Pedestrian Crossing Bay St & Botany Rd Botany - Now the landscaping

Bay Street Botany Pedestrian Crossing

I know that traffic lights are the preferred option for the intersection of Bay Street and Botany Road, Botany, but until we can get them approved and installed by the Roads and Maritime Services we are happy to announce that a zebra crossing and signage will be installed and up, hopefully, by the time you read this. The pedestrian crossing should help our youngsters and their parents/guardians to cross safely at this busy intersection. I will keep you posted on the progress of traffic lights. 

 

On the subject of traffic lights, it is not in our area, but I know many of our residents will be pleased to learn that the RMS has finally agreed to install traffic lights at the intersection of Beauchamp Road and Perry Street, Matraville. I have received many letters regarding this intersection which have all been referred to the RMS and several Ministers responsible for Roads. At last, thanks to the intervention of our excellent local member, Maroubra MP, Michael Daley we have some action and the lights should be up and running by August.

E-Waste Collection on again August 18

Put Saturday August 18th in the diary, as that is the next E-Waste Collection Day at Botany Depot. Following on from the success of our first E-Waste Day the depot staff have organised another. Just one little reminder if you do dump your old computer remember to delete or save any information that is stored on it. A couple of people show up a few days after they had delivered it to the depot hoping to retrieve their hard drive, but unfortunately it had already gone to the recycling depot and been dispersed. I know a few people wrote asking for a collection point in Mascot, but for the time being Botany Depot will be the collection point.

School Exhibition at Mascot Museum Launched

Yesterday afternoon I had the privilege of launching the latest exhibition on show at the George Hanna Memorial Museum on the weekend, and I must say I think this is our best ever. The topic appeals to all ages – after all we have all had to go school and we all have stories to tell. It is just a little hard when I realise that our current students look on my time in school as “our history!” If you have some time pop in and have a browse, and remember Mascot Library which houses the museum is open until 8pm on Wednesdays.

Volunteers Recognised

Last week I had the privilege to host a special dinner for our local volunteers – people who give so much to our community and many of our residents. It takes a very special person to volunteer to assist others in the community and all of them were worthy of our thanks. A number of local volunteer groups were represented: 

The Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, which is instrumental in providing input and advice into the planning of events such as the Garden Party and information sessions and tips on health and safety issues and other matters of importance to our older residents. 

The Access Committee, with which Council liaises for advice to help make our city more accessible for all of the community. 

The Botany Historical Trust, which is helping us preserve the history and heritage of our area for the benefit of current and future generations. The Trusts is also involved in mounting exhibitions, like the Shop Locally one and our upcoming Back to School exhibition on schooling in the City of Botany Bay. 

Meals on Wheels, the most recognised and the most constant of our volunteering groups. The Meals on Wheels volunteers are out every day – even during the wet weather we’ve experienced this year has not deterred them from turning up and delivering meals to our more vulnerable residents, always with a smile and an encouraging word 

The Knitting Network, the members of which donate their time to craft beautiful hand knitted items to support the residents of Sir Joseph Banks Nursing Home, Southern Cross Apartments and Frenchmen's Lodge, to name but a few. They have also raised funds to provide seating in one of our parks, again as a way of contributing to their community. 

The dinner was one of the few ways we, as a community, can thank the volunteers for their great contribution.

Pagewood Seniors turn 40!

I was honoured to join the members of the Pagewood Senior Citizens this week as they celebrated their 40th Birthday. A great milestone for any club particularly one that relies entirely on volunteers. I was looking through some old scrape books and came across an article done when the club celebrated it’s 30th birthday. It doesn’t seem that long ago. Their birthday celebrations were a fun day for all who came along and joined in the festivities, and I think a great day was had by all. Happy 40th Pagewood and I wish you and your members many, many more.

Six a Side Soccer at Hensley Field

The new season of Council’s six-a-side soccer (or football for the purists) is about to get underway – and if it’s as popular as it was last year then the places that are now on offer will be filled quickly. Spots are available in the boys and girl’s junior (6 to 12) and youth (13-18) divisions as well as men’s and women’s divisions. Competition kicks off on September 8 and runs to December 20 at the upgraded Hensley Athletic Field where it’s played on the cushioned synthetic field and the games are never rained out.

Nominations close on August 31 and you can fill in an interactive application form on Council’s website: www.botanybay.nsw.gov.au All the details are on the web and this year there are more divisions and more opportunities to play this exciting version of soccer. So grab your mates and get a team together and don’t miss out on the action.

L'Estrange Park playground now open

The fences are down and the L’Estrange Park playground in Mascot is now open for our young residents to enjoy! Driving by this afternoon it was a great sight to see that our local youngsters are exploring and running around the playground. That’s what it is all about.

Streetscape Upgrades in Mascot, Botany & Banksmeadow

If you were out and about last Sunday night between Rolfe Street, Tramway Street and Gardeners Road in North Mascot you’d have seen our gangs beginning the footpath upgrades along Botany Road. The old and stained pavers are being ripped up and replaced by tile edged asphalt and street furniture. The work will take a couple of weeks and then we’re off to Wilson Street and Botany Road down in Banksmeadow where again the footpath will be upgraded. 

At Wilson Street the work will also facilitate outdoor dining from an adjoining café and food outlet. From Wilson Street, which should be done in August, weather permitting, we’ll be back in the Botany shopping strip with more upgrades. All the work, right around the City, is making the place look better almost each week.

Computer Skills for Seniors

The transition from wireless to wifi is made easier for local seniors via the work of the Botany Bay Computer Club for Seniors, run by Bruce Bradford and his dedicated group.

In reality, we don’t have a life now without computers and via the club our seniors can not only catch up with grandchildren but, maybe, even get ahead. There are classes for beginners and intermediate as well as photography from this club, which was set up in 1998 with systems we’d now think of as Neanderthal. Whatever was a Windows 98 operating system? 

Anyhow, the club is getting ready for its next 10 week term and, if you’re interested, there is time still to sign up. The classes are held on Fridays at Matraville Primary School (on the corner of Beauchamp and Bunnerong roads) between 12.30pm and 2.30pm. The term begins on July 20 and finishes September 21 and there are some vacancies for the Beginners Class, Basic Windows 7 Class and photography.

The latter really interest me as it’s a great way to keep in touch with relatives and friends by exchanging photos when you’re not on Facebook (which a lot of seniors aren’t). You’ll need your own computer to be in the classes and if you want to sign up (or sing on) contact Pat on 9349 8074 or Norma on 9667 3491.

Alcohol-Free Zones proposed in Mascot

We are seeking public comment on the extension of two alcohol-free zones – one around Mascot Memorial Park and the other around Mascot Park. After discussions with local Police and residents, it is proposed to extend the alcohol-free areas around both parks.

As far as Mascot Memorial Park is concerned, the park alcohol-free zone will be extended to the public roads of Aloha Street, Coward Street between Aloha Street and Botany Road and Botany Road between Foster Street and Coward Street.

For Mascot Park the zone will extend out of the park to include Coward Street between O’Riordan Street and Oliver Street and Foster Street between Oliver Street and McIntosh Street. 

The extension of the alcohol-free zones is subject to community responses and is meant to improve our local way of life and not as some wowser idea. If you have any comments or suggestions, please get them to me at Council. Once we’ve got local reactions, we’ll take the next step with the Police Local Area Commander.