KEEPING YOUR PROMISE
LOVING NATIONAL DAY
Channel Nine’s Tom Steinfort says there’s nothing quite like Australia Day. page 2
SORE FROM THE GYM?
If you’re motivated to lose weight in the new year, Susan Garrad can help. page 11
Our fitness guru David Stein has all the advice you need on gym workouts. page 11
JANUARY 20 2012 ISSUE 71
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
PH 9549 1190 FAX 9549 1122 www.innercityweekender.com.au
Festival in big danger An announcement will come soon, says community centre CEO BY LOUISE BOURKE
N
ewtown Neighbourhood Centre chief executive Lisa Burns hopes to confi rm the future of the Newtown Festival, the suburb’s biggest community event, by the end of next month. Ms Burns is currently in discussions with local groups, partners and sponsors to try to fi nd a funding model to allow this year’s festival to go ahead. Ms Burns has previously warned that the festival may not return in 2012 due to poor profits. “What a lot of people don’t get is that the Festival is the primary fundraiser for the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre,” she said.
“The festival is run by the centre. We made 50 per cent less in 2011 than the previous year, so it’s a big worry.” Rising overheads, occupational health and safety requirements and factors such inclement weather have contributed to the downturn in revenue in recent years. Ms Burns believes that more community involvement with the centre, which provides frontline services in Newtown and further afi eld in Canterbury, Leichhardt and Merrylands, will save the festival. “We’re asking people to become involved with the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and help us by volunteering – one of the criticisms of last year’s festival is that there weren’t enough buckets to collect donations. Also, give us your ideas on how to make it work.”
Planning department approves Metro The NSW Department of Planning has recommended that the Marrickville Metro expansion proposal be approved, angering many local residents and the council who have campaigned against it. A report, prepared for the department, will go to a Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) meeting on February 13 where a fi nal decision on the Part 3A development application will be made. The report acknowledges the concerns of residents and Council, but states “the likely impacts of the proposed expansion of Marrickville Metro will not be as severe as
Volunteers for the Newtown Festival, which may no longer be held.
has been projected.” Marrickville Mayor and president of the Chamber of Commerce, Morris Hanna, said the expansion will have a long-term adverse effect on the local community, particularly the shopping strips of King Street, Enmore Road and Marrickville Road. The PAC meeting will be held on Monday, February 13 from 1pm-8pm at the Petersham RSL Club. Members of the public can register to speak by contacting Sera Taschner on 9383 2117 or sera.taschner@planning.nsw.gov.au before 4pm on February 8.
Marrickville Yoga Centre offers courses and classes in lyengar Yoga, today’s most widely practised form of yoga. Practitioners of lyengar Yoga can expect improvements in strength, flexibility, balance and concentration - a reduction in stress levels and improved overall health. Our modern, spacious centre and experienced teaching staff provide a welcoming atmosphere. TERM 1: Monday 30th Jan –Thursday 5th April TERM 1 BEGINNERS LIST Tues 6.30-7.45am ****MORNING***** Sat 9.30-10.45am
Tues 7.30-8.45pm Sat 12.30-1.45pm (GENTLE / REMEDIAL)
Prices: Casual $20 10 week course $180 2 Beginners classes a week $250
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