Georges River Council is inviting the community to come together for Neighbour Day 2026, a national campaign celebrated on the last Sunday of March each year. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:00:54 GMT Georges River Council is inviting the community to come together for Neighbour Day 2026, a national campaign celebrated on the last Sunday of March each year. andnbsp; The campaign encourages people across Australia to build social connections and help reduce loneliness in their neighbourhoods. andnbsp; This year, Council is marking Neighbour Day with two fun activities for residents to get involved: The Neighbour Day Bingo Challenge and Neighbour Day Community Wall. Both activities are designed to spark friendly conversations and form stronger local connections. Residents have all of March to participate and make their submissions. andnbsp; By submitting an entry, residents will go into the draw to win a special Neighbour Day prize, a cruise along the Georges River for the entrant and a neighbour. Only residents of the Georges River Local Government Area are eligible to win. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;A simple hello or friendly chat can make a big difference to an individual experiencing social isolation.andrdquo; andnbsp; andldquo;Neighbour Day gives us a chance to reconnect with the people who make our community feel like home which strengthens our community safety.andrdquo; andnbsp; andldquo;Whether you join our Bingo Challenge or share a photo on the Community Wall, we encourage everyone to spend a moment building or renewing local connectionsandrdquo;. andnbsp; Residents can submit their Photo Wall entries or completed Bingo Challenge cards by closing date, 30 March 2026. andnbsp; For more information or to submit an entry, visit Councilandrsquo;s Your Say webpage. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fNeighbour-Day_Thumbnail-1.png%3fext%3d.png 1a40d27e-e21e-41a7-b5d0-9efd53a36a80 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fSnap-Share-Say-Hello-Take-Part-in-Neighbour-Day-20 Georges River Council is excited to announce it has appointed the 2026 Sports Advisory Committee. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:30:51 GMT Georges River Council is excited to announce it has appointed the 2026 Sports Advisory Committee. The Committee brings together representatives from 15 local sporting organisations to help guide the planning and development of sport and recreation across the area. The Committee will provide advice to Council on participation, facilities and the long‑term sustainability of local sports fields. It offers a formal way for clubs and associations to share issues, discuss opportunities and work with Council to support inclusive and accessible sport for the community. andnbsp; Councillor Oliver Dimoski, Councillor Kathryn Landsberry and Councillor Natalie Mort have been appointed Council representatives on the Committee. Councillor Dimoski will serve as Chairperson. andnbsp; The new Committee met for the first time at the Georges River Civic Centre on Thursday 26 February. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;Sport plays a major role in the lives of people across Georges River. Our local clubs help people stay active, build friendships and feel connected. andnbsp; andldquo;The Sports Advisory Committee provides a direct link between Council and our sporting organisations. Together, we can plan for sustainable fields, improved facilities, and inclusive opportunities for participation. andldquo;Council values the experience and insights that each member brings to the table, and we look forward to a productive year of collaboration.andrdquo;andnbsp; The 2026 Sports Advisory Committee includes both returning and newly appointed members from a wide range of sporting codes:Mr Jeffrey Barrett, St George Cycling Clubandnbsp;Mr Ross Bernays, Oatley Rugby Clubandnbsp;Ms Caroline Braddick, St George Touch Footballandnbsp;Mr Warren Driscoll, St George Junior Rugby Clubandnbsp;Ms Jodie Gatehouse, St George District Rugby League Football Clubandnbsp;Mr Kevin Greene, St George District Cricket Clubandnbsp;Mr Kim Mok, Australian Chinese Soccer Associationandnbsp;Mr Oleksandrandnbsp;Reipolskyi, Southern Cross TennisMr Nicholasandnbsp;Smerdely, Football St Georgeandnbsp;Mr Mark Smith, Swimming Metroandnbsp;South Eastandnbsp;(METSEA)andnbsp;Ms Tanya Smith, Golf NSWandnbsp;Mr Paul Thanos, St George Basketball Associationandnbsp;Mr Sal Torrisi, St George City FA Inc.andnbsp;Mr Dale Widders, St George Australian Football Clubandnbsp;Mr Kris Wylie, St George District Cricket Associationandnbsp;The Committee meets quarterly on Thursday evenings at the Georges River Civic Centre. Each meeting includes a workshop from 5.00pm to 6.00pm, followed by the formal meeting from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. The 2026 meeting dates are Thursday 14 May, Thursday 13 August and Thursday 12 November. The agenda, minutes and live broadcasts of Sports Advisory Committee meetings are available on the Meetings of Council webpage. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fSports-Advisory-Committee_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png eea81213-4a2c-4bc9-a3fe-c097d94afd55 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fNew-2026-Sports-Advisory-Committee-Set-to-Shape-th Georges River Council will host a special Harmony Day Cook Up at Carss Bush Park on Saturday 21 March. This event recognises the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Harmony Day) as an important opportunity to come together to denounce racism and celebrate the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge and skills. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:02:42 GMT Georges River Council will host a special Harmony Day Cook Up at Carss Bush Park on Saturday 21 March. This event recognises the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Harmony Day) as an important opportunity to come together to denounce racism and celebrate the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge and skills. andnbsp; The event will run from 11.00am to 1.00pm at the picnic area between the Life Saving Hall and the beach. It will be hosted by Uncle Dean Kelly, a Yuin/Wailwan man and respected local Knowledge Holder, together with Koori Kinnections. andnbsp; Attendees will begin the day with a yarning circle to foster connection, respect, and meaningful conversations grounded in inclusion and truth. Uncle Dean will share some of his knowledge about Aboriginal hunting and fishing practices, including the cultural importance of bark canoes. andnbsp; Koori Kinnections will show traditional Aboriginal cooking methods. Then, everyone will enjoy a shared lunch that celebrates native ingredients. The event is for 30 participants only. This keeps the experience intimate and meaningful for all. andnbsp; To complement this experience, Council is teaming up with Paddle Australia. Theyandrsquo;re offering the community a free canoe, kayak, or paddle board session at Carss Bush Park on the same day. Attendees will be able to access Paddle Australiaandrsquo;s booking link via Councilandrsquo;s Whatandrsquo;s On page. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said the Harmony Day Cook Up brings the community together to learn and celebrate cultural diversity. andnbsp; andldquo;Harmony Day reminds us of the strength that comes from respecting and learning from one another.andrdquo; andnbsp; andquot;This event lets our community hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge holders. It also helps us connect with local culture meaningfully,andquot; said Mayor Borg. andnbsp; andldquo;I encourage residents to join us for this special day of learning, sharing, and celebrating the rich traditions that make our area so unique.andrdquo; andnbsp; To learn more and book your spot, visit Councilandrsquo;s Whatandrsquo;s On page. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fHarmony-Day-Cook-Up_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png 47c61ce9-73a0-41a9-9665-6a77adbbb4fa https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fHarmony-Day-Cook-Up-at-Carss-Bush-Park Georges River Council is progressing updated planning controls along the Moomba-Sydney gas pipeline. It reflects the newly identified lower risk profile following a change of use. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:04:47 GMT Georges River Council is progressing updated planning controls along the Moomba-Sydney gas pipeline. It reflects the newly identified lower risk profile following a change of use. andnbsp; The new Planning Proposal will formally include the reduced risk into local planning controls, easing previous restrictions and providing greater certainty for future development. It is now before Council and if approved, will progress to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for Gateway Determination. andnbsp; The proposal lowers the control measures that were previously in place when the pipe carried ethane. As it now only carries Natural Gas, Council has been proactive in completing a new risk assessment on the use. andnbsp; The proposed controls do not prohibit development within 200m of the pipeline. Homes can still be built, as there are no restrictions on residential development in this area. However, some more sensitive land uses, such as childcare centres and aged care facilities, must be referred to the NSW Planning Secretary for review before a development application can be determined. These developments may still be approved following this referral process. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;Council is acting in response to the updated lower risk profile for the gas pipeline. andnbsp; andldquo;By updating these controls to match the pipelineandrsquo;s significantly reduced risk profile, we are helping remove unnecessary barriers for development while still ensuring our communityandrsquo;s safety remains paramount.andrdquo; This matter will be decided at the next meeting of Council on Monday 23 March 2026. The community can choose to speak on it at the Public Forum on Monday 16 March 2026, and can attend or dial in to watch the discussion on the night from the Meetings of Council webpage. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fMoomba-Sydney-gas-pipeline_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png bd351dcc-4ff8-44eb-aff8-0ac0357ae4a4 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fLower-risk-profile-prompts-new-planning-controls-a Georges River Council is inviting the community to review and provide feedback on the draft concept design for Stage 2 of the Carss Bush Park Playspace upgrade. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:28:43 GMT Georges River Council is inviting the community to review and provide feedback on the draft concept design for Stage 2 of the Carss Bush Park Playspace upgrade. andnbsp; Stage 1 of the upgrade was designed in 2022andndash;23 and completed in October 2024. It included expanded play areas, new equipment, new seating and supporting infrastructure. These improvements helped create a welcoming space for children of all ages and abilities. andnbsp; Council has now prepared the Stage 2 concept design, the final stage of the upgrade, which builds on this foundation to create an even better play experience for the community. andnbsp; Stage 2 introduces new inclusive play elements, including a new wheelchair accessible swing, an accessible flying fox and durable rubber soft fall. The design also includes a new chill‑out area, offering a comfortable space to relax and socialise. andnbsp; A key feature of the final stage is a hero sea creature play feature that will become the centrepiece of the playspace. Council is asking the community to choose between two exciting options: andnbsp; Option A andndash; Blue Ring Octopus, a high‑challenge climbing and sliding structure designed for imaginative play and creative storytelling.Option B andndash; Fish Amongst Seaweed, a multi‑structure design offering a wide variety of climbing routes, nets, pods and accessible play events. andnbsp; The much‑loved Owl sculpture by Greek sculptor Takis Kozokos will also return to the playspace as part of the upgrade. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;Stage 2 of the Carss Bush Park Playspace Upgrade continues to strengthen our commitment to inclusive and accessible play. andnbsp; andldquo;These designs build on the success of Stage 1, introducing features that support all members of our community. andnbsp; andldquo;I encourage community members to provide feedback and vote for their favourite hero sea creatureandrdquo;. andnbsp; Council will also host two community pop‑ups at Carss Bush Park, where community members can view the designs, ask questions and cast their vote: andnbsp;Saturday 21 March, 10.00amandndash;12.00pmWednesday 25 March, 10.30amandndash;12.30pmandnbsp; Community voting is open until Tuesday March 31 2026. andnbsp; andnbsp; To learn more and provide feedback, visit Counciland#39;s Your Say webpage. andnbsp; https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fCarss-Bush-Park-Playspace_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png 87af5621-2a77-4164-b1e6-024fbfc2eb47 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fHave-Your-Say-Carss-Bush-Park-Playspace-Upgrade-St Georges River Council is inviting residents to dispose of gas bottles at the free Household Chemical CleanOut on Sunday 15 March at Mortdale Depot. Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:17:19 GMT Georges River Council is inviting residents to dispose of gas bottles at the free Household Chemical CleanOut on Sunday 15 March at Mortdale Depot. andnbsp; The campaign andldquo;Donandrsquo;t be a Nang Nongandrdquo; is being launched following the recent increase in nitrous oxide gas bottles being placed in household bins, bulky waste collections and local parks. andnbsp; Compressed gas bottles of any type must never be placed in any household kerbside bins or booked for bulky waste collection. When compacted in waste trucks or damaged during sorting, these items can explode, creating a significant fire and safety hazard for waste workers and the community. andnbsp; Residents can safely dispose of gas bottles and a wide range of hazardous household chemicals at the Household Chemical CleanOut, run with the NSW Environment Protection Authority. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;Handling household chemicals responsibly helps protect the wellbeing of our community and the environment we all share.andrdquo; andnbsp; andldquo;I encourage residents to take advantage of our upcoming Household Chemical Cleanout to safely dispose of unwanted chemicalsandrdquo;.andnbsp; andnbsp;Event DetailsDate: Sunday 15 March 2026.Time: 9.00am andndash; 3.30pm.Location:  Mortdale Depot, 100 Roberts Avenue, Mortdale (access from Depot Road).Cost: Free. andnbsp; For residents who are unable to attend, local Community Recycling Centres and nearby Household Chemical CleanOuts events across Greater Sydney are also available. andnbsp; For a full list of accepted items and more information, visit Councilandrsquo;s Household Chemical CleanOut page. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fHousehold-Chemical-CleanOut-Gas-Bottles-Media-Release_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png 06a36293-5c46-42f6-b081-88d71413826a https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fGas-Bottles-welcomed-at-Household-Chemical-CleanOu