More Bus Shelters Required By Mount Druitt Commuters - Mount Druitt St Marys Standard

Well my old advocacy group, Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc. is really carrying the banner of improvements, within the area. Imagine not even a quarter of our bus stops are covered. No wonder NSW Government, Bus Operators and other important stake holders do not want to  promote  bus services, without having proper bus top shelter infrastructure.

I'm sure material cost would not cost $15,000 - to construct a bus shelter as provided by an official from Blacktown City Council, if 100 bus stops were sheltered per year for a cost of $1.5M - I am sure through a  proper tendering process the total cost could be reduced to $5,000 per bus shelter. The bus stops I see in Mount Druitt look like a lesser cost than $15,000. I think when the private company that constructs the shelter places 100 markup then that is where the costs are high. Council may need to open tenders for this and seek reduced costs for bus shelters.

Also I do think bus operators, should place part of their profits into the construction of bus stops. They can afford to do this!


Click here for Story at Mount Druitt- St Marys Standard

Funny Advertising Signs At Mount Druitt Train Station.... Well 2 Of Us Thought So!

It is not many times that you can place many advertising signs together and when you do, you get a third message.

At Mount Druitt train station, both a station assistant and myself noticed these signs and  to us it was quite funny. I hope to you find it funny, the same as us:

                         (Read the main headings together)

 

Click here for previous Mount Druitt Train Station Billboards


 :

Blacktown City Council Favored Tweet on Twitter.......

This is a first for myself, representing the people of Mount Druitt and surrounding suburbs as a community! It is a first that there was a summary published on the Draft Budget Launch Blacktown City Council 2015-2016 Budget and received a Favored Tweet on - twitter, guess where from? Blacktown City Council ( That's on behalf of 332,000 population).


This favored tweet  makes myself feel so proud of being an Australian, a New South Walesman, a Blacktown City rate payer and a Mount Druitt community member!

Blacktown Council favorited your Tweet

May 20:

Check out @blacktowncc Draft Budget Launch 2015, community insight:http://whyilovemountdruitt.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/blacktown-city-council-budget-201516.html …

1. 

Click here for previous blog!

NSW Education Office - Blacktown - Great Signs Needed For Mount Druitt!

Whilst I was at Blacktown the other night, I noticed this sign outside the NSW Education Office at Blacktown, with striking words to inspire both children and teachers.

I think we will leave it at that, maybe it will inspire stakeholders also to send the message around Mount Druitt.

Streets University 'MadeInMtDruitt' Video 1 - Many More To Come!

'MadeinMtDruitt' is an initiative by the Streets University, Mount Druitt, to provide a positive approach of people that are in the Mount Druitt community that SBS did not want to broadcast on their Struggle Street. These videos will highlight the importance of what they majority of Mount Druitt people feel and do within our great community. Done on low budgets, if you would like to contribute towards the video, please contact them on 02 8886 2800.


From Streets University Website: 
Here is the first video in the campaign featuring The Street Universities very own music facilitator and local hero; Zerish Naera. Peep the video, share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter and keep an eye out not just for the next installment, for more information on how you might be able to join the movement.


Click here for MadeinMtDruitt Video 1

Dr David Bishell's Press Release On Community/Mobility In Sydney!

So for blog readers that read this blog, you may remember that towards the end of last year I was reporting to the community that I was asked to be interviewed  by Dr. David Bishell from the Australian University, on community and mobility within and out of Mount Druitt.

Besides the video from Dr David Bishell,  there is a shareholders report discusses how commuters use the travel time on public transport as means of relaxing in between work home, talk of comfort of getting to public transport with comfort and getting interchanges right. The importance of talking about public transport itself, visual awareness, advocacy groups and political will.

I am currently seeking permission to provide this report to Blacktown City Council Integrated Management Transport Plan.

I am so pleased that I may have had some input on this document as part of 26 stakeholders interviewed in Sydney last year (Representing Mount Druitt).



Click For Dr David Bissell Brief Press Release on his Studies

Click here for Commutinglife.com 

Press here for previous blog 

Enlightiling Community Insight into Draft Blacktown City Council 2015-2016 Annual Budget - Feed Back Is Required - Have Your Say!

This evening I was invited by the Mayor, Councillor Stephen Bali, to the 'Community Insight' Meeting, to hear and understand how Blacktown City Council receives all income and spends it on expenses: basically on wages and community works programs, maintenance on roads, parks, shares, lighting in parks, cycle ways and paths, recycling and rubbish removal, library and swimming pool services, drainage construction, stormwater management, community facilities and many more.
 
Announced by the Mayor tonight, with the interesting crowd listening attentively, was the increased  budget  to $502M.

As quoted to myself by a Council Officer: 

Mayor Councillor Stephen Bali

"The draft 2015/16 budget is our largest ever budget at $502 million, reflecting the exceptional growth of our City, with record spending on infrastructure renewal for our city’s vital transport and community assets.

Our budget will inform how we are working on building sustainable communities and making sure we deliver quality services expected by our growing community."

For myself to come out with a budget that covers over 332,000 population, would be impossible and I am not qualified.

**Funds outsourced for the 2015-2016 annual budget is as follows:

• $19.4M for recreational and community facilities
• $37.5M for drainage construction and stormwater management
• $38.2M for roads construction and ancillary facilities
• $38.3M Waste Removal and Street Cleaning
• $17.7M Childcare services
• $20.1M Aquatic leisure and recreation services
• $1M       Animal Holding Facility
• $48,000 Youth Ambassadors Program- 12 x $1,500 Tertiary scholarships and six scholarships for students of University ownof Western Sydney
• Assets Renewal (Work In Progress)  reduced from $80M to $50M

**Budget Launch 2015, Community Insight,19 May 2015,    
    Blacktown City Council

*In short summary for 2013/201:

• $359M Revenue
• $441M Expenditure
• $2.9B Infrastructure Assets
• $91M Liabilities
• $3.18B Total Equity

*Take a closer look booklet Blacktown City Council Community 

  Report 2014. 

Various expenses were provide by the Mayor and the General Manager, Kerry Robinson also expanded on these expenses and income with complete description.

Then came guest speaker Richard Denniss, Executive Director of The Australia Institute, giving easy explained understanding and meanings of economics and community.

That was simply when you look in Google Maps from the top of the world you can see communities not economics/budgets - yet there are results of interactions between people of purchasing and selling. The community is important as we can see the community, budgets and the economic processes we cannot see. 

(Left-Right) General Manager, Kerry Robinson, Mayor Councillor Stephen Bali and Richard Denniss 'The Australian Institute'

An interesting point that he raised was in our LGA and population of current 332,000 we do not have a Convention Centre and this is something that attract a lot of businesses, organisations into our area as well as creating jobs.

Now, our community can have 'our say on the Draft 2015/16 Operational Plan and Budget on www.yoursay.blacktown.nsw.gov.au

I do suggest do not be shy and if you want changes with Blacktown LGA, please provide your feedback I already have! 

Click here for previous blog 

Channel 9's Rival Show Towards 'Struggle Street!'

Rival Networks like Channel 9 are seeking to completely to expose the 'unemployed' in United Kingdom. I now tend to ask the question, 'Are the Rich making money from the poor?'

While SBS will be rubbing hands together, with he feeling of 'See what we started?' Yet what they started is a money machine for  each network that portrays, the people live on the lower end of the socio-economic area of the community. Profits will be reaped by SBS as they glorify their claimed success and no profits will return directly back into the community, where proper social services, councilling and education is required to assist to get to a better life.

Channel 9's series starts from tomorrow night is done in UK, so at least Australians are not 'picked on'!

Click Here for Channel 9 Exposing Struggle Street in UK

Low Profile From Leonie Lowe's Keo Films - Producer of SBS 'Struggle Street' - Mount Druitt!

 








 SBS is the network that exposed 'Struggle Street' in Mount Druitt and then we have Managing Director/Producer Keo Films Australia, Leonie Lowe  - with an amazing 'Low' picture profile (see above profile on her website) Click here

It is very ironic that she wants to denigrate people from suburbs in Mount Druitt and show their bad habits, where she is not filming her bad habits, Funny that! A high profile person would do that? Oh no not heard in that society!

She obviously needs to hide her face from the public ashamed of the downgrading and denigrating all people of Mount Druitt, by using stereotype methods. Let's see her 'Struggle Street' where she lives - oh no- she doesn't have one!


Click here for previous blog on 'Struggle Street'

Struggle Street Season 2???? Is This Possible!!!

From Community Member, Wayne from Whalan:

I came across this article online and it seems like real possibility of a second season of “Struggle Street” happening (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/controversial-drama-struggle-street-in-sights-of-rival-networks/story-fna045gd-1227358254102), with major networks showing interest.

In my previous post, (http://whyilovemountdruitt.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/successful-whalan-community-member-on.html) overall I liked the program and I felt it was well done (despite the program being selective about its participants and overall depiction of Mount Druitt).

However, I do not think that a second season is a good idea, and given the nature of reality TV, I honestly do not think that a potential second series is going to help Mount Druitt shake off its stigma as a “lower class socially disadvantage area”.

Is the second season of “Struggle Street” going to show the positive side of Mount Druitt?

Is it going to highlight the strength and achievements of the people who live there and the good work that youth workers, social workers and youth groups do (such as Street University)? Unfortunately, I do not think that is going to happen.

I do admit I cannot predict the future or read minds (hopefully the intentions of the second series are good), but looking at other reality TV programs (such as “Keeping up with the Kardashians”, “Real housewives of Melbourne”, and “Big Brother” to name a few) creating drama is what creates huge ratings. Given the nature of such programs, I can pretty much guarantee that any second series of “Struggle Street” will just show more dysfunctional people, more people cursing and more people doing silly antics.

To me, this is unacceptable, it is not right to marginalize a community based on stereotypes and it is morally reprehensible to make one area the focus of all of Sydney all for the sake of entertainment and ratings.

For me, the importance of the work of Street University does becomes more apparent and its upcoming video series “MadeInMtDruitt” is something that the community needs to get behind.

Click for Struggle Street 2 Story

Click here for the previous blog on Struggle Street!

Blacktown City Council - Budget 2015/16 - Community Insight!

A week after Federal Budget, Blacktown City Council is ready to open up its doors to the public, explaining the basics: how to they collect money and where do they spend it. Tonight there is a Community Insight Meeting between 6.30pm-8pm tonight.

I hope they video record it and uploaded it on their website or you tube!
Contact Council for further details: 98396000

Plumpton High School Great Message a Message To Str Struggle Street Producers and SBS Management!

A very simple message I liked the other day to outline success:


I wonder if the Producers of Struggle Streets and Management of SBS  don't realise that!

Crooked & Bent Signs In And Around Mount Druitt!

Yes, are times we find various street signs eight crooked, bent or even uprooted. Maybe roadside accidents have caused some of these signs to bend and  maybe cause by anti-social behviour in our streets.

Here are a few of the signs located in Mount Druitt, we hope that relevant stake holders take care of them:

Corner of Hythe & Pierce Streets - Angling sign

Corner of Kelly Close & Luxford Roads Bent Sign

A slightly bent sign Hyatts Road, Plumpton angled bus stop sign

'Streets University' Releases Video Series 'Made In Mount Druitt" Release To Counter - SBS Struggle Street - Mount Druitt Standard

Streets University was portrayed as an organisation on SBS 'Struggle Street' that assisted a young lady in dealing with dealing with bullying issues and in a miracle way, one of their members apologised for 'Bullying' at school, explained her situation and became friends.

So what the issue is with    
'Mount Druitt Streets University' is that 'SBS Struggle Street' did not provide the true reflection of  general Mount Druitt community and it has affected the young people, creating a stigma and possible negative reaction from people outside of the Mount Druitt area. So they are planning to release a six part series called 'MadeInMtDruitt' to counter show SBS's Struggle Street.

Quoted by Esky, Streets University on Face Book 2770:

Street University is going to be dropping their first installment to a long range of mini-documentaries tomorrow morning. Please LIKE The Street University Mt Druitt to show your support and receive updates on the latest. We will be following the stories of local heroes, national superstars, and international representatives - all hailing from Mt Druitt.

The aim of the ‪#‎MadeInMtDruitt‬ campaign is to highlight the strengths, achievements and positives in the community of Mt Druitt. We want to emphasise the successes, whilst acknowledging how you can overcome the struggle.

For more information or if you want to help please call us on (02) 8886 2800 or email escandori@noffs.org.au
Once it is released, we will keep you all informed on each release!



Click here for Daily Telegraph story

Click here for song released by Mount Druitt Streets University 

Successful Whalan Community Member On 'SBS's Struggle Street'!

I have known Wayne from Whalan for just over 5 years ago when he became passionate (like myself) with improvements in public transport within Mount Druitt. Now, he provides his professional  response as the result on the 3 episodes, being watched by a majority of community  members of what SBS claimed was 'Struggle Street':

SBS’s program “Struggle Street” has truly generated a lot of media attention and debate regarding the Mount Druitt area and surrounding suburbs. From my own personal opinion, I felt that overall the documentary was well done and did a good job of high lighting some of the issues that are present in the area, such as mental health, drug abuse (in particular ice), lack of education and, facilities and support for young people are but to name a few. However, I did feel that the “Struggle Street” did unfairly single Mount Druitt and implied that these problems were exclusive to Mount Druitt as the only area in NSW with these problems. The juxtaposition of the intro of comparing sunny beaches and iconic Sydney landmarks, such as the Harbor Bridge, to then suddenly transpose to images of derelict houses, graffiti and people yelling, is very condescending. 

Looking at it from an objective point of view, comparing any suburb to a glamorous beach and an iconic Sydney city view would make any suburban place look pale in comparison. One of my pet peeves of the show was the use of sub titles, I mean, the people on the show do speak English, and I could understand them fine. To me, the use of sub-titles subconscious reinforces the point that, “People from Mount Druitt are from a different planet” mentality. Given that some of the participants on the show having mental illness and issues, and going through testing circumstances (e.g., one of the participants “Bailee” a minor who has experienced sexual assault, drug abuse and self harm), I do question how much consideration was given to their welfare after the show ends. 

Are the shows creators going to provide support for the participants dealing with the attention and potential social media backlash after airing all their personal problems on live TV? Sadly, I don not think that is going to happen, but I do applaud their bravery for going on TV and I do feel genuine sympathy and understanding of some of the issues that they are going through.

I have been a resident of Mount Druitt and the surrounding suburbs all my life, having lived in the area and attended several schools in the area (Whalan Primary, Madang Avenue, Whalan High, Mount Druitt High and Chifley College to name a few). I can offer my opinion of the area, is Mount Druitt really like what “Struggle Street” makes it out to be, the definitive answer is no. Are there good successful people in Mount Druitt? A definite yes. However, we do have social problems here in Mount Druitt, and I think that the program does a good job of highlighting these issues. 

Not only do we get a glimpse of some of the personal struggles of the participants, but also some of the problems faced by social workers and volunteers who do try to make a difference (e.g. lack of funding to name one). It is tempting and easy to say, that it is only an “isolated case”, or a “small minority of people in the area”, and to focus our attention on those who are successful. Never the less, there are still people who do fall in the cracks and get caught up in a vicious cycle of entrenched “social disadvantage” and “drug abuse”. Growing up in the Mount Druitt area, I have seen countless versions and incarnations of the participants depicted on “Struggle Street”. 

From families dealing with a spouse or loved one with drug addiction, dysfunctional families, young kids and teens with no positive role model, lack of youth facilities, people with mental health issues with little or no recourse to support or treatment, and trouble teens seeking to improve themselves and to make something of their lives. I personally applaud “Chris” for his positive outlook on their life and drive to achieve, and his efforts to reconcile with his family.

While no community likes to have their names smeared, or have a negative perception reinforced, “Struggle Street” did bring to our attention the various issues that all communities face and that would never ever receive any air time or discussion, such as mental health, youth unemployment and lack of resources for youth and community services groups. Now the question is, will this generate some action to be taken to address some of the community issues raised in the “Struggle Street” series, such as increasing resources to an already stretched and underfunded community service, youth and support groups, or will the attention be short lived and issues be ignore again?

Click here for Previous Blog 

Final Episodes SBS Struggle Street Still Stereotypes Our Much Loved Mount Druitt!

This is my feed back on the last 2 episodes of SBS's Struggle Street, which is so controversial that  the people that were on show, some of them may not have realised how they are presenting Mount Druitt to the wider press and public.

• The promotion of the mother, son and girlfriend smoking illegal drugs disgusting! 
• Chris who gained a job dressed up in a suit to get a cleaners job in a club and resolving family issues - fantastic! 
• The Aboriginal made homeless - was back in town - he wasn't homeless then - they didn't say where from the bush he came from. The question asked to him by SBS was so stupid, after his bush home was flooded are you going back home - that was his home. The pride in him getting a Birth Certificate gave him an identity he didn't have. 
• Ash and Peta dealing with and handling each family crisis issue, one by one creating undue pressure. Peta holding family together and dealing mental illness, the son on ice not breaking the drug problem - not very good! The daughter that gained happiness in her life, met someone that was abusing her at school and explained, apologise and her school friend gained a new friend, changing depression and potential suicide - fantastic result for all! 
• The constant swearing not blanked out like TV programs do or even edited out of the film.
• The constant showing of houses,shopping centres and underpasses with full of graffiti, and with some scenes where housing estate properties showed messy back yards were obvious. 
  
• I want to see the next Struggle Street to be filmed on Managing Director of SBS's  Struggle Street in Sydney!

So now it it up to you to tell Mount Druitt what you feel about all episodes of Struggle Street? Was it the best way to promote Mount Druitt by SBS? Does this make people of Mount Druitt get jobs if employers are more sympathetic? Will property prices drop down in Mount Druitt because of the perceptions and views people have of Mount Druitt? Will Blacktown City Council combined with any community groups and community leaders due a promotional  videos on Success Streets of Mount Druitt? 

Contact  email is nsjpas@gmail.com 

Click here for previous blogs 

Click here for Struggle Street Episode 2 

Click here for Struggle Street Episode 3 

The Nations Now Talks About SBS 'Struggle Street' - Q & A!

SBS has highlighted a minority of people that not only live in Mount Druitt, were showcased as being the people of Mount Druitt: the filthy images pointing directly from a beautiful scenic Sydney Harbor to a graffiti-ed  house immediately, which as a nation people will always identify Mount Druitt area as.

SBS Producers and Managing Director Michael Ebeid have made their mark in Mount Druitt by dehumanising, sending wrong messages of how the majority of people live, stereotyping the area, not co-operating with local community organisations, community leaders, religious leaders and also local politicians.

Well, unbeknown to SBS Questions were raised in Q & A last night, where a majority of  the time was spent discussing the overall not liked series. The major one being rather than spending $1M on a series give the funds to the community to assist the needy.

It was good to see there was passionate discussion from  Federal Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Christian Porter, Federal Member of Blaxland, Jason Clare, Playwright Nakkia Lui (originally from Mount Druitt), Federal Member of Fairfax Clive Palmer and Political analyst Jennifer Hewitt.

Also included in the audience was Mayor of Blacktown City Council, Councilor Stephen Bali, students from Loyola College, Mount Druitt,  representatives from Mount Druitt Learning Ground Click here and other educational organisations.

It was a robust discussions coming from all parties and as I watched the program, there wasn't one person that was happy with it, as in its contest it did not present the proper true good image of Mount Druitt. There was discussions of Government Funding  being cut community organisations and what will all Governments do to assist. We understand that the Mr Christian Porter will refer to the Minister responsible thus we will see what happens.

 Click here for Q & A 8th May 2015

Streets University looking  to produce a series of videos that is the opposite of Struggle Street Click here for Story from Mount Druitt Standard. Something similar is something I was discussing with the Mayor last week.

Click here for 'Streets University' Mount Druitt

Next 2 episodes are on SBS tomorrow night from 8.30-10.30pm

Pacific Vision Charity Fundraising - Annual Event 2015

Last Saturday, at Bowman Hall  Blacktown, Pacific Vision Charity Fundraising held their annual event to raise fund assist the underprivileged and the needy with the Pacific Region. In fact, I am proud to provide donations to this charity as you can see where the money is going too.

They provide updated information on their website: Click here

With seating and catering for 500 visitors, they kept us entertained with classic Indian dancing , singing and local 'Michael Jackson Action' and local young singers. The performance was well received by the audience while guest speaker was Councillor Edmond Atalla, NSW Member for Mount Druitt, whom was provided a garland of flowers, as a gift. 

This year Pacific Vision Charity Fundraising has donated funds to the victims in Nepal that had the recent earthquake to help them not just rebuild their lives, but their community.

I thank The President of Pacific Vision Charity Fundraising, Bill Krishna for inviting us, working hard as one of many Mount Druitt volunteers to give back to the community that needs that special assistance to help them have that much better life. They say, 'When Australians donate they do donate and give from the heart! And  we certainly do!


Click here for Guest Speakers Speech

Western Sydney Community Forum - Can Assist Community Groups In Mount Druitt and Western Sydney

As a former member group, of Western Sydney Community Forum I know that with their resources they will go out help and reach out to community organisations that need that directional help to get 'your message' out to  the entire community.


It has its history since 1983 and also  provides annual rewards to individuals as well as organisations, who are all engaged and standing up for Western Sydney.


Click here if you would like Further Information from WSCF

Mothers Day Poem For You Tomorrow For Mount Druitt And Anyewhere Else In The World!

Happy Mothers Day Tomorrow!

A mother is a woman that is special to all mankind,
A mother nurtures the young child in the womb into our great world,
She feels like the wind cooling you down in the hot sun,
She has the majestic powers to listen and talk to daughters and sons,
A mother has the experience of leading your child the right way,
A mother has such wisdom to make each day last to another day,
A mother knew her mother and wants to follow in the shadows of her steps,
A mother would like her child to lead their life and follow in her footsteps,
Yet a mother's nice word must be heard,
To listen to and be understood,
A mother will be that guide that you were looking for, when lost,
A mother will find the right way to take you out of the dark Forrest,
A mother is your mother that kisses and caresses you in joy,
A mother will be equal to her children: whether it be girl or boy,
A mother will jump over fences and swim in water to find you, if lost
A Mother will pick up your mess and leave you so cleaned!
Your mother will always be your mother even though she leaves this world,
So if she has treasure her love for her and tell her how you love her untold,
Take her out, shout her a meal, ring her up, visit her and pray for her,
as although Mother's Day is near - every day is Mother's Day forever!

My Personal Feedback on "Struggle Street' Is Like A Majority Of People From Mount Druitt'

The comments I'm hearing from community members on trains and just talking to them, 'Why Mount Druitt? There are so many good people here!' 'This can affect families and friends that want to  they visit the area1' 'My street is good, why don't they show this?' 'This can affect the price of my house and others in the area and maybe less people will buy into our area!' 'Why don't they do the show on the Managing Directors 'Struggle Street' in Sydney!' 'We do have Success Streets, show them!' 'This is not good for the area!'

These are my comments on SBS face book Group:
It wasn't brilliant denigrate Mount Druitt which contradicts the majority of  good and great community people, tertiary qualified, hardworking, retired and community volunteers that are actual true story successes. The original promo showed someone  farting which I'm sure the TV Producers and Managing Director of SBS, Michael Obeid does as well. Can we see a Promotion of his Struggle Street (where he claims he is in Sydney). Can and will SBS do this? No. I'm sure in his suburb of Sydney there are drug addicts, homeless people and people looking for work. What has upset the Mount Druitt wider community is there was no discussion with Local,State & Federal Members of Parliament and if they didn't care about speaking to them, you contact community leaders of various community organisations. I have heard a rumour that SBS were filming illegaly without proper permission from the community on certain scenes. I'm sure if there was a court case against SBS for showing this program (they would lose) - SBS is publicly fund and we the public in Mount Druitt do not want our money to stereotype  our area. There are well educated people both young and suggested living within our great community.  I am one of many community leaders - people power is what believe in- and this is not a people power show. This can stop people coming to the area.vices This can stop further essential services into the area. Daily Telegraph was sued for doing a story on the lowest results for Mount Druitt High School 1996 for NSW HSC results - showing a picture of the complete class without permission from each student! Our local press Mount Mt Druitt Standard & St Marys-Mt Druitt Star care about our lovely area but major TV Stations only want to show negative of the area.  Thank God my employer employer people from 2770 does SBS? Probably not! I'm actually suggesting there is a counter series called 'Success Streets of Mount Druitt- no SBS wouldn't do this they are all snobs, rich with no proper heart to care of our majority wonderful people!

Instant response provided to St Marys Mount Druitt Star Face Book:

What did you think of Struggle Street? Was it as bad as it was made out to be?
 
I think that although it provided 3 isolated issues - it still made out to be stereotyping Mount Druitt as a negative area 45 Kms away from Sydney. This SBS portrayal that a majority of people are unemployed and on welfare benefits. Showing how easy drugs were available! How the young find hardship when living off the streets: living house to house, how a large family survives, even with a son on ice! The important issue that was a clear message was education - which comes from one's own family and the educational system that is around you and when applying for jobs there is still a negative stigma with have a 2770 postcode as Mark Geyer has admitted. It was bad to show it coming from Mount Druitt - remember the article on Mount Druitt High School in 1996! I still think show good people, the majority of our young are getting educated, qualified and getting jobs - why not show goodness - people that will be looked onto as roll models for our area! People that have made success and love the area! I'm not really placing a like on this comment!


I will see that 'Success Streets' happens in Mount Druitt, with others on my side!

Click here for previous blog 

Mount Druitt Success Streets - Let's Show The World!

Well the aftermath after the first episode of SBS's controversial, it seems like SBS got their moneys worth! That is they generated tremendous public interest, conversation, got ABC, Chanel 7,8 & 9 talking about the show, divided community opinions, get politicians mostly offside with them and pick on one area of Western Sydney that the upper class of society would not want to travel too or even visit.

So with all the commotions that has happened in the past week or so, the umpteen requests for the pulling of the series, the Managing Director of SBS, Mr Michael Obeid and the series producers let the show go ahead. Whilst we have and had strong support of the pulling of 'SBS Struggle Street' series from the Mayor of Blacktown, Councilor Stephen Bali - where after speaking to him yesterday, we both agree that SBS should have portrayed people of Mount Druitt in a different way and we ask 'Why pick on Mount Druitt?'

Lessons can be learned from this from many aspects as this can startle Government Funding from all levels to inject further funding assist these community members with more social services to assist in the educational process, emergency housing, police taking more  humane control of  'drug traffickers', the judicial system to ensure that drug users do complete rehabilitation program before they are released back into the community (even completing essential courses that will make them a model to the community prevent drug trafficking and use), community improvements of streets: continual removal of graffiti, cleaning of rubbish on all street ( dumped or dropped), removal of overpasses in communities that have them and access to community organisations to get these people on the straight and narrow road of success.

Actually, I recommend to all politicians with Mount Druitt, to harmoniously get together  to discuss the local filming of a counter serious 'Success Streets'! Showcasing community, religious and  business group leaders (not necessary politicians) ordinary community, members who are study the HSC or even Tertiary Qualifications that have created  career life goals, hardworking members of the community, and  retired  community members and the great community organisations that makes Mount Druitt a great place to live in! Maybe Blacktown City Council could take the lead and organise this!

Click here for previous blog 

Blactown City Brass Band - More Hits Coming Up!

Yes we are coming up to 30 song hits with the Blacktown City Brass Band performing their hits for today at Mount Druitt. Sit down after a hard days hard stressful work or as you wake up to a beautiful, fresh new morning. Then find an empty lounge or armchair, recline, then close your eyes slowly, do not sleep for the time being and just simply...... LISTEN!

Click here for Simple Gift 

Click here for Wallace & Gromit 



 

SBS Struggle Street - Mount Druitt - 6/5/15

Although Mount Druitt suburbs consists under the postcode of 2770 12-13 suburbs, under Blacktown City Council Wards 4 and 5 of Blacktown City Council and about 16 suburbs from North to South: Colebee to Minchinbury and East to West: Rooty Hill to Blackett, the show went on program, last night.

There are mixed reactions coming from Daily Telegragh, ABC news breakfast commentator that enjoyed it to mediocre to not wanting the show to continue on Face Book Group 2770 Watch and questioning our Mayor, Stephen Bali's response.

Daily Telegraph:

Struggle Street: Not a rigged reality

SBS has denied claims by participants in Struggle Street that they were given money, and driven to their drug dealers.

I personally support every move Mayor, Stephen Bali has made to protect the negative image that was portrayed of Mount Druitt people and every other Councillor that supported our Mayor's decision to get the message  sent across to SBS.  Let's see 'Struggle Street of Michael Obeid, Managing Director of SBS instead!

SBS Struggle Street 6/5/2015 - Mount Druitt

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Mayor, Stephen Bali Wants Sponsors To Pull Out Of 'SBS Struggle Street' And So Does The Community Of Mount Druitt! - Mount Druitt - St Marys

May Stephen Bali, Blacktown City Council wants the Sponsors of  'SBS Struggle Street' to pull out, which I agree and am sure that thousands of Mount Druitt community members agree.


By pulling out sponsors of the show, the show will hopefully not go ahead with future programming. Managing Director of SBS, Michael Obeid ( taxpayers pay his wages), can now look at providing more degrading any d denigrating 'Struggle Street', for his Sydney suburb where he lives:  people on welfare, kicked out of homes,living homeless in bush and also on drugs!

By the way,  I noticed he didn't say 'This just beautiful to watch' as he tweeted on other stories produced on SBS, like:  
Michael Ebeid @michaelebeid  ·  May 3

Michael Ebeid retweeted Lucy Zelic

This is just beautiful to watch. Well deserved Lucy.

Here are the 10 garbage trucks sent to SBS Head Office today by our Mayor Stephen Bali, Click here . Maybe more trucks should have been sent there, but great effort from the Mayor Stephen Bali!

Click here for Pulling Sponsors Off SBS Struggle Street - Mount Druitt-St Marys Standard 

False Claim From SBS Face Book Comment -Re: SBS Struggle Street - They Want Us to Struggle!

There was false claim from a SBS Face Book comment that the 'Struggle Street' series was being pulled. Well this is the reason this person offered their wrong comment: 

 Click here for Sydney Morning Herald Article

So SBS will show the program 8.30pm tonight, 12 garbage trucks to front up the SBS Studios today from Blacktown City Council. SBS decision to allow the show to be seen, want the majority of Mount Druitt see how they stereotype the area, which does not represent the true majority of community members.

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Hot News Struggle Street -SBS Now Possibly Pulled!

SBS Face Book comments indicate  'Struggle Streey has been pulled - we need further confirmation:

Jean-Francois Svoboda While SBS will get a big fat cheque for denigrating people of Mount Druitt -let them show some compassion for the hard working people of Mount Druitt to not air this show and series, if they air the show they haven't got compassion and community pride: http://whyilovemountdruitt.blogspot.com.au/.../sbss...

Why I Love Mount Druitt!: SBS's Struggle Street Goes On - Despite Protests!

This blogspot is created to try and get a great atmosphere of what Mount Druitt is all about. Also to provide photographic details of improvements in the area. We encourage all community members to add comments. Stories from community members, thoughts and comments. Send any information you would li…

whyilovemountdruitt.blogspot.com|By John Svoboda

A Wrung Wolf You may rest at ease for now as it has been pulled.

Like · 15 mins

If this is the case everyone from the community, to Mark Geyer, Mayor of Blacktown City Council, Stephen Bali, face book group 2770 watch needs to be congratulated!


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 Mayor Stephen Bali & SBS on ABC video

Mark Geyer Video support