Dear Residents,

One of my favourite Mayoral jobs is to preside over Citizenship Ceremonies and last week we had a big one! Congratulations to the 121 new Australian citizens who took their pledge and received their certificates last Tuesday at Strathfield Town Hall. We hope you enjoy taking part in everything Australia has to offer.

Feedback on the Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2026-2027 (DPOP) closes this Thursday 28 May. The DPOP outlines the goals of Council and how we will achieve them. So, make sure you have your say in shaping the future of our community today. 

Last week we found a large teddy bear on Loftus Crescent, Homebush. While the bear looked paw-sitively cuddly and harmless, it was still illegally dumped. Large things like this can be included in a Council Clean Up Collection. Residents are allocated up to 3 collections per calendar year. Book via the StrathfieldHub App or call our Customer Service team on 9748 9999.

Finally, I look forward to seeing many of you this Saturday, at my Mayoral Street Meetings. I will be at Cooke Park at 10am, and Bark Huts Reserve at 11am. These meetings are a great opportunity for residents to talk with me about the things that matter most to you. Please see further details below. 

If you need to contact me or have any questions, please do so by emailing me cr.bcai@strathfield.nsw.gov.au or ring our office on 9748 9999.

Cr Benjamin Cai, Mayor of Strathfield

All in for Reconciliation | National Reconciliation Week 2026

This week is National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to building and achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year's theme by ‘Reconciliation Australia’ is ‘All In’, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day. It is also a reminder that we all need to take action to make change.

On Wednesday 3 June, Council is recognising Reconciliation Week by holding a special Preschool Story Time at 10.30am followed by a Smoking Ceremony starting at 11.30am at Strathfield Council Library and Innovation Hub. These events are free with everyone in the community invited to attend. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Strathfield Council also has partnered with Murawin to deepen our connection to Country, delivering a comprehensive Understanding Country report for our local community. By strengthening our understanding of Aboriginal histories, we can better respect, recognise and celebrate the ongoing connection to Country across Strathfield. You can read the report on our website here.

Prospectors by S.T. Gill. Courtesy National Museum of Australia

The Bark Huts Gold Hoax

The Bark Huts settlement on Liverpool Road was briefly famous during April 1852 when gold was ‘discovered’ in the chain of ponds under the bridge over Cooks River. Local butcher, John Smith was reported to have found gold less than 50 yards from the Bark Huts Inn. The report was initially backed by respected Sydney citizens.

Gold prospectors and dubious reporters flocked to the site and there was even a suggestion that the Governor-General would visit. Residents prepared a speech of welcome. However the story was quickly labelled a hoax with the only beneficiary being the proprietor of the hotel.