By-elections have been set for 8 April in North Shore, Manly and Gosford. These will be the first elections taking place since Premier Berejiklian has taken office and will be closely watched in relation to council amalgamations. Both the Manly and Gosford areas have already merged with neighbouring councils, however areas of North Shore are still in court challenging forced amalgamations.  It is anticipated that the Liberals will face severe backlash with the possibility of being unseated by an Independent in the North Shore election due to resident’s negativity towards the forced merger of Mosman, North Sydney and Willoughby Councils.

Strathfield Council continues to review its legal options in light of any new developments regarding amalgamation.

Merger Survey

Please take a moment to answer a short 2 question survey on the proposed merger of Strathfield, Burwood and City of Canada Bay Councils.

Council offices will be closed on Friday 10 March for an Industry Public Holiday. Normal hours will resume Monday 13 March.

Council essential services will continue as normal.

Council is contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies on 9748 9999.

SIHAP is presided by Permanent Chair, Justice P Stein AM QC, 3 rotating members, one of whom is a Community Representative residing in Strathfield, and two technical experts.

Strathfield Council is seeking expressions of interest from members of the community who have a sound knowledge of local issues and a strong, demonstrated connection with the Strathfield community.

All members of SIHAP must abide by the Council’s Code of Conduct and policies

Remuneration of Panel Members is set by the General Manager.

EOI closes at midnight 12 March 2017.

Visit the website for more information.

Seniors Festival Week in Strathfield runs until this Sunday 12 March and there is still plenty to do! 

Bus trip to Sydney Olympic Park with Guided Tour and Barbecue Lunch
Friday 10 March, 9.30am – 2.30pm
Cost: $10 per person

Traditional Chinese Dance - FREE EVENT
Presented by Strathfield Council & NSW Multicultural Seniors Association 
Sunday 12 March, 9am – 12.30pm
Includes morning tea

For more information on these events and more, visit the website.

Strathfield South High School students have been busy painting beautiful murals along Liverpool St at Hedges Avenue. The space is notorious for graffiti and it is hoped the art will work as a deterrent for this common and unsightly problem. Thank you to Strathfield South High School, the Australian Catholic University and Sydney Water for collaborating with Council on this important initiative.

L-R: Students from Strathfield South High School; Xiao-Lu Liu, former Australian Catholic University student; Simon Paterson, Principal, Strathfield South High School; and Karen Maciel, Teacher, Strathfield South High School

Learn how to repair household items and keep them out of the landfill with these free Bower Repair Café workshops:

Small Electricals Repair Café - From lamps to stereo equipment, vintage desk fans and radios to remote control cars, the Bower electrical technicians have fixed them all.  Take along your items to bring them back to life.

Bicycle Repair Café and Maintenance - Expert bicycle mechanics will get you back on two wheels in no time. A quick tune-up of the gears, patching up a puncture or realigning the wheels – it’s all part of the service.

Saturday 20 May, 9.30am – 12.30pm
Addison Road Community Centre
Bookings essential

For more information and to book call Council Customer Service on 9748 9999.

Changes to the NSW Swimming Pools Act 1992 include new responsibilities for both pool owners and Strathfield Council. The changes are aimed to improve the safety of children under the age of five years around all properties that have swimming pools or spa pools.

Council is sending letters to property owners to arrange a mutually convenient time to inspect swimming pools and spas.  The Swimming Pools Act 1992 was amended in 2013 to include initiatives to reduce the number of drownings.

The Act requires property owners to:

• Register their pool on the NSW Swimming Pool Register;
• Council to implement a Swimming Pool Inspection Program;
• Commencing 29 April 2016, prior to the sale or lease of a property, an owner must obtain a Certificate of Compliance for the swimming pool.

For more information please click here.

Arnott's Biscuits

The history of Arnott’s Biscuits is always a favourite of locals! This amazing photograph shows the biscuit factory in Homebush circa. 1930’s. Homebush was an ideal location for the factory, with workers coming from Strathfield and Concord. Many members of the Arnott’s family were residents of Strathfield, including the firm’s founder William Arnott.  Some of Strathfield Council’s parks such as Mason and Bressington Parks, which are built on reclaimed land, were filled with damaged and crushed Arnott’s Biscuit tins. The Google Maps image alongside demonstrates how much of the factory has been preserved.