New Artist Hub at Concord
One of the longest-running Sydney Art groups, Drummoyne Art Society, has launched a proposal to establish an Artist Centre in the currently vacant Concord Early Childhood Centre, following it’s move to a new location on Victoria Avenue. The plan submitted to the council revolved around expanded community use of the space, with photography, pottery demonstrations, multicultural art, crafts, galleries and art libraries amongst some of the activities to be open to the public.
It has been agreed that the building will be used by the Society for a trial period of three years, with the City of Canada Bay council approving to support the development of the centre, until a time when it is self-sustainable. In order to reach this goal, plans are in place to generate income through art tuition, room hire, gallery events, fundraising and merchandising.
Greens refuse to fund “bum project” WestConnex
In a recent press conference, Greens candidate for Grayndler Jim Casey stated that if elected, federal money going towards WestConnex would be something that he “would not be prepared to negotiate”, calling the tollway a “bum project”.
Going into the election, Greens senator Lee Rhiannon (pictured with Casey above) reiterated that a key part of the greens platform is that WestConnex should stop. “No more WestConnex payments, no more WestConnex,” she said. At the press conference, Rhiannon announced that she had contacted Treasurer Scott Morrison, asking that there be no more federal payments in terms of grants or concessional loans to the project. “Suspension of payment should happen immediately,” she said.
The press conference came in the wake of confusion regarding differing statements made by opposition leader Bill Shorten, and member for Grayndler Anthony Albanese regarding the $16.8 billion project. Albanese has stated Labor would not contribute further funds to the tollway, despite Shorten’s insistence they do support WestConnex going ahead.
Marrickville Charity donated new kitchen
Stretch a Family, a Marrickville-based charity providing medium-term supported accommodation for young people in need will be getting a new kitchen as the recipients of IKEA’s annual Living Local Grants. The Stretch a Family kitchen was treated to a whole new look, with the hopes to increase the warm, homely environment for those using the space.
“Many of our teens don’t have a home to call their own, let alone a fully resourced kitchen and it is here we can now provide them with a warm, wholesome meal as well as encourage them to develop important life skills in cooking and learn about nutrition,” said Tracey Rowe, Acting CEO of Stretch a Family.
For further information on the work of Stretch a Family visit stretchafamily.com.au.