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In this edition: Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust office bearers, Hornsby Council Elections, Autumn walk on May 21

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The Trust committee elects office bearers.

The Trust held its first committee meeting this week and appointed members into various positions.
President:- Ross Walker
Vice President:- Janet Hayes
Treasurer:- Peter Snelgrove
Correspondence Secretary:- Kath Smith
Minutes Secretary:- Trish Brown
Membership:- Brian Shirley
Enews – Brian Shirley
MP Contact:- Peter Snelgrove
Council Contact:- Andrew Vincent
Facebook/Website:- Michael Stove
Bulletin Distribution:- Trish Brown
Bushland:- Ross Walker and Trish Brown

We are fortunate to have an able and diverse team. The committee members not listed in a formal capacity are able to provide assistance when and where required.

Update on the Trust’s website

We hope to have a new website up and running by the end of May. If you want to contact the Trust, residents can use President@2119.org.au

Hornsby Council elections expected to be on September 9 - 2017

As mentioned in our last eNews, the Trust understands that Hornsby Shire will have an election on 9^th September. We are aware that the major parties have already started their candidate selection process. The Trust has been approached by a local resident who is seeking other local residents who are interested in standing as independent councillors. Residents are reminded that the Trust is apolitical and will not support a specific party. The Trust will provide prospective candidates the opportunity to present their views at its traditional ‘Meet the Candidates’ public meeting before the next Council elections. If anyone is interested in standing as an independent please click here for Electoral Office information and click here to contact the local resident.

Update on illegal clearing in Malton Road

It has been three months since the trees on the vacant lots at 87-91 Malton Rd were illegally removed and after repeated requests to Council for an update on proceedings we still do not know what is happening. Initially Council informed residents that the owner would be prosecuted. There were witnesses to the tree removal. To date, these witnesses have not been contacted by Council.

Removal of trees in Pennant Hills

Apparently illegal tree removals have occurred in Pennant Hills. The trust recently received a message from an irate resident in Pennant Hills complaining about land owners disregarding Council’s Tree Preservation Order and cutting down trees without the necessary approvals. Residents are reminded that a Tree Preservation Order exists in the Shire and all trees, unless listed as exempt , are protected. Click Here for Council's web page link.

Beecroft Garden Club

Beecroft & District Garden Club Inc. will hold its May Meeting at the Beecroft Bowling Club, 128 Copeland Road on Friday, 5 May 2017 at 8 pm. Our speaker will be Ross Bolwell - from Bloomin' Greenery Pty Ltd and his topic will be Begonias. We are a friendly club. Visitors welcome. Cuttings and potted plants are for sale. Arriving at 7:30 will allow you to have a good look before the meeting starts. Supper provided.
Details: Susan Mordy - 9875 3127.

Hornsby Council Elections

There has been significant discussion in the print media about the outstanding local government amalgamations and council elections. The Trust is anticipating that Hornsby Council will hold elections in September this year, probably on 9/9/2017. If the elections do proceed the Trust will conduct another 'Meet the Candidates' evening for residents for residents to gain an insight into candidates' policies and viewpoints. Note that the Trust is apolitical and will not be endorsing any specific party.

Flutracking Starting Soon - Please invite 2 friends!!

Flutracking Survey Team at the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Local Health District, Phone: (02) 4924 6499 is carrying out their survey for 2017. See flutracking@flutracking.net and https://www.flutracking.net

Flutracking is about to kick off again for 2017! Thank you so much for helping us track the flu last year - you helped us increase monitoring Australia-wide with 1 in every 800 Australians participating in Flutracking in 2016! In 2017 our goal is to recruit another 3000 participants, so... Please ASK 2 FRIENDS to join by forwarding the following link: http://www.flutracking.net/?inv4

Please forward this email to all the other big-hearted community-minded people you know who would be willing to give 10 seconds per week to help us track flu and receive a weekly flu report and flu map in return! http://www.flutracking.net/?inv4

You can also tell your friends about us at http://www.facebook.com/Flutracking

More information http://www.flutracking.net PS. The influenza vaccine is now available.

Council’s Operational Plan and Fees and Charges

For your information, Council’s Operational Plan and Fees and Charges are currently open for comment. In particular, the Operational Plan outlines key actions and capital projects that will be undertaken in the coming financial year, the annual budget and other financial details.

To view documents click on the links below:

To comment on the documents:

email yoursay@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
post to Hornsby Shire Council, PO Box 37, Hornsby1630

These documents are on exhibition from Thursday 13^th April until 15^th May.

Autumn Walk on May 21

Please note in your diary that the Trust’s Autumn will be held on Sunday May 21 commencing 2pm at the end of Welham Street. Similar to last year’s autumn walk that was cut short because of rain, this year we intend to visit Cheltenham Oval and update attendees on the plans for the oval facilities and the access track that links Kirkham Street. We also want to inspect the recent track work and bush regeneration sites. Afternoon tea will be provided back upon return to Welham Street at about 4.pm. Further reminders will be sent out as we get closer to the date.

Trust Membership Subscriptions and eNews...

Keep our two suburbs strong and informed by being a member in 2017!.

Thank you those you have paid subscriptions. We have received 100 payments. Those who have forgotten please use the following details

Just a reminder that membership is due in April each year. For those who have already paid, many thanks. Household Membership: only $20 per year; Pensioner/Single Resident: $10 per year.

To renew your membership for 2017, please send a cheque with your phone and email details to PO Box 31, Beecroft 2119, OR credit our bank account directly: BSB 062-113 10068238, using your name as a reference. Please also send an email to treasurer@2119.org.au advising that you have updated your membership for 2017. Donations are also accepted.

The eNews is becoming our main method for disseminating information to the community. Currently we have over 1020 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 Trust will continue to distribute the printed bulletin as not everyone uses the internet.

The Trust has always had an unwritten policy to assist any resident regardless of their membership status.

Kind regards,
Ross Walker

President

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