Mayor's Message

Hello Burwood, I hope everyone is safe and well.  

COVID-19 update

I’m proud of our community’s awesome response to keeping COVID-19 out of our area. People are social distancing, washing hands regularly and getting tested if they aren’t well. Council has made it easier to get tested with a map that shows where our nearest COVID-19 testing clinics are. View the map here. 

COVID safe business

Want to show your commitment to being COVID safe? Why not get a COVID Safety Plan and register as a COVID Safe Business. Having a COVID-19 Safety Plan helps to protect your staff, customers and visitors, while being registered as a COVID Safe Business reassures them that you’re committed to protecting their safety. Steps to being a COVID safe business include: completing a COVID Safety Plan, training staff to be COVID safe, using contactless methods to collect customer details and updating your plan as rules change. Find out more

New library and Council administration centre

The opening of the Burwood Council and Library is fast approaching. We’re planning an open day for the community (subject to COVID-19) but in the meantime, why not join me for a guided tour.

Enfield Aquatic Centre reopens

Swimmers rejoice! Enfield Aquatic Centre reopened to lap swimmers on Monday 20 July in line with Council's approved COVID-19 Safety Plan. Swimmers must pre-book for a 45 minute session. There is a limit of two swimmers per lane in the 25m indoor pool. Be sure to read the terms and conditions. Entry fees apply.

Burwood Comes Alive with Music

Our fabulous Burwood Comes Alive with Music livestreams continued last Friday with Big Mama and the Hanged Men + Evie Tomic. It was a brilliant way to start the weekend and I can't wait for the next one. You can view all our past livestreams here https://www.facebook.com/burwoodcouncil/live

Read all about it!

I love our new website. It’s the perfect place to go if you want to know what’s happening in Burwood. Or you can get the latest news and information from Council delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for the Burwood Update e-newsletter today. 

Up for a challenge?

I’m excited to announce that the Burwood Challenger Obstacle Course in Grant Park is almost complete. The course is designed for climbing, balance and upper body strength. It also includes a timer so you can put yourself through your paces. Watch Council's website for more details.

G’day Burwood. What weather extremes we’ve had lately! Pouring rain followed by glorious sunshine. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the great outdoors in the coming days.

Sandakan Memorial

This year marks 75 years since the terrible Sandakan Death Marches in Borneo towards the end of WWII. Usually Council holds a public memorial service at the Sandakan Memorial in Burwood Park but unfortunately we have had to cancel it due to COVID-19. A private memorial service will be held on August 2 to ensure our community continues the tradition of honouring the more the men who were so brutally killed as prisoners of war. More than 2000 Allied soldiers, including 23 from Burwood, lost their lives in the Sandakan marches. While our 27th public service had to be cancelled, I encourage everyone to pause for a moment to reflect on their sacrifice.

Woodstock playground upgrade

On a happier note, work on our fabulous playground upgrade in Woodstock Park is complete and it is almost ready for hordes of little ones to enjoy. I visited the playground recently and it looks fantastic. There are swings, climbing frames, slides, a roundabout – and I thoroughly recommend the flying fox! There are also plenty of seats for mums, dads and grandparents to relax while the kids have fun. Follow us on social media to be among the first to hear when the playground is open. Find out more 

St Nectarios is 50

Congratulations to Father George and our lovely Greek community on the 50th anniversary of St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Burwood. Bishop Emilianos of Meloa officiated at a Hierarchical Liturgy on 26 July. St Nectarios’ parishioners are doing their part to help those less fortunate during COVID-19 by providing free meals every Tuesday. Well done, thank you and all the very best for the next 50 years. Find out more

E-planning is a huge success

Sensational results for our e-planning, which started on 1 January and has drawn praise from Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello. Burwood was one of the first 10 councils to start receiving all DAs via the NSW Planning Portal. Since we went live Council decreased the average processing time from 173 days in 2017-18 to 58 days (almost 300 per cent). Find out more

Burwood Comes Alive with Music

Don’t forget to join me for our next fantastic instalment of Burwood Comes Alive with Music tonight. Local performers IrieMan featuring Pat Powell followed by Madi G will be live from 4.45pm. I can’t think of a better way to start the weekend than listening to these talented musicians. https://www.facebook.com/burwoodcouncil/live

Read all about it!

I’m pleased to say that Council’s 2020-21 Operational Plan and Budget were adopted at the recent meeting. Highlights include $5.4 million for the Enfield Aquatic Centre upgrade, $4.3m for roads, footpaths and street signs as well as $550,000 for parks and playgrounds. Find out more 

Have your say

Remember that Burwood is our area and Council is there to serve us all, so it’s important to remember that your opinions are important. Our new website makes it easier than ever to keep up to date with what’s happening and to have your say. New items are constantly being added to the Public Notices and Exhibitions page and Council welcomes your feedback.

Burwood Update e-news

Speaking of staying up to date, why not sign up to receive our new monthly e-newsletter Burwood Update. It delivers all the latest news and information about what’s happening straight to your inbox.

Until next time, please take care, stay COVID safe and get in touch if I can be of any help at all on 9911 9916, or by email at mayor@burwood.nsw.gov.au.

G’day Burwood. I hope you’re all well. It’s an exciting time for us all as we prepare for the opening of our new Council and Library, admire the artistry of the murals in Hornsey Lane and look forward to a colourful spring as part of our 500 Trees program.    

Council and library reopening

I can’t wait to share the new Council and Library with all of you when they reopen on Monday, 24 August. These colourful spaces have been designed to create a welcoming environment for the entire community. Libraries have long ceased to be silent places only filled with books. Our new library is a place that will bring everyone together to socialise, create, learn and share. Check out my video tour and come on down on the 24th to see it all for yourself. Read all about it

Hornsey Lane murals

Our community’s proud history, strength and optimism are on display for all to see in Hornsey Lane’s sensational new murals. I’m incredibly proud of the artworks that capture our past, present and future. They are just part of the great community square we’ve created in Hornsey Lane, which is part of the Council and Library precinct. When finished, Hornsey Lane will include seating and plants that will result in a beautiful destination in the heart of our CBD. 

500 Trees program

As Mayor, I’m committed to the beautification of our area, which is why I’m excited to say that our 500 Trees program is more than half complete. So far we’ve planted 275 trees in neighbourhoods around the area. These will provide summer shade as well as beautiful native flowers that will add colour to our streets and help keep us cool.

If you want to know where we’re planting trees, keep an eye on our website or sign up for the Burwood Update e-newsletter to see the interactive map that’s coming soon. Find out more

Burwood Comes Alive with Music

Sadly, last Friday we said goodbye to our Burwood Comes Alive with Music livestream. It was an incredibly popular event that we ran under the Burwood Cares program to support local musicians who were doing it tough during the COVID-19 lockdown. These great performers provided some amazing entertainment during our fortnightly livestreams and I’d like to thank and congratulate everyone who took part.

Thanks to everyone who joined me as we wrapped up the series with Mick O’Shea and Friends followed by Violeta Bozanic. Log in if you'd like to watch any of these great performers again.

Burwood Art Prize

We have an incredibly creative community, as proven by our Hornsey Lane murals and the successful Burwood Comes Alive with Music livestream. If you’re a talented visual artist, think about entering the Burwood Art Prize. It’s a great opportunity to have your work seen by the public and possibly win some cash. This year’s judges are Jenny Cheeseman from the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Rhianna Walcott from the Artereal Gallery in Rozelle and award-winning international artist Lachlan Warner. Entries close on 30 September. Find out more

Sandakan Memorial

The recent Sandakan Memorial Service was, as always, an extremely moving experience. Gladys Barnes’ father was one of more than 2500 men who died during the forced marches in Borneo 75 years ago. Mrs Barnes (pictured left) is a member of the Sandakan Community Education Committee and laid a wreath at the memorial in Burwood Park during the private service. Lest we forget.

Burwood Update e-news

Want to stay up to date with the latest Burwood news? Why not sign up to receive our new monthly e-newsletter Burwood Update. It delivers all the latest news and information about what’s happening straight to your inbox.

Remember that I’m here to help, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 9911 9916, or by email at mayor@burwood.nsw.gov.au if I can be of assistance. Until next time, let’s all stay COVID safe and take care of one another. 

G’day Burwood. What a fantastic fortnight it’s been! The big news of course is that our sensational new Council and Library building is open.

Council and Library opening

Our new Council and Library opened on to the public on 24 August and it’s been great to see the positive response from those who’ve popped in to see all the new and exciting features. Council is also based in the same building, so we have a convenient one-stop-shop. Please remember that you need to make an appointment to visit our customer service desk due to COVID-19.

It was a small opening, instead of the big community celebration that we’d hoped to hold, so why not check out the photos. Special thanks to Uncle Les McLeod who gave the Welcome to Country and performed a traditional smoking ceremony.    

All areas of the library are open and ready to explore, so why not come in and check it out for yourself.

The library is closed on weekends while we review our COVID-safe plan and the resources needed to maintain a safe environment and collection. It will reopen on weekends as soon as it's practical to do so. Time in the library is limited to one hour per person, but there are plenty of terrific items and activities and borrow online.

Hornsey Lane murals

Hornsey Lane’s murals are now complete, as is the planting, and the street furniture is installed. This beautiful new community square next to the new Council and Library is the perfect place to meet friends (while socially distancing of course), relax with a book and/or coffee or just watch the world go by.  I look forward to seeing you all there!

COVID-19 testing in Burwood Park

So far we’ve been lucky when it comes to COVID-19. But the recent visit to our area by an infected person proves just how easily all our hard work can be brought undone.

We’ve had great uptake of people wearing masks, social distancing and observing personal hygiene. Unfortunately, Burwood has a low rate of people getting tested.

The great news is that NSW Health will have a walk-in clinic in Burwood Park next week to make it easier than ever to have a test, especially for those who don’t drive.

Mandarin, Cantonese and Korean cultural support workers will be there to help people complete paperwork.

If you’re not feeling well, don’t wait for the clinic to open, visit one of the other clinics in the area. Our map will help you find the closest one.

The walk-in testing clinic will be at the top of Burwood Park from Thursday, 3 September to Saturday, 5 September between 10am and 3pm. Please drop in and have a COVID test. Even if you’ve had one before, get tested again if you don’t feel well.

New cycleway open

I’m excited to say that the first of three new cycle paths is open. Council has received almost $800,000 from the State Government to build the cycle paths that will link our wonderful parks and even provide an environmentally-friendly travel option between us and Canada Bay.

With spring just around the corner, why not try it out for yourself this weekend. The path runs from Parramatta Road to Burwood Park via Neich Street and is a great opportunity to get out and about.

Find out more

Burwood Update e-news

Want to stay up to date with the latest Burwood news? Why not sign up to receive our new monthly e-newsletter Burwood Update. It delivers all the latest news and information about what’s happening straight to your inbox.

Remember that I’m here to help, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 9911 9916, or by email at mayor@burwood.nsw.gov.au if I can be of assistance. Until next time, let’s all stay COVID safe and take care of one another. 

G’day Burwood. Spring has sprung, our parks are looking fantastic, seniors are dancing in their living rooms and the weather has been sensational!

Family summer memories start at EAC

Spring is here, and that means swimming season is on the way. Enfield Aquatic Centre has been Burwood’s summer home since 1933. It’s the place where local families have learned to swim and made memories for generations. We’d love you to help us plan the next steps in the staged reopening of this beloved local icon. Please take our quick survey to tell us what you want from the EAC and other possible services you’d like us to offer so we can ensure it remains  Burwood’s home of summer memories.  

COVID-19 testing in Burwood Park

Thanks to everyone who attended the recent pop-up testing clinic at Burwood Park. NSW Health said the three day clinic was a great success.

Remember, if you’re not feeling well, get tested at one of the local testing clinics and self-isolate until you get your results. Our map will help you find the closest one. Above all, keep wearing face masks, social distancing and washing your hands regularly with soap. Keep up the great work everyone!

New cycleway and obstacle course open

Between COVID-19 and cold weather, we’ve probably all been cooped up more than we’d like. But now spring has arrived, why not get outside, get active and enjoy the warmer temperatures by going for a ride along our new cycle path or testing your ninja warrior skills at the Burwood Challenger Obstacle Course. Just remember to maintain social distancing.

Seniors Dancewise livestream

Seniors! Have you got the moves like Jagger? It doesn’t matter if you don’t, you can still boogie with the best of them during our DanceWise livestreams. We’ve partnered with the Dance Health Alliance to deliver their online dance and fitness program for free every Thursday for four weeks.

The idea of the program is to give seniors a chance to get active and have fun. The first class was yesterday and it was great to have so many of our seniors join in.

DanceWise is an online low impact dance and fitness program for all ages. It is done from the comfort of your own chair at home and is particularly aimed at those who are less-mobile.

Taking part in the free Zoom session is as simple as registering here to get the online livestream link. Each session starts at 12 noon so why not register now and get dancing next Thursday.  

Taking a stand against racism

The pandemic has produced some outstanding examples of the decency and selflessness of our wonderful community. Unfortunately, it has brought out the ugly side of some people’s natures in the form of racism. Some people have been abused for wearing masks and false rumours have been circulated about the Chinese community.

That is why Council has taken a stand against racism in our community. We are looking into ways in which we can continue to promote the value of multiculturalism, harmony and diversity, remind the community of ways to report racism formally and informally, and investigate its local extent and impacts.

We will also examine potential projects and activities to help reduce racism and enhance community inclusiveness.

In the meantime, please remember that COVID-19 does not respect national boundaries or racial differences. It has affected every country on the planet, and the only way in which we can defeat it is to be united in our common humanity, care for and support one another, and not give in to our baser instincts.

I am gratified by the way in which the majority of our wonderful, culturally-diverse community has responded to this crisis with dignity and compassion for one another. Let’s be kind and keep up the great work, so that when we emerge from the pandemic we can look back on the way we coped with pride.

Council and Library opening

It’s been great to see so many people enjoying our new Library. The good news is that you no longer need to make an appointment to see our Council Customer Service team. Also, our Justice of the Peace service is back on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm. Due to COVID our JP service is still by appointment only. Call 9911 9911 or book online.

If you’re not well, or prefer to stay at home during COVID-19, remember that many of council’s services and information are on our great new website or give our friendly Customer Service team a call on 9911 9911 and they’ll do everything they can to help you.

Recycled glass in roads and paths

Forget glass slippers – hopefully we’ll soon be walking and driving on glass footpaths and roads. The Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC), of which I am president, has released an open market tender to collect recycled materials, such as crushed glass, for use as road and footpath base across its 15 council areas.

The tender contract is set to become the largest local government-led procurement of recycled road-making materials in NSW history and will prevent almost 100 million glass containers a year from ending up in landfill. Find out more

Burwood Update e-news

Want to stay up to date with the latest Burwood news? Why not sign up to receive our new monthly e-newsletter Burwood Update. It delivers all the latest news and information about what’s happening straight to your inbox.

Remember that I’m here to help, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 9911 9916, or by email at mayor@burwood.nsw.gov.au if I can be of assistance. Until next time, let’s all stay COVID safe and take care of one another.

G’day Burwood.

Hornsey Lane is open to pedestrian traffic

The official launch will be organised in the future, but in the meantime our residents and customers will be able to enjoy the wonderful new space and also use it as a shortcut to the Plaza! We partnered with Department of Planning Infrastructure and Environment on their Places to Love program to turn what could be a basic laneway into a cultural experience.

This includes the installation of three murals representing the past, present and future. The Past mural explores themes of Indigenous custodianship of Burwood prior to colonial occupation. The Present mural focuses on the coming together of the Burwood Community during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the Future mural reflects upon a childhood sense of imagination, creating a feeling of optimism for the future.

We'll know the project will be a success when we see the community coming into the space and spending time to stop and enjoy the place, and not just passing through.

I had the pleasure of showing off this great new space to officials from the Department of Planning, which provided $130,000 towards the cost of the beautiful murals, streetscaping and furniture. Check it out for yourselves when you get a chance!

Congratulations Councillor Chan

I’m pleased to say that Councillor Ernest Chan was elected as the new Deputy Mayor on Tuesday night. Cr Chan is the Chair of our Multicultural Advisory Committee and very active with our emerging community groups. He will serve as Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months, up to the Local Government elections in September 2021.

New pool for the EAC

I had a great time visiting the Enfield Aquatic Centre this week. The centre is geared up for swimming season and |I’d like to congratulate the team on the fantastic job they’ve done in keeping our home of summer fun COVID safe. So it’s with great pleasure that I announce a new pool will be built at the EAC that will help to cater for the growing needs of our community.

The EAC is running a survey to find out how we can further improve this facility that has served our community since 1933. Please take a moment to fill it in.

500 trees become 1000

I’m thrilled to say that our 500 Trees program has been so successful, that we have decided to expand it to 1000 trees. The trees include a mix of natives and exotics that will beautify our streets and help to cool our suburbs during summer. The beautiful cherry blossoms that were recently in bloom added so much colour to our streets, and they are now in leaf. By next year the display will be spectacular.

Burwood Cares to continue

Our response to Covid-19, Burwood Cares, has provided relief and support to members of our community and businesses since March. Given the ongoing pandemic, Burwood Cares and its associated community and business relief measures will continue.

Our focus over the coming months will be to ensure that relevant information, programs and activities are in place to support our vulnerable communities now and into the future.

But we will also continue to have a positive outlook on the future, and prepare ourselves to get back together and celebrate our community in spring and summer this year.

As a Council we will be working towards an even stronger activation of our already vibrant eat streets and shopping precincts, in partnership with our resilient local businesses and our creative community groups.

Together with our community I am confident we will continue to respond to the challenge and re-emerge stronger than ever.

Burwood Update e-news

Want to stay up to date with the latest Burwood news? Why not sign up to receive our new monthly e-newsletter Burwood Update. It delivers all the latest news and information about what’s happening straight to your inbox.

Remember that I’m here to help, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 9911 9916, or by email at mayor@burwood.nsw.gov.au if I can be of assistance. Until next time, let’s all stay COVID safe and take care of one another.

G’day Burwood. There's lots of exciting news to share this week.

The Woodstock Artisans Christmas Market is set to return in November, our popular Dancewise program for seniors will continue until December and Community Hub spaces will open for bookings from next week.

In other great news, Enfield Aquatic Centre is open to recreational swimmers, local businesses took home trophies from the Inner West Local Business Awards and we're about to trial a composting program for apartment buildings. 

Make some summer memories at the EAC

I’m happy to say that Enfield Aquatic Centre is open for lap swimming and family recreational swimming.

The 50m pool is open for the season, and we’re welcoming back recreational swimmers. To keep everyone safe, you’ll need to book a session and be allocated a marked area in the pool to ensure social distancing. Junior swimming lessons are back to ensure our kids are safe in the water.

Thanks to the more than 500 residents who completed our recent survey. We appreciate the feedback on how we can improve our services and make them more COVID-safe. 

Find out more

Henley Park upgrade underway

I had a great time visiting Henley Park recently, where work on the upgrade and extension of the amenities building is underway. When finished, it will provide improved facilities for park users and sporting teams. The $1.7 million project includes: additional public toilets, commercial kitchen, change rooms, match day operations rooms, kitchenette and referee’s room.

Community Hub spaces open for use

As of Monday 12 October up to 100 people will be able to use our fantastic new Community Hub and book spaces for use. The Hub has facilities that will benefit all our community, from students through to local businesses, including meeting rooms, learning labs and media rooms, as well as areas for passive use such as study and reading. As special shout out to our HSC students, if you need a quiet place to hit the books, come on in. And best of luck for 20 October when the exams kick off!

Find out more 

Magical Moon Festival

You can’t keep a good community celebration down – especially when it comes to the beautiful Moon Festival. (I love mooncakes!) Our wonderful Asian community celebrated this important family event recently, which focusses on the harvest and the autumn season (in the Northern Hemisphere) at the time of the full moon. I hope you all had a wonderful Moon Festival and look forward to next year when we can hopefully gather together for large public celebrations.

Celebrating our super local businesses

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the recent Inner West Local Business Awards. I’m proud to say that businesses from the Burwood Local Government Area were among those who took home trophies on the night including Advance College Burwood (pictured).

Thanks to our new Deputy Mayor Councillor Ernest Chan, who represented me on the night and presented a few of the awards.

To say it’s been a tough year for business would be an understatement. It’s been a year of unprecedented challenges, from the bushfires that turned our skies red and choked us with smoke, to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our business people and their staff have faced it with strength and good humour – and it’s been inspiring to see how they have fought to keep their doors open against the odds.

Whether you received a trophy or not, you’re all winners in my eyes. Read the full list of finalists and winners here.

Keep on dancing

Our Dancewise livestream has been so popularv with the community that we're extending the program until 3 December. Dancewise is part of our Burwood Cares initiative and aims to help seniors stay active in the safety of their own homes through an online dance class that can be done while sitting in a chair. It’s also huge fun! The classes are every Thursday at noon so registertoday and join the fun.

Christmas is coming!

 The Woodstock Artisans Christmas Market will return to Woodstock Community Centre on 15 November. It’s a great place to pick up lovely handcrafted gifts for family and friends. It’s also an great day out! Find out more

Composting trial program

There’s no doubt that composting is a better way to deal with kitchen scraps than sending them to landfill. But it’s not so easy for those members of our community who live in apartments. That’s why we’re seeking expressions of interest from apartment dwellers who’d like their building to take part in our Apartment Buildings Composting pilot program. Find out more

Burwood Update e-news

That’s it for now. Take care everyone and, if you want to stay up to date with all the latest Burwood news, sign up to receive our new monthly e-newsletter Burwood Update. It delivers all the latest news and information about what’s happening straight to your inbox.

Remember that I’m here to help, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 9911 9916, or by email at mayor@burwood.nsw.gov.au if I can be of assistance.