| Message from the Mayor of Cumberland Councillor Ola Hamed |
** Vanessa McNeill, championed
our libraries as welcoming spaces for learning
|
Community News
August 2026
Message from the Mayor
Councillor Ola Hamed Hi Cumberland,
Council
recently hosted a truly special event for our youth, Civic Square
Afternoon Vibes, right in the heart of Cumberland at Dyin Ngurra
(Merrylands Civic Square), and I can’t thank the community enough for
supporting such an amazing cause. Our young people are at the centre of
our plans and we need them to feel connected, supported and prioritised.
There was music, free Acai bowls, inflatable sporting games, and
educational stalls that created a place where our youth can unite and
feel safe. I can’t wait to bring the vibes back to Dyin Ngurra soon, it
was a blast!
The world has been enthralled by the FIFA World Cup
over the last few months. I shared in the disappointment that our
Socceroos couldn’t go all the way, but they fought fearlessly and made
our nation proud! It was such a pleasure to bring their games to our
community live and free on the big screen across Council venues. Webbs
Avenue was a sea of residents enjoying every second while Dyin Ngurra
thrived as Australia and Paraguay battled to a nail-biting draw — and
wow, what an absolutely gripping game against Egypt out of the pool
stages. Socceroos, you have made us all so proud! Sport connects us all
and it is such a privilege that we can facilitate these kinds of special
screenings for our community and celebrate Australia on the world
stage.
Progress Park is in its final stages of installation as
Council lays synthetic turf across one of the three playing fields. The
artificial grass uses recycling infrastructure and technology, and the
surface can be fully recycled at end of life. This project is near and
dear to our heart because as Mayor, I want to build a Cumberland where
our community can play sport and have fun on an all-weather surface that
is available year-round. I am so excited to deliver this finished
product to you all very soon. Thank you for your patience as Council
continues to kick goals together!
I was proud to join our
community in renaming Guildford Library to the Vanessa McNeill Library
and honour her remarkable legacy. Vanessa served Holroyd for more than
12 years, becoming its first female Deputy Mayor in 2001. Her
contribution extended far beyond office through her unwavering
commitment to families, young people, seniors, and people with
disability. Following her time in public office, Vanessa continued her
amazing work with community literacy as an active member of the Library
Committee for many years. Vanessa championed our libraries as welcoming
spaces for learning, connection and opportunity. I had the privilege of
knowing her sincerity, strength and deep sense of service. It is fitting
that her name is now part of this community forever, ensuring her
legacy continues to inspire all who walk through our doors.
Ola |
