Agenda of Community Services Committee

Community Services Committee 13 September 2011

Community Services Report No. C16/11

Subject: Council's Advisory Commitee Minutes

Folder No: F2006/00216

Author: Teresa Mok, Manager Community Planning & Development

Introduction

At the 10 March 2009 Community Services Committee it was resolved that the minutes of the Advisory Committees be presented to the Community Services Committee.

This report brings together for Council’s acceptance, the minutes of previous meetings adopted by the respective Advisory Committees during July and August 2011.

Issues

For this report, only the Older Persons Advisory Committee has met and endorsed the minutes of its meeting held on 6 July 2011, as a true reflection of their discussions and outcomes, as attached.

In accordance with standard procedure, all Advisory Committee minutes are placed on the Council’s website.

Relationship to City Plan

The relationship with the City Plan is as follows:

Outcome 3: An Informed and Engaged Community.

Direction 3a: Effective communication methods and technology are used to share information and provide services.

Financial impact statement

There is no direct financial impact for this matter.

Conclusion

It is recommended that Council acknowledges and accepts the minutes of the attached Advisory Committee.

Recommendation

That Council acknowledges and accepts the minutes of the Older Persons Advisory Committee Meeting held on 6 July 2011

Attachment/s:

1.View

Older Person's Advisory Committee - 6 July 2011

Older Person's Advisory Committee - 6 July 2011

Attachment 1

MINUTES

Randwick City Council

Older Persons Reference Group

Meeting held on Wednesday 6 July 2011

Present

Cr. Margaret Woodsmith Randwick City Council

Shirley Smith Computer Pals

Linda Mearing Coast Centre for Seniors

Judy Pearson Coast Centre for Seniors

Billee King Community Representative

George Gergely Community Representative

Susan McCann Division of General Practice

Keith Francis Community Representative

Ron Wood National Seniors – Randwick Botany Branch

Mike Cornell National Seniors – Randwick Botany Branch

Apologies

Frida Kitas Randwick City Council

Anna Lipoma Sydney Multicultural Services

Sharon Blunt Randwick/Waverley Community Transport

Megan Bowyer Junction Neighbourhood Centre

1. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 May 2011 were confirmed.

2. Business Arising from Minutes

2.1 Volunteer Morning Tea

It was noted that the morning tea that the Volunteer morning tea with the Mayor was well attended.

Action: For information.

2.2 Therapeutic Gardening Workshop

Flyers were tabled at the meeting for the Therapeutic Gardening Workshop to be held on Saturday 16 July from 11am – 3pm at Council’s Community Nursery.

Action: For noting.

2.3 Alzheimer’s Information Expo

It was noted at the meeting that the Alzheimer’s Information Expo held on Wednesday 8 June at Bowen Library was very well attended. Additional Expos and information days will be held over the next year.

Action: For information.

2.4 Twilight Concert

Billee King and members of the Coast Centre for Seniors enjoyed the Twilight Concert series featuring Una Bella Voce, that was held at the Prince Henry Centre on Friday 20 May. Flyers were tabled for the next concert featuring Nirmal Jena and the Odissi Music and Dance Company – Soul to Soul, music for healing and meditation. The concert will be held on Friday 29 July from 7pm – 8pm (doors open at 6.30pm). Tickets cost $11.20 and $8.20 concession including booking fee at 1300 306 776 or www.mca-tix.com.au

Action: For information.

2.5 Ignite Program of talks

Committee members mentioned that the series of talks are excellent but the venue is depressing and that perhaps the program would attract more people if it were held at Bowen Library and Community Centre. Flyers were tabled for the next talk: Understanding US Foreign Policy which will be presented by Bruce Dennett at Maroubra Seniors on 26 July from 10am at Maroubra Senior CitizensCentre. Morning tea will be provided.

Action: For noting.

2.6 Affordable housing for Seniors

Ron requested that someone attend the meeting to speak on affordable housing options for Seniors with high care needs, due to the increasing number of people 55+ needing specialised accommodation. Discussion on housing followed. Linda suggested that Shelter NSW or NCOSS (Council of Social Service of NSW) could offer advice regarding this matter. Committee members also requested that Tony Lehmann attend the August meeting to discuss a range of parking issues both within Randwick City and at South Coogee Housing Estate.

Action: Frida to invite Council’s Senior Social Planner and Tony Lehmann to attend the August meeting.

3. General Business

3.1 Playwriting and Performance Workshop

The Committee was informed that the Playwriting and Performance workshop held on Saturday 2 July was well attended with overwhelming positive feedback from participants - many of whom indicated an interest in participating in extended workshops and / or a Master class.

Action: For noting.

3.2 Community Mental Health Forum

Flyers were tabled for the Community Mental Health Forum. The Forum will be held on Wednesday 3 August from 6.30pm – 8.30pm at Randwick Town Hall and will include keynote speakers from Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW, Carers NSW and Aftercare. A carer and a person living with a mental illness will also share their experiences and answer questions. The Forum aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of mental illness in the broader community. Bookings are essential on 9399 0972, supper will be provided. The Community Mental Health Forum will also be promoted and held during Local Government Week (1 – 7 August 2011).

Action: For noting.

3.3 Depression and Older Adults

Flyers were tabled at the meeting for the Community Education Forum: Depression and Older Adults. St Vincent’s Psycho Geriatric Mental Service will be hosting a Community Health Forum on Thursday 14 July 2011 from 10.30am – 12.30pm at the National Australia Bank Auditorium, Garvan Medical Research Institute. Registration required by phoning 8382 1540.

Action: For information.

3.4 “As Life Goes on” DVD & Resource Kit

The “As Life Goes on” DVD & Resource Kit were tabled at the meeting. The DVD and Resource Kit were funded by the NSW Government and developed as part of the Respect for Senior’s project. The project aims to raise awareness of elder abuse in the community and to facilitate development of supportive networks. The DVD kit can be used to run community information and discussion sessions and a resource for Senior’s service groups and social groups. For more information regarding online resources visit www.respectforseniors.org.

Action: For noting.

3.5 Sydney MCS Outreach Settlement Services

The Committee was informed that Sydney Multicultural Community Services are now providing Outreach Settlement Services every Monday from 11am – 4pm at Randwick City Library Service. A generalist Caseworker will be available to provide assistance with Settlement services such as health, English classes, Centrelink, Information sessions and workshops. Interpreters will be available and all services are free and confidential. For further information contact Vishal on 9663 3922.

Action: For information.

Information Share

· Billee reported that the Prince Henry Nurses Association and Council are planning to hold another Twilight Tour sometime during Carers Week in October.

· Shirley reported that Computer Pals are currently on holidays.

· Mike reported that the visit to the Discovery Tour at the Gallipoli Museum at Auburn was very interesting and informative.

· Ron reported that Bill Conn attended the National Randwick Botany Seniors meeting in May. Ron also mentioned that there are guided tours for $16 at the Queen Victoria Building which includes a free shopping bag and jewellery voucher.

· Keith reported that project officers from UNSW have visited the South Coogee Housing tenants meeting to advise that they have a grant from ADHC to run workshops for groups from South Ward.

· Linda reported that the Coast Centre have 161 new members this year, with 51 in June alone. Classes include Zumba, yoga and Middle Eastern dancing and there is a new Computer program.

· The Coast Centre’s new Men’s cooking program will also be filmed by staff from POW Aged Care Psychiatry Unit which they will screen at their Ageing Forum at South Juniors. The Centre has also signed a leased with Landcom for the Lecture Hall.

· Suzanne reported that the SESDGP have funding to continue running their Aged Care Access Initative for the next financial year. Eleven low care facilities have indicated they would like to participate.

Correspondece

· SENC Newsletter Issues 24, 2011

· CPSA THE Voice Newsletter, Issue 24

Date of Next Meeting: Wednesday 3 August 2011.

Sports Committee Minutes - August 2011

Attachment 1

MINUTES

Randwick City Council

Sports Committee

SES Training Room, 192 Storey Street, Maroubra

Meeting held on Wednesday 17 August 2011

Present:

Pat Martin Randwick Netball Association

Ian White South Eastern Junior Cricket Association

Michelle Dunn South Eastern Junior Cricket Association

David Shalhoub Randwick Junior Rugby

Marsden Auerbach Sydney Bowmen Archery Club

Theo Theol Eastern Suburbs Cycling

Colin Iremonger Eastern Suburbs Cycling

Stewart Ross Soccer Clubs Representatives

George Phillips Soccer Clubs Representatives

Daryl Trezise Eastern Suburbs Junior Baseball

Peter Devlin Randwick Petersham Cricket Club

Robert Elliott Coogee Croquet Club

Jim Squadrito Queens Park Touch Association

Dean Lance AFL

John Ryan Eastern Suburbs Touch Association

Chris Hunter (Chairman) Randwick City Council

Trish McDonald-Harrison Randwick City Council

Apologies

Cr John Procopiadis Councillor, Randwick City Council

Cr Kiel Smith Councillor, Randwick City Council

Cr Alan White Councillor, Randwick City Council

Cr Charles Matthews Councillor, Randwick City Council

Tony Lewis Randwick District Rugby Union

Anne & Jeff Hardy South East Senior Oztag Assoc

John & Joanne Buckton Randwick Botany Cycling Club

Vince Bell South East Oztag Junior Division

Bill Anderson Randwick Petersham Cricket Club

Mick Fisher South Sydney District JRLFC

Peter Stone (Chairman) Randwick City Council

Jason Gaskin Randwick City Council

Cr Matthews and Cr Smith were attending the Council Business Awards that evening. Cr Procopiadis and Cr White were on other business and unable to attend the meeting.

1. Minutes

Minutes of the 18 May 2011 meeting were confirmed.

2. Business arising - nil

3. General Business

3.1 Summer Sports Season

Seventeen invitations to apply for summer season sportsfield hire have been issued. This far, five applications have been received back. Applications close on Friday 19 August. It is important that all applications are received on time, so that allocations of fields can be made with full information about field hire requests.

Illegal use of fields

Chris Hunter said that “illegal use of fields” is a significant problem that has been increasingly experienced during the season just finishing.

The issue of what constitutes illegal use was discussed. An organised game is regarded as illegal use; whereas a casual game among a small group is informal use and may be seen as the right of residents. Sometimes illegal users come with teams in uniform and their own portable goal posts. Council is looking at strategies to minimise such illegal use.

Paine Reserve is a field where illegal use is experienced a lot and the grounds are badly damaged. The cost of renovation would be around $75,000 and that expenditure is not possible at this time. Less expensive alternatives will be pursued. Chris Hunter said that it is a challenge to maintain what is effectively a village green as well as a sporting field.

3.2 Capital Works Program – Sports fields 2011/12

The Capital Works Program for 2011-12 of $6½m was tabled.

Chris Hunter drew attention to specific items within it:

Open Spaces Water Saving, Water Conservation and

Irrigation at Central Park, Dunningham Reserve and

Snape Park $40,000

Sportsfield Program at Heffron Park $2,700,000

Chifley Sports Reserve $3,082,687

Yarra Oval sporting fields and Bicentennial Parkland $839,000

Sports Committee projects -

Heffron Park Netball Amenities, Kensington Oval fence,

Pioneers Park Lower Goal Posts, and Yarra Oval Awning $200,000

Other capital works of recreational value include:

Latham Park fence $54,000

Coastal Walkway $900,000

Playground Replacement various parks $280,000

Outdoor Seniors Exercise Area Jack Vanny Reserve $60,000

Cycling Route (Centennial Park to La Perouse) $200,000

Indoor Fitness Facility at Des Renford Aquatic Centre $1,720,000

Coogee Croquet Club upgrade $80,000

Amenity Building Heffron Park upgrade $20,000

With the exception of the Chifley Sportsfield project, work will progress on these projects over the coming months.

Chifley Sports Fields

Council awaits final approval by the Department of Lands and cannot proceed with the Chifley Sports Field DA until that is received. It could be 3 months before DA is approved. It could be up to 18 months before the grounds are ready for play to commence. During that time, Council will call for Expressions of Interest from sporting bodies. Chris Hunter said there is a lot of interest from sporting bodies, and this is about the last parcel of land Council has to develop as a sporting field. Criterion-for-use has yet to be established. The only sure components, at this point, are: Baseball, a children’s playground and skateboard area.

Daryl Trezise expressed concern that Baseball could be without a home ground for two summers. He asked could the Project Manager be asked to turf the Baseball diamonds early, in order that the Baseball grounds may be operational in one year rather than two.

Heffron Park Fields

Stewart Ross asked could there be something done about Heffron fields 58 and 59 as the condition of the grounds was bad, with even potholes, because of constant use.

Dean Lance raised the condition of the AFL fields also.

Chris Hunter, in acknowledging the problem, said an ideal treatment of the grounds would be sand slit drainage, which was so successful at Latham Park. This involved an under surface network of sand filled drainage lines. However, this treatment is high cost and not possible at this time. Synthetic surfaces and relative cost were also discussed.

Text Box: Action: Daryl Trezise is emailing Council to request Baseball diamonds be prepared as early as possible to minimise the wait till the Baseball ground is playable. 3.3 Sportsfield Renovation Program, Spring 2011

The Sportsfield Spring/Summer Renovations 2011 program was tabled. This covered each of the sports fields maintained by Council, with works already commenced.

3.4 Upgrade of Irrigation System 2011

Upgrades of the irrigation systems and water bores completed so far this year was tabled. Sites, so upgraded, include Kensington Oval, Heffron Park, Burrows Park, Yarra Oval and Nagle Park at a total cost of approximately $182,000.

3.4 Review of Handbook – Sportsfield and associated Recreational Facilities Management Handbook

The draft Sportsfield and associated Recreational Facilities Management Handbook was discussed by the Committee.

Chris Hunter said the Handbook reflected the current practices, processes and documentation used by Council. It covered field allocation, maintenance management and risk management. Chris said a matter that has often been raised is the issue of reimbursement for wet weather. Under Item 2.5, the Handbook states: “When a sportsfield is closed due to wet weather, Council will not reimburse clubs fees for the closure period.”

Wet weather

Jim Squatrito raised the matter of providing replacement time on fields for competition games needing to be completed. A discussion followed during which it was recognised that the need to complete a competition is a factor. Other factors to be considered are bookings by other sports on the fields and field maintenance and restoration between seasons.

David Shalhoub said that he thought fields have been closed for training a lot this year and asked Chris Hunter did he anticipate a reduction in the number of closures during mid week, in the foreseeable future. Chris Hunter said that fields are now assessed each day during wet weather with a view to trying to make them available as much as possible.

George Phillips raised the question of allowing 5 to 8 year olds to play on closed grounds as, he said, a small number of little kids would not be likely to damage the field.

Chris said that any relaxation of the ground closure rule could be risky.

For example, it could happen that in time, older and older children might be using the fields. Also there is the consideration that a child could be injured on slippery ground.

Fee relief

Michelle Dunn remarked that there was nothing in the Handbook about making an application for fee relief. She said she had seen in the paper that Randwick Rugby Club had sought fee relief from Council. She thought, in the interests of transparency, Council needed to outline the conditions under which fee relief would be considered. Chris Hunter said this matter would be considered prior to finalisation of the Handbook.

3.5 2011 Sports Award Nomination Form

Council’s 2011 Sports Awards nomination form and briefing information has been distributed to members.

There are three different categories in the Awards:

· Bradley Matthews Memorial Award for Sporting Excellence: for 13-18 year olds

· Randwick City Junior Sports Award: for 5-12 year olds

· Randwick City Council Hall of Sporting Champions: acknowledges local sporting legends.

Nominations close on 9 September 2011.

Text Box: Action: Sporting bodies will consider making nominations.

4. Any Other Business

Heffron Cycle Track

Theo Theol raised matters relating to the new cycle facilities. His concerns were:

1. There is no formal ambulance access to the cycle track.

2. The fence has been removed from the sports field on the main straight allowing balls to come on to the track.

3. Text Box: Action: Chris Hunter will talk to the Project Manager about the above matters. Drainage at the top of the straight drains on to the track on Fitzgerald Street end.

5. Future Meeting Dates

5 pm on Wednesday 16 November 2011

Text Box: Action: Sports Committee members to note in diaries. 15 February 2012

The meeting ended at 6.20 pm