Dr Kerryn Phelps | Political candidate

Dr Kerryn Phelps

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24.01.2022 The city of Beirut must now begin the unimaginable task of rebuilding after the horrific blast that devastated a large area of the city. Tonight our Sydney Town Hall is lit red, white and green to show that City of Sydney stands with the people of Beruit, and Lebanese Australians. #BeirutBlast #PrayForLebanon #Beirut

23.01.2022 A Newtown dog has become the first confirmed case of Leptospirosis this year near our area. The disease is transmitted via rat urine and can be fatal to a variety of pets, and can be transmitted to humans too. In 2019 was linked to the deaths of multiple dogs across Sydney, and prior to last years outbreak had never before been seen in the Sydney area. I moved a motion last year asking the City to step up rat control in response to the Leptospirosis outbreak, however this new case of Leptospirosis shows that these efforts will need to be revisited. I will be taking this matter to the next Council meeting. City of Sydney

22.01.2022 This cycleway is not safe. I support the completion of a connected network of cycleways in Sydney. I ride a bike myself and safety is a top priority. ... But there needs to be proper design and planning, including safety assessments before construction begins. We heard at the City of Sydney council meeting on Monday night that the Bridge Road pop-up cycleway in Glebe had been forced through with no prior safety assessment or design planning. A professional safety audit commissioned by residents in the Glebe/Forest Lodge area -- at their own cost -- has identified 26 areas including several at high risk of causing serious or catastrophic injury to cyclists and pedestrians. The Bridge Road route must be closed and moved to a more appropriate and safe location. Please add your name to the petition asking for a safer solution. https://www.drkerrynphelps.com.au/unsafe_cycleway https://www.smh.com.au//serious-injury-or-death-dangers-fo

22.01.2022 Run Venus run! Cathy Wilcox nails it again.

21.01.2022 WIth the outpouring of tributes and collective grief at the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I will leave it to one who knew her well, President Barack Obama, to reflect on her contribution to the world, to justice, to equality, to the cause of women's rights and to progressive thinking. "Over a long career on both sides of the bench as a relentless litigator and an incisive jurist Justice Ginsburg helped us see that discrimination on the basis of sex isnt about an abstract ideal of equality; that it doesnt only harm women; that it has real consequences for all of us. Its about who we are and who we can be." Vale #RBG https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1307165496484208640

20.01.2022 Where are the jobs? Tonight I'll be joining advocate of the Reef and its Peoples Duane Fraser, National Chairman of CEDA Diane Smith-Gander and former events coordinator Hamish Reid to look at how job figures are rebounding in certain states -- but not others. What are the sectors where workers are most feeling the effects?... ABC The Drum City of Sydney

19.01.2022 PROTECTING OUR DRINKING WATER BREAKING: Today I attended the online annual meeting of LGNSW, which has supported the motion I put to City of Sydney about mining in drinking water catchments in NSW, including Woronora. Here is the motion: 52 City of Sydney Woronora reservoir 1. That Local Government NSW notes:...Continue reading

19.01.2022 I met with residents from Erskineville who are concerned the City of Sydney want to replace their community garden with affordable housing. The Erskineville Community Garden is self-managed and was created by locals over 11 years, without any financial support from government. While we desperately need more affordable housing options in the City of Sydney, there are another three sites being considered -- two already have buildings on them and the other is a car park. ... We should not be sacrificing valuable green space for development. I'll be asking Council this Monday to save the Erskineville Community Garden from development and instead consider already developed sites for affordable housing.

18.01.2022 You couldn't make it up. As deadly wildfires sweep through US West Coast states and remind us of Australia's Black Summer, the Federal Government today announced plans to waste millions of taxpayer dollars, propping up the gas industry. Gas is polluting, expensive and dangerous. ... Renewable energy, on the other hand, delivers emissions reduction, lower prices and exciting new economic opportunity. We need a Clean Jobs Plan. The Climate Council #NoCoal #renewables #nogas https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/clean-jobs-plan/

18.01.2022 Raina MacIntyre explains how the false narratives about #COVID19 have compromised the safety of healthcare workers. https://healthcareworkersaustralia.com//the-false-narrati/

18.01.2022 R U OK? It's easy to focus on the physical impacts of COVID but we can't forget the hidden mental toll the pandemic is having on our daily lives. That's why this years R U OK? Day has never been more important. R U OK? Day is a great catalyst to get the conversation started, and simply commenting on recent changes in someones behaviour might give them the opportunity to discuss any issues they are experiencing.... You don't have to be an expert to keep the conversation going. R U OK? has free resources, including a conversation guide to help break down concerns about approaching a meaningful conversation, www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask Today is a day to think about someone else, other than ourselves. R U OK Day Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).

17.01.2022 A few weeks ago I visited Moore Park with a local activist who is working hard to have the carpark at the North end of the park removed. The northern end of Moore Park East is in a terrible condition, with half bricks, concrete and tar poking through and uneven ground providing a serious risk of injury. At a time when theres a shortage of sporting fields for use by schools and the community, there is a field large enough to accommodate cricket and football but which is cur...rently being denied to them. Cars should not be taking up the valuable bits of green space we have in the City, and so I support this move to permanently transform this space at the North end of Moore Park (keeping the Southern carpark which is close to public transport stops for commuters) into a beautiful green space which can be used by the community. If you would like to register your support for this campaign, please visit: https://www.savingmoorepark.com Saving Moore Park Friends of Moore Park Road

17.01.2022 This is why the Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council asked me to propose to City of Sydney Council a statue commemorating Patyegarang. To address the imbalance.

15.01.2022 BOTANY ROAD CORRIDOR CONSULTATION CLOSING FRIDAY The City of Sydney is asking for community feedback on planning for Botany Road and Regent, Wyndham and Gibbons streets in Redfern, Waterloo and Alexandria. With the Waterloo metro station set to open in 2024, the planned redevelopment of Waterloo estate and the growing worker population in Eveleigh south, now is the time to share your thoughts on how you'd like this area to develop. Council will be investigating planning chang...es such as building height, built form and land use controls. This is the last week to have your say - consultation closes on FRIDAY 4 September. Click the link to complete the quick survey. https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//have-your-say-future- REDWatch Waterloo/ Zetland/ Rosebery Community and Business Group Waterloo Public Housing Action Group - WPHAG WeLiveHere2017 Counterpoint Multicultural Centre GroundSwell Redfern Waterloo

14.01.2022 SLOWING ALL OF SYDNEY LGA TO 40 km/hr Last week I asked a question about NSW government plans to turn all of Sydney LGA into a 40km/ hour zone. It became apparent that discussions were well advanced yet most Councillors have not been consulted at any stage. I am sure all councillors would have welcomed the opportunity to explore this issue and hear what the community has to say. There is evidence in cities like London that lower speed limits in urban areas improve safety for ...pedestrians. We need more detailed evidence to inform what speed is the safest, whether it should be every street or whether for example some arterial roads would be safe with higher traffic speeds. Improving pedestrian safety and community amenity is not just about dropping speed limits. Street design has a significant influence on driver behaviour. Traffic-calming infrastructure, such as raised pedestrian crossings and street-narrowing kerb extensions need to be planned alongside speed reductions. My priority will always be health and safety. We have to find the right balance between safety and mobility, and consider the needs and safety of all road users and the individual urban streetscapes. City officials need to work with communities, urban planners and public health experts to get the mix right for the future. https://www.smh.com.au//sydney-slows-down-as-state-governm

14.01.2022 AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, and AMA (NSW) President, Dr Danielle McMullen, have called on people in NSW to start wearing masks to contain COVID-19, particularly when indoors. The AMA federally and in NSW has been broadly supportive of the NSW Governments approach to preventing the spread of COVID-19, but current indications are that it now needs to go further, Dr Khorshid said.

14.01.2022 Happy International Dog Day! Lulu has been an adored member of our family for over fifteen years. Our dogs are our friends, our family members, our confidantes, our co-workers. If you are lucky enough to have a dog in your life, take a moment to appreciate the important place they have in our hearts.

14.01.2022 Great graph courtesy of Nicki Hutley, Economist and Senior Partner, Deloitte Access Economics, showing that those who have kept #COVID19 under control have had far better economic outcomes. Those that have not dealt with the virus have had worse economic outcomes. Deloitte Tony Abbott Policy Exchange

14.01.2022 It's great to see the Shannon Reserve Playground in Surry Hills reopen following a fantastic upgrade. Local primary school students helped us design the new playground, giving us creative new ideas for what they wanted. Through the pandemic, as families have spent more time at home, outdoor spaces have been a solace.

14.01.2022 MEDEVAC REPEAL WORST RANKED PIECE OF LAW "The worst-ranked piece of law was the way the federal government repealed the Medevac laws in late 2019." Not only was the repeal of the Medevac law a humanitarian disaster, in the absence of a resettlement solution and in what can only be described as malicious and vindictive actions, this hasty repeal condemned hundreds of innocent people to indefinite lockdown without adequate medical care. https://www.smh.com.au//best-and-worst-ways-to-make-a-law-

14.01.2022 REDFERN POST OFFICE Here is yet another example of how not to do community consultation. The Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council were not asked their view on the City Of Sydney acquiring the old Redfern Post Office for an Aboriginal cultural centre... about its history, cultural significance or its proposed use. ... Wouldn’t you think Lord Mayor Clover Moore would recognise the fundamental importance of asking the, you know, actual local Aboriginal community about it first? This is an all too familiar pattern. City of Sydney

14.01.2022 I am honoured to accept the Australian Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership for New South Wales for 2020. In accepting this award, I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many women who have fought for the right to vote, who have fought and continue to fight for the right to educational opportunities, for the right to equality and safety in the workplace, for reproductive rights, for freedom from violence. Women in leadership positions today are a...ble to do what we do, in large part, because of those foundations laid by the generations of women before us. I would also like to acknowledge all of the people who work so hard without recognition like this to make a difference to our country and our planet. City of Sydney

13.01.2022 Street art around Surry Hills. City of Sydney

13.01.2022 REVALUING HEALTH COVID-19 has transformed our health system, with technology-enabled services like telehealth, remote monitoring, systematic testing, and location data tracking looking set to become permanent realities. Please join me for a panel discussion on what our healthcare model will look like in five years.... It's one of six dialogues organised by Financial Review to explore the opportunities created by the current crisis to create a better world. https://www.facebook.com/financialrev/posts/342198057451882

13.01.2022 AUSTRALIA DAY 2021 On Australia Day we are asked to think about who we are as a nation, and about our place in the world. The first step in this is to acknowledge our true history, the First Nations people of this continent and what this day signifies for them. There are common values that underpin the quintessential Australian spirit.... We see it in response to natural disasters. We have seen a spirit of resilience through times of drought and flood. We saw the community spirit during last year's devastating bushfires. The Australian way is to roll up your sleeves and do what you can to help your neighbour. This past year or so has been a particularly uncertain time for Australia, and for the world. One of the great challenges for Australia has been to face this uncertainty without threatening the sense of harmony forged from the traditional good old Aussie value of a "fair go". Over this past year we have again seen a tremendous spirit of community in our successful response to the COVID19 pandemic. If you are becoming a citizen today, you’ve made an excellent choice. Many prominent and successful Australians arrived here as immigrants or refugees and built their lives here. The Australian character has been forged by the successful blending of cultures from all over the world, based on mutual respect and an appreciation of the richness and diversity this has brought to our nation over many generations. As a nation we must also make an enduring commitment to human rights in Australia and internationally. We have in ourselves that spirit of generosity we can harness to ensure fairness and equality for all Australians, regardless of country of origin, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality or religion. Today, and every day. #AustraliaDay Australia Day

12.01.2022 AUSTRALIA DAY HONOUR As if Australia Day/ 26 January is not controversial enough, today we hear the news that a certain divisive and outspoken former tennis player will be promoted to this country’s highest honour. This is despite well-reported, frequent and offensive anti-LGBTQ pronouncements. For someone who last hit a tennis ball in international competition in the 1970s, I would seriously like to know what this person has done in the meantime to earn the upgrade since t...he previous award was granted in 2007. I am calling: Fault Tennis Australia Australia Day https://www.theguardian.com//margaret-court-australia-day-

12.01.2022 UNPACK YOUR TOGS!! A message from City of Sydney: The much loved Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool officially reopened today for swimming season! Our other outdoor pools at Victoria Park in Camperdown & Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills are also extending their opening days to include weekends. https://news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//dive-into-spring-at-

11.01.2022 Did you know that women represent less than a third of all councillors and mayors serving on the 128 councils in NSW? That's why I support the NSW Government campaign to inspire and empower more women to stand for their local community and nominate to run for their council at the Septebmer 2021 elections. Local councils are the level of government closest to the community. ... They provide key infrastructure, facilities and services to local residents and are integral to improving the lifestyle and amenity of local communities. If you have a strong sense of community and are keen to make a difference in your local neighbourhood, I encourage you to nominate for the 4 September 2021 local government elections. There is nothing more rewarding than serving in the level of government closest to the local community. Shelley Hancock MP Local Government NSW Women for Election Australia ALGWA NSW NSW Electoral Commission City of Sydney

10.01.2022 Happy Wear it Purple Day! This years theme is "we are the change". With so many attacks towards our LGBTQ+ community on multiple fronts, this year's theme speaks to us, as a generation, implementing productive and inclusive changes in society. Now, more than ever, is a time to incorporate safety, inclusion and empowerment in schools and workplaces to fight adversity and marginalisation.... Let's raise the flag high, and show our LGBTQ+ friends, family and colleagues that we have their backs. Tonight, Sydney Town Hall will be lit purple to show our support for Wear it Purple and the LGBTQ+ community. City of Sydney

10.01.2022 Thank you to these young climate activists. They are taking legal action to stop the Federal Government approving an extension of a coal mine in NSW. They argue it will harm young people by exacerbating climate change. The injunction is a first for Australia. I wish these children good luck in trying to bring about real change for all of our futures.... #ClimateEmergency #ClimateJustice https://www.abc.net.au//class-action-against-env/12640596

10.01.2022 Walk around Sydney and youd be forgiven for thinking that the British first settled Australia. In our CBD, there are 25 publicly funded statues of the colonys early leaders. Among them are Captain Cook, Governor Arthur Phillip, Lachlan Macquarie, Queen Victoria, explorer Matthew Flinders and even his cat Trim. But the Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders were the first people who lived in Australia, arriving here over 65,000 years ago.... Rather than tearing down statues, we can address the imbalance with new statues representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. That's why under advice of Nathan Moran and Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, the peak body, covering most of the Sydney basin and ALL of the LGA of the City of Sydney, I proposed the City of Sydney commission a statue of Patyegarang. Patyegarang was Australia's first teacher of Gadigal language. She taught her language to First Fleet naval officer Lieutenant William Dawes and ensured its survival. Dawes recorded their conversations and his notebooks are the only known first-hand accounts of the Gadigal language. But Lord Mayor Clover Moore continues to stall plans to erect the CBDs first Indigenous statue. City of Sydney #BlackLivesMatter Daily Telegraph https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au//a53e4df5f259ae584dd4842

09.01.2022 BATTLE FOR ERSKINEVILLE COMMUNITY GARDEN The Erskineville community is not prepared to give up their community garden without a fight. In a built-up area like Erskineville, green space is precious. Once gone, it cannot be regained. Yes, social and affordable housing in the Sydney Local Government Area is a priority, but there are more suitable sites that do not take away green space, such a valued community asset. https://www.facebook.com/friendsoferskineville/videos/843951...319685980 With a little imagination and community consultation, both objectives can be achieved, indeed must be achieved. Friends of Erskineville City of Sydney See more

09.01.2022 For anyone who was wondering why I couldn't support the Lord Mayor's demand for $10,000 to fund the "feasibility study" into restoring the former Minerva Theatre on Orwell Street in Potts Point, here's why. I'll let the live stream of the debate speak for itself. City of Sydney Potts Pointers Potts Point Partnership

09.01.2022 This is why community consultation is so important. City of Sydney opportunistically rushed through these pop up cycleways before speaking to residents, resulting in both cyclists and locals complaining that the lanes are pointless and dangerous. Riders are being forced into hazardous turns and commuters are having to battle across bike lanes to get to and from buses that can no longer stop at the kerbside. Garbage trucks are being forced into single lanes blocking traffic.... #GenuineCommunityConsultation Daily Telegraph Friends of Moore Park Road The Glebe Society City of Sydney See more

09.01.2022 Lulu seems amused by my suggestion of a late walk

08.01.2022 Hot off the press My November News As always, I am available if you have any comments on these or any other issues. Please contact me on [email protected]... Kind regards, Kerryn https://www.drkerrynphelps.com.au/november_news

08.01.2022 COVID19 VACCINE TRIAL HALTED Today came the news that the Astra Zeneca candidate vaccine trial was stopped because of a possible serious side effect. We did warn about vaccine hubris. We all want a #CovidVaccine that is safe and effective. This is why we have Phase 3 testing. Premature announcements about vaccine availability create false hope. There can be no shortcuts. https://theconversation.com/halting-the-oxford-vaccine-tria

06.01.2022 PETS IN APARTMENTS Lulu loves apartment living. There are well documented benefits of pet ownership to physical and mental health. Our pets are our members of our families. Lulu and I support moves in NSW Parliament to shift the balance in strata apartments towards pet ownership.... Jackie Stricker-Phelps City of Sydney https://www.domain.com.au//pets-in-apartments-row-reaches/

05.01.2022 CANBERRA DOCTOR RETURNS HER OAM IN PROTEST Dr Clara Tung Meng Soo, a Canberra-based doctor, said she was returning the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) awarded to her in 2016 in protest against the decision to honour controversial tennis player Margaret Court on Australia Day Dr Clara Tung Meng Soo earned her OAM. The tragedy of this decision by the Honours Committee is that the respected doctor felt she had to return her award, such was the distress caused by the announcemen...t. Other reactions to the award form the LGBTQI community range from incredulity to disgust. I wrote to the Honours and Award secretariat to register my protest here: https://www.gg.gov.au/office-official-secret/email-contacts City of Sydney Sydney Star Observer Australia Day Tennis Australia Governor-General of Australia https://www.starobserver.com.au//trans-doctor-retur/200177

04.01.2022 This is a great way to share the Christmas spirit. Thank you to Wayside Chapel for the work you do all year round Wayside Chapel City of Sydney... Potts Pointers (PoPo) See more

03.01.2022 One of the many many meetings, appearances, speeches, op-Eds, events that led us to marriage equality in 2017, 5 years after this photo was taken at the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs committee in 2012. Thank you for posting Justin

03.01.2022 Happy Fathers Day, Dad Gone but not forgotten

03.01.2022 Jackie Stricker-Phelps and I feel very honoured to have our 2001 portrait by Jenny Sages included in the Love Stories online exhibition by the National Portrait Gallery. https://www.portrait.gov.au/content/also-three-weddings

03.01.2022 In the hours since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris gave their inspirational victory speeches today, the overwhelming emotion experienced by many people I have spoken with is existential relief. The cognitive dissonance of the last four years had left many despairing for the future of the planet. Today we heard about values like decency and truth. We heard about listening to science in battling the devastating COVID19 pandemic. We heard a determination to act on climate change.... We heard about ending systemic racism and discrimination. The earth feels like it tilted a little on its axis towards a brighter future. Congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris. https://www.theguardian.com//joe-biden-kamala-harris-victo

03.01.2022 Missed the last episode of the Reshaping Australia Dialogues, Revaluing Health? You can view it on-demand now. COVID-19 has transformed our health system, with ...technology-enabled services like telehealth, remote monitoring, systematic testing, and location data tracking looking set to become permanent realities. What will our healthcare model look like in 5 years? Catch up on episode five of the web series to explore the healthcare model of the future.

02.01.2022 It's NAIDOC this week and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council are sadly no closer to getting their wish for a First Nations' statue in the City of Sydney. There are more than two dozen statues in Sydney commemorating colonial figures such as Captain James Cook, Governors Arthur Phillip and Lachlan Macquarie, Queen Victoria, explorer Matthew Flinders and his cat Trim but not one commemorating our First Nations' people. Just last week, yet another statue of a white m...ale historical figure, ex-NSW premier Sir James Martin was erected on Martin Place. A number of months ago, I brought to Council a request by the local Aboriginal community that the City of Sydney commission a statue commemorating Patyegarang, a 15-year-old Gadigal woman who taught her language to the First Fleet naval officer Lieutenant William Dawes. The motion was blocked. You can hear part of the discussion below. It was then referred to a citizen’s jury," an unusual measure that feels like a cynical obstruction. I'm still committed to commissioning a statue of Patyegarang to respect the wishes of Sydney’s Aboriginal community. Please sign my petition if you agree, https://www.drkerrynphelps.com.au/first_nations_statue #BlackLivesMatter #NAIDOC

02.01.2022 First signs of summer

02.01.2022 Congratulations to Ms Natasha Stott Despoja AO on her election to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. It is the fir...st time we have had an Australian on this important body since the Hon Elizabeth Evatt AC, who served almost 30 years ago. Australia has a proud record of advocacy on gender equality. It is great to see such a champion on the rights of women and girls representing Australia on the international stage. Media statement: https://bit.ly/3pgjy3Q UN Women Natasha Stott-Despoja Mitch Fifield

01.01.2022 ANNOUNCING $100,000 worth of Madri Gras Grants! Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Facebook Australia launch "Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Events Grants"; a new... initiative to support hospitality venues, small businesses, and LGBTQI+ artists and performers around Australia. Submissions open 9am Thursday 21 January 2021 and close 11:59pm Sunday 31 January 2021. To apply for an individual grant of up to $3,350 head to www.mardigras.org.au. The $100,000 grant fund will support venues across the country who share their plans to host a COVID-safe event for the 2021 Mardi Gras Parade and support and employ LGBTQI+ artists as part of their event. The past year has been especially tough on small businesses and the arts, the Mardi Gras and Facebook Australia are launching these grants specifically to support these sectors while enabling people all over Australia to celebrate Mardi Gras at live, COVID-safe events. Applications are open to small businesses and hospitality venues in regional and metropolitan areas across Australia.