This issue highlights some of the outstanding work happening across Council.
You’ll find updates on major projects like the Endeavour Sports Park, as well as highlights from our recent achievements, including an award for the Safer Cities project, the new digitisation station at our library, and opening up heritage collection tours for staff.
There has been an incredible level of activity across the organisation, and we should all be proud of the positive impact we’re making in the lives of our residents.
One standout project is the transformation underway at Endeavour Sports Park. Even before its completion, it’s already proving to be a vibrant community sports hub. If you visit in the evening, you’ll see people enjoying pickleball, futsal, netball, and basketball. Interest in hiring the synthetic fields continues to grow even before the construction is finished, and it’s clear this facility will become a key destination for sport and recreation in our region.
I’ve often spoken about the importance of promoting staff from within. When we promote the right people who demonstrate both a great ‘attitude’ and ‘aptitude’ for the role/area they work in, we not only reward dedication, loyalty and a willingness to grow and learn, we also strengthen our positive culture and provide clear and meaningful career pathways for our people.
On page 3, you’ll find a list of all the staff who have been promoted within Council over the past two years. It’s a substantial list—and one of the things I’m most proud of as General Manager.
I look forward to updating you more on our significant achievements at upcoming staff information sessions to be scheduled in the coming months. Until then, thank you for your continued commitment and the passion you bring to your work every day.
Bradley Cutts, General Manager
SPOTLIGHT
RAP Awards
Customer Service
Trish Manini
Business Support Officer, Children and Family Services
Trish has been so supportive of Tasman Parade and is always willing to help whenever the educators need. Trish is an incredibly efficient Business Support Officer, and our service relies on her for so much. Trish provides support with workplace students, uniforms and invoices. We truly appreciate her hard work.
Scott Kelly
Licensed Plumber, Infrastructure Services
When working with Scott during an after-hours on-call shift, he demonstrated the values of UMGAWI. He addressed issues promptly as they arose and remained consistently cooperative, which helped us achieve the best possible outcomes.
Helen Reissis
Senior Customer Service Officer, Customer Service
Helen consistently delivers excellent customer service and ensures customer satisfaction. Helen is a valued and dedicated customer service team member
Leadership
Kaye Barrientos
Childcare Worker, Children and Family Services
Kaye is always willing to support her team at Tasman Parade. She has demonstrated strong leadership by taking on tasks beyond her role and consistently showing appreciation for opportunities to learn. Kaye is always willing to assist with tasks such as auditing and enrolments. Kaye is a valued and dedicated team member.
Maria Cerdan
Director Childcare, Children and Family Services
Maria is dedicated to building a strong, supportive and caring team, ensuring they deliver exceptional service to the children and their families. She is always approachable and an attentive listener. Her leadership played a key role in the team’s success during the assessment and rating process.
Innovation
Robert Wojtowicz, Scott Kelly and Daniel Youel
Electrician and Plumbers, Infrastructure Services
Robert, Scott and Daniel are recognised for their outstanding work in designing and implementing a new water management system at the Sustainable Resource Centre site.
Due to the presence of silica on site, effective dust suppression is essential to maintain a safe working environment. Rob took the lead in identifying the correct specifications for a generator capable of powering new electric pumps. He also configured the system to send alerts to staff phones in the event of a pump failure, ensuring immediate action can be taken. In addition, the team upgraded the storage tanks by installing flow meters and alert systems which now provide real time monitoring.
Ben Jankowski
Health and Fitness Coordinator, Leisure Centres
Ben has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the Dynamila Activ8 Sports Program. His dedication and commitment to running the program have been outstanding. He led the program with passion and enthusiasm, keeping the kids engaged and excited to be part of the experience.
Maria Cerdan
Trish Manini
Ben Jankowski
Growing our own
Council recognises and rewards staff for their dedication, loyalty, and a genuine willingness to grow and contribute.
Internal promotions help build a strong, cohesive culture where people feel valued and motivated. They also create clear and meaningful career pathways, which are essential for retaining talent and encouraging long-term commitment.
By investing in our people and their development, we strengthen the organisation as a whole— creating teams that are capable, confident and committed to our organisation.
A list of all the staff who have been promoted within Council over the past two years:
Adragna, Vincenzo
Aghostin, Venetin
Aitken,Shane
Al, SarrayIsra’A
Al-Juboori, Aya
Am, Raline
Anouhoungheuang, Alyna
Aston-Brien, Robert Aston-Brien, Matthew
Attard, Natasha
Ayo, Jacqueline
Bakalian, Vache
Baker, Mitchell Bakr, Daniel
Barrientos, Levielynne Bernard, Kym
Beshara, Julianna
Bingham, Jamie Bou Khalil, Shaymar Buffa, Shari
Camacho Martinez, Paola
Cartwright, Jonathon
Casey, Warren Cerdan, Maria
Thank you!
Chau, Quang
Chea, Monica Cuka, Brigita
Daniele, Maria
D’Cruze, Gabrielle
De Horta, Isabella
Del Rio, Natasha
Dewick, Andrew
Diab, Ibrahim
Diep, Carmen Do, Cam Duran, Tayla Finn, James Frisoli, Holden Ghimire, Gaurab Giancotti, Andrew Grant, Simone Gray, Mark Grinyer, Tracy Habiboglu, Selin Hagerty, Aaron Hanania , Adam Hawkins, Luke Hen, Jeanny
Hoang, Anh
Hope, Jorden
Huynh, Phuoc Tho Jackson , Wayne
Jalal, Maryna
Johnson,Tara
Joumah, Widad
Kalsh, Anju
Karame, Nabil
Kim, Mimi
Koroneos, Nastasija
Korzy, Matthew
Lamb, Lewis
Lassiter, Judenn
Le, Sophia
Le,Thi
Levo, Catherina
Lim Hernandez, Jennifer Lorente, Ana
Luhr, Christian
Luongo, Maria
Luu, Aidan
Ly, Metta
Ly, Eric
Macri, Abbey Malik, Masooma
Mao, Ryan Marchiori, John
McDonald, Daniel McVernon, Danielle Melki, Jessica
Congratulations to staff who have received thank you certificates.
Liang Shuang (Bella)
Director Childcare, Children and Family Services
Bella has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and motivation in growing her class numbers. She actively engages with participants, gathering feedback and implementing improvements to enhance the experience. Bella takes the initiative to record and promote her classes, showing a strong commitment to both personal and professional growth. Bella’s passion and dedication make her an asset to the team.
Bei Cai
Micallef, Nicole
Michael, Sherean Michalak, Dariusz Milligan, Shane Mirarchi, Erica Morgan, Christopher Moth,Tepy Moustafa, Omar Muir, Matt Naprawski,Daniel Nassar, Giselle
Nguyen, Thi Nguyen, Harald Nguyen, Thi Tram Anh Nguyen, Thu Nguyen, Victoria Nguyen, Silvia Nguyen, Linda Nguyen, Casey
Bei displayed outstanding support for the Marlborough Street Preschool team during the Childcare Director’s absence. She has shown strong commitment to developing her leadership skills by leading team meetings, coordinating staff rosters, and supporting the team with programming and parent communication. Her contributions have been both inspiring and invaluable to the team.
A win for Safer Cities!
At the Local Government Excellence Awards, Fairfield City Council won the Special Project Initiative Award for Safer Cities Canley Vale.
The project was informed by meaningful engagement with community and businesses and whilst driven by Social Planning and Community Development. It wasn’t without significant contribution from the Landscape Design team and collaboration with many others across Council that made it all possible.
This has resulted in fabulous outcomes for the Canley Vale community and is a fantastic achievement for our City!
Honouring Reconciliation
We proudly marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week with our Annual Flag-Raising Ceremony at Council Chambers.
As one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia, we acknowledge and celebrate our rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, and heritage.
This year’s theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” reminds us of the importance of learning from the past, listening in the present, and walking together for a better future.
Thank you to the Buuja Buuja-butterfly dance group, to Charles Trindall for his musical performance, and to the amazing children and educators from Wakeley Early Learning Centre for their performance.
Team Spotlight
The Parks and Open Space team plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing various locations across our City. Their work includes clearing fallen trees from footpaths and roads, mulching garden beds, planting trees, and responding to emergencies during severe weather events. The team is highly motivated and takes great pride in their contribution to the community.
Our mowing crews are responsible for maintaining a wide range of areas, including playgrounds, sports fields, and general open spaces. Each team member plays an essential role in ensuring these areas remain safe, accessible, and well-kept for community use. Operating year-round and often in challenging conditions, the crews complete over 200 tasks each month. Priority locations such as playgrounds are maintained fortnightly, while destination parks—popular for weekend outings, public holidays, and daily recreation—receive additional attention to keep them in top condition.
The team’s commitment extends beyond regular maintenance. During peak periods, they support the Waste Management team at festivals and major events across the City. They also play an important role in monitoring and reporting issues to help ensure a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for all our residents.
This section is led by Parks and Open Space Manager Daniel McDonald, who provides strong leadership and oversees the operations of more than 30 staff. His guidance ensures the team functions efficiently and effectively all year round.
We extend our sincere thanks to Daniel McDonald and the entire Parks and Open Space team for their dedication and service to the community.
A special acknowledgment goes to our six apprentices, whose fresh perspectives and creative ideas add great value to the team.
This dedicated team includes:
• Daniel McDonald, Parks and Open Space Manager
• Wayne Jackson – A/Parks and Open Space Coordinator
• Charlie Darlington – A/Open Space Officer
• Andrew Dewick – Management Tree Officer
• Natalie Mihos – Asset Support Officer
• 24 staff – Parks and Open Space Operators
• 6 staff – Parks Trade Gardeners
• 6 Apprentices – Parks and Gardeners
L-R - Brad Challenor, Vic Bakalian, Lewis Lamb, Warren Casey, Paul Shoebridge, Stuart Croft, Daniel Grey, Graham Kennedy, Pat Stabile, Mark Patterson
Daryl Laver
L-R: Steve Phillips,Ethan Skinner, Narasry Ma,Michael Kiner, Lachlan Whitton, Bahaa Issa, Joseph Patorniti, Chris Boothroyd, Daryl Laver
Brittany Moir, Jordan Jones
Daniel Grey
Rebecca Richards
Just out here mow-tivating the crew!
soc i a l
CAPCUT - Video Editing App Review
Why I keep coming back to CapCut (even after spending $499 on Final Cut Pro).
With so many video editing tools out there, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and even Canva, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Which one’s the best? Which does what?
Here’s the thing. Every video editing platform has its strengths and weaknesses. Some are great for cinematic colour grading, others for quick social content. But the real trick? It’s about choosing the right tool for the job and for the conditions you’re working in.
If you’re in the office with time to spare, sure editing on a desktop with dual monitors and pro software is the dream. But if you’re out in the field, in the thick of a live event, and need to get content up fast, the best editing tool is right there in your pocket: your smartphone. And CapCut makes mobile editing surprisingly powerful.
I’ll be honest, I prefer desktop editing. I have more space, more control. But the more I use CapCut, the more I appreciate how convenient and capable it is. It has all the tools you need plus templates that just speed things up. The filming and editing principles stay the same.
If you’re new to editing, CapCut is the first tool I’d recommend. The paid version unlocks smart features that honestly give pro desktop apps a run for their money and this is coming from someone who paid $499 for Final Cut Pro.
Fairfield Conversations
The Social Planning and Community Development Division hosted Fairfield Conversations 2025 on 7 May at The Hub@Bonnyrigg Dhanawi.
The event brought together nearly 100 local community sector workers to explore the theme Strength, Challenge, Opportunity. Held in the Dhanawi Centre’s spacious hall and breakout rooms, the day featured eight speakers covering topics such as unmet legal needs, tech abuse in domestic violence, and intergenerational caregiving.
Workshops followed, allowing participants to discuss key local issues including service demand, social isolation, access, and inclusion.
Of course, CapCut isn’t going to be used for editing a multi-million-dollar production. But again, it’s all about context. The best tool is the one that works for your workflow, your timeline, and your resources.
Want to Learn Video Editing? Here’s where to start:
• Search “CapCut tutorial” on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube – there are hours of short, snappy how-to videos waiting for you.
• Watch content creators and video editors online. Study how they tell stories. A lot of the time, it’s not about fancy effects but about structure, pacing, and message. Some of my favourites on YouTube are Life of Riza, Peter McKinnon and Tatsuki.
Most importantly: download the app and start creating. Film something. Edit it. Tell a story. Take inspiration (copy) from your favourite creators. Rinse and repeat. You got this twin! �� Shane Nguyen, Digital Communications Officer.
Check out some of Shane’s work using Capcut:
Bring It On!
Youth Festival Lunar New Year Festival
Endeavour Sportsfield
Fairfield City Council shines at LGMA Management Challenge
In preparation for the NSW LGMA Australasian Management Challenge on 9 April 2025, Fairfield Council's team "Fairfield's Finest" first completed a rigorous Pre-challenge task and participated in a Mock Challenge at Camden Council. These preparatory exercises proved invaluable in refining our team's strategic approach to complex local government scenarios.
Competing against 22 other Council teams at Campbelltown Catholic Club, our nominated team - Dean Pipatvong, Joanne Chapman, Noor Wiss, Sandra Slewa, Selin Habiboglu and Polina Radchenko (with Bhavna Hemrajani supporting preparations)demonstrated exceptional skills across 11 demanding tasks including:
• Developing strategic workforce plans
• Addressing workplace bullying situations
• Ethical decision-making for a new public art gallery involving the mayor
• Delivering polished media responses for an on-air interview
The team's strong performance built upon lessons learned during pre-event training, particularly from mentor Anna Seed, whose guidance helped refine our crisis management and decision-making frameworks. We also acknowledge Margaret Diebert for her vital on-day support.
This challenging experience has enhanced our team's leadership capabilities while strengthening valuable inter-council networks.
Congratulations to all team members for their outstanding representation of Fairfield City Council's professional standards.
Dean Pipatvong, Infrastructure Engineer
New Digitisation Station Opens
On 17 June, the Digitisation Station opened at the Whitlam Library.
This innovative new service provides access to equipment for converting legacy formats—such as VHS tapes, audio cassettes, slides, negatives, and photographs—into digital files. This highlights our commitment to storytelling, cultural preservation, and digital learning in the heart of the community.
Staff and their families interested in using the Digitisation Station need to book a session by:
• visiting our website Digitisation Station or
• contacting 9725 0372 or
• emailing heritage@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au.
All you have to do is bring what you want digitised and a USB or hard drive with plenty of storage to your session. You must also be a library member to access the Digitisation Station.
L-R: Anna Seed , Dean Pipatvong, Bhavna Hemrajani Joanne Chapman, Polina Radchenko, Selin Habiboglu abd Sandra Slewa.
Civic Education Program
Ever wondered why groups of school students are visiting Council’s Administration Centre?
It’s all part of our free Civic Education Program offered to local primary schools, designed to give students a deeper understanding of how local government works and how it connects to their everyday lives.
The interactive program is both educational and fun, covering the roles of Federal, State, and Local governments—with a strong focus on the work of local councils. Students get hands-on experience by electing a ‘Student Mayor for the morning’, taking part in a mock council meeting, exploring the services Council provides, and asking the real Mayor their burning questions.
The program is led by our Communications and Marketing team and features guest presenters from across Council.
Nhung from Waste and Sustainability engages students with a fun session on recycling and sustainability—and yes, the mini garbage bins are a huge hit!
Marina from Open Libraries shares the incredible range of services and programs our libraries offer young readers.
Eddie and Rori from Natural Resources wow the students with stories (and songs!) about protecting our natural environment—Eddie even brings along a Red Belly Black Snake and loves to sing in the rain!
This program is not just informative—it’s memorable, inspiring the next generation to get involved in their community.
Photo and Video Guidelines
The Child Safe Committee have recently developed a Photography and Video Guideline. This guideline provides staff with information on principles and procedures for capturing, using, storing and distributing photos and/video audio recordings of both adults and children for promotional and publicity purposes, including consent requirements.
A Quick Reference Guide has also been developed to assist staff in determining the appropriate actions to take when planning to capture images or video, based on the specific context of their program, event, or activity.
More information can be found on FirstCall: Photography, Video and Art Reproduction Safety of Children and Young People Notice of Photography and Filming Sign
The following documents are now available to staff: Photography and Video Guidelines Quick Reference Guide Event Attendance List
Stockdale and Powhaten Detention Basins
Council continues to upgrade our City’s detention basins to help better protect properties in the event of flooding.
Current upgrade works at Stockdale Park in Abbotsbury are almost done. The final touches, including new turf and landscaping, are being completed now so the space can return to the community looking great.
Powhatan Park detention basin upgrade works in Greenfield Park are also scheduled for completion at the end of the year.
These are critical upgrades to improve measures against property damage in the event of flooding. Detention basins hold excess stormwater during heavy rain and release it slowly into the creeks, avoiding flash flooding of the creek system. There are 19 detention basins across our City.
Want to learn how detention basins work? Watch our quick explainer video: Stockdale Detention Basin Upgrade
Fairfield Leisure Centre Sports Hall Refurbishment
The Fairfield Leisure Centre Sports Hall Refurbishment commenced on the 28th April 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in July 2025.
The sports hall is predominantly used for a variety of indoor sports such as soccer, volleyball, badminton and basketball.
The upgrade includes:
• Lining of the internal hall walls above brick work.
• Rendering of brick walls
• New external lining of the current to storage area
• Roof sheeting to storage area
• Resurfacing of the timber floor & new line marking.
• Replacement fire doors
Endeavour Sportsfield
We’re taking Endeavour Sports Park to the next level with the two new, FIFA-accredited synthetic fields nearing completion. The fields are built to the same spec as Melbourne’s Home of the Matildas and the Victorian State Football Centre - designed for top performance, allweather play, and more community action year-round.
The fields will take sustainability and player comfort to the next level with cutting-edge design that includes hireractivated water cannons spraying the fields in hot weather.
The controlled release of water will cool down the synthetic turf, with water then collected in water tanks and used to irrigate the grass fields.
Stockdale Detention Basin
Powhaten Detention Basin
Fairfield Leisure Centre Sports Hall
Branching Into Greatness
Earlier this month marked a proud moment for our community when Council planted two new saplings at Wetherill Park Nature Reserve, grown from the acorns of our iconic Bland’s Oak Tree.
The original Bland’s Oak, located in Oakdene Park, Carramar, was planted in 1842 by Dr William Bland — a remarkable figure in Australian history who was a convict, surgeon, inventor, politician and advocate for education and reform. His oak grew to be the largest tree in Australia! Today, the 183-year-old oak remains one of the largest, standing about 13 metres tall with a 30-metre spread, despite splitting in two after a storm in 1941.
In 2018, Bland’s Oak Tree was added to the National Register of Significant Trees, cementing its cultural and historical importance.
These young trees, nurtured by our Fairfield Community Nursery from Bland’s Oak acorns collected back in 2019, will carry on the legacy of one of Sydney’s most significant trees for hundreds of years to come as these oaks live for about 300 years.
Soon two more saplings will be planted at Cabravale Memorial Park, ensuring this living symbol continues to thrive in our city.
Continuing in this spirit of growth and renewal, staff can join us at the community planting of native plants on National Tree Day next month in Bossley Park, from 9am to noon on 27 July.
Help make a lasting impact for our environment and enjoy a sausage sizzle lunch on us.
To register your place for National Tree Day, visit https://treeday.planetark.org/site/10031374.
Two new saplings at Wetherill Park Nature Reserve
Oakdene Park, Carramar, Bland’s Oak was planted in 1842 by Dr William Bland
Have a refugee or refugee-like story?
Have a refugee or refugee-like story? We’d love to hear it.
Inspired by Refugee Week, we want to continue acknowledging and celebrating the contributions made by people with refugee experiences to Fairfield City, including our staff!
If you would like to share your experience, feel free to answer any of the questions that resonate with you through the following link:
Share your experience. https://forms.office.com/r/Ci9tGrfDni
Please submit your story by Friday 27 June.
Your story may be shared with colleagues through First Call and the staff newsletter to recognise the resilience and strength within Fairfield City Council.
If you need some inspiration, here are some examples of refugee stories: Refugee Stories and RecollectionsRefugee Council of Australia
Heritage Collection Storage Facility Staff Tours
In April, we unveiled a new purpose-built art and heritage collection storage facility in the basement of Council’s Administration Centre, to help preserve our City’s history for future generations.
The climate-controlled facility currently houses 2700 items from our diverse collections, including historical manuscripts, significant objects and art spanning from the late 1800s to the 1990s.
We’re pleased to invite you to participate in a series of guided tours of the Wakeley Collection storage facility, located in the basement of Council. These tours are designed to give library and council staff a first-hand look at this important art and heritage resource.
Each tour will run for approximately 30 minutes and include:
• An intro to the facility’s contents, layout, and function
• An overview of storage protocols and collection care
• Discussion of emergency response procedures
• A Q&A with knowledgeable collection and heritage staff
To register your interest, email Marilyn Gallo: mgallo@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
Take a virtual stroll through our City’s history >
TOUR DATES
• Thursday, 3 July 2025
• Thursday, 10 July 2025
Session times
• 11.30am-12noon
• 12.30-1pm
• 1-1.30pm
The Health Hub
Nourish & Flourish
If you want a healthy snack for work try out Passionfruit and Coconut Muffins, they are easy to make and delicious!
Passionfruit and Coconut Muffins
Ingredients
1 cup (160g) wholemeal self-raising flour
1 cup (150g) self-raising flour
1 cup (250ml) passionfruit pulp
1/2 cup (125ml) buttermilk
1/3 cup (80ml) maple syrup
1 egg
1/4 cup (60ml) canola oil
1 1/2 tbsp shredded coconut
Steps
Emotional Eating
This issue Chantel from the Leisure Centres shares with us how we can overcome emotional eating.
How
to
Overcome Emotional Eating
Emotional eating is a common struggle, one that many people face when emotions like stress, sadness, or boredom take over. Instead of nourishing the body, emotional eating becomes a coping mechanism, often leading to guilt, weight gain, and a disconnection from physical hunger cues. But the good news is, emotional eating is not a life sentence. With the right strategies, you can regain control and build a healthier relationship with food.
Understand the Root Cause
The first step in overcoming emotional eating is identifying the triggers. Keep a food and mood journal to track when and what you eat, and how you feel before and after. Over time, patterns will emerge, helping you pinpoint whether it’s anxiety, loneliness, or fatigue driving your cravings.
Develop Alternative Coping Strategies
Once you identify your triggers, create a toolbox of alternative coping mechanisms. If stress is a major factor, try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. For loneliness, call a friend or engage in a social activity. When boredom strikes, immerse yourself in a hobby or take a walk. By replacing food with healthier outlets, you start to break the cycle of emotional eating.
Practice Mindful Eating
Step 1
Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a 12-hole muffin pan with paper cases. Place the combined flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre.
Step 2
Whisk the passionfruit pulp, buttermilk, maple syrup and egg in a small bowl until combined. Add to the flour with the oil and fold until the mixture is just combined. Divide the passionfruit mixture evenly among the paper cases. Sprinkle with coconut.
Step 3
Bake for 25 mins or until a skewer inserted in the centres comes out clean. Turn the muffins onto a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks
Mindfulness is a powerful tool in transforming your relationship with food. Practice eating slowly, savouring each bite, and paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. This helps differentiate between physical hunger and emotional cravings, making it easier to stop eating when you’re satisfied.
Build
a Balanced Routine
A balanced daily routine helps mitigate emotional eating. Prioritise regular meals and snacks to avoid extreme hunger, which can exacerbate cravings. Ensure your diet includes a variety of whole foods, with protein, fibre, and healthy fats, to keep blood sugar levels stable and your mood steady.
Hey there! My name is Chantel Asic and I’m a Personal Trainer & Exercise Specialist. I absolutely love helping people with their health goals.
My advice: Remember to always be kind to yourself!
Crafting Warmth and Wellbeing
Over the past two months, staff from Children and Family Services embraced a creative crocheting project—making a team blanket now proudly displayed in the Administration Office to help keep warm during the chilly winter months.
Each team member contributed by crocheting one or two squares, offering a chance to step away from the screen and enjoy some mindful relaxation during the workday.
Louise, our resident crocheting queen, brought the blanket to life by stitching all the squares together and finishing it off with the Best Start logo. The final product is a vibrant and unique reflection of the team—fun, colourful, and made with care.
Fairfield City Council Gym
Just $3 a Week! Exciting Upgrades Underway
Looking to stay active without breaking the bank? Council’s staff gym is available for just $3 a week – offering a convenient, affordable, and supportive space to prioritise your health and wellbeing.
And it’s about to get even better!
Council is investing in an expansion to transform the gym into a more dynamic fitness space. The upgrade will introduce new areas to support team workouts and virtual fitness classes, giving staff more flexibility, variety, and motivation in their fitness routines.
What’s Happening?
The expansion will roll out in five key stages during 2025:
• Stage 1 (July): Records storage will be reconfigured, with support from volunteers to prepare the space.
• Stage 2 (September): Internal walls in the gym will be partially removed to create a more open, functional area.
• Stage 3 (October): Contractor works begin – including construction of new walls, electrical upgrades, and improved lighting.
• Stage 4 (November): Final finishes, including new flooring and painting, will complete the transformation.
This exciting upgrade is being delivered with the help of teams across Council and our dedicated gym volunteers. If you’re interested in getting involved as a volunteer during the works, feel free to reach out.
Whether you’re a fitness regular or just starting out, now’s a great time to get involved. For only $3 a week, you’ll be part of a revitalised gym community with even more to offer.
Stay tuned for progress updates!
Ibrahim Diab Gym Enthusiast
Exploring Nepal
with Ty Phu
Nepal Himalayan Ranges and Everest Base Camp.
So, I recently ticked off something that’s been on my bucket list for years – hiking through the Nepal Himalayas all the way to Everest Base Camp. Safe to say, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
Where did I go?
I spent a few weeks trekking through the Himalayas in Nepal, surrounded by snowcapped peaks and tiny mountain villages. The highlight was definitely making it to Everest Base Camp, but there were a few side trips along the way that were amazing.
Most memorable moment?
Climbing Gokyo Ri, a summit that sits at 5,357 metres. We started in pitch black and freezing cold, but reaching the top was absolutely worth it – from one spot I could see four of the world’s tallest mountains: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Seeing them all above 8,000 metres, towering over everything… it was surreal.
Something I never thought I’d do?
Burn yak poo for warmth. Yep, that happened. At night, when the temps dropped below freezing, we’d all gather around a little fire made of dried yak droppings. The smell? …let’s just say you sort of get used to it.
Funniest moment?
It was my birthday while we were nearing Everest Base Camp, and out of nowhere our guide pulls out a slice of cake for me. A few days later I realised we hadn’t passed a town for five days. No shops, no bakeries. So now I have so many questions about that cake…
Top tip if you’re heading to Nepal?
Be flexible. The weather changes constantly and so does the plan. One minute you’re hiking in the sun, the next you’re snowed in. Just roll with it and enjoy the chaos – that’s part of the fun.
Ty Phu IT Solutions Development Manager
Gokyo Lake
Gokyo Summit
Helicopter ride
Hillary Bridge
Base Camp
Fav. food
SHELF INDULGENCE
Book Title: The Four Agreements
Author: Don Miguel Ruiz
The Four Agreements is a best-selling spiritual and self-help book written by Don Miguel Ruiz.
I dream of
Rooted in ancient Toltec wisdom, the book presents a powerful code of conduct aimed at achieving personal freedom and inner peace. Ruiz, a Mexican author, and spiritual teacher, draws upon his heritage to explore how limiting beliefs rob individuals of joy and create needless suffering. With a background in medicine before a life-changing experience shifted his focus to spirituality, Ruiz has dedicated his life to teaching the Toltec way of wisdom through lectures and writings.
The book outlines four simple yet profound agreements that, if practised consistently, can transform one’s life: Be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions, and always do your best.
1. Be Impeccable with Your Word – Speak with integrity and say only what you mean. Words have power, so use them positively.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally – What others do or say reflects them, not you. Don’t absorb their negativity.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions – Ask questions and communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings and suffering.
4. Always Do Your Best – Your “best” changes from moment to moment; doing your best prevents regret and builds self-respect.
By practising these four agreements consistently, you can break free from self-limiting beliefs, reduce emotional pain, and transform your life into one of personal freedom, love, and inner peace. It’s about shifting your mindset to live more consciously and authentically.
Reviewer: Nabil Karame
Senior Library Assistant
Bookworm rating: 4.5/5
Fav. food...
George Joseph Technical Support Officer
Getting to know YOU
Hobbies... Kebabs on charcoal
Playing Video Games (especially Nintendo), movies and SPORT
Mortal Kombat
Fav. movie... TV series... The Office (USA)
Music/ band... Carrie Underwood Colour... Blue and white
I’m proud of... My footy team right now, top spot!
A highlight in my life would be...
Marrying my Wife and having my children
When I was young... I remember playing Golden Eye on Nintendo 64.
I bet you never knew... I enjoy stream gaming
Current obessesion... and unboxing online (not revealing my face though)
A word of advice... Tough one here, but ‘never judge a book by its cover’ whether it’s a person, food or experience.
Acai with Nutella topping
Fav. movie...
Fav. food... Hobbies...
Seafood
Antique hunting
TV series... Music/ band... Colour...
Blues Brothers Stray Cats
Taskmaster Pink
I’m proud of... My daughter and my mum
A highlight in my life would be...
Travelling parts of Australia
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When I was young...
I bet you never knew...
I use to be a lead singer in a band named ‘Jelly Beanz’ I thought I would be a famous designer one day
A word of advice...
Enjoy every moment
Current obessesion...
Rock ‘n’ Roll dancing
Juliette Bonanno Specialist Support Officer Finance
GAME ON!
Where
Guess the following 4 locations in our City for your chance to win one of three $30 Hoyts e-vouchers. Entries close Friday 11 July, 5pm.
Correct entries will go in a draw for a chance to win one of three Bananagrams games valued at $23.00 each. Send your entry to inthefield@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au by Friday 11 July, 5pm.
From blossoms we begin our way, With seeds inside, we grow each day. Some are sweet, some may be sour, Found in baskets, tree, or bower.
