Gunsmoke 73...Gunsmoke 73...February / March 2003
Canberra - A Community with a heart and a helping Spirit!Members of the Gungahlin community offer sincere sympathy and encouragement to those people who have been unfortunate enough to lose houses, pets and possessions in the recent fires. We pray you will be able to rebuild your lives and your houses with the minimum of stress.
Congratulations to all those who have worked unstintingly to fight the fires, save lives and help organise emergency accommodation and assistance. To those who have been manning phones and the volunteers who have come from interstate we say, thank you. The ABC broadcasts commencing Saturday were 'on the ball'. Well done!
It has sometimes been said that adversity brings out the worst or the best in us. Let us continue with the spirit of courage and generosity. Let us do what we can to help and refrain from undue blame. Let us not rush into hasty criticism but wait for proper overall assessment of cause and effect when there has been time for the overall picture to emerge.
Editor [Return to top]
U3A Comes to GungahlinThe University of the Third Age is a voluntary organisation for the retired and semi-retired members of the community. It aims to provide low-cost educational opportunities for its members in a pleasant social environment by running classes in a variety of venues throughout Canberra.
It is proposed to start several classes in Gungahlin in 2003. Further information and membership inquiries can be made at the U3A office 6281 6998 or by visiting our website www.u3acanberra.org.au [Return to top]
Letters to the EditorDisclaimer: Unless explicitly advised otherwise “Letters to the Editor” published may include views, opinions and/or recommendations of individuals that do not necessarily reflect the views and/or opinions of the Gungahlin Community Council Inc. as a whole. Additionally publishing of received letters does not necessarily indicate the commitment or endorsement of the council to any particular course of action.
Firework Worries: It's a concern to think that with this drought we are currently experiencing there are some people who don't care about the danger of fire they could cause or the effect they have on other people and animals. I'm referring to the current spate of fireworks that residents of Ngunnawal have had to contend with recently. During the Christmas/ New Year period we were subjected to crackers nearly every night. These weren't just your usual fireworks. They were extremely loud, so loud in fact residents thought initially that there had been an explosion of some sort. Do these people who were letting them off know what trauma they caused? On one occasion residents met in the streets trying to find the people responsible. People related stories of terrified dogs jumping through windows, horses impaling themselves and children and elderly people being traumatised. One resident who had relations staying with very young children for the holiday season cut their holiday short and returned home as the children were so badly affected by these fireworks. It's sad to think that a few senseless people could turn what is supposed to be a happy time for family and friends to get together into something that was ruined. I hope the people who were responsible will stop and think about how they ruined the holiday season for many and the anger and pain they caused to others and the animals that were injured because of their senseless acts. The police were called each time by numerous residents and sent out patrols. We would like to thank the police for the swift attendance to the calls they received. If you have fireworks stored for the Queen' Birthday long week-end (which is the only legal time to set them off, providing you have a permit) please check and make sure they are somewhere safe and that children cannot get to them. Please help us to keep our community a safe and happy place to live. Ngunnawal resident
Name & Address supplied to Editor
Gungahlin Drive Extension
I was very relieved to read that members of the ACT Legislative Assembly have decided not to challenge the Federal Government's decision to approve the Eastern Alignment of the Gungahlin Drive Extension. Expensive, drawn out legal proceedings delaying the construction of the road is the last thing we need.
We encourage the government to keep on with plans to build the road while at the same time facing the tremendous challenge of rebuilding damaged areas of the city with the enormous effort and resource that will be needed in the coming year or so.
I congratulate Jon Stanhope in his swiftness to declare the emergency situation and call for help when needed. I pray for wisdom now for all who are involved in the reconstruction process. Roma Hosking
Palmerston [Return to top]
Family fitness group for GungahlinThe GCC Social Capital Working Group has allocated funding to support a pilot program in the Gungahlin district. The focus of the pilot is run a nine-week program that will offer Gungahlin residents an opportunity to identify and address issues related to weight, fitness and co-ordination. The program will be structured to cater for school-aged children accompanied by at least one parent or responsible adult. The number of participants will be limited to 12 families. To maximise resources, preference in the pilot program will be directed to families with children between the age of 8 to 15. If participant numbers are insufficient (in this age grouping) endeavours will be made to extend the grouping to include younger and/ or older children.
The pilot will be conducted with an aim of establishing and refining a program that will assist in promoting community fitness values and help families to address the issues of diet, exercise and weight containment. Adults would receive information and support related to therapeutic weight management, childhood obesity, family food habits and exercise. A dietician, social worker and fitness instructor would provide information and counselling. Children will be primarily engaged in a program to develop fundamental motor skills but will also be included in joint sessions with adults. These sessions will be aimed at encouraging networking and providing information and encouragement.
If you are interested in becoming involved in the pilot, contact Sue Hathaway 0419 980 572.
If sufficient responses are received, the pilot will commence during the week 5th to 9th May 2003. To enable this to happen, numbers will need to be confirmed prior to the end of February. [Return to top]
ACT Light rail group - On the moveThe ACT Light Rail Coalition (LRC) is a network of community members who meet on the second Thursday of each month. The objective of the LRC is "To accelerate the establishment of a Light Rail network as the backbone of the ACT's public transport infrastructure". Meetings are open to any person supporting the objective of the organisation and provide a forum for exploring sustainable light rail options for the ACT, in addition to developing materials to provide information to the community and relevant authorities.
The LRC has committed considerable resources into the development of a paper promoting the social and economic benefits of a light rail network for the ACT, with the first link being from Civic to Gungahlin. The group has developed a detailed take off of the construction elements (for the Civic to Gungahlin link) and are endeavouring to raise funds to engage the services of a specialist to substantiate the estimated costs or to correct inaccurate information. With cost estimates for the Civic to Gungahlin link ranging from $30m to $90m, there is a need to obtain an accurate and reliable cost estimate from a suitably qualified source.
The LRC is of the opinion that the current Public Transport Futures Feasibility Study (PTFFS) has not been provided with the resources to establish an accurate estimate for the construction of a light rail network for the ACT. There are also indications that the PTFFS has jumped to the conclusion that a light rail link from Civic to Gungahlin would be prohibitively expensive, without obtaining reliable evidence to support this conclusion. If the light rail link from Civic to Gungahlin was constructed, at the early stages of Gungahlin's development, there would be significant environmental and financial benefit for Gungahlin residents and Mitchell traders. If you would like to attend meetings or contribute time, assistance or financial support to the group, please contact Mark Loney 6242 5776 or email: info@actlightrail.org.
CLICK HERE: to view the ACT Light Rail Coalition Website. [Return to top]
The Spirit of the City
Roma HoskingAt the time of writing it is just a week since the tragic fires destroyed around 500 homes in the ACT. We feel for those who have had their lives so drastically changed in just a few minutes. The miracle is that only four people lost their lives. For the families of those four we offer prayers of comfort. It is my hope that the community spirit which has emerged will enable the healing process to take place. This will be a testing year for the residents of Canberra. Just as there is a process of grief when a loved one dies so there will be a collective process of grief and stress as folks come to grips with their loss and work through the emotional as well as the physical challenge of re-building their homes while at the same time trying to keep up with the usual order of things - work - school - family, not to mention the red tape of insurance or lack of it, financial adjustment, temporary accommodation and making sense of the situation. There is likely to be shock, disbelief, tears, depression, anger, tiredness, in some cases blame and confusion, or hopelessness. This is difficult enough in isolated cases and the community can usually support and understand what is going on (though not always!). But when so many in the city have been affected there can be collective depression, tiredness or anger even months down the track. For those who have not been directly affected I ask for tolerance and understanding if confronted with ill-temper in unexpected quarters. It can seem strange that life goes on as usual for others when such a shock has been experienced and the hole has not been filled in yet. It takes time and patience. [Return to top]
The North Gungahlin Structure PlanFollowing is a summary of the comments made by the GCC in relation to the Nth Gungahlin structure Plan: Comments in this document are of a general nature only in relation to particular issues that will affect the overall development of North Gungahlin. The GCC reserves the right to make additional comments should it identify additional issues of concern over the coming weeks and, in particular, any issues of importance that it identifies in relation to individual suburbs. The GCC noted that the Draft Variation may need to be amended to take into account the review of Action Plan 10 for the conservation of yellow box and red gum grassy woodland. It is expected that this review will conclude in the New Year and the GCC reserves the right to make additional comments should the outcome of the review lead to any revision of the Draft Variation. General While the Draft Variation includes a number of worthwhile measures intended to conserve ecologically viable natural habitats, it does not provide suitable guidance about the need for detailed planning to take into account the need to preserve as many native trees as possible in the urban environment. For example the explanatory statement states: "Later more detailed planning will look at options for incorporating the trees into the urban fabric where possible."
The GCC believes that detailed planning for North Gungahlin should be undertaken with a view to incorporating as many native trees as possible into the urban fabric, with a specific emphasis given to the retention of significant trees. Accordingly, the GCC proposed that the element of the General Planning Principles should be amended to: "Native trees will be incorporated into the urban fabric wherever practicable. With an additional requirement that detailed planning arrangements protect significant native trees when it is possible to do so." Definition of land use Extensive use of defined land provisions across virtually the whole area. - From past experience the Council has concerns that there will be repeats of the problems associated with the Amaroo schools precinct with residents purchasing land, only to find that significant changes occur from concept planning to development planning. It should be noted that not all land purchasers have the ability to research documentation (eg language can be a barrier). Even with good communication skills and fairly extensive research skills some Amaroo residents feel that they purchased land that they would not have considered if a readily accessible land use plan was available. Water management The GCC supports the principle of a more sustainable approach to watermanagement in the development of Gungahlin. However, we note that the general approach taken in the Draft Variation is best described as "harm minimisation". The GCC is concerned that such an approach rules out the potential for appropriate water management practices to significantly improve the viability and, in particular, the size of native habitats such as the Horse Park Wetlands to the south of Forde. Experience in the United States with wetlands conservation, preservation and management, has shown that the ecological value of individual wetlands in close proximity to urban areas can be significantly improved with appropriate water management and land use strategies. While the adoption of such a strategy would depend on a number of topographical and hydrological factors unique to Horse Park Wetlands (that the GCC has not had time to study), the GCC believes that the Draft Variation and subsequent detailed planning should consider the potential for water management practices in North Gungahlin (including increased runoff from urban areas). This approach could significantly enhance the natural environment rather than focus on harm minimisation to the extent that opportunities to actively support development of the natural environment are foregone.
Additionally, while the GCC understands and supports the environmental impetus behind the "water in the landscape" approach set out in the Draft Variation and Explanatory Statement,
It is concerned about the public health implications of large numbers of small and potentially stagnant bodies of water spread throughout an urban environment. In particular, the GCC is concerned about the potential to create large numbers of breeding sites for mosquitoes when mosquito borne diseases like Ross River virus are increasing their range throughout Australia and approaching the ACT. The GCC believes that there should be consultation with appropriate public health agencies about this issue, to ensure that public health will not be compromised. Water systems It is difficult to confirm if there will be filtered water and grey water piping throughout the area. The GCC has asked for clarification of this item.
Green space areas The GCC requested further details relating to the purpose, use and level of maintenance for green space areas. Although many areas appear to be dispersed throughout the suburbs, experience indicates that poorly maintained open space is neither attractive nor useful to the community. With smaller building blocks, narrow streets and more medium density housing, there is a need to provide areas for community use and these areas need to be maintained to a level where they can be used continuously. There are many months of the year when grass length exceeding 300mm and 500mm is not uncommon. Also there needs to be more provision for older children (9 to 18) with facilities like basketball courts, cricket nets and tennis courts dispersed throughout the suburbs - on a scale of approximately every second children's play park.
Public transport The documentation indicates that suburbs have been designed around viable bus routes which are a worthwhile change. Unfortunately the routes are identified as "possible bus routes and possible bus stops". Although the Council understands that changes may occur, there is a need to commit to designing suburbs around public transport infrastructure.
There is no indication that there has been any consideration of light rail for future development. This undermines any confidence that PALM is in any way committed to a sustainable, quality public transport network. At the very least there needs to be consideration of where a light rail corridor could be located (like past planners did in Northbourne Ave and other areas of Canberra). Detailed planning, even down to where possible stations/stops might be located, could significantly vary development density and land values. There appears to be a tendency to consider planning for Gungahlin to be more of a "burden or going through the motions" exercise rather than an opportunity to consider visionary planning principals.
At the very least Horse Park Drive should be designed to carry a light rail corridor with stops planned to provide maximum convenience for areas of employment, schools, community facilities and medium density residential development. Mulligan's Flat There needs to be consideration of special covenants regarding the keeping of domestic animals (specifically cats) in areas near Mulligan's flat and other sensitive areas. Options include: prohibition of keeping of animals destructive to native fauna as part of territory lease clause conditions, animal curfews (eg: keeping cats in at night) or mandating the use of external "animal runs" instead of allowing them to roam free etc.
There is concern about adequate buffer zones between Mulligan's Flat and the new suburbs (as well as other perimeter areas) with regards to the introduction of exotics and weed species and the lack of adequate buffering to minimise bushfire dangers. Education facilities Although details for the location of Government schools are indicative only, there is a need to develop planning for primary schools that reflects the (suggested) shift from government schools. Planning for education in Gungahlin needs to have proposal for 1) If this trend reverses 2) If this trend continues 3) If this trend increases. Shifts in primary school enrolments need to be confirmed over a longer term before actions are taken that preclude education facilities from being constructed in areas where a government school is actually required.
The commitment to a combined primary/ high school facility (such as Amaroo) needs to be evaluated before other options are excluded. Provision needs to be made for several options with Years 6 to 9 and 10 to 12. Telecommunications Planning for North Gungahlin, both at the structure plan level and at the detailed planning level, should facilitate the establishment of robust, high capacity telecommunications services. Given that TransACT is still grappling with the rollout of its network in established suburbs, there should be a positive obligation for carriers to be consulted, at the planning stage, about requirements for facilities for both wire line and wireless services.
The provision of adequate telecommunications infrastructure is increasingly important to the development of economically viable communities and the widespread use of broadband communications technologies in the near future has the potential to significantly reduce travel and transport requirements for some workers. Additionally, telecommunications carriers are finding it increasingly difficult to establish telecommunications infrastructure because of increasing community concerns about the potential for harmful effects from radiation from wireless communications systems.
The GCC is concerned that the development of the Draft Variation has taken place without any consultation with carriers about the potential to identify suitable sites, including sites shared between carriers, for facilities to support both wire line and wireless services. The GCC believes that, as a matter of urgency, consultations should occur with at least Telstra, TransACT, Optus and Vodafone about the provision of telecommunications services to North Gungahlin, including both broadband and wireless services. Experience in the existing areas of Gungahlin indicates that quality telecommunication infrastructure is not being installed at the development stages. It is understood that this telecommunications infrastructure is "given" to Telstra after it is installed. Suggestions are that Telstra then refuses to share this infrastructure with other providers without payment. Why do we "give" infrastructure to a company that is listed on the stock exchange only to receive sub-standard service. This practice must be reviewed. Other issues The Council requested further information relating to the location of power transmission lines, transformer yards, sewer stacks, water reservoirs etc.
For more information relating to the GCC submission on the North Gungahlin structure plan visit www.gcc.asn.au
If you have any further comments you would like the Council to consider, please do this via the website, or write to PO Box 260 Gungahlin ACT 2912. [Return to top]
Progress on the Gungahlin Town Centre "Pedestrian Town Square"In December 2002 the GCC published a special edition of Gunsmoke (#72). This issue was published in an attempt to encourage Jon Stanhope (the ACT Chief Minister) to delay the awarding of a lease for several large commercial blocks in the Gungahlin Town Centre. Indications are that this has happened, as the Gungahlin Development Authority (GDA) has announced that the leasing arrangements will be concluded in February 2003.
The GCC decided to publish #72 as a result of information received from the community survey conducted during Oct/ Nov 2002. This survey indicated that more than 90% of respondents were dissatisfied with the current "main street" model and would prefer to have a "Town Square", with through traffic stopped in Hibberson Street (past the existing Marketplace area).
#72 included a draft "letter to Jon Stanhope" requesting him to take appropriate measures to ensure that no actions are taken that would preclude a pedestrian precinct town square from happening in Gungahlin. #72 also included information on how to send an email to all members of the ACT Legislative Assembly and details of a petition that could be signed. Unfortunately #72 was delivered in many areas during the week before Christmas.
Although the GCC does not know how many letters have been sent directly to Jon Stanhope, we do know that we have forwarded approximately 100 letters via the box at the Marketplace plus petitions with more than 1000 signatures and received CCs from 60+ emails. This response from 9,000 households is unlikely to convince the government to force the GDA to rethink their current plans.
If you want to change the way the Gungahlin Town Centre is being developed, do one or all of the following: - Sign the petition that is located near register 6 at Woolworths.
- Take a "letter to Jon Stanhope" from the GCC post box located near register 6 at Woolworths. Complete this (or write you own) and post it direct to him or put it in the GCC letter box and we will deliver it to him.
- Email the ACT Chief Minister (as well as the other MLA's, Federal Member for Canberra, the two ACT Senators, Executive Director of PALM and the Chief Executive Officer of the Gungahlin Development Authority plus the GCC, by visiting our website www.gcc.asn.au and follow the prompts.
- For those with access to email - This is the best method, as it gives all the ACT politicians a clear indication of how the Gungahlin community feels. If you have the time, enter your own comments into the "additional comments" box.
We think this is our last chance. The GDA meet on the 20th February 2003. Unless we, as a community, can send them a clear message that we don't like what is happening, the contracts will be awarded.
Apathy doesn't bring about change. [Return to top]
Gungahlin Regional Community ServiceACT Bushfires
If you or your family have been affected by the ACT Bushfires and you require support or information, please contact GRCS on 6228 9200 and we will endeavour to assist you.
Venue Hire
Gungahlin Regional Community Service (GRCS) proudly incorporates: - Gungahlin Community Resource Centre
- Gungahlin Youth Centre
- Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre
This means that GRCS currently has 2 function rooms and 3 meeting rooms available for hire by individuals, community groups, and local businesses. For venue hire or to obtain a copy of the Gungahlin Residents Guide contact Reception on 6228 9200 or via email at grcs@gungahlin.org.
Gungahlin Youth Services
Gungahlin Youth Services (GYS) is a community service for all Gungahlin youth, aged between 11 and 25, with a focus on 12 to 18 year olds. GYS has trained and experienced youth workers who develop and facilitate a youth program that meets the needs of Gungahlin youth. Information, advocacy, referral and personal support available. All program activities and services run by or affiliated with GYS are conducted under a drug, alcohol, weapon, and violence-free ethos, encouraging a safe environment. Youth Centre (Drop-In) Program Times - Wednesday 3.00 - 6.00pm
- Thursday 3.00 - 6.00pm
- Friday 3.00 - 9.00pm
- Saturday 10.00 - 2.00pm
Mind, Body & Soul: A Computer, Health and Wellbeing Program for young people in the Gungahlin region with Disabilities and Mental Health Issues.
Tuesday afternoons Young Parents Playgroup: An opportunity for young parents under 25 and their children to get together, share ideas and information and have some fun. Pool Comp & Dinner: Performing Arts: Outreach and Support Programs at Gold Creek School, Kaleen High and Melba High School. For more information on any youth programs ring Lucinda or Tom on 6228 9211. Gungahlin Out of School Hours Care: Gungahlin Out of School Hours Care operates before and after school care programs at Palmerston Primary, Gold Creek and Holy Spirit Primary Schools, Burgmann Anglican School (we also offer a program for the 3 & 4 year old preschool children) and the Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School in Amaroo. Our after school care program at Gold Creek and Holy Spirit is currently full but we do have some spaces in a couple of our other programs. Gungahlin Out of School Hours Care also operate a school holiday program at Gold Creek and Holy Spirit Primary Schools and at Burgmann Anglican School.
Families accessing any of our programs (except the preschool program) are entitled to Government Child Care Assistance (Childcare Benefit) to help with the cost of care. If you would like information please contact Janine or Kirsti on 6242 4811.
Community Work Program PARENTING GROUPS The Community Work Program will be offering two new parenting groups to be held at the Gungahlin Community Resource Centre, this term::
On Monday 24 February, in conjunction with Women's Information and Referral Centre, an information session "Coping with stress and caring for yourself" will be held 9.30am to 12 noon.
A 5 week parenting course will be held in conjunction with the Parent Support Service, commencing Monday 3 March, from 10.00 am until 12.00 noon. Low-cost childcare will also be available for both groups. For further information, or if you would like to attend either of these groups, please contact Maria or Amanda on 6242 6077.
FAMILY CARERS Are you caring for someone with a long-term physical or mental illness, disability or for someone who is frail aged? Carers ACT are running an 8 week program at Gungahlin Community Resource Centre, commencing Thursday March 6 from 1.00pm - 3.30pm. There is no cost involved, transport and respite care can be arranged if required. For further information and/or to register for the program, please contact Nicole Daly at Carers ACT on 1800 242 636. GUNGAHLIN CARERS SUPPORT GROUP Gungahlin Carers Support Group meets the third Tuesday of each month from 10.00am until 12 noon at the Gungahlin Community Resource Centre. Contact Maria on 6242 6077 for more information. [Return to top]
Gungahlin, New Homes and New FriendsEstablishing a new home and social life can be relatively stressful. The modern game of lawn bowls is the ideal way of achieving social contact, fresh air and exercise. Yowani Country Club is only ten minutes from Gungahlin and has a comprehensive program of men's, ladies' and mixed bowls. The game is ideal for juniors (12-20), single people or couples. Free coaching and use of equipment is available for beginners. Contact Tom Collins on 6242 0241. A great way to meet new people. [Return to top]
PROBUS Club"On Monday 24th February 2003 a "Meeting of Interest" will be held in the Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre, Yarrawonga Street, Ngunnawal with the aim of forming a new Probus Club in the Gungahlin area. The meeting is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ginninderra and anyone interested is invited to attend at 10.00am. Contact for further information: Pam Sinclair telephone: 62420844 (Gold Creek Probus Club), or Keran Niquet telephone: 62591304 (Rotary Club of Ginninderra) [Return to top]
From the Gungahlin Lions DenThe members of the newly formed Gungahlin Lions' Club wish to express their appreciation to the public for their support at the recent Lions' Sausage Sizzles conducted at Magnet Mart and the Yerrabi Park carols. The monies raised will enable Lions to purchase much needed equipment for the Idovdikid Project, future sausage sizzles, youth programs and other Lions community activities. As this is only a recently formed club we welcome your support and wish to advise we eel they can contribute to the welfare of the community. All enquirare still open to new members who fies can be directed to one of the following (Pat) 6242 4553 (Malcolm) 6262 2138 (Ted) 6255 6214 [Return to top]
Tis The Season To Order Bulbs
Lisa KaveneyThere are many things that make gardening at this time of the year less than a pleasure. Fortunately it's a great time to catch up on reading and catalogues to prepare you for when gardening is more fun than carting hoses and buckets. Many of the mail order catalogues are available in January. I just love to avoid the heat in the middle of the day by finding a quite spot, admiring all the new varieties and making lists and plans of where and how many I can squeeze into my garden. Two companies that I have always had great success with are, Tesselaar (03) 9737 9811 and Lake Nurseries (03) 9756 6157. Both have a comprehensive range and provide healthy fat bulbs that arrive by mail ready for planting. Ordering is very simple by post, phone, fax or email and they provide a guarantee with their plant material. Your order arrives complete with cultural notes on all bulbs providing you with a complete list of notes to grow your bulbs successfully. These include: - Planting time
- Height
- Depth of spacing
- Position
- Ideal climates
- Soil
- Watering
- Flowering time
- After flower care
- Fertilising
- Lifting and storing
- Cuttings
As you can see this list leaves you in no doubt. JOBS FOR JANUARY - Water when restrictions allow.
- Take cuttings from rhododendrons and azaleas.
- Regularly deadhead roses for repeat flowering.
- Tip prune citrus trees and keep well watered.
- Cut back annuals such as violas and petunias and fertilise well to produce another show of flowers.
- As they finish flowering cut back foxgloves, delphiniums, campanula and lupins.
- Thin fruit on apple and pear trees.
- Divide, sort and replant bearded irises.
- Tip prune native shrubs.
[Return to top]
Nicholls Sports Precinct Community CentreThe Nicholls Sports Precinct Community Centre is available for hire. Located at Clarrie Hermes Drive Nicholls, adjacent to the Nicholls enclosed oval. The centre's facilities include a hall (capacity of 80), one meeting room (seats 20) and a fully equipped kitchen. There is a disabled toilet and handicap ramp. The Centre is ideal of playgroups, classes, meetings, rehearsals and parties. Vacancies exist from Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Permanent and occasional bookings are available to the community and businesses.
If you are interested in hiring the centre or would like more information, please contact the Centre Manager on 0410 649 463 [Return to top]
10th Carols by Candlelight in GungahlinA great time was had by all at the 10th Carols by Candlelight the Sunday before Christmas. Thanks to those who helped make it an enjoyable night despite very hot and then very cool conditions. We want to thank all those who helped - the Lions Club for the sausage sizzle, the Young Life team for ice creams, Cornerstone Christian church for the drinks stall and the churches for the carols. A very big thank you to the Village Building Co for their sponsorship for hiring equipment and arrangements for using the park in addition to providing entertainment for the children - pony rides, jumping castle and face painting. The Fire works were the special feature which thrilled us all. [Return to top]
Gungahlin Little Athletics CentreThe Gungahlin Little Athletics Centre is opening in September in Amaroo.
The efforts of ACT Little Athletics and North Canberra Gungahlin Athletics Club will come to fruition in September this year with the planned opening of a Little Athletics centre in AMAROO. Both organisations have been working for a few years now on developing the centre which is in the Amaroo recreational precinct off Horse Park Drive and adjacent to the Catholic primary school in Burdekin Avenue. The athletics field has been constructed and includes two throwing circles and two long jump pits with two run-ups at either end of each. The running tracks have yet to be marked however there is ample room for both a straight 100m and a circular track. Sponsorship for the centre has been obtained from both the ACT Government and the Ainlsie Football Club. This sponsorship will be used to buy most of the equipment required to set up the centre. However, not all events can be run in the first year of operation. It is expected that this new centre will have close links with the Gungahlin Golf and Community Club that is part of the Ainslie Football Club. It is intended to hold an athletics carnival at the centre on Sunday 16th February 2003 commencing at 9 o'clock. Entry to the carnival will be by gold coin donation for each event and the proceeds will go to the Gungahlin Little Athletics Centre. All track and most field events will be held at the carnival and a sausage sizzle will be running all day and drinks will be available. The carnival is designed to promote interest in athletics in Gungahlin as a summer sport alternative for the community prior to the next athletics season that commences in September 2003. If this sounds good to you then turn up on the day prepared to have a great time. Contacts if you wish to know more are:
ACT Little Athletics - 6247 1296 Trish Valdez, and North Canberra Gungahlin Athletics - 6241 9556 Rob Hathaway [Return to top]
Direction for the future of East GungahlinThe Mulanggari Community Association has aspirations to promote an example of diverse responsible and sustainable development in the Gungahlin district. This development would occur sensitively around a 'Historic Precinct', retaining a natural wildlife corridor, which includes the properties known as Gungaderra, Wells Station, Up Top and Canberra Park, and borders on Flemington Road, Horse park Drive and Federal Highway. The site contains examples of 19th century European farming, sites of aboriginal significance and is the headwaters of Sullivans Creek catchment. A working proposal for the Heritage Precinct would provide educational facilities that illustrate and compare historic agricultural land use with modern sustainable concepts, as well as putting these into practice. Our plan supports and promotes environmentally responsible urban growth with a long-term view. It aims to encourage diversity and character of place, such as highlighting sites of earlier occupation.
Our plan aims to foster employment through business services, historical tourism, and biotechnology. To this aim we as a community have an ideal opportunity to: - Acknowledge the assets that exist within our city
- Become further involved with urban planning and design
- Enhance the neighbourhood environment by creating a model of excellence in urban development.
The group is looking for interest in the community to explore this promising possibility and would like to hear from anyone with knowledge of the histories of the homesteads and surrounds. Please contact:
Dennis and Maree Rose - Wells Station [Return to top]
Gungahlin Weather Statistics - 2002Weather conditions across Gungahlin during 2002 were, in general, warmer, cloudier and much drier than they were the year before. The hottest temperature of the year was 36.2 degrees, recorded on December 22, while on July 6, very cold NW winds kept Gungahlin's maximum to just 6.3 degrees. The lowest temperature of the year was a cold minus 4.8 degrees recorded on July 18. In contrast, on November 26 Gungahlin's minimum was a warm 19.4 degrees. In all, the temperature reached 30 degrees or above on 34 days during the year (40 days in 2001) and fell to 0 degrees or below on 55 nights (66 nights in 2001). Rainfall for the year totalled just 450.6mm (well below last years 519.2mm). February was by far the year's wettest month, with an impressive 176.6mm, while October (7.0mm), April (12.0mm) and November (12.4mm) were all very dry. In total, rain was recorded at the Weather Centre on 93 days during 2002 (98 days during 2001).
Winds at the Weather Centre averaged at 4.4km/h during 2002. September was the windiest month (6.0km/h) and April the calmest (2.2km/h). Gungahlin's strongest wind gust during 2002 was a 64.4km/h westerly, recorded on September 18. Gardeners may be interested to learn that there were 78 frosts recorded in Gungahlin during 2002 (105 frosts in 2001), the first on May 6, and the last on October 9. Gungahlin Weather Centre Web Site: For up-to-date weather information from around the Gungahlin region, log on to the Gungahlin Weather Centre web site. The site contains both current and historical weather data form Gungahlin, as well as interesting weather facts and figures. Log-on to the Gungahlin Weather Centre web site at: http://members.optusnet.com.au/~darrengiles/index.htm [Return to top] | 
