EDITION TWO 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
As I meet with residents and carry out work as your Mayor, I’ve noticed that there’s a real sense of momentum in Camden right now. And this edition of Let’s Connect captures it perfectly.
From major advocacy wins through The Time Is Now, to packed community events like Boots n’ Beats and Paws in the Park, to exciting progress on projects like the Camden Civic Centre upgrade and new road connections across Elderslie, Spring Farm and Kirkham – there’s so much happening across our growing region.
The Time Is Now, our advocacy campaign, continues to deliver results, with commitments for a future rail corridor, a new hospital at the Aerotropolis and expanded services at Camden Hospital. These wins are worth celebrating, but they’re also just the beginning. Council will keep pushing for better transport, healthcare, schools and infrastructure to support our rapidly growing population.
We’re also investing in what makes Camden a great place to live – celebrating our environment, supporting local artists and businesses, and bringing people together through events that make the most of our beautiful open spaces and community spirit.
I hope you enjoy this snapshot of all that’s been achieved and all that’s still to come. We proudly welcome 100 new residents to our area every week, and whether you’re one of those families who are new to the area or a long-time local, there’s never been a more exciting time to call Camden home. I look forward to seeing you around town.
Mayor of Camden
THE TIME IS NOW
THE TIME IS NOW
Camden is growing fast and our community deserves services and infrastructure that keep up. That’s why Council launched The Time Is Now – a campaign demanding urgent investment from the State and Federal Governments in roads, rail, healthcare and education.
And the message is getting through.
In the lead up to the election in May, the Federal Labor Government pledged $1 billion, if re-elected, to secure land corridors for a future rail link between the Bradfield Aerotropolis, Leppington and Macarthur. The announcement followed weeks of strong advocacy by Council through The Time Is Now. With the Labor Government re-elected, Council looks forward to seeing this come to fruition and will continue to advocate for the funding needed for the construction of the rail line.
On healthcare, The Time Is Now called for the delivery of a new public hospital located between Oran Park and the future Western Sydney International Airport. The NSW Government has announced a $15 million investment into the planning of a major public hospital at the Aerotropolis. Also on healthcare, the campaign called for Camden Hospital to be retained and redeveloped by expanding its services. The NSW Government has announced it will establish a new renal dialysis unit at Camden Hospital – a step in the right direction.
While these wins are worth celebrating, there’s more work to be done.
ADVOCATING FOR YOU
The local bus services announced by the NSW Government, connecting the Camden area with the Western Sydney International Airport, fall short of the Western Sydney Rapid Bus, originally committed in the 2018 Western Sydney City Deal. Camden Council envisions a rapid bus service with highfrequency, quick travel times, strategically located stops and seamless integration with the broader transport network.
On our roads, key State-managed corridors such as Camden Valley Way, Camden Bypass, Spring Farm Parkway, the Leppington road network and Raby Road are struggling to keep up with the pace of development.
In education, the pressure on schools is intensifying. Only five public high schools currently serve Camden’s 23 suburbs – and many are already at or over capacity.
Further investment is also needed in healthcare, including the redevelopment of Camden Hospital and the delivery of colocated integrated health hubs in Oran Park and Leppington to support long-term community needs.
Council will continue to advocate loudly and consistently through The Time Is Now, holding all levels of government to account to deliver what’s needed.
Because when it comes to investing in our future, the time is now.
You can view the full advocacy document by visiting www.camden.nsw.gov.au/advocacy or scanning the QR code.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN CELEBRATING
BOOTS N’ BEATS
Camden’s Boots n’ Beats festival returned in full swing, with thousands turning out to enjoy a huge day of live country music, good food and family fun at Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park in June.
Headliner Casey Barnes lit up the stage with a high-energy performance that had the crowd singing and dancing into the evening. He was joined by an incredible lineup including Alex Mather, Christie Lamb, Fifth Whiskey, Ria Brcic, Zac Armstrong and Carly Mozsny, who all brought their own flavour of country charm to the event.
Festivalgoers embraced the spirit of the day, donning boots and hats, enjoying food trucks, market stalls and activities for the kids, all set against a beautiful autumn backdrop.
Boots n’ Beats 2025 was one to remember – a true celebration of local talent, community spirit and great music. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We can’t wait to welcome you back next year!
Thank you to our sponsors Merino Brewery, Macarthur Ford Narellan, Bundaberg Rum, Vintage FM & River FM, Horseland Narellan and Camden Mums Hub. To find out more about the event, scan the QR code or visit www.bootsnbeats.com.au.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN CELEBRATING
PAWS IN THE PARK
Camden’s favourite furry event, Paws in the Park, made a spectacular comeback in May, with dogs of all shapes and sizes wagging their tails in delight at Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park.
After being rained out in 2024, the sun was shining and the community turned out in droves to celebrate the special bond between pets and their humans. The much-loved event featured a jam-packed program, including the 2km dog walk, the crowd-favourite PAWtastic Parade, obedience classes, live entertainment, roving performers, and plenty of activities for the little ones.
Stallholders offered everything from training tips to tasty dog treats and accessories, while expert speakers promoted responsible pet ownership and shared advice on health, grooming and behaviour.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for this paw-some event – we’ll see you (and your four-legged friends) again in 2026!
WORK ACROSS CAMDEN
JOHN STREET PUBLIC DOMAIN UPGRADE AND ACTIVATION
The $23.1 million John Street Public Domain Upgrade & Activation project is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.
As part of the development of the Camden Town Centre Urban Design Framework, people and businesses shared their aspirations for the Camden Town Centre. At this time, John Street was identified as a future creative and community hub for Camden, and improvements to support this vision were identified as a priority project for our community.
Now, thanks to significant funding by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, we are in a position to actively plan for this project, which will see investment in John Street between Broughton and Exeter Streets.
Using the information we heard last year in our initial engagement, we developed a draft concept design for John Street. Residents and businesses will have the opportunity to engage with Council staff at pop-ups and workshops to discuss the draft concept design.
Following the community feedback period, Council will begin developing detailed designs, which are scheduled for completion in 2026.
We are anticipating construction will commence late-2026.
Progress image from March 2025.
CAMDEN CIVIC CENTRE
The transformation of the Camden Civic Centre is entering its final stages, with finishing touches being made ahead of the Centre’s reopening later this year.
The $9.9 million upgrade, made possible through $7.7 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program and a $2.2 million contribution from Camden Council, will deliver a revitalised space for community events, performances and civic functions.
Council also secured almost $60,000 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.
The renewed Civic Centre will reopen as a modern, welcoming venue in the heart of Camden, ready to support our growing community for years to come.
Check out the exciting events coming to the renovated Centre! Visit www.camdenciviccentre.com.au.
RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS
SPRINGS ROAD/MACARTHUR ROAD ROUNDABOUT
Works to improve the Springs and Macarthur Road intersection have now been completed with the installation of a roundabout to improve traffic flow.
The project also included the relocation of services, stormwater pipes and pits, road pavement works, new kerb and guttering, median and landscaping.
HILDER RESERVE REDEVELOPMENT – STAGE 1
Stage 1 of the Hilder Reserve Redevelopment project is now complete and it’s time to play ball!
The project includes one seniors’ diamond and two junior baseball diamonds including fencing and dugouts for baseball participants, additional planting and landscape works and improved accessibility including pathways.
WORK ACROSS CAMDEN
LIZ KERNOHAN DRIVE AND HILDER STREET UPGRADE PROJECT
Improving road connections and easing congestion is one step closer with the Liz Kernohan Drive and Hilder Street Upgrade project set to commence in the coming months.
This project includes three major upgrades:
• Liz Kernohan Drive will be continued from Rheinbergers Circuit to Camden Valley Way at Kirkham Lane. A new signalised intersection will be installed at Kirkham Lane and Camden Valley Way;
• The Hilder Street and Camden Valley Way intersection will be upgraded to a roundabout to assist in traffic flow and congestion, particularly from traffic exiting Hilder Street towards Narellan; and
• Camden Valley Way, between Kirkham Lane and Hilder Street, will be upgraded to two-lanes each way. The road will also be raised to reduce risks associated with flooding.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, weather permitting.
Scan the QR code to stay up to date.
LITTLE SANDY BRIDGE
Rectification works to Little Sandy Bridge have commenced and the bridge is expected to reopen by the end of the year!
Little Sandy Bridge was closed in March 2020 due to extensive damage from flood waters causing significant scouring to the abutment, as well as damage to the pathway approaching the bridge. Later floods in 2022, then again in 2024, resulted in further damage to the Elderslie side of the bridge, washing away the bridge approach, pathway and large sections of the riverbank and vegetation.
The following works will be undertaken prior to reopening Little Sandy Bridge:
• Extensive earthworks and filling of the scoured (eroded) areas to provide access and enable construction at the eastern (Elderslie) side of the bridge;
• Extension of the deck on the eastern side of the bridge;
• Scour (erosion) protection on both sides of the river but mostly the eastern side;
• Reconstruction and realignment of the pathway on the eastern side; and
• Landscaping of an area of approximately 6,000m2
The $3.7 million project rectification works are partially funded by the Australian Government and the Department of Regional NSW.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
NATIONAL TREE DAY 2025
Bring the family and join us to celebrate National Tree Day alongside the beautiful Nepean River. Council is partnering with Greening Australia to continue the transformation of the site at Ferguson Land Cricket Facility and has already removed large areas of dense woody weeds. We need your help to restore the area with diverse native plants.
We will be planting 1,000 trees, shrubs and groundcovers on the Nepean River. The project will help to restore the important River-Flat Eucalypt Forest plant community, provide bank stabilisation, and improve habitat for our native animals, encouraging a wider range of insects, mammals and birds to thrive.
All participants will be provided with a free BBQ and coffee. You will also have the chance to learn about other Council projects, and take a walk along the newly opened Nepean River Trail.
Where: Fergusons Land Cricket Facility
When: Sunday 27 July, 9am to 12pm What to bring: Closed in shoes, hat, and appropriate clothes for the weather. Gloves and other planting equipment will be provided.
This is a free event, but registrations are essential – please scan the QR code.
MACARTHUR NATURE
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 2025
The annual Macarthur Nature Photography Competition has wrapped up for 2025 with the winners recently announced at an awards ceremony on World Environment Day.
Residents from across the Macarthur region showcased our local environment, submitting their best shots to the judges, with the community voting for the winner of the People’s Choice Award.
To find out more, scan the QR code.
WINNERS:
Caring For Country category
Primary School (5 to 12 years) – 1st Prize: Harvey S.
Australian Native Plants, Animals and Pollinators
Primary School (5 to 12 years)
1st Prize: Aiden C
2nd Prize: Bay R
CITIZEN SCIENCE
Highly commended: Harvey S
High School (13 to 18 years)
1st Prize: Oliver L
2nd Prize: Harvey E
Highly commended: Mason P
Open section (18+)
2nd Prize: Vicki Fullagar
Professional Section
Highly commended: Erin Boyd
Council invites residents to join two exciting citizen science programs aimed at protecting our waterways.
River Snap encourages the community to take and submit a photo of the Nepean River using a phone mount located on the Nepean Bike Track. This helps Council monitor water quality, vegetation health, recreational use, and bank changes over time.
Hook, Line & Measure asks residents to record and submit details of fish caught or sighted in local waterways, aiding in the understanding of fish species, size, and distribution. The information dashboard includes an interactive map showing popular fishing locations.
These programs provide valuable data that informs future waterway projects and ensures the health of our rivers for generations to come. Get involved today and help protect our precious freshwater ecosystems!
To submit photos, visit our website: bit.ly/camden-citizen-science
OUR COMMUNITY
NOW SHOWING: THE BAKER BOYS EXHIBITION
Step into a world of creativity, resilience and artistic legacy with The Baker Boys, the latest exhibition now open at the Alan Baker Art Gallery at Macaria.
Running until 30 November, the exhibition showcases works from three generations of the Baker family – Normand, Alan and Gary – each with a unique voice and a shared dedication to the arts.
Visitors can explore a powerful collection of portraits, landscapes and still-life paintings that span the turbulence of the Great Depression, the impact of World War II, and the evolution of post-war Australian life. From Alan’s expressive portraits of his wife and muse Marjorie, to Gary’s peaceful landscapes and Normand’s timeless selfportraits, The Baker Boys brings personal stories to life through art.
Set in the heart of Camden within the historic walls of Macaria, this free exhibition offers a rare and intimate look into one of Australia’s most quietly influential artistic families.
For more information, visit www.alanbakerartgallery.com.au
Looking for your new forever friend?
Come and visit Camden Council’s Animal Care Facility located in Rossmore, or scan the QR code for more information and to see our available furry friends.
WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S COMING UP IN CAMDEN?
Kids Fun Day
Wednesday 10 September, 10am-2pm
Julia Reserve Community Centre
Enjoy family friendly fun for pre-school aged children (five years of age and under). Kids will have the opportunity to sing, play and dance.
The free event will feature:
• Live performances;
• A special guest;
• Free entertainment and activities; and
• A free barbecue, as well as other food options and drinks available to purchase.
Unlock Camden
Saturday 6 September, 10am-3pm
Camden Town Centre
Camden’s historic past will be unlocked through stories and images as we Unlock Camden. Enjoy a variety of exhibitions and activities including local community groups, vintage cars and garden games. Held in the heart of Camden at the Alan Baker Art Gallery, Camden Library and Camden Town Farm, the program will feature:
• Guided heritage walking tours;
• Vintage cars;
• Art displays and workshops;
• Market stalls;
• Nature Connect native plant giveaway;
• Garden games; and
• More!
WHAT’S ON
TASTE CAMDEN 2025: A FEAST FOR THE SENSES RETURNS THIS SPRING
Sunday 21 September, 12-5pm Camden Town Farm
Camden’s most anticipated culinary celebration is back! Mark your calendars for Sunday 21 September 2025, as Taste Camden returns to Camden Town Farm from 12pm to 5pm.
This free, family-friendly event promises an afternoon packed with delicious food, live entertainment and vibrant community spirit.
Taste Camden 2025 will feature an impressive range of food and drink options, with food trucks and stalls dishing up cuisines from around the world, local wineries and breweries offering tastings, and an outdoor market filled with artisan goods and gourmet produce.
Live music from local performers will create the perfect backdrop, and there will be plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.
Adding to the excitement, this year’s event will include a special live cooking demonstration by a special guest chef, to be announced soon. Past years have seen household names like Julie Goodwin and Steph De Sousa take the stage, so be sure to stay tuned.
Set against the picturesque Camden Town Farm, Taste Camden is the perfect day out to enjoy great food, support local producers and soak up the community atmosphere. We’ll see you there!
