Cr John-Paul Baladi, Mayor of Strathfield

Dear Residents,

Council is excited to see the return of the Cooks River Fun Run on Sunday 22 June at Freshwater Park. The event is under new management by Race Hub Australia with support from Strathfield Council, and showcases the bay-to-bay cycle way from Freshwater Park to Ford Park. There’s a 5km or 10km run and a 2km family dash, ensuring there’s something for everyone! I look forward to seeing many of our community members there next Sunday; if you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time via this link.

Following on the success of Let’s Play Golf, Strathfield Seniors Sessions will feature a new stream – Let’s Play Croquet! This program is made possible through funding from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice’s Connecting Seniors Grant Program. This free event will give seniors the opportunity to connect with others while playing croquet. The first session will be held at Strathfield Croquet Club on Sunday 22 June from 12:45pm – 3pm. Click here to register your spot today.

Lastly, I'll be at Strathfield Square this Saturday to discuss local issues, concerns or ideas from 11am - 1:30pm. Be sure to pop over for a chat and opportunity to talk through items that matter to our local community.   

As always, if you have a local concern or idea you’d like to share, you can reach me on 0478 054 241 or at cr.jpbaladi@strathfield.nsw.gov.au.

The Cook's River Fun Run is just around the corner🏃

Tighten your laces runners! Strathfield’s much loved active living event the Cooks River Fun Run is returning after a two-year break on Sunday 22 June 2025!

The Cooks River Fun run returns under new management by RaceHub Australia with support by Strathfield Council.

Get racing and register now to take part in this great family event that showcases the Bay to Bay Cycleway from Freshwater Park to Ford Park.

Participants can choose from a number of categories including: a 2km Family Dash, 5km run and 10km run, ensuring there is something for all levels of ability!
 

James Craigie, Year 12 student of Trinity Grammar School.

Community Update from Strathfield Council's Young Citizen of the Year James Craigie

Recently I have been involved with lots of volunteering activities. One of the things I enjoy most is volunteering at free clothing and goods events. These are events where families in need come to different venues around Sydney and collect clothing, toys, school supplies, toiletries and other items. As part of my volunteering role I help set up the events by sorting through donations and organising things so that families can collect the items that they need. Then I help the families to find the things they need and I help pack up after the events. This is a great way to help parents and children who are disadvantaged and to see donated items go to people that need them.

I have also been involved with a nappy drive run by the Nappy Collective. People from the community donate packs of nappies to give away to those in need. I was helping to move some of the donated nappies to Prosper’s office so that they can be given away to people who need then. I have also been packing food bags with donated food to provide to people experiencing food poverty. This involves taking donated food items and creating food packs that we give away. Now that it is coming into winter, many more people are feeling the impact of poverty and there is lots of work to do. Volunteering is a meaningful way to get involved and to help the community.

It was also great to recently attend the Ceremonial Council Meeting to celebrate Strathfield Council's 140 year anniversary. This was a lovely event and gave me a different perspective on our local community of Strathfield.

I am about to finish my second last school term ever, and there has been a lot to do. I have just begun preparing for my trial HSC exams and have already started to submit University preferences. I would like to work in the aviation industry. It is very exciting time but busy!