Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Residents the Winners In Suburb Naming

MEDIA RELEASE

29 September 2017

Residents of the Elara Estate in Marsden Park, and those living in Schofields, Riverstone and Rouse Hill emerge as the big winners in Blacktown City Council’s suburb naming decision.

“As a result of extensive consultation and having received around 6,000 submissions, the final decision is vastly different from the first proposal,” the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said.

“The Elara Estate residents got their wish to stay in Marsden Park, so we expect huge celebrations in that part of the city,” he said.

“Residents and ratepayers expressed their opinion and Council not only listened, but changed its proposal in response.

“This is true democracy and community consultation in action.

“The proposed suburbs of Schofields and Riverstone were expanded following strong responses – as was the suburb of Rouse Hill.”

Mayor Bali said the consultation was the most extensive ever carried out by Blacktown City Council, and got the largest response.

“People told us they wanted more time to express their opinion – and they got that, too,” he said.

“We considered all the comments and suggestions and sought to incorporate as many of the community’s concerns as practicable.

Instead of the 11 new suburbs as originally proposed, there will now be eight (see attached map).

The originally proposed boundaries for Shanes Park, Marsden Park, Vineyard, Schofields, Colebee, Riverstone and Rouse Hill were significantly expanded, in line with the opinions received in the consultation process, the Mayor said.

“The exception was Colebee – which was reduced back to its original boundaries – again in line with community opinion.

New suburb names (Melonba, Lynch, Angus, Richards, Kwigan, Wran and Grevillea Grove) and the proposed boundaries will now be sent to the Geographical Names Board which is responsible for making the final decision.

The proposal to create the suburb of Daringa is to be reconsidered at a later council meeting, the Mayor said.

“Council is pursuing this project because the existing suburbs in the north-west growth are too large for their expected populations, with the area predicted to grow to over 150,000 new residents by 2036.

“Our revised proposal will create suburbs of a manageable size and will make navigating these new areas much easier, which is particularly important for emergency services like fire and ambulance. “

Council adopted the revised names and boundaries for the suburbs on Wednesday night, and they will now be sent to the Geographical Names Board for approval.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Murder History Takes The Prize

MEDIA RELEASE

29 September, 2017

A murder mystery and the inner secrets of one of Mount Druitt’s oldest buildings were revealed in the prize winning entries for the tenth Blacktown City Mayoral History Prize.

This year’s winners were Jennifer Stephenson, for her research into an 1888 murder at Blacktown, and Carolyn Sanaty of Loyola Senior High School, Mount Druitt, for her history of Mount Druitt Hall.

They took out the 17 years and over and the years 10 to 12 prizes respectively.

“I really enjoy being involved in the History Prize, because each year I learn something new about our city and those who live in it,” the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said.

Other topics covered in this year’s entries included personal stories and activities, the history of buildings and community groups and the rebellion at Vinegar Hill.

“Blacktown has a rich and diverse history ranging from the Darug, who have inhabited this land for over 60,000 years, to that of the citizens who have come here over the last 220 years from many parts of the world,” Mayor Bali said.

“The judges assessed the entries on the basis of the depth and quality of the submitted work and its potential to make a significant contribution to the research, documentation and promotion of Blacktown’s history, and to improve the general public’s understanding of the history of Blacktown.

“There was a diverse range of range of submissions, from edited letters and essays, to graphic formats including photographs, which will provide a valuable contribution to our shared history and heritage.

“All the entries received over the past ten years of history prizes have become part of the Blacktown Libraries collection and provide a valuable resource for researchers,” Mayor Bali said.

Councillor Kathie Collins OAM, history prize winner Jennifer Stephenson and Mayor Stephen Bali.

Blacktown City Council -Media Release - Community Forum At Stanhope Gardens

MEDIA RELEASE

29 September 2017

Stanhope forum aces community concerns

Blacktown City Council’s mobile community forum stopped in Stanhope yesterday where residents were thrilled to hear about Council’s community programs and facilities.

The forum was held at the Blacktown Leisure Centre, which is home to the recently launched Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope.

Council made presentations on its launches and upgrades for parks and reserves, the wide range of activities at Council-operated aquatic and leisure facilities, and Council’s extensive library programs.

Elated at the plans for various parks and reserves in the area, a young Kellyville Ridge resident, eight-year old Finn Christie said: “I am happy because children will have places to play and enjoy their activities.”

Other issues raised at the forum included concerns over suburb name changes, rubbish removal, and pool safety measures for families.

Mayor of Blacktown City Councillor Stephen Bali said:  “This is the beauty of face to face engagement with the community. Even if people don’t agree with Council, they can raise their concerns directly with us.”

“This level of engagement is unique. More and more people are seeing the value of the community forums,” Mayor Bali said.

“It is gratifying to see these forums becoming increasingly popular and residents seizing the opportunity to raise concerns with us,” Mayor Bali said.

Residents who attended said they welcomed the opportunity to see what Council was doing in their areas and raise their own concerns about their suburbs.

A new resident to The Ponds area who did not want to be named said he was grateful to have a chance to meet the elected Councillors.

“We moved into the area recently, and this is the first time we got to meet our Councillors and see what issues affect our neighbours, he said.

Council’s next community forum is at 7pm on Wednesday, 11 October at The Meadows Public School, 2C Fuller Street, Seven Hills.

Visit the community forum page on Council’s website for a full list of the community forums, regular updates, and how to engage with Council.

Forum details:  Thursday, 11 October, 7pm at The Meadows Public School, 2C Fuller Street, Seven Hills.

Email: Forums@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Government Should Consider 'The State Of Being Well' Over "The State Of Being Mental'

With the recent experience of death, of a close family, dearly beloved and also best of  friend of nearly 30 years. It is  hard to believe and imagine that through private dicusions with family, members, friends and with a polite intwrview from the Mount Druitt Police, the cause of death was out of my control withbher 'Mental Illness'.

And with that, we throw in the negative words of "Mentality, mental illness, mental assylum, phsycoticphsyciatric and even intellectual disability'. This makes myyself think why do we promote the 'unstable mind' as something that makes us feel sad, weak, depressed and possibly stressed thinking of the words or even as it describes their condition?

Where the hell did our professional educators use negative words to create this fear of being of 'sound mind' and "Mentally stable"and why?

To me, the State of my very own mind and is really the whole picture of my own 'Well Being".We all  have the ability to think to think. There are things that happen in our life that place into having a well being life. A sense of well being is being content within yourself and with the people around you. This sounds easy but for some people it is hard.

There may be obstacles in the way as we can use our thought process day to day, hour by hour and get cloudy situations. The mind can play games and somstimes easy choices could provide hard answers.

A healthly person who is strong in character may seem on the outside to have a great sense of being well: dealing with familly members of an old age and heir 'State of well being' maintaining their, 'State of good Health'.

Hers is a good example of saying words that project postiveness an then a words that provide a true negative outcome.

• Being 'Healthy' reflecting a true positiveness of physical and absolutely life swell being.
• Being 'Mentally' can portray a sense of being mentable stable but indicates immediately there has been a feeling of being mentally unstable. Which indicates a stigma of 'Negative words' again.

When someones says he or she has a bad mental issue, there goes that negative state of mind. Maybe what could be said is, 'He or she is less happier and we are attending to their well being'. What if we changed Mental, Accute and Phsychiatric Wards in hospitals to 'Well being Wards?' This provides a more positive approach to the handling from medical authorities of people and patients that need that extra care of being brought up to a great state of 'Well being'.

With Dictionary.com meanings, you will understand  how people can interpret each words:

Well Being :
a good or satisfactory condition of existence; a state characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity; welfare:
to influence the well-being of the nation and its people.

Mental:
1.

of or relating to the mind:

mental powers; mental suffering.

2.

of, relating to, or affected by a disorder of the mind:

a mental patient; mental illness.

3.

providing care for persons with disordered minds, emotions, etc.:

a mental hospital.

I will advocate for improvements in medical awareness of all people being as healthy well being people. So people understand the signs and don't miss them.

 I will want to speak to medical experts and research and if I can save one life that is the minimum payment required.

Blacktown City Council - Libraries - Media Diary October 2017

This is Blacktown City Council's - Libraries Media Diary October 2017 Click here

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Mt Druitt Festival’s A Fantasy

MEDIA RELEASE

14 September 2017

From the screens of legendary movies, superheroes, princes and princesses will come to life at Mt Druitt Festival on 30 September.

Festival goers will enjoy a meet and greet with fantasy characters including Batman, Superman, Snow White, Spider-Man, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and the Frozen princesses, Anna and Elsa.

This year, for the first time, the festival will be held at Mt Druitt Swimming Centre. 

“Blacktown City Council is proud to support the Mt Druitt community and festival, now in its 25th year,” Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said.

“The festival has a long and successful history, but after more than two decades in Dawson Mall it’s time for a change.

“The Mt Druitt Swimming Centre with its pools, large spaces and excellent facilities is the ideal venue to celebrate the 2017 festival.”

Mayor Bali said the event includes free entry to the pools and lots of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.

“There is so much on offer at this year’s festival,” he said.

“We’ve got free rides, games, food trucks, craft workshops, music and dance performances, a blacksmith demonstration and a pool Zumba class. 

“You can bring the whole family and have a great, affordable day out with nearly everything on offer free of charge.

“I encourage everyone in the community to come along and celebrate the talent, diversity and history that makes Mt Druitt such a vibrant community.”

THE DETAILS

What: Mt Druitt Festival

When: 30 September, 9am – 6pm

Where: Mt Druitt Swimming Centre, Ayres Grove, Mt Druitt

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Choir Sings For Charity

MEDIA RELEASE

12 September 2017

Blacktown’s Simply Voices seniors choir is staging a charity concert at Blacktown Workers’ Club to raise money for the Cancer Council.

The concert, starting at 2pm on Sunday September 24, will feature a broad range of songs, from popular classics, folk songs and world music.

Sponsored by Blacktown City Council and under the leadership of musical director Linda Marr, the choir performs at civic events, community festivals, retirement villages and multicultural celebrations.

Major highlights in recent years include performances at the Sydney Festival, Harmony Day Concert, the Band of All Ages during Seniors Festival, the Opera House and in Parramatta Park with massed community choirs supporting Opera Australia soloists in programs of favourite arias.

The ticket price is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.  Contact Ken Freeman 0407 288 831 or Ken Simon 0412 677 765 for further details.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Woodcroft’s Pizza Chow Down

MEDIA RELEASE

12 September, 2017

Break out the stretchy pants and prepare to wolf down a pizza in record time.

This year’s Woodcroft Lakes Festival in Blacktown City is looking for Australia’s fastest pizza eater.

“The world record for eating a 12-inch pizza of 23.62 sec was set by Kelvin Medina in Manilla, the Philippines, on 12 April 2015,” Acting Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Tony Bleasdale said.

“We are looking for pizza eaters to register and see if they can break the 23 second barrier.

“The competition is open to all comers, aged 18 years or older.

“We could have a legend in the bakin’ right here in Blacktown – they just need a chance to rise to the occasion,” he said.

“The Woodcroft Pizza King or Queen is out there waiting to be crowned.”

Organised by local residents and Blacktown City Council, the free family fun day is on Saturday September 23, 10am-4pm.

“We started this festival in 2005 because we wanted to do something for the community,” Woodcroft Lakes Festival Committee President Lucas Cayanan said.

“The Woodcroft community was new back then, but it’s been growing and growing.

“The festival is all about bringing everyone together and celebrating what we love about living in Woodcroft.”

Festival goers are encouraged to enter the Woodcroft Talent Quest and Woodcroft Dog Show with prizes up for grabs.

Aside from friendly competitions, there will be more than 50 market stalls, singing and dancing performances and the popular Woodcroft Lake trackless train for visitors to enjoy.

“There is so much entertainment and fun on offer and the best thing is it’s free,” Acting Mayor Bleasdale said.

“These days so many activities cost money, but at Woodcroft Lakes Festival you can enjoy a fun day for the whole family without burning a hole in your wallet.

“I congratulate and thank everyone involved in organising this event for their hard work and efforts: it is people like you who make our community great.”

The Woodcroft Lake Festival will be held on Saturday 23 September, 10am to 4pm, Woodcroft Drive, Woodcroft.

Pizza Eating Registration DetailsUp to 25 people can be catered for in the pizza eating competition. To register for competition visit: http://www.woodcroftfestivalinc.com/contact-us.html and fill in the contact form.

The winner will score $50 cash prize and Pizza Hut gift voucher.

Potential record breakers should study world record holder Kelvin Medina in action:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KQDrsRUwbA

Westfield Mount Druitt Get Ceiling Repairs Completed At Night At Dawson Mall

It  has  appeared for a long time that the  ceiling tiles along Dawson Mall, may have been collapsing for a while, but let me say the Management of Westfield Mount Druitt, had been placing safety fencing precautions until the ceiling has been temporarily restores/repaired  safe for shoppers to freely walk up and down.


Tonight, I spoke to one of the workers working on replacing parts of the  ceiling and it was interesting to hear that , whilst he was talking to his work colleagues, they all agreed to finish work at 10pm. I was informed that parts of the ceiling along Dawson Mall, will be repaired and  upgraded - but there is a major renovation happening soon and then when they get the call - all the ceiling along Dawson Mall, will be placed.

1st Whalan Scouts Video On Camping Tips

This is a great short video on camping Tips  from 1st Whalan Scouts Face Book Group. I hope you like it - I did:
Click here for video

Boxing Day Holiday - NSW Government Considers 'Gone' - Sydney Alliance

Christmas holidays may be halved if NSW legislates  a trading day  from a trade-free day on Boxing Day, 26th December of each (or its equivalent).

That means the rest day put aside as an additional Christmas Festive season day, may be gone if trading is allowed and stores are opened. Employees and Managers will need to work extra day, given them less time with families, friends, rest and relaxation. Not to mention the families of small businesses that trade on same day, that will miss out on well deserved rest and relaxation with families and friends at well.

I understand it may be good for the industry to open doors but how good is the real question? Why push for money spending in the Christmas Festive  season, when most people have exhausted their  spending prior to Christmas?

Personally, people need more time to spend quality time with families and friends as each day comes and goes so fast. Before you know it: 1 minute is finishes, an hour is finished and a day is past. If you are interest to protect the Boxing Day holiday sign this online petition. So here is a request from  David Barrow, Sydney Alliance to protect the Boxing Day Holiday for all:

Boxing Day is at serious risk, and we need your help to protect it.

There is a pattern emerging in Australia, that will see us losing more family time together.

First, trading is deregulated on public holidays, so everyone has to work.
Then, penalty rates are removed, so people aren't fairly paid for the special time they are missing.

Workers deserve to be able to spend the Christmas period with family and friends. Join us in calling for December 26th to remain trading free. 
The NSW Treasurer is about to introduce legislation that will officially allow stores to open their doors on Boxing Day. We’re not sure exactly when, but it’s coming. And soon.
Once the legislation is introduced, it needs to pass through Parliament. That means that if we get enough of our politicians on board, we can still protect Boxing Day. But we need to move fast. Will you help us by adding your name to our letter to MPs?


Thanks,

David

Click here for Sydney Alliance website

Request For More Time Tables Buses - 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Group

Our local 'whyilovemountdruitt'  Face Book member, Ron is annoyed that our bus services standards are not to expectations and that  governments focus on private cars and more tolled roads. See his suggestion:

Ron Vorbach is with Ron Vorbach.

· September 6 at 10:16pm

There just is not enough buses and there run frequencies. The cost to the general public is enormous. Some bus runs are 30 to 60 minutes apart and this frequency has a lot to do with private transport needs. Many places around the world, time table frequency is every 10 minutes or less almost 24/7. We have plenty of employable people out of work, some training is happening but still not enough governments should be more focused here then toll road building and saving tax payers money at the same time. Australia pays top dollar for there Politicians but not getting very good value.

What do you think?

What's Incredible Of Our Area?

There is something about our Mount Druitt area that is explinimary and cannot be matched, which makes up the real heart of our community.

Our community is based on this and has it's foundations that originate with tbis. Our communuty cannot survive without this and our communuty grows with this.Our community is enruch with this and our community grows with this.

And with this our community makes us who we are and what we are and that makes us love Mount Druitt. Each one of us is a vital part of our caring community a community that has been tr odden on, a commumity tjat c ax n pick itself up and be proud of who we are.

So, what is 'this'? It is simply the great people we have within our commumity, that the outside world are not told or shown. It is each and every one of us: those that s peak to neighbours, friends and families that do speak about the goodness and good mews we all share.

And what is really making myself excited is amongst all my promotion of Mount Druitt from to trains to the general community, it was last night being filmed by one of our bright teenage children from within our commumity, promoting my website and what I advocate  for within our area. It an assignment For Tim and he had the assistance from his brother completing an University of Western Sydney Communication course.

I have asked him to provide the short 5 minute video to be uploaded our website and Face Book Group. He even has volunteered his services for helping us f2f o professional films around the area. This is what Mount Druitt is all about, good people doing good things.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Diwali Festival To Light Up Blacktown

MEDIA RELEASE

8 September, 2017

Blacktown City Council is staging Australia’s first Diwali Lights Competition this October.

The Council, in association with Indian Link Media Group, is holding the Diwali Lights Competition throughout the city.

“Blacktown is one of the most multicultural cities in Australia and I am proud of the many events we hold to celebrate our diversity,” Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali said.

“Diwali is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in our city, which is home to about 28,000 people of Indian descent.

“For many years Council has held a successful Christmas lights competition.

“Now we want to hold a similar competition to celebrate the Diwali Festival of Lights.”

The ancient Hindu festival of Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, with observers around the world lighting lamps and candles in and around homes and temples.

Mayor Bali encouraged people of all backgrounds to get involved and decorate their properties.

“The competition is open to everyone, not just people of Indian heritage,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the beautifully decorated homes and temples that will come to light as a result of this contest.”

Cash prizes will be available for the best decorated properties across the city.

Judging criteria will be based on the Diwali themed quality of the lights, lamps and decorations people use to decorate the outside of their properties.

Entries open on 11 September and close on 13 October.

Judging will take place from 16 October to 22 October.

Diwali is officially celebrated on 19 October this year.

The largest celebration will be at Blacktown Showground on Sunday, October 1, with cultural dancing, henna art, live DJs, tug-of-war and fireworks.

Blacktown’s Karwa Chauth Mela, a one-day Hindu festival, will be celebrated the following Sunday at Bowman Hall.  

To enter the Diwali Lights Competition visit:

https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-scholarships-and-competitions/Diwali-Lights-Competition

How Much Did Movember 2016 Raise?

Last year I placed my hand up to raise funds for  'Movember' - I called it 'Govember' and  I raise over $1,100.00,  of which I was overwhelmed. A majority of it was raised from colleagues from work.

 It was for a good cause, Men's health and Mental Health. I am proud for what I have done and also proud how much has been raised as a nation for Movember 2016.

 Click here for details

Click here for last post on Movember

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Free Open Day To Celebrate Fitness Centre Launch

MEDIA RELEASE

7 September 2017

Fun and fitness will hit Blacktown Aquatic Centre on Sunday 17 September 2017, with the centre holding free activities to celebrate the launch of the new fitness centre.

The open day will run from 10am-4pm and will be an opportunity to check out the new facilities including a larger gym with new cardio and weight equipment, a dedicated fitness studio and a brand new crèche.

The day will be packed with free activities for the community to get involved, including health checks, taster group fitness classes, arts and craft by Kids Early Learning and story time by Blacktown Libraries.

Acting Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Tony Bleasdale, said the launch of the new fitness centre at Blacktown Aquatic Centre means the community will have access to a range of great facilities and programs.

“Blacktown Aquatic Centre is a great facility for patrons of all ages to get active in a friendly atmosphere,” Cr Bleasdale said.

“The new facilities and equipment means there’s something for everyone.”

Taster group fitness classes offered at the open day will include:

·         10am – High Intensity Interval Training

·         11am – Power Bar

·         12pm – Pilates

·         1pm – Step ‘n’ Tone

·         2pm – On the Ball

·         3pm – Mind and Body

“I encourage families of all ages to come down on the day and experience the ‘new look’ health and fitness facilities,” Cr Bleasdale said.

“If the great new facilities aren’t enough, those attending the open day can purchase any health and fitness membership at 25 per cent off plus no joining fee.”

For further information on the open day at Blacktown Aquatic Centre call 9622 2279.