Issue 10 Winter 2015
MOSMANNOW NEWSLETTER Mosman Art Gallery wins national award
Bungaree’s Farm
An innovative Aboriginal art exhibition in a former World War II naval fuel tank has earned Mosman Art Gallery the top award at the prestigious 2015 Museums and Galleries National Awards (MAGNA). Bungaree's Farm, which was commissioned to mark the 200th anniversary of Governor Macquarie's allocation of land to Bungaree and his clan at Georges Heights in Mosman, was selected as 2015 National Winner and winner of the Indigenous Project category. The exhibition was held in the T5 Camouflage Fuel Tank at Headland Park, Georges Heights – the first time the tank had been used for cultural purposes – on land believed to be part of the original grant to Bungaree's Farm. The project, which will tour nationally and internationally, will be a feature of the 2015 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and is currently being sought by other national institutions, including potential future exhibitions in China and Japan. The exhibition included works from 18 Indigenous artists presented as large scale projections and via digital, 2D, performance and installation. Mosman Art Gallery partnered with local, state and federal organisations and groups, including Mosman Reconciliation, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, National Parks and Wildlife Services and Arts NSW, to produce the exhibition. The overall national award represents the highest honour that can be given to a museum or Gallery in Australia.
Images from the award winning exhibition Bungaree’s Farm at Georges Heights.
Festival of Mosman 2015
Fit for the Future
Get ready for this year’s festival which is set to take place from Friday 4 to Sunday 13 September. Celebrate Mosman and its vibrant culture through an exciting range of events that showcase the harbour lifestyle, community, and natural environment and innovative art experiences.
To learn more about Council’s ‘Fit for the Future’ submission to IPART and Special Rate Variation continue reading on Page 2 on this newsletter.
For the latest updates on this year’s Festival of Mosman visit festivalofmosman.net
Rate variation secured Mosman Council has been successful in its application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation in 2015/16. Given an expiring 5% Community Environmental Contract (environmental levy) and the 2.4% rate peg for inflation previously announced by IPART, in real terms this will mean a 5.6% increase on average rates. This will enable Council to improve asset renewal and maintenance and to address its infrastructure backlog without any reduction in the current level of council services. Mosman's infrastructure backlog of $8.6 million will be cleared over the next decade, with additional funding directed to roads, footpaths, marine structures, buildings, parks and stormwater assets. The changes provide the basis for an independent, financially sustainable council over the coming years and support Council's resolution to lodge a 'Council Improvement Proposal (Existing structure)' as its 'Fit for the Future' submission to Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.
New water refill stations
Mosman Council is ‘Fit for the Future’ Mosman Council has resolved to maintain its independence by lodging a 'Council Improvement Proposal (Existing structure)' as its Fit for the Future submission to the NSW Government. Council unanimously voted in favour of the move following an extensive two-month community consultation process this year that reaffirmed clear community support for Mosman's independence and opposition to amalgamation with other local areas. Results from feedback cards, surveys and polls show 82% of 1,211 respondents back Mosman's continued independence – this result is in line with previous surveys and referenda. Further, 90% of respondents to a random independent survey stated that they are at least somewhat satisfied with Council's current performance, including 67% who were very satisfied or satisfied. A proposed ‘mega merger’ of Mosman, North Sydney, Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Willoughby and two thirds of Ryde council received strong opposition with 84% of respondents opposed while merger options with either North Sydney or Manly recorded votes of 61% and 62% against respectively. Some of the most common responses confirmed residents wanted Mosman to maintain its distinctive identity, saw no reason to amalgamate and had concerns regarding potential reduction in community spirit, representation and democracy. Council’s 'Fit for the Future' response is due to IPART by 30 June 2015. IPART will then invite public submissions on all Council proposals for a period of one month.
Getting serious about litter Mosman Council is getting serious about litter by conducting its firstever litter survey to highlight to the community the amount of litter plaguing our beaches and reserves, impacting the area's visual amenity and potentially causing harm to birds and marine life. Data obtained by the Two Hands Project, engaged by Council to conduct the survey, will help determine the size of the problem, key types of litter and increase understanding of where the litter is coming from. Items collected during the litter surveys of six local beaches and five reserves included thousands of every day single use plastic items such as food wrappers, bags, straws and coffee cups. The litter audit coincides with Mosman Council's ‘It's in the Bag’ campaign to support businesses to switch to supplying paper bags and consumers to use reusable shopping bags. During the program, local business owners were shown first-hand during a visit to Taronga Zoo the damaging impact on turtles and other marine life which may consume plastic rubbish.
Three new drinking water fountains have been recently installed in Mosman, including near the Village Green in Mosman Square, adjacent the pavilion at Allan Border Oval and on the waterfront at Chowder Bay. The slim water refill stations have been installed to encourage the refill of reusable drink bottles with the aim of reducing the amount of plastic water bottles used throughout the suburb. Bottled water is increasingly popular in Australia, however, plastic bottles generate an enormous amount of waste that ends up in landfill, or even worse, in our environment. Residents should keep an eye out for an additional fountain that will be installed next month at Balmoral Oval.
mosman.nsw.gov.au Mosman Youth speak up
Barry O’Keefe honoured
Late last year, over 380 young people voiced their opinion on key issues for youth in Mosman and their possible solutions to matters raised. As part of a large youth consultation project named 'It Starts With You' young people shared their views in a myriad of ways, including vox pops, peer interviews, post-it boards, surveys and focus groups. The results from this project were released during National Youth Week in an online report and highlights video, which can be found on the Mosman Youth Blog at www.mosmanyouth.com.au. The Mosman Council Youth Services Team and the Mosman Youth Forum are now investigating ways to work with key community stakeholders and particularly young people to find solutions regarding key areas of concern including services, information and public facilities, mental health, and belonging. One recent example involved Vocal Rewind volunteers who organised an outdoor acoustic music festival for their peers during National Youth Week to address the need for youth-friendly entertainment in Mosman. To participate contact the Youth Services Team at youth@mosman.nsw.gov.au. or visit www.mosmanyouth.com.au.
Mosman Connects
Mosman community groups are abuzz with ideas for communicating and collaborating following a forum organised by the Rotary Club of Mosman Inc and Council earlier this year. More than 80 community group members came together to connect and share ideas to work more closely for the benefit of their own groups and the Mosman community as a whole. These ideas included establishing an online hub for community groups, and a register for those groups with others who could provide assistance. Community group members keen to form a community-based steering group to guide action met again in May and are progressing the establishment of the online hub and communication platform. Council thanks all local community groups for their contribution, participation in the Forum, and ongoing support for local initiatives. In continuing to lead this initiative, Council's thanks also go to the Rotary Club of Mosman; and in particular Mark Alderson; and community working group members Di McKenzie, Jane Floyd and Tina Jackson. For more information and to offer your assistance contact Mark Alderson, 0409 921 602, mark.alderson@camerahouse.com.au. or visit Mosman Connects at mosman.nsw.gov.au/community/mosman-connects
The Mosman Library building has been re-named Barry O'Keefe Library in recognition of the area's longest serving Mayor and one of its most prolific contributors to community and civic life. Barry O'Keefe AM QC, who was a councillor for 23 years from 1968 to 1991, 10 years of which he served as Mayor, was honoured during a moving ceremony and unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the building recently. Mosman Mayor Cr Peter Abelson described the naming as a fitting tribute to Mr O'Keefe. “I'm honoured to be able to formally recognise Mosman's longest serving Mayor and such a great supporter of Mosman's cultural life,” he said. Representing the Prime Minister, the Hon Bronwyn Bishop MP, a family friend of the O'Keefes, described the vital role Mr O'Keefe and his wife Jan had played in Mosman's cultural life. “He was a man with a vision about his community and also about larger ideas,” she said. “He loved Mosman and wanted all the people of Mosman to be important in the life of the community. He also supported the arts and knew how important it is in the invigoration of society.” Son and television personality Andrew O'Keefe told how his father would have been “absolutely chuffed that his memory is being honoured in this way”. The O’Keefe family (pictured above) joined 80 others in attending the ceremony. Barry O'Keefe, who passed away on 24 April last year, was a lawyer by profession, serving as Chief Judge of the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (NSW) and on numerous boards as well as in various community roles. In recognition of his community service, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia, received the Centenary Medal and, in recognition of his contribution to local government, was appointed Freeman of the City of London.
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Did you know? Prior to the renaming, the library also underwent two months of building works to improve accessibility and customer service, reopening to full services in mid-April . Over 1000 people visited on the first day, borrowing more than 1500 items. The upgraded foyer is more open and welcoming and includes new toilets (with an accessible toilet and baby change facilities), a separate returns room for library books, a new customer service desk, increased casual seating and new furniture in the Children's Library.
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©2015 Mosman Municipal Council This publication is written by Council staff and authorised for distribution by Veronica Lee – General Manager
mosman.nsw.gov.au Spit Junction NSW 2088 9978 4000 fax 9978 4132 council@mosman.nsw.gov.au
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Lovers of the visual arts, fashion, music, art and craft, good food, and the outdoors will certainly be spoilt for choice at this year’s festival. There’s something for all ages to enjoy with a selection of fantastic events to suit everyone. Bookmark the 4–13 September and keep an eye on the festival website at festivalofmosman.net Here’s a taste of what’s in store... Mosman Address featuring Kim McKay AO Thursday, 3 September 2015, 6.00pm Bather’s Pavilion, The Esplanade, Balmoral Sirius Cove Artists Camp guided tours and app launch Friday 4 – Sunday 13 September 2015 Sirius Cove Friendship City Children’s Art Exhibition Friday 4 – Sunday 13 September 2015 Mosman Art Gallery Sculptural and public art program Friday 4 – Sunday 13 September 2015 Middle Head and Mosman Junction Sustainable Cinema featuring Dolphin Tale Friday, 4 September 2015, 6.30pm Mosman Village Green Ancient Whale Dreaming Ceremony Saturday, 5 September 2015, 5.00am – 8.00am Balmoral Beach Festival Markets Saturday, 5 September 2015, 8.00am – 3.00pm Mosman Square and Village Green Concert in the Park Saturday, 5 September 2015, 10.00am – 3.00pm Allan Border Oval and surrounds Poetry Reading on Sydney Ferries Monday 7– Thursday 10 September 2015, 5.00-7.00pm On Sydney Ferry from Circular Quay – Mosman Bay Exhibition Opening: An Unending Shadow by Ann Cape and Sophie Cape and Dream Merchant (various artists) Friday, 11 September 2015, 6.30pm Mosman Art Gallery Outdoor Cinema Friday, 11 September 2015, 7.00pm Mosman Village Green Poetic Ferry Ride to Taronga Zoo Saturday, 12 September 2015, 9.30-11.30am On Sydney Ferry from Circular Quay – Taronga Zoo Pet’s Day Out Sunday, 13 September 2015, 10am – 2pm Mosman Village Green and Square Follow the festival on Twitter or visit the website #festivalofmosman #itscoming #mosmanevents
festivalofmosman.net
Civic Centre Vision: Update Council sought community feedback earlier in 2015 on its vision to build new civic and community facilities on the Civic Centre site at Spit Junction to meet the needs of the Mosman community. At its meeting held on 5 May, Council considered a report that included the community feedback received and preliminary financial, traffic and needs analysis study results. View the Council report online at mosman.nsw.gov.au/council/meetings/2015 Council resolved that there is a need to improve civic and community facilities on the site to meet the community's needs. However, to progress the project there is a requirement for more detailed consideration of development options for the site, including a comprehensive financial analysis of refurbishment versus redevelopment options, a traffic study and site planning and design. This work will be undertaken during the next few months. For enquiries contact Kelly Lynch, Senior Strategic Planner, 9978 4058 or mosmanplanning.net
New look Mosman Rider The new Mosman Rider bus took to the road in June, together with an improved app giving passengers an easier to read screen showing the bus location in real time, and new features including an update for alerts affecting the route, latest news from the Mosman Council website, and the weather. Download or update your app from the iPhone App or Google Play stores. Did you know you can hail the Rider anywhere along its route simply by signalling when you see the bus approaching? Make sure you are waiting in a place where the bus can safely and legally stop, and where you are clearly visible to the driver. The Rider now has a designated stop in Hordern Place for the convenience of Bridgepoint shoppers. The Rider is a worry-free way to get to local shops and popular places such as Balmoral, Bridgepoint, Georges Heights and Taronga Zoo, or use it to connect with Sydney Buses if your trip takes you outside Mosman.