Message from Mayor Lake
Granville Train Disaster Memorial Service
Last week marked the 47th anniversary of the Granville Railway Disaster where 84 people tragically lost their lives and over 200 people were injured. I, along with local Members of Parliament, Councillors and members of the community attended the annual service which commemorated those who lost their lives as well as the hundreds who were left injured after the accident in 1977. This remains Australia’s worst rail tragedy. On this day we remember those who lost their lives, those who lost family members, the survivors and the brave men and women who put their own lives on the line to save others.
Sydney Tamil Community Pongal Festival
I was recently invited by the Sydney Tamil Community to attend their Pongal Festival at Holroyd Gardens in Merrylands. Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community and is a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that contribute to a bountiful harvest. Pongal is also the name of the dish made and eaten during this festival. I would like to wish all those who are celebrating, a Happy Pongal. May you enjoy this time with your loved ones and welcome joy and prosperity in your life.
Australia Day Community Event
This Friday, Council will be hosting its annual Australia Day event at Holroyd Gardens in Merrylands. There will be something for all ages to enjoy, including live performances from musicians such as Mitch Tambo, Tariai Vushe and Cassy and the Bossa Beats, a Bluey and Bingo Live Interactive Experience, a variety of food trucks and market stalls, and a spectacular fireworks display. Australia Day gives us all an opportunity to come together and appreciate our rich diversity, acknowledge how fortunate we are to live in this great nation and welcome new citizens into our community. For more information about the event, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/australia-day-2024
FREE Cumberland Splash Parks
Every weekend in January, Council has hosted a number of free pop-up splash parks across Cumberland during the summer as part of the ‘Cooling Cumberland – Beat the Heat’ initiative. These pop-ups have provided our community with some much needed relief from the heat. This weekend will be the last opportunity to visit the splash parks this summer, so I encourage families to come out and enjoy them and have fun. For more information or for a full list of the locations, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/coolingcumberland
Mayor Lisa Lake
8757 9856 | Lisa.Lake@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Your Rates at Work
Maunder Reserve
Works have now been completed at Maunder Reserve in Guildford. The space has been revitalised with a full park and playground upgrade, new pathways, as well as the installation of new public exercise equipment and seating areas. New softfall rubber was also laid as part of the landscaping works in the space.
Let us know of any issues in your area by using the Snap Send Solve mobile app which can be found on Council’s website: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/snapsendsolve
Lunar New Year 2024
Celebrate the 2024 Year of the Dragon at Council’s Lunar New Year festivities held across Auburn, Berala and Lidcombe. Held over three events, you’re invited to discover some of the best Asian cuisines in the west and enjoy the range of cultural performances, including live music, lion and dragon dancing, lanterns, community crafts, food and market stalls and more!
Friday 9 February to Sunday 11 February.
Funding for this project has been provided by the NSW Government.
For more information, visit: visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/lunar
Have Your Say
167 Fairfield Road Lease – Expressions of Interest
Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from interested parties to submit a proposal to secure a five year lease for Council owned land located at 167 Fairfield Road, Guildford West.
Submissions close: Monday 12 February
For more information, visit: https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/fairfield-road-lease-eoi
Learn and Play for Families
Council’s Learn and Play for Families program is back in 2024, with new sessions available in February at the Wentworthville Community Centre. The FREE program includes activities for children aged 2 to 5 years and their families, as well as topics of early years learning, and children’s health and wellbeing.
Register now or find out more information, visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/learn-and-play-families