December 2010January 2011

by Rockdale City Council On Historic Botany Bay

Fundraiser for the KidsYouth Off The Streets Raises $60,000

Nippers Honours GaryCelebrating Late Councillor’s Contribution

Statutory Annual ReportDiscover What Council Has Achieved

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

Gary Honoured .................................................................... 5

Gala Fundraiser for the Kids ................................................ 6

Around the Roundtable ........................................................ 8

McHappy Day ...................................................................... 9

Art Space to Rent .............................................................. 10

Seniors Week 2011 ............................................................ 11

Statutory Annual Report .................................................... 12

Town Centre Christmas Events .......................................... 22

2010/11 Holiday Season Trading Hours ............................. 23

Community Events Calendar ............................................. 24

Lights, Camera, Action ....................................................... 24

New Year’s Eve Fireworks ................................................. 25

Celebrate Your Australia Day ............................................. 25

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Message from the Mayor

With Christmas just weeks away and the New Year beckoning I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the community for helping to make this year another happy and prosperous year.

As we wind down for the summer and reflect on such a busy year, many of you, no doubt, will also be preparing for a busy holiday period spent with family and friends, organising Christmas gifts and preparing the car for the long haul to whatever destination you may be heading for the summer break.

In saying that, it is important that we are reminded that many Rockdale City residents will be spending Christmas alone and many will not celebrate Christmas at all due to hardship and poverty.

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Councillor Bill Saravinovski, Mayor

So if you have a friend or relative that you think may not be celebrating Christmas, maybe this year we can go out on a limb and invite them along, because it’s what community members do.

Finally this month, I would like to welcome you to Council’s 2009/10 Statutory Annual Report. In this month’s edition of the Rockdale Review you will discover a summary of the annual report. The summary discusses Council’s many different achievements of the last financial year as well as a brief rundown of our financial status.

I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year. I am looking forward to a prosperous and fulfilling 2011 as we continue to grow and foster this great City.

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(L-R) Gary Green’s wife, Jou Jou, head of the Brighton Baths Athletics Club Nippers, Peter Daley and head of the Ramsgate Surf Life Saving Club, Mark Williams.

Gary HonouredOn the 14 November Brighton Baths Athletic Club Nippers and the Ramsgate Lifesaving Club held the second annual Interclub Carnival at Brighton Beach. Over 400 children from both clubs attended the carnival and took part in a variety of fun events including flag races, beach sprints, surfing and Iron man challenges.

In recognition of the late Councillor Gary Green, who was a huge supporter of community events and the Brighton Baths Nippers, Council implemented a memorial trophy in his honour. At the conclusion of the events, Ramsgate Lifesaving Club President Mark Williams was presented with the Gary Green Memorial Shield after they just pipped Brighton out for the second year running.

All the children who participated were presented with a participation medal and Coles Brighton provided each child with a drink and sausage sandwich which was greatly appreciated by all. The Carnival’s success was evident and both clubs propose to hold this event each November in honour of Gary Green with the support of Council.

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Gala Fundraiser for the KidsA 2010 Grand Final Jersey signed by the St George Illawarra Dragons raised $8000, a toy Ferrari $3500 and dinner for 20 people at Le Sands Pavillion with Moet champagne and wine raised $6000 for Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets Charity.

The crew from HMAS Cerberus (Rogers Division) were popular at the charity luncheon at Le Sands Pavillion on Wednesday 17 November selling raffle tickets, helping with the live auction and providing assistance.

The Hon. Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane MLC, Councillor John Flowers, Local Member for Kogarah Ms Cherie Burton, Father Chris Riley, Mayor Bill Saravinovski, Channel 7’s David Koch, Councillor Judy Feeney and Councillor Jan Brennan.

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The crew from HMAS Cerberus (Rogers Division) were popular, selling raffle tickets and helping with the live auction items.

Channel 7’s David Koch was the MC for the third year in a row. A total of $60,000 was raised.

Youth Off The Streets is a community organisation working for young people who are chronically homeless, drug dependent and recovering from abuse.

To donate visit www.youthoffthestreets.com.au or phone Joanne Baxter on (02) 9330 3534.

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Around the Roundtable Last month Council held its first Business Roundtable Forum, on the initiative of the Tourism and City Business Advisory Committee that is comprised of Mayor Bill Saravinovski, and Councillors Shane O’Brien and Liz Barlow, along with Council staff.

The aim of the forum was to create an open environment in which the local business community would feel comfortable to voice their opinions on the services Council provides.

A number of topics were raised, providing insight both to and from Council and business representatives, and included waste collection and illegal dumping, footway trading, the DA process and maintenance of public infrastructure.

Council would like to thank those who attended and looks forward to continuing and developing this process of consultation. If you have any Town Centre topics you would like to discuss, please call Council’s Town Centre Team on 9562 1758.

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(L-R) The Hon. Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane MLC, Bondi Vet’s Chris Brown and Mayor Bill Saravinovski at McHappy Day.

McHappy DayChannel 10’s Bondi Vet Dr Chris Brown swapped his stethoscope for an apron on Saturday 13 November to help Mayor Bill Saravinovski and The Hon. Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane MLC serve customers at McDonalds in Rockdale Plaza as part of McHappy Day.

Held annually, McHappy Day raises money for Ronald McDonald House Charities which helps provide affordable housing to families while their children are hospitalised.

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Art Space to RentBanksia Art Gallery celebrated its grand re-opening on Friday 12 November. Artist Nauha Dabboussy, who runs the gallery, had a variety of her works on display.

The Hon. Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane MLC, said we have a number of very good artists in our area and the gallery is a great way to promote them. Artists can lease the gallery space on a weekly basis to exhibit their works.

For more information phone 9567 0773.

The Hon. Councillor Shaoquett Moselmane MLC with artist Nauha Dabboussy at the grand re-opening.

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Seniors Week 2011 What’s in store for Seniors Week 2011? The week will be running between 21-24 March with bus trips to Berry, Berrima and Palm Beach. There will also be a coffee cruise on the Georges River, tickets to see the Rockdale Musical Society perform Dirty Rotten and a new ‘Blogging for Seniors’ course for those who want to expand their computer skills.

Ballot information relating to all these activities will be placed in The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader in mid-January.

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Statutory Annual Report

Official Extract Each and every day your Council strives to give you the best services and build on the best possible facilities to benefit the entire community. Council’s Annual Report provides a detailed illustration as to how we have met these expectations.

The Annual Report details our achievements against the targets we have implemented, discusses our financial sustainability and features detailed information on the services and facilities we provide. Here’s a brief look at the 2009/10 Statutory Annual Report to give you an insight into how your Council has performed.

Full copies of the Annual Report can be viewed at our six library branches, Customer Service Centre or online at www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au

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AwardsA number of our initiatives, programs and activities have been recognised by various industry and government bodies with highly coveted awards:

Council won consecutive LGSA awards in communication for promoting Waste Services and the Rockdale Review which is published monthly.

2009 StateCover OH&S Excellence Award - Winner.

Local Government Cultural Awards, Library and Information Services to Arncliffe Library for Ramadan celebrations with the Muslim community.

Project Management award received from the Australian Government Information Management Office - Excellence in e-Government Awards 2010 using EDRMS (Phase 1) Project.

Serving our Community’s NeedsRockdale City Library

Book Week celebrations held in August 2009 attracted 2120 entries from Rockdale preschool and school children. Attendance at Book Week events were 3017. Overall attendance at preschooler events has increased by 70 per cent over the same time as last year because of the introduction of the Baby Rhyme Time program.

Senior’s Kiosk was launched at Rockdale City Library. This is an initiative of the Federal Government and Rockdale City Library, in partnership with NEC, has set up computers with volunteer tutors to assist seniors in the community to improve their computing skills.

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Council hosted a Starting School Information evening with speakers and information provided by local primary schools. The event was well attended by prospective parents.

Community Grants

Council’s Community and Customer Service department obtained approval for a number of grants such as the Joint Children and Domestic Violence Crime Prevention Grant $145,000; Youth Week $1800; Sport and Recreation Grants $10,000 and $300 for Environmental Training. The majority of these funds will be allocated in August 2010.

Draft Open Space & Recreation Strategy

Council finalised an Open Space and Recreation Strategy following extensive consultation with the community.

Meals on Wheels

Rockdale Meals Service achievements for the year included successfully passing the Food Safety Audit by the NSW Food Authority, the creation of a partnership with Fairfield Meals on Wheels for distribution of meals to other service providers and the establishment of a new partnership with Warrima Cottage (Dementia Day Care Group) supplying daily meals four days a week to our client base.

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Community ActivitiesChinese New Year Celebrations

Chinese New Year celebrations took place in King Street Place once again. Taking the celebrations out onto the streets created significant interest for onlookers and local businesses.

Events in King Street Place

Amongst the events hosted in King Street Place, the highlight of the year was Council hosting an open air radio broadcast with AM station, 2GB. This promoted the City to many new visitors to the area and highlighted our diverse community and local business sector.

Business Excellence Awards

The third Annual Business Excellence Awards were coordinated, with an increase in the number of local business participating in the program and improving their business practices.

Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day

Christmas celebrations were hosted in Rockdale, Arncliffe and Brighton Le Sands. The celebrations included Christmas tree lightings, carols and activities for the children. Council’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks event saw 15,000 people attend Lady Robinsons Beach in Brighton Le Sands to watch the display and welcome in the New Year.

This event continues to grow in popularity each year and provides a viable alternative to the Sydney City fireworks display for our local residents. Australia Day is held at Peter Depena Reserve, Dolls Point, on historic Botany Bay and is always popular with residents.

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Improving Facilities in our CommunityCoolabah Reserve Wetland

Council completed the Coolabah Reserve Wetland and the Hannam Street Rain Garden as well as an additional 100 metres of Bardwell Creek embankment restoration.

Cycling Routes

Completion of the cycleway at Cook Park. From Kyeemagh to Monterey.

Traffic Management

The following traffic devices were installed by Council to improve safety:

1. Raised pedestrian crossing in Chuter Avenue in front of Ramsgate Public School.

2. Pedestrian refuge island in Hegerty Street west of Princes Highway, Rockdale.

3. Roundabout at the intersection of New Illawarra Road and Miller Avenue, Bexley.

4. Speed humps at the existing roundabout of New Illawarra Road / Edward St / Barnsbury Grove, Bexley.

Thriving Town Centres

The North Bexley Town Centre rejuvenation project was launched. Final preparations have been completed for the Brighton Le Sands Town Centre upgrade.

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Road SafetyA number of road safety programs and traffic infrastructure improvements took place throughout the course of the year, these included:

Installation of a number of traffic calming devices.

Two workshops for teachers of learner drivers were hosted. Both were very well-attended.

Two child restraint check days were held throughout the course of the year.

Council was involved with the organisation of the Breakfast Torque motorcycle safety day. This event is held in conjunction with Sutherland Shire Council, Kogarah City Council, the St George Branch of the Ulysses Club and the Motorcycle Council of NSW.

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Helping the EnvironmentCouncil is committed to the improvement of our local natural environment, with a strong focus on conserving our water resources. Our achievements in 2009/10 reflect our commitment to the environment.

Council hosted the inaugural Environment and Sustainability Forum. This event, designed to enhance the awareness of our environment and promote sustainable practices, was attended by 130 and was hosted by well-known TV presenter and author, Tanya Ha.

The third annual Earth Hour event in March 2010 was hosted, in conjunction with Kogarah City Council.

Council hosted the Bush Regeneration and Weed Identification Workshop for local residents. This workshop was designed to inform participants how to maintain our natural bushland and identify foreign and domestic plants.

Ongoing support for the City’s bushland volunteers continues to be maintained with the provision of tools, Council staff and general support.

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Recreation and the Environment A disabled access playground swing for children

with higher needs was installed in Bicentennial Park, Rockdale. Known as the Liberty Swing, this crucial facility has proved quite popular.

Completion of beach nourishment at Lady Robinsons Beach at Monterey and Sans Souci took place to ensure the long term sustainability of this natural asset.

Council Administration Staff turnover has been maintained at a staggeringly low

two per cent per annum.

2010/11 Rockdale City Plan: Adopted by Council on 16 June. The Plan was based on improved consultation and increased accountability for the delivery of the services and strategies within the Plan.

Work with the Department of Local Government to deliver increased rate funding to improve quality of libraries and smaller community buildings.

Council was Re-Certified to the Quality (ISO:9001), Environmental (ISO:14001) and OH&S (AS/NZS: 4801) Management Systems standards.

Council was selected to be one of 12 NSW Role Model Councils for the ‘eHousing Code’ project.

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Financial ReportCouncil’s annual expenditure is separated into seven sections. This method best shows how Council is spending its annual revenue.

The seven areas of expenditure are our four departments: the General Manager’s Office and Governance, City Administration, City Operations, City Planning and Development, and Council’s other major functions: waste management, fixed costs and capital expenditure.

GM’s Office and Governance

City Administration

City Operations

City Planning & Development

Waste Management Services

Fixed Costs

Capital Expenditure

Expenditure ($’000)

19,035

14,295

12,315

5,573

3,040

10,177

9,845

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Rates

Domestic Waste Charges

User Charges & Fees

Grants & Contributions

Other

Income ($’000)

11,185

34,862

4,596

16,183

4,048

Council’s annual income is broken down into four sections that reflect our core revenue streams.

A fifth section covers a miscellaneous section for revenue gained from a variety of general sources.

The five key income sections include rates, domestic waste, user charges and fees, grants and contributions and ‘other’ which covers general income streams.

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Bexley Town CentreRON RATHBONE PLACE (ORIENTAL STREET CLOSURE)

Thursday 9 December, 6pm – 7pmBand & Carols, Community BBQ and Tree Lighting.

Bexley NorthKINGSGROVE, BARDWELL PARK, SHAW STREET RESERVE

Saturday 18 December, 4pm – 8pmElves Train Ride, Community BBQ, Jumping Castle,

Face Painting, Band & Carols and Tree Lighting.

RockdaleKING ST PLACE

Friday 17 December, 5pm – 8:30pmBand & Carols and Tree Lighting.

Saturday 18 December, 11am – 3pmFamily Fun Day: Christmas Crafts, Jumping Castle,

Face Painting and Free Santa Photos.

Monday 20 – Friday 24 DecemberDaily visits from Santa 11am – 2pm.

Free Santa Photos and more!

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Community Events CalendarAustralia Day CelebrationsWhen Wednesday 26 January, 8:15am – 1pm

Where Peter Depena Reserve, Dolls Point

Call Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666

Council MeetingWhen Wednesday 2 February, 6:30pm

Where Council Chambers upstairs from the Library in the Rockdale Town Hall

Call Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666

Watch these latest videos on www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au

Lights, Camera, Action

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The Grand Parade will be closed between Bay Street and President Avenue from 6pm to 1am (see website for details)

Friday 31 December, 9pmLady Robinsons Beach, Brighton Le Sands

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

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

Council was awarded the 2009 SAI Global Systems Excellence Award for Integrated Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management