Last week the High Court accepted an application made by Woollahra Council for an appeal against the State Government’s forced amalgamation policy.

Woollahra Council argued they had been denied procedural fairness due to being refused full access to the KPMG report which forms an integral part of the Government’s policy. Woollahra also argued the delegate did not consider the financial advantages of Woollahra Council on its own, rather considering all councils together.

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

Unfortunately, due to the extreme weather forecast for this Friday and Saturday, the decision has been made to cancel the International and Harmony Day event that was due to take place this Saturday at Strathfield Park.

Work has begun on the playground upgrade at Ford Park! The work includes an upgrade of the tower, installation of a swing-a-way, surf board rocker, shade structure and soft fall rubber. Work is due to be completed within the fortnight and Council is looking forward to bringing this new play area to our youngest residents.

On 17 August 1991 a gunman opened fire in Strathfield Plaza killing eight people, and leaving another six wounded.

The frightening incident shocked the local community as well as wider Australia. In memory of the victims and of Strathfield’s darkest day, a tree was planted outside the Plaza with a plaque listing the names of the deceased.

Sadly, that tree has grown almost horizontally and become malformed. In recent days it has required props to prevent it from collapsing under its own weight, and causing a safety hazard.

The tree is in urgent need of rehabilitation and Council has carefully moved it to the Council nursery. A new tree, from the same family, has been planted in the same area, further out from the shop awnings to allow for more sunlight to reach it.

Council’s horticultural staff will monitor the original tree, and hope to be able to return it to the memorial site. Staff are also attempting grafting to propagate the tree.

The memorial plaque remains in place.

The rehabilitation work will take time. Council is committed to ensuring the continuance of this important memorial.

Left: Original memorial tree during Strathfield Massacre 25th Anniversary in 2016. Right: Replacement tree.

The bird watchers of Strathfield gathered at Mason Park last Saturday to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day! The day was a great success with several different species spotted including egrets and swallows. Thank you to everyone who attended.

Don’t miss Fridge Buyback’s last collection in Strathfield on 19 June! Clear the clutter with FREE spare fridge or upright freezer collection plus a $25 rebate (conditions apply). Call 1800 708 401 to book.

Strathfield Council is joining the state wide Shoosh for Kids campaign. Please remember to keep your comments positive at junior sport. Let’s keep kids playing sport and remember it’s their game.

Know Your Street – Birnam Grove Strathfield

Birnam Grove Strathfield is located between Homebush Road and Chalmers Road near Strathfield Park.  The street was established in 1927-1928 from the subdivision of the house ‘Birnam Wood’ which was built c. 1886 and originally named ‘Hatherly’. It was renamed ‘Birnam Wood’ when it was purchased by Colonel John McLean Arnott (1869-1945), the son of Arnott’s Biscuit founder William Arnott. Arnott, possibly inspired by his Scottish heritage, named his home ‘Birnam Wood’.  The original Birnam Wood is located in Scotland and is where the action of Shakespeare’s MacBeth takes place. 

"Then' image and words courtesy of Cathy Jones.