My Diary 2011

Where I've been: 

Sunday, 9 October

I visited St Patrick's Parish Mortlake and spoke about the 2011 Mayor's Golf Day which is raising funds for our five St Vincent de Paul Society branches. I met parishioners Theresa Tan and Frances Gleeson and was joined by Tony Brown, President of the St Vincent de Paul branch at St Patrick's Mortlake. 

Wednesday, 5 October

The newly refurbished Woolworths on Concord Road at North Strathfield has officially reopened and I was joined at the ribbon cutting ceremony by Deputy Mayor Jeanette O'Hara. We had much pleasure meeting Store Manager, Patricia Rose, and Assistant Manager, Raewyn Davoren, who has worked at the store for 15 years. This modern supermarket, complete with self service checkouts, provides employment for 50 staff most of who live locally.   

Sunday, 1 October

I attended mass at St Ambrose Parish Family Concord West and spoke to the congregation about the 2011 Mayor's Golf Day which is raising funds for our five St Vincent de Paul Society branches. I met with Parish Priest Father Brian Egan, Deputy Mayor Jeanette O'Hara and parishioners Ashley and Stephen Ellul. 

Wednesday, 28 September

To celebrate the 55th anniversary of Drummoyne-Five Dock War Widow's Guild Social Club, I hosted a high tea and welcomed 35 guild members to our Civic Centre.  This significant anniversary was marked with the launch of a book detailing the Club's history and was written by Shirley Stroud, Past Honorary Secretary.

Wednesday, 22 September

Our Director of Technical Services, John Osland, met me on site at Henley Marine Drive to discuss construction plans for the final stage of the Bay Run.  The remaining 720 metres of walking, jogging and cycling track will be built over the next two years at a cost of around $3.5 million.  The City of Canada Bay, the Roads and Traffic Authority and the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program are all contributing project funds with works expected to commence in early 2012.

Monday, 20 September

The annual Sustainable Business Breakfast was held at Oliveto, Rhodes and was attended by 70 business guests. The focus of the breakfast was Survive and Thrive in the Carbon Era: Practical Approaches for Business.  Our guest speakers included Simon Holt, Editor of the Inner West Courier, Andrew Petersen, CEO of Sustainable Business Australia and Bruce Thomas of Carbon Training International.

Saturday, 17 September

Cabarita Amateur Swim Club President, Ted Churchyard, was at Cabarita Pool Open Day.  Swim Club meets at 7.45am on Saturday mornings, and the 2011-12 season commences soon.  This is a great activity the whole family can enjoy. 

Saturday, 17 September

Beautiful weather greeted Greater Western Sydney Giants star recruit Israel Falou and Giant's welfare officer Craig Lambert at Cabarita Pool Open Day.  A great start to the swim season with music by North Strathfield Public School band, a jumping castle and huge water slide.  

Wednesday, 14 September

I officiated at the draw of the 2011/12 Rates Incentive Scheme.  This draw was open to residents and businesses that paid their rates in full by 31 August. I was joined at the draw by representatives from Bendigo Bank, Homebush who generously donated two $1,000 cash prizes.   

Wednesday, 14 September

Year 1 students from St Mark's Primary School Drummoyne visited me at Council Chambers in their walk around Drummoyne learning about community workers.  In a mock Council meeting students elected a Mayor, Councillors and General Manager who addressed the important issue of "does Canada Bay need more playgrounds?"

Thursday, 8 September

Fitness instructor, Christian Marchegiani, was a runner-up for the Pride of Australia Medal, for his anti-bullying campaigning over the past 10 years. His program Underdogs covers a range of topics including bullying, obesity and depression and Christian will lead a discussion forum at Concord Library on 19 October. Congratulations Christian.

Wednesday, 7 September

Drummoyne-Five Dock War Widows' Guild celebrates 55 years and this occasion was marked with the launch of an honorary history book. I was very pleased to write the foreword for this important record of our history and I congratulate the members and honorary office bearers, past and present, on this marvellous occasion.

Tuesday, 6 September

A partnership between the City of Canada Bay and Burwood Police aimed at reducing the  incidents of community crime is having a positive effect on local crime figures. I met with crime prevention officers, including Senior Constable John Tikisci, at the new Burwood Police station to discuss the positive impacts of various initiatives including education and information leaflets.

Monday, 5 September

Businesses, community leaders and individuals who have significantly contributed to the economic, environmental and social success of our city were honoured at the 2011 Sustainability Awards dinner.  More than 250 people attended the dinner, where 90 nominations were received across six categories.  My congratulations to all award winners.

Thursday, 1 September

The 2011 Mayor's Golf Day will be held at Massey Park Golf Club on Friday, 11 November. The day provides an opportunity for local businesses and our community to connect and will raise much needed funds for our  St Vincent de Paul branches.  The organising team includes St Vinnies members from Concord, Concord West, Drummoyne, Five Dock and Mortlake branches.

Wednesday, 31 August

National Meals on Wheels Day was celebrated with a luncheon where our Drummoyne Meals on Wheels volunteers were recognised for their extraordinary commitment. This important service provides nutritional support, social contact and monitors the health, well being and safety of our frailed aged and people living with disability.

Friday, 26 August

Bayview Park boat ramp, located at the northern end of Burwood Road, will benefit from a $300,000 upgrade. Funded through NSW Maritime's Better Boating Program, the upgrade will ensure safe and efficient access to the river from this popular launch spot. Works will commence in September and be completed in time for the summer boating season.

Wednesday, 24 August

Nield Park Pavilion has opened for business.  Idyllically positioned along Henley Marine Drive at Russell Lea, this 60 seat cafe enjoys extensive water views over Iron Cove and is a family friendly venue.  Welcome to Paul Signorelli and his team.  

Monday, 22 August

I am leading a push to rid the City of Canada Bay of advertising trailers, particularly those parked along Lyons Road West. Local residents have expressed concern about safety for motorists and cyclists and I will lobby the State Government to change the law.

Wednesday, 17 August

As NSW Maritime proposes more facilities for fishermen at wharves, Council will continue to fight for a total fishing ban from our five commuter wharves. These wharves located at Drummoyne, Chiswick, Abbotsford, Cabarita and Bayview Park are continually left in a filthy condition by fishermen, causing a safety hazard for ferry patrons. 

Sunday, 14 August

Our Citizen of the Year, Joe Di Giacomo, joined me at our City's biggest festival, Ferragosto.  Held along Great North Road, Five Dock this classic street festival celebrates Five Dock's Italian heritage. Now in its 14th year visitors to the fair enjoyed over 150 market stalls, displays of Italian cars and bikes, cooking demonstrations and tastings, and three stages of live entertainment.

Monday, 8 August

I am calling on the Roads and Traffic Authority to urgently consider including pedestrian barriers around  Concord West Public School, to increase child safety. Concord Road, a major arterial road, is controlled by the RTA. The intersection with Hospital Road is extremely busy with regular traffic and safety concerns are heightened at school start and finish times.

Friday, 29 July

National Tree Day is celebrated this Sunday, 31 July and I visited students from Concord West Public School as they planted trees at Kokoda Track Memorial Pathway. The City of Canada Bay's focus on Sunday is Queen Elizabeth Park, Concord which includes an original stand of Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest.

Sunday, 24 July

A very special day at Drummoyne Oval! Sporting legends, celebrities, the rugby fraternity and the extended Davis family and friends gathered to remember Dirty Reds and Wallaby legend, Greg Davis. In the presence of 2000 spectators the magnificent new pavilion was named the Greg Davis Stand. 

Thursday, 21 July

I attended the launch of Operation Green Bottle, an environmental collaboration between Domremy College and the City of Canada Bay. Our Youth Citizen of the Year, Chantelle Hayek, is a member of the College's Environmental Committee and the driving force behind this program which aims to reduce landfill by discouraging students from purchasing bottled water.

Sunday, 17 July

The City of Canada Bay, with the unanimous support of Council, led a two year campaign to Save Kendall Bay from a 172 berth commercial marina development. Project refusal was issued by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure in June and we celebrated this result with Councillors, the Breakfast Point Residents Group and the wider community at the Palace Hotel, Mortlake. 

Saturday, 16 July

The City of Canada Bay and the Department of Sport and Recreation have funded a new amenities building in Nield Park, Five Dock. Home to Five Dock Soccer Club, this $820,000 facility includes an impressive 60 seat cafe, dressing and storage sheds, club canteen, toilet block and covered barbeque area. Nield Park Pavilion is a welcomed addition to our City's community and sporting facilities.

Friday, 15 July

Ferragosto 2011 welcomes Top 24 MasterChef contestant, Cleo Kerameas, as our FerraKitchen celebrity chef. Cleo's achievements in this popular show highlighted her great culinary passion and skills and it is very exciting to have her as our celebrity chef this year.

Tuesday, 21 June

Renewing Rhodes received special commendation from the Planning Institute of Australia at their national awards in Canberra. In a field of 46 entries from across Australia, our efforts have been recognised in transforming Rhodes from an industrial wasteland into a dynamic community. Congratulations to our Rhodes team on this impressive award.

Tuesday, 9 June

The ancient skills of Chinese brush painting and calligraphy are on show at Concord Library through a wonderful exhibition I opened. Connecting Australian and Chinese cultures through the arts, three art societies worked together to create this beautiful and remarkable exhibition.   

Saturday, 4 June

Simon Davis came to Drummoyne Oval, the ground where his father Greg played as a Drummoyne "Dirty Red" during his rugby career, and which will honour him with the naming of the new grandstand during the Greg Davis Rugby Festival on Sunday, 24 July. Bill Young, former Wallaby prop, will captain my Mayor's XV team. 

Thursday, 2 June

Dr Alistair Corbett, Head of Concord Hospital's neurology department is leading an expert panel at our next free Public Health Panel that will provide information to our community on stroke prevention and treatment, how to control risk factors and finding the right help and support.

Sunday, 29 May

The Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal was held today. The Concord Zone residential collectors were based at Briar's at Greenlees Sporting Club where I wished them well for a successful appeal.

Thursday, 26 May

Fred Kelly Place, Five Dock was given a new lease of life when I launched a 21 metre public mural called I Remember.  Commissioned by the City of Canada Bay, public artist Joanne Saad's mural captures the rich history and diversity of Five Dock and displays insights and memories of local families and their homes.  

Tuesday, 24 May

The City of Canada Bay thanked Five Dock resident, Jack Nolan OAM, for 30 years of service to our community. Jack was a foundation member of the Drummoyne Disability Advisory Group, now known as the Access Committee. This Committee ensures that access issues specific to our disabled and frail aged residents are addressed by Council. Our City is more accessible to people of all abilities thanks to Jack's dedication. 

Friday, 20 May

With pedometers attached, I joined children from Five Dock Public School as they walked to school today counting their steps.  National Walk Safely to School Day encourages primary school children to walk and commute safely to school.   

Thursday, 19 May

At Concord Library, Councillor Helen McCaffrey and I presented Deborah Ng with her prize, an iPad2.  Deborah was the drawn winner from a pool of 920 survey respondents. The surveys form part of the consultation phase in the development of our Library Services Strategic Plan. Congratulations Deborah!

Wednesday, 18 May

On behalf of the City of Canada Bay I presented a cheque for $3,000 to the Queensland Premier's Flood Appeal.  The Appeal was established to assist Queenslanders affected by recent floodings and Tropical Cyclone Yasi.

Thursday, 31 March

The City of Canada Bay won the prestigious 2011 CHOICE Award for the Best Restaurant Hygiene Rating Scheme in Australia.  CHOICE, the independent voice for Australian consumers, judged our 'Scores on Doors' program as the Nation's very best scheme and declared 'it could be the template for a national scheme'.  Congratulations to our Environmental Health team on this impressive accolade. 

Wednesday, 23 March

Concord Community Food Services picnic was sent indoors due to poor weather.  A Seniors' Week highlight once again saw students from Concord High School join our celebrations by serving lunch and joining our Seniors on the dance floor.

Thursday, 17 March

The City of Canada Bay received $175,000 from Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program.  Funds will be used to turn 200 metres of single walking track into a combined walkway and cycleway between Thompson and South Streets, Drummoyne. 

Thursday, 17 March

Today I welcomed news of the allocation of $250,000 from the Inner West Busways project to upgrade and streetscape the Drummoyne business precinct.  Our Refresh Drummoyne initiative is working with businesses and the community to revitalise this precinct and the NSW Government funding will assist in implementing strategies highlighted through our consultation process. 

Saturday, 12 March

Cinema in the Park presented The Lion King at Rhodes Waterside Playground.  Organised by Communities For Communities and sponsored by City of Canada Bay, this was a fantastic night out for the whole family with food, activities and movie screening. 

Wednesday, 9 March

I was delighted to open new premises for Caffe Migliore at 217 Parramatta Road, North Strathfield.  Relocating from Five Dock, Caffe Migliore has expanded to bigger and better premises and is a leading Australian coffee roaster and cafe supply business.  My congratulations to Tony and Heidi Nicotra and the Caffe Migliore team.

Sunday, 6 March

Deputy Mayor, Marian O'Connell, joined me at Rodd Park as Clean Up Australia Day turned 21!  I was encouraged to see so many residents take an active interest in their local environment and together we cleaned up Rodd Point, the foreshores and along the Bay Run. 

Saturday, 5 March

I presented medals at the inter school regatta hosted by MLC School Burwood.  Held at Bayview Park Concord, over 1000 girls from 10 Sydney high schools competed in 43 events in Hen and Chicken Bay.  Russell Lea resident, Brianna Caputo, a 14 year old student from MLC School was awarded first place in the 1500m Year 10 Single Scull event.  A great achievement for Brianna who as a Year 9 student competed against older girls!

Monday, 28 February

I joined Wests Tigers players Chris Heighington, Mark Flanagan and Rob Lui with their Battle of the West membership drive.  We encouraged Five Dock locals to support the Tigers by taking up membership for the 2011 season. 

 

Wednesday, 23 February

The Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) travelled to Concord to hear from our community about the proposed 172 berth commercial marina in Kendall Bay.  I presented Council's submission strongly rejecting the proposed marina along with expert consultants, Gary Shiels of GSA Planning and Adrian Kingswell of Environmental Investigations Services. 
 

Tuesday, 22 February

I welcomed $30,000 in funding from the Hon. Tony Kelly MLC, Minister for Lands, to assist with the development of Concord Oval Precinct Plan of Management.

Sunday, 20 February

About 50 residents attended a community consultation hour, on site at Nullawarra Avenue, Concord West.  Residents discussed their concerns with me and learnt about possible options to make this stretch of road safer for our community. 

Friday, 18 February

I was delighted to present the $26,047 proceeds from my inaugural Battle of the Smashers charity cricket day to Lucas Gardens School Canada Bay.  With the generous support of the event sponsors and supporters, the school's planned hydrotherapy pool is fast approaching! 

Tuesday, 15 February

Refresh Drummoyne is working with local businesses and residents through workshops to develop a Place Management Action Plan for Drummoyne.  A Council initiative that seeks to create environments that provide economic, social and cultural nourishment. 

Monday, 7 February

I met with a great group of Canada Bay women who raise funds for the NSW Cancer Council's Girls' Night Out, with the support of local businesses. 

Saturday, 5 February

I rallied with concerned residents in Cabarita Park, overlooking Kendall Bay, to send a clear message that the proposed 172 berth commercial marina should be rejected and that Kendall Bay must be cleaned up as a matter of urgency. 
 

Wednesday, 26 January

On Australia Day, I officiated at our Citizenship Ceremony where 51 residents became Australian citizens.  I announced Joe Di Giacomo as Canada Bay's Citizen of the Year.  I was joined by our Australia Day Ambassador, Bella Serventi, Joe and Dona Di Giacomo.  Congratulations.