Dear Residents,

Today is a National Day Mourning for the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack, and as Australia Day approaches, I took some time to reflect on these two events. The attack at  at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025 shocked the entire nation, and as a Sydneysider I found it hard to believe that something so awful could happen in our beautiful city. The people that carried out that deplorable scene are committed to hate. They only see what separates us and seek to increase that divide. Australia Day is the opposite of that. It is a day that recognises something that the millions of people in this country have in common. We all call Australia Home.

We come from countries too numerous to count; some of us have been here a short time, others have been here for thousands of years. Regardless of where you were born, what language you speak or how you pray, if you call Australia home, you are Australian. We’re all part of the story, our Australian Story.

Council is celebrating that Story, this coming Monday with Australia Day in Strathfield Square! Make sure you dress to impress with as many Australian Flags as possible, and grab some dinner from one of the local eateries.

Plan ahead for Australia Day – road closures will be in affect around Strathfield Square. Consider taking public transport or riding your bike to the event. Visit the website for more information.

Finally, Aussies love a long weekend, but sadly its when a lot of traffic accidents occur. Drive safe this long weekend, and remember double demerits apple Friday 23 – Monday 26 January 2026.

Happy Australia Day!

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

Cr Benjamin Cai, Mayor of Strathfield

Celebrate Australia Day at Strathfield Square - Fun starts from 4pm!

You, your family and your friends are invited to celebrate Australia Day with us at Strathfield Square on Monday 26 January! 

Celebrations kick off from 4pm with a full afternoon of free family fun and entertainment.

💚 Experience a traditional smoking ceremony and didgeridoo performance
💚 Keep the kids entertained with free activities like face painting, a reptile display, and a kid's lamington making class
💚 Settle in for a special family friendly movie screening of 'Blueback' at 7.30pm

Australia Day 2026 is a time to bring our community together. We look forward to welcoming you for a wonderful afternoon as we celebrate Australia and acknowledge our shared history.

Community Bank Homebush Scholarship Program - Closes midnight 31 January 2026!

Now in its fifth year of developing collaborations and programs that assist in achieving positive community outcomes, Community Bank Homebush and North Ryde are pleased to share that its 2026 Scholarship Program is now open to receive submissions.

This scholarship aims to assist academically motivated students from Homebush, North Ryde and their surrounding LGA's, who have been offered a place at an Australian university or TAFE in 2026, and are experiencing challenging circumstances.

For each successful recipient, the scholarship award value is up to $5,000 per year! 

Please visit Community Bank Homebush and North Ryde’s website for more information and the scholarship criteria.

Community Bank Homebush was awarded Strathfield Council’s Business Excellence Award at the inaugural Community Business Awards in 2025.