News & Updates

17 January 2024

Message from the Mayor

Hello and welcome to 2024!

I hope you had a wonderful time over the break and are feeling refreshed as we embark on another year together. 2024 is looking to be a very busy time for Council with a number of community programs, events and activities to share with you.

Granville Railway Disaster Memorial

This week, Thursday 18 January marks the 47th Anniversary of the Granville Railway Disaster where 84 people tragically lost their lives and over 200 people were injured. The historic incident happened in 1977 when an overcrowded commuter train derailed and struck the Bold Street Bridge near Granville Railway Station. This remains Australia’s worst rail tragedy. On this day we remember those who lost their lives, those who lost family members, the survivors, and the brave men and women who risked their lives to save others.

‘Don’t Be A Clown, Just Slow Down’

As we continue to enjoy the holidays, I know a lot of residents will be on the road visiting their loved ones, friends and family during this time. I would like to remind drivers of Council’s ‘Don’t Be A Clown, Just Slow Down’ road safety campaign and to think smart, stay safe and slow down while driving, and particularly while driving in and around Cumberland. The NSW Police will be cracking down on people speeding these school holidays, so I encourage you to take your time on the roads and stay safe during this time. For more information, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/slow-down

Budding Artist Art and Craft Display

It was great to attend the Budding Artist event held at the Wentworthville Community Centre recently. Organised by True Handcrafts in partnership with The Tamil Arts Development Centre, the event was part of an Ayush Health Food Mela Event, aimed at empowering children and young people in creative thinking and expression. Children aged 5 to 18 years submitted their artworks which were on display at the event. It was lovely to be involved in this event and hand out certificates to the children and young people involved. Well done!

Mayor Lisa Lake

What's On: January

Come and celebrate our diverse community at Council’s Australia Day event on Friday 26 January from 6pm to 9pm at Holroyd Gardens in Merrylands.

There will be a line-up of live music on stage including Mitch Tambo, Tarisai Vushe and Cassy and the Bossa Beats. Grab a bite to eat from the variety of food trucks, try your hand at the outdoor games, see the Bluey and Bingo Live Interactive Experience and get front row seats to the spectacular fireworks display!

For more information visit our website.

Free Cumberland Splash Parks

Council has launched a series of FREE splash parks across Cumberland City to help residents stay cool this summer.

For more information visit our website.

School Holiday Program

Have fun these school holidays with Council's School Holiday Program.

This program is available to children and teenagers aged 5 to 18 years and consists of a range of free workshops, classes, and sporting activities that will keep them well entertained over the break.

Book now to avoid missing out by visiting our website.

Your Rates at Work - Road Renewal Projects

Council has completed road works along Daisy Street in Greystanes and at Long Street in Smithfield which included asphalt resurfacing and repairs of damaged kerbs and gutters.

Let us know of any issues in your area by using the Snap Send Solve mobile app which can be found on our website.

Daisy Street, Greystanes.

Long Street, Smithfield.

Celebrate the 2024 Year of the Dragon at Council’s Lunar New Year festivities held across Lidcombe, Auburn and Berala from Friday 9 February to Sunday 11 February.

Explore the block party featuring some of the best Korean cuisine in the West, enjoy the range of cultural performances including live music, lion and dragon dancing, lanterns, community crafts, food and market stalls and more!

For more information visit our website.

Granville Nights will be returning to the Granville Centre Art Gallery for a night of art, culture, food and fun from 5pm to 9pm on Friday 19 January and Friday 2 February.

Check out the ‘The Good’ exhibition by Anna Louise Richardson, get hands on with the art workshops with FLENK Collective, enjoy the live music and DJs, food vendors and more.

For more information, 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.

Come and find us at our Australia Day community event on Friday 26 January, 6pm to 9pm at Holroyd Gardens in Merrylands, 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.

2024 Aqua Aerobics Program

Splash into the New Year with Council's 2024 Aqua Aerobics Program!

Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am, at the Granville Swim Centre.

To sign up or to find out more information visit our website.

Learn and Play for Families

Council's Learn and Play for Families program is back in 2024 with new sessions available in February at the Wentworthville Community Centre!

The FREE program includes activities for children and their families as well as topics of early years learning and children's health and wellbeing.

For more information, visit our website.

Have Your Say

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

Linnwood Estate Guildford - Proposed Grant of Licence

Council is inviting the community to comment on the Linnwood Estate Guildford Proposed Grant of Licence. The proposal seeks to grant Sunnyfield (ACN 000 415 127) a 12-month licence agreement for the land identified as part Lot 1 in DP 169485 also known as the Linnwood Estate (Byron Road, Guildford) for the purpose of providing support services to the community.

Submissions close: Monday 22 January 2024.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/linnwood-estate-licence

2024 Winter Sports - Expressions of Interest

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from sporting clubs for the upcoming 2024 winter season.

Applications close: Monday 22 January 2024.

To register, visit https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/cumberland-sports-clubs

Expressions of Interest - Federation Cottage, Wentworthville

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced community-based service providers to commence operations in the "Federation Cottage” located at 42 Lane Street, Wentworthville, over a period of 5 years.

Submissions close: Thursday 1 February 2024.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/federation-cottage-eoi

Expressions of Interest - 167 Fairfield Road, Guildford West

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from interested parties to commence operations at the Council owned Land located at 167 Fairfield Road, Guildford West, over a period of 5 years.

Submissions close: Monday 12 February 2024.

https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/fairfield-road-lease-eoi

Cumberland Sports Portal

Did you know that Council has a Sports Portal where you can get updates on everything sports related? On the Cumberland Sports Portal, you can stay up to date on sports news, information and events in Cumberland City.

For more information, visit https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/cumberland-sports-clubs