27 October 2020
Mayor Steve Christou (right) with Researcher Dr Sebastian Pfautsch
First of its kind UV Smart Cool Playground ready for play
Cumberland City Council, in partnership with Western Sydney University, have now opened a newly refurbished Merrylands Memorial Park. 

The playground has been retro-fitted with the first of its kind UV smart materials to protect children from heated play equipment.

We are delighted to be pioneers in creating  a safe space for children and their families, particularly with communities facing unprecedented heat, drought and bushfire weather in recent times. 

The new UV Smart Cool Playground cleverly combines new technology and physical play in an innovative environment for the community.

This project has been supported by Local Government NSW and grants funded by the NSW Government.

Softfall material has been donated by Polysoft and shade cover has been donated by Alfresco Shade and GALE Pacific.
Healthy kids winner announced
 
As part of our Healthy Kids initiative, Cumberland City Council held a competition where local youth had the chance to pitch a sports program they would like to have run at their school. 

I would like to express a big congratulations to Jacob from St Joseph the Worker Primary School whose submission won him the four-week soccer program he wanted to rollout for his peers.

The entire school was able to participate in the soccer program run by Western Sydney Wanderers W-league head coaches, Michael Beauchamp and Dean Heffernan. 

I was happy to hear how surprised and excited Jacob was after seeing his efforts pay off for his school community. The school also received a $500 equipment pack as an additional prize.

Our Healthy Kids project has reached over 4000 children in Sydney's west since its inception in March 2019.
Mayor Steve Christou with Ejaz Kahn of Juris Australia
Celebrating small businesses in Cumberland City
                                                                                                                         
Small Business Month is still buzzing with activity in Cumberland City. I have been meeting with key local businesses and am extremely proud of their contributions to our community.

I recently visited the Rashays Headquarters in Chester Hill where I had the chance to see some of the behind-the-scenes action, and I also met with Juris Australia Lawyers in Granville who are experts in legal advice and representation.

As part of Small Business Month, we'll also be hosting an online business networking event and a suite of specialised webinars. Be sure to book your spot via our website. 
Have your say on bushfire-risk maps 

We are encouraging residents to have their say on maps we've developed for bushfire-prone areas in the Cumberland City community.

We want to do everything we possibly can to avoid a repeat of last New Year's Eve grass fire in Pemulwuy, which came within metres of peoples' houses and property.

This is an initiative I've been pushing for, in partnership with Deputy Mayor Eddy Sarkis. We want this area, along with other fire prone areas in our community to be classified in a way that allows us to work with the Rural Fire Service and carry out hazard reduction activities.

We encourage residents to view the draft maps and let us know if they believe any changes should be made.

For more information on the maps and the consultation process, visit: haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/bushfire-management
Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2020

We are inviting all residents to join us in embracing and recognising the excellence, traditions, cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as we celebrate NAIDOC Week from 8 to 15 November 2020.

This year's theme, Always Was, Always Will Be, recognises that first nation's people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years and are spiritually and culturally connected to this country.

Discover a line-up of free cultural activities and programs including, a free traditional jewellery making workshop at our newly opened Granville Centre. Hurry spaces are limited. To book your spot visit our website.
Free business networking event 

If you're looking to boost your business sales and hear from experts across a range of industries, you're not too late.

The 'Boost Your Business: Sales strategies' business networking event still has a few spots left. Join businesses from around Cumberland City, network and learn a range of successful strategies from seasoned specialists. 

Whether it's decorating your shop front, advertising and marketing tactics or sales, we've got it covered. 

When: Thursday 29 October 2020
Time: 6:30pm - 8pm

To sign-up visit our website. 
Book a clean-up this spring

Ready for your spring-cleaning and not sure how to get rid of your waste? 
Book a free Council Clean Up and make use of your free of charge pick-up four times a year.

You must place your items in 4 x 4 square metre box suitable for collection. 

Unsuitable items placed out will not be collected. Please review the list of items that are not accepted prior to making your booking.

To book your clean up visit our website. 
Free learner drivers workshop 

A free workshop for parents or carers who supervise Learner drivers.This workshop is supported by Roads & Maritime Services and covers:
  • What is involved in being a supervising driver
  • How the NSW graduated licensing scheme works
  • How to complete the learner drivers log book
  • Low risk driving
  • The use of licensed driving instructors
  • Practical tips for teaching and supervising a learner driver with up-to-date information on the requirements for Learner Drivers
  • Questions and Answers
Bookings are essential and places are limited:
To book please phone 02 8757 9870 or email rso@cumberland.nsw.gov
Latest news from Western Sydney Health
The following update from Western Sydney Local Health covers COVID-19 cases up until 22 October 2020.

Self-isolate and get tested immediately (even if you have no symptoms) if you've been to the following locations: 
  • Anyone who attended the Bathurst 1000 motor race on the weekend with any symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested as soon as possible. After testing, you must remain in isolation until a negative result is received. Remnants of the COVID-19 virus were detected in raw sewage in Bathurst. More information here.
  • Traces of COVID-19 virus were detected in sewage at a treatment plant at Quakers Hill on 13 October. This plant serves part of Sydney's west and north west.
  • Search for nearby testing clinics here. For advice or other questions: National Coronavirus Health Information Line, phone 1800 020 080. Translating or interpreting services, phone 13 14 50 and ask for the National Coronavirus Health Information Line.

From Friday, 23 October:
  • 30 people can gather outdoors in public spaces (previously this was 20)
  • 30 customers per booking, and 30 customers per table at hospitality venues (previously the rule was a maximum of 10).
  • Church services can have up to 300 people, subject to the four square metre rule. More information here.
  • Gyms: At times when gyms have less than 20 people in attendance, a COVID safe marshal is no longer needed. 
  • Corporate functions of up to 300 people can now be held at any appropriate premises, including at restaurants, subject to a COVID-Safe plan (previously just function centres).
  • From 1 December 2020, the number of people who can attend weddings will be lifted to 300 people subject to the four square metre rule indoors and two square metre rule outdoors. 

For more information visit:

Contact your Councillors

Cumberland City Council has 14 Councillors representing the five Wards of Granville, Greystanes, South Granville, Regents Park and Wentworthville. 

The primary role of a Councillor is to represent the people who live in their Ward. 

They are your local representative to Council. 

To find out who are the Councillors for your ward and their contact details please click here.
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