Drug Dealers arrested in Redfern and Waterloo

Redfern Local Area Commander Luke Freudenstein reports a number of arrests in the the Redfern Waterloo area of alleged drug dealers.

Drug dealers in the public housing areas of Redern and Waterloo have been causing considerable concern to public housing tenants, many who are living in fear and are frightened to leave their homes.

Commander Freudenstein said last week; "We have had significant success with arresting alleged drug supplier...and will continue to do so where necessary." He said that the information from the public is very, very good and people have been quick to call the police if they see something suspicious.

Commander Freudenstein said that police are making a big dent in some of the drug supply enterprises in Redfern and Waterloo and say if people going to make a business of supplying drugs in that area, they should think again.

If you have any information that can help the police call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

"Kung Hei Fat Choy" - Happy New Year to Our Chinese Community

I was delighted to attend the spectacular City of Sydney’s Twilight Parade last night as the guest of the Lord Mayor of Sydney. The Twilight parade was an amazing celebration of Chinese New Year which incorporated the cultures of China, Vietnam, Korea, and other nations that observe the lunar calendar.

Traditionally in Chinese culture New Year is celebrated over 15 days. This year Chinese New Year was on 31 January when the Year of the Horse is welcomed. In Chinese culture, the horse is a symbol of nobility, class, speed and perseverance. People born in the Year of the Horse are smart, self-reliant, joyful, outgoing, sophisticated, resilient and quick-witted.

It was an honour to take part in the "eye dotting ceremony" which involved dotting red paint on the eyes, nose, ears and mouth of the Lion "to bring the Lion to life".

To all those who celebrate Chinese New Year "Kung Hei Fat Choy". I wish that the Year of the Horse brings peace, happiness and good fortune to you and your loved ones.

William Yang, Alex Greenwich MP, Ron Hoenig MP, The Hon. Helen Sham Ho, Xie Jinying,
Cr Irene Doutney

Australia Day Celebrations at Randwick City & Marrickville

Cr. Chris Woods, Patrick McInerney Marrickville's Citizen of the Year with Ron Hoenig MP

It was a delight to share Australia Day Celebrations with the community yesterday at Randwick City and Marrickville. Both Councils provided wonderful community events, recognised outstanding citizens for their service to the community and held Citizenship Ceremonies welcoming our "New Aussies".

As I addressed our Nation's newest citizens I just thought of my late parents who took the same steps as they did after leaving a war ravaged Europe at the end of the Second World War to start a new life here in Australia.

The most moving reminder of the opportunities available to all Australians yesterday came from my good friend the Federal Member for Grayndler, The Hon. Anthony Albanese who reminded us all, how the son of a single parent immigrant family living in public housing can rise to become the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. We live in marvellous country.

Carlos Da Rocha nominee for Randwick Citizen of the Year with Ron Hoenig MP

Ron Hoenig MP addressing Randwick Citizenship Ceremony

St Therese Primary School Mascot Year 6 Graduation

Ron Hoenig MP & Marcelle-Rita Zarzour

I was pleased to join the St Therese's Year 6 graduating class of 2013 and their families, friends and teachers in December, at the schools Annual Graduation Mass. The church was filled to capacity as the community, led by Parish Priest Father Dominic Ceresoli CS, wished the students all the best in the important transition to High School.

St Therese School is a catholic primary school in Mascot that has for as long as I can remember, always enjoyed an excellent reputation for the quality of its education and teaching staff. St Therese Primary is the largest inner-city primary school in the Archdiocese of Sydney. The school boasts multi-million dollar campus consisting of 21 classrooms, specialist rooms, canteen, outdoor learning areas, administration block, staff facilities, parish hall and library. 

I was delighted to present the "Ron Hoenig MP Outstanding Leadership Award" to Marcelle-Rita Zarzour. Marcelle demonstrated an awareness of the people around her and their needs that is beyond her years.Marcelle offers selfless service and commitment to eh entree school community through her involvement in: film crew, history club, school choir, interior school debate art club, photography club and school production. She is enthusiastic about her school and always displays a positive attitude. A worthy award winner and terrific role model to students around her.

Tempe High School Presentation Day

Ron Hoenig MP with Katherine Kai

It was a pleasure to attend Tempe High School Presentation Day 2013 on the 17 December 2013. Tempe High is an outstanding school in my electorate that provides quality education for both selective and mainstream students.

The school has excelled again in 2013 in academic, sporting and extracurricular fields made possible, as principal Socrates Dassaklis pointed out; “because of the support they have received from their families, and our staff. This team approach has remained the key to why Tempe High is so successful.”

The school hall was filled to capacity with proud parents, guests and students and it was a pleasure to be invited to present some awards, one of which was the “Ron Hoenig MP Outstanding Leadership Award” that was award to Katherine Cai.

Katherine as the 2013 Tempe High School Captain worked tirelessly in the leadership of both the Student Representative Council and her year group. Katherine is a true leader and role model for students as she worked closely with the captains and the other school leaders.

Pagewood Botany Football Club. Thank you on behalf of the community

Ron Hoenig MP & George Lundy

It was a pleasure last night to present to George Lundy, President of Pagewood Botany Football Club a parliamentary certificate thanking the club for doing so much for the local community.

This fantastic club, with such community minded volunteers do not just organise football or soccer for its members, it actively engages with the community, raising funds, and works intellectual disabled children at Windgap, and through the Special Olympics.

This year this club raised and donated $12,000 to the Sydney Childrens Hospital. It donated $1400 to Windgap. It held soccer Gala Days for Windgap at Jellicoe Park and has invited Special Olympic teams to Pagewood.

Their efforts are even more remarkable as they are always subject to criticism by peak soccer bodies. Believe it or not it is all about complaining that money should be paid to peak soccer bodies or trying to stop their volunteers training and organising football for the intellectually disabled children. In reality if these sport bodies had their way, rather than money going to Sydney Childrens Hospital or the intellectually disabled, it would go into the pocket of soccer administrators who do not reside in this community and contribute little to it.

In this state for a child to play representative football that child needs to find $3000 to play. In my view it is a scandle. No other representative children's sport does this. I have great confidence in Frank Lowy FFA Chairman's ability to effect improvements, but in states like NSW there is a long way to go.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School, Waterloo Presentation Day

John Farrell(Principal), Apollo Vo_Truong, Ron Hoenig MP

I regarded it a privilege to return to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School at Waterloo this week for the school's presentation day. Last week I attended the school's Christmas concert where I was so amazed and proud of the talent of the children.

The work done by principal John Farrell and his staff is just inspirational. The children are delightful. A wonderful environment has been created.

The school has partnered itself with organisations and people that provide the marvellous support for its students. One program I would like to mention is the breakfast program that runs on a Monday and Friday morning. The program is sponsored by the Red Cross and is conducted in partnership with the local PCYC and community volunteers. I would like to thank the Red Cross and the local community for their terrific support over the year as you are making positive contribution to these great students.

The Ron Hoenig MP Outstanding Leadership Award went to Apollo Vo-Truong who showed excellent leadership potential and took on an active leadership role in his school and local community. Well done Apollo.