EDITION ONE 2025
SEE HOW WE’RE ADVOCATING FOR CAMDEN’S NEEDS PAGE 2-3
CHECK OUT WHAT’S ON PAGES 10-11
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF CAMDEN, CR ASHLEIGH CAGNEY
Welcome to the first edition of our community newsletter for 2025! As we step into a new year, I’m filled with excitement for what lies ahead and the opportunities we have to shape Camden’s future together.
I’m incredibly proud we have kicked off 2025 with the launch of The Time Is Now: Camden’s Federal and State Election Priorities (2025–2027). This crucial document highlights the investment needed from the State and Federal Governments to ensure Camden remains a liveable, connected, and thriving community. As Australia’s fastest-growing area, now is the time to secure the infrastructure and services our community needs for the future. As your Mayor, I promise you that Council and I will remain committed when it comes to advocating for the needs of the Camden community.
I’m also proud of the progress we’re making across the area. Whether it’s infrastructure projects like the redevelopment of Harrington Park Reserve, the development of an exciting new space at The Crest, or the upgrade of Byron Road, each initiative strengthens the foundation of our growing community.
IMAGESOURCE: CopyrightStateofNewSouthWales (TransportforNSW)
THE TIME IS NOW
We also have some incredibly exciting events on the horizon with the return of the beloved Boots n’ Beats Country Music Festival, as well as Youth Week activities, Paws in the Park and so much more.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as your Mayor in 2025, allowing me to work alongside such a passionate and engaged community. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the months ahead.
Mayor of Camden
Camden Council is committed to advocating on behalf of our rapidly growing community. In preparation for the upcoming State and Federal Government elections, we have created The Time Is Now, which calls for urgent investment in infrastructure and services by both the NSW and Australian Governments to support the fastest growing community in Australia – Camden!
With Camden’s population projected to increase by 81% to over 257,000 residents by 2046, it is essential that we work with the State and Federal Governments in partnership to ensure that our community isn’t left behind when it comes to infrastructure and service investment.
The Time Is Now identifies transformative road and rail projects needed to connect Camden to Greater Sydney and the new Western Sydney International Airport, due to open in 2026, along with the need for immediate investment in schools, education and health for our residents.
ADVOCATING FOR CAMDEN
Our priorities summarised:
- Essential rail services including connections between Macarthur and Bradfield via Narellan and Oran Park, and Leppington to Bradfield.
- Western Sydney Rapid Bus services between Macarthur and the new Western Sydney International Airport.
- Critical road infrastructure including Camden Bypass Extension, Spring Farm Parkway Extension – Stage 2, Leppington Road Network, Camden Valley Way Upgrade, Raby Road Upgrade and Rickard Road Upgrade.
- Investment in schools and education to address the overcapacity of schools in the area.
- Investment in new and existing healthcare including Camden Hospital and a new hospital in the north of the LGA.
Council aims to work in partnership with the Federal and State Governments to secure funding to deliver these vital projects for our community, as well as realise government objectives to improve connection and unlock housing in greenfield growth areas such as Camden. With the right investment from the State and Federal Governments, Camden can continue to grow as a thriving, connected, and liveable community for years to come.
Learn more about our ongoing commitment to advocating for the Camden community or view The Time Is Now in full by visiting www.camden.nsw.gov.au/advocacy or scanning the QR code.
WORK ACROSS CAMDEN
LITTLE SANDY BRIDGE
Over the past few years, Little Sandy Bridge has been subjected to many floods. Whilst the bridge itself has withstood any damage, the footpaths to the bridge and river embankments on the eastern side (Elderslie side) have suffered significant damage.
The bridge was first closed in March 2022 due to the abutment/riverbank being undermined, as well as damage to the pathway and bridge approach. Since then, the Nepean River has experienced five significant flooding events.
In total, there has been a loss of approximately 24m of land between the end of the existing bridge and where the riverbank exists today.
The works required to be undertaken to allow the bridge to be reopen include:
• Extensive earthworks;
• Extension of the deck on the eastern side of the bridge;
• Scour (erosion) protection works on both sides of the river;
• Reconstruction and realignment of the eastern side pathway; and
• Landscaping to regenerate the native vegetation impacted by the floods and construction works.
Tenders for construction have been called with a construction contract expected to be awarded in April 2025 with works expected to commence the following month.
A timeframe for the completion of works will be made available when the construction contract is awarded.
Keep up to date with the project by visiting bit.ly/little-sandy-bridge or scanning the QR code.
BYRON ROAD UPGRADE
Works to complete the upgrade of Byron Road between Ingleburn and Heath Roads from a rural standard to an urban standard two-lane road have been completed.
This road will function as an access road to the future Leppington Town Centre Precinct and will serve as an important link between the Leppington precincts and Camden Valley Way.
We thank all the residents in the vicinity for their patience and understanding throughout the undertaking of this project. Scan the QR code to find more information on these projects and others.
After floods, June 2024
Prior to floods, February 2022
WORK ACROSS CAMDEN
CAMDEN CIVIC CENTRE UPGRADE
Exciting progress is being made on the renewal and upgrade of the Camden Civic Centre.
Demolition works were successfully completed in late 2024, and internal fitout works are now underway. The project remains on schedule for completion by mid-2025.
The $9.9 million upgrade has been made possible through $7.7 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, with an additional $2.2 million contributed by Camden Council.
Council also secured $59,663 through the NSW Government’s Creative Capital Funding Program for Minor Works and Equipment Round Two, to fund the replacement of the grand piano at the Centre.
Stay tuned for more updates as the transformation takes shape!
STAGE 1 OF THE NEW OPEN SPACE AT THE CREST
Works to turn an empty greenspace into a recreational hub at The Crest, Gledswood Hills will soon be underway.
Stage 1 works will commence mid-year and will deliver:
• A bicycle adventure course incorporating learn to ride components;
• Mountain bike skill track (funded by the NSW Government Metropolitan Greenspace Program);
• Car park;
• Shared pathway network;
• Shelters;
• Seating; and
• Landscaping works.
Works are expected to be completed by early 2026, weather permitting.
HARRINGTON PARK RESERVE
REDEVELOPMENT STAGE 1
Redevelopment works at Harrington Park Reserve were recently completed.
Works included bulk earthworks, car park extension, renovation and expansion of the sports turf, removal of the old basketball courts for the expansion of the field, construction of a new basketball half court in the Harrington Park Youth Space, new LED floodlighting, new irrigation system, new shelters and seating, additional pathways, tree planting and landscaping.
OUR COMMUNITY
SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING
Camden Council, in partnership with Camden Local Area Command, has introduced a community safety campaign, which aims to improve reporting of crimes and anti-social behaviour, as well as improve community safety at our public spaces.
The campaign encourages people to report suspicious activity and guides them on how to do it.
If you see something suspicious or witness a crime, Police are encouraging the Camden community to get in touch with their local Police station or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Many incidents within our public spaces are underreported and this campaign will help encourage the local community to get involved and actively report these events to the appropriate Police contact.
DID YOU KNOW?
We have a selection of four-legged friends ready to find their paw-ever home. Scan to find your fur baby today.
SUMMER SAFE
Over the summer period, we launched our Summer Safe campaign across our social media and at our two water play spaces in Oran Park and Elderslie. The campaign encouraged the use of sun protection and proper hygiene measures, which allowed our water play spaces to be enjoyed by all. Dozens of kids were lucky enough to score themselves a free ‘Stay Cool’ bucket hat and sunscreen, as part of the campaign.
LAST CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE BAKER’S CONTEMPORARIES
Time is running out to visit Baker’s Contemporaries, an extraordinary exhibition celebrating the legacy of Alan D. Baker and his fellow Royal Art Society of NSW artists. Closing in May 2025, this showcase at the Alan Baker Art Gallery in Camden brings together remarkable works from some of Australia’s most celebrated artists, including Arthur Streeton, Margaret Preston and Norman Lindsay.
For over a century, the Royal Art Society has nurtured artistic talent, and this exhibition highlights Baker’s deep connection to the 20th-century art scene. Featuring pieces from the Camden Art Collection, private collectors, and the artists themselves, the exhibition provides a rare opportunity to explore a significant chapter of Australian art history.
Since its opening in December 2024, Baker’s Contemporaries has attracted visitors from across the country. If you haven’t seen it yet, now is your last chance!
For more information, scan the QR code.
Our three libraries hold regular events and activities for residents to enjoy. Scan if you’d like to find something to get involved in, such as the popular Parent and Bub Yoga.
HOW SAFE ARE YOUR AWNINGS OVER PUBLIC LAND?
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment is creating awareness regarding safety for awnings over public land. Building owners within the Camden Local Government Area are encouraged to inspect the safety of their awnings. Awnings should be inspected by a professional engineer for structural adequacy to ensure safety. For more information, visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
BUSHLAND RESTORATION
Council routinely coordinates efforts to protect and enhance the health of the bushland within our reserves across the Local Government Area.
At Narellan Vale and Spring Farm, Council is implementing a 20-year management plan to improve the biodiversity values of a 37.5 hectare site under a formal BioBanking Agreement with the NSW Government. Targeted works include weed control, revegetation, pest control and fencing to help deliver improved biodiversity outcomes.
Also in the Spring Farm area, Council is coordinating works under a 10-year program to restore and reconnect remnants of critically endangered Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest (EBSF), an incredibly rare plant community! EBSF is only found on deep sandy soils found close to the Nepean River. The sandy soil provides support for banksias, ferns, eucalypts and shrubs.
In addition to programmed works across Councils reserves, our Community Bushcare Volunteers make an extremely valuable contribution! As a result of the volunteers’ efforts throughout 2024, many sites are showing an increase in plant diversity. In turn, this provides important habitat for our native wildlife. Bushcare is a great way to contribute to the local environment, be part of a great team, and increase your ecological knowledge.
New volunteers are always welcome. To find out more, scan the QR code.
RIVER SNAP CITIZEN SCIENCE COMES TO CAMDEN
Ever wondered how the Nepean River changes over time? Now you can contribute to finding the answer by using Camden Council’s new River Snap location.
All you have to do is visit the River Snap location along the Nepean River in Camden, snap a photo using the phone mount, and share the photo with us via the submission form.
River Snap is a citizen science program established by Western Sydney University and the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Friends of the Waterkeeper Alliance to promote awareness and advocacy for healthy freshwater ecosystems. This long-term monitoring provides information on environmental indicators, such as water quality, riparian health, bank changes, and recreational use that will help inform future programs.
For more information and to submit your photo, visit bit.ly/CamdenRiverSnap.
MACARTHUR NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Have you snapped a great photo of our local natural areas, wildlife, plants or pollinators lately? Or captured images when participating in activities when caring for country?
The Macarthur Nature Photography Competition (MNPC) is back in 2025! The MNPC is hosted by Camden Council, Campbelltown City Council and Wollondilly Shire Council.
Submissions are now open, so dig out those photos or dust off your camera and share your images of our beautiful, local, natural environment in the Macarthur region.
Themes for this year’s competition include:
• Australian Native Plants, Animals and Pollinators;
• Threatened Species; and
• Caring for Country.
For more information, and to enter, scan the QR code.
Corellas over Harrington Park Lake, Asnika S. People’s Choice winning entry 2023
WHAT WE’VE BEEN CELEBRATING
AUSTRALIA DAY
Australia Day in Camden was a vibrant celebration of community spirit, diversity, and pride. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered along Argyle Street in the Camden Town Centre to take part in the festivities, which offered something for everyone.
A highlight of the day was the Macarthur Lions Australia Day Street Parade, which saw local groups and organisations celebrating what it means to call Australia home. Roving performers kept the crowd entertained, adding to the lively and family-friendly atmosphere.
Another standout moment in the lead up to Australia Day was the first Citizenship Ceremony of the year, where 40 residents took the oath to officially become Australian citizens. It was a heartwarming ceremony that showcased Camden’s welcoming and inclusive community.
We also honoured some incredible individuals and groups at the 2025 Australia Day Awards. This year’s award winners included:
• Citizen of the Year: Jo O’Brien;
• Young Citizen of the Year: Madelyn Haywood;
• Sports Achievement Awards: Caspian Helene and Matt Redman;
• Arts and Cultural Award: Rene Rem; and
• Community Group of the Year: Camden Rotary Club.
The awardees were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community, from fostering creativity and culture to supporting local sports and community initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY GALA
Camden’s fifth annual International Women’s Day Gala brought the community together for an evening filled with inspiration, celebration, and the shared goal of embracing equity.
Held on Thursday 6 March, at the stunning Gledswood Homestead & Winery, the event provided a platform to recognise the achievements of women and highlight the importance of gender equality.
This year’s keynote speaker, Edwina Bartholomew, captivated the audience with her engaging stories of resilience, success, and the steps we can all take to create a more equitable society. Her address left a lasting impression on the attendees, inspiring many to reflect on their own journeys and contributions to this important cause.
The Gala was not only a celebration of women but also a community-driven effort to support local initiatives. Funds raised through the event will directly benefit projects aimed at empowering women and families in Camden, with local charity Turning Point the worthy recipient of ticket sales in 2025.
Camden Council extends its sincere thanks to the event sponsors for their support:
• Silver Sponsors: Macarthur BMW; Momenta Books; McDonald’s in Macarthur; and
• Bronze Sponsors: Camden Golf Club; Fox & Co Finance; IP Technologies; Print Sign & Design Hub; Politech Air Conditioning Services; Start Fresh Accounting.
WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S COMING UP IN CAMDEN?
Youth Week
Wednesday 9 to Thursday 17 April
Various locations
Get involved in a range of events, all part of Council’s annual celebration of young people.
ANZAC Day
Friday 25 April
Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park
Council is proud to support the Camden RSL Sub-Branch with their 5am Dawn Service, 10.30am march and 11.15am ANZAC Day Commemoration Service.
Paws in the Park
Sunday 4 May
Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park
Enjoy a FREE and fun community day out, made especially for dog owners and their four-legged friends.
Live It Up, Live It Green
Saturday 17 May
AH & I Hall and Onslow Oval, Camden
This FREE family-friendly event offers something for everyone, with a jam-packed program filled with activities and demonstration to help everyone live more sustainably.
WHAT’S ON
BOOTS N’ BEATS
Saturday 14 June
Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park
Camden’s much-loved country music festival is making a triumphant return on Saturday 14 June 2025, at the picturesque Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park. Following its incredible debut in 2022, this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better!
The festival will feature an exciting lineup of local and nationally renowned country music artists, offering unforgettable live performances. Visitors can enjoy delicious country-style food and drinks, sample local craft beers and ciders, and take part in a range of family-friendly entertainment and activities.
The inaugural event in 2022 drew more than 15,000 attendees from far and wide. This year’s festival builds on that success, transforming the park into a haven for country music fans and creating a celebration filled with music, food, and fun for all ages.
Stay tuned for lineup announcements and ticket details by following us on social media or visiting www.bootsnbeats.com.au. Don’t miss out on this must-attend event!
