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This site is intended for the benefit of its readers. In order to bring you the most relevant and most up-to-date information about our area we need to hear from you.

Tell us about what's happening in your neighbourhood or just announce an event.

What's relevant to you today?

Mike

Post Office hold up in Haberfield

Masked men wielding iron bars have held up a post office in Sydney's inner-west.
Police said the two robbers burst into the Dalhousie Street post office at Haberfield just before 5pm (AEST) yesterday.

The men threatened staff, punching one, before running off with a sum of cash.
The masked robbers were last seen getting into a maroon-coloured 1995 Subaru WRX sedan with NSW registration WSK-259, which had been reported stolen.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Taken from SMH website originally from AAP.

Concord Hospital Cancer Cell

What could be causing the unusually high occurrence of breast cancer amongst staff at Concord Hospital?

A report released today uncovered that 5 female staff were diagnosed during 2001 and 2007. Investigations are continuing into whether there is anything in common with the diagnoses. Staff of the hospital have been advised of the findings and are asked to contact the hospital if they have also been diagnosed while working at the hospital between 1998 and 2007.

This is not the only occurrence of disease clusters in recent years.

In Brisbane, 15 women working at the ABC's Toowong studios were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1994 and 2006.

This year, the Queensland Government ordered an investigation at a Brisbane high school after nine cases of cancer were reported among present and past teachers.

In May, the University of NSW announced a study into a high incidence of various cancers among staff in one of its faculty buildings.

Mike Biggs

Concord West Post Office Under New Management

You may have noticed some changes at the Concord West Post Office of late. The previous operators have handed over the reigns after doing a splendid job of providing the utmost of service, not commonly seen in the public service arena.

A big welcome is also in order for the newcomers who have taken to the area with gusto. Not just friendly and efficient, Tony and Les are maintaining the high standard of service we have come to expect from Concord West PO.

Good luck and we all hope you stay with us for a long time.

Mike Biggs

Have your say! Make a comment below, or email us with your experiences at the Post Office.

Top Ryde Shopping Centre to Close

With nearby shopping centre Top Ryde about to close, Rhodes is sure to see a boost in customers. Top Ryde shopping centre is a shadow of its former glory as on of the first shopping centres in NSW way back in the 50's. To be restored it is closing for a redevelopment that will take a few years. They will undoubtedly loose their customers immediately after closing, if not before.

Nearby centres will benefit in the short term, and Top Ryde will struggle to win back those customers when they re-open. Rhodes shopping centre is sure to benefit those who live in the southern part of the Ryde area.

Why these customers have not already discovered Rhodes is a mystery. Top Ryde has been a dump for years, and offers nothing to their customers or tenants alike. On the other hand Rhodes is a fantastic centre, that has a local feel and isn't too busy.

Have you been to Top Ryde recently? Leave your comments here.

Take the BS out of new wine appreciation.

Latteccino along with B&S Wines invite you to experience a fine dining experience right here in the Concord West Village.

Introducing the:

Cheviot Bridge Wine Dinner

Wednesday April 4th @ Lattecchino

Becoming a regular event, locals are enjoying a beautiful night out while combining the best cuisine with the best wine, all from local providers. Be sure to book early. bswines@bswines.com.au

See you there!

Mike Biggs

CSIRO Lab on Legs Light and Sound Show

Simple interactive demonstrations show the fascinating properties of light and sound. Come and freeze a moving object using a stroboscope or see an 'invisible' laser beam.
Suitable for Yr 3 - Yr 8
The Event will be on Thursday 12 April at 2pm.

Bookings are essential for all school holiday activities and will be taken from Monday, 26 March 2007. Bookings will not be accepted before this date. Please contact the Five Dock Library on (02) 9911 6310.

If you have booked tickets but are unable to attend, please contact the library so the tickets can be allocated to those on waiting lists. Children under 7 MUST have a carer in the library for the duration of the show. Limit of 4 tickets per family.

Article Taken from the Canada Bay Council Website

Mike Biggs

Printed Version of Biggs Times for Download

IKEA Serves 'Flat Pack' Food

Restaurant Review

Just like the neatly packed furniture, the cafeteria at the IKEA store Rhodes, also feels rather neat and tidy. As I took a tray and slid it along the rails, selecting various juice and entree' combinations, I felt like I was, in their words an IKEA 'co-worker'. Reminiscent of a school that I have never attended, the feeling of belonging was as strong as the cold sterile surroundings.

A cheap meal got me interested, and with a cooked breakfast for $2 it's sure to raise an eyebrow. By the time I had collected enough items to fill my tum, I found that I had spend $7.50. Still not so bad since I had a cooked breakfast and felt like part of a team.

The food wasn't so bad. The bacon wasn't the best cut, but it was cooked properly and tasted nice. The scrambled egg was a little watery, but again I enjoyed it, along with the apple danish, hash brown (I love potato), and an apple/guava juice.

I was a satisfied diner.

The fact that I was happy with my meal will be blindingly obvious when I tell you what I did the following day.

I went to IKEA for lunch. This time I had meatballs and chips. It would appear to be a staple diet in Sweden, meatballs that is. In fact this time I was more impressed than the last, the meatballs were great and I again was satisfied.

What was interesting about the size of my meatballs serving was that they were measured by number of balls. I had opted for the medium size which entitled me to 15 balls (I think). I suppose there is no other way to measure the serving when there are three serving sizes available.

All in all I would recommend the restaurant for a cheap meal break during a long day of shopping, or as a quick breakfast on the way past on Homebush Bay Drive. Although, be aware that their breakfast does not start until 9.30am.

Send in your own local restaurant reviews to the email on the right.

By Mike Biggs

"Single, no return thanks!"

This is what you’d have to say to the
ticket office at Concord West station if you are disabled.

For me Concord West is a great station but not for the convenienceof a person with a disability. It may be overlooked by most, but I have noticed what a problem exists if you need to get off a train from the city while in a wheelchair. You might find yourself in a bit of trouble here.

Platform 1 which is city bound, has an exit straight to Queen St. OK, so getting to the city is easy, but what about coming back?

Coming back and exiting at Concord West would pose a big problem foranyone in a wheelchair. Trains from the city stop on platform 2 or 3and neither platform has a way to exit that doesn’t involve a flight of 20- 30 steps (not counting the way back down).

It would appear that Cityrail do not care about ensuring the provision of services for ALL passengers traveling to Concord West, since they do not provide lifts or any alternative exit from platforms 2 and 3.So if you are some one who uses a wheelchair, you might have to go all the way to Rhodes station and exit there, since they have lifts there.

If you have any thoughts on this topic, please provide feedback.If you are as outraged as we are, maybe we can get Cityrail to do something about it.

By Champ

Graffiti is Nice

Graffiti is considered contrastingly by different age groups in our society. Some consider it to be a scourge on the face of a city, while others see it as a ray of beauty in a horribly ugly sea of concrete.

Regardless of what you think of the vandalism element, it is undeniable that there is much skill and creativity that goes into a good piece of so called 'graffiti'. What once was an ugly brick wall is now covered in a beautiful expression of art. You can't argue with the value in that.

We are unsure who the artist is who created this piece, found on the north end of the John Witton bridge, but they have certainly done a wonderful job.

By Mike Biggs

Share your local 'graffiti' or other beautiful artworks. Take a picture and Email us on the contact on the right. Save the email to your mobile phone, you can email us from there too!

What do you think?

International Thinking Conference

Not much to do with our area, but of infinite value. Hopefully we have a few thinkers in our community.

Thinking is such an important skill to the business mind, but equally the individual in everyday life. There are experts in the field of thinking who have devoted much time and effort to understanding the way we (the human brain) thinks and sees the word.

The international Thinking Conference is held almost every year and this year will be in Sweden. If you are interested in the subject of thinking, do yourself a favour and go to the Conference.

Dr Edward de Bono will be there along with many other though leaders from across the globe. See the website for more information.

Mike Biggs

Canada Bay Bicycle User Group

If you like Bicycling, and you enjoy soaking up the inspiring outdoors of our community, then you should make your way to Concord West and join a bike ride with BAYBUG.

With multiple weekly rides organized, there is something for everyone both day and evening. One of the main meeting points is Concord West station.

For more information see www.baybug.org.au

I am off to the bike shop to get a bike!

Mike Biggs

Canada Bay opens Community Art Gallery

Hopefully a sign of the kind of talent to expect, local artist Caterina Di Girolamo is exhibiting her work at the new community art gallery.

Located within the Five Dock Leisure Centre on Queen St, the gallery will expose upwards of 250,000 people per year to the beautiful works of local artists.

The current collection on show called 'Life at Canada Bay' captures what is is really about to be a part of this great community. Work that's been in the making since Caterina first picked up a camera when she was 15.

The opening night saw along with many interested parties a purchase by Mayor Angelo Tsirekas.

Take a look at the gallery yourself, with 8 collections planned per year, there's always something new to see, and definetly something for everyone.

City of Canada Bay’s Community Art Gallery is based at Five Dock Leisure Centre, Cnr Queen’s / Williams Road, Five Dock. Entry is free and the gallery is open 5.30 am to 10.30 pm (week days), 8 am to 7 pm (weekends). ‘Life at Canada Bay’ runs from 9 March – 5 April 2007.

For more information contact Canada Bay Council or visit http://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/news/community_art_gallery_launch.html

Jazz Festival this Sunday

Get into the groove down at Brett Park Drummoyne this sunday to soak up the Sunny sounds of Jazz and Blues. Proceeds go to the Concord Hospital, and it is sure to be a great afternoon with a great line up:

Confirmed acts include the legendary ‘Galapagos Duck’, the bluesy ‘Foreday riders’, the smooth blend of ‘Nolan’s Groove’ with ‘Laurie Bennett’s All-stars’, veteran jazzists ‘Jive Bombers’ and bass player ‘John Leigh Calder’, who all come from Sydney. The Central Coast’s sensational ‘Carol Ralph’ will also supply a sultry repertoire of jazz, blues and gospel.

See www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au for more information.

We Want Your Input !

Local readers are invited to email us with any topic they would like covered by our very local focussed publication. We also want to hear from local residents, local business, and community groups' activities. Tell us about any upcoming event, new service, or just tell us about your business or service. What's happeing in the community this week? Tell us, so we can tell everyone else.

Click Here to contact us

Local Ongoing Events and Clubs

• Want to add your event or club? Contact us Here
  
  Fitter and Stronger: Exercise class for over 50s held at Drummoyne Community Centre, Cometrowe St, from 2pm to 3pm on Mondays. For three free classes, book by March 9. Details: Amanda 9533 4422.
  
• Choir singers needed: The Inner West Chamber Choir has resumed rehearsals on Tuesdays in Leichardt for a concert of Buxtehude's cantata Membra Jesu Nostri on Good Friday, April 6. Singers are still welcome to join. Details: www.innerwestchoir.com
  
• Organ Donor Awareness: February 18 to 24 is Australian Organ Donor Awareness Week. Visit your local Medicare office for information brochures. `Sign on to save lives' by calling 1800 777 203 or visit www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
  
• Week bowls:
• The Concord RSL Bowling club, Nirranda St, Concord West, is conducting a free opportunity for community members to try their hand at lawn bowls in a relaxed and fun environment, followed by light refreshments. Held on Monday, March 12 from 10am to noon. All equipment will be provided with expert guidance by club members. Details: Frank Madden on 9743 1918 to book a spot.
  
• Chamber Choir rehearsal: The Inner West Chamber Choir has resumed rehearsals on Tuesdays in Leichardt for a concert of Buxtehude's cantata Membra Jesu Nostri on Good Friday (April 6). Singers are still welcome to join. Details: www.innerwestchoir.com
  
• Little Stars: Dance classes designed for 3-7 year olds. Held on Mondays and Thursdays at Summer Hill Community Centre. Mondays 9.30am - 10.30am: Bump and Jump for 3 - 4 year olds combines mime, imagery and movement, set to bright happy music; Mondays 10.30am - 11.30am: Song and Dance Kids is a combination of ballet, jazz, song and action for 4 - 6 year olds; Thursdays 9.15am - 10.15am: Butterfly Ballet combines the fantasy and fun of a traditional ballet class. Details: 9799 5800 or Belynda on 0409 714 324.
  
• Drummoyne Community Centre: Starting in February is `Successful Living, Successful Ageing' conducted on Fridays during the day at Concord Senior Citizens Centre. Inspiring speakers providing practical lifestyle, nutrition and health information. Self Esteem and Communication Skills for Women, conducted in partnership with Relationships Australia, will be held on Thursdays nights. English for speakers of other languages to be conducted on Thursdays 10am-noon at Concord Senior Citizens Centre. Bookings essential. Details: 9719 8102.
  
• Public speaking course: Telecom Burwood Toastmasters Club is conducting a Speechcraft course over six 90 minute sessions from March 27 to May 29 at Burwood. Speechcraft gives participants the opportunity to learn and practise techniques of speaking in public. Starts 5.30pm on March 27. Details: Paul Mannell on 9605 7501.
  
• Volunteers for Refugees: Mercy Refugee Service trains and supports volunteers to help recently arrived refugee families access services and settle into their new community. The group seeks patient and flexible volunteers who can visit families weekly for 12 months in central western Sydney. Details: Maddy or Miriam on 9564 1911 or e-mail mrsproj2@mercy.org.au
  
• Art Society: Conducts classes in watercolour and drawing every Thursday, 10am to midday at the Drummoyne Community Centre, Cometrowe Street, Drummoyne. Details: Gaye on 9713 9987.
• Yoga and meditation: Classes for relaxation 4pm on Saturdays. 420 Liverpool Road, South Strathfield (Central Medical). Bookings: Dr Taluja 0400 288 288. Free yoga and meditation: Wednesday, February 7 - Self esteem for developing a more rewarding life.
  
• Free public talk 7.30pm-8.30pm. Thursday, February 8 - One Cat Purring. A one act play on words, music and silence; about the journey of self discovery starts at 7pm. Thursday, March 1 - Positive thinking and meditation course 7.30pm-9pm over four Thursdays. Monday, March 5 - Foundation course in Raja Yoga Meditation from 7.30pm-9pm over eight Mondays. Tuesday, March 6 - Foundation course in Raja Yoga Meditation from 7.30pm-9pm over eight Tuesdays. All events by Brahma Kumaris, Ashfield, and are free of charge. Details: 9716 7066.
  
• Drummoyne Toastmasters: Offering you a supportive environment to improve your public speaking skills and increase your confidence. Absolutely everyone welcome. Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 7pm. Five Dock RSL, Great North Road. Details: 0404 769 446 or just turn up.
  
• Bellydancing: Wednesdays at 131 Smith St, Summer Hill Community Centre, starts at 5.30pm to 6.30pm with beginners tribal-style bellydance. At 6.30pm to 7.30pm is general bellydance class. At 7.30pm to 8.30pm is bellydance techniques. Fridays at 18A Enmore Rd, Newtown offer skills and props general class from 7pm to 8pm. Details: 0409 087 700.
• Playgroup fun: Playgroups are an opportunity for parents to meet and socialise with others in their community, while their children learn all-important social skills and develop the pleasure of interacting with others. Little Babe's Playgroup for under 2s is an unstructured, friendly and fun group which meets every Wednesday from 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: Nicol on 0410 490 155.
  
• Summer Hill Playgroup is for all ages and offers some structured activities every Friday (starting February 2). Details: Jane on 9799 5800
  
• Ashfield Mens Probus: Retired men interested in good speakers, companionship, tours etc, are invited to attend the next club meeting. The club meets at 10am on the third Monday of the month at Club Ashfield, Charlotte St, Ashfield. Details: 9787 2838.
  
• Burwood Seniors Computer Club: Offers those in the age group 55+ the opportunity to learn computer skills, in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Names are now being taken for the first term 2007, starting February 5. Details: Rosemary 9798 7762 or Peter 9744 3359.
  
• Erskineville Toastmasters Club: Club meets at Joseph Sergeant Community Centre, Erskineville on the first and third Monday of the month at 7pm to 9.30pm. Details: 0401 940 521.
  
• English tutor scheme: The Smith Family Home Tutor Scheme is recruiting volunteers to teach English to newly-arrived migrants and refugees on a one-to-one basis. No prior teaching experience is necessary as VETAB accredited training is provided during the year. Details: 8744 3188.
  
• St Luke's Friendship Group: Meets every Thursday from 11am to 2pm, Anglican Church, Stanmore Rd, Enmore. All welcome for fellowship and light lunch. Details: 9557 4219.
  
• Tai Chi For Health: A safe and natural way for seniors to relieve pain and stiffness, improve muscle strength, flexibility and fitness. Held at Summer Hill Community Centre. Thursdays from February 1 to April 5, 10.30am to 11.45am.1 2 3 Art: Head to Summer Hill Community Centre on January 21 and 29, and February 5, 12, 19 and 26 for art and craft sessions designed for 2 to 5 year olds. Sessions from 9.30am to 10.30am, and 10.45am to 11.45am, $12, bookings essential. Details: Aimee 0413 787 961.
  
• Before and after school care: Ella OOSH in Haberfield is now taking bookings for before and after school care for 2007. Ella accepts children 5-12 who attend either Joan of Arc or Haberfield Public Schools. Details: 9716 9700.
  
• Help the disabled sail: Sailability Dobroyd is looking for volunteers to help disabled people the chance to enjoy sailing in safety. The group sails from Dobroyd Aquatic Centre at Rodd Point, Henley Marine Drive, Five Dock. Details: 9874 3642.
  
• Volunteers to help families: Aunties & Uncle are looking for volunteers to become an extended family to children in need on a regular basis for at least a year. Details: Judy Coulter 9349 8044 or Heather Coomber 9638 2480.
  
• Singers needed: All Souls' Leichhardt seeks singers for choir. Practices are held Wednesday evenings and the service is on Sunday evenings. Details: David on 9716 4810.
  
• Free services: The Sisters of Charity can help with basic computer and internet, basic English and consultations in homeopathy and Reiki. Details: 9564 2056.
  
• Yoga classes: Three different instructors offer Yoga Classes at the Summer Hill Community Centre. Wednesdays 9.15am to 10.15am Karen's Yoga. Contact Karen on 0406 439 982. Thursdays 7.20pm to 8.50pm Heidi's Yoga. Contact Heidi on 0418 261 961. Saturdays 9.30am to 11am Susan's Yoga. Contact Susan on 9716 9756.
  
• Newington Choir: All ages and all singing abilities. Male voices are especially welcomed. Every Friday 7.30 pm at Newington Community Centre, Avenue of Europe, Newington. Details: 9735 1235.
  
• Meditation: Learn the Sahaja Yoga meditation technique at 1.30pm to 2.30pm every Friday at Canterbury City Community Centre, Railway Parade (opposite Quigg St), Lakemba. For more information phone 9742 1630 or 0406 116 808.
  
• Kidsplus after-school care: Every Friday during school terms from 3pm to 5pm. Games, craft and Bible stories for kids from Year 2 to 6 at St Andrew's Anglican Church Hall, Bay Rd (near Sibbick St), Abbotsford. Details: 8753 1982.
  
• Newington Leisure Walkers WFP Club: (registered with the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation) is a friendly group of average fitness. The group walks every Wednesday (8am start). Walks in our local area, which covers Bicentennial Park, Olympic park and Newington. Details: Carol on 9647 1398 or James on 9648 1034.
  
• Concord Garden Club: The club meets every second Friday in Concord Community Centre, Gipps St, East Concord, at 2pm. Flowers, vegetables and floral art exhibited. All welcome. Details: 9743 2272.
  
• Volunteers needed: Drummoyne Community Centre needs people to fill vacant roles, including admin workers, minibus drivers and internet tutors. Days and times are flexible. Details: 9719 8102.
  
• Community visitors needed: Nursing homes have many residents who are lonely. We urgently need more people to become community visitors. One hour a fortnight makes all the difference. Details: Philippa on 9281 3588.
  
• Toastmasters: The Ashfield Toastmasters provides self-confidence through public speaking. The club meets at Club Ashfield, 5-7 Charlotte St, Ashfield starting at 7pm on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Details: Philip on 0413 119 820.
  
• Hall for hire: A hall is available at St Andrew's Anglican Church, Bay Rd, Abbotsford. It is available for community groups for regular or casual meetings or leisure activities from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 10pm at $22 an hour. There is a no alcohol policy. Details: 0422 158 294 or 9712 1885.
  
• Concord Senior Citizens' Club: Concord Senior Citizens' Club at 9-11 Wellbank St has exercise sessions for over 50s. Mondays 2.30pm-3.30pm gentle aerobics, 3.30pm-4.30pm toning and conditioning, with our accredited trainer, Andrew. Many other activities. Details: Gordon on 9736 1979.
  
• Trauma Teddy volunteers: Red Cross Trauma Teddies knitters' workshop needs volunteers to create teddies. Every second and fourth Thursday of month, Cadigal Room, Ashfield Aquatic Centre, 160 Elizabeth St, Ashfield, 1pm-5pm. Details: Irene on 9229 4256.
  
• Home visitors needed: Volunteers are needed to join The Benevolent Society's Volunteer Home Visiting Service and support local parents with young children who feel isolated and under stress from the daily demands of parenting. Just two hours a week can help. Details: Savoy on 9310 5885.
  
• Family support meetings: Open meetings for family members affected by drugs and alcohol. Open to anyone and providing opportunities to talk and listen to others in a non-judgmental, safe environment. Meetings every Monday (except public holidays) from 7pm-9pm at Family Drug Support's meeting rooms, Level 1, 251 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield.
  
• Pilates: Learn Pilates at Summer Hill Community Centre Saturdays 8.30am (intermediate) and 11am (beginners) and Tuesdays 6.30pm (open). Details: Andrew on 0408 088 355 or Jane on 9799 5800.
  
• Free tours of City of Canada Bay: New to the area? Let us show you its services, parks and some history. Tours cover the whole of the City of Canada Bay. Free, but bookings essential. Details: 9719 8102.
  
• Home delivered meals: Tender Loving Cuisine, a non-profit organisation, home delivers a range of homestyle ready meals, many of which are Heart Foundation Tick approved. The range of 28 includes roast dinners, casseroles, chicken, seafood and many traditional favourites. Details: http://www.tlc.org.au/ or for a free brochure phone 1800 801 200.
  
• Art classes, watercolour and drawing: Drummoyne Art Society conducts art classes in watercolour and drawing every Thursday from 10am-noon at Drummoyne Community Centre, Cometrowe St, Drummoyne. Details: Gaye on 9713 9987.
  
• Volunteer drivers: Drummoyne Community Centre needs volunteers to drive a 12-seat minibus. Current NSW car licence required. Details: Amanda on 9719 8102.
  
• Inner West Autism Aspergers Support Group: The group meets at 7.30pm on the first Tuesday of the month at Burwood RSL. Anyone with an interest in ASD is welcome. Details: 0425 380 574.
  
• Knitters group: The Knit and Yarn group meets first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Community of Christ, 234 Victoria Rd, Drummoyne. Learn to knit, exchange ideas and be with like minded souls. Details: Val on 9713 5804.
  
• Toy Library: Every Tuesday at Summer Hill Community Centre (131 Smith St) from 2pm to 5pm and Thursdays 9am to noon. Family groups, family day care grandparents and nannies welcome to join. Details: 9797 8676.
  
• Hearing Loss Management classes: The classes include lip reading and are held each week of school terms at Better Hearing club rooms, 29 Burwood Rd, Concord. Details: 9744 0167.
  
• Creative writing for mums (and dads): Bring your baby. Write stories short and long, tall and fat, children's stories, poems, scripts and free writing. Mondays 10am-11am at Summer Hill Community Centre. Details: Jedda on 0410 177 823.
  
• Strathfield School for Seniors: The school meets every Friday morning in the Uniting Church Hall, Carrington Ave, Strathfield. Classes include painting, craft, gardening, current affairs, history, music appreciation, geography, book club, gentle exercises and computers. Details: 9642 4214 or 9864 1873.
  
• English classes: Classes are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-noon at 1 Knox St, Ashfield. Beginners and intermediate levels focussing on grammar, conversation and pronunciation. Professional ESL teachers. Cost is $40 a week. Start any time. Details: Anna Stewart on 9744 0175.
  
• Newington Garden Club: The club meets at Newington Community Centre on the first Thursday of every month at 7.30pm to discuss gardening in a relaxed social environment. Collectively, we solve many gardening problems and share ideas. Details: Carol on 9647 1398.
  
• Justice of the Peace: A JP service is available at Rhodes Shopping Centre every Wednesday 10am-noon and every Saturday 9am-noon. Registered Justices of the Peace in NSW. Details: Leslie Owen JP on 0416 138 992.
  
• Abbotsford Ladies Probus Club: The club meets on the fourth Monday of the month at Club Five Dock. We enjoy friendship, coach trips, live shows, luncheons and interesting guest speakers. New members most welcome. Details: Betty on 9743 2687.
  
• Communications class for hearing-impaired adults: The class includes lip reading, for hearing impaired adults, from 10.45am-noon (school terms only) at Better Hearing Australia, 29 Burwood Rd (corner Moreton St), Concord. Details: 9744 0167.
  
• Volunteers needed: Want to listen to some fascinating stories? Meet interesting older people in your community? Then this is the project for you. Volunteers needed for Beyond Home project. Hours are flexible and project is based in the Inner West. Training provided. Details: Ann McCutcheon on 9799 5099.
  
• Monthly mini-outings: These outings are organised by Drummoyne Community Centre for Concord, Five Dock and Drummoyne area for residents who find it difficult to get out and about. Details: Amanda on 9719 8102.
  
• Little Pears Playgroup: Under fives with food allergies are able to socialise and have fun in a safe environment. Summer Hill Community Centre on Tuesdays 9.30am-noon. Details: Kim or Jane on 9799 5800.
  
• Babies playgroup: (birth to two years) at Summer Hill Community Centre Wednesdays 12.30pm-3.30pm. Details: Janet Suttle on 9799 5800.
  
• Five Dock Men's Probus: This friendly group of retirees invites retired men to visit on a regular meeting time of 10am on the first Monday of each month at Five Dock Park Bowling Club, Barnstaple Rd. Details: President Jack Harding on 9713 7182.
  
• Rodd Point Ladies Probus: The club invites new members. Activities include lunches, outings, guest speakers. A friendly group, it meets at Five Dock Park Bowling Club on the fourth Monday each month at 10am. Details: President Barbara Hanley on 9713 5727.
  
• Free weekly morning teas: Support groups for parents at Ashfield. Parents of under 5s Wednesdays 9.30am. Parents of primary age children Tuesdays 9.30am. Parents of teens Fridays 11am. Details: 9707 2794.
  
• Australian Red Cross: The Haberfield Branch meets on the first Thursday of each month at St Oswald's Anglican Church, corner Dickson and Dalhousie streets, Haberfield, from 2pm. Details: President Isobel Doyle on 9798 5610.
  
• Market: The Concord Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary fundraising market is on the second Saturday of each month at Warbrick Park, corner Concord Rd and Yarralla St, Concord West. Stall details: Ruth Ellis on 9767 6740.
  
• Volunteer gardeners Green thumbs are needed to maintain gardens of elderly or disabled people. No experience necessary. Details: 9799 5099.

Life and Times of our Local Railway

Here's an interesting excerpt from an online encyclopaedia entry. It talks about the northern CityRail line which is the only line that passes through our lovely area.

"The Northern Line is part of the metropolitan rail network in Sydney known as CityRail, running between North Sydney and Hornsby via Strathfield and Central. It is part of the Main Northern Line, and serves suburbs in the Inner West, Lower North Shore, and Hills District areas, crossing the Parramatta River between Rhodes and Meadowbank. It is denoted as red on CityRail network maps and other publicity."



The picture shown is of the old railway bridge that crosses the Parramatta River, which is now a walking and cycling track.

Wikipedia Links

The Northern Line

Concord West Station


By Mike Biggs

Join the Clean Up

Like every year, the 4th of March will be a dirty day for many. Joining an increasing number of volunteers will be those who wish to make a difference in the wider community by cleaning their local one.

Canada Bay Council are not afraid of getting their hands dirty either, but I surely hope they wash their hands before getting on with the BBQ they are putting on for all voluneers on the day.

Free BBQ at Rodd Park from 10.00 am until 1.00 pm for all our volunteers.

So dig out your gum boots and gardening gloves and join the team and let's clean up Concord.

Register a site to clean up.

By Mike Biggs

Sydney Olympic Park Host Filmmaking Skills Workshop

In conjunction with Cinewest, the Authority will deliver two rounds of Youth oriented film-making workshops at Newington Armory in March, April and May. These are free community workshops open to young people aged between 15 and 23.
For further information please contact Vahid Vahed, Artistic Director, Cinewest via director@cinewest.org.au or ph. 02 8756 5035

By Mike Biggs

McDonald College OPEN DAY

The McDonald College Performing Arts School, located in North Strathfield is opening it's doors to future students and the general public for its open day. With a reputation of deliverying many a fine Actor and Musician, it's well worth investigating if this is the performing arts school for your child.

• When 30th March from 10:00 to 12:00


• Where The McDonald College 17 George St North Strathfield NSW 2137


• Contact Name Margaret White


• Contact Email marketing@mcdonald.nsw.edu.au


• Contact Phone 9752 0500

www.mcdonald.nsw.edu.au

By Mike Biggs

Yaralla Estate Receives Grant

The beautiful Yaralla Estate located on Concord's foreshore will receive $65K in the from of a state govenrment grant to restore the site to its former environmental glory. The three year project will combine the efforts of Concord Bush Care Group, Canada Bay Council, Concord Historical Society and the Friends of Yaralla.

In addition to the immediate benefits in environmental restoration of the area, a grant of this size and nature really puts our area on the map.

See for yourself what's happening on the Estate by visiting on open day, or taking a tour:

Open day Sunday, April 29.
Concord Heritage Society will run tours of the house and grounds every 15 minutes from 10am to 2pm. A rotary club barbecue and the heritage society's Devonshire teas will provide refreshments.
Tours cost $15 for adults, $10 concessions and are free for children. Booking is essential. Call Lois on 9744 8528. or visit the Yaralla Site for more information.

By Mike Biggs

Bric a Brack Store Never Really Opened

The Bric a Brac store located in Concord West that has never been open on a regular basis is now in construction mode and may be turning into something new. This store has managed to be an intriguing wonder to passers by, but has never actually opened its doors on a regular basis. Recently the owner held a sell all garage sale clean out of the property which attracted a few die hard bargain hunters and collectors alike, but failed to clear the store entirely. Even now, while it appears to be receiving renovations, there are still many remnants of the old store stock.

Will the mystery of this site continue? Probably not. It's new lease on life is likely to be far less interesting than the 'never open junk shop' was.

By Mike Biggs

The Endless Sea of Rubbish

This is a prime example of the sight many streets are condemned to due to a basic lack of respect for ones neighbours. Just when exactly is our hard rubbish collection? 'Who cares' it seems as in many streets residents are happy to eject their unwanted goods onto the street regardless of how close to the actual rubbish collection date we may or may not be.




Find out exacly when you should be putting rubbish onto the street for collection here.

Once you have checked the appropriate time to put your rubbish out, here is how to arrange it on the kerb.

We have a beautiful suburb and it's in our best interest for everyone to keep it that way, we don't want our front door to become a short-cut to the rubbish tip.

>Do you find your street full of rubbish at any time of the year? Dob in your street here by leaving a comment below.

By Mike Biggs

This paper only started because of a tiny Night Club in the UK.

Before starting this paper, I wanted to create the smallest night club in the world. My plans have so far been thwarted by a little outfit in the UK known as the Miniscule of Sound which is a play on words of the famous Ministry of Sound night club and record label.

The night club is a mere 8'x4'x8' while interior of the flat-pack instant 'niteclub' features fluffy décor, flashing lights, a traditional Saturday Night Fever dancefloor, and a not very fluffy DJ. And watch out for the raver in the white boiler suit - he smells.

Apparently the night club came to Australia at some stage and the actual club was thrown away by mistake. But they are well and truly on the curcuit today and we can safely assume that they have rebuilt the club to its former glory.

Please note that this article is not in the vein of the Concord Community spirit the paper was designed for, although it is slightly anecdotal of the genesis of the paper itself.

By Mike Biggs

Welcome Message

In this Local Newspaper-esqe Blog, we'll bring you the latest on what is happening in our very small neck of the woods. Just what exactly is 'Our' neck of the woods? Well in order to make the paper both relevant to all readers, and to maintain its status as the Smallest Community Newspaper in the World, here is a vague geographic representation:

Don't worry if you aren't in the area, there's still plenty that applies to you. It's only a vague guide so that we can offer the best reporting on the selected area.

We have multiple writers, gathering and reporting on stories that affect our community. Yes, community! We don't hear that often enough and this publication is set to keep up the awareness..

In this community spirit, we want to hear from you. Tell us your neighbourhood concerns or ask a question, and we'll do our best to investigate and publish the answer.

Local Services

We know what it's like to be looking for local services at the last minute. That is why we have included a number of important links and numbers that will be of use to every resident here in Concord. This section too is open to your comments, please forward any community organisation you think should be included in our Services section. If we see fit, we will include it right here on the site. Email Here.