POLITICS Riverstone Local Woman of the Year
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The NSW Local Women of Year Awards gives the community an opportunity to recognise the hard working and impactful women amongst us . Since 2012 these annual awards have recognised the women and girls whose determination , bravery , skill , and passion has inspired their communities and others to achieve great things .
The Riverstone Local Woman of the Year Award shines a light on the accomplishments of an extraordinary woman who works tirelessly to contribute to the prosperity of those in her local community . This year ’ s Riverstone Local Woman of the Year award was presented to Krianne Doherty of the Schofields Rural Fire Brigade .
Krianne is a dedicated member of the Schofields RFS and volunteers her spare time to keep the community safe . Krianne ’ s passion for her work has seen
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her become the crew ’ s first female senior deputy captain . Local member Warren Kirby dropped by the Schofields RFS brigade and presented Ms Doherty with the award .
“ Krianne is not only a leader within the brigade , but she also gives up many of her weekends to assist with firefighters across the district .”
On the weekends , Krianne transforms into a drill sergeant of compassion , training the next generation of firefighters within the community . She doesn ’ t just teach the technical elements associated with the job , she imparts on all the rookies she meets the courage , resilience , and fierce community spirit that she has herself .
Her colleagues sum up Krianne ’ s dedication precisely , “ We nominate Krianne , for the raw determination , relentless leadership , and unwavering
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service that makes our town tick . She ’ s the hero we need , the one who shows that true strength comes with smoke-stained gloves and a heart of gold .”
While Krianne is a worthy recipient of the Riverstone Local Woman of the Year Award – it was clear that upon being presented with the award her mind was on community over accolades .
Local member Warren Kirby holds the same sentiments .
“ As our community continues to face rapid growth it ’ s critical that the essential services needed keep up with increasing population .”
While the Schofields RFS Brigade is crewed by some of the most dedicated and community focused fire fighters such as Krianne , Mr Kirby in his capacity as the local member wants to ensure they remain resourced as necessary to service the evergrowing region .
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Mr Kirby also has a personal connection to the Schofields RFS , his grandfather Mr Dinky Knight was a founding member of the brigade and served as the brigade captain between 1944 and 1956 . “ The Schofields RFS is an iconic part of this community , not only do they provide the essential services of fighting fires – but contribute to the vibrant life and community spirit in Schofields ”.
As the electorate of Riverstone see ’ s , the building of more and more homes - many may question the place of the RFS in a community such as this one .
However , their role as dedicated volunteers to any community cause is irreplaceable . From assisting with flood relief to upkeeping the Schofield ’ s Santa tradition – the Schofields RFS is here to stay , and its firefighters like Krianne who keep the heart of the brigade beating on .
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Western Sydney councils welcome IPART inquiry – and call for more rational funding model
The peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney , the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils ( WSROC ), has welcomed the latest Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal ( IPART ) investigation into NSW local council finances — but is urging IPART to undertake a rigorous review of how Federal and State level policy impacts the financial sustainability of Councils .
On 30 January , the NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig announced the government had asked IPART to examine the financial model for councils and key factors impacting councils ’ financial sustainability .
“ Our concern is the government ’ s draft terms of reference for the investigation omit critical external factors such as Federal and State Government policies that impact the financial model underpinning local government funding ,” said WSROC President , Councillor Barry Calvert . “ WSROC supports the NSW Government undertaking a rigorous review into the financial resilience of
Councils but urges it to focus not just on what can be done better by councils but also on how Federal and State level policy impacts the financial resilience and sustainability of Councils .
“ This is especially important at a time when local councils are under pressure from government to provide more housing , infrastructure and services for rapidly growing populations . For example , ‘ cost shifting ’ by the NSW Government and the Australian Government onto local councils in NSW in the financial year 2015 / 16 was estimated to have been $ 820 million — up from an estimated $ 380 million in 2005 / 06 .
“ The NSW Government is responsible for most of the cost shifting , however , with just two per cent attributed to the Australian Government .
“ The increase is mainly driven by the NSW Government ’ s $ 800 million annual waste levy .
“ So , while the NSW Government shifts responsibility to local government for funding vital services and functions , it ensures the means to funding those services lie with itself .
“ We are seeing growing community expectations regarding services and infrastructure delivery , and in a growing region such as Western Sydney , expectations far exceed what current funding mechanisms – in the form of rates , grants and developer contributions – can provide .
“ Greater Western Sydney ’ s population is growing at such a rate that we will need to house more than one million additional people by 2036 .
“ To address long-term financial pressures and to deliver on community priorities , we especially need the Government to closely examine how Councils can achieve financial sustainability where community expectations are rising and the cost of providing services is increasing at a greater rate than revenue .
“ Councils are especially sensitive to a growing liability for unfunded infrastructure - particularly in growth areas such as Western Sydney which is being impacted by growing costs as the climate changes , populations age , technology advances and work patterns change .
“ The demand for ever more housing also compounds other significant challenges Western Sydney councils are dealing with , including finding ways to ensure our communities have access to reliable , and affordable energy and rebuilding local infrastructure after recent disasters such as floods and bushfires .
“ In October 2019 , the NSW Government ’ s independent , expert panel released a discussion paper , NSW Review of Federal Financial Relations , examining how the NSW and Commonwealth Governments can work to build a stronger economy , encourage state-led reform , and ultimately , deliver better value for taxpayers .
“ WSROC is urging the NSW Government to examine how all three levels of government can work together to build a stronger economy and , ultimately , deliver reform that offers better value for taxpayers and ratepayers .
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 36 // MARCH 2024 21