Bayside Greens - 2023 highlights
Our most (and least) favourite moments from this year
After a year of many highs and lows its good to look back at some of the key moments and the great things we have achieved together.
Early in the year we had the NSW State election, where we took the opportunity to highlight some important issues for NSW, including gambling harm minimisation, the need for more affordable and public housing, and improving staff to patient ratios in our hospitals. For more information, you can visit the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association here.
Building on the amazing work of campaigners across NSW, we brought a gambling harm minimisation motion to council in February. Despite providing clear evidence for the damage that gambling does to Bayside residents, their families, and the broader community, only one other councillor voted in support. You can find out more by visiting Wesley Mission or the Alliance for Gambling Reform, who recently published a report with Melbourne University that found the gambling industry spends the highest amount by far (of all harmful industries) on lobbying politicians.Â
Then, in April, council supported our motion to phase out the use of gas in council-owned facilities. This is a great outcome for council staff and our environment, as we move towards healthier and more sustainable electrically powered alternatives. Â
Also in April, I was honoured to be elected to the executive of the Australian Local Government Womens Association (ALGWA). ALGWA provide support for women Councillors and encourage more women to run in local government elections. If you are a woman and interested in running for local government, keep your eye out for ALGWA training events in 2024!
For a couple of years now, St George Greens has been actively advocating for the community groups affected by the Muddy Creek Master Plan. This included encouraging council to update the plans to prevent an access road from passing right through the current community garden. Arrangements for the Men’s Shed and Bayside Community Recreation Club are still a work in progress. Muddy Creek is a wonderful public asset that needs to be shared by all our community.
It was lovely to participate in a tree and shrub planting session at Coolibah Reserve in June. This reserve is at the Turella end of a beautiful stretch of bushland reaching from the Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre to Hannam Street, Turella along Bardwell Creek.
On 16 September Bayside Council held its first LGBTQ forum. Beginning with a presentation by ACON, we had an insightful discussion with residents about what Council could do to improve inclusivity in our LGA.
In October, the world changed for many Bayside residents as we all witnessed events unfolding in Middle East. While many of us feel helpless to stop the bloodshed, bringing a ceasefire motion to council was one meaningful way to demonstrate support for Bayside residents who are directly or indirectly affected.
Many of us felt so disappointed that the motion was lost, after receiving only minority support from the attending Councillors. However, it still provided the opportunity for community members to have a voice, share their experiences and thoughts, increase our collective understanding and awareness, and add to the public pressure on the Australian Government to strengthen its calls for peace.
Together we will continue to push for peace.
I would like to wish everyone a restful holiday and may the festive season bring you much love and peace.
Greta