Monday 30 June 2014

Safety Barrier Placed For Cyclists On William Mason Reserve, North Mount Druitt Exit!

I was wondering why safety fence barriers have been placed on the exit of  Foot Path at William Mason Reserve North Mount Druitt. o

The answer is  simply, to prevent cyclists to riding fast heading on Methven Street, North Mount Druitt, which may cause a potential accident, leading to fatalities.


In acknowledging the current Council's progress on making Mount Druitt an improved and better place to live in, I also would like further barrier to be provide to be provided, on the end of right side foot path ( as leading into Methven Street,North Mount Druitt.



High Lights Missing At Westfield Mount Druitt Car Park!

People that drive in, park their car and then walk to the shop that they want to purchase goods and or services day and night. When it comes to night time, oblivious to shoppers high rise lights are not well maintained, serviced and either not turned on.e

Although there are smaller lights on the ground level, high lights could be could turn on, to provide better vision at night for shoppers. This could be a health and safety issue for the community if not attended too. Again, we are picking  up improved required by Wesfield Mount Druitt that has been neglected.

 This is near the K-Mart/Harvey Norman area- have a look yourself, do yourself. We will request Blacktown City Council to respond and see how quick Westfield Management will respond?

Unusual Way Of Filling In Shelves - In A Small Business!

I noticed this today, which I think is a health and safety issue, not just to the employee but to the community, who may want to consume the 'popper drinks' that is being placed on shelves.

I know jobs are not easy to do at times but I thought a simple little foot stool, would have made this employee work in a comfortable situation. I understand that the 'popper drinks' tray may be covered by plastic, I just think that this is unhygienic to work like this. Now I might be completely wrong with my thoughts here, but it happened in a North Rooty Hill shop.



I apologies for the quality of the quality of  this photograph - it was taken in a rush!


Friday 27 June 2014

Great Discussion With North Mount Druitt New Community Member

I talk about speaking to community members from Mount Druitt, who are enjoying the idea of what I am doing with this website, publishing blogs. Each time I send sent to 10 important stake holders and members of the local press (no response from them as yet), so that pictures speak better than words.

Yesterday, I met a man called Halfiz and he has recently moved into the area, being told Mount Druitt is a very bad area to live in (this is what I don't love people to say of Mount Druitt). Yet after a few months now of living here, he now declares Mount Druitt is a great place to live in. He has great neighbours, shops and  people within the community (strangers) talk to him.

When I explained of 'whatiloveaboutmountdruitt', he suggested that this group should have representatives as Councillors on Council, he was shock it wasn't a group, it was just myself representing Mount Druitt people, using electronic media as advocacy for improvements of the community, in a non-political way.

People of Mount Druitt are great. There will be more stories from people to be told.

More Smokers At Westfield Mount Druitt

Smokers still caught outside of Westfields Mount Druitt,causing health havoc to the local community, creating passive smokers.

We seem to be falling on deaf ears at the management of Westfield's Mount Druitt. They  then turn a blind eye and allow people to smoke within their boundaries. This issue will be raised, time and time again, until direct action is takenShoppers need to breathe clean air around, all  public areas and fines should be imposed.
A man trying to disguise  his smoking








I now think that Non-smoking signs should be place in all open spaces outside of Westfield Mount Druitt shops, within their compound. Let's see how Westfield management respond through Blacktown City Council and see if Blacktown City Council can involve NSW Health to eliminate this critical health issue!

Thursday 26 June 2014

Blacktown City Brass Band - More Music!

Speaking to the Blacktown City Brass Band members today, they were all excited as soon as they had seen myself ready to film 2 songs they were ready to play. 



They played it so well that I am ready to film them again, on next occasion that I meet them. I now understand that they meet once a month and will keep you informed, when they are playing at Mount Druitt.

Click Here For 'OH Hello Dolly'

 I said hello, Dolly,
Well, hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're lookin' swell, Dolly
I can tell, Dolly
You're still glowin'
You're still crowin'
You're still goin' strong
I feel that room swayin'
While the band's playin'
One of your old favourite songs from way back when
So take her wrap, fellas
Find her an empty lap, fellas
Dolly'll never go away again

I said hello, Dolly
Well, hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're lookin' swell, Dolly
I can tell, Dolly
You're still glowin'
You're still crowin'
You're still goin' strong
I feel the room swayin'
While that ole band keeps on playin'
One of your old favourite songs from way back when
So golly, gee, fellas
Find her an empty knee, fellas
Dolly'll never go away
I said she'll never go away
Dolly'll never go away again


Click here for 'Dad's Army Theme Song'

Who do you think you are kidding Mr. Hitler?
If you think we're on the run,
We are the boys who will stop your little game.
We are the boys who will make you think again.
'Cus who do you think you are kidding Mr. Hitler?
If you think old England's done?

Mr. Brown goes off to town
On the 8:21.
But he comes home each evening
And he's ready with his gun.

So watch out Mr. Hitler
You have met your match in us.
If you think you can push us
We're afraid you've missed the bus.

so who do you think you are kidding Mr. Hitler?
.If you think old England's done.


Click here for first published Song for the Blacktown City Brass Band


Monday 23 June 2014

Local Street Issues - Response Support From Ed Husic, Federal Member Of Chifley!

I can say Mr. Ed Husic, Federal Member for Chifley, is a man of action and words. He is in his second term of office and is a good listener.  I have spoken to him a few times and there are things we both on. There might be a few things we don't agree on but generally we have the same goal in mind. To have a great community to live in. Local real issues is not part of the Federal Members  responsibility, but if a Federal Member supports local issues and improvements for the community, then that can carry weight or friendly support to real improved community results. This then makes Mount Druitt a great place to live in and promote and eventually tourists.

Here's Ed Husic's response to a local issue:


Husic, Ed (MP) <Ed.Husic.MP@aph.gov.au>

13:13 (8 hours ago)


to me, Edmond, Nicole
Hi John

Thanks for the email.

I have copied Cr Atalla into this email to get Council to consider these points raised.

Many thanks

Ed


Click here for previous blog 

Foot Path Crossing Required Corner of Earl Streets and Methven Streets, North Mount Druitt!

When we ask for essential Community improvements and they are worked on and completed, it makes myself wonder why elected Representative anything say within the last 10 years. A lot of it could be put down to 'individual ambition' and/or 'Don't worry about that area votes are safe'.

Are they really safe? I think people may think twice when one individual using actual photographs, uploading  pictures to publish blogs, which then sends automatic e-mails to stack-holders that can currently make changes for Mount Druitt. Easy, yes anyone can do this - but you have to be mindful   that decision makers and stake holders are 'Real People'.  Yet these are the 'Real People; that can make that 'Real Change'!

So, now as we are looking at more change positive for the community, we ask for improvements in basic local infrastructure that matches and  works toward the Blacktown Local Environmental Plan. The Plan that caters for the growing future.


Day Time
In the corner of Earl Streets and Methven Streets Mount Druitt, there is an urgent call for a 'Pedestrian Crossing/Path Way' (no traffic lights), allowing vehicles to slow down and make it a better  safety and safe community. What is also required is expanding the gap that it in the gap of the median strip, allowing both cyclists and community members to cross Methven street, Mount Druitt safely. I have noted some care drive over the 50 km speed limit and this is part reason.
Night Time


North Mount Druitt - Urgent Foot Path Improvements Required - Part 1!

We live in a  Blacktown City, where  proper  accessible footpaths have  not been  properly provided to a vital part of the  Mount Druitt community. It goes without saying that the more there are accessible footpaths the more people will walk, jog and run.
East of Meacher Street,
right side no pathway!
East Of Meacher Street Left side
to Moorehead Avenue

In a seemingly well developed North Mount Druitt 
community, there seemed to be a neglect in planning to provide to the community 2 sided accessible  concrete footpaths. This is probably because we do not have a local Councillor of Blacktown City Council living in this part of the Council and Ward.


Moorehead Avenue facing North
Left no pathways!
Moorehead Avenue South
no pathways to a par
k
Headcorn Street, left showing no pathways!
A majority of Mount Druitt suburbs have 2 sided pathways on each side of the street, I have been amazed that this is not happening in the heart of Mount Druitt.  This is happening in area that is developing as 'Median density housing' but not even median  allocation of pathways!
Moorehead Avenue Facing South,  no pathways
and deterioration of soil, block of units in front.

After doing a tour around the area, you will see how the community would greatly benefit from this proper access, that the community requires.



Below is O'Brien Street, Mount Druitt with one-sided footpaths and the other side has patches of grass to walk on. How dangerous this can be if  community members fall over and have accidents
Corner of Notley Street & O'Brien Streets South,



























































































































































Corner of Notley & O'Brien Streets North




Cavallaro Crescent, Mount Druitt, requires both sides of this short street, to be improved with concrete foot paths. This also cuts down duel emissions from lawn mowers, easy access to the community sense of community pride and most importantly, added value to all properties in this area.



West of O'Brien Street
Whilst there is a one-sided footpath on one side of the seats community, you will see that community members need proper concrete paths that, Councils should be providing on both sides of the the streets. If you go to an inner Sydney City, City Council,  both sides of walkways are concreted and fully maintained. Are area 'City Council' as well!


Here is the western End of Meacher Street - Left side. - you will note that some community members use the  front of their properties as small dumping grounds. If a footpath is in place, there is  reduced chances of this happening and  there is a better  community that uses footpaths to get to places. 
Meacher Sttreet, (West)
Mount Druitt
Meacher Street (West), Mount Druitt
Meacher Street (West),
Mount Druitt
This is the far western part of Meacher Street (facing East), before the footpath ends (right above picture). Middle right picture shows short fall of a footpath that has been missed by Blacktown City Council ( Seems like they ran out of concrete).

Here is Meacher Street, North Mount Druitt where it is distinctly clear that there is one side of the road undeveloped footpaths needing proper improvements in path ways infrastructure (right picture below) and Corner of Notley & Meacher Streets North Mount Druitt with overgrown grass overgrown a few months ago (middle picture). 

The corner of Methven and Earl Streets, it shows it is quite clear that a major park called 'William Mason Reserve' does a have footpath leading to both ends of Methven Street Mount Druitt. (left picture). This is  something that I find quite daunting that up until now, there has been little or no improvements, to assist the North Mount Druitt community. By this time the local government authorities and stake holders make a decision for these important improvements, once this decision is made it will be left up to them to ensure work in progress is not years behind. 

How can  Blacktown Local Environmental Plan progress unless their is progress of major improvements in these footpaths?
Corner of Methven & Earl Streets,
North Mount Druitt
Corner or Notley & Meacher Streets
Mount Druitt

Corner of Glenroben Place
 & Meacher Streets
Mount Druitt




Sunday 22 June 2014

Update On Upgrade Of Mount Druitt Bus Interchange!

With the upgrade happening at Mount Druitt bus interchange, it seems it is just a make and uplift job. There doesn't seem to be any movements to expanding the bus interchange. It appears that it is just a foot path way upgrade.


We will wait until it is finally completed. In the mean time Commuters  are ask to beware to walk away and around from these barriers, upgrade is improved and completed

From Busways:

news icon

Mount Druitt Interchange Works

Posted: 20 Jun 2014
The next phase in the Mount Druitt Interchange works will be implemented on Monday the 23rd June. Stands 4 & 5 will be relocated to a temporary “drop off” section, (northern side of the interchange on Westfields side) at about 9.00am. Notices and marshalls will be in place to assist with enquiries and direct.

Click here for previous blog

Rooty Hill Shop Back In Business After Aciident!

Last week we reported an accident at North Rooty Hill Shops. It appears the shop is back in business and the owners still seeking compensation for the damages caused. 

The man involved was in a drunk/drugged state and  apparently has provided incorrect contact details. New South Wales Police are still searching for him so that the shop owners compensation can be finalised.

 
If anyone  knows of this person, contact Crime StopperS on 
1800 333 000 or Mount Druitt Police on (02) 9675 0699.

 Click here for interesting previous story!

Cyclist Fatality at Mount Druitt - Daily Telegraph/Mount Druitt Standard

I'm an advocate for public transport within Mount Druitt and have been moving towards promoting people to ride on bicycles and for Blacktown City Council to improve bicycle routes within the area. I know and have seen cyclists riding around and a lot of them without helmets.

Now we hear of a fatality with a cyclist and a Busways bus that has happened at a major busy intersection at Mount Druitt. Again bad news from Mount Druitt is publicized by the local and wider press.

I am so sad for the cyclist and  now I am becoming one and I also feel sad for the bus driver, who is under tight timing constraints to keep up to time table order. Sometimes when you are driving a heavy duty vehicle you may not know of lighter vehicles that are around them.

It would be safer  for cyclists to have 'marked' special 'Pathways for cyclists'. Another thing Local and State Governments can do is more shared careful signs  on roads for all motorists and a Media Advertisements. Cyclists need to know the road rules, if they have a current drivers license that would be sufficient. What do you think?

 Click Here For Daily Telegraph/Mount Druitt Standard Article

Friday 20 June 2014

Mount Druitt Libruary Hub - Door Needs Slight Fixing!

This is just a small improvement that needs to be fixed up in due course. The Mount Druitt Hub has been provided to the community in the most recent years.Itself it is a modern community infrastructure that was needed by the community of Mount Druitt to be upgraded.

We require new strip that is inserted on the inside of the door to be replaced as it is coming off. This is the the black broken line that you can see!

Thursday 19 June 2014

FREE Bar-Be Que & Activities from Mount Druitt NSW Police In Dawson Mall, Mount Druitt For Any Youths!

I am inspired by New South Wales Police Officer Paul, a youth police officer, working with Ted Noff's Foundation, Westfield Security Manger, NGO's and with Blacktown City Council Officers, to reduce crime and anti-social behaviors, which I was told is high in Mount Druitt.

 On Thursday they are organizing "Free" Bar-Be-Que sausages as from 3pm for youths around the area and then they can come and play basket ball into a high basket ball net, as shown below.  Youth workers and trainee youth workers are also there to assist our youths, in need and point them to the right direction of life.

Great concept, to prevent youths roaming around, possibly causing havoc Ideally, this makes youths do activities and keeps their interest at bay. The Police Officer advised myself, this initiative started at the back of the Joan Sutherland theatre in Penrith and has proven successful.

The only drawback they may be facing is the new planned facilities at Dawson Mall, may not allow for these activities to happen for youths. I looked around and I'm sure that Blacktown City Council, its planners and its engineers will factor in  spaces for youths to use basket ball activities or even  provide a shed in  Dawson Mall, for youths to meet.

Mount Druitt Youths are invited! See Constable Paul there!
 


William Mason Reserve, Mount Druitt Gets Reviewed Upgrade Seating and More Lights- Reviewed!

Well good news again, Blacktown City Council is  now working closely with 'whyilovemountdruitt'  and not only that the response is magnificent. Something that I am not used too. I think that all   Officers of Blacktown City Council from the General Manager onwards, should be congratulated, for implementing improvements for the community, as requested and required, making Mount Druitt a better place for all!

Now we have to announce another improvement that has been approved by Blacktown City Council, that is that seating for community members, near the children's playground amenities and further lighting upgrade as requested in previous blogs. This is at William Mason Reserve, Mount Druitt.

So you can see that pictures speak louder than words! What is meant here is that sending actual pictures make action happen. You can present a thousand page document (which the public community has no time to read or see), have professionals support it with various facts and figures and then it may be declined. Pictures of real community things that need to be changed make things happen - believe it!

Click here for the blog on more lights requested for William Mason Reserve 


Click here for previous blog on seating required for William Mason Reserve


Click here for letter from Blacktown City Council


I do have one suggestion for Blacktown City Council that on the 'Open Space Area Lighting Policy' the Mount Druitt community should be invited during the day and night to invite present and offer feedback from the community!

Next Blacktown City Brass Band Show In Mount Druitt - Comming Up!

I just have received notification that the next event for the Blacktown City Brass Band show outside of Westfield Mount Druitt, Coles (north) entrance.

They will be there between 5.15pm-6.30pm on 26th June 2014. Please enjoy there entertainment!

Click Here for previous blog on the Blacktown City Brass Band

Wednesday 18 June 2014

Further Leaks At Mount Druitt Asian & Butcher Shop!

We haven't reported about liquid leaks coming out of the Mount Druitt Asian & Seafood Shop as we didn't have too, until this morning.

Well, I notice one of the employees sometimes standing outside this shop in the afternoon, checking out who taking these photos . It is public open space and public pictures can be taken in public as long as you respect the people around you. Obviously it must not be discriminatory or racial at all. It is not because of the name of the shop, it it what it does and seeps the public arena, path way, arcade or any other public way.

It is the dark images and surroundings that are on the tiles!
I think that this time fines should be applicable as we are looking at we are looking at public health, in interest. By people and authorities not being aware of this, the situation could get worse - like pictures shown before.

Click here for previous blog 

Tuesday 17 June 2014

Federal Member Chifley On Q & A - 16th June 2014 - Ed Husic

In recent years, Australian Government funding towards the TV Station ABC, has created some magnificent shows being most the time political or in other certain times of other nature.

In Mount Druitt, we have an ambitious young Federal Member for Chifley, Mr. Ed Husic, who is forever getting himself known in local, and the wider media.  He is a Twitter, Facebooker and updates his own website, at whichever minute he spares. In a way, he is 'his own mediaholic' (if ever there is such a word). Which I think is great as he updates his social communities, with most recent of activities he is at, doing and provides opinions on topics as arise

 He is  is his second Term of office and seems to be enjoying his fame so much so as to being asked to be on  Q & A (Questions and Answers) ABC. There is suggestions he might be a future Australian Leader one day, only time will tell!

Click Here for Iview on Q & A


Click here to Ed Husic's website

New Light Poles And Lights Requested Western End Of William Mason Reserve, Mount Druitt!

So, here we completed one more improvement for Mount Druitt and there are many more to come! People I speak too are inspirational! In fact, they are telling us what required!


One lady was so excited to meet myself, she advised that I was speaking to her husband and that I had got done the new foot
paths at Shennan Walk Way, Earl Street and around William Mason Reserve, Mount Druitt! When she mentioned this I had to think a bit about this and then it me, yes if I hadn't taken those photographs and published them on previous blogs, these areas would be behind the times. 

Time and time again people are saying that this should have been fixed up under previous Blacktown City Councils. Thank God this current Council is listening, responding and actioning, creating a sense of  more 'Community Pride'.



Any way this same lady asked if I could help her, with one big favor? I said I can try and here is the try: on the far right of this picture - she walks from a childcare center at Meacher Street Mount Druitt down into Methven Street Mount Druitt. Her issue is walking through the path way in William Mason Reserve (Western End), Mount Druitt is dark and dangerous. For the safety of the community, light poles should be place there, with immediate affect.

A night picture confirms all this. I'm sure any Council Officers and/or Councillors from Blacktown City Council walking along this path way at night, will feel the same safety as this lady does with her young child!

This is the area in the background in the daylight, that you can see from the previous photo, lights at night are required. You can plainly see it is in a public area!

Light Is Now Turned On - William Reserve, Mount Druitt - After Waiting For Months Since Reported!

How long does it take a light bulb? Usually not long!

How long does it take to change a public park light bulb? Just under 3 months!

Well as you will see yourself , currently this is true. I reported the light out at William Mason Reserve, Mount Druitt on the 18th March 2014, to Blacktown City Council as the park comes under their care. Repeatedly, I have been that it is up to us (as a community), to report it to the electricity company.

Now how many community members are are that reporting of light bulb changes is a community responsibility to report it to the relevant authorities?  The Question I have raised Blacktown City Council Officer is what signs are provided on the light poles to say it is responsibility of the community and directions to do so. None and no response on this question as well.

So now,I just think that we (as a community) should notify all relevant Local Government Councils, of change of public amenities lights, so that they will be register and reviewed. We also never got a direct answer as to  if the electricity company audits the park lights at might and if so how often?

I was working out that if all nights were out in the park - About 4 or 5 - that means if it takes under 3 months for 1 light bulb to be changed, we could be waiting for under a year or more to have this improvement! Hopefully, Council will ensure, this time lapse will not happen again!

The light  has now being replaced in William Mason Reserve, Mount Druitt!

Click Here For Previous Blog/Story

Sunday 15 June 2014

Car Lands In Front of Rooy Hill North Shop, Yesterday!

All types of accidents happen in life and some of them we just cannot believe! Yesterday, while I was visiting my dentist,  next door  a car reverses back into a local shop in Rooty Hill North.

From local people that were bystanders someone said that a child was taken under the car, but appeared to be alright. Police and ambulance emergency services were called to scene, minutes later the scene was tapered off, preventing more community members to cause a further scene. 

The distraught elderly car driver seemed to be in total shock and may not have sustained any major injuries. I believe the parents of the child were watching as the incident happened. When I left the scene Mount Druitt Police were interviewing the driver, investigating the scene.

This is something that no one would expect to happen, whilst going to your local shops. The affects on the local business can be catastrophic financially, as there will be a loss of income from money being spent within the community, especially with with the competition in which this business competes with!

I feel for all involved, yet one good thing was people were supportive to all victims involved inclusive of the driver. That is no revenge taken out on driver - people of Rooty Hill and Mount Druitt, seem to have  that great spirit of caring that may not be portrayed property from the wider Media ( not local).


This is what I love about 'Mount Druitt' that people can be well mannered in times of trouble and supportive!

Friday 13 June 2014

North Mount Druitt Community Member - 2 Great Suggestions For Community Improvements!

People in the community can be inspired to speak and provide creative suggestions to enhance and improve the image of the community, as soon as they hear about this website, I have created.

It is an eye opener that community members can see that using modern technology like a mobile phone with a camera and laptop, that the entire world can be notified of ideas that can be passed on automatically, to Blacktown Council officers and Councillors. From there it can all change the community! And it has!


Voya from North Mount Druitt would like to see two major improvements in North Mount Druitt. Both of them I have never thought of:
 
  1. Although, Blacktown City Council have completed the new path way/walk way along Shennan Walk Way, Mount Druitt, there is a suggestion from Voya to join the first right hand curve (facing North) to the new foot path/path way. Hard to see in below  night picture, yet you might pick it up. He says that a lot of people don't walk on the zig zag curve walk up and down.









    2. The next suggestion relates to William Mason Reserve, where
      there is the children's play amenities, there is no seats/benches
      for parents/carers to sit on while watching their children play.

These are great suggestions from a community member that of others. We will refer to  Blacktown City Council to act on this straight away. We have to ensure that the Mount area is properly maintained and  improved to cater for community needs.

Westfield Mount Druitt Has More Great Modern Mosaic Glass Art!

Just over two months ago, I reported on great sealing mosaic glass ceiling art, in Westfield Mount Druitt. I am proud we have such great art shown publicly in Mount Druitt. I must give high credit to the Management of Westfield Mount Druitt in leading the way in showing this modern art.


My fear is not everyone in Mount Druitt as shoppers, notice this! In the mean time I am providing you with two more pictures of this artwork - one is plain and the other what I love about Mount Druitt!

I actually think that this design (if can be done), can also be  placed on the ceiling at center courtstage.

 Click Here for previous blog

Thursday 12 June 2014

Footpath Improvement Required Luxford Road, Mount Druitt!

This foot path is  require improvements on the side of foot path way, where there is a 2 inch drop from the top of the curb. To me, it appears that after decades of wear and tear from community members walking onto the dirt area (coming from all directions), the soil has gradually disappeared, possibly eroded and  thus this path looks deteriorated. Predictions are that there was a grassed area and by human walk overs the grass had gone!
 
Simply, there are 2 solutions to this:
  1. Place a slab of concrete on the section that leads to the traffic lights on the Northern part of Luxford, Mount Druitt (Opposite Rashay's Restaurant).
  2.  Fill up the dirt area with top soil and then add grass that will grow, especially if there is a foot path way approved at the eastern end of the traffic lights. This must be done after  the above is completed.

More Progress On Council's New Pathways in North Mount Druitt!

Congratulations to the current Blacktown City Council on providing new foot pathway improvements on Methven Street Mount Druitt, this is being done on a strip that hasn't had a foot pathway before (by my memory). We hope further improvements occur in the future to the Local Environmental Plan 2030.

Although these pictures are taken at night, you can still notice the progress. I have spoken to a local community member, who could not believe that action is happening from Blacktown City Council, which has not happened for years. This community member wanted more information slips to pass onto friends and family.