The Weekly Times - TWT - 6th June 2018

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6 THE WEEKLY TIMES Wednesday 6 June, 2018 Epping goes Vivid Iight show in June Dear Sir, St Alban’s Anglican Church Epping lights up for Vivid. It may not be the Opera House but the crowds won’t stop you from seeing this suburban light show. The changing colours in the tower and front of the Epping landmark are attracting passers-by who slow down to be stunned by the vibrancy of the stain glassed windows. The lights go on at 6pm for the first commuter rush and continue till 10pm for late night walkers. A gift to the community from St Alban’s Anglican Church, installed and digitally programmed by Tony Moffatt, the lights will burn till Saturday June 16. ROSS NICHOLSON Epping TWT policy on racist Letters HUNTER’S HILL COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC EXHIBITION DRAFT COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2018-2028 (Including the Delivery Program & Operational Plan) DRAFT BUDGET, FEES & CHARGES 2018/19 – 2027/28 The Local Government Act 1993 Sections 402 and 405 provide that a council must complete a review of its Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan by 30 June in the year following the local government elections and its Budget and Fees & Charges on an annual basis. The suite of plans must be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and comments from the community considered prior to final endorsement by the Council. The Draft Community Strategic Plan (10 year plan) gives both Council and the community a vision for the main priorities and aspirations for the future of the Hunters Hill local government area. This plan also includes: • Draft Delivery Program (4 year program) outlines what Council intends to do towards achieving the main priorities during its term of office. • Draft Operational Plan (one year plan) sets out the individual projects and activities that will be undertaken each year to achieve the commitments made in other supporting documents. The Draft Budget, Fees & Charges describes the Council operations and asset maintenance programs for the next ten years. The Budget also contains proposed Rates and Charges for the 2018/19 financial year. The draft budget includes a proposed increase of 2.3% in ordinary and special rates, which is the maximum allowable rate pegging limit announced by the Minister for Local Government. All interested parties are invited to view copies of the documents and provide feedback to Council. The documents are available to view at the following locations: • Council website www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au • Administration Centre, 22 Alexandra Street, Hunters Hill • Gladesville Branch Library, Pittwater Road, Gladesville Letters to the Editor Dear Sir, TWT’s bizarre letters page is a source of constant amusement and bafflement – personally, I never miss it. But the most recent one (May 30) simply floored me, and raises the obvious question: Does the editor – to whom these constant racebaiting fact-free rants are addressed, or anyone on the TWT editorial team, actually read what it publishes? Maybe you do and the justification is “freedom of speech.” Well, who could disagree? I certainly don’t. Or, “We don’t censor our readers, we simply publish whatever they submit, no matter how long and incoherent and full of ad hominem, prejudice and rage – over and over again whenever they submit letters without interference or judgement.” I think that must be it. So another question arises: Is constantly publishing the sort of material that the majority of potential readers in TWT-land – their customers, clients, staff and families will find offensive wise? Doesn’t a free newspaper need the goodwill and support of all groups in its territory? Naturally in the name of “freedom of speech” and “non-censorship” I’ll expect to see my critique of TWT’s policy of constantly publishing the race-hate of a tiny handful of its serial letterwriters also published. If its not, I’ll make my own assumptions on where the newspaper stands on the issue. Soon enough, if they haven’t already, so will everyone RUSSELL EDWARDS Drummoyne Telstra outage sufferers Dear Sir, After hearing about the huge Telstra outage this week, I could not sympathise more with all the people whose lives and businesses were inconvenienced and cut off from their livelihood and relationships or lack thereof. I can visualise Ludwig van Beethoven considered by millions still as the greatest composer of all-time, sitting under the light of a candle composing what he is supposed to have thought his greatest works, completely deaf, with no treatment of any kind available. What would he have thought of Telstra? “Pah humbug!”(in Deutsch) of course. D C KRAUS Epping HUNTER’S HILL COUNCIL Written submissions, addressed to the General Manager will be received up until 4.30pm Wednesday 27 June 2018 and should be forwarded to PO Box 21, Hunters Hill NSW 2110 or by email to feedback@yourvoicehuntershill.com.au For further information, please contact: Draft Community Strategic Plan documents: Annie Goodman – 9879 9451 Draft Budget, Fees & Charges documents: May Vilaythong – 9879 9437 LETTERS Welcome TWT welcomes letters from our readers. Full name, address and telephone number MUST be supplied, even if not for publication. Send to: TWT PO Box 123, Ryde 1680 or email: contactus@weekly times.com.au Teacher ‘marks’ letter writer! Dear Sir, Many of your readers (but perhaps not Carole Clarke) may know that I teach History. Year 9 is especially interesting as part of the curriculum focuses on the making of modern Australia. I thought I would mark the essay “All Entitled to our Opinions” submitted by Ms Clarke. Overall, I have to agree that we are all entitled to our opinions. In a democracy, that is a given. So, as an opinion piece it would be unfair to evaluate the essay as if it necessarily bore any relation to historical evidence, agreed facts rather than prejudices or, indeed, truthfulness. Of course, the essay supports the concept of the “RIGHT” to hold beliefs. We once believed (not so long ago, please note) that gay people should be gaoled for being who they were; we once believed that Aboriginal people did not exist, and when that became patently absurd, that they were not citizens. So belief is not a good basis for her argument. Now let’s evaluate the essay for what it says: “Lane Cove is becoming a second Chatswood... where will it end?” We are to assume that this is a bad thing. Some evidence is presented in the next paragraph, so some marks for supporting her statement. “No separate suburbs only for them,” she states. Well, I suppose the Italians in Leichhardt, the Greeks in Marrickville, the Muslims around Lakemba, the Jews around Bondi, the South Africans around St. Ives were never so noticeable? Italian can still be heard on the streets of Eastwood. Who can remember when this area was an enclave? So no marks for evidence-based history here. Her essay deteriorates into a series of rhetorical questions about residency and drugs entering Australia all in support of her mentor, Mr Ikonomou and denigrating the apparent beliefs of Mr Newman. Excellent for a Year 9 debate but the opposition would soon demolish her arguments. So some marks for trying, I think. How to give her an overall comment? At parent-teacher evening, in order not to shatter her self esteem, I would gently suggest she focus on some research before she puts pen to paper. That she might take note of one of the other students in the class, that nice Shereen, who sits opposite her. She at least focuses on real people, not straw men. There’s Justin Li and Hugh Lee, there’s Peter Kim - no less individuals that the “many wrongs” Mr Ikonomou must have seen in his career. So, Carole’s final rating: on a scale of 1 to 10 (as top) she gets a very generous 3. BOB SELINGER Eastwood Barry Smith GENERAL MANAGER Hunters Hill Guest Column Symphony Orchestra boasts an impressive line up of musicians THE RYDE Hunters Hill Symphony Orchestra (RHHSO) was the brainchild of local resident Rita Lepedjian. Rita along with Dr Raf Marcellino, Prof Levon Khachigian, Ian Cox and George Papallo OAM, launched the orchestra in December 2011. Shortly after, Hugh Lee OAM joined the Board. The inaugural concert was held at St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill in May 2012 where the world premiere of “From the Field of Mars” composed by Ryde City’s current Deputy Mayor Christopher Gordon was played. Since then, the Orchestra has performed over thirty concerts mostly under the baton of Dr Carlos Alvarado whose passion and dedication for music has given the orchestra considerable credibility. * * * DR ALVARADO has been supported by Ian Cox who has conducted the Family “Kids Concerts” in Ryde and Hunters Hill with significant success. The Orchestra which comprises musicians of all age groups has been ably led in recent times by Concert Master Naomi Warr. It has performed at To The POINT With GEORGE PAPALLO The Ryde Hunters Hill Symphony Orchestra is forever grateful for its host of sponsors which include the Foundation sponsors, the Councils of Ryde and Hunters Hill, The Weekly Times and The Northern District Times. Of special note is the the Ryde Civic Centre, The Ryde Community Hall, The Concourse Chatswood, The Grand Hall at Sydney University and a number of school halls. It boasts performing at least four World Premiere compositions. Acclaimed international soloists including Roger Woodward, Gregory Kinda, Georgia Lowe, Andrew Del Riccio, Rodrigo Santibanez and singers Anita Kyle, Damian Arnold and Jenny Liu are just some of the talent who have been accompanied by RHHSO. * * * LAST YEAR as a first, the orchestra offered a Young Composers Competition judged by our composer in residence Daniel Rojas. The composition “Forest Awakening” by Paris Francis was chosen to be performed by the orchestra. This year, RHHSO is planning anther first, a Concerto Competition for school aged students to be offered in November. extraordinary contribution to the administration of the orchestra by the Lepedjian family: Nairi, Arda, Arman and Erik as well as Linda Smith, Haig Garabedian and Joyce Martin without whom the orchestra could not survive. Conductor Carlos Alvarado is always keen to welcome new musicians to audition for the orchestra and past and new patrons are always welcome to attend RHH- SO concerts. Please consult our website at www.rhhso. org.au to see the program for the year or should you be interested in auditioning for the orchestra. GEORGE PAPALLO OAM is a Director of Ryde Hunters Hill Symphony Orchestra High standard of works a feature of Hunters Hill Art Exhibition RECENT Hunters Hill Art Exhibition proved a resounding success with painter Mertim Gokalp the recipient of a second consecutive Hunters Hill Art Prize. The 64th annual exhibition drew 450 art enthusiasts to visit on Opening Night May 11. This Exhibition was displayed in three historic buildings namely: the Hunters Hill Town Hall, the Congregational Church and Vienna Cottage with the 20 Pop Up galleries connecting artists and local business. A feature of the Pop Up program this year was the outdoor sculptures exhibition in two locations. Over 380 finalists were selected from more than 900 entries with a record number of sales and record numbers of visitors from all over Sydney visiting during the 10 day period. This Exhibition was another great success due to the high standard of works received and the wonderful work by volunteers who gave so generously of their time and expertise. For the second year running, painter Mertim Gokalp won the Hunters Hill Art Prize with his amazing photo realistic painting which captured the playful and charming essences of celebrity chef Manu Feildel. * * * IN CASE you missed the Salvos knocking on your HUNTERS HILL HAPPENINGS with Mayor MARK BENNETT door over the weekend, you are still able to contribute to the Red Shield Appeal by sending a donation to The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Reply Paid 229, Sydney South NSW 1234 or donate online at salvos.org. au/Missed You - ABN 46 891 896 885. * * * NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch is being reinvigorated in our area. Neighbourhood Watch is, the local community and the police working together to establish a safer environment, to build a safer community, prevent crime and enhance effective communication. They meet regularly and distribute a newsletter with crime information and tips on keeping safe in our community. If you are interested in helping re-establish the Hunters Hill and Gladesville Neighbourhood Watch groups, phone Phil Browne on 0414 203 341. * * * TO celebrate the Gaimariagal Festival and local indigenous heritage, Council has organised a Walk and Talk in Kelly’s Bush. It will be held on two days: Saturday June 9 from 2pm-3.30pm and Sunday June 17 from 10.30am to 12noon. It is a free event and people can meet at Weil Park Hall, Weil Park, Woolwich Road, Woolwich to take part. * * * LOCAL indigenous resident Dave Bird will lead two walks around Kelly’s Bush. He has an outstanding knowledge of the area, which has a proud indigenous history as well as being the site of the World’s first “Green Ban”. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the bushland plant and animals as well as the fascinating history of the area. Bookings are not required. Further information is available from Jane Tamasauskas on 9879 9449 or email community@huntershill.nsw.gov.au
Wednesday 6 June, 2018 THE WEEKLY TIMES 7 This Gladesville cat wins title of Australia’s most huggable A GLADESVILLE cat (pictured) was named as Australia’s most huggable cat on Monday. Cuddly Lily - a six month month-old ragdoll-cross from Gladesville - won the award on Hug Your Cat Day ahead of a cat from Hervey Bay and a cat from Perth. Lily’s owner and selfconfessed Crazy Cat Mum Alexandra Meier (24) told The Weekly Times she was thrilled to hear Lily was the national winner. “Lily is so affectionate and shows her love by nibbling my nose,” she said. “She sleeps right next to my head and purrs so loudly that some nights my partner and I can’t fall asleep! “We think she’s actually a dog trapped in a cat’s body because she loves playing fetch for hours on end. “To spoil her for winning this award we’re going to buy some treats and grain free food.” The award was presented by Alexis Soulopoulos who is the CEO and founder of Mad Paws, the competition sponsor. “The contest was as fierce as a cat fight and to enter, cat owners were asked to post the most cuddly photo of their feline friend on Facebook, with a description outlining why their cat is so huggable”. Along with the glory of having her cat named the cuddliest cat in Australia, Alexandra received a $50 PETstock voucher for all the treats and toys Lily could need.” PHOTO Courtesy Mad Paws. Armenian community leaders welcome the City of Ryde’s recognition of Armenian speaking Artsakh on Tuesday night and congratulate Clr Sarkis Yedelian OAM (red tie) who proposed the historic motion. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO Ryde recognises the independence of Armenian Artsakh in historic vote THE City of Ryde has became the world’s first council to recognise the independence of the Republic of Artsakh. Armenian speaking Artsakh is situated between Armenia and Turkic speaking Azerbaijan, which claims sovereignty over it and has been involved in a war to stop independence. City of Ryde councillors voted unanimously to not only recognise Artsakh but to call on the Federal Government to follow Ryde’s lead. Armenian community leaders addressed the council meeting on Tuesday night and said Ryde’s recognition gives hope to 10 million Armenians worldwide and is an important step to end the war, now subject to a ceasefire agreement. “Azerbaijan continues to breach the ceasefire, it continues to beach the peace and now only independence will bring peace, Ryde gives us hope,” Armenian National Committee of Australia representative Haig Kayserian told the council meeting. For the Armenian Youth Federation of Australia, the Ryde vote is a vote for the Australian values of freedom and democracy. “As free Australians we should not celebrate our freedom wityhout 30 % OFF THIS MONTH recognising the freedom of a small nation seeking to be free from an authoritarian (Azeri) regime,” Youth Federation spokesman Varto Zaitounian said. Gary Mazioumian noted Christian Artsakh’s heritage. “Artsakh has even been part of a greater Armenia since before the time of Christ,” he said. “It is a progressive, democratic nation which even recently built the nation’s first airport, but they haven’t used their airport because Azerbaijan threatens to shoot down the planes.” The motion to recognise the Republic of Artsakh was introduced by Liberal leader Clr Sarkis Yedelian OAM and was supported by all of Ryde’s political parties and the independents. “The massacres by Azerbaijan started in February 1998 but these massacres brought thousands upon thousands of people together to demand justice and self-determination,” Clr Yedelian OAM said. The historic City of Ryde motion reads: THAT Ryde City Council calls on the Commonwealth Government to officially recognise the independence of the Republic of Artsakh and strengthen Australia’s relationship with the Republic of Artsakh and its citizens. THAT Ryde City Council notes that 2018 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the start of the Artsakh Liberation movement, which led to the 1991 declaration of independence of the Republic of Artsakh. THAT Ryde City Council acknowledges the importance of the basic human right to self determination and a free and a democratic society and recognises the right to self-determination of all peoples including those of the Republic of Artsakh, THAT Ryde City Council notes the Republic of Artsakh’s sustained efforts towards creating a free and democratic society through the use of legitimate parliamentary elections and its continued efforts to develop a responsible government, THAT Ryde City Council supports and encourages the Republic of Artsakh’s involvement within the international community and further encourages its engagement with the international community to reach a solution to the existing regional problems to establish peace and stability and encourages peaceful relations and the continued promotion of humanitarian and economic support for the people of the Republic of Artsakh. 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The Weekly Times - TWT - 6th June 2018

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