News & Updates

15 November 2023

Message from the Mayor

Remembrance Day

I recently joined Western Metropolitan District Council of RSL NSW at Rookwood Cemetery to honour

and acknowledge the sacrifices of our servicemen and

women who fought so bravely for our country. Over the weekend, thousands observed a minute’s silence to mark Remembrance Day. Thank you to all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives and those who continue to dedicate themselves to serving our country. Lest we forget.

Diwali Festival 2023

On behalf of Cumberland Council, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali. May your Diwali bring joy, peace and good health to you and your family. To celebrate this significant event, Council will once again be lighting up Wentworthville with a Diwali Festival, this Saturday 18 November from 5pm to 10pm. Everyone is welcome to explore the street bazaar, join in the fun at the Bollywood Block Party, try out the range of South Asian and Indian cuisine and get hands-on with the arts and cultural activities. For more information, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/diwali

Merrylands Civic Square School Extravaganza

This Friday, Council will be hosting the first ever School Extravaganza at Merrylands Civic Square from 4pm to 7pm. Up to 125 students ranging from Kindergarten to Year 12 from schools across Cumberland will have the opportunity to shine on stage and showcase their talents to the wider community in a safe and nurturing environment. The family friendly event will also feature free children’s activities including a Giant Connect 4, Monster Tumble Tower, Cornhole Toss, Giant Naughts and Crosses as well as a range of food vendors and market stalls. For more information, visit

www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/school-extravaganza

16 Days of Activism Women’s March

Later this month, Council will be raising

awareness against gender-based violence

as part of the annual 16 Days of Activism

campaign. In line with this year’s theme

“UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against

women and girls”, and in partnership with the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Domestic and Family Violence Community

of Practice, Council will be holding the Western Sydney Women’s March on Wednesday 29 November at 1:30pm, meeting at Merrylands Oval and marching to Merrylands Civic Square. For more information or to register, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/activism

Mayor Lisa Lake

What's On: November

Diwali Festival 2023

Join us this Saturday as we light up Wentworthville for Diwali!

When: Saturday 18 November 2023

Where: Station Street, Wentworthville

For more information, visit our website.

This event is proudly sponsored by Wenty Leagues and Official Media Partner SBS. Funding for this project has been provided by the NSW Government.

Social Inclusion Week

To mark Social Inclusion Week from 18 - 26 November, Council will be hosting a Belly Dancing Class as well as an Active Inclusion Sports Day.

Social Inclusion aims to help all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society.

For more information or to book visit our website.

Asbestos Awareness Month

To mark Asbestos Awareness Month in November, Council will be providing FREE household collections on Saturday 18 November to help residents identify and safely dispose of asbestos in homes.

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

Christmas in the Gardens

Save the Date

Santa Claus will be making his way to the Auburn Botanic Gardens on Saturday 9 December for Council’s ‘Christmas in the Gardens’ community event.

The gardens will be decked out with a program full of festivities for the whole family to enjoy.

For more information, visit our website.

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 soon!

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

Nominations have been extended and will now close on Friday 24 November 2023

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

Cumberland Community Pantries

Give what you can. Take what you need!

To help drive donations for the pantries, Council is now accepting donations at all upcoming community events that we host.

Come and find us at the Diwali Street Festival in Wentworthville from 5pm to 10pm, this Saturday, 18 November if you wish to donate or to find out more on how you can help someone in need.

Alternatively, 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. Donations can be made directly to the pantries during operating hours or during normal business hours at either of Council’s Customer Service Centres at Merrylands or Auburn.

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

Stallholder Expressions of Interest

Council will be hosting a number of community events in 2024 and is seeking suitable vendors to provide food, retail stalls, workshops, activities, and information stalls at these events.

Upcoming Events that we are now accepting Expressions of Interest applications for include:

Australia Day: 26 January 2024, 6pm-9pm, Holroyd Gardens, Merrylands
Lunar New Year, Saturday 10 February 2024

Applications close Sunday 3 December 2023.

For more information or to apply, visit our website.

Cumberland Community Grants Program Round 2

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.

During this round, one-on-one advisory desk sessions will be available to those who need extra assistance.

Round 2 applications close on Friday 1 December 2023.

To apply or for more information, visit our website.

Oakes Centre Feast Up Fridays

Head over to Westmead for Oakes Centre Feast Up Friday’s, held every Friday in November from 5pm, at the Oakes Centre, 4 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead.

Grab a bite to eat from the food trucks, discover the fun-coloured furniture and let the kids enjoy the range of free games.

For more information, visit our website.

This is also a great opportunity to look over and provide your feedback on the Draft Westmead South Masterplan which sets out a vision and planning framework to guide the delivery of future development in the area.

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/preschool-eoi

Guildford Town Centre Public Domain Plan

Council is planning for future upgrades in the Guildford Town Centre and would like your feedback. Residents can also have their say in person at one of the two pop up stalls, on Saturday 18 November, 10am to 12noon, outside Guildford Community Centre (O’Neill St, Guildford) and on Tuesday 21 November, 10am to 12noon, Guildford Road laneway.

Submit your feedback by Tuesday 5 December.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/guildford-pdp

M.J. Bennett Reserve Park

Council is seeking community feedback on upgrades to the M.J. Bennett Reserve Park in Westmead for improvements to the existing playground, outdoor fitness equipment and basketball court.

Submit your feedback by Friday 8 December.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/mj-bennett-upgrade

Draft Westmead South Masterplan

Council is seeking community feedback on the draft Westmead South Masterplan. The Draft Masterplan 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