News & Updates

28 June 2023

Message from the Mayor

2023 Australian Council of

Local Government Forum

Recently, I joined Council’s Executive Team and fellow

Councillors at the Australian Local Government

Association (ALGA) National General Assembly

Conference in Canberra. As part of the conference, we also attended the Australian Council of Local Government Forum which brought together some of the nation’s leaders including the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, Ministers, Mayors and leaders from across Australia.

The forum highlighted the Federal Government’s refreshed approach to

community grant infrastructure programs

including the Thriving Suburbs program.

It also discussed the challenges of housing

and the role that councils play in driving

local solutions to address the housing

crisis, and acknowledged councils as

leaders in the renewable energy sector

with the government pledging $100 million

in Community Energy Upgrades to help

councils fund energy efficiency projects. To find out more information visit

www.pm.gov.au/media/bringing-back-local-government-table

2023/2024 Operational Plan and Fees and Charges

I would like to thank the residents who recently provided feedback on Council’s

draft Operational Plan for 2023/24 and draft Fees and Charges for 2023/24. The draft documents were both adopted by Council at last week’s Council Meeting and outline the projects and services that Council will be focused on during this period, and how it plans to fund them. The plan’s key strategies are designed to meet the needs of our rapidly growing population and will deliver on our commitment to provide our community with a high standard of service. Our residents can expect to see increased investment in our

infrastructure with a major capital works program, and improvements to our community services, facilities and open spaces.

Safer Cities: Her Way Program

Council is putting the safety of women and girls first with plans to revamp our public spaces under the Safer Cities: Her Way Program. Council has hosted a series of ‘co-design’ walking community engagement sessions to understand first hand where women and girls feel unsafe in public spaces close to transport hubs across Cumberland. As part of the State Government’s $30 million Safer Cities Program over the next two years, $1 million has been allocated to trial some of the place interventions created through the co-design process. The aim is to improve the real or perceived safety risks in these areas, to create more welcoming places near transport hubs for women and girls. To find out more information about the program, visit: https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/her-way-cumberland

Tommy Raudonikis

Council recently unveiled a plaque in honour of an Australian rugby league legend, footballer and coach Tommy Raudonikis OAM, at Lidcombe Oval, in conjunction with the Western Suburbs Magpies Rugby League Football Club. The

plaque complements the Tommy Raudonikis OAM Grandstand which opened in 2022, in memory of his dedication and commitment to football and contribution to the Lidcombe community.

Mayor Lisa Lake

What's On: July

National Tree Day

Connect with nature and get your hands dirty at Canal Road Park Greystanes and Central Park Lidcombe for National Tree Day, on Sunday 30 July.

Basic tree planting equipment and BBQ lunch will be provided.

NAIDOC Week Celebrations

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Council is hosting a range of activities to commemorate the rich history, vibrant culture, and remarkable achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Cumberland.

Activities include a hoodie competition, a NAIDOC themed Bush School, a school holiday activity for those aged 5-12 years, plus an extensive program for seniors aged 65+, people with disability aged 18+ and their carers.

For more information visit our website.

Plastic Free July Interactive Stall

Cumberland Council is partnering with Ocean Action Pod to host activities and an interactive display to celebrate Plastic Free July.

Visit us for fun, interactive games and activities that will inspire children and adults to reduce single-use plastic waste.

When: Tuesday 4 July, 9am - 3pm

Where: Stockland Merrylands Shopping Centre, Level 1 (outside Commonwealth Bank)

For more information visit our website.

Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

Sydney’s most Instagrammable and favourite flower festival is returning to the Auburn Botanic Gardens from Saturday 19 August to Sunday 27 August.

Celebrate Japan’s traditions and pop culture with an exciting program of activities, workshops and performances and discover some of the best Japanese inspired food at the Japanese Food Village.

Tickets go on sale in July.

To sign up for the latest information on tickets and all things Cherry click here.

School Holiday Program

Registrations are now open for the July School Holiday Program.

This program is available to all young people aged 5 - 24 years and consists of a range of free workshops, classes, and sporting activities to keep them well entertained over the break.

Apply now by visiting our website.

Win a NAIDOC Week Hoodie

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Council has 70 awesome hoodies up for grabs.

Simply fill out the survey on our website to go into the draw for a chance to win.

Submissions close: 5pm, Sunday 2 July.

Enter now by visiting our website.

Cumberland Community Pantries

To combat the rising cost of living, Council has established two new community pantries in Auburn and Wentworthville for Cumberland residents.

Both pantries will be offering residents in need of some relief with essential items such as pantry staples, toiletries, and personal hygiene products.

Hours of Operation:

Wentworthville Community Centre - 10am to 12 noon, every Monday
Auburn Centre for Community - 10am to 12 noon, every Tuesday.

Donations of non-perishable items from the community are also welcome during these times.

To find out more visit our website.

Cumberland Recipe Book Expressions of Interest

Council is seeking recipes and culinary creativity from the community to help create a healthy and nutritious cookbook!

This cookbook is designed to encourage healthy eating habits for young people and their families.

Submissions are open to young people aged 12 - 25 years, who work, study, live or visit the Cumberland Local Government Area.

Find out more information by visiting our website.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library program has been expanded to include babies born in 2021!

If your child is born between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2024 and resides in Cumberland, they may be eligible to receive a FREE book each month, until they turn five, through the early literacy book gifting program.

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

Have Your Say

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

Kibo Reserve Concept Plan

Council is planning to upgrade the Kibo Reserve playspace and is seeking your input.

Your feedback will help to guide the future development of the playspace.

Submit your feedback by Tuesday 11 July.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/kibo-reserve

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