News & Updates

1 November 2023

Message from the Mayor

Slow Down Safety Campaign

Council is rolling out a road safety awareness campaign

around speeding, urging motorists to ‘Don’t Be A Clown,

Just Slow Down’.

Statistics show that the number of

accidents caused by speeding have increased in our local

area. It’s important that Council raises awareness about road

safety and encourages drivers to slow down to reduce the number of speed-related

casualties and accidents. We all need to do our part to keep motorists

and pedestrians safe in and around Cumberland.

For more information, visit:

www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/road-safety-cumberland-city

HIDDEN Rookwood Sculpture Exhibition Launch

I recently attended the launch of the new HIDDEN Exhibition at Rookwood

Cemetery. The outdoor exhibition saw Sculptures, Schools and Stonemasons

come together in one of the oldest sections of Rookwood Cemetery. Artworks

have been installed along the pathways and gardens of the cemetery for the

public to explore.

During the launch, awards were also presented to the 11 best sculptures in the exhibition. Congratulations to all the artists who were awarded a prize. The exhibition runs from now until Sunday 19 November and entry is

free. For more information, visit: www.hiddeninrookwood.com.au

Acceler8

To celebrate Small Business Month, Council, in partnership with the Greater Cumberland Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Acceler8 Cumberland event at Carnarvon Golf Club in Lidcombe. The event saw a range of guest

speakers including Senator Timothy Ayres, Assistant Minister for Trade and Manufacturing.

A panel of local business owners shared their knowledge and expertise on how small businesses can use their skills and new ideas

to navigate the current climate. There are over 30,000 small businesses operating in Cumberland and Council has a range of resources available on our website for new and existing businesses. For more information, visit:

www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy

2023/2024 Community Grants Program

So far this year, Council has provided $138,000 in funding from the Community Grants Program for 18 projects. These included cultural events,

mental health and wellbeing programs, education programs and refugee and community outreach programs. These projects will allow our community to grow socially, culturally, economically and environmentally in line with Council’s vision “Welcome, Belong, Succeed”. Congratulations to the organisations who received funding. If you are looking to secure funding for your project, the second round of the Community Grants Program is now open and will close on Friday 1 December 2023. For more information or to apply, visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/community-grants-program

Mayor Lisa Lake

What's On: November

Asbestos Awareness Month

To mark Asbestos Awareness Month this November, Council will be providing free information sessions, Asbestos inspections and collections to help residents safely identify and dispose of asbestos in homes.

An online information session will be held on Saturday 11 November from 10am to 12noon and household inspections will be held on Saturday 18 November.

To register, or for more information, visit our website.

Schools Extravaganza

Round up the kids and family for the Merrylands Civic Square School Extravaganza!

Enjoy performances and acts from local primary and high school students with a huge stage line-up of dance, music, drama, poetry reading and more!!

For more information, visit our website.

Learner Driver Workshop

Learn how to help young drivers navigate the roads at this free Learner Driver Supervisor Workshop.

When: Thursday 16 November, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Where: Function Room at Eric Tweedale Stadium, 10 Montrose Avenue, Merrylands

Spots are limited so book now by visiting our website.

Save the Date

Council will once again be lighting up the streets of Wentworthville for the Diwali Street Festival.

Join us on Saturday 18 November from 5pm to 10pm as we celebrate the festival of lights.

For more information and full program, visit our website.

This event is proudly sponsored by Wenty Leagues and Official Media Partner SBS.

Funding for this event has been provided by the NSW Government.

Seniors Christmas Concerts

Cumberland City Council will be celebrating Christmas with free concerts in every Ward for our senior residents, starting on 28 November!

Seniors are invited to enjoy a two-course lunch with live performances as they celebrate the festivities.

Bookings are essential and will close 1 week prior to the concert or once booked out.

*Note: Pemulwuy and Regents Park concerts have sold out*

To find your nearest concert visit our website.

2024 Local Citizen of the Year Awards

Nominations for the 2024 Local Citizen of the Year awards are still open and are set to close very soon!

If you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the community, and deserves recognition, fill out a nomination form today.

Nominations close on Friday 17 November 2023.

For more information, or to make a nomination, visit our website.

Cumberland Community Pantries

Give what you can. Take what you need!

The Cumberland Community Pantries are open at the Wentworthville Community Centre on Mondays from 10am to 12noon and at the Auburn Centre for Community on Tuesdays from 10am to 12noon.

Residents in need can pick up essential items such as pantry staples, toiletries, personal hygiene products and more.

These pantries rely heavily on donations to keep them open, so if you would like to contribute and support this cause, non-perishable donations can be made in person to one of the pantries during operating hours or during normal business hours at either of Council’s Customer Service Centres at Merrylands or Auburn.

Council is also accepting donations for the community pantry at upcoming community events. Come and find us at the Diwali Street Festival in Wentworthville on 18 November if you wish to donate.

To learn more about the Community Pantry and what you can donate, visit our website.

National Recycling Week

To mark National Recycling Week 2023, Council will be hosting a range of events to help educate the community on how they can improve their recycling behaviours.

Program details

Children's Clothing and Toy Swap

When: Tuesday 7 November, 10am to 11:30am

Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44A Macquarie Road, Auburn

Love Food Hate Waste

When: Thursday 16 November, 12noon to 1pm

Where: Merrylands Library, corner of Newman Street and Miller Street, Merrylands

For more information, visit our website.

Cumberland Community Grants Program Round 2 - Now Open

Looking for an opportunity to secure funding for your project?

The Cumberland Community Grants Program supports a wide range of services and activities that positively contribute to the vision for Cumberland.

Round 2 applications close on Saturday 30 December 2023.

To apply or for more information, visit our website.

Oakes Centre Feast Up Fridays

Held every Friday in November from 5pm, grab a bite to eat from the food trucks, discover the fun-coloured furniture along the street and let the kids enjoy the range of free games.

Attendees can also look over and provide their feedback on the Draft Westmead South Master Plan.

Food Truck Roster:

3 November - The Pharaoh BBQ (halal)
10 November - Bahas Tacos
17 November - The Pharaoh BBQ (halal)
24 November – Burek

For more information, visit our website.

Have Your Say

We want to hear your thoughts on projects happening in Cumberland City:

Prospect Hill Integrated Heritage Interpretation Plan

Council is seeking your feedback on the Prospect Hill Integrated Heritage Interpretation Plan, which will guide how we communicate and celebrate the history, heritage values and stories of the area.

Submit your feedback by Monday 20 November.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/prospect-hill-heritage

Illegal Dumping Survey

Council is seeking your feedback and wants to hear your thoughts and experiences with illegal dumping in Cumberland.

Submit your feedback by Wednesday 22 November.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/illegal-dumping

Community Preschools in Cumberland

Do you think Cumberland City needs more preschool services for children in the year before they start school? Council is currently exploring if there is an interest in state funded preschool services within our local area and is seeking your feedback.

Submit your feedback by Friday 1 December. https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/pre school-eoi

Draft Westmead South Master Plan

Council is seeking community feedback on the draft Westmead South Master Plan. The draft Master Plan seeks to provide more homes that are supported with shops, open spaces and infrastructure for a more liveable, vibrant and sustainable community for both existing and future residents of Westmead South.

Submit your feedback by Friday 8 December.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/westmead-south-masterplan-2023