SPRING 2026
LIVE. WORK. PLAY. Your guide to what's on in our City NEWS Pages 2-3 COMMUNITY Page 4
LIFT OUT Pages 5-10 COMPETITIONS Page 11
To view the magazine online visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/LiveWorkPlay
Mayor's Message After a long, chilly winter, the City of Ryde is celebrating the arrival of spring in the best possible way with the staging of our biggest single event of the year, the famous Granny Smith Festival.
NEWS
In this issue of Live.Work.Play you’ll find a full rundown on what to expect on Saturday 17 October as we once again celebrate the life and achievements of one-time Eastwood local Maria Ann ‘Granny’ Smith, creator of the internationally popular apple that bears her name. The Festival takes place from 9.00am – 8.30pm and there’s more than enough on offer – including thrilling amusement rides, fun competitions, dazzling entertainment, delicious food and drink, and a spectacular finale – to keep you occupied for the whole day. Give me a wave as I drive through Eastwood in the iconic open car parade that signifies the start of the fun. Also in this edition, you can read about how Council is taking proactive steps to upgrade some of our most popular parks and sports fields. With open space at a premium as our density and population undergo a massive growth spurt, the provision of open space is one of my major priorities during this term of Council and I’m proud to say we’re taking decisive action. Please enjoy the great selection of stories this issue and I look forward to seeing you all at the Granny Smith Festival. Sincerely,
Trenton Brown – Mayor Customer Service Centre: 9952 8222 Mayor@ryde.nsw.gov.au Page 2
CITY OF RYDE LIVE. WORK. PLAY. MAGAZINE
Artist's impression of the Anzac Park upgrade.
Open space blooms One of Council’s major priorities as our City undergoes remarkable growth in housing density and population is increasing and enhancing our precious open space areas. Current projects include the recently announced upgrade to Anzac Park in West Ryde, which is being done thanks to a $6 million State Government Parks for People grant, with building scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027. In Macquarie Park, Stage 2 of the eagerly awaited Catherine Hamlin Park was scheduled for completion in mid-September. This new park will be joined by a 3,200sqm park at the Midtown MacPark development which will be dedicated to Council in mid-2027. That’s on top of the Blenheim Park upgrade, which is currently underway, the recently completed Gannan Park upgrade, planned upgrades to Ryde Park and Putney Park, and sports field upgrades at Christie Park and Meadowbank Park.
SPRING 2 0 2 6 E-bike parking City of Ryde is identifying priority locations for shared e-bike parking, particularly around transport hubs, town centres and other high-demand areas, following the arrival of shared e-bike services in the City. Council will apply for the government’s newly announced Shared Scheme Grant Program, which provides up to $200,000 to install designated e-bike parking infrastructure.
Charging ahead with EV infrastructure Transport for NSW vehicle registration data has identified Ryde as one of the top five areas for electric vehicle (EV) ownership in Sydney, and Council is keeping up with that demand by installing vital charging infrastructure across the City. A further 19 pole-mounted EV charging sites have been identified, adding to the 20 locations already operating or being installed. The extra sites come at no cost to ratepayers which is not only good news for EV owners but also for Council’s net zero goals.
Major upgrade begins The City of Ryde unveiled the next stages of its eagerly awaited Constitution Road Infrastructure Upgrade in Meadowbank in July.
Mayor Trenton Brown at the Constitution Road launch.
The $24 million upgrade is one of Council’s major infrastructure projects, delivering a range of long-term benefits for residents, businesses and visitors to the area. The upgrade is funded through a combination of federal and state government grants and developer contributions. CITY OF RYDE LIVE. WORK. PLAY. MAGAZINE
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COMMUNITY 16 days of activism Join the Ryde Hunters Hill Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Committee for free community events with behavioural scientist and violence prevention specialist Dave Kramer. The annual Make A Stand walk against abuse will be held on Wednesday 25 November at Macquarie Park. The walk will be followed by a practical workshop on Thursday 26 November at North Ryde RSL to better understand coercive control, recognise warning signs and learn how to safely support others. For more information or to register, email: rhhdfsvc@tncinc.org.au Safe room available The Rotary Club of Ryde has launched a domestic violence safe room trial, offering immediate safety and support for people experiencing domestic and family violence. The space helps individuals connect with services and plan their next steps. Since opening last month with a dedicated support worker, the service has already provided vital help to vulnerable members of the community. City of Ryde is a White Ribbon Australia Accredited Workplace and supports these initiatives as part of our commitment to ending violence against women.
Clean energy advice
City of Ryde A/CEO John Angilley, Mayor Trenton Brown and Korean Consul General Yong Jun Choi.
Flag raising ceremonies Council recently commemorated two important dates on the international calendar with flag raising ceremonies. On 24 July, the Armistice of the Korean War was recognised at Memorial Park Meadowbank (pictured), marking 73 years since the end of the war that involved close to 100 Ryde-born servicemen. The 80th Indian Independence Day was celebrated on 15 August, marking India’s breakaway from the British Empire in 1947. Page 4
CITY OF RYDE LIVE. WORK. PLAY. MAGAZINE
City of Ryde is working with clean energy adviser, ZapCat, to help residents and businesses reduce energy costs, improve comfort and lower emissions. Through this free program, the community can access independent advice on solar panels, batteries, heat pump hot water systems, EV chargers and induction cooktops, plus practical tips on insulation, draught proofing and other energy-efficiency upgrades. For more information, visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Zapcat
PRESENTS
FESTIVAL GUIDE
SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER 9.00AM – 8.30PM
EASTWOOD
RYDE.EVENTS/GSF
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FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS YOUTH ZONE
RYDE EASTWOOD LEAGUES CLUB PARADE
Don’t miss the Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club Parade on Rowe Street from 9.30am, showcasing energetic performances, cultural displays, vintage cars and eye-catching floats.
FESTIVAL STALLS With over 200 stallholders there is something for everyone across the day! Keep an eye out for apple themed products and join in the festivities. Check our webpage to find your favourites.
*Fees apply.
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CARNIVAL FUN
Experience the excitement of the Festival on the Oval and West Parade with thrilling rides and classic games for all ages. Purchase ride coupons from the ticket booths located throughout the rides area and be sure to check out both the much-loved favourites and exciting new attractions.
EASTWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL
Home to the GSF Play Zone, including free face painting, Playkour obstacle course, apple nacho cooking workshop, animal farm and pony rides*. Visit our info stall in the apple shed, spin the wheel for great prizes and read up about the history of Granny Smith. Take a seat in the grounds, relax and grab a bite from the food hub. You may even bump into Granny Smith and Festival mascot Sweetie Pie. There's something for everyone, the kids will love it.
Looking for somewhere to hang out? Head to the Youth Zone to chill with friends, enjoy live music from talented local young artists, meet the 2RRR Youth Team, pedal your way to a delicious smoothie with Bike & Blend, get creative with fun activities, and connect with local youth services. There's plenty to see, do and discover throughout the day!
FESTIVAL BARS
Make your way to the Club Eastwood Bizzo Lane Way Bar off Hillview Road, where you can enjoy a barbecue and a wide range of refreshments throughout the day as they celebrate 80 years. You can also relax and soak up the Festival atmosphere at the Harvest Garden Bar on Eastwood Oval. Enjoy live entertainment and a selection of beverages, including beers, wines and ciders, plus the very popular and delicious cocktails; The Apple Spritz and Granny’s Famous Apple Mule! Both bars are open from 10.00am on the day.
POLICE
LEGEND POLICE BUS STOP TRAIN STATION PARKING ACCESSIBLE PARKING ACCESSIBLE DROP-OFF PARADE ROUTE ROAD CLOSURE PARADE ROAD CLOSURE 8.00 – 11.30AM ST JOHN FIRST AID / LOST CHILDREN BOTTLE AND REFILL BUBBLER STATION WALK WAY SEATING FOOD HUB BAR AREA CITY OF RYDE STALL FESTIVAL INFORMATION STALL / LOST CHILDREN / MERCH STALLS ACCESSIBLE TOLIETS
PARADE
GLEN STRE GLE REET CARPARK CA PA Closed 8.00am 8 0 m – 11 11.30am for parade
ANIMAL FARM AND PONY RIDES
FIREWORKS 8.00PM
START
FINISH
APPLE SHED
POLICE
GSF PLAY ZONE
CAMEL RIDES
10.00AM – 3.00PM
HARVEST STAGE
THE APPLE CART STAGE
GRANNY’S PAVILLION STAGE
EASTWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL
HARVEST GARDEN BAR
BIG APPLE SINGING STAGE
THE BIZZO LANEWAY BAR
541 & 521 TEMPORARY BUS STOP
LIBRARY
GRANNY SMITH HISTORY HUB
DROP OFF
ACCESSIBLE
EASTWOOD STATION
(12-25 years)
YOUTH ZONE
EASTWOOD SHOPPING CENTRE
EASTWOOD STATION TEMPORARY BUS STOP
LITTLE ORCHARD STAGE
FREE FESTIVAL SHUTTLE SERVICE
K-TOWN MADANG STAGE
POLICE
FESTIVAL OPERATING HOURS
Rowe Street, The Avenue and Eastwood Public School 9.00am – 3.30pm Progress Avenue and Hillview Road 9.00am – 4.30pm Eastwood Plaza 9.00am – 5.30pm Eastwood Oval and West Parade 9.00am – 8.30pm K-Town 10.00am – 3.30pm
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FOOD HUBS, SEATING AND INTERACTIVE MAP Enjoy our two delicious food hubs, located on West Parade near Eastwood train station and at Eastwood Public School. There is a wide array of options on offer, everything from classic festival favourites to gourmet bites. Enjoy your meal at one of the nearby seating areas, perfect for recharging or catching up with family and friends before returning to enjoy the Festival fun. Explore the Granny Smith Festival interactive map to discover over 220 stallholders including delicious food options, fun gift ideas, and much more! It’s your go-to tool for a seamless Festival experience! To view the map visit: ryde.events/GSFmap
PLAN YOUR TRIP Parking is limited on Festival day, so we encourage visitors to leave the car at home and travel by public transport or take advantage of the free Festival shuttle service. Plan your journey at transportnsw.info or ryde.events/GettingtoGSF Families can collect a complimentary lost child wristband proudly supported by our Platinum sponsor, Community Bank Homebush and North Ryde, part of Bendigo Bank from their stall on Rowe Street, one of the Festival Information Stalls or St John Ambulance tents. Please refer to the Festival map for locations.
Scan the QR code for more information.
ACCESSIBLE DROP OFF ZONE Visitors who hold a valid Mobility Parking Permit and require close access to the Festival can use the Accessible Drop-Off Zone via Trelawney Street. Limited accessible parking is available at Eastwood Shopping Centre and the Glen Street Car Park. For accessibility assistance or further information, please contact the City of Ryde Events team at events@ryde.nsw.gov.au
GSF MERCH AND COUNCIL STALLS Come check out the exhibition at Eastwood Library showcasing the history of Granny Smith, including one-of-a-kind artefacts owned by Granny Smith and her family! Rowe Street will be buzzing with Council stalls packed with community information and services including; Weeds Awareness, Eastwood Special Entertainment Precinct and Bushcare. Have your say and help our Circular Economy team name the City’s brand-new mascots that will promote waste reduction and resource recovery. Don't forget to take a piece of the festival home with you from the Council merch stall next to the Oval from 10.00am, packed with apple themed merchandise and fruity surprises. Hurry limited stock!
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PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
HARVEST STAGE FINALE
THERE GOES ME 4.00 – 5.00PM
DJ SKY RANI 5.00 – 6.00PM
TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD 6.00 – 7.00PM
KESHA NEVÉ 7.00 – 8.00PM
FIREWORKS 8.00PM
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS PRESENTED BY
PLATINUM SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR EMERGENCY SERVICES We extend our sincere thanks to St John Ambulance, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), Fire and Rescue NSW, and the NSW Police Force for their dedication and support in helping make the Granny Smith Festival a safe, enjoyable and successful event for our community.
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SPRING 2 0 2 6
COMPS Diwali celebrations Our Diwali celebration on Friday 13 November will include cultural performances, music and family fun in the Outdoor Piazza at Top Ryde City Shopping Centre from 6.30 to 8.30pm. Residents are encouraged to light up their apartments or houses for City of Ryde’s Festival of Lights competition which opens on Monday 5 October. Competition winners will be announced at the Diwali celebration. For more information, visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Diwali
2025 Diwali celebrations.
Inclusive arts competition The Ryde Inclusive Arts Competition celebrates creativity by people with disability aged 18+ who live, work or study in the City of Ryde. This year’s theme is ‘Imagine’. Entries close Sunday 1 November, with categories including drawing, painting and collage. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 3 December. For more information, visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/RIAC
SWAP exhibition Join us at this year's Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize (SWAP) exhibition to see how artists have transformed what was once considered waste into captivating masterpieces through the power of creativity. These artworks convey a strong message about protecting our planet. The in-person exhibition is open until 19 September at See Street Gallery, Meadowbank. The digital exhibition is open until 20 September. For more information, visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/SWAP Featured artwork: Second Flight by King Tan, The nature's future by Carmel Wainmann, Native Flowers by Sabira Ali, A Drop's Second Life by Carol Fung.
Be emergency ready Ahead of Emergency Ready Week in September, it's an ideal time to take a few simple steps to prepare for unexpected events. Download the Get Prepared app and attend the free Emergency Preparedness Workshop to help build your household’s resilience. Test your knowledge by taking the Emergency Preparedness Quiz and enter the draw to win a handy prize. For more information, visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/ GetEmergencyReady CITY OF RYDE LIVE. WORK. PLAY. MAGAZINE
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Mayor and Councillors Trenton Brown | Mayor 0435 652 272 Mayor@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-Watson | 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. MOON FESTIVAL Celebrate the Moon Festival 16 OCT at North Ryde School of Arts Community Centre from 6.00 to 8.00pm. www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/MoonFestival
FRI
REMEMBRANCE DAY Commemorate Armistice at 11 NOV Memorial Park, Meadowbank, from 10.15am for a 10.30am start. www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/RemembranceDay
WED
SKATE JAM Head to Meadowbank Skate 21 NOV Park for an action‑packed afternoon of skating, music, free food and good vibes from 2.00 to 7.00pm. Details: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/SkateJam
SAT
Name our mascots Help name the characters who will promote waste reduction and resource recovery across our community. Share your suggestions for the Sugar Glider, Kookaburra and Echidna by 25 October. Their names will be revealed at the Sustainability Festival on 22 November. Have Your Say at: haveyoursay.ryde.nsw.gov.au/ WasteMascots
Customer Service Centre Phone: 9952 8222 (24 hours) Email: cityofryde@ryde.nsw.gov.au Address: 1 Pope St, Ryde (in Top Ryde City) 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
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