Monday 20 March 2017

Opera House Commercialisation, Recognising Seniors, Campbell’s Stores Win, Equal Voices, Douglas Holmes, Youth Parliament and Strata Owners Day

Opera House Commercialisation

The Sydney Opera House is an important entertainment venue, but the community should decide how much commercialisation is too much. Four community celebrations were approved on the forecourt in 2003; last year 99 days a year of ticketed events were approved – without consultation. Heritage experts are alarmed about built structures, clutter and reduced public access. My questions in Parliament push for more transparent management of this state, national and world heritage precinct. My questions are HERE.

Recognising Seniors

My local Seniors Awards are one way to thank and acknowledge the contribution of older people to our community. For 2017, I’ve awarded recognition certificates to:

• the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association for making sure older people understand and can use computers and online communications;  
• Ron Jennings of Pyrmont for service to the community over many years;
• Angela Corvila of Paddington for preparing food and helping neighbours; and
• Mina Batra of The Rocks for work with the UN Association and seniors groups.

Campbell’s Stores Win

The three-storey ‘luxury retail’ building proposed for the site adjacent to the 1850’s Campbell’s Stores on the harbour has been refused on heritage grounds and instead the space will likely have a landscaped terrace for outdoor dining under a glass awning and public seating area. I welcome the change which protects harbour views from The Rocks and integrates with the heritage precinct. The department’s Environmental Assessment Report acknowledged objections from me and the National Trust as well as 112 others. Information is HERE. 

Equal Voices

Congratulations on the launch of a new national ecumenical group of Australian Christians working for churches inclusive of LGBTIQ people on 7pm Monday 3 April at the Pitt Street Uniting Church 264 Pitt Street Sydney. The Hon Michael Kirby will speak and the group will offer a National Apology to LGBTIQ Australians and LGBTIQ Christians. RSVP HERE. Group details, https://equalvoices.org.au/.

Douglas Holmes

In Parliament, I put on record thanks to Douglas Holmes on his retirement for his longstanding work for mental health consumers at St Vincent’s Hospital, and at state and national level bodies developing policy and programs. My statement is HERE.

Youth Parliament

The YMCA Youth Parliament introduces young people to the NSW Parliament and it can create change, with residential camps in July and September including a Youth Sitting Week in Parliament where you develop and debate bills. Details HERE.

Strata Owners Day

The national Strata Owners Australia is holding another day for strata owners on Saturday 25 March at the Sydney Masonic Centre Goulburn Street, with exhibitors and information on electronic voting, green roofing, electric cars and a panel on the new strata laws. Details HERE.