It could be an interesting time when the premier Gladys Berejiklian drops in to Macarthur for a business breakfast on September 6.
Campbelltown and Wollondilly Councils are up in arms over her government’s decision to strip planning powers away from councils.
It’s not certain if the mayors or councillors from the two councils will attend the breakfast organised by the Greater Narellan chamber of commerce.
But if they did attend the premier may cop one or two less than friendly questions on her government’s decision, which was taken without consulting local government.
But what’s really upset some councils is that the government is saying the changes are necessary because councillors are corrupt.
Even Liberal Party councillors are saying this was a step too far.
xxxxx
• Campbelltown Council will need to do something about the acoustics in the third floor chamber where its meetings are held every two weeks.
Those in the public gallery complain that they can’t always hear what directors are saying when they’re asked questions by the councillors.
And there’s a difficulty hearing some councillors as well, either because they’re too softly spoken or they are too far from the microphone.
One of them is veteran Bob Thompson, which is a shame, because his comments often provoke laughter in the chamber, but the media and the public haven’t got a clue what he said.
Not that we turn up just to be entertained of course but it would be nice to know why Bob is so witty.
xxxxx
• In a sign of how serious the dual citizenship brouhaha has become, the federal member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander, opened a talk at a seniors forum at Glen Alpine on the weekend like this:
“Let me assure you I only have Australian citizenship.’’
Judging by the response, everyone in the hall heard the good doctor loud and clear.
xxxxx
• Under 13 Thirlmere Roosters and Picton Magpies players lined up for a moment’s silence before the start of their semi final on the weekend as a mark of respect for Peter “Mr Mac” McCarthy, who passed away last week.
“Mr Mac”, as he was called, was a teacher at Picton Public School, where he was respected as the school’s rugby league coach.
He was also a long time volunteer and a life member for Thirlmere JRLFC.
xxxxx
• During an interview with Vietnam veteran Kerry Chisholm, the Bargo resident recalled what happened when his battalion arrived in their camp for the first time.
“The first thing the Americans said to the Aussies was: how come you don’t speak German?
“They thought we were Austrians!’’
Some things don’t change obviously – a few weeks ago the spokesman for their president called our Prime Minister Malcolm Trumbull.
xxxxx
• Those wild winds of a week ago didn’t just knock trees down and blow roofs away.
They also forced the cancellation of Macarthur Night Markets at Mawson Park.
xxxxx
• Hurlstone Agricultural High School’s days may be numbered but its famous Fair is on once again, for the 78th year in a row.
If the government plans become reality the Hurlstone name will disappear in 2020, so maybe Saturday, September 2 may be one of the last few chances local residents will have of checking out the historic and prestigious local school.
