SUNNY SPRING WEATHER DRAWS BIG CROWD TO WASHINGTON PARK COMMUNITY OPEN DAY

• DATE: September 7^th, 2015: Riverwood Community, Washington Park, Sydney.

Once again the day was splendidly organised and coordinated by the local residents group, Residents Organisation at Riverwood (ROAR), and supported by leading Australian property investment company, PAYCE and Canterbury City Council.

Washington Park Community Open Days have always been popular with locals and this year's event was no exception, with more than 1,500 local Riverwood residents and their friends making the most of a beautiful spring day to enjoy the variety of entertainment and attractions on offer.

Riverwood Communities big day out ...

The day's events commenced with an Acknowledgement of Country by Brenden Moore and an energetic rendition of the National Anthem by students from Riverwood Public School.

After an official opening by Canterbury Mayor Brian Robson and PAYCE General Manager, Dominic Sullivan, the entertainment got underway with the Riverwood Air League Band, the Hornets, leading the program. They were then followed by the ever-popular Pacific Sunsets band who quickly had people clapping along and up dancing. Other entertainers included a dance group from Hannans Road Public School, Chinese Dancing Group and the Riverwood Youth Singers featuring Samantha Terrapi.

During the day there were also demonstrations by members of the YMCA on how to stay healthy and wandering demonstrations of Tai Chi.

Among the activities for the young ones were face painting, a jumping castle, a petting zoo and Shetland pony rides.

Many community and service groups were represented in the 20 stalls, including both schools, ROAR, Riverwood Community Centre, St George Community Housing, Amity Education and the Chinese Association.

Over 1,200 free sausages on a roll were prepared and handed out by ROAR, along with free coffee courtesy of a generous donation by Telstra.

Dominic Sullivan Celebrates Riverwood Community Spirit

PAYCE General Manager, Dominic Sullivan said the event was extremely well-organised as usual and provided an opportunity for Washington Park's newest residents to sample a taste of community life in the district.

"The most recent residents in the Como and Fairmount blocks have only been in their new homes for a couple of months at best, so I can think of no better way of introducing them to the neighbourhood than by inviting them along to join in the fun and enjoyment the Open Day offered," he said.

"The weather was perfect on the day and it was great to see so many family groups joining in the activities and enjoying the wonderful community spirit that exists in the area."

Brian Boyd – Riverwood represents real results in community renewal and social inclusion

PAYCE Managing Director, Brian Boyd said it was around four years since PAYCE arrived in Riverwood, and through beneficial partnerships with a number of local bodies who have worked extremely hard, the area has been revitalised and real results in community renewal and social inclusion continue to be delivered by events such as the Open Day.

"The day brought people of all ages and cultures together and is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when residents and community bodies work together and support each other.

"On behalf of PAYCE, I would like to thank everyone involved with the 2015 Washington Park Open Day, in particular the students, the community groups, the entertainers and importantly, the volunteers, for another fantastically successful day," he said.