The wait is over for families and competitive swimmers after Council opened the doors to the newly renovated Wentworthville Memorial Swimming Centre last week.

The Centre has been a construction site for several months as workers carried out a $12.2 million upgrade of the facility. The Centre offers a new heated program pool, a leisure pool with beach entry, café and new change rooms. A lift has also been installed to allow people with disability to use the 50-metre pool.

When I was first elected Mayor, one of my main priorities was the redevelopment of Wentworthville and this multimillion-dollar upgrade of the Centre goes a long way to fulfilling that commitment.

This Centre was traditionally one of Western Sydney’s most popular swimming spots prior to the revamp, and based on the Centre’s new look and improved amenities, I expect it will be even more popular with residents and families in our local community.

With the Parramatta pool being closed four years ago, this is a fantastic opportunity for our surrounding communities to enjoy the facility also. The Centre will open for four weeks during the Easter holidays before closing for winter.

I invite everyone in Wentworthville and across Cumberland City to squeeze in a few laps before then. For opening hours and further information, visit www.wentworthvilleswimcentre.com.au

It was great to join Granville South Creative and Performing Arts High School’s food tech class alongside Councillor Tom Zreika.

In light of Ramadan approaching, we had the chance to learn how to prepare a traditional Lebanese Iftar (breaking of the fast) dish, ‘fatteh’. The dish consists of fried bread, chickpeas and yoghurt.

It was quite the sweet ending with the class serving Knafeh to conclude the visit.

Ramadan is an opportunity for families and friends to come together and extend their generosity. Thank you to the school and students for welcoming us and being so hospitable.

For those partaking in the practice of fasting during Ramadan, may the holy month be a time of contemplation and celebration. I look forward to making some more fatteh of my own soon.

The Granville Stadium refurbishment is taking shape with the concrete pour of the main grandstand and metal roof sheets complete.

We’re just a couple of months from completing the upgrade, with lift installation and flooring works commencing. Lighting, fencing and an irrigation system is also underway.

The home ground of the Western Sydney Two Blues will be transformed into a multi-use community sport pavilion that residents and sporting groups can use all year round.

We’re excited to give the grounds a new lease on life and look forward to welcoming a first-class sporting venue. The stadium is expected to be complete this year.