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parklandsWhat’s in a name?The origins of ourplace names

Lost bikes go to agood cause

World’s GreatestPram Stroll

3Parklands Spring 2007

Contents

2 Parklands Spring 2007

Parkbench 3

Timed parking extension 4

Lost bikes go to a good cause 4

More than a spring clean 5

Spring events in the Parklands 5

Feature: What’s in a name? 6

Twitcher’s Corner:

Purple Swamphen 8

A Walk in the Park with

Lynn Ralph 8

Plant of the Season:

Algerian oak 9

Make your Christmas party green 9

Healthy Parks Healthy People 10

Foundation and Friends 11

Visitor Information 12

Parklands magazine is published quarterly by theCentennial Park and Moore Park Trust: Locked Bag 15, Paddington NSW 2021 Centennial Parklands is managed by the CentennialPark and Moore Park Trust. Trustees:Professor John Niland AC (Chairman)Justice Annabelle Bennett AO David LeckieYvette Pietsch Allan YoungJohn Walker Sarah WhyteDr Margaret Varady AOThe Centennial Park and Moore Park Trustacknowledges the Cadigal as the traditional custodiansof the land that is now known as Centennial Parklands.Editor: Rachel Maiden

rachel.maiden@cp.nsw.gov.auContributors: Trevor WallerPhotography: Chris Gleisner, David HardieCover: What’s in a name? Busbys Pond, namedafter engineer John Busby.

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Welcome to the spring issue of Parklandsmagazine. Thank you to all those whoresponded to the Reader Survey. We areevaluating your feedback and will respond indetail in the next issue.

As you may be aware the CentennialParklands Foundation has been establishedto raise funds for environmental projectsacross the Parklands. Through its efforts$43,000 has been allocated to the Tree

Acquisition Program for 2007/08, resultingin 300 trees being purchased. Read aboutthe work of the Foundation on page 11.

As the weather warms up, we welcome avariety of outdoor events to the Parklands.This season sees the return of AMidsummer Night’s Dream (see page 5)and Sydney’s inaugural World’s GreatestPram Stroll (see page 10). I encourage youto come along. These events bringexcitement and diversity to the Parklands.

Events are an integral part of life inCentennial Parklands. A significant numberof events hosted are for charitableorganisations and the Centennial Park andMoore Park Trust is proud to support theseendeavours. This year’s Gold Dinner,hosted by the Sydney Children’s Hospital

Foundation, for instance, raised a massive$3.017 million for the hospital. More suchevents are planned for later this year.

The theme for this issue of Parklandsmagazine is Our People and we tell someof the fascinating stories behind ourplacenames. Find out about Musgrave,Belvedere, Hamilton and others in ourfeature story on page 6.

Enjoy the spirit of spring.

Steve CorbettDirector and Chief ExecutiveCentennial Parklands

Our People Our Places Our Partners Our Potential

Parkbench

Drive yourself to Moore Park GolfMoore Park Golf has agreat range ofmembership optionsopen now. Benefits ofjoining the associated clubinclude reservedcompetition tee times,unlimited access to thecourse outside ofcompetitions, acomplimentary bucket ofdriving range balls beforecompetition, visitorpasses, discounts on carthire and much, muchmore. Take advantage ofthese great packages and

enjoy the many benefits of playing golf just two kilometres from the CBD. For more information call (02) 9663 1064 or visit www.mooreparkgolf.com.au.

A different kind of art in the Park Local artists Aaron Picard, Jill Gibbon, Romayne Malcolm and MelanieWheeler joined with Senior Education and Interpretation Ranger PaulSolomon to create astriking mural on therestaurant hoardingoverlooking the Caféplayground. Thissplendid artworkdepicts a typicalCentennial Parklandscape, featuringLily and Busbys Pondswith their abundantwildlife of blackcockatoos, swans,ducks, kookaburras,turtles and swamp hens. The mural will remain in place while the restaurantis refurbished. Next time you are in the Park, do come and take a look.

Take a look back in timeThe Visitor Centre at Paddington Gates ispresently hosting an exhibition of photographsand artworks relating to the history ofCentennial Parklands. The photographs featuredin the exhibition have been taken by localphotographers and park staff and includehistorical and contemporary images of buildings,landscapes, park views, people and places. TheMitchell Library has provided a number ofhistoric photos of the Parklands. The beautifulworks of well-known local artist Austin Platt willalso be featured alongside the morecontemporary works of people who haveparticipated in our Art in the Park programs.Admission is free. The Visitor Centre is openSaturdays and Sundays, 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.

Dogs and safetyThe Robertson Road entrance to CentennialPark is one of the busiest intersections in theParklands. Vehicles, horses, dogs, cyclists,rollerbladers and pedestrians all converge onthis western gateway to the Park. This diversemix of visitors needs to be managed for thesafety of all. Dogs off leash around this busyaccess point can be a potential hazard. In aneffort to minimise the risk of a potentialaccident, the Trust has extended the on-leashdog area to within 10 metres of these gates.Safety is a primary concern to the Trust soplease respect the rules and other visitors.

Moore Park Golf

Paul Soloman at work creating the mural

Annual fees and charges reviewEach year the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust reviews fees andcharges covering a diverse range of facilities and services, such as: MoorePark Golf, the Equestrian Centre, Friends of Centennial Parklands, publicprograms, parking, sports field hire, filming and photography, functions andevents. The review applies CPI changes and increases in administrativeoverheads and maintenance costs associated with the direct provision ofproducts and services. The results of the latest review apply from 1 September 2007. The majority of rates for 2007-2008 have only beenincreased in line with CPI. Visit www.cp.nsw.gov.au/fees for more details.

The Visitor Centre, located at the historic Superintendent’s Residence

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Spring eventsMore than a spring cleanA number of new projects under the Trust’s Park Improvement Plan will becompleted by spring – just in time for the warmer weather and increased visitation.The third stage of new signage has been completed with 19 new signs installedaround the Parklands. There are new entrance signs to the Parklands SportsCentre and a new illuminated sign at Moore Park Golf for night access.Over $600,000 has been invested in work in Queens Park including a new sharedpedestrian/cycleway, playground fence and pathworks. Linking pathways were fundedby Waverley Council to join into the regional cycle route from Bondi Junction tothe University of NSW. Visitors will also notice new staircases and freshly painted amenities.

The catalogue of park improvements continues at Moore Park Golf with a newsafety fence along both sides of Dacey Avenue and completion of the first stage of apathway along northern Dacey Avenue. Golfers will notice that the 5th and 17th

tees and the 5th greenhave been rebuilt, plusnew landscaping work,cart paths and generalbunker improvementswere undertakenthroughout the course. The drainage channelsin Centennial Park’sGrand Drive have beenupgraded to reducelocalised flooding afterstorms in severallocations along thewalking track and road.This work was timely – the torrent of rain

witnessed by Sydneysiders in June was a great test that the system handled very effectively.Finally one of the Parklands’ busiest public amenities has had a facelift. TheLearners Cycleway amenities received a new coat of paint, new guttering, newelectricals and updated door fittings – all to ensure that your next visit to theLearners Cycleway will be a more enjoyable one.

Timed parking extension

Lost bikes go to a good cause

Centennial Parklands’ timed parking zoneswere extended from 13 August 2007,creating several new three-hour parkinglimit zones around some Gates. In arecent review, the Trust found thatparking control measures being put inplace on surrounding streets wereadversely affecting regular Park visitors.Commuters, shoppers and patronsattending events at adjacent venues havebeen using Centennial Park as a freeparking opportunity. The review foundthese vehicles were displacing Park usersfrom key parking places.Three-hour parking limits are now inforce, initially within 100 metres of theGates at Robertson Road, Paddington,Woollahra and Randwick (see box for details).A grace period will apply while theregulations are being implemented, but

from 1 October 2007 owners of vehiclesparked in these zones longer than threehours may be fined.

For more information please visitwww.cp.nsw.gov.au/timedparking or callthe Parklands Office on (02) 9339 6699.

David Caple, Senior Ranger at CentennialParklands, is constantly amazed at whatgets lost in the Parklands. ‘Last year wehad a car left unclaimed in the Park – andthis year a motorbike,’ David said.The sheer number of visitors to theParklands means that the Trust mustmanage a large amount of lost property.All items are handled under provisions setout in the Impounding Act 1993. The Actspecifies that if a lost item is valued at lessthan $500 it can be disposed ofimmediately after reasonable attemptshave been made to contact the owner.However items valued at greater than$500 must be kept in a secure place for28 days and can then be either disposedof or donated.‘Centennial Parklands Lost Property Policyadopts a more generous time frame,’says David. ‘Some lost property itemshave specific disposal requirements. Forexample, motor vehicles must go topublic vehicle auctions and jewellery or

cash are handed to local policeat Maroubra within 24 hours ofbeing found. We hold all otheritems for a month regardless ofhow much they are worth,’ he says.In June this year the Trustdonated 15 unclaimed children’spush bikes to the Royal Far WestChildren’s Health Scheme, anon-government organisationthat seeks to enhance the health and well-being of remote areachildren. The Trust will continueto look for opportunities such asthese to enable unclaimedproperty to help those lessfortunate.‘The Trust takes themanagement of lost propertyvery seriously,’ says David. Lost propertyshould be handed in to a Ranger or tothe Parklands Office or Visitor Centre. If you have lost something please leave

your details at the Parklands Office in thefirst instance, where staff can access theregister and easily locate your item if ithas been handed in.

Park News Park News

Parklands Spring 2007

The new Queens Park shared pedestrian/cycleway

David Caple with Donna Tunbridge, Promotions and Events Manager,Royal Far West Children’s Health Scheme View of the completed 5th green showing the 5th tee under construction

Parklands Spring 2007

Timed parking locations100 metres either side of Randwick Gates along Grand Drive.

100 metres either side of Robertson Road Gates along Grand Drive.

100 metres from Woollahra Gates along Loch Avenue.

On Broome Avenue on both sides of the road between Loch Avenue and Carrington Drive.

100 metres from Woollahra Gates along Carrington Drive.

100 metres from Paddington Gates along Carrington Drive.

100 metres from Paddington Gates along Parkes Drive.

The car park of Paddington Gates children’s playground.

A map detailing these locations is available at www.cp.nsw.gov.au/timedparking

The range of events hosted byCentennial Parklands this spring offerssomething for everyone.The events season kicks off when theSydney Marathon comes throughCentennial Park as part of the SydneyRunning Festival on 23 September. Visitwww.runthebridge.com.au for details.The Turf to Surf Cycle Event on Sunday30 September is a 20 kilometrecommunity bike ride being organised byRandwick, Woollahra and WaverleyCouncils. A gold coin donation is all itcosts to participate. Following the racethere will be fun for all the family inCentennial Park’s Brazilian Fields. Formore information phone (02) 9391 7057.The Juvenile Diabetes ResearchFoundation’s Walk to Cure Diabetes ison Sunday 14 October. This great familyday has become a regular event in theParklands and raises money for a veryworthy cause. To register visitwww.jdrf.org.au/walk.The JPMorgan Chase CorporateChallenge also raises funds for a greatcause. Visit www.jpmorganchasecc.com.In November, Shakespeare’s AMidsummer Night’s Dream returns toCentennial Parklands in the magicalsetting of Belvedere Amphitheatre. Bringalong your fairies (children) and they maybe invited to participate in the show! Findout more at www.thedream.net.au.The Entertainment Quarter at Moore Parkwill host the Food and Wine Marketsover the October long weekend(Saturday 29 September – Monday 1 October), where you can enjoy aweekend of gourmet food and premiumwine. Visit www.eqmoorepark.com.au. All mums of babies and toddlers areinvited to participate in the World’sGreatest Pram Stroll on Sunday 28 October (see page 11 for details).Spring is a great time to enjoy events inthe Parklands. For more details visitwww.cp.nsw.gov.au/whatson or call (02) 9339 6699 to receive our What’sOn brochure.

The origins of a place’s name can oftenprovide an interesting insight into its historyand charm. In the case of CentennialParklands, the names within its boundariesderive from a variety of past influences onthe Parklands, such as politicians, engineers,solicitors, sportsmen, architects, directorsand park activities, amongst others.

ParksTo meet the demands of Sydney’s growingpopulation, in 1811 the Governor of NewSouth Wales, Lachlan Macquarie,dedicated the land known today asCentennial Parklands to the public asSydney’s Second Common.Fifty-five years later in 1866, the Mayor ofSydney, Charles Moore, created MoorePark by setting aside 378 acres of theCommon for recreational use. Moore Parkwas developed primarily to accommodatesporting pursuits and was the first of thethree existing parks to be established. Centennial Park and Queens Parkfollowed later with the signing of theCentennial Celebrations Act in 1887.The development of Centennial Park islargely credited to three men: theGovernor of New South Wales, LordCharles Carrington; the Premier of NewSouth Wales, Sir Henry Parkes; and theDirector of the Botanic Gardens, alsonamed Charles Moore. In 1887 theDirector enlisted 435 men to transformthe balance of the Common into agrand, nineteenth century Victorian-styleparklands. On 26 January 1888, incommemoration of Australia’s centenary,Centennial Park was proclaimed open bySir Henry Parkes.

Drives, avenues and gatesMany of the other politicians’ nameswhich feature in the Parklands derivefrom those present at Centennial Park’sofficial opening in 1888. On this day, infront of around 40,000 spectators,governors planted Pines, Figs, Grevilleaand Araucaria in the area known today asCannon Triangle, named after theaddition in the 1920s of two cannonsfrom the Crimean War. Involved in theofficialties were: Lord CharlesCarrington; Sir Anthony Musgrave,Governor of Queensland; Sir WilliamRobinson, Governor of South Australia;Sir Robert Hamilton, Governor ofTasmania; Sir Henry Loch, Governor ofVictoria; Sir Frederick Broome,Governor of West Australia andLieutenant General Sir William Jervois,Governor of New Zealand.

Most prominently involved in theformalities and plantings was Sir HenryParkes, the politician probably mostwidely associated with Centennial Park. Itis these names that account for many ofthe drives, avenues and gates adjoiningand dissecting Grand Drive, the maincircular road in Centennial Park. GrandDrive reflects the British park tradition ofincluding an equestrian or carriage driveand a pedestrian walk.

Heading west towards Moore Park isDriver Avenue, which runs alongside theSydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Thisavenue is named after Richard Driver, aFormer Minister for lands, Sydney CityCouncil solicitor and keen cricketer. AsMinister, Driver spent £700 on improvingthe Military and Civil Ground, as theSCG was formally known, and in 1876he became one of the first trustees of theGround, representing the New SouthWales Cricket Association.

LakesAdjacent to Driver Avenue is KippaxLake, named after William Kippax aSydney City Council Alderman from1863 to 1889. In 1967 council held acompetition to design a sculpture orfountain to recognise the achievementsof Australian sportswomen. Diane Hunt’swinning sculpture sits as a centrepiece tothe Lake.

Swamps, reserves and boresThe person responsible for the oldestnamed area in Centennial Park is LachlanMacquarie, Governor of New SouthWales between 1810 and 1821. Hisname is attributed to Lachlan Swampand Lachlan Reserve, as well as LachlanMill, a flour mill which operated in theswamplands between 1818 and 1828.

6 Parklands Spring 2007 7Parklands Spring 2007

The significance of this area reached itspeak in the 1830s when Lachlan Swampbecame the primary water source forSydneysiders on completion of Busby’sBore. John Busby was the engineerresponsible for driving a tunnel to carrywater from the swamplands to HydePark, supplying Sydney with water forover 20 years. The naming of BusbysPromontory and Busbys Pond furtherhonour John Busby’s achievement.

Fields and groundsErnest Samuel Marks was a former LordMayor of Sydney and another politicianand sportsman to leave his mark in theParklands. From 1888–1890 Marks wonover 40 trophies as an athlete and the ESMarks Athletics Field in Moore Park isnamed in his honour.Located almost at the centre ofCentennial Park are the Brazilian Fields.For over 35 years, Sydney’s BrazilianSoccer Club has played soccer, theirgreatest passion, in Centennial Parklands.During this time staff at the Parklandsreferred to the fields as the ‘Brazilianfields’ and eventually the colloquial termcaught on.Hugging the south-western ring of GrandDrive are McKay Fields and McKay SportsGrounds. Robert McKay was one of two‘old boys’ from Sydney Boys High Schooland was instrumental in building arelationship between the school and the Park.

PavilionsThree pavilions are positioned withinCentennial Park, each with a distinct storyattached to its name. Next to McKayFields is Fairland Pavilion, named afterCharles Fairland. Fairland was a friend ofMcKay’s, a fellow ‘old boy’ of SydneyBoys High School and also involved withthe Park. His relationship with the Parkresulted in the school funding a sportspavilion, which opened in 1933. In 1952the Pavilion was named after Fairland andtoday it is still owned and used bySydney Boys High School.Positioned directly opposite Duck Pond isShelter Pavilion, also known as VernonPavilion. Walter Vernon was the

government architect vested with theduty of designing the Pavilion, which wascompleted in 1898. A year later theMartins Road Ranger’s Residence, also designed by Vernon, was finished,which to this day is used as rangeraccommodation.

The final and most recent pavilion isFederation Pavilion in Federation Valley.The current structure was ceremoniouslyopened on 1 January 1988 in thepresence of 20,000 people, including thethen Prime Minister Bob Hawke andNew South Wales Premier, BarryUnsworth. The Pavilion stands on thesite of the original temporary FederationPavilion, which was built for theproclamation of the Federal Constitutionon 1 January 1901.

PondsThe presence of sporting life in theParklands is very much apparent in thenames of several ponds in CentennialPark. In the 1880s the sailing of modelyachts became very popular and thenaming of Model Yacht Pond reflects thislongstanding activity still enjoyed today.Similarly Fly Casting Pond takes its namefrom fly casting competitions which were

first held at the Pond in the early 1900s.Nearby at One More Shot Pond is aconcrete plinth which once supported amarble statue of a hunter. The statue wasentitled One More Shot and was addedto the Park in the 1890s, but removed in1970 due to damage.

Paddocks and rowsSituated in the far southern corner ofCentennial Park is Ash Paddock. Thisarea was used as a dumping ground forash generated from a coal-fuelled waterpumping station which once operated inthe Parklands in the mid 1800s. Waterwas pumped from low-lying ponds at thesouthern end of the Park up to BusbysPond. Perhaps the most recently named area inthe Parklands is Maidens Row near AshPaddock. Joseph Maiden was the secondofficer entrusted with managingCentennial Park from 1896 to 1924. Inthe year 2000, horticultural staff atCentennial Parklands planted 74Broadleaf Paperbarks in a patternreplicating Maiden’s earlier plantings nearDuck Pond. This row of trees wasnamed in celebration of Maiden’sinfluence on the Park and introducing thenative Paperbark species.

It’s a mystery…Many of the place names within theParklands obviously reflect its naturalfeatures, such as Paperbark Grove,Sandstone Ridge and Pine Grove.However a few names still remain amystery. It cannot be said with certaintywhere the names Frog Hollow andChurch Grounds come from. If youhave any information on the names ofthese places or others within theParklands we’d love to hear from you.Please contact us via email atinfo@cp.nsw.gov.au and we’ll include anyfurther information in future issues.

Cannon TriangleKippax Lake

Federation Pavilion

Model yacht sailors at Model Yacht Pond

Feature: Our People

What’s ina name?

Purple SwamphenBy Trevor Waller

The PurpleSwamphen is alarge waterhen witha distinctive heavyred bill andforehead shield.They have red eyesand a deep bluehead and breast,with black upperparts and wings. Inbright sunlight theplumage shines withan intense bluesheen. Long reddish

legs with long slender unwebbed toes help it walk and feed inshallow water. They have a white undertail that is exposedwhen they flick their tail up and down.

In flight they are awkward, dangle their legs and sometimescrash-land into water or vegetation. Their call is a harshscreaming noise and they can be very aggressive towards otherwaterfowl. They roost in vegetation, usually reeds, over waterwhere they trample down the reeds to form a platform.

Purple Swamphens are usually found around the margins ofswamps and lakes with dense reeds and rushes mainlythroughout eastern Australia. They are also found in parks andgardens with ponds – including Centennial Parklands. Theirfood is made up of seeds, insects, frogs and aquatic vegetation,but they will also eat eggs, small mammals and carrion. Theyhave the strength to pull up reeds and feed on the soft stems.

Breeding can take place at any time, but mainly from July toDecember. The nest is built in a clump of reeds just above thewater in a swamp or lake. The large nest bowl is formed fromtrampled reeds and rushes, lined with softer reeds and grass.Both sexes incubate the 3–8 eggs for about a month. Thechicks are fluffy black balls on long legs, with a reddish browncrown. They can produce several broods in a season. Spring inthe Parklands should provide excellent opportunities to seeboth adult and juvenile Purple Swamphens.

Trevor Waller is a bird enthusiast with over 15 yearsbehind the binoculars. He is a member of various birdwatching clubs in Sydney, including Birds Australia, andconducts the Parklands Birdwatcher’s Breakfasts eachseason. The next Birdwatcher’s Breakfast will be held on Sunday 30 September. For details visitwww.cp.nsw.gov.au/whatson.

The Algerian oak or Quercus canariensisis one of 450 species of deciduous andevergreen trees native to the temperatezone of Europe, Asia and North Americawith a small number extending intotropical Asia and America.The oak is a large evergreen tree fromthe Mediterranean region occurring inthe woodlands of Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco and is a long-lived species.The outstanding feature is the springgrowth of bright lime green leaves thatcontrast with the dark colour of the trunkand branches. The leaves are very similarto the English oak (Quercus robur) inshape, turning dark green by late springand evergreen in warm zones. In coolerzones the oak is semi-deciduous andcompletely deciduous in the coldest,

turning a brownautumn colour beforefalling off.The tree’s stout trunksupports a canopy ofbroad spreadinghorizontalbranches of darkgrey, deeplyfissured bark in apattern of squarerough plates.The acorns are adark nut brown and ripen in April.The tree can grow successfully in cool towarm temperate climates, and in clayand sand-based loam soils growing to amaximum height and spread of 20 to 30metres. It is tolerant of sandy, alkalinesoils, drought or low rainfall.

Where can they be seen?There are two examples of the Algerianoak in the Parklands: at Loch Avenueopposite Federation Valley; and QueensPark opposite the bend in York Road.Both specimens have grown to heights ofapproximately 12 to 15 metres thriving inthe Parklands sandy soils.

Plant of the Season

Park Living

Twitcher’s Corner

Lynn Ralph was Chair ofthe Centennial Park andMoore Park Trust from1995–97. Between1997 and 1998 sheworked on therestoration of theHordern Pavilion andthe Royal Hall ofIndustries. A keen cyclistinitially, these days sheenjoys walking with herdogs, toy poodles Gucciand Reno. She is amember of the Eastern

Suburbs Dog Training Club and is a generous contributor tothe Parklands’ National Tree Day Appeal.

Favourite nook? I enjoy sitting in the Belvedere Amphitheatre on a sunnymorning. If it’s a little windy, the amphitheatre walls provide a nicewind break.

Best place to walk dogs? Queens Park on a summer’s evening, just as the sun is goingdown. The combination of the open space, hills and woodedareas is a lovely way to end the day.

Funniest memory of the Parklands? So many to choose from! Meeting all the great grandchildren ofSir Henry Parkes on the day his statue was erected. Or the dogsin fancy dress at the obedience school Christmas party. Or theday I taught my best friend how to ride a push bike for the firsttime. Or the day I won $50 from a friend by betting them therewas a kangaroo in Centennial Park. Many years ago a kangarooand an emu were kept in an enclosure behind the Office building.

How does being in the Parklands make you feel? Like you are a million miles from all your cares.

Who would you most like to take for a walk in the Parklands? Each year I host Rotary Exchange Students from around the globe.It’s a great place to introduce them to our native birds and vegetation.

Favourite event in the Parklands and why? National Tree Day – when we get to give something back to the Parklands.

Your one wish for the Parklands: Wouldn’t it be great if everyone made sure they left the Parkcleaner than the way they found it – especially you dog ownerswho leave your poo bags in the Park!!

A Walk in the Parkwith Lynn Ralph

Planning for corporate Christmas parties often starts in spring,and the pressure to provide something unique and memorablegrows every year. Centennial Parklands might just be the placeto make your end-of-year bash a raving success. Whether youare looking for a classic three-course sit-down event, staff team-building activity or a relaxed get-together with pony ridesfor the kids, the Parklands can tailor its activities to suit yourneeds. It has the locations and event catering capabilities toeconomically meet a myriad of festive needs, wishes and desires. A key drawcard to the Parklands is the variety of outdooractivities available. Marquees can be erected at designated areasand an endless variety of activities can unfold in the surroundingspaces. Entertainment options for children include kite flying,puppet shows, face painting and Farmyard Friends. Everyone canenjoy traditional tug-of-war contests and egg-and-spoon andpotato sack races. For the really energetic, there are multi-sportsoptions that can include cricket, soccer and touch football. Moore Park Golf also provides a range of opportunities forChristmas revellers. Practice your swing at the 60-bay drivingrange, or enjoy a round of golf with organised competitions forthe longest driver and nearest-to-pin winner. Moore Park Golfalso has three function rooms that can meet all catering,conference and entertainment requirements.

For more information about holding a Christmas party orcorporate family day in Centennial Parklands, please call (02) 9339 6699. For information on corporate days at MoorePark Golf, call (02) 9663 1064.

8 Parklands Spring 2007 9Parklands Spring 2007

The outstanding bright green spring growth of the Algerian oak

Lynn with her dogs Gucci and Reno]Purple Swamphen

Make your Christmas party green

Corporate Christmas fun at Centennial Parklands

Algerian oak

Farmyard FriendsThe Farmyard Friends season has beenextended and will now run throughoutspring, much to the delight of ouryoungest visitors. Located at the OxfordStreet playground, Paddington Gates,Farmyard Friends gives children from2–12 years the opportunity to pat andfeed rabbits, piglets, lambs, goats and a calf.‘It’s a great way for city children to getcloser to these animals. They love to

hold them, feed them and just simply watch them play,’ says MalcolmDowling who manages all the Farmyard Friends animals. Farmyard Friends isnow open every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and costs $5 per child. Formore information visit www.bowralfarmyardfriends.com or call 0402 003 097.

Enjoying the Farmyard Friends

Local councils adopt a tree Waverley Council and WoollahraMunicipal Council have eachadopted a tree as part of theCentennial Parklands FoundationTree Transplant Appeal. WoollahraMunicipal Council has sponsored aPort Jackson Fig, planted at the topof Parkes Drive near PaddingtonGates, Centennial Park. WaverleyCouncil has adopted a Moreton BayFig, planted at the corner of Darleyand York Roads, Queens Park.The Trust warmly welcomes the

support of these councils on behalf of their residents. Steve Corbett,Director and Chief Executive of the Trust said: ‘We hope that other councils,organisations and individuals will follow this wonderful example.’

Green Corps members graduate A graduation ceremony for theGreening Australia GreenCorps team was held at theModel Yacht Pond uponcompletion of the six monthGreen Corps program. The sixgraduates told of theirexperiences and achievements– from propagating bushlandplants in the nursery tomastering the drag nettingtechnique for carp removalfrom ponds. The Federal Member for Wentworth, the Hon. MalcolmTurnbull MP, attended the graduation and presented certificates to the team.

Friends exclusives10 years old Parklands magazine celebrated its 10 yearanniversary in June with an evening soiree. Theevening was a great success with past andcurrent editors and Friends of CentennialParklands meeting at the Moore Park Golf Houseto reflect on some of the highlights of park lifecaptured in the magazine over the past 10 years.

Rose pruning workshop A group of green-thumbed Friends of CentennialParklands gathered to enjoy a rose pruningworkshop at the Rose Garden in July. The Parklands horticultural team providedplenty of useful advice and practical tips toencourage healthy plants and create beautifulblooms. Be sure to stop by the Rose Gardenand see the colourful display this spring.

New benefactorsThe Foundation is grateful to the followingindividuals and groups that have each donated$5,000 to tree and park furniture programs:Mrs Robin HarricksMrs Kay WilhelmWoollahra Municipal CouncilWaverley CouncilThe Henry Pollack FoundationMr Graeme BlackSue & Gilles Kryger

Got a green thumb?Then put it to use at our soon-to-be-established nursery! The Growing Group is anew volunteers program that will work topropagate plant material to be used forplanting within the Parklands and also to raisefunds for the Foundation through plant sales atthe nursery. If you are interested in finding outmore please email lyn.walker@cp.nsw.gov.au.

Councillor Keri Huxley, Mayor of WoollahraMunicipal Council with Foundation board memberCrystal Condous OAM at the tree planting

Update on water saving initiatives Centennial Parklands has completedthe second of four water savingprojects with the installation ofseven water tanks at the CentennialParklands Equestrian Centre. Thetanks hold a total of 21,000 litres ofwater, collected from the Centre’sroof surface and connected tohoses in the horse washing bay.

The ongoing water saving projects were commenced through funding grantssourced by the Foundation in 2006. These two grants from the NSWDepartment of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability and the CommonwealthCommunity Water Grant Scheme have seen the completion of a newrecycled watering system for the Rose and Column Gardens. Later this yearfuture grants will be investigated to improve the supply of sustainable waterto five amenity blocks within the Parklands.

New water tanks at the Equestrian Centre

Volunteers updateIn July, about 40 volunteers and Friends ofCentennial Parklands enjoyed a preview of thenew exhibition at the Visitor Centre. RangerBrian Page commenced the event with a tour ofthe old Superintendent’s Residence followed bya guided walk through Centennial Park and abarbecue lunch.

The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP (centre) and FoundationGovernor, David Butcher (second from right) with thenew graduates and staff

10 Parklands Spring 2007 11Parklands Spring 2007

Healthy Parks Healthy People Foundation and Friends

■ Get Active ■ Participate ■ Visit your local park ■ ■ ■

Visit www.healthyparkshealthypeople.com for program details

Healthy Parks Healthy People is an initiative of the Sydney Parks Group and includes the Botanic Gardens Trust; Centennial Parklands;

Department of Planning; Department of Environment & Conservation - Parks & Wildlife; Parramatta Park Trust; Sydney Harbour Federation

Trust; and Sydney Olympic Park Authority. Supported by University of Technology, Sydney and the University of Western Sydney.

Students plant trees at Mt Steel forNational Tree DayOn Friday 27 July, 100 local students joined Parklands staff for a day of treeplanting at Mt Steel, Moore Park, in celebration of National Tree Day. Studentsfrom Sydney Girls High School and Bourke Street Public School planted 2,000trees and grasses consisting of Blueberry Ash, Coastal Banksia, Sydney Blue Gumand the understorey grass Lomandra.In its second successive year,the event was hosted by theCentennial ParklandsFoundation with assistancefrom the Rotary Club of BondiJunction which provided abarbecue lunch for the hardworking students.Many of the students wereinvolved in the 2006 NationalTree Day plantings and weredelighted to see the thrivingresults of the previous year’splantings - particularly theHoop Pine tree. The day has become a much-anticipated annual event and is agreat way to involve students in the important work of the Foundation.

Students enjoyed the planting day at Mt Steel

Join in the World’sGreatest Pram StrollCome and show solidarity and support for othernew mums, dads and carers in the World’sGreatest Pram Stroll on Sunday 28 October atCentennial Park. The World’s Greatest PramStroll is a free community event to promote theHealthy Parks Healthy People program, whichaims to create a greater understanding of therelationship between a healthy park system andthe health of the community.

TheWorld’sGreatestPramStrollrecognisesthe manychallengesthat canarise after

childbirth, including social isolation, andencourages new mums, dads and carers to getout and exercise in the fresh air and meetother parents from their local area.The event, being held in Sydney for the firsttime after running for six successful years inMelbourne, will be held concurrently in threestates across Australia. Popular celebrity GP and fervent supporter ofthe initiative, Dr Sally Cockburn (Dr Feelgood),said: ‘We want as many new mums as possibleto bring along their families, babies, pram andpicnic and help create a new world record forthe most mums, babies and strollers outtogether at the same time across the country.’Registration is from 8.00 am and the walk willcommence at 9.30 am. This will be followedby an informative and fun morning event, with essential information for mums as well as entertainment for the kids. Visitwww.worldsgreatestpramstroll.org for more information.

Walking in the park is great for new Mums

Please refer to the map insert for locations.

HOW TO GET HERE5 km from the Sydney CBD. Easily accessibleby bus, train, car, bike or on foot.

Regular buses from Circular Quay,Central Stn, Bondi Jn Stn and surroundingsuburbs. Trains to Central and Bondi Jn, botha 30-40 minute walk to the Parklands.www.131500.info

Cycle lanes along Darley Rd, Alison Rd,Anzac Pde, South Dowling St, Cleveland St andFederation Way.

CAR FREE DAYSLast Sunday of every season (February, May,August and November).

CENTENNIAL PARK GATE TIMES Centennial Park is accessible to vehiclesbetween sunrise and sunset. Musgrave AveGates are closed permanently to cars.

Primary Gates (Paddington,Woollahra, Randwick & RobertsonEntry Rd)

March* to April 6.00 am–6.00 pmMay to August 6.30 am–5.30 pmSeptember to October 6.00 am–6.00 pmNovember to March ** 6.00 am–8.00 pm* After daylight saving ** During daylight saving

Secondary Gates (York Rd, JervoisAve and Robertson Exit Rd)

Weekdays 9.00 am–4.00 pmWeekends as per Primary Gates

Govett St GatesWeekdays 9.00 am–Primary Gate closing timeWeekends as per Primary Gates

FOOD OUTLETS

Parade Grounds CaféCnr Grand & Parkes Drive, Centennial Park(adjacent to playground). Open 7 days. 7.30 am–5.00 pm (02) 9380 9350(temporary facility until Autumn 2008).www.trippaswhite.com.au

Centennial Park Mobile Food Van E5Light meals, sandwiches, cold drinks, gelatoand espresso. Open weekends and publicholidays, 8.00 am–sunset.

Moore Park Golf Patio Bar B3Overlooking the first tee, the outdoor PatioBar serves light food and drinks. Open 7 days, 7.30 am–4.00 pm (Mon to Wed), 7.30 am–8.00 pm (Thu to Fri), 7.30 am–6.00 pm (Sat to Sun)(02) 9663 1064 www.mooreparkgolf.com.au

The Long Apron at Moore Park Golf B3

This bar and restaurant serves quality mealsand a full variety of wine and beers. Open Wed to Sun, Noon–5.00 pm (Wed to Thu), Noon–7.00 pm (Fri to Sun) (02) 9663 1064 www.mooreparkgolf.com.au

RECREATION ACTIVITIES

BBQs and Picnics Free BBQs. First-in first served basis. BYOportable BBQs with legs permitted (exceptduring total fire bans), portable picnicequipment permitted. Bookings required forgroups of 50 or more. BBQs located at A3D5 D6 E2 E3 G4 G5 H5

Cycling and Rollerblading 3.8 km cycle/rollerblade lane on Grand Dr,Centennial Park. Cycle lanes along Darley Rd,Alison Rd, Anzac Pde, South Dowling St,Cleveland St and Federation Way. Off-roadcycling circuit for children at LearnersCycleway. Helmets required. D5

Centennial Parklands Cycle Hire F3Cnr Hamilton & Grand Drs, in CentennialPark 0401 357 419

Centennial Park Cycles G650 Clovelly Rd, Randwick (02) 9398 5027

Wildlife WatchingSpot birds, turtles, invertebrates and possumswithin natural environments. Ideal locations atD4 E5 F4. Please do not feed the animals.

PlaygroundsThere are five playgrounds catering for arange of age groups. A2 D5 E2 E3 H5

Dog WalkingOn and off leash dog walking areas. BYO dogtidy bags to pick up after your dog. Pick up theDogs in the Parklands brochure or visitwww.cp.nsw.gov.au.

SPORT AND FACILITY HIREQuality sports grounds and facilities for hire forcasual one-off bookings or seasonalcompetitions. (02) 9339 6699

ES Marks Athletics Field B5For hire for training or carnivals. 400 mrunning track, floodlit field and covered standwith seating for 1000 people. Casual publictraining, Tue, Wed & Thu, 3.30 pm–8.30 pm.(02) 9339 6699 www.cp.nsw.gov.au/sports

Moore Park Tennis Courts B3Tennis court hire, coaching, socialcompetitions, racquet and ball sales and ballmachine hire. Four floodlit courts. Open 7days, 7.00 am–10.00 pm. 0412 123 456

Parklands Sports Centre C4Tennis court hire, coaching, school holidaycamps and competitions. 11 floodlit courts.Open 7 days, 9.00 am–10.00 pm (summer &Mon to Thu in winter) 9.00 am–6.00 pm (Friin winter) 8.00 am–6.00 pm (winterweekends) (02) 9662 7033

Moore Park Golf B3Par 70, 18-hole Group One Championshipgolf course. All weather, day-night DrivingRange, Putting and Chipping Greens, ProShop and Golf Academy. Membership nowavailable. (02) 9663 1064www.mooreparkgolf.com.au

Horse Riding C4 D53.6 km horse track; 3.5 ha of fenced groundsfeaturing showjumping, dressage, lunging andturf hacking; Equestrian Centre with coveredarenas, hot and cold wash bays and sand rolls.Riding schools offer lessons, horse hire, ponycamps, pony parties, pony leads and guidedpark rides. Stabling available.(02) 9332 2809 www.cpequestrian.com.au

Budapest Riding School 0419 231 391budapestridingschool@aapt.net.au

Centennial Stables (02) 9360 5650www.centennialstables.com.au

Eastside Riding Academy (02) 9360 7521www.eastsideriding.com.au

Moore Park Riding Stables (02) 9360 8747www.mooreparkstables.com.au

Papillon Riding Stables (02) 8356 9866or 0407 224 938 www.papillonriding.com.au

WHAT’S ONRanger-guided educational excursions,children’s birthday parties, guided tours andworkshops, school holiday activities, vacationcare programs as well as sports camps,concerts, festivals and events. (02) 9339 6699www.cp.nsw.gov.au/whatson

ENTERTAINMENTEntertainment Quarter D3Located adjacent to the Fox Professional Studios,this is a hub for events, concerts, shows, movies,Farmers markets, bars and dining. (02) 8117 6700 www.eqmoorepark.com.au

Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall ofIndustries C3www.playbillvenues.com

Moonlight Cinema G2www.moonlight.com.au

CONTACT USCentennial Parklands is managed by theCentennial Park and Moore Park Trust.

Parklands Office (behind Café), Mon to Fri, 8.30 am–5.00 pm. E3

Visitor Centre, Paddington Gates, weekends 10.00 am–3.00 pm. E2

Web: www.cp.nsw.gov.auEmail: info@cp.nsw.gov.auPhone: (02) 9339 6699Fax: (02) 9332 2148Post: Locked Bag 15 Paddington

NSW 2021

After hours emergencies: 0412 718 611

Visitor Information

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