Month: December 2023

Chanukah at Council Chambers

Great to see so many at council chambers to celebrate Chanukah – the most I’ve seen to date.

Chabad North Shore Alister Henskens MP Matt Cross – Member for Davidson Masada College The North Shore Synagogue Kehillat Masada

Great to see so many at council chambers to celebrate Chanukah - the most I’ve seen to date. @[100064833485045:2048:Chabad North Shore] @[100057675354624:2048:Alister Henskens MP] @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross - Member for Davidson] @[100064109882425:2048:Masada College] @[100064724974860:2048:The North Shore Synagogue] Kehillat Masada
Great to see so many at council chambers to celebrate Chanukah – the most I’ve seen to date. @[100064833485045:2048:Chabad North Shore] @[100057675354624:2048:Alister Henskens MP] @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross – Member for Davidson] @[100064109882425:2048:Masada College] @[100064724974860:2048:The North Shore Synagogue] Kehillat Masada

HSC Results

For Year 12 students receiving their results today, it’s important to remember that this one number doesn’t control the rest of your life. There are other ways to get where you need to go, and a rewarding career doesn’t necessarily have to come from attending university either. I’m happy to meet up and chat if you want someone to listen to you or to kick ideas around.

If you know a Year 12 student who is feeling down, please give them the support that they need.

For Year 12 students receiving their results today, it’s important to remember that this one number doesn't control the rest of your life. There are other ways to get where you need to go, and a rewarding career doesn't necessarily have to come from attending university either. I'm happy to meet up and chat if you want someone to listen to you or to kick ideas around. If you know a Year 12 student who is feeling down, please give them the support that they need.
For Year 12 students receiving their results today, it’s important to remember that this one number doesn’t control the rest of your life. There are other ways to get where you need to go, and a rewarding career doesn’t necessarily have to come from attending university either. I’m happy to meet up and chat if you want someone to listen to you or to kick ideas around. If you know a Year 12 student who is feeling down, please give them the support that they need.

Ku-ring-gai High School Presentation Day

It was great to attend the Ku-ring-gai High School Presentation Day to hear of the accomplishments of our local students. I was joined by Matt Cross – Member for Davidson in handing out the Student Representative Council Awards.

It was great to attend the @[100064119181516:2048:Ku-ring-gai High School] Presentation Day to hear of the accomplishments of our local students. I was joined by @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross - Member for Davidson] in handing out the Student Representative Council Awards.
It was great to attend the @[100064119181516:2048:Ku-ring-gai High School] Presentation Day to hear of the accomplishments of our local students. I was joined by @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross – Member for Davidson] in handing out the Student Representative Council Awards.

Rope Bridges for our Possums

Ku-ring-gai and Sydney Uni are trialing the use of rope bridges to allow wildlife such as ringtail and brushtail possums to cross Lady Game Drive. I look forward to seeing the outcome of this trial as well as the potential to apply these concepts in other parts of Ku-ring-gai.

Ku-ring-gai and Sydney Uni are trialing the use of rope bridges to allow wildlife such as ringtail and brushtail possums to cross Lady Game Drive. I look forward to seeing the outcome of this trial as well as the potential to apply these concepts in other parts of Ku-ring-gai.
Ku-ring-gai and Sydney Uni are trialing the use of rope bridges to allow wildlife such as ringtail and brushtail possums to cross Lady Game Drive. I look forward to seeing the outcome of this trial as well as the potential to apply these concepts in other parts of Ku-ring-gai.

Hot Day!

☀️🔥🌡️ 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝟰𝟮°𝗖 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!!! It’s a great opportunity to check out our 50m pool at the Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre . After undergoing repairs, it reopens today with the addition of a mobility hoist to make it more accessible for all.

☀️🔥🌡️ 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝟰𝟮°𝗖 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!!! It's a great opportunity to check out our 50m pool at the @[100063654336434:2048:Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre] . After undergoing repairs, it reopens today with the addition of a mobility hoist to make it more accessible for all.
☀️🔥🌡️ 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝟰𝟮°𝗖 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!!! It’s a great opportunity to check out our 50m pool at the @[100063654336434:2048:Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre] . After undergoing repairs, it reopens today with the addition of a mobility hoist to make it more accessible for all.

Speaking 4 the Planet

Congratulations to Isabella, McKayla, Mayurie, Romani, Nicolas, Liam, Meera and Katja for being our winners of the Speaking 4 the Planet initiative. Our local students created written and visual work advocating for sustainable practices, and I encouraged them to think about how they can make an effective but also equitable impact in the years ahead.

You can watch their amazing work here https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Sustainable-living/Smart-schools/Speaking-4-the-Planet

Congratulations to Isabella, McKayla, Mayurie, Romani, Nicolas, Liam, Meera and Katja for being our winners of the @[100069068179081:2048:Speaking 4 the Planet] initiative. Our local students created written and visual work advocating for sustainable practices, and I encouraged them to think about how they can make an effective but also equitable impact in the years ahead. You can watch their amazing work here https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Sustainable-living/Smart-schools/Speaking-4-the-Planet
Congratulations to Isabella, McKayla, Mayurie, Romani, Nicolas, Liam, Meera and Katja for being our winners of the @[100069068179081:2048:Speaking 4 the Planet] initiative. Our local students created written and visual work advocating for sustainable practices, and I encouraged them to think about how they can make an effective but also equitable impact in the years ahead. You can watch their amazing work here https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Sustainable-living/Smart-schools/Speaking-4-the-Planet

Chanukah on the Green

Glad to see Chanukah this year supported by all three levels of government. We had a fantastic night at the St Ives Village Green, well attended by an inclusive, welcoming and diverse community. My kids also enjoyed meeting the team at Community Health Support and taking part in the games, rides, face painting and fireworks.

Julian Leeser MP Matt Cross – Member for Davidson Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay Councillor Martin Smith Councillor Kim Wheatley Cr Simon Lennon Cr Barbara Ward Councillor Robert Samuel – Willoughby Chabad North Shore

Glad to see Chanukah this year supported by all three levels of government. We had a fantastic night at the St Ives Village Green, well attended by an inclusive, welcoming and diverse community. My kids also enjoyed meeting the team at @[100080313635174:2048:Community Health Support] and taking part in the games, rides, face painting and fireworks. @[100057708205393:2048:Julian Leeser MP] @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross - Member for Davidson] @[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay] Councillor Martin Smith @[100081079106909:2048:Councillor Kim Wheatley] Cr Simon Lennon Cr Barbara Ward @[100077659695386:2048:Councillor Robert Samuel - Willoughby] @[100064833485045:2048:Chabad North Shore]
Glad to see Chanukah this year supported by all three levels of government. We had a fantastic night at the St Ives Village Green, well attended by an inclusive, welcoming and diverse community. My kids also enjoyed meeting the team at @[100080313635174:2048:Community Health Support] and taking part in the games, rides, face painting and fireworks. @[100057708205393:2048:Julian Leeser MP] @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross – Member for Davidson] @[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay] Councillor Martin Smith @[100081079106909:2048:Councillor Kim Wheatley] Cr Simon Lennon Cr Barbara Ward @[100077659695386:2048:Councillor Robert Samuel – Willoughby] @[100064833485045:2048:Chabad North Shore]

Roseville College End of Year

Visited the Roseville College Prize Giving Ceremonies yesterday. It was particularly cool to see those that I had previously taught at Sunday School and other local church programs get recognised for their achievements.

Visited the @[100044370982108:2048:Roseville College] Prize Giving Ceremonies yesterday. It was particularly cool to see those that I had previously taught at Sunday School and other local church programs get recognised for their achievements.
Visited the @[100044370982108:2048:Roseville College] Prize Giving Ceremonies yesterday. It was particularly cool to see those that I had previously taught at Sunday School and other local church programs get recognised for their achievements.

Mayor’s Christmas Appeal

Thanks to everyone who contributed food and gift items to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. Yesterday I joined Gordon Ward Councillors Simon Lennon and Barbara Ward in packing and distributing hampers for Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney at Gordon Baptist Church. The hampers went to a range of causes such as the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter .

Thanks to everyone who contributed food and gift items to the Mayor's Christmas Appeal. Yesterday I joined Gordon Ward Councillors Simon Lennon and Barbara Ward in packing and distributing hampers for @[100064520299383:2048:Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney] at Gordon Baptist Church. The hampers went to a range of causes such as the @[100067239740050:2048:Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter] .
Thanks to everyone who contributed food and gift items to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. Yesterday I joined Gordon Ward Councillors Simon Lennon and Barbara Ward in packing and distributing hampers for @[100064520299383:2048:Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney] at Gordon Baptist Church. The hampers went to a range of causes such as the @[100067239740050:2048:Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter] .

Abbotsleigh’s Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Award

Congratulations Sophia for being the 17th recipient of Abbotsleigh’s Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Award, recognising her excellence in leadership.

I attended Speech Day yesterday and it was great to see so many young people equipped to create a better future.

Congratulations Sophia for being the 17th recipient of @[100063700954501:2048:Abbotsleigh]’s Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Award, recognising her excellence in leadership. I attended Speech Day yesterday and it was great to see so many young people equipped to create a better future.
Congratulations Sophia for being the 17th recipient of @[100063700954501:2048:Abbotsleigh]’s Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Award, recognising her excellence in leadership. I attended Speech Day yesterday and it was great to see so many young people equipped to create a better future.

Barker College Junior School Celebration

It was encouraging to visit the Barker College Junior School celebration today to hear of the children’s accomplishments as well as their contribution to providing education to indigenous groups through their Darkinjung, Ngarralingayil and Dhupuma Schools.

It was encouraging to visit the @[100064001411105:2048:Barker College] Junior School celebration today to hear of the children’s accomplishments as well as their contribution to providing education to indigenous groups through their Darkinjung, Ngarralingayil and Dhupuma Schools.
It was encouraging to visit the @[100064001411105:2048:Barker College] Junior School celebration today to hear of the children’s accomplishments as well as their contribution to providing education to indigenous groups through their Darkinjung, Ngarralingayil and Dhupuma Schools.

Government will seize control of housing

The media has just reported that the state government will “𝘀𝗲𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴” in 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲, 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱, 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗻.

What does this mean? I don’t know yet as no official documents have been released. But I assume it means more building heights and when we find out the details, we will let you know.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/revealed-the-25-sydney-suburbs-where-the-government-will-seize-control-of-housing-20231205-p5ep72.html

The media has just reported that the state government will “𝘀𝗲𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴” in 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲, 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱, 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗻. What does this mean? I don’t know yet as no official documents have been released. But I assume it means more building heights and when we find out the details, we will let you know. https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/revealed-the-25-sydney-suburbs-where-the-government-will-seize-control-of-housing-20231205-p5ep72.html
The media has just reported that the state government will “𝘀𝗲𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴” in 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲, 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱, 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗻. What does this mean? I don’t know yet as no official documents have been released. But I assume it means more building heights and when we find out the details, we will let you know. https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/revealed-the-25-sydney-suburbs-where-the-government-will-seize-control-of-housing-20231205-p5ep72.html

Wahroonga Village Fair

Popped into the Wahroonga Village Fair, organised by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Wahroonga . The event was opened by Bagpipe and Drums from Knox Grammar School and a welcome to country from Peter Kirkwood OAM. I visited the balloon stall organised by girls from Abbotsleigh as well as Melissa from the Tiamo Baby stall.

Thanks to all the volunteers from Rotary for organising this. Funds raised go towards Rotary Club projects. There’s a lot more going on and I’d encourage residents to check it out today. (I had to dash off to the next event.)

Popped into the @[100083460155832:2048:Wahroonga Village Fair], organised by volunteers from the @[100064675150272:2048:Rotary Club of Wahroonga] . The event was opened by Bagpipe and Drums from @[100063701513330:2048:Knox Grammar School] and a welcome to country from Peter Kirkwood OAM. I visited the balloon stall organised by girls from Abbotsleigh as well as Melissa from the @[100063298356139:2048:Tiamo Baby] stall. Thanks to all the volunteers from Rotary for organising this. Funds raised go towards Rotary Club projects. There's a lot more going on and I'd encourage residents to check it out today. (I had to dash off to the next event.)
Popped into the @[100083460155832:2048:Wahroonga Village Fair], organised by volunteers from the @[100064675150272:2048:Rotary Club of Wahroonga] . The event was opened by Bagpipe and Drums from @[100063701513330:2048:Knox Grammar School] and a welcome to country from Peter Kirkwood OAM. I visited the balloon stall organised by girls from Abbotsleigh as well as Melissa from the @[100063298356139:2048:Tiamo Baby] stall. Thanks to all the volunteers from Rotary for organising this. Funds raised go towards Rotary Club projects. There’s a lot more going on and I’d encourage residents to check it out today. (I had to dash off to the next event.)

Kuringai Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert

I was excited to attend the Kuringai Youth Orchestra Christmas concert, held at my old school St Ives Preparatory School. We heard Christmas classics such as The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky and Anderson’s Christmas Festival. It was encouraging to see our young people make use of the facilities nearly thirty years after my time in the same hall playing in the school orchestra.

I was also invited to do the raffle draw with all funds going towards KYDS Youth Development Service.

I was excited to attend the @[100053519367057:2048:Kuringai Youth Orchestra] Christmas concert, held at my old school @[100057498966588:2048:St Ives Preparatory School]. We heard Christmas classics such as The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky and Anderson’s Christmas Festival. It was encouraging to see our young people make use of the facilities nearly thirty years after my time in the same hall playing in the school orchestra. I was also invited to do the raffle draw with all funds going towards @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service].
I was excited to attend the @[100053519367057:2048:Kuringai Youth Orchestra] Christmas concert, held at my old school @[100057498966588:2048:St Ives Preparatory School]. We heard Christmas classics such as The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky and Anderson’s Christmas Festival. It was encouraging to see our young people make use of the facilities nearly thirty years after my time in the same hall playing in the school orchestra. I was also invited to do the raffle draw with all funds going towards @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service].

State Government Drip Feeding

The State Government has been drip-feeding information on their top-down (bypassing council) housing density changes, with a public feedback process to commence early December.

What I discovered yesterday is that their definition of a ‘well-located area’ (for greater housing density) includes E1 local centres with frequently needed goods and services such as full line supermarkets, shops, and restaurants. So that will probably include places such as North Turramurra, St Ives North, West Pymble, East Lindfield and Eastern Road.

3-6 storey apartments will be allowed as shop top housing as well as in existing R3 Medium Density Zones.

Terraces, townhouses and manor houses will be allowed in existing R2 Low Density Zones that are within 800m walk of the local centre (shops).

Everywhere beyond 800m will allow for two homes on one lot.

High level information is available on the Department of Planning website. https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/diverse-and-well-located-homes

And their original 28 Nov announcement is here. https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/news/new-planning-rules-fast-track-low-and-mid-rise-housing

At this stage, I see council’s role as to make residents aware of the proposal (once the full details have been released in the coming fortnight), to help residents understand the implications of the proposal, and to encourage residents to participate in the State Government’s public feedback process.

Separately, councils across NSW will also be lobbying for appropriate infrastructure funding to support the increasing population. Because behind the scenes there are serious road, stormwater, transport, and other bottlenecks associated with this change. [Admittedly, the densification will occur over a few decades so there will hopefully be time to ramp up.]

More information to come once the State Gov gives us the details.

Bunnings BBQ for KYDS

Come visit the KYDS Youth Development Service fundraiser at Pymble Bunnings. The Barbeque and Christmas stall is open til 4pm.

If you can’t make it but want to support the cause, visit https://kyds.kindful.com/

Come visit the @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service] fundraiser at Pymble Bunnings. The Barbeque and Christmas stall is open til 4pm. If you can’t make it but want to support the cause, visit https://kyds.kindful.com/
Come visit the @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service] fundraiser at Pymble Bunnings. The Barbeque and Christmas stall is open til 4pm. If you can’t make it but want to support the cause, visit https://kyds.kindful.com/

Christmas Tree is up

🎄Christmas tree is up! For a list of Christmas events this month, visit https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Events-and-festivals/Christmas-in-Ku-ring-gai

🎄Christmas tree is up! For a list of Christmas events this month, visit https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Events-and-festivals/Christmas-in-Ku-ring-gai
🎄Christmas tree is up! For a list of Christmas events this month, visit https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Events-and-festivals/Christmas-in-Ku-ring-gai