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

Carol Murray Productions 'Halloween Flash Mob' - 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

Carol Murray

October 31 at 12:54 AM

CAROL MURRAY PRODUCTIONS HALLOWEEN FLASH MOB THURSDAY 31ST AT 5 TO 6PM WESTFIELD MT DRUITT!!

Looking For Work IN Bermagui - 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

Ron Vorbach shared a post.

Admin · October 30 at 2:39 PM

If anyone here is thinking of resettling and in need of work then this might interest you.

Bermagui Country Club

October 30 at 9:47 AM

Come join our team!
We are looking for:
Chef: minimum 30 hours per week.
Kitchen hand & Waitresses
Come in today and speak to us!

Resumes can be sent to info@bermaguicountryclub.com.au

esumes can be sent to info@bermaguicountryclub.com.au
😃

Is Your Child Interested In Film Making & Story Telling? - 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page (LearningGround)

Augmented Reality Film Workshop

10 MacArthur Way, Bidwill NSW 2770, Australia

Are you or your child interested in film making and story telling? or maybe you like to play with new technology?

Join us at Learning Ground in term 4 for an Augmented Reality Film Workshop

Meals provided free of charge and free transport can be arranged upon request.

All enquiries and enrollments via Stephen@chainreaction.org.au

https://www.facebook.com/events/795018160901483/

Don't Forget To Change Your Times For Daylight Saving Time ; 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

Click here for video

Steam Trains IN Blacktown - 'whyilovemountdruitt'

How awesome is this photo of an old steam train passing through Blacktown station?

Light steam locomotives ran along the Blacktown to

Richmond line from 1864-1879. The original concept for

this line was actually to have horse-drawn trains, but in 

the end the government decided that three steam trains - 

named Windsor, Richmond and Sydney - would be the 

better option.

Image source: Blacktown Historical Society

#Fairwater #BrilliantByNature

My Pride With 'whyilovemountdruitt - Face Book Page.....

John Svoboda

Admin · 12 hrs

2 Polls I have conducted today are bringing  in great results for our Face Book Page. Here they are:

1) Important for everyone to respond: What kind of post do you like on 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page? Add Option and indicate what type of one do you chose, please?

Results so far:

Community Improvements Required  3

Blacktown CC - Media Releases        3

Community Outreach/Resources       3

Local Business Advertising                1

2) How would you rate 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page - 1 being lowest and 5 highest?            

Rating of 5 -                                        7

None for the  rest

My pride with 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page:

My prides increases with all of you ( please read long post):

Wow! We as a Face Book Page have reached a never to be seen community Face Book Record for 'whyilovemountdruitt' at a record 332 members.This is astonishing as I started this Face Book Page with 1 Admin and maybe a 12 members at the beginning. This Face Book Page was never set u to be a political page, local incident crime page or alert page. It was set up to be a small voice of people to report community improvement coming to the area or simply a hole in the ground to be fixed.

My community involvement as a Leader of a community group that got returned 2 out 3 bus services, that were originally removed from Mount Druitt area. I do not take credit for that but for the original people that spoke to neighbors, local, State & Federal politicians, friends and families. This eventually lead myself to commence both website and Face Book Page of 'whyilovemountdruitt'. I hear people talking about it. I hope in as a much as common ground of talking about it. I love when I see comments on Face Book, where someone never knew what was happening and thought that because of the area was not being looked after in some area - when it can be done and 'Stake Holders' Listen. I was proud when I was ask by Blacktown City Council Media to be part of a Local Media ( Social Media) that posts 'Blacktown City Council - Media Releases'. I don't consider myself a qualified 'Media Spokesperson' but I think in 'Social Media' I am like all of you!

Mount Druitt is a pivotal part of Western Sydney, when people do work and people go else to work hard: paying rent or mortgages. Properties are still on the lower end of the property market but are still respectable. Young people can save hard to purchase properties and young people do want to complete not only their secondary but their tertiary qualifications as well. Why I love Mount Druitt because it is 'The People' past and present that make Mount Druitt a wonderful place to live in. I know that with the 332 members we have( and as it grows) - the word gets around.

I would like to now ask you all to comment on the content of the posts that are in 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page and ask what contents you would like. Something that we can share in good context.

8You, Ron Vorbach, Kerri Bradbury and 5 others

2 Comments

• Kerri Bradbury Thank you John for your efforts. This is a great result and I’m sure this group will continue to grow.

  • Like
  •  · Reply
  •  · 10h
• 

  Lyn Thorley The site is always informative and accurate. It’s great!

 

• 
  

They Say, 'We Are A Lucky Country' - Are Our Farmers Today? - 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page Member

Whilst I try not to steer away from Mount Druitt, when it comes to publishing posts ( in  conversation), sometimes, we have to talk about our own real country regions. In our current hot drought season, there is a post provided by one of our members, that I would like to share from Tracey Grimm.

"The poem that's gone viral after NSW farmer Joanna Collett posted it on the Prime Minister's facebook page:

G’day Mr Morrison, I trust that you are fine,
Sorry to be bothering you, but there’s something on my mind
I listened to a bloke last week; he had a bit to say
You lot may have heard of him? He delivers all that hay?

He spoke of countless hours and the distances they drive
Feeding starving stock, to keep bush hopes alive
They do not get assistance from your tax funded hat
They do it on their own, all off their own bat

I’m not politically minded and I don’t have any clout
And I know you’ve done a tour, to learn about the drought
But there’s just some burning questions, that have left us feeling beat
Why did we fund a foreign land, to learn to cut up meat?

JAnd what about those soccer boys, who went and got all lost
You pulled out all the bloody stops, plain just showing off
You’ve bigger problems here at home, there’s drought up to our necks
So what does your mob go and do ? Give them big fat cheques!

Don’t they have a government to deal with all this stuff?
Why should it be up to us, what’s with all your fuss?
Should we not be reigning in and look after our own
Have you never heard the phrase “charity starts at home”?

I realise there’s many things, that need an allocation
And I also can appreciate, complex trade relations
I’m not sure if you realise, but if our stock all die,
There won’t be any trade you see, your deals will all run dry

As a rule we’re not a whinging lot, our requests are but a few
Most of us who work the land, are tested, tried and true
We respect that we are guardians, and sustain it for the kids
But I often have to wonder, what future will it bring?

I guess all that I’m wondering, is “where’s the Aussie aid”?
Wrapped up in a swag of tape, only then to be repaid !
There’s Aussie blokes and chicks out there, putting you to shame
Helping fellow Australians, in their time of pain

I’m just a simple farmer, grazier, wife and mum
And even though we’re feeding stock, we’re better off than some
I’ve never had to shoot a cow, who could no longer stand
But many have before me, and I pray, I’m not dealt that hand

So will you take another look; admit that we’re in strife ?
And do more than bloody empathise, before another farmer takes their life ?
I’d like to think you’ll do what’s right and put Australia first
And help your own damn country, before this drought gets any worse

Joanna Collett

Wee Waa NSW

I would like everyone on my Facebook page to copy this and share it
Everyday until something is done
Charity starts at home!"

Dawsom Mall Handouts - 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

The Plumpton Community Church will be handing out free food in the Dawson Mall near the 7-11 from 6PM on Thursday 29th August, as they do most Thursday nights, for the homeless/pensioners/unemployed/low income earners. Please be respectful to the volunteers who are giving up their time to assist the community. Please note some light refreshments will be available such as tea/coffee & soup

Fake Scam About ‘Can you hear me’ calls! Read article. It can’t be proven or any source found.... 'Whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

Click here for details

P & C Whalan Public School Spring Fair - 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

'Can You Hear Me?' - Phone Cam - 'whyilovemountdruitt' Facebook Page

P & C Whalan Public School Spring Fair ' whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

Computer Checked? - Ron from 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Group

It pays to get your computer manually checked from time to time. Hackers can mirror you computer by passing all security .They can see and copy all you do down to changing your pass words. Your computer is a vast shopping complex with all doors open and only token security at best. 

Even government computers are not immune as you have seen of late on the news. 

Even your phone lines are hack-able. 

Welcome to the 21st century!

Ron's Recycling Tip Of The Day - 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

Ron Vorbach shared a photo.

Admin · 6 hrs

Keep your recycling bin clean, uncontaminated,and free of pests by remembering to rinse out containers before tossing them in the recycling