EDITION THREE 2025
CAMDEN CIVIC CENTRE REOPENS! PAGES 2-3
CHECK OUT WHAT’S ON PAGES 10-11
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF CAMDEN, CR THERESE FEDELI
It’s an honour to have been recently elected as your Mayor and I’m excited to step into this role at such a vibrant time for Camden. Our community is growing and thriving, and it’s a privilege to be part of shaping our future together.
Over the past few months, we’ve seen so many reasons to celebrate what makes Camden a wonderful place to live. We recently marked the much anticipated reopening of the Camden Civic Centre after its $9.9 million transformation. With the support of the NSW Government and Council, this upgrade has breathed new life into a much loved community hub, giving us a modern, accessible and versatile venue that will serve Camden for decades to come. Already, it has played host to everything from comedy and music to expos and children’s entertainment, setting the stage for a rich and diverse cultural calendar.
Events like Taste Camden, Kids Fun Day, Unlock Camden and Small Business Month have brought people together to celebrate our food, our history, our creativity and our entrepreneurial spirit. These moments remind us that Camden isn’t just growing in size, we’re growing in connection and opportunity too.
Looking ahead, the festive season is just around the corner, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with you at our Christmas events in Camden and Oran Park. Thank you for the warm welcome as your new Mayor. I look forward to meeting many of you at our community events and working together to make Camden even greater than it already is.
Mayor of Camden
CAMDEN CIVIC CENTRE REOPENS TO THE PUBLIC
The much-loved Camden Civic Centre is back, brighter and better than ever. After closing its doors in May last year for a $9.9 million upgrade, the centre reopened recently to the delight of the community.
Supported by $7.7 million from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program and $2.2 million from Camden Council, the transformation has given the centre a fresh, modern feel while preserving its place as the heart of local culture and connection. Council also secured almost $60,000 through the NSW Government’s Creative Capital Funding Program for Minor Works and Equipment Round Two, to partly fund the replacement of the grand piano at the Centre.
Visitors have been quick to embrace the upgrades, from the new entrances on both John and Oxley Streets to the beautifully landscaped outdoor areas, improved accessibility and striking new foyer. Inside, the Macarthur Auditorium has been revitalised with improved acoustics, upgraded lighting and flexible layouts to better cater for everything from concerts and theatre productions to community events and conferences. Back-of-house facilities have been expanded to support touring performances, while new technology and improved amenities make the venue more welcoming and adaptable than ever.
Locals and visitors alike are enjoying a venue that honours its proud history while being equipped to meet the needs of a growing and connected community for decades to come.
To find out more, visit www.camdenciviccentre.com.au or scan the QR Code.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN CELEBRATING
TASTE CAMDEN
Camden once again came alive with flavour and festivity as Taste Camden returned in September, drawing food lovers from far and wide to celebrate the best of our local culinary scene. The Camden Town Farm air was filled with the tempting aromas of cuisines from all over the world.
Crowds wandered through the vibrant market stalls, sampling everything from smoky barbecue and fragrant curries to delicate pastries and artisanal cheeses. Local producers proudly showcased their goods, with visitors stocking up on everything from salami and jerky to handmade condiments. The bar area was a popular stop, offering locally brewed beers, regional wines and much more for those looking to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
One of the biggest highlights of the day was the live cooking demonstrations, headlined by guest chef Justin Narayan, who wowed the audience with mouth-watering dishes and practical tips for home cooks. Narayan’s energy, skill and humour had the crowd completely engaged, and the lucky taste-testers were quick to sing the praises of each creation.
Taste Camden was once again a feast for the senses, proving that great food, great company and a great location is a recipe for an unforgettable day.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS MONTH
KIDS FUN DAY
Camden’s youngest residents were treated to a day of pure joy at this year’s Kids Fun Day, with the much‑loved Paddington Bear stealing the show. Families flocked to the event, filling the space with laughter, colour and excitement as children enjoyed an action‑packed program of activities.
From the moment Paddington made his first appearance, complete with his signature blue coat and red hat, he was mobbed by eager fans keen for hugs, high‑fives and photos. The famous bear’s gentle charm and friendly waves made him an instant favourite, with parents just as excited to capture the moment as their children.
UNLOCK CAMDEN
Camden’s rich history and hidden gems took centre stage as the community came together for Unlock Camden, a celebration of heritage, culture and discovery. Locals and visitors alike were invited to explore places and stories that make Camden unique, with doors opened wide to historic buildings, cultural sites and behind‑the‑scenes tours.
The day offered something for everyone. History buffs were in their element wandering through heritage-listed landmarks, guided by passionate volunteers sharing fascinating tales from Camden’s past. Families enjoyed interactive activities, from old-fashioned games to hands-on workshops that brought history to life. Local artists and performers added colour and charm to the streets, ensuring every corner held a new surprise.
The event was a reminder of the rich history at Camden’s doorstep.
Camden put its local entrepreneurs in the spotlight during Small Business Month, celebrating the creativity, resilience and hard work of the many small businesses that keep our community thriving. Across the month, a diverse program of events offered opportunities for business owners to connect, learn and be inspired, while encouraging residents to discover and support the incredible range of products and services available right here in Camden.
Workshops and seminars covered everything from marketing in the digital age to practical tips for improving customer service, all led by experienced industry professionals. We also featured local businesses as part of the I AM CAMDEN campaign.
Networking events buzzed with conversation as business owners swapped stories, shared advice and forged valuable connections.
PLE HISTO
WORK ACROSS CAMDEN
An artist’s impression of the completed works.
CAMDEN SPORTS CLUB
Improvement works to Camden Sports Club are underway.
Stage 1 works, due to be completed by the end of November 2025, include:
• Installation of a lift providing access from the ground floor to the function room;
• Improvements to the front entrance; and
• Refurbishment of:
o Amenities on the east (kitchen) side of the ground floor and an ambulant toilet in the male and female amenities;
o Amenities on the first floor including an accessible toilet and an ambulant toilet in the male and female amenities; and
o Function room.
Stage 2 works, due to be completed by the end of March 2026, include the refurbishment of the amenities on the west (gaming room) side of the ground floor including an accessible toilet.
The front entrance off Cawdor Road is closed and will reopen upon completion of Stage 1 works. The Club will remain open with access available via the back entrance.
This project received funding from the NSW Government Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund 2022-23.
LEPPINGTON STAGE 1 WORKS
The delivery of the Leppington Oval Precinct Masterplan has begun. Stage 1 works are underway and when complete, will deliver:
• Connective pathways for walking and cycling;
• Basins, drainage channels and rain gardens; and
• Interactivity with Scalabrini Creek.
Located adjacent to Rickard Road, Stage 1 will link the future Sports Precinct and the Community Centre to the Public Reserve.
These works are expected to be completed early 2026.
WORK ACROSS CAMDEN
AMENITY UPGRADES
Council is upgrading a number of amenity buildings throughout the local government area to continue delivering a high standard of sporting facilities for residents and visitors.
Harrington Park Reserve Pavillion
• Demolition of existing amenities;
• Construction of new amenities including kiosk, male, female and accessible toilets, clubroom, storage, four changerooms, officials and first aid rooms;
• Modification of the Charker Street Northern Carpark; and
• Landscaping.
Cowpasture Reserve Amenities
• Refurbishment and extension of the existing amenities building to incorporate female friendly changerooms;
• Additional floodlighting to field 2; and
• Identified field improvements to the site.
Kirkham Oval Upgrades
Stage 1 construction to include:
• Four changerooms;
• Storage;
• Referee room; and
• Amenities.
HAVE AN OPINION?
There’s no better way for Council to provide for the Camden community than knowing exactly what our residents think and want.
How can you make sure we’re seeing and hearing your thoughts and opinions? Through our online consultation platform, Your Voice Camden, of course! It offers locals regular opportunities to be involved in the development of strategies, comment on exhibitions and complete surveys.
If you’d like to help shape the future of your neighbourhood and those around you, scan the QR code and be sure to register for the items and areas that are applicable to you.
Scan the QR code to find more information on these projects and others.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
BE PART OF NATURE CONNECT
Join Council’s brand new Nature Connect program to learn about our environment, connect with locals and make a difference on your own property!
Participants will be provided with ongoing support to assist their own conservation efforts including access to native plants, expert advice and a newsletter to share information about workshops, events, activities and giveaways. Best of all, there is no restriction on the type and size of properties that can take part, with programs to suit townhouses and apartments, residential blocks of any size, as well as larger rural properties.
To register your interest, or to find out more, scan the QR code or get in touch with Council’s Sustainability Team at sustainability@camden.nsw.gov.au
NATIONAL TREE DAY
What a wonderful day it was on National Tree Day 2025!
A huge thank you to the many dedicated volunteers that joined Council and our project partner, Greening Australia, in July as we worked together to install 1,000 native plants!
The planting was part of our program to replace woody weeds along Matahil Creek and the Nepean River with plants from the endangered plant community of Riverflat Eucalypt Forest. The planting will provide important foraging, shelter and breeding habitat for our precious wildlife and pollinators.
There were so many incredible members of the Camden community who chipped in to help spread the greenery. Thank you to all those who joined us!
OUR WATERWAY HEALTH
Did you know that Camden Council reports on the health of our waterways yearly?
This is part of Council’s commitment to protecting our natural environment by monitoring the physical, chemical, microbiological and biological features of our waterways, so that we can work towards improving their health.
The report also provides an update on all the projects we’re working on to keep our waterways thriving, including continual monitoring of Council’s waterway projects; the development of a Catchment Management Plan to identify community priorities, and actions and measures to improve our waterways.
Check out the health of your local waterway by visiting bit.ly/OurWaterwayHealth or scanning the QR code.
OUR COMMUNITY
PUBLIC INTRAMAPS
Camden residents can now explore their suburb like never before with Council’s Interactive Mapping Tool – an easy to use online portal that brings together a wealth of local information in one place.
The tool provides a comprehensive 2D map of the Camden area, featuring layers such as flood extents, waste collection days, heritage items, bushfire prone land and even access to the NSW Planning Portal. It’s designed to support everyone from residents and property buyers to developers, Federal agencies and schools.
One of the standout features is access to historical satellite imagery, allowing users to see how the area has changed over the past 15 years.
To check it out, scan the QR code.
CAMDEN CAREERS AND JOBS EXPO
This FREE event brings together job seekers, exhibitors, students, and industry leaders for a day packed with opportunities. Whether you’re launching your career, switching industries, or looking to advance your skills, this is the event you don’t want to miss. Scan the QR Code to find out more.
Thursday 20 November, 10am-7pm Camden Civic Centre, Camden
To check it out, scan the QR code.
ANTI-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN
Camden Council has taken a bold and visible step in its ongoing commitment to creating a safer, more supportive community by launching a new domestic violence awareness initiative, and it’s now on the move across the area.
As part of the campaign, Council’s Parks vehicles have been branded with strong, impactful messaging promoting domestic violence prevention. These vehicles, seen daily throughout the Camden area, act as moving billboards, delivering a clear and consistent message: We say NO to domestic violence. The initiative focuses on creating foundational shifts in community attitudes and challenging harmful language patterns.
Included in the campaign are the themes “Plant the Seed of Change” and “Let’s Grow Change”, using the imagery of growth and renewal to symbolise the community’s journey toward a future free from violence.
COMMUNITY TRANSPORT SUPPORT GRANT
Camden Council’s Community Transport Support Grant helps local organisations and groups access community transport, creating more opportunities for residents to stay connected.
The grant aims to reduce social isolation and encourage participation in recreational activities both within and outside the Camden area. Applications are accepted throughout the year on an ad hoc basis, with clear guidelines in place to ensure requests are considered fairly and consistently.
Council recognises that one off support can have lasting benefits, particularly for activities that provide direct value to the community. Whether it’s helping a group attend a recreational outing or supporting transport for community events, the grant is designed to strengthen wellbeing and inclusion across the Camden LGA.
For more details and to apply, scan the QR code.
A CAMDEN CHRISTMAS ALL
THE JOY OF THE FESTIVE SEASON
CAMDEN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Saturday 22 November, 4-9pm
Camden Town Centre, Camden
Get ready to celebrate the Christmas season in Camden. This event will feature the lighting of the Camden community Christmas tree, market stalls, live music and performances, amusements, activities for kids and a visit from Santa.
ORAN PARK CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Saturday 6 December, 5-9pm
Oran Park Civic Precinct, Oran Park
The Christmas celebrations will continue in Oran Park, where we’ll be lighting the Oran Park community Christmas tree, enjoying market stalls and entertainment and, of course, get to see Santa again.
CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP
Wednesday 3 December, 10.30am-12.30pm
Narellan Library, Narellan
In this FREE workshop, participants will get step by step guidance as they learn to create their festive wreath from natural materials to take home.
A CAMDEN CHRISTMAS RIGHT HERE IN CAMDEN BOOKED OUT
2024 winners
MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
To find out more about how you can get into the Christmas spirit in Camden, scan the QR Code.
Camden Council’s annual Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition invited local Year 5 and Year 6 students from the Camden Local Government Area to submit original artwork, either hand-drawn or digital, that reflects the theme “Christmas in Camden”. The competition has closed with the two winners to be announced soon. The winners will have their designs become the official Camden Council Christmas Cards and be invited to light the Camden and Oran Park Christmas trees with the Mayor.
