News & Updates

27 June 2022

Message from the Mayor

Council celebrated Refugee Week recently. This year’s theme was ‘Healing’, which promoted harmony and togetherness by encouraging individuals, communities and organisations to connect.

This important week raised awareness of issues affecting refugees by highlighting their experiences to the broader community to help foster relationships and understanding.

I had the pleasure of attending the Lidcombe@Night community event on Saturday 18 June, with over 400 residents joining us at Wyatt Park, Lidcombe for a family fun night out.

The event was a huge success as residents

enjoyed the outdoor cinema and took part in the sporting clinics hosted by the Western Sydney Wanderers and the Western Magpies.

Attendees also got to savour the food provided

by OzHarvest and the Rotary Club of Granville, alongside Bike n’ Blend who served smoothies from their blender bike. It was great to see these open spaces being embraced by the community and I look forward to many more of these events in the future.

Did you know that you can still use your NSW Government Dine and Discover vouchers at restaurants and businesses within Cumberland? According to data only 30% of residents have taken advantage of this offer, meaning there are still thousands of vouchers that will go unused.

I encourage you to take your family out for a meal at one of the restaurants in our town centres or catch a movie in Auburn. These vouchers can be used at most eateries in Cumberland, as well as at cinemas and recreation venues. Vouchers expire on Thursday 30 June. To find participating businesses near you, visit the website

Finally, I am delighted that Council’s Deputy General Manager and Director Community and Organisation Development, Melissa Attia, has been awarded the prestigious Public Service Medal Award (PMS). This Award recognises outstanding service of public sector employees. Receiving a PSM is an honour, with only 100 recipients awarded nationally each year. Melissa was nominated for her outstanding service to Council during the COVID-19 Pandemic for her work in assisting residents. Congratulations Melissa on this significant achievement.

Mayor Lisa Lake

What's On

NAIDOC Week 2022

Win a NAIDOC Week Hoodie

We have 50 awesome NAIDOC Week hoodies up for grabs. Simply fill out our survey to go into the draw to win. Entries close at 5pm on Thursday 30 June and winners will be announced on Friday 1 July.

Celebrations with Darug Elder Uncle Chris Tobin

Experience traditional Darug culture with Uncle Chris, as he shares his indigenous culture with children and parents. Learn about the traditional activities practiced in Darug culture, including painting from natural materials.

When: Tuesday 5 July

Where: Merrylands Library from 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Seniors NAIDOC Week Film

Seniors are invited to join us to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with a film on the big screen, complete with movie, snacks and a sausage sizzle lunch! Limited transport available, bookings essential. T&C's apply. Book now: 8757 9031

When: Wednesday 6 July

Where: Guildford Community Centre from 10am – 2pm

Seniors Coach Trip

Come along on a coach trip to Jamison Park, Penrith. Enjoy performances from Aboriginal artists, explore the indigenous artworks and browse the range of stalls. T&C's apply. Book now: 8757 9031

When: Thursday 7 July

Painted River Project

Cumberland City Council and Western Sydney University are joining forces to host a free painting and art marking event at Duck River.

Book now via the website.

When: Saturday 9 July

Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens from 10am-1pm

For the full NAIDOC program, visit Council's website.

Youth Strategy 2022 - 2026

Have your say on our Draft Youth Strategy!

Cumberland City Council's Youth Strategy 2022 -2026 is currently on exhibition.

This Strategy sets the direction for Council’s provision and development of youth programs and services over the next four years.

It also provides a collaborative plan that supports better outcomes for young people in Cumberland by addressing their growing and changing needs.

Have your say now by visiting the website.

Chemical Clean Out

In partnership with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Cumberland City Council will be hosting a free Household Chemical Clean Out on Saturday 30 July.

Residents may drop-off household quantities (up to a maximum of 20 litres or kilograms of any single item).

For other household waste, residents have access to 4 pre-booked collections per year.

When: Saturday 30 July from 9am to 3.30pm

Where: Cumberland City Council Depot,

167 Fairfield Road, Guildford West.

Entry via Foray Street.

Book now by visiting the website.

Ageing Wiser and Healthier: Info Sessions

Learn more about the services that can help you stay healthy, active and connected at the Ageing Wiser and Healthier Information Sessions for seniors.

Cumberland City Council's Seniors & Disability Services in partnership with Multicultural Health Services and Western Sydney Local Health District will be delivering two information sessions for seniors, from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

There will be information and free demonstrations including:

My Aged Care: Various government funded support
EnCOMPASS: Multicultural Aged Care Connector
Cumberland City Council Seniors and Disability Team Services: Assistance available from Council
Stepping On: Falls Prevention - a local health program, providing info on fall prevention and independent living
Zumba Presentation: Exercise and learn new dance moves that you can do at home

These sessions will be held on:

Thursday 30 June - delivered in Arabic

Book your spot online or for more information you can call the

Service Development Team on 8757 9041.

Dine & Discover NSW

NSW Government Dine & Discover can still be used at restaurants and businesses within Cumberland City.

In Cumberland LGA these vouchers can be redeemed at movie theatres for tickets, leagues clubs, bowling clubs for live shows and even dance lessons. The vouchers can also be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues. Vouchers can be redeemed 7 days a week, including public holidays.

Vouchers expire at the end of this month on Thursday 30 June. To find participating businesses near you, visit the website.

Plastic Free July -

Be a Part of the Solution

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.

Plastic Free July isn't just about buying a reusable cup or bag, it's giving people the tools to change their habits, to pause and think how we as individuals can make an impact for the better and reduce our reliance on plastic.

Avoid landfill waste, reduce your eco-footprint and protect the ocean. Sign up and be part of the solution today by visiting the website.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Newborn children in Cumberland City this year can enrich their early literacy skills by taking part in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

This free book-gifting program is devoted to inspiring a love of reading from a young age by sending a brand new, age appropriate book in the mail each month, until the child turns five.

This program has been funded by the NSW State Government through United Way, a community impact organisation, focusing on creating better outcomes for children and young people.

To register your child, visit the website.

Let’s Talk About Dementia

Learn about dementia and explore strategies to reduce the risk of dementia and ways to create a dementia-friendly community.

Thursday 7 July, 10am-11am

What is dementia? Covering the basics of dementia and how to support a person with dementia and their families.

Thursday 14 July, 10am-11am

Reduce your risk of dementia - what you can do at different stages of life.

Thursday 21 July, 10am-11am

Dementia Friendly Communities - become a dementia friend and learn ways to contribute to a dementia-friendly community.

Sessions are held at Merrylands Library each week and are free to attend but registration is essential.

Proudly brought to you by Cumberland City Council’s Seniors & Disability Services together with Western Sydney Dementia Alliance

Bushcare Volunteer Open Day

Are you interested in becoming a Bushcare Volunteer?

Join us for morning tea where you can meet other volunteers and find out more information. Arrive early to get your hands dirty and give bush care a try!

When: Saturday 2 July, 9am – 12noon

Where: Auburn Depot Carpark, 96 Chiswick Rd, Auburn

Cumberland City Council calls for more action to address homelessness at the Homelessness Sector Forum

Cumberland City has some of the highest numbers of homeless persons by Local Government Area in New South Wales.

More than three thousand people are homeless within the Cumberland City Local Government Area compared to Sydney CBD that has over 5,600.

In a bid to raise awareness of the growing issue and to call for more action to address homelessness, Cumberland City Council recently hosted the Homelessness sector Forum.

The Forum which Council has been leading since 2018 had over 90 people attend, including prominent businesses, community leaders and organisations alongside an expert roundtable. Attendees joined together to establish partnerships, collaborate and workshop ideas and discuss practical solutions to manage and respond to homelessness.

The event was an important opportunity to highlight the complex issues surrounding homelessness with experts weighing in on the housing affordability and rental crisis, mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction and domestic and family violence, all of which are factors that can contribute to someone experiencing homelessness.

Western Sydney local Paniora Nukunuku who spoke on the panel about his experience with homelessness said that more funding is needed to support social services that are still reeling from the impacts of COVID-19.

“It was heartbreaking to see so many social services have their funding slashed during COVID-19. Homelessness doesn’t discriminate. When I finished high school, my family was kicked out of our home. It was a constant struggle to see where I was going to live. I had to be productive, proactive and take advantage of the opportunities that came my way.”

Mayor Lisa Lake said the statistics on homelessness in Cumberland are confronting and unfortunate.

“Sadly, this is a growing problem that needs to be addressed at all levels.” Council is committed to supporting social services and working alongside community organisations to assist our rough sleepers as much as we can. In addition, Council has been actively trying to help reduce homelessness in Cumberland by reviewing its housing policies.”