Cr Karen Pensabene, Mayor of Strathfield

Dear Strathfield residents,

Last year Council conducted an extensive review of the Strathfield Connector bus, including wide community consultation. As a result of this, Council has decided the Connector bus will be reduced to one route, operating Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, beginning on Monday 4 March 2024. The Connector bus will cease operations entirely in the next couple of years, and Council will instead focus resources on lobbying the state government to fill the missing transport links within our LGA. This decision is part of Council’s commitment to financial sustainability and efficient use of ratepayer dollars.

In another cost saving move, Council has rejoined the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) which makes us eligible for group discounts offered by key suppliers. As a result, Council is now working with Ausgrid to replace existing streets lights with energy efficient LED lights.

Between now and 2026, Council will replace 1,028 lights. The discounted rate will not only be a great saving for Council, it will reduce the total energy being utilised and reduce greenhouse emissions. The projected operation savings to Council will be approximately $100,000 per annum.

On another note, International Women’s Day is almost upon us! Please join me and the Councillors for a morning tea celebrating the achievements of women and looking towards the future. Jane Caro will be our guest speaker, and we are supporting the Girls Refuge, an organisation helping girls in crisis. Registrations are now open. https://strathfieldevents.nsw.gov.au/community-events/iwd/

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

Strathfield, make sure to have your say!

Have you visited Council’s engagement platform, Have Your Say Strathfield? We are currently seeking feedback on two projects:

The Medium Density Housing Strategy -
As the Strathfield area evolves, so do the housing needs of our residents. This is a project that is aimed at improving housing diversity across our community.
Head to Strathfield Library Saturday 2 March,11:00am - 1:00pm for a pop up session to have a chat with the planners for this project.

The Strathfield Town Centre: Our Place, Our Future -
Council has commenced the preparation of a Masterplan for the town centre. We want your feedback on reinvigorating our popular town centre. 

145 Coronation Parade, Strathfield South

Built in the mid 1920s, this Federation cottage at 145 Coronation Parade Strathfield South was home to the Austin family, who named it Avon, although originally its address was 167 The Boulevarde, Enfield. Constable William Isaac Austin and his wife, Elizabeth raised two daughters here. Early photos show the Cooks River lapping at their backyard. After their deaths, younger daughter, Irene and her new husband, mechanic Albert Watson, made Avon their home. During World War II Albert had been apprenticed to A.K. Muir of the Redmyre Road Garage. Irene died in 2002, having spent almost her entire life at Avon.

Image: 145 Coronation Parade Strathfield South, c.1926. Courtesy Irene Watson and Strathfield Local Studies