MAYOR’S MESSAGE I was interested to read in the North Shore Times the story of Saeed Fassaie, an Iranian immigrant who came to Australia around 30 years ago. Mr Fassaie has published a memoir detailing his journey to Australia as a 17 year old. Although not a refugee, he initially struggled in his new life here but overcame his difficulties to become a successful Australian and raise a family who are also contributing positively to Australia.

Every month, I am honoured to confer Australian citizenship on upwards of 80 Ku-ring-gai residents who have decided to call Australia their home. Some have been refugees. Everyone has a story to tell. Like you, I have been touched by the plight of refugees escaping into Europe from Syria. Many are families with young children, often fatherless and fending for themselves as best they can. I applaud the federal government’s announcement that Australia will take an additional 12,000 refugees, most of whom will settle in Victoria or New South Wales. In Sydney, most refugees will go where there are established migrant support services, but these will be stretched with this additional intake.

As the story of Mr Fassaie shows, new migrants and refugees initially need support but are driven to succeed and are overwhelmingly loyal to Australia. Ku-ring-gai is a

compassionate community with a long tradition of helping those less fortunate, underlined by the fact that in 2003, Ku-ring-gai Council declared itself a ‘refugee welcome zone’.

Council staff tell me there are already local organisations and individuals helping refugees. Some are teaching English and providing outreach services such as trauma counselling. Others are assisting refugees to navigate their way around various government departments, basic medical services or the school enrolment process.

This week Councillors approved a Ku-ring-gai initiative to provide ‘welcome packs’ to the refugee families arriving over the next 18 months. We are inviting our residents to contribute to these welcome packs, which will contain the basic items families need to begin a new life. We understand that toiletries, baby food, children’s books and toys and nappies are a priority.

More details of how these items will be collected will be provided via the Council website shortly. I believe there is overwhelming goodwill towards these refugees and together, we can extend the hand of friendship and help to make their lives in a new country so much easier.

Cheryl Szatow, Mayor of Ku-ring-gai E mayor@kmc.nsw.gov.au | F facebook.com/MayorCherylSzatow | P 9424 0709

kmc.nsw.gov.au | 9424 0000

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NEXT COUNCIL MEETING7pm Tuesday 27 OctoberAll welcome

Development consents

DA0267/15 38 Yarrara Road WEST PYMBLE

Alterations and additions including extension of existing garage to create new tandem garage

DA0155/15 10 Belgium Avenue ROSEVILLE

Alterations and additions, new swimming pool with decks and associated landscaping - heritage conservation area

DA0052/15 105 Grandview Street PYMBLE

Alterations and extension of existing brothel to ground floor and extend operating hours from 9am to 12am

DA0312/15 10 Culworth Avenue KILLARA Convert garage to retreat and extend laundry

DA0303/15 57 Bobbin Head Road TURRAMURRA

Demolition of existing garage and construction of new garage

DA0211/15 61 Archbold Road ROSEVILLE

Alterations and additions including new carport - heritage conservation area

DA0192/15 42 Moore Street ROSEVILLE

Demolish carport, build new carport and pool - heritage conservation area

The above development consents are available for public inspection free of charge at Ku-ring-gai Council or online datracking.kmc.nsw.gov.au

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The above development applications are available for public inspection free of charge at Ku-ring-gai Council or online datracking.kmc.nsw.gov.au

Development applications under assessment - Submissions close 9 November 2015DA Applicant Address DescriptionDA0418/15 ANHF 25, 25A & 27

Bushlands Avenue GORDON

Demolish structures (except dwelling at 25 Bushlands Avenue), construct a residential aged care facility, basement parking and landscaping works (SEPP Seniors Living) (interim heritage order)

REV0003/15 Gelder Architecture

67-71 Archbold Road ROSEVILLE

Review of DA0223/14 proposing alterations and additions to existing 3 dwellings and construct 8 apartments (to create 11 dwellings) for seniors living including basement parking - heritage conservation area

Free e-waste recycling weekendDispose of your unwanted e-waste in an environmentally friendly way on October 17 & 18, 9am - 4pm at St Ives Showground. Accepted: all computers, laptops, monitors, TVs, printers, DVD and video players, cameras, hifi equipment, gaming consoles and other computer-related devices. Not accepted: white goods, air conditioners, general kitchen and household appliances, damaged screens/overhead projectors or UPS units, batteries, lightglobes and tubes, cardboard and packing foam, smoke detectors, other hazardous waste. Mobile phones can be recycled at Council libraries. Learn more: kmc.nsw.gov.au/computerrecycling

Composting and worm farming workshop Did you know up to half an average household waste bin can be compostable food waste? Come to a free workshop on Thursday 5 November, 10am-1pm at the Kimbriki Eco Garden, Terrey Hills and learn how to reduce your waste while creating natural fertiliser for your garden. Bookings: 9424 0919.

Free events for National Carers Week To acknowledge and celebrate carers in the Ku-ring-gai community we are holding the following two free events: Acrylic painting class at Ku-ring-gai Art Centre on Tuesday 13 October, and Life skills seminar at Council Chambers on Wednesday 14 October Booking are essential and subject to numbers. For more info visit kmc.nsw.gov.au/whatson

Ku-ring-gai Australia Day awards now open The awards aim to recognise local residents who have demonstrated excellent citizenship and contribution to the people of Ku-ring-gai or the wider community. They might be your neighbours, colleagues or family members who volunteer for charity work, a local business or a young person striving to become a leader for tomorrow. Nominations close Friday 13 November. Learn more: kmc.nsw.gov.au/citizen

PUBLIC EXHIBITIONPlanning proposal to include additional heritage items and an additional heritage conservation areaComments are sought on the planning proposal to include additional heritage items and an additional heritage conservation area. The planning proposal seeks modification of the Ku-ring-gai Local Environmental Plan 2015 (KLEP 2015) to include 75 additional heritage items and 1 heritage conservation area (11-33 Bobbin Head Road, Pymble) in Schedule 5 and on the Heritage Map. The document is on public exhibition from Friday 9 October to Friday 6 November 2015. Written comments must quote reference S10654 and be received by 5pm Friday 6 November 2015.

HOW TO COMMENT ON PUBLIC EXHIBITIONSMaterial on public exhibition can be viewed at Ku-ring-gai Council, 818 Pacific Highway, Gordon, Ku-ring-gai Council Libraries or at kmc.nsw.gov.au/exhibition All comments must be in writing and received by the closing date. Email your feedback to kmc@kmc.nsw.gov.au or mail to The General Manager, Ku-ring-gai Council, Locked Bag 1006, Gordon NSW 2072, quoting any relevant reference number. All submissions are public documents and will be considered in a final report to Council.Enquiries: 9424 0000

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