Christmas Day is just days away and the year 2010 is fast drawing to a close.
On Friday evening family and friends will begin to gather to celebrate what is perhaps one of the happiest times of the year – Christmas.
The kids are on school holidays, their studies done for another year and they’re bursting with energy. For parents and everyone else there’s not enough time to do all the things we have to do to get ready for Christmas. But that doesn’t matter, it’s part of the excitement the season brings.
On behalf of all our Councillors and Council staff – and along with my family – I want to wish all our residents a very Merry Christmas and a really happy New Year.
I’m having a break over the next few weeks and I’ll be back in January, ready for another great year for the City of Botany Bay. My office at Eastgardens is closed and will reopen when the
schools are back after Australia Day.
Dec 21, 2010
Vale Roy Bilton
I, like many in the Botany community, was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Roy Bilton. Roy was an avid gardener and was one of the first in our community to dress up his home each Christmas. His Christmas lights display was renowned as was his beautiful garden. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time. He will be sadly missed by us.
Dec 18, 2010
CHRISTMAS OFFICE HOURS
Over the Christmas-New Year period, Council’s Administration Centre in Coward Street, Mascot will have some changes in the
hours it is open. We’ll be closed on the public holidays and closing a little early on a couple of days. Full details of opening hours are:
Friday December 24 - Christmas Eve - Office closes at 12 noon;
Monday December 27 and Tuesday December 28, Public Holidays; Closed
Wednesday December 29 and Thursday December 30 - Normal hours;
Friday December 31 - New Years Eve - 8.30am - 3.00pm;
Monday January 3, 2011, Public Holiday closed,
Tuesday January 4 normal hours resume.
hours it is open. We’ll be closed on the public holidays and closing a little early on a couple of days. Full details of opening hours are:
Friday December 24 - Christmas Eve - Office closes at 12 noon;
Monday December 27 and Tuesday December 28, Public Holidays; Closed
Wednesday December 29 and Thursday December 30 - Normal hours;
Friday December 31 - New Years Eve - 8.30am - 3.00pm;
Monday January 3, 2011, Public Holiday closed,
Tuesday January 4 normal hours resume.
Garbage Christmas Collections
As Christmas and New Year fall on Saturday this year there is no change to our regular garbage service.
Library Christmas Hours
Over the Christmas-New Year period the opening hours for the Central Library at Eastgardens will have some changes. Opening hours are:
Friday December 24, 10am – 12noon;
Saturday December 25, closed;
Monday December 27 and Tuesday December 28 Closed;
Wednesday December 29 (normal hours)10am - 6pm;
Thursday December 30, 10am - 6pm;
Friday December 31 New Years Eve 10am to 2pm;
Saturday January 1, closed;
Monday January 3, closed;
Tuesday January 4, normal hours will resume.
Mascot Library will close at 2pm on Thursday December 23, and reopen on Tuesday January 4, 2011 at 9am.
Friday December 24, 10am – 12noon;
Saturday December 25, closed;
Monday December 27 and Tuesday December 28 Closed;
Wednesday December 29 (normal hours)10am - 6pm;
Thursday December 30, 10am - 6pm;
Friday December 31 New Years Eve 10am to 2pm;
Saturday January 1, closed;
Monday January 3, closed;
Tuesday January 4, normal hours will resume.
Mascot Library will close at 2pm on Thursday December 23, and reopen on Tuesday January 4, 2011 at 9am.
Dec 17, 2010
Seniors Christmas Lights Tour this Monday
Don’t forget our annual Christmas Lights Tour for seniors next Monday, 20 December 2010. Transport is provided and light refreshments will be served at Council’s Aged Services Centre prior to departing on the tour. To reserve your seat, please telephone Pauline or Therese on 9669 4640.
Dec 16, 2010
A Premier moment for the Graphic Arts Club at Mascot
"Southern Courier" 14 December 2010
"It’s not every day that a state leader clears their diary to attend a club function - especially the night before a no-doubt gruelling sitting of parliament. In her address to the Graphic Arts Club Mascot President’s Dinner, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally made it clear, however, that this was not just any club.
Taking the chance to relax and enjoy some pre-Christmas cheer with Club President Basil King, the Premier let it be known that the boutique, multi-award winning venue was a home away from home for her and her family especially on those nights when her busy schedule prevented her from cooking for her two sons. It was this aspect of the club, as a vital part of the community’s life, which she chose to emphasise to the sixty valued members and guests lucky enough to be sampling the five-star cuisine and hospitality for which the stylish venue is famous.
Delighted to be invited to the President’s Dinner, Ms Keneally said it was “not only a great chance to publicly acknowledge the contribution that the Graphic Arts Club Mascot makes to our local community - it’s also a chance to enjoy a truly unique club in Sydney”. She continued to praise the “spirit and ethos” of the club highlighting the significant support it provided to local schools and in assisting disadvantaged and sick children. A view shared by Botany Bay Mayor Ron Hoenig who was also in attendance.
Both took delight in some of the more novel events and services that the club had to offer on its new website www.ssgac.com.au, namely the Tight Arse Valentines Dinner, a budget meal for lovers with short arms and long pockets, and the services of a JP – perhaps, the Premier noted, for those who took a long-suffering spouse to just such an event!
Taking the time to chat leisurely with each table of guests before the evening’s end, the Premier was in no rush for the evening to end and it was widely tipped that the Graphic Arts Club Mascot will be the site for her campaign launch for the coming state election. A premier moment for Sydney’s premier club indeed. "
http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/a-premier-moment-for-the-graphic-arts-club-at-mascot/
"It’s not every day that a state leader clears their diary to attend a club function - especially the night before a no-doubt gruelling sitting of parliament. In her address to the Graphic Arts Club Mascot President’s Dinner, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally made it clear, however, that this was not just any club.
Taking the chance to relax and enjoy some pre-Christmas cheer with Club President Basil King, the Premier let it be known that the boutique, multi-award winning venue was a home away from home for her and her family especially on those nights when her busy schedule prevented her from cooking for her two sons. It was this aspect of the club, as a vital part of the community’s life, which she chose to emphasise to the sixty valued members and guests lucky enough to be sampling the five-star cuisine and hospitality for which the stylish venue is famous.
Delighted to be invited to the President’s Dinner, Ms Keneally said it was “not only a great chance to publicly acknowledge the contribution that the Graphic Arts Club Mascot makes to our local community - it’s also a chance to enjoy a truly unique club in Sydney”. She continued to praise the “spirit and ethos” of the club highlighting the significant support it provided to local schools and in assisting disadvantaged and sick children. A view shared by Botany Bay Mayor Ron Hoenig who was also in attendance.
Both took delight in some of the more novel events and services that the club had to offer on its new website www.ssgac.com.au, namely the Tight Arse Valentines Dinner, a budget meal for lovers with short arms and long pockets, and the services of a JP – perhaps, the Premier noted, for those who took a long-suffering spouse to just such an event!
Taking the time to chat leisurely with each table of guests before the evening’s end, the Premier was in no rush for the evening to end and it was widely tipped that the Graphic Arts Club Mascot will be the site for her campaign launch for the coming state election. A premier moment for Sydney’s premier club indeed. "
 |
| President Basil King, Premier Kristina Keneally, Mayor Ron Hoenig, Steve McDermott |
http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/a-premier-moment-for-the-graphic-arts-club-at-mascot/
Bowen Scholarship Applications
Now that the Higher School certificate exams are over and many students are beginning to focus on their further studies in 2011. Part of the focus for local tertiary students should be the Lionel Bowen Scholarship, for which applications are now open. The applications don’t close until after the first round of offers next year and the successful Lionel Bowen Scholar can be reimbursed for up to $3000 worth of study expenditure. This can include books, computers, iPods, study desks, excursions or travel to and from uni or your place of study. Applications can be downloaded from Council’s website, or picked up from Council or if you call my office on 93663600 one can be mailed to you. Applications are welcome from all fields of study, including TAFE courses. The only requirement is that it is the applicants first year of tertiary or post tertiary education. Just remember to apply you must be a resident of, and live within, the City of Botany Bay.
Dec 14, 2010
Vacation Care for High Schools
Details of what’s planned for those aged 13 and above. From Tuesday January 4 until Friday January 21 there is a range of activities planned either at Hillsdale Youth Centre (inside Hillsdale Community Centre at 236 Bunnerong Road) or at one of many excursions. Ice skating (a perfect summer sport), rock climbing, ten pin bowling, movies, laser tag, trips to Jamberoo and the Sydney Aquatic Centre as well as our own Botany Aquatic Centre. Some of the activities planned are free while there is a charge for others. Like vacation care for the primary school students, this vacation care program fills fast and you will need to book. Contact Yasemin or Patrick, our intrepid youth workers, on 9366 3889 for more information and to make a booking.
Dec 12, 2010
Seniors Christmas Lights Tour
Our annual Christmas Lights Tour for seniors will be held on Monday, 20 December 2010. Many of our residents are busy dressing up their homes for Christmas and they look amazing. The number of homes a glow with Christmas spirit grows each night as I drive home from a meeting or function. I am certain this year will be quite spectacular. Transport is provided and light refreshments will be served at Council’s Aged Services Centre prior to departing on the tour. To reserve your seat, or find out more information, please telephone Pauline or Therese on 9669 4640. Be quick - numbers are limited and I have already had several calls from residents.
Dec 5, 2010
School vacation activities getting closer
A wide range of activities is planned for Council’s vacation care programs for school aged children up to 13. The program will run over three weeks beginning Tuesday January 4, after the New Year public holiday. The program usually fills fast and if your child or children are going to attend you’ll need to come to our enrolment day to be held on Tuesday December 14 between 4.30pm to 7.00pm at Pagewood Public School.
There are a total of 12 days of events for vacation care based at Pagewood Public School – some free and some where a small fee is required. Vacation care is open from 7.00am to 6.00pm each day and provides the children with daily activities including recreational games both indoor and outdoor. We incorporate sports, art and craft and cooking into the program as well as providing excursions as well as special events at Pagewood Public, such as the popular reptile show and a sea animal show.
The theme for January is “Life’s A Beach” and will include lots of craft activities about the beach, sea animals and sea life. Excursions have been planned to Little Dynamos, ice skating, La Perouse, Vaucluse House, Malabar Park, the movies and Sydney Aquarium. Some excursions are age specific. Children who do not attend excursions will have an awesome day back at Pagewood Public with lots of activities to keep them busy. Vacation care will end with lots of water and splashing around as we enjoy a “Wet’n’Wild” day with lots of water activities including a slip and slide and fun games. This will be followed by a “beach picnic” lunch. For more information and an information pack, call Sherryl on 93663576 or Grace on 96666128 between the hours of 3.00pm and 6.00pm.
There’s also vacation care for students aged 13 and above and I’ll give details of that program soon.
There are a total of 12 days of events for vacation care based at Pagewood Public School – some free and some where a small fee is required. Vacation care is open from 7.00am to 6.00pm each day and provides the children with daily activities including recreational games both indoor and outdoor. We incorporate sports, art and craft and cooking into the program as well as providing excursions as well as special events at Pagewood Public, such as the popular reptile show and a sea animal show.
The theme for January is “Life’s A Beach” and will include lots of craft activities about the beach, sea animals and sea life. Excursions have been planned to Little Dynamos, ice skating, La Perouse, Vaucluse House, Malabar Park, the movies and Sydney Aquarium. Some excursions are age specific. Children who do not attend excursions will have an awesome day back at Pagewood Public with lots of activities to keep them busy. Vacation care will end with lots of water and splashing around as we enjoy a “Wet’n’Wild” day with lots of water activities including a slip and slide and fun games. This will be followed by a “beach picnic” lunch. For more information and an information pack, call Sherryl on 93663576 or Grace on 96666128 between the hours of 3.00pm and 6.00pm.
There’s also vacation care for students aged 13 and above and I’ll give details of that program soon.
Playground updates...and upgrades
In the next two to three weeks (weather permitting) we should have completed the upgrade of the playground at Bridget Tight Reserve in Eastlakes as well as the new playground in Sir Joseph Banks Park, off Fremlin Street in Botany.
The Bridget Tight Reserve playground is aimed at children below 10 and will have adventure activities, soft fall and seating for parents and carers. The playground at Sir Joseph Banks Park is what we term as a regional playground – it’s bigger and better than playgrounds in our smaller parks and caters for wider age groups with divided areas as well as places for parents and carers to sit and watch the children. Based on the great success of our first regional playground at Booralee Park, what will be unveiled at Sir Joseph Banks will attract kids from outside the immediate area.
There will also be a special attraction in the Sir Joseph Banks playground – a water feature. This will be a huge hit on hot days when the kids get to splash around, make mud pies and generally have some real fun. There will be a new shelter for parents and carers and we’ve upgraded the BBQ, which is just off the playground. What we’ve done, as we’ve done elsewhere in the City, is match new or upgraded playgrounds with local children. A check of the census data shows us where there are concentrations of various age groups and the parks match those groupings – hence the one for under-10’s at Bridget Tight Reserve. Booralee and Sir Joseph Banks are regional playgrounds and cater for under-10’s and over-10’s, with the activities separated by landscaping. The end result is playgrounds that meet the needs of children from nearby residential areas – the right outcome as far as I’m concerned.
The Bridget Tight Reserve playground is aimed at children below 10 and will have adventure activities, soft fall and seating for parents and carers. The playground at Sir Joseph Banks Park is what we term as a regional playground – it’s bigger and better than playgrounds in our smaller parks and caters for wider age groups with divided areas as well as places for parents and carers to sit and watch the children. Based on the great success of our first regional playground at Booralee Park, what will be unveiled at Sir Joseph Banks will attract kids from outside the immediate area.
There will also be a special attraction in the Sir Joseph Banks playground – a water feature. This will be a huge hit on hot days when the kids get to splash around, make mud pies and generally have some real fun. There will be a new shelter for parents and carers and we’ve upgraded the BBQ, which is just off the playground. What we’ve done, as we’ve done elsewhere in the City, is match new or upgraded playgrounds with local children. A check of the census data shows us where there are concentrations of various age groups and the parks match those groupings – hence the one for under-10’s at Bridget Tight Reserve. Booralee and Sir Joseph Banks are regional playgrounds and cater for under-10’s and over-10’s, with the activities separated by landscaping. The end result is playgrounds that meet the needs of children from nearby residential areas – the right outcome as far as I’m concerned.
Your City - Community Newsletter
The City of Botany Bay Summer 2010 Community Newsletter is now available for download at http://tinyurl.com/2cxesyq
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
