Council Meeting
Wednesday, 3 June 2020 at 6:30pm
Cumberland City Council Chambers
Merrylands Service Centre, 16 Memorial Avenue, Merrylands
Council Meeting
Wednesday, 3 June 2020 at 6:30pm
Cumberland City Council Chambers
Merrylands Service Centre, 16 Memorial Avenue, Merrylands
Councillor Contact Details
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Granville Ward |
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Clr Steve Christou (Mayor) |
0419 651 187 |
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Clr Ola Hamed |
0405 070 007 |
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Clr Joseph Rahme |
0418 995 471 |
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Greystanes Ward |
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Clr Greg Cummings |
0417 612 717 |
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Clr Eddy Sarkis (Deputy Mayor) |
0418 306 918 |
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Vacant |
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Regents Park Ward |
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Clr Ned Attie |
0419 583 254 |
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Clr George Campbell |
0409 233 315 |
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Clr Kun Huang |
0418 911 774 |
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South Granville Ward |
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Clr Glenn Elmore |
0418 459 527 |
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Clr Paul Garrard |
0414 504 504 |
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Clr Tom Zreika |
0400 805 303 |
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Wentworthville Ward |
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Clr Lisa Lake |
0418 669 681 |
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Clr Suman Saha |
0419 546 950 |
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Clr Michael Zaiter |
0418 432 797 |
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For information on Council services and facilities please visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Council Meeting
3 June 2020
MM06/20-31 Mayoral Minute - Council's Support and Commitment to Mens Sheds...................................................................... 5
MM06/20-32 Mayoral Minute - Progressing Prospect Hill Project............. 7
3 June 2020
Item No: MM06/20-31
Mayoral Minute - Council's support and commitment to Mens Sheds
Author: Mayor Steve Christou
File Number: SC486
Summary
Over the course of the past week, I have been honoured to visit some of the local Mens Sheds operating out of Council owned buildings, and I have witnessed first hand the vital work being undertaken by these groups for our community.
A Men’s Shed is a place where new skills are learnt and shared across wood and metal work, arts and crafts, gardening, the use of technology as well as simply by being together in a special place to socialise and share experiences.
The sense of a persons loss of worth once becoming retired or sudden loss of employment or break down of a marriage is replaced with the renewed opportunity to find something fulfilling, as well as the opportunity to create a partnership with other community groups that serve the wider community and enhance many other’s lives.
Suicide is also a real issue amongst all groups, particularly men. There is a lack of assistance available to men going through mental illnesses when compared to other groups, and also a lack of willingness of men to come out and address their issues. I believe this is due to the stigma associated with men speaking out. Mens sheds are one such avenue where these issues can be addressed, but also where valuable community initiatives are undertaken.
The importance of our local Mens Shed operations has become increasingly critical as a result of Covid-19. Many more Australians have suffered employment loss, lost their livelihoods and are experiencing heightened levels of stress, which in many cases results in some form of mental illness developing.
Having a local Mens Shed to go to and experience camaraderie, support and renew ones self fulfilment is crucially important to the Cumberland community. I am a big believer that these facilities save lives and provide significant benefit to our community.
Council has continually supported our local Mens Shed operations, and I note that these groups have been successful in obtaining some level of community grants previously from Council.
I would like to extend some further support to these groups who are experiencing significant challenges during Covid-19 in maintaining their operations.
Therefore Councillors, I am recommending the following:
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That Council agree to waive all future lease charges for Mens Sheds operating out of Cumberland City Council owned buildings. |
Attachments
Nil
Council Meeting
3 June 2020
Item No: MM06/20-32
Mayoral Minute - Progressing Prospect Hill Project
Author: Mayor Steve Christou
File Number: SC486
Summary
Prospect Hill forms a natural vantage point which is significant to indigenous cultural values as well as for early European explorers Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson who crossed the Blue Mountains in 1813. Forming one of the highest points between the coast and the Blue Mountains, the hill provides a unique 360 degree panoramic view across the greater Sydney area.
Prospect Hill is also significant to early interactions between Aboriginal people and European settlers. The hill is also associated with Aboriginal frontier warfare during the early days of the colony, and importantly as the site of one of the first Aboriginal/ European reconciliation meetings held in 1805 involving Samuel Marsden and Prospect Aboriginal groups. The hill is a place of great significance to the Cannemegal-Warmuli Clan of the Darug Nation who were the traditional custodians of the area prior to the arrival of Europeans.
Today, Prospect Hill is visited by Aboriginal groups for education of school children, and local residents who like to walk there for exercise and to enjoy the view.
At the 20 March 2019 Ordinary Council meeting, Council adopted the Draft Prospect Hill Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan. Following this, Council has been in regular dialogue with Heritage NSW, who has consistently advised Council that the Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan works cannot progress until Council has acquired all parcels of land identified in these documents. Council has been advised that this is required in order to finalise the Conservation Management Plan over the site.
As previously resolved in this Chamber, Council is currently in the process of disposing of a large parcel of land adjoining Prospect Hill at 615A Great Western Highway, Greystanes. The net proceeds of this sale would provide a significant funding source towards the acquisition of the required sites.
Tonight, I am confirming to our Community that this project must and will forge ahead. We are going to make a strong commitment to the NSW Government and in return, we expect their full support in cutting the red tape surrounding this project.
Therefore Councillors, I am recommending the following:
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Recommendation That Council: 1. Note the ongoing dialogue and challenges with Heritage NSW on the delivery of the Prospect Hill project. 2. Agree in principle to commit the net funds from the sale of 615A Great Western Highway, Pemulwuy towards the purchase of the land identified in the Prospect Hill Masterplan on the western side of Prospect Hill that is under private ownership. 3. Ensure that the areas to be purchased are identified on the acquisitions list. 4. Write to the Minister Energy & Environment, notifying him of this Mayoral Minute and requesting his full support to progress this matter. |
Attachments
Nil