Georges River Council - Mayoral Column

Mayoral Column - Protecting community information access rights as a Right to Know Champion

Published: 25/09/2023
Right to Know Week is an international campaign that aims to encourage NSW public sector agencies to improve their knowledge of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act), and to raise awareness of the public’s right to access government held information in NSW.
Mayoral Column - Funding support for Lugarno Lions Community Fair

Published: 11/09/2023
Lugarno Lions Community Fair, formerly the Lugarno Lions Spring Festival, is coming up on Sunday 24 September at Riverwood Park. The event has grown over the decades to host over 100 stalls, many community-based displays, two stages of all-age entertainment, and a carnival second only in southern Sydney to the Royal Easter Show.
Mayoral Column - Grow It Local has something for every level of gardener this spring

Published: 04/09/2023
If you are a gardening enthusiast, even a beginner that is not sure where to start, I encourage you to get involved with Grow It Local. Council has started a partnership with Grow It Local, a free online food growing community that assists people to grow, share and eat locally grown produce.
Mayoral Column - Community Grants 2023-2024 Round 1 now open

Published: 28/08/2023
Local not-for-profit and community organisations give so much to Georges River with the vital work they do every day. From cancer care, to special needs, sporting groups, senior services, and more. Council’s Community Grants program can assist these important groups with funding for projects that would otherwise not be possible.
Mayoral Column - Upcoming dates for culture, food and family fun in Georges River

Published: 21/08/2023
It’s been wonderful to see so many residents attending our local activities and events. It’s very clear we have a community who have an appetite for community connection and getting out and about. Consequently, Georges River Council have been busy preparing more events for you in the coming months.
Mayoral Column - Kogarah Historical Society Local History Awards 2023 now open

Published: 16/08/2023
There is an opportunity for Georges River residents to be part of the record making process. I would like to bring to your attention that the Kogarah Historical Society Local History Awards for 2023 have just opened.
Mayoral Column - Recognition of Volunteers

Published: 07/08/2023
Volunteers play a vital role for our local community. According to 2021 Census data, 1 in 10 people in the Georges River area engaged in some form of voluntary work.
Mayoral Column - Rates deliver your valued facilities and services

Published: 31/07/2023
To ensure our community continues to thrive, my fellow councillors and I have always prioritised and allocated resources to what matters to you; community services, our green environment and asset maintenance.
Mayoral Column - Significant Tree Register and National Tree Day 2023

Published: 24/07/2023
Council’s Significant Tree Register community consultation is closing today. It has been fantastic to see Council receive over 100 nominations.
Mayoral Column - Encouraging local artists to enter the Georges River Art Prize 2023

Published: 17/07/2023
It is a particularly exciting time, as the Georges River Art Prize 2023 has recently opened. Local artists of all ages are encouraged to enter.
Mayoral Column - Taking action for a Cleaner River: Plastic Free July

Published: 10/07/2023
This month is Plastic Free July. This initiative, created by the Plastic Free Foundation, is dedicated to reducing single-use plastics and challenges individuals, businesses, and organisations to decrease their use throughout the month.
Mayoral Column - 2023-24 Council Budget – Our commitment to deliver for the community

Published: 03/07/2023
Last week Council adopted the budget and the plans that support its delivery. We call these the 2023- 2024 Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Resourcing Strategy.
Mayoral Column - Council’s Child Safe Code of Conduct commitment

Published: 26/06/2023
At the May 2023 Council Meeting, Council resolved to seek feedback on two Draft Child Safe Codes of Conduct to support Council’s commitment to upholding the safety of local children and young people.
Mayoral Column - Celebrating Refugee Week 2023

Published: 19/06/2023
We are at the start of Refugee Week 2023, Sunday 18 June-Saturday 24 June, and all communities across Australia including ours are set to celebrate this year’s theme, “Finding Freedom”.
Mayoral Column - Supporting our community through the Red Shield Appeal

Published: 12/06/2023
Here in Georges River, we all know the importance of community and coming together to support and uplift those in need. By getting involved with this year’s Red Shield Appeal, you will be ensuring the work the Salvation Army do in our community can continue all year round.
Mayoral Column - Our support of a creative community with public art

Published: 05/06/2023
Have you seen our newest public art installation at Ormonde Parade at Hurstville? The Hurstville Station’s transit corridor has become more vibrant and colourful thanks to the recent completion of ‘Interwoven’ by Sydney-based artists Lawrence Liang of Lawrence Liang Public Art and Ali Megahed.
Mayoral Column - The importance of tree compliance in our community

Published: 29/05/2023
Two weeks ago, Council Compliance staff conducted inspections as part of the Georges Riverkeeper ‘Get the Site Right’ Blitz, which targets inadequate or lack of sediment and erosion control on building sites. We leveraged this Blitz to also undertake a tree audit on these building sites.
Mayoral Column - Mark your calendars for Un[contained] Arts Festival

Published: 15/05/2023
I am thrilled to announce that the Un[contained] Arts Festival is returning to Kogarah– bolder and better than ever in June.
Mayoral Column - Our very own exhibition; a look at Home in St George through the decades

Published: 08/05/2023
What makes a house a home? I think back to all the technology changes, styling trends and the way we live and use our homes that has changed over time.
Mayoral Column - Council’s fourth Eurovision Live Party; a celebration of music, diversity and community

Published: 01/05/2023
What is your favourite Eurovision song? One of my personal all times favourites is Abba’s “Waterloo” that was performed in 1974.
Mayoral Column - Anzac Day; a time to commemorate and reflect

Published: 24/04/2023
Tomorrow, on 25 April, we commemorate Anzac Day.
Mayoral Column - Have Your Say on our Community Engagement Strategy

Published: 18/04/2023
If you live, work, study or visit Georges River, we welcome your input on how we can deliver meaningful engagement to the right people, in the right way, at the right time.
Mayoral Column - Expressions of Interest now open for Georges River Council Seniors Advisory Committee

Published: 10/04/2023
In order for us to take care and better serve our seniors, Council is now looking for new members to join its Seniors Advisory Committee.
Mayoral Column - Georges River Youth Fest set to return and Intergenerational Chess Competition

Published: 03/04/2023
The Georges River Youth Festival - GRYfest, is returning for 2023, with a series of events lined up to celebrate the youth of Georges River.
Mayoral Column - Let Us Know about Local Liveability in Georges River

Published: 27/03/2023
I believe that everyone deserves to live in a neighbourhood and community that reflects their values and needs. That’s why it's important for our community to have their say in the 2023 Australian Liveability Census.
Mayoral Column - Free family fun with Easter Outdoor Cinema and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny

Published: 20/03/2023
I’m excited to let Georges River families know about our free family fun event coming up on Sunday 2 April.
Mayoral Column - GreenPower - making renewable energy accessible to everyone

Published: 13/03/2023
Caring for the environment and taking steps towards a sustainable future is a top priority for Council and many of the residents and businesses in the Georges River region.
Mayoral Column - Artist EOI for Un[contained] Arts Festival 2023

Published: 06/03/2023
As we entered Autumn this week, I have been reflecting on the wonderful times we as a community have spent at Council summer events, Magic of Christmas, Australia Day awards ceremony and picnic, Lunar New Year and In Good Taste Festival.
Mayoral Column - Clean Up Australia Day Returns to Georges River

Published: 27/02/2023
It’s no secret that our region is an amazing part of Sydney, with so much natural beauty. That’s why I’m calling on all residents to take part in Clean Up Australia Day coming very soon on Sunday, 5 March
Mayoral Column - Georges River Social Justice Charter; respect, connection, empowerment, and equity for everyone

Published: 20/02/2023
As Mayor of Georges River Council, I am immensely proud of the local community’s growing diversity. Council upholds the belief that everyone’s voice is valid and important. With this, it is critical that we remove systemic barriers to provide equitable access to opportunities, and to celebrate the diversity of our local community.
Mayoral Column - Protecting the community involvement in local government

Published: 13/02/2023
One of the unique privileges of local government is the close relationships and links we have with the community
Mayoral Column - In Good Taste Festival 2023 returns to Hurstville with a Multicultural night market

Published: 06/02/2023
Last week Council hosted three very successful events – the Australia Day citizenship ceremony and awards, and a community picnic. We also had our 20th milestone year of Lunar New Year celebrations in Hurstville.
Mayoral Column - Choking our roads and our communities - concern about the impacts of motorways in southern Sydney

Published: 06/02/2023
The M6 Stage 1, due for completion in 2025 starts and ends on President Avenue Kogarah.
Mayoral Column - Georges River Seniors Festival 2023: opportunities for fun, learning and connection

Published: 30/01/2023
Georges River Council is hosting a series of events for NSW Seniors Festival 2023.
Mayoral Column – Georges River in good hands for future generations

Published: 23/01/2023
Late last year I visited students at Connells Point Public School as they started their involvement in a special environmental education program to decrease litter and pollution in the Georges River.
Mayoral Column – New Year with Lunar New Year Festival

Published: 16/01/2023
Happy New Year to all! I hope you and your families and friends have had a safe and fun summer break and are looking forward to a fantastic 2023.
Mayoral Column - A Christmas message from the Mayor

Published: 19/12/2022
On behalf of Councillors and Council staff, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you enjoy this festive time of year with well-deserved relaxation, fun and activities with your family and friends. I also hope you have a safe summer, particularly on the roads and by the water.
Mayoral Column - Introduction of our new diverse Council

Published: 12/12/2022
We have had a couple of changes to our Councillors recently and this has brought about greater diversity to Georges River Council.
Mayoral Column - Biodiversity and Foreshore controls consultation extended

Published: 05/12/2022
Taking into consideration the level of interest in the community relating to the preliminary consultation on the proposed biodiversity, character and foreshore planning controls, Council has decided to extend the submission date to 31 March 2023.
Mayoral Column – Collection of Stories for Council’s Private Certifiers Project now open

Published: 28/11/2022
Council wants the community’s help to lobby the NSW Government to increase the accountability of private certifiers who are the independent regulators of development and building sites.
Mayoral Column - National Asbestos Awareness Month 2022

Published: 21/11/2022
November is National Asbestos Awareness Month and I encourage you to ‘Be Asbestos Ready’ during National Asbestos Awareness Week 2022 (NAAW) from 21-27 November 2022.
Mayoral Column – Family invitation to Magic of Christmas festival

Published: 14/11/2022
I am very excited to let you know that Council and Club Central Hurstville is bringing the Magic of Christmas festival back this year.
Mayoral Column – Your priorities are our priorities

Published: 07/11/2022
Georges River Council has released the draft unaudited financial statement for the last financial year at the October 31 council meeting.
Mayoral Column - Continuing dialogue of First Nations with art

Published: 31/10/2022
On Friday night, I had the honour of officially opening the latest Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s Main Gallery exhibition, Guraban; Where the saltwater meets the freshwater.
Mayoral Column- Nominations open for Georges River Australia Day Awards 2023

Published: 24/10/2022
Nominations for our local Australia Day Awards 2023 have opened to recognise and honour individuals who have significantly contributed to our local community.
Mayoral Column - Zero Barriers

Published: 17/10/2022
I wanted to inform you of a wonderful and inclusive community program that Council has proudly acquired membership with recently. Zero Barriers is a business and service support project that aims to eliminate barriers for people with disability when shopping, using services or participating in activities in their local communities.
Mayoral Column - Mental Health Month 2022

Published: 10/10/2022
What does self-care look like to you? Self-care and mental-health wellbeing has become a trending topic over the years, and something important to consider and even schedule in to keep stress at bay.
Mayoral Column - Australian Wildlife Week 2022

Published: 04/10/2022
There are many little things we can do to strengthen our relationship with nature. To find out a little more, I invite you to join me in celebrating national Australian Wildlife Week during the first week of October.
Mayoral Column - Wattle Walk and Bushcare Volunteers

Published: 29/08/2022
Spring is upon us this week as we celebrate National Wattle Day on Thursday 1 September.

Mayoral Column - Protecting community information access rights as a Right to Know Champion

Mayoral Column - Funding support for Lugarno Lions Community Fair

Mayoral Column - Grow It Local has something for every level of gardener this spring

Mayoral Column - Community Grants 2023-2024 Round 1 now open

Mayoral Column - Upcoming dates for culture, food and family fun in Georges River

Mayoral Column - Kogarah Historical Society Local History Awards 2023 now open

Mayoral Column - Recognition of Volunteers

Mayoral Column - Rates deliver your valued facilities and services

Mayoral Column - Significant Tree Register and National Tree Day 2023

Mayoral Column - Encouraging local artists to enter the Georges River Art Prize 2023

Mayoral Column - Taking action for a Cleaner River: Plastic Free July

Mayoral Column - 2023-24 Council Budget – Our commitment to deliver for the community

Mayoral Column - Council’s Child Safe Code of Conduct commitment

Mayoral Column - Celebrating Refugee Week 2023

Mayoral Column - Supporting our community through the Red Shield Appeal

Mayoral Column - Our support of a creative community with public art

Mayoral Column - The importance of tree compliance in our community

Mayoral Column - Mark your calendars for Un[contained] Arts Festival

Mayoral Column - Our very own exhibition; a look at Home in St George through the decades

Mayoral Column - Council’s fourth Eurovision Live Party; a celebration of music, diversity and community

Mayoral Column - Anzac Day; a time to commemorate and reflect

Mayoral Column - Have Your Say on our Community Engagement Strategy

Mayoral Column - Expressions of Interest now open for Georges River Council Seniors Advisory Committee

Mayoral Column - Georges River Youth Fest set to return and Intergenerational Chess Competition

Mayoral Column - Let Us Know about Local Liveability in Georges River

Mayoral Column - Free family fun with Easter Outdoor Cinema and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny

Mayoral Column - GreenPower - making renewable energy accessible to everyone

Mayoral Column - Artist EOI for Un[contained] Arts Festival 2023

Mayoral Column - Clean Up Australia Day Returns to Georges River

Mayoral Column - Georges River Social Justice Charter; respect, connection, empowerment, and equity for everyone

Mayoral Column - Protecting the community involvement in local government

Mayoral Column - In Good Taste Festival 2023 returns to Hurstville with a Multicultural night market

Mayoral Column - Choking our roads and our communities - concern about the impacts of motorways in southern Sydney

Mayoral Column - Georges River Seniors Festival 2023: opportunities for fun, learning and connection

Mayoral Column – Georges River in good hands for future generations

Mayoral Column – New Year with Lunar New Year Festival

Mayoral Column - A Christmas message from the Mayor

Mayoral Column - Introduction of our new diverse Council

Mayoral Column - Biodiversity and Foreshore controls consultation extended

Mayoral Column – Collection of Stories for Council’s Private Certifiers Project now open

Mayoral Column - National Asbestos Awareness Month 2022

Mayoral Column – Family invitation to Magic of Christmas festival

Mayoral Column – Your priorities are our priorities

Mayoral Column - Continuing dialogue of First Nations with art

Mayoral Column- Nominations open for Georges River Australia Day Awards 2023

Mayoral Column - Zero Barriers

Mayoral Column - Mental Health Month 2022

Mayoral Column - Australian Wildlife Week 2022

Mayoral Column - Wattle Walk and Bushcare Volunteers