Categories: culture, fairfield
Date: 04 July 2007 13:08:29
A new program has started as part of my city's [Fairfield] various leisure centres, which allows you, not before time say I, to use your membership of one to visit the other two. I go to Prairiewood (the suburb next to mine) quite a bit, but Fairfield, and the brand new 13.25 million dollar(!) leisure centre at Cabravale, have a number of aerobic classes at better times: at Cabravale [between Cabramatta and Canley Vale for those in Sydney who may not have heard of it] they even have Tai-Chi, there being a large Chinese and SE Asian population in the area. I took a look at the new leisure centre ther night: wow. Very swish, and very modern: and I think a great resource.
We may have our problems in Fairfield, unemployment is quite high, especially youth unemployment, and it is well known as an area to score illicit drugs. However, despite these, and other issues, I think it a pretty darn good place to live.
Half of all residents were born overseas, mostly in non-English speaking countries. Diversity is a wonderful thing and growing up most of my friends were from SE Asia or the Middle East, with the remainder generally having continental European parents. It does add a great deal to the society, especially in terms of food! But, more importantly, in terms of tolerance and understanding: there are issues, and there is racism: but, by the grace of God, things are pretty good.
Our council does a lot of work in terms of recreational facilities. We have the leisure centres -- with gyms, pools, aerobic classes, saunas, spas, etc.; a number of parks; a council golf course; a number of playing fields and courts; and a great number of cycling and walking paths which are constantly in use -- and you can now even hire a bike from council should you not have your own.
There is also the wonderful Fairfield City Farm (I'll have to take Skye back there!), the historical museum and gallery and a showground which hosts everything from weekly markets to Oktoberfest to Islamic New Year Celebrations.
We may be far off to the south-west of Sydney, and hence not on the harbour or near a beach, the typical images I suspect people have of Sydney [and that is nos slight on those that live there -- they are beautiful places] and we may have problems; but I do love my city.
What do you love about your city?