There are two critical issues I want to discuss in this month’s edition of the Rockdale Review. The first is the current policing situation in our City. You will probably have heard that the State Government has decided to close the Rockdale Police Station.

Council will be lobbying the NSW Minister for Police, The Hon. Tony Kelly, to use the funds from the sale of the police station for the implementation of a mobile police station. This will give police greater flexibility to utilise their resources and increase their presence on our streets. You can read more about the local policing strategy inside this edition of the Rockdale Review.

Secondly I would like to highlight the need for the State Government to introduce Container Deposit Legislation (CDL) and implement a deposit/refund system on beverage containers. The introduction of a scheme like South Australia’s provides an opportunity for the creation of additional jobs, and the community and charitable organisations, such as scouts groups, will gain from this both economically and environmentally.

South Australia’s recycling rate has doubled since the system was introduced over 30 years ago. A deposit/refund scheme can pay for itself if executed correctly. If our State Government is serious about climate change then it will introduce CDL.

Councillor Judy FeeneyLiberal C/o Rockdale City Council PO Box 21 Rockdale NSW 2216 M 0434 600 053E jfeeney@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Joe AwadaLabor PO Box A343 Arncliffe NSW 2205 T/F 9567 9737 M 0438 223 600 E jawada@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Liz BarlowIndependent 40 Grantham Street Carlton NSW 2218 T 9553 9681 F 9553 9689 M 0417 490 882 E lbarlow@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

First Ward

Second Ward

Third Ward

Fourth Ward

Fifth Ward

Your Councillors

Councillor Bill Saravinovski, Mayor

Councillor Peter PoulosLiberalDeputy Mayor PO Box 136 Bexley NSW 2207 T/F 9599 4743 M 0416 101 663 E ppoulos@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Jan Brennan Liberal PO Box 6 Arncliffe NSW 2205 T/F 9597 7185 M 0412 388 563

Councillor Yvonne Bellamy JPIndependent 95 Canonbury Grove Bexley North NSW 2207 T 9554 3974 F 9554 9541

Councillor Angelo AnestisLabor C/o Rockdale City Council PO Box 21 Rockdale NSW 2216 T/F 9597 4641 M 0422 227 882

Councillor Michael NagiIndependent 17/13-15 Wollongong Road Arncliffe NSW 2205 M 0403 222 666

Councillor Lesa de LeauGreens PO Box 410 Brighton Le Sands NSW 2216 T/F 9593 2675 M 0413 581 603 E ldeleau@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Councillor John La MelaLiberal C/o Rockdale City Council PO Box 21 Rockdale NSW 2216M 0434 140 996 E jlamela@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Bill SaravinovskiLaborMayor PO Box 139 Banksia NSW 2216 F 9567 8632 M 0412 139 068 E bsaravinovski@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Councillor James MacdonaldIndependent C/o Rockdale City Council PO Box 21 Rockdale NSW 2216M 0434 140 530E jmacdonald@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Shane O’BrienLabor C/o Rockdale City Council PO Box 21 Rockdale NSW 2216M 0418 227 977E sobrien@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Councillor John FlowersLiberal C/o Rockdale City Council PO Box 21 Rockdale NSW 2216 T/F 9556 3106 E jflowers@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

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 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Council Staff will be happy to arrange interpreter services for you. You may also contact Telephone Interpreter Services in 131 450 and ask them to ring Rockdale City Council on 9562 1666 on your behalf.

Customer Service Centre

9562 1666www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au

This document is printed on environmentally responsible papers manufactured under the environmental management system ISO:14001 using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) pulp sourced from sustainable, well managed forests.

Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane Labor C/o Rockdale City Council PO Box 21 Rockdale NSW 2216 M 0411 337 525 E smoselma@bigpond.com

2 Bryant Street Rockdale NSW 2216 PO Box 21 Rockdale NSW 2216

Tel 02 9562 1666 Fax 02 9562 1777

Email rcc@rockdale.nsw.gov.au DX 25308 Rockdale

Council’s Customer Service Centre is open on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm

Community Events Calendar

Have Your SayWhat do you think about your community newsletter?

Let us know, we welcome your feedback.

Email rcc@rockdale.nsw.gov.au or phone 9562 1666. Attention: Media and Public Affairs Unit.

June 2009Rockdale Community Newsletter

Message from the Mayor

On the BeatExpect to see more police out and about in your local area as the ‘Boys in Blue’ step up their high visibility campaign throughout the City of Rockdale.

In a meeting with Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane and Rockdale Chamber of Commerce President Rami Abdallah, Detective Superintendent Helen Begg from the St George Local Area Command highlighted the need for increased police presence as the key ingredient to tackling crime.

“Police stations don’t stop crime, police on the street, in their cars, on their bikes and on the trains - out interacting and talking with the community are what reduce crime,” Superintendent Begg said.

Councillor Moselmane said the forthcoming closure of the Rockdale Police Station does not mean that there will be less policing but he urged the NSW Government to act by employing a mobile police station so Kogarah Police can extend their policing capabilities throughout the City.

“I have met with the Mayor on a number of occasions recently about lobbying the State Government to direct the proceeds of the police station sale to the purchase of a mobile police station; this is how Council sees the future of policing in our City,” Councillor Moselmane said.

Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane, Detective Superintendent Helen Begg and Rockdale Chamber of Commerce President Rami Abdallah discuss policing in Rockdale Town Centre.

Take a Splash All Year Round

Capturing a Moment in Time“Rockdale is a place of contrast. We have everything from luscious open space to dense urban environments all within walking distance,” Bexley resident Christine Costin said.

Christine’s perspective on the City of Rockdale helped her capture the winning photograph in Council’s 2009 National Trust Heritage Week Festival photograph competition.

Christine’s image of Muddy Creek encompasses the very idea of our City being one of great contrast where natural environmental landscapes meet urban living. Christine’s image incorporates the natural, serene creek in the shadow of darkness and behind it the hustle and bustle and bright lights of Sydney Airport.

The photograph was among dozens of high quality entries that reflected the theme ‘Our Place in Space’ with all entries also encouraged to embody Rockdale by night with the theme ‘Under the Southern Cross’.

Extraordinary Council Meeting to adopt the Rockdale City PlanWhen Wednesday 24 June, 6.30pmWhere Council Chambers - Upstairs from the Library

in the Rockdale Town Hall, corner of the Princes Highway and Bryant Street, Rockdale

Call Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666

Citizenship Ceremony When Saturday 4 July, 12 noonWhere Rockdale Town Hall. Corner of the Princes

Highway and Bryant Street, RockdaleCall Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666

Charity Ball - In Support of beyondblueMayor Bill Saravinovski with Mayoress Christine Stavropoulos and Mayoress CommitteeWhen Saturday 29 August, 7pmWhere Doltone House, 223 Belgrave Esplanade,

Sylvania WatersCall Penny Hancock on 0425 296 917 or Mayoress

Christine Stavropoulos on 0410 651 263Price $120 per person

We Need You! Are you motivated, dependable, have a positive community attitude and can advocate on behalf of the community?

Council is calling for passionate, determined and community-minded people to take part in three special initiatives designed to empower the community in our decision-making process. The three initiatives are:

Multicultural Advisory Committee;

Youth Council; and

Steering Committee for the formation of the City of Rockdale Community Foundation.

Membership for each of the above committees are detailed in the Terms of Reference which can be downloaded along with the application form from Council’s website www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au or call Council’s Service Development Specialist, Claire Scott, on 9562 1850.

Completed nomination forms need to be posted to: Rockdale City Council, Attention Claire Scott, PO Box 21, Rockdale NSW 2216.

If you’re dreading the stifling hot, chlorinated conditions of indoor pools this winter, then why not try the outdoor Bexley Swimming Centre. It will now open all year and water temperature will be a balmy 25 degrees Celsius.

The Centre’s operator Matt Sanderson said winter is the perfect time to get some laps in and avoid the crowds. “There is plenty of lane space for those looking to do some laps. We have had plenty of people come in throughout the month of May and enjoy the peace and quiet,” Matt said.

The Bexley Swimming Centre is located on Preddys Road, Bexley, and has three pools including a 50m lap pool, teachers’ pool and children’s wading pool. The teachers’ and children’s pools are shaded.

The complex also offers a spa and sauna, kiosk, change rooms with showers and plenty of grassy shaded areas to relax and unwind. The pool’s hours of operation during the winter period (21 April – 1 September) are Monday to Friday 6am – 7.30pm and Weekends 9am – 3pm.

For more information call 9150 4594 or visit www.bexleyswimmingcentre.com.au

Take a Splash All

Year RoundBexley Pool

Open for Winter Exercise

Are You a Winner?

Results of the 2009 Waste &

Cleansing Services Competition

On the BeatPolice Step Up Their Visibility

Campaign

How did you go in Council’s 2009 Waste & Cleansing Services Guide Wonderword Puzzle? A total of 540 entries were received with 98.5 per cent being correct. The Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, applauded the number of correct entries.

“It is great to see such a strong number of correct entries. This year’s Wonderword competition had a vastly improved ratio of correct entries when compared to last year’s competition. On behalf of Council I would like to congratulate everyone who participated,” the Mayor said.

Cleansing Administrative Officer, Christine Terry, and General Manager, Chris Watson, drew the winners.

A MelisiAngie Lin-ChanAngie PardalisAya TafechB OgnenovskiBill CheungChristine VasiliovDepan Alexander AvtovDonald & Carolyn SmallEdna ReevesElaine KhouryElizabeth McBreartyEunice WongFatima HaidarGillian KumbukaGloria HudsonJ PerryJenny ChangJessica MladenovJosephine Benedek

M BaptieM DavisM MillerMargaretha E SmitMerlyn D StanfordPamela LawrencePat GilsenanPatricia LeggePatricia MorleyPaulina CooksleyRay AbigailRay AndersonRose SorialRuth MyersSakiko FoxSamantha HarderStephen MorrowSteven TaylorVicki NewmanYvette Edwards

Are You a Winner?2009 Waste & Cleansing Services Competition

“The response to this competition demonstrates that our message about recycling correctly is working. In the end both the ratepayers and the environment stand to benefit immensely by improving our recycling rate.”

The correct answer was ‘Waste and Cleansing Services’.

Cleansing Administrative Officer Christine Terry coordinated the production of the Waste & Cleansing Services Guide. Christine joined Council’s General Manager, Chris Watson, in drawing the winners of the competition.

Each of the 40 winners will receive a $25 gift voucher to use at the Rockdale Community Nursery.

The winners are:

Pesticide Usage in RockdaleIn the coming weeks Council will commence herbicide spraying using Spearhead herbicide for broad-leaf weed and Bindii. Spraying will occur at our major sporting fields and ovals, passive parks and picnic areas, Cook Park beach front and will also include some playgrounds, public gardens and natural areas.

Appropriate signage will be displayed at each location when spraying commences. This notification is in accordance with Council’s Pesticide Usage Notification Plan. For more information please contact Council’s Parks Coordinator John Comerford on 9562 1523.

Arncliffe’s Biggest Morning TeaArncliffe Library's Donna Streater was only 37 when she was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer. As she prepared for surgery, she also prepared to say goodbye to family and friends. She would be leaving behind a loving husband, parents and three children, the youngest of which was only two years old.

“As they wheeled me off for surgery I remember looking into their eyes and saying to myself ‘take a picture of their faces, because you might not see them again’,” Donna said.

But Donna survived, thanks, not only to surgery and treatment, but also with the support and love she received from family and friends. As an official spokesperson for the Cancer Council's Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, Donna was proud to host the event at Arncliffe Library.

The morning tea was held on Thursday 7 May and raised $200. Library staff volunteered to bake for the morning and they also held a book sale to raise additional funds for the Cancer Council. If you would like to know more about the Arncliffe Library call 9562 1816.

Pink and Proud of It

Going BushThe Australian bush, one our country’s most treasured icons, is often regarded as a dangerous place by those who have not experienced it first hand. However on Thursday 7 May, 30 newly arrived migrants discovered that even native animals such as the humble Blue Tongue Lizard are harmless and help make up the wonderful biodiversity that is the Australian bush.

Council and the St George Migrant Resource Centre joined forces last month to help our newest residents learn a little more about the Aussie bush through a project set in the Bardwell Valley.

The secrets of the bush were revealed to the participants, who migrated to Rockdale from all corners of the globe, with a Welcome to Country by Aboriginal Elder Max Harrison who spoke of the importance of feeling connected to the land no matter where we come from. Participants then took a tour of the valley trail, planted native trees and got up close and personal with some native animals provided by Australian Wildlife Displays.

“The bush is something that we all love and treasure, whether it be the tranquility, the connection with the natural environment or the iconic role it plays in the make up of our culture and national identity. Many migrants lack opportunities to develop a relationship with their local bushland and so do not understand biodiversity issues in Australia. This project seeks to raise awareness about the uniqueness of Australia’s biodiversity and help new migrants value and conserve it,” the Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, said.

Local Restaurateur Gives Rockdale Big Tick as Business Destination

On Mother’s Day, Sunday 10 May, the boys from the St George United Soccer Club’s Under 12 and Under 16 teams ran gallantly out onto the field with bright pink socks and it wasn’t because they had washed their whites with the reds. The pink socks were worn to raise vital funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation as part of the Club’s Mother’s Day Fundraising Day.

Everything from gift stalls, jumping castles and raffles were organised to help raise money. Mothers were treated to a free coffee and cake. In total $1500 was raised and the club is planning to hold a similar fundraiser for Father’s Day. The Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, commended the St George United Soccer Club for hosting such an important event.

“Sadly, breast cancer is still the most common cause of cancer-related death for women in Australia. I would like to thank the Club for putting their support behind this important cause. I hope, through efforts like this, we may one day eradicate breast cancer,” the Mayor said.

The Mayor congratulated the President of St George United Soccer Club, Ray Saadeh, for holding a successful breast cancer fundraiser.

Cash In on Pokie ProfitsAustralian’s spend a staggering $10 billion on poker machines each year. Thankfully initiatives like the Community Development Support Expenditure scheme (CDSE) are helping to redirect some of the pokie profits directly back into the community. If you are a member of a local community group then now is your club’s chance to take part in this important grant scheme.

Local clubs earning over $1 million annually in gaming machine revenue contribute towards the CDSE scheme which has two categories of funding. These are:

Category 1 – Expenditure on specific community welfare and social services, community development, community health services and employment assistance activities. These applications are processed through a local committee.

Category 2 – Expenditure on other community development and support services such as support for sport and recreation groups. This is administered directly by the licensed clubs.

The funding scheme is now open for community-based organisation applications for Category 1.

Applications are to be completed on the 2009 CDSE application form and be received by 4:30pm on Friday 12 June. Forms can be found on Council’s website www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au or the NSW Clubs website at www.clubsnsw.com.au Alternatively, you can contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666.

Application forms must be sent to: Attention CDSE Funding, Rockdale City Council, PO Box 21, Rockdale NSW 2216.

Stop the InvadersNo-one likes weeds. They are unsightly, often spread out of control and threaten our native flora and fauna. However, there are some weeds that need extra attention as they can affect people’s health and have devastated parts of our native bushland. Two weeds to look out for are:

Broad-Leaf Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) & Narrow-leaf Privet (Ligustrum sinense)Privet pollen or perfume is highly allergenic and a major contributor to asthma, allergic reactions and hay fever.

Asthma Weed (Parietaria judaica)Its pollen may trigger hay fever, conjunctivitis, skin rashes and asthma.

These weeds can be removed by hand or eradicated with herbicide. Be mindful that personal protection, including the use of gloves, long sleeves and a face mask is essential. Never dump garden waste in vacant land, roadsides or bushland. Call WSN Environmental Services on 1800 079 390 to find out how best to dispose of your weeds.

For more information visit www.sydneyweeds.org.au or contact Council’s Noxious Weeds Officer, Adam Ward, on 9562 1521 or email award@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Thanks TerryFormer Rockdale City Councillor Terry Diamantis was presented with a Certificate of Recognition by the Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, on Sunday 3 May. Terry was recognised for his active contribution within our City’s community and his 30-year involvement with the St George Hospital. Terry is pictured with the Mayor and Pelagia Diamantis.

Pictured top (L-R) Arncliffe Librarians Rachel Cox and cancer survivor Donna Streater.

Top: Aboriginal Elder Max Harrison led the tour group through a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony to help them understand the magic of Aboriginal tradition and spirituality.

Above: Nyadeng plants a tree in the Bardwell Valley.

Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane (left) and Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski (right) with Ali’s Takeaway owner Ghazi Beydoun at the restaurant’s grand opening.

There has never been a better time to open a business in the Rockdale Town Centre, just ask Ghazi Beydoun who recently held the grand opening of his Lebanese restaurant and takeaway store, Ali’s Takeaway, on Sunday 10 May.

“I like the Rockdale area, it has grown so much over the years,” said Ghazi who praised the work of Council for having improved the Rockdale Town Centre. Ghazi also recognised the hive of activity and diversity of shops and services that made Rockdale the ideal place to establish a new Mediterranean and Lebanese restaurant.

“Small business is the life blood of our country’s economy, so it is only natural that all Australian’s get behind new businesses and support local economies. Council is committed to the ongoing success and growth of our small businesses and we would like to welcome Ghazi into our unique, thriving and close knit business community,” Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane, who attended Ali’s Takeaway grand opening, said.

Ghazi arrived in Australia 12 years ago, bringing with him decades of experience as a Mediterranean cuisine chef. Having previously owned and run the Green Vine Restaurant in Rockdale, Ghazi has once again decided to share his culinary skills and has opened up Ali’s Takeaway on Geeves Street Rockdale, near the bus depot. The restaurant offers a vast array of traditional Lebanese dishes and a selection of some more conventional takeaway favourites such as hamburgers, chips and delicious donner kebabs.