News in brief

Marin in Sydney for Mardi Gras

US author, theologian and ‘bridge builder’ between heterosexual and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) communities, Andrew Marin, will visit Sydney in March, coinciding with the 35th Sydney Mardi Gras Festival. Mr Marin will speak at events during Mardi Gras, in addition to engagements in Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle and Auckland.

A highly respected commentator on LGBT issues and theology, Mr Marin is an advisor to the United Nations (UN) and author of the award-winning book, Love is an Orientation. Mr Marin hoped his visit would “spark the imagination of those in attendance to know bridges can be built among division [and] provide practical frameworks for peaceful and productive engagement” between LGBT people and conservative Christianity.

News of Mr Marin’s visit was welcomed by Anthony Venn-Brown, co-founder of Freedom2b, Australia’s largest network of LGBT Christians.

For more information, visit www.themarinfoundation.org

Labor pushes for underground power

Recent severe storms have highlighted the need to put Sydney’s powerlines underground, City of Sydney Councillor Linda Scott has declared. The Labor Councillor says strong winds experienced by the city last week, which blew down powerlines and caused supply interruptions, underscored the benefits of underground power.

“With increasing severe storms as a result of climate change, the importance of getting our powerlines underground and replacing them with trees to line our streets cannot be overstated,” she said.

Ms Scott, who campaigned for underground power during her successful bid for Council last year, said powerlines should be placed underground in conjunction with the rollout of cables for the National Broadband Network (NBN).

City upgrades online services

Upgrades to the City of Sydney Council’s website, mobile phone apps, and a new 24 hour online payment system have made accessing the City’s services and information easier than ever, says Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

“Whether you’re a single parent or run a business, you can use our new online services when and where it suits you,” said the Lord Mayor.

“Soon, residents will also be able to apply for parking permits, book free kerbside clean-ups and easily report issues such as potholes, graffiti or damage to City property,” she added.

Residents and businesses can now register for an account at online.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au