News
October 6, 2016 Community Gardens To Go Ahead
Today our group was handed the keys to the disused tennis courts at Holmesville for the purpose of transforming the site into a community garden. The creation of a community garden was high on the list of facilities that the community wanted when West Wallsend District Sustainable Neighbourhood Group was formed, and we see that the re-purposing of this site is a perfect example of why our group was formed.
Not only have we saved a valuable space from further degradation, we have the potential to transform the site in to something that the whole community can be a part of.
An operating committee has been formed to begin development of the gardens and we would like to invite all members of West Wallsend District to come on board this exciting development. A concept plan has been approved so that we have something to begin with.
We are looking for volunteers to join the community gardens and help make this a showpiece of our community
Today our group was handed the keys to the disused tennis courts at Holmesville for the purpose of transforming the site into a community garden. The creation of a community garden was high on the list of facilities that the community wanted when West Wallsend District Sustainable Neighbourhood Group was formed, and we see that the re-purposing of this site is a perfect example of why our group was formed.
Not only have we saved a valuable space from further degradation, we have the potential to transform the site in to something that the whole community can be a part of.
An operating committee has been formed to begin development of the gardens and we would like to invite all members of West Wallsend District to come on board this exciting development. A concept plan has been approved so that we have something to begin with.
We are looking for volunteers to join the community gardens and help make this a showpiece of our community
Media release - Residents Encouraged to Report Illegal Dumping
The West Wallsend District Sustainable Neighbourhood Group is encouraging residents to report illegal dumping and help protect their local bushland.
Council’s Acting Manager Sustainability, Dean Chapman, said the Group has been working with Council staff to develop an education pack, containing a fridge magnet and information flyer, to increase reporting of illegal dumping and promote the EPA’s new online reporting website, www.ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au.
“The Group initiated the project to inform community members of what they can do if they witness dumping or find dumped items, and to send a clear message that illegal dumping is not acceptable anywhere in our City,” Mr Chapman said.
“Volunteers will be delivering the education packs to households in Barnsley, Holmesville, Killingworth, Seahampton and West Wallsend over the next few weeks.
“The project was funded through Council’s Environmental Sustainability Grants program and is an excellent example of the important work Sustainable Neighbourhood Groups do in our community.”
The West Wallsend District Sustainable Neighbourhood Group is encouraging residents to report illegal dumping and help protect their local bushland.
Council’s Acting Manager Sustainability, Dean Chapman, said the Group has been working with Council staff to develop an education pack, containing a fridge magnet and information flyer, to increase reporting of illegal dumping and promote the EPA’s new online reporting website, www.ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au.
“The Group initiated the project to inform community members of what they can do if they witness dumping or find dumped items, and to send a clear message that illegal dumping is not acceptable anywhere in our City,” Mr Chapman said.
“Volunteers will be delivering the education packs to households in Barnsley, Holmesville, Killingworth, Seahampton and West Wallsend over the next few weeks.
“The project was funded through Council’s Environmental Sustainability Grants program and is an excellent example of the important work Sustainable Neighbourhood Groups do in our community.”
Inaugural Old Waste New Art competition wins community award.
We were surprised and thrilled to have been chosen as winners of the 2016 Lake Macquarie Australia Day award for Community Event of the Year. This was especially pleasing as 2015 was the first year that the competition had been run.
The OWNA competition, held in October 2015, aimed to promote recycling and reuse to create objects of ar, with proceeds of the entry fees being donated to Mums Cottage.
Congratulations also to Sister Helen Anne from Mum's Cottage for being nominated for Volunteer of the Year.
It was pleasing to see the effort and work by the members and committee of WWDSNG has been recognised in this way. The award was presented to WWDSNG Chairman by Deputy Lord Mayor, Brian Adamthwaite.
We were surprised and thrilled to have been chosen as winners of the 2016 Lake Macquarie Australia Day award for Community Event of the Year. This was especially pleasing as 2015 was the first year that the competition had been run.
The OWNA competition, held in October 2015, aimed to promote recycling and reuse to create objects of ar, with proceeds of the entry fees being donated to Mums Cottage.
Congratulations also to Sister Helen Anne from Mum's Cottage for being nominated for Volunteer of the Year.
It was pleasing to see the effort and work by the members and committee of WWDSNG has been recognised in this way. The award was presented to WWDSNG Chairman by Deputy Lord Mayor, Brian Adamthwaite.
Newspaper article from "The Star"
Action Plan Review
19/4/2015
A review of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP) was held at our meeting and the following achievements noted and suggestions made on how we can continue our work in the local area.
1. Litter Clean Up
The West Wallsend District Sustainable Neighbourhood Group welcomes you along to our free monthly meetings to join in the discussions and the work being done for our local area.
19/4/2015
A review of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP) was held at our meeting and the following achievements noted and suggestions made on how we can continue our work in the local area.
1. Litter Clean Up
- Cleaned up rubbish in Edden Street adjacent to the swimming pool with the assistance of Council’s Eco-Angel project.
- Cleaned up rubbish in Appletree Road for two years on Clean Up Australia Day.
- Two members have been trained as Landcare leaders. A suitable project is yet to be chosen.
- Assisted Landcare on two occasions to revegetate the creek in Elizabeth Street Holmesville to prevent erosion of the banks.
- Made a submission to Council to retain the former school site in Killingworth as a nature reserve after it was proposed for development. This site has now been protected.
- Future: If the Community Garden proceeds this would be an excellent location to propagate and distribute local native plants.
- Future: Conduct a bird survey to provide a baseline upon which to measure the impact of any development. Hunter Bird Observers Club may be contacted for support.
- Organised a talk by Council ranger on illegal dumping and how to report offences. There has been a reduction in dumping in the area since this meeting.
- Currently developing a flyer and fridge magnet to raise awareness of illegal dumping.
- Submitted a proposal to Council to convert the disused Holmesville tennis courts to a Men’s Shed and Community Garden.
- Supported Council’s refurbishment of the footpath in Withers Street West Wallsend.
- Made a submission to Council to remove redundant bus stops in Appletree Road Holmesville to avoid confusion for passengers. (This has now been done).
- Future: Contact CSIRO or University to provide a speaker on solar power.
- Future: Organise a combined “eSwap” and eWaste recycling day around the beginning of Spring.
- Supported a proposal to install seats in Withers Street West Wallsend. (Done)
- Made a submission to Council to have the horse trough in Withers Street West Wallsend restored and beautified. This has been accepted and is awaiting budget allocation.
- Made a submission to Council to have the developer of Appletree Grove install street trees in Appletree Road Holmesville and Withers Street West Wallsend. (Done).
- Made a submission to Council to convert unused land in Carrington Street West Wallsend to a park and town centre. (Rejected)
- Made a submission to Council to rezone the park in Seaham Street Holmesville from Operational Use to Community Use, thus preserving the land as a park. (Now rezoned)
- (See under Community Garden)
- Provided a cash prize to each of the three local schools for students who have made significant contributions to a sustainable environment, or through service to the local community
The West Wallsend District Sustainable Neighbourhood Group welcomes you along to our free monthly meetings to join in the discussions and the work being done for our local area.
Latest from the group
6/4/14
Over the past few months, you may have heard some chatter about the changes happening in and around West Wallsend. You may have noticed a few things already, like the upgrades to the road and footpath surfaces along Withers Street. At our last monthly meeting one of our members tabled a list of projects that are either in progress or are about to get under way.
One project in particular that we are waiting on for completion is the installation of one or maybe even two bench seats adjacent to the shops on Withers Street. The new footpath is finished and according to our member Cr. Brian Adamthwaite the seats have been ordered by the council.
Here are just some of the projects that we have heard about:
Withers Street
You Can Make a Difference
When our group held its official launch late last year the Mayor, Jodi Harrison spoke at length about the importance of the sustainable neighbourhood groups that have been established around the City. She said it is pleasing to see that so many Lake Macquarie residents are committed to their environment and community. This program encourages active citizenship by empowering residents to protect and care for the environment and participate in public life and decision making. In other words, if you want to see a difference then here is an opportunity for you to help make it happen.
The West Wallsend District Sustainable Neighbourhood Group has a growing list of interested residents some of whom have decided to take up full membership. Everyone is encouraged to come along to our free monthly meetings and join in the discussions. For only $2.00 you can become a member, which gives you voting rights and potential to join the committee. Currently we have a core of dedicated members driving the group forward. We are very lucky to have Councilor Brian Adamthwaite on the committee. Brian has been working very hard for our group and was heavily involved in the projects mentioned earlier.
The group meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 6.30 pm to 8.00pm at The West Wallsend Workers Club. (If you join the club, they will give you a few freebies).
Some of our members have dinner or a snack in the bistro prior to the meeting, so come along and have a chat to find out more.
Our group is planning several projects around the district. If you have an idea or would like to get involved come along. Our next meeting is 28th April 2014.
6/4/14
Over the past few months, you may have heard some chatter about the changes happening in and around West Wallsend. You may have noticed a few things already, like the upgrades to the road and footpath surfaces along Withers Street. At our last monthly meeting one of our members tabled a list of projects that are either in progress or are about to get under way.
One project in particular that we are waiting on for completion is the installation of one or maybe even two bench seats adjacent to the shops on Withers Street. The new footpath is finished and according to our member Cr. Brian Adamthwaite the seats have been ordered by the council.
Here are just some of the projects that we have heard about:
Withers Street
- new paving
- curb and guttering
- street trees
- speed bump crossing
- realigned stop sign
- Still to come on this project - seats, bus shelter (possibly sited near the service station)
- work on signage
- repair light
- tree trim
- roof repairs
- Still to come on this project - upstairs refurbish, fire stairs
- new floodlights
- electricity upgrade
- security screen
- seal roof cavity are
- Still to come on this project - removal and repair of broken wall sheets, tile toilets
- New pumping and filtration system which will be relocated to a more suitable position
- external makeover
- repair drainage
- new landscaping works
- It is possible that the entrance to the pool could be moved to the car park
You Can Make a Difference
When our group held its official launch late last year the Mayor, Jodi Harrison spoke at length about the importance of the sustainable neighbourhood groups that have been established around the City. She said it is pleasing to see that so many Lake Macquarie residents are committed to their environment and community. This program encourages active citizenship by empowering residents to protect and care for the environment and participate in public life and decision making. In other words, if you want to see a difference then here is an opportunity for you to help make it happen.
The West Wallsend District Sustainable Neighbourhood Group has a growing list of interested residents some of whom have decided to take up full membership. Everyone is encouraged to come along to our free monthly meetings and join in the discussions. For only $2.00 you can become a member, which gives you voting rights and potential to join the committee. Currently we have a core of dedicated members driving the group forward. We are very lucky to have Councilor Brian Adamthwaite on the committee. Brian has been working very hard for our group and was heavily involved in the projects mentioned earlier.
The group meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 6.30 pm to 8.00pm at The West Wallsend Workers Club. (If you join the club, they will give you a few freebies).
Some of our members have dinner or a snack in the bistro prior to the meeting, so come along and have a chat to find out more.
Our group is planning several projects around the district. If you have an idea or would like to get involved come along. Our next meeting is 28th April 2014.
