The

Office: Ground floor, 5 - 9 Devlin St, Ryde Mail: PO Box 736 Ryde NSW 1680 Phone: 9808 3288 Email: ryde@parliament.nsw.gov.au

A community newsletter from The Hon. Victor Dominello MP

May 2012

Ryde Connector

Community Forum

Got a question for your local MP? Want to learn more about what's going on in your community? Register for the Ask Victor Forum

May 21 6:30pm-8:30pm Silverscreen Theatre, Macquarie Centre Event Cinemas

“When the editor of the Northern District Times approached me with the idea for a 'town-hall' style forum in Ryde, I jumped at the chance to hear directly from the people

of Ryde.“

On behalf of the Northern District Times, I would like to invite you to register and ask a question or attend.

Email AskVictorForum@Gmail.com with your questions and

register your details.

RegardsVictor Dominello

w w w. v i c t o r d o m i n e l l o . c o m . a u

Victor Dominello MP at Ryde Swimming Club

Victor Dominello presenting Lauren Wilson with her certificate for State Representation

Victor Dominello visits St Kevin’s Primary School to talk to Year Six about leadership

Development 1

North Ryde Precinct

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is currently in the planning stages to build a residential transport oriented development which will activate the area surrounding North Ryde Station (known as the old M2 site).

Residents from North Ryde have approached me with their views concerning the old M2 site. I have forwarded these views to TfNSW and will continue to advocate on behalf of residents to ensure that any use of this site will be a positive for our community. Community information sessions are due to be announced by TfNSW in the coming weeks. Please call me on (02) 9808 3288 if you would like more information.

Allengrove Crescent, North Ryde

Residents in North Ryde would be aware of the Allengrove Crescent Development Application which was for an 11 storey 269 unit building in an area of North Ryde zoned by Council for low-rise development only.

The development application was only allowed to be submitted because of the previous Government’s Part 3A Laws.

When elected in 2011, the Premier, Barry O'Farrell, repealed Part 3A. Accordingly, this development will no longer be approved by the Planning Minister, instead the development will now be determined by the independent Planning Assessment Commission (PAC).

Recently, the PAC conducted a hearing concerning the Allengrove development. I made a submission together with a number of residents who attended the meeting. The PAC is now in the process of making its determination concerning the development.

Thank you to all the residents that spoke and wrote to the PAC and the Department of Planning throughout this entire process. If you would like an update, please call me on (02) 9808 3288.

Whiteside Street, North Ryde

Similarly, the Whiteside Street Development Application is another Part 3A application for a larger development, opposed by residents and Council.

Like the Allengrove Crescent Development, instead of being signed off by a Minister, this will now be determined by the Planning Assessment Commission.As it stands, the proponent is yet to put in their latest project plan to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure for the appraisal before it goes to PAC.

Pride of Workmanship award recipient Doris Urusa with Deidre Anderson and Roseanna Gallo from Rotary Club of Macquarie Park

Victor Dominello with Dr Geoff Lee MP with Melrose Park Principal and School Captains

Victor Dominello with Dr Geoff Lee MP with Melrose Park’s School Captains in their community garden

Macquarie Park Taskforce

The Government has significant land holdings in the Macquarie Park area including a social housing estate and surplus land acquired for the construction of the Epping to Chatswood rail link. Being so close to employment, education opportunities and transport, the land holdings provide a fantastic opportunity for urban renewal and revitalisation.To ensure the community gets the best outcome we are forming a new taskforce which will bring together government agencies and other stakeholders in the area to recommend ways to best use the land.The key job of the Taskforce will be to explore development options for the land with the private sector and tertiary sector and prepare any required master plan for the area.There are many residents interested in the Macquarie Park taskforce and I will continue to keep open the lines of communication between Government and the residents.

Meadowbank Foreshore Development

As residents in Meadowbank may know, a Part 3A application for a 2,600 dwelling development in the Shepherds Bay area was submitted in 2009 under the former administration.

As mentioned with the Allengrove Crescent Development, when the O'Farrell Government was elected in 2011, one of the first acts was to repeal the Part 3A laws.

As a result, the independent Planning Assessment Commission will hold a meeting and determine this development in due course. I will let residents in the surrounding area know when this occurs.

Smalls Road, Ryde

Late last year, I was alerted by residents in North Ryde to the Department of Education and Communities (DEC) plan to sell the Smalls Road fields. After making representations, I received a reply from the DEC which described the area as 'surplus to the DEC's requirements'. There was concern from the residents that this site would be spot-planned for high-rise development. On Saturday 28 April 2012, I met with residents to discuss the Government's and Council's plans with the site. I have since made representations to the Premier requesting that Smalls Road be kept as open space for residents to use. I will continue to advocate on behalf of residents and provide them with the latest updates in relation to this site. Please call me on (02) 9808 3288 if you would like more information.

Muscular Dystrophy Meadowbank

Liam Wood receiving his state representative certificate for swimming

Victor Dominello talking with Volunteers at Ryde Swimming Club

Muscular Dystrophy NSW provides support to anyone affected by a neuromuscular condition who lives in NSW. The organisation’s vision is a simple one; to improve the quality of life for people affected by neuromuscular conditions living in NSW by delivering diverse, quality services and support. This vision is currently being met by a range of services and support available through the organisation which include a specialist Counselling service, Case Management, social activities such as the Annual Gala Ball, Christmas parties, 2 week long residential camps a year and financial assistance to purchase essential medical equipment. Also, Muscular Dystrophy NSW is currently running a pilot Duke of Edinburgh Project, and is the first organisation in Australia to support people with physical disabilities to participate in this exciting scheme.

Arjuna and his Mum (Michelle) live in the Ryde Area, and Arjuna has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He uses an electric wheelchair most of the time and a manual wheel chair occasionally if they are going to busy areas to make sure nobody gets run over. Arjuna is 13 and attends Karonga School and he loves watching movies, listening to music and doing jigsaw puzzles. Arjuna loves the area he lives in as he really like the abundance of trees and parks he can go to and his Mum loves the old houses and their interesting architecture which she feels makes even the built up areas interesting to look at.

Arjuna has attended two camps run by Muscular Dystrophy NSW and enjoys attending other social events such as Christmas Parties and the Easter Show. As well as attending these events, Michelle enjoyed attending the recent Muscular Dystrophy NSW Gala Ball and has also accessed financial support from the organisation to help with the costs of having a vehicle modified to be accessible for Arjuna in his wheel chair. Arjuna is looking forward to the possibility of joining the Duke of Edinburgh Award program.

RASAID’s Jenny Rollo and Victor Dominello MP

Ryde & The ANZAC

Ryde, being the third oldest settlement in the nation has invariably always had a strong relationship with the military.

So it is no wonder that in every conflict since Federation citizens of Ryde have answered their country’s call to arms and served with distinction.

When the cream of the Australian and New Zealand Armies poured onto the beach at Gallipoli, Turkey on the morning of 25th April 1915 many of the young, and sometimes scared, soldiers who committed themselves without hesitation and fought with great courage, skill and boldness were from Ryde.

There were many losses during the Great War (1914-1915) which touched the citizens of Ryde and brought them together in ways not previously experienced and gave the then town a strong community spirit.

One of the saddest episodes was the loss of local Public School Teacher, Captain Leonard John Banfield, aged 40, of Anderson Avenue, Ryde who went missing in action ( presumed killed ) at Hill 60, northern ANZAC on 22nd. August 1915 and who is recorded as having no known grave but is invariably buried on the Peninsula with the inscription on a wooden cross “Australian Soldier Known only to God”.

Private Henry Oscar Nelson is buried at V C Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial Fromelles 2, France and is listed on official records as being the son of Martin and Elizabeth Nelson of Parkes Street, Ryde NSW.

These are but two examples of the litany of citizens who served, some decorated, some paying the supreme sacrifice but everyone proud sons of Ryde.

There are many wonderful stories of service during World War 1 which are being chronicled by the Ryde Historic Society as part of their project “Ryde goes to War”, the release of which is due sometime before the Centenary of ANZAC in April 2015.

At this ANZAC period we remember those from our community who died and others who suffered long after the war ended. We acknowledge the courage and sacrifice not only of those who served but those at home who supported them during their service and in subsequent years cared for our local heroes. They will always be in our prayers and thoughts. We never can repay them and we never should forget.

Christian Community Aid

Christian Community Aid, CEO Heather Pinto with Victor Dominello MP

Victor Dominello MP at the Epping- Eastwood Lions Club BBQ at Meadowbank

Members of Eastwood Croquet Club being presented with their Community Partnership grant by Victor Dominello MP

Christian Community Aid is a Christian multi-denominational community based organization that provides services to all those in need. CCA provides services to people who are elderly and frail aged, or financially disadvantaged, or socially isolated. Services are also provided to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and persons from an aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background. Services include family day care, leisure learning, financial and gambling counselling, grief and loss counselling, home delivered meals, shopping, lunch groups, weekend lunch groups, volunteer visiting, medical transports and carers groups. Most services are free of charge and are provided in a professional, caring and individual basis.

It is based in Eastwood and provides services to all the surrounding areas. CCA has been around for over 45 years and last year incorporated Youth services into its many programs.

Some of the highlights are the 130 Christmas hampers that CCA distributes within the community thus bringing joy to families that are financially disadvantaged, the delivery of hot nutritious meals every day of the week and also social connection with the outside world to people who are house bound and the provision of affordable literary, art, craft and cultural classes to name a few.

CCA gratefully acknowledges the support of local churches, volunteers, local clubs, other community organizations, City of Ryde Council and various Federal and State Government departments, in the delivery of 23 Community Programs, led by 52 CCA staff and over 450 incredibly valued volunteers.

Eastwood Croquet Club

Eastwood Croquet Club has received a Community Partnership Building Grant from the NSW State Government to upgrade the condition of its courts. The Club was established in 1935 and plays on land donated to Ryde City Council by the Terry family. Playing croquet has often been called “chess on grass” as it involves forward planning and strategies so that, while winning a game, it is also imperative that your opponent is prevented from winning.

The newest game to the courts is Gateball which originated in Japan in 1947 and is played widely in China, Chinese Taipei and Korea. Gateball is now played in Eastwood on the 2nd Sunday morning of each month and at Epping on the 4th Sunday morning. Four games are played each lasting ½ an hour. A special introduction to the game to members of the Chinese Senior Citizen community is being held on 13 May 2012.

The Club, known as "the Friendly Club, we have a membership of 50 and our numbers are increasing steadily. We have club competitions and also participate in inter-club and NSW tournaments at many different locations. Meeting members of other clubs and exchanging information and reminiscences are often one of the highlights of the tournament.

From The Premier

Since March 2011 the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has been delivering real change for New South Wales and Ryde. We’re delivering on our promises. This means fulfilling our election commitments and building the infrastructure NSW needs.The NSW Government’s first year in office has put us on the road to make NSW number one. Our achievements include:

• Rebuilding the economy" " By maintaining the AAA credit rating " " with responsible economic and " " financial management; providing " " payroll tax rebates to create 100,000 " " new jobs; and repealing Labor’s " " homebuyers tax;

• Returning quality services " " By delivering 565 more hospital beds " " and hiring 1011 nurses; beginning the recruitment of an additional 550 " " police officers and 900 new literacy and "numeracy teachers; and " " reducing monthly, quarterly and annual train fares for regular commuters;

• Renovating Infrastructure " " By commencing work on the North West Rail Link; building the South " " West Rail Link; agreeing to widen the M5 West; and investing a record " " $4.7 billion to rebuild our hospitals;

• Strengthening our Local Environment and Communities" " By abolishing Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment ! ! Act; establishing the Dharawal National Park; and legislating new “Three " " Strikes” laws to reduce alcohol related violence and anti-social " " behaviour;

• Restoring Accountability " " Through reforming political donations; record funding for watchdogs " " including the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the " " Ombudsman and the Police Integrity Commission (PIC); establishing the " " Public Service Commission; and banning success fees for lobbyists.

These are just some of the achievements and election commitments we are delivering. Please visit www.premier.nsw.gov.au/ to see the detailed list of achievements already underway to make NSW number one.

Yours sincerely

Barry O’Farrell MPNew South Wales Premier

Community Building Partnerships

As your local Member of Parliament I can:

• Represent you in parliament.

• Take your concern directly to the appropriate Minister or department to get a response.

• Put you in touch with a service that can help you.

• Advise you of your rights and further action you may care to take.

• Lobby for more resources for your group or community.

• Work with you to achieve positive outcomes and to make democracy work for us all.

As your State Member I also deal with:

Aging and Disability

Attorney General

Community Services

Primary, Secondary Education and TAFE

Emergency Services

Fair Trading

Health, Dental and Public Hospitals

Industrial Relations

Land and Water Management

Local Government

National Parks

Main Roads

Police

Primary Industries

Public Housing

Public Works

Transport

HOW I CAN HELP YOUThe NSW Government allocated $35 million to the

Community Building Partnerships 2011/2012 program with electorates receiving $300,000 each. This program provides a great opportunity for our local community organisations and sporting groups to access much needed funding to build or upgrade local facilities. A total of 27 applications for funding from the Ryde Electorate were submitted to the Community Building Partnerships program. While the Ryde Electorate is very fortunate to have a diversity of community groups and organisations that provide excellent facilities and services for local residents, this funding will help enhance existing services and build better facilities for the whole community.

Some of the community projects that received funding under the program include: Denistone East Community Tennis Courts, Eastwood Croquet Club, Eastwood Ryde Netball Association, Homenetmen Ararat Association, Schizophrenia Fellowship in Ryde, St George Preschool (Marsfield), Australian Huntington's Disease Association (West Ryde), St Philip's Eastwood.

Did you know you can contact my office for further details or assistance with any of the following services:Did you know you can contact my office for further details or assistance with any of the following services:Did you know you can contact my office for further details or assistance with any of the following services:Did you know you can contact my office for further details or assistance with any of the following services:

Justice of the PeaceResidents wishing to become a Justice of the Peace can obtain application forms from my office.  Applicants need to establish either a work or community related need for appointment and supply the required references.

Seniors Card ApplicationsThe Seniors Card entitles residents to concession on NSW Government funded travel and discounts and special offers provided by thousands of businesses.  Applications can be obtained from my office.  Residents need to be over 60 years of age and working less than 20 hours a week to be eligible.

Congratulatory MessagesResidents are able to receive congratulatory messages for 50th, 60th, 65th, and 70th Wedding Anniversaries and 80th, 90th, and 100th Birthdays.  For 60th Wedding Anniversaries and 100th Birthdays, a congratulatory message will also come from the Queen. 

State AwardsState Representatives Certificates are available for people who represent New South Wales in various competitive fields.  The categories are extensive and include sport, dancing, public speaking, etc.

State FlagsState flags are available free of charge for eligible community groups.

Local Community Services

Authorised by Victor Dominello MP. Printed by A1Printmaster 25/28-34 Roseberry Street Manly Vale. This publication has been produced using parliamentary entitlements.