April 2011by Rockdale City Council

On Historic Botany Bay

Brighton RocksAltiyan Childs Wows Locals

$5000 Up for GrabsRon Rathbone Local History Prize on Again

When it Rains it PoursRain Garden Cleanses our Waterways

2

ContentsMessage from the Mayor ..................................................... 3

The Customer Always Comes First ...................................... 5

Brighton Rocks .................................................................... 6

Sand Storm at Brighton ....................................................... 8

Inspirational Women .......................................................... 10

Like Our Libraries? ............................................................. 11

$5000 Up For Grabs .......................................................... 12

He’s Music to Our Ears ...................................................... 14

Supporting Local Business ................................................ 15

When It Rains It Pours ....................................................... 16

A Break For Carers ............................................................ 18

How Fast Can You Run? .................................................... 20

Lights, Camera, Action ....................................................... 21

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

Buy Now and Save ............................................................ 23

3

Message from the Mayor

It was only two months ago that I wrote to you about the tragedy and despair that took place during the Queensland and Victoria floods. Not content at stopping there, in the space of just a few weeks, Mother Nature has unleashed her full arsenal and left us with the devastation of the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the catastrophic after-effects of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in North Eastern Japan.

My heart goes out to all those who have suffered. The disaster in Japan comes very close to home here in the City of Rockdale. We have a Sister City Agreement with Yamatsuri, Japan. We enjoy a close relationship with this City and spoke with their Council as soon as we heard of the disaster.

4

Councillor Bill Saravinovski, Mayor

All reports from that region are that things are all okay, but neighbouring prefectures have certainly not been so lucky. Disasters like these remind us of how precious and delicate human life is.

Finally this month, it’s great to see that our beloved St George Illawarra Dragons have gone off to a flying start this season. Now that the cooler months have come, I look forward to seeing our sporting grounds and open spaces abuzz with children’s weekend sports. It’s a great time of year and I would like to wish each and every child playing their chosen sport the very best of luck.

5

The Customer Always Comes FirstCouncil, led by the Customer Service unit, was certified with the Customer Service Institute of Australia on Thursday 3 March.

Accreditation with the Customer Service Institute of Australia places Council in a prominent position to facilitate a customer service culture that will further benefit our customers.

This accreditation means Council stands at the forefront of innovative and exceptional public engagement and customer satisfaction. These are the key ingredients to any successful government body.

6

The persistent drizzle on Saturday 19 March did nothing to dampen the spirits of the crowd who rocked out Bay Street, Brighton Le Sands as they celebrated the revamping of the town centre.

The opening act was local crooner Tony Di Marti who warmed up the crowd for the event headliner Altiyan Childs, local boy made good by winning Channel 7’s talent show X Factor in 2010. Mayor Bill Saravinovski presented Altiyan with the Key to the City of Rockdale. “To get the Key to the City was the validation of so much pain and suffering. It was amazing,” Altiyan said. The sponsors of the event, the Commonwealth Bank Brighton and Bay Espresso said they were blown away by the support shown by the crowd.

Mayor Bill Saravinovski presented Altiyan Childs with the Key to the City for raising awareness of our City to the world through his music.

Brighton RocksSupporting Local Business

7

While Altiyan signed autographs and posed for photographs for his fans, rockabilly group Lonesome Train wowed the crowd with their toe-tapping tunes.

8

Deputy Mayor Councillor James Macdonald (pictured far left) with the players from the celebrity soccer match and the Ray White Brighton Beach Soccer organisers.

If you were down at Lady Robinsons Beach on Sunday 13 March, you would be forgiven for thinking there was a sand storm. Over 100 children took part in the annual Ray White Brighton Kids Beach Soccer and the energy and speed demonstrated by the children meant there was more sand in faces than on the ground. Despite the sweltering conditions, there was simply no stopping these kids.Organised by Ray White Brighton in partnership with Sydney FC and Rockdale City Council, the event, which gets bigger each year, is designed to promote fun, fitness and teamwork. The day included a series of round robin matches between teams of kids aged seven to 12.

Sand Storm at Brighton

9

Deputy Mayor James Macdonald, an avid sports fan, went down to the beach to check out how the event was going.“The Ray White Brighton Kids Beach Soccer has become a springboard for some serous talent. These kids just glide across the sand, kicking, ducking, weaving and diving, non-stop, all day. However, it’s the unwavering smiles on their faces that makes you realise the importance of hosting community events like this. The kids had a ball. I would like to thank Ray White Brighton for their dedicated commitment to this event and I look forward to an even bigger event in 2012,” the Deputy Mayor said.

10

There was a pink aura in the air on Thursday 3 March when over 50 women took part in Council’s annual National Women’s Day celebration in the Rockdale Town Hall.Amongst the inspirational presentations and cultural performances, the highlight of the morning was an address from local student Jenny Smith from St Mary’s College. Jenny spoke about growing up in a privileged world where women now make a significant impact on society. Councillor Lesa de Leau discussed with the audience the need to keep up the pressure and ensure that women in Australian Society continue to advance.

(L-R) Guest Speakers: Cheryl Staddon from Second Chance Toys Sydney, Councillor Lesa de Leau, Dr Astrid Perry from the NSW Health Service and Delilah Shinko from St George Police.

Inspirational Women

11

With six branches across the City and access to a variety of online resources, the Rockdale City Library is without peer when it comes to getting the information you need. But the question is, what do you want out of your local library?

This month Council has distributed a small random survey across the City. The participants have been asked what they like about their library.

Council would like to hear from frequent library users but would also like to encourage non-users to contribute their thoughts in this important survey. Mayor Bill Saravinovski said the library is a crucial community resource and its success lies in its ability to appeal to the whole community.

“The Rockdale City Library is a vital community asset that attracts people from throughout the St George region. There is a plethora of fictional and non-fictional resources as well as a full calendar of free activities for all ages. Your input in this upcoming survey will help shape the future of this valuable public asset so please make your voice heard,” the Mayor said.

If you would like to contribute to this survey, visit your local library branch or call the Rockdale City Library on 9562 1821.

Like Our Libraries?

12

Do you know something about the history of our City that others don’t? Do you have a passion for essay writing, history and research? If you have answered ‘Yes!’ to any of these questions then get your entry into the 2011 Ron Rathbone Local History Prize for a chance to win $5000.

Now in its sixth year, the Ron Rathbone Local History Prize is designed to encourage the promotion and discovery of the City of Rockdale’s rich past. All entries must be unpublished original research pieces. The subject may cover any aspect of our City.

Mayor Bill Saravinovski said local history is an important tool for city planning and for other young, budding historians and students to learn.

$5000 Up For Grabs

13

“Make no mistake there is plenty of history in our City. Given that nearly half our population was born overseas you can bet that there are some fascinating stories of human effort and courage from many local residents.

Alternatively, look around you and see how many heritage and iconic buildings there are throughout our City. There are plenty of historic aspects of our City and with $5000 at stake this is the perfect opportunity to sink your teeth into a great project,” the Mayor said.

Kids Get a Chance Too!Local children are encouraged to enter the Junior History Prize. There is $500 each for the winning primary and secondary school entry. Subjects for children to consider include:

History of their local school

Their family history

History of a church or famous local building

Biography of a current or former local sportsperson, politician or prominent resident

All entries must be received by Friday 12 August. For more information call the Rockdale City Library on 9562 1821.

14

He’s Music to Our EarsBefore travelling to Australia, career musician and Brighton Le Sands resident, Simon Gorgievski, performed throughout Europe. Having mastered the piano, accordion and vocals, and knowing how to entertain a crowd, Simon’s progression into radio was simply natural.

In 2011 Simon celebrates his 10th year as a radio broadcaster with 2NBC 90.1FM. He conducts three shows a week in Macedonian. Naturally Simon’s a hit with our City’s prominent Macedonian-Australian community. In addition to his local popularity his programs are broadcast over the internet and he has a large following of listeners in Canada and New Zealand.

Simon is also a Brighton Le Sands stalwart, having lived here for over 30 years. He loves the area and said he’s seen it grow and change.

“My heart is in Brighton. I feel like I was born here. This is a great community,” Simon said. His radio program is broadcast Wednesday 4pm-8pm, Friday 7pm-9pm and Saturday 3pm-5pm.

2NBC radio host, Simon Gorgievski celebrates 10 years in radio.

15

SUPPoRTinG LoCAL BUSineSSCouncil is committed to the growth and prosperity of our local businesses, which is why the Rockdale Review now has a regular column devoted to promoting different local businesses throughout the City. Each business also has an accompanying short film which can be viewed at www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Local Artist, Paul Jackson 2009

Archibald Packing Room Prize Winner

2006 Archibald People’s Choice Award Winner

Calls our City home

16

When It Rains It PoursCouncil’s latest innovation in sustainability was on display on Saturday 19 March for the launch of the Gilchrist Park Rain Garden. Coincidently the day of the launch evolved into Sydney’s rainiest March Day in 27 years.

Mayor Bill Saravinovski said he was proud to launch another sustainability initiative and applauded Council for employing the innovative approach to cleanse our City’s waterways.

17

Mayor Bill Saravinovski ceremoniously planted a native tree with local residents Toby and Pippin.

“With the Rain Garden we are ‘going back to the future’ by taking a leaf out of nature’s book and re-creating natural filtration systems to treat our stormwater runoff from our roads and footpaths.

“This Rain Garden is an important element of Council’s commitment to cleaning our waterways whilst, at the same time, enhancing our parks. This Rain Garden changes the way we all think about how we keep our precious waterways free of pollution,” the Mayor said.

The launch, attended by a keen group of local residents, included a sausage sizzle, planting and guided tours. The Rain Garden was a joint Cooks River Sustainability Initiative and Council project.

18

A Break For Carers

Are you are a carer who provides meals for a friend or relative who may be less mobile or finds it difficult to prepare food at home? Take a break and order in with Rockdale Meals Service.

Boasting a sumptuous array of dishes, sourced from all over the globe and prepared by an experienced and qualified chef, the Rockdale Meals Service is a viable alternative for carers who are looking for some time-off in helping with meals at home.

The service:

Can organise a pickup or home delivery service

Offers a wide range of nutritious meal options

Offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options as well as a healthy range of snack foods

Provides monthly social luncheon functions with transport available on request.

Kick back and let the Rockdale Meals Service do the cooking.

19

Hosting a Function?Aged care services, seniors’ groups, disabled care organisations and higher needs groups can make massive savings on their catering needs with Rockdale Meals Service.

Everything from gourmet hand-cut sandwiches, through to delicious quiche and pastry hors d’oeuvres are on offer. Rockdale Meals Services can cater for groups both big and small.

For enquiries call Rockdale Meals Service Coordinator, Prue Daras on 9502 3198 Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.

20

How Fast Can You Run?On Sunday 22 May some of NSW’s top athletes will line up at Peter Depena Reserve, Dolls Point for the annual Rockdale City Fun Run and Walk.

The event is a 5km loop that includes the breathtaking views of Botany Bay. For those not quite ready to take on the larger event there is also a 1km loop. Mayor Bill Saravinovski said runners and walkers of all levels are encouraged to come and be part of this traditional community event.

Organised by St George Athletics Club, the Fun Run and Walk commences at 8:30am at Peter Depena Reserve, Dolls Point. All funds raised will be donated to the Knights of St George Association for the St George Hospital Cardiac Surgery Unit.

Entry forms are available from Rockdale City Council’s Customer Service Centre, Rockdale City Branch Libraries, from Council’s website www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au or from the St George Athletics Club website www.sgdac.org

For more information about the Fun Run/Walk please call Albie Thomas, St George District Athletics Club on 9587 2356 or Rockdale City Council 9562 1666.

Entries close on Tuesday 17 May. Late registrations are permitted until 8am on the day (a late entry fee will apply).

21

Wat

ch th

ese

late

st v

ideo

s on

ww

w.ro

ckda

le.n

sw.g

ov.a

u

Ligh

ts, C

amer

a, A

ctio

n

22

Community Events CalendarCouncil MeetingWhen Wednesday 20 April, 6.30pm

Where Council Chambers, upstairs from the Library in the Rockdale Town Hall. Corner of the Princes Highway and Bryant Street, Rockdale

Call Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666

Citizenship CeremonyWhen Saturday 30 April, 12 noon

Where Rockdale Town Hall, corner of the Princes Highway and Bryant Street, Rockdale

Call Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666

Rockdale City Fun Run and WalkWhen Sunday 22 May, 8:30am

Where Peter Depena Reserve, Dolls Point

Call Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666

23

BUy

noW

And

SAv

eR

eade

rs o

f the

Roc

kdal

e R

evie

w n

ow h

ave

anot

her r

easo

n to

che

er. F

or th

e re

mai

nder

of

Aut

umn

rece

ive

10 p

er c

ent o

ff y

our n

ext p

lant

pur

chas

e by

pre

sent

ing

this

vo

uche

r at t

he R

ockd

ale

Com

mun

ity N

urse

ry. T

his

offe

r is

valid

onl

y fo

r exi

stin

g pl

ant

stoc

k an

d en

ds o

n Tu

esda

y 31

May

201

1.

As

man

y of

our

City

’s k

een

gard

ener

s kn

ow, A

utum

n is

a b

usy

time

of y

ear f

or p

lant

ing

and

prep

arin

g yo

ur g

arde

n fo

r the

coo

ler m

onth

s. T

he N

urse

ry h

as a

wid

e va

riety

of

plan

ts o

n of

fer t

hat a

re re

ady

to b

e pl

ante

d no

w.

So if

you

r gar

den,

pat

io o

r bal

cony

nee

ds a

bit

of

a sp

ruce

up

this

Win

ter,

com

e do

wn

and

talk

to

the

expe

rts a

t the

Roc

kdal

e C

omm

unity

Nur

sery

.10

% O

FFO

n e

xis

tin

g p

la

nt

st

Oc

ke

nd

s 31

Ma

y 2

011

Customer Service Centre

9562 1666www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Council’s Customer Service Centre is open on 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 1666 - Fax: 02 9562 1777email: rcc@rockdale.nsw.gov.au

dX 25308 Rockdale