22ndJuly 2019 Edition Two. In this edition: Presidents Message,
Jamieson House re-opening,
Scout Group - Annual Fertiliser Drive ,
Sydney Science Festival,
Tree Planting at Observatory Park,
Police Reports,
Special Event at Sydney Aquarium,
STEP Newsletter,
Murray Farm Rd. Bridge.
Message from the President Just
a short message this month on what has been happening in our suburb.
The brothel issue in Beecroft has been raised again by one of our
residents and the Trust has encouraged the resident to contact Hornsby
Council. The Trust is, naturally, very concerned about the issue of
brothels in our area. Logically, they only exist if there is a demand
and also, they are often associated with organised crime. This became
apparent when this matter arose back in November 2017. There
appears to be a problem with the State legislation that controls
brothels. All local councils are in a difficult position where
prosecuting these illegal operations involve lengthy and costly legal
processes. Because a sole operator does not require development consent,
it means an individual can operate virtually anywhere. Personally, I
struggle to understand how our society today allows the current
arrangements to continue.
Finally, the Trust managed to meet with the staff of our recently
elected State Member for Epping, Dominic Perrottet. I would have
preferred a meeting with Dominic of course, hopefully next time. The
issues raised included the lift at Beecroft station, our downgraded
train service, graffiti on the pedestrian bridge, overhead wire bundling
in Hannah Street, State funds for acquiring open space in Byles Creek
and the regeneration of the bushland on the former haulage road behind
Cheltenham Oval. Hopefully we will have some feedback from Dominic’s
office in time for our next eNews.
Jamieson House re-opening as Beecroft House The following information has been provided by our C Ward Hornsby Councillor Emma Heyde. The
former Jamieson House, at the corner of Hannah and York Streets
Beecroft, is to have a new lease of life for a limited period as a
transitional housing for women over 55 in need of affordable
housing. Jamieson House will now be called Beecroft House.
In May 2018, Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) was approached by Twilight
Aged Care with an offer to use their vacant Aged Care Facility
rent-free for two years as transitional housing for women over 55.
Following the approach, WCS undertook a full analysis of the project to
assess its viability, including exploring partnership and funding
options and identified a service model that would include transitional
housing for up to 20 women aged over 55 years, including six to eight
women exiting WCS shelters and 12 to 14 women drawn from the NSW Social
Housing Waitlist.
The project is a unique collaboration between Women’s Community Shelters
(WCS), Link Housing, National Projects and Maintenance, The Generous
and the Grateful and has been made possible with the support of Twilight
Aged Care, the property owners. Since conception, the project partners
have consulted and worked with local Council and relevant community
groups to maximise community support for the project.
Community members and interested parties were invited to a community
information session on the 19th July at the Beecroft Club. There will be
several opportunities where the community can be engaged in the life of
the women in Beecroft House: volunteer painting day, vegetable garden
preparation, sausage sizzle thank you for workers plus ongoing
weekly/monthly support with various activities such as a Wellness and
Sewing program.
Beecroft House proposes to hold an opening day on Friday 9th August.
More details will be provided as they becomes available.
Beecroft Cheltenham Scout Group - Annual Fertiliser Drive The scouts are holding their annual fertiliser drive with deliveries planned for Saturday 17th August
Orders can be placed on their website:CLICK HERE
Contact is Philip Ashley, Group Leader Beecroft Scouts.0417391879
Sydney Science Festival – Pandemic in Parramatta in 1919 One
hundred years ago, after the First World War ended, Australia suffered a
severe outbreak of influenza, commonly known as the Spanish Flu.
Beecroft’s Community Hall and the former Cambria Hall on Beecroft Road
at Epping were both used as inoculation centres. As part of the Sydney
Science Festival, the Parramatta Heritage Centre has organised a talk at
the Parramatta Central library, 1-3 Fitzwilliam St Parramatta, on 14th August 2019 from 6pm. Bookings essential. Cost $5. For further details CLICK HERE
Tree Planting at Observatory Park – Sunday 4th August - Reminder As
part of Hornsby Council’s 25,000 trees by 2020, and to coincide with
National Tree Day, the Trust will be assisting Council in a tree
planting activity at Observatory Park (intersection of Beecroft and
Pennant Hills Roads) on Sunday 4th August from 10am to noon. All welcome. But please RSVP back to the President@bcct2119.com.au
if you intend coming as the number of volunteers has to be
restricted to about 25. Council staff will be providing about 200 trees,
shrubs and grasses for planting in the reserve. Council will be
preparing the holes for planting and the water. All you need to bring is
a pair of gloves and be dressed for gardening.
This year National Tree Day falls on Sunday 28th July, with
National Tree Day for Schools on Friday 26th. Council has teamed
up with Beecroft Public School’s environmental group to plant trees in
Lyne Road Reserve at Cheltenham on the Friday 26th July between 12 noon and 1pm.
On the actual Sunday 28th July, Council has chosen Fagan Park
(Japanese Gardens) at Galston to celebrate the day. This event
will be from 10am till 1pm. Again, bring gloves and wear gardening
attire and Council will provide plants and equipment. No restriction on
numbers and you are welcome to make your visit into a picnic lunch. Food
and drinks are available at the kiosk near the playground. Parking is
free in the overflow car park outside the Park. CLICK HERE for more information.
Latest Police Reports CLICK HERE for
the latest reports. Just a reminder that these reports are
regularly provided by the Ryde Police Area Command which includes the
entire suburbs of Beecroft & Cheltenham.
Special Event at Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife Sydney Zoo –
a Sensory Friendly Experience Every so often MerlinEntertainments sponsors a “Quiet”
morning for Families with children whose special needs would benefit
from a visit to these two attractions without the distraction of loud
noises, bright lights and video display screens.
On Tuesday morning 30th July Merlin’s Magic Wand will be
hosting a quiet sensory session at both the Sydney Aquarium and the
Wildlife Sydney Zoo between 8am and 10am. It is a free event with staff
and contractors volunteering their time. If you feel your child may
benefit from this special event please CLICK HERE for more information. CLICK HERE to email Merlin.
Latest STEP Newsletter The
South Turramurra Environmental Society (STEP) publishes a regular
newsletter. The Society has been operating for many years and has a
reputation of being very professional in its operation.CLICK HERE
to access their latest newsletter. If you are interested in
subscribing, there is a link at the end of the newsletter. New members
are always welcome.
Murray Farm Rd. Bridge over M2 Motorway A
concerned resident has contacted the BCCT seeking help with their
concerns about a letter advising them that the Murray Farm Bridge
advertising sign was soon to be "upgraded". Apart from increased
light pollution other issues such as road noise was raised and advice
was sought about who could be contacted to seek clarification.
The Trusts reply can be viewed HERE.
Annual Memberships for 2019 became due at the
Annual General Meeting in March... CLICK HERE
Keep our two suburbs strong and informed by being a member!
To support or join the Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust, please visit our website. CLICK HERE.The
eNews has become our main method for disseminating information to the
community. Currently we have over 1040 email addresses, up from 900 two
months ago. We encourage residents who receive the eNews to tell
their neighbours and friends. The eNews letter is available to all
who subscribe. Trust Membership is not a requirement.
The eNews archives are available HERE. To subscribe to the eNews: CLICK HERE.The Trust has always had an unwritten policy to assist any resident regardless of their membership status.
