I encourage you to speak to your local Liberal Councillors about their position of not acknowledging traditional custodians at Council meetings. As well as acknowledging the traditional custodians in our council meetings I firmly believe we should be flying the Aboriginal flag at Council chambers. The continued denial and refusal by this council to acknowledge the Darug people is a sad and sorry chapter in our story.
In this phase of unprecedented growth the community expect us to deliver balanced urban development that is suitable to the existing and proposed future environment. Unfortunately fellow East Ward councillors and majority Liberal council voted in favour of the Mirvac development at West Pennant Hills at the old IBM site. The proposal includes unprecedented ‘micro lot housing’ with terraces as little as 86 square metres and removal of employment land. The site being adjacent to Cumberland State Forest, the community have deep concern for the ecological impact of development to the site and concerns about traffic in relation to the proposal.
I am the only East Ward councillor to stand up for the community in West Pennant Hills against this proposal. As a local consent authority we must not be afraid to say No to inappropriate re-zoning and over development. We must preserve the values of our existing suburbs and ensure that they remain a good place to live in the future.
I am always pleased to join our local community’s various functions and celebrations. Recently I was excited to join the India Club and celebrate Diwali, a festival of Hinduism, Diwali symbolises the spiritual ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance’. India Club Inc. is a not-for profit organisation of progressive people of Indian origin and Australians. India Club conduct social, recreational, educational, informative, humanitarian and spiritual activities for positive experiences. India Club is not limited to the Indian subcontinent only; but it is open to all, Indians, Australians and other ethnic communities. Enquiries: http://www.indiaclub.com.au
I was pleased to attend Positive Vibes Foundation Masquerade Ball. Positive Vibes Foundation is a Hills based charity which aims to reduce the stigma of mental illness and promote and deliver programs aimed toward the youth and The Hills Community. It is vital as a community and individuals that we get behind such initiatives. It is important to be alert to those around us who may be experiencing depression or other mental health issues. We have a range of services and agencies in our community that can help. More info: Mental Health line 1800 011 511.
As we enter the holiday season I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season with friends and loved ones. You can help families escape homelessness this Christmas by making a donation at www.missionaustralia.com.au or a charity of your choice. Wishing you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.