Entry open to all. Download your application form here and get your creativity flowing!

Judging will be held in conjunction with the Holmesville Billy Kart, 8th October 2016

Get your "Old Waste, New Art (OWNA) Competition" entry form in now! Entry is free and open to everyone, and will be judged in these three categories with the following prizes:

• Primary School - $25
• High School - $50
• Open - $75

People's Choice Award!
In addition, there will be a “People’s Choice” award of $50. 
Voting will be carried out on the day and will incur a 50 cent fee per vote, with any proceeds being donated to “Mum’s Cottage”.
Get your entry in and round up your supporters to come along: 
Holmesville Billy Kart Derby Day 
8th October 2016 
Holmesville Community Hall. 

A review of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP) was held at our last 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.

2. Biodiversity

• 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.

3. Illegal Dumping.

• 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.

4. Community Garden.

• Submitted a proposal to Council to convert the disused Holmesville tennis courts to a Men’s Shed and Community Garden.

5. Cycleways, Footpaths & Public Transport

• 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).

6. Bulk Purchase of Water and Energy Efficient Items

• Future: Contact CSIRO or University to provide a speaker on solar power.

7. Consumption and Waste

• Future: Organise a combined “eSwap” and eWaste recycling day around the beginning of Spring.

8. Street Beautification and Heritage

• 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).

9. Community Facilities

• 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)

10. Community Partnerships

• 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. 

The group meets on the third Monday of the month at 6.30pm at Mum's Cottage. rear of the Anglican Church, St Helen's St, Holmesville. 

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)

Community centre

• work on signage
• repair light
• tree trim
• roof repairs
• Still to come on this project - upstairs refurbish, fire stairs
  

League oval 

• 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

Swimming Pool

• 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
  

Some of these projects have yet to be confirmed, but in any event, Lake Macquarie Council has to be congratulated on the interest it has shown in the district in recent times.

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.