Council soon launching BounceBack SMS Community Notice Board service
Council will soon be launching a short message service (SMS) that tells people the status of Council’s sportsgrounds.
The BounceBack SMS Community Notice Board will provide information on whether sport is being played at Council sportsgrounds in regards to wet weather or other conditions. This is particularly useful during the current changing weather conditions.
The service works by the enquirer using their mobile to send an SMS containing the unique code or keyword of the sportsground they are interested in to 19922767, and immediately receiving a response stating if the ground is open or closed that day for match play or training.
Sending an SMS to BounceBack SMS will cost a flat fee of 55 cents, and the information will be updated by Council staff by 9:00am and 2:00pm Monday to Friday and 8:00am on weekends (same as the field availability line).
The purpose of the service is to provide a quick and easy way of making the status of Council sportsgrounds available to anyone who needs it, when they need it – including schools, sporting clubs, sporting associations and individuals. The SMS service also allows Council to give more specific and detailed information about each sportsground, for example if a ground has been closed for renovations or maintenance work.
SMS is the way to go these days as the BounceBack SMS service can serve large volumes of enquiries in a fraction of the time it takes to handle one phone call. Plus it's easy, quick, inexpensive and you can find out about any council sportsground from anywhere in the country, all with one SMS.
Council will still operate the field availability line as this SMS service will be provided as an additional information tool for the community, not a replacement of the phone line. The number for the field availability line is 1300 655 180.
Council is currently developing the codes / keywords for all of our sports grounds. Our sporting clubs and associations recently had the opportunity to provide feedback to Council at the Sports Forum held at Memorial Oval on 28 May. Notification that the service is up and running and the SMS keywords for sportsgrounds will be provided to all clubs and associations, and also made available on Council's website once the service goes live. Council will continue to work with the sporting groups once the service has been launched to ensure that Council is providing a valuable information service.
This service will eventually also be used for large Council events such as the Recreation Expo to provide updates and wet weather information.
For more information on the service, please visit the BounceBack SMS website at www.bbsms.info or contact Council on 9707 9623.
School Holiday Fun
Looking for fun and affordable activities to keep the children occupied during the school holiday's? Bring them along to Chester’s Kids Club!
Chester’s Kids Club is a fun morning of craft, games, cooking and friendships.
Activities are for school aged children (5-12 years) and their carers. Younger siblings are also welcome.
These holidays, Chester's Kids Club will be exploring the fascinating world of creepy crawlies, as well as celebrating ANZAC day.
Chester’s Kids Club is an enjoyable morning for all.
For session details please contact the Community Centre Coordinator on (02) 9738 5443 or download the flyer.
LeisureLink
The second edition of LeisureLink is now available to download here.
Future editions will be displayed on the Active Bankstown page.
 The Bankstown Recreation Expo
The Bankstown Recreation Expo took place on Saturday 14 March 2009, at Carysfield Park, off Johnston Road, Bass Hill.
The event was a great success. Everyone had lots of fun, and got to try out lots of different sports and activities.
The Bankstown Recreation Expo will be taking place again next year. If you would like to be involved in The 2010 Bankstown Recreation Expo, please contact Council on (02) 9707 9641.
Fireworks
If you are considering having fireworks at an organised event in the Bankstown Local Government Area, please refer to the Guidelines for Council when Notifications of a Fireworks Event is received before submitting your hire form.
If you would like more information in relation to fireworks at organised events, please contact Council on (02) 9707 9699.
Coleman Park Tennis Courts
The existing operator at Coleman Park Tennis Courts will change as of 1 January 2009.
Please contact Jason on 0411 235 806 if you would like to make a booking or have any enquiries.
If you require further information, please call Council on (02) 9707 9999.
Active Bankstown
Check out the new Active Bankstown Events and Activities Calendar - for 2009! There are lots of things you can get involved in, in your local area and most things are FREE of charge.
For more information on any of the activities listed on the calendar, please call Council on (02) 9707 9641 or visit the Active Bankstown page.
 The New Look Newsletter
Bankstown City Council has a 'new look' quarterly newsletter called LeisureLink.
LeisureLink will replace the SportsLink newsletter, and is available to all residents, not just the sporting community.
Featuring a different sport each edition, details of local clubs and how to get involved, latest leisure news, fun things to do in the Bankstown area, healthy tips, and a quiz, LeisureLink is a great read for everyone!
Download a copy of the first edition of LeisureLink or call Council on (02) 9707 9641 for a copy to be sent to you.
New Partnership to Fight Cancer in our Local Community
Bankstown City Council has recently formed a partnership with The Cancer Council NSW. The partnership is aimed at reducing the impact of cancer on local residents.
The Cancer Council Community Partnership Program uses Council outlets, networks and venues to get cancer prevention and support programs through to people and organisations in local communities.
The Program will include vital sun safety advice to childcare centres and workplaces, and skin cancer awareness programs for older citizens and providing resources in Council libraries.
For more information about The Cancer Council NSW visit www.cancercouncil.com.au
The Revesby Skatepark is Officially Open!
Bankstown City Council officially opened Revesby Skatepark on Tuesday 8 April 2008 as part of the Youth Week celebrations.
PSC Skateboard (Parramatta) ran a skate competition on the day and gave away some great prizes. There was also a free sausage sizzle and music.
The Revesby Skatepark is located in Amour Park, Marco Avenue, Revesby.
For photographs click here http://www.theexpress.com.au/ and then go to galleries.
Council helping Bankstown Residents breathe easier
Bankstown City residents and visitors have the right to a clean and healthy environment. Because of this, Council has made its children's playgrounds and sporting fields smoke-free (effective from 1 January 2008). This means everyone can breathe cleaner air and enjoy a healthier environment.
Internationally recognised signage will be erected at these designated smoke-free areas to indicate:
- No smoking within 10 metres of all children's playground equipment
- No smoking within 10 metres of all sporting fields
Why ban smoking at our parks and playgrounds?
- Second-hand smoke is harmful to both children and adults
- Community feedback indicated support for the smoke free areas
- Children exposed to second hand smoke are more likely to suffer from colds and ear infections
- Reduced amount of cigarette butt litter in public places
Council is working with the community to make the Bankstown local area a better place to visit and our environment a better place to live.
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