HAWKESBURY AUSTRALIA DAY WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The Hawkesbury Australia Day Awards are an integral part of Australia Day celebrations, recognising and honouring the outstanding achievements of everyday Australians in Hawkesbury.
The reinvigorated awards program which was launched on Australia Day in 2016, will again celebrate some remarkable people in 2017.
The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett said that the Hawkesbury Australia Day Awards are an important way for the contributions of those in Hawkesbury to be recognised. “Year after year, an abundance of worthy individuals and organisations are nominated for these awards. It’s truly remarkable to meet these special people and celebrate the way they have contributed to the Hawkesbury community.”
“I am proud to stand here and praise them for their efforts and cannot wait to see what 2017 brings for them and the people they work with.”
The 2017 Hawkesbury Australia Day Awards are proudly brought to you by Hawkesbury City Council. The 2017 Hawkesbury Australia Day Australia Day Award Winners are:
• The 2017 Citizen of the Year is awarded to Yvonne Tuckerman
• The 2017 Young Citizen of the Year is Rhiannon Williams
• A Volunteer of the Year is awarded to Barry Adams
• A Volunteer of the Year is awarded to Vicki Case
• The 2017 Community Organisation of the Year is Hawkesbury’s Helping Hands
• The Joint Local Hero Award is awarded to John Breaden and Stephen Richards, NSW Police Force
• The Hawkesbury Community Arts Award is awarded to Peta Gray
• The recipient of the Hawkesbury Cultural Heritage Award is Carolynne Cooper
• The Hawkesbury Environmental Award is awarded to Les Dollin
• The 2017 Commemorative Plaque was unveiled for Dr Rex Stubbs
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Council has received notification from the Minister for Planning that Council’s Upper Hawkesbury River Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) has received certification under the Coastal Protection Act 1979.
Council prepared a CZMP in order to provide strategic direction and guidance on future environmental and strategic planning for the Hawkesbury River and tributaries.
The CZMP was developed under the NSW Government’s Estuary Management Program in accordance with the Coastal Protection Act, 1979. It also complies with the requirements of the NSW Coastal Policy 1997 and the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Action Plan 2013.
The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett said the river system is very important to many members of our community.
“Gazettal of the CZMP will occur early in 2017, which will open up further opportunities for funding to support identified actions within the Plan,” the Mayor said.
MOTORISTS REMINDED TO SLOW DOWN AROUND SCHOOLS AND KEEP OUR KIDS SAFE
Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet reminded motorists to slow down in school zones as NSW students start heading back to classrooms across the state from today.
“School children are some of the most vulnerable people on the road and 40km/h school zones are an important way to keep them safe as they make their way to and from school,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Youngsters rely on us all to make responsible decisions on the road and the most important one we can make around schools is to slow down and take some extra care – it could prevent a terrible tragedy.
“We know a car that hits a pedestrian at 50km/h is twice as likely to kill someone as a vehicle travelling at 40km/h, and casualties in school zones have dropped by around 30 per cent since they were introduced.
“Every school across the state currently has access to a set of flashing lights as an extra warning to remind drivers to slow down, and we’re rolling out another 400 flashing lights for schools with multiple busy entrances.
“In addition to 40km/h school zone speed limits, we also have tougher penalties that apply in school zones, we’ve painted dragon’s teeth on roads to warn drivers and installed pedestrian crossings and fencing to stop young people from crossing where it isn’t safe.
“We’re also working with kids inside the classroom to help teach them important road safety skills through programs like Safety Town (www.safetytown.com.au<https:// www.safetytown.com.au>), a fun, interactive website featuring age appropriate activities to get young ones interested and involved in road safety.”
Most school zones in NSW operate from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm, but a small number operate at different times including Colo High School. School zones with different operating times have different coloured signage and operating hours clearly displayed.
GET SET FOR SYDNEY’S TOUGHEST CYCLE CLASSIC – THE BOBBO – MARCH 26
The Bobbin Head Cycle Classic has gained a reputation as Sydney’s toughest – and most beautiful – ride.
Cycle through scenic Ku-ring- gai National Park and around West Head with its spectacular ocean views. Test your endurance with the longest 104 km ride, or select from the 80 km, 57 km or 27 km rides. Whichever ride you choose, you’ll be helping Rotary raise funds for Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury’s crisis support and suicide prevention services, as well as other local charities.
Register at https://www. bobbinheadcycleclassic.com.au/ index.php/register.
SYDNEY HILLS WELCOMES 29 NEW CITIZENS
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Councillor Yvonne Keane, welcomed 29 new citizens into the community during a special citizenship ceremony held as part of Australia Day celebrations at Bella Vista Farm on Thursday, January 26.
Mayor Keane, who conducted the commemoration, said the day provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of citizenship as a common bond – strengthening the Sydney Hills region.
“We hold a number of these ceremonies throughout the year, but it is today’s ceremony, held on Australia Day, that perhaps best highlights what choosing to become an Australian citizen is all about – a desire to be part of this wonderful country, its people and values and feeling good about being an Australian,” Mayor Keane said.
“It is an opportunity to reflect on our city’s vibrant diversity and our country’s colourful history and enjoy its unique and fruitful attributes.
“I encourage everyone in The Hills to warmly welcome all our new citizens,” Mayor Keane added.
Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony is celebrated annually and provides an occasion for individuals, families, schools, community groups and organisations to celebrate and reflect on being an Australian citizen.
The newest Australians in the Sydney Hills on Thursday joined more than five million others who have chosen to become Australian citizens since the first citizenship ceremony in 1949.
Mayor Keane said the ceremony included residents from more than 11 countries.
“We have new citizens from right across the globe, including India, Iran, China, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka who have chosen The Hills as their home,” Mayor Keane said.
“Having such a diverse community truly enhances and enriches our way of life,” Mayor Keane added.
ROPOSAL TO ASSIGN A RAILWAY STATION NAME
The Geographical Names Board is calling for public comment on a proposal by Transport for NSW to name a new railway station in Bella Vista.
Chair of the Geographical Names Board, Narelle Underwood, said feedback is being sought on the proposal to name the station off Celebration Drive, east of Old Windsor Road, as Bella Vista Railway Station.
The new station will be the primary public transport interchange for the emerging town centre and growing local residential areas.
Mrs Underwood said the board is encouraging community comment before it considers the proposal.
“We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed name,” said Mrs Underwood.
Details of the proposal can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website at www.gnb.nsw.gov.au.
Alternatively written submissions may be lodged with the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW, 2795.
The closing date for submissions is 24 February 2017.
