local area such as volunteering with Kogarah Community Services, participating in Neighbour Day or joining the Hurstville Community Garden.

Hurstville Museum & Gallery will also be hosting a number of events that aim to promote a warm and welcoming atmosphere where local residents can connect.

We hope to see you at the exhibition, on until 27 January, and don’t forget to keep in touch!

Catch up over coffee Tuesday 15 January, 11.00am Hurstville Museum & Gallery Refreshments will be available.

‘Call to action’ cards form part of the exhibition and encourage our visitors to connect with the community,

Artist in Residence program kicks off this summer Georges River Council is excited to launch its inaugural Artist in Residence program, which will run from November 2018 to December 2020.

Sixteen successful applicants were selected from a highly competitive field of both local and interstate artists.

They will be provided with an opportunity to complete their residencies of up to three months in the former ranger’s cottage in Carss Bush Park. These lush surroundings will provide inspiration for the artists and an opportunity to focus a dedicated amount of time to their craft.

A diverse range of art forms will be seen during the program including sculpture, painting, drawing, writing, photography and mixed media. Workshops will also be held throughout the residencies, providing an opportunity for a variety of connections between these artists and our community.



16 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

For more information on the Artist in Residence program, visit www.georgesriver.nsw.gov. au/AIR

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Beyond the bowl When you think of clay and glass sculptures, you might think of the classic bowl shape - smooth, round, functional, beautiful - however these materials can be used to create things outside your imagination.

Honor Freeman, Spill, 2017.

Beyond the bowl brings together a range of artists skilled in the mediums of clay and glass, and showcases what can be created when you think ‘beyond the bowl’.

The exhibition will feature the works of 10 of Australia’s leading contemporary ceramic and glass artists - Julie Bartholomew, Alexandra Chambers, Cobi Cockburn, Matthew Curtis, Merran Esson, Honor Freeman, Anita Larkin, Eloise Rankine, Kirstie Rea and Emma Varga.

These artists all explore and push the boundaries as to just what can be made with clay and glass.

Exhibition runs from 2 February until 18 April 2019.

Eloise Rankine, Stay strong, 2014-2018.

Exhibition opening: Friday 8 February, 6.00pm Hurstville Museum & Gallery Guest speaker: Grace Cochrane - Independent curator, writer and consultant (formerly senior curator at the Powerhouse Museum).

A sense of belonging An Australian pop-culture themed exhibition, will feature in the Dragon’s Lair Gallery in the New Year. A sense of belonging is a collection of recent paintings by artist Tracey Esteves. The exhibition focuses on a mix of Australian imagery which offer the viewer a sense of familiarity and enchantment. Tracey’s paintings infuse Australian iconography with a mix of postmodern appropriation, to encourage a new conversation – a new story.

Tracey, will also run a school holiday workshop to explore working with clay, sculpting mini versions of their favourite food.

A sense of belonging by Tracey Esteves will run from 5 January until 3 February 2019 at the Dragon’s Lair Gallery, Hurstville Museum & Gallery.

Exhibition opening: Saturday 5 January, 2.00pm.

Hurstville Museum & Gallery RSVP at www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/HMG School holiday sculpting workshop - For ages 12-14 Tuesday 22 January from 11.00am-1.00pm Hurstville Museum & Gallery Bookings are essential as class size is limited.

RSVP at www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/HMG

Tracey Esteves, Once a jolly swagman

COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION | 17

SUMMER EVENTS

White Ribbon An estimated 1,600 people came together on 23 November to march alongside one another to raise awareness about domestic violence and to stand up and say no to violence against women. The walk began at Jubilee Stadium and finished in Kogarah Town Square, with many local schools participating.

Thank you to everyone who took part to show their support of this important cause.

“Today is a day to draw attention to changing men’s behaviour. It highlights that men need to take responsibility for their behaviour towards their loved ones and in the general community. So we’re hoping that today will highlight that men can take responsibility, not only for their own behaviour, but for their mates, for their family, and just changing the attitude and saying no to violence and having respectful relationships."

- Jan Christie

“I am a White Ribbon Ambassador and a community journalist and I’ve been writing news articles and reports about domestic and family violence. The gender role in CALD Community is different, for example, when they are at home in their original country, the wife maybe stays at home while the husband works. But when then they come here, the roles change. Both are working but the man still has the same demands that the wife has to prepare food, the wife has to clean the house, the wife has to wash the dishes. We are trying to increase awareness among the community that this is not fair and everyone has to work together to make a healthy and happy family."

- Rishi Acharya

18 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

GEORGES RIVER COUNCI L

presents

Magic of Christmas at

CARSS BUSH PARK

Carols Songbook

Thanks to everyone who came along to help get in the festive spirit at our annual Magic of Christmas event at www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au Carss Bush Park. The Grinch was there, along with Rudolph and many talented local performance groups.

ARIA and Golden Guitar award winner Colin Buchanan headlined, and The Voice star, Tim Moxey also helped get the crowd singing.

Special thanks to our major sponsor Club Central, and our event supporter Club Rivers for your support of this fun and family-friendly community event.

Georges River lights up Council would like to thank community members for taking part in its annual Christmas Lights Competition.

The competition was a great success, with a mix of wonderful submissions adding plenty of light and colour to many neighbourhoods in the Georges River area. Your contributions have helped to make the lead-up to Christmas extra festive for everyone in the local area.

Winners can be viewed at www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.

Prizes included a $500 gift card per winner for Best Residential Home (in each ward), Overall Best Residential, and the People's Choice Award, and a $1,000 gift card for the Best Business Winner.

Christmas operating hours Georges River Service Centres, Libraries, Childcare Centres and facilities have limited opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period. Our Customer Service Centres at Hurstville and Kogarah will be closed on: Christmas Day, Tuesday 25 December 2018 Boxing Day, Wednesday 26 December 2018 New Year's Day, Tuesday 1 January 2019 For a comprehensive list of operating hours over the Christmas period at Council facilities please go to www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

From all of us at Georges River Council and may you have a safe and enjoyable New Year

COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION | 19

SUMMER EVENTS

Justice Crew headlining on Australia Day Come along to Carss Bush Park on the foreshore of Kogarah Bay this Australia Day and enjoy one of Sydney’s most popular and vibrant family celebrations.

This year’s headline act is Justice Crew, whose single 'Que Sera' broke Australian chart history, being the first Australian act since 1983 to stay nine weeks atop the charts. They’ve been nominated for eight ARIA Music Awards, and toured with international artists including Janet Jackson and One Direction.

This year promises to be another unforgettable evening with a brilliant display of fireworks over Kogarah Bay as the finale. This is an event not to be missed!

Event Details Saturday 26 January 2019 10.00am-9.00pm, fireworks at 9.00pm Carss Bush Park, Carwar Avenue, Carss Park



For over 27 years, this fun-filled family event has showcased great live music, diverse cultural performances,

an array of children’s activities, amusing roving entertainers and food and market stalls.

For more information, visit Council’s website www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

20 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Lunar New Year Festival February is set to be full of colour and excitement with our Lunar New Year Festival, as well as a fantastic range of workshops and activities throughout January and February.

Hurstville’s Forest Road will come to life with a vibrant street fair on Saturday 2 February. The festival will feature non-stop entertainment, food and market stalls, traditional lion and dragon dances, a spectacular street parade and much more. Bring the whole family along to enjoy the celebrations!

Event Details Saturday 2 February 2019 10.00am – 6.00pm Forest Road, Hurstville



For more information, visit Council’s website www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION | 21

EVENTS

WHAT’S ON 

For information on all of our events or to book visit, www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Women's Big Bash League

December Friday 14 December 2018 SENIORS ART IN THE COURTYARD

Build your drawing skills using a variety of mediums and learn about the history of the area as you create your own artwork.

Hurstville Museum & Gallery 10.00am-12.00pm Refreshments from 9.30am. $5.50 per person, per session.

Saturday 15 December 2018

CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM & GALLERY

Dress up in your favourite Christmas colours and make some Christmas crafts to decorate your home with.

Hurstville Museum & Gallery 10.30am-12.00pm Free Event

Saturday 22 December 2018

The Women’s Big Bash League AT HURSTVILLE OVAL Sydney Sixers vs. Brisbane Heat Get the whole family to down to Hurstville Oval and witness your WBBL heroes live!

Hurstville Oval, Hurstville, 2.10pm Book online at Ticketek.com.au

Thursday 28 December 2018

The Women’s Big Bash League AT HURSTVILLE OVAL Sydney vs. Adelaide Strikers

Get the whole family to down to Hurstville Oval and witness your WBBL heroes live!

Hurstville Oval, Hurstville, 2.10pm Book online at ticketek.com.au

Saturday 29 December 2018

SYDNEY FC AT JUBILEE STADIUM Sydney FC vs. Brisbane Roar Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, 5.35pm Ticket prices start at $12.00 for a junior.

Book online at Ticketek.com.au

January Friday 4 January 2019

SYDNEY FC AT JUBILEE STADIUM Sydney FC vs. Central Coast Mariners Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, 7.50pm Tickets start at $12.00 for a junior.

Book online at Ticketek.com.au

Saturday 5 January 2019 A SENSE OF BELONGING Exhibition opening

A sense of belonging is a collection of recent paintings by artist Tracey Esteves.

Hurstville Museum & Gallery, 2.00pm RSVP: www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/HMG

22 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

Sunday 13 January 2019

SYDNEY FC AT JUBILEE STADIUM Sydney FC vs. Adelaide United

Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, 6.00pm Tickets start at $12.00 for a junior.

Book online at Ticketek.com.au

Saturday 19 January 2019

SYDNEY FC AT JUBILEE STADIUM Sydney FC vs. Newcastle Jets Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, 5.35pm Tickets start at $12.00 for a junior.

Book online at Ticketek.com.au

Saturday 26 January 2019

2019 AUSTRALIA DAY FESTIVAL

Come along to Carss Bush Park on the foreshore of Kogarah Bay this Australia Day and enjoy one of Sydney’s most popular and vibrant family celebrations.

Carss Bush Park, Carwar Avenue, Carss Park 10.00am-9.00pm, fireworks at 9.00pm

February Saturday 2 February 2019

LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

Bring the whole family along to enjoythe celebrations!

Forest Road, Hurstville 10.00am-6.00pm

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Australia Day 2019

Anh Do

Lunar New Year Festival 2019

Sunday 3 February 2019

SYDNEY FC AT JUBILEE STADIUM Sydney FC vs. Melbourne City Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, 5.00pm Tickets start at $12.00 for a junior.

Book online at Ticketek.com.au

Friday 8 February 2019 BEYOND THE BOWL Exhibition opening

Beyond the bowl brings together a range of artists skilled in the mediums of clay and glass, and showcases what can be created when you think ‘beyond the bowl’.

Hurstville Museum & Gallery, 6.00pm RSVP: www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/HMG

Saturday 16 February 2019 ANH DO - THE HAPPIEST REFUGEE LIVE!!

When one of Australia’s most talented comedians delves deep into his own life’s joys and sorrows, the result is an unforgettable night at the theatre that leaves the audience uplifted.

Marana Auditorium Show commences 8.00pm Suitable for ages 7+ Adults $64.90, Concession $59.90 Tickets available through Trybooking.com Matthew Curtis, Amber hex, 2016 - Beyond the bowl exhibition

COMMUNITY | SUMMER EDITION | 23

Blakehurst

Hurstville

Kogarah Bay

Mortdale

Peakhurst

Sam Elmir

Vince Badalati

Stephen Agius

Con Hindi

Kevin Greene

Sandy Grekas

Nancy Liu

Nick Katris

Lou Konjarski

Rita Kastanias

Kathryn Landsberry

Christina Wu

Leesha Payor

Warren Tegg

Colleen Symington

Deputy Mayor 0410 654 310 selmir @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0424 617 831 sgrekas @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0419 984 934 klandsberry @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0411 745 255 vbadalati @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0400 681 188 nliu @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0400 241 851 cwu @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0419 556 023 sagius @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0419 402 191 nkatris @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

9330 6296 lpayor @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0408 383 783 chindi @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0421 188 896 Lkonjarski @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0427 671 666 wtegg @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Mayor 9330 6020 kgreene @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0416 009 695 rkastanias @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

0409 546 202 csymington @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Christmas operating hours

Ordinary Council Meetings

Georges River Service Centres, Libraries, Childcare Centres and facilities have limited opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period. Our Customer Service Centres at Hurstville and Kogarah will be closed on:

Monday 17 December 2018 Monday 25 February 2019 Monday 25 March 2019 Watch Council Meetings live via www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/ About-Your-Council/Council-Meetings.

CONTACT Phone: 9330 6400 24 hours, 7 days a week

f georgesrivercouncil q @georges_river i @grcouncil & mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au Language Assistance Service

131 450

Christmas Day, Tuesday 25 December 2018 Boxing Day, Wednesday 26 December 2018 New Year's Day, Tuesday 1 January 2019 For a comprehensive list of operating hours over the Christmas period at Council facilities please go to www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Georges River Civic Centre Corner MacMahon and Dora Streets, Hurstville Open: 8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday Kogarah Library and Service Centre Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street Open: 8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

After-hours Customer Service available at Hurstville Library 5.00pm - 9.00pm, Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.00pm, Saturday and Sunday