Sunday 25 February 2018

Blacktown City Council - March 2018 Media Diary - Council, Sporting & Libraries Edition

Click Here for March Median Diary (Council Edition)

Click Here for March Media Diary (Sports Edition) 

Click here For March Media (Library Edition)

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Bidwill Garden Springs To Life

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23 February 2018


Bidwill residents have transformed an unused block of land into a flourishing community garden with help from Blacktown City Council.

Deputy Mayor of Blacktown City Tony Bleasdale officially opened the garden in Lindley Square on Saturday, 24 February.

“Council has supported a number of community projects in Bidwill, and we are thrilled we have again been able to lend a hand in making another positive initiative a reality for locals,” Cr Bleasdale said.

“Lindley Garden is an inclusive place where people from all backgrounds can grow their own fruit and vegies, or simply enjoy the beauty of the space and each other’s company.
“Looking around the garden, you can see this vision has come to fruition: the community has come together to celebrate a project that has brought out the best in the neighbourhood.” 

The garden was the brain child of Therese Wilson, a long term resident of Lindley Square, Cr Bleasdale said.
“Ms Wilson got in touch with Council and asked if the council-owed space in Lindley Square could be converted into a community garden,” he said.

“Council was happy to help and successfully applied for funding from the Department of Family and Community Services Social Housing Community Improvement program to develop the garden.

“The funding, worth almost $38,000, enabled Blacktown Arts Centre staff to hire artists David Hawkes and Abbas Makrab to work with Therese Wilson and other residents to develop the designs for the garden. 

“I thank all the residents, the artists, Family and Community Services, and Council staff for their joint efforts in bringing this project to life.”

Ms Wilson said she was amazed at what she and her neighbours in Lindley Square had achieved. 

“My goal was simply to grow healthy food and all this extra wonderful stuff has come out of it,” she said.

“Not only do local families have access to nutritional affordable food, but the garden has really brought the whole neighbourhood together.

“Before nobody spoke to anybody. Now everyone is talking to everyone.

“Petty crime, littering and vandalism has stopped. That’s been achieved by having the garden here and having the bulk of residents on board and being watchful of troublemakers. 

“The outcomes have just been amazing.”

Friday 23 February 2018

Western Sydney Community Forum Invitation To Regional Care Managers Forum


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INVITATION

Regional Community Care Managers Forum
6 March 2018
10:00am-12:00pm
Nirimba Room, Blacktown City Council

Western Sydney Community Forum is currently looking at the way we work with the Community Care sector, to ensure we best meet the needs of our members and the communities they support.
 
With this in mind, we intend to utilise the Regional Community Care Managers forum to host a round-table discussion on the issues facing the sector and, from the information gained, develop the content of a Regional Community Care Forum to be held later in the year.

We invite your attendance and participation. Please register viaeventbrite for catering purposes.

If you would like more information, please feel free to contact Kathryn Hammond, Manager - Policy and Programs on 02 9687 9669 or via email Kathryn.hammond@wscf.org.au


Kind Regards,

Kathryn Hammond
Manager, Policy and Programs
 
This event is proudly brought to you by Western Sydney Community Forum.

This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health under the Commonwealth Home Support Program, as well as by NSW FACS Community Care Supports Program. Visit the Commonwealth Department of Health and NSW FACS ADHC websites for more information.

Although funding for this project has been provided by the Australian and NSW governments, the contents of this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian and NSW governments
 

NSW Crime Stoppers - Unsolved Case In Mount Druitt - Ron From 'Whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page


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UNSOLVED CASE...

It has been 14 years today since the body of 14 year old Michelle Pogmore was found in bushland adjacent to the Town Centre Reserve at Mount Druitt on 22nd February 2004.

A $100,000 reward remains on offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the murder of Michelle.

Michelle was last seen about 9pm on 20th February, 2004, in Carlisle Avenue, Mount Druitt after leaving a street party around 7pm in Bidwill.

At the time Michelle was wearing a dark blue coloured hooded sloppy joe with "USA" on the front, white coloured track suit type pants and a pair of light blue coloured sand shoes.

The Coronial inquest could only establish that Michelle died sometime between the 20th and 22nd of February 2004.

If you have any information relating to this type of crime please report online atwww.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (24/7).


Thursday 22 February 2018

Leep Community Net - Vacant Job: Co-0rdinator Mount Druitt Aid Inc.

Here is an opportunity for  to apply for a vacan poistion  as a Co-Ordinator at Mount Druitt Aid. Click here for details

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Check Out The Chess, Mate


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22 February 2018

Visitors to Blacktown Showground can now enjoy a game of chess on a grand scale.

Blacktown City Council has placed a giant outdoor chess set – the first of its kind for Blacktown City – in Blacktown Showground Plaza. 

The $1,000 project was jointly funded by Council and the Blacktown City Lions Club as part of Lions Clubs International’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

“Lions clubs around the world were encouraged to find centenary projects that will serve the community,” Blacktown City Lions Club President Rebel Hanlon said.

“The outdoor chess set is our legacy to future generations. 
“It is something that will appeal to people of all ages and abilities and bring the popular sport of chess out into the open.”

Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali MP said Council has worked with the Blacktown City Lions Club on a number of community service projects.

“Last year, the club and Council launched an outdoor ping-pong table in the Civic Plaza in Blacktown CBD – an initiative that has proved to be very popular with local young people,” Mayor Bali said.  

“The outdoor chess set is Council’s second project with Blacktown Lions to celebrate their centenary, and we are thrilled to be supporting them again with their latest contribution to the City.”

Mayor Bali said the Showground Plaza’s popularity made it the ideal spot for the chess set.

“The Plaza is one of the busiest places in Blacktown CBD, and already boasts fantastic play areas and facilities for the community to use,” he said.

“We’re confident the chess set will provide a new and engaging activity for people of all ages.”

The outdoor chess set is located on the grass behind The Grounds Keeper Café in the Blacktown Showground Plaza.
It will be placed out during the café’s opening hours. 

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Mayor Bali contemplates his next move with eight-year-old Kaiden Williams from Blacktown.

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Blacktown City Lions Club vice president Geoff Harrison, Councillor Kathie Collins, Blacktown City Lions Club board member Sherie Harrison, Blacktown City Lions Club secretary Rachael Hanlon and Mayor Bali.




Wednesday 21 February 2018

Leep Community Net : Vacant Jobs

Click here for details

Blacktown City Council - Meda Release - $2,000 For A Free Dump

Media Release


21 February 2018

A Marsden Park resident has been fined $2,000 for illegally dumping rubbish Blacktown City Council could have collected for free.

The illegally dumped rubbish was discovered in front of a vacant building block on Atkinson Street, Marsden Park.

The Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping Squad (WSRID Squad) was called in and they discovered something in the rubbish that linked it to the owner.
Because the owner could not prove a contractor was responsible for removing the waste, he was fined. 

Legislation allows the owner of the waste to be fined regardless of whether or not they were the person that dumped the waste.

The Mayor of Blacktown City, Stephen Bali MP, says that there is no excuse for dumping rubbish on the kerb, when every household in the city can have up to 12 booked household clean up services a year.

“Last financial year approximately 94,000 residents and ratepayers took advantage of the service, and I thank them for doing the right thing,” he said.
“Our household clean up service is available to all residents and I urge people to take advantage of it.”

If the rubbish had been collected by Council or recycled for free at SUEZ Waste Management Centre, Powers Road, Seven Hills or Cleanaway, Bessemer Street, Blacktown, it would have cost nothing.
Mayor Bali also issued a warning about waste removal contractors.
“You need to do your homework before contracting someone to remove rubbish,” he said.
“Make sure you get tipping dockets so you know your contractor is legally disposing the waste and you are getting what you paid for.
“People who illegally dump rubbish in Blacktown City need to be aware we are watching - and if we catch you, we will take action.
“We urge residents to photograph and report any instances of illegal dumping they see.”
Blacktown City Council works with the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping Squad to curb and manage illegal dumping in the Blacktown local government area.

In the last financial year, Council investigated nearly 2,200 reports of illegal dumping in residential areas.


WOMEN'S AFL Action - This Weekend - Sydney International Sportspark Sydney - Rooty HIll


Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney is the home of women’s sport with 2 huge days of cricket and AFL action this weekend.

Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali MP is thrilled with the calibre of events in Blacktown. “Blacktown is the ideal venue for these games and I encourage everyone to head to the Sportspark and cheer on these incredible women. I wish Alex Blackwell and the NSW team all the best on Saturday and acknowledge her role in changing the game for women in cricket.”

First up is the Women’s National Cricket League Grand Final where defending champions NSW take on WA, looking to nab their 18th title in 21 seasons.

Australia vice-captain Alex Blackwell this week announced her retirement from international and state cricket, ending one of the game’s longest and most decorated careers - 15-years for Australia and 17-years for NSW.

The game will commence at 10am Saturday 24 February on Oval 2 and has FREE entry.

AFLW will kick into the Sportspark on Sunday 25 February, with GWS Giants looking to for back-to-back wins against reigning premiers, Adelaide Crows. GWS Captain and local school teacher, Amanda Farrugia will be hoping to continue the success of the team who are undefeated in Blacktown.

Entry to the game is FREE, with First Bounce at 4:35pm.

See you at the Sportspark!  For more information, visit www.blacktownsportspark.com.au

Veronica Steer | Key Venues Communications & Events Officer
Gate C, AFL/Cricket Centre
Level 3 Oval 1
Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney
Eastern Road, Rooty Hill NSW 2766 | PO Box 63 Blacktown NSW 2148
P (02) 9839 6989| M 0400 958 267| F +61 (02) 9832 2378
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Click here for further details

Monday 19 February 2018

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - No Underdogs This Lunar New Year

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Monday 19 February 2018

More than 30,000 people flocked to Blacktown’s Nurragingy Reserve on Friday evening to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali MP said Blacktown’s Lunar New Year Festival was attended by revellers from many different cultural backgrounds and nationalities.
“Our Lunar New Year Festival is a wonderful reflection of the cultural richness of this great city,” Mayor Bali said.
“We are one of the most multicultural cities in Australia, with 188 ethnicities speaking 182 languages within our borders, and we are proud our festival attracted so many diverse people.” 
The Year of the Dog was marked by a packed program of entertainment.

On the main stage revellers enjoyed lion dancing, Japanese martial art performances and traditional Vietnamese dancing. 

There was plenty to keep children entertained including face painting, jumping castles and stage show of the popular kids’ television series PAW Patrol.

Celebrations came to a close with a spectacular fireworks display from 9pm.

Mayor Bali said the ice and food sculpting demonstrations were a highlight. 

“We were all wowed by the ice carving demonstration by Kenji Ogawa, who sculpted a magnificent giant dog out of a block of ice,” he said.
“This was quite a feat, especially considering the hot weather on the day!
“The fruit carving was also impressive: it was amazing to watch as household fruit like watermelons and pineapples were carved into beautiful pieces of food art.”
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Festival goers enjoyed lion dancing at Blacktown’s Lunar New Year Festival.


Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Incinerator forum fires up Minchinbury

Media release


19 February, 2018
Hundreds of Western Sydney residents flocked to a Blacktown City Council forum over the weekend to protest against plans to build an Energy from Waste Incinerator (EfWI) at Eastern Creek.
Garbage disposal company Dial a Dump wants to build a EfWI that will eventually burn more than a million tonnes of waste a year – right across the M4 from Minchinbury at Eastern Creek.

“Nobody can say western Sydney approves of the project when you get a roll up like this,” the Mayor of Blacktown City, Stephen Bali MP said.

“This was our largest community forum in more than two years, with around 450 people coming out on a Saturday to voice their opinion.

“And their opinion is strong: none of them think that burning waste – a medieval solution – is any good.

“No matter how you dress up the modelling, the result is the same: you are simply chucking what you don’t want onto a fire,” he said.

Mayor Bali was backed up by Western Sydney MPs Prue Car (Londonderry), Edmond Atalla (Mount Druitt), Hugh McDermott (Prospect) and federal shadow treasurer Chris Bowen (McMahon).

Councillors from Penrith City Council and Parramatta City council also attended, voicing their opposition to the proposal.

“Noticeably absent were the Western Sydney government MPs, who all had more important things to do,” said Mayor Bali.

“Just like in the NSW parliament, they avoided debate, but to me nothing is more important than protecting the health of Western Sydney.”

The NSW Government – through the Planning Assessment Commission – is in the final stages of gathering material before a decision is made.

“Blacktown City Council has been given until Monday, 5 March to lodge its response, so everyone who lodged an objection or has an opinion about the EfWI needs to get cracking.

“My great concern about this and TNG’s other responses is that the incineration process or technology has not changed, but the theoretical modelling that “predicts” the pollution level has.

“How can we have any faith in the moveable and theoretical numbers when the actual effects of the incinerator’s emissions on nearby residents will be permanent and immoveable?

The “Response to Submissions” report follows the public exhibition of an amended environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed Energy from Waste incinerator at Eastern Creek.

“This proposal affects everyone in the local area, so please conduct your own review of TNG’s response, which is on the Department of Planning and Environment’s website:

Scroll to the bottom to see where to make a submission.

Hundreds rally at Minchinbury to voice their opinion about an Energy from Waste Incinerator planned for Eastern Creek.

 

The Mayor of Blacktown City, Stephen Bali MP at the EfWI forum on Saturday.