Cr Matthew Blackmore, Mayor of Strathfield

After an extremely busy year of tough decisions at Strathfield Council in 2022, we have set a strong foundation for the organisation by restructuring it to make it efficient, and have improved communication and transparency with our community.

In 2023 you will start to see the benefits of the hard work of our staff, the councillors, the Deputy Mayor and myself.

As promised: 

• Our LGA-wide street tree program is about to commence in the coming weeks. All the cuttings will be chipped and used to improve the appearance of our parks and gardens.
• The introduction of the Strathfield Council app will be launched to make your experience with Council as easy as possible.
• A review of our street sweeping will be completed to improve the appearance of our area and reduce maintenance costs in relation to our stormwater drains.
• Restoration of Strathfield Town Hall with grant funding.
• An extensive footpath and roads program.

These are just some of the programs for 2023, where a big focus will be on maintaining our current infrastructure and improving the appearance of our local streets and parks.

If you have any local matters that you would like to discuss, please reach out to me on 0428 952 095 or cr.mblackmore@strathfield.nsw.gov.au. 

Visions with Variety: Celebrating Seniors Exhibition 

Today is the official opening of the Visions with Variety: Celebrating Seniors exhibition! It's an opportunity for residents who participate in art classes held at the Strathfield School for Seniors to showcase their talents.

If you missed out on booking a spot to the opening, you can still view the exhibition at the Ironbark Gallery during opening hours. The exhibition will be available until 5 March 2023. 

Street Meeting Recap

During 2022, Mayor Matthew Blackmore held 29 different street meetings throughout the Strathfield LGA. Upon the Mayor's election in 2017, he made a commitment to all residents to be readily and easily contactable. These street meetings were a great opportunity to facilitate an open line of communication as local residents could raise any queries, concerns, and ideas that may be of interest directly with the Mayor. Over 500 issues were raised by local residents at these street meetings which Council is currently working through. Mayor Blackmore would like to thank all residents who took the time to provide their valuable feedback and looks forward to serving the community in 2023.

A Tennis Party Poisoning 

Tennis, anyone?

On 3 July 1954 a tennis competition at St Martha’s Tennis Club in Strathfield went horribly wrong when 30 people were taken violently ill during afternoon tea. When the urn needed refilling, the court captain filled a new-looking watering can with water from a tap. Unfortunately, the watering can had been used to spread weed killer just that morning. Players and spectators collapsed after drinking their tea and were rushed to local hospitals. One remained in St. Vincent’s Hospital for several days, but fortunately all players recovered. Detectives attributed the catastrophe to an accidental mass arsenic poisoning.

Image: St. Martha’s Catholic Church, 1986. Courtesy Strathfield Council