Local news – 237

Pimp Doug’s ride

Leichhardt residents, Doug Simon and Angie Szpojda, are inviting local businesses and creatives to help makeover their 1971 Ford Fairlane from blank canvas to masterpiece that captures the essence of the Inner West in time for the 2014 Variety Dick Smith B to B Bash in August. “With local support, our Bash car could be transformed into an iconic mascot for the Inner West. Businesses interested in sponsoring the vehicle can have their name or logo proudly stamped on it or even wrap the entire car in their company’s message!” proclaimed Doug, who intends on making the car his ‘everyday vehicle’ after the Bash. The annual B to B Bash has been running for 30 years and raised $173 million for Aussie kids in need. Tam Johnston, CEO of Variety, said she continues to be in awe of how generous the Bashers
and larger community have been over the years.

• To contact Doug about this opportunity call 0490 133 337, or donate go to: https://2014varietynswbash.everydayhero.com/au/car-360

 

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Russell Lea’s textile queen

Nineteen-year-old local Laura Frettingham has been selected to showcase her work at the upcoming Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair as part of the exhibition Texstyle, featuring the best major works from 2013 HSC Textiles and Design students. Laura’s work – a sunflower patterned dress that combines modern and classic design trends – took the entire HSC year to complete. The effort paid off though, with Laura having scored herself a design and production internship at Australia Lingerie Company after graduating last year. See her work at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Glebe Island, from July 9th-13th.

 

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Bad news for homeless services

Marrickville Council has condemned the State Government’s new funding model for homelessness services, which will see at least 10 specialist services and refuges closed in the Inner West alone, and many more state-wide. “To see the doors of these shelters close will be devastating and will affect the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Marrickville Mayor Jo Haylen. Services that have lost tenders and will close include Guthrie House, Erskineville, Innari Housing and Jean’s Place, Marrickville, Elsie Women’s Refuge, Glebe House and Detour House, Glebe, Young People’s Refuge, Leichhardt, Lillian’s Place, Erskineville, and Fact Tree, Redfern. Marrickville Council officers will be investigating how they might be able to assist and support the services going forward.