Heartfelt appreciation for Town’s donation

The Premier of Victoria, the Hon John Brumby MP, has acknowledged the Town’s $5,000 donation to the Victoria Bushfire Appeal Fund in a letter to the Mayor, which states:

“On behalf of the Government and people of Victoria, I would like to express my sincere thanks for the generous contribution the Town of Bassendean has made in support of those affected by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.

The loss of so many lives is devastating to all Victorians. The Government is doing its utmost to meet the needs of those affected. A wide range of financial, accommodation, personal, medical psychological and other support has been made available, and every effort will be made to assist communities to recover.

I am certain that your donation will be gratefully received by those who have lost so much.

The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund has been established by the Victorian Government in partnership with the Commonwealth Government and the Australian Red Cross to ensure that contributions are directed to the people who need them most.

Once again, I thank you for giving so generously in this difficult time.”

NAIDOC Week 2009

Family Fun Day

This year NAIDOC Week is being celebrated across Australia from 5 to 12 July. The Town of Bassendean, in partnership with the Derbal Yerrigan Health Service, will again present its popular NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Ashfield Reserve on Thursday 9 July, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Town of Bassendean Mayor, Cr Tina Klein JP, said, “NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The national theme for NAIDOC Week this year is ‘Honouring our Elders, Nurturing our Youth’ and is aimed at encouraging strong links between generations”.

“Our Family Fun Day is targeted at both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to reflect the national theme and encourage greater understanding and appreciation of our cultural diversity,” said Mayor Klein.

“The free family event will be a cultural feast featuring music, story-telling, food, stalls, rides, activities and lots of great entertainment,” added Mayor Klein.

Flying the flags

In preparation for NAIDOC Week this year, the Town plans to install two new flag poles at the front of the Council Administration building, which will fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

Following in the footsteps of the Prime Minister’s apology late last year, the permanent flying of the flags will be an expression by the Town of “support for, and proof of our conviction to, reconciliation with the traditional owners of the land in our area and respect for their ancestors”.

A special ceremony is proposed to mark the launch of the new flags on 9 July. The annual Dandjoo Koorliny ‘Harmony Walk’ will link the flag raising ceremony with the celebrations at Ashfield Reserve and will commence following the flag raising ceremony.

All interested persons are welcome to attend the flag raising ceremony and to walk together in unity to Ashfield Reserve. Participants are asked to gather in front of the Town’s Administration building at 48 Old Perth Road, Bassendean at 10.00 am.

For further information on the NAIDOC Family Fun Day, log onto the Town’s website or telephone Customer Services on 9377 8000.

Local parks to benefit from sponsorship

The Town of Bassendean has accepted a sponsorship offer from the Village Green Community Foundation to assist local parks.

Town of Bassendean Mayor, Cr Tina Klein, said, “The Town has recently developed a ten year master plan for all of its play spaces. The Play Spaces Implementation Plan will provide guidance to the Town over the next ten years for the provision of play spaces, to achieve an effective distribution of play equipment and associated infrastructure on parks and reserves within Ashfield, Bassendean and Eden Hill”.

“During the community consultation phase of the project a lot of written submissions were received by the Town, so it is satisfying that the community is passionate about its play spaces,” added Mayor Klein.

Funds are being considered within the 2009/10 Council budget to commence implementation of the Play Spaces Implementation Plan.

“The Town is thankful for the sponsorship from the Village Green Community Foundation and plans to use the funds to assist in providing maintenance for five local parks for a twelve month period, namely: Surrey Street Park, Culworth-Mickleton Reserve, Parmelia Way Reserve, Carmen Way Reserve and Third Avenue Reserve,” said Mayor Klein.

Village Green Community Foundation is a locally-based deductible gift recipient registered organisation that undertakes a range of projects for the benefit of the community. One of the Foundation’s current projects is catamaran racing and the community can log onto www.catracing.net to check out more details.