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March 2009by Rockdale City Council

On Historic Botany Bay

Together for Bushfire AppealDig Deep for Bushfire Victims

Local Realtor Kicks off Big Soccer EventCoverage of Kids Beach Soccer at Brighton

Join a Candlelight PicnicCouncil Invites You to a Picnic

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Contents

Message from the Mayor ..................................................... 3

What Cook Park Could Have Been ...................................... 5

Help the Children ................................................................. 6

Together for Bushfire Appeal ............................................... 8

Local Realtor Kicks off Big Soccer Event .......................... 10

‘Checkmate’ ....................................................................... 11

Family Business Booming After 50 Years .......................... 12

Speeding, No-one Thinks Big of You ................................. 14

Lions Let Loose in Rockdale .............................................. 15

Aussie Spirits Soar at Dolls Point ....................................... 16

Journey with Your Teenagers ............................................. 17

New Code Affects You? ..................................................... 18

Flag Rises High for Serbia ................................................. 19

Farewell to a Community Leader ....................................... 20

Join a Candlelight Picnic .................................................... 21

Community Events Calendar ............................................. 22

Have Your Say ................................................................... 23

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On Wednesday 18 February, just three hours before Council met to discuss a proposal for an extension to the Brighton Le Sands Boardwalk and car park, a letter from the Director General of Lands obliterated any hope of this decades old project from becoming a reality. The letter, sent via our general fax, ordered Council to cease all further capital works on Cook Park, where the boardwalk and car park was due to be constructed.

In my interview on 2GB Radio with Alan Jones on Wednesday 25 February I highlighted that Council approved the car park and boardwalk in June 2008 and not one objection was raised by the NSW Government (who gave owners consent) or the Local Member for Rockdale Frank Sartor.

Message from the Mayor

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On another important matter I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many residents and business owners throughout the City of Rockdale who have contributed to our Victorian Bushfire and Children of Gaza Appeals. More than $17,000 was raised during our Bushfire Appeal dinner held at Rockdale Town Hall and the donation bin in the Rockdale Town Hall foyer is overflowing with gifts, toys and children’s clothes for the Gaza appeal.

Words cannot express my sincerest thanks and overwhelming appreciation to the many people who have donated to these two very important causes. During the past few weeks I have seen our community band together for the needs of others and for that I am touched.

Councillor Bill Saravinovski, Mayor

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What Cook Park Could Have BeenThe proposed boardwalk and car park at Cook Park was to include 100 car spaces including four disabled car parking spots and extensive landscaping. To listen to the 2GB Radio interview between the Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, and Alan Jones discussing the car park visit www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au and follow the links.

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Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane met with local residents donating toys to the Help the Children of Gaza Appealon Thursday 12 February.

Help the ChildrenThe ravages of war have left them wounded, homeless and orphaned. They are often the forgotten victims of an on-going battle between Palestine and Israel; these are the children of Gaza.

Council has decided to step in and do what it can to help these innocent victims by holding the Help the Children of Gaza Appeal. Council is urging the community to make donations in the form of money, clothes and medical supplies.

A collection bin has been placed in the foyer of Rockdale Town Hall where people can donate clothes and toys. Or, if you wish, monetary donations can be made to the Australian People for Health Education and Development Abroad (APHEDA) by calling 1800 888 674.

“We have a large Middle Eastern population within our community, many of whom have seen the devastation of war first hand. It is because of this reason that the atrocities in Gaza hit so close to home for so many of our residents. By holding this appeal we are helping our residents make a difference,” Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane said.

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Hannah from Revesby heard about Council’s Gaza appeal and donated $154 from her money box.

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Together for Bushfire AppealA staggering $17,000 was raised at Council’s Victorian Bushfire Appeal held in conjunction with the local Australian-Arabic community on Friday 20 February.

More than 250 residents, business owners and community leaders packed Rockdale Town Hall for a dinner, auction and raffle. The highlight of the night saw a bidding frenzy take place when Liberal Party member, The Hon John Ajaka MLC, agreed to wear and be photographed in a ‘Vote 1 Labor Bill Saravinovski’ shirt. The top bid was $500.

“No amount of money can ease the pain of human loss. However, the Rockdale community has done its very best to help the thousands of survivors of this disaster and for that I am very thankful,” the Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, said.

“If you can, I urge you to dig deep and donate whatever you can to the victims and their families of the Victorian Bushfire Disaster. Visit www.redcross.org.au and make a secure online donation or call 1800 811 700.”

Popular 2GB radio personality Jason Morrison donated his time to MC Council’s Bushfire Appeal.

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Councillor Joe Awada said: “It was great to see so many people attend Council’s Bushfire Appeal. Rockdale has such a strong sense of community spirit.”

(L-R) Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane, the Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski and Council’s General Manager Chris Watson represented Council at the Bushfire Appeal.

After being challenged by 2GB’s Jason Morrison to wear the Labor shirt, Liberal MLC, the Hon John Ajaka yelled “I did it for charity!” and raised $500 for his efforts.

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Local Realtor Kicks off Big Soccer Event Past and present Sydney FC and Socceroo players led a field of 120 children for a day of soccer fun at the inaugural Ray White Brighton Kids Beach Soccer 2009 on Sunday 22 February. The event was hosted by local real estate agent Ray White Brighton in conjunction with Council.

“This event demonstrates the true level of community participation and involvement here in the City of Rockdale. Council is determined to bring more activities to the community, both in Rockdale and the greater St George region. However, we relish the opportunity to share our efforts with community groups and businesses such as Ray White Brighton; it’s a union of community spirit. This is something you cannot put a price tag on,” the Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, said.

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‘Checkmate’He’s Australia’s top ranked chess player, but says he would be more than happy to see other young Australians learn from him and climb to the top. This humble champion is local Carlton resident and genius Zong Yuan Zhao. Zong Yuan is Council’s Sportsperson of the Year.

At the age of 10 Zong Yuan, having moved from China three years prior and with only a basic understanding of the English language, took out his first Australian tournament. From that point onwards there was nothing stopping Zong Yuan in his journey to become Australia’s best.

Zong Yuan’s passion for this highly tactical and intellectually intense sport struck a cord with him when he was seven years old. “At home, in Beijing, I signed up for a unique class that taught chess. I fell in love with the game and haven’t looked back,” Zong Yuan said.

Zong Yuan is not the only chess champion in Carlton; he lives with former Australian champion Ian Rogers, and his wife Cathy who is also an accomplished chess competitor.

Apart from meeting his chess commitments Zong Yuan is also finalising his studies as a registered pharmacist and next year will begin studies so he can become a medical practitioner. On top of all this, Zong Yuan is also an avid flute, tennis and badminton player.

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Bill Stack and John Martin stand proudly in front of the original real estate shopfront in Frederick Street Rockdale.

Family Business Booming After 50 YearsIn 1959, when Betty Martin and her late husband John established their real estate business in Rockdale with John’s cousin Bill Stack and his wife Violet, the iconic original Mini Cooper was officially launched, the Cold War Antarctic Treaty was signed between the USSR and America and the average price for a house in Rockdale was around 4000 pounds.

Fifty years on and Martin Hill Gardner Real Estate has grown into a flourishing family-owned and operated business spanning three generations. At one time Betty’s and John’s eldest daughter’s husband joined the business, and Hill was added to the name.

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Betty’s son Michael manages the family business with Tony Gardner who partnered with the company two years ago. “When we started the business there were no high-rise apartments or large shopping centres in Rockdale and there were only a few different nationalities compared to today,” Betty said.

Michael began work with his parent’s company at a very young age, delivering pamphlets and helping out with the cleaning duties. He said that one of the biggest changes was how business was done. “It was a different time back then. Agreements and deals were sealed with a simple handshake,” Michael said.

Despite a fondness for the days gone by, Betty and Michael have enjoyed the growth of the City over the years and believe the community has benefited from multiculturalism. Michael’s son Daniel is the first of the third generation to join the family business. Later this year the company will hold its official jubilee celebrations.

The team at Martin Hill Gardner (L-R) Tony Gardner, Daniel Martin, Betty Martin and Michael Martin.

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Speeding, No-one Thinks Big of YouIn NSW speeding is a factor in 40 per cent of road deaths each year. When you combine this frightening statistic with the 4000 people who are injured each year on our roads it becomes apparent that speeding is not acceptable.

In a joint project, Council and the RTA installed a number of ‘Speeding No-one Thinks Big of You’ posters in bus shelters throughout the City. The posters aim to capitalise on the RTA’s TV campaign that has taken the unique approach of embarrassing young men who speed.

“Council will not tolerate speeding, there is simply no excuse. Council has been working closely with the RTA and NSW police to stamp out unruly and careless motorists. The ‘Speeding No-one Thinks Big of You’ campaign is designed to remind our younger male motorists that speeding is not cool,” the Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, said.

Council is determined to put a stop to motorists speeding on our local streets; the ‘Speeding, No-one Thinks Big of You’ campaign is focused on our younger male drivers.

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Lions Let Loose in RockdaleTraffic came to a standstill and shoppers and store keepers watched in awe as a duo of Chinese lion dancers paraded down the Princes Highway from Bryant Street to King Street Place, where they performed a ceremonial dance to traditional Chinese drums and symbols.

Held on Monday 9 February, the 2009 Chinese New Year celebrations were bigger than ever. A number of Chinese groups from the St George region participated in the event, providing everything from cooking and calligraphy demonstrations, to Tai Chi & traditional musical performances.

The Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski said Chinese New Year celebrations in the City of Rockdale continue to grow in popularity. “I would like to thank the Chinese Australian Association, St George Migrant Resource Centre, Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, St George and Sutherland Community College, the Sydney Chinese Alliance Church and the Australian Chinese Community Association of NSW, for their participation and support of this significant event,” the Mayor said.

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David Schnell, Michelle Chou, Tarek Said, Nadim Naser, Thomas Poeppe, Will Po, Youssef Mourtada, Jenny Che and Ruampol Nitikitpaibool on Lady Robinsons Beach.

Aussie Spirits Soar at Dolls PointWolli Creek resident Youssef Mourtada was accompanied by eight friends to help him celebrate his Australian Citizenship at Council’s Australia Day festivities at Peter Depena Reserve, Dolls Point. Youssef has been in Australia for three and a half years and says that he loves living here.

Youssef was one of 45 special local residents to officially become Australian citizens in an emotional and heart warming ceremony on the shores of Australia’s birthplace – Botany Bay. The Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, said he was delighted to see so many people come down and support our new citizens.

“The support Youssef received from his friends by coming down and being part of the citizenship ceremony really embodies the true Australian spirit. Overall, It was great to see so many people at Peter Depena Reserve celebrating our country’s most important day,” the Mayor said.

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Journey with Your TeenagersIn partnership with the First Light Care Association, Council is holding a free seminar on teenage behaviour for parents and carers. The seminar will be presented in Cantonese and is designed for the City’s Chinese population.

Topics covered in the seminar include relationships between girls and boys, communication between adults and teenagers and internet use.

It will be conducted by experienced Counsellor, Social Worker and Family Educator, William Wong, and will be held at Rockdale City Library on Tuesday 24 March from 10am – 12 noon. For more information or to book call Rockdale City Library on 9562 1821.

Council is holding a free seminar presented in Cantonese on teenage behaviour for parents and carers.

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New Code Affects You?If you own a home in the City of Rockdale that is on land greater than 450 square metres then read on, because there are changes to the development and compliance laws.

The NSW Department of Planning has introduced a new Housing Code which took effect on Friday 27 February. This new Code will replace Council’s existing Development Control Plan (DCP) 57 which previously covered rules regarding modifications to homes over 450 square metres.

The next 12 months will be an introduction period where land owners may choose to comply with the new Housing Code or Council’s DCP 57. To view the new Housing Code log onto www.planning.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to the Housing Code pages. You can also call the Department of Planning on 9228 6111.

The Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, is encouraging residents to choose Council’s Development and Assessment services when seeking compliance for home renovations.

“With years of experience and a wealth of local knowledge our Development and Assessment team offers a professional, efficient and effective service when assessing your home modifications. Choosing Council over independent assessors will give you the piece of mind that your home is being assessed by people who pride themselves on their ability to conduct a thorough assessment of your renovations whilst taking into account the needs of the greater community,” the Mayor said.

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L-R: Miodrag Pesic, His Grace Bishop Irinej, His Excellency Milivoje Glisic Ambassador of Serbia, the Mayor of the City of Rockdale Councillor Bill Saravinovski, the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Besarabic, Deputy Mayor Councillor Peter Poulos and Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane.

Flag Rises High for SerbiaTraditional Serbian music and dancing marked an important occasion in the City of Rockdale with the official raising of the Serbian national flag on Sunday 15 February.

“There is a large and active Serbian-Australian community within the City and Council was eager to help promote and celebrate their unique cultural heritage,” the Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, said.

“Flag raising ceremonies are the perfect way of saying ‘thank you’ to the many nationalities that make up our rich, diverse and vibrant community. Serbia has contributed so much to the global community and we are privileged that so many Serbian-Australians have chosen to call Rockdale their home.”

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Farewell to a Community Leader He was a man of great passion with a determination to build and maintain community values. He was a problem solver and mediator, always looking for a solution. This is the story of the late Dr Khalil Moustapha.

Dr Moustapha, who sadly passed away on Thursday 19 February, was a prominent community leader and role model throughout the St George region and beyond. As a doctor and qualified Clinical Psychiatrist, he used his skills to hone in on community needs and help break down the barriers of religion and racial tensions.

“He’s compassion, leadership and expertise will be sadly missed. He was a man who won respect from everyone he met,” Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane, said.

Since emigrating from Lebanon in 1990, Dr Moustapha grew to become a mentor and teacher for so many people in the Rockdale community.

“His passing comes with immense sadness and a sense of great loss. But we are profoundly grateful to have been touched by this wonderful man. He has left a lasting legacy with the community,” the Mayor of the City of Rockdale, Councillor Bill Saravinovski, said.

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Join a Candlelight PicnicCouncil invites you to join in a communal candlelight picnic at Carrs Park, Kogarah, on Saturday 28 March from 7.30pm - 9.30pm to celebrate Earth Hour, which takes place from 8.30pm - 9.30pm.

There will be a fire twirler and other entertainment, free giveaways (including candles) and lucky door prizes. Bring a picnic and warm clothes.

Rockdale City and Kogarah Councils are organising the candlelight picnic to drive home the importance of energy efficiency in combating climate change.

To register for the Earth Hour 2009 candlelight picnic contact Deborah Cooke at Rockdale City Council on 9562 1663.

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Community Events Calendar

Workshop for Teachers of Learner Drivers

When: Wednesday 18 March, 6:30pm - 8:30pmWhere: Location details provided upon bookingCall: Council’s Road Safety Officer Sue Watson on

9562 1701. Bookings essential

Free St George Eco Living Workshop Home Greywater Reuse When: Wednesday 18 March, 6:30pm - 8:30pmWhere: Location details provided upon bookingCall: Environmental Projects Officer Deborah Cooke on

9562 1663

Author TalkDon Tate will talk about his book The War Within. When: Thursday 26 March, 1pmWhere: Rockdale City Library, 448 Princes Hwy, RockdaleCall: Rockdale City Library 9562 1821

Harmony Day CelebrationsStalls, cultural performances and more.When: Thursday 2 April, 9amWhere: Rockdale Town Hall, Cnr Bryant St & Princes Hwy,

RockdaleCall: Customer Service Centre 9562 1666

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Have Your Say What 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.

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Customer Service Centre

9562 1666www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Council’s Customer Service Centre is now openon Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

This document contains important information about Rockdale City Council. If you do not understand, please

visit Council's Customer Service Centre at 2 Bryant Street Rockdale on Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Council Staff will be happy to arrange interpreter services for you. You may also contact Telephone Interpreter Services on 131 450 and ask them to ring Rockdale City Council

on 9562 1666 on your behalf.

This is a large print version of our regular Newsletter.

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

Tel 02 9562 1666Fax 02 9562 1777

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