Index
- Message from the Mayor
- Merrylands Civic Square
- Cumberland Council commences construction of Civic Park and Pendle Hill Wetland Improvement Project
- 2023 Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival
- Auburn Basketball Centre Expansion Project
- Ramadan Street Festival
- Youth Week
- Nowruz Celebrations
- Council’s Golf Courses
- Your Rates at Work
- National Tree Day
- Careers at Council
Message from the Mayor
This year is becoming one of significant challenge for us in Cumberland, with rising inflation and interest rates leading to cost of living pressures including increased housing rent, mortgage payments, grocery charges and utility bills. So, I was pleased to see this recognised in the recent Federal Budget which will deliver some support to those most in need. This includes an increase to the base rate of Jobseeker Payment, Austudy and Youth Allowance, more targeted support to eligible single parents who are the principal carers, an increase in Commonwealth rent assistance, energy bill relief for eligible households and small businesses, reductions in the costs of some medicines and some childcare cost relief. I know these actions will go some way to ease the financial hardship currently experienced locally.
If you are facing difficulties, do not struggle alone. There’s a range of council support and external services which can be found at www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/assistance
Later this year, Australians are going to be asked in a referendum whether Australia’s Constitution should be altered, in recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first peoples of Australia, to provide that a body called The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice be established which may then make representations to the Federal Parliament and Government on matters relating to them.
In December last year, Council resolved to support this very practical and simple call because after 60,000 years of continuous culture it’s time that our first people were recognised in Australia’s Constitution and the establishment of the Voice is the recognition that they are asking for. This will make sure that our indigenous communities on the ground can give advice to Parliament and Government about the issues that affect them. This is an important historical moment for Australia and I encourage you to join with Council in supporting this meaningful change and stay informed about any news and developments leading up to this vote.
The Duck River Corridor requires significant action to prevent erosion and pollution of our waterways but it also has great potential for redevelopment. I’m proud of the work done by Council on the Duck River Parklands Strategic Masterplan which outlines ambitious projects, ideas and interventions for environmental and recreational development, community use and interaction along the river as it winds through the suburbs of Clyde, Auburn, South Granville and Chester Hill. There are also plans for improved sporting grounds, an open air events venue, a pedestrian and cycling link and improved open spaces for our community to interact, grow and connect.
On infrastructure matters, the much anticipated Merrylands Civic Square is expected to open in August with final stages nearing completion. This exciting development, in the heart of Merrylands, will transform the town centre, business and social scene into a multipurpose public space with large trees, art, furniture, and more. This space will be a place for our community to enjoy, socialise, relax and have fun. Council is currently working on plans for a grand opening so stay tuned!
Furthering the interests of our Cumberland community underpins everything we work to achieve and I look forward to us realising our goals together as we continue to grow.
See you around
Lisa
Merrylands Civic Square
The $11 million Merrylands Civic Square is on track for completion with the project set to open in the coming months.
Located in the heart of Merrylands, this multifunctional recreation hub will connect Merrylands Road to McFarlane Street, revitalise the Merrylands town centre and become a vibrant new recreational and meeting space.
Recently completed works include the establishment of foundations and canopy footings, and the installation of tree vaults, drainage, and two new bus shelters at McFarlane Street, which are located next to the site.
Most of the works for the second stage of the project have also been completed and include the installation of smart light poles and the rendering and painting of brick walls.
The final stage is currently underway and nearing completion which includes paving works, the installation of canopy structural steel, water features and structural footings for the pre-cast wall.
This new community open space will be fitted with landscaped areas and will include large trees, public art, furniture, bike racks, a water feature, smart bins and smart light poles
Cumberland Council commences construction of Civic Park and Pendle Hill Wetland Improvement Project
Civic Park in Pendle Hill is undergoing a major revamp, with construction of the Civic Park and Pendle Hill Wetland Improvement Project underway.
The project, valued at over $15 million, has been jointly funded by Cumberland Council and the NSW Government WestInvest program. It will include improvements to the Pendle Creek wetlands, a new nature playspace and outdoor fitness facilities, picnic areas, half-court basketball, carpark and upgrades to pathways and lighting.
Cumberland Council is one of 15 Local Government Areas in Western Sydney that was eligible for funding under the $2 billion WestInvest Community Projects in the 2022 Local Government Allocation round.
Construction is expected to be completed in March 2024, weather permitting.
To keep up to date with the development of this project or to find out more information, visit: https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/civic-park-masterplan
2023 Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival
Sydney’s most Instagrammable and favourite flower festival is returning to the Auburn Botanic Gardens this August.
The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival makes headlines across Australia every year with thousands experiencing a ‘Slice of Japan’ in Western Sydney.
The showstopping event offers the rare spectacle of pink cherry blossom trees (also known as Sakura) in full bloom, located along the iconic Cherry Trail.
Celebrate Japan’s traditions and pop culture with an exciting program of activities, workshops and performances and discover some of the best Japanese inspired food at the Japanese Food Village.
Saturday 19 August to Sunday 27 August, 9am to 5pm Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chiswick Road, Auburn
For more information visit: cherryblossomfestival.sydney
Tickets on sale in July.
Auburn Basketball Centre Expansion Project
Wyatt Park in Lidcombe is set to become the epicentre for professional basketball with the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames establishing their headquarters at a new state of the art purpose-built training and high performance facility.
As part of the Auburn Basketball Centre Expansion Project, Council will be injecting $5 million into stage two of this project which will include the provision of additional basketball courts and a high-performance training centre for basketball professionals including the Sydney Flames Women’s Basketball Team.
The building will feature two courts, high-performance sports science and medical facilities, a strength and conditioning facility, recovery spaces, a player lounge, office spaces and amenities. The centre will become the headquarters for both teams.
Funding for this project is also being provided by the NSW Government under the Centre of Excellence Fund.
Ramadan Street Festival
Auburn Road was transformed into a food bazaar for the Ramadan Street Festival that was held on Saturday 15 April.
The annual festival provided an authentic Ramadan outdoor experience as Auburn’s main road closed for thousands to wander and explore a range of cuisines from food vendors and restaurants from cultures all over the world. Visitors were spoiled for choice from traditional Middle Eastern, African and Asian cuisines, to camel burgers, falafel, noodle and rice dishes, manoush and an array of desserts.
The event which paid homage to the rich culture and traditions of Ramadan provided community members with an opportunity to embrace and acknowledge Cumberland’s diversity. Auburn is one of the most multicultural communities in Australia with people traveling from all over Sydney to discover the diverse food, shops and culture.
To stay up to date with Council’s events, visit our What’s On webpage
Youth Week
Council wrapped up Youth Week in April with a huge program of free events and activities.
The program was designed for young people aged 13-25 years and included a range of activities including multi-sport, arrow tag and futsal which allowed participants to get outdoors, stay active and socialise. There was a book exchange that nurtured reading and swapping of books, as well as an open mic night with poetry, music and drama pieces to allow for creative expression. Council hosted a Connect, Participate and Celebrate event to round out the week, which included mini golf, arcade games, a silent disco, a gaming truck and an art exhibition.
Council celebrates Youth Week every year, as it presents an important opportunity to celebrate our diversity, engage with young people and acknowledge their contributions.
To view Youth Services and programs visit our Youth Services webpage or email youth@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Nowruz Celebrations
Drums, music, singing and feasting added to the fun atmosphere at Council’s first ever Nowruz celebration that was held at the Granville Centre on Saturday 18 March. Nowruz means ‘New Day’ and marks the beginning of Spring and renewal. The celebration promoted peace, harmony and togetherness among friends and family.
The event marked cultural traditions with a haft-sin table arrangement that included seven food items known as the seven ‘S’ foods, each symbolising renewal and Spring time. Hundreds of people attended the night which featured a line-up of live entertainment and performances, a range of food vendors, art and cultural activities with handmade jewellery, sewing, traditional Afghan beading, temporary henna tattoos and face painting.
Council’s Golf Courses
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a complete beginner, the Auburn and Woodville Golf Courses are the perfect place to take a big swing.
Both 18-hole courses include a well-stocked pro shop, clubhouse and friendly staff to help you play your best game. Catering to golfers of all ages and skill levels, they are open all year round for competitions, clinics and social play.
Woodville Golf Course
118 Rawson Road, Guildford
Bookings and information: Call 9632 3582 or visit
www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/woodville-public-golf-course
Auburn Golf Course (Rosnay Golf Course)
5 Weymouth Avenue, Auburn
Bookings and information: Call 9749 1550 or visit
www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/auburn-golf-course-rosnay
Your Rates at Work
In line with our Capital Works program, Council is continuously reviewing, maintaining and upgrading footpaths, roads, buildings, parks, community centres and service centres across the Cumberland Local Government Area.
There has been significant progress on the Merrylands CBD Drainage Project with works along Merrylands Road, Cambridge Street and Burford Street now complete. This major project to improve the drainage infrastructure in Merrylands has allowed for the commencement of developments such as the Merrylands Civic Square project to revitalise the Merrylands CBD.
The Regents Park Library and Community Centre have also been upgraded with roof renewal works now complete. This $125,000 project included a renewal of corroded roof sheeting, flashings, guttering and fittings across the roof area. There were also new insulation blankets and box gutters installed.
Council recently completed drainage works at the 16th and 17th fairways at Woodville Golf Course with additional drainage works also carried out at holes 7 and 10.
National Tree Day
When: Sunday 30 July, 10am – 12noon
Cost: FREE, registration essential
Locations:
- Canal Road Park, Canal Road, Greystanes
- Central Park, Botanica Drive, Lidcombe
Connect with nature, get your hands dirty and help make a personal difference by planting trees to help Planet Ark reach one million native trees as part of National Tree Day 2023. Basic tree planting equipment will be provided. This is a plastic-free event, please bring your own water bottles to refill.
To register or for more information about National Tree day visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/tree-day
Interested in a career at Council?
Are you focused on driving community outcomes, programs and services to innovate, inspire and deliver change for the community? Then consider a career at Council!
View our currently advertised positions
