Cr Karen Pensabene, Mayor of Strathfield

Dear Residents

Saturday 17 August 1991 was darkest day in Strathfield's history when a man took a gun and shot innocent people doing what they do on any Saturday morning. We will always remember these people who lost their lives.

Roberta Armstrong, age 15

Robertson Kan Hock Voon, age 51

Patricia Rowe, age 37

Carole Dickinson, age 47

Joyce Nixon, age 61

Rachelle Milburn, age 17

George Mavris, age 51

A wreath has been laid at the memorable plaque in the garden outside Strathfield Plaza. If you can, please take the time to visit and reflect on those lost lives and the families who still live with the sadness of that day.

Upon taking on the role of Mayor, one of my major objectives was to foster unity among our residents. Throughout the past week, I had the privilege of engaging with local groups that have been instrumental in helping me realise this vision. The monthly craft gatherings at our Library, occurring every second Wednesday of the month, offer an ideal opportunity for camaraderie, creative endeavours, and simply enjoying a cup of tea or coffee while engaging in conversations. The women who participate in these sessions are not only wonderfully talented but also a source of immense joy, and our interactions were filled with laughter.

Additionally, I attended a rehearsal of the Strathfield Community Choir at the Homebush West Community Centre. This group of men and women find immense joy from learning new songs, benefiting from the guidance of accomplished vocalists and musicians, and relishing the companionship they find in each other. The choir convenes every Wednesday evening at 6.30pm during the school term and warmly welcomes new members. We are currently preparing for the Homebush Vibes Festival in September, and we wholeheartedly encourage new members to attend.

Lastly, the pride we all share in our women's soccer team, the Matildas, knows no bounds. Let us forever commemorate how this collective of women united a nation, elevated women's sports, and ignited inspiration within a generation of young Australians. I hope to see you at the Square on Saturday to cheer on the Matildas as they face Sweden for Third Place and again to watch the final on Sunday night!

My street meeting will be at Cook Park this Saturday from 10am - 11.30am.  Come across and say hello!

As always if you require any help or information, please contact the office or email me on cr.kpensabene@strathfield.nsw.gov.au

Get Ready For Homebush Vibes

An exciting new festival is making its way to Homebush Village on Saturday 16 September. Join us for Homebush Vibes!

Homebush Village will be centre stage as people from across the Strathfield LGA and Inner West gather to experience the tastes, sights and sounds of Homebush. The event will feature live music, dancing performances, roving entertainment, activities and a variety of cuisines offered by local businesses. 

Roadworks on Redmyre and Homebush Roads, 1959

This photo shows roadworks taking place on the corner of Redmyre and Homebush Roads during December 1959. Noticeable differences today include increased tree cover and the addition of traffic lights. The house, Arcadia, on the corner at 70 Redmyre Road, was built during the late 1890s by John Vernon, Auditor-General of NSW and has also been known as Iona, Thurso and Wilfethel. Former residents include John Sutherland, Superintendent of Police and his dental surgeon son, Keith who served as alderman on Strathfield Council from 1937 to 1959. The Hooker family owned Wilfethel from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Roadworks, December, 1959. Courtesy Strathfield Local Studies