Hi John
Thank you for you email, and giving me an opportunity to let you know why I love Mount Druitt.
I have many reasons to love Mount Druitt, but I'll start with three.
First of all, Mount Druitt TAFE is brilliant. I completed two
courses there and the quality of the education I received was second to
none. Also the TAFE is very close to the railway station making it a
very accessible option.
Secondly, the Hub and surrounds is one of my favourite places on
the planet. The library is world-class, and the meeting rooms upstairs
are very affordable, so local groups can get together without breaking
the bank. Add to this that there are often buskers,
which gives the area a relaxed feel, and a nice pub to wash away the
stresses of the day. As with the TAFE, all of this is on the doorstep of
the station, so very very convenient to all.
Finally, the shopping. My Mum and I used have a great time visiting
all the local op shops - some of the best in Sydney. Also, Westfield
Mount Druitt is one of the few places in Sydney I can still find pontiac
potatoes (the most delicious potato of them
all).
The improvements I would like to see, and if elected would fight for, concern health and education.
First of all increased funding for Mount Druitt hospital. Mount
Druitt hospital still has one the longest waiting times for emergency
patients of all NSW hospitals. When undertaking my work experience, and
also visiting a friend in palliative care, it
was very evident that although the nurses and other hospital employees
were true angels, they were constantly tired from working long hours,
and understaffed. Of course it is wonderful to have new facilities and
more beds, but not without adequate staffing.
I would also like to ensure food outlets in the Mount Druitt and
greater Blacktown area offer healthy meal choices. Sadly, rates of
obesity in Western Sydney have skyrocketed. Obesity is linked to
diabetes, heart disease and many cancers. Many people work
long hours, and the easiest option is take-away on the way home for
themselves and their families. Often the cheapest thing on the menu is
greasy chicken and chips, or similar, providing very little nutrition
other than fat. If elected I'll investigate ways
to encourage fast food outlets and more importantly school canteens to
provide highly nutritious, and affordable options.
Finally, TAFE has been under attack for years by successive
governments. Having a well educated population is key to a city's
success. Well educated does not only mean a university education. TAFE
has provided quality education and training to people in
Western Sydney for generations. Closure and privatisation of our TAFE
colleges are real threats, and if elected I will continue my work to
save TAFE.
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Helen
Helen Woods
Greens Candidate
Ward 4
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