Cr Matthew Blackmore, Mayor of Strathfield

I would like to start by thanking the NSW Government who have provided almost $22 million dollars as part of their WestInvest Program to fund four projects at Hudson District Park East, Begnell Field, Airey Park and Strathfield Park.

It is an honour to be your Mayor and serve the community and I have worked hard to deliver what I promised the community. Residents will see the benefits of the hard work and planning that has been done over the last 12 months.

I am proud that our Street Tree pruning program has started and will continue over the coming years, we are reviewing our Street Sweeping to have an improved service, the footpath and road renewal works program scheduled for the next financial year, communication with the community and transparency of decision making has improved and lastly, not one piece of land has been rezoned for development during my Mayoral Term. I love this area and will always put the stability of our community ahead of myself.

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

Strathfield Council to Receive Funding

Council’s applications for funding from the WestInvest Community Projects – Local Government Allocation have been successful. The approved $21.81 million will fund four projects focused on providing quality green and open spaces and community infrastructure in the Strathfield Local Government Area. $8.2 million is allocated to Hudson District Park East, $7.8 million will fund the revitalisation of Begnell Field, $4.1 million will be used to refurbish Airey Park and $1.6 million will be spent on revitalising Strathfield Park. Each project aims to transform underutilised space and ageing facilities into fit for purpose parks with quality sports courts and modern facilities.

A further $1 million was granted to Strathfield Council from the Office of Sport under the Essential Community Sports Assets Program 2022/23 to fund drainage and irrigation works at Begnell Field.

Pictured: Mayor Matthew Blackmore with Strathfield Raiders JRLFC players, David Sarkis, Strathfield Raiders JRLFC Coach (L) and Les Elias, Strathfield Raiders Vice President (R) at Begnell Field

Up, Up and Away!

Did you know that Australia’s first planned, free-fall parachute descent took place over Homebush in 1888? John Thomas Williams ascended from Ashfield Recreation Grounds (now Hammond Park), suspended from a hot air balloon named The Gem, owned by aeronaut, Harry Henden. Incredibly Williams had never been up in a balloon before. Nor had he descended with a parachute. He landed safely near the Wentworth Hotel at Homebush West from about 8000 feet. Four years earlier Henden had made several ascents in The Gem from Sydney’s Prince Alfred Park, landing firstly near today’s Strathfield Golf Course and again near Rookwood Cemetery.

Harry Henden with grapnel, tackle, thermometer and timepiece in the basket of The Gem. From an 1885 studio portrait. The Canberra Times 14 January 1984 p.15 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116384358