Message from the Mayor
Granville Train Disaster Memorial Service
On Saturday 18 January 1977, 84 people going about their daily routines, lost their lives in the Granville Train Disaster. This year marked 48 years since that ill-fated day that changed the paths of so many lives in an instant. It remains Australia’s worst ever rail accident and a traumatic memory for survivors, rescuers, and the families of the deceased. The bells tolled at the Memorial Garden to honour the lives lost and roses were scattered at the bridge by those in attendance. It was an honour to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, Minister Jason Clare, Julia Finn MP, Donna Davis MP, Clr Glenn Elmore, Clr Diane Colman, Clr Enver Yasar, Parramatta City Councillors, the survivors, their families and first responders. Granville will never forget that day. May they rest in peace.
Road and footpath upgrades
Council has been continuously upgrading footpaths and roads across Cumberland. From road patching, resealing and line marking your local roads, we are ensuring you have a smoother and safer drive to your destination. Loftus Road in Yennora, Macquarie Road and Merrylands Road in Greystanes and Princes Street in Guildford West have all undergone heavy patching and new kerb and gutter replacements. Over on Benaud Street in Greystanes and Daruga Avenue in Pemulwuy, Council has completed road sealing and fresh new line marking. Check out the new footpath on Eddy Street in Merrylands West, creating a more comfortable walking experience for the community. Keep an eye on our socials for more upgrades soon!
Art Lab
Next month will see the debut of Cumberland’s newest Arts program, Art Lab! From Saturday 1 February families can visit The Granville Centre Art Gallery for a FREE drop-in workshop! Each month you can explore a new creative area such as:
- Weaving: Learn the basics and create unique patterns.
- Mixed Media Painting: Experiment with textures and techniques.
- Drawing & Painting Portraits: Capture expressions and bring faces to life.
- Mask Making: Design and decorate your own wearable art.
- Plasticine Creatures: Sculpt playful and imaginative figures.
This program is perfect for children and families eager to explore art together, and is a great way to learn new skills, express creativity, and make memories. With no booking required—just drop in and join the fun! It runs on the first Saturday of each month until June. For more information, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/art-lab
Happy Thai Pongal
On Sunday 19 January, huge crowds gathered in Pendle Hill for the Sydney Tamil Festival – Thai Pongal. It was wonderful to see so many community members enjoying the harvest festival and boiling up the pongal in their pots. It is traditionally an occasion for decorating, offering prayers in the home and temples, getting together with family and friends, and exchanging gifts. The festival is also marked with colourful kolam artwork. This decorative art is drawn by using rice flour often with natural or synthetic colour powders. Happy Pongal!
Your Rates at Work
Playground Upgrades
Council has completed a full playground upgrade at Canal Road Park in Greystanes. The upgrades include new play equipment, park seats and benches, along with an outdoor classroom surrounded by native bushland vegetation.
Let us know of any issues in your area by logging a request via Council's website: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/report-and-request
Have Your Say
Federation Cottage Lease Wentworthville - Expression of Interest
Council is inviting tenders from appropriately qualified and experienced community-based organisations to enter into a five (5) year lease agreement for the use of the “Federation Cottage” (‘Cottage’) located at 42 Lane Street, Wentworthville NSW 2145.
Submissions close: 2pm, Tuesday 4 February 2025
Find out more, visit: https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/ federation-cottage-wentworthville-eoi
International Mother Language Day
Celebrate the beauty of diversity at Council’s FREE International Mother Language Day event on Thursday, 20 February from 10am to 2pm at the Redgum Function Centre, Wentworthville.
Join us for a vibrant day of cultural art & stalls, iPad demonstrations, fun activities for children, adults and more.
For more information, art workshops and timings, visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/mother-language-day