News & Updates

21 September 2023

Message from the Mayor

Kalaivizha 2023

I recently attended Kalaivizha, hosted by Wentworthville Tamil Study Centre at Bowman Hall in Blacktown. This vibrant cultural event saw members of the Tamil community taking part in many thought-provoking discussions and enjoying the range of colourful performances presented on the day. Kalaivizha is an annual celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of Tamil students. It also serves as a platform to foster unity, promote diversity, and embrace the spirit of inclusivity. Thank you to the Wentworthville Tamil Study Centre for inviting me to be part of this significant cultural tradition.

Australia Nepal Public Link Inc World Suicide Prevention Day

Last week, I attended the Australia Nepal Public Link Inc World Suicide Prevention Day event in Merrylands. The event saw many groups come together, including Nepali students at Western Sydney University to identify the barriers around reaching out for support for suicide and mental health-related issues.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, three quarters of Australians with mental health issues are under the age of 25. This year, Council hosted the Youth Mental Health Summit which included students from Greystanes High School to help establish a Youth Mental Health Action Plan with state and federal agencies and local service providers. Council’s Community Grants Program also focuses on mental health initiatives in Cumberland, particularly for young people. If you, or someone you know is experiencing crisis and is in need of help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifelife.org.au

HSC Quiet Study Space Trial

The HSC is coming up and there are many young students in Cumberland preparing for their final Year 12 exams. To help ease the pressures and assist students with getting the most out of their study time, we’re opening three new quiet study spaces at Berala, Wentworthville and Allan G Ezzy Community Centres, every Friday starting from 22 September to 20 October. There will also be extended operating hours at Auburn, Granville and Merrylands libraries, exclusively for HSC students. These spaces are a great way for students to get in some extra study time without any distractions. For more information visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/event/hsc-quiet-study-space

Mayor Lisa Lake

What's On: September

Let's Dance in Merrylands

Do you remember? The 21st night in September?

Join us on Thursday 21 September at Merrylands Civic Square and help support local dance schools burn up the dance floor at the new Merrylands Civic Square.

Enjoy a variety of performances, food stalls, face painting and games!

Entry is FREE.

For more information visit our website.

Berala Spring Fair

Council is hosting our first ever Spring Fair at the Berala Community Centre on Thursday 28 September from 10am to 2pm.

Bring your family and friends along for a FREE day of fun activities including cupcake decorating, slime workshops, face painting and more!

All children must be accompanied by an adult when attending this event.

For more information visit our website.

Carer's Week

To celebrate Carer's Week, Council is holding a range of programs from Tuesday 10 October to Friday 20 October.

Carers will be able to attend a community information session as well as dance their way through the night at the outback barn and line dancing event. Dinner will be provided.

For more information visit our website.

Moon Festival 2023

9 DAYS TO GO!

Take a trip to the moon as Cumberland City Council celebrates the annual Moon Festival in Lidcombe!

The festival will take place on Saturday 30 September at Wyatt Park, Lidcombe, from 1pm to 6pm.

Join us for a free afternoon of entertainment, dance, music, kid’s crafts and activities, food, outdoor movies and more!

There will also be a special visit from Kung Fu Panda!

For more information visit our website.

Active Ageing Week

To celebrate Active Ageing Week from 2 - 8 October, we are holding FREE cooking sessions, yoga classes and arts and crafts for seniors in Cumberland City.

The activities are open to local seniors aged 60 years and over, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander seniors aged 50 years and over and people with disability aged 18 years and over and their carers to explore the benefits of active living.

Spots are limited so book your place by visiting our website.

Bookings close 3 days prior to each event or once sold out.

Local Citizen of the Year Awards

Nominations for the 2024 Local Citizen of the Year Awards are now open.

Fill in a nomination form before 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 now open at the Wentworthville Community Centre on Mondays from 10am to 12noon and 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 and running, 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 administration centres at Merrylands or Auburn.

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

HSC Quiet Study Spaces

We’re opening 3 new quiet study spaces at the Berala, Wentworthville and Allan G Ezzy Community Centres!

There will also be extended operating hours at Auburn, Granville and Merrylands libraries.

The spaces will be open from 6pm to 8pm every Friday from Friday 22 September to Friday 20 October.

For more information visit our website.

Stallholder EOIs

Council will be holding a celebration for the Centenary of the Foundation of the Republic of Turkiye on Sunday 29 October 2023.

We’re seeking Expressions of Interest from vendors who may be able to theme their products to suit the event.

EOI’s close Friday 22 September 2023.

For more information visit our website.

Verge Garden Program

Did you know that you can create your own verge garden on the nature strip outside of your property?

Apply now or find out more information by visiting our website.

Have Your Say

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

Heritage Planning Proposal

Council invites you to have your say on a Planning Proposal (PP-2023-158) to amend the Cumberland Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2021.

Submit your feedback by Friday 22 September.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/heritage-planning-proposal

Leawarra Reserve Playspace Upgrade Merrylands

Council is seeking your feedback on the proposed upgrade of Leawarra Reserve Playspace. The proposed works include new footpaths, new play equipment for a range of ages and abilities, new plants and park furniture.

Submit your feedback by Monday 2 October.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/leawarra-reserve-playspace

2-10 Victoria Street East, Lidcombe Planning Proposal

Council is seeking your feedback on a planning proposal to reclassify Council land at 2-10 Victoria Street East, Lidcombe. The planning proposal request seeks to amend the Cumberland Local Environmental Plan 2021 (Cumberland LEP 2021) to reclassify Lot 1 DP 1161392 from ‘community’ land to ‘operational’ land. A public hearing for this proposal will take place after the exhibition period.

Submit your feedback by Thursday 5 October.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/victoria-street-planning-proposal

Regents Park Town Centre Public Domain Plan

Council is seeking community feedback on the Regents Park Town Centre Public Domain Plan. Two pop-up stalls will be held on Saturday 23 September from 11am to 1pm and Thursday 5 October from 11am to 1pm outside of the Regents Park Library so that you can give your feedback in person. An additional drop-in session will also take place on Tuesday 26 September from 5pm to 7pm at the Regents Park Community Centre.

Submit your feedback by Monday 9 October.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/regents-park-pdp

Local Shops Study

We know the community values our local shops and Council wants to hear from you! The draft Cumberland Local Shops Study explores how we can understand, protect and enhance our local shops to meet the needs of the community now and in the future. Join us at one of the public drop-in sessions in Wentworthville, Greystanes, Granville, Guildford or Berala in October.

Submit your feedback by Tuesday 31 October.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/local-shops-study

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 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/preschool-eoi