Mayor's Message
Welcome to the autumn edition of City of Ryde's Live.Work.Play magazine.
It’s shaping up to be a busy few months in the City of Ryde as we head into some cooler weather.
I’m especially looking forward to the inaugural Ryde Mayor’s Youth Summit Forum, which is taking place at the Gale History Museum at Macquarie University.
This will be an informative and entertaining day for young people filled with engaging discussions, insightful talks and networking opportunities.
I am excited to hear some of the ideas and suggestions that emerge from this unique gathering of an important community demographic.
One of Council’s most popular events takes place on 17 May when Cork & Fork by the Riverside returns to Kissing Point Park, Putney.
You can enjoy a fantastic day out with family and friends along the scenic Parramatta River while indulging in free tasting samples from a range of boutique wine from NSW regions, locally made spirits and craft beer.
There’s also some great news to report, with Eastwood Library’s 12-month after-hours trial now underway, and work commencing on the exciting Blenheim Park Masterplan.
In addition, I’m proud to say that Council was recently re-accredited as a White Ribbon Australia Accredited Workplace, reflecting our strong community advocacy in the fight to end the scourge of domestic and family violence.
Sincerely,
Trenton Brown – Mayor
Customer Service Centre: 9952 8222
TMayor@ryde.nsw.gov.au
NEWS
Work begins at Blenheim Park
Work has commenced on the exciting transformation of Blenheim Park, North Ryde, which will deliver enhanced recreational facilities, improved accessibility and upgraded park infrastructure to the City of Ryde’s fast-growing community.
The project, which was developed after extensive community consultation, is being funded by an $8 million Federal Government grant through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program in conjunction with $4.7 million of Council funds.
Work will be conducted in multiple stages and is expected to be completed by July 2027.
Key improvements include a major regional playground featuring nature play elements, new multi-use courts, fitness stations, picnic and barbecue areas, and a dedicated off-leash dog area.
The park will also see upgrades to its radio control car track, pathways, parking, lighting and environmental features such as bioswales and biodiversity corridors.
These enhancements are designed to provide safe, accessible and engaging spaces for people of all ages and abilities.
Eastwood Library now open 24/7
Students, night owls and workers can now visit Eastwood Library 24/7 to study, read and relax during a groundbreaking new 12-month after-hours trial that commenced in February 2026.
The trial provides anytime access to Eastwood Library’s full suite of extensive resources for community members who find it difficult to visit during normal operating hours.
After-hours access is available to City of Ryde Library members who:
• Are aged 17 years or over (note: parents and carers can list children under 17 years who may accompany them to the library)
• Live, work or study in City of Ryde (evidence required)
• Complete an on-site induction
• Have a current email address and mobile number.
Rates transparency
As part of Council’s ongoing commitment to transparency, future rate notices will include a Rate Variance Explanation Note covering the key factors contributing to changes in rates.
The note will include, where applicable, variations arising from NSW Valuer General land valuations; variations to waste service charges; the impact of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) general rate peg and any applicable growth factors; and any other material factors that have contributed to the rate calculation.
A draft of the Rate Variance Explanation Note will be provided to Council prior to the distribution of the 2026/27 rate notices.
During after-hours access, all library spaces and self-service facilities will be available. Users will be able to utilise study and reading spaces, return and borrow items and use library computers and printers.
Armenian Flag Raising Ceremony
THURSDAY 28 MAY 2026
1.45PM FOR A 2.00PM START KISSING POINT WHARF, PUTNEY
Council is holding a small Flag Raising Ceremony at Kissing Point Wharf for the community to come together with the Armenians of Ryde in marking Armenian Republic Day. Light refreshments will be provided following the ceremony.
Cork & Fork by the Riverside
SUNDAY 17 MAY 2026
10.00AM – 4.00PM KISSING POINT PARK, PUTNEY
Cork & Fork by the Riverside is returning to Putney this year. Enjoy a fantastic day out along the scenic Parramatta River while enjoying free tasting samples of a range of boutique wines from NSW regions, locally made spirits and craft beer. Bring a picnic rug and grab some food from our food trucks and stalls as you groove along to music from our talented artists. There are lots of activities for kids to enjoy including ponies and amusement rides.
Find out more at www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/CorkandFork
World Environment Day celebrations
From 29 May, join us in celebrating our planet with an exciting lineup of workshops, events, and hands-on activities. Inspire and empower yourself to live more sustainably and care for our local environment. For more information visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/WorldEnvironmentDay
AUTUMN 2026
SWAP entries open
Entries are now open for the Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize (SWAP), an environmental art competition for anyone aged 10 years or over. Featuring $5,000 in prizes across five categories, the exhibition runs from 4 to 19 September 2026 at See Street Gallery, TAFE NSW Meadowbank. Entries for the competition close on Sunday 26 July 2026. Enter at www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/SWAP
Our Citizens honoured
The City of Ryde honoured its 2026 Mayor’s Citizen of the Year award recipients during the Australia Day celebrations at Meadowbank Park on 26 January. It was the first time these prestigious community awards were held on Australia Day. Every year Council publicly acknowledges and recognises the outstanding accomplishments by individuals in our community who have excelled in their chosen field.
This year’s Citizen of the Year, Keiran Gibson was honoured for 18 years of outstanding leadership with the Ryde SES. Young Citizen of the Year, Christian Lane was recognised for exceptional youth leadership, fundraising and community service. Environmental
Citizen of the Year, Sam Star was celebrated for his hands on environmental stewardship and neighbourhood care. Sportsperson of the Year, Dr Yagiz Aksoy was awarded for building an inclusive, health focused table tennis community.
Mayor Trenton Brown with 2026 Citizen of the Year winner, Keiran Gibson.
2025 SWAP artworks: Silent Protest by Jaemin Yun, Wallumai Fish Sculpture by Anupma Sood and Meadowbank TAFE Children’s Centre, Red Carpet Juice Bottles by Anna Garcia, Sublimation by Jacinta Robinson, Cordyceps PVC by Louise Nade.
COMMUNITY
National Reconciliation Week
WEDNESDAY 27 MAY TO WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 2026
This year’s National Reconciliation Week 2026 theme All In is a reminder that reconciliation requires active participation from every Australian. Reconciliation isn’t a spectator sport and real change happens when all of us step up.
Find out how to get involved at www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/NRW
Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2026-2030
The City of Ryde is undertaking our new DIAP and we need your help! Your feedback will guide us in making our community more inclusive, accessible and welcoming for everyone.
If you live, work, study or visit the City of Ryde, we want to hear from you. Tell us about the barriers people with disability face and share your ideas for creating more inclusive opportunities.
Complete our online survey and go in the draw to win one of five $100 gift cards,*
Refugee Week
SUNDAY 14 JUNE TO SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2026
The theme for Refugee Week 2026 is A Million Stories, honouring the milestone of Australia issuing one million permanent humanitarian visas and celebrating the unique journeys behind it. Each story is powerful on its own – and together, they have shaped Australia and our communities we call home.
Find out more at www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/RefugeeWeek
provide fast feedback by answering three quick questions, or attend a drop-in session. The Have Your Say period closes on Sunday 24 May 2026.
For more information, visit haveyoursay.ryde.nsw.gov.au/DIAP2026 *Terms and conditions apply.
International Women’s Day Forum 2026
Council hosted its International Women’s Day Forum at Lachlan’s Line Auditorium on Saturday 7 March, welcoming more than 140 attendees. The event featured talks by Ronni Kahn AO, CEO and founder of OzHarvest, and Sonia Casanova, CEO of Dress for Success, a performance by Elaskia, and catering by Gharibian House, along with an interactive feedback session to inform future community initiatives.
Nowruz Ceremony
City of Ryde hosted a Nowruz Ceremony, to mark Persian New Year with cultural performances, live music and a traditional Haft Sin display. Nowruz, meaning "New Day", signifies the arrival of spring in the northern hemisphere and is followed by millions globally across diverse cultures and ethnicities, including Persian, Afghan, Kurdish, Azerbaijani, Tajik and Uzbek communities. The event was both a celebration of renewal and a moment of solidarity with our community.
Seniors Festival 2026
The NSW Seniors Festival was held this year from 2 to 15 March, celebrating the theme Live Life in Colour. Council delivered a vibrant program which offered a mix of art, tech safety, fitness and other workshops, recognising seniors’ contributions and providing activities designed to support, connect and inspire older residents throughout the month.
The Guitar Shed performing at Ryde library.
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
The City of Ryde Administrative Office is on the move
Council will be relocating from the current premises of 3 Richardson Place, North Ryde to a new administrative facility located at 118 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park from mid April.
This will ensure there is an improvement in operational efficiency, staff collaboration, and service delivery to the community.
Find out more at www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/OfficeRelocation
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: /CityofRyde
