A note of warning in Daceyville

Some Daceyville residents have been on to me concerned at about a couple of large dogs roaming around the streets and on Rowland Park at night. What concerns the residents is that, with the schools back, the large dogs may pose a threat to children. We’ve got the rangers increasing their patrols in the area to see if they can track down the dogs – and their owners – in a bid for more responsible pet ownership.  But, unfortunately, the rangers cannot be everywhere at all times and where these dogs will be when let out off leash is not predictable. 

If anyone in the Daceyville area has better information on the dogs and when and where they roam, please call my office on 9366 3600 and let us know.  More than a few local parents will be grateful.  This also serves as a reminder to all dog owners that it is an offence to have your dog off leash in a public place.  So, when walking your dog please consider others.  If you want your dogs to run off leash there is plenty of space in Astrolabe Park and a fenced area in Sir Joseph Banks Park designated to this purpose.  Council is also looking at two other locations which will be notified to residents shortly for their comments.

Randwick-Botany Little Athletics 40th win on the trot

It may be some sort of sporting record – and more than a few national, state and local teams would love to have it in the win column – but our Little A’s have taken out the 2012 Little Athletics Zone Shield for the 40th consecutive time. The Zone shield is a competition among six little athletics groups from Sydney’s inner zone. Our Randwick-Botany Little Athletics, led by their indomitable President Tony Vecellio, went to the Zone Shield at ES Marks Athletics Field and showed why they are the best – yet again. The local Little A’s blitzed the competition and came out 1,500 points ahead of their nearest rivals. Tony was over the moon on behalf of the Little A’s (and with total justification). With their home at the revamped Hensley Athletics Field, the local Little A’s are growing and this season begins to wind down, Tony and the gang have already got their next season firmly in the minds and, although they won’t say it, maybe another Zone Shield.  40 wins on the trot in sport is perhaps almost unheard of and our congratulations go out to all the competitors from our Little A’s. Next competitions are the Regional Comp and then the State comp – where the local Little A’s are looking for more success.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Christmas Day is just days away and the year 2011 is fast drawing to a close.  Over the weekend family and friends will 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 will be closed from this Wednesday December 21 and will reopen on Monday January 23, 2011.

Family Day at the Pool

On the 15^th January, Council will host a special Family Day at the Botany Aquatic Centre.  The day will include entertainment for all ages and everything will be included in the entry price to the pool. 

There has been very little promotion of the pool in recent years but, with the appointment of a Recreational Officer, a program has been initiated to raise the profile of the pool over the summer months.There will be two inflatable play items in the big pool as well as live entertainment.  The inflatables will float around between 11am and 3pm and there will be live entertainment, which will start after lunch around 2pm.

Council has booked a group called Three Wishez, who gained popularity and a whole lot of fans with when they took part in the X-factor, the latest television show that seeks out new talent.  They made it in to the top four. There will also be entertainment for the young ones and we have secured the Jitterbugs, a popular children’s act. To add to the fun there will also be balloon benders, wandering magicians and a craft corner.

Then on again on Australia Day there will also be inflatables in the pool with a kids show by the Livelyhood.   It will be a much small version of what’s on offer on the 15^th.  Because of our close proximity to the City and beach areas, it was decided not compete with all the Australia Day activities funded by the State Government.  

Welcome to our Sister City Councillor

It has given me great pleasure to welcome to Australia, and to our City, Councillor Giorgio Fantuz, from our Sister City in Gaiarine, Italy. Councillor Fantuz is on a private family visit but has graciously made time to visit our City and I am very appreciative that he has found that time to join us.The City of Botany Bay and the Community of Gaiarine have shared a long friendship which spans more than 25 years. 

Councillor Fantuz is now a second generation member of the Council of Gaiarine, who is continuing to build on that friendship.  His father Vittorino Fantuz, a former Councillor and Mayor, was involved in the original ceremonies, which saw the hand of friendship extended to the City of Botany Bay. His father, and his god-father, Councillor Romeo Antoniolli, both played a major role during the early years to establish the sister city bond that now exists between our two Cities.

Now Giorgio is a young man who, like his father and god-father, has put himself forward to make a positive contribution to his community by taking an active role in local government.  I commend him for his commitment and the role he will play in shaping his community in the years ahead. 

It has been a great honour for myself, and my fellow Councillors, to welcome Giorgio to the council meeting on Monday night.  We are indeed privileged. We send greetings to your father, Vittorino, and your god-father Councillor Romeo Antoniolli, and your family, as well to your Mayor, Loris Sonego, your fellow Councillors, Aldermen and the Citizens of Gaiarine.

We wish you a most enjoyable time during your stay here in Australia.

Dates to Remember

Six a Side Soccer – Summer competition 16^th January to March 11^th 2012. Registrations close January 9^th. Visit www.botanybay.nsw.gov.au
 

School Holiday Intensive Swim Programs:  9^th to 13^th January and 16^th to 20^th January.  For information call 93663590 or visit www.botanybay.nsw.gov.au
 

Inflatable Days at the Pool: Two family fun days are planned for Sunday January 15, 2012 and Australia Day, Sunday January 26.  Watch your letter box for more information in January.

Best and Less Mural Upgrade in Mascot

The well known mural on the King Street wall of Best and Less, Mascot, will get a face lift next month.  A specialist Mural artist has been engaged and work is set to proceed to restore and repaint the mural which has deteriorated over the years.  The works will require scaffolding to be erected, and I again ask the Mascot Shop patrons for their patience.  The area has been in need of a face lift for some time and with the mural looking fresh again, and the new paving, I am sure the minor inconveniences will be seen as worthwhile in the end.