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Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Speed Date A Sustainability Expert

MEDIA RELEASE

31 May 2018

Community members will be given a chance to ‘speed date’ with a number of sustainability experts in the first ever event of its kind in Western Sydney.

The event, ‘speed date a sustainability expert’, is supported by Blacktown City Council and will be held by the not-for-profit Alternative Technology Association. It will be hosted at the Blacktown Civic Centre on Sunday, 17 June.

Leading industry experts including green home architects, designers and sustainability professionals will provide free advice to the public during 20-minute "dates".

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the free event is a must for those interested in being green.

“It’s a great initiative to aid the community in becoming more environmentally friendly,” Mayor Bali said.

“The advice which will be provided by the experts will go a long way in helping residents be sustainable.”

The sustainability experts will cover a range of issues including, energy efficiency, solar power and batteries, lighting, sustainable gardens and renovations.

MODE homes director and sustainable architect Matthew Dynon designs and builds prefabricated homes and home extensions from a factory in Blacktown.

Mr Dynon – who will be present at the event - said there were many initiatives which could make a home more comfortable in both summer and winter.

"Insulation is very important to keeping warm, but also keeping cool,” Mr Dynon said.

“Insulate your ceiling, but also think about insulating your walls and floors to ensure cool air is kept inside in summer.

"Shading is also crucial. If you have external shades in the right places, they can make an enormous difference to inside temperature. Make sure you effectively seal the draughts in your house and start considering double glazing,” he said.

"Thermal comfort has a lot do with controlling air flow. If you are planning to build, design your home so there are airlocks that reduce the spread of hot air and place doors and windows for good cross-ventilation for the cool change."

"And there are many other things that people can do without significant cost that can improve their home."

ATA chief executive Donna Luckman said Speed Date a Sustainability Expert is an informative and fun event.

"It's a really fun experience as well as being informative in a no-obligations environment.", she said; "It's free but you must book first."

Speed Date a Sustainability Expert

When: Sunday, 17 June from 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm.
Where: Blacktown Civic Centre, Nirimba Room, Entrance via Campbell Street Blacktown
Cost: Free! Bookings are essential.
Register: http://sdse.ata.org.au/sdse_event/blacktown/ or call 03 9639 1500.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Passion For Business Park Wins City’s Corporate Citizen Award

MEDIA RELEASE

30 May 2018

Blacktown City Council has named the owner and the developer of Sydney Business Park as joint winners of the 2018 Blacktown Corporate Citizens of the year.

Robert Wearn and Owen Walsh were recognised today as business leaders in Blacktown City.

Mr Wearn bought the Sydney Business Park land with Bryan Singh in the mid 1990’s, and the pair is focused on creating a modern business hub. Mr Walsh has been the manager of the Sydney Business Park project since it was established in 2005.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “We are proud to recognise two outstanding businessmen as our Corporate Citizens of the Year.

“The social responsibility programs that these two men engage actively sets a fine example to all business leaders in our community,” he said.

Mr Walsh supports many local Blacktown schools and job placements through his work with the Beacon Foundation and Marist 180.

Mr Wearn works very closely with many western Sydney charities including Thorndale, Royal Far West and the Great Walk Foundation, as well as being on the board of the Penrith Panthers.

“The effort Rob and Owen have both put into the business and the community is truly remarkable,” Mayor Bali said.

“The Business Park is twice the size of the Sydney CBD and there is a big future for the privately owned mixed use business park in Marsden Park.

“There are plans to secure more than $3 billion of investment and create 30,000 jobs for Blacktown City.

“I am pleased to see western Sydney leaders such as Mr Wearn who grew up in the area give back to our community and raise the business profile of this region,” Mayor Bali said.

Mr Wearn worked in earth moving and quarrying before taking over the family business in 1986 with a vision to create a lasting positive legacy for the community.

In accepting the award Mr Wearn said: “I am extremely proud of what Sydney Business Park has achieved to date, and seeing the positive difference that has been made in the community and the broader Blacktown region.”

Mayor Bali said he is pleased to see that the campus-style development at Sydney Business Park is seeking to raise the standards for innovative design, amenity and environmental sustainability and provide a platform to attract high quality jobs and investment to Blacktown.

“This is what a modern city looks like, and the fact that we have this in Blacktown City makes me even more proud.

“Council takes pride in recognising businesses that not only contribute to the economy of our growing City, but also go beyond the core essence of their business and reach out to the community,” Mayor Bali said.

The 2018 Blacktown Corporate Citizens of the year, Owen

 Walsh and Robert Wearn are available for interviews upon request.

Information on Sydney Business Park below:

Manager of Sydney Business Park, Owen Walsh, Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP, Owner Sydney Business Park, Robert Wearn

Information on Sydney Business Park:

Sydney Business Park has a target to secure more than $3 billion of investment and to create 30,000 jobs for Blacktown City. The Sydney Business Park is expected to continue through its initial development phase for the next ten years.

The campus style development is seeking to raise the standards for innovative design, amenity and environmental sustainability and provide a platform to attract high quality jobs and investment to Blacktown.

Still in its early stages, Sydney Business Park is proud to have:

•Secured over $650 million in investment in new facilities,

•Created over 3,200 full time jobs,

•Worked closely with Blacktown City Council and the State Government on significant infrastructure, road, rail and transport upgrades for the broader region, and

•Created the Marsden Park Employment & Education Initiative.

Sydney Business Park recognises the significant role that this development plays in building the sustainable communities for the future. As part of the social responsibility program, Sydney Business Park is especially focused on the adjoining areas where there is high youth unemployment and social disadvantage. The Business Park has teamed up with the Beacon Foundation and Marist 180 to create the Marsden Park Employment & Education Initiative, which seeks to encourage new businesses to:

•Support local skills development and education

•Employ locally

•Support further education, training and employment of local long-term unemployed

•Provide ongoing support for incoming employees and businesses.

The 2018 Blacktown Corporate Citizen of the year, Owen Walsh and Robert Wearn are available for interviews upon request.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Council’s Budget Forums A Resounding Success

MEDIA RELEASE

30 May, 2018

More than 180 people attended Blacktown City Council’s 2018 Budget Insight Forums to announce Council’s biggest ever budget, $623 million.

Two special events – a business breakfast and an evening community forum – were hosted by Council to give the City’s residents a chance to hear about Council’s draft plans in the 2018/19 budget.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “This year we are announcing Blacktown City Council’s largest budget, and cementing our plan to ensure this City is prepared for the 522,000 people who will live here by 2036.”

Council’s draft plans and budget are on exhibition until Tuesday, 12 June.

The guest speaker at the business event was, Rob Cassab, Director of Sphere Developments. Mr Cassab the man behind Blacktown’s first skyscraper: Altitude Tower.

Mr Cassab said he believes Blacktown will become a vibrant commercial and residential hub.

“What you have here is a blank canvas, ready for high-end premium retail and lifestyle businesses as well as people who want to have luxury affordable residential properties.

“Blacktown CBD has so much to offer with the public transport services or the bus transit ways and the train station, the shopping centre and the retail. It is exactly what young professionals are looking for,” Mr Cassab said.

Business leaders from the Western Sydney region attended the business breakfast and heard from Mayor Bali and General Manager Kerry Robinson about Council’s draft plans and vision for the future of the City.

The community forum guest speaker, Anyier Yuol, is Blacktown City’s Woman of the Year. A Sudanese orphan refugee, Ms Yuol has called Blacktown “home” for more than 10 years.

Ms Yuol said: “This community has played a very important part in my life. The Council facilities which I was able to use helped transform my life.

“I wanted to be good at one thing and that was soccer, so I used a lot of reserves and sports fields for my training.”

“Therefore seeing some of Council’s new projects and the vision for Blacktown is enlightening. I am very excited about the future of the City and this community,” Ms Yuol said.

Council’s community budget forum on Tuesday night attracted a diverse group of people who were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with the Mayor and Councillors .

Mayor Bali said: “Developing the Warrick Lane precinct and securing a university campus in Blacktown CBD are transformational projects which outline Council’s practical approach to achieving the community’s aspirations for the City.

“It’s a budget which delivers first-class services and facilities and has a vision for jobs: a vision which will be delivered in partnership with our local business community.”

Lifeline - "Megan"

 

 

Megan was desperate to escape her husband’s 

abuse. She thought there was only one way out. 

Thankfully, she found another. Megan phoned 

Lifeline.

Dear John

Two lives were saved that day. I’m reaching out to you today, 

because as you read this email another Australian like Megan 

will call. And we must be there to answer.

 

Will you help us John?

Donate today to save a life like Megan's

It was easy to see why Megan’s family and friends thought 

she was happy. They shared her excitement as she moved 

to an idyllic seaside town. They thought she was madly in 

love with her husband of eight years, and he was clearly so 

proud of his wife.

It seemed like a dream, but in reality, it was a 

nightmare.

Alone in a small town, Megan was isolated. Without her 

friends and family watching, Megan’s husband became 

violent.

Megan clung to the hope that one day, he would change. 

She’d hoped the move would make him happy. It didn’t.

Every time her husband beat her, he would be the one to 

take her to hospital. Then he’d take her home, where he’d 

hold her close, and cry, and promise that he’d never do it 

again.

But he did. And this time Megan couldn’t take it anymore. 

This time he had smashed her cheekbone and bruised her 

ribs.

Mentally and physically, Megan was broken. That’s when 

she tried to end it all.

Thankfully she called Lifeline, and we answered.

Donate today and help us answer more calls

Together, I know we can make a difference.

It was during that call that Megan knew she didn’t want 

to die. Glimmers of hope began to emerge through her 

desperation.

That call changed Megan’s life.

Each year Lifeline receives one million requests for help. 

If we can reach more Australians like Megan – faster – I 

know we can help them escape their pain and keep them 

safe for the family that loves them.

Will you please help today?

Please donate $25 or a very generous $50 by June 30? 

If Megan could find the courage to make that call, we must find 

the resources to answer it.

Kind Regards,

Bob Gilkes

Chief Executive Officer

Lifeline Australia

PS. You can remind every Australia there is always hope. 

Please donate $25and help us reach them in time - 

thank you. 

We need your help, please donate today

 

 

 

 

If you need help, please call 13 11 14 at any time or visit lifeline.org.au/gethelp

Whyilovemountdruittt 'Face Book Group' Beautiful Pictures - Ron - Member

Ron Vorbach

May 28 at 4:10pm

When hazard reduction burning around Katoomba and the breeze is in our directions. The smoke is almost strong enough to blot out the Sun.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Thousands Gather For The Final Weekend Of Festivities

MEDIA RELEASE

28 May 2018

Colour, culture and excitement, set the scene at Blacktown’s annual Streets Alive Festival and Parade Day.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the event was a huge success with many people making the most of the festivities.

“Over 35,000 people gathered for the festival and the parade,” Mayor Bali said.

“It was a wonderful sight to see the various community groups and festivalgoers celebrate together and enjoy the hundreds of stalls and activities.

“There was a lot of excitement from the children when the Smurfs took to the main stage.”

Sixty-two floats from various groups joined the parade including, A-Troop Richmond/Windsor Australian Light Horse Regiment, Australian Sikh Association, Africa Day Council and City of Blacktown Pipe Band.

“It was a spectacular and fun atmosphere to have the numerous characters, floats and marching bands take part in the vibrant parade,” Mayor Bali said.

“The events across the Blacktown City Festival 2018 drew over 150,000 people.

“It was a busy festival which included two major inaugural events, the Medieval Banquet and the Healing Feeling gathering.

“The past week of festivities highlights what an engaging and diverse community we have.

“It was encouraging to see all different age groups and people with different interests were all able to enjoy and benefit from this festival.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Arts Project To Honour And Acknowledge Symbolic Aboriginal Site In Blacktown

Media Release

25 May 2018

Ngara – Ngurangwa Byallara

(Listen, Hear, Think – The Place Speaks)

New artworks by leading Australian contemporary artists will

 be unveiled at the Blacktown Native Institution site at Ngara 

– Ngurangwa Byallara (Listen, Hear, Think – The Place

 Speaks) on Saturday, 9 June 2018.

Blacktown Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art commissioned new works and installations by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists Tony Albert, Sharyn Egan and Moogahlin Performing Arts.

As part of their work, the artists address issues associated

with the history of the site, as the former home of the

 Blacktown Native Institution. This is one of the earliest

 known examples of the institutional removal of Aboriginal children from their families.

A key element of Ngara – Ngurangwa Byallara is the

 collaboration between artists and local Aboriginal

 communities to develop work which brings the spirit and

 culture of the site to life, and honours the site as a living

 memorial to Australia’s Stolen Generations.

“I am proud that Blacktown is home to one of the largest 

urban Aboriginal populations in Australia,” Blacktown City 

Mayor Stephen Bali MP said.

“The Blacktown Native Institution is a significant part of

 Blacktown’s identity – and the identity of this nation.

“While acknowledging past wrongs, through this project we 

also aim to celebrate the Darug peoples’ continuing cultural

 practices and connection to this place.

“Blacktown Arts has a long history of working with Aboriginal

 and Torres Strait Islander artists, and our communities

deserve to work with artists of international stature such as

 Tony Albert, Sharyn Egan and Moogahlin Performing Arts.

“We hope that this collaboration will shine a light on the

 important history of the Blacktown Native Institution site and

 the arts and cultural practices of Blacktown’s Aboriginal and

 Torres Strait Islander people.”

Ngara – Ngurangwa Byallara (Listen, Hear, Think – The

 Place Speaks) is part of the Blacktown Native Institution

Project, a collaboration between Blacktown Arts (an initiative 

of Blacktown City Council) and the Museum of Contemporary

 Art Australia (through their C3West Program). The project is 

supported by Landcom, Gadigal Information Service and 

Koori Radio.

The artist and their works

Ngara – Ngurangwa Byallara Queensland artist Tony

 Albert has assisted 10 local children and their families

 create Gubangala Gumadangyiningi (Lets honour his/her

 spirit) - a reimagining and honouring of the children who

 originally lived at the Institution.

A collection of objects created by Albert and his young

 collaborators will be utilised in a ceremony to reach across

 time to heal and share positive memories.

Sharyn Egan’s work is inspired by her personal experience

 of loss and displacement. “I’m a Nyoongar woman from

 Perth, Western Australia,” said Ms Egan.

“Being involved in the Blacktown Native Institution Project is

 quite special for me as I’m from the Stolen Generation as

 well. I’m working on flowers, as flowers are used for all 

occasions, sad, happy, joyous – it seems to cover all the

 emotions that are involved in this project.”

Sharyn’s work centres on sharing the practice of weaving

 with communities during the exchange of stories and

 experiences. She has worked with the Baabayn Aboriginal 

Corporation and local weavers to create a sculptural

 installation of 7 large-scale flannel flowers made of colourful

 marine rope. Native to the local area, this delicate flower will

 be transformed into a memorial to the Institution’s residents, 

as a semi-permanent installation at the Blacktown Native

 Institution site.

Sydney’s Moogahlin Performing Arts bring their expertise

 as storytellers and deep knowledge and experience of local

 community to Ngara – Ngurangwa Byallara with manuwi 

jam ya murong (footprints in the sand). This celebratory work

 honours local people who have grown up in Blacktown, with

 the creation of a large scale installation of the Darug totem –

 the long necked turtle, in collaboration with local community

 elders, children and families.

On Saturday, June 9 2018, the totem will come to life as the

 grounds for an evening of dance performance.

The details

Where:  Blacktown Native Institution site, corner Richmond 

Road and Rooty Hill Road North, Oakhurst. On-site parking

 is available, entry from Richmond Rd.

When: 4 pm – 8 pm on Saturday, 9 June 2018

Cost: Free

Parking: On-site parking is available, with entry from

 Richmond Rd

Blacktown Arts

Blacktown Arts is a recognised leader in the development of

 contemporary arts in Australia, presenting an award-winning

 curated program of exhibitions, performances, workshops, 

residencies and events. The organisation is committed to

 exploring dynamic, culturally diverse work that reflects

 Blacktown, its history and its communities. Blacktown Arts

 places Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and 

communities at the heart of its program to develop new work

 drawing on issues of local and global significance. The Leo

 Kelly Blacktown Arts is an initiative of Blacktown City Council

 and is supported by the NSW Government through Create

NSW.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is Australia’s 

leading museum dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and

interpreting the work of today’s living artists. Located on one

of the world’s most spectacular sites on the edge of Sydney

Harbour, the MCA presents a diverse program

of exhibitions and special events onsite, and also curates

touring exhibitions and community-led projects. One of the

Museum of Contemporary Art’s key programs, C3West, is

predicated on the belief that artists can bring unique value

to situations beyond the gallery context. Through careful 

brokerage processes, C3West creates contexts in which

artists work strategically with arts partners, businesses and

non-arts government organisations across Greater Sydney,

aligning corporate social investment strategies with

 community development. C3West has been assisted by the

 Australian Government through the Australia Council for the

 Arts, its arts funding and advisory body. C3West is supported

 by the Crown Resorts Foundation, Packer Family

 Foundation and Space.