AUTUMN 2015 NORTHSYDNEYNEWS PLANS HATCHED FOR BRETT WHITELEY PLACE A concept plan for renewing Brett the plaza as a centrepiece of art within the Whiteley Place has recently been on public CBD and part of a new art trail through exhibition. The plan includes the creation the Centre. of an open area in the shared zone between Public feedback on the concept plan will Denison Street and Elizabeth Plaza that will be considered in the development of the be used for street activations and events. detailed design, which will be on public The expanded plaza will have distinct exhibition as part of a development areas. For example, Denison Street, with application later in the year. its lunchtime sunlight, is envisaged as an Brett Whiteley Place is part of a wider outdoor dining area while Elizabeth Plaza upgrade of the public domain in the CBD. (inset), with its intimate laneway feel, is Work is currently underway to upgrade ideal for small bars and as an after-hours Walker Street with new seating, granite destination. paving and granite kerb and guttering. A replica of one of Brett Whiteley’s Totem Essential infrastructure, such as drainage sculptures will be installed at the end of and utility pits, is also being renewed. Concept plans by Oculus 2 | NORTHSYDNEYNEWS FROM THE MAYOR This year Council celebrates its quasi-qui amalgamation of North Sydney with centenary. For those of you who are a bit Mosman, Willoughby, Lane Cove, Hunters rusty on your Latin, that’s just a fancy way Hill and part of Ryde. to say it’s our 125th anniversary. North Council believes we are fit for the future Sydney Council was established on 29 as a stand alone council, but has agreed July 1890 with the amalgamation of three to hold discussions with our neighbouring smaller boroughs. North Sydney Community Centre, Precinct councils, explore other options and hold a What a journey it has been. We’ve played Committees and the Bushcare program. public meeting. a part in the development of some of And it was business owners who lobbied Amalgamation would obviously be a the city’s most significant infrastructure Council to start our successful Mainstreet significant change for North Sydney, with and we’re home to some of its most program. potential benefits and disadvantages. treasured landmarks. We’ve inspired I don’t want to pre-empt the feedback This desire to contribute and to improve some of Australia’s greatest literature from our community or the decisions of can’t be seen like a building or a painting. and art, and been at the cutting edge of the elected council so there is little more But its thread is woven through the history creative industries such as advertising, that I can say here. But I encourage you to of North Sydney, creating a community architecture and information technology. join us on this journey and stay informed And to top it off, we have, without doubt, that is informed, creative and connected. through the Council website. the best city views in the world! It is ironic that in a year we are celebrating I leave you with the thought that Yet some of our greatest achievements the formation of Council, we should be government boundaries are lines on a aren’t what we’ve produced, but how we asked to consider amalgamating once map. Ultimately, the spirit of a community, have related to one another. North Sydney again. An Independent Review Panel, be it a neighbourhood or nation, is created set the standard for open government and established by the NSW Government, has by the people who make it up. Whatever community participation. It was residents recommended significant amalgamations the outcome, I believe our North Sydney vision and action that established the of councils across NSW including the spirit will continue to thrive. The rededication of the HMAS Sydney bow was held in Bradfield Park in November. MAYOR Jilly Gibson m: 0412 456 842 [email protected] CREMORNE WARD Sarah Burke m: 0403 551 153 [email protected] Stephen Barbour m: 0411 105 760 [email protected] TUNKS WARD MaryAnn Beregi m: 0411 829 995 [email protected] Véronique Marchandeau m: 0414 683 185 [email protected] Virginia Bevan m: 0416 221 484 [email protected] VICTORIA WARD Tony Carr m: 0451 182 180 [email protected] Michel Reymond h: 9955 4330 [email protected] WOLLSTONECRAFT Zoë Baker m: 0438 857 547 [email protected] Melissa Clare m: 0414 335 328 [email protected] WARD Jeff Morris [email protected] NORTHSYDNEYNEWS | 3 WHAT IS SYNTHETIC TURF? The synthetic turf at Cammeray Park is the first in Australia to use 100% cork as a top layer of infill. The Coolplay system, which has been installed on more than 4500 sportsgrounds around the world, significantly decreases surface temperature and is fire resistant. It has a three-layer system: • sand to create a heavy, stable surface • a mix of sand and rubber to create stability for players and the field TURFS UP • cork for absorbing heat and shock Cammeray Park has been transformed into a state-of- “The demand is the-art, multi-use playing field with the installation outstripping of synthetic turf. The new turf has excellent shock supply and we absorbency properties and provides an even playing are sometimes forced surface, reducing the risk of injury for players. to turn people away. The new turf can be used for 60 hours While it requires regular maintenance, synthetic turf a week or more, which means we will be doesn’t need watering and it doesn’t dry out during able to use the ground to its full potential. If it drought or get waterlogged when it rains. Parks Manager performs as well as we expect, we’ll look at installing David Manson said the new turf would help Council to synthetic turf on the sportsfields at Anderson and cater for the growing demand for playing fields. Primrose Parks.” Two of North Sydney’s most significant war memorials have been restored. The HMAS Sydney bow memorial in Bradfield LEST WE FORGET Park commemorates the sinking of the German raider SMS Emden during the battle The Brightmore Tricycle Track now LOCAL ANZAC CEREMONIES of Cocos in 1914. The memorial will have interpretive signage that tells the story of this includes an exciting child-scale village Sunday 19 April important chapter of our naval history to new that encourages imaginative and 11am, the Cenotaph, St Leonards generations. The Cenotaph in St Leonards cooperative play. The village includes Park, Ridge St, North Sydney Park is also being restored. Unveiled in 1926, sandstone shops, a fire station 12pm, the Kirribilli Club, Harbourview the Cenotaph lists the names of those who complete with fire truck, and a petrol Crescent, Lavender Bay died between 1914 and 1919. station where trike riders can ‘fill up’ Saturday 25 April Other buildings and memorials connected to on their way around the track. the Great War include: 6am, the Cenotaph, St Leonards Park, • the German field gun installed in The diverse play space includes Ridge St North Sydney St Leonards Park in 1921 activities for children who aren’t on • the Tramway Memorial, erected to wheels, including a fully fenced junior honour tram workers who served in play area with swings, slides and the war, now located in Anzac Park, spring rockers. The miniature roadway Cammeray system was originally constructed in • Graythwaite – the home bequeathed for 1997 as a fun yet educational facility. the care of Gallipolli veterans and now owned by Shore school. 4 | NORTHSYDNEYNEWS Harvest North Sydney arvest North Sydney kicks off again in July and we’re looking for 20 people who want to be part of this exciting sustainable food movement. Volunteers who H join the project will receive expert gardening advice about setting up their own vege patch and will be invited to attend sustainable food events, including seed to plate workshops and a farm tour that provides insight into how our food is produced. In exchange our community champions will be encouraged to showcase their efforts to the wider community and inspire others to take the sustainable food challenge. Places are limited. For more information go to northsydney.nsw.gov.au/harvestnorthsydney or call Council’s Sustainability Education Officer on 9936 8100. Do you have stuff to get rid of? North Sydney Council will take care of it for free. Visit our website to see our new video on how to organise a household clean up or phone 1300 799 019. SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS Neutral Bay Uniting Community Garden local organisations including a preschool materials and furnishings. won the Community Group Sustainability that waters the garden twice a week and a The benefits include: Award for 2014 for its thriving community cafe that provides coffee grounds to keep • savings on energy, water and waste, garden on the church grounds. the garden hydrated, nitrogen filled and • improved quality of stormwater slug free. The garden is a showcase for sustainable leaving the property, garden techniques, with composting, Claire Hanley won the individual award • a sustainable food garden, worm farming and no dig gardening for her remarkable Eco House which was • habitat for native animals and reduced methods in place. The group partners with renovated using sustainable building urban heat. IMPORTANT CHANGES TO E-WASTE COLLECTION From 18 May, e-waste will no longer be e-waste disposal we can ensure these collected in booked household waste materials are recovered and reused.