VOL 2 ISSUE 6 DECEMBER 2008

The heart of St George

Mayor’s Message

Cr Vince Badalati Mayor of HurSTville CiTy CounCil

Mayoral Golf DayPage 2

Hurstville to celebrate Chinese New Year 2009Page 3

Coucil wins community radio program awardsPage 7

Kingsgrove Community Centre underway

Hurstville City newsISSN 0725 6418

Work has commenced on Hurstville City Council’s new $2.3 million community centre in Morgan Street, Kingsgrove.

The new centre will accommodate Kingsgrove Community Aid Services and Kingsgrove Child and Family Health Services, which are currently operating out of the former Beverly Hills Child and Baby Health Centre at 506 King Georges Road, Beverly Hills, while construction is underway.

The new community centre will be an important meeting place for the many community groups with different needs and interests in the Hurstville local government area. It will also enable the two organisations to expand and enhance their services in a spacious, modern facility.

The centre will include two early childhood clinics, designated parenting support facilities, and meeting spaces for community and aged care programs. In addition, a new community hall including a function room, kitchen and toilet facilities will be available for hire.

The facility is expected to be completed in mid-2009.

With 2008 rapidly drawing to a close and the Christmas season upon us, it is a good time to reflect on Council’s most significant achievements over the past 12 months.

These achievements include the completion of the capital works program, which saw the construction of 26 new footpaths ($1.1 million spent), re-sheeting of 22 roads ($1.3 million spent), footpath repairs in numerous locations ($137,000 spent) and various improvements to parks, playgrounds and sporting fields ($511,000 spent).Other achievements include:• demolition of two buildings for the construction

of the second access to Hurstville railway station• opening of the Jack High Child Care Centre in

Beverly Hills• commencement of construction on the

Kingsgrove Community Centre, and• the initial planning phase of the new bus/rail

interchange at the Woodville Lane extension to Forest Road.

Private sector investment in our local government area, including a new Catholic Club, 96-112 Queens Road development, commercial development by the Masonic Centre at Bridge Street, East Quarter development, and Woodville and Barrat Street development, has resulted in more than 600 hundred construction job opportunities for our residents. Once completed, these projects will also an additional 5,000 job opportunities for the people of our City.The most important achievement is that Council, for the second year in a row, has a financial operating surplus. We plan the same for the years to come.Council has achieved a great deal over the past 12 months and we will expand on these achievements in 2009, and beyond.Finally, on behalf of Councillors and staff, I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and prosperous 2009.Mayor of Hurstville, Cr Vince Badalati with Councillor Anne

Wagstaff (left) and Anne Farah-Hill (right), Manager of Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre, at the Kingsgrove Community Centre site.

Name that street!

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Mayoral Golf Daythe Nine Network, Ross Greenwood, and former rugby league legend, Steve Edge. Former tennis great, Ken Rosewall, also made a special appearance on the day.

Many businesses generously donated their goods and services on the day, including the Byron Bay Brewery, St George Masonic Club, Patti’s Hire, Novotel Northbeach, Rydges Wollongong, Mortdale Wishbone Chickens, Deeko Tableware , Constellation Wines, Lugarno Gourmet Deli, Bresnahan’s Fine Foods, Laissez-Faire Catering, Kingsgrove Sports Centre, Bates Bikes, Zed ‘n’ Zed Jewellery, AJC, STC, St George and Sutherland Shire Leader and St George Illawarra Dragons.

Hurstville-St George Lions Club, Lugarno Lions Club and community volunteers were also on hand to provide catering assistance.

Since the launch of the annual Mayoral Golf Day in 2002, more than $180,000 has been raised for the Prostate Cancer Institute.

The Prostate Cancer Institute, part of the St George Cancer Care Service at St George Hospital, was the big winner of the annual Mayoral Golf Day at Hurstville Golf Course on Friday, 21 November, 2008.

Two hundred and twenty golfers took part in the charity event which raised in excess of $35,000 for the Prostate Cancer Institute.

The Mayoral Golf Day is a wonderful community event which is proudly supported by many local businesses. Many people donated both their time and money to make the day such a great success.

Professor John Kearsley, head of the St George Cancer Care Service, praised the support of Council and all those who participated on the day.

“The money raised will go towards a state-of-the-art facility which will benefit all cancer sufferers,” he said.

Member for Oatley, the Hon Kevin Greene MP, emceed the event which included special guest speakers, Business and Finance Editor from

Hurstville City Council is inviting residents to help name a new street which has been created in the East Quarter residential and retail development on Forest Road, Hurstville.

Residents can pick historical names that are relevant to the area, names of local famous cultural or sporting identities, or indigenous names.

Construction of stage one of the East Quarter development, comprising two buildings, is well underway, with 160 residential units expected to be completed by May 2009. A new road has been created in the site, but will remain public.

To enter, simply forward your suggestions and explain in 50 words or less why you selected the name. Don’t forget to place your name, residential address and daytime telephone number on your entry.

Residents can:• enter online via Council’s

website at www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au/eastquarterstreetname;

• mail entries to the Manager Public Relations and Events, Tanya Abraham, Hurstville City Council, PO Box 205, Hurstville BC NSW 1481;

• deposit entries into the box at the Customer Service Centre, Hurstville City Council, Civic Centre, MacMahon Street, Hurstville

Entries close on Friday, 16 January 2009. The winner will receive a dinner for two at Lugarno Seafood Restaurant to the value of $250.00.

Did you know…Over the past 12 months, a record number of people have visited Hurstville City Council facilities including:• Hurstville City Library – 517,515• Penshurst Branch Library

– 105,807• St George Regional Museum

– 37,382• Hurstville Aquatic Leisure

Centre – 614,815

Broadband connection a hit at the Library

A free wireless broadband service has proved to be a huge success with patrons at Hurstville City Library.

Introduced in August 2008, the innovative service is available to library users with laptop or handheld computers equipped with wireless capability.

Up to 250 patrons are utilising the service on a daily basis which makes studying more convenient for students, provides greater flexibility for out-of-office workers and supports local genealogists and other researchers with their projects.

For more information, telephone Hurstville City Library on 9330 6111.

The Mayoral Golf Day raised in excess of $35,000 for the Prostate Cancer Institute.

Hurstville City Council’s new Jack High Child Care Centre in Vanessa Street, Beverly Hills has a number of vacancies in 2009 for children aged 2-5 years.

The centre is open from 7.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, and features two bright, spacious indoor play rooms, a baby sleeping room, a dining room, kitchen and laundry. The new facility also boasts

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Chinese New Year 2009 Hurstville City Council will herald in the Year of the Ox with a month of community activities and events as part of its 2009 Hurstville Chinese New Year celebrations.

Over the past six years, Hurstville’s Chinese New Year has become the biggest and best celebration of its kind outside the Sydney CBD. Council’s 2009 Chinese New Year program is jam-packed with film, art, culture, kids activities and learning.

Esteemed Chinese medical practitioner and local resident, Dr Qing Tuan Wu, has also been announced as Council’s first Chinese New Year Ambassador.

Dr Wu has dedicated his life to improving the health of the Hurstville community; running his own medical practice, devoting time to cancer research and volunteer work, developing his own line of medical products and pursuing Phd studies to further his knowledge.

As before, the Chinese New Year Street Festival, proudly supported by major sponsor, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, is the signature event. The day will include non-stop entertainment, food and market stalls, and traditional lion and dragon dances on Forest Road, Hurstville, on Saturday, 17 January 2009.

Mysteries and customs of the annual Chinese tradition will be unravelled at the Hurstville City Library Kung Hei Fat Choy – Chinese New Year Exhibition, which will run from Saturday 10 January until Tuesday 10 February 2009.

Modern Chinese films starring cinema greats such as Jackie Chan will screen at the inaugural Hong Kong Film Festival in Hurstville’s Civic Theatre. Proudly supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney, the Film Festival will run from Sunday, 18 January until Sunday, 25 January 2009.

The festivities will continue with a free Hurstville Chinese New Year Concert featuring popular performers, Winnie Cai and Isaac Ng on Saturday, 31 January 2009.

Bringing Chinese New Year to life for young residents will be a program of children’s activities at Hurstville City Library and St George Regional Museum, including workshops in traditional Chinese drumming, dancing and brush painting, throughout January and February.

Adults can relax and reflect during the month-long celebration period with free tai chi classes and informative lectures on Chinese culture at the Library.

The local business community has been invited to go in the running for a major prize by entering a Shopfront Decorating Competition.

The 2009 Hurstville Chinese New Year festivities are proudly supported by major sponsor, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, as well as Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Medibank Private, Virgin Atlantic Airways, TVB (Australia), NRMA, National Australia Bank, The Ritz Hotel, Bank of China Australia, Nine Network Australia, St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, Australian New Express Daily, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Shoal Bay Resort and Spa, Westfield Hurstville, Costa Cruise, Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland and Mr Chao Seafood Restaurant.

modern play equipment, sand pits, walking paths, a mini amphitheatre, vegetable and sensory gardens, and a bicycle track.

Council is committed to providing affordable, high quality care for children and families.

To take advantage of these vacancies, telephone 9330 6204 or visit www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au

Places available at Jack High Child Care Centre

The Australia Yau Kung Mun Dragon and Lion Dancing Group will perform the traditional Lion Dance at the 2009 Hurstville Chinese New Year’s celebrations on 17 January 2009.

Enrol your child now for 2009 at Jack High Child Care Centre.

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What’s On

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Hurstville CiviC CeNtreMacMahon Street, Hurstville. Telephone 9330 6222

For information visit www.hurstville.nsw.gov.auOpening and closing times24 December 2008 8.30 am – 12.00pm25 December 2008 Closed26 December 2008 Closed29 December 2008 8.30am – 4.30pm30 December 2008 8.30am – 4.30pm31 December 2008 8.30am – 4.30pm1 January 2009 Closed2 January 2009 8.30 am – 4.30pm (return of normal business hours)

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Palms of Sunshine exhibition opens n

monday

Dragonflys Kids Club – Arty Pants 11.00am – 12.30pm4 – 10 years. Bookings essential: 9330 6444. Cost $5.00 (payment to be made within one week of booking) n

NRMA Roadzone exhibition closes n

Reflections exhibition closes n

Palms of Sunshine exhibition closes nOperation Art exhibition closes n

school Holiday Activity: Christmas Wonderland! Craft, activities and a mystery guest! (Last 2008 school holiday activity) 11.00am – 12.30pm. 4-10 yearsCost: $5.00 (payment to be made within one week of booking) n

Holiday storytime 10.00am – 10.30amany age, no bookings required nManga Workshop 1.00 pm – 3.00 pmages 10-15, bookings essential: 9330 6111 n

school Holiday Activity – ‘Get in the Game – reAD!’ 10.00 am – 11.30amages 5-12. Bookings essential: 9330 6422 n

school Holiday Activity – exploring the Chinese Zodiac 10.00am – 11.30amages 5-12, Bookings essential: 9330 6111 n

Kung Hei Fat Choy – Chinese New Year Festival exhibition opens Proudly supported by the Nine Network Australia n

Holiday storytime 10.00am – 10.30amany age, no bookings required nManga Workshop 1.00 pm – 3.00 pmages 10-15, bookings essential: 9330 6111 n

school Holiday Activity – lantern Making 11.00am – 12.30pm. Bookings: 9330 6444. Cost: $5.00 nschool Holiday Activity – ‘Get in the Game – reAD!’ 10.00 am – 11.30am. ages 5-12. Bookings essential: 9330 6422 n

Myths and legends of China – Holiday Activity 10.00am – 11.30am. ages 5-12, bookings essential: 9330 6111 nManga Workshop at the Museum 10.00 am – 12.00 noon. Bookings essential: 9330 6444 n

Hurstville Chinese New Year street Festival 11.00am – 4.00pmForest Road, HurstvilleMore information: www. hurstville.nsw.gov.au/cny

Hong Kong Film Festival at Hurstville Civic theatre 5.00pm FRee (Bookings: Danny Hau at dhau@hurstville.nsw.gov.au or 9330 6233)Day 1: NsW vs viC National Women’s league Cricket, Hurstville Oval

Hong Kong Film Festival at Hurstville 7.00pm. FRee (Bookings: dhau@hurstville.nsw.gov.au) Holiday storytime 10.00am – 10.30amany age, no bookings nDay 2: NsW vs viC National Women’s league Cricket, Hurstville Oval

Hong Kong Film Festival at Hurstville 7.00pm. FRee (Bookings: Danny Hau at dhau@hurstville.nsw.gov.au or 9330 6233)Hurstville entertainment Centre, MacMahon Street Hurstville

Hurstville CitY librArYCnr Queens Road and Dora Street, Hurstville. Telephone 9330 6111

For information on Library events and activities, visit www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au/library Opening and closing times24 December 2008 9.30 am – 5.00pm25 December 2008 Closed26 December 2008 Closed27 December 2008 9.30am – 4.00pm28 December 2008 2.00pm – 5.00pm29 December 2008 9.30am – 5.00pm30 December 2008 9.30am – 5.00pm31 December 2008 9.30am – 5.00pm1 January 2009 Closed2 January 2009 9.30am – 9.00pm (return of normal business hours)

PeNsHurst librArY630 Forest Road (near Olds Park), Penshurst. Telephone 9330 6422

For information on Library events and activities, visit www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au/library Opening and closing times24 December 2008 9.30 am – 5.00pm25 December 2008 Closed26 December 2008 Closed27 December 2008 Closed28 December 2008 Closed29 December 2008 Closed30 December 2008 Closed31 December 2008 Closed1 January 2009 Closed2 January 2009 9.30am – 9.00pm (return of normal business hours)

st GeOrGe reGiONAl MuseuM14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville. Telephone 9330 6444

For information on museum events and activities, visit www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au/museum Opening and closing times23 December 2008 to 27 January 2009 Closed

Hurstville AQuAtiC leisure CeNtreCnr King Georges and Forest Roads, Hurstville. Telephone 9585 9600

For more information visit www.hurstville.leisurecentre.com.au Opening and closing timesTuesday 25 December 2008 Closed

Hurstville GOlF COurseLorraine Street, Peakhurst. Telephone 9533 2194

For more information visit www.hurstvillegolfclub.com.auOpening and closing timesTuesday 25 December 2008 Closed

WAste serviCes COlleCtiONs

all Hurstville local government area residents are advised that waste services collections will continue unchanged during the Christmas/New Year period.Please present all bins in the normal manner on your collection day.For any missed services or maintenance, telephone the Waste Hotline on 1300 361 581.

All DAY CAre serviCes

Opening and closing timesPenshurst long Day Care Centre23 December 2008 to 20 January 2009 Closed

Hurstville Pre-school & Occasional Care Centre23 December 2008 to 21 January 2009 Closed

Jack High Child Care Centre23 December 2008 to 20 January 2009 Closed

Hurstville Family Day Care24 December 2008 9.00am – 12.00pm25 December 2008 Closed26 December 2008 Closed29 December 2008 9.00am – 5.00pm30 December 2008 9.00am – 5.00pm31 December 2008 9.00am – 5.00pm1 January 2009 Closed2 January 2009 9.00am – 5.00pm (return of normal business hours)

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Christmas Day boxing DayChristmas eve

New Year’s eve

New Year’s Day

Australia Day

Holiday storytime 10.00am – 10.30am nHong Kong Film Festival at Hurstville 7.00pm. FReeHoliday Activity – lion Dancing 11.00am – 12.30pm. 4-10 yearsCost: $5.00. 9330 6444 n‘Get in the Game – reAD!’ Bookings 9330 6422 n

Holiday Activity – Chinese Dance & Drama 10.00am – 11.30amages 5-12, 9330 6111 nManga Workshop 10.00am – 12.00noonages 10-15 years, 9330 6422 nHong Kong Film Festival at Hurstville 7.00pm. FRee

Holiday storytime 10.00am – 10.30am any age, no booking required nHong Kong Film Festival at Hurstville 7.00pm. FRee (Bookings: Danny Hau at dhau@hurstville.nsw.gov.au or 9330 6233) Hurstville entertainment Centre, MacMahon Street Hurstville

Hong Kong Film Festival at Hurstville 7.00pm. FRee (Bookings: Danny Hau at dhau@hurstville.nsw.gov.au or 9330 6233) Hurstville entertainment Centre, MacMahon Street Hurstville

Hong Kong Film Festival at Hurstville final (two films) 3.00pm and 7.00pm. FRee (Bookings: Danny Hau at dhau@hurstville.nsw.gov.au or 9330 6233) Hurstville entertainment Centre, MacMahon Street Hurstville

Holiday storytime 10.00am – 10.30amany age, no bookings n

school Holiday Activity – Chinese brush Painting 11.00am – 12.30pm4-10 years. Bookings essential: 9330 6444 Cost: $5.00 (payment to be made within week of booking) n

book Chat at the branch 10.00am to 11.00am n

Hurstville Chinese New Year Festival Concert7.00pm – 9.00pm FRee(Bookings: Danny Hau at dhau@hurstville.nsw.gov.au or 9330 6233)Marana auditorium, Hurstville entertainment Centre, MacMahon Street Hurstville

n Hurstville CiviC CeNtre n Hurstville CitY librArY n PeNsHurst librArY n st GeOrGe reGiONAl MuseuMn Hurstville GOlF COurse n Hurstville AQuAtiC leisure CeNtre

PAGE 6

Be storm preparedStorms can happen anywhere and at any time of the year and it is important to be ready all year round.

Storms are however, more common in most areas of NSW during storm season – from October until the end of March. Severe storms may cause major damage through torrential rain, strong winds, large hailstones and lightning. Storms can cause flash flooding, unroof buildings and damage trees and power lines.

Residents can also be indirectly affected by storms if access to roads, telephone lines or power lines are cut. The Hurstville Unit of the SES is on hand to assist residents during severe weather and can be contacted on 132 500.

Tips to ensure you are storm ready:• Clean your gutters and

downpipes of any debris – runoff from rain can back up under the eaves and into your ceiling, which can cause major damage.

• Trim overhanging branches – if they fall, branches can cause major damage to buildings, block access to your property, close roads and damage power lines. Seek permission from Council if trees need to be removed.

• Keep your yard and/or balcony free from loose items – these can become dangerous missiles in high winds and should be cleared. Be sure to secure lightweight garden furniture, toys and pet accessories when a storm is forecast.

• Make sure your roof is in good repair – roofing material that is secure and in good condition will assist in keeping water from getting in.

• Keep emergency numbers handy – have a list of emergency numbers on your fridge or inside a cupboard door and report any damage to services or road blockages to the relevant authority.

Hurstville SES calls for volunteers

Are you interested in becoming an SES volunteer? Call 9533 2122 to find out more.

Information nights are scheduled for new SES volunteers at 2 Depot Road, Peakhurst on Wednesday, 17 December and Tuesday, 20 December 2008 from 7.30pm to 8.30 pm.

Hurstville State Emergency Service (SES) is calling on volunteers, particularly people with Cantonese and Mandarin language skills, to join and help out the local community.

As an SES volunteer, you will become part of a team of some 10,000 well-trained professionals who share a commitment to helping out those in need following floods, storms and other emergencies. All Training is Nationally Accredited and recognised across Australia.

For more information, telephone Martin Johnson on 0412 469 035 or email martin.l.johnson@dhl.com

Young artists get creative in Christmas card competition

The call to help design Hurstville City Council’s Christmas card for 2008 was answered by hundreds of young budding artists from the Hurstville local government area.

The overall winner was Vivian Bakiris of St Joseph’s Primary School, Riverwood whilst the runner-up was Kartin Leung of Penshurst Public School.

The winner and runner-up each received a book voucher to the value of $50 with a further $100

voucher donated to the winners’ school library.

Mayor of Hurstville, Cr Vince Badalati said he was pleased that Council received so many colourful and well-designed entries for the competition, now in its seventh year, representing the theme ‘If Santa lived in Hurstville…’.

“The creativity shown in this year’s entries was very impressive and is a credit to the artistic talent in our local primary schools,” he said.

The winner of Hurstville City Council’s Christmas card design competition, Vivian Bakiris (right) and runner-up, Kartin Leung (left) with the Mayor of Hurstville, Cr Vince Badalati.

Stall holders are wanted for the annual Festival of St George Family Fun Day which will be held at Olds Park in Penshurst on Sunday, 5 April 2009 from 10.00am.

The fun-filled day will feature market and food stalls, music, carnival rides, arts and crafts activities and stalls, jumping castle, laughing clowns, entertainment and cultural shows, sporting activities for children, plus much, much more!

St George Festival

PAGE 7

The annual festival is a celebration of the diversity within the St George region.

All proceeds raised on the day will be donated to Lions Cord Blood Childhood Cancer Research appeal and St George Hospital Oncology Department.

For more information or to book your stall, telephone Anton Bregovic on 0418 665 691, Jim Ede on 9153 5523 or email jdede@ozmail.com.au

Council wins community radio program awards

A joint radio project developed by Hurstville City Council and 2NBC received two awards at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) Awards on 15 November 2008.

Tales from Dragonhurst received two awards – Excellence in Community Participation Award and Best Initiative to Build Station Capacity Award.

Council and community radio station 2NBC (90.1) FM joined forces eight months ago to help local seniors develop the radio program. Thirty residents learned writing, performance and broadcast skills as they explored the history and diversity of the St George region through their radio show.

In the course of the project, writing workshops were facilitated

by playwright P.P. Cranney and sound effects, narration and music were provided by Greg Poppleton and His Bakelite Dance Band.

ABC Radio National directors mentored participants in the project, which was supported by funding from the Australia Council for the Arts.

The Excellence in Community Participation Award recognises Council’s efforts to engage different community groups in cultural endeavours over the past 12 months.

The Best Initiative to Build Station Capacity Award highlights the effectiveness of the project in increasing the commercial success of a volunteer-run broadcaster and creating new community partnerships.

The project has provided a challenging avenue for seniors to share their unique perspectives and ideas with the broader community through broadcasting.

Tales From Dragonhurst was the only finalist to receive two CBAA Awards and will now be broadcast on eight interstate radio stations.

Council was also recognised for Tales From Dragonhurst and three other community culture programs at the 2008 Local Government Cultural Awards in mid-2008.

Last year’s St George Festival was very popular with local residents.

2NBC 90.1fm Manager, Paul McGrath (l-r), former Foreign Correspondent, Jeff McMullen, and Hurstville City Council’s Cultural Development Officer, Anne-Marie Wiles at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Awards.

To obtain interpreter assistance in your community language, contact the Telephone Interpreter Service on 13 14 50 and ask them to ring Council on 9330 6222 on your behalf.

Your Council

ARABIC

CHINESE

GREEK

ITALIAN

MACEDONIAN

Jack Jacovou0434 327 848

PEAKHuRST

Bill Pickering9534 34420411 745 257

Philip SansomDeputy Mayor9533 15430411 745 258

Beverley Giegerl OAM9570 45620419 770 352

PENSHuRST

Con Hindi 9594 15510411 743 240

Steve McMahon9596 05130419 770 355

David Perry0434 327 847

Vince BadalatiMayor 9150 61450411 745 255

HuRSTVILLE

Andrew Istephan0434 327 846

Nancy Liu9579 21180434 327 845

Clifton Wong0411 745 252

PAGE 8

Anne Wagstaff9580 79190434 327 850

Contacting CouncilCivic Centre MacMahon Street Hurstville NSW 2220PO Box 205 Hurstville BC NSW 1481Phone: 9330 6222

Website: www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au