News & Updates

27 July 2023

Message from the Mayor

Financial Support for Energy Bills

Eligible households and small businesses will be able to apply for up to $2,000 in vouchers through the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme. The NSW Government is increasing the rebate to $500 for the 2023-2024 financial year for both electricity and gas bills. This

crisis support payment is available to people struggling to pay their bills due to short-term financial hardship, crisis or emergencies such as loss of income, unexpected costs or natural disasters. For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/energy-relief-and-crisis-support

Auburn City Men’s Shed

I recently visited Auburn City Men’s Shed to say thank you for their hard work and dedication to our community. The club, located in Regents Park, has been working closely with Council to help make reading boxes, bird houses and bee boxes for our community programs. The group also refurbishes items and hand makes wooden toys, trucks and cars, chopping boards,

ornaments and more! The Men’s Shed is a meeting place where everyone can come together to bond, support each other and share their common interests and skills. Community members are invited to drop in at any time on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday between 7:30am and 12noon. For more information, visit www.auburncitymensshed.com

Tamil Community Book Launch

I recently attended the Australian book launch of Prisoner #1056 at the Holroyd

Centre. This extraordinary book was an international Number 1 best seller, written by Roy Ratnavel. It follows his story of immigration, fleeing torture, imprisonment and Civil War in Sri Lanka to finding refuge in Canada, after arriving with $50 in his pocket. He then rose from the mailroom to the executive suite of the country’s largest independent asset management company. Thank you to the Sydney Tamil Community for inviting me along to be a part of this

insightful event.

2023 Cumberland Local Business Awards

It was a great evening at the 2023 Cumberland Local Business Awards with

hundreds of local businesses coming together to celebrate their achievements.

Congratulations to the 30 winners who took out awards in specialist categories. A special mention goes to winners of the major categories with Heidi Fox-Hatton from Formula Performing Arts taking out the Business Person of the Year Award, Issa Moussa from Stay Connected Plumbing who won the Youth Award and Labor Solutions that won Business of the Year Award. I’d also like to extend congratulations to the 249 businesses that made it as finalists in this year’s awards. Cumberland has a growing business community, and the awards celebrate the hard work and long hours of our dedicated business owners.

Mayor Lisa Lake

What's On: August

Merrylands Civic Square Grand Opening

Join us for the Grand Opening of Merrylands Civic Square on Friday 4 August from 4pm to 10:30pm!

Come and explore the new multifunctional space, and enjoy the great range of food trucks, fire and circus performances, children’s face painting and craft activities, live bands, community performances and lots more!

Entry is FREE. Residents can enter from 203 Merrylands Road or McFarlane Street opposite Stockland Mall.

For more information visit our website.

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 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.

Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival 2023

Tickets are selling fast for this year's Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival.

Come along and 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 or take part in the themed workshops.

This year, George & Noriko will be taking centre stage with their blend of blues and traditional Japanese music, and there will also be traditional Japanese dancing, beverages from the Izakaya Bar and more!

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).

Book now to avoid missing out!

For more information visit our website.

Great Granville Garden Show

The Great Granville Garden Show Exhibition is now on at the Granville Centre Art Gallery!

Inspired by local history, the exhibition will highlight connections to gardens including our local community gardens.

The exhibition is now open and will close on Saturday 11 November.

For more information, visit our website.

Community Grants Program - Round 1 Now Open

Applications are now 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 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.

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.

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

Responsible Pet Ownership

Council is encouraging residents to help keep Cumberland City clean by picking up after your dog and placing any waste or droppings in the bin.

Bins are located at Council’s parks, streets and facilities and FREE dog dropping bags are available to pet owners at all of Council’s off-leash dog parks.

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to clean up after your dog. Council Rangers can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $275 per person, if you don’t pick up your dog’s waste.

For more information visit our website.

FIFA Women's World Cup

Watch Australia play Canada in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, live and FREE on a 4.5m x 3m outdoor screen at Granville Park on Monday 31 July at 8pm.

Come along, bring your chairs and picnic blankets to the park and join in the excitement as we cheer on the Matildas and show our support for women’s soccer.

BBQ and light refreshments are available to purchase.

To find out more information, visit

our website.

Have Your Say

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

Proposal for 245 - 247 Great Western Highway (PP2022/0003)

Council is seeking community feedback on a planning proposal to amend planning controls for 245 - 247 Great Western Highway, South Wentworthville (The Wattles).

Submit your feedback by Thursday 10 August. https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/proposal-gwh

1 Crescent Street Holroyd - Draft Development Control Plan

Council is seeking community feedback on a site-specific development control plan prepared for 1 Crescent Street, Holroyd.

Submit your feedback by Thursday 10 August.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/crescent-street-dcp

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. A public hearing and consultation evening will be held on Wednesday 9 August at the Merrylands Service Centre from 4:30pm to 5:30pm.

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