12 October 2026

Hi Cumberland,

It is a great honour to have been elected Mayor of Cumberland City Council and to serve a community that is diverse, vibrant and full of opportunity. I have lived here for 44 years, and I have served as a Councillor for 14 of them. I am excited for what lies ahead and I hope you join me on this journey.

My vision is to build a city that is proud of who we are, ambitious in what we can achieve and united in creating a better future for everyone. From the proud days of blue-collar workers and industry in Clyde, through the history of Holroyd and into the thriving Cumberland we know today, our community has always been defined by hard work, resilience and aspiration. These values continue to shape who we are and guide where we are headed.

I am passionate about delivering outcomes that improve the lives of our residents, strengthen our neighbourhoods and create a city that future generations will be proud to call home. Our responsibility is not simply to manage Cumberland as it exists today, but to leave it better than we found it. We must harness the strength, diversity and determination of our community to build a city where every person has the opportunity to succeed.

Over the coming months, I look forward to seeing significant milestones achieved across our city. The completion of the Guildford Aquatic Centre will provide a modern, accessible facility for families, swimmers and community groups, while the Auburn Basketball Centre will create new opportunities for sport, recreation and community participation. These projects represent our commitment to healthy, active and connected communities.

I am also excited about the continued revitalisation of the Duck River corridor, which will enhance access to open space, improve environmental outcomes and create welcoming places for residents to enjoy nature, connect with one another and celebrate the unique character of our city.

As Mayor, I am committed to working collaboratively with Councillors, residents, businesses and community organisations to deliver a stronger Cumberland. Together, we can build a city that is inclusive, prosperous and full of opportunity, a city that honours its past while embracing its future with confidence.



I look forward to taking that challenge head on, together.

Love you Cumberland.

Mayor Joseph Rahme

Diwali Festival is back and bigger than ever! Due to popular demand, Council will host a spectacular two-day Diwali celebration in the vibrant streets of Wentworthville.

What can you expect? Lively stalls, a diverse line up of cultural performances, mouth-watering festival cuisines, and the warmth of our wonderful community.

Let’s celebrate the Festival of Lights together:

WHEN

• Saturday 31 October, 5pm to 9pm
• Sunday 1 November, 1pm to 8pm

WHERE

Station Street, Wentworthville

Saturday 17 October, 9:30am to 2pm

Wentworthville Community Garden Open Day

Wentworthville Community Garden
73 Fullagar Road, Wentworthville

Saturday 24 October, 9am to 3:30pm

Household Chemical Cleanout

Cumberland City Council’s Guildford Depot, Foray Street, Guildford West

Sunday 25 October 2026 from 9am to 2pm

Native Plant Giveaway

Auburn Botanic Gardens

Saturday 31 October 5pm to 9pm

Diwali Festival Day 1

Station Street, Wentworthville

Sunday 1 November 1pm to 8pm

Diwali Festival Day 2

Station Street, Wentworthville

Road renewal project

Smoother and safer roads for residents following the completion of road renewal works at the following locations:

• 90 metres on Oswald Street, Guildford
• 105 metres on Parker Street, Guildford
• 73 metres on Turner Street, Guildford

Digital rates

Make the switch to digital rates notices. Get your rates notice delivered straight to your email inbox fast, easy and paper free!

Switching to digital takes just a couple of minutes and helps reduce waste across our community. Make the switch today and enjoy a simpler way to stay up to date.

Diwali Lighting Competition

It's time to get creative because Council's annual Diwali Lights Competition is back. From sparkling homes to eye-catching shopfronts and beautifully decorated businesses, we're looking for displays that capture the joy, colour and spirit of Diwali while showcasing the vibrant cultural diversity of our community.

Join the celebration, light up your neighbourhood and help make Cumberland shine. Participants are encouraged to use energy-efficient lighting and environmentally friendly materials to help create a brighter and more sustainable Diwali.

WHEN



Submissions open from 9am, Monday 12 October 2026

Carers Week


Cumberland City Council's Seniors & Disability Services is hosting two FREE events to celebrate carers, build understanding of dementia, and connect our community with local support services.

• Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE)
• Together We Care – Cumberland Carers Luncheon


*Terms and conditions apply via the website

WHEN



Wednesday 14 October & Thursday 15 October

WHERE

Various Locations

Seniors Christmas Concerts

Council invites eligible senior residents to celebrate the festive season at one of five free Seniors Christmas Concerts across Cumberland.

Enjoy a delicious two-course meal, live entertainment and the opportunity to connect with fellow community members in a warm and welcoming festive atmosphere.

Bookings open Monday 26 October 2026 and close one week prior to each concert or once sold out. Book online or phone the Seniors and Disability Team on 8757 9041 or 8757 9031.

*Terms and Conditions apply via the website

WHEN



Tuesday 24 November to Tuesday 8 December 2026, 11:30am to 2pm

WHERE

Various locations across Cumberland

Granville Town Centre

Council is seeking feedback on proposed improvements to the Carlton Street and South Street precincts in Granville Town Centre.

The proposed improvements aim to support vibrant public spaces, enhance the visitor experience and create opportunities for events and activations. Visit our pop-up stall, share your feedback and receive a small prize while stocks last.

Pop-Up Information Stall

Wednesday 14 October

9.30 am to 2.30pm

The Granville Centre, 1 Memorial Drive, Granville

Complete the Survey to provide your feedback on proposed improvements for the Carlton Street and South Street precincts.

Civic Park Improvement Survey

Council is inviting the community to comment on the updates to Civic Park in Pendle Hill.

As part of the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grant program (WSIG, formerly WestInvest), Council is required to evaluate funded projects.

Council is conducting a survey of park users to gauge how the park is used and community sentiment since the upgrade.

The information collected is intended to only be used for the purpose of reporting for the grant.

Survey Concludes Sunday 25 October