Cr Matthew Blackmore, Mayor of Strathfield

I had the opportunity to attend the Strathfield Raiders JRLFC first Family Fun Day of the year over the weekend at Bengell Field in Belfield. Strathfield Raiders is a great local rugby club which was established in 2007 by local families. Attendees were treated to food, face painting, inflatables and a guest appearance by West Tigers rugby player, Adam Doueihi.

I am pleased to announce the official opening of the Powells Creek Bridges project will take place tomorrow morning at 10am near the Lorraine Street Bridge. This project is funded by the NSW Government under the Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program (PRUAIP), a $198 million initiative to improve open space and active transport links along the Parramatta Road corridor. These bridges will improve connectivity in our area, and allow for active transport and recreation for the local community.

After many years of campaigning and lobbying for the name change, the Geographical Naming Board has notified Council that the Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government has approved our proposal to rename part of the existing suburb of Belfield (located in Strathfield LGA) as Strathfield South. Council will distribute a letter to notify the community of the gazettal date which will mark the official changeover of the name Belfield to Strathfield South.

As always if you need help with any local matter, please contact me anytime 0406 099 048 or cr.mblackmore@strathfield.nsw.gov.au

International Women's Day 2023

March 8 is International Women's Day and Strathfield Council will be hosting a morning tea featuring a Q&A session with Jana Pittman. Jana is a two-time World Champion and four-time Commonwealth Champion, who is now a doctor specialising in women’s health. All proceeds from this event will be going to the charity Fitted for Work. Registrations are essential so book in your spot today!

War Service Homes – 32 Gelling Ave, Strathfield

This 1930 photo from the collection of the State Library of NSW is labelled only ‘War service homes. Holt. Strathfield.’ Research reveals that this home stood for 90 years at 32 Gelling Avenue Strathfield, on the corner of Chalmers Road. It was built in 1928 by the War Service Homes Commission for joiner, Frederick Henry Holt of the Australian Flying Corps. Gelling Avenue was mostly settled during the 1920s. A new home now occupies this site. During fires in September 1946, Holt rushed into a burning building at J. Leckie’s timber yard in Enfield and saved the payroll of £180.

War service homes. Holt. Strathfield, February 1930. Courtesy State Library of NSW