Coral McClean Award Nominations Open for 2017 - Ed Husic

Letter from Ed Husic, Federal Member of Chifley to all Members of our community,

Every year, through the Coral McLean Awards, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of local Chifley women.

I’m writing to you to see if you know an inspiring woman who deserves to be recognised for her contribution to our community. If you do, I’d appreciate it if you could please fill in the nomination form here. Nominations close at 5:00pm on Thursday, 9 March 2017. To submit the form, please email to contact@edhusic.com, fax to 9832 2641 or post to PO Box 259, Mount Druitt NSW 2770.

Three categories will be awarded; the Coral McLean Award, Chifley Woman of the Year Award and Young Chifley Woman of the Year Award.

The Coral McLean Awards are dedicated in memory of Coral McLean, known to many as the ‘Mother of Mt Druitt’. Coral helped establish the Mt Druitt and Area Community Legal Centre and was one of the founders of the Mt Druitt Reconciliation Group, helping pioneer the annual Reconciliation Walk.

The awards will be announced at a special breakfast in late March. An invitation will be sent out shortly.

I look forward to receiving your nominations.

Regards,Ed

Blacktown City Council Venues Media Diary - March 2017

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
24 February, 2017

March Blacktown Seniors Festival
Media Diary

Friday 3 March

Young at Heart – Free

8:40am

This 45 minute land based exercise class includes a gentle warm up, cardiovascular exercise and light resistance training.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call 9622 2279.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown

Friday 3 March

Aqua Aerobics – Free

9:30am

Aqua Aerobics is a fantastic, simple to follow program which is a low impact, total body workout. Class includes toning with the aqua dumbbells and noodles. Suitable for everyone!

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 8822 6000.

Emerton Leisure Centre, 35 Jersey Road, Emerton

Friday 3 March

Age Well, Stay Connected

9.30am to 1.30pm

Connect with local support services through information stalls and activities.  Find out first-hand how they can support you to live active and healthy lives with improved physical and mental wellbeing.  Enjoy morning tea and performance by Simply Voices Seniors Choir. 

Bookings are essential

For more information visit https://agewellstayconnected.eventbrite.com.au or call 9839 6287

Venue: Blacktown Senior Citizens Centre, Gribble Place, Blacktown

Friday 3 March

Aqua Combo – Free

9:30am

A combination of shallow and deep water moves.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9622 2279.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown

Friday 3 March

Your Wellbeing, Your Plan Information Session

10.00am to 11am and 11.30am to 12.30pm

We all wish to age well. A big part of this is considering our wellbeing. This interactive information session facilitated by the Council of the Ageing (COTA) peer educators explore the possibilities/advantages of staying well as you age, your options for increasing wellbeing, getting community and aged care services on board to assist you and how this can improve local and community services for everyone.

Hosted by Blacktown City Council, Blacktown Country Women’s Association and the Council of the Ageing. 

Places are limited and bookings are essential

For more information visit https://yourwellbeing2.eventbrite.com.au or call 9839 6287

Blacktown Country Women’s Association, Gribble Place, Blacktown

Friday 3 March

Blacktown Workers’ Club Seniors Festival Concert

10.30am to 12.30pm

Make new friends and discover what ‘social days’ are like at Blacktown Meals on Wheels. See for yourself we offer more than just a meal!  Be quick to book your spot for this free community lunch. 

Hosted by Blacktown City Council and Blacktown Meals on Wheels.

Places are limited and bookings are essential

For more information visit https://seniorsfestivalcommunitylunch.eventbrite.com.au or call 9839 6287

Blacktown Meals on Wheels, Gribble Place, Blacktown 

Friday 3 March

Seniors Festival Community Lunch

12.00pm to 2.00pm

Council and the Blacktown Workers Club continue their long association by hosting a Seniors Festival concert on Friday 3 March. This gives seniors the opportunity to get along to watch some great entertainment in the comfort of one of Blacktown’s great licensed premises and of course the opportunity to meet friends in a convivial social gathering.

Blacktown Workers Club, Campbell Street, Blacktown 

Friday 3 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim or do a few laps.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9625 6360

Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, Mount Street, Mount Druitt

Friday 3 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim or do a few laps.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9627 1496

Riverstone Swimming Centre, Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone

Friday 3 March

AFL games and kids clinic – Free

To celebrate Senior’s week, the AFL would like to offer you the opportunity to watch both the GWS GIANTS Women’s and Men’s teams play at Blacktown International Sportspark! There’s also the opportunity to register your grandchildren in an exclusive AFL clinic to be held between games. Game information as follows:

5:05pm - GWS GIANTS v Fremantle – AFLW

7pm - AFL Kids Clinic

7:45pm - GWS GIANTS v Sydney Swans

Limited number of complimentary tickets available for seniors, as well as limited spots available for the kids clinic.

For further information or to secure your place call 8867 7400 or email catherine.rogan@afl.com.au

Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill

Saturday 4 March

10.30am to 3.00pm

Band of All Ages: Performance Workshop 1

Band of All Ages is an intergenerational and cross cultural project lead by Linda Marr that engages singers, dancers and musicians of all ages.  Bring your instruments, musical skills, existing compositions and understanding of musical genres to the collaborative space to explore and share your expertise.

Bookings essential

For more information visit https://blacktownartscentre.eventbrite.com.au or call 9839 6287 / 9839 6558.

Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown

Monday 6 March

Young at Heart – Free

8:40am

This 45 minute land based exercise class includes a gentle warm up, cardiovascular exercise and light resistance training.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call 9622 2279.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown

Monday 6 March

Aqua Aerobics – Free

9:30am

Aqua Aerobics is a fantastic, simple to follow program which is a low impact, total body workout. Class includes toning with the aqua dumbbells and noodles. Suitable for everyone!

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 8822 6000.

Emerton Leisure Centre, 35 Jersey Road, Emerton

Monday 6 March

Aqua Aerobics – Free

9:30am

Aqua Aerobics is a fantastic, simple to follow program which is a low impact, total body workout. Class includes toning with the aqua dumbbells and noodles. Suitable for everyone!

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9421 2600

Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, Corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens

Monday 6 March

‘Grey Gourmets’ cooking class and health presentation – Free

11am

Learn how to cook meals which are easy, quick and healthy.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9421 2600

Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, Corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens

Monday 6 March

Aqua Deep Water – Free

9:30am

A cardiovascular and resistance workout while suspended in by buoyancy belt in deep water. Reduced impact and jarring on joints. Resistance equipment will be utilized.

Suitable for people who are confident in deep water.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9622 2279.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown

Monday 6 March

Aqua Combo – Free

12pm

A combination of shallow and deep water moves.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9622 2279.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown

Monday 6 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre, enjoy a leisurely swim, do a few laps or take part in our Aqua Exercise class at 5:15pm.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9625 6360

Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, Mount Street, Mount Druitt

Monday 6 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim or do a few laps.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9627 1496

Riverstone Swimming Centre, Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone

Tuesday 7 March

Young at Heart – Free

8:40am

This 45 minute land based exercise class includes a gentle warm up, cardiovascular exercise and light resistance training.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call 9622 2279.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown

Tuesday 7 March

Young at Heart – Free

10:30am

This 45 minute land based exercise class includes a gentle warm up, cardiovascular exercise and light resistance training.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the centre on 8822 6000.

Emerton Leisure Centre, 35 Jersey Road, Emerton

Tuesday 7 March

Aqua Aerobics – Free

9:30am

Aqua Aerobics is a fantastic, simple to follow program which is a low impact, total body workout. Class includes toning with the aqua dumbbells and noodles. Suitable for everyone!

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9421 2600

Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, Corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens

Tuesday 7 March

Young at Heart Aqua - Free

11:30am

This 45 minute low impact water class offers a total body workout which Includes toning with the aqua dumbbells and noodles.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the centre on 8822 6000.

Emerton Leisure Centre, 35 Jersey Road, Emerton

Tuesday 7 March

Tennis lesson and social play – Free

2pm

Learn to the skill of tennis and get some helpful tips off our staff during the lesson before having a social hit with friends.

Places are limited and registration is required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9421 2600

Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, Corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens

Tuesday 7 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim or do a few laps.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9625 6360

Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, Mount Street, Mount Druitt

Tuesday 7 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre, enjoy a leisurely swim, do a few laps or take part in our Aqua Exercise class at 5:15pm.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9627 1496

Riverstone Swimming Centre, Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone

Wednesday 8 March

Young at Heart – Free

8:40am

This 45 minute land based exercise class includes a gentle warm up, cardiovascular exercise and light resistance training.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call 9622 2279.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown

Wednesday 8 March

Aqua Aerobics – Free

9:30am

Aqua Aerobics is a fantastic, simple to follow program which is a low impact, total body workout. Class includes toning with the aqua dumbbells and noodles. Suitable for everyone!

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9421 2600

Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, Corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens

Wednesday 8 March

Aqua Combo – Free

9:30am

A combination of shallow and deep water moves.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9622 2279.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown

Wednesday 8 March

Classic  movie screening with tea and cake – Free

12pm

Sit back, relax and enjoy a movie followed by some tea and cake.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9421 2600

Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, Corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens

Wednesday 8 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre, enjoy a leisurely swim , do a few laps or take part in our Aqua Exercise class at 5:15pm.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9625 6360

Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, Mount Street, Mount Druitt

Wednesday 8 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim or do a few laps.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9627 1496

Riverstone Swimming Centre, Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone

Thursday 9 March

Young at Heart – Free

8:40am

This 45 minute land based exercise class includes a gentle warm up, cardiovascular exercise and light resistance training.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call 9622 2279.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown

Thursday 9 March

Aqua Aerobics – Free

9:30am

Aqua Aerobics is a fantastic, simple to follow program which is a low impact, total body workout. Class includes toning with the aqua dumbbells and noodles. Suitable for everyone!

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9421 2600

Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, Corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens

Thursday 9 March

Tennis lesson and social play – Free

9am

Learn to the skill of tennis and get some helpful tips off our staff during the lesson before having a social hit with friends.

Places are limited and registration is required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9421 2600

Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, Corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens

Thursday 9 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim or do a few laps.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9625 6360

Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, Mount Street, Mount Druitt

Thursday 9 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre, enjoy a leisurely swim or take part in our Aqua Exercise class at 5:15pm.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9627 1496

Riverstone Swimming Centre, Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone

Friday 10 March

Young at Heart – Free

8:40am

This 45 minute land based exercise class includes a gentle warm up, cardiovascular exercise and light resistance training.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call 9622 2279.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown

Friday 10 March

Aqua Aerobics – Free

9:30am

Aqua Aerobics is a fantastic, simple to follow program which is a low impact, total body workout. Class includes toning with the aqua dumbbells and noodles. Suitable for everyone!

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 8822 6000.

Emerton Leisure Centre, 35 Jersey Road, Emerton

Friday 10 March

Young at Heart Aqua – Free

9:30am

This 45 minute low impact water class offers a total body workout which Includes toning with the aqua dumbbells and noodles.

For more information call the Centre on 9421 2600

Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, Corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens

Friday 10 March

Aqua Deep – Free

9:30am

An effective all over cardiovascular and resistance body workout while suspended by a buoyancy belt in deep water.

Suitable for people who are confident in deep water.

No bookings required. Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9622 2279.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown

Friday 10 March

Young at Heart  – Free

11:00am

This 45 minute land based exercise class includes a gentle warm up, cardiovascular exercise and light resistance training.

For more information call the Centre on 9421 2600

Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, Corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens

Friday 10 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim or do a few laps.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9625 6360

Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, Mount Street, Mount Druitt

Friday 10 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim or do a few laps.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9627 1496

Riverstone Swimming Centre, Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone

Saturday 11 March

10.30am to 2.00pm

Band of All Ages: Performance Workshop 2

Band of All Ages is an intergenerational and cross cultural project lead by Linda Marr that engages singers, dancers and musicians of all ages.  Bring your instruments, musical skills, existing compositions and understanding of musical genres to the collaborative space to explore and share your expertise. This is the second performance workshop.  Participants need to be available to attend both workshops and the show at 3pm on 11 March.

Bookings essential

For more information visit https://blacktownartscentre.eventbrite.com.au or call 9839 6287/ 9839 6558.

Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown

Saturday 11 March

3.00pm to 4.00pm

Band of All Ages: The Show

Band of All Ages is an intergenerational and cross cultural show that engages singers, dancers and musicians of all ages.  The performers lead by Linda Marr have collaboratively jammed, danced and sung together during two workshops that have facilitated intergenerational exchange of musical skills and interests.  Come support this showcase of talents that makes a positive value statement about older and younger people in our community.

Bookings essential

For more information visit https://blacktownartscentre.eventbrite.com.au or call 9839 6287/ 9839 6558.

Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown

Saturday 11 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim, do a few laps or take part in our 9:30am Aqua Zumba class.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9625 6360

Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, Mount Street, Mount Druitt

Saturday 11 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim or do a few laps.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9627 1496

Riverstone Swimming Centre, Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone

Sunday 12 March

Seniors Festival Lunch and Concert

12.00pm to 3.00pm

Seniors Festival 2017 concludes with a lunch and concert in the Bowman Hall. Over 400 local seniors come along and enjoy social company, a lovely lunch prepared by the local girl guides and the day wraps up with a great show. This year the show included Australia’s funniest and best ventriloquist Darren Carr and the Paul McGovern Eagles tribute show.

Bowman Hall, Campbell Street, Blacktown 

Sunday 12 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim or do a few laps.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9625 6360

Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, Mount Street, Mount Druitt

Sunday 12 March

Pool Entry – Free

Come on down to the Centre and enjoy a leisurely swim or do a few laps.

Must present seniors card at reception.

For more information call the Centre on 9627 1496

Riverstone Swimming Centre, Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone

Mount Druitt Standard -Online Edition 'Western Sydney Commuters Feel THe Heat' - Support from Transport Workers Union and Member for Mount Druitt

Commuters forced to swelter on hot buses in Sydney’s west

Marissa Georgopoulos, Mt Druitt-St Marys Standard

February 27, 2017 12:01pm

COMMUTERS are being forced to travel on swelteringly hot buses that do not have airconditioning.

While experiencing the hottest summer on record, many bus users across Mt Druitt got no respite while travelling the region.

A report compiled by Mt Druitt Commuters Improvement Group found of the 166 non-airconditioned Busways buses in NSW most were “allocated to the three Sydney depots (Blacktown, Mulgrave, Penrith),” the report read.

Resident John Svoboda said he understood “more than 30” were based at the Blacktown depot.

Mr Svoboda, former president of the commuters group, said all buses needed airconditioning, considering full fares had to be paid. He has started a Change.org petition to call for the non-airconditioned buses to be replaced as soon as possible. He said he started it after speaking with a driver who was fed-up with working in a hot bus all day.

“He told me there were a lot of bus drivers not wanting to return the buses back to the depot because it was so hot,” Mr Svoboda said.

Transport Workers Union NSW State Secretary Richard Olsen said unairconditioned buses “bordered on being unsafe for the elderly and the very young’’ in extreme heat.

There have been at least two serious incidents this year including a pregnant woman passing out and a driver who fainted on return to the depot.


“It is our view that all buses should be air conditioned in this day and age,” Mr Olsen said.

“I would estimate the (temperature) inside of a bus fully loaded with 60 passengers on a 40C-day would be quite high.”

Mt Druitt state Labor MP Edmond Atalla has backed Mr Svoboda’s call because of recent heatwaves.

“Many of the users of public transport are elderly people and the lack of airconditioned buses is a major health issue for them,” he said.

A Busways spokesman said 80 per cent of its western Sydney services were airconditioned but there were plans to upgrade them.

“Through our fleet replacement program older buses are being replaced with brand new airconditioned buses and by 2022 all services ... will be air-conditioned,” he said.

Mr Atalla said the time frame was “too long”.

Mr Svoboda said: “We are in an age where we shouldn’t have non-airconditioned buses.”

Click here for previous post

Former Mount Druitt Candidate - Fundraising For The Leukamia Foundation - Josh Green

I have received an email from Joshua Green today, former  Christian Democratic Party Candidate for the NSW seat of Mount Druitt and the Federal Seat of Chifley, is asking our community for support for a valid charity cause: Leukemia Foundation:

http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/joshuagreen

Hi,

I am taking part in the world's greatest shave in march.

I am going to be shaving my cornrows off along with 6 years worth of growth.

I am sending this as an invitation to sponsor me to help me raise a huge donation.

The money will help people who suffer from blood cancer,

which must be a terrible condition to live with.

Please click on the link above to open the website,

then click on the button that says sponsor.

Then enter my name where it says to: Joshua Green, then click on my name below.

That will take you to the page where you can make your donation.

Thank you in advance for any and all support for this great cause.

Josh

Click here for previous post from Josh Green

I will ask Josh to provide picture of  after the event, so we can see that it is 'fundraising donation' well spent.

Petition Comments So Far On Busways Unair-conditioned Buses' - 100% Community Agrees: Time To Listen To us....

Well, we have reported before how we have  'Unairconditioned buses' running in and out Mount Druitt Click here .

Comments coming from our  community Petition on 'Unairconditioned Buses' and improvement required of are so positive, that we do need to push all Stake holders, to make Mount Druitt be heard.  They need to not just listen, but listen and act. Here are the comments so far:

• The buses get very hot and uncomfortable during hot weather
• Because we are paying the same amount of fares compare to other areas. Therefore, we should get the same service. It's not because of Mount Druitt will get treated differently.
• I once lived there and I am surprised to even hear in this day and age, that the buses are not air-conditioned! Does someone in the bus co, honestly think the residents in the Mount Druitt area region doesn't deserve comfort? Shame on you.
• All buses on hot days should be air conditioned. Increasingly we will expect hot weather into the future and Busways passengers and drivers on the Central Coast still contend with about half the fleet being unairconditioned on hot school days.
• Air conditioning is essential for the frail and aged
• I completely agree, these older buses as service buses, are well past there used by date.
• This is not the only company that dose not have air con fleet sutherland shire and other area's

It is also apparent that, it is the same issue in other NSW Bus Regions as well. We will focus on our area, first, which will hopefully open the doors for other NSW Bus Region areas, to follow suit.

We have 21  people  supporting this vital petition, so far and we are looking to produce a ' hard copy' petition, to spread throughout our community and  hopefully reaching  0ver 10,000 petitioners. This petition will also included 'Unair-conditioned trains' as well and the community support to commence this petition is growing, with the support of  current local Blacktown City Councillors, and a former Blacktown City Councillor, as well.

At present click here should you wish to support this  important petition to have 100% air-conditioned buses.

Next Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Meeting 25th March 2017

Next Mt Druitt Commuters Improvement Group meeting.
Saturday 25th March 2017
10.30 am to 12.30 pm
West Tradies Club...
247 Woodstock Avenue
Dharruk 2770

All welcome.
The club is serviced by Busways Route 758 with bus stop opposite the club entrance.

Busways Blacktwown/Plumpton & Penrith Depots Worse Amount of Non-Airdconditioned Buses, within NSW Bus Rehion 1 After 25 Years - Lester- 'Mount Druitt Commuters Group'

It seems that after Lester, Secretary of the Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc. has done the number crunching figures - that Busways Blacktown (Plumpton), has the worse number of  non-airconditioned buses in their depot, within  NSW Bus region 1.

This is why Busways bus drivers are travelling in heat days complaining about not been properly looked after for comfort and want to return 'unair-conditioned buses' for air-conditioned buses.  Here is the report from Lester:

Make up of the Busways fleet in Sydney with the number of air conditioned and non-air conditioned buses allocated to the three main depots in Sydney.

Blacktown Depot.
155 buses. 46 non A/C. 109 A/C.
...

Mulgrave Depot.
50 buses. 14 non A/C. 36 A/C.
Penrith Depot.
91 buses. 38 non A/C. 53 A/C.
Pymble Head Office.
2 buses. Both A/C.
The non air-conditioned buses in the fleet entered service between 1992 and 2000.

We notice that Busways  Head Office is catered first: North of Sydney First, then Western Sydney.

I know Rome wasn't built in a day but air-conditioned buses seem to be  more than a quarter of a century to have them serviced in our area.  This takes into account if they blame NSW Transport or NDSW transport blames them.  This presents a good reason for a community petition to commence.

Click here for previous post

"Hot Topic" As Commuters and Bus Drivers Are Left "HOT" On Unairconditioned Buses in Mount Druitt - Mount Druitt Standard

It is amazing how one bus driver talking to a community advocate can create, provide and reflect the correct atmosphere that both bus drivers and commuters are facing in Mount Druitt, with unairconditioned buses.

It was stated  to me by a local community member and a 'whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Member  that a Busways Spokesperson in Penrith thinks it is a joke that the community is complaining about unairconditioned buses running in and around  Mount Druitt, within NSW Bus
Region 1.

Also stated, 'That Mount Druitt will not be able to get 100% airconditioned buses  from now because Mount Druitt never gets heard or listen too.' 

Our Face Book member  mentioned that one reason Busways hasn't been providing airconditioned buses is - no one wants to buy old buses and we, in Mount Druitt have to wait until 2022. Making negative comments of Mount Druitt by the NSW Busways spokesperson is not a positive reaction from a business company that is tendering for NSW Bus Region 1 this t  Statement could backfire to that person and Busways, one day.

We have 6 Councillors from Ward 4 & 5 Blacktown City Council that represent the community and provide the essential services and infrastructure from our Local Government  that we need in our community, so we are heard and listened too...

We have 2 NSW State Members that actively stand up for the community as a better advocate then myself and help receive services and infrastructure provided by the NSW State Government, we are heard and listened too... 

We have 1 Federal Member that stands up for the community in ensuring we receive proper services and infrastructure for our community, we are heard and listened too...

My understanding is that there may be only 4 buses in Sydney buses unairconditioned - so where is the fairness between regions - all NSW Bus regions , should have the same infrastructure and transport vehicles to provide bus driver and commuter comfort.

I am appalled that the Busways spokesperson has made this disrespectful comments of Mount Druitt and has provided the correct respect for our community that is needed. This is one of the strong reasons I am standing up for the community as a positive voice that wants to get positive results and improvements. Thank God this spokesperson is not a bureaucrat for the NSW Government.

Busways tender for the NSW Bus region Contract 1 and want to hang onto it. but by making comments against commuters and people of Mount Druitt, this should go against the future tending process.

Click here for a petition to sign at Change.org.au for 100% airconditioned buses for Mount Druitt


Just to let the community know, I am in the process working on a  hard copy petition, to support the change.org.au petition and also include requiring airconditioned trains. Keep an eye on future posts. This issue will not leave Busways or NSW Transport until Mount Druitt  has is required 100% airconditioned buses. People come first and people's comfort come first.  The more we are speaking to people, the more people want proper action on this community issue.

I've lead our community to successful petitions before and I will do it again, with the help of the community.



So now, on behalf of our community, I would like to "Thank" Marissa Georgopolous, from the Mount Druitt Standard, for her complimenting article towards our community in obtaining proper airconditioned buses in our Mount Druitt and surrounding suburbs:

22 Feb 2017

Mt Druitt - St Mary's Standard (East)

Marissa Georgopoulos

Commuters boil in buses

Petition demanding airconditioning for passengers across region gathers steam

COMMUTERS are being forced to travel on swelteringly hot buses that do not have airconditioning.

While experiencing the hottest summer on record, many bus users across Mt Druitt got no respite while travelling the region.
   
A report compiled by Mt Druitt Commuters Improvement Group found of the 166 non-airconditioned Busways buses in NSW most were “allocated to the three Sydney depots (Blacktown, Mulgrave, Penrith),” the report read.
   
Resident John Svoboda said he understood “more than 30” were based at the Blacktown depot.
Mr Svoboda, former president of the commuters group, said all buses needed airconditioning, considering full fares had to be paid. He has started a Change.org petition to call for the non-airconditioned buses to be replaced as soon as possible. He said he started it after speaking with a driver who was fed-up with working in a hot bus all day.
   

“He told me there were a lot of bus drivers not wanting to return the buses back to the depot because it was so hot,” Mr Svoboda said.
   
Mt Druitt state Labor MP Edmond Atalla has backed Mr Svoboda’s call because of recent heatwaves.
“Many of the users of public transport are elderly people and the lack of airconditioned buses is a major health issue for them,” he said.
   
A Busways spokesman said 80 per cent of its western Sydney services were airconditioned but there were plans to upgrade them. “Through our fleet replacement program older buses are being replaced with brand new airconditioned buses and by 2022 all services ... will be air-conditioned,” he said.
Mr Atalla said the time frame was “too long”.
   

Mr Svoboda said: “We are in an age where we shouldn’t have non-airconditioned buses.”

Click her for previous post