Singapore Government Press Release

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Good morning ladies and gentlemen, residents of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.

Today’s Town Council and Residents’ Day is the first time we celebrate together since the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC was formed. The celebration is held simultaneously at 2 different locations, one at Toa Payoh and the other at Bishan. We hope that by so doing, we can bring the cheer and festivities to more residents.

2 The theme for this year’s Town Day is "Family in Harmony". This theme is appropriate as it reflects the importance of the family unit in our society. Harmony and unity are important for families without which there will be many social problems. This is true for our Bishan-Toa Payoh estates as well. We would like the many family units in our GRC to continue to stay united and live together in harmony.

3 Our Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC has indeed enjoyed harmony. Over the years, our Town Council and residents have co-operated to make our estate one of the best among the many HDB estates. This is evidenced by the many young families who choose Bishan and Town Payoh towns as their new home, perhaps to be nearer to their parents and in-laws. The other reason, without doubt, is the central locality of our towns with its extensive amenities. With this new influx of younger residents, our towns have taken on a vibrant and youthful spirit.

4 Even as we enjoy ourselves in this merrymaking, we have not forgotten the less fortunate among us. We have specially arranged a lunch reception at noon today, at Bishan, for our residents who are on MCD’s Public Assistance Scheme. We want them to be a part of today’s celebrations.

5 You would also be delighted to know that the monies that we collect from the coin-operated kiddie riders and electronic game machines will be donated to charitable organisations within our GRC.

6 Today’s programme has been designed with the family in mind. There is something for everyone. Residents can look forward to an extensive array of activities which we hope will foster family togetherness and promote community goodwill among and bonding with our residents.

7 Our Town Council have always placed high priority on fostering better community ties with our residents. We have done this through regular notices, monthly newsletters and events like today’s where we keep residents informed of the activities.

8 Our Community Relations Committee comprising community leaders have initiated regular dialogue sessions with the various committees within our towns. They are the ones who have worked very hard these past few months to bring you today’s event.

9 Starting today, we have made it even easier for you to keep abreast of what’s new and the on-goings in your estate through the use of information technology. We are launching our Town Council’s website on the Internet. Now, at the touch of a button, residents can browse our web page to find out more about our Town Council and the happenings in our town. You can also use it to provide constructive feedback to the Town Council.

10 This "Heartlands Project" is initiated by the National Computer Board (NCB) to help jumpstart the establishment of Internet websites at all town councils, as part of its effort to promote community bonding and improve services to the public. Under the "Heartlands" scheme, NCB will help to defray 50% of the website development costs, up to $30,000.

11 With so much in store for you at today’s carnival, we will need your fullest participation to ensure that all these activities which we have planned for your enjoyment have not been done in vain. Let us make this a Town Day to remember! Without further ado, it is my pleasure to declare our Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council and Residents’ Day 97 open!

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