Trustees re-appointedfor four-year term

Recreating betterhealth

Iconic Clydesdalesretire

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3Parklands Winter 2006

In recent months, many visitors havecontacted Centennial Parklands seekingclarification about the Trust’s future followingsignificant media attention alluding that theCentennial Park and Moore Park Trust maybe amalgamated with other bodies.

I am pleased to confirm that the Trust is oneof 12 agencies that has joined the newlycreated Department of the Arts, Sport andRecreation under the leadership of Director

General Bob Adby. This super departmentcomprises organisations such as TheAustralian Museum, the Parramatta ParkTrust, the Art Gallery of NSW and theSydney Opera House opening up newopportunities for synergies with theseagencies.

As a state government agency, the Trustmust demonstrate flexibility to operatewithin the directions set by the government.The Trust is guided by the Centennial Parkand Moore Park Trust Act 1983 which hasbeen the legislative foundation underpinningthe Parklands administration for 23 years.This fundamental legislation maintains thecontinuity of the Trust as a body,irrespective of departmental changes within the Government.

In February, four members of the Board ofTrustees were re-appointed by theGovernor of New South Wales for another

four-year term. The article on page 4introduces the Board of Trustees andshowcases the diverse range of expertiseand background they bring to theorganisation.

The sunny, clear winter days are an idealchance to enjoy the peaceful outdoorenvironment of Centennial Parklands and Iwish you a relaxing, refreshing and restful winter.

Steve Corbett

Director and Chief ExecutiveCentennial Parklands

Contents

2 Parklands Winter 2006

Directions

Parkbench 3

Trustees re-appointed for

four-year term 4

Events Wrap-up 5

Recreating better health 6

Twitcher’s Corner – black swan 8

A Walk in the Park with

Libby Hathorn 8

Tree of the Season – weeping willow 9

Iconic Clydesdales retire 9

Healthy Parks 10

Healthy People 10

Foundation and Friends 11

Visitor Information 12

Parklands Magazine is published quarterly by theCentennial Park & Moore Park Trust: Locked Bag 15, Paddington NSW 2021 Centennial Parklands is managed by the CentennialPark and Moore Park Trust. Trustees: Professor John Niland AC (Chairman)

Annabelle Bennett AO David LeckieYvette Pietsch Allan YoungJohn Walker Sarah WhyteMargaret Varady AO

The Centennial Park and Moore Park Trustacknowledges the Cadigal as the traditional custodiansof the land that is now known as Centennial Parklands.Editor: Rachel Ely

rachel.ely@cp.nsw.gov.auContributors: Trevor WallerPhotography: Chris Gleisner, Glenn Duncan,

Ofer LevyPrinted on recycled paperCover: Enjoying the peaceful surrounds of

Centennial Park’s Rose Garden

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Merchandise on sale As a special winter offer, a select rangeof Centennial Parklands merchandise ison sale. Visit the Parklands Office, 8.30 am–5.00 pm weekdays, the VisitorCentre, 10.00 am–3.00 pm weekendsand public holidays, or the Mobile Ranger Station on weekends duringschool holidays to receive a 25% discount on the ‘I Love CentennialParklands’ range of t-shirts and bucket hats, available in both children andadult sizes. To view the full merchandise selection, please visitwww.cp.nsw.gov.au/Shop

Update on planning documentsCentennial Parklands Plan of Management as well as the Queens Park MasterPlan are both complete, have been endorsed by the Minister for Tourismand Sport and Recreation and are now available on the Centennial Parklandswebsite. The Plan of Management is also available in a hard copy formatfrom the Parklands Office. It is anticipated that the Draft Moore Park MasterPlan will be placed on public exhibition later in 2006. Centennial Parklands isawaiting final input from the Government’s Moore Park Events Taskforce onkey issues such as improved public transport, pedestrian safety and improvedtraffic management associated during major event modes before finalising the draft plan.

Low pond levels attract waders A positive side to Sydney’s drought is thewelcome arrival of a diverse range of wadingbirds, not commonly seen during normalrainfall conditions. Many of Centennial Park’sponds have experienced very low waterlevels recently, exposing mudflats which areideal feeding grounds for royal spoonbills,yellow-billed spoonbills, straw-necked ibises,white-faced herons, egrets and black-winged stilts. These long-leggedwaders skim the shallows with their bills for aquatic invertebrates and smallfish, and are a pleasing sight for birdwatching enthusiasts and novicetwitchers. Several migratory waders including bar-tailed godwits, curlewsandpipers, sharp-tailed sandpipers, Latham snipes and red-necked stintshave also been observed recently, attracted to the Park’s shallow pondconditions. Kensington, Busbys and Randwick Ponds are ideal locations forspotting these unexpected visitors.

CCC recruits newmembersFour new recruits have been selected torepresent the community on CentennialParklands Community Consultative Committee.Ann Mairaed Bilmon, Robert Goodman, CraigLyons and Clare Skinner are all regular visitorsto the Parklands and bring a combinedbackground in Aboriginal heritage, environmentallaw, urban planning, accounting and commercialmanagement. These new representatives jointhe existing committee comprising Peter Reid,Sandy Pratten and Michael McDonald underthe guidance of recently elected Chair, AllanYoung. Visit www.cp.nsw.gov.au/About Us for more details.

Community celebrates Grand Drive upgrade

After monthsof constructionand footpathdiversions, the upgrade to GrandDrive wascompleted in

April. The entire circuit now boasts sandstonekerbing in place of the older style metalbollards, a complete path resurface as well asnew accessible seating and bubblers. The Drivewas officially launched on Tuesday, 9 May with acommunity event at the Learners Cycleway.Local school students, residents, governmentrepresentatives and community groups joinedthe Hon. Sandra Nori MP, Minister for Tourismand Sport and Recreation, along with the coachand players from the Sydney Swans AFL teamfor a range of celebratory activities includingtree planting and a sausage sizzle.

Sydney Water worksCommencing in June, Sydney Water will beundertaking repairs to a large pipe that runsbeneath Centennial Park. These essentialworks will require the excavation of severalpits in the north-western part of the Park toreline the water pipe that supplies water toapproximately 90,000 residents in the EasternSuburbs. Works will take place during daylighthours on weekdays and 8.00 am–1.00 pm onSaturdays. For information, please contactSydney Water on (02) 8754 1937.

The ‘I love Centennial Parklands’ range of merchandise

Black-winged stilt. Photo by Ofer Levy

The Hon. Sandra Nori, and PaulRoos, coach of the Sydney Swans

5Parklands Winter 20064

Groove lives on at Good Vibrations

Cleaning up our act

Seniors WeekThis year’s Seniors Week activities were once again lauded as a great success. Thetwo Ranger-led Heritage Tours evoked pleasant memories of the Parklands forparticipants, with many of them sharing their personal stories and experiences thatwere a wonderful supplement to the tour itself. The attentive and lively audiencewere keen to hear about the many facets of the Parklands natural and culturalheritage from history, design, construction, water quality, fauna and flora. The BikeTour was also well received, with participants commenting on what a good idea itwas to encourage ‘oldies’ to renew an interest in such a pleasant pastime.

Moonlight’s Stellar SeasonThe dry summer weather and mix of cult classic and new release films has once

again produced a stellarseason for MoonlightCinema. For thediscerning outdoor cinemacrowd, Moonlight thisyear introduced GoldGrass, allowing ticketholders access to a primeposition, beanbag,champagne and liqueurcoffee. The tree-linedbackdrop of CentennialPark and relaxedambience continues to bea winning combination for

the open air cinema-goer. Moonlight Cinema will return again next summer for itsninth consecutive season in Centennial Park.

How the Pestwas WonThe Friends of Centennial Parklandskicked off their own 2006 calendar ofevents with an educational tour whichexplained the issues of pest managementin the Parklands. Environmental OfficerJohn Martin led the enthusiastic grouparound Centennial Park, locating pestsand their habitats along the way. Thecaptive audience learnt about thetechniques of fumigating rabbit warrensand fox dens, electro-fishing of carp andcoating ibis eggs with canola oil toprevent hatchings.

Now in its third year at CentennialParklands, the Good Vibrations Festivalonce again thrilled a 20,000 strongcrowd with an incredible line-up ofinternational and home-grown musicartists. Within the picture-perfect settingof the Mission Fields, this sell-out eventfeatured five stages, giving thesophisticated audience ten hours ofgrooves from the likes of Steve Lawler,Norman Jay, The Cuban Brothers andPaul Mac—who was exclusive to theSydney show. Under the sparklingsummer sun, the heat and intensity ofthe festival reached a crescendo with anunforgettable performance by ‘TheGodfather of Soul’ himself, James Brown.

An enthusiastic troop of 92 volunteersturned up for this year’s Clean UpAustralia Day in Centennial Park. Armedwith bags, gloves and tongs, this groupcollected approximately 280 kg ofrubbish from playgrounds, ponds andpicnic areas. Ranger Karen Scrivens wasreally pleased with the great turnout.‘This year, we had twice as manyparticipants as in previous years,’ shesaid. ‘There were family groups, schoolstudents and couples all lending a hand.’The most common items collected werecigarette butts, plastic and bottles.

Trustees re-appointed for four-year term

The Board of Trustees

Four members of the Centennial Parkand Moore Park Trust were recently re-appointed to the Board by theGovernor of New South Wales on therecommendation of the Minister forTourism and Sport and Recreation, the Hon. Sandra Nori MP, for a further four-year term. Commencing his second consecutiveterm as Chairman, Professor John NilandAC has a prominent background asformer Chairman of the EnvironmentalProtection Authority and former Vice-Chancellor and President of theUniversity of New South Wales. He is aFellow of the Australian Institute ofCompany Directors and serves as anIndependent Director on the Board ofMacquarie Bank. His internationalinvolvement currently includes the Boardof Trustees of Singapore ManagementUniversity and the University GrantsCommittee of Hong Kong.Returning to the Boardroom alongsideProfessor Niland are Yvette Pietsch,Margaret Varady and John Walker.Local resident, Yvette Pietsch, was theformer Chair of the CommunityConsultative Committee (CCC) and hasnow been appointed as a Trustee in herown right, bringing a strong backgroundin finance, taxation and communityinvolvement.Margaret Varady AO, Principal of SydneyGirls’ High School, embarks on her secondterm as Trustee. Margaret has had anextensive involvement in school education

in Australia and New Zealand and sits onthe Senate of the University of Sydney. John Walker is the Managing Director ofThrifty and Councillor on WoollahraCouncil. John has high-level experience inretail, finance and local government,contributing a dynamic mix of businessknowledge and first-hand corporateexperience. Joining the Board of Trustees for the firsttime is newcomer Allan Young, who hasbeen appointed for a two-year term viahis role as Chair of the CCC. Allan bringsa dedicated ‘community’ angle andexperience in both policy and businessanalysis.Current Trustees, Sarah Whyte, DavidLeckie and the Honourable JusticeAnnabelle Bennett AO continue in theirexisting terms, each contributing animpressive resume of leadership,administrative and professionalexperience at the highest tiers ofAustralian business and community affairs.Long-standing Trustee, Michael Marx AMretires this year after almost nine years inthe position. Michael is acknowledged forhis extensive commitment andcontribution to the Parklands over thepast decade. According to Professor Niland, the mix ofkey skills within the Board of Trusteesprovides the strength to deliver goodgovernance and the oversight of awonderful community asset. ‘EachTrustee demonstrates a passion for theParklands—a critical ingredient for their

position on the Board and one whichcontributes to the focus of preserving andenhancing the character of this historiclandscape,’ he says.The Trustees serve in an honorarycapacity and meet on a monthly basis.Within the framework of the Trust, thereare three sub-committees, focusing onFinance, Marketing and Auditing, allowingthe Trustees to meet with other key contributors to seek advice,information and assist with key decision-making and to ensure that theBoard does not operate in isolation. The current economic and socialenvironment will generate some keychallenges for the Trust. ‘The Trust muststrive to maintain the revenue base in amodel where the Parklands draws about15% of its operating costs directly fromGovernment and generates 85% fromthe assets vested in the Trust, such as FoxProfessional Studies, the EntertainmentQuarter and Moore Park Golf,’ saysProfessor Niland, ‘and we must balancethe ever-growing demand for access tothe Parklands from a diverse range ofuser groups.’Based on the breadth of communityexpertise and business acumen portrayedwithin the current Board membership, it seems that the Trust will be well-positioned to meet such challengesas they arise. To read more about therole of the Trust or for profiles onindividual Trustees, please visitwww.cp.nsw.gov.au/About Us.

Park News Events Wrap-up

Parklands Winter 2006

Professor John Niland AC

Yvette Pietsch Margaret Varady AO John Walker Allan Young Sarah Whyte David Leckie The Hon. JusticeAnnabelle Bennett AO

Moonlight Cinema

Friends tour led by Environmental Officer,John Martin

Crowds enjoying the festival atmosphere at Good Vibrations

The fresh winter weather fails to deterthe hundreds of keen visitors who makeuse of Centennial Park, Queens Park andMoore Park on any given day. Groups ofmiddle-aged women frenetically chattingat a pace not unlike that of their movingfeet along the pathway. Retired menengaging in passionate discussions over atake-away espresso as they rest fromtheir morning constitutional beneath theshady turpentines. Groups of youngmothers pushing prams, solitary men andwomen silently focused as they slowlyand carefully journey through thepurposeful movements of the tai chisequences. Dog walkers chat as theylook on as their excited canines frolickand roll in the long grass. Childrenplaying on playground equipment, kidsflying kites, family groups kicking a ballaround and couples relaxing at the baseof a tree with volumes of the weekendnewspapers.These are familiar scenes, but not thosethat adhere to the stereotypical fitnessand exercise regime that many of usconsider the ultimate fitness workout.However, despite sometimes being morepassive pursuits, recreational activitiessuch as these have a significant impact onpeople’s health, fitness and overallwellbeing. It is for this reason thatoutdoor settings such as local parks andgardens are achieving an increasinglysignificant emphasis as places that allowcommunities to improve their health andwellbeing through recreational activities.

Recreate yourselfWhilst the term ‘recreation’ may conjuremental images of lazing under a tree, orgazing at a pond, it can be a bit moreenergetic. ‘Recreation is diverse andtherefore difficult to define,’ according to NSW Sport and Recreation’s KerryTurner, Manager of Community Sportand Recreation. Many people categorise recreation as non-competitive activities such aswalking, running, birdwatching orcanoeing, but in recent year many ofthese pursuits have taken on competitiveelements. Similarly, recreation may beorganised or non-organised in thatindividuals can partake in recreation ontheir own, but there are now clubsencouraging recreation in groupsproviding a social element such as in Tai Chi or cycling. By literal definition,recreation is ‘re-creation’–activities thatencourage people to seek out an activitythat fulfils something that they feel ismissing in themselves. For this reason,recreation is very subjective. For some itmay involve seeking an activity withoutrules to counter an overly structuredlifestyle. Or perhaps it may be anoutdoor pursuit to enable freedom from constraints of an indoor-based, sedentary workplace.

Body workIrrespective of the type of recreationundertaken, the benefits encompass thespectrum of physical and emotionalwellbeing. According to NSW Sport andRecreation, aside from the undeniablebenefit of longevity, there is the reducedrisk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes andsome cancers. And those ‘recreating’ willenjoy feeling more energetic, confidentand happy; as well as having better sleeppatterns, weight management and the listcontinues. For example, the simple act ofwalking your dog for a total of 2.5 hoursa week has been shown to reduce theburden of heart disease by 9%.

A state of mindWhere mental health is concerned,studies indicate that participation inrecreational programs alleviates thesymptoms from many mental illnessesincluding anxiety and depression andinterestingly, some research has shownthat the simple act of viewing plants andnature can have positive influences onemotional and physiological states,especially for people experiencing stress.Dr Nicole Highet is the Deputy CEOfrom Beyond Blue, an organisation that isworking to address issues associated with

Recreatinggood health

6 Parklands Winter 2006 7Parklands Winter 2006

depression, anxiety and related substancemisuse disorders in Australia. Accordingto Dr Highet, recreation activities areoften suggested as treatment for somepsychological treatments such asdepression, including setting goals aroundactivities. ‘This not only encourages theperson to get out and potentially benefitfrom the activity itself, but also provides asense of mastery and achievement, andstructure in the person’s day, which allcan be important aspects of recovery,’she says, ‘and when these activities arecombined with social interaction, thesepositive benefits are further increased,reducing social isolation and creatingconnections in one’s local community.’

Health, naturallyMr Bill Pearson, President of theAustralian Traditional Medicine Society,says that practitioners of complementarymedicine such as Naturopaths,Nutritionists and Counsellors often dealwith lifestyle issues and will commonlysuggest recreational activities such as taichi or yoga to help overcome theunderlying cause of certain symptoms.Bill believes that by taking up gentleexercise many people experienceprofound positive changes in theirphysical and emotional health. ‘Theirspirits are lifted and many peopleexperience an attitudinal change as theystart to take responsibility for theirhealth,’ says Bill. ‘For example, a patientwho wishes to give up smoking and isthus locked into a whole range of habitswill be advised to take up walking in thegarden or similar recreational activities tostart to change negatives into positives.’

For WomenMore and more ‘Mothers Groups’ aregetting together in places like CentennialParklands to walk the pram, chat over acoffee at the Café or chase toddlersaround the playground–a recreationalactivity that is commended by ProfessorMichael Bennett, Professor of Obstetricsand Gynaecology at the University ofNew South Wales, and based at theRoyal Hospital for Women.Professor Bennett, who has worked inthe area of women’s health for almost 15years, is a strong supporter of therecreation associated with mother’sgroups as they promote both emotional

and physiological benefits. Suchrecreational activities assist inalleviating the isolation andloneliness of being anchored athome with a young baby, whilstallowing women to discuss issuesand experiences related tomotherhood. And the specificphysical benefits for women aresimple. ‘Active women, particularlythose engaged in weight bearingexercise, are bound to havestronger bones than in-activewomen, thereby minimising thechance of osteoporosis in laterlife,’ advises Professor Bennett.

The ball is in your courtDanyelle Droga, Centennial ParklandsDirector Visitor Experience, says that thepossibilities for recreation in CentennialParklands are endless. ‘A contemplativewalk beside one of the ponds is a greatway to clear the mind, and the beauty ofthe Parklands landscape is much moreappealing than pacing the treadmill infront of the television.’

For people seeking to enjoy the potentialhealth benefits and explore the plethoraof recreational opportunities within yourlocal area, NSW Sport and Recreationoffers a great internet based resourcecalled ‘Active Search’. This facility linkspeople with activities all around NSWincluding organised clubs and associations.Visit www.dsr.nsw.gov.au for details.For more information about recreation inCentennial Parklands, please visitwww.cp.nsw.gov.au/Visitor Informationor call (02) 9339 6699.

For mothers with newborn babies ortoddlers, finding time to exercise can be adifficult task. However, a simple pramwalk can provide a range of great benefitsfor both mum and baby. Centennial Park is an ideal location for a pram walk. Many find that it is easy tofind parking and the flat, sealed andshaded pathway along Grand Drive isideal for pushing prams – somewhateasier to negotiate than the curbs,driveways and uneven footpaths of somelocal suburban streets.Mandi O’Sullivan-Jones, ExercisePhysiologist and Director of PRAMfit has10 years experience as a personal trainerfor pre and post natal women andbelieves that walking is a great way tostart exercising after the birth of a baby.‘Walking with a pram is a weight-bearingexercise and is therefore good forosteoporosis later in life. It can also helpto increase fitness, decrease excess bodyweight and therefore improve overallhealth – and it’s something we all knowhow to do,’ encourages Mandi.

Walking can improve the strength, toneand stability of the abdomen and lowerback areas that may have beencompromised throughout pregnancy andbirth. Increased fitness can assist womento keep up with active toddlers and canhelp overcome the fatigue associatedwith disrupted sleep patterns. An addedbonus is the benefits for the child. Shortspells of fresh air and sunshine areimportant for the development of ababy’s immune system, skin conditionand cardiovascular health.This winter, parents can join Mandi andthe team of professionals from PRAMfitfor a series of especially designed ‘FamilyHealth and Fitness’ classes. Mandiadvocates that physical benefits of theclasses—combined with the socialinteraction with other parents—is a greatcombination. ‘Childcare is included, soyou can focus on your class. It is a greatway to meet other mums and you aremore likely to keep coming along’. Visitwww.cp.nsw.gov.au/What’s On or call(02) 9339 6699 for details.

Tai Chi by the ponds

Fun in the Café playground

A young family enjoying the birdlife

The positives of pram walks

Healthy ParksHealthy PeopleGovernments recognise that public openspace provides the community with healthimprovement and fitness opportunities,decreasing the cost of health care andsaving governments millions of tax payersdollars. By way of encouraging morepeople to use Parks and Gardens forrecreation and therefore improve theirhealth and wellbeing, agencies acrossAustralia have adopted the Healthy ParksHealthy People initiative, originallydeveloped by Parks Victoria in 2000. For more information visitwww.healthyparkshealthypeople.com.au

Black swanBy Trevor Waller

To stand and watch ablack swan gracefullyglide by on a still lakemust be one of themore peaceful sightsyou could enjoy inCentennial Parklands.This large native swanis the world’s onlymostly black swan. Ithas white flight feathersthat can best be seenwhen the bird is inflight. Being a heavybird they use a longtake-off runaccompanied by muchsplashing and franticflapping to getairborne. Once in theair their white wing

feathers show off powerful rhythmic wing beats. They fly withtheir long necks outstretched and present a distinctivesilhouette against the sky. Their bills are red with a white barnear the tip. The male has a longer bill and neck than the female.

Black swans feed on underwater vegetation by up-ending andusing their long necks to reach deeper. They can be found ingreat numbers on large areas of shallow water with aquaticvegetation, lakes, estuaries and flooded pastures. They losetheir flight feathers during their moult and will gather in largenumbers on secure waters.

Breeding usually takes place from April to October but canoccur any time after good rains. The nest is a large pile ofmainly reeds in shallow water, on an island or floating amongreeds in deeper water. They lay a large clutch of five to six eggsthat are incubated for about 40 days. If the adult leaves the nestthe eggs are covered with damp vegetation for protection. The juvenile birds, called cygnets, are mainly grey with dullwhite flight feathers and leave the nest after about 150 days.Black swans are plentiful in Centennial Parklands and youshould be able to see them on any of the lakes and ponds.

Trevor Waller is a bird enthusiast with over 10 yearsbehind the binoculars. He is a member of various birdwatching clubs in Sydney, including Birds Australia, andconducts the Parklands Birdwatchers Breakfasts eachseason (visit www.cp.nsw.gov.au/What’s On for details).

With its bare, pendulous form and longtrailing branches, the weeping willow orSalix babylonica is a highlight of the winter season. Growing to more than 12 metres in height, this large deciduoustree has a broad crown, large trunk withascending main branches carryingbranchlets and twigs that droop to theground or surface of the ponds forming apeaceful and shady old-world landscape.The leaves are bright green on the topand glaucous beneath, changing tobutter-yellow in the late autumn andearly winter. The flowers are all female,yellowish-green and can be foundamongst the bright green leaves inSeptember (spring). A member of the Salicaeae family, Salixbabylonica is one of the most commonspecies of willow–‘Salix’ is the ancientlatin name for ‘willow’ and ‘babylonica’means ‘Babylonian’. The name was givenby Linnaeus when the species was found

along the Euphrates River inBabylon. However, it has beenproven that the tree’s true origin isChina and was probably broughtto the Middle East by ancientChina-Egypt traders. Today, thereare numerous hybrid species ofwillow all around the world.The weeping willow is one of the mostfamiliar trees in Australia, especially alongthe banks of country streams and inparks. In Centennial Parklands, theoriginal willows were planted in the late1930s and 1940s using the species Salixbabylonica. Although there are a few ofthese original willows surrounding theponds, the majority these days are aform of hybrid willow. The area around Musgrave Avenue inCentennial Park is the best location toview willow trees. The two ponds in thisarea are framed by mature willows, theirsoft, dropping branches creating a

picturesque setting as they gently sweepthe pond surface. A collection of sevendifferent species of willow can be seensurrounding the ponds at the rear of AshPaddock and there is a golden form inthe south-west corner of CentennialPark. These trees were propagated inCanberra and planted in the mid 1980sunder then Director John Mortimer andSuperintendent Ron Salkeld.Although now considered a weed inmany areas of Australia, within theconfines of Centennial Park it remains asa testament to the Victorian-styletradition which is synonymous with thePark’s design.

Tree of the SeasonWeeping willow

Park Living

Twitcher’s Corner

With titles such as ‘Grandma’sShoes’, ‘The Tram to Bondi Beach’,‘The River’ and ‘Sky Sash So Blue’in her repertoire, award-winningchildren’s author and localresident, Libby Hathorn hassought much inspiration andsolitude in the many landscapesof Centennial Parklands.

Most peaceful spot inCentennial Parklands?I think any places that have aview of water—and there are so

many round the Centennial Park ponds—are peaceful to me. It’seasy to find a spot mid-week where you can sit and write or justsit! When I’m having a bit of a struggle with a novel I’m writing, Itake a walk, meet a friend for coffee, do anything but write. Igenerally come back refreshed and ready to go on.

Favourite memory of the Parklands?When we were young kids, a favourite story-telling uncle took usfrom our Maroubra house to the magic of the great CentennialParklands. We had a picnic and then he photographed us in thegrass by one of the ponds. We dressed in our Sunday schooldresses and took our best handbags.

Best part of winter?I love it when the beds of canna lilies are ablaze. It makes methink of a line from the Fitzgerald poem, a tribute to the dancerPavlova, ‘canna’s flame for you, lovely, untidy, joyous flowers’. And when it’s misty, I can pretend Centennial Parklands is mycountry estate.

Walk or ride?Walk. We hired bikes last winter and once around was enough forme. I realised I like the slowness of the paths and tracks ofCentennial Park. I like to walk and savour every tree, every leafand garden bed. That is, until the advent of a grandchild RubyRose, who adores to ride everything in the playground.

What inspires you most about the Parklands?A green open space with surprisingly diverse ‘terrains’. You canfeel, yes!, you are in a park with mown grass on the one hand,and then, hey presto, you’re trekking through Lachlan Swamp, oryou’re on a walk with the dogs in bushland or round the pondsthrough a bit of jungle. I love the inspired additions near the pondsof Gaudi-esque ironwork and sandstone steps and the wayartwork and stonework teach in a discreet way, like the tiledpicture story of the Park. I’ve taken many visitors there.

A Walk in the Parkwith Libby Hathorn

Most Sydneysiders are familiar with the sight of a team ofgenteel Clydesdale horses travelling through the city streetswith a cart of supplies in tow. But these classic icons of Sydney’ssocial history have recently hung up their horseshoes andmoved to greener pastures.Annabelle, and her daughter Caroline, have been workingdraughthorses for the past six years, delivering stationary tolocations throughout the Sydney CBD. Affectionately named‘the Penfold’s girls’, Annabelle and Caroline have been stabledthroughout their working life at the Centennial ParklandsEquestrian Centre. Caroline and Annabelle have their own fanclub, with many people visiting the Equestrian Centre on a

regular basis to visit these gentle giants and feed them the oddcarrot or apple, and regularly contacting owner and drayman AllanGillham to check on their wellbeing.Allan is a Sydney icon himself, having been Drayman to thesehorses and their predecessors for the past 23 years. During thistime, Allan has worked with many horses, but never a pair togethersuch as Annabelle and Caroline. ‘They were two of the last sixdraughthorses in the world still working to deliver goods, and theywere the last working delivery horses in Australia,’ says Allan.Following their retirement, the girls have relocated to an 800acre farm in Cowra, where they are treated to every comfort of

country life, including an exclusive pasture usuallyrelegated to the farmer’s prize bull. Despite their ‘tree-change’, Caroline and Annabelle are creatures of habitand both still greet Allan at the gate to their paddock eachmorning in anticipation of the working day ahead. Buttheir occupation has now turned to motherhood, withCaroline recently giving birth to new foal Leroy. Visitors to the Equestrian Centre will miss their regularconstitutional with Annabelle and Caroline, but there isstill a chance that these much-loved creatures may be backin Sydney—and on the road again—sometime soon.

8 Parklands Winter 2006 9Parklands Winter 2006

Weeping willows at Musgrave Pond

Author Libby Hathorn

Black swan

Iconic Clydesdales retire

Mother and daughter Clydesdale team,Annabelle and Caroline, with DraymanAllan Gillham

Caroline with her foal, Leroy

Special offer for new FriendsAs a special offer, anyone joining the Friends of CentennialParklands this winter will receive a voucher to attend one ofCentennial Parklands programs free of charge. Valued up to$20.00, new Friends can select from a range of fun outdooractivities including school holiday programs, guided tours andworkshops for adults. New and existing members can come along to special Friendsevents including educational, conservation and social activities.This season, join the ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour, National Tree

Day celebrations or a wine tasting evening. Aside from offering great benefits, discounts and activities, beinga member of the Friends means you contribute to the ongoingconservation and natural heritage of the Parklands and help tomaintain its special place within Sydney. To join today, see the insert on page 7. To adopt a tree forNational Tree Day, or for information about any of theseprojects or events, please visit www.cp.nsw.gov.au/Foundation& Friends, email friends@cp.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 9339 6699.

The Centennial Parklands Foundation was recently awarded twowater-saving grants. A Town Water Saving Grant of $139,980has been funded by the Department of Energy, Utilities andSustainability, along with an Australian Government CommunityWater Grant worth over $45,000. This funding will enable theParklands to initiate a range of water saving projects including:• connecting 50% of the irrigation of the Rose and Column

Gardens to pond water;• connecting the five new amenity blocks to pond water for

toilet flushing;• establishing water saving features for ten existing toilet facilities;• drilling bores into the pond water system to provide

irrigation for jumping arenas within the Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre.

Overall these projects will enable a saving of approximately 12 million litres of town water annually.

10 Parklands Winter 2006 11Parklands Winter 2006

Healthy Parks, Healthy People Foundation and Friends

Healthy Parks Turtles escape winter chills

In Australia, women comprise approximately 25% of all golfersand this number continues to grow. As part of the Trust’s diverserange of sporting facilities, Moore Park Golf runs regular clinicsand coaching sessions especially designed for female golfers,providing women with the opportunity to develop from beginnerthrough to competitor standard.Golf Coach Andrew Marchbank, designs the lessons to beenjoyable and informative and explains that golf does not needto be complicated. ‘It is a game that can be learned and enjoyedby anyone with an open mind and some determination,’ hesays. ‘The goal is to simplify the principles behind good golf andremedy the confusion and frustration often associated withlearning the game.’ As a special winter offer, Moore Park Golf is offering a series ofladies golf clinics for both beginners and intermediate players.The clinics are ideal for women wanting to learn to play golffrom scratch or for those wishing to improve their current game.Beginner classes cost $130.00 for three one-hour classes andcover golfing basics such as grip, stanceand alignment. Intermediate classes cost$150.00 for three one-and-a-half hourclasses and cover the use of drivers,woods and irons, short game, chippingand putting.The historic Moore Park Golf Club,located at Moore Park Golf, offersattractive membership packages forfemale golfers, allowing access tocompetitions and social functions. For information on facilities at MoorePark Golf, or to become a member of the Moore Park Golf Club, visitwww.mooreparkgolf.com, call (02) 9663 1064.

Healthy PeopleWomen step up to the tee

Sydney businesses have made the most of Centennial Parklandsin recent months for business-related events and activities.Specialist event management company,Sporting Spectrum, delivers such events at several venues across Sydney. SportingSpectrum’s Marketing Manager, NicolaAndrews says, ‘Centennial Parklands is one of the most popular venues forbusinesses looking to hold an outdoorrecreational event. The sporting facilities areplentiful, open spaces expansive, and it’s alljust a stone's throw from the city-centre.’

Over 300 Hilton Sydney staff shared a family day on LachlanReserve, complete with volleyball, soccer and netball shootouts,

and the schoolyard favourites of egg andspoon, sack and three-legged racing.Employees from PricewaterhouseCoopersand property group Lend Lease each heldstaff sports days with hundreds of office-dwellers converging on the Parklandsto play games such as softball, touch, soccer,bocce, netball and basketball, defending titles, setting new records and meeting new colleagues.

The thought ofanimals inhibernation, usuallyconjures images ofgrizzly bears infreezing arcticclimates seekingshelter from icytemperatures. InAustralia, there are

few landscapes as cold and harsh, but during the coldermonths, one of the Park’s most common reptilianresidents—the freshwater turtle—escapes the winter chillsby going into a period of hibernation. Like all cold-blooded creatures, turtles cannot controltheir own body temperature, so they have developed theunique ability to go into a state of inactivity to cope withthe lower temperatures. During this dormant period,turtles rest on the bottom of the pond or beneath a fallenlog, sometimes huddling together in groups. Their pulserate and breathing slows down and their appetitesdecrease. Instead of feeding, they use the fat reserves intheir body stored during summer, to provide just enoughenergy to keep their body functioning.The drop in water temperature that triggers this sleepywinter existence varies from place to place but is usuallyaround 110C. Turtles require little oxygen during theirwinter siesta, but an amazing, although somewhat unusualpractise, is for them to ‘breath’ through their bottoms!This enables them to exchange oxygen and carbondioxide from the water. When warmer conditions return at the start of spring,turtles will become more active again and search the pondsfor aquatic insects and small fish to replenish their foodstores in preparation for the busy mating season ahead.

Foundation grantedwater-saving dollars

The Friends of Centennial Parklands now have their very ownretreat within the Visitor Centre in Centennial Park. Locatedadjacent to thePaddington Gates, thisnewly furnished Friendslounge offers free tea,coffee and newspapersand the opportunity torelax and enjoy theambience of thisrecently conservednineteenth centuryVictorian styleresidence. Friends have the privilege of private use of the loungeroom which is open on weekends 10.00 am–3.00 pm, andweekdays by prior arrangement. A warm invite is extended to all Friends to enjoy this privatespace together with other Parklands Friends.

Lounge around with Friends

National Tree Day is an Australia-wide tree planting campaigndeveloped in 1995 by Planet Ark which has resulted in theplanting of more than 9 million trees across the country. Insupport of this event, Centennial Parklands will be hosting twoplanting days and offering people the opportunity to adopt atree and dedicate it to a family member or friend, whilst at thesame time help to preserve the green oasis of CentennialParklands.On Friday, 28 July local school students will gather on MountSteel in Moore Park to plant over 1000 trees and shrubs.Planting in this area will connect the landscape at Mount Steelwith planting themes in Centennial Park.

For the general public, theCentennial ParklandsFoundation will host aspecial fundraising event onSunday, 30 July to supportCentennial Parklands TreeReplacement Program. Alimited number of magnificent native Sydney and forest redgums will be available for adoption and will be planted alongCarrington Drive, near the Paddington Gates. Trees cost $500are are tax deductible.

Celebrate National Tree Day

Freshwater turtle

Corporate Good Sports

Female golfer receives expert tuition

Pricewaterhouse Coopers staff participating in an all-staff sports carnival

Friends enjoying their new lounge

Please refer to the map insert on page 6 forlocations.

HOW TO GET HEREFive km from the Sydney CBD. Easily accessible bybus, train, car, bike or on foot.

Regular buses from Circular Quay, Central Stn,Bondi Jn Stn and surrounding suburbs. Trains toCentral and Bondi Jn, both a 30-40 minute walk tothe Parklands. www.131500.com.au

Cycle lanes along Darley Rd, Alison Rd, Anzac Pde,South Dowling St, Cleveland St and Federation Way.

CAR FREE DAYLast Sunday of every season (February, May, August& November).

CENTENNIAL PARK GATE TIMES Centennial Park is accessible to vehicles betweensunrise and sunset. Musgrave Ave Gates are closedpermanently to cars.

Primary Gates (Paddington, Woollahra,Randwick & Robertson Rd (entry)March to April 6.00 am–6.00 pmMay to August 6.30 am–5.30 pmSeptember to October 6.00 am–6.00 pmNovember to February 5.45 am–8.00 pm

Secondary Gates (York Rd, Jervois Ave,Govett St & Robertson Rd exit)Weekdays 9.00 am–4.00 pmWeekends as for Primary Gates

FOOD OUTLETS

Centennial Parklands Restaurant E3This fully-licensed restaurant offers fine views withfine Modern Australian food. Open 7 days, 8.30 am–2.30 pm. (02) 9360 3355www.landmarkcatering.com.au

Centennial Parklands Café E3Light meals and snacks served in the open airforecourt. Open 7 days, 8.00 am–4.30 pm(weekdays), 8.00 am–5.00 pm (weekends) (02) 9380 6922

Centennial Park Mobile Food Van E5Light meals, sandwiches, cold drinks, gelato andespresso. Open weekends & public holidays, 8.00 am–sunset.

Moore Park Golf Patio Bar B3Overlooking the first tee, the outdoor Patio Barserves light food and drinks. Open 7 days, 7.30 am–4.00 pm (Mon to Wed), 7.30 am–8.00 pm (Thu to Sat), 7.30 am–6.00 pm (Sun) (02) 9663 1064 www.mooreparkgolf.com.au

The Bistro at Moore Park Golf B3The Bistro serves quality meals and a full variety ofwine and beers. Open Wed to Sun, Noon–5.00pm(Wed to Thu), Noon–7.00pm (Fri to Sun)(02) 9663 1064 www.mooreparkgolf.com.au

RECREATION ACTIVITIES

BBQs and Picnics Unlimited picnic spots, with views of ponds, fieldsand gardens. Free BBQs. First-in basis. BYOportable BBQs with legs permitted (except duringtotal fire bans), portable picnic equipmentpermitted. Bookings required for groups of 50 orover. BBQs located at A3 D5 D6 E2 E3 G4 G5 H5

Cycling and Rollerblading 3.8 km cycle/rollerblade lane on Grand Dr,Centennial Park. Cycle lanes along Darley Rd, AlisonRd, Anzac Pde, South Dowling St, Cleveland St andFederation Way. Off-road cycling circuit for childrenat Learners Cycleway. D5

Helmets required. Three-wheel pedal cars notpermitted in Centennial Park. Four-wheel pedal carspermitted.

Centennial Parklands Cycle Hire F3Cnr Hamilton & Grand Drs, Centennial Park0401 357 419

Centennial Park Cycles G650 Clovelly Rd, Randwick (02) 9398 5027

Woolys Wheels82 Oxford St, Paddington (02) 9331 2671 www.woolyswheels.com

Total Skate E236 Oxford St, Woollahra (02) 9380 6356

Wildlife WatchingSpot birds, turtles, invertebrates and possums withindiverse natural environments. Ideal locations at D4E5 F4. Please do not feed animals.

PlaygroundsFive playgrounds catering for a range of age groups.A2 D5 E2 E3 H5.

Dog WalkingOn and off leash dog walking areas. BYO dog tidybags to pick up after your dog.

SPORT AND FACILITY HIREQuality sports grounds and facilities for hire forcasual one-off bookings or seasonal competitions.(02) 9339 6699

ES Marks Athletics Field B5400 m running track, floodlit field and covered standwith seating for 1000 people. Changing rooms,toilets, First Aid Room, Officials Room (with PAsystem) and Meeting Room. Casual public training,Tue, Wed & Thu, 3.30 pm–8.30 pm. For hire fortraining or carnivals. (02) 9339 6699www.cp.nsw.gov.au/sports

Golf, Horse Riding and Tennis hire available vialicensed operators:

Moore Park Tennis Courts B3Tennis court hire, coaching, social competitions,racquet and ball sales and ball machine hire. Fourfloodlit courts. Open 7 days, 7.00 am–10.00 pm.0412 123 456

Parklands Sports Centre C4Tennis court hire, coaching, school holiday campsand competitions. 11 floodlit courts. Open 7 days,9.00 am–10.00 pm (summer & Mon to Thu inwinter) 9.00 am–6.00 pm (Fri in winter) 8.00 am–6.00 pm (winter weekends) (02) 9662 7033

Moore Park Golf B3Par 70, 18-hole Group One Championship golfcourse. All weather, day-night Driving Range, Puttingand Chipping Greens, Pro Shop and Golf Academy.(02) 9663 1064 www.mooreparkgolf.com.au

Horse Riding C4 D53.6 km horse track, 3.5 ha of fenced groundsfeaturing showjumping, dressage, lunging and turfhacking, Equestrian Centre with covered arenas, hotand cold wash bays and sand rolls. Riding schoolsoffer lessons, horse hire, pony camps, pony parties,pony leads and guided park rides. Stabling available.(02) 9332 2809 cpec@cp.nsw.gov.au

Budapest Riding School 0419 231 391budapestridingschool@aapt.net.au

Centennial Stables (02) 9360 5650www.centennialstables.com.au

Eastside Riding Academy (02) 9360 7521www.eastsideriding.com.au

Moore Park Training Stables (02) 9360 8747www.mooreparkstables.com.au

Papillon Riding Stables (02) 8356 9866 or0407 224 938 www.papillonriding.com.au

WHAT’S ONRanger-guided educational excursions, children’sbirthday parties, guided tours and workshops,school holiday activities, vacation care programs aswell as sports camps, concerts, festivals and events.(02) 9339 6699 www.cp.nsw.gov.au/what’s_on

FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHYLocations available for commercial filming andphotography. (02) 9339 6699www.cp.nsw.gov.au/venues

EVENTS AND FUNCTIONSLocations available for private and public functionsand events. (02) 9339 6699www.cp.nsw.gov.au/venues

FOUNDATION AND FRIENDSSee insert on Page 6. (02) 9339 6699www.cp.nsw.gov.au/foundation_and_friends

CONTACT USCentennial Parklands is managed by the CentennialPark and Moore Park Trust.

Parklands Office (behind Café), Mon to Fri, 8.30 am–5.00 pm. E3

Visitor Centre, Paddington Gates, weekends 10.00 am–3.00 pm. E2

Web: www.cp.nsw.gov.auEmail: info@cp.nsw.gov.auPhone: (02) 9339 6699Fax: (02) 9332 2148Post: Locked Bag 15 Paddington NSW 2021

After hours emergencies: 0412 718 611

Visitor Information

Printed on recycled paper

Map of Centennial Parklands

First Aid and Emergency24 hour Ranger service, 7 days. 0412 718 611

Parklands Office8.30 am–5.00 pm Monday–Friday. Located behind Centennial Parklands Café. (02) 9339 6699Fax: (02) 9332 2148 email: info@cp.nsw.gov.au

Park Information Information, maps and brochures are available from the Parklands Office (behind the café) or the Visitor Centre, weekends 10.00 am–3.00 pm.

How to Get HereBY BUS: Easily accessible by bus. Route 339 from city stations and 355 from Bondi Junction run regular services to Moore Park. Route 378from Central and 380 from Circular Quay runservices to Centennial Park. Phone 131 500for timetable details.

BY CAR: Main gates to Centennial Park open sunrise to sunset. Car Free Days are held on the last Sunday in every season: February, May, August and November. A 30 km speed limit applies on all roads in Centennial Park.

Quick Guide

to the Parklands

Friends are the roots of the Centennial ParklandsFoundation with membership fees providing support forenvironmental projects within Centennial Parklands.

Your membership will open the doors to yourinvolvement in caring for Centennial Parklands, clean upand planting days or becoming a volunteer.

By becoming a Friend, you will be joining a special groupof people. You will also have the opportunity to join inexclusive activities and enjoy a discount on the manyactivities and events that are on in the Parklands eachseason. Simply present your membership card to obtainthe special Friends rate.

The benefits include:

� Discounts on selected programs, activities, events and merchandise

� 10% discount at Centennial Parklands Restaurant & Café

� Parklands magazine posted quarterly

� Friends events, including annual end ofyear celebration

� Access to exclusive Friendslounge in the Visitor Centre at Paddington Gates

� Free Centennial Parklands activity to the value of $20 for Friends joining in winter 2006

Help support Centennial Park, Moore Park and Queens Park.

Join the Friends ofCentennial Parklands

Membership FormTo JOIN, simply complete and mail or fax the form below.

Title First Name

Surname

Address

Postcode Date of birth

Telephone (BH) (AH)

Email

Membership categories (please tick):Single: 1 year $55 3 years $145Concession: 1 year $45 3 years $120Family: 1 year $99 3 years $270Affiliate: 1 year $199 3 years $500

For Family membership, please list family members

Partner

Children

Donation Options:

I would like to make a tax deductible donation to CentennialParklands Foundation

$45 $75 $100 $ ________________

I require a tax receipt

I would like to find out how a bequest could help Centennial Parklands

Payment details:

Cash Cheque – payable to Centennial Parklands Foundation

Bankcard Mastercard Visa

I would like my membership renewed automatically via my

credit card

Card No

Expiry date

Card holder’s name

Card holder’s signature

Send to (no stamp required): Friends of Centennial ParklandsReply Paid 58Locked Bag 15PADDINGTON NSW 2021

For more information phone (02) 9339 6699or email foundation@cp.nsw.gov.au

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