Clover's eNews—Friday, 9 September 2005—No. 263LORD MAYOR’S TRUST MAKES FIRST GRANTSThis week, my Lord Mayor’s Trust made its first donations to worthwhile community projects within the City of Sydney. I set up the Trust to distribute 100% of my Lord Mayoral fees to charities operating within the City of Sydney, honouring my election commitment that I would not take the Lord Mayor’s salary. Foley House received $35,144 to run a Life Skills Program for people living with HIV/AIDS. It will target people with dual diagnosis and/or complex needs, such as drug or alcohol problems. The Community Restorative Centre received $28,500 for a project which helps ex-prisoners become part of the community after being released. This project involves training mentors to work with ex-prisoners, networking with existing services and educating them on the issues faced by people post release, their families and children. The Centre is currently operating a pilot program with Marrickville Council. The Trust donation will enable the program to be extended into the City of Sydney. I hope that this pilot program will help convince the NSW government of its value and importance so that it receives ongoing funding. These two projects meet the Trust's goal of funding innovative projects which enable people to rebuild their lives, particularly if their lives have been adversely affected through alcohol or drug dependency, mental illness or social disadvantage. Members of the public may also make donations to the Trust, with all donations being tax deductible. The Trust cannot accept donations from property developers, and any donations inadvertently received from developers will be refunded if they have not been used. More information is available from my website, www.clovermoore.com. CITY ACTS ON CHILD CARE NEEDSOn Monday night Council adopted the Child Care Development Control Plan and moved to implement the recommendations of a detailed Child Care Needs Assessment Study. The Child Care Needs Assessment Study, the City’s first major study into child care facilities and requirements, confirmed that demand for child care places exceeds supply. The study found that the places for children under two were in high demand, with waiting periods being up to two years. Many residents and workers are experiencing child care stress due to the difficulty they have in accessing child care and excessive waiting lists. It is not acceptable for parents to be forced out of the work force because they cannot get access to quality local child care. The report recommended several initiatives including further investment in the City’s own community day care centres and partnering with business to encourage them to provide on site child care for their workers. Council requested the Chief Executive Officer to report to Council on the implementation of these initiatives. The City adopted the Child Care Development Control Plan to set standards for child care in major new developments. These include promoting increased outdoor space; increased provision of child care, particularly for the 0-2 year old age group; and sustainability measures such as solar access, heating, cooling and ventilation. SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSAs Member for Bligh, I was pleased to participate in the 2005 “Pollies for Small Business” program managed by the State Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Australia Post. Elected representatives across NSW gave our time and got experience in a local small business. Customers at Ariel Bookshop in Oxford Street, Paddington were nicely surprised to find me selling and wrapping their book purchases on Thursday 1 September, adding a special touch to their gift purchases. On Tuesday I attended the second annual City of Sydney Business Awards at the Sofitel Wentworth. This year 8,335 entries were received, an increase of over 40% on last year. This year built on last year’s awards by actively involving our local business groups as Honorary Award Supporters. Each group had the opportunity to present an award to an outstanding business in their areas. Small businesses employ large numbers of people for their size, and provide goods and services that meet specialised individual needs. Small businesses also help create the “City of Villages” that the City of Sydney is developing. I am pleased to show my support for this contribution to our communities. Recognising this contribution, the City has launched the Business Support Program to support business organisations wanting to revitalise local commercial and retail precincts for the benefit of their local communities. This program will provide grants to business associations and Chambers of Commerce for specific projects that encourage and stimulate local business and economic activity, develop the knowledge and skills of local businesses, and develop and retain local retail, commercial and professional services. Information about the Business Support Program is available from http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Community/GrantsAndAwards/BusinessSupportProgram.asp Applications close on 30 September, 2005. CHANGING OF THE POLICE GUARDStaffing changes at Redfern and Kings Cross Police Commands have occurred, at a time when police are reporting some of the lowest crime rates since 2002. Recent Police Accountability Community Team (PACT) meetings in all Bligh Commands report a continuing downward trend in reported crime. All inner city Commands have a difficult and complex job and must be proactive and continually respond to changing crime patterns. At Redfern, former Commander Dennis Smith will not return to this position, and Acting Commander Peter Barrie has moved on. I have thanked both former Commanders for their contribution to rejuvenating the Redfern Command after the poor history of community relationships. Welcome to newly appointed Commander, Superintendent Catherine Burn, who I will meet to discuss my concerns about the serious policing and safety concerns in this Command. Congratulations also to Superintendent Stephen Cullen, who has been appointed head of the State Riot Squad. It is unfortunate that Kings Cross Command loses another effective Commander who has shown strong leadership, only a year after Superintendent Cullen replaced Dave Darcy. I am concerned that there is another new Commander and will raise this with the Police Commissioner. Lower crime rates are partly the result of more intelligent policing strategies, and the use of DNA and other newer technologies to identify perpetrators. High Visibility Policing and increased beat patrols have also helped police understand their community and crime patterns. The renewed focus on community policing allows police to work with communities to deal with crime. I strongly support the work of Crime Prevention Officers who work with the community to reduce the likelihood of crime and make the community safer. I have asked the Minister for Police to provide a proper career path and promotion beyond Senior Constable for Crime Prevention Officers in order to support this role. If you have concerns about crime and safety in your community, please
contact my Electorate Officer Roy Bishop, telephone 9360 3053 or email
bligh@parliament.nsw.gov.au.
EVENT ALERT!
WWW.CLOVERMOORE.COMClover's eNews is a regular update to keep the community informed on important issues, events and campaigns. To join the free email subscription list, email clover@clovermoore.com with SUBSCRIBE eNEWS in the subject and your name, email address and suburb in the body of the email. You can also subscribe here on line. — Clover Moore, Independent Member for Bligh |
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