Strathfield eNews No images? Click here 21 December 2023Cr Karen Pensabene, Mayor of Strathfield Dear Residents 2023 has been a remarkable chapter for Strathfield Council, and I'm proud to reflect on the strides we've taken together to enrich our community. Each success is a reflection of the collaborative spirit in our Community Strategic Plan, 'Strathfield 2035,' shaped by your invaluable feedback. Our commitment to enhancing public spaces and infrastructure is evident through projects like the Stage 2 Hudson Park works, Town Hall upgrade and Powells Creek Bridges art installations at Lorraine Street and Hamilton Street. Our footpath renewal program is in full swing on key streets, and weather permitting, we aim to complete 111 projects by June 2024. Events like Strathfield Festival, FIFA Women’s World Cup screenings, and Homebush Vibes on Rochester Street showcase the vibrant spirit that defines our community. The Library, with extended hours and engaging exhibitions at the Ironbark Gallery, continues to be a hub of activity. Community Development remains a pillar of support through programs like the Community Grants program, benefiting local organisations. In our pursuit of long-term financial sustainability, we've reviewed our finances, assets, and operations, making strategic decisions to ensure a flourishing future. Every achievement we celebrate is a gift to our community, and I hope you find joy and pride in these shared successes. Being your Mayor fills me with immense pride, and I'm grateful for your unwavering support. Here's to an exciting and even better 2024. Stay safe, enjoy a restful break, and have a Merry Christmas. Look forward to seeing you all in the new year. If you have any further questions or need to contact me, please feel free to email me at cr.kpensabene@stratfhield.nsw.gov.au or reach out to our customer service at 9748 9999. Join us for Australia Day at Strathfield Square Bring the family along and join us in celebrating Australia Day on Friday 26 January at Strathfield Square, the heart of Strathfield. This community event will celebrate our nation, its achievements and most of all, its people. It will include a smoking ceremony and didgeridoo performance, free children’s activities, and a special movie screening of Blueback. Food and drinks will be available to purchase from the many local shops, restaurants and cafes located throughout the Square. Applications for Small Grants now available The Small Grants Fund provides access to small financial assistance grants for local residents or community organisations for projects or activities of community benefit. Small Grants are currently open until 31 January 2024. For further information, contact Strathfield Council’s Community Services team. Storytime in the Park - Wonders of Water Come along to Storytime in the Park for stories songs and rhymes! When: Wednesday 10 January, 10:30am – 11:15am Meet the Wonders of Water Discovery Team and experience water through interactive games and virtual reality as you learn how Sydney Water makes water safe. Holiday Fun at the Library Games Drop In: Drop in for table tennis and games! Movies at the Library: Wednesday 10 January, 2:30pm – 4:00pm Wednesday 17 January, 2:30pm – 4:00pm Wednesday 24 January, 2:30pm – 4:00pm Upcoming Public Holidays Just a reminder that Strathfield Council Customer Service Centre will be closed from Midday Friday 22 December for the Christmas and New Years Public Holidays. Regular Customer Service Hours will resume Tuesday 2 January 2024. Strathfield Council Library & Innovation Hub holiday operating hours can be accessed here and the Hudson Park Driving Range will be closed on 25 and 26 December 2023. Cooks River Exhibition at the Ironbark Gallery Last week we had the official opening of Cooks River: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. You can now see the exhibition for yourself until 11 February 2024 at Strathfield Council Library & Innovation Hub. Check out the below link for more information on upcoming activities involved with the exhibition. Medium Density Housing Strategy To ensure we meet the changing needs of our community, Strathfield Council is preparing a Medium Density Housing Strategy that will explore opportunities to encourage a wider choice of housing types in the Strathfield Council area. A survey is now open until 9 February 2024. Click below for more information. Avoid purchasing weeds this holiday season! Thinking of giving a plant as a holiday gift? Before you buy, make sure it's not a weed by consulting NSW WeedWise. Explore Grow Me Instead for eco-friendly alternatives and help safeguard our environment by preventing the spread of invasive plants. THROWBACK THURSDAY Christmas in Strathfield Square, 1959 This photo shows the 1959 Christmas tableau in Strathfield Square, organised as a joint effort by Strathfield Council and the Strathfield Chamber of Commerce. The building behind, in Churchill Avenue, is recognisable today. Valuation records show that it was built c.1940 and consisted of three shops, a garage and a private hotel. The Rainbow Cake Shop had opened by 1941 on this site and operated here until April 2023. The Shell garage on the right is now occupied by Gloria Jean’s. Today’s decorations may be more lavish, but the Christmas spirit remains. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Christmas tableau in Strathfield Square, 1959. Courtesy Strathfield Local Studies EVENTS Strathfield St Anne’s Walking Group PUBLIC NOTICES Proposed Traffic Restriction – Intersection of Shortland Avenue and Fraser Street, Strathfield Council will be introducing a ‘No Right Turn’ restriction from Shortland Avenue into Fraser Street on school days during the hours of 8AM-9:30AM and 2:30PM-4PM. Proposed Changes of Traffic Flow – Intersection of Mintaro Avenue and Noble Avenue, Strathfield Council will be introducing a one-way restriction on Mintaro Avenue at the intersection with Noble Avenue that acts in the capacity of a typical ‘stay to the left’ scenario on a two-way road. Draft Planning Agreement at 15-17 Columbia Lane, Homebush The objective of the Planning Agreement is to facilitate the delivery by the Developer to Council of eight (8) residential units and their associated parking spaces and storage spaces for the purposes of public housing. DEVELOPMENT NOTIFICATIONS Development Application Chisholm St, Strathfield South Alterations and additions to industrial development - retention and use of existing wall for integration into an approved acoustic enclosure. Development Application 66-68 Woodward Ave, Strathfield Partial demolition, minor alterations to existing dwelling house, construction of two story house including basement parking and detached cabana. Development Application 18 Glenarvon St, Strathfield Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling, including new rear first floor addition. YOUR COUNCILLORS |