News & Updates

9 August 2023

Message from the Mayor

Merrylands Civic Square Grand Opening

It was so exciting to finally unveil the much anticipated Merrylands Civic Square to everyone on Friday night with an official Grand Opening. This project has been in the works for quite some time. Initial planning of this community space dates back many years, prior to the amalgamation of Cumberland Council. It was great to see so many locals and visitors getting a first look at the Square whilst enjoying the live performances, great food, and children’s activities. Connecting Merrylands Road to McFarlane Street, the Square draws inspiration from nature and from our local indigenous, industrial and cultural heritage. It reflects the character of Merrylands’ people and invites us all to connect with country and celebrate our multicultural diversity. The overall design provides a flexible range of uses for the community and includes shade canopies, water features, multi-function poles, wireless charging stations, smart bins, public Wi-Fi and CCTV elements for public safety. Thank you to everyone who gave feedback and helped Council design the Square during our community consultations. It is now a dynamic meeting place that is welcoming and inclusive and will be a focal point for fostering close connections, celebrating our diversity and promoting local pride.

Local Citizen of the Year Awards 2024

Nominations are now open for the Local Citizen of the Year Awards 2024. Each year, these awards give local residents and businesses the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of people within the community. If you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the community, please nominate them by filling out the form before Friday 17 November. You can find the nomination form at www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/coty

NSW Humanitarian Awards

The outstanding efforts of volunteers and workers that support recently arrived refugees were acknowledged at this year’s NSW Humanitarian Awards. The Humanitarian Awards recognise those who have made an exceptionally positive contribution towards refugee and asylum seeker issues in NSW. Congratulations to Aynalem Tessema, Miriam Pellicano, Odarka Brecko and Oliver Slewa who took home awards on the night, making Cumberland proud. Thank you for dedicating your time to welcoming refugees to our local area. To view the full list of winners, visit www.refugeecouncil.org.au/nsw-humanitarian-awards-2023

Wenty Voices

In 2015, Wentworthville local Stephen Cummings started a community history project known as Wenty Voices. I recently learnt more about the project which showcases Wentworthville’s captivating history, from the arts and entertainment, sporting clubs, community groups through to shops, churches, community venues, health and emergency services, industry and the natural environment. For more information, or to view the full project, visit

www.facebook.com/WentyVoices

Mayor Lisa Lake

What's On: August

Household Chemical CleanOut

Safely dispose of your unwanted household chemicals at Council’s Household Chemical CleanOut on Saturday 19 August.

Drop off your items between 9am and 3:30pm at the Cumberland City Council Works Depot, entry via Foray Street, Guildford West.

No bookings are required. For more information, visit our website.

Under the Radar Workshop

Drivers and riders are invited to attend a FREE two-hour workshop to increase their driving safety, knowledge and confidence on Wednesday 16 August.

The session will cover the major types of crashes and how to avoid them, the most misunderstood road rules, how to become a safer driver and more.

Children's Clothing and Toy Swap

Back by popular demand, Council will be holding a children's clothing and toy swap on Tuesday 29 August at Berala Community Centre.

Residents can exchange clothes and toys your child has outgrown, for something more fitting. All clothes must be in good, wearable condition and toys must be clean and in working order.

Book Now

Tickets are selling fast, and there is less than two weeks to go until this year's Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival begins!

Secure your spot now to experience a ‘Slice of Japan’ as you wander through the iconic Cherry Trail at one of the daily viewing sessions, satisfy your cravings at the Japanese Food Village, play a round of golf at the 9-hole mini golf course, pull up a chair and relax at the Izakaya Bar or enjoy the range of musical entertainment on offer.

Klook will be giving you the chance to win a trip to Japan valued at $5,000 AUD! Simply enter the competition at the Auburn Botanic Gardens when you attend the festival (conditions apply).

Get your family and friends together and book now to avoid missing out!

For more information or to book your tickets visit our website.

Learner Driver Workshop

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

When: Wednesday 30 August, 6pm – 7:30pm

Where: Microsoft Teams (Instructions will be sent once you confirm your booking)

Spots are limited so book now by visiting our website.

Community Grants Program - Round 1

Applications are still open for the first round of the Cumberland City Council Community Grants Program.

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

To apply for a grant or for more information visit our website.

Cumberland Community Pantries

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

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.

Give what you can. Take what you need!

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

Education and Care Services

Did you know that Council offers affordable and flexible education and care options across Cumberland City?

Enrolment requests are now open for 2024 so get in quick to reserve your child's spot. We also have limited vacancies available at some services for the remainder of this year.

To request enrolment into one of our services, or for more information, visit our website.

Where We Start Matters

Cumberland City Council is partnering with the Integrated Violence Prevention and Response Service (IVPRS) to host the Where We Start Matters event.

This free event is for families with children aged 3-5 years and will include interactive stations focusing on ‘Me and My Body: emotional literacy and body safety for preschoolers’, plus activities and information from local services.

For more information or to book, visit our website.

Have Your Say

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

Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy

Council values the opinions and suggestions of the community and would appreciate your thoughts on the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy.

Submit your feedback by Tuesday 15 August. https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/walking-cycling

Draft Marrong Reserve Plan of Management

Have your say on the future of Marrong Reserve in Pemulwuy. Council is seeking your feedback on the categorisation of land and how the space can be managed and used in the future. A public hearing and consultation evening will be held on Thursday 17 August at the Allan G Ezzy Community Centre from 6pm to 7:30pm.

Submit your feedback by Wednesday 30 August.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/marrong-reserve-pom

Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan

We want to hear your thoughts on Council's Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan.

This plan aims to improve safety for families and individuals in the Cumberland Local Government Area.

Submit your feedback by Friday 1 September.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/community-safety-2022

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 8 September.

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