arra

ulseP Parramatta City Council’s community newsletter

January - March 2013

Sydney Festival bigger and better in 2013!Sydney Festival returns to Parramatta in 2013 with a thrilling program of arts, culture and entertainment. Running from 15–27 January, there’s a range of free and ticketed events on offer to suit all tastes and budgets.

Don’t miss the Opening Party on 19 January, which sees the streets and riverside of Parramatta overrun in a day-long extravaganza filled with energy and excitement.

From The Megaphone Project along Church Street to the Salon Perdu Spiegeltent in Prince Alfred Park and

all-star funk band, Kashmere Stage Band at the Parade Ground – it’s non-stop fun for young and old!

In addition to the Australia Day activities at Parramatta Park, The Parade Ground at Old King’s will feature loveable kids act, Lah-Lah, performing on 26 January alongside one of the country’s most gifted artists, Archie Roach.

Elsewhere, Canadian act Norman Blake and Joe Pernice perform at Salon Perdu Spiegeltent along with all-male circus act, Briefs.

For more information on tickets and venues, visit sydneyfestival.org.au and Check out the full program on page 5!

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Lord Mayor’s Message

@Miss_Ellaineous At Riverside Theatre waiting to see Circle of Sound. Looking good @Parracity

With the weather heating up and the festive season upon us, it’s great to see the City come to life with activities the whole family can enjoy.

I look forward to joining you at the upcoming New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular. It’s set to be a great evening filled with performers, plenty of action and a fitting end to 2012.

Beyond New Year’s, Sydney Festival will once again hit Parramatta with a diverse array of music, art and theatre in venues across the City.

Running from 15–27 January, the Parra Opening Party (19 January) is definitely not to be missed – an afternoon/evening of free

entertainment, culminating in a family-friendly concert at the Parade Ground on the river’s edge.

These are all great examples of how our City can play host to vibrant, large-scale events, activating the river foreshore, spaces and laneways – as we did recently, with the successful Parramatta Lanes – and ultimately, enriching community experiences.

I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas holiday season, and I very much look forward to working with you in 2013.

Cr John ChedidLord Mayor of Parramatta

@steven_issa @parracity foundation day followed by the @wswanderersfc game. Good start to the weekend. #GoWanderers

Christmas comes to Church Street MallThroughout November and December, Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid, joined in on Parramatta’s many exciting festive events.

The 2012 Kids Christmas Concert – which featured Bananas in Pyjamas, Loop de Loop Christmas Show – culminated in the lighting of the Town Hall and City Christmas Tree. It was a truly magical experience!

Elsewhere, Cr Chedid played host to a series of free Christmas celebrations for seniors in each of Parramatta’s five wards: Lachlan Macquarie, Woodville, Elizabeth Macarthur, Arthur Phillip and Caroline Chisholm.

These events offered an opportunity for guests to connect with their local community while enjoying a hot Christmas lunch, entertainment, dancing and raffle giveaways.

Parramatta’s future is brightOne of the world’s leading city strategists, Ethan Kent (pictured right with the Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid) recently declared Parramatta to be the City which will meet the ongoing needs of greater Sydney.

On his two-day visit to Parramatta, Ethan – Vice President of the Project for Public Spaces – met with the Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid and Council staff to discuss future plans for the City.

Having already transformed cities in the US, Dubai and Hong Kong, Ethan will continue working with Council to develop further opportunities.

Paint Parra REaDParramatta Town Hall played host to a Reading Day – a combined community program between Council and The Hills Holroyd Migrant Resource Centre and Families NSW to boost literacy skills amongst youngsters aged five and under.

An important initiative to help children prepare for school, Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid, was on site to lend a helping hand and engage the community in reading with their children.

Ringing in the New Year along the River!

Parramatta is set to wow vistors and residents this New Year’s Eve with an array of entertainment, music and fireworks.

There will be a fun-filled selection of roaming acts, including the Western Sydney Roller Derby Girls patrolling the closed streets and offering directions.

The Wheelie Bin Sound System DJ’s, Icarus Performance Troupe Beach Patrol, The Amazing Drumming Monkeys and Empress Stilt Dance Flowers will entertain crowds along the river foreshore.

The evening will conclude with an amazing jet-ski show and elaborate fireworks display at 9pm. Get there early so you don’t miss out on the festivities and to snag the perfect spot!

Parramatta City Council raised the Lebanese flag above Parramatta Town Hall during a special ceremony, attended by Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid last month.

Marking the historic occasion when, on 22 November 1943, the Lebanese people won their independence from the French, the ceremony highlighted the contribution of the Australian-Lebanese community to

Parramatta and the City’s strong ties with Lebanon.

Cr Chedid remarked that it was an occasion particularly close to his heart: “As an Australian-Lebanese who came to this country 35 years ago, for me it’s an opportunity to reflect on the freedom we enjoy here in Australia.

“I am proud to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community here in Parramatta.”

Celebrating the Lebanese Day of Independence

Lord Mayor of Parramatta with fellow Lebanese descent councillors.

Parra Pulse 54 Parra Pulse @verimaz @parracity I learnt that I can recycle any plastic that is clean & rigid, even if it doesn’t have a number on it #NationalRecyclingWeek FTW @rogerby Thailand comes to #Parramatta in western Sydney…thanks @parracity

NSW’s first Environmental Upgrade Agreement signedParramatta City Council has signed NSW’s first Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) with Australian Unity, the property owners of 10 Valentine Avenue in Parramatta. An EUA is a financing model that aims to make it easier for building owners to implement energy related upgrades to their properties.

As part of continued progress towards sustainable business developments, the project was initiated by the tenant, NSW State Property Authority, and will have achieved an Australian first where tenants have contributed to the repayment of the EUA.

Cleaning up Parramatta’s streetsParramatta City Council recently installed purpose-built butt bins across the City to help control cigarette butt litter and ensure the City is tidier and our environment healthier.

Council’s Cleansing Team identified key areas where butt littering was a problem with 18 butt bins now installed throughout the Parramatta CBD and shopping centres in Harris Park, Granville and Guildford. Each bin can hold approximately 2,500 butts each, and contains a fluid inside that quickly extinguishes cigarette butts. There are also odour controlling chemicals to absorb the smoke odour.

As part of Butt Free Day in October, Council also gave away personal ashtrays.

Australia Day Local Awards

Spectacular Australia Day celebrations

Recognising outstanding achievement and excellence in the local community, the Australia Day Local Awards are now open for nominations. You are invited to nominate a community member who you feel deserves recognition.

The Award categories include:• Senior Citizen of the Year – 60 years and over• Citizen of the Year – 22 to 59 years• Young Citizen of the Year - Up to 21 years• Sportsperson of the Year – Open• Volunteer of the Year - Open• Community Project of the Year - Any project held

in 2012 that benefits the community of Parramatta. The event/project must be coordinated by a local community organisation based in the Parramatta Local Government Area.

Application forms can be accessed online parracity.nsw.gov.au or at Council’s Administration Building. Nominations close on 9 January 2013 and the winners will be announced on Australia Day. Best of luck to all nominees!

Kicking off with a spectacular symphony of hot air balloons high above Parramatta Park, Australia Day 2013 (26 January) is set to be an unforgettable day of adventure, music and fun for all the family.

The Aerial Carnivale will take to the skies at 6am, with free flying and tethered hot air balloon rides, and BBQ breakfast stalls.

From noon, The Big Backyard is the place to be! With amusement rides, animal encounters and eco-experiences, it will be a great space for friends and families alike to enjoy the day’s events.

As the sun sets, the Dig 1100 Concert concert gets underway from 6pm, featuring diverse acts from right across Australia with DJ Jay Katz as MC, Hungry Kids of Hungary and You Am I as headliners.

Of course, no Australia Day celebration would be complete without fireworks – and this year is no exception! At 9pm, the night sky will light up with a fantastic display to wrap up festivities. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Saving you power and moneyAs part of the State government’s DIY Power Saver Program, Parramatta City Council now offers Power Mate Energy Kits.

Helping to monitor power usage and reduce costs, the kits can be borrowed for a period of up to three weeks and can be plugged into any electrical appliance, including fridges, computers and air-conditioners.

The devices measure how much power is being used, how much each appliance costs to run and the appliance’s production of greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information visit parracity.nsw.gov.au/library/save_power_kits

Date for the diary:

Lunar New YearJoin us in welcoming the Year of the Snake at Church Street Mall in Parramatta on Friday, 15 February 2013.Filled with festivities and entertainment for the whole family, Lunar New Year will feature dancers, musicians, costumes and much more!

For more information visit parracity.nsw.gov.au/lny

Sydney Festival bigger and better in 2013

URbAN15-27 January (Riverside Theatres)

SaskwatchJanuary 18(Salon Perdu Spiegeltent)

briefsJanuary 18-27 (Salon Perdu Spiegeltent)

Parra Opening Party (FREE)January 19Pyrophone JuggernautTablatronics Kashmere Stage Band Rokia Traore(Various locations)

The Megaphone Project (FREE)19-26 January (Various)

Leah FlanaganJanuary 20 (Salon Perdu Spiegeltent)

Lianne La HavasJanuary 22-23 (Salon Perdu Spiegeltent)

yMusic24-25 January (Salon Perdu Spiegeltent)

Lah-LahJanuary 26 (The Parade Ground at Old King’s)

Archie Roach (FREE)January 26 (The Parade Ground at Old King’s)

Norman blake and Joe PerniceJanuary 26-27 (Salon Perdu Spiegeltent)

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Here’s a snapshot of the works recently completed by Council in your Ward.

ARTHUR PHILLIP WARD

• Emma Crescent Shops: benches for the picnic area, additional foot paving, new plantings and playground established with scope for future equipment upgrade

• Maria Lock Park: new plantings, fresh mulch, additional benches and new sandstone feature at entrance

• Ollie Webb Reserve: picnic tables, benches and shelters, new plantings

• Doig Street: restoration of community garden

CAROLINE CHISHOLM WARD

• McCoy Park: fix sign posts in playground, additional trees for shade, picnic table, bench and shelter

• Third Settlement Reserve: existing play equipment replaced and soft fall surfacing installed, new table and bench unit under shelter

ELIzABETH MACARTHUR

• Doyle Ground: existing playground expanded, new multi-function water fountain, concrete circulation path linking playground with Macarthur Street

• Eccles Park: asphalt sealing of entry road, new fencing, entry signage

• Sturt Park: concrete path linking Cheshunt Avenue to existing circulation park, boardwalk at Kissing Point Road to link to ‘The Ponds Walk Network’

WOODVILLE

• Strickland Road: speed humps installed• Henry Street: speed humps installed

LAChLAN MACQUArIE

• Mobbs Memorial Park: existing paving upgraded, new trees for shade, car park pavement and entry upgraded and new design using existing material to enhance vistas and the connection to the Galaringi Reserve

• Molly’s Way: bush track constructed through Vineyard Creek Reserve (at end of Denham Place, Dundas)

2012 Community Satisfaction SurveyOver 500 members of Community Voice completed Council’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey - and the results are now in!

The survey found that overall satisfaction with Council was very high at 79 per cent – five per cent higher than in 2011 – and that dissatisfaction has remained stable at eight per cent.

Council’s customer service was also rated as good or very good by 81 per cent of respondents – eight per cent higher than in 2011 – while those who rated it as poor or very poor dropped by five per cent.

The results of the surveys are being used by Council to identify the community’s current priority areas and services where improvements are needed over the next 12 months.

The data is also used to report against the key performance measures in Council’s Delivery Plan and Operational Plan. These results will be reported to the community and Department of Local Government as part of the Annual Report.

For the full results or sign up to join Community Voice visit parracity.nsw.gov.au/live/my_community/community_voice/

Continue the conversation onlineThe new City identity, Parramatta: Future Generation is now on Twitter and Facebook. Get involved in discussions online!

Head to @ParraFutureGen and Tweet your thoughts or jump on Facebook via facebook.com/ParraFutureGen.

Parramatta is the heart of the future generation, playing a vital role in driving the economic, social, residential and educational growth of greater Sydney.

Through bright, bold branding and contributions from members of Parramatta’s diverse community, the new City identity, encourages pride for the area and positivity for the endless opportunities ahead.

Upgrades in your area

Ollie Web Reserve

Sturt Park

McCoy Park

Strickland Road

Liveable Cities ProgramWork also continues on the River Cities Renewal Project – the joint project between the Federal and State governments and Parramatta City Council to complete three critical missing links along the northern Parramatta River foreshore.

Proposed works will include: portals through Lennox Bridge, escarpment boardwalk connecting Charles St Weir to Rangihou Reserve and Baldarri Wetlands shared boardwalk.

New to the area? The latest Guide to Council Services brochure is available and is an introduction to Parramatta and some of the many services Council provides to its local community.

The guide offers an overview on services such as Meals on Wheels, libraries, development and building information and emergency services.

As part of the ongoing digital developments through Council’s, ParraConnect, a new Wifi service has been launched across the CBD.

Helping to create better social, environmental and economic connections with workers, residents and visitors, the installation of free Wifi – running through the heart of our CBD via fixed wireless network provider, W3 – offers an innovative opportunity to access the web while on the go in the City.

For more information visit parraconnect.net.au happy surfing!

Parramatta’s online connection

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New waste trucks take to the streetsA five-year contract between Parramatta City Council and Cleanaway has been announced by the Lord Mayor, Cr John Chedid and Cleanaway General Manager for New South Wales, David Clancy.

A new fleet of purpose-built waste trucks have taken to the streets and are removing all existing weekly rubbish, fortnightly recycling and green waste services, as well as the quarterly bulk household kerbside collection.

Cleanaway will continue to educate the community on all forms of waste area resource through the ‘kNOw Waste Education Program’. Over 25,000

students from preschool to secondary school have been through the program since 2007.

Also continuing and giving residents the chance to win with waste is the ‘kNOw your waste and win’ bin tagging program which commenced in November 2011 and has seen Cleanaway inspect over 20,000 recycling bins in Parramatta. The program will soon be expanded to include garden organics bins.

For more information visit parracity.nsw.gov.au/live/my_home/waste_and_recycling

Parramatta Library’s online resources

eBooks can be borrowed 24/7 and there are thousands of new titles available.

Want to read on the go, but don’t have a portable eBook Reader? Borrow one from any Parramatta City Library

branch! You can borrow one for up to three weeks.

Check out the Library’s regular Technology Literacy classes helping beginners gain experience with technology and gadgets. Past classes have covered ‘On the Go with GPS’, ‘Digital Photography for Beginners’, ‘Chatting on Skype’ and a hands-on ‘Technology Petting zoo’.

Parramatta City Library now has online resources accessible from your computer, ranging from educational entertainment for toddlers and early-reading for children, through to student resources, interactive encyclopaedias and much more visit parracity.nsw.gov.au/eresources

History now available online

The Parramatta Heritage & Visitors Centre has launched an exciting new website which allows members of the public to search a selection of the Centre’s heritage and cultural artefacts, and local historic photographs.

This new system will be continually updated, with more collections and information available online over the coming months.

Visit heritagecentre.parracity.nsw.gov.au

Out now!‘Shaping a City: 150 Years of Parramatta City Council’, a fascinating look at civic life over the years, is now available for purchase at the Heritage & Visitors Centre, for $25. The book explores Parramatta Councils’ origins, community facilities and transport developments.

As part of the spring school holiday program, Parramatta City Council ran a trial free event for families to bike ride through parklands, between Rydalmere Wharf and Ermington Bay, and spot birds.

Travelling along the River foreshore through different habitats, over 30 different bird species were observed. The easy ride suited all levels of fitness.

Keep an eye out for more events like this to come!

Is that a bird in the sky?

After dark surprises withParramatta Lanes

Over four nights in October, Parramatta’s laneways were brought to life as part of Crave Sydney International Food Festival.

Parramatta Lanes saw Erby Place and Darcy, Batman and Red Cow Lanes each feature their own unique theme with street food, a pop-up cocktail bar, music and art. Over 9,000 people joined in the fun with areas at capacity and vendors selling out of food!

River comes to life with Loy KrathongThe Parramatta River foreshore came alive on 24 November in celebration of Sydney’s largest water festival - Loy Krathong.

A whole host of activities had up to 14,000 attendees immersed in the Thai culture right on the river foreshore. With Muay Thai demonstrations, a traditional Thai puppet parade, international performers and interactive workshops, there was enough for the whole family to enjoy.

The main highlight of the evening was the ‘Krathong’ ritual at sunset, where the river was transformed into a visually stunning waterscape. This popular tradition saw hundreds

of lotus-shaped boats (Krathong) launched onto the river with participants invited to make a wish as they pushed their Krathongs from the riverside.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid, said Loy Krathong brings together the four regions of Thailand, Central, The North, The North-East and the South, to Parramatta, each showcasing the traditional culture and wonders of South-East Asia.

A perfect complement as the event also earmarked the 60th Anniversary of Bilateral Relations between Thailand and Australia.

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Do you want to get up close and personal with birds, flying foxes and fish? Would you like to explore the bush at night? Does the thought of discovering the local environment excite you?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, we’d love for you to join our Bushland Interpretive Program!

Check out the following calendar for upcoming events, and get all the latest information and register to take part via the online events calendar at parracity.nsw.gov.au

bushland Program 2013

JanuaryEnvironmental ExplorersDiscover the bushland of Vineyard CreekLocation: Vineyard CreekDate: Saturday, 19 January

FebruaryEnvironmental DetectivesAfternoon/twilight dip-netting activity Location: Lake Parramatta reserveDate: Saturday, 2 February

MarchBicycle Bird WatchLocation: Ermington Bay NaturePathwayDate: Saturday, 9 March

AprilNight Nature WalkLocation: Vineyard CreekDate: Monday, 22 April

After attending a University Third Age (U3A) class at Parramatta City Council’s Over 55’s Leisure and Learning and picking up a copy of their brochure, Monika Reismann (pictured right) joined the Monday morning art class and recently became the services’ 1,000th customer!

First launched 17 years ago as ‘Seniors Leisure and Learning Centre’, the service expanded over the years out into local suburbs. Following its name change earlier this year, to ‘Over 55’s Leisure and Learning’, it runs a variety of recreational, educational and social activities in Parramatta, Ermington, Granville, Guildford and Wentworthville.

For more information about Over 55 activities in your local area, call Council on 9806 5119.

Over 55’s Leisure and Learning celebrates 1,000 customers

Fancy a scone?

Stay local and enjoy…• Two pools – Parramatta and Granville

Swimming Centres.• Three skate facilities – Parramatta, Granville

and Telopea.• Ten tennis courts - available for hire on a

permanent or casual basis, with floodlighting for night use.

• Around 300 beautiful parks and reserves.• Cycle routes, including the Parramatta Valley

Cycleway or Parramatta Park.

For more information visit parracity.nsw.gov.au/play

SWIMMING POOLSParramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool O’Connell Street, Parramatta Tel: 9630 3669 Granville Swimming Centre Enid Avenue, Granville Tel: 9637 1593

LIBRARIESParramatta City Library Address: Civic Place, Parramatta Tel: 9806 5159

Dundas Valley branch Library Address: Sturt Street, Telopea Tel: 9638 1146

Council Services

Ermington branch Library Address: river road, Ermington Tel: 9638 2270

Granville branch Library Address: 8 Carlton Street, Granville Tel: 9637 4270

Guildford branch Library Address: railway Terrace, Guildford Tel: 9632 6744

Constitution Hill branch Library Address: 20 hollis Street, Constitution hill Tel: 9896 2201

THE PARRAMATTA HERITAGE & VISITORS CENTRE Address: 346A Church Street, Parramatta(opposite Riverside Theatres)Tel: 8839 3300Fax: 9683 5608 MEALS ON WHEELSShop 3, 10 Hunter Street, ParramattaTel: 9635 5293

COUNCIL’S WASTE HOTLINE Tel: 9806 5544

PARRAMATTA CITy COUNCIL30 Darcy Street Parramatta NSW 2150PO Box 32, Parramatta NSW 2124

Telephone: (02) 9806 5050Facsimile: (02) 9806 5917

Email: council@parracity.nsw.gov.auWebsite: parracity.nsw.gov.au

LORD MAyOR’S WEbSITEparracity.nsw.gov.au/lordmayor

Discover books this summer!Escape the heat and head to your local library for the Summer Reading Club – underway since the beginning of December and running until the end of January.

With three levels available – Birth to Preschool, Primary School and High School – head to your local library for a starter pack.

URBANCircolombia – part of Sydney Festival(UK / Colombia)15 January – 27 January

The circus troupe’s gritty show, URBAN, comes to Sydney featuring acrobatic feats and a pulsating soundtrack.

The Wizard of Oz8 February – 23 February

An enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic and totally reconceived for the stage.

For more information visitriversideparramatta.com.au Riverside Theatres

Wrap it up!

Head to the Farmers Markets at Church Street Mall on 20 December and learn about wrapping gifts using recyclable materials.

Follow us on and Parramatta City Council Discover Parramatta Parramatta Heritage Centre

Twitter: @parracity Parramatta City Council @discoverparra Discover Parramatta @parralibrary Parramatta Library

Facebook:

Pop in and visit the Red Cross Volunteers Tearoom at 184 Church Street.

Open from 8am – 2pm (except for Tuesdays), visitors can enjoy tea, coffee and assorted scones. All costs are donated to the Red Cross.

Walks and talks

Contact your CouncillorsThe Councillors’ Support Officer (phone 9806 5066) can put you in touch with the Councillors that represent your Ward. Alternatively you can contact them directly on the following numbers.

ARTH

UR P

HILL

IP W

ARD

Cr Andrew WilsonMob: 0414 190 205

Cr Julia FinnMob: 0414 190 202

Cr Bakous MakariMob: 0428 024 484

CARO

LINE

CHI

SHOL

M W

ARD

Cr Bob DwyerMob: 0428 024 997

Cr Scott LloydMob: 0414 730 254

Cr Shahadat ChowdhuryMob: 0428 032 842

Cr Paul GarrardMob: 0414 504 504

WOO

DVIL

LE W

ARD

Cr Glenn ElmoreMob: 0408 605 451

Cr Steven IssaDeputy Lord MayorMob: 0416 100 223

ELIZ

ABET

H M

ACAR

THUR

WAR

DCr John HughMob: 0428 017 928

Cr James ShawMob: 0428 020 053

Cr John ChedidLord MayorMob: 0431 506 055

LACH

LAN

MAC

QUAR

IE W

ARD

Cr Pierre EsberMob: 0414 190 204

Cr Lorraine WearneMob: 0416 035 817

Cr Jean Pierre AboodMob: 0428 020 851

Caroline CHiSHolM Ward

arTHUr PHilliP Ward

eliZaBeTH MaCarTHUr Ward

Baulkham Hills

Winston Hills

Toongabbie oldToongabbie

northmeadConstitution

HillPendle

Hill WentworthvilleWestmead

north Parramatta

Parramatta

oatlands

Telopea

Carlingford

epping

eastwood

dundas Valley

ermington

Melrose Park

rydalmere

dundas

Camellia

rosehill

Clyde

Granville

Merrylands

SouthGranville

Guildford

Chester Hill

Harris Park

Seven Hills

WoodVille Ward

laCHlanMaCQUarie

Ward

National Relay Service (NRS)Telephone: 133 677

Hearing impaired and deaf people may call Parramatta Council through the NRS, using modem or textphone by dialling 133 677 and quoting customer service number (02) 9806 5050.

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