October 2012by Rockdale City Council

On Historic Botany Bay

Food ‘n’ GrooveA Celebration of Music, Food and Dance

Election ResultsRockdale Gets Eight New Councillors

Citizen of the YearNominate Your Local Hero

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ContentsMessage from the Mayor ..................................................... 3

Eight New Councillors for Rockdale ..................................... 5

Food ‘n’ Groove ................................................................... 6

River Health Care ................................................................ 7

Nominate Your Local Hero ................................................... 8

Improving Community Facilities ........................................... 9

Dougherty Awards ............................................................. 10

Rockdale Meals Service .................................................... 11

Think Global Film Local ..................................................... 12

Magpie Nesting Areas ....................................................... 13

Traffic Restrictions ............................................................. 14

Focusing on Ability ............................................................. 15

Motorcycle Safety .............................................................. 16

Fire Prevention ................................................................... 17

Rockdale Community Nursery ........................................... 18

Spotlight On Local Business .............................................. 19

Lights, Camera, Action ....................................................... 19

Community Events Calendar ............................................ 20

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Message from the Mayor

It is a great honour to serve as Mayor of our City. The next four years promise to be an exciting time for Rockdale.

We will continue to work to revitalise our Town Centres and develop the new master plan for Rockdale. The delivery by Council of the Bexley Swimming and Leisure Centre and the new Central Library are challenges that if met will deliver great benefit to our community.

It is my intention to build on the work of Council to ensure that these important community projects are a reality, not a lost opportunity.

We are in a unique position to deliver these projects as a result of four years of hard work by our previous Council.

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For this I wish to acknowledge the leadership of former Mayor, Bill Saravinovski and Deputy Mayor, James Macdonald and the commitment of our previous Councillors.

I look forward to working with our new Deputy Mayor, Liz Barlow, all Councillors, staff and our community to ensure Rockdale remains a strong, diverse multicultural City of which we can all be proud.

Please join me and other Councillors in celebrating our cultural diversity at Food ‘n’ Groove on Saturday 27 October.

Councillor Shane O’Brien Mayor

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The 2012 Council election results have been finalised. This year 8 new Councillors were elected. The new Councillors are Andrew Tsounis, Mark Hanna, Tarek Ibrahim, Nicholas Mickovski, Petros Kalligas, Lydia Sedrak, Paul Sedrak and Ron Bezic.The new Council held its first meeting on 26 September 2012. One of the first tasks of the new Council was electing the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.The new Mayor is Councillor Shane O’Brien, and Councillor Liz Barlow was elected Deputy Mayor. Both were elected unopposed.The outgoing Mayor Councillor Bill Saravinovski thanked staff and Councillors for their support during the last term of Council.The new Mayor, Councillor Shane O’Brien, affirmed his commitment to working cooperatively with colleagues and Council staff to deliver the community's City Plan. The next four years will be busy and exciting as the program of major works and infrastructure improvements continues.Congratulations to all our new and returning Councillors.

Eight New Councillors for Rockdale

Mayor Shane O’Brien and Deputy Mayor Liz Barlow will be working closely with the new Council.

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Rockdale City Council’s active participation in the Georges River Combined Councils Committee (GRCCC) is helping to improve the health of waterways that flow into Botany Bay.

The 2011/12 GRCCC’s Riverkeeper Program saw:

✦ 4,580kgs of rubbish removed from 9 sites in the Rockdale LGA along the Botany Bay foreshore and Scarborough Ponds (Rockdale’s wetland corridor).

✦ Bush regeneration along waterways (mainly weed removal) at over 5,715 square metres in Sans Souci, Sandringham, Kyeemagh Beach Dunes, Cook Park, and Brighton le Sands.

The Riverkeeper Program coordinates volunteers and Corrective Services work teams to perform rubbish collection and bush regeneration throughout the Georges River catchment area, which includes the southern part of the Rockdale LGA.

Through this partnership, Rockdale City Council is also involved in a Community River Health Monitoring Program in the Georges and Cooks River Catchments. This program encourages community volunteers to help monitor key sites.

Council is also undertaking a year-long water quality monitoring program at 17 sites to better understand our water quality, identify issues, and carry out actions to improve our local waterways.

River Health Care

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The first Rockdale Citizen of the Year Award was made in 1976. Each year since then Rockdale City Council has recognised community members who have made a difference to the City.

Other categories were introduced and in 1995 the first Sportsperson of the Year was recognised. In 1997 Council made its first Young Citizen of the Year award.

These Awards also give you the opportunity to nominate someone from the community who has made an exceptional contribution in community services, sport, charity, education, environment, the arts, humanitarian work - or other initiative that enhanced the quality of the City of Rockdale.

Previous winners include:

✦ Kostya Tszyu – Four-time World Light Welterweight Champion Boxer.

✦ David Hall – Australia’s greatest Wheelchair Tennis Player who competed in four Paralympic Games.

✦ Clinton Hill – Former Olympian athlete.

The Mayor of the City of Rockdale will announce the winners at an official Australia Day Presentation to be held on Saturday 26 January 2013.

There is still time to get your nominations in. Applications close on Wednesday 31 October.

Nominations forms are available from Council's Customer Service Centre, Rockdale City Branch Libraries and Council’s website www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Nominate Your Local Hero

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The safety of our community is a top priority for Council. Under our recent Capital Works Program a number of projects have been undertaken including upgrading the intersection of Market and King Streets to install a pedestrian crossing.

Drainage has also been improved with the upgrade. Previously when it rained heavily, the drains could not cope and water built up, making it unsafe for pedestrians to cross. Now heavy rain won’t be an issue.

The new crossing is designed so people in wheelchairs and parents with prams can easily cross it, as well as the elderly and young. This project has received positive feedback from residents and local business owners.

A new pedestrian crossing was installed in George Street and a new road, Bidjigal Road, was created in Arncliffe.

Improving Community Facilities

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Dougherty AwardsRockdale City Council received two highly commended awards at the prestigious Dougherty Awards ceremony held on Wednesday 15 August 2012.

The Dougherty Awards – the highest accolade a NSW Council can receive in the area of communications – recognises Councils who actively engage with their communities.

The two awards won by Council were for:

✦ New Year’s Eve Family Fireworks Event Control Plan.

✦ Emergency Dial Triple Zero and Surprise Navy Workouts community awareness videos.

The videos can be seen on www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au

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Rockdale Meals Service celebrated National Meals on Wheels Day on Thursday 30 August 2012

The event was attended by Rockdale City Council’s General Manager Meredith Wallace; Corporate and Community Director Amanda Spalding as well as volunteers and clients.

Ngaire Woellner – still volunteering after 50 years – was honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation for her dedicated commitment.

“It never feels like work. The satisfaction and joy I receive when I chat with clients has never diminished,” said Ngaire who has seen a few changes over the years.

Rockdale Meals Service started in 1962 with meals prepared in cooperation with the Bexley RSL Club. In 1986 Council built a new commercial kitchen to accommodate increased demand.

The Rockdale Meals Service is not just about food. It’s about social interaction and friendship - something not found in pre-packaged supermarket meals.

For more information contact Prue Daras, Coordinator Rockdale Meals Service on 9502 3198.

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Come and be entertained by a unique blend of eco-tainment, compelling stories, passionate people and the natural world.

Rockdale, Kogarah and Hurstville City Councils invite you to the Think Global/Film Local St George Environmental Film Festival.

From 3pm come and settle in, grab a complimentary drink and some nibbles while listening to some live sounds and being inspired by our eco crowd entertainers. The show kicks off with Bernie Hobb’s Planet Slayer, a fun and interactive take on global warming, followed by half an hour of family friendly short environmental films from around the world.

For the grand finale the winning short films from the Think Global/Film Local St George short environmental film competition will be screened and the winners announced.

Sunday 18 November, 3pm - 6pm Brighton RSL, 321 Bay St, Brighton Le Sands

MC is Bernie Hobbs, popular judge from ABC TV’s The New Inventors and ABC Radio science guru.

To ensure your seats please RSVP to 9562 1663. Everyone is welcome!

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During spring, magpies become very protective of their chicks and can swoop on people passing their nests.

If you encounter an aggressive bird there are some things you can do:

Do not provoke the birds

Hold an umbrella above your head to deter attacks

Avoid the nesting sites and if possible, take a alternate route

Wear a hat and/or sunglasses, or an old ice cream bucket on your head

Dismount if on a bike to avoid falling off, and move away quickly

Warn others about magpie territories

Magpies are protected in NSW. It is against the law to kill the birds, collect their eggs or harm their young.

Magpies, like any other native animal, are wild animals and should not be fed. It is detrimental to their health and encourages them to be a nuisance.

If you find an injured bird, call WIRES on 1300 094 737.

Magpie Nesting Areas

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Right Turn Restrictions in Bay Street, Brighton Le Sands, Summer Weekend Nights

‘No Right Turn’ rules from Bay Street into The Grand Parade, Brighton Le Sands will be in place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, starting from Friday 5 October 2012 to Monday 1 April 2013 between the hours of 8pm and 5am.

Alternate routes are available via Moate Avenue, Bestic Street and Crawford Road.

For further information contact Council’s Traffic & Road Safety Section on 9562 1666.

Traffic Restrictions

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Focusingon AbilityThe Rockdale branch of NOVA Employment opened in 2010. NOVA works exclusively with people who have a disability or other significant barrier to work and finds employment for them in the general community at award wage.

“We understand the employment needs of the local business community and work with employers to find the right person to meet their requirements. We also have a very good relationship with local schools,” said Mariana Maleva, manager of the Rockdale branch.

NOVA recently placed candidates in a number of local businesses.

Rockdale City Council Libraries is also employing two year 12 students through NOVA. The students are assisting staff in a number of library duties while gaining valuable work experience in a supportive environment.

Nova Employment currently has 85 job seekers looking for roles in the local Community.

NOVA also operates a number of programs including Disability Employment Service (DES), a registered training organisation (NOVA Training) and ‘Transition to Work’ a New South Wales State Government initiative.

For more information call Mariana Maleva on 9567 5621.

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Breakfast Torque, first started in 2004, has grown to become a major event for the local motorcycle community. This year Breakfast Torque will be on Sunday 28 October.

The event, which attracts over 1000 people, includes free breakfast for riders, stalls, riding demonstrations, simulated crash scenes, show bikes, prizes and displays. “Jonesy” from 101.7 WSFM will once again be the guest MC.

Held at Loftus Oval, Princes Hwy, Loftus (near the Royal National Park entrance) the event kicks off at 8am with “A Hard Ride” charity ride leaving at 1:30pm.

For more information call Council’s Road Safety Officer, Sue Watson, on 9562 1701.

Motorcycle Safety

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Fire PreventionIf you smoke in bed, you risk your life. It’s so easy to accidentally fall asleep with a lit cigarette and soon your room can be engulfed in flames.

Also don’t piggyback double adaptors onto powerboards. Overloading powerboards can easily result in a fire. To see how disastrous this can be, watch ‘Fire Kills Help Prevent It Part 5’ on Council’s website. This was filmed under very strict conditions by Fire & Rescue NSW, so don’t try this at home.

Daylight Savings Time starts on Sunday 7 October, so remember to change your smoke alarm battery. Only working smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms should be placed near bedrooms, not near the kitchen as smoke and steam from cooking can set them off.

It can take only three minutes for a fire to really take hold, but just seconds to prevent one. Learn about the fire risks in your home by doing a home fire safety audit at www.homefiresafetyaudit.com.au If a fire starts in your home, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).

For these and more safety tips, you can watch a series of videos on Council’s website www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au called ‘Fire Kills, Help Prevent It’.

These videos feature local firefighters and were made in cooperation with Fire & Rescue NSW.

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FREE NATivE SEEDLiNGSTo collect your two (2) free native plant tube stock,

present this voucher to Rockdale Community Nursery staff during opening hours, between 17-29 November 2012.

Limited numbers apply, don’t miss out. This voucher can only be redeemed once.

SpRiNG iNTO GARDENiNGThe Rockdale Community Nursery suggests the following spring gardening tips:✿ Petunias, marigolds, parsley, cucumbers and tomatoes are

good to plant in early spring.✿ Take spent flowers off annuals to prevent fungal disease.✿ Mulch to improve soil quality and protect shallow root

systems from summer heat. ✿ Repair dead lawn patches by replanting healthy runners

and light fertilising.✿ Re-pot plants in early spring.✿ The middle of spring is best for fertilising citrus plants as

they are setting fruit.

Helping Special Australians Help Themselves

41 Beach St, Kogarah NSW 2217 - Tel: (02) 9553 7346 Email: rcnursery@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Monday to Friday 7:30am-3:45pm, Saturday 9am-2pm

Rockdale Community Nursery

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Fire Kills, Help Prevent It

(Part 5)Admire Florist & Gifts

Lights, Camera, Action

Watch these latest videos on www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Looking for a special invitation or bomboniere? They can make invitations for your special occasion or you can buy the individual items and create something at home.

379 Forest Road, Bexley, phone 9599 9955 www.trulymadlydeeply.com.au

S P O T L I G H T O N L O C A L B U S I N E S S

Truly, Madly, Deeply

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Journaling to Your Heart’s ContentA workshop by Marilyn Roberts. Use your journal writing to revel in your triumphs, grow from your struggles and use your story to entertain, inspire and empower others.When Friday 12 October, 2pm – 3pmWhere Rockdale City Library, 448 Princes Hwy, RockdaleCall Natalie Gray on 9562 1821 – Bookings essential as

places are limited--------------------------------------------------------------------------Council’s National Ride2Work DayFree breakfast for the participants.When Wednesday 17 October, 8:30 – 9amWhere Nature’s Script Café, 452 Princes Hwy, RockdaleVisit ride2work.com.au and go into the draw for a range

of fantastic prizes--------------------------------------------------------------------------Author Talk A talk by Robin De Crespigny on her book The People Smuggler. Free entry with light refreshments provided.When Friday 26 October, 1pm – 2pmWhere Rockdale City Library, 448 Princes Hwy, RockdaleCall Natalie Gray on 9562 1821 – Bookings essential as

places are limited--------------------------------------------------------------------------Bexley public School – Open DayCelebrating the school’s 125 year anniversary with guided tours, cake cutting ceremony and a display of memorabilia.When Saturday 27 October, 10am – 2pmWhere 330-354 Forest Road, Bexley

Community Events Calendar

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Breakfast Torque – Motorcycle Safety EventWhen Sunday 28 October, 8am – 1pmWhere Loftus Oval, Princes Highway, Loftus

(near entrance to Royal National Park)Call Sue Watson on 9562 1701 for more information--------------------------------------------------------------------------Migrant information DaySettlement information for new arrivals – housing, health, education, employment and more.When Wednesday 31 October, 10am – 1pmWhere King Street Place, Corner Princes Highway and

King Street, RockdaleCall 9597 5455 for more information--------------------------------------------------------------------------Sans Souci public School – Biannual School FairA wonderful, family event with stalls, rides, entertainment and food.When Saturday 10 November, all dayWhere Rocky Point Road, Sans SouciCall Effie Fotiou on 04230 946 812--------------------------------------------------------------------------Grandparents’ Mornings at the LibraryCalling grandpas and grandmas to join us for special Storytimes during October and November, 11am – 12 noonCall Rockdale City Library on 9562 1821

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: rcc@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

DX 25308 Rockdale

Events in Rockdale City