News

From the Mayor

Last week, Council endorsed the public exhibition of its revised Integrated Planning and Reporting documents to reflect a proposed special rate variation of 24.6% and a 4.4% rate peg.

Council has not yet made an application for a special rate variation – that will be considered at our December meeting.

I encourage you to view the documents and consider the reasons why a special rate variation might be pursued. Ku-ring-gai has the second lowest number of staff per capita for Sydney councils and our capacity to cut costs is limited. An increase in rates will allow us to invest in new footpaths, recreational facilities and infrastructure upgrades.

Our next meeting of our Status of Women’s Committee on 4 November is open to the community with guest speaker Licia Heath CEO of Women for Election discussing initiatives to support women wanting to enter government. Find out more on our website.

Thank you to everyone who has generously donated to Dress for Success. Our donation bins are overflowing with high quality clothing perfect for job interviews and new employment. Your donations will help change the lives of local women on their path to employment and financial independence.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Ku-ring-gai Male Choir Annual Concert at Hornsby RSL. The choir has entertained audiences across the northern suburbs since 1946. They are currently seeking a new Music Director/Conductor to take up the mantle next year. Check out their website for more info.

Have a great weekend.

Mayor Christine Kay

Status of Women's Advisory Committee open meeting

Find out how to become a Councillor at our next meeting of our Status of Women’s Committee on 4 November. Guest speaker Licia Heath CEO of Women for Election will discuss initiatives to support women wanting to enter government.

Nominate a local hero

The Local Citizen of the Year awards celebrate outstanding contributions by local residents in various categories.

Help us discover deserving citizens for 2026. Nominations close 7 December.

Nominate now

Events feedback

Whether it was a bushwalk, native plant talk, getting bushfire ready or learning about solar, we want your feedback on our environment events and you could WIN one of two shopping vouchers.

Take the survey

Rate variation for infrastructure

Ku-ring-gai Council is considering a special rate variation of 24.6% and a 4.4% rate peg (totalling 29%) to renew ageing infrastructure.

What's on

Nature Play Aunty Suzie

We have special guest Susan Moylan-Coombs joining us for an Indigenous Nature Play.

5 November

Find out more

Author talk: Susannah Fullerton

Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them by Susannah Fullerton tells the stories of 17 famous authors and the purring partners who comforted, inspired and made slaves of them.

5 November

Find out more

Dog safety demo

We're teaming up with Northern Beaches Council and the Pet Professional Guild to show you how to keep your children safe around dogs. Bookings required.

9 November

Compost & worm farm workshop

Composting that works! Learn about different systems and how to prevent common problems.

13 November

Learn more

Native bee walk and hive split

Witness our annual hive split of native sugarbag bees and join a guided bushwalk to spot solitary bees.

30 November

Learn more

Evenings at the library

Looking for things to liven up your evening? Ku-ring-gai Library is hosting a program of evening events throughout the next few weeks – from thought-provoking panel discussions to literary talks and festive music.

Throughout November

Find out more

Library birthday disco

Gordon Library is 80 years young and celebrating with a disco featuring Bop Til You Drop.

21 November

Scam awareness in Farsi

Join us and Services Australia, ID Support NSW and local police to help identify different scams and what you can do. Presented in English with Farsi interpreter.

24 November

Find out more

Walk the talk

Organised by Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Multicultural Network, this event is part of the United Nation's 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence.

Join us for a 20 minute walk, commemorative ceremony, information stalls and art exhibition.

26 November

Find out more

Your say

Notice of intention to extend a lease - 21 Handley Avenue, Turramurra

Council intends to extend an existing lease by 5 years to Pymble Turramurra Pre-School Inc for the use and occupation of the building / improvements erected on 21 Handley Avenue.

Closes 17 November

Have a say

KDCP amendment – Part 13 Tree and Vegetation Preservation

Council invites comment from the community on an amendment to Part 13 of the Ku-ring-gai Development Control Plan (KDCP).

Closes 24 November

Have a say

Revised Financial Plan and Asset Management Strategy: Have your say

Council is seeking community feedback on the revised long-term financial plan and asset management strategy.

Closes 25 November

Have a say

Notice of intention to renew licences - 207 Mona Vale Road, St Ives

Council intends to renew existing licence arrangements within the St Ives Community Groups Centre located at 207 Mona Vale Road, St Ives NSW 2075 (Lot 1 DP 816806) for 5 years to: