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| August 1, 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Newsletter
for
Offshore Residents
of Pittwater, Australia - Volume 12, Issue 600
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Editorial Thank goodness we had a dry weekend ! Apart from being totally over the big wet like most Sydneysiders would be, we needed to have a special weekend for the Curlew farewell celebrations, and we weren't let down. Held by the Gone Fishing Gallery and the offshore community, the celebrations included music, speeches, poetry, wine, food plus all sort of magnificent pieces of artwork contributed by members of the community including children, and of course the resident artists. A wonderful gathering of happy vibrant people living life to the full. A more fitting celebration for the retirement of this wonderful old ferry could not have been wished. Congratulations to everyone involved, and like the Curlew, you have all done this community proud yet again. Enjoy! Contents
 SIRA Presidents Report & Membership Renewals  You can download a PDF of SIRA Presidents report HERE You could also see the R&D Masterplans report to Council and Strategy document at this link Pittwater Council Website-18 July 2011 - Council / GOV / PIBE – then go to Item C11.2 The annual SIRA Membership mail out should have been received by all residents. Please take time to read the information and, importantly, complete the membership form to be signed by all adult householders and return with renewal fee of $20.00. If you did not receive this, please email cassgye@spin.net.au  Removal of timber from Elizabeth Park, Scotland Island Pittwater Council's contractors working in Elizabeth Park have reported evidence of wood collection, large logs, dead wood, etc., from the Park with damage to the native vegetation. There is also evidence of damage from vehicles going into the Park to collect timber. Removal of dead wood and timber is considered a Key Threatening Process by the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), as removal of dead wood, hollows, etc. has a major impact on the local fauna and its flow down impacts on the native biodiversity. For details see link to OEH website for below: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/DeadwoodRemovalKtp.htm Elizabeth Park itself is an Ecologically Endangered Community and removal of any materials including bush rock, dead wood, living plants etc is strictly illegal under legislation for protection of EEC's. Fines apply through the OEH to any persons undertaking such works including the removal of dead wood. No works at all can be undertaken within an EEC without a Section 91 License (issued by OEH) for a particular site and only by appropriately qualified contractors. See details on web page below re Pittwater Spotted Gum Forest http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/PittwaterSpottedGumForestEndComListing.htm Karin Nippard, Bushland Management Officer 9970 1363 or 0417 040 945 karin_nippard@pittwater.nsw.gov.au www.scotlandisland.org.au Update Your island website: http://www.scotlandisland.org.au/home The new Scotland Island website has Upcoming Events listed on the home page, and many other useful pages full of information for offshore residents, including links to the current Pittwater Offshore Newsletter. If you have any Upcoming Events that you would like posted, just use the form/link on the website to let us know, or to suggest other website improvements. Scotland Island and Western Shores Indigenous Interests Group – 2nd Meeting in 2011 Freedom Rides - 40 Years On. NSW Freedom Rides, 1965 and 2005 What has changed  All Welcome! ......In 1965, a group of students from the University of Sydney undertook a bus trip to a number of country towns under the leadership of Dr Charles (Kumantjayi) Perkins. They sought to expose the extreme racial segregation experienced by Aboriginal people in towns like Walgett, Bourke and Moree..... Where: Robyn and Tim’s House, 111 Richard Rd., Scotland Island When: 11 August, 2011 at 7.30. Please bring something to snack on, drinks. Click image to load PDF flyer
The Council will convene a new community-based committee to oversee spending on the three year special rate variation which came into effect in Pittwater from 1 July. The introduction of the special rate, which will see ratepayers pay an average 4-5% on top of their existing rates over the next three years, will fund a 10-year program of spending on capital works and projects. A total of $38 million will be spent in Pittwater up to the year 2021 on roads, footpaths, upgrades to surf clubs and other community assets, as well as a wide-ranging program of environmental protection measures. The community committee was part of the agreement between the Council and IPART to introduce the three-year special rate variation. In a report presented to the Council at its meeting this week, the special rate committee will operate in a similar way to the previous environmental infrastructure levy committee, which was in place from 2002 until this year. This committee oversaw spending on major environmental projects. General Manager Mark Ferguson said the Council was seeking expressions of interest from up to six Pittwater ratepayers to participate in the committee. Three Pittwater Councillors will also sit on the committee, as well as senior and specialist staff. “Committee positions are voluntary and for a three year term and the committee will meet every six months to consider expenditure and forthcoming projects,” he said. “It’s also our intention to report regularly on progress through our website.” Applications to join the special rate variation committee are open until Friday 19 August and appointments will be announced by September. To download an application form visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.a Pittwater Council Ph: 9970 1108 A Reminder to Share the Road Pittwater Council is launching a campaign to remind drivers and cyclists about the importance of sharing the road with each other. According to statistics, cycling is booming across the Sydney region, with the number of bike riders increasing by 10% every year over the last decade. The Council’s Road Safety Officer Michelle Carter said that with the increase in the number of cyclists on the road, it was important for road users to adjust their behaviour and ensure the roads are safe for all. Ms Carter said that the campaign, which includes press advertising and information on bus shelters, will focus on reinforcing safe and courteous behaviour for both drivers and cyclists. “Drivers are reminded to drive at a speed that will allow them to stop safely,” she said. “It is also essential that drivers look out for cyclists when they are opening their car door or driving away from the kerb, as well as leaving a reasonable space when passing a cyclist,” said Ms Carter. Reminders for bike riders include:
“This can be a great way to create a positive vibe with you and drivers on the road. It also guarantees that you have been seen, which may avoid a potential accident.” Ms Carter said that the statistics for crashes in Pittwater among cyclists and cars average around 10 to 15 a year. “However, many cycle accidents go unreported, so the figure is likely to be higher.” “In Pittwater the majority of crashes involve cyclists on main roads, especially Pittwater Road from Narrabeen through to Mona Vale and Church Point. “This suggests that a number of those that ‘come a cropper’ are recreational cyclists, with the stretch along Pittwater Road through to the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park a popular route. “Recreational cyclists also need to heed these important safety messages and as a courtesy travel in single file when cars are wishing to overtake,” added Ms Carter. For more information on road safety issues in Pittwater visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au Pittwater Council Ph: 9970 1196 Have your Say on Pittwater's New Social Plan Pittwater Council is encouraging residents to provide input on its new social plan by filling in an online survey or joining a drop-in session at Mona Vale Library on Wednesday 3 August from 10am to 2pm. Council’s Community Services Manager Lindsay Godfrey said with the community’s help, Pittwater Council will prepare a new social plan for the next four years between 2012 and 2016, with the theme of ‘Live, Connect, Participate’. “The plan will help Council understand Pittwater’s community’s social needs and priority areas ensuring we allocate resources appropriately, particularly for our older residents and younger people,” he said. Mr Godfrey said we are looking at a range of ways to connect with residents over the plan, including surveys, face-to-face sessions and online. “We are encouraging residents to share their experience of living in Pittwater and how they would like to connect with other people in their community,” he said. “It should only take 10 minutes of your time to share your thoughts either face-to-face at the Mona Vale Library courtyard or online at www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/socialplan “We will also be enlisting the help of local schools to reach younger residents, with a youth forum scheduled later in the year.” “The plan will also take into account demographic statistics and an analysis of the current social environment, “ added Mr Godfrey. For more information about Pittwater’s social plan and how you can be involved, contact Melinda_hewitt@pittwater.nsw.gov.au Pittwater Council Ph: 9970 1170 Helping Learner Drivers become Safer Drivers A free workshop for parents and supervisors of learner drivers will be held by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) with Pittwater Council at Mona Vale Library on Wednesday 10 August 2011. The course, ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’, will offer parents and supervisors hands-on advice on how to provide the most effective driving practice for learner drivers. The Council’s Road Safety Officer Michelle Carter said licence conditions for learner drivers meant there was a minimum of one year on ‘L’ plates and 120 hours of supervised driving, including a mandatory 20 hours of night-time driving. “A more rigorous driving test has also been introduced, focusing on hazard perception and driver reactions,” Ms Carter said. “Parents and supervisors of novice drivers have a crucial role to play in making our roads safer, and that is why the RTA has developed a course to better support them.” The free course will cover topics such as:
Bookings for the Helping Learner Drivers Become Safe Drivers course are essential and can be made by calling Michelle Carter from Pittwater Council on 9970 1196 or by email at michelle_carter@pittwater.nsw.gov.au. Fireshed Winter Dinner - Italian Feast Saturday 6, August from 7pm  Adults $20 Children $5 And For Union Lovers...NZ v Aust at 5.30 Union lovers won't miss out either as the game will be shown on the large screen BEFORE the dinner - just be at the Fireshed by 5.30 to watch the game - then stay on for the dinner and nights entertainment! Artist
Floor Talk at Manly Gallery
 Scotland Island Printmaker Jan Melville will be one of the artists who will be giving a brief floor talk at Manly Gallery on her work "Pod Sculptural Book" in the current exhibition "Hot of the Press'. Sunday the 14th August at 3.p.m. News from Carmen Ky Indian Tantrik Lecture  As an ex-resident of 22 years I thought I'd send you some news of my own .. old friends and Island artists will probably be interested. I was responsible for getting the Gyuto Monks of Tibet onto Scotland Island in 2000 for 3 days of workshops and a wonderful concert. I now live in the pristine environment of Mystery Bay on the NSW South Coast ... and am hosting an Indian Tantrik Art Workshop in my studios. Indian tantrik yogi Kulavadhuta Satpurananda also known as Baba will be here. He was first brought to Australia in 2006 to speak at "The Goddess: Divine Energy" exhibition at the Art Gallery Of NSW. Click image to load PDF flyer It's rare to have an authentic teacher from the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim here. I met him in 2006 .... when I was asked by the one of the organisers of his visit if she could bring him to Mystery Bay to rest after his lectures in Sydney at the AGNSW. He enjoyed his few days in this pristine environment and has agreed to do a teaching here. Carmen Ky 202 Mystery Bay Road, Mystery Bay. NSW. 2546 T: 02 44737122 S cotland I sland C rochet & K nitting O! rganization Open Invitation to Join... Contact Betsi on 9999 6306  Click image to load PDF flyer Winter WOW Women on Water now takes place 4 times a year with the changing of the seasons. We welcome any old or new community members to join us for our Winter WOW which will be held on Tuesday Aug 9th at 12.30 at Jane’s house, next door to Scotland Island Lodge. For our August 9th meeting Jane invites you to bring along an extract from a much loved book. We will share our treasures, whatever they might be and explain why we value them. Looking forward to hearing all the little gems. So rug up in your warm woolies, bring a plate to share and a drink, and come and join us for a warm winter WOW. Hope to see you there - Nila Authors Talks at Mona Vale Library  The Cage. The Fight for Sri Lanka and the Last Days of the Tamil Tigers By Gordon Weiss This account unravels the compelling history which led up to the event in 2009 when tens of thousands of civilians perished along with the last of the Tamil Tigers, a national liberation group who had terrorised Sri Lanka since 1983. Date: Thursday 4 August 2011 Time: 6.30pm Venue: Mona Vale Library 1 Park Street, Mona Vale Cost: $8.00 Adults $6.00 Concession - Pensioners and Students (passes must be shown) Phone: 9970 1600 Bookings essential!  Illegal Harmonies.Music in the Modern Age By Andrew Ford The author charts the course of music in the concert hall and opera house over the last hundred years, linking it to developments in literature, theatre, cinema and the visual arts. This revised third edition, brings the story into the twenty-first century. Date: Friday 19 August 2011 Time: 6.30pm Venue: Mona Vale Library 1 Park Street, Mona Vale Cost: $8.00 Adults $6.00 Concession - Pensioners and Students (passes must be shown) Phone: 9970 1600 Bookings essential! Payment within 3 days of booking COMPUTERS? ...... yes you can! A FREE seminar for Seniors on computing skills WHEN: Friday 19 August 2011 from 1pm to 3pm WHERE: Newport Community Centre, 11-13 The Boulevard, Newport Beach Phone 02 8064 3574 to register AGENDA:
After Question Time refreshments will be served and the Lucky Door Prize Draw will take place. Throughout the seminar we will be running informative computer displays. * Lucky door prize consists of one year free membership and tuition at Avalon Computer P Download flyer with details and directions HERE Babysitter available I am a responsible high school student who lives on the island. I’m available for after school and evening babysitting during the week and on Friday nights. I can also help with home readers, tidying up & occupying your kids while you cook dinner or relax. My hourly rate is $8. For a small commission I can also sell your unwanted items on eBay. Please call Jessica on 0401 415 891 outside school hours. Island Kinesiology Clinic Kinesiology is a potent natural therapy for
available on Mondays only.. Phone Jen Cudmore 0425 212 849 www.holistickinesiology.biz House for Rent - Oct & Nov 2011 3 Bedroom fully furnished house on Scotland Island Easy walk to ferry $500 week Contact Anthony 0415 846 172 or ant@anthonypugh.com The Local Guide Community Information
Transport
Real Estate
Services, Clubs & Accommodation
Island Classes (Fitness, Dance, Art etc)
Groups
Government Organisations
Airlines, Buses and Railways
Weather Scotland Island Tides, Moon phases, Sun rise & set Local Weather Forecast Radar weather for Sydney (128k circle) Emergency Contact Numbers
Archived Newsletters A complete set of past electronic newsletters since May 2000 can be found and read at https://ymlp.com/archive_gesgjgm.php or by clicking here or by visiting the Mona Vale Library. The Island website is at www.scotlandisland.org.au To Contribute If you would like to contribute to this newsletter it's easy!. Send an e-mail to the editor (editor@scotlandisland.org.au) or by clicking here. Type your contribution (100 words or so would be fine) and assuming it is of general interest to the community, does not include matter of a political nature and is not offensive, it will appear next month. Subscription Information To get on and off this newsletter, click here or got to: http://www.scotlandisland.org.au/signup . To change your address, click the 'modify' link at the bottom of this newsletter or send an email to the editor@scotlandisland.org.au  The Online Local Contact Guide Click HERE to load The
views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the
Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA), or
the Western
Pittwater Community Association (WPCA)
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