A Sad Day To Say 'Goodbye ''Whyilovemoundruitt blogspot' But Good News..........

Well it has been  just on 6 years that I created 'Whyilovemountdruitt' blogspot. Before that was 'Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group inc blogspot and before that 'Save Our Bus Services, Mount Druitt & Surrounding Suburbs' - yes that was a tongue twister.

So, the first blogspot was an experimental one that Hugh Worrall from Western Sydney Community Forum taught me. I never knew that being a blogger for 10 years, would make me into a dedicated passionate blogger, trying to get the necessary improvement for the community. I know I have touched a lot of people within the Mount Druitt area with all people that know me or I have spoken too. I have always respected each persons issues and conversations unless permitted to publish it.

Although I lead a large community group to to get back the 755 bus service and the Gasmatta service provide in a limited service. I had a had battle at first as there were people out in the community wishing to stop my protest. It was a State Labor Government at the time and  there wasn't to be any noise.  The then State Members of Mount Druitt and Londonderry told me that they didn't know about the bus services being terminated within the area. Then I had bureaucrats tell me their office would have been informed. WE did lose the Bidwill Sunday Service and was never able to bring that one back

The sad thing about was the services were chopped for anti-social behaviors towards buses, commuters and drivers. Something I could not stop - had no power but the power was in the posts of blogs and in speaking to young people to see if words could spread not to be anti-social. Then  I discovered this  behavior was all over Sydney. 

I remember when  I was asked with 3 members of my group to attend to the then NSW Minister for Transport represent our over 3,000 signatures we had received to bring back the buses. I was happy when the local news papers printed the front page of when the buses were being returned and thank God it wasn't about me it was about the people getting buses.

I remember Joan - a prominent member of community and a great local historian - tell me that she thought that I would never get the buses for the people because of the area we live in - she thought it was because of the way I conducted  the campaign to bring the buses back. Being the the inaugural Chairperson of Save Our Buses , Mount Druitt & Surrounding Suburbs and also of inaugural President of Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc.

I had no political ambition although others thought I did. I remember that one day one man approached me in Whalan and said you must be the local member here - asked him why - he said because of the way of I was dressed.

I also remember putting in hours with the  NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan 2030 which I was able to make contact and discussion with the them NSW Transport Minister Hon Gladys Berejiklian. Forget political parties Gladys was such a lovely educated lady then and  I find she still is.

I was proud to be involved  and represent the people of Mount Druitt in the Blacktown City Council Transport Forums as from 2010 until 2018. I was proud to represent the people of Mount Druitt in a Sydney Alliance Inaugural speech to 300 people. I was also proud to be a member and Secretary of Western Sydney Public Transport Users Group for a short while.

Then came the community improvements in 'Whyilovemountdruitt' blogspot and created existing Face Book Pages with  4 other Admin. Although, it has only just reached  just over 350 members it is not as big as other local Face Book Groups but just as important.

With 2,800 posts on 'Whyilovemountdruitt' blogspot, 150 comments and the pleasing results of 248,219 visits since blogspot was created, which nearly passes the 'Mountdruittcommuters' blogspot.

We have fixed cracked  roads, hole in the grounds, we even had a free bus shuttle service approved by Blacktown City Council, Traffic light improvements on Luxford Road and entrance to Coles, Westfield Mount Druitt, There have been so many improvements provided it made me happy to be in a wonderful community.

I am also grateful for being a Parish Council Chair at Holy Family, Emerton for  2 years under the wonder Father Greg Isaacs. 

I thank Hon Edmond Atalla, Member for Mount Druitt, Hon. Ed Husic, Federal Member of Chifley, Pru Car, Hon. Member for Londonderry, Management of Westfield Mount Druitt, Local business that have supported the website - the General Manager of Blacktown that said the website was creative and great for the community. Stephen Bali, Hon. Member for Blacktown and former Mayor of Blacktown always enjoyed our conversations. Councilors Brad Bunting, Jess Diaz, Carol Israel, Kathie Collins, Mayor Tony Bleasedale and former Councilor Jacqueline Donaldson.

I would also like to Thank Premier Hon. Gladys Berejiklian - with whom I have had previous conversations with on various issues, Hon, Penny Sharpe NSW MLC (whom I had a conversation at Mount Druitt Train Station a few years ago) Mount Druitt Train Station staff for over 29 years and the Blacktown City Council Media Team - allowing media releases to us to be published.

I am proud of my achievements for the community and know if it wasn't for the community, I wouldn't done this. Now I have to hang my boots up on 'whyilovemountdruitt' - which was created to change each persons perspective on our area - knowing there is love within Mount Druitt. The population has changed in the last 30 odd years, the demographics has changes and yes there has been a lot changes provided: Commuter car parks, upgraded parks, proper sealed roads and the list goes on. I know I couldn't touch everyone's life in Mount Druitt but surely you might know someone's life I have touched within the area.

There was a survey I recently conducted at 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page:
How would you rate 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page - 1 being lowest and 5 highest?
The results spoke for itself 19  gave a rating of 5, 3 gave a rating of 4, 1 gave a rating of 3 and 1 gave a rating of 2. No one gave a rating of 1 - all these results from 24 group members is a great representation of how people in Mount Druitt reacted to issues and improvements.

Comments from this post are very rewarding and appreciative, as follows:

• Very informative John
• Love the site!

• Very informative and especially love when you post the old time pics of what it looked like back in the days.. Weather updates.. It's all great.. Good community page mate 👍🍻

So, the goods news is I'l be updating posts on my new blogspot, which covers 2 areas based in NSW. I'll up[date posts that are interesting and will be shared, discussed or even commented on. It is simply called My Blog on Anything/ Everything. Feel free to switch blogpost to the below link:

Click here fore details of new blog: My Blog on Anything/ Everything

Sign The Petition Against The Western Sydney Incinerator - 'Whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

To fellow residents, please sign this petition to ask the state government to put ENERGY FROM WASTE INCINERATORS ON HOLD until proven 100% SAFE!

There are 3 planned for Sydney. 1 was rejected (Eastern Creek) but is being appealed. 2nd one is proposed at Wallgrove Rd tip. And a 3rd one for Matraville.
A 4th one is being proposed for Lithgow.

Please copy and paste this info and share this petition. Let’s be loud and clear to the NSW state government!

click here for details

Click here for No Incinerator For Western Sydney Face Book Group

Western Sydney Community Forum Reminder For Conversations Over Breakfast

Indicators . Investment . Impact
 

People with disability navigating the new system 

Tensions between intervening early & managing crisis 
Investing in community strengthening  
Providing appropriate housing for everyone  

9.00 am – 11.00 am
Tuesday 18 February 2020

Western Sydney University, Bankstown Campus
Bullecourt Avenue, Milperra
 
$99 WSCF Members  |  $199 WSCF Friends
[excluding GST]
 
A Reminder to Register for Conversations Over Breakfa
Our mailing address is:
100 George Street, Parramatta, NSW 2124

Add us to your address bookinfo@wscf.org.au  |  02 9687 9669  |  wscf.org.aust

Busways Traffic Update Important Message: Slow Down......

Slow down to 40km/hour when bus lights flash Did you know that by law you must slow down to 40km/h when bus lights are flashing? As our students start the 2020 school year, the NSW Government and Busways is reminding parents, teachers and other motorists about this law which is designed to keep our kids safe. Lights begin to flash when the bus stops and the doors open, and they keep flashing for 20 seconds after the doors close. Children are most at risk in the minutes after they get off the bus as the can be unpredictable in their movements. Drivers should look out for children who are crossing the road or waiting to cross. Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children. By law, a driver must not overtake or pass a bus with flashing lights at more than 40km/h. Drivers caught driving over the 40km/hr requirement face speeding fines and a loss of demerit points, depending on the speed they’re travelling. If they remain at 60km/h in a 60km zone, they could face fines of up to $275 and a loss of three demerit points. As young children are still developing skills around road safety, drivers should take care around bus stops where children might want to walk across the road. Motorists can help reduce the risk of a crash and keep children safe by: Slowing down to 40km/h when bus lights are flashing, Looking out for children crossing the road near bus stops, in school zones or along bus routes, and Giving way to buses when they merge back into traffic. Visit the Centre for Road Safety website to learn more about the Bus Flashing Lights Campaign.

Conversations Over Breakfast - Western Sydney Community Forum

Indicators . Investment . Impact
 

People with disability navigating the new system 

Tensions between intervening early & managing crisis 
Investing in community strengthening  Providing appropriate housing for everyone  

Join us as our panellists discuss these topics and the future of service delivery and investment in Western Sydney 

Speakers  &  Commentators

Click here to Register

Busways Update

Westpoint Tunnel will  be closed due to repairs from:

• From 10pm Monday 20 January to 4am Tuesday 21 January
• From 10pm Tuesday 21 January to 4am Wednesday 22 January 
• From 10pm Wednesday 22 January to 4am Thursday 23 January

Buses will divert along Kildare Road and Balmoral Street in both directions.

Customers can check the Blacktown Interchange map for their nearest stop.

Busways Update

Route 794 services will divert and miss a stop on The Northern Road from Friday 17 January until 30 April January 2020 (weather permitting).

All 794 services to and from Penrith will travel via Fragar Street and Maxwell Street.

Diversion Map

Passengers can check the Route 794 diversion map for missed stop location and diversion route.

Missed stop

• The Northern Rd after Maxwell St (Stop ID 2750538)

Nearest alternative stop

• The Northern Rd opp Castle Rd (Stop ID 274820)
• The Northern Rd after Castle Rd (Stop ID 274813)
• Smith St at Fragar Rd (Stop ID 2750104)
• Smith St after Fragar Rd (Stop ID 2750539)

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Australia Day In Blacktown

15 January 2020

From having breakfast with koalas to celebrating local heroes

and rocking out to live music, Blacktown City Council has

Australia Day celebrations covered.

Blacktown’s Australia Day begins with ‘Wake Up with the

Wildlife’ at Featherdale Wildlife Park, before continuing with 

a special citizenship ceremony and the announcement of the 

City’s Citizens of the Year.

The day concludes with a free Australia Day concert at The 

Rooty Hill.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said more than 

20,000 people are expected to attend Council’s Australia 

Day events.

“We all have been incredibly saddened by the devastating 

bushfires and I have been deeply moved by the generosity 

of our community in coming forward with donations of 

money, foodstuffs, equipment and their time,” Mayor 

Bleasdale said.

“That generosity of spirit and kind is what Australians do 

best and I encourage everyone to join us on 26 January and 

celebrate our pride in being Australian and living in this great 

nation.

“While Council has decided to cancel the Fireworks display 

out of respect for those who have lost loved ones and 

property in the bushfires, we still have a huge range of fun, 

family friendly and exciting events for people of all ages.

“The very popular ‘Wake Up With The Wildlife’ at 

Featherdale Wildlife Park kick starts the day’s program of 

events.” 

From 7 am, families will be having breakfast with the 

fabulous collection of Australian animals at Featherdale.

Bowman Hall in Blacktown will be the scene for a special 

Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony from 10.30 am where 

100 of Blacktown’s residents will become Australian citizens.

Following the ceremony, Mayor Bleasdale will announce 

Blacktown City’s Australia Day Award winners. 

Celebrations continue from 4 pm with the free Australia Day 

Concert on The Rooty Hill.

There will be free amusement rides and food stalls as well 

as live music performances headlined by the Choirboys, 

Shannon Noll, Dragon and tribute shows by The Oils and 

Anthems of Oz

Aussie FMX will also host three demonstrations at the event, 

featuring riders Zachary Mckenzie and Brodie Carmichael, a 

3x World Record Holder who in 2017 landed a World First 

Front Flip Superman at the Nitro World Games.

“I encourage families and friends to head down early to The 

Rooty Hill for our family-friendly, alcohol-free annual 

Australia Day celebrations,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Event details

Wake up with the Wildlife Breakfast

7.00 am to 12.00 pm Featherdale Wildlife Park, Kildare 

Road, Blacktown (Unfortunately sold out).

Citizenship ceremony

10.30 am Bowman Hall, Campbell Street, Blacktown.

The special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony will see 

more than 100 people become Australians on Australia Day.

Australia Day at The Rooty Hill

4.00 pm – 9.30 pm, The Rooty Hill, Church Street Rooty Hill.

Enjoy all the festivities of Australia Day 2020 at Council’s 

Australia Day Celebrations on The Rooty Hill. Including free 

amusement rides, as well as live performances by 

headliners Shannon Noll, the Choir Boys, The Oils Tribute 

and Dragon.

Stage Program

4.00 pm Anthems of Oz

5.00 pm The Oils Tribute

6.00 pm Choirboys

7.00 pm Shannon Noll

8.15 pm Dragon

In the event of extreme weather conditions, celebrations 

may be cancelled.

For more information on Blacktown City’s Australia Day 

celebrations and/or changed traffic conditions, 

visit www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au  or phone 9839 6000.

  

Thousands flock to the free Australia Day Concert at The 

Rooty Hill.

Westfield Mount Druitt - This Week

Click here for details on Westfield - Mount Druitt

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Have Your Say On the Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre

MEDIA RELEASE

8 January 2020

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM is encouraging

residents to have their say on a new $27 million state-of-the-

art animal rehoming centre to be built in Glendenning.

The Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre will be 

constructed in Owen Street, Glendenning, and will replace 

Council’s 40-year old Animal Holding Facility in Flushcombe 

Road, Blacktown.

Plans for the centre will be on public exhibition next year 

from 13 January to 17 February.

“The Centre will be the first custom-built animal rehoming 

centre of its kind in Australia and will offer a range of services

never previously available in old-fashioned ‘council dog 

pounds,’” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“The Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre will be able 

to house 135 dogs and 230 cats and is designed to provide 

sufficient capacity for the requirements of Blacktown City 

and a number of other councils well into the future.

“I encourage all residents to take a look and comment on this

 exciting new project for the community.”

The new facility is highly accessible to visitors from across

Sydney, located very close to both the M7 and M4 

Motorways.

Council’s new Animal Rehoming Centre will be a modern, 

eco-friendly, welcoming and spacious facility based on best 

practice for animal holding and rehoming.

The facility will service Blacktown, Liverpool, Willoughby, 

Parramatta, Ryde, Canada Bay, Lane Cove and Hunters Hill 

councils.

The Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre will provide a

number of associated services as well as animal care and 

rehoming including:

- community volunteer programs

- community education areas

Mayor Bleasdale said: “The current Animal Holding Facility 

(AHF) at Blacktown is over 40 years old and would require 

significant upgrades if it were to continue into the future.

“The AHF is now often at capacity and would therefore be 

incapable of dealing with the growing demand from a 

community with a projected population of 522,000 by 2036.”

Construction of the new Animal Rehoming Centre is 

expected to commence in early 2021.

The Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre is on public 

exhibition from next week 13 January to 17 February 2020.

For more information visit: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.

au/About-Council/What-we-do/Transformational-Projects/

Animal-Rehoming-Centre

For any inquiries contact:

(02) 9387 2600 or WSARC@elton.com.au