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Hi Cumberland,
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me over the last few weeks following my election as Mayor. Your kindness, encouragement and support reflect the wonderful community I am so proud to belong to and represent.
As an elected representative and your Mayor job is to listen to you as residents and help make your voices heard. There is a lot of discourse about a proposed Data Centre in Guildford West. In response, I am hosting a public information session this Saturday 24 October, 11am to 12.30pm at The Holroyd Centre, 17 Miller Street, Merrylands. I want to hear your voice, hear your concerns and do my best to advocate for Cumberland. View the community information session flyer below for more details.
There has been a lot happening across Cumberland, but many of Council's projects and services can often go unnoticed. That's why I've started producing quick weekly "Rates at Work" video updates, giving residents an inside look at where your rates are being invested and the services being delivered across our community. Click the link below to watch the latest update.
I would also like to wish all residents celebrating a very Happy Diwali. The Festival of Lights is one of the most important celebrations in Indian culture and is observed by millions of people around the world. Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over adversity. It is a time of joy, gratitude, generosity and community, bringing people together to celebrate new beginnings and the values of kindness, peace and prosperity. I look forward to joining residents next weekend at Cumberland's Diwali celebrations in Wentworthville on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November.
Finally, a reminder that the Mayor's Christmas Card Competition is now open to all local primary school students aged 5 to 12 years. I need your help designing the official Mayor’s and Deputy Mayor’s Christmas Cards, so visit the link below, get creative and submit your artwork before entries close on Friday 6 November.
Love you, Cumberland.
Mayor Joseph Rahme
| | What’s On: October/ November | | |
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 2026, 5pm to 9pm
- Sunday 1 November 2026, 1pm to 8pm
WHERE
Station Street, Wentworthville
| | Saturday 24 October 2026, 9am to 3:30pm | | |
Household Chemical Cleanout
Cumberland City Council’s Guildford Depot, Foray Street, Guildford West
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New footpath project
New footpaths have been laid at the following locations to provide safer access for residents and pedestrians:
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285 metres at Edward Street, Guildford
- 350 metres at Stanhope Street, Auburn
| | Aquatic & Leisure Centres | |
Keep Watch at Public Pools
Cumberland City Council has partnered with Royal Life Saving NSW to deliver the Keep Watch at Public Pools program, informing visitors to our swim centres about the appropriate levels of child supervision and water safety information.
Children need to be supervised by an adult when in or around public pools, backyard pools, beaches, lakes and rivers.
Parental Supervision Policy at Cumberland Swim Centres:
- Children aged 0 to 5 years old: Parents must stay within arm's reach
- Children aged 6 to 10 years old: Parents must be close, be prepared and maintain constant visual contact
- Children aged 11 to 14 years old: Parents must maintain visual contact
- Distractions are dangerous: Avoid mobile phones and other distractions that interrupt supervision
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Diwali Lights 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 close 12noon Monday, 9 November 2026
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Inspiring the next generation through STEM
Council is proud to support the CSIRO's #WithSTEMYouCan campaign, helping local students explore future careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
As part of Council's commitment to building a future-ready community through its Smart Places Strategy and Action Plan, students from five local high schools are taking part in activities that build confidence, spark curiosity and connect young people with STEM professionals and real-world career pathways.
Parents and carers can also access a STEM Conversation Toolkit which provides practical tips and conversation starters to help make STEM part of everyday family life.
Council is a proud partner of the CSIRO's Generation STEM initiative. The program is made possible by the NSW Government’s $25 million endowment to the Science and Industry Endowment Fund.
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Shaping Seniors Together
Your voice. Your ideas. Your community.
Help shape the future of seniors programs in Cumberland. We’re holding two consultation sessions where you can share your ideas, connect with fellow residents, enjoy live entertainment and morning tea and go in the draw to win a free coach trip ticket.
Register to join the consultation sessions and have your say. Call 8757 9041 or visit the link below.
WHEN
- Thursday 5 November 2026, 10 am to 12noon
- Thursday 12 November 2026, 10am to 12noon
WHERE
- Allan G Ezzy Community Centre, Pemulwuy
- Auburn Town Hall
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Cumberland Food Safety Program
Join Council’s free Food Safety Essentials for Businesses workshop and gain practical advice from Environmental Health Officers on food safety standards, inspections, record keeping and managing common food safety risks.
Free to attend. Registration essential.
WHEN
Tuesday 10 November 2026, 10am to 12noon
WHERE
Allan G Ezzy Community Centre, Pemulwuy
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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
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Draft Parks Plan of Management
Council has prepared a draft Parks Plan of Management (PoM) and we'd love your feedback.
The Parks Plan of Management is an important document that guides how community land is used, managed, developed and maintained, helping to ensure a transparent and coordinated approach to public land management.
Community land is a valuable resource that supports many aspects of community life, from local parks and recreation reserves to larger open spaces and community facilities. A Plan of Management can apply to multiple properties, a specific geographic area, or an individual site.
Your feedback will help shape the future management of Cumberland's parks and open spaces.
A Public Hearing about the Cumberland Draft Parks Plan of Management will be held for consultation and feedback.
WHEN
Thursday 5 November 2026, 6pm to 7pm
WHERE
Merrylands Service Centre, 16 Memorial Avenue, Merrylands
Submissions close Monday 23 November 2026
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