News in brief

Gladys booed at light rail forum

Approximately 500 people crowded into a hall at Sydney Boys High School on Monday night, opposing plans to run light rail along Devonshire St, Surry Hills.

NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian told the forum – which was hosted by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore – that the light rail route to Randwick would only be viable if it travelled along Devonshire St. She claimed the cost of a tunnel underneath the street was prohibitive. Instead, the Olivia Gardens apartment block would in all likelihood be demolished to accommodate the project, with other properties in the Surry Hills village also potentially at risk.

People Unite Surry Hills (PUSH) founder Venietta Slama-Powell said residents wanted detailed modelling about alternatives routes, rather than the “glossy brochure” on offer at the forum. Ms Slama-Powell said the light rail project was effectively a tram corridor functioning like heavy rail through residential streets.

Emotions ran high during the meeting, with Ms Berejiklian booed and heckled at times, prompting the Minister to say at one point: “I don’t have to be here.”

YMCA Swimathon raises money for disabled kids lessons

Inner Sydney locals descended on Cook+Phillip Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre and the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre last weekend to take part in the second annual YMCA Swimathon.

More than $21,000 was raised at the two centres, with funds going towards vital swimming and water-safety lessons for people living with a disability.

Darren Crumpler, Centre Manager at Cook+Phillip Park, was ecstatic with the result and thanked the community for taking part. “It was great to see so many people down here having a great day out and raising money for such a great cause,” said Mr Crumpler. “The Swimathon really embodies everything the centre is about – being active, having fun and helping those in need.”