Monday 18 April 2016

Moore Park Win, ANZAC Events, Sydney Marine Park, Stanford House and Strickland House Open

MOORE PARK WIN

Proposals for a new stadium on our precious parklands have been quashed with the Premier announcing that sports stadium funding will go to Homebush and to refurbish the existing SCG stadium.

Moore Park provides essential public open green space to the growing inner city and inner east populations and I welcome government recognition of its value. I also congratulate the parkland advocates who fought the proposal and encourage you to stay linked in with networks to address future threats such as development on SCG land and at the Entertainment Quarter: www.savingmoorepark.com.au

ANZAC EVENTS

ANZAC Day events next Monday commemorate those who fought in our defence. I’ll join Ultimo and Pyrmont residents at Union Square, the Lord Mayor’s reception for the World War II Under 16s and the ANZAC Coloured Diggers March. For details of the ANZAC Day march: http://rslnsw.org.au/commemoration/anzac/

I raised concern on behalf of the Pozières Remembrance Association about the lack of recognition for the 1916 Battle for Pozieres where 7,000 Australian soldiers were killed and 16,000 wounded. The Minister for Veterans Affairs says that the government will now contribute to a memorial park in the French village of Pozières.

SYDNEY MARINE PARK

Sydney Harbour’s magnificent biodiversity must be protected and the government is assessing the benefits of a marine park in the Hawkesbury Shelf. I have been advocating for a Sydney marine park with sanctuary zones to let marine life regenerate and I encourage you to make a submission supporting this model of protection. Submissions have been extended until Sunday 8 May: www.marine.nsw.gov.au/key-initiatives/hawkesbury-shelf-marine-assessment

STANFORD HOUSE

Last week I was pleased to attend the launch of the St Vincent's Hospital Stanford House HIV Homeless and Respite Service Launch, which relocated from Stanmore and will provide short-term supported accommodation for six people living with HIV who have complex health needs, plus outreach follow-up. The event included the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson launching St Vincent’s HIV Future Fund with a fundraising lunch. These programs complement St Vincent’s HIV outpatient and community services as well as their clinical HIV research.

These events remind us that HIV remains a serious health concern that needs research, support, treatment and prevention.

STRICKLAND HOUSE OPEN

Strickland House in Vaucluse, dating from the mid-1800s is open on Sunday 1 May 10am-4pm, with short talks and guided tours at 11am and 2pm. Details: www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/events/events_list/strickland_house_open