Community Summer Edition 2022

Mayor's Message

Welcome to the summer edition of Council’s Community Magazine, I hope you’re enjoying the new format and feature sections.

It’s been a huge year for us at Georges River Council, and just in these past few months alone we’ve achieved so much with the community.

There was a series of Bystander AntiRacism Training sessions held for adults and youth to tackle and manage racism in the community. We welcomed Ukrainian migrants at the recent Migrant Information Day and celebrated Penshurst Library’s 50th anniversary.

Thank you to everyone who attended the events and celebrations. The Georges River area is rich in culture and diversity so it’s great to see the community supporting each other.

During Mental Health Month, the Libraries hosted a series of activities for all ages to help raise awareness about positive mental wellbeing among the community. Locals participated in mindfulness workshops and the creative self-care bingo kits were very popular!

For those who took part in the bingo activity, there is an opportunity to return your Kindness Heart to Clive James Library where the team will donate the creations to St George Hospital.

Council also went out to tender for naming rights sponsorship of Jubilee Stadium, home to the St George-Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Football Club (Sydney FC). We’re looking forward to sharing the new stadium name with the community in the new year.

Recently, Council introduced our newest Councillor, Ashvini Ambihaipahar to the community who was sworn in following Councillor Tegg’s resignation. Councillor Ambihaipahar shares a story about strengthening diversity in the Georges River community on page 16 of this edition. With Councillor Greene also recently resigning, the AEC has just confirmed another new Councillor, Veronica Ficarra who will be sworn in soon and introduced to the community in the next edition.

Over the summer, the Museum & Gallery have a number of exhibitions open including; ‘Guraban: Where the Saltwater meets the Freshwater’ at the Main Gallery, ‘The Heroines’ at the Dragon’s Lair Gallery and ‘Off the Rails’. I encourage the community to take the time over the break to visit these exhibitions. Supporting our First Nations artists is a valuable way to learn about our local heritage. I encourage everyone to immerse yourself into the history and enjoy beautiful objects of the Guraban exhibition this summer.

I wish everyone Merry Christmas and safe holiday. I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

Georges River Council acknowledges the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Custodians of all lands, waters and sky in the Georges River area. Council recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as an integral part of the Georges River community and values their social and cultural contributions. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who live work and meet on these lands.

Nick Katris Mayor, Georges River Council

Georges River Council Mayor, Nick Katris at The Guraban Exhibition opening.

Migrant Information Day 2022

It was pleasing to see the high attendance levels at Migrant Information Day 2022 on Wednesday 26 October at Rockdale Town Hall.

Advanced Diversity Services (ADS) hosted the event in partnership with Bayside Council and Georges River Council. The annual free event provides information on housing, health, employment, education, government services and support to assist new migrants and refugees settling into the community.

After two years of the popular event being cancelled and online due to the pandemic, organisers and attendees said it was a great feeling to have the event back in person. For the first time, information was translated into Ukrainian, with recent migrants attending the event showcasing their cuisine, arts, and crafts.

The event hosted 40 stallholders from service providers and local community organisations, including TAFE NSW, Mission Australia, Royal Life Saving Society, Department of Communities & Justice/ NSW Ombudsman, Sydney Water, Max Employment, Gymea Community Aid and Information Service, Headspace Hurstville among others.

Lugarno Lions Club served smiles and friendly banter with its tasty sausage sizzle and a welcomed cold drink on the unexpectedly warm day. There was a lineup for the henna tattoo artist and Japanese calligraphy and then the crowd was wowed by cultural performances by The Chinese Drumming Group and The Gamay Dancers.

Bystander Anti-Racism Training in Georges River

Georges River Council, in collaboration with the Challenging Racism Project at Western Sydney University and Advance Diversity Services delivered seven Bystander Anti-Racism Training workshops for 140 community members across the local government area.

Community members of all ages attended in person and online sessions from September to November to help identify racism and provide the tools to act. A special youth-focused session was also held to support and equip our youth community to stand up against racism.

Part of Council’s four-year ‘Better Together’ campaign, the workshops aim to promote diversity, encourage social cohesion and call out discrimination in our community. The workshop was funded through the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government.

Learn more about Council’s ‘Better Together’ campaign georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Our-Community/Better-Together

The Chinese Drumming Group

Training session attendees

Attendees at Migrant Information Day at Rockdale Town Hall

Guraban: Where the Saltwater meets the Freshwater

The Georges River originates south-east of Appin, flowing north-east to Liverpool and then south-east again into Botany Bay. Today the catchment is home to 1.4 million people and is one of the most highly urbanised rivers in Australia.

While the river was explored by Europeans in the 1790s and named after King George III, it was long known as Tucoerah to the Traditional Custodians of the land. For thousands of years, Aboriginal People have lived in the Georges River area - the Dharug, Bidjigal, Cabrogal to the north and the Dharawal, Gandangara, Norongaragal, Gweagal to the south. The river has always been an important focal point for Aboriginal

Guraban exhibition view. Photo: Silversalt

Sydney Harbour Bridge shellwork by Marilyn Russell (detail). Photo: Silversalt

Pounder (left) on loan from Australian Museum and Ground-edge Axe (right) in Hurstville Museum & Gallery collection. Photo: Silversalt

life and culture in southern Sydney, for food, transport and trade, as well as the land, flora and fauna, the sea, and sky, all part of embedded connections to Country.

The exhibition takes its name from the Dharawal word for Bitterwater: Guraban (pronounced Goor/uh/bun), meaning Where the Saltwater meets the Freshwater. Combining historical artefacts, photographs and documents with the work of commissioned Aboriginal artists Jenine Boeree & Nicole Monks, Dennis Golding, Djon Mundine, Marilyn Russell and Jason

Wing, Guraban explores the history of the Georges River and its continuous association with First Nations communities.

Presenting Aboriginal stories associated with the Georges River in the local region, the exhibition highlights multiple perspectives on significant historical and contemporary connections to the river, its people and places.

The exhibition has been developed in collaboration with local First Nations groups, individuals, artists, and the Gujaga

Foundation. The Gujaga Foundation is a peak organisation leading Dharawal language, and research activities, working with Elders, knowledge holders and academics to provide language and cultural advice within their cultural boundary in eastern, southern, and southwestern Sydney.

The commissioned artworks have been made possible through funding from Create NSW.

Guraban exhibition view of Slippers shellwork by Marilyn Russell

Some of the Guraban commissioned artists and collaborators at the exhibition opening event; L-R: Charleene Mundine, Dennis Golding, Djon Mundine, Jenine Boeree, Nicole Monks, McCallum Mundine, Jason Wing

Dennis Golding with his commissioned work, Remnants during the exhibition opening event.

St George Local Business Awards 2022

This year, the St George Local Business Awards were held at Southern Sydney Event Centre in Hurstville. Over 460 local businesses and guests attended the event to celebrate the achievements of business owners and teams within the St George area.

Small businesses provide over 56,000 local jobs in the Georges River Local Government Area (LGA) and access to a diverse range of exceptional services for the community.

Mayor Nick Katris congratulated and thanked the nominated finalists for their service and dedication on behalf of Georges River Council at the award presentation.

“Thank you for your hard work ethic, tenacity, sustained commitment and your capacity to pivot during the pandemic. Thank you for your leadership, your entrepreneurship and for thinking outside the box. Thank you for your early starts, your late nights and for going the extra mile for us when you were stretched beyond capacity.

Thank you for your contributions and supporting grassroot sports from our big teams to the little ones. Thank you for representing Georges River with the diverse range of services you offer at high standards. Thank you for your smiles, for asking our community how we are and for listening to their needs.”

Georges River Council Mayor, Nick Katris

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners! Here’s how they aim to help the community following their recent win:

“We are a community-based business. We work with families, children, youth and people living with disabilities. We have also started a charity called Ability to Achieve that helps people in crisis. Anyone that Ability to Achieve cannot assist we’ll refer onto our charity.”

Deb, Ability to Achieve, Business Person of the Year

“There are lots of great things to love about the Georges River LGA, but the best thing I would have to say would be the wonderful people and the excellent businesses. We are so lucky to have such an accepting community with a vast number of businesses and services to cater for everyone in the community with no exceptions.

We will use our recent win (second year in a row) to help local businesses flourish for many years to come. We will provide support and knowledge through our many resources, to ensure business owners have an avenue to find a better work-life balance and gain the freedom they deserve - as we all know how hard local business owners work.”

Lana, Upcoach, Education Service – Winner

“Georges River LGA is a unique and special part of Sydney with a wonderful blend of cultures, fantastic food, parklands and a very supportive community. There is easy access to both bushland as well as the water which is utilised and respected equally by the community.

Georges River Council Mayor, Nick Katris at the St George Local Business Awards 2022. Image credit: Precedent Productions

We are lucky to have the fantastic array of businesses and community shopping centres that compliment each other and are so heavily supported by its residents and surrounding communities. It’s a wonderful place to live, raise a family and to run a business.”

Julie, Verdaflore, Florist – Winner

“My recent win will help our local community by assisting families and their little ones sleep and settling, thus improving family dynamics as well as physical and mental health. My love for helping families in one of their most challenging times and giving them support, encouragement, but most importantly letting them know what a fantastic job they are doing through empathy and understanding will greatly benefit our community. I want to grow my business so I can help and assist many other families and make this parenting journey as smooth as possible.

My business has a great impact on a family’s mental health and helps support health and wellbeing. My 'why' is to assist families with their child's sleep and settling and make their journey into parenthood rewarding and special.”

Kellie Campbell, Sleep Tight Consultation, Sole Operator – Winner

“One of the best things about the Georges River LGA is that it is a great family-friendly location. Georges River has some fantastic parks, and local government facilities that help sponsor health and wellbeing for the local area. All while being a short distance from the Sydney CBD.

Our recent win is going to assist in getting the gym more visibility which in turn helps the community through the programs we offer. Our SDR program is for prospective students who are currently undergoing financial hardship, as we believe that all students deserve to learn how to defend themselves. With the added recognition, we hope that more people will hear of our SDR program.”

Steven, SGS Krav Maga, Fitness Services – Winner

“My husband, myself and our dedicated team are so pleased about our recent award and we love our local community. We have been accepted when we opened our business with total open arms and we have made so many local friends, we feel like we are a part of this beautiful community, thank you. We will continue our great food and service in the community.”

Lena, Ciminis Pasticceria Bakery & Café, Bakery/Cake Business – Winner

“What I love about the Georges River LGA is the village feel throughout the suburbs, the community comradery and the local business support from the people. The way they support and show loyalty to my business is amazing as long as you hold your end of the bargain being supplying variety, quality, customer service and fair pricing.

We are using our recent win (Both Best Butchery at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2020 and 2022 and also recently the Best Butchery at the St George local awards for 9/10 years of trade and now a record 8 in a row) to help the community in ways like we usually do.

We sponsor local clubs, sporting groups, local schools and clubs as usual. This won't change. We have elected to advertise to local communities through the Leader, radio and also live interviews about our record-breaking wins.

We invited customers to our ten-year anniversary this year at a function at Oatley pub and paid for our customers drinks and it was great to socialise with them outside of the store.

We are now sponsoring the Starlight Children’s Foundation at the Beverley Park Golf Club next week and are also running our Mad Monday specials for customers to keep celebrating our wins.”

Raymond Wood, Jumbuck Meats Gourmet Butchery, Poultry/Fish/ Meat – Winner

“Our recently completed purpose-built wellness studio will be expanded to include for the less abled, chair yoga and teen yoga with the focus on mobility, flexibility, resilience & self-esteem building and mindfulness. The rationale behind this goal is to try to halt the rapidly rising incidence of mental health issues and in particular the devastating impact of suicide.

We currently run a weekly schedule of Yin, Hatha and Meditation classes. A free trial is available for first classes! We support the local community in a number of ways - from hosting the Biggest Morning Tea to raise funds for the Cancer Council to supporting schools and sporting clubs with sponsorship opportunities.

As part of our commitment to the aging community at large we offer a heavily discounted rate on our home visits to senior patients. As part of this service we include an exercise programme directed at falls risk reduction. This having a measurable impact not only on the individuals quality of life but on the Medicare purse strings!”

Kim, San Souci Physiotherapy Centre, Physiotherapy – Winner

“It is home to a wonderful community with an abundance of flora, fauna and picturesque waterfront peninsulas. We are pleased to be able to provide an award winning restaurant and function spaces for our community to enjoy an exclusive dining experience or celebrate a milestone occasion with family and friends on the beautiful foreshore of Kyle Bay.”

George, Jaaks Restaurant and Bar, Restaurant Fine Dining – Winner

Council keeps the small business community regularly updated on the support available from all levels of government through Council’s website and the online business platform

Georges River Business.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Vaughn Arambatzis

How long have you been a resident of Georges River Council?

I've lived here since I was 4, so for 10 years.

How have you positively impacted your community?

When I realised how important Sydney Dogs and Cats Home was and how they needed so much help I started to collect drink containers and recycle them through Return and Earn. I asked my community to drop their containers off too. My positive impact is that I raise money for SDCH and I get my community to do the same.

What do you love about your community?

My community always jumps on a good cause and they help other people. When I started raising money 2 years ago, lots of people supported me and they still continue to do so.

What do you love about the Georges River LGA?

In this edition we speak to Vaughn Arambatzis, our summer Community Champion. Vaughn has been passionate about preserving the environment and took advantage of the Return and Earn program to support his favourite charity.

Recently, Vaughn received the Keeping Australia Beautiful NSW, Young Legend’s Award for his environmental efforts.

Do you have any tips or advice relevant to your contribution to share with the community?

I think everyone should try to make changes because it doesn't matter if what you do is small, it still helps. Every dollar helps the Home continue and every drink container we recycle helps the environment. If people want to help they can drop their containers to one of the Purple Bins or just use the Return and Earn bins themselves.

We are really lucky to live in a place with a natural river and so many parks. It attracts lots of birds and wildlife to our area and it's a really special environment. There's always something to do and people come from all over Sydney to spend time here.

We have also registered for a verge garden straight away but we haven't started it yet. We will be doing it as soon as we can and we have lots of ideas for it.

Do you know of someone who is a Community Champion?

We’re on the hunt to feature our next community hero, someone who has positively impacted the Georges River community. If this sounds like you or someone you know, reach out to Council today at media@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Vaughn Arambatzis

Healthy Men, Healthy Masculinities, Healthy Communities

Congratulations to The Men’s Table who received a $15,000 grant for their project Georges River - Healthy Men, Healthy Masculinities, Healthy Communities as part of Council’s Community Grants program.

The Men’s Table helps men build meaningful male friendships and connection by creating safe places to share and listen. It all began in 2011 with twelve men, who are still meeting monthly for dinner and a drink to this day. A decade on, the organisation has established tables throughout the country, and set Georges River in their sights.

Securing a Community Grant to help with the set-up costs, The Men’s Table got to work reaching out to our local community.

Following an information session at Club Central Hurstville in May 2022 (a so-named Entree Event, to stay on the shared table theme), enough men were keen to sign up that Georges River now has its first Table, MT62. The men have been meeting monthly since June.

What’s next for The Men’s Table in Georges River?

The organisation is hoping to build more tables in the area. If you would like to learn more about joining a table in the Georges River area, visit themenstable.org

This project was funded by a Reconnecting Communities Grant as part of Georges River Council’s Community Grants program.

For more information about Council’s grants programs,visit georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-Sponsorship.

Public Art in the Georges River

During 2022, Georges River Council installed a number of public art works across the local government area, a commitment to Council’s vision of creating a built environment that has vibrancy, originality, creativity and a sense of local character.

In April, Georges River Council became home to its first permanent contemporary Aboriginal artwork by artist Danielle Mate. Her work brings to life bat caves installed as part of the Lower Poulton Park Naturalisation and Habitat Development project.

“My designs are a bold contemporary reflection on the environment of which the bat caves are now situated. I want the work to be vibrant, playful, colourful and an exciting welcome for visitors to the park and creek.”

Danielle Mate, artist

David Cragg’s mural on King Georges Road in South Hurstville was unveiled in June, exploring the vibrancy and diversity of the Georges River area, highlighting local flora and fauna. Images by Woniora Road school students were incorporated into the final design, embodying the theme of Country. Of his work David stated

“The colours chosen represent the vibrant red clay in the river valleys, the orange sandstone outcrops, the sparkling river, and the remnant forest areas.”

David Cragg, artist

Bat Cave murals, Lower Poulton Park South Hurstville. Courtesy of Hurstville Museum & Gallery

The most recent Public Art to be installed is ‘Bloom’, by Steven Nuttall (Ox King), on Belmore Street, Riverwood. Part of the Riverwood Reconnected project, funded by the NSW Government's Streets as Shared Spaces Two program, the mural was completed in September 2022 and highlights native plants indigenous to the Riverwood area.

The rare and endangered Gosford Wattle (Acacia prominens), flowers and buds of the Magenta Lilly Pilly (Syzygium paniculatum), and Sydney Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia) were included. Native Blue Banded Bees (Amegilla) also feature with the artist explaining;

“The bee’s interaction with the plants helps them pollinate and thrive much like the actions of local Councils help preserve the natural beauty of the local area.”

Steven Nuttall (Ox King), artist

To learn more about public art in the Georges River Council area or for to find your favourite public art installation, visit: georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Art-and-Culture/Public-Art

Woniora Road School mural, King Georges Road, South Hurstville. Courtesy of Hurstville Museum & Gallery

Bloom by Ox King. Courtesy of Hurstville Museum & Gallery

Celebrating 50 years at Penshurst Library

On Forest Road beside Olds Park sits an unassuming building that has connected with so many families and helped people feel at home. It is Penshurst Library and this year, Georges River Council celebrates 50 years.

We had been waiting to celebrate this special milestone and kicked off the events with a Family Fun Day onsite. So many locals drove out to Penshurst Library that day. We had fun activities including family entertainment, a petting zoo and a story time session delivered by our librarians that showed everyone the joy of learning to read.

“The librarians did a fantastic job, and their story time was the best we have been to – from the props they had created to the involvement of the children. And it was great to see kids of all ages get up and dance along with the librarians to songs I hadn’t heard before!”

Penshurst Library member

The library has created relationships and connections over the years with regular craft workshops, book groups and groups to nurture the passion for writing. Local author, Frank Jordan shared how the Georges River LGA inspired scenes from his own crime-fiction novel series.

On display throughout the building were photos from the library’s photo album. In the photographs, locals found themselves as a child and recognised familiar faces.

There was also a Wall of Thanks where visitors could share their appreciation. A long-time customer wrote how after a smile and warm welcome, Penshurst Library became their second home. She reflected about being a stay-at-home mother who didn’t know anyone and bringing her baby to a story time session. Over the years her family grew up with the library and now she continues to bring her grandchildren.

“There must be something magical about your library and its books, as the grandchildren love nothing more than being able to read. Through life’s ups and downs you have been a constant friendly presence… I’m so very glad you gave me a few moments of your time all those years ago and that [the library] has been woven into the fabric of my life forever.”

These stories of deep connection spanning over decades continued to be shared at the community morning tea. Some members at the event shared how they were there when Penshurst Library first opened and continue to regularly visit the library to this day! The current branch librarian recollected being brought to the library with her dad when she was eight years old.

Sharing stories at Penshurst 50th anniversary

“I have fond memories visiting Penshurst Library with my father as a child not long after it opened in 1972. Dad was the one who gifted me with a thirst for knowledge and reading and our regular library visits were probably a big reason why I became a librarian. We were so lucky to have access to such a wonderful local library where I could learn all about ancient history and escape to faraway places.

Now 50 years later I am the Penshurst Branch Librarian, in a way I feel like I’ve come home.”

Penshurst Library, Branch Librarian

Thank you to all our staff and members –old and new – who have helped make this wonderful library community.

Photo collection from Library photo archive

Community members at Penshurst Library 50th anniversary

IN GOOD TASTE RECIPES Breskvice

Region: Croatia

Contributor: Carol

These peach-shaped Croatian cakes have a filling of cocoa, dark rum, peach or apricot jam, walnuts, and milk. They are sprinkled with coarse white sugar mixed with peach brandy and food colouring. They are made for special occasions like Christmas, Easter, or weddings.

You need a few hours to prepare them, but it’s worth the effort!

Ingredients

Dough

2 medium size eggs

60g butter (room temperature) ⅔ cup powdered sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 pinch salt

5g baking powder

½ cup whole walnuts

1/3 cup ground walnuts 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Filling

½ cup apricot jam 40mL dark rum

Icing

½ cup cookie crumbs of your choice

2 cups hot milk

Raspberry extract

Pear extract White sugar 4 cups water

Feature your recipe and story in Community Magazine

Council is committed to celebrating and learning from our multicultural communities. If you have a recipe and story to share, please submit your recipe, an image and a short blurb about your connection to the recipe to media@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Method

1. Start by making the dough. Beat eggs, sugar and butter with mixer, add in the other ingredients and knead a smooth dough. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

2. From the dough, make small balls, approximately 10g in weight. Place the balls in a baking tin lined with baking paper.

3. Bake the balls in an oven preheated - 160°C for 15 - 20 minutes. Be sure not to overbake them as they should stay light and firm on top, only the bottom should get a colour.

4. Leave cookies to cool, for around 30 minutes, and then using a sharp knife pierce the cookies and make the holes from the bottom side. Save the crumbs as we will use them for the filling

5. To make the filling, combine all the ingredients and add the milk to get a thicker cream. The exact amount of the milk is not precise in the ingredient list as it depends on how thick your jam is. If it’s softer than you will add less milk. If it’s very thick then you will probably need milk closer to 500 mls (2 cups).

6. Place the filling in a piping bag and fill each ball. Connect two balls together and leave in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

7. Pour about 500 mls (2 cups) of water into two containers; add raspberry extract to one bowl and pear extract to the other. Add in as much of the colouring as you need to achieve the desired shade of your choosing

8. Dip each ball sideways into one colour (pear) and then dip the top and bottom side to other (raspberry). Try to do this quickly, as dipping them for too long will make the balls soggy

9. Arrange the peaches on a paper towel. Once you have about 6, carefully roll them in a bowl of sugar. And repeat till you have finished

10. Place the peaches on a serving platter and air dry before serving.

Meet your new Councillor Ashvini Ambihaipahar

Councillor Ambihaipahar joined Georges River Council in the position vacated by former Councillor Warren Tegg following his resignation in September. As a local, Councillor Ambihaipahar has many positive memories growing up with her family and loved ones.

We spoke to Councillor Ambihaipahar about taking on her new role at Council and what she loves about the Georges River community.

What do you love about the Georges River LGA?

I love the Georges River LGA for its rich, diverse and vibrant community. I love that there are many accesses to waterways and lush green spaces. I love the fabulous authentic food that never ceases to disappoint. Most importantly, I have many positive memories growing up in the area and my family and many friends live here

As a young professional, why do you think diversity and representation is important to our community?

Diversity and representation are important in various aspects of life such as your workplace, organisations, sporting teams, the media and most importantly in various government levels. Diversity and representation in our community breaks barriers and social constructs whilst enriches perspective, improves the balance of opinions, which makes for well-rounded decisions that truly reflect the community.

Where are your favourite places to unwind within the Georges River LGA?

I have a gorgeous dog named Layla and I love to take her for walks to unwind. My favourite places are Moore Reserve, lower part of Gannons Park and H V Evatt Park. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and be a passionate advocate for the Mortdale Ward and the wonderful Georges River community at large.

Councillor Ambihaipahar with her dog Layla

Local treasures and stories in Georges River

Hurstville Museum & Gallery collects, records, researches, displays and stores items that reveal the history of the St George region. Recently, donations ranging from handmade furniture to mid20th century toys have been accepted into the collection.

The Local Studies Room at Hurstville Library is currently displaying one of these donations, a Dining table and chairs produced in Hurstville (c. 1920s-30s).

The pieces were hand made by Stanley Reid (1892-1962), who had trained as a carpenter and cabinet maker, establishing a workshop at his home in March 1922, together with a business partner, as Reid & Hewitt at 15 Wellington Road, Hurstville. At this workshop he made a dining table and chairs for his wife, Emily Hewitt, possibly as a wedding gift, part of a set comprising a table, four chairs and a matching buffet.

An additional donation recently received is from a family who lived in Vine Street, Hurstville, from the 1920s to the 1950s.

Tin toys had been a favourite since the mid-19th century, as they were lightweight, inexpensive and sturdy, as animals and

sports cars. Among the tin toys donated are a wind-up Penguin and a ‘Tri-Ang’ sports car with original box, part of the Minic Series of vehicles, made in Britain from 1935. The vehicles were all numbered and encouraged the child collector.

The donation also includes household items, such as the shoe polish box made by Alf Gibson in the 1950s. He was thrifty, working several different jobs to make ends meet- as a milkman, then on a horse farm, and as a bus driver.

The St George Junior Farmers Club, met at Hurstville in the 1960s and a donation of memorabilia associated with the Club includes issues of Sydney Region Junior Famers Gazette from 1960s and ‘Best Junior Farmer of the Year’ shields from 1960-65. Junior Farmers Clubs were established in NSW from 1928 in association with the Department of Agriculture, with the purpose of developing an interest in farm work.

The Museum & Gallery encourages donations of items in good condition from the community, which have a significant connection to the St George area including artefacts, objects, local studies material, photographs and artworks. For further information georgesriver.nsw. gov.au/Community/Art-and-Culture/ Hurstville-Museum-Gallery

Tri-Ang’ sports car, Minic series, c. 1950s. Image: Courtesy of Hurstville Museum & Gallery

Tin Penguin, c.1950s. Georges River Council Library Local Studies collection

Biological Control for Wandering Trad

This summer, Council’s Bushcare team is introducing a new weapon in the battle against weeds in our bushland.

Bushcare released a leaf-smut fungus as a biological control to help with the control of the environmental weed Wandering Trad.

Wandering Trad (Tradescantia fluminensis) is an herbaceous groundcover native to South America. It is a widespread weed in Georges River and forms dense “carpets” that smother native plants. It thrives in low light conditions and out-competes native species reducing the diversity and health of our native vegetation. Wandering Trad can also cause skin irritations in domestic pets and people.

Bushcare is working in partnership with CSIRO and other participants across NSW to release the Trad smut which is native to Brazil, in suitable locations.

The smut-fungus grows best in humid, shaded conditions and will be released in Moore Reserve, Oatley and Ogilvy Street Reserve North, Peakhurst. It is expected that the smut-fungus will take 6 months to establish and should spread out from the initial infection point within 12 months.

In the long term, Bushcare hopes that the Trad smut will reduce the amount of chemical and mechanical control of Wandering Trad required in our reserves and aid in the natural regeneration of native plants in Georges River.

For more information about Bushcare and Council’s weed management, visit georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Environment

A thick infestation of wandering trad. Photo courtesy of NSW WeedWise

Trad smut visible as yellowish spots on Wandering Trad leaves. Photo courtesy of NSW WeedWise

Bushcare Partnership with Padstow TAFE Horticulture

Georges River Council Bushcare have teamed up with Padstow TAFE Horticultural students for some community engagement and to show students the principles and practices of Bushland Regeneration. This program has helped students understand ecological practices within a bushland environment, showing students the different techniques required to tackle weeds in urban bushland reserves.

Bush regeneration principles and practises were outlined to the students from hand out sheets from the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (AABR) and overall, the students had a productive day out in the field to help GRC Bushcare team treat and remove some priority weeds such as Lantana and Asparagus fern.

Bushcare Community Service Announcement

With the warmer weather fast approaching the Bushcare team would like to inform you all about the stinging ants that live within our bushland.

These ants are venomous and give a nasty sting, they are basically a wasp without the wings. These ants are known to cause severve allergic reactions, so please if you do stumble across them on your next bushwalk be sure to give them a wide berth and keep your eye on them. They have really good eyesight.

The Jumping Jack usually has its nest hidden in long grass with an entrance of fine gravel. The Bull Ant will have a mound with very small twigs and gravel.

The best way to treat a sting is with an icepack or ice gel and or a commercially available spray such as Stingoes to relieve the pain of the sting.

Myrmecia sp. Red Bull Ant or Bulldog Ant

Myrmecia sp. Jumping Jack Ant

TAFE Students with Bushcare staff

TAFE Students with Bushcare staff

What's on

Magic of Christmas at Carss Bush Park

DECEMBER

Off The Rails

Off the rails highlights moments in the history of the development of railways in the St George region during the 20th century.

Date: 25 November 2022 – 26 February 2023

Time: Museum & Gallery opening hours

Location: Snapshot Gallery, Hurstville

Museum & Gallery

Cost: Free

Magic of Christmas festival returns for family fun with Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band, PAW Patrol, Santa, and fireworks

Mark your calendars and dust off your picnic blankets, singing voices and dance moves…Council and Club Central Hurstville are bringing back Magic of Christmas with exciting entertainment, Santa, fireworks and more!

After two years of cancellations due to the pandemic, the fun family Christmas event will return to Carss Bush Park on Saturday December 3.

The magical evening picnic concert will feature all-time family favourites Lah Lah’s Big Live Band and the PAW Patrol Christmas Show. Pick up a free Christmas carol booklet to sing along with local acts Fiestaville Choir and The Hips. See special rovings appearances by Rudolph and Santa, PAW Patrol characters and Council’s Georgie the Dragon.

Food trucks and craft stalls will also be at the event. Locals can also look forward to a glittering fireworks finale at 9pm.

Date: Saturday 3 December

Time: 4.30pm - 9.00pm

Location: Carss Bush Park, Carwar Ave, Carss Park Cost: Free What to bring: Picnic rug and chairs

Please note this is an alcohol-free event.

Australia Day at Carss Bush Park

Bring a picnic blanket and relax in the park on the shores of Kogarah Bay, where there’ll be plenty of food stalls.

To entertain you, the big screen will feature Aussie screen classics and music, plus the Australian Open tennis coverage. After dark, enjoy the fabulous fireworks show.

Date: Thursday 26 January 2023

Time: 2.00pm – 9.00pm

Location: Carss Bush Park, Carwar Road, Carss Bush

JANUARY

Lunar New Year

Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with the annual Lunar New Year Festival in 2023.

Forest Road will come alive featuring the traditional lion dance, entertainment, roving performers, market stalls, giveaways and festival atmosphere.

Date: Saturday 28 January 2023

Time: 2.00pm - 9.00pm

Location: Forest Road, Hurstville and Hurstville Plaza

In Good Taste Night Market 2023

Multicultural night market with food and roving entertainment, celebrating our diverse community.

Date: Friday 10 February 2023

Time: 4.00pm - 10.00pm

Location: MacMahon Street, Hurstville

Don McLean is coming to Hurstville Entertainment Centre

Don McLean is one of the most iconic musicians in popular culture. Most recognised for his song, ‘American Pie’, a ballad about the deterioration of teenage culture in America and the loss of innocence, which has been named by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as one of the top five songs of the 20th century.

One of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history, McLean has a string of mega-hits such as ‘Vincent’, ‘Castles In The Air’ and many more. His catalogue of songs has been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, Weird ‘Al’ Yankovic, and countless others.

In 2015, one of McLean’s four handwritten manuscripts of the lyrics to ‘American Pie’ was auctioned by Christie's, selling for just over $1.2 Million.

McLean was honoured in 2019 receiving his star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars and his song ‘And I love You So’ was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding.

In 2020, Don signed a recording contract with Time Life/Warner Bros. Records to release his catalogue of recordings as well as the much anticipated new album Still Playin' Favorites.

His famous song, ‘American Pie’ will be featured in the Avenger’s Black Widow and the Tom Hanks movie BIOS and much more to be announced. And when you think things are slowing down, not for Don who in 2021 marked the 50th anniversary of ‘American Pie’ with a world tour.

Date: Thursday 20 April 2023

Time: Doors open 6.30pm | Show from 7.00pm – 10.00pm

Location: Hurstville Entertainment Centre, MacMahon Street, Hurstville

Hurstville