Tuesday 21 June 2016

Community Building Grants, Ending Puppy Farms, ANZAC Obelisk, Forgotten Australians Day, Speaking of Freedom, Outstanding Short Stories, SGLBA Canapés and Paddington Market Dog Show

Community Building Grants

Local community groups can apply for capital grants to build, upgrade or buy community facilities. The Sydney electorate has $200,000 allocated and I will help assess and recommend projects for funding. Applications close 22 July – check now if this can help your group.

The 2015 grants went to Pyrmont Heritage Boating Club, Mission Australia Centre Surry Hills, Sydney Writers' Festival’s Russ the Bus, Holdsworth Street Community Centre Woollahra, Sydney Jewish Museum and Oasis Youth Support Service. Information is HERE.  

Ending Puppy Farms

The government’s February response to the Joint Select Committee on Companion Animal Breeding Practices in NSW did not agree to recommendations to licence all breeders but did commit to a new register system that ensures all breeders’ details are captured and linked to the animals they breed. If implemented properly, a new register can help stop cruel puppy farms. I asked questions in Parliament on the system’s progress and for it to be publicly available. My question is HERE. 

Anzac Parade Obelisk

The 1917 Anzac Parade obelisk was removed in October 2014 for restoration and relocation due to construction of the Tibby Cotter Bridge. It is unclear whether it has been restored or where it will be located and I have asked the roads minister for details and about returning it to Moore Park east – close to where it was taken and connecting with its Anzac heritage. My question is HERE.  

Forgotten Australians Day

Lord Mayor Clover Moore will launch the National Day of Action for Forgotten Australians at 2pm on Sunday 26 June at Sydney Square. ‘Forgotten Australians’ refers to the victims and survivors of physical, psychological and sexual abuse while children in institutional care. The day of action brings attention to those who suffered in institutional care and calls for a National Redress Scheme. Come out to show your support and tie a ribbon on the ‘Loud Fence’. Details HERE. 

Speaking of Freedom

The Asylum Seekers Centre and City of Sydney host a Refugee Week event to celebrate the contribution of refugees and asylum seekers with experts Deng Adut, Peter Young, John Menadue, Sarah Coleman and Desire Ndisabiye, at Lower Sydney Town Hall 6.30-8pm Wednesday 22 June. Bookings HERE.

Outstanding Short Stories

Yesterday I launched the 2016 OutStanding Short Story Competition, Australia’s premier LGBTIQ creative writing event. This year’s theme is ‘Open’, entries close on 1 September and I look forward to seeing the winners on 25 September. Details at www.outstandingstories.net.

SGLBA Long Table Canapés

Join the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association for canapés and networking for people wanting to grow their business at Macquarie Bank 50 Martin Place Sydney at 5.45pm Wednesday 29 June. Details HERE.

Paddington Market Dog Show

Long time animal lover Lord Mayor Clover Moore will open the dog show at Paddington Market at 12pm Saturday 25 June at 395 Oxford Street, Paddington. Registration from 11.30am, register HERE.