By Karen Barnett
A pedestrian crossing is to be installed in Walker Street as a matter of urgency, after a teenage girl was struck by a car in the busy thoroughfare.
14-year-old Brinley Trigg was crossing the street in October from the surf shop to the bakery, when she was hit. She smashed the windscreen, went over the bonnet and landed on the road, sustaining a hairline fracture of her shoulder, plus significant bruising and grazing.
Her mother, Joanne Trigg stressed that the accident was Brinley’s fault. “She walked out between two cars: looked one way, looked the other and then didn’t re-look. But I think that when there is no safe crossing, people do try and cross wherever.”
In the wake of the accident, Ms Trigg had mounted a campaign for a crossing by leaving a petition in many Helensburgh businesses, as well as writing to Wollongong Council and local MP, Paul McLeay.
Wollongong Council has acknowledged that the community has sought a pedestrian crossing in the street for years, but until recently there were stumbling blocks due to the way crossings are assessed.
After receiving a letter from Mr McLeay, and changes to the assessment process, a zebra crossing will be marked out between the existing pedestrian blisters as a short term solution.
‘No Stopping’ signs will also be placed either side of the crossing, to allow approaching motorists a clear view of pedestrians about to step out onto the road.
In the longer term, Council plans to install a raised pedestrian crossing (zebra crossing on a speed hump) closer to the main doors of the Bi Lo supermarket. The existing blisters will then be removed.
While a time frame has not been specified, Council has placed the permanent crossing on its funding priority list.
Ms Trigg said she is delighted with the news. “It’s about time. I was really worried that something more serious would happen to someone else.”
She was very conscious of Brinley’s lucky escape.
“Thank God the lady was only doing 45 kilometres an hour – if she had been driving at 60, it would have been a very different story.
The doctor said he couldn’t believe that she had walked away with such little damage. He said because it was a small car, the speed and the way it hit her flung her onto the bonnet. If it had been a bigger car, she would have gone under.I didn’t want another family to have a devastating outcome.”
Friday, December 4, 2009
REDEVELOPMENT OF OLD WORKERS CLUB BLOCKED AGAIN
By Michelle Neathercote
The latest redevelopment plan for the old Workers’ Club site has been rejected. The independant Hearing and Assessment Panel has considered the revised Development Application of the Walker St site, and voted unanimously against the proposal for eight retail and twenty two residential apartments.
The Council’s report has recommended the amended DA be approved with nearly 150 conditions attached to it, as it was “less intensive than the previously refused application”. However, the Panel was not persuaded and in explaining its decision highlighted a number of critical reasons for its refusal of the latest DA, given that “the development of this site is pivotal to the future character of Helensburgh in general and Walker Street, in particular”.
The Panel’s main concerns were that “the applicant has not demonstrated compliance with Council’s existing and draft development control plans in respect of setbacks at the third level (both Walker Street and Club Lane) and the separation distances between windows of habitable rooms and balconies on Club Lane.”
It also highlighted the setbacks to both Club Lane and Walker Street that “are required to create a built form which is consistent with the desired future character of the area, pursuant to the relevant controls. At present the development fails in this respect.”
Local community representatives have been vigilant in taking their concerns to Council and the IHAP about each of the proposed development applications. These issues include the size of the dwelling and its lack of set backs, the number of residential units and the potential increased traffic and parking problems in both Walkers Streets and Club Lane.
A Wollongong Council DA to demolish the existing structure has been approved and work is continuing on clearing the site for an eventual new building. However, the latest rejection of proposed plans put forward by the project manager, Mr Charlie Daoud will mean further delays for his redevelopment ambitions of the old Worker’s Club in Helensburgh.
The latest redevelopment plan for the old Workers’ Club site has been rejected. The independant Hearing and Assessment Panel has considered the revised Development Application of the Walker St site, and voted unanimously against the proposal for eight retail and twenty two residential apartments.
The Council’s report has recommended the amended DA be approved with nearly 150 conditions attached to it, as it was “less intensive than the previously refused application”. However, the Panel was not persuaded and in explaining its decision highlighted a number of critical reasons for its refusal of the latest DA, given that “the development of this site is pivotal to the future character of Helensburgh in general and Walker Street, in particular”.
The Panel’s main concerns were that “the applicant has not demonstrated compliance with Council’s existing and draft development control plans in respect of setbacks at the third level (both Walker Street and Club Lane) and the separation distances between windows of habitable rooms and balconies on Club Lane.”
It also highlighted the setbacks to both Club Lane and Walker Street that “are required to create a built form which is consistent with the desired future character of the area, pursuant to the relevant controls. At present the development fails in this respect.”
Local community representatives have been vigilant in taking their concerns to Council and the IHAP about each of the proposed development applications. These issues include the size of the dwelling and its lack of set backs, the number of residential units and the potential increased traffic and parking problems in both Walkers Streets and Club Lane.
A Wollongong Council DA to demolish the existing structure has been approved and work is continuing on clearing the site for an eventual new building. However, the latest rejection of proposed plans put forward by the project manager, Mr Charlie Daoud will mean further delays for his redevelopment ambitions of the old Worker’s Club in Helensburgh.
BIG NIGHT OUT
By Kate Brown, Carol Creaghan, Penelope Wood, Carline Dorahy and Denise Fisher
This Stanwell Park fundraiser for cancer research was a huge hit – with more than $6,300 raised! The CWA Hall was transformed on Saturday 24 October, with the outdoor room of pink artificial grass a fantastic feast for the eyes! Many thanks to the entertainers Peter Thomas, The Dreamboats and Retro DJ for their time.
Thanks to all who attended for their generosity. We received many donations, resulting in a terrific prize pool. We would like to thank the following local businesses:
Ambience Boutique, LBS Rubbish Removal, Anita's Theatre Thirroul, LJ Hooker Helensburgh, Anne Doyle, Lynne Tuck Jewellery, Articles Gallery, Marty Brown Plumbing, Bad Influence Café, Michael Mucci, BiLo Helensburgh, Nationwide Real Estate Helensburgh, Binners Fruit & Vegetable Farm, New Life Nursery Helensburgh, Chegwidden Solicitors Helensburgh, Oats & Honey Helensburgh, Civic Video Helensburgh, Office Works Wollongong, Coastlands Fitness Centre, Otford Farm Trail Rides, Coledale Cellars, Palms Café, David Horton, Parklife Café, Desma Spray on Tans, Pauline Denney, Essential Surf Helensburgh, R&R Cafe Helensburgh, Fish Mine Helensburgh, Raya Thai Helensburgh, Flowers at Helensburgh, Ray White Helensburgh, Franklins Thirroul, Realize Architects Stanwell Park, GoodoGrooming Helensburgh, Red Kitchen Catering, Hair 10, Ruby's Kitchen Stanwell Park, Helensburgh Cellars, Ryans Hotel Thirroul, Helensburgh Newsagency, Scarborough Hotel, Helensburgh Fruit Shop, Skirmish Stanwell Tops, Helensburgh Hardware, Stanwell Park Antiques, Helensburgh Pharmacy, Stanwell Park Beach Kiosk, Helensburgh TakeAway, Stanwell Park Bottle Shop, Heritage Cellars, Stanwell Park Corner Store, Hey Beautiful Helensburgh, Sunrise Nursery, House to Home Thirroul, Symbio Wildlife Park, Jennifer Jackson, T Dennis Fruit & Vegetable Delivery, Kate - Jeweller Stanwell Park, Tea by the Sea, Laurem’s Beauty, Trudi Anne - Tumbling Waters Stanwell Tops, Wagon Wheels Bed & Breakfast and Victoria Street Restorations Bulli.
Also we were very lucky to receive donations from Sheraton Four Points Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, Freedom Furniture Taren Point, Bamboo Habitat Heathcote, Grassman Pty Ltd, Little Gypsies, Lantern Shop and Dragonfly Interiors.
So again thanks to all. It was a fantastic result which as a community we should all be very proud of.
A new Editor for the
Helensburgh and District News is required for 2010!
This interesting role is a voluntary position,
but all expenses will be reimbursed.
If interested email HYPERLINK "mailto:editor@helensburghnews.org.au" editor@helensburghnews.org.au
This Stanwell Park fundraiser for cancer research was a huge hit – with more than $6,300 raised! The CWA Hall was transformed on Saturday 24 October, with the outdoor room of pink artificial grass a fantastic feast for the eyes! Many thanks to the entertainers Peter Thomas, The Dreamboats and Retro DJ for their time.
Thanks to all who attended for their generosity. We received many donations, resulting in a terrific prize pool. We would like to thank the following local businesses:
Ambience Boutique, LBS Rubbish Removal, Anita's Theatre Thirroul, LJ Hooker Helensburgh, Anne Doyle, Lynne Tuck Jewellery, Articles Gallery, Marty Brown Plumbing, Bad Influence Café, Michael Mucci, BiLo Helensburgh, Nationwide Real Estate Helensburgh, Binners Fruit & Vegetable Farm, New Life Nursery Helensburgh, Chegwidden Solicitors Helensburgh, Oats & Honey Helensburgh, Civic Video Helensburgh, Office Works Wollongong, Coastlands Fitness Centre, Otford Farm Trail Rides, Coledale Cellars, Palms Café, David Horton, Parklife Café, Desma Spray on Tans, Pauline Denney, Essential Surf Helensburgh, R&R Cafe Helensburgh, Fish Mine Helensburgh, Raya Thai Helensburgh, Flowers at Helensburgh, Ray White Helensburgh, Franklins Thirroul, Realize Architects Stanwell Park, GoodoGrooming Helensburgh, Red Kitchen Catering, Hair 10, Ruby's Kitchen Stanwell Park, Helensburgh Cellars, Ryans Hotel Thirroul, Helensburgh Newsagency, Scarborough Hotel, Helensburgh Fruit Shop, Skirmish Stanwell Tops, Helensburgh Hardware, Stanwell Park Antiques, Helensburgh Pharmacy, Stanwell Park Beach Kiosk, Helensburgh TakeAway, Stanwell Park Bottle Shop, Heritage Cellars, Stanwell Park Corner Store, Hey Beautiful Helensburgh, Sunrise Nursery, House to Home Thirroul, Symbio Wildlife Park, Jennifer Jackson, T Dennis Fruit & Vegetable Delivery, Kate - Jeweller Stanwell Park, Tea by the Sea, Laurem’s Beauty, Trudi Anne - Tumbling Waters Stanwell Tops, Wagon Wheels Bed & Breakfast and Victoria Street Restorations Bulli.
Also we were very lucky to receive donations from Sheraton Four Points Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, Freedom Furniture Taren Point, Bamboo Habitat Heathcote, Grassman Pty Ltd, Little Gypsies, Lantern Shop and Dragonfly Interiors.
So again thanks to all. It was a fantastic result which as a community we should all be very proud of.
A new Editor for the
Helensburgh and District News is required for 2010!
This interesting role is a voluntary position,
but all expenses will be reimbursed.
If interested email HYPERLINK "mailto:editor@helensburghnews.org.au" editor@helensburghnews.org.au
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL BUSINESS
Residents are once again being urged to buy local this Christmas, with a growing range of retail outlets in the northern Illawarra to choose from.
“The region between Helensburgh and Thirroul is fortunate to have a wide range of speciality giftware shops, adventure sports, fashion boutiques and beauty salons, grocery and other general stores to select from when shopping for presents and staples for the Christmas season,” said Pauline Lacelles-Smith, President of the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce.
Ms Lacelles-Smith said there are about 700 small to medium sized businesses in area, and it is a simple matter of checking a directory like Northern Illlawarra Online to see the choices on offer.
“If you adopt the mindset of looking to shop locally first, then you are more likely to decide to buy locally,” said Ms Lacelles-Smith.
She added that buying locally has a flow-on effect on the whole community.
“The region between Helensburgh and Thirroul is fortunate to have a wide range of speciality giftware shops, adventure sports, fashion boutiques and beauty salons, grocery and other general stores to select from when shopping for presents and staples for the Christmas season,” said Pauline Lacelles-Smith, President of the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce.
Ms Lacelles-Smith said there are about 700 small to medium sized businesses in area, and it is a simple matter of checking a directory like Northern Illlawarra Online to see the choices on offer.
“If you adopt the mindset of looking to shop locally first, then you are more likely to decide to buy locally,” said Ms Lacelles-Smith.
She added that buying locally has a flow-on effect on the whole community.
POLICE WARN OF CREDIT CARD SCAM
Wollongong Police are asking people to be vigilant with the contents of their wallets, in the wake of a major credit card scam in the northern Illawarra.
Dozens of people have fallen prey to the theft of credit card details in the Austinmer/Thirroul area, although police refuse to discuss the extent or scale of the theft while it is part of an ongoing investigation.
A police spokesman said, “Cover your pin when you are at an ATM, and don’t let your credit card out of your sight during transactions.”
It is understood police have found cameras in some ATM’s. The warning is timely, given the frenzy of the Christmas retail period.
Summer Al Fresco
Stanwell Park eatery, Ruby’s Café, has welcomed the summer months, with new opening hours on Friday nights.
Owner, Bec Pincham said people like to dine al fresco on a warm night, and staff will be offering different cuisines for locals to sample.
A proud supporter of local music, Bec plans to use the Café as a venue on some Friday nights.
The Café will also be open for group bookings or parties on any other night (minimum 15 people), and can provide catering for functions.
Take home meals will be available soon from Wed-Sun.
Coal mine approval goes to court
A decision by the Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally to approve an Illawarra coal mine has been the subject of a hearing in the Land and Environment Court.
Rivers SOS, representing environment and conservation groups, is challenging the merits of an approval granted by the planning minister to extend the Metropolitan Colliery underneath water catchment land at Helensburgh.
Lawyer Natasha Hammond-Deacon said a submission to the Planning Assessment Commission was modified without properly notifying the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA).
"In our view the minister's approval is contrary to those representations in that it doesn't address the environmental impacts that the SCA was concerned about," she said.
A Department of Planning Spokesman says the approval will be defended in court.
Dozens of people have fallen prey to the theft of credit card details in the Austinmer/Thirroul area, although police refuse to discuss the extent or scale of the theft while it is part of an ongoing investigation.
A police spokesman said, “Cover your pin when you are at an ATM, and don’t let your credit card out of your sight during transactions.”
It is understood police have found cameras in some ATM’s. The warning is timely, given the frenzy of the Christmas retail period.
Summer Al Fresco
Stanwell Park eatery, Ruby’s Café, has welcomed the summer months, with new opening hours on Friday nights.
Owner, Bec Pincham said people like to dine al fresco on a warm night, and staff will be offering different cuisines for locals to sample.
A proud supporter of local music, Bec plans to use the Café as a venue on some Friday nights.
The Café will also be open for group bookings or parties on any other night (minimum 15 people), and can provide catering for functions.
Take home meals will be available soon from Wed-Sun.
Coal mine approval goes to court
A decision by the Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally to approve an Illawarra coal mine has been the subject of a hearing in the Land and Environment Court.
Rivers SOS, representing environment and conservation groups, is challenging the merits of an approval granted by the planning minister to extend the Metropolitan Colliery underneath water catchment land at Helensburgh.
Lawyer Natasha Hammond-Deacon said a submission to the Planning Assessment Commission was modified without properly notifying the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA).
"In our view the minister's approval is contrary to those representations in that it doesn't address the environmental impacts that the SCA was concerned about," she said.
A Department of Planning Spokesman says the approval will be defended in court.
Lions Wishing Tree
The Lions Wishing Tree is back with the support of the Helensburgh Workers, Social and Sports Club. The tree will be in the foyer of the Club from Tuesday 24 November to Friday 18 December and we hope to surpass last year’s fantastic effort! As in past years, the recipients of your generosity will be the Wollongong Women’s Refuge and the Salvation Army.
Please visit the Club, choose a gift tag and purchase a suitable gift to place under the tree. Please do not buy toy guns or other toy weapons and please do not wrap the gifts. Babies and young children are usually well catered for, so consider purchasing for a teenager, mum or dad. Remember, whatever gift you give, it will be a delightful surprise and a highlight of what may otherwise have been a bleak Christmas. In anticipation of your generosity, thank you for being a part of the 2009 Lions Club Wishing Tree.
Don’t forget to mark Saturday, 6 March on your 2010 calendar for the 6th Lion Buzz in the Burgh. Enjoy an afternoon of traditional jazz, games, rides and great food, market and community stalls. For information or to book a food or merchandise stall, or if you would like to help organise the 2010 Buzz, please call Gina on 4294 1371.
Watch out for Lions Christmas cakes, at street stalls and door-to-door in Stanwell Tops. If you would like to order a cake, call Libby on 4294 2373 but be quick!
Please visit the Club, choose a gift tag and purchase a suitable gift to place under the tree. Please do not buy toy guns or other toy weapons and please do not wrap the gifts. Babies and young children are usually well catered for, so consider purchasing for a teenager, mum or dad. Remember, whatever gift you give, it will be a delightful surprise and a highlight of what may otherwise have been a bleak Christmas. In anticipation of your generosity, thank you for being a part of the 2009 Lions Club Wishing Tree.
Don’t forget to mark Saturday, 6 March on your 2010 calendar for the 6th Lion Buzz in the Burgh. Enjoy an afternoon of traditional jazz, games, rides and great food, market and community stalls. For information or to book a food or merchandise stall, or if you would like to help organise the 2010 Buzz, please call Gina on 4294 1371.
Watch out for Lions Christmas cakes, at street stalls and door-to-door in Stanwell Tops. If you would like to order a cake, call Libby on 4294 2373 but be quick!
BUSINESS CONCERN OVER SYDNEY TO ‘GONG BIKE RIDE
By Karen Barnett
Businesses in the Northern Illawarra have called for a reduction in the length of road closures for the MS Sydney to Wollongong Bike Ride, saying it is having a dramatic impact on trade.
The Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce (NICC) has stressed that the event is for a very worthy cause, but road closures in previous years didn’t last all day. For last month’s ride, the main tourist route to the northern suburbs was cut from early morning until 5pm.
The NICC said the impact on its members was devastating. Secretary Andrew Hedley said, “Many of these businesses only open weekends, and Sunday is the busiest day. Therefore, the event effectively wipes out one week of trading”.
The Chamber has written to MS Australia and the RTA to request consultation on future road closures for the annual event. It would like the closure to be lifted after 12 pm, when most of the riders have passed through. MS Australia has not given a response, despite being contacted for comment.
Businesses in the Northern Illawarra have called for a reduction in the length of road closures for the MS Sydney to Wollongong Bike Ride, saying it is having a dramatic impact on trade.
The Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce (NICC) has stressed that the event is for a very worthy cause, but road closures in previous years didn’t last all day. For last month’s ride, the main tourist route to the northern suburbs was cut from early morning until 5pm.
The NICC said the impact on its members was devastating. Secretary Andrew Hedley said, “Many of these businesses only open weekends, and Sunday is the busiest day. Therefore, the event effectively wipes out one week of trading”.
The Chamber has written to MS Australia and the RTA to request consultation on future road closures for the annual event. It would like the closure to be lifted after 12 pm, when most of the riders have passed through. MS Australia has not given a response, despite being contacted for comment.
MUSICAL MEMORIAL TO LOCAL DOCTOR
By Karen Barnett
The late Dr Margie Carman is to have a day named after her at the upcoming Illawarra Folk Festival in January.
Dr Carman went missing on March 31st this year, after setting off from her Otford home for a bushwalk to Bulgo. Her body was found two weeks later, at the base of a cliff south of Bulgo.
Staff at the Bulli Medical Practice where she worked have decided to sponsor the folk festival, as a tribute to Margaret. “Margie was a great fan of music festivals and would travel all over to take part in them. Enjoying and participating in music was always a very big part of her life,” said former colleague, Dr Julie Blaze.
The sponsorship also allows for a workshop to be named after her in perpetuity. It is expected to be the fiddle workshop, given Margie’s daughter, Jane Aubourg is an accomplished violinist.
“We felt that there was a need to honour Margie -- many friends, colleagues and patients had been unable to do so in a public way as her memorial service was private”.
The late Dr Margie Carman is to have a day named after her at the upcoming Illawarra Folk Festival in January.
Dr Carman went missing on March 31st this year, after setting off from her Otford home for a bushwalk to Bulgo. Her body was found two weeks later, at the base of a cliff south of Bulgo.
Staff at the Bulli Medical Practice where she worked have decided to sponsor the folk festival, as a tribute to Margaret. “Margie was a great fan of music festivals and would travel all over to take part in them. Enjoying and participating in music was always a very big part of her life,” said former colleague, Dr Julie Blaze.
The sponsorship also allows for a workshop to be named after her in perpetuity. It is expected to be the fiddle workshop, given Margie’s daughter, Jane Aubourg is an accomplished violinist.
“We felt that there was a need to honour Margie -- many friends, colleagues and patients had been unable to do so in a public way as her memorial service was private”.
SPAT CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME
A cast of about 30 delightful actors and singers are well into rehearsal for SPAT’s annual pantomime which has become a Christmas tradition in the Helensburgh-Stanwell Park area.
To accommodate the large group of families who enjoy their pantomimes, SPAT has decided to add an extra matinee to their season this year. There will be matinees at 3pm on December 13, 19 and 20 and evening shows at 7.30 pm on December 12 and 19.
The venue is the CWA Hall in Stanwell Park. For tickets, phone 42944060.
It’s guaranteed to be loads of fun for you and the kids.
WEIRD WET N’ WONDERFUL
Have you ever found a spiral shaped casing that looks like seaweed on the beach?
Fishermen call them “mermaid purses.” These spirals are actually the egg cases of a Port Jackson Shark.
Some sharks are oviparous, they lay eggs. Some sharks are viviparous and they give birth to live young. There is no parental care in sharks.
Port Jackson Sharks lay 10 to 16 eggs from July to October, the young take 9 to 12 months to hatch and are sustained by a yolk sac. They break out of the wide end of the egg when fully developed. The eggs are flange shaped and usually found wedged into rocks and under ledges, the flange helps them to stay wedged underwater during rough seas. The eggs are approximately 15cm long.
Male sharks of the same species are usually smaller than the females. When mating the male bites and holds the females pectoral (side) fin. Females have tougher, thicker skin but still sustain injuries during breeding season. Males have two claspers (penis) so they can copulate from either side.
Port Jackson sharks grow to 1.65m and are harmless. They have crusher plates and eat molluscs, sea urchins and crustaceans.
Legal Pitfalls at Christmas
By Lynda Babister at Babister Legal
Christmas is coming. Along with all of the good cheer come some legal pitfalls which you should be on the lookout for.
Shopping - What happens if that wonderful, specially selected Christmas gift is delivered the week after Christmas? Do you still have to pay for it – you’ve had to run out and buy something else on Christmas Eve and no longer want it. Yes, you do. Unless you have specifically told the salesman that it must be available before Christmas or you don’t want it, and those terms have been agreed before you confirmed the order then you must complete the purchase.
And what if your gift is wrong - wrong colour, wrong shape or just doesn’t work. You are legally entitled to a refund, exchange or repair if a product is faulty, does not do the job it is supposed to do, does not match the description or sample shown at the point of sale, or does not last for a reasonable time. Some stores offer a refund or exchange for reasons other than these to generate goodwill and return business. However they do not legally have to do this. Most stores require proof of purchase before offering to refund or exchange, so make sure you have any receipts or paperwork when returning an item.
Holidays - What are your rights if your vacation is washed out, blown away, or cancelled because of bushfires? You may not be entitled to a refund. When renting holiday accommodation, make sure you read and sign a written agreement that clearly sets out your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of the property agent or owner. The booking agreement should include your rights when cancelling accommodation, and when you are entitled to a refund. Be sure to check agreements before leaving home, and take a copy on holiday with you. Some accommodation providers or travel agents might refund for reasons not included in the booking terms and conditions to build goodwill, however they do not have to do this.
Work - Employers should be on guard against the office Christmas party pitfalls. Your legal liabilities do not disappear just because the social function is not held at the office premises. The usual range of obligations under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Anti-Discrimination Act, Crimes Act, contracts and tort of negligence all apply.
Heading the danger list is too much alcohol, sparking offensive comments, loud-mouthed behaviour, sexual harassment and bullying. Bar and restaurant staff must be aware of their obligation to serve alcohol responsibly. Bosses should remind staff that getting drunk at the workplace Christmas party is not an excuse to sexually harass co-workers. Companies also have a responsibility to ensure that workers get home safely, which means you should organise car pools, cab vouchers, or possibly even a bus.
"Kris Kringles" can be a minefield. Such gifts have the potential to breach the Anti-Discrimination Act, which holds employers liable for complaints of harassment or discrimination. There should not be sexually explicit gifts to co-workers who may interpret the gesture as offensive or an unwanted sexual advance.
Alcohol - Alcohol is the catalyst in many a Christmas legal drama. Whether it is a driving offence whilst trying to get home after a merry social function, or a more serious assault charge when family reminiscing gets out of hand, alcohol can “loosen the reins”, so to speak.
With all this in mind, have a safe, responsible and enjoyable Festive Season!
Christmas is coming. Along with all of the good cheer come some legal pitfalls which you should be on the lookout for.
Shopping - What happens if that wonderful, specially selected Christmas gift is delivered the week after Christmas? Do you still have to pay for it – you’ve had to run out and buy something else on Christmas Eve and no longer want it. Yes, you do. Unless you have specifically told the salesman that it must be available before Christmas or you don’t want it, and those terms have been agreed before you confirmed the order then you must complete the purchase.
And what if your gift is wrong - wrong colour, wrong shape or just doesn’t work. You are legally entitled to a refund, exchange or repair if a product is faulty, does not do the job it is supposed to do, does not match the description or sample shown at the point of sale, or does not last for a reasonable time. Some stores offer a refund or exchange for reasons other than these to generate goodwill and return business. However they do not legally have to do this. Most stores require proof of purchase before offering to refund or exchange, so make sure you have any receipts or paperwork when returning an item.
Holidays - What are your rights if your vacation is washed out, blown away, or cancelled because of bushfires? You may not be entitled to a refund. When renting holiday accommodation, make sure you read and sign a written agreement that clearly sets out your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of the property agent or owner. The booking agreement should include your rights when cancelling accommodation, and when you are entitled to a refund. Be sure to check agreements before leaving home, and take a copy on holiday with you. Some accommodation providers or travel agents might refund for reasons not included in the booking terms and conditions to build goodwill, however they do not have to do this.
Work - Employers should be on guard against the office Christmas party pitfalls. Your legal liabilities do not disappear just because the social function is not held at the office premises. The usual range of obligations under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Anti-Discrimination Act, Crimes Act, contracts and tort of negligence all apply.
Heading the danger list is too much alcohol, sparking offensive comments, loud-mouthed behaviour, sexual harassment and bullying. Bar and restaurant staff must be aware of their obligation to serve alcohol responsibly. Bosses should remind staff that getting drunk at the workplace Christmas party is not an excuse to sexually harass co-workers. Companies also have a responsibility to ensure that workers get home safely, which means you should organise car pools, cab vouchers, or possibly even a bus.
"Kris Kringles" can be a minefield. Such gifts have the potential to breach the Anti-Discrimination Act, which holds employers liable for complaints of harassment or discrimination. There should not be sexually explicit gifts to co-workers who may interpret the gesture as offensive or an unwanted sexual advance.
Alcohol - Alcohol is the catalyst in many a Christmas legal drama. Whether it is a driving offence whilst trying to get home after a merry social function, or a more serious assault charge when family reminiscing gets out of hand, alcohol can “loosen the reins”, so to speak.
With all this in mind, have a safe, responsible and enjoyable Festive Season!
IRWAN’S KITCHEN
‘Christmas Feast’
Don’t you love the fuzzy feeling when you know Christmas is just around the corner?
I know I do! Christmas in our family is the only time of the year we don’t feel guilty to shut the kitchen.
This Christmas period, Raya Thai will be closed for 1 week from 25 Dec, reopening at 5pm on 2 January 2010. We wish you all a happy and safe Merry Christmas & New Year and thank all our customers & friends for all you support & loyalty, love & friendship during the whole year.
Now, to help with your Christmas feast, I would like to suggest a light, refreshing summer recipe as an alternative to a hot Christmas lunch. The shredded chicken, by itself, is yummy enough to nibble on; combined with the dressing, it will make your palate bounce up and down with excitement!
Irwan’s Chicken Salad
½ breast chicken fillet
½ stalk of fresh lemon grass, lightly bruised
½ tsp salt
200 ml coconut cream
Cos lettuce, tear into smaller pieces
½ each red capsicum and green capsicum, julienned
For dressing:
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbs sambal oelek (optional, available from supermarket)
1sdm dried shrimp (first soak in hot water - when soft, mince it)
4 tbs peanut butter, preferably crunchy
1 ½ tbs sugar
200 ml water
1 tsp white vinegar
¾ tsp salt
Simmer chicken fillet, lemon grass, salt, coconut cream on medium heat until the chicken is cooked through (about 10 mins). Remove from heat and let it cool while you prepare the dressing and salad. When completely cool, shred the meat into small pieces using hand.
Place all dressing ingredients, except water, into a blender and pulse until blended. Then simmer in the water on medium heat for 3 min, remove from heat to cool down.
Pile on the salad, starting with cos lettuce at the bottom, then shredded chicken, pour the dressing generously and garnished with julienned red & green capsicum.
Don’t you love the fuzzy feeling when you know Christmas is just around the corner?
I know I do! Christmas in our family is the only time of the year we don’t feel guilty to shut the kitchen.
This Christmas period, Raya Thai will be closed for 1 week from 25 Dec, reopening at 5pm on 2 January 2010. We wish you all a happy and safe Merry Christmas & New Year and thank all our customers & friends for all you support & loyalty, love & friendship during the whole year.
Now, to help with your Christmas feast, I would like to suggest a light, refreshing summer recipe as an alternative to a hot Christmas lunch. The shredded chicken, by itself, is yummy enough to nibble on; combined with the dressing, it will make your palate bounce up and down with excitement!
Irwan’s Chicken Salad
½ breast chicken fillet
½ stalk of fresh lemon grass, lightly bruised
½ tsp salt
200 ml coconut cream
Cos lettuce, tear into smaller pieces
½ each red capsicum and green capsicum, julienned
For dressing:
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbs sambal oelek (optional, available from supermarket)
1sdm dried shrimp (first soak in hot water - when soft, mince it)
4 tbs peanut butter, preferably crunchy
1 ½ tbs sugar
200 ml water
1 tsp white vinegar
¾ tsp salt
Simmer chicken fillet, lemon grass, salt, coconut cream on medium heat until the chicken is cooked through (about 10 mins). Remove from heat and let it cool while you prepare the dressing and salad. When completely cool, shred the meat into small pieces using hand.
Place all dressing ingredients, except water, into a blender and pulse until blended. Then simmer in the water on medium heat for 3 min, remove from heat to cool down.
Pile on the salad, starting with cos lettuce at the bottom, then shredded chicken, pour the dressing generously and garnished with julienned red & green capsicum.
Love a garage sale?
Want to be the first to know if there’s one this weekend, or better still, want to promote YOUR garage sale?
Simply visit the EVENTS page at www.nio.net.au and then click on LOCAL GARAGE SALES
You’ll find links to sales in local regions including Helensburgh and Stanwell Park - best of all the service is FREE!
Simply visit the EVENTS page at www.nio.net.au and then click on LOCAL GARAGE SALES
You’ll find links to sales in local regions including Helensburgh and Stanwell Park - best of all the service is FREE!
LIONS CLUB OF HELENSBURGH FAIR 2009
At midnight on Friday, there was heavy rain, and Sunday was a washout, but we were really blessed with a bright, sunny day for the Fair on Saturday, October 24.
The stallholders, of which thirty plus were local, set up early and waited for the crowds. Here I must mention and thank my wonderful friends, Keith and Kath, Bec and fellow Lions Grant and Gerri, who get there so early to ensure that stalls are set up in the right places and that all power is supplied legally to those who need it. Also David Oliphant and Lion John, who ensure that the show on stage really does go on; and those wonderful Otford RFS people who cooked up a storm on the Lions BBQ for our hardworking servers.
The crowds came – thank you all for your wonderful support – and shopped, rode, Bungee-jumped, ate, drank & licked, listened & talked and generally participated in all that was on offer.
The raffle, which was a team effort with the Historical Society for Helensburgh’s 125th Birthday, was won by I. Piggott (ticket 0123), 2nd E.Sinclair (ticket 0053), 3rd M.Turner (ticket 0627), and 4th J.Killham (ticket 0265). We were very fortunate to have a FuzzyWuzzy Angel to draw the raffle and to carry the flag in the Parade.
Once again, the Parade was a success, and thank-you to all participants and to the organisers, Nicky, Gerri & Gina, and the marshals, especially to the combined RFS who worked with the Police in maintaining the mechanics of the Parade, and still were there to participate.
Remember to keep the last Saturday of the last full weekend of October free for every year in the future, as that is when we hold our Fair! See you there!
Gnaughty Gnomes
By Scott James Smith
A strange phenomenon is taking place in Helensburgh....
Teams of gnomes and frogs are coming and going from the Lions Club community sign at the top of Parkes St.
These are not part of the original design of the site; rather a mischievous local with a peculiar sense of humour.
At first, there were 5 gnomes which dwindled to 2.... then 8 frogs appeared - all disappeared the day of the Helensburgh Fair, but now the frogs are back!
Perhaps these appearances could be tied to Gnomvember, and next year with Froguary?
Check the photos of these little critters at -
http://www.facebook.com/Group.p?gid=250577120021
A strange phenomenon is taking place in Helensburgh....
Teams of gnomes and frogs are coming and going from the Lions Club community sign at the top of Parkes St.
These are not part of the original design of the site; rather a mischievous local with a peculiar sense of humour.
At first, there were 5 gnomes which dwindled to 2.... then 8 frogs appeared - all disappeared the day of the Helensburgh Fair, but now the frogs are back!
Perhaps these appearances could be tied to Gnomvember, and next year with Froguary?
Check the photos of these little critters at -
http://www.facebook.com/Group.p?gid=250577120021
Real Christmas Trees
Real Christmas Trees are up for grabs again from the Helensburgh Girl Guides.
The trees, at a cost of $34 for a standard size and $39 for a super size, will be sold from the Guide Hall at 4 Chippendale Place on the weekend of 11th, 12th and 13th December.
The Guides are also selling raffle tickets to win a huge hamper of Christmas goodies- $1 per ticket or $2 for 3 tickets. The raffle will be drawn on the Sunday afternoon.
Opening times for tree sales are Friday 2.00 pm to 8.00 pm; with Saturday and Sunday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Get in quick, as they sold out early last year!!
Merry Christmas from the Helensburgh Girl Guides!
The trees, at a cost of $34 for a standard size and $39 for a super size, will be sold from the Guide Hall at 4 Chippendale Place on the weekend of 11th, 12th and 13th December.
The Guides are also selling raffle tickets to win a huge hamper of Christmas goodies- $1 per ticket or $2 for 3 tickets. The raffle will be drawn on the Sunday afternoon.
Opening times for tree sales are Friday 2.00 pm to 8.00 pm; with Saturday and Sunday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Get in quick, as they sold out early last year!!
Merry Christmas from the Helensburgh Girl Guides!
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I was recently driving the old highway out of town with my 2 younger nieces in my car. As I turned the last bend doing 60km (which is 5 below the signage), there were 3 bike riders parallel to each other. Now seriously, do these riders think that a vehicle travelling at 60km can halt to 5km in a 5 metre radius? My options were to either hit the 3 riders, drive onto the opposite side of the road and risk a head on, or veer to the left and hope I didn’t run off the road. I chose the latter, causing damage to my vehicle.
I would like to inform these inconsiderate riders that they are giving the considerate riders a bad name. If they want to ride parallel and have a chat, then I suggest they go to Coastlands and do a spin class.
Do these people really think their light weight bikes are a match for a heavy weighted vehicle?
Stop being delusional. You cannot peddle faster than a car, you cannot keep up with the traffic, so therefore STAY out of traffic’s way. Either ride single file, or ride the bike tracks that our local council have provided for you.
Penelope Jones,
Helensburgh
PS. For those riders that aren’t a problem to the traffic, SORRY, but you need to tell your co-riders to stop giving you a bad name.
Dear Editor,
Christmas eight years ago; bushfires in Helensburgh.
The fire jumps into our garden. Then, by some miracle or chance, the wind changes direction and our house is saved. Thanks also go to our diligent neighbour and the ‘firies’. Meanwhile, hundreds of people are in a tension-filled traffic jam up the hill as the twilight comes on and burning embers sweep around the unmoving cars, packed with children and whatever pets and possessions they can save. Access out of town is at a standstill. Thank God there were no fatalities.
Roads are just one aspect of infrastructure that need to be reviewed and upgraded before the population expands in our area. An unelected Wollongong Council wishes to rezone and redevelop, 350 homes (minimum) will be plonked on top of the catchment source of the Hacking River. Natural corridors for biodiversity in the Royal National Park will be cut off. Urban runoff, land clearing, traffic, parking, power and sewerage problems: all have not had comprehensive recent studies. The last one was opposed to such changes.
The Helensburgh area is still a bush township. Beautiful even though close to Sydney. It’s not ready to be a housing sprawl suburb. Previous ELECTED local councils saw no reason for this to change. New home-buyers would be short-changed and existing residents, even those who wish to re-develop, would be facing a downgrading for the present and danger for the future of the whole locality. Ill-advised rezoning changes our lives forever.
S. Goldrick,
Helensburgh
Dear Editor,
September was Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and we organised a sausage sizzle on Saturday 26th September in front of the old Workers Club.
I would like to say a huge "THANK YOU" to the Lions Club, Al and Lissa's Butchers, Bi-Lo and Grima Brothers for helping make this event possible. Al kindly donated all of the sausages and helped me to raise $510 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
What a wonderful community we have in Helensburgh with people always opening the wallets and hearts for a good cause. I was truly touched by the support and kindness of you all. I would also like to thank my wonderful family and friends from the bottom of my heart for their help on the day.
Kristy Smith,
Helensburgh
Dear Editor,
I was somewhat mystified and disappointed by the comment in the Cheers & Jeers column in the October issue (p 19) regarding the “tacky Religious signs” that have been “plastering our town”.
I don’t see the signs as being either “tacky” or “plastering the town” as they are well produced and carry a strong message of hope in a world that sees our society on a ever increasing downward spiral.
I am not a regular church goer, but I do have a strong faith.
Maybe the Helensburgh & District News team should have a closer look at themselves regarding the wording of their columns and the messages they carry. The comment “ one reader thinks etc” draws my reply. If you need to comment have the intestinal fortitude to put your name to it.
James W. Eades,
Stanwell Tops
Dear Mr Eades,
The Helensburgh and District News will publish contributions provided they are not slanderous or defamatory. There is always a broad spectrum of views to be represented in any community. The reader in question did send in his name, but we don’t attach names to the Cheers and Jeers column, so it was our editorial omission and not his lack of “intestinal fortitude”. We welcome healthy debate.
Editors.
I was recently driving the old highway out of town with my 2 younger nieces in my car. As I turned the last bend doing 60km (which is 5 below the signage), there were 3 bike riders parallel to each other. Now seriously, do these riders think that a vehicle travelling at 60km can halt to 5km in a 5 metre radius? My options were to either hit the 3 riders, drive onto the opposite side of the road and risk a head on, or veer to the left and hope I didn’t run off the road. I chose the latter, causing damage to my vehicle.
I would like to inform these inconsiderate riders that they are giving the considerate riders a bad name. If they want to ride parallel and have a chat, then I suggest they go to Coastlands and do a spin class.
Do these people really think their light weight bikes are a match for a heavy weighted vehicle?
Stop being delusional. You cannot peddle faster than a car, you cannot keep up with the traffic, so therefore STAY out of traffic’s way. Either ride single file, or ride the bike tracks that our local council have provided for you.
Penelope Jones,
Helensburgh
PS. For those riders that aren’t a problem to the traffic, SORRY, but you need to tell your co-riders to stop giving you a bad name.
Dear Editor,
Christmas eight years ago; bushfires in Helensburgh.
The fire jumps into our garden. Then, by some miracle or chance, the wind changes direction and our house is saved. Thanks also go to our diligent neighbour and the ‘firies’. Meanwhile, hundreds of people are in a tension-filled traffic jam up the hill as the twilight comes on and burning embers sweep around the unmoving cars, packed with children and whatever pets and possessions they can save. Access out of town is at a standstill. Thank God there were no fatalities.
Roads are just one aspect of infrastructure that need to be reviewed and upgraded before the population expands in our area. An unelected Wollongong Council wishes to rezone and redevelop, 350 homes (minimum) will be plonked on top of the catchment source of the Hacking River. Natural corridors for biodiversity in the Royal National Park will be cut off. Urban runoff, land clearing, traffic, parking, power and sewerage problems: all have not had comprehensive recent studies. The last one was opposed to such changes.
The Helensburgh area is still a bush township. Beautiful even though close to Sydney. It’s not ready to be a housing sprawl suburb. Previous ELECTED local councils saw no reason for this to change. New home-buyers would be short-changed and existing residents, even those who wish to re-develop, would be facing a downgrading for the present and danger for the future of the whole locality. Ill-advised rezoning changes our lives forever.
S. Goldrick,
Helensburgh
Dear Editor,
September was Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and we organised a sausage sizzle on Saturday 26th September in front of the old Workers Club.
I would like to say a huge "THANK YOU" to the Lions Club, Al and Lissa's Butchers, Bi-Lo and Grima Brothers for helping make this event possible. Al kindly donated all of the sausages and helped me to raise $510 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
What a wonderful community we have in Helensburgh with people always opening the wallets and hearts for a good cause. I was truly touched by the support and kindness of you all. I would also like to thank my wonderful family and friends from the bottom of my heart for their help on the day.
Kristy Smith,
Helensburgh
Dear Editor,
I was somewhat mystified and disappointed by the comment in the Cheers & Jeers column in the October issue (p 19) regarding the “tacky Religious signs” that have been “plastering our town”.
I don’t see the signs as being either “tacky” or “plastering the town” as they are well produced and carry a strong message of hope in a world that sees our society on a ever increasing downward spiral.
I am not a regular church goer, but I do have a strong faith.
Maybe the Helensburgh & District News team should have a closer look at themselves regarding the wording of their columns and the messages they carry. The comment “ one reader thinks etc” draws my reply. If you need to comment have the intestinal fortitude to put your name to it.
James W. Eades,
Stanwell Tops
Dear Mr Eades,
The Helensburgh and District News will publish contributions provided they are not slanderous or defamatory. There is always a broad spectrum of views to be represented in any community. The reader in question did send in his name, but we don’t attach names to the Cheers and Jeers column, so it was our editorial omission and not his lack of “intestinal fortitude”. We welcome healthy debate.
Editors.
IN MEMORIUM
STEVEN BENNETT 25/12/83 - 12/11/03
In God's care you rest above.
In our hearts you rest with love.
Memories of you are ours to keep.
Our words are few, our love is deep.
You are not just a memory or part of our past.
You are part of us as long as life lasts.
Missing you always, especially your wonderful smile.
Mum, Norm, Lauren, Ryan and family
STEVEN BENNETT 25/12/83 - 12/11/03
You are always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts and always by our side. We miss you.
Love Auntie Karen, Uncle Ken, Elizabeth, James and Jonathan xxx
KEN DUFFY 7-11-08
No one else can truly feel twelve months on how I miss you. Our life together was so special and you were my soul mate, always there for me. We shared so much together and had wonderful times and now life is so lonely without you. I no longer look forward to the days ahead because you are not there to share them with me. I know you are in a better place with no pain anymore. I look at our lovely garden and see you there because it was so very special to you. Loved and missed every day.
Marie, Kathie, Bruce, Ben, Luke and Amber. Sue, Terry, Jeanette, all the grandchildren, they love you so much, Pop.
DONALD HOLMES 29-11-08
His weary hours and days of pain, his troubled nights are passed. Inside our aching hearts we know he is at peace at last. It’s as we wake each morning and know he has gone we wonder through our sadness how we can carry on. Missing you so much and loving you forever.
Your loving wife Yvonne, daughters Penni and Melinda and all your loving family.
STEPHEN HOLMES 24-11-07
A million happy memories won’t mend out broken hearts, for on this day two years ago our whole world fell apart. So many times we needed you, so many times we’ve cried, if love alone could have saved you Steve, you never would have died. Missing you so much and loving you always.
Mum, Pen, Lindy and all of your family who dearly love you.
PETER TOWNSEND 13-12-93
My wonderful Peter. Every day I think of you and miss you, it never goes away, the sadness in my heart lives on forever. I look at your three beautiful sons and I see you in all their faces and their smiles, you would be so proud of them as I am. I wish you were here to spend time with them and joke with them like you always did. Those are the things we all miss so much. When you were here the days were happy and now there is only sadness. I know you are in a wonderful place but we all miss you so much. I wish you could meet your two little grandchildren and what fun you all would have had together. You are loved and missed forever.
Mum, Dad Robert, Jeanette, Sue, Jay, Adam, Nathan, grandchildren Oliver and Lochie.
Return Thanks
Doreen, Justyne, Graeme and family would like to thank everyone for for their love and kind thoughts, cards, flowers and food during Marelle’s illness and death. Please accept this as our personal thank you. She will always be with us.
In God's care you rest above.
In our hearts you rest with love.
Memories of you are ours to keep.
Our words are few, our love is deep.
You are not just a memory or part of our past.
You are part of us as long as life lasts.
Missing you always, especially your wonderful smile.
Mum, Norm, Lauren, Ryan and family
STEVEN BENNETT 25/12/83 - 12/11/03
You are always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts and always by our side. We miss you.
Love Auntie Karen, Uncle Ken, Elizabeth, James and Jonathan xxx
KEN DUFFY 7-11-08
No one else can truly feel twelve months on how I miss you. Our life together was so special and you were my soul mate, always there for me. We shared so much together and had wonderful times and now life is so lonely without you. I no longer look forward to the days ahead because you are not there to share them with me. I know you are in a better place with no pain anymore. I look at our lovely garden and see you there because it was so very special to you. Loved and missed every day.
Marie, Kathie, Bruce, Ben, Luke and Amber. Sue, Terry, Jeanette, all the grandchildren, they love you so much, Pop.
DONALD HOLMES 29-11-08
His weary hours and days of pain, his troubled nights are passed. Inside our aching hearts we know he is at peace at last. It’s as we wake each morning and know he has gone we wonder through our sadness how we can carry on. Missing you so much and loving you forever.
Your loving wife Yvonne, daughters Penni and Melinda and all your loving family.
STEPHEN HOLMES 24-11-07
A million happy memories won’t mend out broken hearts, for on this day two years ago our whole world fell apart. So many times we needed you, so many times we’ve cried, if love alone could have saved you Steve, you never would have died. Missing you so much and loving you always.
Mum, Pen, Lindy and all of your family who dearly love you.
PETER TOWNSEND 13-12-93
My wonderful Peter. Every day I think of you and miss you, it never goes away, the sadness in my heart lives on forever. I look at your three beautiful sons and I see you in all their faces and their smiles, you would be so proud of them as I am. I wish you were here to spend time with them and joke with them like you always did. Those are the things we all miss so much. When you were here the days were happy and now there is only sadness. I know you are in a wonderful place but we all miss you so much. I wish you could meet your two little grandchildren and what fun you all would have had together. You are loved and missed forever.
Mum, Dad Robert, Jeanette, Sue, Jay, Adam, Nathan, grandchildren Oliver and Lochie.
Return Thanks
Doreen, Justyne, Graeme and family would like to thank everyone for for their love and kind thoughts, cards, flowers and food during Marelle’s illness and death. Please accept this as our personal thank you. She will always be with us.
The Helensburgh Story (Part 5)
Stanwell Park beach was littered with concrete tank traps and coils of barbed wire. The old rail tunnel to Otford was blasted. Some installations were built and a small RAAF force settled in to await the attack. Naturally, a number of the local men joined the services and the ladies’ auxiliaries got behind the war effort with knitting and the collection of old aluminum pots and pans. Otford served host to a group of Aboriginal evacuees from Crocker Island north of Australia. The Helensburgh branch of the Red Cross was reinstituted in the Anglican Church Hall. Soon homes and public buildings alike had their windows covered with "black out" paper.
During the post-war reconstruction, a clothing factory was built in Walker Street providing some local employment to women. The old rail tunnels were used for mushroom production, another useful local employer. On the political scene, the Bulli Shire amalgamated with Wollongong in 1947 to form the Greater Wollongong region. It was a controversial move and can still start a good debate.
The 1950s were the boom years of migration, production and home building in Australia. The first sign of change in Helensburgh was the construction of Nissen huts (igloos) in West Helensburgh by the Navy. The huts were war surplus, originally used in the islands. Navy personnel and later British migrants were to make them very comfortable homes. Council demanded the demolition of the huts when the owners left, with the last hut removed in the early 1990s.
With the post war boom came a degree of affluence the town had never known before. Helensburgh up till this time was a depressed coal mining community. Now, families were able to properly clothe their children. Hand-me-downs were out and the common complaint of stone-bruised feet disappeared as children started to wear shoes to school and for play.
With the coming of TV in 1956, and the greater use of the car the town started to change in character. Local social groups began to wane as entertainment was sought out of town. More people started to shop further afield. The Empire Theatre closed its doors, with the building used as a supermarket until destroyed by fire. A new complex of supermarket and shops was developed by Cec Lumb.
By 1966, Helensburgh's population had reached 2,334. The growing suburban style of the town finally saw the demise of the Co-Op store in 1967. A Chamber of Commerce was formed the same year and set out to publish a local newspaper - The Helensburgh News.
The life of the town still focused on the Workmen's Club. The club added a concert hall in 1955, a games room in 1956, and took on a modernising project during the 1990s. Otford and Stanwell Park remained much the same, although the squatters’ cabins at the Park were bulldozed away in 1965.
In the early 70s, the Sydney suburban sprawl had started to reach the Burgh. In 1975, a miner's cottage could be had for $15,000, well below a comparable land package in the outer suburbs of Sydney. Prices began to move to around $50,000 in 1982. The Land's Department released subdivided land by lot and later at auction, in Hume Drive and Rajani Road. In 1980, Boral sold redundant mine land in West Helensburgh for $27,000 per block. More government releases of land in the early 1990s allowed more young couples to make Helensburgh their home.
Helensburgh got a branch of the Commonwealth Bank in 1978, a Squash Centre in 1980, Newsagent and Takeaway in 1981 and a Westpac bank in 1982. The long awaited sewage system for Helensburgh began in 1980, with a completed cost of $14 million.
At Otford, Mr James’ hall had been burnt down to be replaced in 1979 with a new community hall and tennis club. Community action at Stanwell Tops stopped the subdivision of the land adjacent to the mineral pool in 1978, and the old Stone Monument at the entrance to the suburb was saved from Council road widening to become the local War Memorial in 1982.
At Stanwell Park, the swimming pool committee fought on to release the funds held by council and raised by the local community for the building of a swimming pool. The pool never eventuated and the funds disappeared. To protect the Park from development, SONS (Save Our Northern Suburbs) and the Stanwell Park Community Association were formed in 1979 and successfully stopped further home unit development in the Park. In 1973, Steve James commenced the Park Christmas Festival, out of which grew SPAT - the Stanwell Park Amateur Theatre. With grants and local fund raising, SPAT added a stage and back rooms to the CWA hall in 1978.
In 1977, Wayne and Freda Lawrence revived "The Park Parade”. It was published by Tony DeCorte, who in 1978 became the editor. This paper was a valuable sounding board for community action. In 1978, Council redeveloped the beach park with a new toilet block, parking facilities and picnic sheds. Happily the old kiosk remained. The Stanwell Park Hang Gliders Club was formed following the discovery of Bald Hill as a wonderful hang gliding site. In 1982, the club instituted the Lawrence Hargrave International Hang Gliding Competition.
Helensburgh is now part of the Sydney urban sprawl which pushes past the Burgh and into the Illawarra. Yet because of its position it remains an enclave protected from overdevelopment and preserving much of its past history. Even the mine is still in operation.
The township has a population of around 5,000, with some 1,000 homes. There is the full range of sporting clubs: soccer, league, bowls, cricket, horse riding and a swimming pool. The public school and Catholic primary school handle the education needs. Pub, Workmen's Club, and Bowling Club provide a full social life. There are five churches, along with a full range of shops. Despite the departure of the two banks, there is a credit union. The railway station still operates. So life ticks on at the Burgh.
This article is an extract of a local history published by Bryan Findlayson in 1985. Numerous sources were used, but in particular I would like to mention Bill Simpson. When it came to local history, Bill was a mine of information. Sadly Bill is now deceased, although his little work "The History of Helensburgh" lives on.
Laurie Hill was another terrific source. Laurie, with his mate Geoff Cox, was the founder of the Helensburgh & District Historical Society in 1979. He passed away in 2001, but he has left the local historical society a box full of notes and photos.
Cheers and Jeers
JEERS to the people in Maidstone Place that have a new rooster that crows every 10 minutes, every morning from 4AM. Please think about neighbours who need their sleep.
JEERS to the cat owners up the top of Otford Road who let their cats wander the street every night - fighting at all hours and killing native birds. Why should these pets be allowed to roam when dog owners keep their animals locked up. These are pets, not wild animals!
JEERS to those lazy individuals who continue to park on the roundabout at Helensburgh Station even though we now have a new 70 space car park that would have cost many hundreds of thousands of dollars. You have destroyed the vegetation on the edge of the roundabout because you can’t be bothered to walk a few extra metres from the carpark. Shame on you.
CHEERS to the young man from Stanwell Park who was recently recognised as an Apprentice of the Year for his hard work and commitment to his trade.
JEERS to the Stanwell Park P-Plater drink drivers, so blatently flaunting their bad behaviour. Throwing empty bottles at prams is definitely not cool!
CHEERS to the many volunteers in this community who selflessly donate their time and money for the good of others. Those who run the sporting and social clubs, those who train with the rural fire brigades, those who serve the P&C’s, those who visit the elderly and infirm, those who clean up the town, those who raise money for worthy causes. Thankyou – we couldn’t do without you. Let’s all do something for someone else!
JEERS to the cat owners up the top of Otford Road who let their cats wander the street every night - fighting at all hours and killing native birds. Why should these pets be allowed to roam when dog owners keep their animals locked up. These are pets, not wild animals!
JEERS to those lazy individuals who continue to park on the roundabout at Helensburgh Station even though we now have a new 70 space car park that would have cost many hundreds of thousands of dollars. You have destroyed the vegetation on the edge of the roundabout because you can’t be bothered to walk a few extra metres from the carpark. Shame on you.
CHEERS to the young man from Stanwell Park who was recently recognised as an Apprentice of the Year for his hard work and commitment to his trade.
JEERS to the Stanwell Park P-Plater drink drivers, so blatently flaunting their bad behaviour. Throwing empty bottles at prams is definitely not cool!
CHEERS to the many volunteers in this community who selflessly donate their time and money for the good of others. Those who run the sporting and social clubs, those who train with the rural fire brigades, those who serve the P&C’s, those who visit the elderly and infirm, those who clean up the town, those who raise money for worthy causes. Thankyou – we couldn’t do without you. Let’s all do something for someone else!
A Big Year for Helensburgh Toastmasters
By Phil Preston
The year of 2009 has been an active one for our Toastmasters group. In February, we started a six-week intensive speaking course that was well received by the participants, many of whom have gone on to successfully utilise various skills they gained in their work and social environments.
We had two representatives in the District 70 (most of NSW & ACT) finals during the year. Yours truly competed in the speech evaluation final, and James Baker proved that his victory in the humorous speech contest last year was no fluke when he came runner up this year.
Most importantly though, we have had several new members join our club during the year. It is satisfying to see members improve their skills over relatively short timeframes. Many often remark that “they wish they’d known about it many years beforehand”.
We’d like to wish all of our past, current and future(!) members a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Plus we would like to make special mention of the wonderful staff at the Worker’s Club who provide us with a regular meeting room and great service. Our meetings will resume on Monday, 1st February 2010 (7.45pm).
The year of 2009 has been an active one for our Toastmasters group. In February, we started a six-week intensive speaking course that was well received by the participants, many of whom have gone on to successfully utilise various skills they gained in their work and social environments.
We had two representatives in the District 70 (most of NSW & ACT) finals during the year. Yours truly competed in the speech evaluation final, and James Baker proved that his victory in the humorous speech contest last year was no fluke when he came runner up this year.
Most importantly though, we have had several new members join our club during the year. It is satisfying to see members improve their skills over relatively short timeframes. Many often remark that “they wish they’d known about it many years beforehand”.
We’d like to wish all of our past, current and future(!) members a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Plus we would like to make special mention of the wonderful staff at the Worker’s Club who provide us with a regular meeting room and great service. Our meetings will resume on Monday, 1st February 2010 (7.45pm).
Country Womens’ Association
By Elaine Pugh
The Festival of Flight was very successful. With the change from a Saturday to a Sunday we weren’t quite sure how it would go, but were very pleased with the turnout. A lot of work was done on publicity and it paid off.
We had 55 Stallholders with a great variety of quality goods. Among them were 8 Event Management students of Sydney’s McLeay College who were advised to get experience in market day stalls.
There were a few highlights -- a flyover by a Neptune Bomber from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (a memorial to the late Eric Waite who devoted much of his life to gaining greater recognition for Lawrence Hargrave); local hang-gliders flying down from Bald Hill in fancy dress; and whales just offshore to celebrate!
Local businesses included Coleman's fairground rides and Glenburnie Orchards.
Special thanks goes to: event organiser and CWA President Elaine Pugh, Sylvia and Michael, proprietors of the Stanwell Park General Store, music coordinator David Oliphant, market coordinators Lin Sinclair and Pauline Mitchelson, Jeanette and Clyde Parsons, Charlie and Elaine Cattel, Baggie Tillyard, Bronwyn McGrath, Scottie Saywell, Wayne Turner, Rod Lander, Kevin Myers, Ben Innes, Glen Chandler, Phil Preston, Steve Montgomery, Mark Wylie, Lisa McHardy and Heather Smith.
University of the 3rd Age
Northern U3A Stanwell Park will adjourn until Monday 8th February 2010 when we will commence our weekly meetings at Hillcrest House, Railway Crescent, Stanwell Park. The following programme promises to be exciting:
Mon 8th Feb – Travels to Syria, Jordan and Egypt – Des Major.
Mon 15th – Behind Barbed Wire – Gerlinde Slip
Mon 22 – History of Light – Harry Slip
Mon 1st Mar – Unveiling the Myth (Muslim culture) – Maha Elhage-Hadaya
Mon 8th – Pythagoras – Colin Jones
Mon15th – Mayan, Hopi and Inca Prophecies – Jenny Lee Robins
Mon 22nd – Last of the Raj – Brenda Durban
Mon 29th – Other People’s Wars – Jack Grey
Mon 5th April – Tribute to Joern Utzon – Geoffrey Reid
Every Monday we continue to be surprised and elated by the wonderful music DVD’s presented by Geoffrey Reid. New members are welcome. For information contact Jenny on 4294 3475.
The Festival of Flight was very successful. With the change from a Saturday to a Sunday we weren’t quite sure how it would go, but were very pleased with the turnout. A lot of work was done on publicity and it paid off.
We had 55 Stallholders with a great variety of quality goods. Among them were 8 Event Management students of Sydney’s McLeay College who were advised to get experience in market day stalls.
There were a few highlights -- a flyover by a Neptune Bomber from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (a memorial to the late Eric Waite who devoted much of his life to gaining greater recognition for Lawrence Hargrave); local hang-gliders flying down from Bald Hill in fancy dress; and whales just offshore to celebrate!
Local businesses included Coleman's fairground rides and Glenburnie Orchards.
Special thanks goes to: event organiser and CWA President Elaine Pugh, Sylvia and Michael, proprietors of the Stanwell Park General Store, music coordinator David Oliphant, market coordinators Lin Sinclair and Pauline Mitchelson, Jeanette and Clyde Parsons, Charlie and Elaine Cattel, Baggie Tillyard, Bronwyn McGrath, Scottie Saywell, Wayne Turner, Rod Lander, Kevin Myers, Ben Innes, Glen Chandler, Phil Preston, Steve Montgomery, Mark Wylie, Lisa McHardy and Heather Smith.
University of the 3rd Age
Northern U3A Stanwell Park will adjourn until Monday 8th February 2010 when we will commence our weekly meetings at Hillcrest House, Railway Crescent, Stanwell Park. The following programme promises to be exciting:
Mon 8th Feb – Travels to Syria, Jordan and Egypt – Des Major.
Mon 15th – Behind Barbed Wire – Gerlinde Slip
Mon 22 – History of Light – Harry Slip
Mon 1st Mar – Unveiling the Myth (Muslim culture) – Maha Elhage-Hadaya
Mon 8th – Pythagoras – Colin Jones
Mon15th – Mayan, Hopi and Inca Prophecies – Jenny Lee Robins
Mon 22nd – Last of the Raj – Brenda Durban
Mon 29th – Other People’s Wars – Jack Grey
Mon 5th April – Tribute to Joern Utzon – Geoffrey Reid
Every Monday we continue to be surprised and elated by the wonderful music DVD’s presented by Geoffrey Reid. New members are welcome. For information contact Jenny on 4294 3475.
For Goodness Sake
When Deanne invited me to take over her column, I was delighted but a little nervous. Deanne’s ability to express our inner thoughts and offer refreshing, practical advice has been enjoyable reading. I know she will be missed and you can read more from Deanne by visiting crossfitwollongong.com.au
Deanne and I met at the gym six years ago. I had a three month-old baby and was a well-rounded 98 kilos. I was told this was typical post-birth weight gain, but I knew I was around this weight well before I fell pregnant. For my height my healthy weight is about 75 kilos. I decided I was sick of trying to find clothes to hide in so I went to the gym.
When I first walked into Coastlands Fitness Centre I wore a long, black wool jumper and it stayed on while I worked out. When I met Deanne it wasn’t cardigans we had in common but a desire to push ourselves. Plus we laughed a lot. I have since completed a Certifcate III and IV in fitness instruction and personal training so I thought my first column would tackle the motivation to exercise.
When the subject of exercise comes up, listen to the dialogue in your head and this is what you might hear:
“No time”; “It won’t work/I’m too big”; “It’s boring/I hate it/It’s not enjoyable”; “I’ll start tomorrow”; “I’m too stressed/too tired/too old”; “Thanks to my genes I don’t really need to”; ”I can’t because I am injured”.
Goodbye motivation, hello couch. Now try answering your inner voice. Here is what you could say to yourself:
Inner voice: “No time”. Answer: All you need is 20 minutes (ask Deanne).
“It won’t work”: Yes it will (Inner voice: “no it won’t) Just do it - because not doing it is guaranteed not to work.
“It’s boring/I hate it/It’s not enjoyable”: Remember your mother told you to try things BEFORE you have an opinion. There is a huge variety of ways to exercise. So don’t tell me you have tried everything. Plus you need to have an exercise buddy - it's much more fun exercising with other people.
“I’ll start tomorrow”: how about today?
“I’m stressed”: Stress produces cortisol which in high, sustained doses can cause a whole range of serious diseases. Exercise reduces stress.
“I’m too tired”: The fitter you are, the more energetic and happier you feel.
“I don’t need to”: you may be ok now, but if you don’t start exercising regularly, the choice will definitely be taken away when you are older.
“I am injured”: consult your doctor because there are ways you can still exercise safely. Even people confined to a wheelchair exercise. Of course there are some serious illnesses that may prevent you, but talk to your doctor first.
To get your inner dialogue on track be honest with yourself - you can find 20 minutes to exercise. The hardest part of a workout is starting! Conditions are never “just right”, so do what you can with the time you have and get out of your comfort zone just a little. Your body will start responding and you will love the way this feels.
Thank you to all the readers who supported the column. I really enjoyed writing it. It has been left in good hands!
Deanne
Otford Public School
By Principal, Anne-Marie Hurley
Our final term of the year has certainly started as a busy one.
Work has begun as a result of the Federal governments stimulus package. Old playground equipment was removed over the October holidays and levelling of the playing fields has provided the students with a larger sporting area.
The grass is growing well, thanks to recent rains, and the children are keen to play their first games on the new surface. Construction of our new canteen and special programs room is due to commence over the summer holiday break.
Last week all year 6 students led the school’s Remembrance Day service. It was wonderful to see members of our school community also attending this special event. The school’s violin group represented Otford Public School at the Remembrance Day service in Helensburgh, with numerous members of the Helensburgh community passing on their congratulations for their exceptional performance.
The students have also participated in a Cultural Infusion Day titled “Aboriginal for a Day”. With the guidance of an Aboriginal elder, the students were immersed in a range of activities including face painting, story telling, painting and dance.
Much sweaty fun was had at a recent social bushdance. Local band Fiddledance provided the music and instruction, and it was great to see that it wasn’t just school families stomping their feet and doesy-do-ing!
The Otford sporting teams continue to show their talents on the field. Both the junior and senior teams recently participated in a cricket gala day and demonstrated not only their great cricket skills but also their excellent sportsmanship.
A special drama night has been scheduled for the 7th December, to commence at 7:00pm. The formal presentation night will take place on Thursday 10th December.
Our final term of the year has certainly started as a busy one.
Work has begun as a result of the Federal governments stimulus package. Old playground equipment was removed over the October holidays and levelling of the playing fields has provided the students with a larger sporting area.
The grass is growing well, thanks to recent rains, and the children are keen to play their first games on the new surface. Construction of our new canteen and special programs room is due to commence over the summer holiday break.
Last week all year 6 students led the school’s Remembrance Day service. It was wonderful to see members of our school community also attending this special event. The school’s violin group represented Otford Public School at the Remembrance Day service in Helensburgh, with numerous members of the Helensburgh community passing on their congratulations for their exceptional performance.
The students have also participated in a Cultural Infusion Day titled “Aboriginal for a Day”. With the guidance of an Aboriginal elder, the students were immersed in a range of activities including face painting, story telling, painting and dance.
Much sweaty fun was had at a recent social bushdance. Local band Fiddledance provided the music and instruction, and it was great to see that it wasn’t just school families stomping their feet and doesy-do-ing!
The Otford sporting teams continue to show their talents on the field. Both the junior and senior teams recently participated in a cricket gala day and demonstrated not only their great cricket skills but also their excellent sportsmanship.
A special drama night has been scheduled for the 7th December, to commence at 7:00pm. The formal presentation night will take place on Thursday 10th December.
LOCAL STAR SPELLER
The challenge was held at the ABC Centre in Sydney on Wednesday 18 November, and broadcast live on ABC radio.
Over 42000 students participated state-wide in the Spelling Bee in the Senior Division. 36 students from all over the State competed in the Finals with each student asked to spell a word in turn. If the word was spelt correctly the student progressed to the next round. If not, they were eliminated.
Stanwell Park School Principal, Keith Tomlinson said, “Sophie is an outstanding student and performed extremely well in the very demanding, high pressure situation of the Finals.
Sophie successfully negotiated 8 rounds spelling words such as wondrous, strenuous, corroboree, extortionate, malleable, maelstrom and myxomatosis. It got very exciting for Sophie and the group of students who travelled to Sydney as supporters, as Sophie continued down to the final 13 competitors.”
Mr Tomlinson said it was an amazing experience for all the students who went, not least Sophie with her brilliant achievement.
A STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS!
By Alison Rowe – Child & Adult Psychologist
We often associate Christmas with giving and receiving presents, consuming large amounts of food and alcohol, and attending celebrations. It can be an exciting time of the year, although getting caught up in the commercialism of the season can place extra pressure on all of us financially, physically and psychologically. This year enjoy Christmas, value the time spent with family and friends and most importantly, don’t stress out.
Suggest to friends and family that instead of giving presents you would like to donate money to their charity of choice. Perhaps you could ask them to come along and do volunteer work for the less fortunate with you, or to just spend time with you.
Spending quality time with the people we love can mean so much more than a present. There may be some resistance at first from family and friends, so introduce small changes slowly.
There are many ways to relieve the stress of buying presents -- such as purchasing presents for children only; picking a name out of a hat and purchasing a present just for one family member; limiting the amount of money spent on presents; giving home-made presents; or setting up a bartering system. For example, if you are a great cook swap a few meals for a few nights of babysitting. Some people may be very resistant to change and react negatively at first, but in the long term they will begin to see and feel the benefits. Share the load and ask family and friends to bring a plate of food to celebrations and to help clean up afterwards. Remember to eat and drink in moderation.
Christmas may be a festive season for most, but for some, it can be a difficult time. It can be a very lonely and painful period for those who do not have family or friends, suffer from a mental or physical illness, are grieving due to the death of a loved one or going through separation or divorce. Therefore, do not expect everyone to be in the festive mood. Set aside some time to do something special at Christmas for the less fortunate.
Remember that the simple things in life can have a powerful meaning for others. Making a card, cooking some goodies, a phone call, doing an errand, visiting people, a child’s drawing – these are all inexpensive, but remind people that they are special and you are thinking of them at Christmas. May you all have a safe, joyous and stress-free Christmas!
We often associate Christmas with giving and receiving presents, consuming large amounts of food and alcohol, and attending celebrations. It can be an exciting time of the year, although getting caught up in the commercialism of the season can place extra pressure on all of us financially, physically and psychologically. This year enjoy Christmas, value the time spent with family and friends and most importantly, don’t stress out.
Suggest to friends and family that instead of giving presents you would like to donate money to their charity of choice. Perhaps you could ask them to come along and do volunteer work for the less fortunate with you, or to just spend time with you.
Spending quality time with the people we love can mean so much more than a present. There may be some resistance at first from family and friends, so introduce small changes slowly.
There are many ways to relieve the stress of buying presents -- such as purchasing presents for children only; picking a name out of a hat and purchasing a present just for one family member; limiting the amount of money spent on presents; giving home-made presents; or setting up a bartering system. For example, if you are a great cook swap a few meals for a few nights of babysitting. Some people may be very resistant to change and react negatively at first, but in the long term they will begin to see and feel the benefits. Share the load and ask family and friends to bring a plate of food to celebrations and to help clean up afterwards. Remember to eat and drink in moderation.
Christmas may be a festive season for most, but for some, it can be a difficult time. It can be a very lonely and painful period for those who do not have family or friends, suffer from a mental or physical illness, are grieving due to the death of a loved one or going through separation or divorce. Therefore, do not expect everyone to be in the festive mood. Set aside some time to do something special at Christmas for the less fortunate.
Remember that the simple things in life can have a powerful meaning for others. Making a card, cooking some goodies, a phone call, doing an errand, visiting people, a child’s drawing – these are all inexpensive, but remind people that they are special and you are thinking of them at Christmas. May you all have a safe, joyous and stress-free Christmas!
Fellowship of the First Fleeters: South Coast Chapter
By Betty Warn
Several families living in Helensburgh are descended from the First Fleeters. The largest group would be those descended from Matthew Everingham. Matthew was only 15 when convicted of selling books. He arrived on the “Scarborough”. He married Elizabeth Rimes on 13th March 1791 at Parramatta. The couple had 10 children, nine of whom survived. Matthew had several farms and did extremely well. By 1810 he had been appointed District Constable and on 25th December 1817 he was called out to investigate an incident of smuggling spirits. At Lower Portland he fell into the river and drowned. He was buried in Wilberforce. Descendents I know include Dennis Everingham and his family, Colin Everingham and family and Patricia Hamilton.
Mrs Elsie Watson is descended from James Bloodworth who arrived on the “Charlotte”. James was very skilled in building and brick laying and was employed in the construction of the first Government House and many more fine buildings. He and Sarah Bellamy had 8 children, 4 of whom survived infancy. James became a Sergeant in the Sydney Loyal Association in 1802. In 1803 he was offered employment in Van Dieman’s Land because of his building skills but he rejected the offer. He died on 21st March 1804 and was given a Police Funeral.
The next family is that of Colin Warn. He is descended from Peter Hibbs, a sailor who arrived on the “Sirius” and Mary Pardoe, a convict girl who arrived on the “Juliana” on 3rd June 1790 as part of the Second Fleet. Peter was Master of the “Norfolk” when Matthew Flinders circumnavigated Tasmania. Flinders named several places in Tasmania after Peter. Peter bought and sold several farms. In 1828 the couple were still living together on their 60 acre farm. They had 7 children and the Warns are descended from Sarah who was born in 1806.
If there are other descendents living in Helensburgh I would be pleased to hear from them. Any enquiries please phone Betty Warn on 4294 2735.
Several families living in Helensburgh are descended from the First Fleeters. The largest group would be those descended from Matthew Everingham. Matthew was only 15 when convicted of selling books. He arrived on the “Scarborough”. He married Elizabeth Rimes on 13th March 1791 at Parramatta. The couple had 10 children, nine of whom survived. Matthew had several farms and did extremely well. By 1810 he had been appointed District Constable and on 25th December 1817 he was called out to investigate an incident of smuggling spirits. At Lower Portland he fell into the river and drowned. He was buried in Wilberforce. Descendents I know include Dennis Everingham and his family, Colin Everingham and family and Patricia Hamilton.
Mrs Elsie Watson is descended from James Bloodworth who arrived on the “Charlotte”. James was very skilled in building and brick laying and was employed in the construction of the first Government House and many more fine buildings. He and Sarah Bellamy had 8 children, 4 of whom survived infancy. James became a Sergeant in the Sydney Loyal Association in 1802. In 1803 he was offered employment in Van Dieman’s Land because of his building skills but he rejected the offer. He died on 21st March 1804 and was given a Police Funeral.
The next family is that of Colin Warn. He is descended from Peter Hibbs, a sailor who arrived on the “Sirius” and Mary Pardoe, a convict girl who arrived on the “Juliana” on 3rd June 1790 as part of the Second Fleet. Peter was Master of the “Norfolk” when Matthew Flinders circumnavigated Tasmania. Flinders named several places in Tasmania after Peter. Peter bought and sold several farms. In 1828 the couple were still living together on their 60 acre farm. They had 7 children and the Warns are descended from Sarah who was born in 1806.
If there are other descendents living in Helensburgh I would be pleased to hear from them. Any enquiries please phone Betty Warn on 4294 2735.
Helensburgh Women’s Bowling Club
By Beatrice Gallagher
The winners of our competitions for this year are as follows:
Major Singles: Shirley Cassidy Runner Up: Carol Dixon
Minor Singles: Beatrice Gallagher Runner Up: Elaine Smith
Consistency: Lenore Bartlem Runner Up: June Killham
Congratulations to each of these ladies and to all the ladies taking part - it is your participation and friendship that makes Tuesdays a great day out!
With the green out of action, our bowling has been restricted to visiting other clubs. Our thanks to Rhonda Christie with her Bowls Organiser hat on, for arranging the teams and completing the paper work required.
28 Sep: Janet, Joan, Elaine, Judith, June K, and Rhonda enjoyed the hospitality of Thirroul Bowling Club.
20 Oct: Shirley, Lenore, June K, Rhonda, Judith, Helen, Elaine and Carol entered 3 teams in the triples competition held at Woonona. We were made very welcome and had great company throughout the day. All the ladies played well, losing out only by a few points.
26 Oct: Two teams of 4 set off to Fairymeadow Bowling Club in dreadful weather to take part in their Gala Day. Unfortunately it rained all morning and, after an early lunch it was decided to have a go at some bowls. Despite the rain, wind and snow (well it seemed like it!!) we played 15 ends, experiencing our first away wins and went home tired but very happy.
28 Oct: Judith, Wendy, Joan, Helen, June K and Rhonda went off to Berkeley Bowling Club. With last minute withdrawals from Shirley and Carol, 2 very nice ladies from Berkeley were happy to join our teams. The ladies were attacked by a million flying ants who decided the bowling green would make a wonderful new home! Helen, Joan and Wendy had to play against a gold pennant winning team but they certainly put up a good fight. The other team also had a loss but played well.
10 Nov: Scarborough Bowling Club invited us to play with them against Berkeley Bowling Club. Six ladies were glad to accept this offer. The Scarborough put on a wonderful home made spread for morning tea. After 18 ends we, as part of the Scarborough team, were happy to win the day.
13 Nov: Our Mad Hatters social night. What a great time!!! A special THANKS to Phil - he excelled in providing a magnificent meal – five stars service, with nothing a problem! There was a great deal of noise and frivolity as we played the Celebrity Game, and in fine form Lenore Bartlem won the Trivia contest. Phil happily gave his time to judge the best “Mad Hat” with the winning gift voucher awarded to Lindsay Christie.
Everyone is most appreciative of the effort Rhonda Christie puts in to make these social nights happen.
We are all looking forward to our Christmas Party, and hopefully the green will be ready to play on the next month.
Many thanks also to our President, Shirley Cassidy, Secretary Lenore Bartlem, Treasurer Wendy Britten, Catering Officer Carol Dixon for their effort throughout the year and to all the bowlers who make up our club. Another thanks to Rhonda who kept me informed of what was going on while I was away and working.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy 2010.
If there are any ladies out there wishing to socialise while enjoying some moderate exercise, joining our band might just suit in 2010! Contact Lenore on 4294 1472 with any enquiries.
The club extends their deepest sympathies to Shirley Barnett after the loss of her husband.
The winners of our competitions for this year are as follows:
Major Singles: Shirley Cassidy Runner Up: Carol Dixon
Minor Singles: Beatrice Gallagher Runner Up: Elaine Smith
Consistency: Lenore Bartlem Runner Up: June Killham
Congratulations to each of these ladies and to all the ladies taking part - it is your participation and friendship that makes Tuesdays a great day out!
With the green out of action, our bowling has been restricted to visiting other clubs. Our thanks to Rhonda Christie with her Bowls Organiser hat on, for arranging the teams and completing the paper work required.
28 Sep: Janet, Joan, Elaine, Judith, June K, and Rhonda enjoyed the hospitality of Thirroul Bowling Club.
20 Oct: Shirley, Lenore, June K, Rhonda, Judith, Helen, Elaine and Carol entered 3 teams in the triples competition held at Woonona. We were made very welcome and had great company throughout the day. All the ladies played well, losing out only by a few points.
26 Oct: Two teams of 4 set off to Fairymeadow Bowling Club in dreadful weather to take part in their Gala Day. Unfortunately it rained all morning and, after an early lunch it was decided to have a go at some bowls. Despite the rain, wind and snow (well it seemed like it!!) we played 15 ends, experiencing our first away wins and went home tired but very happy.
28 Oct: Judith, Wendy, Joan, Helen, June K and Rhonda went off to Berkeley Bowling Club. With last minute withdrawals from Shirley and Carol, 2 very nice ladies from Berkeley were happy to join our teams. The ladies were attacked by a million flying ants who decided the bowling green would make a wonderful new home! Helen, Joan and Wendy had to play against a gold pennant winning team but they certainly put up a good fight. The other team also had a loss but played well.
10 Nov: Scarborough Bowling Club invited us to play with them against Berkeley Bowling Club. Six ladies were glad to accept this offer. The Scarborough put on a wonderful home made spread for morning tea. After 18 ends we, as part of the Scarborough team, were happy to win the day.
13 Nov: Our Mad Hatters social night. What a great time!!! A special THANKS to Phil - he excelled in providing a magnificent meal – five stars service, with nothing a problem! There was a great deal of noise and frivolity as we played the Celebrity Game, and in fine form Lenore Bartlem won the Trivia contest. Phil happily gave his time to judge the best “Mad Hat” with the winning gift voucher awarded to Lindsay Christie.
Everyone is most appreciative of the effort Rhonda Christie puts in to make these social nights happen.
We are all looking forward to our Christmas Party, and hopefully the green will be ready to play on the next month.
Many thanks also to our President, Shirley Cassidy, Secretary Lenore Bartlem, Treasurer Wendy Britten, Catering Officer Carol Dixon for their effort throughout the year and to all the bowlers who make up our club. Another thanks to Rhonda who kept me informed of what was going on while I was away and working.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy 2010.
If there are any ladies out there wishing to socialise while enjoying some moderate exercise, joining our band might just suit in 2010! Contact Lenore on 4294 1472 with any enquiries.
The club extends their deepest sympathies to Shirley Barnett after the loss of her husband.
Sunday Social Golf Club
By Vick ‘The Hair’ Little
Merry Xmas to all the “Happy Gilmore Golfers”. It’s hard to believe that another year has passed and Santa will be coming down our chimneys! What a great year we’ve had. Every month and a different to fight for. A year of Matchplay which was won by Dave Green, survival ball is another experience which is nerve racking.
We’re very lucky to be supported by great people by providing great prizes and trophies. Robyn Doherty donates her time and gifts for the ‘Joe Doherty Cup’ and the Norm Bell Plate. A big thank you to you guys!
All clubs take a lot of organization and there are so many things to be done. We have a great support team that makes our club what it is, also a golf trip that the boys go on at the end of the year “Boys Time Out”. We wouldn’t want to be there anyway girls! I think it would be very ugly at the end of the day.
Xmas golf in December will be followed by the presentation day and party where our families come along which is great to meet all the partners and kids. I’m looking forward to another great year of stirring, laughing, bbqs, drinks and most of all, golf.
See you next year!
Merry Xmas to all the “Happy Gilmore Golfers”. It’s hard to believe that another year has passed and Santa will be coming down our chimneys! What a great year we’ve had. Every month and a different to fight for. A year of Matchplay which was won by Dave Green, survival ball is another experience which is nerve racking.
We’re very lucky to be supported by great people by providing great prizes and trophies. Robyn Doherty donates her time and gifts for the ‘Joe Doherty Cup’ and the Norm Bell Plate. A big thank you to you guys!
All clubs take a lot of organization and there are so many things to be done. We have a great support team that makes our club what it is, also a golf trip that the boys go on at the end of the year “Boys Time Out”. We wouldn’t want to be there anyway girls! I think it would be very ugly at the end of the day.
Xmas golf in December will be followed by the presentation day and party where our families come along which is great to meet all the partners and kids. I’m looking forward to another great year of stirring, laughing, bbqs, drinks and most of all, golf.
See you next year!
Recipes for Recovery
By Tanya Pepper, Stanwell Park Physiotherapy
Here are some quick tips of do’s and don’ts for looking after you back over the festive season.
Do
• Regular exercise.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Think before you lift. Avoid bending and twisting of your back.
• Be posture aware.
• Take regular breaks at least every hour to change the position of your joints and loosen your muscles.
Don’t
• Slouch in chairs or in the car.
• Sit for long periods without a break.
• Stand badly.
• Lift incorrectly.
• Become overweight and unfit.
• Generally overdo an activity.
Look after your spine and the world will be fine.
Here are some quick tips of do’s and don’ts for looking after you back over the festive season.
Do
• Regular exercise.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Think before you lift. Avoid bending and twisting of your back.
• Be posture aware.
• Take regular breaks at least every hour to change the position of your joints and loosen your muscles.
Don’t
• Slouch in chairs or in the car.
• Sit for long periods without a break.
• Stand badly.
• Lift incorrectly.
• Become overweight and unfit.
• Generally overdo an activity.
Look after your spine and the world will be fine.
Coalcliff SLSC
We have had a fantastic start to the season with all our nippers enjoying their time at the beach. A big welcome and thanks to all our patrolling members - past and present - who have once again offered their support and vigilance to protect this small but highly valued beach during the summer period.
A special big thank you must also go out to our superb Club Captain Rob Deacon who has done an awesome job in organising our patrols so that no patrol will suffer from patrol burnout.
We have a small group of nippers competing at the Sydney Water Carnivals who have done the club proud by competing to the best of their ability and achieving some great results with everyone improving every time they compete and having lots of fun in the process!
On January 31st at 11am, Coalcliff Surf Club will be hosting what we hope will become an annual event ‘The Rod Stevens Beach to Bridge Board Paddle’. This event is being held to commemorate the life of one of our most diligent patrol members who had a passion for board paddling. It's a non-competitive 'paddle' using rescue boards and mals and the 'race' is open to bronze holders from Coalcliffe, Helensburgh-Stanwell Park, Scarborought Wombarra Surf Lifesaving Clubs. Entry is only $5 with proceeds going to the NSW Cancer Council. The day will conclude with our twilight nippers, great live music and a B-B-Q . We think it will be a great day so come along and join in. Inquiries about the event can be made to:
Rob Deacon at deaconnolly@hotmail.com
or Barry Allan at barryaa@bigpond.net.au
We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable time at the beach over the summer.
A special big thank you must also go out to our superb Club Captain Rob Deacon who has done an awesome job in organising our patrols so that no patrol will suffer from patrol burnout.
We have a small group of nippers competing at the Sydney Water Carnivals who have done the club proud by competing to the best of their ability and achieving some great results with everyone improving every time they compete and having lots of fun in the process!
On January 31st at 11am, Coalcliff Surf Club will be hosting what we hope will become an annual event ‘The Rod Stevens Beach to Bridge Board Paddle’. This event is being held to commemorate the life of one of our most diligent patrol members who had a passion for board paddling. It's a non-competitive 'paddle' using rescue boards and mals and the 'race' is open to bronze holders from Coalcliffe, Helensburgh-Stanwell Park, Scarborought Wombarra Surf Lifesaving Clubs. Entry is only $5 with proceeds going to the NSW Cancer Council. The day will conclude with our twilight nippers, great live music and a B-B-Q . We think it will be a great day so come along and join in. Inquiries about the event can be made to:
Rob Deacon at deaconnolly@hotmail.com
or Barry Allan at barryaa@bigpond.net.au
We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable time at the beach over the summer.
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