POLITICS
“ We are working hard
for Australians ” - Michelle Rowland MP
We know Australians are doing it tough . That ’ s why the Albanese Government is doing everything we can to help with the cost of living , without adding pressure to inflation . Unpredictable world events outside our control have caused real challenges . But we don ’ t shy away from the challenge .
The Albanese Government will always show up , take responsibility , and bring people together to find solutions to the problems facing Australia . That ’ s what we ’ re doing right now . Working for Australia .
The Albanese Labor Government is :
• - Relieving cost of living pressure with cheaper child care , cheaper medicines , strengthened paid parental leave , energy bill relief and feefree TAFE .
• - Managing the economy and creating jobs in challenging times .
• - Investing record amounts into Medicare and bulk billing .
• - Building new homes and making renting fairer .
This is all part of our targeted and comprehensive $ 23 billion plan to help address the cost of living pressures in our economy .
This Government is working responsibly , bringing people together to find solutions to our challenges . I am proud to be part of a government that is working for Australia , delivering for our community , and easing the pressures on household budgets across our great electorate of Greenway .
MESSAGE
with Tony Bleasdale OAM Mayor Blacktown City
Mayoral elections
I am honoured to have been re-elected Mayor of Blacktown City by my Councillor colleagues . I also congratulate Cr Chris Quilkey , who was elected Deputy Mayor .
I have never been more excited about our City ’ s future , working with a committed team of Councillors as we deliver on the many services that Council provides for our community .
I promise that we will continue to represent our diverse community and we will continue the transformation of our City for a bright future , full of opportunity for our residents and businesses . Honouring Dr Russ Dickens OAM I was honoured to unveil the new Dr Russ Dickens OAM vet clinic at the Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre , BARC . Russ was a devoted Blacktown vet who dedicated his life to improving animal welfare in the City . Russ served on Council for 36 years , including some time as Mayor .
The Dr Russ Dickens OAM Vet Clinic is named in his honour and will serve as a teaching practice for students and service the needs of the animals at BARC . Healthy food at council pools Patrons of the Blacktown Leisure Centre , Stanhope , may have noticed an
FROM THE
MAYOR
important change to the menu at the centre ’ s canteen recently .
This is part of a fantastic new initiative from Council , in partnership with the Western Sydney Local Health District , to help people make healthier food choices when visiting Council ’ s aquatic and leisure centres . Patrons of Council ’ s five aquatic and leisure centres can soon expect to see 75 per cent of the menu to be healthy options , with a smaller portion continuing to be the old , but less healthy , favourites .
I ’ m delighted that
Blacktown Council is one of the first in NSW to implement a policy that encourages healthier food and drink choices . New bike pump track in Marayong Recently , we officially opened the brand-new bike pump track at Harvey Park in Marayong .
Council worked closely with the pump track experts from Common Ground Trails to make this vision a reality . I also acknowledge the NSW Government for its funding support through the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program .
This track caters for beginners and more intermediate riders , with two endless and connected loops , which can be ridden separately or combined .
If you haven ’ t had a chance , I encourage you to take the kids down to the track with their bikes for a fantastic time .
20 ISSUE 32 // NOVEMBER 2023 theindependentmagazine . com . au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT