May 2011by Rockdale City Council
On Historic Botany Bay
Don’t Miss OutYour Chance to Have Your Say on the Rockdale City Plan
Burst of Energy with Youth CouncilYoung Guns Debate Improvements to Youth Services
Emergency: Triple ZeroTriple Zero Website for Kids
2
ContentsMessage from the Mayor ..................................................... 3
Make it Your Business to Back Your Local Business ........... 5
Don’t Miss Out Tell Us What You Think ............................... 6
Keeping an Eye on Building Developments ......................... 8
Emergency: Triple Zero ...................................................... 10
Fifty Years of Fashion ........................................................ 12
Calling All Job Seekers ...................................................... 13
Burst of Energy with Youth Council .................................... 14
A Greek Celebration .......................................................... 15
Our City’s Hidden Treasure ................................................ 16
Dumpers Your Days Are Numbered! .................................. 17
The Little Car That Could ................................................... 18
Flag Flies for Croatia .......................................................... 19
The Gloves Are Off ............................................................ 20
Supporting Local Business ................................................ 21
Community Events Calendar ............................................. 22
Lights, Camera, Action ....................................................... 23
3
Message from the Mayor
Welcome to the May edition of the Rockdale Review. It has been a busy few months here at Council and as we finish off autumn and enter the winter months I expect it will only get busier. In this edition you will find a short summary of the draft Rockdale City Plan 2011-2025.
The Rockdale City Plan is Council’s short, medium and long-term vision for our City. In it you will find everything you need to know about what your Council has planned for your City and the community. The City Plan is also about being transparent and open with the community.
An important part of developing the City Plan is involving the community during the consultation process. This month there will be a number of information and feedback sessions held throughout the City. Everyone is invited to these sessions.
4
Councillor Bill Saravinovski Mayor
Your input is vital to the success of the future of our City.
Finally this month, I would like to congratulate Councillor John Flowers, the newly-elected Member for Rockdale, and the re-elected Member for Kogarah, The Hon. Cherie Burton, for their successes during the recent elections for the NSW Parliament.
Both John and Cherie are fine upstanding community leaders and Council will work closely on behalf of the community with our two representatives to ensure our City gets its fair share of the pie with our new State Government.
5
Make it Your Business to Back Your Local BusinessThe 2011 Business Excellence Awards are just around the corner and Council is eager to know who you think are the best businesses in town. The Awards format will follow last year’s, with a variety of different categories and a gala dinner and ceremony to be held on Friday 26 August.
“The City of Rockdale has businesses that have been here for generations and some that have only just started. We have businesses in heavy industry, legal services, retail, real estate and fine wine and food. We are a diverse City that is a one-stop-shop for everything you could possibly need,” Mayor Bill Saravinovski said.
Next month’s Rockdale Review will have all the details you need to know to nominate your favourite local business.
6
Council would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to residents who participated in the various community engagement activities and gave their input on Council services, facilities, infrastructure, development and planning matters, environment, communication and advocacy.
Thanks to your input, Council has developed the Draft Rockdale City Plan 2011-2025. Now it is your turn to tell us whether Council has got it right.
From Thursday 5 May to Thursday 2 June 2011 people are encouraged to make comments on this draft Plan. During this time the draft Plan will be on display at Council’s Customer Service Centre, at all Rockdale City library branches and online at www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au
Interested people are encouraged to contribute via Council’s portal or email your feedback to [email protected] Alternatively you can write to Council at PO Box 21, Rockdale NSW 2216 or fax on 9562 1777.
Meet and Greet with Council at the Community Information and Feedback BoothsCouncil will be holding eight booths across the City (see adjacent dates). Everyone is invited to come and review the draft City Plan, speak with Council staff about the City Plan and provide your feedback. For more information call 9562 1666.
Don’t Miss Out Tell Us What You Think
7
Venue Day & Date TimeRockdale - Rockdale Plaza, (near Franklins)
Thursday12 May
4pm to8pm
Bexley North - Nairn Gardens, Cnr Bexley and Slade Roads
Saturday14 May
10am to1pm
Ramsgate - Ramsgate Beach Plaza, (car park, Alfred Street)
Tuesday17 May
12 noon to4pm
Rockdale - Rockdale Town Hall,Cnr Bryant Street and Princes Highway
Thursday19 May
10am to1pm
Arncliffe - Town Centre,Cr Belmore and Firth Streets
Friday20 May
1pm to4pm
Dolls Point - Peter Depena Reserve, (access from Russell Avenue car park)
Sunday22 May
8:30am to 10:30am
Bexley - Rathbone Reserve, Cnr Oriental Street and Forest Road
Wednesday25 May
11:30am to 3:30pm
Brighton Le Sands, Cnr Trafalgar and Bay Streets
Saturday28 May
1pm to4pm
What’s the Draft City Plan All About?The draft Plan is broken down into individual sections: the Community Strategic Plan 2011-2025, the Delivery Program 2011-2015 and the Operational Plan 2011-12. The Community Strategic Plan is Council’s blueprint for the long-term goals for our City ie where you would like Rockdale City to be in 2025. The Delivery Program is Council’s four year action plan designed to help Council achieve these long-term goals. The Operational Plan is a year-long plan of the activities it will undertake during the coming financial year. The City Plan also tells you how Council’s progress will be measured and how and when we will report back to you.
8
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, Council has adopted the Environmental Enforcement Levy as part of its Management Plan. This levy will enable Council to provide essential regulatory services.
Changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) introduced the role of Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) and allowed owners to appoint either Council or a Private Certifier to carry out building inspections.
Keeping an Eye on Building Developments
9
Council has a general regulatory role relating to the protection of the environment, safety and amenity of the City. This is not the responsibility of the Private Certifier acting as the PCA.
The Environmental Enforcement Levy covers costs associated with investigating complaints or conducting audits associated with development under construction or after completion. Once a PCA has issued an Occupation Certificate, they take no further part in the development. It is Council’s role to follow up any subsequent problems.
During the construction phase, where Council is not the PCA, Council will still deal with complaints. We may refer these initially to the PCA but in many cases we will undertake an investigation or chase up the matter when the PCA’s response is judged inadequate. If the PCA issues a notice of intention to serve an order, Council may still be required to follow up the order or other action.
As part of Council’s Charter, we are always seeking to improve our City’s environment.
10
Emergency: Triple ZeroThe abundance of overseas TV shows showcasing the emergency number of their country, has led to some confusion in our community as to what number to call in an emergency.
In Australia, the number to call in an emergency is triple zero. You should call triple zero:
When someone is seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help
Your life or property is being threatened
When you have witnessed a serious accident or crime
Triple zero calls are free. When you dial triple zero the operator will ask you: “Police, Ambulance or Fire?”.
11
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact the police, fire or ambulance services on 106 directly through a TTY (also known as a Teletypewriter or Textphone) or computer. It is not possible to contact emergency services using SMS on your mobile telephone or by using a fixed line phone via the 106 number.
If a person is unable to speak English, during an emergency they should still call triple zero and say either ‘Police’, ‘Ambulance’ or ‘Fire’. Once connected to the nominated emergency service, they should stay on the line while a translator is organised. Teach your children and overseas visitors how to make an emergency call.
The Triple Zero website has a fun interactive children’s game to teach children when and how to make an emergency call. Visit www.triplezero.gov.au
12
Fifty Years of FashionIn 1961 the latest in fashion ‘must haves’ included splashy and vibrant colour contrasts, tweeds and printed silks. Fast forward to 2011; dress lengths have shortened and necklines have plunged. Throughout this period, Dicksons Fashions on the Princes Highway near Bay Street in Rockdale, has been serving customers from far and wide.
On Friday 1 April, Mayor Bill Saravinovski dropped in to the shop and congratulated siblings John, Marie and Janette Dickson on celebrating their 50 years in business and presented them with a Certificate of Recognition. “Dicksons Fashions is a family-owned and run business that attracts customers both locally and from afar,” the Mayor said.
“John, Marie and Janette have done an amazing job to keep their fashion and shoe shops running for as long as they have. In 50 years, through good times and bad, this business has remained an institution in the Rockdale business landscape. They truly are an inspiration to all new businesses in the area,” the Mayor said.
The Mayor with Marie, Janette and John Dickson with their local customers, celebrating 50 years in business.
13
Calling All Job SeekersThe St George Migrant Resource Centre, with the support of Rockdale, Kogarah and Hurstville City Councils is proud to present the third annual St George and Sutherland Employment and Training Expo.
This unique event is tailored for our residents from ethnically diverse backgrounds and it will be held on Thursday 19 May, 10am to 1pm at Rockdale Town Hall, Corner Bryant Street and Princes Highway, Rockdale.
Job seekers at the Expo will have the chance to connect and meet with representatives from employment, recruitment and training service providers for information and advice on work and training opportunities. The Expo will be followed by a week of workshops.
14
The first meeting of the Youth Council took place last month and the abundance of energy emanating from the Council Chambers as the 14 young ambassadors debated our City’s youth issues was inspiring. The Youth Council met with the Rockdale City Councillors where ideas and thoughts were exchanged all evening.
Some of the ideas the Youth Council discussed included hosting a youth orientated short film competition and festival, holding an energetic day of diverse dance workshops in the Rockdale Town Hall and other ways of engaging and enhancing opportunities for local young people to showcase their talents.
“Formed in February, the Youth Council has hit the ground running, representing the interests and aspirations of local young people throughout the City,” Mayor Bill Saravinovski said.
Rockdale City’s Youth Council members are: Snezana Gorgieva, Adriana Tsounsis, Tamara Ilievski, Delia Yan, Jessica Lou, Rocco Dimarti, Aaron Paul Kostantakis, Jesse Hanna, Alexandra Ilievski, Caroline Lancaster, Selma Husovic, Aileen Wong, Zien Zienab and Nathan Stares.
The Youth Council met with the Rockdale CityCouncillors and exchanged ideas about improving services for the City’s youth.
Burst of Energy with Youth Council
15
A Greek CelebrationAn overwhelming sense of pride was present in Council’s forecourt on Friday 25 March to celebrate Greece’s National Day of Independence. The City of Rockdale is home to a significant Greek-Australian population. Councillor Angelo Anestis, a proud Greek himself, organised a flag-raising ceremony. Mayor Bill Saravinovski joined Councillor Anestis and a small group of the City’s Greek-Australian population.
Mayor Bill Saravinovski said flag-raisings symbolised the unique and wonderful cultural diversity of our City and helped remind residents of their cultural backgrounds.
“Each year Council hosts a number of flag-raising ceremonies. In the past we have held flag-raisings for Croatia, Lebanon, Macedonia and Serbia. It’s about recognising our diversity and the many people who have shaped our City,” the Mayor said.
16
Our City’s Hidden TreasureTake a journey East all the way to the end of Bryant Street in Rockdale and you will discover the Sheralee Caravan Park. The Sheralee Caravan Park is the closest caravan park to the Sydney CBD and boasts a community atmosphere like no other.
Louise, the park’s operator and owner for over 20 years, said Sheralee has residents who have been there since the early ‘80s and all the permanent residents keep an eye on each other and many get together for BBQs and drinks.
Its convenient location, coupled with its quiet and picturesque setting, make this local tourist destination popular with interstate travellers and long-term holiday makers.
Smoke Alarms Now Compulsory for Caravans and CampervansThe Rockdale Review journeyed down to the caravan park to announce the NSW Government’s introduction of compulsory smoke alarms for caravans and campervans. Smoke alarms cost as little $15 and could save your life in the event of fire. For more information visit the Fire and Rescue NSW website at www.fire.nsw.gov.au
Sheralee Caravan Park’s owner, Louise, said her caravan park is the closest place to the Sydney CBD to park your caravan or campervan.
17
Council’s undercover camera has been working overtime catching illegal dumpers. Soon a number of prosecutions will take place and Mayor Bill Saravinovski is warning dumpers that they will be caught.
“Council is winning this war on illegal dumpers. Our portable CCTV camera is catching crooks each week and with hefty fines and possible jail time at stake, illegal dumpers know the risks,” Mayor Bill Saravinovski said.
The portable camera can be anywhere at anytime. People who generate excess household or building waste can contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666 to find out how to correctly dispose of their waste.
Dumpers Your Days Are Numbered!
Smile for the camera boys! Illegal dumpers are being caught each week with Council’s hidden CCTV camera.
18
On Friday 20 May local duo John Carigliano and his daughter Marie will jump in their 42-year-old Fiat 500 and join dozens of other Italian car enthusiasts to drive 1200km to Melbourne, turn around and drive back again, all in the name of charity.John and Marie are participating in the Italian Connection charity car rally. This year they will be raising funds for the little-known but extremely worthwhile charity, the Duchenne Foundation. The Foundation was established to help find a cure for a terminal disease which affects young males, whose life expectancy is usually less than 20 years. John has competed in the rally before, but in much more modern vehicles. The air-cooled Fiat with a scooter-sized engine will be laden with spare parts, hopefully not be used during the long journey. This year John and Marie hope to raise $5000 which will go towards a combined total of $50,000 the rally organisers are predicting to raise.If you would like to make a donation to this worthy cause, call Gina Carigliano (John’s wife) at Revive Day Spa and Health Centre on 9567 6133 or email [email protected]
This little red Fiat will take Brighton residents, John and his daughter Marie, from Sydney to Melbourne and back, all in the name of charity.
The Little Car That Could
19
FlAG FlIES FOR CROATIAThe City’s Croatian community banded together last month for a flag raising ceremony, held in the Council building forecourt.
The Hon. Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane MLC (pictured front and centre with the flag) said flag raisings gave the City’s diverse community an opportunity to celebrate their heritage and share their cultural background with the greater community.
20
The Gloves Are OffCouncil has declared war on weeds in our bushland and wetland areas. In recent months we have stepped up in this fight against these unwanted plants like we never have before.
The City’s bushland and wetlands provide habitats to a wide range of native flora and fauna species including over 25 threatened or migratory species. Weeds are one of the major threats to our natural environment. They have the potential to destroy native habitats, threaten native plants and animals and choke waterways.
Targeted weed eradication projects are currently underway in the Bardwell Valley, Civic Ave Reserve (Patmore Swamp), Eve Street Wetlands, Coolibah Reserve, and the Hawthorne Street Natural Area. Work is also currently being planned for Scott Park. To reduce the disruption to the native animals, weed removal will be staggered over different targeted areas.
“Areas that were once overrun by weeds are seeing a lively comeback with native plants, after successful weeding programs,” Mayor Bill Saravinovski said.
“We know that with the right strategies and with an aggressive offensive in place, Council’s weeding programs are working. Council is determined to win this war and take back our native bush and wetland reserves to ensure the long-term survival of our native flora and fauna,” the Mayor said.
Council also has a number of bushcare groups working throughout the City who provide a valuable service in helping to maintain the City’s natural environment. If you are interested in finding out more about bushcare please contact Council’s Environmental Project Officer Madeline Hourihan on 9562 1663.
21
SuPPORTING lOCAl BuSINESSCouncil is committed to the growth and prosperity of our local businesses, which is why the Rockdale Review has a regular column devoted to promoting different local businesses throughout the City. Each business also has an accompanying short film which can be viewed at www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au
Mother’s Delite14/20 Sarsfield Circuit, Bexley North, phone 9150 7101
Delicious healthy, home-style food Can cater for events for up to 200 people Freshly made coffee
22
Community Events CalendarCouncil Meeting When Wednesday 18 May, 6:30pm
Where Council Chambers, upstairs from the Library in the Rockdale Town Hall. Corner of the Princes Highway and Bryant Street, Rockdale
Call Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666
St George and Sutherland Employment and Training ExpoWhen Thursday 19 May, 10am-1pm
Where Rockdale Town Hall. Corner of the Princes Highway and Bryant Street, Rockdale
Call Kim Chung or Mariam Hii at The St George Migrant Resource Centre on 9597 5455 or email [email protected]
Rockdale City Fun Run and WalkWhen Sunday 22 May, 8:30am
Where Peter Depena Reserve, Dolls Point
Call Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666
23
Wat
ch th
ese
late
st v
ideo
s on
ww
w.ro
ckda
le.n
sw.g
ov.a
u
Ligh
ts, C
amer
a, A
ctio
n
Customer Service Centre
9562 1666www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au
Council’s Customer Service Centre is open on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm
This document contains important information about Rockdale City Council. If you do not understand, please
visit Council's Customer Service Centre at 2 Bryant Street Rockdale on Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Council Staff will be happy to arrange interpreter services for you. You may also contact Telephone Interpreter Services on 131 450 and ask them to ring Rockdale
City Council on 9562 1666 on your behalf.
This is a large print version of our regular Newsletter.
2 Bryant Street Rockdale NSW 2216 PO Box 21 Rockdale NSW 2216
Tel: 02 9562 1666 - Fax: 02 9562 1777Email: [email protected]
DX 25308 Rockdale
