News in brief

Enrol to vote: AEC

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has advised Australians to ensure they are enrolled to vote in time for the 2013 Federal Election on Saturday, September 7. Electoral Commissioner Ed Killesteyn said all citizens aged 18 years and over are required by law to enrol and vote in the election. “To enrol, go online at www.aec.gov.au/enrol. Enrolments can also be completed by tablet or smartphone,” said Mr Killesteyn on Sunday, shortly after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced the election date. Paper enrolment forms are also available at AEC offices, Australia Post, Centrelink and Medicare. Mr Killesteyn said all enrolments must be received by 8pm, Monday August 12.

Govt supports Double Bay library

NSW Local Government Minister Don Page has announced that the State Government will contribute $11 million towards the new library at Double Bay. The library, part of the Kiaora Lands Development, will receive the subsidy from the State Government’s Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme. Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said the cash injection would “allow the library service to expand on its role as a meeting place, community centre and information gateway”. The Kiaora Lands Development, an initiative of Woollahra Municipal Council and Woolworths, is expected to be complete by mid-2015. The development will include a new Woolworth’s supermarket, a Thomas Dux store, a Dan Murphy’s outlet, specialty stores and the new library.

Growing Food in Small Spaces workshops

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW and the City of Sydney Council are teaming up to run free workshops showing space-starved inner-city dwellers how to grow food in small spaces. The ‘Growing Food in Small Spaces’ workshops will show people how to grow food from their patio, balcony or courtyard. “A lot of people think they can’t grow herbs and vegetables because they live in a flat or a townhouse, but it is amazing how much fresh produce you can harvest from a small balcony or courtyard,” said workshop coordinator Louise Kiddell. The workshops will be held in Glebe, Green Square and Redfern over the next several months, commencing Saturday, August 17. Visit www.nccnsw.org.au for information.