Message from the Mayor
Hi Cumberland,
Back when I was Deputy Mayor, I set my sights on bringing the Laurie Ferguson Water Playground back to life, and last month seeing it officially open to the community alongside Laurie Ferguson OAM himself was an absolute delight!
I made it my personal mission to transform this facility into something our community could be proud of, making it bigger and better than ever! Watching its transformation from a dusty construction site in 2024 into the amazing and accessible place we can all create memories in for years to come, has been incredible.
And the cherry on top? It all opened as a completely free experience for families, kids, and residents to enjoy all year round. If you haven’t already, make sure you go and check it out at Granville Park.
March also brought plenty of opportunities to celebrate the strength and spirit of our amazing community. On 8 March, we marked International Women’s Day, an important moment to honour the achievements of women around the world and right here in Cumberland. Women here and everywhere are smashing barriers every single day. Their progress shouldn’t feel surprising anymore; women doing great things is the norm and they should be seen and celebrated. This year, we also launched our Gender Equity Strategy, a major step forward in ensuring that equality isn’t treated as a women’s issue, but a community issue. When we finally balance the scales as this year’s International Women’s Day theme highlighted, our whole community is not only supported, but strengthened, allowing us all to thrive; making us unstoppable!
Another highlight was our Seniors Festival. Live Life in Colour truly lived up to its name this year, filling the weeks with stories, laughter and friendship. Our program had something for everyone, from a lively wellbeing expo to energising fitness activities, a golf day and even a bus trip to Wollondilly Heritage Centre and Museum. It was a wonderful celebration of culture, wellbeing, and community spirit.
As we look ahead to Anzac Day on 25 April, I hope you’ll join me in honouring the service and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve our nation. If it’s safe to do so, I’ll also be leading a delegation to Gallipoli this Anzac Day to honour the brave troops who served and sacrificed on those shores. It’s a profound privilege to stand where they stood and pay our respects on behalf of our community. Lest we forget.
Lastly, a big Eid Mubarak to everyone who recently celebrated this joyous occasion! I hope you soaked up all the good vibes, great food, and moments of togetherness that make Eid so special. The fun doesn’t stop there; we’re keeping the festive celebration rolling as we hop into Easter. Wishing everyone celebrating a colourful, joyful Easter f illed with fresh beginnings, bright energy, and maybe a few chocolate Easter eggs.
Take care, and I look forward to seeing you around Cumberland.
Ola
Community News
Off-leash Dog Parks
Council is continuing to expand and enhance spaces for local pet owners, with Coleman Park’s upgraded off‑leash area standing out as a major improvement. The space has undergone a significant transformation, now offering 40% more room for dogs to run and play, along with fresh turf, a new concrete pathway, new garden beds, a water fountain with a dog bowl, additional bins, and extra seating for owners.
Coleman Park is just one of 10 off‑leash dog parks across the area, giving residents plenty of places to explore. It’s a great time to grab your canine companion and enjoy everything our dog parks have to offer.
For more information, see our dog parks website: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/leash-dog-parks
Free Legal Services at Council Libraries
Council is providing free legal services in partnership with Western Sydney Community Legal Centre at Cumberland Libraries. Designed to support people who cannot afford a lawyer, the service offers advice across family law, criminal and traffic matters, civil law, and assistance through the Aboriginal Legal Access Program.
Free legal services are available at the following locations:
- Merrylands Library
- Auburn Library
- Granville Library
To learn more, visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/free-legal-help
Local Heritage Awards and Rebate Programs
Applications for Council’s Local Heritage Awards and Rebate Programs 2026‑27 are closing soon, on 3 April 2026.
The Local Heritage Awards Program includes four categories:
- Best Maintained Heritage Property
- Restoration and Development
- ‘HistoResearch’ Competition
- ‘Keeper of the Stone’ Children’s Heritage Award
The Local Heritage Rebate Program supports owners of heritage properties by offering rebates for approved conservation works. For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/ heritage-cumberland
Enrol at Cumberland’s Long Day Care and OOSH Services
Affordable, trusted quality education and care for children aged 0‑12. This year, families can enjoy up to 72 hours of subsidised care each fortnight for all children! As an extra bonus, Council is also offering a savings boost with Start Strong funding – up to $2,563 per year for children aged 4+ and $769 for children aged 3.
To learn more, visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/enrol
What's On
ANZAC Day Dawn Service
Join Council in commemorating the ultimate sacrifice made by our fallen soldiers this ANZAC Day. On Saturday 25 April 2026, dawn services will be held alongside Merrylands RSL Sub‑branch and Cumberland RSL Sub‑branch as we honour their legacy, pride and enduring spirit.
- Charles Mance Reserve at 5am, 6 Newman Street, Merrylands
- Auburn Memorial Park at 5am, 28 Rawson Street, Auburn
- Lidcombe Remembrance Park at 5am, Cnr Joseph Street and James Street, Lidcombe
- Granville Memorial Park at 6am, Memorial Drive, Granville
For more information, visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/anzac
Back to Guildford Festival
Come together for the Back to Guildford Festival! A vibrant community celebration honouring the people, stories, and spirit that make the area unique. Enjoy stage and roving performances, old‑school muscle cars, delicious food, art and children’s activities
- Saturday 23 May, 4pm to 9pm
- Guildford Road, Guildford
For more information, visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/guildford-festival
School Holiday Activities
Feeling the school holiday blues? Council has the solution for you! Find countless ways to ensure your children never have a dull moment with Council school holiday activities. There are programs for all Cumberland children and youth, hosted at our:
- Libraries
- Community Centres
- Art Galleries
- Parks
- Plus more!
To learn more, visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/school-holiday-activities
In the Works
Footpath Projects
Council has recently completed footpath renewals at Dorothy Street in Chester Hill where 375m of footpath in total was resurfaced and new concrete was laid.
Playground Upgrades
Council has recently completed playground upgrades at MJ Bennett Reserve in Westmead. The space has been revitalised with a full playground upgrade, including new play equipment, new outdoor fitness zone and upgraded full sized basketball court.
Have Your Say
You are invited to have your say on a range of Council projects, plans and policies that are currently on exhibition. Your feedback helps shape Council’s delivery of services, facilities and programs.
For more information visit: https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/
Cumberland City Councillors
Residents can contact their local Councillor to share ideas and discuss any issues of concern.
