I am excited to announce that the Cumberland Diwali celebrations will be making a return and taking over the streets of Wentworthville on Saturday 29 October.

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India, a five-day Festival of Lights celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.

Cumberland is home to many who identify with these faiths, which is why it is vital we celebrate this important tradition. This is the first event we have held for this celebration since 2019 due to the ongoing pandemic and I couldn’t be more excited to bring Diwali festivities back to Wentworthville Town Centre. For more information visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/diwali

Citizenship ceremonies have continued to occur all over Cumberland to commemorate Australian Citizenship Day. On Tuesday 20 September, I was invited to attend a citizenship ceremony hosted by the Department of Home Affairs at the Auburn Gallipoli Youth Centre where 55 new Australians were welcomed into our community. Federal Minister The Hon Andrew Giles MP (Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs) was also in attendance and presided over the event. I’d like to extend my congratulations to all the new citizens who have made Cumberland and Australia their new home.

I was recently invited to take a tour of the Western Sydney International Airport in Badgerys Creek. The tour, led by the General Manager of the Airport, allowed my colleagues and I, a chance to explore the facility and view the site that is currently being built. The airport will be a fully functioning and full-service airport, delivering international, domestic and freight services to and from Sydney. It will also provide thousands of jobs and opportunities for local businesses, creating pathways and career opportunities for many people. The facility is currently under construction and is due for completion in 2026 and will become Sydney’s second international airport.

Mayor Lisa Lake