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LET’S CONNECT

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WORKS BEGIN AT KIRKHAM PARK BMX FACILITY

SEE PAGE 5

THE CAMDEN EDITION OF MONOPOLY IS NOW READY TO PURCHASE

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COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER EDITION FOUR 2019 NEW

AUSTRALIA DAY PROGRAM TIMES

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MAYOR’S MESSAGE Welcome to the fourth edition of Let’s Connect. As we see the end of 2019 fast approaching and prepare to welcome in the new year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Camden community for their support. I have thoroughly enjoyed representing you as the Mayor of Camden and look forward to the exciting events and occasions in 2020.

It was fantastic to see so many of you out and about throughout the annual Camden Festival. Our team takes pride in celebrating the best our area has to offer and this was another successful Festival with thousands turning out over the month of September.

Council has continued its dedication to delivering high standard infrastructure projects and I am excited to say the Curry Reserve Water Play Space new amenities block is now in full operation. The fully accessible change facilities at Curry Reserve including an adult hoist is a fantastic addition to one of our most popular parks.

In December, I will host an event thanking our many volunteers who dedicate their time to the Camden community. Without the support of volunteers, a large number of community events would not be possible.

Together with my fellow Councillors and staff, I am looking forward to celebrating the end of the year and working hard for the community into 2020.

Theresa FedeliMayor of Camden

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

COUNCIL HELPS PINK UP YOUR TOWNDuring the month of October, Council worked with Space Real Estate and Oran Park Town to Pink Up Oran Park in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to raise money for the McGrath Foundation. The initiative raised more than $25,000 which was donated to the McGrath Foundation and will go to funding McGrath Breast Care Nurses who provide invaluable support and care to women and men experiencing breast cancer. To promote this initiative, Council:• PlantedpinkflowersinroundaboutslocatedinCamden and Mount Annan;• Plantedpinkflowersintheplanterboxeslocatedin Argyle Street and around Council’s Administration Building and Oran Park Library;• Hostedastaffmorningteawherestaffraisedmorethan $800;• Installed a pink ribbon above the entry doors to Council’s Administration Building;• Encouraged local businesses to dress up their shop fronts pink;• Together with Oran Park Town, installed light pole banners along Central Avenue and Dairy Street, Oran Park; and • Dedicated one waste truck to be permanently wrapped in pink with breast cancer awareness messaging.

THE CAMDEN EDITION OF MONOPOLY IS NOW READY TO PURCHASEThe wait is over! The very first Camden edition of Monopoly is now available to purchase.

2,000 copies of the game were printed and launched recently at the Jacaranda Festival in Camden on 23 November.

The game, which is available to purchase for $60 from Camden Council’s Administration Building, Oran Park, Camden and Narellan Libraries and the Camden Visitor Information Centre, raises money for Lifeline Macarthur and the Camden Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee.

Thank you to the following sponsors for their involvement and for supporting this exciting initiative:

Gold:• Narellan Town Centre;• The Hermitage, Gledswood Hills;• Camden Meals on Wheels; • Plus Fitness; and • Camden Council.

Silver:• Camden Hire;• The Mac Credit Union; and • Century 21 – The Paramount Group.

Bronze:• Grimes Finance and Mortgages; • Harrington Estates;• Narellan Carpet Court; and • Clintons Toyota.

Purchase your copy today and check out the 22 local locations featured on the board.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE OUR COMMUNITY

THOUSANDS REVEL IN ANNUAL CAMDEN FESTIVALThe annual Camden Festival was another great success with thousands of people visiting the Camden area throughout September.

The biggest Festival ever included mainstay events, Cinema Under the Stars and Picnic in the Park as well as the brand new event, Backyard Bash.

TASTE Camden saw more than 15,000 people and almost 100 stalls at Camden Town Farm with celebrity chef ‘Fast Ed’ Halmagyi cooking up a storm at his live cooking demonstrations.

SmoothFM’s Produce Lane and Sweet Street also brought in large crowds at TASTE Camden, continuing the growth of Camden’s most popular event of the year.

Camden Festival Dates for 2020 will be listed on Council’s website in the coming months. For more information, visit camdenfestival.com.au

For galleries from each Camden Festival event, go to www.facebook.com/camdencouncil

CHRISTMAS OPERATING PERIODThe Camden Council Administration Building will be open throughout the Christmas period with the exception of public holidays.

Essential services will continue to operate during this time including waste collection.

Council’s after-hours phone service will be available on 4654 7777.

TheMayor,CouncillorsandCamdenCouncilstaffwish our residents a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

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DOG EXERCISE AT OFF-LEASHPARKSRegular off-leash exercise helps dogs relieve boredom, release energy and stay fit and healthy.

It may also reduce unwanted behaviour including excessive barking.

Takeyourfurryfriendtooneofeightoff-leashdogparks run by Camden Council including:

• Bicentennial Equestrian Park, Camden

• Rosevale Reserve, Narellan;

• River Road Reserve, Elderslie;

• Burrell Road, Spring Farm;

• Clifton Park, Arcadian Hills Estate, Clifton Drive, Cobbitty;

• Silverton Street, Gregory Hills;

• Holden Drive, Oran Park; and

• Howard Loop, Oran Park.

GARDEN COMPETITION WINNERSProud gardeners and passionate green thumbs from across the Camden area showed Council their finest work in October.

More than 30 amateurs who love to potter and seasoned garden experts alike entered their yards, plots and patios

in Council’s annual Garden Competition. The winners and runnersupwereselectedbyacclaimedflorist,CecilyRogers,taking home more than $5,000 in prizes.

For details on next year’s competition, visit camden.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Garden Competition’.

OUR COMMUNITY

For a full gallery of 2019 Garden Competition winners, go to www.facebook.com/camdencouncil

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OUR COMMUNITY MAJOR PROJECTS

WORKS BEGIN AT KIRKHAM PARK BMX FACILITY Work has begun on the new Kirkham Park BMX Facility.

The new facility will be located on the corner of Camden Valley Way and Hilder Street in Elderslie on the site of the old Camden and District Netball Association Netball courts.

Construction of the site will include:

• 5m start hill;

• Access ramps;

• Lighting;

• Timing and scoring system; and

• A main racetrack for club, state and national BMX events.

The $1.6 million project is expected to be completed in early 2020.

CURRY RESERVE AMENITIES BUILDING COMPLETECurry Reserve Water Play Space is now complete after the opening of the new all abilities amenities building recently.

The new wheelchair-accessible change facility includes an adult hoist and new toilet, shower and change room amenities. It wasbuiltinlinewithChangingPlacesAustraliaspecifications,whichmeansitistheCamdenarea’sfirstfullyaccessiblepublictoilet. Council will be seeking accreditation for this facility later this year, which would be recognised internationally.

It’s the perfect addition to an already well-loved space, ready just in time for summer.

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WET WHEELCHAIRS NOW AVAILABLE FOR USEThree wet wheelchairs are now available for use at Curry Reserve Water Play Space.

The small, medium and large chairs are all terrain wheelchairs designed by a team of specialist paramedics and tested and approved by people with restricted mobility.

Tohireawetwheelchair,residentscanfillinahire and indemnity form at www.camden.nsw.gov.au or call 4654 7777.

GET INVOLVEDOUR COMMUNITY

CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITYCome along, meet new people and have a chat with service providers and try to learn something new in a location near you with Café Connect.

The initiative is open to those aged over 55 and is a one stop shop providing older people with information about health, services and social connections.

The upcoming Café Connect events will be:

Woodland Walk and PlantBank ScienceWhere: Australian Botanic GardenWhen: Tuesday 10 March, 2020 - 10am

Tai Chi ClassWhere: Oran Park LibraryWhen: Thursday 12 March, 2020 - 10am

Introduction to TechnologyWhere: Narellan LibraryWhen: Thursday 11 June, 2020 – 10am

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GET INVOLVED

NATURE AT ITS BESTCamden Town Farm, in Exeter street is open to the public for passive enjoyment and for private hire for functions and events.

Take a stroll on the 2.5km Miss Llewella Davies walkway, enjoy the open grass parkland, admire the historic farm buildings including the restored barn, charming milking parlour and other outbuildings. Take in the views across the lagoon to the proud windmill and vistas beyond to the Nepean River and Blue Mountains. Visitors can also pop into the adjoining Camden Community Gardens.

With uninterrupted views across the historic Cowpastures to the Nepean River and beyond, Camden Town Farm can also be hired for weddings, christenings, parties, family reunions or other celebrations.

CamdenTownFarmofferseitheraprivatecoveredvenueoropenspace for a grand marquee with private facilities also included.

For further information, go to www.camdentownfarm.com.au

OUR COMMUNITYPET AWARENESS AND SAFETY PROGRAM CROWNEDPAW-FECTCouncil’s Pet Awareness and Safety Program (PAWS) was named Community Education and Outreach Program of the year at the Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards ceremony in September.

Theprogram,whichlaunchedin2014,hasfivemaingoals:

1. Educate pet owners, and children, on being responsible pet owners;

2. Decrease the amount of companion animals entering our animal care facility;

3. Reduce the rate of euthanasia;

4. Increase the adoption of kittens, cats and dogs at our animal care facility; and

5. Reduce the number of companion animals sent to rescue organisations.

Since its inception, companion animal seizures are down by 42 per cent and euthanasia down by almost 80 per cent, while adoptions were up 13 per cent, among others.

For information on how to be a responsible pet owner, visit camden.nsw.gov.au/pets

ANZAC DAY 2020The Camden RSL Sub Branch will be conducting services to commemorate the 105th Anniversary of the Landing at Gallipoli. The community are invited to attend services being held a variety of locations including:

23 April

• 10.30am - Camden Downs Retirement Villeage ANZAC Service.

24 April

• 10.30am - Carrington Centennial Care ANZAC Day Service.

• 2.30pm - Wivenhoe Retirement Village, 6 Hollyhock Avenue, Cobbitty.

25 April

• 5.15am - Camden RSL Sub Branch Dawn Service, Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park Memorial Site, Cawdor Road, Camden.

• 10am - Main ANZAC Day March and Community Service, Argyle Street, Camden.

For more information, call 0419 925 294.

Camden Council Environment and Regulatory Services Manager Sam Gill, Companion Animal Rangers Michelle Gallo and Ranger Services Team

Leader Renee Galainitis accept the award.

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OUR COMMUNITYSUSTAINABILITYRECYCLING DROP OFF RETURNS IN 2020Residents have the chance to get rid of extra recycling waste generated after the festive season with a special recycling drop off event planned.

CouncilishostingthefirstRecyclingDropOffDayof2020onSaturday4 January, 9am-3.30pm, at 5 Millwood Avenue, Narellan.

Materials that would normally be collected in yellow-lid bins, such as paper, cardboard, cards, wrapping paper, plastic bottles and containers, cans and glass bottles, will be accepted at the free recyclingdropoffday.

For more information, visit camden.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Recycling DropOff’.

GET RID OF YOUR CHEMICALSResidents have the chance to dispose of their household chemicals safely and environmentally friendly at Council’s annual Household Chemical CleanOut event on Sunday 2 February, 2020, 9am-3.30pm at Council’s Works Depot at 5 Millwood Avenue, Narellan.

Quantities of the following household chemicals and items – up to a maximum of 20 litres or 20 kilograms of a single item are acceptable:• Solvents and household cleaners;• Floor care products;• Ammonia-based cleaners;• Pesticides and herbicides;• Poisons;• Pool chemicals;• Hobby chemicals;• Motor fuels;• Fluorescent globes and tubes;• Acids and alkalis;• Smoke detectors;• Paint and paint-related products;• Gas bottles;• Fire extinguishers;

• Car and household batteries; and

• Motor oils and cooking oils.

For more information on the Household Chemical CleanOut, go to www.camden.nsw.gov.au

WATER RESTRICTIONS ARE NOW IN PLACELevel 1 water restrictions are now in place and apply to everyone in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra. Water restrictions limit how and when we use drinking water outdoors and apply to residents and businesses.

Togetherwecanmakeabigdifferenceandhelppreservewater by making the following changes:

• Use a hand-held trigger nozzle to water established lawns and gardens before 10am and after 4pm;

• Water new turf for a week after its delivery;

• Wash vehicles using a bucket and a hand-held trigger nozzle (on the lawn if possible); and

• Spot clean hard surfaces for health, safety and emergency reasons only.

Fines of $220 apply to individuals and $550 for businesses for not following the restrictions.

For more information, visit sydneywater.com.au

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CAN YOUR LIBRARY FINESWaiving your overdue library fines has never been easier with the Can Your Library Fines initiative coming back in early 2020.

Return your overdue library items from 6 January - 14 February to Camden, Narellan or Oran Park Libraries and donate items such as cans of food, non-perishable food, as well as 8-ply knitting wool to waive your fees.

For more information, call 4645 5039.

LEARN TO DRIVE IN MACARTHURLearner drivers are in for a treat with the quarterly Learner Log Book Run on offer again in 2020.

The Log Book Run event is an organised drive based on a route from the booklet which learner drivers and their supervisors are invited to attend.

The Learner Log Book Run provides:

• A structured day including orientation, breath testing, license, registration and vehicle checks, pit stops, check points, morning tea and lunch;

• Map and instructions;

• Covert and overt speed monitoring;

• Police involvement;

• Windowmountedflagsandwindowmountedcar numbersforeasyidentificationofparticipants;

• Staggered start to avoid large groups of learners in one place;

• Emergency contact numbers and Tail Vehicle for added safety; and

• The opportunity for participants to meet, talk with and learn from other Learner Drivers and Supervisors.

The next Log Book Run event will be held on Sunday 22 March, 2020. Bookings are essential and can be made by contactingCouncil’sCommunityRoadSafetyOfficeron4654 7777.

OUR COMMUNITYSUSTAINABILITY

KEEP THE FAMILY SAFE Have your child seat fitted for free at Council’s next Child Restraint Fitting and Checking Day in March 2020.

Four free sessions are available per year where you can have all your child car restraints, harnesses and booster seatscheckedforsafetyandcorrectfit.

The next event will be held on Thursday 19 March, 2020 with bookings to be taken from January. Bookings are essential and open to Camden residents only.

To book, contact Council on 4654 7777.

EVENTS

REGISTER FOR CAMDEN’S KIDS TRYATHLONCamden’s second Sanitarium Weet-Bix TRYathlon is just around the corner after the success of the inaugural event this year.

This year’s event saw more than 700 participants aged 7-15 years old swimming, cycling and running through the Camden area.

The TRYathlon will be held on Sunday 1 March 2020 at Onslow Oval,withcheck-inkickingoffat6.30amforan8.30amstart.Children of all abilities are encouraged to participate in the event, which involves:

• A swim in the Camden War Memorial Pool – 75 metres for participants aged 7-10 years and 150 metres for 11-15 years;

• A cycle through closed suburban streets – three kilometres for 7-10 years and six kilometres for 11-15 years; and

•ArunthroughthefinisharchatOnslowOval–500metresfor 7-10 years and one kilometre for 11-15 years.

All participants will receive a medal, with bikes and prize packs up for grabs on the day.

To register, go to tryathlon.com.au

CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA DAY IN CAMDENCelebrate Australia Day in Camden with a fun-filled Australiana themed street party on Sunday 26 January 2020.

Bring the family and enjoy free activities in John Street from 9am including:

• Face painting;

• Jumping castles;

• Thong throwing competition;

• Roaming entertainment;

• Stalls; and

• Live music.

Don’t miss the show-stopping Macarthur Lions Street Parade along Argyle Street from 10am featuring a varietyoffloats,semi-trailertrucks,vintagecarsandcommunity groups.

The Thanksgiving Service will be held at Camden Civic Centre from 8.15am followed by the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony from 11.15am.

For more information, visit Council’s website camden.nsw.gov.au or phone 4654 7777.

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WHAT’S ON

DECINTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY FUN DAY5 DECEMBERCurry Reserve Water Play Space2pm-6pm

FEBCHEMICAL CLEANOUT2 FEBRUARY5 Millwood Ave, Narellan9am-3.30pm Ph. 4654 7777

SKATEBOARDING CLINIC14 DECEMBERKirkham Skate Park, 10am-12pm

JAN RECYCLING DROP OFF 4 JANUARY5 Millwood Ave, Narellan, 9am-3.30pm Ph. 4654 7777

INFO For details on these and other events call Council on 4654 7777 or visit the ‘What’s On’ section at

COOL OFF IN CAMDENFree pool entry for young people aged 12-18 throughout JanuaryPh. 4654 7777

www.camden.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

AUSTRALIA DAY IN CAMDEN 26 JANUARY9am-2pmPh. 4654 7777

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Cobbitty

Bringelly

Rossmore

Leppington

Catherine FieldOran

Park

Gledswood Hills

Gregory Hills

Smeaton Grange

Currans Hill

Mount Annan

Spring Farm

Camden South

CawdorBickley Vale

Grasmere Camden

Narellan

Harrington Park

Kirkham

Ellis Lane

NarellanValeElderslie

CONTACT YOUR COUNCILFor more information about Camden Council’s services, visit Council’s customer service desk at the administration building, Oran Park 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. You can also phone on 4654 7777 or visit camden.nsw.gov.au

CAMDEN COUNCIL

COUNCILLORS

CouncillorPeter Sidgreaves0417 449 929 cr.sidgreaves@camden.nsw.gov.au

CouncillorPaul Farrow0419 754 192cr.farrow@ camden.nsw.gov.au

CouncillorEva Campbell0419 638 733cr.campbell@ camden.nsw.gov.au

SOUTH WARD

Deputy MayorRob Mills0428 721 321cr.mills@camden.nsw.gov.au

CouncillorAshleigh Cagney0427 406 434cr.acagney@camden.nsw.gov.au

MayorTheresa Fedeli0419 180 183 cr.fedeli@camden.nsw.gov.au

CENTRAL WARD

/camdencouncil

CouncillorLara Symkowiak0413 485 142larasym@gmail.com

CouncillorCindy Cagney0428 680 840cr.ccagney@camden.nsw.gov.au

CouncillorMichael Morrison0419 147 810cr.morrison@ camden.nsw.gov.au

NORTH WARD