Georges River Council Spring 2020 edition of Community

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

COMMUNITY SPRING EDITION 2020

CAPTURING NATURE:

Early photography at the Australian Museum 1857-1893

WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

f

GeorgesRiverCouncil

i

@grcouncil

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

maintenance and improvement of waterway health in response to a submission received from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

As many of you will be aware, in June the independent Georges River Local Planning Panel (GRLPP) considered the outcomes of the public exhibition and finalisation of the Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2020 (GRLEP 2020). Based on feedback provided by our community a number of variations were made to the GRLEP 2020.

Among some significant amendments was the removal of proposed acquisitions of residential properties in Kingsgrove. These proposed acquisitions were to address the shortage of open space within the northern section of the Local Government Area. The need for increased open space in the northern portion of the local government area (LGA) was a recommendation of the Georges River Local Strategic Planning Statement.

We are grateful for the community feedback received about this proposal. It was made clear that the community did not want these acquisitions to go ahead and the planning staff considered the issues raised and recommended to the Local Planning Panel that the acquisitions of the six properties for open space do not proceed with this LEP. The independent Georges River Local Planning Panel supported this recommendation. This is what community engagement is all about, and we will continue to work with you to develop the most appropriate solutions for our area’s changing needs.

Another variation included to the GRLEP 2020 was the insertion of an additional aim relating to the protection,

We also received significant feedback on the proposed Foreshore Scenic Protection Area (FSPA) raising concerns about the implications of reducing the land within the FSPA in the former Hurstville LGA. The independent Georges River Local Planning Panel carefully considered the information in the planning report and took the time to understand the issues raised in the written and verbal submissions. The independent Georges River Local Planning Panel resolved that the existing Foreshore Scenic Protection Area as identified in the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012 will be retained, and former Kogarah LGA foreshore localities will be added.

The timing of the public exhibition of the draft GRLEP 2020 was difficult – it was scheduled to begin just as the initial lockdown started due to COVID-19, and our legal obligations to the NSW Government meant that we had a clear deadline to meet to submit the draft.

We appreciate how frustrating this was for many of you, however we worked hard to make the information available to our community. We extended the deadline for the exhibition period and delivered a series of online engagement sessions so we could hear from you and, in turn, you could hear from the people in our Planning team so they could better explain some of the intricacies of the draft plan.

Council is genuinely grateful for the level of interest and engagement during this process. This is how we get things done – by working together for outcomes that are the right ones for our community members. I strongly encourage people to get involved in future planning by signing up for our Your Say e-newsletter which will keep you up to date with the latest consultations and public exhibitions. Go to yoursay. georgesriver.nsw.gov.au Kevin Greene Mayor, Georges River Council

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.

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

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

CONTENTS 4. YOUR COUNCIL

Citizen Advice Group will guide the approach for New Rates 2021 Spark Your Park 5. Is your pet microchipped and registered?

Log it-Fix it Wet weather update subscription 6. Watch these public spaces!

7. Council partners with GoGet to bring car share trial to Georges River

8. BUSINESS

Expert Recovery Panel

Georges River Business 9. Council partners with UTS students to map entrepreneurial ecosystem 10. Outdoor dining just got easier for businesses

11. ENVIRONMENT

Council sets new climate pledges

12. COMMUNITY

Healthcare worker in Kingsgrove happy to help 13. New youth centre breaks ground 14. 20 community grants awarded to local organisations

16. ART AND CULTURE

17.

18.

20.

Have you seen the new mural at Hurstville?

In the park: Georges River Artist in Residence 2020 Capturing Nature: Early photography at the Australian Museum 1857-1893 Georges River Youth Literature Award

21. LOCAL HISTORY

Marathon dancing craze in the 1920s brought the sport to the streets 22. What’s in a name? Kogarah

23. WHAT'S ON

YOUR

SAY

Be involved in important projects by contributing to Council decisions that shape the future of the Georges River area.

Your feedback matters! Register via Council’s website at yoursay.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 3

YOUR COUNCIL

Citizen Advice Group will guide the approach for New Rates 2021 Last year our community told us it supported the harmonisation of the rates systems from the former Hurstville and Kogarah Councils. There was also support for a rate increase to ensure the existing services we value could be maintained. The harmonisation is planned for 2021 but given the new environment we find ourselves in, we want to understand if the community prefers a staged rate peg increase over a number of years instead of a one off

increase. The first step in understanding this is the creation of a Citizen Advice Group. Made up of a diverse mix of community residents and business owners from across all wards, this group will provide advice to Council on the new rates for 2021 and provide Council some initial ideas about what services are most valued by the community in the event Council must cut costs.

Spark Your Park kicks off at Empress Reserve, Hurstville Our first Spark Your Park event at Empress Reserve in Hurstville on Wednesday 26 August was greeted with a warm and sunny winter’s day, which made the planting and watering all the more enjoyable for those who took part.

15 volunteers from the surrounding area came to help us plant a fine selection of native trees, shrubs and grasses including Blueberry Ash, Bottle Brush and varieties of Lomandra. Once established these plants will help bolster the area’s green space, while adding to the visual appeal of the reserve.

Council hopes to run more of these events in the near future as a way to engage the local community in the greening of local parks and reserves throughout the Georges River area.

To get involved in a project near you, visit the volunteering page on Council’s website at www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/volunteering.

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

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Log it-Fix it Is your pet microchipped and registered?

Registering your pet ensures Council will be able to contact you, should they be lost and found. If a pet is not registered, Council has no option but to transfer the animal to a shelter.

Registration requires a once-only payment which covers your pet for its lifetime in NSW, regardless of any changes in ownership.

Microchipping and registration is a two-step process that requires dog and cat owners to: 1. Have the pet microchipped by 12 weeks of age by a vet or accredited implanter.

2. Lifetime Register the pet by 6 months of age.

For more information, visit www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Services/Regulatory-Services/Animals-and-Pets

We’re committed to maintaining a clean and safe community. You can help us care for it by raising issues that you identify, such as illegally dumped rubbish, park maintenance requirements or potholes.

The best way to report an issue is via our Log it-Fix it online form. Log it-Fix it ensures the request and information goes straight to the appropriate team.

You are also provided a reference number which means you can track your request.

When you log an issue, please include as much detail as possible so we can easily find the location and arrange appropriate follow up.

Go to Log it-Fix it on Council’s website.

Wet weather update subscription Has it been raining? Wondering if sport is on or not? Sign up for our new subscription service which will let you know whether local turf fields are open or closed. Choose to receive notifications via text, email or both!

Go to www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/sportsfields-in-wetweather and hit ‘subscribe’.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 5

YOUR COUNCIL

Watch these public spaces!

We were recently successful in securing grant funding from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s 'Streets as Shared Spaces' program, which will help deliver pop-ups and pilots that encourage social distancing and improve the attractiveness of our neighbourhoods. $50,000 will go towards helping improve pedestrian amenity in Kogarah through traffic calming measures, public art, lighting and street furniture and $350,000 will help convert Forest Road in Hurstville into a more pedestrian-friendly location. We’ll be engaging the community on these proposed designs again soon. Check them out!

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

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Council partners with GoGet to bring car share trial to Georges River

Council has partnered with GoGet to run a 12-18 month car share trial across ten locations in Hurstville and Kogarah, which were selected based on accessibility, proximity to high density residential buildings and proximity to public transport.

Car sharing provides local residents with access to a range of vehicles located near to where members live or work.

All car costs including petrol, insurance and registration are covered by GoGet, a competitive alternative to personal car ownership for both businesses and households.

Council will provide a mix of on-street car parking for authorised car share vehicles during the trial, which will test the level of demand and interest for this service locally

to inform a Car Share Policy for the Georges River area. Providing car sharing options supports Council’s draft Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040, which shares a vision to reduce the number of cars in the local area with an active car share economy, and this is a significant step forward to achieving this.

Local businesses can join the service free of charge and book cars by the hour or the day. For information on how to sign up as a business or an individual member, visit the GoGet website.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 7

BUSINESS

Expert Recovery Panel We have recently formed an Economic Recovery Panel to help guide our city to economic success. The panel supports the commitment Council has to support our community and local businesses in the light of the impacts of COVID-19.

The panel members are highly regarded by their peers and have been selected based on their expertise. They include Katherine O’Regan, Executive Director, Sydney Business Chamber; Dr Robert Lang, Chairman at Regional Development Australia; and Eamon Waterford, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy at Committee for Sydney.

Mr Waterford said the panel members are delighted to be collaborating with Georges River Council to contribute practical suggestions and advice, as well bold ideas that will help Council buoy the local economy through this challenging period.

____ “Working with Council we will identify what global best practice can contribute to supporting local businesses and we’ll also provide a conduit to decisionmakers who can help champion the council’s long-term vision for the local area, solidifying its place within Greater Sydney,” said Mr Waterford.

The first meeting was held recently with some recommendations already actioned, including incentives for outdoor dining with six months fee-free, and support for businesses to increase their capability and, where possible, removing potential barriers. The panel will continue providing suggestions for further investigation and discussion to help shape and influence the ongoing success of the Georges River area, and will be active for approximately six months, with the view to extend to 12 months.

Georges River Business We have launched a new online tool for local businesses to advertise products and services, connect with other businesses and gain access to a range of local events and professional development opportunities. It’s free!

Register your business at georgesriverbusiness.com.au and give your business more opportunity to thrive.

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

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

UTS students learn about doing business in Sydney's South

Council partners with UTS students to map entrepreneurial ecosystem Council has partnered with the University of Technology (UTS) Sydney ANSTO, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sydney and Southern Sydney councils, to map the Southern Sydney Innovation Ecosystem.

Students studying a Diploma in Innovation at UTS Sydney’s Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation were invited to take part in the project, which was integrated into their coursework.

We spoke to student Connor Keogh about his experience, and what he learned about doing business in Sydney’s South.

“Performing analysis on key stakeholders of the ecosystems allowed us, as students, to grasp knowledge on the factors that affect businesses.

“This new-found knowledge would not have been accessible in other university classes prior for me and for others, and would just be conveyed as a concept.

“Here, we were able to see changes happening, not only to grasp the knowledge, but also to comprehend why these effects are coming into play.

“We identified a large trend of individuals seeking higher employment outside of the local area and a similar trend with businesses that start off as small within the professional services line of work, and tend to seek larger office spaces within other districts as they grow.

“This could be addressed to make positive changes to other aspects of the communities. The group that I was in played around with the concept of a large hub, with enough space for many businesses to work.

“This space would also offer the opportunity to equip high school or university students with facilities and training programs that could enhance their development and provide internship opportunities local to and within the Georges River District.

____

“I liked most the opportunity to communicate directly with councils acting as the clients for the research being completed, a life lesson that will unquestionably assist with engineering work in the future.”

BUSINESS

Outdoor dining just got easier for businesses

Aimed at encouraging increased outdoor dining, outdoor dining fees and charges are being waived or adjusted for a period of up to six months.

We hope to increase the dining capacity of local restaurants and cafes and also reinvigorate local centres in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions.

Tina Angelidis of recently opened chocolate shop and café Adora in Oatley, said that having the outdoor dining fees waived for six months during this period is crucial.

“Starting a new business in the area, we wanted to create a community feel

and life on the streets with our outdoor seating.

This gesture demonstrates that council understands our struggle, and makes us feel that we are part of a supporting community that wants our business to succeed,” said Tina.

____

“I would highly encourage for other business to take up this opportunity.

It will also test whether this concept will suit their business moving forward.

It’s a great opportunity,” she added.

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

Licence fees will be waived from 1 March, 2020 until 31 December, 2020 for all existing outdoor dining licence holders, and there is a six month rentfree period for all new applications received for the remainder of 2020.

Any new application for outdoor dining received from 1 January 2021 and for the 2021/2022 financial year, will receive a four-month rent free period.

For more information go to the Business section of council’s website and click on ‘Apply – Business use of Footpath’.

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

ENVIRONMENT

Council sets new climate pledges Georges River Council is the first council in New South Wales to set five new sustainable goals after meeting all of its initial commitments in the Cities Power Partnership, Australia’s largest network of cities and towns taking action on climate change.

The new pledges will support the community to reduce their carbon footprint by fast-tracking the uptake of renewables, and continue Council’s ongoing work to drive changes within its operations to achieve its 100% renewable energy target by 2025, and work towards net zero carbon emissions.

panels by 100%, which is a saving of around $22,000 in energy bills per year.

We have also promoted the uptake of renewable power options in households, purchased two electric vehicles and certified our summer events as carbon neutral. While these are significant achievements, there is still much work to do as Council works towards a more sustainable future, and by committing to five new climate pledges, we ensure continued progress.

We will now focus on promoting sustainable practices at a community level, as it is only with this collective support that we will truly be able to realise our goals for a sustainable future that is more resilient to climate and economic shocks.

Council was one of the first to achieve all pledges out of 128 councils in the Cities Power Partnership. This has seen a number of sustainable changes to Council’s operations across the past year, including increasing our use of solar

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 11

COMMUNITY

Loren Squadrito at Kingsgrove Community Centre

Healthcare worker in Kingsgrove happy to help Healthcare worker Loren Squadrito has been on the frontline testing Georges River residents at the Kingsgrove COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic. We spoke to Loren about her experience and how she has adapted her skills to help out other healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have had a very positive experience while working at the drive-through testing clinic, people are friendly and many people come from both within and outside the local area for testing,” said Loren.

“I usually work as a Pathology Collector, and working at the drive-through testing facility has definitely been different and challenging from what I am used to, but in saying so I’m happy as I get to help the community as well as assist other health care workers.

“The Georges River area was selected for a pop-up testing site because of its relatively low rates of testing, as well as its high population, and we need as many people to keep getting tested for COVID-19 so that we can continue to manage the pandemic in Australia.

____

“If you have symptoms including fever, cough, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, you should seek medical advice from your doctor, and get tested,” added Loren.

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

If you need to get tested for COVID-19, visit one of the following local testing clinics: The Kingsgrove drive-through testing clinic is now re-located to Riverwood Riverwood drive-through testing clinic Riverwood Park, 79 Coleridge Street, Riverwood.

Those wishing to attend the Medlab Pathology drivethrough clinic in Riverwood require a doctor’s referral before attendance. This can be obtained by phoning your GP and requesting that a referral be emailed or faxed to Medlab Pathology at nurses@medlab.com.au or 8745 6567. For further information, call Medlab Pathology on 8745 6500.

Hurstville Community Health Centre (no referral required) 34 Woniora Rd, Hurstville 9.00am - 4.00pm Monday - Friday 9.00am - 2.00pm Weekends (closed on public holidays) Phone: 9113 2150 St George Hospital Clinical Services Building (access via Gate 3), Kensington Street, Kogarah 8.00am - 6.00pm daily.

Phone: 9113 1766

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

This park will meet the needs of the whole community, with something for everyone.

Mayor of Georges River Council Kevin Greene with Site Supervisors from Georges River Council and Project Coordination (Youth Centre)

New youth centre breaks ground Construction of Council’s new youth centre in Penshurst is underway, which will offer a new supportive space for young people in the Georges River area to come together.

The youth centre, which is set to open in March 2021, will enable a range of actives with a training kitchen, halfcourt basketball facility and multi-use spaces for meetings and events.

The centre will be a great asset for

local youth groups and services, along with the other transformational works occurring at the site.

Council’s vision for Penshurst Park is taking shape, and will not only see this site become a regional sporting hub for use by a wide variety of sporting groups, but also a multi-use facility for the whole community to make use of and enjoy.

The youth centre is part of the Stage 2 of the project, which will also see the construction of a 275-seat grandstand,

outdoor exercise station, accessible amenities and change rooms, car park upgrade and a synthetic sports field with hydraulic cricket wicket.

This park will meet the needs of the whole community, with something for everyone. It also includes the recently completed Penshurst Park Inclusive Adventure Playground which opened in June with picnic and barbecue facilities, shelters, seating and new inclusive play equipment to accommodate all ages and abilities.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 13

COMMUNITY

20 community grants awarded to local organisations Street Smart Project, Street Industries Inc.

20 new community grants were awarded to local organisations via an online presentation in July. The grants included the new Micro Grants program, Capacity Building grants and Connected Communities grants, with a total of $123,158 in funding of between $1,000 and $25,000 individual grants awarded.

Funds will support projects and initiatives that address community needs, solve local issues, and encourage community participation and social connections.

The Micro Grants program empowers individuals in the Georges River area to support community wellbeing, innovation and social change at a grassroots level.

Samey Minkara, CEO and Founder of Street Industries Inc. said the funding has assisted them in staffing for their Street Smart Project, and provided resources for Youth Outreach Events.

“The funding has enabled the team to provide regular outreach in the community, coordinate services to support socially excluded young people and build the capacity of young people to become active citizens in our community,” said Samey.

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

“We’ve seen negative impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s mental health as well as an increase in anti-social behaviour, including substance use and misuse. Some young people have become a lot more socially isolated.

“Through the Street Smart Project the team has built rapport with young people and linked them with the appropriate services to meet their needs. We’re promoting pro-social behaviours, harm reduction strategies and raising awareness of the risks associated with substance misuse.

“We’ve been using diversionary activities to engage at-risk young people and diverting their attention away from risky behaviours through music, art, sport and excursions. We also promote positive behaviours and health choices, including diet, physical activity, mental health strategies and how to access support and other opportunities.

____

“This funding is incredibly important, as it allows us to have a presence on the streets and support young people doing it tough, and our work improves their sense of belonging and connection to the community,” Samey added.

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Congratulations to the successful applicants listed below: ORGANISATION

PROJECT TITLE

GRANT

Connected Communities category - 2 projects Street Industries Inc.

Street Smart Project early intervention program for at risk young people

$20,000

Kogarah RSL Sub-Branch Youth Club

Junior Jellybeans social connectedness program for children with disabilities and their parents

$10,000

St George Family Support Services Inc.

Replacement of phone system to deliver essential family support services in Georges River

$7,700

Cerebral Palsy Alliance

Communication equipment for people with disability

$9,820

Cass Care Ltd

Development of a therapeutic Sensory Room

$5,400

Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW

Rescue vessel equipment upgrade

$5,831

Learning Links

Supporting children with learning disabilities and difficulties in the Georges River community

$8,615

St George Men’s Shed Inc.

Improvement of air quality and dust control in the Men’s Shed workspaces

$2,850

St George Children with Disabilities Fund Inc.

Music therapy and life enhancing support for children with severe disabilities

$10,000

Hurstville Senior Citizens Computer Club Inc.

Purchase of two computers for seniors computer training classes

$2,200

3Bridges Community Ltd

Portable toilet and shower CarePort unit at the 3Bridges Carss Park office for older, frail aged and vulnerable people

$10,000

Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre Inc.

Defibrillator in the common area of Kingsgrove Community Centre

$3,690

Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of Sydney – St Mark’s Anglican Church South Hurstville

Environmental sustainability project to install a 9.9kw solar panel system at the St Mark's Church building

$5,000

St George Art Society

Recording and display AV equipment to record artists to support live, recorded and streamed artist workshops

$1,050

Norm and Beryl Butters Senior Citizens Centre (Formerly Oatley Senior Citizens Centre).

Installation of a split system air conditioning unit in the Norm and Beryl Butters Senior Citizens Centre (Formerly Oatley Senior Citizens Centre).

$4,550

Integricare

Parenting workshop program for families experiencing domestic and family violence

$3,152

Kogarah Community Services Inc.

Enhanced technology to improve the service provided to our clients and community care workers to deliver quality care and improve staff productivity

$10,000

Connells Point Sailing Club Inc.

Support for volunteer first aid training

$1,300

Chinese Parents Association - Children with Disabilities Inc.

Educational cruise on the Georges River for children with disabilities and their caregivers

$1,000

Crateful Group Australia Ltd

Vehicle expenses to support pop up hamper distribution for vulnerable Georges River residents to provide affordable fresh produce and household goods

$1,000

Capacity Building category - 16 projects

Micro Grants category - 2 projects

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 15

ART AND CULTURE

Have you seen the new mural at Hurstville?

MAN. De in front of her mural on MacMahon Street

The colourful celebration of our area’s native flora and fauna has helped transform the public space on MacMahon Street.

The mural’s creator Mandy Schöne-Salter, a.k.a MAN. De says that she wants the mural, with its larger than life flora and fauna, to influence and encourage community connections with nature in an urban setting.

“We have this innate affiliation to nature and when we’re surrounded by it, or even viewing scenes of nature, it reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings.

____

“Through the mural, I wanted to highlight the importance of the relationship between nature and humans,” added MAN.De. The creation of public art is a direct response to the Create Georges River Cultural Strategy and the Hurstville Place Strategy, both of which identify public art as central to

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

creating liveable spaces within our urban centres that reflect the area’s location and unique culture.

Council’s Public Art Policy enables collaboration with artists to produce high-quality public art, and this colourful mural is just the beginning of our plan to showcase art and culture in the city.

If you have a location in mind for a public artwork, you can let us know. Email mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

A showcase of the work by four artists who took part in our Artists in Residence program

Carss Park Lifesavers Hall - afternoon light

In the park: Georges River Artist in Residence 2020 Throughout the month of October, Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s latest exhibition In the park: Georges River Artist in Residence 2020, will showcase the work of four artists who took part in Council’s residency at Carss Park Artist’s Cottage over the past two years.

The diverse exhibition features works by Helen Amanatiadis, Emma Davidson, Sofie Dieu and Tess Mehonoshen, showcasing a range of artistic mediums including photographs, works on paper, printing, weaving and felt.

The Carss Park Artist’s Cottage, in the former ranger’s house, provides a studio and accommodation in a picturesque bush setting on the Georges River.

The Artist in Residence program aims to foster connections and interactions between people, introducing artists, experiences and opportunities to the Georges River community.

Georges River Council selected 15 artists to participate in the Artist in Residence program from 2018-2020, with artists for the 2021-2022 program to be announced shortly.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 17

ART AND CULTURE

Capturing Nature - birds nest

Capturing Nature - fish

CAPTURING NATURE: Early photography at the Australian Museum 1857-1893 Drawn from the Australian Museum’s extensive archival collection of over 15,000 plate glass negatives, Capturing Nature showcases the scientific discoveries made by early Australian scientists between the 1850s and 1890s. These images are some of Australia’s earliest natural history photographs. Combining science and art, they tell the story of pioneering research as well as the advent of photography in Australia.

The large images, period cameras and other items included in the exhibition, bring to life subjects ranging from a large sunfish to a gorilla, and even the fragile bones of a flamingo. Most of

the specimens photographed at the Museum were taken by the taxidermist, Henry Barnes and his son, along with the help of the Australian Museum’s pioneering curator, Gerard Krefft.

The exhibition reveals the importance of early glass plate photography as a means of capturing history and science.

Photography was an expensive and complicated process, so every photo was carefully planned, with the animals and specimens being prepared, posed and positioned for the best natural light and least shadow.

Capturing Nature brings to life a unique and fascinating record of

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

early Australian science, images of Australian fauna at a time of great enthusiasm for science and classification, and the story of one of the greatest inventions - photography.

A touring exhibition created by the Australian Museum.

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Capturing Nature - flamingo bones COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 19

ART AND CULTURE

Georges River Youth Literature Award This year we launched the Georges River Youth Literature Award (GRYLA), an annual creative writing short story competition that aims to capture the aspirations and experiences of young people in Years 7-12 who live, study or play in the Georges River area.

Entrants were given a quote by Miles Franklin and an image of a girl standing on a train platform as stimulus for their story. Each entry was awarded marks based on four criteria: originality, language, structure, and integration of the writing stimulus, with one winner and one runner-up being selected.

Through the judging process, we were able to select one winner and one runner-up.

Winner: Pay Grade by Robin Bedward (Year 10)

Runner-up: The Gift of Life by Athena Jiang (Year 10)

Pay Grade After five years of being away from "The Firm", Gurney finds himself pursuing his target, a young woman in her early twenties who had seen something she shouldn't have. As we weave through the crowd of a metropolis train station with the protagonist, Mike Gurney, we learn more about his character with each step and sip of cocoa he takes and question if somebody really can change who they are.

Gift of Life In 2018, Angela Jane Mitchell made a decision that would change her life forever. Angela ignored the "MIND THE GAP" warning screaming at her from the edge of the platform, and determinedly stepped in front of an oncoming train. Incredibly, through strength and determination, Angela survived and now learns how to come to terms with her past. This heartfelt short story is about choices, hope, and second chances.

Thank you to all entrants for their participation and congratulations to the winner and runner-up! To read the winning stories, visit georgesriverreads.blog

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

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

Come and explore our Museum & Gallery

Queen’s Theatre in Forest Road, Hurstville, where Don Young the marathon dancer gave special demonstrations of his dancing technique on 4, 5 and 6 June 1928

Marathon dancing craze in the 1920s brought the sport to the streets

He didn’t stop there, going on to set a record for ‘stepdancing’ for 35¾ hours on 14 July 1928, breaking a record held by an American of 10½ hours. Imagine 35 hours of Riverdance! Understandably, he went on to teach dancing at the Roselands Ballroom in New York.

Later that year another man danced from Strathfield to Bondi, with an orchestra on the back of a lorry supplying the music.

The lorry driver was fined 2/6d by police for delaying traffic. A keen marathon dancer also danced the 80km from Geelong to Melbourne that same year.

There was an occupational hazard for the female dance partners - they wore out their stockings!

Can you imagine strapping on your dancing shoes and ballroom dancing all the way from Hurstville to Martin Place? Well, that’s exactly what 20-year-old Don Young from West Kogarah did in 1928!

The late 1920s saw a craze for dance marathons, and Don ballroom-danced a whopping 22km from Hurstville to Martin Place inside three hours on Saturday 16 June 1928, despite being stopped by the police several times.

He also set a World Record for Marathon Dancing on 18 May 1928, where he danced for 123½ hours, accompanied by seven pianists and two phonographs, at the Palais Grande in Rockdale.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 21

LOCAL HISTORY

Railway Parade in circa 1912

What’s in a name?

KOGARAH

The name ‘Kogarah’ comes from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of reeds’, and refers to the vegetation around Kogarah Bay. Remnant shellfish middens indicate one source of food enjoyed by the indigenous inhabitants of the area prior to white settlement. Lime-burners in the early 19th century exploited the shell middens in the production of lime for cement. White settlement of the area was slow to occur, and followed the construction in 1840 of Cooks River Dam which allowed the road south to proceed.

Early buildings in the area included St Paul’s Anglican Church, constructed in Victorian Gothic style in 1869, St Patrick’s RC Church, designed by the prominent architects Sheerin and Hennessy, which opened in 1888, and the Gardener’s Arms Hotel, built in the 1860s on the corner of Rocky Point Road and Princes Highway, where the very first meeting of Kogarah Council was held.

Development of Kogarah prior to the 1880s was hindered for many years by the state of the roads, but was accelerated by the arrival of the railway in 1884 which linked the areas south of Cooks River. Newspaper reports of the time praised the district’s ‘fresh green paddocks with their shades of trees…beautiful orchards and neat homelike cottages.’

The railway line was extended across the Georges River at Como the following year.

Kogarah was proclaimed a municipality on 23 December 1885, and land speculators went to work, subdividing estates. Housing began to spread on either side of the railway line, and eastward towards the bay. The former

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

Steam tram in Railway Parade circa 1930

nucleus of the area around the Gardener’s Arms Hotel, shifted to Railway Parade. Civic buildings such as the Post Office, Municipal Chambers, and the beautifully-preserved School of Arts (1887) graced the municipality. What began as St George’s Cottage Hospital in 1894 grew into what is now the area’s primary employer, St George Hospital, a major teaching hospital serving the south of Sydney.

Market gardening was a feature of the suburb, and many of the gardens were tended by Chinese workers. A remnant market garden off Toomevara Lane is State heritage-listed.

Transport links at one time included a steam tram service, which ran from Kogarah railway station to Sans Souci. The steam-trams had coal-burning engines, and they operated for fifty years, from 1887 to 1937. They were subsequently replaced by a trolley-bus service, which was in business until 1959, before its replacement with diesel buses.

GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL

What's on For more information or to check out all of our events, please visit www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

COUNCIL'S COVID SAFE EVENTS Shop local and win $100!

Spend over $30 in one transaction at any local small business in the Georges River area and go into the draw to win one of 12 weekly $100 gift cards.

How it works: • Spend $30 locally • Go to yoursay.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au • Upload a copy of your receipt • Go in the draw to win!

Join us for a STRANGER

THINGS movie marathon!

Competition commences on Sunday 4 October 2020.

Terms and conditions apply. For more information visit: yoursay.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.

Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October 2020

7.00pm - 10.00pm (entry from 5:00pm)

‘The Frightful Eighties’ Drive-in Movie Donnelly Park, Connells Point Marathon FIRST IN BEST DRESSED

For Halloween we are partnering withfinsert local school www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au GeorgesRiverCouncil i @grcouncil and date in line with the Department of Education’s ‘Share Our Space’ campaign to host a free, ticketed drive-in movie marathon screening of ‘Stranger Things’. The theme is ‘Halloween and the 80s’ including a best-dressed competition for vehicles – that’s right – for your car! You might drive a Vampire Valiant, Killer Kia, Terrifying Toyota, Horrific Holden, Fanged Falcon, Monster Mitsubishi or a Necrotic Nissan!

Attendees will be in their own vehicles, allowing for physical distancing, and take-away food will be available.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 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

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

Deputy Mayor 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

Calendar of Council Meetings In accordance with resolution of Council, all Ordinary Council Meetings are scheduled for the fourth Monday of each month at Georges River Civic Centre, cnr Dora and MacMahon Streets Hurstville, commencing at 7.00pm.

Extraordinary Council meetings are called when required

CONTACT

28 September 2020 - Council meeting 26 October 2020 - Council meeting 23 November 2020 - Council meeting

Phone: 9330 6400 24 hours, 7 days a week www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Georges River Civic Centre Corner MacMahon and Dora Streets, Hurstville Open: 8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

f georgesrivercouncil i @grcouncil & mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Clive James Library and Service Centre Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street Open: 8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

Language Assistance Service

131 450

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