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

Retiring from Blacktown City Council Public Transport Forum

This morning, I thought hard about this and I feel that I have to let go of things in life I was passionate about as I  have taken volunteering roles in different areas. Here is my retirement email from the Blacktown City Council Public Tranport Forum 2019:

Good Morning Keiasha,

I understand that I have accepted invitation to the Transport Forum to be held today.

I have been a member of this Forum since 2010 and have attended these important forums, representing communities and report through 'whyilovemountdruitt', 'Save Our Bus Services", "Mount Druitt & Surrounding suburbs" & " Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc" Blogspot and Face Book Pages. The reason I did this was we lost 3 bus services in 2009 and retained 2 of them in 2010. I was asked to lead a community group for one bus service but then discovered that there were other services being lost in the area. It seemed that Council had none or little  power to get the buses back as I discovered, they  are pretty much an advisory of public Transport around the area.

I was the founding Chair of both' Save our Buses, Mount Druitt and Surrounding Suburbs and 'Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc and held position of secretary - I resigned in 2013 as I was not allowed to write posts on blogspot (without groups permission) on commending Hon. Richard Amery's eervice in State Government as he retired as well as issues with current Chair expecting more than I could do as Secretary.

I attended a Sydney Alliance Meeting in Bowman Hall attended by over 300 people, explaining how we all got  2 bus services back in Mount Druitt. I was pleased that when we got the full 755 bus service back that the front page of the local news paper in 2010 that it wasn't about myself - it was about the people of Mount Druitt getting back services that should not have been taken away. I was told by a former local  Labor Party Branch Member that - Once services are taken away - 'you will never get them back again'. 

It was pleasing to Know that The Then NSW Minister of Transport met with six of our groups representatives as they all had an opportunity to present our case and when the Federal Member of Chifley, Ed Husic invited myself and members of group for a cup of tea/morning tea chat. I could not attend as I had working obligations and when I was informed that The Hon. Member really only wanted to speak with 'me' not the ladies - that was very surprising to me! 

We lobbied hard for a free bus service looping around Mount Druitt with the help of a young Blake Bardowski - approved by Council at a time the NSW Government was removing many Free Bus Shuttle Services from different regions. I nominated Blake for the inaugural Ed Husic's Chifley Awards and  blowing me out  of shape - he won it. I remember his mother was so ecstatic. We were nominated as a  community group in the inaugural Western Sydney

'Zest' Community Awards and Blake also won a prize as an young individual, as well.

I was secretary of Western Sydney Public Transport Users Group, until I resigned and was a strong participant in the NSW Public Transport Review for 2030 and one of two  people that made presentations to the Council's Transport Policy.

I later turned as a community advocate ranging from holes in the ground, streets and eventually traffic light improvements on Luxford Road entrance to Westfield, Mount Druitt - this was a giant step in saving pedestrian lives.

I must Thank Blacktown City Council Media Unit in providing media releases to myself, to inform the community through social media. I think I have the record for Blacktown City Council Australia Day videos on You Tube (each year).

So, I have come to the conclusion that as I am retired and not residing in the Blacktown LGA area ( Yet I still have real interests in the area), I tender my resignation from the Council'd Transport Forum as of toda. I Thank Council's Trasnport Officers and Media Unit for their support. Further Thanks goes to former  Mayor, Stephen Bali, Tiny Beasedale and all current and former Councillors that I have spoken to as well as State members for Mount Druitt, Hon.

Edmond Atalla, Hon Member for Londonderry, Pru Car,= all past and current members of the Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group INc and  most importantly to all Members of the Mount Druitt and wider community.

You may wish to keep me posted on all annual events, post each Transport event- Wishing Blacktown City Council a great success as it because a greater City.

Cheers

John Svoboda,jp

Merry Special Christmas From "Whyilovemountdruitt'

Yes, I do wish all  of you all a MERRY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS as  we all celebrate this day is so many special ways. I hope that peacefully you all embrace this day as a day of bringing families together even though families maybe are all over other places.

I have enjoyed 57 Christmas days so far and each Christmas Day is celebrated in different ways and remembered in so many million ways

In Australia, we celebrate Christmas in warmer weather as  oppose the majority of countries  celebrating with cold and snow. Midnight mass was what was important for  my parents to take me too and later with my sister Anne-Marie. The significance was that we could open our presents as little children, straight after arriving home from mass.

Now (being a kid at heart) Children's Mass is important to me, as I celebrated at Holy Family Church Emerton. No one has to follow me to church as I  reach out to God and pray for "Love" amongst children allover the world, pray for people understand people and respecting people. 

I pray for health for the ones unhealthy, I pray that God give me strength as I look at the people known to be now departed from earth and my life: some friends of my parents, mine and close to heart. I pray for my children to not feel lost and despaired but feel as one in of a flock of sheep that is cared and nurtured by the good shepherd God. 

Whilst there is the commercial sense of Christmas with the mad rush of buying gifts for all, we all need to remember the true meanin. Play it g of Christmas is the  birth of baby Jesus and the wonderful story that brought him to earthly life. Click here For Catholic Redaings and Gospel for Today

So from here, let's wish neighbours, friends and family the warmest of best wishes for Christmas as children unwrap their gits remembering the presence of The birth of baby Lord Jesus Christ. The loving wishes we give to others can reach out to the whole wide world: Believers or non-believers.

I hope that the Christmas gift of giving is not just in material items to all, it is also from deep within our hearts to all.  

May we say hello to the people we norm ally never great,

May we smile, the ones that don't ever smile,

May we not lay down still and join in the human race,

May we see the ones that have blind for a while.

May we shake hands of people that never shake hands,

May we embrace the ones that need that nurtured love,

May we talk to the ones that just want to listen,

May we sing with clear words and hearts from high above.

Anyway enjoy hours of Christmas songs that I have found to be beautiful produced Click here

Merry Special Christmas to all

200,000 Hits Milestone For 'Whyilovemountdruitt' Blogspot.....

It is great news that since the 14th February 2014 until August 2018, ' Whyilovemountdruitt' blogspot has reached over 200,000 hits.

This is an overwhelming positive result for the people of Mount Druitt and surrounding suburbs. This website was created to bring the community together in obtaining improvements within our community, report good news and  promote 'goodness'. The community issues ranged from a small hole in the ground to complete changes in community infrastructure. We have promoted small businesses with free adds as they  continue to do business in our area.

 The lists goes on: share stories, play local bands, local artists and for 8 months publish Blacktown City Council  Media Releases etc. We have videoed candidates for Local Council Elections and the lists goes on. Thank you to all online viewers for your support. Thank you for the 118 comments raised on current 2210 published posts.

Thank you to Blacktown City Council Councillors, Members for NSW Mount Dtuitt and Londonderry Members of Parliament and Member for Chifley. Thank you  to Mount-St Mary as Standard and former NSW St Marys Star for picking myself for local interest stories and Thank you for  284 members of 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page.

Now to reach 1,000,000 visits.......                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Where Families And Couples Can Enjoy Our Mother Nature - Less Than One Hour Drive From Mount Druiitt

Here. on 'whyilovemountdruitt' blogspot, we sometimes tell you of places you, your family and your friends can go to within our Mount Druitt and surrounding areas. What we haven't promoted is where you can go within a short distant drive from Mount Druitt and have a great day outside our area. Most importantly, picking a great weather day to go there and enjoy.

What we don't do too much is explore our mother nature within our greater Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western Sydney areas. In our lives, we all have certain levels of stress which we encounter as we raise our families, go to primary, secondary and tertiary education and even bringing home an income through from work. Yet, to relieve the stress levels, we need our own head space, time to think and total relaxation to move on in life. 

Sometimes, we can stay at home and find these times but then maybe there are distractions around us. Yes, we can go to our local Parks and Reserves, to do this and take time out to think and relax. No one is stopping you do that. Yet, going out of our area is not too bad, as it makes that your eyes and heart see our own Australian natural beauty, within less than an hours dive from Mount Druitt and surrounding suburbs.

So, to the first point of call is Bobbin Head, within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Click here for further details. The following is my 5 Star Rating on Google Maps comments:

"There are many picnic areas alongside the Cowan Creek which reaches Hawkesbury River for families and couples both old and young - to watch and experience expensive cruise boats docked or sailing away. Enjoy the  beautiful natural bush land scenery as you decent down Bobbin Head Road. There is a large enclosed  and secured playing area for smaller children. You can bring your kayaks/ canoes and go paddling along the creek. With the older children or Adults, you can  go on a 2 seater or 4 seater paddle boats, where you can take your own time to enjoy and relax. There  are beautiful short walks that get you rejuvenated. I fully recommend  the entire 48 minute drive from Mount Druitt".

 All I can suggest is try it out.

Australia Day Doersn't Change - Australian Centuries Ago - We Were The Forgotten Land....

I normally look and discuss issues that face our local community - but when it come to  Australian issues that seem to be 'A No Brainer' , sometimes Australian Politicians have no  better things to do but look at splitting the nation.

As a an active  local advocate withun Mount Druitt, I want my voice to be heard on behalf of a majority of Moun Druitt and surrounding people.

Here is a 'waste  of a tome issue' that is being talked about by National Greens Leader Rochard Di Natale, as per  details obtained via Google:

"Greens leader Richard Di Natale has launched a renewed campaign for change and jumped on the figures. "What it does demonstrate is there is a great opportunity to move the nation forward, to choose a day that allows us to celebrate all the things that it means to be Australian," he said.6 days ago"




So I understand that Aboriginals were upset of invasion day of white colonialism days by the The then United Kingdom Country. So, Aboriginal people were primitave people back in 1770's. They could speak English, they spoke they dialect language and were not completely educated like the Brittish were: having  rifles and weapons and guns from ships. They could not counter attack.  

If we look at the 'Continental Drift' - centuries or thousand of years before  the Indian sub-continent and also Antartica could lay claim to Aborignal people and/or visa -versa - Aboriginal people could lay claim to The Indian sub-continent and Antartoica. So who invaded who?



We have celebrated Australia Day as a day of Australian Being doiscovered  by the BRittosh in 1770 and then being eventually becoming an independent Nation, under the Commonwealth of Nations. When we celebrate Australia Day, we invite all Australians to celebrate 'Australia Day'  as all Australians from different backgrounds coming together to peacefully and happily remember the day that we  srtated to become a recognised colony and eventually and independent nation. 

Centuries ago, the rest of the world was being attacked and defended - and Australia wasn't even known - we were the forgotten land/

We are a young nation and we always welcome each other. I love the  the Blacktown City Council Fireworks on Australia Day, weather permitting as it is an enjoyable family non-alcoholic day and night. I take my hat off to Mayor Councillor Stephen Bali, Deputy Mayor, Council Tony Bleasedale and all other Blacktown City Council Councillors and Officers for providing this avenetb as the most important event of the day for our Year. Thank you.

 I would also like the Blacktown City Councilllors send a message to the Australian Givernment that we in Mount Druitt, and Blacktown City Council send a meeage  advising we want to 'Keep Australia Day - Australia Day'.

'Whyilovemountdruitt' Records For 2017

Well , as we  have completed 2017,  we are proud to say that 'whyilovemountdruitt' blogspot has had a stronger year with visits to website and published posts.

 So we reach a total visits of  73,501 for the year, averaging 6,125 and over per month, reaching a total visits of 166,851 so far, We also had published posts of 535 for 2017 averaging just over  44.5 posts for each month of 2017. We now have total 1, 937 published posts so far a for published posts and averaging 484.2 per month on all posts. the we come to published comments, which was 18 and averaging 1.5 comments per month. Comments were down from year before but we have total of 203 published, so far.

Congratulations to  every 'whyilovemountdruitt' blogspot and Face Book Group, who have all contributed  by reading posts and or adding comments and in Face Book Group adding posts.

Happy New Year To All 'Whyilovemountdruitt' Readers for 2018

As the main author and editor of 'whyilovemountdruitt blogspot', I would like to offer a warm and friendly wishes to everyone in and around Mount Druitt and as far wide as ever.  Every year we hope that it is not only  just a prosperous  New Year for 2018 but provides good living style and health to everyone.

 And to our very own community, we ask that we live in peace and harmony as we  receive proper infrastructure that enhances our community's living standards.

'Whyilovemountdruitt' Blogspot Reaches Another Milestone, Over 150,000 Visits

Why I created 'Whyilovemountdruitt' blogspot, I really didn't realise how popular it would be. I have people coming to me telling me on stories they liked and asking for feedback.

It is strange to think that this in officially the number 2 community visited website with over 150,000 and the other website is a group website created 5/6 years ago, 'Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc.', which has over 215,000 visits.

On our current website, we have published posts from a hole in the ground, community improvements and political topics and even have videos promoting candidates for the last Blacktown City Council Elections. We film singers and we film bands, we cover  topics of interest and we inspire to engage our community to engage with our website/ Face Book group and understand what is required to have the required improvements in our growing community.

We even report on Blacktown City Council Finances and provide a summary, promote local business (Free of Charge) and we have tried to communicate with educators in our area, to engage in  stories and  conversation. We have even had local stories  published in our local newspapers and finally have important stake holders , action on published posts that need actioning.
So congratulations to everyone for reading posts, from within Mount Druitt to our global world, to reach over 150,000 visits is a n incredible result and all I can can say is - there is more to come.... 

Celebration Of Over 150,000 Visits/Hits On 'Whyilovemountdruitt' Blogspot

Invitation To Our Communiry..... More Comments Required

The great thing about "Whyilovemountdruitt' blogspot is not just about the amount of visits on this blogspot. It is the way it reaches people within our community and throughout our world. Then people comment on the blogspot and show how they want to interact and give meaningful support to the post, mostly.

Yet, there a lot of humble community people that want to be reserved about their comments or just enjoy reading the post, so I've been told. And that is quite fine.

Thus, after reading any posts, if a thought flashes on your mind and your want to share it, promote it as a comment. Whether to yourself it be positive, negative or neutral. It is a good chance to actually publish your comment as expressing of what you want feel should be aired, should be aired. Be mindful of negative comments , they must be portrayed in a way that is not offensive, then it serves its purpose.

I  wholeheartedly encourage any comment from anyone, from anywhere around the world, provided as feed back.

Google Plus Comment On Ru ben's Article in The Mount Druitt Standard

It is  fantastic, when we get positive comments from within our community, on anything but when we have a great comment to share on 'Good Stories and People " within our community, we must share those comments.

From Google Plus here is the great comment on Ru Ben:

Wow! #ruben is finally in the paper! #mtdruittstandard ... #joytodawsonmall #joytotheworld #whyilovemountdruitt

Click here for previous post

Comment on Pedestrain Accesway/ Walk Way Required In Mount Druitt - Video

Comments raised from recent video produced on the required pedestrian walk way/access way, Luxford Road North Mount Druitt, are encouraging and consistent with recent feedback from the everyday people I speak too in  our lovely Mount Druitt.

Here are the  copied comments from the video or you can click onto the recent video, or previous post:

richaolsen1 day ago Highlighted comment

Last week, a man was hit outside Mount Druitt police station from crossing Luxford Road. But yet, council drags its feet and refuses to take any complaints seriously. I have been requesting they widen and relay all footpaths in the area as well as they are too narrow and are also too dangerous, but they just refuse. At this point, I think council are either just being lazy, or they are incompetent.

MisterBassBoost4 days ago

Great content. Keep it up!

 Included  is a previous video on the re required walkway - the U-turn Walk , legally required to cross the road.

Click here for previous post

Click here for recent previous video

Click here for old previous video

'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Group Reaches Another Milestone - Over 200 Members

Whilst our Face Book group  hasn't got the  highest amount of membership within and around Mount Druitt Face Book Group, it has been growing in time. I remember when we had less then 100 approximately 15 months ago and kit it started by myself introducing members.

Now members of our Face Book group are introducing new members and sometimes there might be a small drop off rate, once they see that we are discussing matters of improvement professionally, using our own  knowledge and local resources.

We interact with other in mostly a friendly manner  and share different sides of opinion or topics  mutual respect for each other and I promote not to use 'Bad or foul language'. Some local Face Book groups, people just  use these  words to communicate to each other. Personally I think that is not the correct way to work with each other as some people  may take it as an offence, like myself.

So now credit goes to our website, where posts are now posted on the Face Book Group, all members of our Face Book Page, local newspapers as well as a new recent addition Blacktown City Council Media Department and most importantly all stake holders, who take action from these posts, no matter how  much time it takes.  We have reached  204 members today and we all be proud of ourselves in doing this as we have  spread out our power of representing our very own community.

Thank You All for making our community important to have improvements and discuss important issues.

'Whyilovemountdruitt' Blogspot Reaches New Goals - A Record On Visits "100,000"

It is incredible to learn that 'whyilovemountdruitt' blogspot has been  nearly up and running for nearly 3 years and in doing so has  reached one of its major goals of 100,00 visits to website. While that may not seem that much, when you start a local website, you are running on zero budget and personal promotion of  the website by handing out  to community members in and around Mount Druitt,  not afraid to speak openly to the community and you are not after just personal fame, it is as a volunteer a slow and hard progress.
It is not all about me, it is all about our community. I've had a reasonable education, reached high school level and that gives me that slight edge to be another advocate for Mount Druitt: talking, communicating and providing support to the entire support and gain support from Local Councillors to State Members to Federal Members.

The over 100,00 is not credited to myself it goes out to each and everyone reader of this blogspot, which is making it  so important in their lives to read. Also also goes to our Face Book Members  and other local community Face Book groups that read and share the Face Book posts and/or links to our Blog spot. Credit also goes to  buskers like Ruben, Joel and the Blacktown City Brass Band, local everyday community people that I speak too who are looking for community improvements. Credit also goes to our local press, who have  contacted myself to produced local stories for our community. Credit goes to our local, State and Federal politicians who listen, read, respond and their office staff, as well. I take off my cap to everyone with such great happiness.

My aim for us this year is to reach 180,000 visits  by the end of year making it another record for our blogspot. This can be done with the support of the  local and wider community.

With publish posts of 1, 466 and 86 comments received,  This supports the survival of 'whyilovemountdruitt'. I have people tell me on each day:  'great job' and 'well done'.  This is a reflection from everyone that spoken, and/or written to myself and the ones that the ones are so proud of our community.

I  hope that with everyone's help 'whyilovemountdruitt' places  happy faces and smiles on many, many people within our area  as we hit more records during the year.

Great News For WILMD End Of Year Report 31st December 2016

This years statistical report  is a  overall a great increase from last year on whyilovemountdruitt blogspot and Face Book Group. Officially

So the general highlights this year on figures is astonishing: record number of published blogs for the month and year, record number of visits for  month and year and also record number of comments month and year:

Main features was Records number of yearly post 507, Records  number of visits on the website totaling 63,254 -  nearly 200% increase from 2015 and records amount of published posts 10 in July 2016. Not all records were broken but the website, is making inroads and great connections for the community, to be more alarmed as to what is happening within our community.

The only Statistic we have for  our 'whyilovemountdruitt' FaceBook Group is membership grown from approximately 83 in the beginning of the year to 186 members, 31st December 2016. I am expecting we reach 300 members by the end of 2017. A big ask, but it can be done. My expectations for 31/12/2016, we have surpassed. It was 150 Members. I am  happy, we had under 90% increase with membership this year and wish for more community members to join up/in.

 Website Statistics

2016 Number of published blogs (month):                            61 in June 2015
          record was set at 70 in 2015

2016 Record Yearly total number of published posts:            507
          
*Sum Total of published blogs  by 31st December 2016:       4,417

2016 Record number of website blog visits (month):              9,336 December 2016
         
2016 Record Yearly number of website blog visits:                 62,864
          
*Sum Total of website blog visits  by 31st December 2016:    92,960
         

2016  Record number of published comments (month):          10 in July 2016
         
2016 Yearly number of comments:                                            33
          record was set 36 in 2015
*Sum total of published comments by 31st December 2016:    85
         

*Sum total quoted here is since blog was created 19th February 2014



Click here for 2015 Statistical results 

Wishing A Happy New Year 2017 Of Community Improvements To All Mount Druitt Community

This year has been a big year in relation to issues that had to be dealt with and it is difficult to summarise in short what has happened, yet I will do my best.

For the community, we have had  members of the community, promoting businesses, referred light poles to  energy authorities to have a a pole straightened up in a Park, we have had logs removed from Parks, left behind from the storm, we are still in process to  add a pedestrian crossing across Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt, we have had lights attended too at Dawson Mall, Mount Druitt, we have promoted the  Mount Druitt Town Rangers Club, we have  had pleasant comments about the blogspot posts and actions of, we have increased our Face Book Membership to 183 members from about 80, at the end of last year, We have Face Book Members provides events for the area, we have  produce thanks to producer, Ron Vorbach, videos of 'whyilovemountdruitt' from a majority of candidates from Ward 4 and 5, Blacktown City Council, we have showcase  through pictures the beautiful plant and birds we have in our local parks, we have  posted details of an expansion of the  Mount Druitt Train Station for an upgrade - catering for peak periods, we have lobbied for earlier and later bus services  for weekends and  late day night, we have promoted buskers at Mount Druitt and the Blacktown City  Brass Band, I have attended the Blacktown City Council Public Transport Forum and reported to our community, we have record publish posts and visits to out blogspot (details to be published early next year) and the list goes on. 

The only way to find out is to  go through each post, throughout this year. On that notes, I would like to Thank a lot of people that make's Mount Druitt a reason to ask ourselves, 'whyilovemountdruitt'.

The first person I will Thank is YOU, the reader: whether you are a local community member and are interested in what is happening, within our community or a politician that what to know opinions or facts on subjects that affect our own community or whether you are  a stake holder by means of a  an Officer of Blacktown City Council, NSW Government or Federal Government. I Thank YOU, if you are a reader outside our community, whether it be intrastate, interstate or internationally living around the world and you are keen to discover how our community is improving with the success of this blogspot and the communication it provides. I Thank YOU, our local media representatives that call on myself for public transport and certain community issues in publishing stories.

The real reason I am doing this is  not for a personal gain, it is  to give an extra  voice within the community, to stand up in the community and show what the real issues are and either stand up for them or against them.

S now I wish everyone A......

 


Click here for A Happy NEW YEAR 2017 Video - I  would like to Share with YOU 

Australia First Party - Ward 5 Candidate - 'whyilovemountdruitt'

As I have sent an email to the three candidates of the Australia First Party it was addressed to the  3 candidates, running in  Ward 5: Cassie Orrock Terry Cooksley Thomas Bell The repsonse email came from an Australia First Party email  with no known original name. So, we will have to assume that the candidate that responded would have been the primary name on the ballot paper, Cassie Orrock. Here is their  'whyilovemountdruitt' version:   Australia First Party Inbox x ausfirst@alphalink.com.au 28 Aug (1 day ago) to me Dear John, As below, my reply to you. Please excuse the terrible delay in answering you. It is my first time as a candidate and I am learning as I go. MY SAY ABOUT MT DRUITT I thank you for allowing me to have my say and answer your question about Mt Druitt. I think it’s asked because Mt. Druitt has often been subjected to unfair criticisms to the point where residents from other suburbs have always considered it a place that has too many challenges. Although I don’t live in the Mt Druitt cluster of suburbs like my other running mates for Australia First Party, I do however, have a child who attends a High School in Mt Druitt and I frequently shop in the area. I am also mindful of the small businesses in the local area that will be affected by the government’s intention of completely remodelling the shopping precinct to simulate their business model – like that of the Wolli Creek and Green Square shopping areas where many local businesses were squeezed out. This is not in the best interest for the community of Mt Druitt and soon local people will not be able to afford to live in Mt Druitt let alone run businesses in the area. It is my view that Mt Druitt is a target for a type of property development which is linked to Australia’s mad rush down the path of economic globalisation. If Mt Druitt is economically compromised, I cannot see this model of locking everything in to some sort of global agenda will ever make our lives better. I reject the Sydney-wide project to build new CBD’s around a residential tower system grouped at railway stations. This system is for immigrants who have not arrived in Australia yet. It will not only force out local business and people, but particularly public housing people – like in Waterloo where pensioners and other vulnerable people are being given their marching orders. We all know Mt. Druitt does have a sense of community and that will be undermined. We should have the right to say that immigration as a great overarching benefit is a myth that has had its day. Where do we as Australians in the future fit into the scheme of these plans? Will we be pariahs in our own country? Coupled with that, it is on the cards that public housing in the Mt Druitt area may be sold to Serco an international outsourcing company that operates military weapons, detention centres, call centres, prisons and even some schools for Governments. In Britain, Sercos’ track record is appalling to the point of providing substandard housing and unethical treatment of residents. The idea that disadvantaged Aussies be stood over by international interests should not be tolerated. There also an urgent need for more refuges for victims of domestic violence as presently there is a shortage of such facilities, including shortages of basic accommodation for homeless people. We need more affordable housing; therefore Public housing needs to stay in the hands of the people, not in the control of an international company based in Britain. When public housing is run for profit, community interests are off the agenda. I believe that better public services make stronger communities and ultimately people make better life decisions. I believe Council should have full legal recognition for development decisions and we should give residents considerable power over what developments occur in their streets and suburbs. I believe we should hold of plebiscites in the city and broader people’s panels - to inform Council as to the popular will. Government by General-Manager and Local Government Minister is a fraud on democracy. Some might say this would cost money. Okay. But when wrong decisions are taken we all lose out. Further, we actually do build that sense of community when people really do participate in making decisions) Mt Druitt has enormous potential to be a thriving hub of community resilience and financial prosperity. Many people living in Mt Druitt want to make a difference and Mt Druitt is one of the last few Western Suburbs that still maintains its Australian spirit. That’s what I like about Mt. Druitt.

Brent Robertson's 'whyilovemountdruitt; - Ward 5 The Greens - Blacktown City Council Candidate

Today, we  have Brent Robertson's version of  'whyilovemountdruitt'. Brent is a Greens candidate for Ward 5, Blacktown City Council Election on 10th September 2016. Brent is also a former Greens candidate for the Mount Druitt State Election, which was held in 2015.

Brent has lived in the area for  many years and been involved in many community activities:

Click here for Brent Robertson's 'whyilovemountdruitt'

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson on 'whyilovemountdruitt' - Ward 4, Blacktown City Council Elections

The benefits of showing local council candidates to our community, especially to the community that have never met them before is so great and encouraging  especially prior to the 10th of September 2016, Blacktown City Council elections.

We have proposed to all candidates of Ward 4  & 5, to have themselves filmed and promoted to our  community through Face Book and Blogger on their version of 'whyilovemountdruitt'. There is no charge to the candidates  as  both Ron Vorbach, Director/Producer/Editor and myself are volunteering our time. 

This is a first time for Wards 4 and 5 and most likely Blacktown City Council as a whole is doing this, although this could catch onto other candidates in other Wards or Councils. This is to assist the community perhaps deciding on candidates they were not sure of. Making their decision that much easier. We need to reduce our informal votes and I hope that if  the informal votes reduces at the end result of the election, then this could  have a small impact on it. Every vote counts!

This is Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson, Independent candidate of Ward 4's version of whyilovemountdruitt'.

Click here for Jacqueline's 'whyilovemountdruitt'

Candidates Of Blacktown City Council of Ward 4 and 5 To Show Their version of 'whyilovemountdruitt' By Video To Our Community

Yesterday was our filming of candidates for Ward 4 and 5 open invitation day and  5 candidates from Ward 4 and 5 attend and provide their version of  'whyilovemountdruitt'. With The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson, previously given her  version of  'whyilovemountdruitt', this now makes it over 30 percent of candidates were keen to attend. 

And I think we have received another candidate that couldn't make there today, who would like to produce one with us. That will be a total of  7 out 19 candidates. The candidates that turned to be film by amateur  Director Ron Vorbach and amateur reporter John Svoboda were: Mayor, Councillor Stephen Bali Labor Party of Ward 4, Asish Kumar independent of Ward 4, Bill Krishna Liberal Party of Ward 4, Brent Robertson Greens of Ward 5 and Youssef Hassan Independent of Ward 5.

A great diversity of parties and independents. As Ron uploads individual posts on our Face Group, we will publish the videos ( or links of videos) on our blogspot.