Deputy Mayor's Report - Nov/Dec/Jan

As Deputy Mayor, City of Unley, I am required to submit a monthly report that is included in the Council agenda.
Here are copies of the last few months ...

Deputy Mayor report for January 2014

Wednesday 08 January

Attended an informal meeting with the Premier of South Australia, Hon Jay Weatherill and the State Member for Ashford, Hon Steph at Coffee Craft (on South Road, opposite Black Forest Primary School). Also in attendance was a Black Forest Primary School Councillor.

Spent 2 hours chatting, drinking coffee, learning about coffee and touring the front and back room facilities. I was impressed by the roasting, blending and storage facilities out the back. They roast ~ 500kg a week.

The Premier was interested in local issues and achievements. He took onboard issues of concern. I congratulated him on bringing the Rolling Stones to Adelaide and explained that I received tickets as a Christmas gift (from my wife).

An enjoyable 2 hours spent with the Premier before he moved on to the next engagement.

Before departing I sampled an Ethiopian Yirgacheffee short black. Tasting notes: intense dark colour, spicy and fragrant, acidic with a blueberry aroma, superb. I bought 1kg of Ethiopian Yirgacheffee beans for $38.

Sunday 12 January

Attended the Greek Blessing of the Waters at Glenelg Jetty, officiated by Bishop Nikandros of Dorylacon. This annual event celebrates the Epiphany of Christ in the river Jordan in Judea.

It was a hot day and the foreshore and jetty was crowded. A large presence of politicians and Councillors. Beach volleyball was being played nearby.

Afterwards, the City of Holdfast Bay hosted refreshments for the official party; local water, a bowl of licorice all-sorts and biscuits. I was impressed by the Council Chamber and the floral arrangement on a table in the centre of the Chamber - a nice touch.

Refreshed, we proceeded to a marque on the foreshore and enjoyed a feast of Greek delicacies. Mingled with the guests and had discussions with the politicians.

Deputy Mayor report for December 2013

Meetings with the Mayor, CEO and GMs.

Discussions with EMs.

Various discussions.

The list below excludes events and activities that I would normally attend as an Elected Member eg. Council meetings, briefing sessions and community events.

Friday 15 November 2013

Attended the Latvian Church, Wayville.

Invitation issued by Dr Valdis Tomanis, Honorary Consul,  Consulate of Latvia. It was a reception to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia.

Numerous State politicians were there, including the Speaker, a Minister and the Opposition Leader.

It was well organised and the formal part was not too lengthy. Each of the speakers provided a similar account of Latvia's struggle for independence.

Interesting to learn that Riga, the capital of Latvia, is to be listed number 4 on the Lonely Planet's top destinations in 2014. Riga is, by all accounts on the night, the cultural hub of the Baltic.

I was impressed by the national dress worn by some on the night.

The finger food was absolutely superb - the best I have ever encountered.

I recommend the cater (a member of the Latvian community) for future Council events.

Saturday 16 November 2013

Attended the opening of the Goody Patch school/community garden.

Missed the official opening where the Mayor had cut through some vegetation.

This is a great outcome for the Goodwood Primary School and the community.

Unley Council provided a grant to assist in the development. It was money well spent. The Council and the School have signed a 'land management' agreement. I spoke with teacher Graeme Hunt about future plans and the potential for additional funding from various sources. The garden and activities there will form part of the curriculum.

Councillor Don Palmer arrived and we chatted about that day's activities in the heavy pruning of trees along the railway line at Clarence Park.

Saturday 30 November 2013

Attended Soldiers Memorial Gardens and launched Ignite Unley at 5:30pm. In attendance (at that time) were Councillors Hudson, Boisvert and Salaman - also a strong presence of Council staff (Megan, Mandy, Carly, ...). The music was fantastic and gave the people lazing on the lawn great expectations of the night to come. I explained to Councillor Hudson the concept of the silent disco. Bought a bag of macaroons (to take home) from the pop-up van Mr Macaroon.

In the evening I attended Beaujolais Burlesque with Councillor Hughes. Enjoyed the experience of young and fresh Beaujolais. It was an ideal opportunity to discuss the upcoming French Market to be held in Unley. There is a lot of buzz in the community about this event.

........................

Deputy Mayor report for November 2013

Meetings with the Mayor, CEO and GMs.

Discussions with EMs.

Various discussions.

The list below excludes events and activities that I would normally attend as an Elected Member eg. Council meetings and briefing sessions.

Friday 25 October 2013

Attended the AIUS seminar 'SA - Are we there yet?'

Seated with City of Adelaide Councillor Anthony Williamson - he provided me commentary throughout. We seemed to agree on the merit of the individual panel members and their utterances.

An interesting session after a lengthy introduction of the 6 panel speakers.

Some notes I made on the day ...

Started with a video of Adelaide scenes and appearances of scores of speakers on a soap box in Leigh Street, Adelaide. Mayor Clyne had his say - I didn't record the topic, but on the day it was a good 20 seconds grab.

Raises the questions "Where are we going?

6 celebrity rated speakers, including Steve Maras and Greg Mackie.

Lengthy bio on each speaker. MC should have limited to 2 minutes introduction for each speaker.

Zing stores.

Chastity pledges ... US southern baptists.

Bi-polar (respect traditions vs. 'getting out there')

Apathy.

Can we really define the 'there' and represent the majority in defining the 'there '?  No!

Over-taxed. Over-regulated.

Lip service to innovation.

Majority of South Australians couldn't care.

Are we leaders? Do we draw inspiration from others?

Unley, Norwood, Prospect ... Safe walkability.

How to change the mindset?

Closing on ... 'How does your city look? Are we there yet?'

Mumbai, Dubai.

Steve Maras recommended "Adelaide remember when". Google it.

Baby Boomers vs. Gen-X.

Transition to Gen-X influence.

Transport economists.

We are just so constipated - need a good flush out!

End of notes.

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Launched the start of the Tuesday Night Owls season at the Sturt Bowling Club, Unley. Well organised and a great night. A fantastic rendition of Advance Australia Fair to formalise the night. The club is at capacity with ~ 220 Night Owlers over 2 nights. It is made a success by the dedicated support of the 'Blue Shirts' club volunteers.

In attendance were Councillors Peter Hughes, Mike Hudson, Don Palmer, Michael Hewitson and Rob Sangster.

I stayed the night and filled in for an absent player. First experience at bowling. Played well at times, demonstrating huge potential. At other times I demonstrated need for coaching and more training.

Thursday 31 October 2013

Launched the start of the Thursday Night Owls season at the Sturt Bowling Club, Unley. Well organised and a great night. A fantastic rendition of Advance Australia Fair to formalise the night. The club is at capacity with ~ 220 Night Owlers over 2 nights. It is made a success by the dedicated support of the 'Blue Shirts' club volunteers.

In attendance was Councillor Peter Hughes.

After some refreshments I attended Councillor Michael Hewitson's book launch at the Town Hall. Arrived just in time.

Friday 01 November 2013

Attended the Channel 7 Community Achievement Awards held at the Stamford Grand @ Glenelg.

Seated at the premier table with Minister Tony Piccolo, Justin Higgins (GM Stamford) and Allan Arbon (Mayor of Murray Bridge).

A fabulous night with recognition of significant community achievements.

Of note, the winner of the Environment and Sustainable Award was 'Eco Bums the Cloth Nappy Library (of Torrensville)'. If you recall, Eco Bums piloted their product in Unley.

The menu comprised select SA products. It was nice to finish the night with an abundance of Haigh's chocolates.

I chatted with Justin about places to visit in SA and the potential impact on tourism with Adelaide being listed in Lonely Planet's top 10 places to visit.

Mayor Arbon and I discussed a long distant future of the freight train being diverted at Murray Bridge away from the Adelaide hills (and Unley).

The Minister and I talked about the new SA logo and local efforts and achievements in promoting road safety in his home town of Gawler.

Later I had a lively discussion with Mayor John Trainer about flood mitigation proposals for Brownhill and Keswick creeks. He was most candid. Naturally the issue of a dam in Mitcham (and its location) was discussed.

I caught the last tram from Glenelg and onboard pursued reflections of the night with other attendees at the event.

In preparation for next year's award, Unley should be identifying, nurturing and assisting local residents and community groups to get the recognition they deserve.

Wednesday 06 November 2013

Attended the SA Employer Support Awards Reception organised by Defence Reserves Support Council, held at Adelaide Oval. A fantastic night with recognition of employers and their sponsoring reservists. The best speaker of the night was Senator David Fawcett who is a former reservist. He spoke with passion and needed no notes.

The Local Government Association and the Australian Defence Force have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in regards to the administration of Reservists.

This is binding on the LGA and not the 68 Councils - they will each need to decide whether or not to 'sign up'.

Here is an extract from the LGA website …

South Australia’s Local Government Association (LGASA) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have entered into an historic Memorandum of Understanding which will make it easier for Council staff to take part in Defence Force Reserves activities.

LGA President, Mayor David O’Loughlin and Commodore Robert Morrison, Deputy Head of Cadet Reserve and Employer Support Division, last night signed the five year agreement at the Defence Reserves Employer Support Awards ceremony at the Adelaide Oval (Wednesday 6 November, 2013).

“For some time issues have arisen where Council staff members have wanted to enlist in the Defence Force Reserves or are enlisted and are required for Reservist training and duty,” Mayor O’Loughlin said.

“This Memorandum of Understanding will enable Councils and the Australian Defence Force to have a mutual understanding of arrangements for the employment of Council staff, who are also Reservists.

“Local Government in SA employs around 10,500 people and it is reasonable to expect that a percentage of this number also wish to be engaged in further commitment to their communities by seeking to serve in the Defence Force Reserves. Therefore it is important that we have an agreed and appropriate approach to dealing with a shared workforce.”

“The chief beneficiaries of this agreement are the outstanding men and women who volunteer to be part of the Australian Defence Force Reserves,” Commodore Morrison said. “From here on they can continue to combine their uniform and civilian jobs comfortable in the knowledge that both parties understand, appreciate, support and accommodate the interests of the other.”

The five year MOU includes obligations and undertakings by both the LGA and the ADF. The LGA has agreed to actively encourage its 68 member Councils to adopt policies and procedures that encourage and support staff members who are also reservists.

End of extract.

Unley Council has two reservists in its ranks - the Mayor and a staff member at the depot.

I witnessed the signing of the MOU.

I met many reservists and discussed their involvement and the challenges.

Thursday 07 November 2013

Met with CEO Peter Tsokas and Steph Key MP to review the proposal to artistically revitalise the subway underpass at Millswood. Hopefully there will be a presentation to Council in December. There was also discussion about the Goodwood Junction (railway) Project and resultant traffic issues between the tram line and Leader Street.

Tuesday 12 November 2013

Attended the Australian of the Year Awards 2014 at Adelaide Oval.

A fantastic night. All of the nominees for each category were worthy of the award.

A good MC, well organised and adequate time for networking afterwards.

Of special note, Dean Walker (Community Constable) won the award for local hero. His huge smile after winning was so special. I congratulated him and talked about Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta and his extensive travels in the region extending to the border with NT.

The public were encouraged to nominate people for awards in 2015.

Friday 15 November 2013

Attended the Latvian Church, Wayville.

Invitation issued by Dr Valdis Tomanis, Honorary Consul,  Consulate of Latvia.

It was a reception to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia.

A reflection ...

In attendance at the various events, I have noticed poor attendance by other Councils. It may be the case that Unley receives more invitations (and accepts most) or apathy on the part of other Councils. Whatever, Unley is well represented at the significant events beyond its boundary.