OCTOBER 2026
Message from the Mayor Dr Christina Curry Throughout my time on Council, I have been guided by two simple measures: what people see and what people feel. What people see is reflected in the quality and presentation of our parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, town centres, streets and public spaces. These are the places that shape daily life in Bayside and contribute to the pride we share in our community.
It is a great honour to have been elected Mayor of Bayside Council, and I am proud to begin this next chapter alongside my fellow Councillors and community. As Mayor, my focus will be on continuous improvement, strong leadership and delivering outcomes that make a meaningful difference to the lives of our residents.
What people feel is just as important. It is reflected in the quality of customer service they receive, the responsiveness of Council, and the confidence that their voices are heard and their priorities are being delivered. This publication celebrates the milestones, achievements and community spirit that have shaped Bayside over the past decade. Ten years on, we can look back with pride at how far we have come and all that we have achieved together.
As we begin the next chapter, there is much to look forward to. We will continue to invest in the local improvements that matter most to our community, from parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities to town centres, community spaces, essential services and infrastructure. Our success will be measured not only by the projects we deliver, but by the positive difference they make to people’s everyday lives. I look forward to working collaboratively with our Councillors, staff, businesses, community groups and residents to build on our achievements and embrace the opportunities ahead. Together, we can create an even stronger, more connected, inclusive and sustainable Bayside for future generations.
Dr Christina Curry Mayor
Phone 1300 581 299 Website www.bayside.nsw.gov.au
10 YEARS OF BAYSIDE
Listening to Our Community Bayside Council has strengthened community engagement by creating more inclusive and collaborative ways for residents to help shape the city’s future. Community feedback has played a key role
in major projects such as the Rockdale Centre Masterplan where we used immersive digital tools, videos and artist impressions to help residents visualise proposed changes, and better understand the proposal
to inform their feedback. Council has embraced codesign with young people to create inclusive public spaces, using informal walkshops to gather insights from teenage girls and youth on safety, wellbeing, social connection such as the Safer Cities Her Way and future park designs.
Our Diverse Community Bayside is one of Australia’s most culturally diverse communities, with residents from a wide range of cultural backgrounds contributing to the city’s vibrant identity. Council has strengthened programs and events to respond to our changing demographics and to celebrate the communities that make Bayside unique. This includes Spring Fair, Wuri-Rise, Lunar New Year, Diwali and Ramadan to name a few.
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10 YEARS OF BAYSIDE
Reconciliation: Our Shared Journey Bayside’s history is deeply connected to Aboriginal people, who have cared for the area’s lands and waterways for thousands of years and continue to maintain a strong
connection to Country. Over the past decade, Council has strengthened its commitment to recognising and celebrating First Nations culture, heritage and knowledge through its
Reconciliation Action Plan and initiatives such as Walks on Country, Dharawal language programs, Wuri-Rise for Resilience, and public art projects.
Reinvigorating Our Suburbs Bayside has invested in vibrant neighbourhoods and town centres that support local businesses, strengthen community connections and foster civic pride. Through initiatives such as streetscape improvements, public art and placemaking projects, and other enhancements to our suburbs, celebrated local character and heritage, and created welcoming destinations for residents and visitors. Our Historical Marker Programs is helping showcase Bayside's suburbs and history while creating a greater sense of belonging across the community.
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10 YEARS OF BAYSIDE
Arts & Culture A defining part of Bayside’s identity, enriching community life, supporting economic growth and strengthening social connection is the support of arts and culture. Guided by its first Arts and Culture Strategy, Council has invested in cultural events,
public art, partnerships and creative initiatives that have fostered a vibrant and connected creative community. Our Creative Industries Forum, mural program, our Creative Directory, and Chapel Nights remain central to Bayside’s creative character.
Environment Council is protecting natural assets and biodiversity through long-term, collaborative environmental programs. The Lady Robinson Beach Foreshore Management Program and Spring Creek Naturalisation Project show Council’s ability to plan for long-tern environmental change while delivering practical benefits for residents and visitors. Project Planet was developed in response to a clear need for a more coordinated, accessible and practice way to deliver environmental education.
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10 YEARS OF BAYSIDE
Active Lifestyles Bayside has invested in sporting facilities, playgrounds, cycleways, pathways and open spaces to support healthy and active lifestyles. Projects like the ArncliffeBanksia Walking and Cycling Link, the Mascot Oval Upgrade, and the Sir Joseph Banks Park Pump Track are helping create a healthier, more active and connected community.
Planning for the Future Council is planning for future growth through strategic investments that support a liveable, connected and sustainable city. Projects including the Arncliffe Community Hub, Depena Reserve Café Redevelopment and Complete Streets initiatives reflect a longterm commitment to accessibility, community connection and highquality public spaces. These investments demonstrate Council's focus on building a stronger and more resilient future for the Bayside community. Bayside News October 2026 | 5
10 YEARS OF BAYSIDE
H I G H L I G H T S
astgardens Library and Customer 2017 EService Centre opens
ngelo Anestis Aquatic Centre opens 2017 Aat Bexley North
2018 B otany Town Hall refurbishment
ine Park Masterplan and playground 2019 Prenewal
utch Park Skate Park opens at 2019 M Pagewood
astlakes Reserve renamed in honour of the 2021 Elate Jack Mundey and playground updated
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10 YEARS OF BAYSIDE
H I G H L I G H T S
Youth Centre opens at 2021 A9 rncliffe Townsend Lane, Arncliffe
omestic Violence reflection garden 2023 Dopens at Mutch Park, Pagewood
ir Joseph Banks Park adventure park 2023 Sopens
haraggang Park opens at Wolli Creek 2023 Dwith the biggest First Nations mural
arton Park, opens – Winner of the Master 2026 B otany Aquatic Centre redevelopment 2024 BBuilders Award for Sporting Facilities commenced Bayside News October 2026 | 7
What’s On SAT
31
OCT
YOUR COUNCILLORS
Food & Wine Festival Enjoy local wines, spirits, craft beers, delicious food, music and cooking demonstrations by Manu & Clarissa Feildel and Anna Polyviou. 11am – 9pm Mascot Memorial Park, Mascot
FRI
Diwali Festival
FRI
Walk Against Domestic Violence
6 NOV 4
DEC SAT
12 DEC SAT
26 JAN SAT
26 JAN
A vibrant celebration bringing the community together in joy and colour. 5pm – 10pm King Street Mall, Rockdale
WARD 1
Community walk from Ramsgate Beach to Dolls Point. Wear your uniform or something orange. 7:30am Ramsgate Life Saving Club, Ramsgate Beach
Carols by the Sea Featuring community groups performing everyone’s favourite carol sing-a-longs with a visit from Santa. 6:00pm – 9:00pm Lady Robinsons Beach, Brighton Le Sands
Wuri-Rise Dawn Ceremony To respectfully honour the survival of the First Nations peoples and their culture. 6:00am – 8:00am Ramsgate Beach
Dr Ron Bezic
Councillor ron.bezic@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
Dr Christina Curry
Scott Morrissey
Soraya Kassim
Peter Strong
Mayor christina.curry@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
Deputy Mayor scott.morrissey@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
WARD 2
Jerome Boutelet
Councillor jerome.boutelet@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
Councillor soraya.kassim@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
Councillor peter.strong@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
WARD 3
Australia Day at Booralee Park Celebrate Australia Day with the whole family. Bring a picnic basket and a rug. 10:00am Booralee Park, Botany
A vibrant online hub showcasing the creative talent of Bayside
Dr Janin Bredehoeft Michael Nagi Councillor janin.bredehoeft@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
Councillor michael.nagi@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
Chris Saravinovski Councillor chris.saravinovski@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
WARD 4
Joe Awada
Councillor joe.awada@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
Liz Barlow
Fiona Douskou
Edward McDougall
Vicki Poulos
Councillor liz.barlow@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
Councillor fiona.douskou@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
WARD 5
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
Heidi Lee Douglas Councillor heidilee.douglas@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
Councillor ed.mcdougall@ bayside.nsw.gov.au
Councillor vicki.poulos@ bayside.nsw.gov.au