4 August 2020
Brave council workers awarded

A huge thank you to our council officers who helped to rescue residents from a house fire in Auburn last month. Council officers, Mohammad and Greg were going about their duties, when they saw smoke coming from a house along Chisholm Road.

The two officers went to the front door but were unable to get in due to flames. They then went to the front window where they removed the bars and assisted the residents to safety.

Having spoken with the team, I know these officers feel they were doing what anyone else would do in that situation. We are incredibly proud of them and I want to commend them for their incredible act of bravery.
Crescent Parklands development   
                                                                                                                         
The $525 million Crescent Parklands planned for Holroyd in Sydney's west is a massive development proposal that will transform the site into more than 1,200 units.

This development will be situated just off the already-congested Woodville Road and M4, and near Parramatta Road. With no detailed plans for infrastructure upgrades and limited public transport nearby, it's just not smart planning.
 
I strongly encourage residents who oppose this proposal to make their views known to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment as part of the community consultation process. We expect public consultation will start this week and we will share relevant information on our social media channels. 
Cumberland City Council celebrates Education Week
 
This week we celebrate teachers, students and parents as part of Education Week (Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August 2020).

I've seen and heard the passion for innovation and learning from parents, teachers and students and will continue to call for greater resources to ensure schools are well equipped. We will continue to advocate for greater investment into schools. 

I recently wrote to the State Education Minister in relation to the needs of schools across Cumberland City, highlighting the need for a new school hall for Granville South Public School.
 
Early this month Guildford Public School received a new crossing after a group of year six students campaigned for greater safety. These are the achievements I hope to continue seeing for students, teachers and parents, each who are a fundamental pillar in our community. 
Cumberland City Council nominated for 2020 A R Bluett Memorial Award

Cumberland City Council has submitted an entry for this year's A R Bluett Memorial Award which has been awarded annually since 1945. The Award is contested each year by Councils in NSW and recognises their achievements. As a Council, we're always striving to be innovative and responsive to the needs of our community.

Highlights of Council's submission include:

Council's response to COVID-19

Council created new programs like Shop Local and Employ Local to support financially affected businesses in the LGA and introduced relief measures for ratepayers. With a focus on protecting our most vulnerable residents, seniors received a range of services such as welfare checks, Meals on Wheels deliveries and shopping assistance. 

Infrastructure

Cumberland City has an ambitious capital works plan underway with new infrastructure delivering outstanding recreational facilities and public spaces. Council's new state-of-the-art Granville Centre is progressing ahead of schedule and is on track for completion by September this year. The Centre will include a library, arts spaces, large hall, youth facilities and multi-sports courts and playground.
"This building addresses a shortfall of community spaces in Granville and will give residents a modern venue where they can come together as a community," said Mayor Steve Christou. "The revitalisation of Merrylands and Wentworthville CBD and the Central Gardens All Abilities Playground are among many other capital works that support residents and local businesses across Cumberland City."

Environmental initiatives

Council is identifying opportunities to improve efficiencies and reduce emissions. Key initiatives include carpark lighting that uses 60% less energy, installation of 21 energy efficient hot water systems across Cumberland City and replacement of 940 old mercury vapour streetlights with energy efficient LEDs.
Council highlights Homelessness Awareness Week

Cumberland City has the second highest rate of homeless people in NSW. To address this, Council is working with a number of specialised outreach service providers who reach out to assist rough sleepers.
Since March this year, Council and local specialist service providers have assisted more than 15 rough sleepers, with four of the people who were experiencing homelessness now part of pathways to long-term housing.

In 2018, Cumberland City Council also led a Homelessness Sector Forum, along with an expert roundtable with 76 representatives across the housing and homelessness sector, which focused on the need for affordable housing.

As part of Homelessness Awareness Week (3 August 2020 - 7 August 2020), Cumberland City Council will be hosting a range of online training webinars on how to engage with rough sleepers for Council staff, businesses, community leaders and community organisations.
Swim Centre update - COVID-19

Cumberland City Council is responding to COVID-19 guidance from both Federal and State levels of government.  
 
Please do not attend Council's swim centres if you have returned from overseas or Victoria within the last 14 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Swim School has resumed for Term 3, 2020 and we are taking enrolments. Phone our swim school on 02 8757 9050 or learntoswim@cumberland.nsw.gov.au to book your spot in the program.

Cumberland City Council Swim Centres have re-opened since Friday, 26 June 2020 with certain restrictions in line with NSW Health advice. 
 
More information on Council's swimming updates (change rooms and toilets now open) and conditions (1 person per 4 square metres and 3 swimmers per lane) here: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/swimming-pools.
Contact your Councillors

Cumberland City Council has 14 Councillors representing the five Wards of Granville, Greystanes, South Granville, Regents Park and Wentworthville. 

The primary role of a Councillor is to represent the people who live in their Ward. 

They are your local representative to Council. 

To find out who are the Councillors for your ward and their contact details please click here.
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