Mr MATT KEAN (Hornsby) [7.00 p.m.]: Tonight I will speak about some of the actions Hornsby Shire Council is taking to improve the character and amenity of the shire, and in particular on the west side of the Hornsby railway station. Hornsby West Precinct is in need of renewal and investment as our community plans for the future.
A master plan for the area is currently being developed by council that will bring Hornsby West Precinct into the twenty-first century with new economic and employment opportunities whilst at the same time protecting the amenity of the area. The aim is to transform the old town centre into a vibrant community hub that all of our local residents can be proud of.
I thank Hornsby Shire Council and its new mayor Steve Russell for their great vision and drive to improve our community and plan for the future. The new mayor, Steve Russell, is doing a fantastic job representing the community of Hornsby. Change is already evident with the commencement of construction of the Hornsby aquatic centre. There is forward momentum for the first time in a long time with Steve Russell at the helm. I congratulate him on the tremendous work that he is doing.
While we wait for the master plan, council has remained proactive in its goals to rejuvenate the area by introducing a pop-up art initiative in the town centre. This scheme has had tremendous success in Parramatta and Epping, where previously unoccupied shops were transformed into temporary exhibition centres for local artists. This scheme is impressive because it utilises vacant shop fronts while attracting new visitors to the area and providing new revenue streams for the surrounding retail outlets and hospitality venues. Local artists will also benefit greatly from this forward-thinking initiative, which will increase exposure of their new masterpieces to the shire's ever-growing art community.
Hornsby shire has produced the noted artist Margaret Preston, who is admired greatly by many in this Chamber. Hornsby is one of the most beautiful regions of Sydney and it is no coincidence that some of the State's best artists call Hornsby home. I have previously spoken about the accomplishments of Susan White, winner of the Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing. I will share a story about one of Hornsby's best up-and-coming artists. Hornsby resident Steven Goorevich is one of the local artists who will work in the makeshift studio and display his aerosol artworks. Mr Goorevich is now a stay-at-home dad after he was involved in a horrible construction site accident in 2005 when a 200-kilogram steel frame fell on him and crushed his spine. Mr Goorevich needed extensive surgery after the accident and was forced to learn to walk again.
The accident has prevented Mr Goorevich from returning to his former job as a labourer. Thankfully he has since found solace in his aerosol artwork, which he says helps distract him from his devastation. Mr Goorevich first started producing aerosol art in 2009 when he painted a wall in his garage. His freehand artwork was so impressive that neighbouring residents soon took notice and encouraged him to pursue his new passion on canvas. I am pleased to announce that Mr Goorevich will now be able to take the next step in his new career after being selected as the first artist to display his art in the pop-up studio known locally as "Number 5". Mr Goorevich told the Hornsby Advocatethat it was an honour to be recognised for his work by his artistic peers and the wider community. I am sure the pop-up studio will help other emerging artists like Mr Goorevich and give them a platform on which to showcase their skills and creativity.
Pop-ups like Number 5 have a constant turnover of tenants, which will keep bringing people back to Hornsby West Precinct. Following Mr Goorevich's three-week residency at Number 5, the Hornsby Shire Historic Society will move in for History Week from 7 to 14 September. The society does remarkable work promoting the proud history of Hornsby shire. The Artists Loft, a diverse group of artists who produce handmade objects, including bags, scarves and artists' books, will move in for the duration of Hornsby shire's Festival of the Arts. It is a great initiative supported by the Hornsby Shire Council. I congratulate Mayor Steve Russell for continuing to promote this initiative.
As the local member I am excited about this new phase of development in Hornsby. I share the community's excitement about the future opportunities the rejuvenation of Hornsby West Precinct will offer. I encourage all residents of the Hornsby shire to visit the west side and to check out these talented local artists. The artwork on display is inspiring and reflects the great diversity for which our shire is renowned. I encourage everyone in the State and this Chamber to visit the pop-up art exhibitions on the west side of Hornsby.
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