Live. Work. Play. Magazine - Winter 2026

Mayor's Message

Welcome to the winter edition of Live.Work.Play magazine.

This issue is packed full of news, tips and previews of some of Council’s fantastic initiatives and events to keep you busy during the colder months ahead.

There’s a strong environmental theme this season, with some great stories about Council’s Plastic Free July program, what to consider when thinking about making the switch to an Electric Vehicle, tips on cycling in the City of Ryde, and some practical ideas on how to use less fuel.

We’re also previewing this year’s Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize (SWAP), which encourages artists who live, work, study or play in the City of Ryde to create works made from upcycled waste materials as mediums of communication.

One of my key priorities is the maintenance, improvement and addition of open space for our growing community and you can read about the significant upgrade to Gannan Park in North Ryde, which is now back in action.

Plus, you’ll get the rundown on our Volunteer Recognition Award winners, our Freakish Battle of the Bands winner and the winners of our Youth Creative Competition.

It all makes for another reminder of why the City of Ryde is Sydney’s premier place to Live, Work and Play.

Trenton Brown – Mayor

Customer Service Centre: 9952 8222

TMayor@ryde.nsw.gov.au

NEWS

Gannan Park upgrade completed

Gannan Park is again fully operational following the reopening of the sports field, marking the completion of the final stage of an exciting upgrade at the popular North Ryde park.

The upgrades include an expanded playground, a loop pathway/scooter track, two fitness nodes, relocated and enclosed cricket nets, an expanded bush regeneration area, sports field lighting, garden bed enhancements and new pathway connections.

A new amenities building includes two unisex change rooms, public toilets with an accessible toilet, a canteen with an accessible servery window, a referee/ umpire change room and multiple storage areas.

The upgrade was made possible thanks to a $2,499,000 Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund grant from the NSW Office of Sport.

For more information, visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/ GannanParkUpgrades

If you are an artist or performer who lives, works or studies in the City of Ryde, find out more about our Artist Register or sign up by visiting www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/ArtistRegister

Cheers for our volunteers

The recipients of City of Ryde’s Volunteer Recognition Awards have been announced, giving a much-deserved reward for the services provided by our community’s many unsung heroes. Congratulations go to:

Individual Volunteer – Katrina Doring: Katrina has dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Eastwood Ryde Netball Association and demonstrated outstanding leadership in helping to deliver the multi-million-dollar new Bennelong Sports Centre to West Ryde.

Young Volunteer – Isla Costin: Isla has volunteered for organisations including Kids Giving Back, the Red Cross and Asylum Seekers Centre since 2017, and is co-founder of 4GreaterGood, a youth-led initiative established in 2024.

Group Volunteer – Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club: Since 1991, this club delivers a wonderful range of programs, especially for Chinese -speaking seniors and serves 1,500 members.

Plastic-free campaign

The City of Ryde is proud to be participating in Plastic Free July, a global environmental campaign encouraging individuals, organisations and governments to reduce their reliance on single -use plastics.

Plastics make up a large proportion of items thrown in household bins every day. In 2025, Council collected 580 tonnes of plastic materials through kerbside bins, and 6.8 tonnes of soft plastics through the Doorstep Problem Waste Collection program. Even small steps to reduce plastic consumption and waste make a difference to the environment.

Council will support Plastic Free July by running community workshops and promoting opportunities to avoid, reduce and reconsider plastic use.

Activities include an online plastic-free tips competition, beeswax wraps making classes, and a drive to recycle soft plastics through the ReSmart doorstep collection service.

For more information visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/PlasticFreeJuly

EVENTS

Cork & Fork wrap up

City of Ryde’s popular annual festival, Cork & Fork by the Riverside, recently celebrated the best in regional wine, local produce and live entertainment. The Festival was enjoyed by thousands of visitors in Putney’s Kissing Point Park and once again proved to be a standout on Ryde’s annual events calendar. The family-friendly event also featured artisan stalls, children’s workshops, amusement rides and a full program of live music, creating a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. Council thanks all sponsors, stallholders, performers, volunteers and attendees for making this year’s Cork & Fork by the Riverside such a great success.

To view photos from the event, visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/CorkandFork

2025 SWAP Winner –Open Category Louise Nade –'Cordyceps PVC'

SWAP entries now open

Entries are open for the popular annual Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize (SWAP) competition for those aged 10 and over who live, work, study or play in the City of Ryde. Around 80 artworks and design objects will be selected for exhibition with prizes worth a total of $5,000 across six categories on offer for the competition which closes on Sunday 26 July. For more information visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/SWAP

NAIDOC Week

Join us this NAIDOC Week for a special celebration with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on 10 July, 10.30am – 1.00pm at Top Ryde City Shopping Centre, Piazza Level. Enjoy art, music, dance and storytelling. Registration is essential.

NAIDOC Week (5–12 July) marks 50 Years of Deadly.

Find out more at www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/NAIDOC

COMMUNITY

RALC swim school and school holiday fun

Learn to Swim

Learn how to swim in time for summer at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre. We have swim classes for kids and adults at every level.

To book, call 8878 5111 or visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/SwimSchool

July School Holidays – Kids Swim Free*

Bring the family to Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre these school holidays and kids are free.

Freakish performance at Battle of the Bands

The City of Ryde’s Battle of the Bands celebrated its 21st birthday in suitably raucous style when an excited crowd packed into Lachlan’s Line Auditorium and rocked out to some fantastic young musical talent.

Last year’s runners-up Freak (pictured above) took out first place, winning a studio recording package through Katcha Music Studio, with There Goes Me finishing second, receiving a $500 gift voucher from Mall Music, and The Commissioners in third place, earning a $250 gift voucher from Mall Music.

*Conditions apply. One child free with each full paying adult at the same visit (swim only). Valid Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July 2026.

Dreams come true for young creatives

Some brilliant young talent in the City of Ryde has been recognised with the announcement of the winners of this year’s Youth Creative Competition. Congratulations to our 2026 winners:

Art Category – Winners

12–15 years: Jesse Ezra Eduarte

16–19 years: Angelina Wu

20–24 years: Darcy Halfpenny

Writing Category – Winners

12–15 years: Chloe Lu

16–19 years: Annabelle Whitfield

20–24 years: Thuhashini Celia Thirimanna

COMMUNITY

EV Tips

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common across NSW. Here are some practical considerations for residents thinking about making the switch.

• Plan ahead by checking charging station locations using apps or online maps

• Public charging is widely available, growing rapidly and easy to access across NSW

Save on fuel

While reducing driving is the best way to cut fuel use, it’s not always practical. These simple tips can help you save fuel every day:

• Turn off your engine if stopped for more than 30 seconds to avoid idling

• At low speeds, open windows and at higher speeds, use air conditioning to reduce drag

• Drive smoothly and avoid hard acceleration, sudden braking and frequent speed changes

• Remove unnecessary items to reduce vehicle weight and fuel consumption

• Keep tyres properly inflated to improve efficiency and reduce resistance

• View the City of Ryde's range of charging stations at www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/EVs

• For daily use, most manufacturers recommend keeping your EV battery between 20–80%, depending on battery type

• EVs generally require less maintenance than petrol vehicles, with fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes

• If most of the driving is urban or suburban, a long range EV may not be needed

• While NSW EV purchase incentives have ended, EV owners can still benefit from lower running and servicing costs

• Second-hand EVs can offer good value and battery health can be easily checked, similarly to a second-hand vehicle pre-purchase inspection.

For more information and tips visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/EVTips

• Plan trips by combining errands to minimise cold starts and extra travel

• Remove roof racks or carriers when not in use to reduce drag

• Keep your vehicle well maintained to ensure optimal fuel efficiency.

For more information visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/SaveOnFuel

Cycling in Ryde

Cycling is a healthy, sustainable and convenient way to get around the City of Ryde – whether commuting or riding for leisure. Council supports cyclists with a range of facilities and resources across the local government area. To stay safe, riders must wear an approved helmet, ensure their bike has a bell and use front and rear lights at night.

Residents can also access three free bike repair stations, equipped with tools and a tyre pump for minor repairs, located at:

• Kissing Point Park, Putney (Waterview Street, near the outdoor fitness area)

• Ryde Riverwalk (John Whitton Bridge entrance)

• Shrimptons Creek Shared Path, Macquarie Park (Waterloo Road entrance).

Waste wise

Are your unwanted items still in good condition? There are many simple ways to reuse, repurpose or rehome your items and reduce waste going to landfill:

• Hold a garage sale: Council will advertise your garage sale for free in a local newspaper and on the Events listings page. Register your sale and view others at www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/GarageSales

For more local cycling information, including the latest cycle map along with tips on e-bikes and scooters, visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/CyclingInRyde

• Donate to others: Pass items in good condition on to friends, family or a local charity shop and local clothing bins where they can be used again

• Repair or reuse: Contact a local repair shop or the Bower Reuse and Repair Centre to see if your items can be fixed or repurposed

• Sell online: List items on platforms such as Gumtree, Depop, eBay or local Facebook community pages (fees may apply)

• Recycle fridges and freezers responsibly: Arrange a dedicated pickup through the Fridge Collection booking form online.

For more information, visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/CleanUp

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

Upcoming events

Visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Events for latest information on upcoming events.

GRANNY SMITH FESTIVAL

Sydney’s largest street festival returns to the heart of Eastwood on Saturday 17 October this year. The Granny Smith Festival will bring in the fun with amusement rides, market stalls, food trucks, performances, a youth zone, pie eating competition and much more. Mark the date in your calendar to ensure you don’t miss City of Ryde’s biggest event. For more information about the event or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/GSF

DIWALI CELEBRATION

Come along to a fun-filled Diwali celebration on Friday 13 November complete with cultural performances, music and activities. Residents will also be encouraged to light up their homes for City of Ryde’s Diwali Festival of Lights competition. Competition winners will be announced at the Diwali celebration. For more information visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Diwali

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

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