Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc.

We are a local transport group only interested in representing all suburbs of Mount Druitt, with the goal of being involved in getting improved Transport services and infrastructure with buses, trains, taxis & cycling. We will lobby Blacktown City Councillors Transport Officers from all areas to reach community goals. We invite all and any local interested commuters to bring their ideas and goals, working with a better Mount Druitt Transport community.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

More Commuters With More Safety Ideas

I remember there was a male bus commuter a few weeks ago that gave me a suggestion to provide better safety around our area and I must apologise to him, as I completely forgot what it was until this week it came back to me. Here it is.....that the New South Wales Government should invest in addition to having the local Police station in Mount Druitt fully staffed, a mobile police station that is fully manned by a very large presence of police police around the clock especially at night. Foot patrols, motorbike officers and marked and unmarked cars consistently patrolling all areas, suburb by suburb.

This suggestion is a great suggestion but in general - after discussing safety issues with a female work colleague of mine, our outcome was bring back curfews placed at night for youths walking around doing nothing to say 9pm without any adult supervision of a senior age and reduce the age for drinking alcohol consent to 21 years (which is adult age).

A female train & bus commuter I met yesterday, who's partner is a bus driver made a suggestion that when the school holidays are here all employers should take on youths for 2-3 days a week work experience in field(s) of work that they may endeavour to take up and this includes City Councils and voluntary organisations, charities. This will take youths off the streets doing nothing or they call. 'Chill' or 'Hang out' into something that is more satisfying and can lead to a prospective financially secured life (as long as necessary studies are completed to obtain these occupations).

Thursday, April 28, 2011

It Seems Kids Don't Learn!

Last night, apparently kids are still throwing full bottle missiles targeting buses - this time in Shalvey on buses. We need any Shalvey community residents to keep an eye on these children and ensure this doesn't happen again or even tell the people you know within Shalvey (neighbours or people you meet on a daily basis), that should this anti-social behaviour persist then one day buses may be taken away from the community.

Than and only then all community members will suffer!

From Local Transport To International Transport!

The other day I was looking back at our beginnings and I mu st say that I didn't understand the impact, scope or how big our transport issues were.

I now understand that a minor change inn transport infrastructure in a local community can result in major changes within transport around the world.

Foe example only, we will say for hearsay that if transport only costs each commuter $1.00 in travel per trip for all, no matter what the distance (limited to Sydney and Western Sydney regions) and mode of transport: buses, trains & light rail. Also at the same time more efficient reliable running transport services running every 5-10 minutes running, then the greater public will leave their private cars at home and more and more commuters will join more public transport services on a daily basis.

This leaves great economic savings to the wider community, all government and also towards the environment as less fuel is used. Wonderful dream, project, idea and notion but very hard to impress on all who listen.

Our Next Group Meeting Post-phoned until 21/5/2011

This is to inform our members and potential members that due to Easter weekend meeting booked for last Saturday - we have now post-phoned our next group meeting until 21st May 2011.

This gives us time to reflect of the last State Election results and provide important transport priority strategies to our local State Members. I've mentioned on other blogs some ideas we need to look at and wil leave to the group to decide!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

World Innovation On Buses And Transport

Although we can look to the future to improve and change transport systems within Western Sydney and maybe the inner Sydney itself. It appears when we try new initiatives to improve transport or transport systems the Greater Western Sydney is not the primary source of releasing these great ideas to improve the transport systems - we tend o be second rated compared to the inner Sydney.

Here is a video - obtained from WSPTU and from streetfilms which could mean better bus transport:

http://www.streetfilms.org/mba-bus-rapid-transit/#respond

There are other videos to chose from.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Public Transport Suggestions

It was suggested by a spokesperson involved with all Australian public & private primary school principals that when considering all government transport - government transport especially in relation to community transport like bus services, should be more frequent and more affordable.

To get more community members into public transport, leaving more private vehicles at home, a simple but much in demand solution - have the community pay $1 per trip to their destination - no matter the length of destination and at least a five minute service - thus allowing a greater belief of public transport services being provided and more faith in get to places with an efficient transport infrastructure. This in itself makes the community more public transport reliant, bringing a more confident transport network that will get to places in a safe and reliable time.

Then and only then can it promoted as a great transport system to promote tourists to the many attractions that the Greater Western Sydney has to show. Many the Western Sydney can be a great transport show to show the world. All it needs it a lot of listening from a lot of people that like talking and planning transport. Let's hope that the right people here what we say and give a change to the community to receive a better changed public transport system.

Bidwill Four Days Off Buses - At Least - - - We Remember!

Here we are nearly eighteen months on and still Bidwill community members have no bus services going in or out of Chestnut Crescent for at least Four days.

We today ,as a nation celebrating a peace day of remembrance,
remember the men and women that fought for all of us in many different wars: losing their lives and mates lives at the end giving every Australians a better chance of have a great and wonderful life for future Australians. When it comes to any Australian community not able to have to better and accessible transport services then I do not think this is what our great servicemen and servicewomen wanted for our future. The ANZAC's gave us hope, destiny and future of happiness.

there is not happiness , when these bus services are cut for whatever reasons. Here is the video from last year - how this community is suffering during this Easter and Anzac Holidays:
http://sobsmtdruittasa.blogspot.com/2010/04/bidwill-channel-nine-video.html

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

NEW NSW Government's - Integrated Transport

NSW govt sets up new transport authority

A NSW transport authority will be created to oversee policy and planning of major transport projects, leaving existing agencies such as RailCorp in charge of frontline services, the government says.

Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian could not rule out job losses across NSW transport agencies in the wake of the new authority, which was announced on Tuesday.

But State Roads Minister Duncan Gay promised thMr Gay said the RTA had a self-recognised arrogance about it.

"You will not see the RTA the same after this process," Mr Gay told reporters in Sydney.

"You will not see roads the same, you will not see transport the same.

"This is a major integration of what we're doing."

The new integrated transport authority will co-ordinate the state's transport services with the aim of ensuring projects are built on time and on budget, Ms Berejiklian told reporters.

"We've long been arguing that unless you establish have a truly integrated transport authority that does planning and policy across all modes of transport and roads, you won't be able to deliver those critical value customer services we desperately need in Sydney and across NSW," she said.

She said the authority will have six new divisions - Customer Experience, Planning and Programs, Transport Services, Transport Projects, Freight and Regional Development and Policy and Regulation.

It will be overseen by Ms Berejiklian and Mr Gay.

Neither Mr Gay nor Ms Berejiklian would say if there would be job losses at transport agencies such as the RTA.

Ms Berejiklian said there would be fewer "back room" jobs and more "front line" positions.

She said more detail would be released over the next 12 weeks.

Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) won't look the same after the changes take place in 12 weeks.

This is from the Sydney Morning Herald:
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/nsw-govt-sets-up-new-transport-authority-20110419-1dmpp.html

New South Wales to get new Integrated Transport Authority

I have located this story on this site:
http://www.caradvice.com.au/115448/new-south-wales-to-get-new-integrated-transport-authority/

I like the symbol!

Are we seeing the first signs of the new political broom sweeping through the NSW transport authorities? NSW transport minister Gladys Berejiklian and roads minister Duncan Gay have just announced that a new Integrated Transport Authority will be set up to integrate all transport agencies, including the RTA. This not only means a number of jobs could be cut from the system but we could also see major changes in the way the RTA operates.

The new authority will integrate the back end of agencies such as the RTA, State Transit Authority, Rail Corp and Sydney Buses, and revise the focus of these agencies so that they concentrate on customer service and front line duties while the new transport authority will take care of the bigger issues, such as long term planning and policies. Miss Berejiklian announced,

“This means Rail Corp, Sydney Buses, the RTA and other transport agencies will no longer be responsible for major procurement, long term planning and policy – instead they will focus on service delivery.
“This means fewer people in the back office and more on the front line as our state grows and our transport services grow with it.”
“It’s about getting rid of a dysfunctional structure with duplication and poor communication and replacing it with a streamlined agency which plans and delivers for all transport modes.”

Mr Gay also spoke about how changes could affect the RTA at the announcement made earlier today, saying

“You will not see the RTA the same after this process. You will not see roads the same, you will not see transport the same. This is a major integration of what we’re doing.”

The new Integrated Transport Authority will be made up of six departments, all of which will be overseen by Mr Gay and Miss Berejiklian: Customer Experience, Planning and Programs, Transport Services, Transport Projects, Freight and Regional Development and Policy and Regulation.
Changes will take place over the next 12 weeks which will include putting on six new executives to lead each department.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

No Extension of Time on Multi Tickets!

With the extension of three days on ONLY MY TRAIN WEEKLY TICKETS due to the Easter festivities, My Multi Weekly tickets are not extended. Where is the justice there?

They are both train tickets except for My Multi tickets which are combined with other transport - we will lobby for my Multi tickets to be included in these promotions to assist commuters - hopefully someone or more than one will read this story within Transport NSW and make that change of decision.

Transport History In Mount Druitt!

A commuter I was speaking to yesterday seems like has got some history - his father was a Westbus Driver that was the first driver to drive pas the M2 Motorway when is was opened. So this provides good news for the community - not in Mount Druitt directly!

Let's try to hear some more good news!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

'Special General Meeting - NEW Constituition'

Yesterday , we met to discuss and fine tune the new constitution that our group is looking to adopt. I have personally retyped the constitution about 4 times since end of last year and I am coming to the final crunch as to how to complete it. Will place it on our blog - once we have group approval.

We are looking to hold a meeting on 30/4/11 - to set our transport priorities and then take it to our two local members! It is a group decision which represents the whole commuting community!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Great Site For Discussing Public Transport

If you want to discuss any sort of issue you have with Public Transport or ask a question, maybe even show what transport you saw today or even just keep up with what's going on with the Timetables you can go to this forum: http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/index.php Just click on the link or copy and paste it into the URL bar on the top of your screen You can look at photos of buses, timetables news or discussions on Public Transport. You can also join up so you can post items as well. I have been a member for nearly 2 years now.

Understanding Timing Of Transport

I have come to a conclusion that I have always had in my mind and my life. Timing is very important in our lives: we live and breath on time. time to leave home, time to arrive home, time to go to work, visiting friend and then go shopping. Time of waking up, cleaning our selves, preparing ourselves for the day and setting ourselves to sleep.

By now, you are probably saying what has this got to transport times - well it is like this, when we set our time to be a t a bus stop, train station or taxi stands, we need to be understanding and considerate. That is prepare yourself, allowing to be ready to catch your mode of transport prior to the timed public transport arrival. My suggestion is to arrive 5 minutes before your time of catching public transport.

It was also suggested to myself by a transport worker in the City Rail that looks after the cleaning and maintenance of trains, that it is noted within City Rail trains - allowance of train arrival is either 5 minutes later or after the designated time. This confirms my valid suggestion to get there early, don't be frustrated and patiently wait for your transport to arrive and always be polite.

Security On Buses: Mount Druitt

Westbus management have decide to still employ security guards on buses in and out of Mount Druitt up to 11 pm at night. This ensures a better safety towards drivers and commuters of mount Druitt that deserve it - according to a Westbus spokesperson - drivers are under pressure everyday - not everyone realises this and most pressure is running the bus to the set timetable.

So, I think we have to understand that every bus driver might have a smile on their face, yet they may be having commuter
complaints against them, daily threats from commuters for lateness or not understanding of providing change to large monetary bills. let's all give they a go and they will give us a go to take us to our daily destination.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Comparison Of Public Transport

When we compare transport in different areas we can see different socio-economic areas being looked after differently, also based on the transport population.

Compare Mount Druitt to the City or Eastern suburbs and you will see regular trains bus, taxis and ferries - - easy to get to connections, less waiting times to get the direct transport you need. There are prepay buses, metro buses ans there limited buses - all in the City and Eastern- Southern suburbs. The price of housing is dramatically high

Compare to countries like China - provided to me by a Chinese visitor to Australia - transport is not only fast but more frequent then what we have costs even cheap - meaning very affordable!

So Mount Druitt transport you know what we have - 15 - 30 minutes bus services, ample train services in early morn - off peak reduced services - compare it!

St Marys-Mt Druitt Star - Smart Thinking Rewarded - Blake Bardowski 12/4/11

All aboard the Blake express: Blake Bardowksi will spend a

week in West bus's planning department next month. "I'm

looking forward to putting my ideas on the table," he said.

Picture: Gene Ramirez

Smart thinking rewarded

BY KYLIE STEVENS

12 Apr, 2011 12:00 AM

REMEMBER Blake Bardowski, the Shalvey teenager who devised his own bus network which he says would solve many transport hassles?

He's on the road to making a difference for commuters after he was named the inaugural Chifley Young Leader Award winner last week.

Federal Chifley MP Ed Husic implemented the annual award to recognise the great talent and potential of young people and inspire their peers.

Blake was one of nine finalists who showed community leadership in areas such as mental health, bullying, health and nutrition.

Runner-up was Loyola Senior High School student Nicholas Ward, who discussed the problems of poor health and nutrition.

The Star first met Blake almost a year ago when the then 14-year-old had devised a detailed bus network that would put bus companies and transport authorities to shame.

"I was very happy and surprised," Blake said of his award win.

"It was a shock and wasn't expecting it."

Westbus took notice of Blake's ideas at a forum last year and offered the Penrith High School student work experience for next month.

Priorities on Blake's wish list are the return of services which left Bidwill and Whalan commuters stranded when they were axed in 2009.

He's disappointed by recent incidents of rocks being thrown at buses and harassment of bus drivers — actions that saw the diversion of evening services in Bidwill, Emerton and Lethbridge Park.

"When will these people learn?" he said.

"It's not right, because buses are all some people have to get around."

He believed Mt Druitt should have its own free shuttle bus, similar to recently launched services in Penrith and Blacktown.
The service is part of Blake's plans, which include stops at Mt Druitt Hospital, the police station and going as far as Rooty Hill.

Blake won an iPad and enjoyed meeting federal Youth Minister Peter Garrett.

"He was interested in my bus network and I found we both like geography," he said.

His grandmothers and parents attended the ceremony at Rooty Hill RSL. Two heart operations couldn't keep dad Dean away: he was discharged hours earlier after eight weeks in hospital. It's been a big week in the Bardowski household after Blake turned 15 on Saturday, a day after his parents celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary.

Collecting bus timetables has been Blake's lifelong hobby, his mum Jillian said.

"He'll hate me for telling you this story but he could spell bus stop when he was two," she laughed.
"I am blown away by his mindset and couldn't be any prouder of him."

Monday, April 11, 2011

Limited Bus Stops In The City And South-East!

On the weekend as I traveled towards the southern eastern suburbs - I didn't see commuters struggling to get buses. In fact bus services in the inner city and southern suburbs are quite frequent and commuters seemed relaxed and not in a complaining mood.

There is quite a difference on how transport infrastructure is structured and maintained in these areas. All commuters have to place your electronic transport tickets downs in electronic scanning machines and it sends a distinct rejection signal - which the driver can pick up - it means it is an incorrect ticket or that the ticket has expired. The problem here is if you are on a metro prepay bus -and this happens to you, you have to step off the bus and catch another bus. This is what happened yesterday morning on one bus - both bus driver advised the female commuter nicely and the commuter responded nicely.

Then there was the 'L' buses - 'Limited Bus Stops' - they speed the service of the bus service as it only stops in major bus stops to the city - my problem was I was searching for my ticket unable to find it until the bud departed from the bus stop.

These 2 types of bus services we do not have as well as at least every 5 minutes there is a bus service to city and Railway Square - buses are well patronised in the meantime, by New South Wales Government run buses. Public transport seems to be looked after by the New South Wales Government here - the comparisons to our area is that we do not have 5 minutes buses, no metro buses and no limited stop buses - are buses services are usually 15minutes or half an hour services - pick or choose!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

My Idea Of A Mt Druitt Free Shuttle Plus Some Others

I got to thinking that if places like Cabramatta and Kogarah got Free Shuttles why not Mt Druitt, St Marys, Castle Hill, Westmead and Hornsby.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Someone Within The Bus Industry Told Me (not that little birdie).....

That Western Australian Government have seriously gone into placing mesh type of material on the inside of widows of buses - is hidden and obscure from the outside - will not harm passengers or bus drivers if a missile is thrown and may shatter the glass only. They also have a plastic guard that leaves the driver in a comfortable compartment - leaving him with a window to discuss and accept cash, etc for tickets.

Rumors be known that community anti-social behaviors can let the driver be placed out of work for a short period of time to permanent period of time and can even be life threatening, leaving long last scars or leading to death. Some drivers I understand have taken the sad aspect of taking their life - suicide as they cannot face up to the continual stress that lays in front of them on a day-to-day basis.

What gets me is that there are young people that do not want young people to wreck it for others or even for themselves - people do care.

A Weekend Problem For A Commuter!

This morning I was talking to a local commuter who catches the 755 on my bus stop and was asked why aren't bus services catered for him on weekends especially Sunday mornings.

This commuter would like an earlier bus service to take to work to Auburn on time that means meeting train connections on time (and that's without buses replacing trains). At present on Sundays he would just get to work on time, which is around 10 am if he catches the first bus around 8.30am - I understand bus services are there for the public but if there is any lateness then this can cause lateness for crucial work - which it turn could be a loss of employment due to inefficient public transport.

So I (as well as others) applaud this commuter for speaking out politely and I (as well as others) feel for him and will lobby for earlier bus services on weekends.

Message From Busways - 750, 755 And 758 Services Operating As Normal

750, 755 and 758 services operating as normal

Tuesday April 5, 2011

Diversions on route 750, 755 and 758 have been lifted and these services are now running as per timetable.

There are slight alterations to the locations of bus stops as buses will not be servicing the two bus shelters in Bulolo Drive (at Whalan Shops and Samurai St). However temporary stops around 100m from each of these bus shed should be in place shortly.

The bus shed at Emerton Shops will be removed.

From my desk: this will cause inconvenience for commuters who travel to and from Emerton Shops. All we have to do is as a community is spread the word to eliminate anti-social behaviors - I keep on saying this!

Are Some Tickets Fair?

I have been told that a weekly ticket can not be refunded ( if lost ticket) and a commuter was told by a City Rail staff that if you lose a weekly ticket you are not able to get a refund. Yet if you purchase a monthly ticket and you lose it - then you can get refund - at least 30 percent of ticket is not refunded direct to you!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Ivy Roberson - President Of 2770 Board

Ivy Roberson from the 2770 Board is very proud of Blake and his Chifley Youth Award. She will be looking to promote him as a community member that is proud of youth, that is showing Mount Druitt in a good light. I thank Ivy for doing this as she understands how the community feels like us!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

From Ed Husic website: Chifley Young Leaders Awards Announced

Here is the story of the Chifley Young Leader Awards on the website of Ed Husic:

April 6th, 2011

The Minister for Youth, Peter Garrett, and Member for Chifley, Ed Husic, today announced the winners of the inaugural Chifley Young Leader Award as part of National Youth Week.

Mr Garrett said the award acknowledges the importance of young people’s positive contribution to the local community.

“I congratulate all the winners and entrants of the Chifley Young Leader Award who have shown community leadership in areas like mental health, bullying, health and nutrition,” Mr Garrett said.

Mr Husic said that after meeting so many impressive kids in his electorate, he wanted to create a platform to showcase their talent and potential.

“This award will be part of an annual competition to encourage students to express ideas on leadership issues, and it’s about inspiring themselves and others,” Mr Husic said.

Award entrants are:

Maro Faiz Awad
Blake Bardowski
Joshua Boyd
Haziq Hakim
Luke Jeske
Paul Mills
Emma Victoria Stylli
Sean Thrift
Nicholas Ward

The entrants were judged by a panel drawn from the education, business and community sectors including Eric Sidoti, Director Whitlam Institute (UWS), Richard Errington, CEO Rooty Hill RSL, and Natalie Chiappazzo, Manager of Blacktown Youth Services Association.

Mr Husic said the judges were impressed by the high calibre of entrants, their community spirit, leadership qualities, and contribution to acting on the issues they believe in.

“One third of my electorate is under the age of nineteen, and it is the second most ‘youthful’ electorate in the nation. I am delighted to have the Youth Minister here and show him how proud we are of our youth,” Mr Husic said.
Mr Garrett, who today visited the Rooty Hill RSL to present at the awards ceremony, also acknowledged the importance of Australia’s young people.

“The theme for National Youth Week this year is ‘Own It’, and the Chifley Young Leader Award is a great example of young people taking the initiative and being leaders in their community,” Mr Garrett said.
“Young people are too often portrayed in a negative light.

“National Youth Week is an opportunity for the wider community to recognise the positive things that young people are doing every day.”

The Chifley Young Leader Award is just one of many events occurring around Australia for National Youth Week.
National Youth Week is a joint Australian, State, Territory and Local Government initiative and the largest celebration of young people in Australia, providing young people between the ages of 12 to 25 with an opportunity to have their voices heard on issues of concern to them.

For more information about National Youth Week events and competitions, or to get involved, visit www.youthweek.com.
* Joint media release with Minister for Youth, Peter Garrett

We have placed Ed Husic's link on on our home page for future reference!

Joint Press Release:Minister Peter Garrett And Ed Husic Announce Chifley Young Leaders Award

Here is the e-mail from the media Officer from Ed Husic's Office for the Chifley Young Leaders Awards:

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2011 12:01:59 +1000
From: Aisha.Amjad@aph.gov.au

Please find attached a Joint Media Release by Ed Husic MP and Minister Garrett on the inaugural Chifley Young Leaders Award Presentation as part of Youth Week.

The winner of the Competition was Blake Bardowski who wrote about his concerns on the lack of adequate public transport (particularly bus timetables and services in the area).

Second prize was awarded to Nicholas Ward, who discussed the problems with the community regarding poor health and nutrition, and how to increase awareness.

You can read about Blake at the following link:

http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com/2011/04/and-winner-for-chifley-youth.html

If you would like to talk to Blake or Nicholas, or publish their winning entries, please contact our office.

Information on the event/competition is also attached for your information.

Kind regards,

Aisha Amjad

Media Officer

Office of Ed Husic MP

Ph: 9625 4344/ 0410 786 786

THE HON PETER GARRETT MP

Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth

MR ED HUSIC MP

Member for Chifley

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday 7 April 2011

Chifley Young Leaders Awards announced

The Minister for Youth, Peter Garrett, and Member for Chifley, Ed Husic, yesterday announced the winners of the inaugural Chifley Young Leader Award as part of National Youth Week.

Mr Garrett said the award acknowledges the importance of young people‟s positive contribution to the local community. “I congratulate all the winners and entrants of the Chifley Young Leader Award who have shown community leadership in areas like mental health, bullying, health and nutrition,” Mr Garrett said.

Mr Husic said that after meeting so many impressive kids in his electorate, he wanted to create a platform to showcase their talent and potential.

“This award will be part of an annual competition to encourage students to express ideas on leadership issues, and it's about inspiring themselves and others,” Mr Husic said.

Award entrants were:

Maro Faiz Awad

Blake Bardowski

Joshua Boyd

Haziq Hakim

Luke Jeske

Paul Mills

Emma Victoria Stylli

Sean Thrift

Nicholas Ward

Mr Husic said the judges were impressed by the high calibre of entrants, their community spirit, leadership qualities, and contribution to acting on the issues they believe in. “One third of my electorate is under the age of nineteen, and it is the second most "youthful‟ electorate in the nation. I was delighted to have the Youth Minister here and show him how proud we are of our youth,” Mr Husic said.

Mr Garrett, who yesterday visited the Rooty Hill RSL to present at the awards ceremony, also acknowledged the importance of Australia‟s young people. “The theme for National Youth Week this year is „Own It‟, and the Chifley Young Leader Award is a great example of young people taking the initiative and being leaders in their community,” Mr Garrett said.

“Young people are too often portrayed in a negative light."

“National Youth Week is an opportunity for the wider community to recognise the positive things that young people are doing every day.”

The Chifley Young Leader Award is just one of many events occurring around Australia for National Youth Week.

National Youth Week is a joint Australian, State, Territory and Local Government initiative and the largest celebration of young people in Australia, providing young people between the ages of 12 to 25 with an opportunity to have their voices heard on issues of concern to them.

For more information about National Youth Week events and competitions, or to get involved, visit www.youthweek.com.

Minister’s Media Contact: Kate Pasterfield 0437 965 071

Mr Ed Husic’s Media Contact: Aisha Amjad 0410 786 786

DEEWR Media: media@deewr.gov.au

Non-media queries: 1300 363 079

Local High School Students Care of Local Transport - St Marys-Mt Druitt Star

The Students Voice: Chifley College Shalvey

BY KYLIE STEVENS

04 Apr, 2011 01:57 PM

The Star visited Chifley College Shalvey campus last week to ask student representative council leaders what they would like re-elected Mt Druitt state MP Richard Amery do for the area in his next four year term.

*Amee Draper, 14: I would love to see Mt Druitt Hospital upgraded. It doesn’t have a maternity ward, which we need in an area like Mt Druitt. The suburbs here are continuing to expand where a lot of young families are moving in. The nearest major hospitals are Blacktown and Nepean, which aren’t very close but Mt Druitt is right here.

*Grahame Luck 16: Clean up local parks. I walk through Popondetta Park every morning, where all I see is rubbish. I would like to see Richard to get in contact with council to make parks safer for the community and make them look more respectable.

*Zhane Pritchard, 14: Help improve education and schools in the area. Our school needs upgrades, particularly the classrooms, which are messy. If the classrooms were upgraded, students would treat them with respect and wouldn’t make such a mess. I would like to see more variety of subjects on offer that kids would like to study.

*Amy Bankes, 15: To fix public transport and get new buses so they don’t get vandalised and rocks thrown at them. No one wants to get on a bus that isn’t safe. We live in a area where people rely on public transport because they can’t afford a car. We need express bus services.

*Oscar Castro, 15: Promote a positive image of Mt Druitt and give the area a new cot of paint. Get rid of the graffiti so people can live in a place where they feel proud. If he made the place look nice, people will think ‘hey, we live a wonderful place’. He should also promote the positive things people are dedicated to doing in the community, like Clean Up Australia.

Congratulations to the Students Council of Shalvey High School for being concerned of the public transport around your area and Mount Druitt area - we applaud you all!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

And The Winner For The Chifley Youth Competition 2010-2011 Is.....

BLAKE BARDOWSKI, Local Shalvey/Mount Druitt resident from
MOUNT DRUITT COMMUTERS IMPROVEMENT GROUP

Yes, it is true out of nine quality teenage youths around Mount Druitt, it was decided by a well respected panel of judges selected by Ed Husic: Eric Sidoti, Natalie Chiappazzo and Richard Errington.

I personally nominated Blake Bardowski and feel proud in doing this for him, his mother and father, our group and for the general transport community he cares for. Gillian his mother has advised when he was 2 years old he was able to spell 'Bus Stop' - now I understand how he has a general passion for transport. This is the kind of social children we want to live with happily within our community. What Blake has done and is doing is not considered the 'norm' or 'cool' with other children around the area. Yet, other children will look up at him as a local idol now.

Blake doesn't go around streets and cause anti-social behaviors, creating havoc around the community - he understands what a quality of life is to all of us and like our group is seeking improvements in 'making a difference' with public transport in and around Mount Druitt.

He has set a standard that will be there for other youths to follow - I'm sure I am speaking on behalf of our group and community and salute and congratulate him to be the first Winner of the Chifley Youth Competition 2010-2011.

I also congratulated the other candidates for the award and asked them to carry out their cause much further and succeed. You are all working to a good society we all need to live in.

Here are photos from tonight - -