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- Georges River Council has finished new security upgrades at Oatley Park. This helps protect a beloved natural space while keeping it accessible for the community. Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:06:56 GMT Georges River Council has finished new security upgrades at Oatley Park. This helps protect a beloved natural space while keeping it accessible for the community. andnbsp; The project installed two new security gates with signage at the main entrance on Oatley Park Avenue. It also upgraded access points and added large sandstone blocks to stop unauthorised vehicles. andnbsp; Oatley Park is a popular local spot. It has sports fields, bushland, walking tracks, and picnic areas. It is also a designated wildlife protection area, home to native plants and animals that need ongoing care and protection. andnbsp; The upgrades were shaped by strong community feedback received during consultation. Residents highlighted the need for improved security. They also stressed the importance of protecting the environment. Additionally, they want to ensure the park remains accessible and welcoming for everyone. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said the finished works balance access and protection. She also thanked everyone who gave feedback.andnbsp; andnbsp; andldquo;Council has heard our community and made changes to keep Oatley Park safe while also preserving its natural beauty,andrdquo; the Mayor said. andnbsp; The new security gates and its support measures will help reduce vandalism and protect the parkandrsquo;s environment. This change will still allow people to enjoy the space throughout the day and evening. andnbsp; Community members are encouraged to report any vandalism or damage in the park. Reports can be made through Councilandrsquo;s Log It or Fix It or by calling Council on (02) 9330 6400 during business hours. In an emergency, call 000, or for non-urgent police matters, you can call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fOatley-Park-Security-Upgrade-2026_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png 581aa1ff-7875-48b5-9679-56797bc96db1 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fOatley-Park-security-upgrades-now-complete A total of over 12,000 people came along to Kogarah to enjoy our sixth Uncontained Arts Festival. Mon, 29 Jun 2026 01:47:05 GMT A total of over 12,000 people came along to Kogarah to enjoy Georges River Councilandrsquo;s sixth Uncontained Arts Festival across Friday 26 to Sunday 28 June. andnbsp; Proudly supported by event sponsor Sydney Water, Uncontained is a favourite for both locals and visitors in Georges River. Over three nights, Belgrave Street, Kogarah turned into a vibrant open-air gallery. It was filled with creativity and sparked the imagination of all who attended. Visitors enjoyed a mix of light, colour and sound through interactive artworks and performances. andnbsp; A key feature of Uncontained is the transformation of two plain shipping containers into immersive art experiences. Festivalgoers added clay flowers to Diego Faivreandrsquo;s andlsquo;The Blooming Vesselandrsquo;. This transformed one container into a quirky technicolour garden. andnbsp; The other container became andlsquo;Bunyala Streetandrsquo;, inspired by artist Elderandrsquo;s experience of home, growing up in Carss Park. Elder said the chance to create his first installation artwork in his own neighbourhood was something heandrsquo;d always treasure. andnbsp; andldquo;My creative practice is usually photography and video, but with Bunyala Street, I wanted to combine these formats with objects collected in Carss Parkandhellip;reflecting the vibrancy I feel towards this place - hopefully, in a way that others can appreciate too.andrdquo; andnbsp; Local inspiration was also seen in UNSW Illuminateandrsquo;s interactive artwork andlsquo;Resonanceandrsquo;. It played on Kogarahandrsquo;s name, meaning andlsquo;place of reedsandrsquo;, with illuminated reeds that responded to touch. andnbsp; Each night, the festival came alive with dance and drum performances. Kaleidoscope Dream delivered exciting and dynamic LED drum performances, entrancing onlookers. andnbsp; Many murals created over the course of the three nights also added to the lively atmosphere. Local artist Clarice Tan painted a whimsical scene of horses charging forward into the festival. This is a sign of prosperity and well-wishes for all who view it. andnbsp; International artist Beis showed off his skills with a detailed large-scale portrait of a woman smiling called andlsquo;Uncontained Joyandrsquo;. His practice is inspired by human emotion, connection and storytelling. It is often explored through portraiture and expressive figures. andnbsp; Indigenous artists Bindi Bindi Art created a 6-metre-long artwork called andlsquo;The Place Where We All Speakandrsquo;. The mural features flowing pathways representing the many journeys we each take through life, while meeting places symbolise spaces of belonging, learning and shared stories. Created on Bidjigal Country by Ngemba and Wiradjuri artists Chloe Eastwood and Tay-la Shearley, the artwork is an invitation to gather, connect and recognise that although we all walk different paths, we all have a place within the story.andnbsp; andnbsp; A family-friendly event, there was plenty for children to enjoy. Many could be seen ducking and weaving through andlsquo;Elysianandrsquo;, glowing arches by Atelier Sisu. These formed the festivalandrsquo;s centrepiece. Children were also mesmerised by the large-scale puppet performances by Erth. andnbsp; Visitors were encouraged to get creative. They contributed to a large birdandrsquo;s nest using recycled materials and made artworks alongside current Georges River Artist in Residence, Tahlia Henderson. Attendees also took part in the andlsquo;Playful Plateandrsquo;. This was a hilarious and surprising restaurant experience. A hidden gem was the wearable glow-in-the-dark moth festivalgoers could make. This created an underlying sense of community with this shared experience. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;Itandrsquo;s fantastic to see Kogarah come alive in such a vibrant and creative way through the Uncontained Arts Festival. andnbsp; andldquo;Events like Uncontained not only showcase the talent of artists and performers. They also bring our community together to enjoying the wonderful atmosphere and each otherandrsquo;s company. andnbsp; andldquo;We are proud to support opportunities that elevate the arts and activate spaces where creativity can thrive and be shared with everyone.andrdquo; Visit ourandnbsp;Uncontained Arts Festival page. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fUncontained-2026-Illuminated-Arches-Butterflies_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png e55b1e85-1ec9-4fa4-9471-10dfac4cda49 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fUncontained-Arts-Festival-delights-crowds-in-Kogar A staff-led initiative by Georges River Council is seeing expired first aid supplies donated to support injured and vulnerable animals. Fri, 26 Jun 2026 01:28:00 GMT A staff-led initiative by Georges River Council is seeing expired first aid supplies donated to support injured and vulnerable animals. andnbsp; Under the First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice, workplaces are required to regularly check and replace first aid kit contents. This ensures all items are within their expiry dates and suitable for use on people. This process is key for safety and compliance. However, it results in a lot of unused materials being thrown away each year. andnbsp; Councilandrsquo;s Rangers Team, in collaboration with the Work Health and Safety (WHS) team, recognised the opportunity to reduce waste and support the community. They collected expired first aid items and redirected them to Animal Rescue Support Incorporated (ARC). andnbsp; Although these items can no longer be used in human first aid, many products, such as bandages, gauze and wraps, remain suitable for animal care. Wildlife carers and animal rescue groups can safely use these materials to treat injured animals. This extends the life of supplies that would otherwise end up in landfill. andnbsp; This initiative reflects Councilandrsquo;s broader commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing. It ensures resources are used responsibly while supporting organisations that play a key role in rescuing and rehabilitating animals. andnbsp; Georges River Council General Manager David Tuxford said, andldquo;Simple, thoughtful actions like this can have a real impact. andnbsp; andquot;The initiative shows how staff-driven ideas create positive results for the community. By working together, weandrsquo;re able to reduce waste while supporting organisations that provide essential care for animals in need.andrdquo; andnbsp; Each year, many first aid supplies are replaced in Australian workplaces because they expire. Initiatives like this show how these materials can be repurposed, reducing waste and delivering benefits to the community. andnbsp; ARC has welcomed the donation of supplies. They will assist volunteers in providing timely care to injured wildlife and domestic animals. This initiative forms part of Councilandrsquo;s ongoing efforts to identify practical ways to support local organisations and deliver environmental benefits for the Georges River community. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fFirst-Aid-Animal-Donation_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png 1448f018-46fd-428b-bd6e-e62949d48f36 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fGiving-New-Life-to-Old-Supplies-Council-Supports-A Council is investigating the deliberate vandalism of four trees at Boundary Reserve, Peakhurst. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 02:01:41 GMT Georges River Council is investigating the deliberate vandalism of four trees at Boundary Reserve, Peakhurst. andnbsp; This incident is being treated very seriously. The affected Turpentine trees are part of a Critically Endangered Ecological Community. This means the damage impacts not only the individual trees, but also a protected and vulnerable ecosystem. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;The deliberate damage of trees in our public spaces is extremely disappointing and will not be tolerated. andldquo;These trees are vital to our environment and contribute to the health, biodiversity and character of our local area. Council remains strongly committed to protecting its tree canopy. andnbsp; andldquo;Trees play a key role in keeping our community cool, healthy and liveable. Council is committed to protecting and growing our tree canopy. We will take action against anyone who damages these important community assets.andrdquo; andnbsp; In line with Councilandrsquo;s Tree Management Policy (2024), habitat reduction pruning will be carried out to manage safety risks. Vandalism awareness banners have also been installed at the site and will remain for at least 12 months. andnbsp; The damaged trees will be kept as habitat for as long as they remain safe. Council will also plant new trees to replace the lost canopy and restore habitat over time. andnbsp; Trees provide shade, improve air quality, support wildlife and help make our suburbs more liveable. Protecting them is a shared responsibility. andnbsp; The matter has been reported to NSW Police and Council is continuing its investigation. Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or has information, please report it. You can do this online via Councilandrsquo;s Log it / Fix it webpage, or contact (02) 9330 6400. andnbsp; Georges River Council thanks the community for its support in caring for the local environment. andnbsp; Photo (from left to right). Director Assets and Infrastructure andndash; Bryce Spelta, Councillor Peter Mahoney, Councillor Matthew Allison. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fTree-Boundary-Reserve-Vandalism_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png 5df5849f-1b11-4e8f-8d42-dea601cddf5a https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fProtecting-our-tree-canopy-Council-responds-to-van South Hurstville Library is excited to reveal a new way to borrow your favourite library books! From Saturday 13 June, library members can access Library Express: a 24/7 self-service book locker. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 01:56:53 GMT South Hurstville Library is excited to reveal a new way to borrow your favourite library books! From Saturday 13 June, library members can access Library Express: a 24/7 self-service book locker. andnbsp; Library members can use the book locker by following these simple steps:Reserve: find something you want to borrow from the Georges River Librariesandrsquo; online catalogue and select andlsquo;Place reservationandrsquo;Select: choose andlsquo;Library Express South Hurstvilleandrsquo; as the pick-up location. The library will contact you to let you know when the item is ready to collect.Collect: head to the locker any time, day or night. Scan your library card to open the locker and collect your item!The bright teal locker featuring the iconic Georges River Libraries dragon can be found at the entrance of South Hurstville Library on Allen Street. andnbsp; Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, andldquo;We are always thinking of new ways to make reading more accessible. Now with the Library Express, our library members can reserve and collect their favourite books at any time of dayandrdquo;. andnbsp; andldquo;I hope that this new addition encourages our community to use our wonderful librariesandrsquo; services.andrdquo; andnbsp; This service is available to anyone who has a Georges River Library membership. Membership is free for all NSW residents. andnbsp; To sign up online, visit the Georges River Libraries webpage. Alternatively, you can sign up in person at any Georges River Library branch. https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fStGeorge%2fmedia%2fNews-thumbnails%2fLibrary-Book-Locker_Thumbnail.png%3fext%3d.png 015b91ee-e4ed-4838-ba82-cabe72f3cc65 https%3a%2f%2fwww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au%2fCouncil%2fPublications%2fMedia%2fReserve-Select-Collect-with-Library-Express-24-7-B