Dr David Bissell Requests Interview: Mount Druitt Public Transport - Mobilty For Commuters - Between Home And Work - I Accepted!

A lot of people within  Mount Druitt, would not dream that Australian or State Government Researchers, would even think of asking anyone within our area to be asked or interviewed in relation to important research of commuting.


Last week, I was asked to take part in a confidential interview on commuting in Sydney, from my perspective. I was totally shocked, honored and overwhelmed to do this.

The interviewer is distinguished Dr David Bissell, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the Australian University. He is conducting a research project funded by the Australian Research Council that is looking at how journeys to and from work affect Sydneysiders on 'Mobility'.

On behalf of Mount Druitt community, I have provided the Dr. Bissell, the proper issues facing commuters within Mount Druitt as an overall basic picture. My discussion has been based on my last 5 years of personally, standing up for the community in relation to public transport.

Dr Bissell, is doing interviews this month up to 7th November 2014 and wishes  myself to provide his website for interested participants.

Click here for Dr. David Bisell's website- Commuting Life

Opal Card In Mount Druitt Can Now Be Topped Up At Woolworths Mount Druitt!

As we find out that more and more of train and bus commuters are using the new 'Electronic Opal Card',  we are finding more and more businesses are now able to accept topping up of your card.

So the big one is Woolworths Mount Druitt,
so if you are shopping and want to top your 'Opal card', they are able to assist you. Although the sign may be hidden, it can be done.


A lot of people do not want to provide their  bank details and use it to top up, for fear of potential fraud. This is probably the best way to pay for it, if you have the same fear as myself!


 Click here for previous details of Opal Outlets Mount Druitt

Update On Back To Front Granny-Flat, Whalan Blacktown City Council Officers Like It!

Well, here comes the update from the so-called, 'Granny-flat' at Whalan issue, which has caused an uproar with community members but Council Officers didn't care and also 'Let Go Policy, as she is right' - from the 'NSW Builders Professional -We Don't Care About The Current Community Looks- Board'!

From a little distance away:







A little further away:

And the so called 'Granny Flat' -otherwise known as the little house 
on the little land. It appears that the building process is taking its time. The steel rods supporting the base of the house, looks so flimsy. What do you think?

The secret is out, the builders look like they are building a small detention center house. What will surprises myself is the house
 is being built so close to the  pathway, it does not set with the scene of the area.

Click on this link for previous blogs 

Year Of The Bunny - Footy Season in Mount Druitt!

A lot of people follow the National Rugby League Code and normally support one of the teams of the NRL, either chose of allegiance from the time they were born, colors or because of choosing 'winning teams'.

A majority of the young people and elderly in Mount Druitt would be supporting the Penrith Panthers winners of 2 grand finals and the rest would be supporting teams from outside the area. My understanding would have been that the next biggest supporters of league in the area would have been Parramatta. Ever since I moved in the area I knew of up to 6 people within Mount Druitt that supported South Sydney Rabbitohs, one fanatic St George Dragons supporter and also one Western Sydney Tigers supporter.

As from yesterday I have seen  rabbit supporters come out their warrens from every where.

Here's a short story of what happened yesterday:

After 43 years my NRL supported team wins - I was 10 when they last won. So I am proud as can be.

Yesterday, I went to Whalan Compounding Chemist and the new owner had spread of the Bulldogs Team hung up on top. The lady that served said in a nice way, I have to support 'Bulldogs' to serve customers here. Yet I knew she was saying that to be funny.

As I walked in, I must have been the first 'Bunny Supporter' with Cap and jersey, which she distracted the chemist and made sure he knew. I didn't want to jeer him up. I believed in being and acting in low key, in case 'Souths' being favorite, lost! The chemist and myself  agreed that as long as the referees are fair, all we want is a good spectacular game, to be remembered. I asked him  (as I have asked any Bulldogs supporter), if he believed Michael Ennis will play for them - he said he didn't think so!

During the at Westfield, Mount Druitt I felt like a 'King God' , although I was a nobody, as people would approach myself and wish for 'Souths to win'! In the afternoon I was leaving one store, when one of the male employees said behind my back,' I'm going home to watch the Bulldogs thrash Bunnies!' I t didn't occur to me that it was in reaction to the team colors, I was wearing!

I turned around and realised that it was aimed ay myself and just said, 'Yes they might do this but I just wish for the best team to win!'

I have seen so many people within Mount Druitt, driving red,white and green fags, on cars, caps on heads and jerseys. There is that Pride of the 'Bunny in Mount Druitt'

And to add cream to this story, the South Sydney won last night, with such passion, power, dignity, true fitness, skill, confidence, leadership, high professionalism, team spirit, maturity, majestic touch, great sport, such stamina and endurance of winning the game on a high note.

I'm sure there are hundred or so community members in Mount Druitt, maybe even local Councillors from Blacktown City Council and even Council officers that would have supported South Sydney, during their life, well this is a chance to enjoy the Pride of the Rabbits in there great victory!


Click here to the South Sydney Team Song  


Lyrics to the South Sydney Theme Song;


Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
South Sydney Marches On
When speaking of the champions
One stands above the rest
Of glories old and records proud
When often put to test
Of fine traditions, history
That others cannot best
They wear the red and green
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
South Sydney Marches On
They mauled the Balmain Tigers
Slew the Dragons from St. George
The Seagulls and the Mounties next
Were crushed with mighty force
They humbled Parramatta
And the Berries in due course
They wear the red and green
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
South Sydney Marches On
They plucked the Western Magpies
Slashed the Newtown bag of blue
The Eastern Suburbs rooster crowed
And then was conquered too
The greatest name in any game
Within South Sydney grew
They wear the red and green
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
South Sydney Marches On
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
Glory, Glory to South Sydney
South Sydney Marches On.

If you have not got a NRL to support or you know of someone that needs a team to support, remember 'South Sydney Rabbitohs'. They are a great team!

Mount Druitt Community Websites To Share Around!

The community is changing to using electronic social media educational websites that can make the community interact with them. Sometimes allowing comments on blogs, other times  being the vital part in a vital story that is published as a blog. From there the world can see it!

So from the Mount Druitt and surrounding suburbs, here are some websites:

Mount Druitt, Mount Druitt North, Mount Druitt Village in general:
whyilovemountdruitt
Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc. 
Mount Druitt Midnight Basketball

Blackett, Emerton, Dharruk  
B.E.D.S United Residents Action Group


Ropes Crossing
My Ropes Crossing   

Whalan    
whalan.com.au
   
Shalvey, Bidwill,  Tregear, Willmot, Minchinbury, Lethbridge Park , Hebersham and  Rooty Hill  don't seem to have a community website for information. 

Starting one up is easy, it is making it easier for community members to understand and getting the word spread out in the open community. Also having the passion to carry on with stories, that are interesting to anyone or everyone!
              
         
       

     
      
 
          

           
   

Getting The Message Across With Local Newspaper Deliveries!

Reporters and Editors from our current local newspapers, are always keen to get their local stories out to the general public. They do it in 2 ways currently, by providing an online service, so that each newspaper  can be read and also delivery of hard copies to the general community, also can be read.

Great stories always start from the local community and land on the Australian or international scene. So it is vital that the general community is in touch in their local world of news. I'm always learning about the community no matter what the story is and how big or short it is. 

One thing I do say to people to in the Mount Druitt community every day is promoting to read both local newspapers, especially if they haven't done so before. A lot of people either do not read them because they are not delivered any newspaper to their front door  or they are not aware they can read it on line. I am astounded that there is a sense of neglect to understand and keep up to date with local news , which is a form educating the community, as well.

I cannot blame and will not blame the local newspapers, but I will give you 2 local examples of what they may not be aware of:

• In North Mount Druitt and I have seen one newspaper dropped on the front driveway of block of multiple town houses and units, thus only one newspaper shared between 8 to 12 or more - this is missing community members that may be interested to read them. I understand this would take more time to deliver these newspaper but this is quality time allowing the community to received and read them.
• In Ropes Crossing, community members are receiving Penrith local newspapers reporting mainly on Penrith Local Council issues, when they are situated within Blacktown City Council and would like to receive the Mount Druitt/St Marys newspapers, where they can receive  information about their appropriate local government area. 
• A suggestion is these newspapers more accessible to the community, is to have these newspapers available at key areas for distribution: stands on Rooty Hill, Mount Druitt and St Marys train stations and  hows this available on the front of buses. Place 20-30 per week on each bus and see how it goes.
• A further suggestion is to send a flyer to each household advising of their online service and other services they have.                                        

Can One Person Change Mount Druitt For Improvements Within The Community?

My younger years, I concluded that the Leaders all around the country were ones that  made that make the main decisions, to make the relevant changes, improving communities, suburbs, shopping hubs, sporting facilities, roads, public transport, hospitals. 

Elected Councillors, State Members of Parliament, Federal Members of Parliament were elite positions of public office. Most of the community may have known who their Mayors were, not interested in Deputy Mayors and Councillors were hardly known.

With the new technology of recent years, blogs, face book, twitter on-line local newspapers, the community is getting in touch with elected members of all tiers of government. All Councillors, State Members of Parliament, are contactable by e-mail. It is up to them if they do respond.


So to answer the question, 'Can one person change Mount Druitt for improvements within the community?'. 

My answer is, 'Yes, anyone person can do this with the help of others! And................ it could be you!'

How can you make improvements for the community? Easy, speak to others about one possible change you would like to see improved in your area, send an email in to nsjpas@gmail.com with your first name, suburb, details of what you want improved and how do you think it can be done(if you know how to) with any pictures/ videos.

Bingo! I will then publish a blog on your issue and thus we will see relevant stake holders, take interest and action what is required, whether it would be positive or negative. If the local press want to communicate to you for a favorable story, I will provide you with their details by e-mail and you may contact them!

Yes, one person can change Mount Druitt for improvements within the community!

So this is your chance to do so! 

Kids Don't Mind Being Told To Improve - As Long As You Speak Nicely To Them!

Yesterday I spotted from a distance, a young teenager jumping over the fence on the middle island, on Luxford Road, Mount Druitt.

As he joined myself and started to walk beside, I mentioned nicely that what he done was illegal and could cause an accident to his own health, as what he was doing was posing as a risk, primarily to himself. He politely apologised to myself and I said, 'Really, you need to realise the affect it could happen to you if there was a serious accident. I advised he was lucky I didn't take a picture of it'!

Great response from him!

There was another youth riding a bicycle and I also advised of wearing a helmet and the potential injury if he doesn't wear one. He wasn't rude, he agreed and said yes.

On both occasions I spoke nicely and both responses were nice as well. I just hope they live and learn and place into practice! It shows kids are great in our area!

Rooty Hill RSL Upgrade - Catering For Next 50 years!

Rooty Hill RSL is large major Club - within the  Rooty Hill - Mount Druitt area. I even heard story  that when the 'Mount Druitt Workers Club - now known as 'West Tradies' was seeking a Club license, from the licensing board, Rooty Hill RSL knocked them back and it eventually it was provided to them.

Anyway, we notice recently that Rooty Hill RSL is upgrading Club facilities, so they can cater for the future 50 years. This is great for the community and for the Club, they are 'Thinking for the future'! We can't wait for the final result.

Blacktown City Council is planing for the next 20-30 years - so that makes then 20-30 years behind Rooty RSL.

Click Here Rooty Hill RSL website

Rooty Hill RSL even has a TV Station, amazing!
 

Cyclists Playing It Safe - CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER ROAD CONDITIONS VIA SHARED LANES AND PATHS - Mount Druitt - St Marys Standard!

I thank Reporter Philip Ly, from the Mount Druitt-St Marys Standard, and  Emmanuel Pineda full time cyclist, (compared to myself), that such an important article to provide warnings to motorists. Here it is:
 

Cyclists often dodge high volumes of traffic in Mt Druitt.

 
CYCLISTS have urged Blacktown Council to install more shared pathways and for people to work together to create a safer environment for all road users. 

Over the past five years, Blacktown LGA has seen an average of 1.6 reported crashes each week involving a cyclist and vehicle.

In June, a fatal bus accident saw the death of a 34-year-old male cyclist at the corner of Carlisle and Kurrajong Aves, and has reignited the issue of safety in the cycling community.
 


Cyclists Emmanuel Pineda John Svoboda want Blacktown Council to improve safety. More shared paths, designated cycleways and bike lanes are being called for.

Mt Druitt’s Emmanuel Pineda, 41, rides more than 260km a week and said he does not feel safe on roads. “I’ve had many near misses, but I’ve been lucky. For me, our roads aren’t safe,” he said.
“Cyclists and motorists have responsibility to work and be safe together.”

RELATED: Kids ignoring cycle safety

RELATED: Cyclists knocked down almost every day

Mr Pineda believed having more signage and shared pathways will help drivers and cyclists use roads safely. Mt Druitt Commuters Improvement Group spokesman John Svoboda said the council should take measures to ensure cyclists are better protected on roads.

He said making motorists aware cyclists share the road, with the common goal of travelling on a journey that ends safely, is ideal through greater visibility of road cyclists’ presence.

A spokeswoman for Blacktown Council said an off-road network to reduce bicycle and car conflicts was being developed.

She said education for drivers and riders was key, and serious road incidents under the council’s control are investigated to see if improvements are required.






 

Bike riding safety is a concern among cyclists. Picture: PHIL ROGERS

Ever since the recent cyclist fatality, I have been searching for answers, answers that all Council Officers, Councillors and NSW State Members and bureaucrats, should be not be shrugging this issue off their shoulder. The need to look at implementing immediate improves in education to both cyclists and motorists and well as other measures that I have though of.


Firstly Check Previous Blog of Cyclist Fatality 

Recently I spoke to a Busways Driver, he remembered hearing about the cyclist fatality. What he understood and heard is that the cyclist didn't give way! I can't say, I don't want so say. I just want cyclists to be careful riders and be aware of larger motorists as well as motorists to be aware and courteous to cyclists.

My suggestions for improvements are as follows:

• NSW Government to provide better educational programs and advertisements to make motorists aware 'That Cyclist Care and Share' the road and have a common goal: to travel on a journey that ends safely.
• Through NSW Government and Local Area Governments more road safety signs to alert motorists of cyclists using road ways, to be implemented at every major intersection and roundabouts
• Bus Lanes could be shared with cyclists
• Special lanes marked on the road for cyclists and special care by cyclists in the intersection, when crossing
• Similar regulated 'Loud Shirts' as per below - which a Sign at front and back, 'I am a Caring Cyclist, ride safe around me, Please!' or without the sign

• More Approved Shared Cycle Ways in Mount Druitt
• Motorists understanding of shared roads with Bicyclists - refer Page 55-57 NSW Road User Hand Book
• Black City Bike Plan 2013 - Lists Shared Cycle Paths routes not connecting to Mount Druitt, West Mount Druitt (Whalan, Tregear & Ropes Crossing) and South Mount Druitt to link (Via Carlise Ave and Roper Road) to the M4 or Great Western High Way - used as a Shared Path Way to Blacktown or further East. Also larger & better signage  required as most cyclists don't know about them! The more Shared Pathways the more legal and safer it is for cyclists to ride their journeys.
• Cycle Ways colored in bright aqua - - Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson refer bog: http://whyilovemountdruitt.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/councillor-seeking-possible-solution.html