IF you’re planning a picnic this summer, get ready to pay for the privilege as the State Government rakes in millions of dollars in fees for prime pieces of parkland.

The tradition of sending out a family picnic scout at dawn to reserve a barbecue shelter, and taking turns to guard it zealously until the rest of the party arrives, is all but gone.
The Government and its relevant statutory authorities are the biggest beneficiaries when it comes to hiring public open spaces for private use.
The National Parks and Wildlife …

This monument is dedicated to the short but spectacular life of Henry Searle, one of Australia’s greatest scullers, who died in 1889 at just 23. The column also marks the finish line where, a year earlier, Searle comprehensively defeated the world rowing champion.

From History of Australian Rowing website:
“In October 1888, after only 5 professional races in outriggers, Searle defeated Peter Kemp at Parramatta for the World Championship and a purse of £1000. After 4 more races in Australia, Searle went to England to meet the Canadian challenger William O’Connor. Searle …

Riverbeats ’09 is a fantastic cultural party with an environmental flavor taking place in Parramatta from 31 October – 14 November.

Now in its fourth year, Riverbeats ‘09 is delighted to welcome one of Australia’s most significant musicians, Dale Barlow, as Music Director of the 2009 program. Using his extensive industry experience, Barlow has selected the highest calibre of local and international artists to present a unique and innovative musical program. The mix includes AFI-award winning Decoder Ring, Synergy Percussion’s new band Moth, The Translators’ and the Blenders.

Riverbeats ’09 has something …

PLANNED meetings between police and ethnic community leaders aimed at calming gang warfare in Parramatta have been put on hold because of the South Pacific earthquakes and tsunamis.

Police from Parramatta, Holroyd and Rosehill had planned to meet elders of the Pacific Islander and other ethnic communities in November to find out why some of their young people were involved in gangs.
That meeting has been postponed until December as community leaders deal with the grief of natural disasters in their homelands.
Parramatta crime manager Insp Dave Egan-lee told the Advertiser police wanted …

THE navy frigate HMAS Parramatta has become the first vessel to dock at the new $300 million Techport Australia facility at Osborne.

The new 213m wharf is a critical component of the new facility and was developed after the state secured the $8 billion Air Warfare Destroyer contract.
The facility, which is due to open in February, will include Australia’s largest shiplift, capable of supporting a vessel of up to 9300 tonnes.
Marking the milestone yesterday, Premier Mike Rann also said the Techport helped SA secure the future assembly of 12 next-generation submarines …