Cleaner Centres, Safer Streets: Cumberland Mayor Sets Out Community Action
14/11/2026
Sydney-Middle East Times Int: Cumberland Mayor Joseph Rahme has outlined a detailed cleaning program for town centres and local shopping areas, alongside updates on storm recovery, road safety, community grants, commemorative maintenance and cultural activities.
Mayor Rahme said cleanliness and pressure washing were among the major concerns raised by a broad cross-section of the community during his first week as mayor.
Following numerous meetings with council staff, a program was developed to address residents’ feedback and provide more regular cleaning across Cumberland..
Under the program, the town centres of Auburn, Merrylands, Lidcombe, Granville, Wentworthville, Guildford, Berala and Regents Park will be pressure washed twice a week.
Local shopping areas at Pendle Hill, Toongabbie, Hilltop, Guildford West, The Oaks, Westmead, Coleman Street, Excelsior Street and Dell Street will be pressure washed weekly.
All listed town centres and local shopping areas will also receive daily litter clearing, with supervisors checking whether further attention is required.
Mayor Rahme thanked council’s cleansing crews for their hard work, positive attitude and willingness to embrace the program. He encouraged residents to support their efforts by using public bins and reporting areas that need attention.
Following a severe overnight storm, the mayor also assured residents that council was working closely with the State Emergency Service and Endeavour Energy to address fallen trees and other issues across the local government area.
He urged residents to stay safe and contact council about any further concerns, emphasising that support was available as recovery work continued.
In his weekly update on council services, Mayor Rahme highlighted work to improve school-zone safety, with 166 community requests actioned during the reporting week.
Council rangers also responded to 93 reports involving abandoned vehicles and 251 other community requests.
The animal control team cared for lost animals, including 16 cats, two dogs and two goats.
Infrastructure improvements included 135 metres of footpath under construction in Lidcombe, along with footpath works on Barwon Street, Darling Street and Sapphire Street in Greystanes.
In Pendle Hill, kerb and gutter works were completed on Lismore Street. A new pedestrian fence was also completed at Fowler Road and Hawksview Street in Merrylands to improve pedestrian safety.
Council also recently completed road renewal works on Daphne Street in Merrylands, upgrading a 74-metre section between Blackwood Road and the end of Daphne Street. The improvements aim to provide safer and smoother journeys for residents and motorists.
Mayor Rahme encouraged residents to take advantage of council’s free household chemical disposal service and highlighted the support available through council’s website and its Domestic and Family Violence Hub.
As the community marked Remembrance Day through services and commemorations across Cumberland, the mayor reaffirmed the importance of honouring those who served Australia.
Following feedback from residents in the comments sections of his video updates, council arranged polishing and maintenance work on memorials along Memorial Avenue.
Mayor Rahme emphasised the importance of preserving these significant tributes to the men and women who served the nation.
Community support was another focus of the update, with the first round of council’s Community Grants Program concluding. Council is recommending 32 applicants for funding to help deliver programs supporting mental health, children and families, young people and vulnerable residents across Cumberland.
On the cultural front, Mayor Rahme welcomed the forthcoming launch of Unseen at the Granville Centre Art Gallery, describing the exhibition as a unique and engaging experience for the community.
He also encouraged residents to attend Unseen Live, a special Saturday event featuring local artists bringing the exhibition to life.
The mayor said he would soon announce the winner of his Christmas card competition, thanking the hundreds of local students who submitted artwork.
He praised the creativity and effort of the young participants and offered a preview ahead of the winning design being circulated across Cumberland.
Mayor Rahme said the updates demonstrated residents’ rates at work, reflecting council’s commitment to cleaner centres, safer streets, stronger neighbourhoods and a greener Cumberland.
He closed with a message of affection for the community: “I love you, Cumberland.”