By Neighbourhood Forum 1 convenor Warwick Erwin
New Helensburgh Community Centre and Library
Council announced that the location would be in Walker St, Helensburgh on the two properties purchased by Council next to the current Library where the community wanted the new centre.
The community has suffered a two-year delay due to Council’s attempt to locate the new centre in front of Helensburgh swimming pool. The Walker St location is a win for the community.
To be similar to the Thirroul and Corrimal combined centres, as stated by Council in their press release, with a suitable amount of parking the centre would have to be over all three council-owned blocks of land and not just the two next to the existing library. Thirroul centre has parking beside and across the road while Corrimal centre has substantial parking either side of the centre.
The only parking the new Helensburgh Centre will have will be around the centre. Suggested car park entry/exit has been the roundabout at Lilyvale St.
Dates released by Council are construction start in Autumn 2027 with ground testing this year and community engagement starting in October 2024.
Be involved with the design and details of your new Community Centre and Library and get involved with the community engagement. Make your comments to the Council candidates for Ward 1 and Lord Mayor. NF1 will endeavour to keep the community informed of the engagement.
The Council will restore the front of the existing Community Centre (referred to as Youth Centre) so the community will have “something” to use until the new centre is constructed.
There is still no details on when the main hall will be demolished due to the health hazard within the building.
Proud Park Dog Park in Helensburgh
Council announced the recent completion of minor park upgrades at Proud Park in Helensburgh, including a new fenced off-leash dog area, shelters and picnic facilities, water refill station with dog bowl, as well as park landscaping improvements.
The project was also boosted by a $45,340 grant under the NSW Government Local Small Commitments Allocation (LSCA) funding program. On Saturday, 31 August from 10am, all local community members (and their four-legged friends) were warmly invited to attend a small community opening of the park’s recent upgrades.
Lord Mayor Retires
Lord Mayor, Cr Gordon Bradbery AM is retiring at the end of this session of Council after 13 years in office. Cr Bradbery was voted as Lord Mayor in 2011 with the return to an elected Council after council’s period in administration. NF1 has been privileged to have the Lord Mayor attend and participate in meetings approximately twice a year during his time in office and wishes him the best for the future. His retirement also brings to a close his Australia Day Committee, who were responsible for the selection of Australia Day awards including Senior Citizen of the Year, which have been awarded to two local residents, Dr Annette Beaufils and Jim Powell.
Helensburgh Cemetery Portico consultation
Council is seeking feedback from the community about their preferred option for Helensburgh Cemetery’s Portico. The community is being asked to share their preference of two options.
The first is to demolish the damaged portico completely (option A), and the second is to repair it and reconstruct a new access road (option B). Option A being the cheaper. Go to Council’s website, email council engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or phone council 4227 7111 to make a submission.
Council Elections in September
Council is in caretaker mode until after the Council election on 14 September 2024.
There are 13 Councillors including Lord Mayor – you are voting for 4 Councillors for Ward 1 and separately for Lord Mayor. That means two ballot papers: Ward 1 Councillors and Lord Mayor.
You must vote at a venue that is located within your enrolled council area.
Voting is compulsory at all NSW local government elections.
Pre-Poll Voting: 7-13 Sept at Burgh Healthy Hub, 338 Cemetery Road, Helensburgh NSW 2508. Mon-Wed 8:30am-5:30pm, Thurs 8:30am-8:00pm, Fri 9:30am-6:00pm, Sat 9:00am-6:00pm
14 September: Election Day 8am-6pm polling
2508 area venues: Helensburgh Anglican Church 77 Parkes St; Helensburgh Public School; Stanwell Park Public School on Stanwell Avenue.
Neighbourhood Forums
Neighbourhood Forums are organised and run by volunteers and need the support of Council and the community. NF1(2508 area) does not have a Co-Convener at present.
Next NF1 meeting will be 11 Sept 2024 at Thistle’s Club Room (behind Swimming Pool) at 7pm
