2023 International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD)

International Day of People with Disability is coming up on 3 December and Council will be hosting a number of events to mark the annual celebration. In line with this year’s theme, ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities,’ people with disability aged 18 years and older and their carers are invited to dance the afternoon away at the Celebration Disco on Saturday 9 December, from 1:30pm to 4:30pm at the Holroyd Centre. Participants can then join in the fun at the Festival of Ability Showcase on Friday 15 December from 9:30am to 2:30pm at the Granville Centre. Both events will feature a variety of modified and inclusive activities suitably adapted to encourage participation and highlight ability. For more information, or to book, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/idpwd

‘Don’t Be A Clown, Just Slow Down’ Cumberland Council is urging motorists in Cumberland to ‘Don’t Be A Clown, Just Slow Down’. The campaign encourages drivers to think smart, stay safe and slow down while driving in and around Cumberland, and also highlights the alarming statistics. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) reports that between 2018 and 2022, 26 people were killed and 2,545 were injured on roads in Cumberland. Council has an unwavering commitment to safety, and so it is important that we support and educate our community about safe driving practices. We can do more, and do better to improve these concerning statistics. The campaign will be translated into our community’s top five languages and will be distributed across Council’s community centres, services centres, facilities and throughout Cumberland. In addition, Council is promoting the campaign across Variable Message Signs (VMS) at strategic locations within Cumberland, and will also be working with both the Auburn and Cumberland Police Area Commands, community organisations and youth agencies to get the message out. For more information, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/road-safety-cumberland-city

Diwali Festival

Cumberland Council’s colourful and vibrant Diwali celebrations took over the streets of Wentworthville recently. Diwali, known as the festival of lights, or Deepavali, is one of the most important Hindu festivals that is celebrated in the subcontinent. Millions of people around the world decorate their houses and come together to exchange gifts, feast on food and sweets and share in the joy of traditions in the celebration of light over darkness. Up to 10,000 people attended the event in Wentworthville and enjoyed the entertainment from main stage performances. They also took part in the festivities which included a range of cultural activities, offerings to Lord Krishna, the Bollywood Block Party, selfies in the Bollywood Car, the street bazaar and the diverse range of foods. I would like to thank all who attended and contributed to the event – it was a great success!

2023 Christmas in Cumberland

Council will be lighting up Cumberland with Christmas Trees and Street Flag Banners in multiple locations during December. There will also be a number of themed events for the whole family to enjoy. There will be no changes to Council’s waste and recycling collection dates over the holiday period. All red, yellow and green bin collection dates will remain the same. Council’s Customer Service Centres, Swim Centres, Libraries and other venues will have updated operating hours over the festive season. For more information, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/christmas 

Mayor Lisa Lake