COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER EDITION THREE 2026
The Camden community came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026, honouring First Nations culture, history and achievements.
LET’S CONNECT COUNCIL’S ILLEGAL DUMPING CRACKDOWN PAGES 2-3 LOOKING TO REVAMP YOUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION? PAGE 8
WHAT’S COMING UP PAGES 10-11
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WHAT’S NEW THINKING ABOUT DUMPING YOUR WASTE ILLEGALLY? COUNCIL CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL DUMPING Camden Council is continuing its strong stance against illegal dumping, with new 24-hour surveillance cameras now operating at known dumping hotspots in Leppington. Funded through the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s Illegal Dumping Prevention Program, the cameras have been installed at Ingleburn Road, Park Road and the corner of Anthony and Alma Roads. They are helping Council identify offenders and protect the local environment, with fines applying where illegal dumping is detected. Illegal dumping isn’t just unsightly – it has a real impact on our community. From household rubbish and green waste to building materials, soil and asbestos, illegally dumped waste can damage the environment, create safety hazards and cost ratepayers thousands of dollars every year to clean up. Council also continues to work closely with the Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squad to investigate reports of illegal dumping on both public and private land. Investigations may involve surveillance footage, witness statements and other evidence to identify those responsible.
HELP KEEP CAMDEN CLEAN 2
THINK NO ONE’S WATCHING? THINK AGAIN. With three new cameras watching 24/7 in Leppington, we’re cracking down on illegal dumping. Scan the QR code to see how Camden residents can dispose of waste for FREE!
Stay Classy, Camden
Everyone has a role to play in keeping Camden clean, safe and beautiful. If you witness illegal dumping, report it to Council so it can be investigated and appropriate action taken. By using the many waste and recycling services available and reporting illegal dumping when you see it, we can all help protect our local environment and ensure Camden remains a great place to live.
WHAT’S NEW Being dumped hurts. Book a Kerbside Clean Up today.
Community Recycling Centre now at Narellan A permanent drop-off centre for common household problem waste
You don’t want it at home. We don’t want it on our streets.
FREE
www.camden.nsw.gov.au/CRC
www.camden.nsw.gov.au
THERE ARE PLENTY OF LEGAL WAYS TO DISPOSE OF WASTE Whether you’re cleaning out the garage, tackling a renovation or simply getting rid of unwanted household items, there are a range of safe and convenient disposal options available. Residents can dispose of waste legally through a range of options, including: Narellan Community Recycling Centre (5 Millwood Avenue, Narellan) – Free drop-off for household problem waste including paint, gas bottles, fluorescent globes and tubes, smoke detectors, x-rays, aerosols, oils, batteries and mobile phones. Open Saturday and Sunday, 9am-2pm. Soft plastics recycling - Clean and dry soft plastics such as plastic bags and packaging can be dropped off to dedicated recycling bins at Woolworths stores.
Sharps Disposal Service – Dispose of syringes, needles and pen needles free at participating local chemists.
Recycling Drop Off events – Free disposal of bulky cardboard, polystyrene, textiles and e-waste, held twice a year (January/February and June/July).
Community Recycling Stations – Free drop-off of small problem waste, including batteries, mobile phones and ink cartridges, at Council’s Administration Building, Camden Library and Narellan Library. Return Unwanted Medicines – Safely dispose of expired and unwanted medicines at participating local chemists.
Household Chemical CleanOut – Annual February event for the safe disposal of hazardous household chemicals.
Kerbside clean-up collections – All residential properties are eligible for three free collections each year.
Donate unwanted furniture, clothing and household goods that are still in good condition.
Sell or give away reusable items through community groups and online marketplaces.
Tradespeople and contractors are also reminded that construction and demolition waste must be disposed of at licensed waste facilities. If you’re undertaking building or renovation work, it’s worth asking your contractor how waste will be managed before work begins.
Residents who notice illegal dumping are encouraged to report it to Council on 13 22 63 or at
Residents can also report illegal dumping through the NSW EPA’s RID website at
For more information, visit
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WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN CAMDEN
WORK HAS STARTED AT THE CREST Construction has started on Stage 1 of The Crest Open Space and Learn to Ride Facility in Gledswood Hills, transforming part of the 48-hectare site into a vibrant destination for recreation.
The first stage will feature a bicycle adventure course with learn-to-ride elements, a mountain bike trail, shared pathways, kickabout areas, amenities, shelters and parking, creating an inclusive space for residents of all ages to get active and connect outdoors. Works are expected to commence in July and be completed in early 2027.
SOD TURNED AT ANIMAL REHOMING CENTRE AND COMMUNITY NURSERY Construction is officially underway on Camden’s new Animal Rehoming Centre and Community Nursery, with the first sod turned at the Smeaton Grange site in late June. The purpose-built facility will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose home for Council’s animal rehoming services, featuring dedicated animal housing, adoption and community spaces, exercise yards and enrichment areas designed to improve animal welfare and support successful adoptions. The adjoining Community Nursery will grow thousands of native plants each year for use in Council parks, streetscapes and environmental restoration projects, helping to enhance Camden’s natural environment. Proudly funded through the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, the project is expected to be completed in 2027 and will deliver lasting benefits for local residents, animals and the environment.
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WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN CAMDEN
CAMDEN CELEBRATED 50 YEARS OF NAIDOC WEEK Camden Council celebrated NAIDOC Week 2026 with a program of events recognising the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Marking 50 years of NAIDOC Week and this year’s theme, Fifty Years of Deadly, the celebrations included a Flag Raising
Ceremony and community event at Oran Park featuring cultural workshops, community activities, information stalls and a barbecue. Camden Libraries also hosted NAIDOC-themed Storytime sessions, while families took part in Art Play sessions at Alan Baker Art Gallery, exploring Aboriginal art techniques, storytelling and the cultural significance of the boomerang. The celebrations provided an opportunity for the Camden community to come together, learn and acknowledge the enduring strength, resilience and contributions of First Nations peoples.
CAMDEN LIBRARIES CELEBRATED 200 YEARS OF LIBRARIES IN NSW Camden Libraries joined communities across NSW in celebrating the State Library of NSW’s 200th anniversary through the Open Doors. Open Books. Open Minds. Event in July. Residents of all ages visited Camden, Narellan and Oran Park libraries to enjoy a range of free activities, including craft sessions, Storytime, e-Resources workshops and board games, while discovering the many services and programs available through their local library. The celebration highlighted the important role Camden Libraries continue to play in fostering lifelong learning, literacy and community connection.
LIVE ’N’ LOCAL BROUGHT CAMDEN TO LIFE Earlier this year, Camden came alive with the sounds of local talent during Live ’n’ Local 2026. The six-week celebration of music, creativity and community connection saw talented local performers take to streets, venues and public spaces across
Camden Town Centre, creating a vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors to enjoy. From acoustic performances to pop-up shows, the program provided a platform for local musicians to share their craft while encouraging the community to explore Camden, support local businesses and experience the town centre in a new way.
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YOU SHOULD KNOW
CAMDEN CELEBRATES AWARD WINS Camden Council received three prestigious honours that recognise excellence in public infrastructure, place-making and leadership at the recent Parks and Leisure Australia NSW/ACT Awards of Excellence. The Nepean River Trail was crowned Park of the Year, a regional accolade recognising its outstanding contribution to recreation, environmental restoration, cultural engagement and community wellbeing. The trail has transformed a 64-hectare river corridor into a destination that celebrates Camden’s rich heritage while providing exceptional opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with nature and enjoy active lifestyles. The Oran Park Leisure Centre was also recognised as Community Facility of the Year. Since opening in 2024, the centre has become a vibrant community hub, delivering inclusive, accessible and sustainable recreation opportunities for our rapidly growing population. Council’s Coordinator Sport and Leisure Management, Marilyn Oliver, also received the David Aldous Young Emerging Leader Award. Marilyn’s leadership in delivering major community facility projects, fostering strong stakeholder partnerships and championing equitable access to sport and recreation is second to none. This recognition highlights the calibre of professionals we are fortunate to have serving our community.
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CAMDEN LEADS THE WAY WITH FOOD WASTE MESSAGE ON WASTE TRUCKS Keep an eye out for Camden Council’s newest waste collection trucks, now proudly featuring The Great Unwaste campaign. As the first council in New South Wales to showcase the campaign on its fleet, Council is taking practical food waste reduction tips directly into neighbourhoods to help residents cut down on edible food ending up in household bins. With recent audits showing that almost half the contents of red-lidded bins is food waste, much of it avoidable, the campaign encourages simple actions such as planning meals, shopping with a list, storing food correctly and making the most of leftovers. By reducing food waste, residents can save money, reduce landfill and make a positive difference for the environment.
DID YOU KNOW? The Alan Baker Art Gallery runs a Book Club, which gets together on the fourth Thursday of every month?
YOU SHOULD KNOW
CAMDEN COUNCIL CHRISTMAS GUIDE Council is inviting local businesses and organisations planning festive activities this holiday season to get involved in the Camden Council Christmas Guide campaign. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas event, offering a special promotion or running an exclusive festive deal, we’d love to hear from you. By submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), you can showcase your activities and offers, help attract visitors, encourage residents to shop locally and be part of a community-wide Christmas celebration. Scan the QR to submit your EOI and help make Camden sparkle this festive season!
THANK YOU A big thank you to the sponsors who helped bring this year’s Boots n’ Beats Country Music Festival to life!
GOLD
MEDIA
BRONZE JUST COUNTRY AUSTRALIA SERVING UP COUNTRY
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING COUNCIL’S EVENTS? Become a sponsor and connect your brand with Camden’s thriving community!
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SUSTAINABLE LIVING CAMDEN CELEBRATED NATIONAL TREE DAY Camden Council, together with a number of dedicated residents, came together on Sunday 26 July, 9am12pm, at Ferguson’s Land to plant 1,000 mixed River-flat Eucalypt Forest species as part of National Tree Day 2026. This year’s event celebrated the 30th anniversary of Planet Ark’s National Tree Day and the planting has helped to restore a critically endangered ecological community and create important habitat for native wildlife and pollinators. The planting site is regarded as one of Camden’s premier birdwatching locations and forms part of ongoing environmental restoration efforts along Matahil Creek and the Nepean River corridor.
LIVE IT UP LIVE IT GREEN 2026 – THE BIGGEST EVENT YET! Thank you to everyone who joined us at Live it Up Live it Green in May at Onslow Oval. Our biggest event yet brought the community together for a fun-filled day celebrating sustainable living, with interactive workshops, live music, nature play, local stallholders and practical ideas to help residents reduce their environmental impact. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired to create a greener, more sustainable Camden!
WANT THREE HOURS OF FREE POWER EVERY DAY? Eligible NSW households can now take advantage of the Australian Government’s Solar Sharer Offer, providing three hours of free electricity each day between 11am and 2pm, when solar generation is at its peak. Available to both renters and homeowners with a smart meter, the offer can help households reduce their energy bills by shifting electricity use to the free-power period. Contact your energy retailer to see if the Solar Sharer Offer is right for you and scan the QR code to learn more.
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CUT YOUR ENERGY BILLS The NSW Government’s Home Energy Saver program is helping eligible households make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable. The program offers interest-free loans of up to $15,000, with discounts of up to $4,000 for eligible low-income households coming soon. Funding can be used for upgrades including rooftop solar, home batteries, energy-efficient heating and cooling, insulation, hot water systems, induction cooktops and EV chargers. Scan the QR code for more information.
ARTS AND CULTURE CAMDEN IS HOME TO NSW’S FIRST WIND PHONE Earlier this year, Council unveiled Whispers to the Wind, a contemplative public artwork and NSW’s first publicly accessible Wind Phone, along the Nepean River Trail. If you haven’t visited yet, the installation offers a peaceful place to pause, reflect and honour loved ones who have passed away. Inspired by the internationally recognised Wind Phone movement, the disconnected telephone provides a symbolic space to share memories, express thoughts or simply enjoy a quiet moment in nature. Set within the tranquil surrounds of the Nepean River Trail, Whispers to the Wind is open to everyone and offers a unique place for remembrance, healing and hope. For more information, scan the QR code.
COUNCIL’S STREET FLAG EXHIBITION A COLOURFUL SUCCESS Camden’s streets were brought to life in July and August through the Street Flag Exhibition 2026, showcasing the creativity and talent of artists from across the Macarthur region. Featuring large-scale artworks displayed throughout Camden and Oran Park town centres, the exhibition transformed Camden’s everyday streets into vibrant outdoor galleries, celebrating local stories, creativity and community identity. The project provided an important platform for local artists to share their work with the wider community, helping to recognise, nurture and champion creative talent right here in Camden.
A FRESH LOOK AT THE TIMELESS ART OF STILL LIFE Alan Baker Art Gallery’s newest exhibition, Compositions: Capturing Still Life, invites visitors to experience the beauty of everyday objects through colour, texture, light and form. The exhibition features still life works by local artist Alan Baker alongside other Australian, contemporary and local artists, creating a visual dialogue that celebrates observation, composition and the enduring appeal of this classic artistic genre. From traditional paintings and drawings to sculpture, textiles and ceramics, the exhibition explores the many ways artists transform familiar subjects into captivating visual arrangements. Compositions: Capturing Still Life is on show at Alan Baker Art Gallery until the end of November.
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WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S COMING UP IN CAMDEN?
Small Business Month
Cultural Fusion - Narellan
October 2026 Various locations
Saturday 10 October, 4-9pm Elyard Reserve and Narellan Library Forecourt
Celebrating and supporting Camden’s diverse business community through a dynamic program and opportunities to showcase local businesses, including the 2026 I AM CAMDEN campaign.
A vibrant, one-off multicultural festival celebrating the rich diversity of Camden.
Careers and Jobs Expo
December Child Restraint Event
Thursday 19 November 2026 Camden Civic Centre
Thursday 3 December 2026
Connecting high school students and young job seekers with career information, training providers, employers and support services from across the Camden area and the surrounding region.
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Funding for this project has been provided by the NSW Government.
Providing residents an opportunity to have child car restraints, harnesses and booster seats professionally installed or checked to ensure they are safe and correctly fitted.
WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S COMING UP IN CAMDEN?
Creative Collab
Camden Christmas Festival
Thursday 3 December, 5.30-7.30pm Camden Civic Centre
Saturday 21 November, 4-9pm Camden Town Centre
A quarterly forum connecting emerging and established arts and creative professionals from the Macarthur region.
Log Book Run Event Sunday 13 December 2026 Oran Park Library Assisting learner drivers gain hours towards their log book and exposing them to a variety of road types and conditions to assist them in the learner driver journey.
Celebrating Christmas in Camden with live entertainment, activities, a variety of stalls, the lighting of the Christmas Tree and a visit from Santa.
To learn more about these events, as well as others coming up, scan the QR code. 11
If you have a matter you wish to raise with us, please:
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH COUNCIL
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Call our Customer Service Centre on 13 22 63; Email us at mail@camden.nsw.gov.au; Lodge it online at camden.nsw.gov.au/contact-us/report; Download the OurCamden app; or Visit our Customer Service Centre at 70 Central Avenue, Oran Park.
Bringelly
Rossmore
Barker
Cobbitty
Leppington
Oran Park
Catherine Field Gledswood Hills
Harrington Park Ellis Lane
Smeaton Grange
Kirkham Narellan
Grasmere Camden
Gregory Hills
Elderslie
Currans Hill
Narellan Vale Mount Annan
Spring Farm
CAMDEN COUNCIL
Bickley Cawdor Vale Camden South
NORTH WARD
Mayor Vince Ferreri 0474 481 166 cr.ferreri@ camden.nsw. gov.au
CENTRAL WARD
Deputy Mayor Eliza Rahman 0474 759 461 cr.rahman@ camden.nsw. gov.au
Councillor Dr Abha Suri 0473 526 751 cr.suri@camden. nsw.gov.au
Councillor Therese Fedeli 0419 180 183 cr.fedeli@ camden.nsw. gov.au
Councillor Ashleigh Cagney 0427 406 434 cr.acagney@ camden.nsw. gov.au
SOUTH WARD
Councillor Peter McLean 0409 032 948 cr.mclean@ camden.nsw. gov.au
Councillor Eva Campbell 0419 638 733 cr.campbell@ camden.nsw. gov.au
Councillor Damien Quinnell 0475 096 630 cr.quinnell@ camden.nsw. gov.au
Councillor Rose Sicari 0475 446 364 cr.sicari@camden. nsw.gov.au
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