Meet your new Councillor Veronica Ficarra

Looking for a venue to host your next event?

Georges River Council offers hireable venues to accommodate a variety of events, from small gatherings up to events with 1,000 people.

Hurstville Entertainment Centre (HEC) is located in MacMahon Street, in the heart of Hurstville CBD and is a short walk from Hurstville Train Station and other transport options.

HEC is a unique multi-purpose venue ideal for hosting a variety of events such as meetings, conferences, presentations, dinners, product launches, community or professional theatre and concerts. Equipped with a flexible floor plan over two levels in the Marana Auditorium and fixed theatre seating in the Civic Theatre.

Georges River Council also offers a variety of community centres and halls for hire throughout the Georges River area.

Please visit the ‘Our Venues’ page for a full list of Council’s venues for hire. Book a venue for your next event on Council’s website.

Councillor Ficarra joined Council in the position vacated by Councillor Kevin Greene in the Peakhurst Ward.

Councillor Ficarra has worked in various government and non-government roles including working in bush regeneration in our LGA. As a lifelong resident of the Georges River area and youngest Councillor, she adds representation for youth issues within our LGA.

What do you love about the Georges River LGA?

I love all of my memories of growing up in Georges River and exploring all the wonderful things that our community has to offer. As a young person working in bush regeneration, it provided me with an opportunity appreciate the parklands and waterways in the area. I’ve always loved spending time with my friends and family at local restaurants. We are so lucky that each suburb has its own unique and beautiful character, and I treasure living in such a vibrant and friendly community.

Why do you think diversity and representation is important to our community?

The thing that I love most about diversity in our area, is that it is just a normal way of life for our community. Georges River welcomes people from all walks of life, no matter your age, ancestry, faith, or income.

I was born and raised in the Georges River area, and it was only when I left school and started visiting other parts of Sydney that I realised how lucky we are to be part of such a diverse community.

What’s also special about Georges River is how diverse our community representation is, from the local business owners, teachers, sporting organisations and community leaders. Take for example Georges River’s councillors.

Upon my election, I will be the youngest Councillor in the LGA at 26 years old. I hope that my election will show other young people that being elected as a Councillor is achievable, and a fantastic opportunity to contribute to your local community.

Where are your favourite places to unwind within the Georges River LGA?

Websters Lookout in Oatley Park has a beautiful view of the river and is a great place to enjoy our local natural environment. The Riverwood CBD has some of the best restaurants in the area - I encourage everyone to visit them and support our local small businesses!

Expressions of Interest: Un[contained] Arts Festival

Georges River Council is excited to announce that the Un[contained] Arts Festival will once again deliver three days of excitement to surprise and delight our community along Belgrave Street, Kogarah.

The festival will again feature an array of immersive art installations, dynamic live performances, and mouth-watering food.

Un[contained] Arts Festival will be an accessible event, inviting people from all walks of life across all abilities to take part in a celebration of our city’s creativity.

Expressions of Interest

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from multiple artists/ teams of artists to create and install artworks as part of the annual Un[contained] Arts Festival

Expressions of Interest close midnight, Sunday 26 March 2023.

Join us at the Un[contained] Arts Festival 2023!

Date: Friday 23 June - Sunday 25 June 2023

Where: Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street

For more information or to apply visit the Public Art page on Council’s website.

Keep an eye out for this toxic beauty in autumn

Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum) is a small, deciduous tree with stunning bright red leaves in autumn. It looks beautiful, however the Rhus tree contains a toxin that can cause a dangerous allergic reaction in people.

Touching the plant can cause painful reactions including severe dermatitis and itching as well as swelling of the face, arms and legs.

Autumn is a good time to look out for Rhus Tree, especially when the leaves turn red. If you think you have Rhus Tree on your property, remember not to touch the plant. Check to see if there is a single leaflet at the end of the leaves as there are other plants that look similar to Rhus Tree.

For more information on weed management, you can contact Council’s Biosecurity Officer or visit the Biodiversity page on Council’s website.