Bankstown City Council Newsletter Autumn 2014

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS

North East ALEX KUSKOFF (Lab) MICHAEL TADROS JENNY GOLLEDGE Chester Hill Chullora M 0403 602 924 (Lib) (Lab) M 0499 778 866 M 0408 641 661 Villawood Greenacre Sefton Mount Lewis Regents Park Bankstown Potts Hill Punchbowl Birrong Yagoona

Padstow Lansdowne Revesby Bass Hill Panania KHAL ASFOUR (Lab) NAJI NAJJAR (Lib) TOAN NGUYEN (Lab)Georges Hall East Hills Mayor M 0421 057 244 M 0408 626 307 Bankstown Airport Padstow Heights P 9707 9523 Condell Park Revesby Heights Milperra Picnic Point West South

GLEN WAUD (Lib) IAN STROMBORG ALLAN WINTERBOTTOM M 0434 360 791 (Lab) (Ind) T 9771 4843 P 9785 9091 F 9772 3770 M 0412 788 235 Contact your Council BANKSTOWN For more information about Bankstown Council’s services, visit our Customer Service Centre on the LIBRARY AND Upper Ground Floor of Bankstown Civic Tower from 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. KNOWLEDGE CENTRE You can phone Customer Service on 9707 9999 OPENING SOON or visit our website at www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au JIM DANIEL (Lib) LINDA DOWNEY SCOTT PARKER (Ind) If you have any questions or comments about M 0408 461 952 (Lab) Deputy Mayor M 0411 462 287 M 0408 681 874 this magazine, please call Kahlia Beichert on 9707 9558. BANKSTOWN LIVE LIFE WHEELIE GET INVOLVED PAR 3 Telephone Interpreter Service 131 450 CITY COUNCIL DURING GOOD IDEA IN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP NEWSLETTER SENIORS WEEK WEEK AUTUMN 2014 WWW.BANKSTOWN.NSW.GOV.AU EVENTS YOUTH 15 YOUTH FESTIVAL RIDING TO HAPPINESS FOR YOUTH WEEK Teenagers across Bankstown have been offered free bikes to LIVE LIFE DURING GET INVOLVED IN encourage them to be more physically active as part of the Bankstown’s celebration Happiness Cycle program. of National Youth Week SENIORS WEEK between 4 and 13 April will YOUTH WEEK Council has partnered with the Bicycle Network to give 300 culminate with a youth bicycles free to 15-16 year olds. It’s that time of the year again and Bankstown’s seniors are in National Youth Week is a festival at Paul Keating Park. for a treat with a number of activities planned for Seniors Week chance for our community Under the program, participants will be asked to make a commitment to physical activity goals. from between 16-23 March 2014. The festival on Saturday to recognise all the work There’s something for everyone with a ‘Seniors Spectacular’ 12 April will entertain youth that young people do. Participants will then get access to the digital app and have the featuring Jay Justin, a Devonshire tea event, coach tours to with music performances, opportunity to earn a bike kitted with a helmet, lock and lights. This year, Council is the Central Coast, golf and tennis competitions, twilight social rides and a chance to win organising a number of Find out more at www.happinesscycle.com.au. bowls, fitness sessions, movies from the golden years, library prizes. The event runs from fun events and offering activities and a garden expo. 12-6pm. the community a chance Throughout the week, the For a full list of activities go to to get involved: city’s young can participate www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au/seniorsweek or call • Become a volunteer; SKATEBOARD WORKSHOPS in a number of activities 9707 9999 for ticket availability. • Enter our competitions Budding skateboarders can hone their skills as part of Council’s planned by Council including: to win great prizes; or upcoming Streetwise program. • Skate Jam, Revesby Skate Park, • Perform live on stage Facilitated by Skateboarding Saturday 5 April 2014, 10am-3pm. during the festival. Australia, qualified instructors Visit www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au/youthweek or call work with skateboarders of all levels, from those that have • Roller Skate Dance Party, Roundabout Youth Centre, Sefton, (02) 9707 9605 to find out how you can get involved. never been on a board before Thursday 10 April 2014, 6-9pm. to those looking to learn a few new tricks. BANKSTOWN WITH A BITE MIDNIGHT BASKETBALL ON AGAIN When: 16 April Bankstown’s Midnight Basketball is back again with the seventh Time: 10am- noon The Bankstown Bites Food Festival will this year celebrate its tournament beginning in May. tenth anniversary! Where: Bass Hill Skate Park, The eight-week program for 12-18 year olds aims to help youth Johnston Road and Each year, thousands of foodies take to the centre of Bankstown embrace positive opportunities. Registered players are provided to watch cooking demonstrations, participate in local food tours Carysfield Road, Bass Hill. with a healthy meal, basketball games and life skills workshop and taste a variety of culinary delights. facilitated by local youth services. Registration is essential. This year’s event will be held on Saturday 9 August. Contact 9707 9471. The free tournament is also on the lookout for volunteers in a Go to www.bankstownbites.com.au for future updates. variety of roles including catering and workshop assistants, When: 23 April team managers and scorers. So if you’re looking to give back Time: 10am- noon and get involved in your community, come once or each week, all support is welcome. Where: Revesby Skate Park, For more information for volunteers or youth participants Marco Avenue, Revesby. contact 9707 9092 Registration is essential. Contact 9707 9471 ARTS CENTRE 3 TERM 2 CLASSES TALENTED STARS SHINE HARMONY DAY Claymation and Council’s 2014 Talent Advancement Program members are ready Bankstown’s community of vast and unique cultures will come SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN Contemporary Mixed Media to showcase their talent. together on 22 March to help celebrate Harmony Day. are just some of the new Throughout this year, members will participate in a number of As part of the festivities, Council will run a Family Fun Day at Paul Bankstown Arts Centre has a range of fun activities for kids of classes on offer at community festivals and events as well as take part in a series of Keating Park from 11am-9pm. all ages these school holidays. Bankstown Arts Centre. workshops where experienced coaches and mentors help them Kicking off the entertainment will be a concert filled with cultural The Centre provides a develop and strengthen their stage abilities, performance and A number of art workshops will be on offer including creative performances, dance and poetry slam competitions, and ending diverse range of art classes vocal techniques. performance, music, painting, drawing and filmmaking. with a comedy show. and creative workshops for For more information, and to book a place, please contact the both children and adults. Member Age Suburb Bankstown Arts Centre on 9707 5400. 13 Punchbowl Enrolments are now open Jacinta Azzi for Term 2, which runs from Taylor Blair 16 Condell Park April 28 to June 20. Willem Booker 15 Guildford For more information, Zhana Bosco 15 Picnic Point contact [email protected] Andrew Boustani 15 Greenacre Cathryne Boviatsis 12 Panania Donovan Cleary 16 Chester Hill WORLD MUSIC CHOIR Laura Cuddy 16 Milperra Bankstown’s first World Music Choir is looking for new members William Derederenalagi 17 East Hills to sing, share and exchange songs from their culture. Hannah Eirth 14 East Hills The Choir meets at the Bankstown Arts Centre every Monday from 6.30-8 pm during school terms. Andrew Hadchiti 12 Bankstown Daniel Hart 15 Revesby For more information please contact the Bankstown Arts Centre on 9707 5400. Renee Hewson 13 Panania Moala Laiafi 13 Sefton Zoe Martino 16 Picnic Point Abbey Maytom 14 Yagoona CELEBRATING KHALIL GIBRAN Claire Riley 17 Revesby Bankstown Arts Centre will host two days of entertainment John Saidi 15 Yagoona celebrating ‘The Prophet’ by Khalil Gibran. Winnie Saseve 15 Riverwood From 14 March, Bankstown Youth Development Service, Joslin Setu 16 Lidcombe Bankstown Poetry Slam, Bankstown Arts Centre and a host of creative artists will pay tribute to the works of the famous poet. Dakota Smith 15 Panania Ruemelle Solas 17 Glenfield Residents are invited to go along for a night of dance, poetry, multimedia and music. Tara Joy Stimpson 15 Moorebank Jessica Suann 15 Wattle Grove For more information contact the Bankstown Youth Development Service on 9793 8324. Jacynta Tarraf 13 Punchbowl Cooper Dallimore 15 Revesby COUNCIL PROJECTS 13 NEW READING APP BRYAN BROWN THEATRE Budding bookworms will now be able to tally their reads The Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre is set to ROBERTS PARK NEW LOOK even quicker with the launch of the NSW Premier’s Reading deliver exciting events and state of the art facilities with Venue Challenge app. Management Services appointed as the venue managers of the The $320,000 upgrade to Greenacre’s Roberts Park has been Bryan Brown Theatre, Café and Function/ Event Rooms. completed. The free app will help students to search for books on the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge booklist, record the books they have The VMS Team’s expertise has energised many local council and A new playground, seating area, landscaping and extensive read and track their progress in the Challenge. state government venues including performing arts facilities, town paving are just some of the new features at Roberts Park halls, civic centres and community halls. following the recent improvements to its sporting fields, All Bankstown libraries are part of the Reading Challenge. amenities and car park. As part of its role VMS will provide: • On-site venue management and operational personnel; The new playground includes a large climbing wall, nest swing and a new slide for children to enjoy. • On-site café operation; • Exclusive on-site catering services; Water tanks have also been added to capture rainwater to irrigate the sporting fields and landscaping. • Theatre programming; and • Venue/ Theatre ticketing services. Further improvements, including the upgrading of clubrooms for sporting groups, are now being proposed for the park over the With a wealth of experience in unique hospitality and event design next three years. including catering and café operation, the Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre and the Bryan Brown Theatre promises to be the place to learn as well as be entertained. For further information and booking enquiries about the venue contact Abbey Williams on 1300 304 200 or e-mail BIRRONG TOWN CENTRE TO BE TRANSFORMED VMS at [email protected] Birrong Town Centre is about to be made over! Construction to improve the streetscape of the town centre will begin soon as part of Council’s Town Centre Improvement Program. The program was recently reviewed to allow more centres to receive upgrade works in a shorter timeframe. MEMBERSHIP ON THE RISE Council’s five libraries had an impressive 2013 with more than This upgrades follows the completion of works at Panania 657,000 people actively using its libraries at Bankstown, Town Centre, with Chester Hill Town Centre next in line with Chester Hill, Greenacre, Padstow and Panania. construction earmarked for 2015. Did you know? • 657,585 visitors overall and used by 71,980 members; INVESTING IN BANKSTOWN • 796,085 items were loaned; Investment continues to grow in Bankstown with Council • 5,383 eBooks in the Virtual Library; approving 630 Development Applications (DAs) in the last six • 686 children’s events were held, attended by 10,531 children; months of 2013. • 79 culturally inclusive events were held, attended by 1,273 The DAs include both commercial and residential developments locals; and and represents a $173 million investment in the city. • Responded to 335,388 information enquiries. LIBRARY 5 DALE PARADE UPGRADED LAKE GILLAWARNA WOWS VISITORS Dale Parade is the latest precinct to be upgraded as part of Visitors to Lake Gillawarna will have noticed some major changes NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS Council’s extensive improvements to the Bankstown CBD. to the landscape following recent restorations works recently. The transformation of Dale Parade includes: Improvements have been made to the water quality as well as the STORYTIME • A pedestrian pathway from Saigon Place to the Bankstown planting of more than 22,000 local native plants and 7,000 native Arts Centre; aquatic plants. Libraries across the country, including those in Bankstown, will host thousands of children in May as part of National • Large shelter providing shade in the courtyard; The lake also has more family-friendly areas to enjoy the views Simultaneous Storytime. • Custom seating, bicycle parking and a drinking fountain; while learning about the history of the area through two interactive stations on site. Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an • New toilet facilities; Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in • Resurfacing and line marking to the car park; and libraries, schools, homes and bookshops. • Increased safety lighting. This year, the event will take place on Wednesday 21 May from 11am with Too Many Elephants in This House written by Ursula Dubosarsky and illustrated by Andrew Joyner.

LIBRARY AND KNOWLEDGE CENTRE OPENING SOON Residents will soon be able to access a world-class community facility when the new state-of-the-art Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre opens in April. The new facility is built on the existing Bankstown Town Hall site and has some of the most sustainable elements seen in a public building. It boasts a 5,000sqm library, an impressive ‘green wall’ that covers all three levels and provides cleaner air, meeting rooms and geothermal bores that will help cool and heat the facility. There is also a café and reading garden - perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a good book over coffee. COUNCIL TAKES LEAD OVER STACEY ST CORRIDOR Council has unveiled plans to take the lead and investigate the The centre is also home to the 300-seat Bryan Brown Theatre redevelopment of the Stacey Street Corridor between the Hume available for the community to use for seminars, performances Highway and the M5. and productions. The plan will reconsider both the infrastructure and land use Keep an eye out on Council’s website for more information patterns of Bankstown to attract new businesses and economic about the opening of the library and knowledge centre. development to the corridor. Bankstown is the gateway to Western Sydney, the third largest Bankstown 9707 9708 Chester Hill 9707 9740 economy in Australia. LIBRARIES Greenacre 9707 9744 Padstow 9707 9747 COMMUNITY LEISURE BUSINESS 11 FOOTPRINTS INSPIRES WINNING WORK BANKSTOWN BUSINESS Revesby resident Keng Tan OUTSTANDING NSW PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP has won the top prize ADVISORY SERVICE in Council’s My Place LOCALS RECOGNISED IN 2014 Photography Competition Council’s Bankstown Business Advisory Service (BBAS) is sup- for his interpretation of the Some of our most outstanding residents have been honored at Golfers from across New South Wales will descend onto porting local businesses through networking opportunities and well-known Footprints Council’s Australia Day Awards. Sefton Golf Course on 22 March to compete in the NSW Par 3 free advice and assistance to new and existing businesses. poem. Championship. Chester Hill resident Harry Allie was named Citizen of the Year, Its upcoming events include: Mr Tan’s winning photo, along with Belinda Anderson from Picnic Point as the Young Almost 20 years after the first event was held, Sefton Golf taken at Deepwater Park, Business Networking Event at Bankstown Art Centre Citizen of the Year, Mai Hageri from Regents Park as this year’s Course will once again host this unique event that will see male saw him win the Adult Wednesday 12 March (7.30–9.30am) Volunteer of the Year recipient and 17-year-old Joel Bartley, also and female amateur golfers competing from the same tees on Category of the Bookings essential: 9707 9227 from Picnic Point, as Bankstown’s Sportsperson of the Year. the same course. competition and the opportunity to have The championship is a Golf NSW endorsed event and is open Introductory Food Handler Training Course Monday 24 March (4.30-7pm) his work exhibited in to Golf Australia handicap golfers in the Men, Women, Senior Suita City, Japan. and Junior sections. Tuesday 29 April (4.30-7pm) Monday 26 May (4.30-7pm) - Mandarin Other winners are Greenacre teenager Georgie Haydon, in the The 2014 championship reinforces Sefton Golf Course’s Booking essential: 9707 9227 High School category, and young Rhianna MacRitchie from reputation as a quality golfing venue and is proud to reinstate Padstow in the Primary School category. an event that was founded in Bankstown. The Small Biz Bus: Driving Small Business Success Monday 17 March (10am-4pm) at Swane Reserve – North Terrace Bookings essential: 9707 9227 MOU SIGNED WITH TAFE SWSI Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) & Council has joined forces with TAFE South West Sydney Institute (SWSi) to promote Bankstown as a city to invest and do business in. Responsible Conduct Gambling (RCG) Course Monday 5 May (9-5pm) The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding Tuesday 6 May (9-5pm) (MoU), which will see the sharing of resources and information to Bookings essential: 9707 9227 attract new business, boost the local economy and encourage further job creation. Retail and Food Service Industry Forum Wednesday 5 March (10am-noon) As part of the MoU, a Partnership Steering Group will be Bookings essential: 1300 552 406 or established tasked with creating economic and employment opportunities and developing suitable strategies. COUNCIL RECOGNISED FOR [email protected] Understanding Superannuation ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM Thursday 20 March (6-8pm) Council’s Kiss ‘n’ Go and School Drop-off and its Pick-Up Road Bookings essential: 13 63 57 or To become a BBAS member Safety Pilot Project were recently recognised as a finalist at the fis.seminar.bookings@ or for more information contact Australian Road Safety Awards. humanservices.gov.au Domenica Mirarchi on 9707 9227 or go to The project, in collaboration with St Luke’s Catholic Primary Diploma of Management (BSB51107) www.bankstownbusiness.com.au/ School, looked at providing a safe and efficient drop-off and Wednesday nights commencing pick-up area for parents to collect their children legally. 14 May (4-8pm duration weeks) membership. Bookings essential: 9707 9227 SUSTAINABILITY 7 GOING GREEN CORPORATE GOLF PACKAGES WINTER SWIM SCHOOL Council is leading the way on green technology as part of its If you’re looking for While many families focus on swimming lessons during the WHEELIE GOOD IDEA Tri-generation energy plant. something interesting and summer months, many don’t realise that Winter is one of the best fun to do as a work or times of the year to swim. The plant, which will be installed in Council’s Civic Tower, will Council’s Wheelie Good® Compost and Wheelie Good® Mulch team building activity, produce electricity, heating and cooling in one process, saving In the colder months, classes tend to be smaller enabling program has proven a hit with nearly 300 tonnes given away to then a tournament day at more than $137,000 in annual energy costs. instructors to have more one-on-one time with children. But more Sefton Golf Course could residents last year. importantly, children are more likely to progress faster and further Using this project as an example, Council is committed to working be your answer. if they continue to practice the important skills they have learnt That’s on top of the 36 tonnes used on more than 30 local with and supporting local business owners and community groups As a par 3 course, Sefton during the summer months. parks and gardens such as the Bankstown Arts Centre, to help them adopt more energy efficiency practices as well. is an ideal setting for a The Bankstown Leisure Centres Swim School delivers its learn Weigand Avenue, Paul Keating Park and Stevens Reserve. corporate event. A round to swim program during Winter at its indoor pools at Birrong, of 18 holes will take less It’s not just residents who have given the program their tick of Revesby and Villawood. approval, with the program receiving awards at the 2013 Local than three hours and is RARE SNAIL FOUND manageable for beginners With water temperatures a pleasant 30 degrees, enrol today! Government Excellence in the Environment Awards and the Council staff have made while providing enough of Locations: NSW Government’s Green Globe Awards. an interesting discovery - a challenge for • Birrong Leisure Centre - Wellington Road, Birrong; spotting a rare and experienced golfers. endangered snail in • Max Parker Leisure & Aquatic Centre - Marco Avenue, Bankstown. The Cumberland Corporate packages can Revesby; and Land Snail (Meridolum include pre-game clinics, • Wran Leisure Centre – Gundaroo Street, Villawood. an organised golf Corneovirens) is found in the Age: 6 months through to adults Cumberland Plain woodland tournament, BBQ lunch, of the Sydney Sandstone or an early breakfast and Cost: $14.75 per lesson Basin but has not been seen morning competition. (Discounts available for immediate family members) for a number of years. Hire equipment is also Contact: Birrong - 02 9644 8300 available. Max Parker - 02 9771 2148 Council’s Bushcare staff and Wran - 02 9726 2283 volunteers made the For more information please contact Sefton Golf Course discovery during routine on 9743 9436. Days: Monday to Friday afternoons regeneration work. Monday to Saturday mornings (NSW school terms) GET ACTIVE BANKSTOWN Website: www.leisure.bankstown.nsw.gov.au VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BUSHCARE PROGRAM Council’s Recreation Expo is undergoing a makeover and will Are you passionate about improving your local natural now be known as Get Active Bankstown. environment? Or maybe you’re looking to volunteer somewhere The event, normally held in March, will now be moved to that will improve your local community? October in 2014. Council’s Bushcare is a volunteer program that encourages The free event is open to everyone and will feature many new and residents to get involved in looking after our natural environment. exciting activities to get into on the day. It is a great way to meet other residents while doing something worthwhile for the environment. Keep on eye on Council’s website for updates of the event. For more information about the volunteer programs contact Council’s Bushcare Coordinator, Trent Reed on 9707 9778. Birrong Leisure Centre 9644 8300 Max Parker Leisure & Aquatic Centre 9771 2148 LEISURE & GOLF Greenacre Leisure Centre 9796 7015 Wran Leisure Centre 9726 2283 Golf 9743 9436 LEISURE WHAT’S ON 9

Have you heard of Council’s Active Bankstown Club? It’s free to join and Seniors Week Family History Seminar there’s something for everyone, no matter what age or fitness level. Who Seniors Who Anyone When March 16-23 When Saturday 26 April Check out what Active Bankstown has in store for March, April and May. Where Various 9am-12pm

Register online today at www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au/activebankstown to EVENTS Cost Varies with each activity. Where Bankstown become an Active Bankstown Club member! Bookings are required. Cost $3.50

Contact 9707 9999 LIBRARIES Contact 9707 9708 Youth Week School Holiday Activities When April 4-13 Who Anyone up to 18 years Come and Try Highland Dancing Session Activities for Older Residents Where Various When Throughout April 2014 Who 4 years to adults Cost Varies with each activity. Where All Council libraries Where Bankstown Scottish Hall, 4 Wiegend Avenue Bankstown Are you over the age of 65 and looking for social activities to participate in with like-minded people? Then why not join one of the local Senior Bookings required Cost Varies with each activity. Bookings are required. When Every Thursday during school terms 6-7pm or 6.30-7.30pm Citizens’ Clubs! Contact 9707 9999 Contact Contact your nearest library for a full list of activities. Cost Free Contact 0438 810 960 or visit www.highlanddancing.com.au They offer a variety of activities including craft, bus trips, gentle exercise, Harmony Day Movies for Seniors - The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel morning tea, social get togethers, indoor carpet bowls, tai chi, singing and Who Anyone Who Seniors dancing, bingo, board games and cards. Contact the individual clubs for When Saturday March 22, When Friday 16 May Free Gym Trial Visit more information about meeting times and dates. Who Any one 11am-9pm 10am-12 pm Where Her Health & Fitness: 14 Boronia Rd Greenacre and Chester Hill Where Paul Keating Park Where Bankstown 140 Parramatta Rd Auburn Senior Citizens’ Club Cost Free Cost $3.50 When Any time Contact - 9644 1419 Contact 9707 9999 Contact 9707 9708 Contact 1300 HER GYM or 1300 437 496 Georges Hall Book Club Senior Citizens’ Club Par 3 Championship Who Anyone Come and Try Boxing Class Contact - 9724 5032 Who Anyone When First Wednesday of every month 5:30-6:30pm Who Anyone aged 16 years and over Greenacre When March 22 Where Padstow Where Connect Fitness- 2 Bullecourt Avenue, Milperra Senior Citizens’ Club Where Sefton Golf Course Cost Free (UWS Bankstown Campus -Building 18, next to tennis courts, Contact - 0407 304 949 Contact ?? Contact 9707 9747

Car park 4) LEISURE Padstow When Every Wednesday in March, April and May 6-7pm Senior Citizens’ Club Winter Swim School Midnight Basketball Contact 9772 6222 or email [email protected] Contact - 9773 3131 Who 6 months to adults Who Anyone aged between 12-18 When Monday to Friday afternoons and Panania When Begins in May Monday to Saturday mornings Come and Try Running and Jogging Senior Citizens’ Club Cost Free Who All ages - families welcome Where Birrong Leisure Centre, Max Parker Leisure and YOUTH Contact - 9771 2248 Contact 9707 9999 Where Lake Gillawarna - 150m west of the footbridge over Aquatic Centre, Wran Leisure Centre Henry Lawson Drive, Georges Hall, between Flinders Road and Yagoona Cost $14.75 per lesson Georges Crescent Senior Citizens’ Club Contact www.leisure.bankstown.nsw.gov.au World Music Choir When Every Saturday at 7am Contact - 9649 1558 Who Anyone Contact [email protected] Cancer Council Sun Prevention Talk When Every Monday during school terms from 6.30-8pm Walk Your Way to Good Health Where Bankstown Arts Centre Free Come and Try Meditation Sessions Who Anyone Contact Free Who Anyone Looking for a way to stay active and improve your fitness levels without When Wednesday 19 March Where Sahaja Yoga: Panania Senior Citizens Centre, becoming involved in strenuous and demanding exercise? Then why not 10-11am School Holiday Activities 77 Andersons Avenue, Panania get involved in a walking group! Walking is a great way to participate in Where Padstow Who School students When Every Tuesday at 7.30-9.30pm low intensity exercise, socialise and meet new people, and the best thing is Cost Free ARTS CENTRE When Throughout April

Register online today at www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au/activebankstown to EVENTS Cost Varies with each activity. Where Bankstown become an Active Bankstown Club member! Bookings are required. Cost $3.50

Contact 0427 481 363 or email [email protected] it’s free! LIBRARIES Contact 9707 9747 Where Bankstown Arts Centre Cost Varies with each activity. Bookings required. Bankstown City Council, in partnership with the Heart Foundation, has many International Women’s Day Talk Free Trial Dance Class established walking groups that meet regularly in Bass Hill, Georges Hall, Contact 9707 5400 Revesby, Greenacre and Bankstown. Who Anyone Who 5-18 years Khalil Gibran’s ‘The Prophet’: A Celebration Where Chester Hill Community Hall When Friday 7 March For more information contact Council’s Recreation Officer on 10am-12 pm Who Anyone When Every Wednesday in March, April, May between 4-8pm 9707 9999 or [email protected] Where Panania When March 13-14 Contact 0432 200 995 Cost Free Where Bankstown Arts Centre Contact 9707 9999 Contact 9707 5400 SUSTAINABILITY 7 GOING GREEN CORPORATE GOLF PACKAGES WINTER SWIM SCHOOL Council is leading the way on green technology as part of its If you’re looking for While many families focus on swimming lessons during the WHEELIE GOOD IDEA Tri-generation energy plant. something interesting and summer months, many don’t realise that Winter is one of the best fun to do as a work or times of the year to swim. The plant, which will be installed in Council’s Civic Tower, will Council’s Wheelie Good® Compost and Wheelie Good® Mulch team building activity, produce electricity, heating and cooling in one process, saving In the colder months, classes tend to be smaller enabling program has proven a hit with nearly 300 tonnes given away to then a tournament day at more than $137,000 in annual energy costs. instructors to have more one-on-one time with children. But more Sefton Golf Course could residents last year. importantly, children are more likely to progress faster and further Using this project as an example, Council is committed to working be your answer. if they continue to practice the important skills they have learnt That’s on top of the 36 tonnes used on more than 30 local with and supporting local business owners and community groups As a par 3 course, Sefton during the summer months. parks and gardens such as the Bankstown Arts Centre, to help them adopt more energy efficiency practices as well. is an ideal setting for a The Bankstown Leisure Centres Swim School delivers its learn Weigand Avenue, Paul Keating Park and Stevens Reserve. corporate event. A round to swim program during Winter at its indoor pools at Birrong, of 18 holes will take less It’s not just residents who have given the program their tick of Revesby and Villawood. approval, with the program receiving awards at the 2013 Local than three hours and is RARE SNAIL FOUND manageable for beginners With water temperatures a pleasant 30 degrees, enrol today! Government Excellence in the Environment Awards and the Council staff have made while providing enough of Locations: NSW Government’s Green Globe Awards. an interesting discovery - a challenge for • Birrong Leisure Centre - Wellington Road, Birrong; spotting a rare and experienced golfers. endangered snail in • Max Parker Leisure & Aquatic Centre - Marco Avenue, Bankstown. The Cumberland Corporate packages can Revesby; and Land Snail (Meridolum include pre-game clinics, • Wran Leisure Centre – Gundaroo Street, Villawood. an organised golf Corneovirens) is found in the Age: 6 months through to adults Cumberland Plain woodland tournament, BBQ lunch, of the Sydney Sandstone or an early breakfast and Cost: $14.75 per lesson Basin but has not been seen morning competition. (Discounts available for immediate family members) for a number of years. Hire equipment is also Contact: Birrong - 02 9644 8300 available. Max Parker - 02 9771 2148 Council’s Bushcare staff and Wran - 02 9726 2283 volunteers made the For more information please contact Sefton Golf Course discovery during routine on 9743 9436. Days: Monday to Friday afternoons regeneration work. Monday to Saturday mornings (NSW school terms) GET ACTIVE BANKSTOWN Website: www.leisure.bankstown.nsw.gov.au VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BUSHCARE PROGRAM Council’s Recreation Expo is undergoing a makeover and will Are you passionate about improving your local natural now be known as Get Active Bankstown. environment? Or maybe you’re looking to volunteer somewhere The event, normally held in March, will now be moved to that will improve your local community? October in 2014. Council’s Bushcare is a volunteer program that encourages The free event is open to everyone and will feature many new and residents to get involved in looking after our natural environment. exciting activities to get into on the day. It is a great way to meet other residents while doing something worthwhile for the environment. Keep on eye on Council’s website for updates of the event. For more information about the volunteer programs contact Council’s Bushcare Coordinator, Trent Reed on 9707 9778. Birrong Leisure Centre 9644 8300 Max Parker Leisure & Aquatic Centre 9771 2148 LEISURE & GOLF Greenacre Leisure Centre 9796 7015 Wran Leisure Centre 9726 2283 Golf 9743 9436 COMMUNITY LEISURE BUSINESS 11 FOOTPRINTS INSPIRES WINNING WORK BANKSTOWN BUSINESS Revesby resident Keng Tan OUTSTANDING NSW PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP has won the top prize ADVISORY SERVICE in Council’s My Place LOCALS RECOGNISED IN 2014 Photography Competition Council’s Bankstown Business Advisory Service (BBAS) is sup- for his interpretation of the Some of our most outstanding residents have been honored at Golfers from across New South Wales will descend onto porting local businesses through networking opportunities and well-known Footprints Council’s Australia Day Awards. Sefton Golf Course on 22 March to compete in the NSW Par 3 free advice and assistance to new and existing businesses. poem. Championship. Chester Hill resident Harry Allie was named Citizen of the Year, Its upcoming events include: Mr Tan’s winning photo, along with Belinda Anderson from Picnic Point as the Young Almost 20 years after the first event was held, Sefton Golf taken at Deepwater Park, Business Networking Event at Bankstown Art Centre Citizen of the Year, Mai Hageri from Regents Park as this year’s Course will once again host this unique event that will see male saw him win the Adult Wednesday 12 March (7.30–9.30am) Volunteer of the Year recipient and 17-year-old Joel Bartley, also and female amateur golfers competing from the same tees on Category of the Bookings essential: 9707 9227 from Picnic Point, as Bankstown’s Sportsperson of the Year. the same course. competition and the opportunity to have The championship is a Golf NSW endorsed event and is open Introductory Food Handler Training Course Monday 24 March (4.30-7pm) his work exhibited in to Golf Australia handicap golfers in the Men, Women, Senior Suita City, Japan. and Junior sections. Tuesday 29 April (4.30-7pm) Monday 26 May (4.30-7pm) - Mandarin Other winners are Greenacre teenager Georgie Haydon, in the The 2014 championship reinforces Sefton Golf Course’s Booking essential: 9707 9227 High School category, and young Rhianna MacRitchie from reputation as a quality golfing venue and is proud to reinstate Padstow in the Primary School category. an event that was founded in Bankstown. The Small Biz Bus: Driving Small Business Success Monday 17 March (10am-4pm) at Swane Reserve – North Terrace Bookings essential: 9707 9227 MOU SIGNED WITH TAFE SWSI Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) & Council has joined forces with TAFE South West Sydney Institute (SWSi) to promote Bankstown as a city to invest and do business in. Responsible Conduct Gambling (RCG) Course Monday 5 May (9-5pm) The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding Tuesday 6 May (9-5pm) (MoU), which will see the sharing of resources and information to Bookings essential: 9707 9227 attract new business, boost the local economy and encourage further job creation. Retail and Food Service Industry Forum Wednesday 5 March (10am-noon) As part of the MoU, a Partnership Steering Group will be Bookings essential: 1300 552 406 or established tasked with creating economic and employment opportunities and developing suitable strategies. COUNCIL RECOGNISED FOR [email protected] Understanding Superannuation ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM Thursday 20 March (6-8pm) Council’s Kiss ‘n’ Go and School Drop-off and its Pick-Up Road Bookings essential: 13 63 57 or To become a BBAS member Safety Pilot Project were recently recognised as a finalist at the fis.seminar.bookings@ or for more information contact Australian Road Safety Awards. humanservices.gov.au Domenica Mirarchi on 9707 9227 or go to The project, in collaboration with St Luke’s Catholic Primary Diploma of Management (BSB51107) www.bankstownbusiness.com.au/ School, looked at providing a safe and efficient drop-off and Wednesday nights commencing pick-up area for parents to collect their children legally. 14 May (4-8pm duration weeks) membership. Bookings essential: 9707 9227 LIBRARY 5 DALE PARADE UPGRADED LAKE GILLAWARNA WOWS VISITORS Dale Parade is the latest precinct to be upgraded as part of Visitors to Lake Gillawarna will have noticed some major changes NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS Council’s extensive improvements to the Bankstown CBD. to the landscape following recent restorations works recently. The transformation of Dale Parade includes: Improvements have been made to the water quality as well as the STORYTIME • A pedestrian pathway from Saigon Place to the Bankstown planting of more than 22,000 local native plants and 7,000 native Arts Centre; aquatic plants. Libraries across the country, including those in Bankstown, will host thousands of children in May as part of National • Large shelter providing shade in the courtyard; The lake also has more family-friendly areas to enjoy the views Simultaneous Storytime. • Custom seating, bicycle parking and a drinking fountain; while learning about the history of the area through two interactive stations on site. Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an • New toilet facilities; Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in • Resurfacing and line marking to the car park; and libraries, schools, homes and bookshops. • Increased safety lighting. This year, the event will take place on Wednesday 21 May from 11am with Too Many Elephants in This House written by Ursula Dubosarsky and illustrated by Andrew Joyner.

LIBRARY AND KNOWLEDGE CENTRE OPENING SOON Residents will soon be able to access a world-class community facility when the new state-of-the-art Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre opens in April. The new facility is built on the existing Bankstown Town Hall site and has some of the most sustainable elements seen in a public building. It boasts a 5,000sqm library, an impressive ‘green wall’ that covers all three levels and provides cleaner air, meeting rooms and geothermal bores that will help cool and heat the facility. There is also a café and reading garden - perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a good book over coffee. COUNCIL TAKES LEAD OVER STACEY ST CORRIDOR Council has unveiled plans to take the lead and investigate the The centre is also home to the 300-seat Bryan Brown Theatre redevelopment of the Stacey Street Corridor between the Hume available for the community to use for seminars, performances Highway and the M5. and productions. The plan will reconsider both the infrastructure and land use Keep an eye out on Council’s website for more information patterns of Bankstown to attract new businesses and economic about the opening of the library and knowledge centre. development to the corridor. Bankstown is the gateway to Western Sydney, the third largest Bankstown 9707 9708 Chester Hill 9707 9740 economy in Australia. LIBRARIES Greenacre 9707 9744 Padstow 9707 9747 COUNCIL PROJECTS 13 NEW READING APP BRYAN BROWN THEATRE Budding bookworms will now be able to tally their reads The Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre is set to ROBERTS PARK NEW LOOK even quicker with the launch of the NSW Premier’s Reading deliver exciting events and state of the art facilities with Venue Challenge app. Management Services appointed as the venue managers of the The $320,000 upgrade to Greenacre’s Roberts Park has been Bryan Brown Theatre, Café and Function/ Event Rooms. completed. The free app will help students to search for books on the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge booklist, record the books they have The VMS Team’s expertise has energised many local council and A new playground, seating area, landscaping and extensive read and track their progress in the Challenge. state government venues including performing arts facilities, town paving are just some of the new features at Roberts Park halls, civic centres and community halls. following the recent improvements to its sporting fields, All Bankstown libraries are part of the Reading Challenge. amenities and car park. As part of its role VMS will provide: • On-site venue management and operational personnel; The new playground includes a large climbing wall, nest swing and a new slide for children to enjoy. • On-site café operation; • Exclusive on-site catering services; Water tanks have also been added to capture rainwater to irrigate the sporting fields and landscaping. • Theatre programming; and • Venue/ Theatre ticketing services. Further improvements, including the upgrading of clubrooms for sporting groups, are now being proposed for the park over the With a wealth of experience in unique hospitality and event design next three years. including catering and café operation, the Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre and the Bryan Brown Theatre promises to be the place to learn as well as be entertained. For further information and booking enquiries about the venue contact Abbey Williams on 1300 304 200 or e-mail BIRRONG TOWN CENTRE TO BE TRANSFORMED VMS at [email protected] Birrong Town Centre is about to be made over! Construction to improve the streetscape of the town centre will begin soon as part of Council’s Town Centre Improvement Program. The program was recently reviewed to allow more centres to receive upgrade works in a shorter timeframe. MEMBERSHIP ON THE RISE Council’s five libraries had an impressive 2013 with more than This upgrades follows the completion of works at Panania 657,000 people actively using its libraries at Bankstown, Town Centre, with Chester Hill Town Centre next in line with Chester Hill, Greenacre, Padstow and Panania. construction earmarked for 2015. Did you know? • 657,585 visitors overall and used by 71,980 members; INVESTING IN BANKSTOWN • 796,085 items were loaned; Investment continues to grow in Bankstown with Council • 5,383 eBooks in the Virtual Library; approving 630 Development Applications (DAs) in the last six • 686 children’s events were held, attended by 10,531 children; months of 2013. • 79 culturally inclusive events were held, attended by 1,273 The DAs include both commercial and residential developments locals; and and represents a $173 million investment in the city. • Responded to 335,388 information enquiries. ARTS CENTRE 3 TERM 2 CLASSES TALENTED STARS SHINE HARMONY DAY Claymation and Council’s 2014 Talent Advancement Program members are ready Bankstown’s community of vast and unique cultures will come SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN Contemporary Mixed Media to showcase their talent. together on 22 March to help celebrate Harmony Day. are just some of the new Throughout this year, members will participate in a number of As part of the festivities, Council will run a Family Fun Day at Paul Bankstown Arts Centre has a range of fun activities for kids of classes on offer at community festivals and events as well as take part in a series of Keating Park from 11am-9pm. all ages these school holidays. Bankstown Arts Centre. workshops where experienced coaches and mentors help them Kicking off the entertainment will be a concert filled with cultural The Centre provides a develop and strengthen their stage abilities, performance and A number of art workshops will be on offer including creative performances, dance and poetry slam competitions, and ending diverse range of art classes vocal techniques. performance, music, painting, drawing and filmmaking. with a comedy show. and creative workshops for For more information, and to book a place, please contact the both children and adults. Member Age Suburb Bankstown Arts Centre on 9707 5400. 13 Punchbowl Enrolments are now open Jacinta Azzi for Term 2, which runs from Taylor Blair 16 Condell Park April 28 to June 20. Willem Booker 15 Guildford For more information, Zhana Bosco 15 Picnic Point contact [email protected] Andrew Boustani 15 Greenacre Cathryne Boviatsis 12 Panania Donovan Cleary 16 Chester Hill WORLD MUSIC CHOIR Laura Cuddy 16 Milperra Bankstown’s first World Music Choir is looking for new members William Derederenalagi 17 East Hills to sing, share and exchange songs from their culture. Hannah Eirth 14 East Hills The Choir meets at the Bankstown Arts Centre every Monday from 6.30-8 pm during school terms. Andrew Hadchiti 12 Bankstown Daniel Hart 15 Revesby For more information please contact the Bankstown Arts Centre on 9707 5400. Renee Hewson 13 Panania Moala Laiafi 13 Sefton Zoe Martino 16 Picnic Point Abbey Maytom 14 Yagoona CELEBRATING KHALIL GIBRAN Claire Riley 17 Revesby Bankstown Arts Centre will host two days of entertainment John Saidi 15 Yagoona celebrating ‘The Prophet’ by Khalil Gibran. Winnie Saseve 15 Riverwood From 14 March, Bankstown Youth Development Service, Joslin Setu 16 Lidcombe Bankstown Poetry Slam, Bankstown Arts Centre and a host of creative artists will pay tribute to the works of the famous poet. Dakota Smith 15 Panania Ruemelle Solas 17 Glenfield Residents are invited to go along for a night of dance, poetry, multimedia and music. Tara Joy Stimpson 15 Moorebank Jessica Suann 15 Wattle Grove For more information contact the Bankstown Youth Development Service on 9793 8324. Jacynta Tarraf 13 Punchbowl Cooper Dallimore 15 Revesby EVENTS YOUTH 15 YOUTH FESTIVAL RIDING TO HAPPINESS FOR YOUTH WEEK Teenagers across Bankstown have been offered free bikes to LIVE LIFE DURING GET INVOLVED IN encourage them to be more physically active as part of the Bankstown’s celebration Happiness Cycle program. of National Youth Week SENIORS WEEK between 4 and 13 April will YOUTH WEEK Council has partnered with the Bicycle Network to give culminate with a youth 300 bicycles free to 14-17 year olds. It’s that time of the year again and Bankstown’s seniors are in National Youth Week is a festival at Paul Keating Park. for a treat with a number of activities planned for Seniors Week chance for our community Under the program, participants will be asked to make a commitment to physical activity goals. from between 16-23 March 2014. The festival on Saturday to recognise all the work There’s something for everyone with a ‘Seniors Spectacular’ 12 April will entertain youth that young people do. Participants will then get access to the digital app and have the featuring Jay Justin, a Devonshire tea event, coach tours to with music performances, opportunity to earn a bike kitted with a helmet, lock and lights. This year, Council is the Central Coast, golf and tennis competitions, twilight social rides and a chance to win organising a number of Find out more at www.happinesscycle.com.au. bowls, fitness sessions, movies from the golden years, library prizes. The event runs from fun events and offering activities and a garden expo. 12-6pm. the community a chance Throughout the week, the For a full list of activities go to to get involved: city’s young can participate www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au/seniorsweek or call • Become a volunteer; SKATEBOARD WORKSHOPS in a number of activities 9707 9999 for ticket availability. • Enter our competitions Budding skateboarders can hone their skills as part of Council’s planned by Council including: to win great prizes; or upcoming Streetwise program. • Skate Jam, Revesby Skate Park, • Perform live on stage Facilitated by Skateboarding Saturday 5 April 2014, 10am-3pm. during the festival. Australia, qualified instructors Visit www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au/youthweek or call work with skateboarders of all levels, from those that have • Roller Skate Dance Party, Roundabout Youth Centre, Sefton, (02) 9707 9605 to find out how you can get involved. never been on a board before Thursday 10 April 2014, 6-9pm. to those looking to learn a few new tricks. BANKSTOWN WITH A BITE MIDNIGHT BASKETBALL ON AGAIN When: 16 April Bankstown’s Midnight Basketball is back again with the seventh Time: 10am- noon The Bankstown Bites Food Festival will this year celebrate its tournament beginning in May. tenth anniversary! Where: Bass Hill Skate Park, The eight-week program for 12-18 year olds aims to help youth Johnston Road and Each year, thousands of foodies take to the centre of Bankstown embrace positive opportunities. Registered players are provided to watch cooking demonstrations, participate in local food tours Carysfield Road, Bass Hill. with a healthy meal, basketball games and life skills workshop and taste a variety of culinary delights. facilitated by local youth services. Registration is essential. This year’s event will be held on Saturday 9 August. Contact 9707 9471. The free tournament is also on the lookout for volunteers in a Go to www.bankstownbites.com.au for future updates. variety of roles including catering and workshop assistants, When: 23 April team managers and scorers. So if you’re looking to give back Time: 10am- noon and get involved in your community, come once or each week, all support is welcome. Where: Revesby Skate Park, For more information for volunteers or youth participants Marco Avenue, Revesby. contact 9707 9092 Registration is essential. Contact 9707 9471 HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS