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Message from the Mayor Cr Edward McDougall

Council is proud to support our local RSL Sub-Branches as we commemorate ANZAC Day to honour the service and sacrifice of our ANZACs and those who paid the ultimate price for the freedom we all enjoy today.

It is important we pay tribute to those who defend our values and freedoms around the world while continuing to educate our younger generation about the legacy of the original ANZACs.

I encourage all residents, their family, and friends to join their local RSL veterans and attend one of these ANZAC services.

Our ANZAC flags flying across Bayside depict just a handful of the many local women who have served in our armed services and contributed to Australia’s war efforts.

The latest exhibition at the Mascot Library, Unsung & Unseen: Contributions of Bayside Women in WWI & WWII, is part of Council’s ongoing effort to recognise the important role that women have played when Australia mobilised for war.

I hope you find the time to visit this exhibition that covers such an important part of our history.

I am pleased that the redevelopment of the muchloved Botany Aquatic Centre is on schedule. Construction is due to start and I am looking

forward to this Centre opening in time for the summer 2027/28 season.

Regular updates on the project are posted on Council’s website to keep everyone informed on the progress.

I am also very pleased that the Rockdale Master Plan will be on public exhibition and open for community feedback this month. Since becoming a Councillor in 2017 I have been passionate about improving our community.

This Masterplan sets out our vision for the future of Rockdale Town Centre and its role as the economic and cultural hub of our community. I encourage everyone to provide feedback on this important document.

Finally, if I or my fellow Councillors can help you with a Council matter please reach out. Our contact details are on the back of this newsletter.

Cr Edward McDougall Mayor

ANZAC Flags

Council’s ANZAC flags feature the images of eight local women who contributed to the war effort.

The eight women are: Elsie Barker, Ruby Beard, Lilian Brennan, Nancy Cartwright, Gwendolen Cohen, Eileen Fazakerley, Gwendoline Gregory, and Nita Hayes. More information on these women can be found on Council’s website.

Gary Mawson Recognised

Gary Mawson was presented with a certificate in recognition of his distinguished service as President of the Ramsgate / Rockdale RSL Sub-Branch, ahead of the conclusion of his term later this year.

Council commends Mr Mawson for his dedicated leadership and valued contribution to veterans, their families and the wider community. His commitment to service and community connection has made a lasting impact.

PRE-ANZAC DAY MARCH

SUNDAY 19 APRIL 2026

Mascot RSL Sub-Branch & Bayside Council

2:15pm March from Mascot Library to Memorial Park.

2:40pm Wreath Laying Service, Cenotaph Ceremony, Mascot Memorial Park, Coward Street, Mascot. Contact: 1300 581 299.

ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICES

SATURDAY 25 APRIL 2026

Botany RSL Sub–Branch & Bayside Council

6am Memorial and Wreath Laying Service, Cenotaph Ceremony at Booralee Park, corner Bay and Daniel Streets, Botany. Contact: 1300 581 299.

Arncliffe RSL Sub–Branch

6am Memorial and Wreath Laying Service, Cenotaph Arncliffe Park, 71B Wollongong Road, Arncliffe. Contact: 9567 3966.

Bexley RSL Sub–Branch

6am Memorial and Wreath Laying Service at the RSL Club, 24 Stoney Creek Road, Bexley. Contact: 9502 1966.

Brighton Le Sands RSL Sub–Branch

6am Memorial and Wreath Laying Service at the Memorial next to the RSL Club, 251 Bay Street, Brighton Le Sands. Contact: 9567 5157.

Earlwood / Bardwell Park / Marrickville

RSL Sub–Branch

6am Dawn and Wreath Laying Service at the RSL, 18 Hartill-Law Avenue, Bardwell Park. Contact: 9335 9999.

Kingsgrove RSL Sub–Branch

6:45am Assemble at the corner between Shaw Street and Kingsgrove Road.

7am March to Kingsgrove RSL Club / Memorial Park.

7:30am Service Commences. Contact: 9336 1500.

Ramsgate / Rockdale RSL Sub–Branch

6:30am Assemble at the Sans Souci Literary Institute corner Campbell Street and Ramsgate Road, Ramsgate.

7am March to the Ramsgate RSL Club.

7:20am Memorial and Wreath Laying Service. Contact: 0452 229 529.

Meet our Citizens of the Year

Three exceptional residents were honoured with Council’s Citizen of the Year Awards on Australia Day, recognising their outstanding contributions, achievements and dedication to the community.

Chelsea Holland was named Bayside Citizen of the Year 2026 in recognition of her longstanding commitment to the local arts community and her ongoing involvement with The Regals Musical Society, where she has played a vital role in bringing community theatre to life and inspiring others through the performing arts.

Twelve-year-old Grace Bula was awarded Sportsperson of the Year, celebrated for her impressive sporting achievements, determination and the pride she brings to

Bayside through her dedication and success in competition.

Leanna Doan received the Young Citizen of the Year award in recognition of her passion for community service and the positive impact she continues to

make through her volunteer and community work.

These inspiring recipients reflect the spirit, talent and generosity that make Bayside such a vibrant and connected community.

Bayside Seniors Festival

Bayside Council hosted a variety of events to commemorate NSW Seniors Festival. Bayside seniors were treated to a concert celebrating the golden era of swing and crooners featuring the smooth vocals of Ratpack Reloaded at Rockdale Town Hall.

Seniors were also able to enjoy two sessions of the popular Seniors Singalong at Botany Town Hall alongside numerous other activities, workshops, sporting events and free entry into Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre and Botany Golf Course.

To further celebrate Bayside Seniors and the contributions of First Nations Elders to our community, Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall hosted an Elders Afternoon Tea to recognise and thank them for their lifelong leadership, wisdom and cultural knowledge.

Chelsea Holland Citizen of the Year 2026

Grace Bula Sportsperson of the Year 2026

Leanna Doan Young Citizen of the Year 2026

Australia Day 2026

Council’s Australia Day started with a 6am Wuri-Rise ceremony at Ramsgate Beach that celebrated the resilience and culture of Australia’s First Nations people. Later in the morning Council welcomed 70 new citizens from 30 different countries at a Citizenship Ceremony in the Rockdale Town Hall.

Photography Exhibition

A selection of finalists and the winning images from the 2025 Bayside Photography Competition are on display at Brighton Le Sands Boardwalk, The Grand Eastlakes, and the T1 International Arrival Terminal at Sydney Airport.

Lunar New Year

The community celebrated Council’s Lunar New Year Festival in Cahill Park, Wolli Creek. The festival was hosted by Bayside Council in partnership with Aussie NightMarkets. It was a family-friendly evening with amusement rides, market stalls, food trucks, vibrant cultural displays and traditional performances celebrating our multicultural community.

Ramadan

The vibrant multicultural flavours of Ramadan returned to Bayside on Saturday 14 March, transforming Rockdale’s Walz Street into a lively global food market celebrating the rich traditions of this special time.

Creative Carlton

On 21 March, Bayside Council hosted Creative Carlton, a vibrant Arts and Culture festival showcasing Carlton’s emerging status as a creative hub for local artists.

The event featured live performances, interactive workshops alongside a variety of local food stalls and food trucks. At the heart of the event, Carlton’s creative identity was able to shine, adding a bold splash of colour to our community.

Creative Carlton is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW.

Dennis Golding: On the Foreshore

Our foreshore will host a free temporary public art installation by Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding.

Presented by Council in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, the project features a digitally printed installation that wraps four stacked containers.

The unique designs have been co-created by Dennis and local young people. The installation transforms a familiar foreshore location into a space for contemporary art, cultural connection and community reflection.

On public display at Ramsgate Carpark, Ramsgate, from Saturday 11 April to Monday 15 June 2026.

Scan the QR code for more information.

Botany Aquatic Centre

As of March 2026, our community’s much-loved Botany Aquatic Centre is set to begin major construction with FDC being awarded the construction contract.

With demolition and ground clean-up done and dusted, this marks a huge milestone for the project and our community.

The upgraded, state-of-the-art Centre will be open in time for Summer 2027/28, bringing enhanced spaces and amenities for everyone to enjoy.

Rockdale

Master Plan

Council’s draft Master Plan for the Rockdale Town Centre sets out an exciting long-term vision to shape the future of Rockdale as a vibrant, welcoming destination to live, work and visit –complete with lively public spaces, a wider range of housing options, and easier connections for people moving around the area.

You are invited to Have Your Say on the vision to help shape a town centre that reflects the community’s ideas and aspirations – creating a safe, dynamic and thriving heart for Rockdale.

M6/Bicentennial Park Sports Fields

The new Bicentennial Park East Sports Fields, delivered as part of the M6 Stage 1 Project, have been completed.

The park includes a full-size grass field and two junior grass fields, new seating and lighting. This is supported by an existing amenity block with public toilets, change rooms and a small canteen.

Bayside Landscaping

Bayside Council is rolling out a fresh wave of landscaping improvements across the local area, bringing more greenery, colour and welcoming public spaces for the community to enjoy.

Recent works have transformed several neighbourhood locations, including new plantings and refreshed garden beds at Sevenways Memorial and Bestic Street Gardens in Rockdale, as well as revitalised landscaping at Soudan Reserve.

Streetscape improvements have also been delivered along Robey Street and Page Street in Botany, helping create greener, more attractive neighbourhoods for the community.

Clean Up Australia Day

Bayside residents rolled up their sleeves for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 1 March, collecting nearly two tonnes of rubbish.

Volunteers of all ages joined forces to help clean up local

foreshore areas, bushland and neighbourhood parks, removing litter.

Council partnered with The Bower, to support riders by offering free bicycle safety checks and minor tune-ups,

M6 Shared Pedestrian Cyclist Pathway

Cyclists and pedestrians are enjoying the news 5km M6 Shared Pedestrian Cyclist Pathway, delivered by Transport for NSW in collaboration with Council that reflects our commitment to supporting healthier, connected communities.

while caring for the environment.

A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped make a real difference in keeping Bayside clean, green and beautiful for all to enjoy.

Community Drop Offs

Residents can drop off unwanted items including batteries, e-waste, metals and whitegoods at the Bexley Depot on the first Saturday of the month and Botany Depot on the third Saturday of the month.

What’s On

SUN 19 APR

Pre-ANZAC Day March

See page 3 for details.

SAT 25 APR

ANZAC Day Services

See page 3 for details.

WED 6 MAY

DV Remembrance Vigil

Domestic and family violence candle vigil.

6:30pm – 8pm Mutch Park, Pagewood

SAT 9 MAY

Trees for Mum

Plant a tree for Mother’s Day. Registration will open soon.

Sir Joseph Banks Park

SUN 17 MAY

Stories On Parade

Celebrate the history of Carlton through storytelling. 1pm – 6pm Carlton Parade, Carlton

SUN 17 MAY

Sydney Writers’ Festival

Author Talk: Alexandra Lapierre on Stella Miles Franklin. Tickets $10. 5pm –6pm Shopfront Arts Co-Op 88 Carlton Parade, Carlton

SAT 23 MAY

Sydney Writers’ Festival

Author Talk: Kathryn Heyman, Circle of Wonders. Tickets $10. 5pm –6pm

Rockdale Town Hall

27 MAY – 3 JUN

Reconciliation Week

Celebrate Indigenous history and foster reconciliation discussion and activities at various locations in Bayside.

For more information visit Council’s What’s On webpage.

Provide your feedback on Council’s upcoming projects and initiatives.

It’s now easier than ever to report an issue to Council with a simpler, intuitive process that ensures better service delivery and a faster resolution. Report it

Bayside Customer Service Centres

Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway Westfield Eastgardens, 152 Bunnerong Road Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm Phone 1300 581 299 | 02 9562 1666