Sandy Grekas: Independent Councillor for Blakehurst Ward | Community
Sandy Grekas: Independent Councillor for Blakehurst Ward
Phone: +61 424 617 831
Reviews
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25.01.2022 Great resource from GRC Libraries for school holiday activities
24.01.2022 This article in the Leader is about my mum who is a nurse in the US. I'm incredibly proud of her & the work she's doing. I worry about her, but she's such a bad ass and I know she's not taking any risks. Still, the description of how much PPE she wears was a bit frightening. Nurses are truly special people - there's no way I could do what they do!
23.01.2022 While I completely understand why both Festivals have been called off, it's a massive loss to the community that the Oatley Village Festival won't be held this year. It's such a highlight, and a wonderful opportunity for various groups such as schools, sports groups, community groups, environmental groups, and local business to come together. The Festival is the Lions' major fundraiser for the year which they in turn donate to charitable projects supporting local schools an...d St George Hospital, amongst others. The Oatley community will definitely miss the Festival this year, but we're all keeping our fingers crossed that life will return to normal soon and it will be back on, bigger and better, in 2021 In the meantime, I have no doubt that the Oatley Lions Club will continue to support the local community in other ways! https://www.theleader.com.au//lugarno-lions-and-oatley-vi/
23.01.2022 The Crateful Group is a volunteer group that rescues food from local supermarkets and restaurants (food still within its use by date that would otherwise be thrown out), and creates hampers to help out families in need. They do wonderful work in our local community! The Crateful Group is now seeking qualified and experienced people to serve as their Chairperson and Treasurer. If you are interested and would like further information, please see https://www.ourcommunity.com.au/icda/board/apply.form. Crateful - Perishables and Food Items
23.01.2022 Our Bushcare volunteers do an amazing job. If youre interested in helping out, click on the link below and find a Bushcare group near you. A very big thank you to all of our Bushcare volunteers who work tirelessly on maintaining our beautiful bushland! We sincerely appreciate your efforts
22.01.2022 Thanks to the amazing generosity of the local community, the Adopt a Healthcare Worker - St George Hospital group was able to drop off care packages for staff at St George Hospital - there was enough for the ED, ICU, COVID testing clinic, Aged care unit, Respiratory unit, as well as the Ambulance Service. We're now doing a 2nd round of care packages so if you'd like to take part, you can drop any donations off at Oatley RSL between 10am - 3pm Monday - Friday. The deadline i...s 22 April. We're looking for non-perishable goods that ideally are individually wrapped - items such as muesli bars, Up & Gos, small packets of biscuits/chips, soup (cup a soup or 2 minute noodles in the bowl), Powerade, tea bags, coffee/hot chocolate sachets, chocolate and most importantly thank you notes to our superhero healthcare workers! To join the group, click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/202556291023830/ There's also a Quilts for Comfort project which provides quilts to palliative ICU patients. Drop me a line or search for posts in the FB group if you would like further information on how to take part. Thanks again for everyone's support
21.01.2022 If anyone needs a JP, I'm happy to help. With libraries & MP's offices still closed, it can be tricky to find one. Just drop me a line, happy to help.
21.01.2022 Happy International Nurses Day to all the amazing nurses who look after our community. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Oatley RSL, Oatley Lions Club, and Club Central Hurstville, the Adopt A Healthcare Worker - St George Hospital group donated 55 dessert boxes for morning tea for our nurses at St George Hospital. We partnered with The Sweetest Gift, a charity that employs organ transplant recipients and people with chronic illness. It was a wonderful morning and I hope all the nurses are feeling the love today. As the daughter of a nurse, Id like to say a very special thank you to all our incredible nurses
20.01.2022 A volunteering opportunity for anyone who might be interested. Ive signed up. Its a great way to check in on residents, and sneak in a conversation or two about good book recommendations!
20.01.2022 FYI in case anyones interested in doing some spring planting - and better yet, proceeds go back to Padstow TAFE
20.01.2022 Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mums out there! I hope you have a wonderful day with your family
19.01.2022 Yes please!!! Id love to see some public art on the Oatley-Como walkway!! How beautiful would that be? Have your say on the link below
19.01.2022 Whilst isolation requirements are important for stopping the spread of Covid-19, imagine if you had to isolate in an environment where you don't feel safe. Google searches for family and domestic violence services have increased by 75% in the past 6 weeks, and as isolation rules are relaxed, support services are anticipating a spike in calls for help. The Reconnect Project, founded by a local Oatley resident, supports people in situations of hardship by providing them with a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. A clean, non-tracked mobile phone is essential for someone fleeing domestic abuse, so they can stay connected to family, friends and essential services. If you have a spare phone, tablet or laptop which you would like to donate, please get in touch!
18.01.2022 Another great news story
18.01.2022 Over the weekend I had the opportunity to meet the young man who posted about me last week. He was very remorseful about his actions and offered his apology, which I accepted. I have now deleted the post. We all make mistakes, but the trick is learning from them. I give him credit for showing up, taking ownership of his actions and apologising in person. I hold no animosity towards him and can only wish him the best for the future.
17.01.2022 Great family activity for the upcoming school holidays
17.01.2022 This looks like so much fun!! Combining 3 awesome things - Stranger Things, drive in movies & the 80s!! Can’t wait to see what people do for the best dressed car! A huge thanks to the Community & Culture staff at Council who have come up with a great program of fun, Covid-safe events over summer.
15.01.2022 I had a sneak peek at Lower Gannons Park this afternoon. Not only does it look spectacular, but it's a great example of environmental sustainability in action. In years gone by, storm water would be pumped underground and end up in our waterways untreated. At Lower Gannons, it will now travel through various natural filtration ponds, and then eventually be pumped back up to irrigate the playing fields above (which by the way look amazing!! The old dust bowl is long gone!). ... It's going to be a wonderful addition to our open space - the walkway gently meanders through water features, a green wall, and beautiful landscaping. Once it opens in June, I'm sure it will be a very popular destination! It's aesthetically beautiful, but it's wonderful to know the environmental benefits as well. Total Cost: $9.7M (all of Gannons Park since 2015) Grants received: $5M+ The rest funded by S94 contributions See more
14.01.2022 Back in May I was invited to speak at the Citizens' Climate Lobby's NSW meeting about Council's recent environmental initiatives. I worked closely with our amazing Sustainability Coordinator, Daniela Ramirez, as well as other Council officers in the Environmental, Waste & Infrastructure areas on a presentation highlighting some of these initiatives. Council doesn't always give itself credit at times, and I think it's worth celebrating our achievements, as well as acknowledg...ing the tremendous amount of hard work from GRC staff to make this possible. We've achieved a lot, but there's always more to do. I have full confidence that under Daniela's leadership, GRC will continue to achieve new environmental targets and bring about positive change within the organisation, as well as the broader community. Some of the achievements made by GRC include: * Commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2025 & in-principle support for net zero emissions by 2025 (or as soon as possible) * Achieved all Cities Power Partnership (CPP) pledges * Doubled the number of solar panels installed in Council facilities * 2 new electric vehicles in Council's fleet * 3 major events certified carbon netural * Establishment of a Revolving Energy Fund to fund energy efficient projects across Council * Events such as "Retail Your Rubbish" and Repair Cafes to minimise waste going to landfill * Free environmental education programs such as composting & worm farming * Hydropanels on top of Hurstville Aquatic that collect water from ambient air for visitors to fill their reusable water bottles (offsets over 400,000 single-use plastic bottles over the panels' 15-year lifetime) * Tree plantings in Narwee & Penshurst from 5 Million Trees grant program * Environmental works such as stormwater harvesting & recycling at Gannons Park and foreshore naturalisation at Carss Park Foreshore https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyOjP7PalBI
12.01.2022 FYI in case anyone’s interested in doing some spring planting - and better yet, proceeds go back to Padstow TAFE
11.01.2022 We're accepting donations for the next round of care packages for St George Hospital staff up until 12pm tomorrow. You can drop off any donations at Oatley RSL. Handwritten notes and pictures from children are especially welcome! We're hoping we get enough to create much needed care packages for: * 6A COVID ward * 2South surgical ward... * 5A Brain Injury Unit * Infection Control * Social Workers * Front desk * Back dock (linen services, waste services, & cleaners) If you would like to donate to another unit (maternity, paediatrics, etc), feel free to drop items off but please indicate where it's going. A reminder that individually wrapped items are preferable, and unfortunately we cannot accept homemade food. All donations can be dropped off at Oatley RSL between 10am - 4pm.
10.01.2022 I love this project!!
08.01.2022 Looking for something to do on Saturday? Come and help us care for our beautiful bushland waterfront reserve. Join us at Heinrich Reserve ... 1pm 4pm Meet at Bayside Drive (end of Jacaranda Ave), Lugarno. To help us ensure our Covid requirements are met, please RSVP by messaging us below or email [email protected]
08.01.2022 Info for any interested stallholders for upcoming Council food markets!
07.01.2022 Great upcoming event for any girls that are interested in learning more about how Parliament works (or should work...!). If you know any young women who are interested, encourage them to take part - we desperately need more women in all levels of government!
07.01.2022 MORE WAYS TO BE TESTED | We encourage everyone who lives and works in our District (Sutherland Shire Council, Bayside Council, Georges River Council, Randwick C...ity Council, Waverley Council and Woollahra Council) to come forward and be tested for COVID-19, even if you have mild symptoms like a scratchy throat, runny nose or fever. If you are feeling unwell and you cant make it to one of our clinics, phone or video appointments with your general practitioner (GP) can be a convenient way to be assessed for COVID-19 and testing can then be safely arranged. We have also opened a new, free, drive-through testing clinic at the Sutherland Multi-Purpose Community Centre, 123 Flora Street. It is open from 9am 4pm Monday to Friday. In the Sutherland Shire you can also be tested at the Sutherland Hospital in Caringbah. For a full list of testing clinics: https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-clinics
07.01.2022 GOT SYMPTOMS? GET TESTED | Its important to get tested for COVID-19 even if you have mild symptoms. Our friendly staff are here to help, just like Lisa from o...ur testing clinic at St George Hospital. COVID-19 symptoms can include fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat and shortness of breath, as well as other reported symptoms including loss of smell, loss of taste, runny nose, muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite. Find a COVID 19 clinic near you www.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19 NSW Health
07.01.2022 How amazing is this? The Oatley Lions Club has donated a new humidicrib for St George Hospitals special care nursery unit at a cost of $30,000! Such incredible community spirit! The money was raised from their major fundraiser, the Oatley Village Festival, as well as a contribution from their major sponsor, Oatley Hotel. A huge congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition!
06.01.2022 This is a great idea - an expansion of street library boxes, and a way to share items that youre no longer using. Really cool concept!
06.01.2022 This is really wonderful news. It was so sad to go past all of the taped off playgrounds over the past 6 weeks. Its a sight I hope I never see again in my lifetime, its something Ill always associate with the impacts COVID has had on daily life. Im so excited to see kids playing at playgrounds once again! Enjoy
05.01.2022 This is a great initiative that came out of the Adopt a Healthcare Worker - St George Hospital. Georges River Council picked up the tab for a free coffee at local cafes to say thank you to the amazing staff at St George Hospital. From all accounts, it has been very well received! It's a great initiative that assists both our local healthcare workers, as well as local business. The Adopt a Healthcare worker groups is currently collecting non-perishable donations for the 2nd round of Care Packages for hospital staff. If you would like to take part, you can drop off donations at Oatley RSL between 10am - 3pm Monday to Friday (deadline is 22/4). I've posted the list of donations we're seeking in the comments below. To join the Adopt a Healthcare Worker group, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/202556291023830/
04.01.2022 This years Anzac Day was one of the most poignant Ive ever experienced, despite not being able to attend a dawn service en masse. Hearing the Last Post ring out through neighbourhood streets and seeing points of lights from candles emerge from the darkness was heart warming. Yes, life has changed but we find ways to adapt and the way that we collectively marked Anzac Day this year was just as respectful and thoughtful as in other years. Thank you to those who served and to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Lest We Forget
04.01.2022 Following the recent announcement from the NSW government regarding the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Council has reopened its customer service centre in Hur...stville and will reopen the service centre in Kogarah Library from Monday 25 May 2020. Council will also resume regular parking enforcement activities from Monday 25 May, which had previously been relaxed. More info: https://bit.ly/2zXWgur See more
03.01.2022 Join our online workshop and get motivated to reduce, reuse and recycle with this introduction to sustainable living. During the session you will hear about the... ways to eliminate plastic from our lives by using natural or recyclable replacements for common household items. The talk will be followed up by a practical demonstration about how to make your own safe, beeswax-infused food wraps. Book your place today! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/plastic-free-living-and-bee See more
03.01.2022 This is something I’m immensely proud of, and I will certainly be supporting it tonight
02.01.2022 The passing of Norm and Beryl Butters is an enormous loss for the local community. Together they were stalwarts of many volunteer organisations including P&Cs (Oatley PS and Penshurst Girls HS), Oatley Brownies & Girls Guides, Kogarah Historical Society, Oatley Clock Committee, Kogarah Residents & Ratepayers Group, and both were heavily involved in the formation of the Oatley Seniors Citizen Centre. In a fitting tribute, Council has renamed the Seniors Citizen Centre after the Butters. Norm & Beryl were married for 64 years, and died within hours of each other earlier this month. What an amazing love story, what an amazing life they led together, and what an amazing legacy they've left for the rest of us. Thank you Norm and Beryl, may you Rest in Peace together https://www.theleader.com.au//tribute-for-norm-and-beryl/
02.01.2022 A new women's crisis centre is opening in Hurstville in June. I believe it's the only centre in the Georges River area, so it's a crucial addition to the support network that assists women and children fleeing violence. Council is now seeking donations of new items for the centre. Goods can be dropped off at Council's customer service centre, or alternatively I'm happy to pick them up from you and drop them in. Items can include linen, cleaning tools, kitchen appliances, utensils and crockery. If you are in a position to donate items, I know they will be very gratefully received and appreciated by the crisis centre clients, many of whom have fled with nothing other than the clothes on their backs. If you can, please give generously
01.01.2022 150 free smart electric vehicle chargers up-for-grabs! If youre thinking of purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) or are about to buy one, Origin, a provider of ...electricity to Council, is offering to provide and install 150 free smart chargers! They can be installed across residential, commercial and industrial premises and will help to contribute to a greater understanding of the role EVs can play in a smarter and more sustainable energy future. More info: https://arena.gov.au//origin-energy-electric-vehicles-sma/ According to the State of Electric vehicles 2020 report, EV sales in Australia tripled from 2,216 new vehicles in 2018 to 6,718 in 2019. Sales in 2020 have been resilient, despite a global pandemic that contributed to a 20% decline in overall new vehicle sales.
01.01.2022 *Support Local, Reward Local* Council is seeking to purchase gift vouchers from our local businesses. If you are a local business that is able to supply $50 and $100 vouchers, please email us at [email protected] by no later than 11:59pm on 19 September 2020.
