Georges River Council Community Magazine, Spring 2023

Mayor's Message Contents

FEATURES

Welcome to the spring edition of Community. As the weather is warming up, it’s great to see so many community members out and about at our Council events, especially those in the great outdoors.

I’d like to thank our residents who volunteered to assist the Bushcare team at our annual National Tree Day planting event at Beverly Hills Park in late July. We were fortunate to have warm and sunny weather, and I was pleased to see so many participants of all ages working together to plant almost 2,000 plants.

In June we had overwhelming success with our annual Un[contained] Arts Festival in Kogarah. It was wonderful to see we had record crowds of over 40,000 people. Both locals and visitors across Sydney enjoyed immersive art installations and dynamic live performances over the weekend. The Hexadeca by Pulsing Heart art installation, with its twirling buckets and spheres, was a big hit with the kids! Un[contained] continues to grow in strength and has become a popular, must-see event on the Sydney calendar.

We also celebrated Refugee Week in June. It was an honour to hear the

remarkable story of an Ambassador of the Refugee Council of Australia, Shahri Rafi, at Hurstville Library. She spoke about this year’s theme, ‘Finding Freedom’, from her own experience as she shared her family’s story from being internally displaced during the Afghan Civil War, their migration to Pakistan, and their return to Afghanistan after the collapse of the Taliban regime in 2002.

Over the coming months we have so many events to look forward to and mark in your calendars.

You can enjoy the great outdoors by getting involved in National Bird Week bird spotting.

Load up the kids or your mates in the car for the Frightful 80s drive-in cinema where you can watch the 1988 hit move Beetlejuice

For art and culture lovers The Sydney Fringe Festival will be hosting events at Hurstville again this year. Hurstville Plaza will come alive with live music and dancing, and the Hurstville Entertainment Centre will host Jenny Wongs Feast, a mix of Sydney’s funniest and most foodloving comedians, writers, and a chef, for a night of storytelling, laughter, and Filipino food.

I’m also excited to let you know we have set a date for our Magic of Christmas event for 2023 – Saturday 2 December. We are already busy organising the concert lineup and fun family activities.

I look forward to connecting at these great Georges River events.

Nick Katris Mayor, Georges River Council

Georges River Council acknowledges the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Custodians of all lands, waters and sky in the Georges River area. Council recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as an integral part of the Georges River community and values their social and cultural contributions. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who live work and meet on these lands.

Big crowds at Un[contained] Arts Festival 2023

In June, Georges River Council held the successful Un[contained] Arts Festival for its third year, attracting over 40,000 people. Each year, attendance continues to grow indicating that this event is fast becoming a community favourite.

Belgrave Street in Kogarah became a hive of cultural delights over three days with exciting art installations, performances, and mouth-watering food trucks for our community.

The Un[contained] Arts Festival is a platform for emerging and established artists to extend their practice within a festival environment. This year had a strong emphasis on accessibility, inter-activity and sustainability.

From stage to street there were performances and opportunities to interact with artworks and artists alike. Live murals by Darren Charlwood, Adam Cicanese and Ox King were created in the lead up and over the course of the festival to add to the atmosphere.

LED dancer with light up peacock tail at Un[contained] Arts Festival.

Children and the young at heart, twirled on HEXADECA by Pulsing Heart, sat amongst the soft sculptures of Bliss by Amy Claire Mills, and peered through a three-metre-long kaleidoscope by Aaron McGarry. Everyone enjoyed becoming an artist collaborator through colouring in a mural of Australia’s High Court Justices by Tim Andrew.

Community members were invited in different ways to immerse themselves in creative environments including making their own LED jewellery inside the Antarean Pyramid with artist Nathan Starchild or sitting at a beautifully set dinner table of Dinners Past by Rhiannon Hopley. The dinner table featured specifically designed perfumes reminiscent of eating around a family kitchen table.

This year Un[contained] introduced a neon makeshift stage where Festival goers were entertained by family favourites like the Vegetable Plot, Junk Yard Beats and Kaleidoscope Dream or were greeted by illuminated Ibis chicks from Curious Legends, fire jugglers and a roving peacock plume lit up by bright LED patterns.

Council was proud to present a unique event that celebrates arts and culture, contributes to the vibrancy of the local area, supports our local businesses and grows the night-time economy. See you all next year!

“Love this festival. Yearly tradition now!”

– survey response

Large crowds at Un[contained] Arts Festival in Kogarah.

Levitated Inversions juggling act.

“This is a wonderfully innovative event. [The festival] gives so many creative groups a chance to perform or show artwork”

– survey response

Art installation: Bliss by Amy Claire Mills

Art installation: Dung Beetle by George Buchanan.

Roving Entertainment: Hatched by Curious Legends

Georges River Art Prize 2023

The Georges River Art Prize 2023 is a biennial art prize that provides an opportunity for artists Australia-wide to enter and display their work.

Open to the community, it is organised by Hurstville Museum & Gallery and offers over $20,000 in prize money across five categories. The categories include painting, sculpture, children and youth, and local artists.

Prize categories

Art Prize (painting prize) - $10,000 acquisitive

Sculpture Prize - $5,000

Local Artist Prize - $4,000 acquisitive & a solo exhibition

Little Artist Prize (7-12 years of age) - $200 materials voucher

Youth Prize (13-17 years of age) - $300 materials voucher

People’s Choice Prize - $500

Favourite Young Artist Prize - $100

Entries closed on 25 August and three judges will shortlist the finalists. This year the judges are Tony Costa, 2019 winner of the Archibald Prize, Patrick Cremin, an artist and arts worker based in Sydney and Carrie Kibbler, Curator at Hazelhurst Arts Centre.

The Georges River Art Prize is an important platform for Australian artists to highlight their talents. Works selected for the exhibition vary in style, subject matter, and size, making for a diverse and vibrant exhibition of contemporary artworks. Winners will be announced at the official opening of the exhibition on 27 October 2023.

The Georges River Art Prize, Local Artist Prize and Sculpture Prize will be exhibited at Hurstville Museum & Gallery. The Georges River Youth Prize and Little Artist Prize are exhibited at Clive James Library and Service Centre, Kogarah. Visitors to the Georges River Art Prize are encouraged to vote for their favourite artists. Those with the most votes will be awarded the Georges River People’s Choice Prize and Favourite Young Artist Prize in January 2024.

The Georges River Art Prize will be on show from 28 October 2023 until 18 January 2024.

For updates, visit Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s Georges River Art Prize page on Council’s website.

Georges River Art Prize 2021 at Hurstville Museum & Gallery.

Making a big difference in the community through Council’s grants program

A big congratulations goes to the 23 community groups and organisations, residents, and businesses who have been awarded a Council grant as part of the second grants round for 2022-2023.

Council awarded a total of $142,740 for 24 projects to be delivered in the local community.

Council’s Grant programs are designed to support community organisations, residents, and businesses to offer alternative approaches to meeting community needs, and to develop projects and activities that encourage community participation, wellbeing, innovation, and inclusion.

Council held a capacity-building workshop to better equip successful grant recipients to deliver their projects, meet reporting requirements, and to encourage networking with other community organisations. This was followed by a presentation ceremony where successful grant recipients were awarded with certificates

to acknowledge and celebrate the achievement of receiving funding to deliver community projects.

One of the recipients was Shopfront Arts Co-Op Ltd, based in Carlton, who received a Community Grant to deliver A Jumpstart with Art. This is a pilot program providing work experience and volunteer opportunities for 48 local young people aged 8-24 living with and without disability. The program seeks to create inclusive, unique opportunities for young people to upskill and gain confidence, experience and develop support networks.

Stride Mental Health Ltd - headspace Hurstville also received a Community Grant to provide Quietspace; a sensory-accessible and safe space for various events within the Georges River community. Quietspace will have reduced sounds and lights, and provide hands-on activities and sensory-soothing equipment for participants to engage in.

To find out more about Council’s grants program, visit the Grants and Sponsorship page on Council’s website.

Grant recipients with Georges River Council Mayor, Deputy Mayor Landsberry and Councillors Elise Borg, Nancy Liu, Lou Konjarskji and Veronica Ficarra.

Celebrating “Finding Freedom” in Refugee Week 2023

Georges River Council celebrated Refugee Week 2023 from Sunday 18 June to Saturday 24 June, with many other communities across Australia. This year’s theme was “Finding Freedom”.

Refugee Week is Australia’s peak annual activity to promote greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face, and the contributions refugees make to the Australian community.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate how people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds enrich our community. The week was a chance for all of us to welcome, thank and celebrate our neighbours who have come to the Georges River area. As part of Council’s Better Together initiative, we have always encouraged social cohesion and understanding, and that’s why it was so important to highlight Refugee Week.

This year’s theme of “Finding Freedom” highlighted the experiences of refugees for the broader community to better understand their perspectives. The theme also promoted harmony and togetherness to unite individuals, communities, and organisations from many different backgrounds behind a common cause.

As part of our celebrations, Council hosted an Ambassador of the Refugee Council of Australia, Shahri Rafi, to speak at Hurstville Library on her experience of “Finding Freedom”.

Shahri shared her family’s story from being internally displaced in Afghanistan during the Afghan Civil War, their migration to Pakistan, and their return to Afghanistan after the collapse of the Taliban regime in 2002, longing for peace and security.

Shahri completed an undergraduate degree in Law and Political Science from Kabul University in 2008 and was granted a scholarship from the University of Technology, Sydney to complete her Master’s. After completing her studies, Shahri returned to Afghanistan to participate in the country’s reconstruction process and worked for a law firm in Kabul. However, due to the security crisis after the international’s troops’ early withdrawal in 2014, Shahri returned to Sydney and sought refugee protection.

In her library talk, Shahri explained what freedom means to her, and how she found it in Australia. The full room of attendees appreciated the opportunity to hear how we can support refugees and celebrate their resilience.

To read more about Council’s Better Together initiative, visit Council’s Better Together page.

Refugee Council of Australia Ambassador Shahri Rafi with Councillor Natalie Mort and event attendees.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION Cassy Martin

Cassy Martin is a Georges River local of almost 20 years and has recently published her memoir ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’. It details her journey overcoming the challenges and stigmas of living with cerebral palsy.

Cassy shares what she hopes people will take away from her memoir, her experiences living in the LGA, and some advice for the community.

How have you positively impacted your community?

I hope that my memoir I have recently written will have a positive impact. My wish is that it may encourage and motivate people from all walks of life to live their dreams and not be restricted by what other people might think. I feel it is a life story that truly comes from my heart.

What do you love about the Georges River LGA?

I feel very safe and close to everything I need living in Hurstville. The fact we are located close (but not too close) to the city centre and only a short train trip to get there is very convenient. I love being within easy distance of beaches, and my favourite spot is the Georges River 16ft Sailing club and Lady Robinson beach - so beautiful.

Do you have any tips or advice to share with the community?

I'd like to encourage businesses, big or small, to give a person with a disability a chance at paid employment. Such opportunities empower and can really change people’s lives in unimaginably positive ways forever.

Cassy’s memoir is available to read at the Georges River Libraries, cassymartin.com.au and select bookstores.

Do you know of someone who is a Community Champion? We’re on the hunt to feature our next community hero, someone who has positively impacted the Georges River community. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please complete the submission form on Council’s website

IN GOOD TASTE RECIPES Smoked Short Rib Tacos

Region: The Americas Contributor: Steph Gildaly

It’s less about the tacos and more about the smoking. Since Jacqui and I started seeing each other we would go out for different types of BBQ whenever we could.

Every time we went out for American style BBQ we’d always muse over whether we should get a smoker and learn how to smoke properly. We’d always come to the conclusion that we’re sure we’d be good at it. Fast forward to 2020, we bought our own house, watched some bad reality TV shows about BBQing and went and got a smoker built for us.

The tacos are a great recipe because they combine all the things that we love; smoked meats, Jac’s Aunty Doreen’s coleslaw (a BBQ day staple for our house) and tomatoes that we grow in the backyard. They’re also perfect for large groups, fussy eaters or those of us that just enjoy good food, plus everyone can build their own just the way they like it and we don’t have to serve it all up.

Taco Recipe

You will need:

For Short Ribs:

• Boneless short ribs [easier to cut for tacos]

• Rub: salt, pepper, garlic

• Finishing sauce: We use Blues Hog Raspberry Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

For Tacos:

• Flour tortillas [we use La Banderita Flour Tortillas]

• Avocado, diced

• Cherry tomatoes

• Red onion

• Corn cobs [preferably smoked] or kernels

• Olive oil

• Red cabbage

• Carrot

• Mayonnaise

• Apple cider vinegar

• Balsamic vinegar

• Garlic powder

• Parmesan cheese [pre-grated or fresh grated]

• Optional: chillies

Smoking the Short Ribs

**Temperatures and cook times may vary between types of smokers. We use an Ugly drum smoker that is hotter and closer heat compared to offset smokers**

1. Take short ribs out of the fridge to bring to room temperature and coat in your rub

2. Preheat your smoker to 150 degrees Celsius until smoke clears

3. Once up to temperature, reduce the temperature to 130 degrees and place ribs in the smoker for 4 hours, turning ¼ turn every 60 mins

4. After 5 hours, take ribs out and wrap in commercial grade foil

5. Place wrapped ribs back into the smoker for 2 hours. At this time add corn cobs to the smoker

6. Take ribs out of the smoker, open wrap and cover with finishing sauce and rewrap

7. When you’re ready to eat, dice the ribs up into small pieces

Aunty Doreen’s Coleslaw

1. Slice your red cabbage into thin slices, add to large bowl

2. Grate equal amount of carrot to cabbage, add to large bowl

3. Add desired amount of mayonnaise

4. Add garlic powder, a splash of apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar

5. Mix thoroughly

Cherry tomato & smoked corn salsa

• Dice cherry tomatoes, add to bowl [you can use regular tomatoes, but cherries are the best]

• Dice red onion, add to bowl

• If you smoked corn cobs, remove kernels from the cob and add to bowl

• If using frozen kernels, cook until thawed and add to mix. Add a dash of liquid smoke if you have it

• Add a dash of olive oil to the mix and mix through

Putting the tacos together

You can totally put them together however you wish but our preferred order is:

• Tortilla

• Aunty Doreen’s Coleslaw

• Tomato & smoked corn salsa (add fresh cut chillies here if you want to)

• Diced avocado

• Short ribs

How do Wildlife Protection Areas affect me?

Georges River Council has adopted a Wildlife Protection Area Policy which declares 19 Wildlife Protection Areas (Category 2) in Council bushland parks and reserves. Wildlife Protection Areas help protect our threatened and vulnerable native wildlife, by reducing the impacts from domestic animals.

The declaration of the Wildlife Protection Areas allows Council to implement controls to manage roaming cats and off-leash dogs. Dogs that are on a leash will be permitted on formed tracks, pathways or roads in Category 2 Wildlife Protection Areas.

Spotting Boneseed weeds in Spring

Spring is a wonderful time to be out enjoying the flowers in our gardens, parks and bushland areas. It is also a great time to be out spotting weeds!

The number one target for weed spotting in spring is Boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera). Boneseed has bright yellow daisy flowers and slightly fleshy leaves. The seeds are round and green when young then turn black when mature. It is spread by berry eating birds and forms dense stands in bushland where it outcompetes native plants.

Boneseed is a priority weed in the Georges River Council area and a Control Order is in place for all of NSW. This means that landowners must immediately destroy all Boneseed plants and ensure their land is kept free of the plant.

If you think that you have seen Boneseed please contact Council at mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au with the location and a photo if you have one.

For more information on weed management, you can contact Council’s Biosecurity (Weeds) Officer on 9330 6400 or visit the Biodiversity page on Council’s website.

Binoculars ready! Get involved during National Bird Week

As springtime has arrived, now is a great time to connect with nature and observe the arrival of young wildlife. That’s why we would like your help recording local birds you see in the Georges River area as part of National Bird Week!

The Aussie Bird Count is run by BirdLife Australia and will be held from 16-22 October 2023.

All it takes is 20 minutes in a backyard, local park or even a window to observe and record what bird that you have seen. You are encouraged to take time out of your day to enjoy the wonder of spring.

To find out more information and to see the areas that have been declared Wildlife Protection Areas, visit our Wildlife Protection Areas page on Council’s website. Save

Serving our community Customer Experience Advocates

Overdue fees waived at Georges River Libraries

Georges River Council will no longer fine you when library items are returned late. Previously accrued overdue fines have also been waived.

To make it easier for our community to work with Georges River Council we have a dedicated team of Customer Experience Advocates focusing on putting customers' needs first.

Having one point of contact can make things easier for our customers.

The Advocates support our community by investigating and resolving complex enquiries and receiving and actioning feedback.

In doing that work they identify systemic issues within Council and work towards remedying them to improve processes and how Council shares information with customers.

Customers can seek assistance online, over the phone, in person, by email or letter. Council embraces a consistent approach to customer service and the Advocates are responsible for ensuring that all customers are dealt with in an effective and efficient manner under Council’s Customer Feedback and Complaint Management Policy.

Under the Policy all feedback will be acknowledged in two business days. General complaints are resolved within five business days and more complex complaints requiring further investigation are resolved in 10 business days.

How to contact us:

Online: You can provide us feedback, a compliment, a suggestion, or a complaint by completing the Customer Contact Us Form on our website

Phone: (02) 9330 6400

Email: mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Georges River Libraries have joined the growing number of public libraries which have removed overdue fines to improve access to information and opportunity. We recognise that late fees have a disproportionate effect on our community and stop people using the library, particularly some of our vulnerable community who are most in need of our services.

While overdue fines are a thing of the past, we do need to ensure our collections are maintained and available for the whole community, so you still need to bring back items when they are due. If an item is brought back damaged, or is not returned, we will continue to charge you for the replacement cost of the item.

Understanding the current financial stress impacting our community, the library is holding an amnesty on lost or damaged items until 3 October 2023. If you were charged for a lost or damaged library item before 31 July 2023, you can pay $1 to have your charges waived. All money raised will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, a national not-for-profit charity dedicated to lifting literacy levels in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.

Get back in touch with the library today and gain access to our amazing collections including books, magazines, guitars, digital cameras and toys as well as a diverse range of eBooks, audiobooks and online resources.

Here are some key points to remember:

• There are no more overdue fees at Georges River Libraries.

• Charges for lost or damaged items still apply.

• The library amnesty for lost or damaged items is on until 3 October 2023.

For more information and full terms and conditions see Council’s Library page.

Start strong with Council’s Early Learning Services

“Children who attend a high-quality early education program in the year before school are up to 40 percent ahead of their peers by the time they reach Year 3 in primary school.”

Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth

Research shows early learning equips children with the social, cognitive and emotional skills needed for continued learning. These benefits extend beyond primary school with higher levels of educational success, employment and social skills linked to moderate levels of participation in quality early childhood education.

Georges River Council believes education builds capable communities. Council provides high quality early education and care to meet the educational needs of our community’s children and their families. With a focus on play-based learning and holistic development, we cultivate innovative and sustainable places and spaces for children to thrive.

Council’s highly qualified team facilitate programs to give each child the fundamental skills needed for life-long learning. Our transition to school programs provide children with literacy, numeracy, social

interaction and self-help skills to support their development. With a strong focus on inclusive and sustainable practices, Council offers educational programs across six locations in the Georges River Council local government area. Our early learning centres are located in Beverly Hills, Kogarah, Carss Park, Penshurst, South Hurstville and Oatley West. Each service caters for every child’s individual, cultural and developmental needs.

We value our links with the local community and strong partnerships with our families which embed a sense of belonging within our early learning centres. Our children engage in intergenerational experiences with our senior community members and participate in collaborative cultural learning with First Nations organisations.

The Georges River Council Community and Early Learning Services’ wide network of educators, managers, community officers, librarians, art and social history curators and child protection professionals, work collaboratively to educate and support families and the community.

To enrol in one of our early learning centres, or to simply learn more visit Council’s Early Learning Services pages on our website.

National Tree Day

On Sunday 30 July Council held its annual National Tree Day planting event at Beverly Hills Park.

Close to 2,000 trees were planted by 170 passionate volunteers. Scout groups, day care groups, corporate teams and veteran Bushcare volunteers all joined forces to get the job done!

Council’s Bushcare team carefully selected over 1,000 grasses and 900 shrubs and vines to create a missing ground layer and help increase the natural biodiversity at the site. One of the favourites on the day was the Australian Indigo, which has delightful purple flowers. Along with the shrubs and grasses the magnificent Turpentine tree was planted to match existing vegetation within the reserve. Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest was once prevalent in our community prior to settlement.

It was great to see so many community members of all ages enjoying the sunshine and coming together for a great cause.

Thank you to Mayor Nick Katris and Councillors Peter Mahoney and Ben Wang for their support on the day. A special thanks to our Bushcare volunteers for their continued support.

A number of residents also took part in Council’s native plant giveaway in Mortdale as part of National Tree Day.

Interested in getting involved?

If you’re interested in becoming a Bushcare volunteer, complete the registration form on the Bushcare Volunteering page. Stay up to date with upcoming Bushcare events by visiting Council’s What’s On page.

Georges River Council Mayor and Councillors Peter Mahoney and Ben Wang with Bushcare volunteers.

SEPTEMBER

Sydney Fringe Festival and Georges River Council present the return of Fringeville to Hurstville

Fringeville

It’s a Fringe takeover! For one night only on Friday 15 September, Hurstville Plaza will come alive with live music and dancing, celebrating the flavours and creativity of south Sydney.

Enjoy a local meal and experience colourful community performances and thrilling acts from artists across Sydney. Take part in the drumming circle and share in the rhythm, then sit back and enjoy the sounds of live world music from our gorgeous caravan.

Join us for this free party taking over Hurstville Plaza for the evening. Expect a night full of surprises, culture, and good times.

Friday 15 September 5.00pm-9.00pm Hurstville Plaza, Hurstville Free event

Feast

Sydney Fringe Festival and Georges River Council invite you to join Jennifer Wong & Friends in… FEAST

Join six of Sydney’s funniest and most food-loving comedians, writers, and a chef, for a sumptuous night of storytelling, laughter, and Filipino food.

The evening will be hosted by Jennifer Wong, presenter of ABC’s Chopsticks or Fork?, a six-part series about Chinese restaurants in regional Australia, and a regular guest on The Cook Up (SBS).

Expect delicious stories and flavour-packed hot takes about how we eat and how we live. It’s dinner and a show, but not as you know it. Best shared with friends and loved ones.

Featuring:

• HOSTED BY: Jennifer Wong (Chopsticks or Fork?)

• Happy Feraren (Fillow Talk)

• Patrick Golamco (2021 Raw Comedy Runner Up)

• Sarah Tiong (Masterchef)

• Shirley Le (Funny Ethnics)

• Suraj Kolarkar (God’s Favourite Idiot)

• Suren Jayemanne (The Cook Up)

Thursday 14 September, 7.00pm Hurstville Entertainment Centre Price: Single - $45.80 Table of 10 - $400

Wheelchair Accessible event

The Hush Treasure Book exhibition and activities

Welcome to the world of Hush - a world of magic, wonder and mystery! This Books Illustrated travelling exhibition features all the original art created for The Hush Treasure Book. It’s an absorbing collection of poems, pictures and stories created by a stellar cast of authors and illustrators.

The original art for The Hush Treasure Book was created by 20 of Australia’s best-loved illustrators. You’ll see preliminary sketches and developmental work, as well as the final published art in all its forms, bringing to life this treasure trove of stories, poems and pictures by Australia’s favourite storytellers!

The Hush Treasure Book was specially commissioned by the Hush Music Foundation, famous for its original music albums used in hospitals all around the world. The Hush Music Foundation was founded in 2000 by Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital physician, Catherine Crock and has produced many albums of original music to bring peace and calm to young patients and their families.

As part of this exhibition, we are offering ‘Creative storytelling’ sessions. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary world where

storytelling and crafts unite and let The Hush Treasure Book be your gateway to a realm of endless wonder.

As the stories unfold, you'll find inspiration to create beautiful crafts that bring the book to life. From crafting fantastical creatures to designing intricate props, The Hush Treasure Book exhibition ignites the spark of imagination and nurtures the artist within.

Each session will focus on different stories and activities:

Sunday 3 September 2023, 3.00pm-4.00pm

‘Creative storytelling – Julie Vivas’.

Sunday 17 September 2023, 3.00pm-4.00pm

‘Creative storytelling – Bob Graham’

Sunday 8 October 2023, 3.00pm-4.00pm

'Creative storytelling – Michael Camilleri & Jackie French’. Hurstville Museum & Gallery

$8.00 per child, bookings essential For ages 6 - 9 years old

To book sessions, visit Councils’ What’s On page.

Cover illustration “The Hush Treasure book” by Kevin Burgemeestre. Cover design by Lee Burgemeestre.

No Domestic Violence Walk

Georges River Council is hosting its annual “No To Domestic Violence Walk” on Friday 24 November 2023 and taking a collective stand on domestic violence.

The walk will commence at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium and finish at Kogarah Town Square. The event is intended to promote positive change, encouraging men, women and youth to stand up against domestic violence in the Georges River Community.

No Domestic Violence Walk

Friday 24 November 2023

For more information and to register please contact us on (02) 9330 6205 or email the Events team.

Frightful 80’s Drive-in Cinema

The hugely popular Frightful 80’s Drive-in is back!

To celebrate Halloween this year, we will be screening the 1988 film Beetlejuice (M).

There will also be a 'Best Dressed Vehicle' competition, so get creative and dress your car in a spooky 80s Halloween-theme for the chance to win a gift voucher!

Saturday 28 October 2023

Donnelly Park, Kyle Parade Connells Point

7.30pm - 9.30pm (entry from 5.00pm) Free event

Visit Councils’ What’s On page for more information

| READ ONLINE AT GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU

Magic of Christmas 2023

Mark your calendars! Friends and families are invited to gather in Carss Bush Park for an evening of festive fun at our annual Magic of Christmas event, Saturday 2 December 2023.

The event features Christmas-themed stalls, special performances and plenty of food. A spectacular fireworks display lights up the bay for all to enjoy.

Bring your picnic blanket and settle in for an evening of festive entertainment and food, and don't forget to keep an eye out for Santa!

Limited parking will be available at Carss Park Flats. We encourage you to walk, cycle or catch public transport where possible.

Please continue to check Council’s Magic of Christmas event page for further updates.

Please continue to check Council’s Magic of Christmas event page for further updates.

Sam Elmir 0410 654 310 selmir @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Colleen Symington 0409 546 202 csymington @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Mayor Nick Katris 0419 402 191 nkatris @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Nick Smerdely 0431 646 321 nsmerdely @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Lou Konjarski 0421 188 896 lkonjarski @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Natalie Mort 0499 522 200 nmort @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Nancy Liu 0400 681 188 nliu @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Elise Borg 0477 222 089 eborg @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Ashvini Ambihaipahar 0434 494 231 aambihaipahar @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Peter Mahoney 0419 374 727 pmahoney @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

& mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

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Hurstville Mon to Fri 8.30am-5.00pm

Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street, Kogarah Mon to Fri 9.00am-6.00pm Sat 10.00am-4.00pm Sun 10.00am-1.00pm

Blakehurst Hurstville Kogarah Bay Mortdale Peakhurst