Multi-million dollar community parkland project gets underway

It was a big moment for the Balga community and the City of Stirling this month when I was joined by Councillor Keith Sargent to turn the first sod for the Princess Wallington Community Parkland. A multi-million dollar project, the proposed parkland at Princess Wallington Reserve will offer a skate facility, multi-court sports area, BMX track, regional playground, walking trails, picnic areas and much more.

When it comes to vital support to make the parkland a reality, Lotterywest was instrumental by contributing $2.34 million to the $6.2 million project. I’m already looking forward to its completion in mid-2021 and the skate park and BMX track aspects becoming new go-to destinations for young people across the City of Stirling.

With Lotterywest's General Manager of Grants and Community Development Lorna Pritchard

A recent morning tea recognised 40 years of the Stirling Women’s Centre providing a range of valuable services to the community. Many of the City's Councillors were amongst the 100 guests who showed their support. Attendees included Minister for Child Protection; Women's Interests; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence and  Community Services Simone McGurk who was also a guest speaker.

The City created the first purpose-built refuge in WA in 1979 and it has gone on to help thousands of families in need over the years. Along with the refuge service, the centre runs the successful North East Metro Safe at Home program and provides free workshops. It also offers advice to men who are victims of domestic violence.

With Leader of the Opposition Leader Liza Harvey, Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Simone McGurk and morning tea attendees 

If you are experiencing family or domestic violence, the Stirling Women’s Centre can support you. The centre has crisis accommodation and support services available for women and children. Contact the centre on (08) 9205 7375 on weekdays from 7.30am to 10.00pm or from 12.30pm to 9.00pm on weekends/public holidays.
  
Recognition of the Stirling Women’s Centre milestone in late November coincided with the annual ‘16 Days in WA’ campaign to stop violence against women. In support of the campaign, the City installed two new purple benches – on Doric Street in Scarborough and at Dianella Regional Open Space – to commemorate victims of domestic violence.

With Stirling Women’s Centre Coordinator Emma Roscoe & Manager Community Services Chris Brereton

In the City’s ongoing push to become the first local government in WA to put an end to wheel clamping, the Council recently voted unanimously to draft a local law that could ban the practice. The proposed local law would regulate the detention of vehicles throughout the City of Stirling, including on private property. Those breaking the law would expect a $500 fine if an infringement was issued or a fine of up to $5000 if the matter was heard in court.

While private businesses have the right to protect parking on their private property, we as a Council feel that wheel clamping is not the right method. Other states such as Victoria and New South Wales have had a wheel clamping ban in place for some time and we hope to do the same in the City of Stirling. The recent acknowledgment from the Premier in the media advising that wheel clamping practices are 'un Australian' is great support towards to City's local law. To have a say on the draft local law, visit the City’s Your Say webpage before the end of January 2020.

Still on parking, the City has introduced a new electronic option to pay for parking at its car parks. The EasyPark pay-by-phone service offers drivers a smart, fast and flexible way to pay for parking. Just download the app via the EasyPark website or find it on your smartphone’s app store. Parking sessions can be extended or ended as needed, enabling drivers to only pay for the parking period they use.

The 105th Osborne Park Show did another fantastic job entertaining the community in mid-November. Whether it was rides, amusements, live entertainment or an extensive collection of exhibits, there was something for everybody. Cr Elizabeth Re was one of many Councillors and show-goers who visited the exhibition pavilion to see a remarkable array of decorated cakes, floral artworks and photography entries. Congratulations to the Osborne Park Agriculture Society for all of its efforts staging another fun event amongst the new-look Robinson Reserve.

Cr Elizabeth Re (centre) at the Osborne Park Show

Earlier this month, Cr Adam Spagnolo took part in a local ‘Get to Know Your Neighbours’ gathering. The City initiative encourages neighbours to get together to host a barbecue, picnic or morning tea as a way of building relationships. Successful applicants receive a supermarket voucher to buy food for an event as well as the use of portable barbecue and a games kit. Visit the City’s website for more details on how you could host an event in your neighbourhood.

Cr Adam Spagnolo (centre) meets local residents

With 2019 drawing to a close, the City hosted its annual Christmas dinner to recognise this year’s achievements. The event was an excellent opportunity to spread some festive cheer with local community groups, sporting clubs and members of parliament. This year, instead of giving gifts to guests, the City made a donation to the Stirling Women’s Centre.

Just finally, everyone loves a giveaway and to celebrate the holiday season, the City has launched its ‘12 Days of Happy Holiday Giveaways’ digital campaign. Now in full swing, there are still a few days left to get involved. 

The campaign has proved a great way to promote a bunch of local businesses as well as giveaway a dozen prizes during the first 12 days of December. Search @citystirlingwa on Instagram or Facebook to check out the campaign and to enter.