LIVING IN Burwood
Message from the Mayor
As we welcome 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress and achievements of the past year.
In 2024, Burwood thrived as a community built on innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together, we celebrated 150 years of the Municipality of Burwood with a year-long lineup of activities that brought us all together. From vibrant cultural events and festivities to initiatives focused on creating a safer and more connected community, our projects reflect our commitment to enhancing infrastructure, green spaces, and services that benefit everyone.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be even more exciting with an ambitious capital works agenda which
includes over $110 million in community infrastructure projects, light rail advocacy and enhanced programs for community engagement, we are laying the ground work for a stronger more connected Burwood. I am committed to strengthening our sustainability efforts through the continued delivery of my Mayoral Street Tree Planting initiative, now in its fifth year. With your support, we will continue to make Burwood a place for everyone to enjoy.
Stay connected with us through our social media channels and e-newsletter for regular updates and opportunities to get involved.
Scan to view a digital translated copy of this newsletter in simplified Chinese.
Cr John Faker , Mayor of Burwood
Burwood Council acknowledges the Wangal Clan of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the area. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and ongoing relationship with the land.
Mayor Faker and artists from Studio ARTES
Revitalising public spaces
Up to $3,000 is available to improve the look of your shopfront this year!
Each year Council commits $50,000 in funding to local businesses as part of its Shopfront Improvement Program, creating more vibrant and welcoming streetscapes.
Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for funding to improve the appearance of your shopfront. Dates will be announced shortly for 2025.
Major projects update: Exciting upgrades ahead in 2025!
Big things are coming in 2025 with the completion of three major projects for our community:
•Woodstock Park Sensory Garden
• Burwood Park Inclusive Playspace and Amenities Upgrade
•Henley Park Sports Field Upgrade
These transformative projects are proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program.
Stay up to date with construction timelines and opening events by regularly visiting the Major Projects page on Council’s website and following us on social media.
Burwood Council is delivering for you
Meet Lily, a young six year old local who is sharing a day in the life of a Burwood resident.
Lily has passed by or interacted with many local services and facilities delivered by Council daily including waste management, maintenance of roads, library, community services and so much more.
Watch the video and see if you can spot how many services are delivered by Council?
Getting Greener
As part of Council’s longterm plan to increase the number of trees in our local area, we’re pleased to report that 60 new street trees will be planted in March 2025, this is in addition to the over 2,500 trees that have already been planted across our LGA over the last four years.
Burwood2036 Community Strategic Plan review
Burwood2036, our Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is shaped by the shared vision, aspirations and values of our community.
The CSP guides long-term planning for the future of the Burwood Local Government Area (LGA) and outlines the strategies we will use to achieve our goals. Burwood Council invites you to participate in the review of our CSP and contribute to building a shared vision for the future of the Burwood LGA.
Scan to learn more and stay up to date. Scan here to watch.
Wei Huang, Shopfront Improvement Grant Recipient
Keeping our community safe
In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism, Burwood Council in collaboration with Metro Assist and other key service providers proudly launched the Love and Hope Burwood DV Hub
The Love and Hope Burwood DV Hub is a safe and confidential service available fortnightly for people seeking support around domestic and family violence.
Council takes the lead on hosting an E-Bike Safety Seminar for local riders
Featuring the latest safety tips, information on legal regulations, and safe riding practices from experts, participants gathered to share their experiences and the challenges they face on roads across Sydney. The seminar was delivered by Lithium Bicycle Burwood, NSW Police Force and HungryPanda in collaboration with Burwood Council.
Preventing number plate theft
Burwood Council has partnered with Burwood Police Area Command to provide eligible residents with free one-way anti-theft screws to safeguard their vehicles.
These screws can be easily installed using a standard flathead screwdriver but can only be removed with a specific tool, enhancing the security of your number plates.
Scan for more information.
Scan for safety tips.
Mayor Faker with Superintendent Christine McDonald and Council staff
Vibrant Burwood: Where events and public spaces come to life
Greek Street Fair Burwood 2024: A celebration to remember
Over 10,000 people filled the streets of Burwood on Sunday 10 November 2024, immersing themselves in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavours of Greek culture. Presented by Saint Nectarios Burwood and Burwood Council, with support from Multicultural NSW, the event brought the community together for a day of celebration, connection, and cultural pride.
Opa! Here’s to another unforgettable year of tradition and fun!
Christmas in Croydon: A weekend of festive magic
Our community gathered for a magical weekend as Paisley Road, next to Croydon Station, transformed into a vibrant festive square.
The air was filled with live music, dazzling performances, and plenty of holiday cheer, celebrating the spirit of Christmas and community.
This joyful event was proudly part of the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, funded by Transport for NSW.
Burwood Culture Talks
Burwood Culture Talks brought together a dynamic mix of 50 artists, musicians, performers, cultural groups, and creative businesses from across the Burwood LGA.
Our community explored interactive stations that showcased the 2,000+ unique cultural assets, places, and people shaping Burwood’s thriving creative community and economy.
The day sparked inspiring ideas and uncovered exciting opportunities for collaboration, building on the incredible creativity already at the heart of Burwood.
Carols in the Park 2024
Burwood Park came alive with families, friends, and the sweet sound of carols, capturing the true spirit of the holidays – connection, celebration, and hope for the year ahead.
This magical evening was proudly supported by Crowne Plaza Burwood.
Minister Stephen Kamper attending Greek Street Fair Burwood 2024
Remembrance Day Service 2024: Honouring their legacy
The community came together once again at Burwood Park to remember and pay tribute to our fallen soldiers.
Their sacrifices have shaped the freedoms we hold dear, and it is our solemn duty to ensure their legacy lives on.
A heartfelt thank you to all who joined us, including our local schools, Club Burwood RSL, and the Burwood RSL Sub-Branch. Lest We Forget.
Burwood Business Mixer
Over 40 local business professionals from diverse industries came together on Friday 25 October 2024 at our NSW Small Business Month event. Thank you for joining and listening to our keynote speakers, and we look forward to the delivery of more business engagement events.
Our community canvas
The newest installation at The Burwood Nest is here – a vibrant celebration of community, kindness, and connection. Created by 21 talented artists from Studio ARTES alongside Jeff McCann, this stunning artwork in Burwood Park bursts with bright colours, inspiring words, and playful critters, making it a space to feel happy, loved, and warm.
Commissioned by Council for the 2024 International Day of Persons With Disabilities, Happy Nest is ready to welcome everyone. Come visit, explore, and experience the joy for yourself at Burwood Park.
Festive cheer lights up Croydon
The Strand in Croydon came alive with holiday charm this Christmas season as shopfronts were transformed into beautiful works of art. The talented team at Awol Creations hand-painted festive, Christmas-themed displays across eligible shopfront windows along The Strand, Thomas Street, Meta Street, and Hennessy Street, adding a magical touch to the area. A joyful celebration of art, community, and the festive spirit!
Burwood Art Prize 2025: Entries now open!
Calling all artists across Sydney! Submissions for the 2025 Burwood Art Prize are officially open.
This year’s theme, “I AM HERE”, invites you to explore and celebrate the power of diverse cultural stories and community identity through your creative work. Entries close at 5pm on Friday, 14 March 2025. Unleash your creativity, share your story, and best of luck to all participants!
Remembrance Day 2024
The Strand, Croydon
Keynote speaker Nick from Nick and Helmi and Mayor Faker
Commemorating 150 Years of Burwood
In 2024, Burwood Council celebrated its 150th anniversary, marking its official incorporation in 1874.
The Burwood 150 Years Program has featured a yearlong series of special events and projects to unite the community and honour this significant milestone in our history.
We marked this milestone with a special Council Meeting, commemorating 150 years of service and community. The Burwood Library and Community Hub transformed into a vibrant ceremonial space, complete with red carpet arrivals, lively local performances, and the official launch of the Burwood Pictorial History Book and Mayors of Burwood portrait series.
We were honoured to welcome special guests including Minister for Local Government the Honourable Ron Hoenig, Federal Member for Reid Sally Sitou, Local Elder
Aunty Deb Lennis, Burwood Young Citizen of the Year 2024
Rose Palmer, along with past Mayors and staff.
Fun in the Park for Little Ones
Council’s Mobile Playvan is a vibrant outdoor playgroup designed for children aged 0-6 years and their parents, guardians, or carers.
It’s the perfect opportunity to meet other families, make new friends, and enjoy a morning of toys, crafts, and story time in the park. Join us Monday to Thursday during school terms and let the fun begin!
Lunar New Year: Celebrate the Year of the Snake in Burwood!
On 31 January 2025, Burwood will come alive with vibrant festivities to welcome the Lunar New Year of the Snake.
Join us on Burwood Road (between Railway Parade and Belmore Street) for a day filled with:
• Live entertainment
• Craft and market stalls
• Delicious food stalls
• Family-friendly activities
The celebrations will light up with a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm, followed by an open-air dance party to keep the energy high into the night!
This exciting event is proudly part of the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, funded by Transport for NSW.
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of community and culture!
Scan to read a summary of the key events delivered that united our community in honour of 150 years of Burwood.
Scan to watch the Sydney Weekender’s coverage of our Mobile Playvan Service.
Community leaders and guests attending special Council meeting for sesquicentenary
Mayor John Faker and Deputy Mayor George Mannah at Special Sesquicentenary Council Meeting
Burwood Street Party
Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program
We heard your feedback about the need for additional time to provide your views on the future of Croydon, which is why Council at its meeting on 26 November 2024 resolved to extend the public consultation period until midnight 22 December 2024.
Council appreciates the time and effort the community has invested in engaging with this process. We have heard a diverse range of views and received meaningful feedback through Council-led community drop-in sessions, door-knock surveys, and written submissions.
Mayor’s Office
Cr John Faker – Mayor P: 9911 9916
E: mayor@burwood.nsw.gov.au @BurwoodMayor
Councillors
Cr George Mannah – Deputy Mayor george.mannah@burwood.nsw.gov.au
Cr Pascale Esber Pascale.Esber@burwood.nsw.gov.au
Cr Alex Yang alex.yang@burwood.nsw.gov.au
Cr Sukirti Bhatta sukirti.bhatta@burwood.nsw.gov.au
Cr David Hull
David.Hull@burwood.nsw.gov.au
Cr De Yi Wu deyi.wu@burwood.nsw.gov.au
This feedback has helped inform further analysis in preparing a suitable response to accommodate future housing.
On 29 January 2025, an Extraordinary Council Meeting will be held, preceded by a public forum. During this meeting, Council will consider the post-exhibition report and final submission to the NSW Government on the Croydon Transport-Oriented Development (TOD) Program.
The final decision on the Masterplan’s implementation will be made by the NSW Government and the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure.
Pop-Up Customer Service Centre
Mayoral Street Stalls
A big thank you to everyone who stopped by the Mayoral Street Stalls across our Local Government Area to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback.
In 2024, we held 24 Mayoral Street Stalls, providing an opportunity for residents to connect directly with the Mayor of Burwood, discuss local issues, and contribute valuable insights to help shape the future of our community.
Your input is essential in building a better, stronger Burwood, and we look forward to continuing these conversations with you in the future. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and locations.
In 2025, our Customer Experience team will continue to bring services directly to the community with our mobile pop-up hubs. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and locations by visiting our website.
Council
2 Conder Street, Burwood P: 9911 9911 (24 hour service)
E: council@burwood.nsw.gov.au
Mon–Fri 8.30am – 4.30pm 24/7 after hours phone service.
Library & Community Hub
2 Conder Street, Burwood P: 9911 9999
E: library@burwood.nsw.gov.au
Mon & Fri 9.30am – 5pm Tue & Thu 9.30am – 8pm Wed 9.30am – 6pm Sat 11am – 4pm Sun 12noon – 4pm
Please check the website or contact the Library for updates. @burwoodlibrary
Enfield Aquatic Centre
Portland Street, Enfield P: 9747 4319
E: eac@burwood.nsw.gov.au
Mon–Fri 6am – 8pm Sat & Sun 7am – 6pm
Public holidays 8am – 4pm See website for latest programs.
Community spotlight
Mayor Faker with participants at the Chinese Drumming Group Afternoon Tea
Celebrating Chinese Moon Festival with CASS Burwood Local dancers performing at Christmas in Croydon
Greek Street Fair Burwood 2024
Remembrance Day 2024
New Councillors outside Burwood Library
Korea Day celebrations at Burwood Park
Mayor Faker at Carols in the Park 2024
Happy Nest Launch at Burwood Park