News Brief

Greens candidate targeted in mural

Mayor of Marrickville and Greens candidate for the state seat of Marrickville Fiona Byrne has been targeted for her council’s decision to boycott Israel in a mural in Newtown. The mural depicts a figure of green stabbing a Star of David ringed in red with a large red slash across it. A white caption runs across its border saying; “Say not to Fiona Byrne”.

Man charged over fatal Surry Hills assault

A man has been charged over a fatal assault in Surry Hills on the weekend. About 6.40pm on Saturday February 19, police were called to Flinders Street near Taylors Square after reports a man had been assaulted. The 37-year-old victim was found unconscious and then taken to St Vincent’s Hospital, where he died about 12.30pm February 22.

Police from Surry Hills Local Area Command commenced an investigation and about 3.15pm on February 23, they arrested a 36-year-old Surry Hills man at Surry Hills Police Station. He was subsequently charged with murder and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court.

IPC opens in Sydney

 The NSW Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) celebrated its official opening in Sydney this week.The IPC has been established to promote and enforce rights to information and privacy in New South Wales.

Information Commissioner and head of the IPC Deirdre O’Donnell officiated at the event, which featured a brief address by the Australian Information Commissioner Professor John McMillan. NSW acting Privacy Commissioner John McAteer also spoke at the opening.

Aboriginal tree carving unveiled in the Garden

A new tree carving that acknowledges the Aboriginal ancestors of the lands occupied by the Royal Botanic Garden, was opened February 24 with Aboriginal music and song.

 Sculptors Vic Simms and Glen Timbery carved Yurabirong (‘People of this Place’)  from the dead Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) that has been growing in Farm Cove for over 200 years. It was a seedling when the First Fleet sailed into the hunting and ceremonial ground of the local Cadigal.

Executive Director of the Royal Botanic Garden Dr Tim Entwisle, Sydney, said, “This is a tree that takes us back to the Aboriginal people who lived on this land and also to the plants that lived here so it is a link to our cultural and botanical past.”