SUMMER 2025/26
LIVE. WORK. PLAY. Your guide to what's on in our City NEWS UPDATES
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EVENTS
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PLACES TO SEE
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To view the magazine online visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/LiveWorkPlay
Mayor's Message
Welcome to the summer issue of City of Ryde’s Live.Work.Play. magazine. As we enjoy the hottest time of the year, I’d like to remind everyone about Putney Beach, our wonderful swimming spot on the banks of the Parramatta River which is celebrating its first birthday in January. This is a brilliant local place to cool off when the mercury rises, and I encourage everyone to spend some time in the water this summer, while enjoying the beautiful surrounds of Putney Park. I’m excited about the trial of Council’s first 24/7 library, which is taking place at Eastwood Library in early 2026. The 12-month after-hours library trial will give customers the ability to visit unstaffed library branches outside of regular operating hours. During after‑hours access, all library spaces and self-service facilities will be available, making it a fantastic resource for students, shift workers, and other members of the community who can make use of the extended hours. You can find details about the trial here: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/ AfterHoursLibrary Looking ahead, we are busy planning for an expanded Lunar New Festival on Saturday 28 February 2026 in the heart of Eastwood, with a new activation in Koreatown. I can’t wait to join everyone there for this amazing celebration. Sincerely
Trenton Brown – Mayor Customer Service Centre: 9952 8222 TMayor@ryde.nsw.gov.au Page 2
CITY OF RYDE LIVE. WORK. PLAY. MAGAZINE
NEWS
Make a splash at Putney Beach Cool off this summer at Putney Beach on the Parramatta River foreshore. Located within family-friendly Putney Park, the area features a playground with water play, open grassy spaces, and natural surrounds – perfect for picnics and BBQs. The swim site includes a fully netted enclosure for added safety. Council encourages safe swimming by checking river conditions, avoiding swimming for three days after rain, and following signage at the site. Enjoy a refreshing day out while staying water‑smart!
SUMMER 2025/26 Water Polo NSW partnership extended Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre (RALC) will remain the home of water polo in NSW through 2030, following a five-year extension of our legacy agreement with Water Polo NSW. The new agreement, effective 1 January 2026, was signed by Water Polo NSW President Lisa May and City of Ryde CEO Wayne Rylands. RALC hosted six thrilling matches during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, including our women’s gold medal win. Today, RALC offers five heated pools, sports halls, Learn to Swim programs and a wide range of aquatic activities. Details: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/RALC
Council calls for significant infrastructure spending Council has called on the State Government to invest hundreds of millions of dollars towards much needed infrastructure in recognition of the significant housing uplift being carried out and planned in the City of Ryde.
These decisions, which come as Ryde remains on track to exceed its housing targets, are being made without the necessary commitments of infrastructure to support additional dwellings, including much-needed open green space.
At its October 2025 ordinary Meeting, Council noted the impact of the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) on the lodgement of major residential development applications to Council, with City of Ryde experiencing a higher number of HDA declarations than other metropolitan councils.
Council believes the State Government must strike the right balance between necessary housing uplift, the protection of vital employment lands and the provision of essential accompanying civic infrastructure. CITY OF RYDE LIVE. WORK. PLAY. MAGAZINE
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LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
SAT 28 FEB | EASTWOOD The much-loved Lunar New Year Festival will be held in the heart of Eastwood on Saturday 28 February 2026, celebrating the Year of the Horse. The Festival will feature amusement rides, market stalls, food trucks, cultural performances, fireworks and an incredible lion high pole performance.
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This year’s Festival will be expanding, as we activate Koreatown along Railway Parade from 12.00 – 5.00pm. This expansion is proudly supported by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. Eastwood Oval will then come to life from 4.00 – 9.00pm. This year we celebrate the Fire Horse. Zodiac animals get an element because they are part of the Chinese astrological system, which combines a 12-year animal cycle with a 60‑year cycle of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water). Characteristics of the Fire Horse include being confident, independent, enthusiastic and ambitious. Some things to avoid on the first day of Lunar New Year: no showering as it washes away good luck and no sweeping/cleaning as it sweeps away wealth. At Lunar New Year, it is traditional to give the gift of a bright, beautiful red envelope (known as 紅包, hóngbāo) to your friends and family. But not just any old envelope. These are filled with money – and symbolise good wishes and luck for the new year ahead.
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CITY OF RYDE LIVE. WORK. PLAY. MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2025/26
EVENTS Mayor Trenton Brown with SWAP 2025 Open Category Winner Louise Nade for Cordyceps PVC (CrO2)
SWAP champions The creative talents of artists from across the City of Ryde were celebrated at the awards ceremony and official opening for the 2025 Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize (SWAP), held at Meadowbank’s See Street Gallery. SWAP is an environmental art competition for people aged 10 and over who live, work, study or play in the City of Ryde. It aims to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage positive behaviour change using artworks and design objects made from upcycled waste materials as mediums of communication. To view the full list of winners, visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/SWAP2025
Spring Garden winners The City of Ryde’s 2025 Spring Garden Competition winners were announced at a gala evening at Lachlan’s Line Auditorium in North Ryde in October. The competition attracted an impressive 94 entries showcasing the City's diverse cultures and communities. To view the full list of winners, visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Spring2025
2025 Diwali Festival of Lights Best Apartment Winner Rashmi Dhongade
Diwali Festival of Lights Council proudly celebrated Diwali with a vibrant community celebration filled with light, culture and joy. The event showcased traditional performances, family activities, and delicious food. We also acknowledged the winners of our Diwali Lights Competition, recognising the creativity and spirit shown across the City of Ryde. For more information, visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Diwali CITY OF RYDE LIVE. WORK. PLAY. MAGAZINE
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COMMUNITY
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• Ryde Heritage Trail: 28 historic buildings, churches, and sites
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• Gladesville Heritage Trail: 20 sites ICTOR showcasing traces of theVpast IA RO AD in today’s landscape.
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Plan your route online, keep your mobile handy or enjoy a tactile experience with our complimentary booklet. Learn more: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/ HeritageTrail Map and photos featured here are from the Ryde Heritage Trail Booklet.
The Parsonage
St Annes Cemetery
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Explore two self-guided heritage trails that uncover the area’s rich history. Use our interactive maps or printed booklets to journey through time, visiting landmarks and learning stories from the 1800s.
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Discover Ryde and SE AV E Gladesville’s heritage
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The first court house
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SUMMER 2025/26 Things to do in Ryde Eastwood Plaza – Rowe Street, Eastwood Under its iconic arbour, Eastwood Plaza is the heart of local life. It comes alive during cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year and offers diverse shopping and dining options. Enjoy Tai Chi sessions, live buskers and the popular Eastwood Night Markets every Saturday. The markets feature fresh produce, handmade crafts, street food and more. Details: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/ EastwoodNightMarkets
Kissing Point Park – Waterview Street, Putney Nestled on the Parramatta River foreshore, this scenic park offers playgrounds, picnic spots and a beach area along the Ryde Riverwalk. With easy access to the RiverCat wharf and a boat jetty, it’s perfect for a riverside escape.
Meadowbank Park – Constitution Road, Meadowbank A hub for sport and recreation, Meadowbank Park features playing fields, tennis courts, a skate park and parkour walls. Families will love the accessible playground with waterplay, nature zones and sand play. Connected to the Ryde Riverwalk, it’s ideal for walking and cycling along the river. CITY OF RYDE LIVE. WORK. PLAY. MAGAZINE
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Mayor and Councillors Trenton Brown | Mayor 0435 652 272 TMayor@ryde.nsw.gov.au
West Ward Clr Cameron Last 0478 262 851 CameronL@ryde.nsw.gov.au Clr Justin Li 0412 614 174 JustinLi@ryde.nsw.gov.au Clr Dr Felix Lo 0478 917 195 FelixLo@ryde.nsw.gov.au Clr Kathy Tracey 0478 264 615 KathyT@ryde.nsw.gov.au
East Ward Clr Sophie Lara-Windred | Deputy Mayor 0481 282 880 SophieLW@ryde.nsw.gov.au Clr Keanu Arya 0478 817 320 KeanuA@ryde.nsw.gov.au Clr Roy Maggio 0418 299 347 RMaggio@ryde.nsw.gov.au Clr Penny Pedersen 0435 697 314 PennyP@ryde.nsw.gov.au
Central Ward Clr Shweta Deshpande 0481 282 875 ShwetaDe@ryde.nsw.gov.au Clr Daniel Han 0478 908 381 DanielHan@ryde.nsw.gov.au Clr Lyndal Howison 0478 915 675 LyndalH@ryde.nsw.gov.au Clr Tina Kordrostami 0478 907 974 TinaKo@ryde.nsw.gov.au
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CITY OF RYDE LIVE. WORK. PLAY. MAGAZINE
Upcoming events Visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Events for latest information on upcoming events. LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
FEB Celebrate the Year of the 28 Horse at Eastwood’s Lunar
New Year Festival in February! Enjoy market stalls, food trucks, cultural performances, fireworks and more. The 2026 festival will be bigger than ever, offering more space and activities for the Ryde and wider community. ryde.events/LNY WEST RYDE EASTER
MAR CELEBRATIONS 28 To celebrate Easter head down
to Anzac Park West Ryde for a range of fun activities and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Stay tuned for event details. ryde.events/WREC ANZAC DAY SERVICE
APR Join us at Anzac Park, 25 West Ryde on 25 April for a
commemorative service to mark the anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign fought by Australian and New Zealand forces (the Anzac's) during the First World War. ryde.events/AnzacDay
Customer Service Centre Phone: 9952 8222 (24 hours) Email: cityofryde@ryde.nsw.gov.au Address: 1 Pope Street, Ryde (within Top Ryde City shopping centre) Postal address: Locked Bag 2069, North Ryde NSW 1670 Report an issue online: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Report www.ryde.nsw.gov.au Social media:
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