Georges River Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Penshurst Public Domain Plan. This is a long-term vision to create a safer, greener and more accessible town centre. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:05:55 GMT Georges River Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Penshurst Public Domain Plan. This is a long-term vision to create a safer, greener and more accessible town centre. andnbsp; The draft Plan proposes improvements for public spaces, streets, and green areas in Penshurst. These changes aim to support growth and keep the area a vibrant place to live, work visit, and enjoy. andnbsp; Penshurst has one of the largest populations in the Georges River area. It is set to grow, with more people living, working, and moving through the centre. andnbsp; The draft Plan focuses on key streets and areas. These are Penshurst Street, Victoria Avenue, Bridge Street, The Strand, and the Connelly Street carpark. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said community feedback is essential to shaping the final Plan. andnbsp; andldquo;Penshurst is a busy and growing centre. We want to make sure it continues to be a safe, welcoming and attractive place for our community,andrdquo; Mayor Borg said. andnbsp; andldquo;This draft Plan shows what weandrsquo;ve heard from residents and local businesses. Now, weandrsquo;re asking the community to take the next step and help us refine it.andrdquo; andnbsp; The draft Plan has been informed by community input gathered in 2025. Residents and local businesses shared their top priorities. They want safer streets, better traffic flow, more greenery, cleaner areas, and more places to sit and gather. andnbsp; These insights, along with technical studies, have guided the proposed changes. Community members can read the draft Penshurst Public Domain Plan online and provide feedback. Hard copies are available at the Councilandrsquo;s Civic Centre in Hurstville and Clive James Library in Kogarah. andnbsp; Council will also be hosting a public presentation and drop-in sessions across the consultation period. Visit Councilandrsquo;s Your Say page to see time, dates and availability. andnbsp; Submissions close on 31 August 2026. All feedback will be reviewed and used to refine the Plan before it is finalised. andnbsp; To view the draft Plan, provide feedback, and register for sessions, visit Councilandrsquo;s Your Say webpage. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fPenshurst-Public-Domain-Plan-MR_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png c1d0774a-87b8-467c-b977-dcdba8c4c295 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fCommunity-invited-to-help-shape-Penshurst%e2%80%99s-future Georges River Council is strengthening its partnerships with leading universities to support skills, jobs and environmental research across the local area. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:11:02 GMT Georges River Council is strengthening its partnerships with leading universities to support skills, jobs and environmental research across the local area. andnbsp; Council is working with:University of New South Wales (UNSW).University of Technology Sydney (UTS).Macquarie University.Western Sydney University.These partnerships bring new ideas into Council. They also build local skills and support better, evidence-based decision-making. andnbsp; For the 2026 Georges River Youth Festival, the Council teamed up with UNSW UNOVA to run two workshops for young people. Participants learned how to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help with their studies and build a simple AI study tool. They also learned about managing money, including budgeting, saving and understanding interest rates. These sessions helped young people build practical, future-ready skills. andnbsp; Through the UTS Industry Innovation Program, eight postgraduate students worked with Council. They explored ways to improve the night-time economy. The students connected with the community at local night markets. They analysed feedback and developed a Night Time Economy Strategy. Their recommendations will help support local businesses and increase activity at night. andnbsp; Council is also working with students from Macquarie University and Western Sydney University on environmental research projects. These projects focus on urban heat, biodiversity and climate resilience. They include street tree planting, habitats for wildlife and flying fox populations at Myles Dunphy Reserve. The findings will help guide future planning and environmental management. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;These partnerships are delivering strong outcomes for our community. andnbsp; andldquo;Partnering with universities allows us to bring renewed thinking into Council. It also supports the next generation of workers and leaders. andnbsp; andldquo;These programs are helping us respond to key challenges and build a more sustainable and resilient Georges River.andrdquo; andnbsp; Partnering with universities gives Council access to research, skilled students and industry networks. It also creates learning and career opportunities within the local area. andnbsp; Council will keep partnering with universities to support innovation, skills and environmental leadership. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fSouthern-Sydney-Jobs-Skills-Fair-2026_External-Community-Event_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png 374e8e71-947a-4f52-a7db-37d36ecfd343 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fCouncil-partners-with-Sydney-universities-to-suppo The Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre has set an all-time annual attendance record. This is a key milestone for one of the most loved community facilities in Georges River. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 02:14:29 GMT The Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre (HALC) has set an all-time annual attendance record in the 2025-26 financial year. This is a key milestone for one of the most loved community facilities in Georges River. andnbsp; The old record of 1,312,205 visitors was broken on Thursday 25th June 2026. By the end of the 2025-26 financial year, total attendance hit an impressive 1,333,023 visitations andndash; the highest attendance record in HALC history. andnbsp; More than 9,000 people used HALCandrsquo;s programs, services and facilities this year, highlighting the centreandrsquo;s growing popularity. HALC continues to play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community. andnbsp; Georges River Council and BlueFit celebrated this milestone on Monday, 6 July. Council representatives, staff, and community members gathered to recognise this great achievement. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;Itandrsquo;s fantastic to celebrate a record-breaking year for HALCandrdquo;. andnbsp; andquot;This achievement reflects the strong community spirit at Georges River. It also shows how vital the centre is for keeping our residents active and connected.andquot; andnbsp; The HALC features a modern aquatic centre, a gym and an indoor stadium. The facility offers a range of fitness, recreation, and sports options for all ages and skill levels. andnbsp; To learn more about our aquatic centres, visit Councilandrsquo;s Aquatic Centres webpage. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fHurstville-Aquatic-Centre-Attendance-MR-Mayor-and-GM_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png 7c33acb6-35af-4959-acaa-a339115ce594 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fHurstville-Aquatic-Leisure-Centre-Breaks-All-Time- Georges River Council is inviting the community to roll up their sleeves and get involved in National Tree Day on Sunday 26 July. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:43:25 GMT Georges River Council is inviting the community to roll up their sleeves and get involved in National Tree Day on Sunday 26 July. andnbsp; National Tree Day is Australiaandrsquo;s largest community tree planting event. It brings people of all ages together to learn about the environment and take meaningful action to protect it. andnbsp; This year, Counciland#39;s Bushcare team will partner with participants to restore a key area of the Sydney Hinterland Enriched Sandstone Forest at Gannons Park. Participants will help plant native trees, shrubs and groundcovers to boost biodiversity and strengthen the local ecosystem. andnbsp; The planting site is located off Boatwright Avenue, Lugarno next to the carpark. No experience is required, and all tools will be provided for participants. andnbsp; In addition to the planting event, residents can also take part in Councilandrsquo;s Native Plant Giveaway. andnbsp; Georges River residents can collect two free native plants at the Councilandrsquo;s Mortdale Depot for their households. They can also meet the Bushcare team, ask questions, and learn how to care for native plants. andnbsp; Residents must present identification or a rates notice when collecting plants. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;Trees and green spaces are highly valued by our community. National Tree Day is a great way for residents to show their supportandrdquo;. andnbsp; andldquo;I encourage everyone to take part and help grow a greener Georges River.andrdquo; andnbsp; Event Details National Tree Day eventDate: Sunday 26 July 2026.Address: Gannons Park Carpark, Boatwright Avenue, Lugarno.Time: 10.00am andndash; 12.00pm.Cost: Free, bookings required.Native Plant GiveawayDate: Sunday 26 July 2026.Address: Mortdale Council Depot, 100 Roberts Avenue, Mortdale.Time: 9.00am andndash; 1.30pm.Cost: Free, bookings required. Residents only, ID or rates notice required. andnbsp; For more information and to book, visit Councilandrsquo;s Whatandrsquo;s On webpage. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fNational-Tree-Day-Event-From-2025_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png 9212e9d4-e9e6-408b-8bd0-022341ae7b99 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fPlant-for-the-Future-National-Tree-Day-and-Native- Georges River Council invites the community to shape Hogben Park's future in Kogarah. Work is now underway on a new Landscape Master Plan. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 01:29:08 GMT Georges River Council invites the community to shape Hogben Parkand#39;s future in Kogarah. Work is now underway on a new Landscape Master Plan. andnbsp; In this first stage, Council is asking residents, visitors and park users to share how they use the park and what matters most to them. Feedback will guide the long-term vision for the park and help prioritise future improvements. andnbsp; Hogben Park is a popular local park. It features a playground, a basketball court, and a table tennis table. You can enjoy open grass areas and seating. The park also has toilets, water refill stations, and public art for everyone to admire. It is also known for its iconic jacaranda trees. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said community input is essential to ensure the park continues to meet local needs. andnbsp; andldquo;Hogben Park is an important green space for our community, and we want to make sure it reflects how people use it today and into the future,andrdquo; Mayor Borg said. andnbsp; andldquo;Your feedback will help create a new Landscape Master Plan. This plan will guide upgrades, greening, accessibility, and recreation opportunities in the future.andrdquo; andnbsp; The current Hogben Park Landscape Master Plan was developed in 2010. Since then, Kogarah has experienced significant growth. This has led to a rising demand for high-quality open spaces and modern park facilities. andnbsp; The new Landscape Master Plan will consider:future park layout and open space.play and recreation areas.trees, shade and planting.safety and lighting.paths and accessibility.seating, toilets and facilities.public art and local character.connections to surrounding streets and places.The plan will provide a long-term vision and guide staged improvements as funding becomes available. Community members are encouraged to share how they use the park, what they value and what improvements they would like to see. andnbsp; Residents can fill out the online feedback form. They can also drop off a hard copy at the Georges River Civic Centre in Hurstville or the Clive James Library and Service Centre in Kogarah. andnbsp; All feedback will be considered in the development of the new Landscape Master Plan. Consultation closes 29 July 2026. andnbsp; For more information and to have your say, visit Councilandrsquo;s Your Say webpage. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fHogben-Park-Kogarah_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png 04cc9b61-dda5-45a9-8f96-14fe89f45d40 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fHelp-shape-the-future-of-Hogben-Park Georges River Council is now accepting applications for Round 1. Applications are open from 6 July to 14 August 2026. Wed, 08 Jul 2026 02:04:32 GMT Georges River Council is now accepting applications for Round 1 of the 2026andndash;2027 Community Grants and Micro Grants. Applications are open from 6 July to 14 August 2026 for local organisations, community groups, businesses, and residents. andnbsp; Community Grants help fund projects that address specific needs in the Georges River area and strengthen organisationsandrsquo; capacity to deliver programs and projects. They aim to boost participation and strengthen inclusion in the community. andnbsp; Community Grants 2026-2027 Round 1 has two categories:Small Projects: Grants up to $10,000.Major Projects: Grants up to $25,000 per successful applicant.Micro Grants up to $1,000 are available for residents, groups, organisations, and businesses. These grants can fund projects that support community wellbeing and drive social change. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;Council is committed to supporting projects that bring people together for a good cause.andrdquo; andnbsp; andldquo;Supporting local ideas matters. It helps us build stronger connections, improve wellbeing, and create lasting positive change across Georges River.andrdquo; andnbsp; To support prospective applicants, Council is offering 4 free information sessions in July. These sessions will give you more details about the grant round. Participants will learn the process and what they need to succeed as applicants. andnbsp; We will also be hosting a grant writing workshop on Tuesday 4 August. This will give applicants a clear guide on how to create and present their applications. Itand#39;s suitable for both new and seasoned grant writers who want to boost their skills.Event Details Information Session 1Date: Wednesday 8 July 2026.Time: 3.00pm andndash; 4.30pm.Location: Miles Franklin Room at Hurstville Library, Dora Street andamp; Queens Road, Hurstville.Cost: Free, bookings required.Information Session 2Date: Monday 13 July 2026.Time: 5.00pm andndash; 6.30pm.Location: Online.Cost: Free, bookings required.Information Session 3Date: Thursday 23 Julyandnbsp;2026.Time: 4.00pm andndash; 5.30pm.Location: Activities Room at Clive James Library, Belgrave Street, Kogarah.Cost: Free, bookings required.Information Session 4Date: Thursday 30 Julyandnbsp;2026.Time: 5.00pm andndash; 6.30pm.Location: Online.Cost: Free, bookings required.Grant Writing WorkshopDate: Tuesday 4 Augustandnbsp;2026.Time: 9.30am andndash; 12.30pm.Location: Hurstville Civic Centre, 16 MacMahon Street, Hurstville.Cost: Free, bookings required. andnbsp; For more information, available support, and to register for a workshop, visit Councilandrsquo;s Grants Help Hub page. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fCommunity-Grants-2026-2027_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png d57883a4-9c63-41c1-9e74-d2c362b558fd https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fCommunity-Grants-and-Micro-Grants-2026-27-Round-1-