 |
|
|
| Mayor Steve Christou talks housing. |
|
Time to tackle the housing crisis
In my brief time as Mayor it has become very clear to me that Cumberland City is under housing stress. Our public housing wait lists are growing, with more than 140,000 people waiting across NSW. This figure does not include people who are really struggling and sleeping rough or are living in low-income households.
Over the past 10 years median household income in Cumberland has increased only 11 percent, while median rental costs have increased by 77 percent. The NSW Centre for Affordable Housing has identified Cumberland City as having a high need for affordable rental housing.
Our problems with social and affordable housing are coming across loud and clear during my Meet your Mayor sessions with many people voicing their unfortunate experiences and telling me they feel underrepresented on this issue. We need greater investment in social and affordable housing by the NSW State
Government and we need to ensure that Cumberland City is not only a place where people want to live, but a place where people can live comfortably. You'll be hearing more from me on this issue.
|
|
|
|
|
| Mayor Steve Christou at the former RMS site. |
|
Merrylands Service NSW Centre
The former RMS branch in Merrylands closed its doors in February last year after the NSW Government introduced Service NSW Customer Service Centres, which brought frontline government services under one roof, including RMS.
Service NSW announced that its footprint would expand across Sydney with 10 new Service Centres. Merrylands was named as one of the 10 locations.
In September last year, I raised a motion as a Councillor, asking when the Service NSW Centre in Merrylands would be delivered. Media reports have since indicated the Centre may not be delivered until before the next State Election in 2023.
Frankly, I don't think asking our residents to wait another three years is good enough. As one of your elected representatives, I can assure you that this is a fight I will not relinquish until an adequate outcome is achieved.
It's time for the State Government and for Service NSW to consider the needs of our residents and keep their election promise.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mayor Steve Christou and Councillor Paul Garrard with David
Ward
one of the winners at the seniors golf tournament.
|
|
It's a wrap on Seniors Week
It was fantastic celebrating Cumberland City Council's Seniors Festival which hosted over 70 events last week.
From sing along concerts and golf days to Sydney Harbour lunch cruises and aqua fitness classes, there was something for everyone to enjoy. I even participated in a little karaoke myself!
More than 15% of the Cumberland City population is over the age of 60 and that's set to grow over the next decade.
Seniors make an enormous contribution to our community and Cumberland City Council is pleased to offer a wide range of programs that enable their continued activity and participation in community life.
This was a great opportunity to come together and celebrate the important role seniors have in our community.
|
|
|
|
|
| Mayor Steve Christou with Dr Sebastian Pfautsch from Western Sydney University. |
|
Cumberland City to deliver its first UV- smart playground
I'm pleased to announce that Merrylands Memorial Park will be retro-fitted with UV smart materials to help build resilience during warmer temperatures.
In partnership with Cumberland City Council, Western Sydney University has been conducting research on playgrounds across the suburbs of Cumberland City.
"The UV Smart, Cool Playground project has brought together government, industry and research partners to develop Australia's first prototype playground to address increasing temperatures which are leaving our playgrounds unplayable," said Project Lead Dr Pfautsch from the University's School of Social Sciences.
The UV Smart Playground is expected to be ready for next summer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mayor Steve Christou, Deputy Mayor Eddy Sarkis and Councillor Paul Garrard with Clean Up Australia Day Chair, Pip Kiernan.
|
|
Clean Up Australia Day in Cumberland City 2020
Clean Up Australia Day is Australia's largest community based environmental event, which brings the local community together to clean public areas.
Council is encouraging residents to register local areas in Cumberland City to be cleaned of litter this Clean Up Australia Day, 1 March 2020
.
Today Mayor Steve Christou, Councillor Eddy Sarkis, Councillor Paul Garrard and Council staff were joined by Chairwoman of Clean Up Australia, Pip Kiernan at Duck River to commence the annual event. This year marks the 30 year anniversary of 'Clean Up Australia Day'.
|
Friend Park Children's Centre Opening Soon
Cumberland City Council is taking enrolments for our newly refurbished Friend Park Children's Centre.
The Centre is located on McKern Street, Wentworthville and is able to provide education and care for up to 40 children each day.
Children and their families will have access to high quality education and care services which will operate between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday.
As part of renovations, outdoor play spaces have been designed to allow children to explore the outdoors and connect with nature.
The Centre offers a transition to school program and employs experienced educators. A Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is available for eligible families.
If you are looking for education and care for your child, please contact Council on 8757 9000.
|
Warning Against Illegal Dumping
Council will be working with officers from the Regional Illegal Dumping Squad to ensure the dumping of material is reported and penalised this March through to June.
From September 2019 to November 2019
,
77 incidents were investigated by regulatory staff resulting in numerous penalty notices being issued.
Dumping, including building supplies, mattresses, garden waste and rubbish can incur a fine of up to $8000.
Council offers free 'Book a Clean-Up' service up to four times a year for residents.
Book
a Clean-Up online on the Cumberland City Council website where a list of accepted materials is available.
|
|
What's On in Cumberland City
|
|
Visual Merchandising Workshop: Retailers
When:
Wednesday 4 March 2020, 2pm to 4pm.
Where:
Lidcombe Shopping Centre
92 Parramatta Road,
Lidcombe
|
|
|
Flavours of Auburn: Afghani Cuisine
When: Friday 6 March 2020, 6pm - 9pm.
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44A Macquarie Rd, Auburn.
|
|
|
Discover Cumberland City Workshop
When: Monday 9 March 2020, 10am to 11.30am
Where: Auburn Community Centre for Community
What: A FREE workshop for residents on all Council services. Book online.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Place article copy here. Be sure to make the articles short and concise as people tend not to read much more than a couple of paragraphs. Place article copy here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
