Uncontained! Our celebration of creativity, culture, and community connection returns to Kogarah
04. Paddle Weekend at Carss Point
05. Harmony Day Cook Up
06. Friday Nights Come Alive at Hurstville Night Markets
07. Discover Georges River
08. Seniors Expo
09. The Great Unwaste
09. St George DV Candlelight Vigil
09. Autism Community Network 2026 Gala
10. Artist in Residence
11. Woven from a hundred flowers
11. Daphne Kingston Exhibition
12. Honouring Local Service: ANZAC Day 2026
14. GRYFest 2026
15. Celebrating 50 Years of Shopfront Arts Co-Op
16. Celebrating More Than 100 Years of Local News
17. Mulga Road Rotary Book Shop
17. Emmie Pickering: The Boat G.O.A.T
18. Grants Snapshots: Learning Links
19. Grants Snapshots: CASS Care Golden 100 Program
19. A Milestone Year for Hurstville Donor Centre
20. Uncontained
22. What's on
Uncontained makes its big return in Kogarah from Friday 26 June to Sunday 28 June 2026. Front page image credit: Tahlia Henderson, Moth symmetry
in connection, wellbeing and bringing people together.
Winter is a season when our community naturally comes together to reflect, celebrate, and support one another. Across Georges River, the past few months have shown just how strong, connected and caring our community is.
Earlier this season, we came together to mark ANZAC Day with a meaningful local tribute. Council installed five commemorative banners across the Georges River area, each honouring a serviceman or woman connected to one of our five wards. Using archival images from the Australian War Memorial, the banners created spaces for reflection and remembrance, encouraging our community to pause and honour the courage and sacrifice that shaped our nation.
Supporting older residents continues to be a key priority for Council, and the Seniors Expo was a wonderful example of this commitment in action. The event brought together programs, services and activities that help seniors stay informed, connected and active. Throughout the year, Council remains focused on ensuring older residents feel valued, supported and included in community life.
Our young people have also been celebrated through events such as GRYfest. This youthled festival showcased local talent through music, art and performance, giving young people a platform to express themselves with confidence. GRYfest highlighted the important role creativity plays
Winter evenings are continuing to come alive at the Hurstville Night Markets, held on the last Friday of each month at Hurstville Plaza. These markets have created a welcoming and relaxed space where people can share a meal, enjoy live music and support local makers. It has been wonderful to see families, workers, young people and seniors all enjoying the town centre together after dark.
Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome back the Uncontained Arts Festival, the largest outdoor arts festival in Southern Sydney. From 26 to 28 June 2026, Belgrave Street in Kogarah will transform into a vibrant celebration of creativity, featuring immersive art installations, live performances and food experiences. This free and accessible event invites everyone to explore our city in new and exciting ways.
As we step into winter, I encourage you to get out, support local events and stay connected with your neighbours. Georges River is shaped by its people, and it is through shared experiences that our community continues to grow stronger.
I look forward to seeing you out and about.
Elise Borg Mayor, Georges River Council
Georges River Council’s seventh annual Eurovision Live Broadcast Party was a roaring success, drawing 400 excited fans on Sunday 17 May 2026 at the Marana Auditorium.
The party kicked off at 4.30am with plenty of dancing, singing and flagwaving. Fans erupted in applause as DARA from Bulgaria was crowned the winner of this year’s Grand Final with her song Bangaranga
The morning was a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community spirit. The crowd erupted for Australia’s entrant, Delta Goodrem, who was awarded fourth place for her song Eclipse.
This year marked 70 years of Eurovision, with the contest being held in Vienna, Austria. To celebrate, Marana Auditorium was transformed into an Austrian Alpine Adventure.
Fans were energised by an Austrianinspired breakfast, featuring kransky hot dogs, free coffee and warm pretzels. Attendees made their mark by posing at the popular 360-degree camera and by joining in on a lively game of Eurovision Bingo.
MC Jayden Rodrigues hyped up the crowd all morning with dance breaks and prizes for the best dressed. With so many colourful costumes to choose from, judging was difficult – but every outfit added to the incredible atmosphere.
The annual Eurovision Party continues to be a highlight on the community calendar, bringing people together to celebrate a shared love of all things Eurovision. Georges River Council looks forward to welcoming even more fans next year for another unforgettable morning of sparkle, song and celebration.
More than 160 local residents took to the water for a fun and active paddling weekend at Carss Point Baths on 21 and 22 March.
The free community event was delivered through a partnership between Georges River Council and Paddle Australia, the national peak body for paddle sports. Across the weekend, people of all ages and skill levels had the chance to try kayaking, canoeing and standup paddle boarding in a safe and welcoming environment.
Each session ran for 45 minutes and was carefully structured to support beginners. Participants received a safety briefing, were fitted with life jackets and were guided by qualified paddle instructors with first aid training. Once on the water, participants could swap between different types of watercraft, enjoy guided paddle play and join in fun ball games.
The calm waters of Carss Point Baths provided an ideal setting, with many people paddling on the Georges River for the first time. For some families, the weekend was also a chance to discover an easy and affordable way to enjoy outdoor activity close to home.
Richard Fox, Executive General Manager – Engagement and Partnerships at Paddle Australia, led the weekend as head facilitator. He was joined by paddle athletes Ally Cork, Declan Ellis and Mark Crosbee, who helped run the sessions and support participants on the water.
The response from the community was strong, with all sessions fully booked ahead of time. Organisers say this highlights growing interest in waterbased recreation and the importance of providing safe, supported opportunities for people to connect with local waterways.
Georges River Council is the first metropolitan council to partner with Paddle Australia to deliver a community paddling event series.
weekend.
Community members came together for a special Harmony Day Cook Up at Carss Bush Park on Saturday 21 March, celebrating respect, inclusion and connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Held in recognition of Harmony Day, formally known as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the event provided a welcoming space for people to learn, listen and share together. It highlighted the resilience, knowledge and skills of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and encouraged meaningful cultural understanding within the local community.
The event was hosted by respected local Knowledge Holders, Uncle Dean Kelly (a Yuin/Wailwan man) and Aunty Calita Murray, together with Koori Kinnections.
The day began with a yarning circle, creating a respectful space for connection and open conversation grounded in truth and inclusion. Together, Uncle Dean, Aunty Calita, and participants reflected on the significance of the day.
Koori Kinnections demonstrated traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cooking methods before participants enjoyed a shared lunch featuring native ingredients.
The Harmony Day Cook Up provided a valuable opportunity for residents to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and build understanding that strengthens the Georges River Community.
As the sun starts to set, Hurstville Plaza is buzzing with the sights, smells and sounds of the new Hurstville Night Markets, which are already off to a great start. Locals are dropping by after work, families are sharing meals, and visitors are taking their time exploring what the markets have to offer.
Held on the last Friday of each month, the Night Markets are quickly becoming a relaxed and welcoming way to ease into the weekend. The familiar town centre transforms into an evening destination where people can slow down, catch up and enjoy being out in the community.
Food is at the heart of the experience, with a wide range of freshly prepared dishes inspired by many cultures. From hearty meals to sweet treats and lighter options, there’s something for every taste, making it easy to grab dinner without the rush.
Beyond food, visitors can browse stalls filled with handmade items, gifts, accessories and creative products. Live music and simple activities add to the friendly atmosphere, giving the plaza an open, festival style feel.
Designed to be accessible and family friendly, the Night Markets are attracting people of all ages. Young people meeting friends, parents with prams, older residents enjoying the entertainment, and workers stopping by on their way home.
The markets are delivered by experienced operator The Market Edit, known for running well loved markets across Sydney. Their focus on quality stalls and smooth delivery is reflected in the way the Hurstville Night Markets are coming together.
By running monthly and at a consistent time, the Night Markets are helping to activate Hurstville after dark and support the local night time economy, while offering the community something simple but special to look forward to.
If the early evenings are anything to go by, the Hurstville Night Markets are set to become a regular favourite, bringing people together, one Friday night at a time.
When: Last Friday of each month Time: 3.00pm to 9.00pm
Where: Hurstville Plaza Entry: Free
Who: All ages welcome, family friendly
Our local area is shaped by its waterways. The Georges River and its network of bays, creeks and inlets form a natural spine through the city.
Calm stretches invite kayaking and paddleboarding. Foreshore paths support walking, cycling and quiet moments by the water. In many places, the river sits only minutes from homes, shops and stations.
Beyond the water, bushland weaves through the suburbs. Pockets of native forest protect wildlife, cool neighbourhoods and offer space to slow down.
Council supports a wide range of bushcare sites, maintained with the help of dedicated volunteers who restore habitat, manage weeds and protect local plant species.
These sites sit alongside walking tracks, lookouts and picnic areas, giving residents a chance to enjoy nature close to home. Sport, leisure and recreation are part of daily life across Georges River.
Community sporting grounds, courts and fields support everything from weekend games to casual kickabouts. Facilities sit within
larger parklands, often close to bushland or water, making it easy to combine sport with time outdoors. Playgrounds, fitness stations and open green space add to the mix, welcoming all ages and abilities.
What makes Georges River special is access?
You do not need to travel far or plan ahead. A river walk after work. A morning paddle. A local oval for sport. A bush track for fresh air. It is all here, shared and cared for by the community.
To explore places, activities and ideas across the area, visit the Discover Georges River website and see what is waiting nearby.
www.discovergeorgesriver.com.au
Discover Georges River debuted recent cinema advertising. See for yourself by scanning the QR code
On Wednesday 4 March, Georges River Council proudly celebrated another successful Seniors Expo, this time at Mortdale Community Centre.
This year’s theme ‘Live Life in Colour’, spotlights the vibrancy of Georges River’s senior community, highlighting fun, inclusive activities that reflect the strength, diversity and vibrancy of our older residents.
Over 400 local seniors enjoyed live performances, participated in free health checks and took part in various information sessions and workshops. From practical advice to lively entertainment, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Alongside these activities, 36 dedicated stallholders connected with and shared meaningful conversation with our community members. The Expo once again proved to be an important opportunity for seniors to access support services, learn something new and connect with others in a welcoming environment.
Council would like to thank event sponsors Georges Estate Home Care and Guardian Funerals for their continued and valuable support to Seniors Expo. Council was delighted to support access to the expo with a free shuttle service from Oatley station, this was supported by Advance Diversity Services. We also extend our gratitude to our stallholders for creating an engaging, supportive and inclusive space for our senior residents. Council also thanks
members of the Seniors Advisory Committee who volunteered on the day. They supported the event as ushers, Master of Ceremonies and provided translation for CALD community members. Council is proud to have facilitated translation for six community languages to support access for our diverse community.
Events like the Seniors Expo reflect Council’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all residents feel supported, informed and valued
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Australian households throw away the equivalent of 7.7 million meals each day. To help turn this around, Georges River Council has joined The Great Unwaste, a national initiative led by End Food Waste Australia.
The program encourages simple, practical actions that help households waste less food, save money and make better use of what’s already in the fridge or pantry.
As part of this effort, Council has created a Community Ideas Wall, where residents can share their own foodsaving tips, leftover recipes and everyday habits that help reduce waste. It’s a simple way for our community to learn from one another and build a useful collection of ideas that support small, manageable changes at home.
The Community Wall is open to everyone, and all contributions help build a practical resource for our community.
To take part, visit Your Say Georges River and add your tip, recipe or story to the Community Ideas Wall.
On 6 May 2026, the annual St George Candlelight Vigil was held at Kogarah Town Square to mark National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.
Held in partnership with the St George Domestic Violence Committee, the vigil commemorates those who lost their lives to domestic and family violence. Community members are given an opportunity to pause, reflect and pay tribute to these lives.
Every year, the event is an important reminder of our shared responsibility to stay informed, act with compassion and work collectively to end domestic and family violence
The vigil continues to be a moving reflection of the strength of the Georges River community. It serves as a powerful demonstration that when communities stand together, we can support one another and drive meaningful change.
Council was proud to support the Autism Community Network (ACN) 2026 Annual Gala Dinner on Friday 1 May 2026. Council was a Silver Sponsor, celebrating a memorable evening of community, advocacy and impact at Conca D’oro, Riverwood. The event brought together 310 attendees in a strong show of support for autism awareness and inclusion, raising more than $65,000 to support ACN’s vital programs and services.
The evening was hosted by Channel 9’s Jo Abi, with addresses from Premier Chris Minns, Minister Kate Washington, Zhi Soon MP and Mark Coure MP. Guests also heard powerful personal stories, including from local ACN member and volunteer Sherry, another dedicated parent, as well as reflections from ACN leadership.
A special moment of the evening was the recognition of local resident Ronan Soussa, who was presented with a trophy by the Premier in honour of his role as ACN Ambassador. Ronan has also appeared on Love on the Spectrum which has helped him raise awareness and promote greater understanding of autism in the community.
Council is honoured to support initiatives like the ACN Gala Dinner, which strengthen community connections and champion inclusion for people with autism and their families.
The Georges River Artist in Residence program provides artists the time and space to explore new ideas and create new works in the beautiful surrounds of Carss Bush Park. During their residency they also have the opportunity to interact with the local community through public programs.
The first artist for 2026 was musician, teacher and composer Meredith Connie. As a part of her contribution, Meredith held a public program for families that explored how sound and imagery come together to tell stories. During this session participants were guided through creative activities that paired classical guitar music with drawing and visual expression, and discovered how certain notes can spark shapes, feelings, and imagination.
During her residency, Meredith found inspiration in the variety and vocals of the birdlife of Carss Bush Park, producing a work titled A Gaggle Ascending. To listen to this work, head to Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s website at www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/ HMG and visit the HMG Blog page.
From February to April, Shelley Watters was inspired by the natural environment of Carss Bush Park. Shelley, who is an emerging artist, explores modes of repair to further social and environmental justice through an interdisciplinary practice spanning sculpture, installation, performance, photo media, textiles, sound, and video. Shelley’s contribution was hosting several workshops where community members could make their own artworks using natural materials.
Our next artist, Tahlia Henderson (May to July 2026), is a landscape painter who is interested in capturing the variety of ecosystems found within bushland areas, and has developed her own style of painting using watercolour. She looks forward to studying and painting the surrounding natural spaces of Carss Bush Park. Tahlia also facilitated a collage workshop and an open studio session in June.
To find out more about the Artist in Residence program and associated programs please visit georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/AIR
Top left: Making Art with Natural Materials workshop.
Bottom Left: Meredith Connie leads a storytelling with classical guitar workshop.
Top Right: Tahlia Henderson with her watercolour landscape paintings.
A night of celebration for Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s newest exhibition highlighting the Nepalese community in the Georges River.
Woven from a hundred flowers
celebrates the rich culture and diverse stories of the Nepalese community of the Georges River region. This exhibition showcases the historical, social, and cultural background of Nepal while reflecting the vibrant and evolving Nepalese community of our area.
This exhibition celebrated its opening night on Friday 1 May 2026 with over 110 visitors, an array of speeches, delicious Nepalese food and a wonderful dance performance.
This exhibition is on display at Hurstville Museum & Gallery until Sunday 30 August 2026. Not to be missed!
Georges River Council is inviting the community to help locate original artworks by local artist and historian Daphne Kingston (1928–2019).
Daphne Kingston was a well-known figure in the St George area. She lived in Penshurst and taught at the St George Creative Art and Craft Centre. She was also a member of the Hurstville and Kogarah Historical Societies, along with the National Trust and the Historic Houses Trust.
From the 1970s to the 2000s, she painted many scenes of the Georges River and captured the architecture of Sydney’s suburbs.
Below: Laligurans Dance Group’s energetic performance.
Bottom: Community members of all ages were present to celebrate Nepalese culture.
Hurstville Museum & Gallery has a large collection of Kingston’s paintings, photographs, and objects, but we believe many artworks could be part of private collections.
Residents with a Kingston painting, sketch, or photograph whether inherited, bought, or found are encouraged to contact Hurstville Museum & Gallery. Community members are also encouraged to share personal stories of Daphne, and could include memories of meeting her, learning from her, or seeing her work locally.
Kingston’s paintings, photographs and stories will be celebrated in a Hurstville Museum & Galley exhibition that will open in December this year.
Please contact Hurstville Museum & Gallery on 9330 6444 or museumgallery@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.
This year, the Georges River community marked ANZAC Day by coming together to honour local servicemen and women with a special public tribute displayed across the area.
In the leadup to ANZAC Day, five large commemorative banners were installed across the Georges River local government area. Each banner featured a portrait of a serviceman or woman connected to one of the five Georges River wards, highlighting strong local links to military service.
The individuals featured on the banners represented courage, sacrifice and community spirit. Their stories reflected the values at the heart of ANZAC remembrance and highlighted the important role local people have played in serving Australia in times of conflict.
All portraits used on the banners were high resolution archival images supplied by the Australian War Memorial. Displayed in prominent public locations, the images helped
bring history into everyday community spaces and encouraged reflection among residents and visitors.
By placing these stories on local streets, the legacy of service remained visible and accessible to the whole community. The banners invited people of all ages to learn more about local history and consider how global conflicts have shaped families and neighbourhoods across Georges River.
ANZAC Day has long been a time for remembrance and reflection. This year’s banner display provided another way for the community to honour those who served and to recognise the lasting impact of their sacrifice.
Lest we forget.
Kogarah Bay Ward – Matron Clara Jane Shumack
Clara Jane Shumack was born and raised in Bathurst before moving to Kogarah to train and later work as a nurse at the St George Hospital. On 20 July 1940, she was appointed the role of matron onboard the Army hospital ship Manunda. Between October 1940 and September 1941, the Manunda treated wounded soldiers while travelling between Australia and the Middle East.
On 19 February 1942 the Japanese launched their first bombing raid on the city of Darwin. The Manunda was anchored in Darwin Harbour at the time and was hit during the attack, suffering twelve fatalities and eighteen significant injuries. Schumack was said to maintain her composure during the attack and supervised the care of her fellow service people.
Later that same year, on 6 September, Schumack and the Manunda would come under fire again while evacuating wounded soldiers in Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea.
Rising to the rank of Major in March 1943, Schumack would serve in hospitals in Papua New Guinea and in Australia for the remainder of the war. In June 1945 she was awarded the Royal Red Cross for her ‘exceptional devotion to duty’.
Hurstville Ward – Major General Arthur Samuel “Tubby” Allen
Born and raised in Hurstville, Arthur Samuel Allen joined the military before the outbreak of World War I, becoming a commissioned officer in 1913. He was enlisted into the Australian Imperial Forces in June 1915 and departed Australia to serve in Egypt in August. In March 1916 he was promoted to Captain. In June he was posted to France and in August fought at Pozieres and remained at the frontlines of the Somme, leading his men in the Battle of Messines in June 1917. For his leadership Allen earned the Distinguished Service Order and was promoted to major.
Two weeks after the end of the war Allen was promoted to lieutenant colonel, rising to the rank of brigadier in the interwar years. During this period his portly appearance earned him the nickname ‘Tubby’.
With the outbreak of World War II, Allen was posted to North Africa, where his brigade fought at Tobruk. In March 1942 Allen returned to Australia, taking charge of the defence of Port Moresby in August, which he would be relieved of on 29 October. In October 1944 General Thomas Blamey recommended Major General Allen be appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Mortdale Ward – Lieutenant John Patrick Hamilton VC
John Hamilton was born at Orange, NSW on 24 January 1896. His family later moved to Carruthers Street, Penshurst, where John worked as a butcher in his father’s shop prior to enlisting in the military.
Hamilton enlisted in the first month of the war and left with the first contingent of the Australian Imperial Forces. At 19 years of age, he received the Victoria Cross at Lone Pine, for repelling a Turkish attack. Lt Hamilton was the first Australian Private and the first soldier from NSW to win the VC. His citation for the award reads:
For most conspicuous bravery on 9th August 1915, in the Gallipoli Peninsula. During a heavy bomb attack by the enemy on the newly-captured position at Lone Pine, Private Hamilton, with utter disregard of
Frank Derwent Thompson was born at Oatley in 1891, the son of Thomas Henry and Mary Thompson. He attended Mortdale Public School and Kogarah Superior Public School while living at Wyong Street, Oatley. Before enlisting to serve in the First World War, Thompson worked as an electrician.
Thompson enlisted in the military on 26 February 1915, joining the Australian Imperial Forces 19th Battalion. Thompson embarked for Europe on 25 June 1915, sailing out of Melbourne aboard the HMAT Ceramic.
Frank Thompson would serve in the Australian Imperial Forces for two years before dying of illness in France on 21 February 1917 at the age of 26. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Medal for Valour on 26 May 1917 and the Military Medal on 26 June 1917.
personal safety, exposed himself under heavy fire on the parados, in order to secure a better fire position against the enemy’s bombthrowers. His coolness and daring example had an immediate effect. The defence was encouraged and the enemy driven off with heavy loss.”
He would receive several promotions throughout his military career, eventually being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 2 January 1919.
Thomas Williams, a Kamilaraay man, enlisted for World War I at Armidale on 5 January 1916, stating that he was a labourer, born at Coonamble, and giving his age as 41. However, he was discharged with good character three months later. A few weeks later on 24 July, Williams re-enlisted from Narrabri, NSW, under the name ‘Matthew Revenew’ giving his age as 35, a not unusual practice for those determined to serve.
Williams embarked from Melbourne on 10 May 1917, and arrived in Egypt on 20 June 1917. He served in West Asia with the 32nd Company as a Driver, aided by his experience as a stockman prior to the war. Williams was injured twice during his service, suffering two separate chest injuries from horse-drawn wagons. Williams returned to Australia on the Oxfordshire in August 1919.
After returning to Australia, Williams married Dolly Anderson, a Dharawal woman, living at what was commonly called the Salt Pan Creek Camp, which was centred on land owned by Anderson’s family in Peakhurst. In the 1930s, the Salt Pan Creek Camp was a place of refuge and resistance for Aboriginal People in the Georges River area, offering protection from forced eviction by the 'Aborigines Protection Board'.
Tom Williams passed away in 1936, aged 61.
Visit Council's Connected to Culture website at https://georgesriver.stqry.app/ for more interesting stories and historical details about the Georges River area.
April marked another successful year of Georges River Youth Festival (GRYFest), with three exciting events delivered in celebration of NSW Youth Week.
GRYFest kicked off with a new addition to the program: The Outdoor Cinema at Hurstville Plaza. The afternoon came alive with a jampacked schedule of free activities for all ages, including youth service stalls, a parkour course, pedalpowered smoothie bikes, collaborative Aboriginal-led art and a graffiti activation. As the sun set, the event transitioned into a relaxed outdoor cinema experience, with families settling in to enjoy a screening of Inside Out 2 under the stars.
In partnership with UNSW Business School’s Knowledge Hub UNOVA, Council delivered two engaging workshops focused on personal financial skills and building AI fluency. Designed to empower young people, the sessions equipped participants with practical tools and knowledge to confidently navigate their everyday lives.
The program wrapped up with our highlight event: Battle of the Beats which returned for its fourth year. Delivered in partnership with 3Bridges Community and sponsored by SOUNDCULT, the event showcased five local youth acts, giving them the opportunity to take the stage and battle it out in front of a live audience.
Performances by Kenya, Verräter, The Scuts, The Avenue and The Suburban Skulk made for an electrifying night, with The Suburban Skulk crowned the 2026 champions.
Georges River Council would like to thank UNSW UNOVA, 3Bridges Community and SOUNDCULT for their support of GRYFest 2026.
Main image: All smiles as Verräter perform during Battle of the Beats.
Inset: The Suburban Skulk accept the award for first place.
For 50 years, Shopfront Arts Co-op has been a place where young people’s ideas, voices and creativity come to life.
Founded in 1976, Shopfront is Sydney’s only multi-art form organisation led by and dedicated to the artistry of young people. It is a welcoming and safe space where participants can explore creativity, build confidence and feel a strong sense of belonging.
As the home of youth arts in South Sydney, Shopfront supports young people and emerging artists to create bold and ambitious work across theatre, film, music, visual arts and more. At the centre of everything Shopfront does is a belief that new generations have powerful stories to tell — and that their voices matter.
For generations, Shopfront has helped participants grow not only as artists, but as confident individuals. Supported by professional and practising artists, they develop creative skills, critical thinking and a lifelong love of the arts.
Workshops and programs are designed to be inclusive, supportive and youth-led. Participants are encouraged to take risks, express themselves freely and work together in a respectful and creative environment.
Many alumni have gone on to careers in the creative industries, while others carry the confidence, friendships and skills they gained at Shopfront into all areas of life.
In 2026, Shopfront celebrates its 50th Birthday with a year-long program of performances and creative projects made by young people and emerging artists.
The celebrations will also bring together community members, supporters and alumni to reflect on five decades of youth-led creativity. It is a chance to look back on the impact Shopfront has made — and to invest in the next generation.
As part of the anniversary year, Shopfront is inviting community support through a major fundraising effort. The goal is to make sure more local youth can access a safe, creative and empowering space, regardless of their background or circumstances.
A key part of the celebrations is 50 Years, 200 Dreams, Shopfront’s 50th birthday fundraising campaign.
The campaign aims to raise funds to provide 200 scholarships for young people to participate in workshops at Shopfront. Each scholarship gives someone access to a full term of creative learning, grounded in fun, friendship and fearless artmaking.
By making a tax deductible donation, community members can help open the door to creativity, connection and confidence for Young People who need it most.
Donations can be made at: shoutforgood.com/ fundraisers/50Years200Dreams
Local youth can enrol in workshops through the Shopfront website at shopfront.org.au. For more information, contact the team at hello@shopfront.org.au or call 02 9588 3984.
For more than a century, local newspapers have helped the Georges River community stay informed and connected.
Long before the digital age, residents relied on The Propeller, first published in 1911, for the stories that shaped public conversation across St George. Founded by Hurstville printer Albin Holger “Wenny” Wennholm, the paper began in a modest room on Carrington Avenue before moving to a larger premise on Forest Road in 1913.
As the town grew, so did the newspaper’s reach and ambition. With improved printing technology and even a branch office in Cronulla, The Propeller became firmly woven into the fabric of everyday life. One of its most memorable achievements came in 1926, when 20,000 copies were printed for a special Carnival Week edition, an extraordinary milestone for the time.
As the suburbs expanded and new communities settled across the region, The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader was launched in 1960 and soon became the region’s primary local newspaper. The Propeller published its final issue in 1969.
By 1985, The Leader print run had reached an impressive 121,000, then the largest circulation of any suburban newspaper in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the decades, the paper earned multiple Best Suburban Newspaper awards and became a trusted
source of local issues, achievements and milestones. Many families still treasure clippings documenting school successes, sporting triumphs and neighbourhood moments. More than sixty years on, The Leader continues to publish weekly and remains a well loved voice in the Georges River community.
Georges River Council sincerely thanks The Leader reporter Jim Gainsford for his generous donation of original historical copies of The Propeller and The Leader. These rare editions offer a tangible link to the lives of residents more than a century ago, helping preserve stories that might otherwise have been lost.
To learn more, visit Georges River Council’s Libraries webpage and explore the Library Catalogue.
Above: Jim Gainsford presents historical copies of the The Propeller and The Leader to Georges River Libraries Research and Community History team.
Tucked away on Mulga Road in Oatley is a small bookshop with an outsized impact. The Mulga Road Rotary Bookshop, established in 2011, is a project of the Rotary Club of Hurstville and is entirely run by volunteers who share a simple belief: books can change lives.
Staffed six days a week by a dedicated team of 30 local volunteers, the bookshop relies on donations of good-quality preloved books that are carefully sorted and prepared for resale. Every purchase made in the shop directly supports charitable causes, both locally and beyond.
The bookshop has become a much-loved part of the Oatley community, known not only for its thoughtfully curated shelves but also for its creative and ever-changing window displays. These displays have become something of a local talking point, reflecting seasonal themes and celebrating stories that resonate with the community.
Beyond book sales, the Mulga Road Rotary Bookshop plays an important role in reducing waste and redistributing resources. Excess books in good condition are donated to organisations including Lifecare, St Vincent de Paul Society, the Salvation Army, Liverpool Hospital, as well as local schools and community fairs, ensuring that nothing goes to waste and that generosity reaches as many people as possible.
Funds raised through the bookshop have supported a wide range of community organisations and initiatives, including The Crateful Group, 3D Hands, Assistance Dogs, Fix It Sisters Shed, Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children, and Australian Rotary Health’s mental health research. These contributions reflect the bookshop’s broad commitment to health, inclusion and community wellbeing.
At the heart of the bookshop are its volunteers, people who give their time week after week to sort donations, welcome visitors and keep the shop running. Their dedication, loyalty and community spirit have turned the bookshop into far more than a retail space; it is a place of connection, purpose and shared goodwill.
Donations of books are welcomed during opening hours, and visitors are always encouraged to browse, buy and return. As the bookshop’s motto proudly states: “Buy a book, change a life.”
Opening hours:
Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm Monday - Friday 9.00am -5.00pm
Location: 2/89 Mulga Road, Oatley, NSW
Contact: 02 8034 6269 or mulgaroadbooks@gmail.com
Born in Peakhurst in 1887, Emmie and her brothers spent their childhood on the Georges River, learning to row all kinds of boats. Emmie would compete in her first regatta when she was 20 and her powerful style earned her a reputation as a fearsome competitor.
Egged on by her family, Emmie challenged Australia’s Ladies’ Sculling Champion, Lily Pearce in 1911. Pearce, as reigning champ, got to choose the course and the rules; two miles at Parramatta, in racing skiffs with fixed seats. To put some extra skin in the game, both sides put in £30, winner takes all.
Two weeks before the big day Emmie came down with pleurisy, and in the two days prior to race day she couldn’t even eat. She refused to quit.
And so on 16 March 1912, Emmie turned up ready to race. Emmie found the strength to build up an early lead, before her armcramped, allowed Pearce to pull ahead. But Emmie didn’t let this get to her. She reeled Pearce in, reclaiming the lead. On the point of victory, a spectator’s boat drifted in front of Pickering, and she had to waste precious seconds fending it off. But Emmie was not to be deterred.
Emmie Pickering crossed the line six lengths up as new Ladies’ Sculling Champion of Australia. Despite some talk from Lily Pearce there was no rematch.
Interviewed in 1940 for the Hurstville Propeller newspaper, Emmie said that she was still ready to face a competitor if it meant that her title could pass to the younger generation, but no challenge arose. She died in 1970, aged 83, with her record undefeated.
Learn more about Emmie Pickering and other local stories on Connected to Culture at https:// georgesriver.stqry.app/
The earliest years in a child’s life shape how they understand themselves, the world, and the people around them. But many miss out on early support that could ease social and emotional challenges before entering school. Learning Links Preschool steps in, by offering psychological support right from early childhood.
Funded by the 2024-2025 Round 1 Community Grant, Learning Links Preschool developed the Confident Little Beginnings program, providing emotional and behavioural support in everyday learning. A psychologist is embedded into their preschool setting, supporting children through play-based and group activities.
Developmental data has shown that early social and emotional vulnerabilities, if left unaddressed, can affect a child’s learning and participation. Yet many children who would benefit from early learning support do not qualify for formal funding pathways. Confident Little Beginnings helps to bridge this gap, supporting not just a child’s development, but the confidence of their families and educators. Educators gain practical strategies they can use every day, ensuring the impact reaches beyond individual children, while families feel reassured knowing support is available in a familiar and trusted environment. Consistent support allows impact to go beyond the life of the grant, reducing the need for more intensive services in later years.
Staff at Learning Links shared one child’s experience, who’s engagement changed once support was implemented into daily routine. With the close collaboration of educators, the psychologist introduced simple co-regulation strategies to ease the child’s struggle with transitions between activities and group participation. Educators noticed an improvement in classroom flow and reduced stress for not only the child, but for the other children as well. Learning Links spoke proudly about how small adjustments can create lasting change, helping build more inclusive learning environments where families feel supported and connected.
Investing early in preventative, place based initiatives allow the benefits to reach far beyond the children involved, strengthening the wellbeing of the entire community. Programs like Confident Little Beginnings show our commitment to supporting wellbeing where it matters most, starting with our littlest community members.
Above: Georges River Council’s Mayor Elise Borg visits Learning Links Preschool.
While some may see silver hair as a sign of ageing, CASS Care Ltd sees the start of a new golden journey.
Funded by a Community Grant in 2024-2025 Round 1, CASS Care Ltd’s Golden 100 program provides the opportunity for older adults to remain active through fun activities, centred around supporting their wellbeing.
CASS Care Ltd held various health and mobility sessions, inviting a physiotherapist and a yoga instructor to teach their older adults gentle and safe at-home exercises. They also held a nature-based adventure hiking event at Spring Yantian Creek, giving participants a fun and challenging opportunity to explore the local landscape.
Sixty participants explored the trail, taking part in various small tasks and orienting activities throughout the day. One participant noted, “This was my first time joining a community activity, and it felt very different from exercising alone”.
“What I expected to be a simple walk turned into an exciting new adventure.”
These activities aimed to help rediscover older adults’ energy and confidence, while also breaking negative stereotypes around the senior demographic. For many of their older participants, there is little opportunity to stay active. This program shows that there is a hidden potential for older adults to challenge their limits and embrace physical activity with confidence.
“Given the chance they can do so much, and even better than imagined!” said a CASS Care facilitator. CASS Care hopes that by providing these opportunities, they can create a new image of older adults, one full of energy, capability and limitless potential.
Ageing isn’t an ending, it’s the start of a new golden beginning.
Last February, Lifeblood Hurstville Donor Centre celebrated one year of saving lives, collecting over 10,000 donations since doors opened in 2025.
Georges River Council’s Mayor Elise Borg, Councillor Nancy Liu and Councillor Natalie Mort visited the centre to celebrate their 1-year anniversary and to recognise staff for their commitment and efforts.
“It has been a big year for the Hurstville team who have been working hard to establish a new centre and attract more donors. We are so grateful to everyone who has visited,” said Hurstville Donor Centre Manager, Jessica Armstrong.
“The fact that over a third of our collections came from new donors is a wonderful reflection of the generosity of the community and the power of giving.”
With a third of Hurstville’s population being of Chinese ancestry, the centre has supported the increasing ethnic diversity of the nation’s blood supply.
“Our Hurstville centre has built the highest percentage of donors claiming Chinese ethnicity of any other donor centre in Australia and we hope this continues to grow,” said Jessica.
“It’s important that we increase the ethnic diversity of our donor panel to ensure we have a mix of blood types that patients need.”
The team looks forward to another year of growing their donor community and helping meet the needs of patients across Australia.
Georges River Council is excited to announce that the Uncontained Arts Festival, the biggest outdoor art festival in Southern Sydney, is back delivering three days of art and performances to light up Belgrave Street, Kogarah between 26 - 28 June 2026, 5.00pm until late.
The festival will feature an array of immersive art installations, dynamic live performances, and mouth-watering food. Uncontained Arts Festival will be an accessible event, inviting people from all walks of life across all abilities to take part in a celebration of our city’s creativity. Keep an eye on Council’s Uncontained Art Festival webpage for more updates.
Thank you to our event sponsor Sydney Water for helping to bring this event to life.
A sneak peek of some of the installations/artists are:
VOiiiD Collective is a force of creative chaos, empowering independent artists to unleash raw, vulnerable, and unforgettable stories. Fusing dance, sound, wearable art, and visual theatre, we create hyper-sensory experiences that challenge perspectives and shake realities. Built with sustainability and inclusivity at every step, each creation is a recycled rebellion, 80% trash and 100% unapologetic.
@voiiidcollective
Image credit: Adam Plant
Inspired by Kogarah’s name which means place of reeds, we invite you to experience Resonance as a living memory of the river's rushes and banks. Don't be afraid to touch the grasses and watch the ripple of light travel through the entire field. At its centre, find a meditative well, take a moment to peek inside, what will you find?
@unswilluminate
Elysian is a series of colossal inflatable illuminated arches which can be walked through and under. It aims to provide a unique spatial experience, an invitation to explore your environment in a new and playful way.
Atelier Sisu is an award-winning Sydneybased art practice, led by Peruvian sculptor and industrial designer Renzo B. Larriviere and architectural designer and artist Zara Pasfield. The pair work with a multi-disciplinary team to create experiential environments, installations and unique sculptural pieces. Their direction of work sits between the fields of art and architecture (art-chitecture), with particular focus in the realm of public art.
@ateliersisu
Diego Faivre // The Blooming Vessel
Diego Faivre is a French designer and artist based in Melbourne. His work explores time, making, and transformation through hands-on processes. Using a colourful air-dry clay, he covers everyday objects and structures, turning them into playful, sculptural forms.
His project Minute Manufacturing invites people to see how things are made in real time, often involving the public in the process. For Uncontained, Diego transforms a shipping container into a growing collective artwork where visitors can shape and add their own clay forms.
@Pekin_Roasted_Duck
Tan // In Good Stead
Clarice Tan is a designer by day and an artist by night. Her practice is rooted in a sense of play through a blending of different mediums and styles in pursuit of whimsical ideas. In Good Stead reimagines the traditional horse painting, a symbol long believed to bring prosperity into the space it sits in. In this version, the horses travel between worlds in joyful arrival, bearing gifts of good luck and well-wishes for your journey ahead.
@clrc.made
Tahlia Henderson // Just wing it
Tahlia is a local landscape painter and current Georges River Artist in Residence. Her bold watercolour paintings aim to capture the different wildlife, seasonal flowers, insects and character of the bushland she regularly visits. These paintings are full of colour with many layers of hidden detail to spot.
Find Tahlia inside Clive James Library & Service Centre, Kogarah working on her latest observations, and get creative alongside her!
@tahliakate_mate
Image credit: Tahlia Henderson, Moth symmetry.
Afterglow is a high-energy, live LED drum show featuring some of Australia’s leading session drummers, built around custom illuminated drum kits and tightly choreographed drum performances.
An Australian first, Afterglow introduces an integrated LED drum format, designed for high-impact, modern live events. The show was developed to push what’s possible in live entertainment, bringing together musicians, choreographers, music producers, and lighting engineers and built specifically for festivals, major sporting events, and corporate productions.
The performance is centred on the drumline, where rhythm and light combine to create a visual and auditory feast for the senses.
@kaleidoscopedreamofficial
The word Bunyala means different things to different people, but to me, it will always mean home. No matter where life takes me, I am always brought back to where it all began.
My creative practice is usually photography and video, but with Bunyala Street, I wanted to combine these formats with objects collected in Carss Park; captured in [Un]container(s), and wrapped up in a bow of light, reflecting the vibrancy I feel towards this place - hopefully, in a way that others can appreciate too.
@elderlad
Event dates and details may change. Scan the QR code or visit the What’s On page on Council's website for updates and booking information.
THURSDAY 25 JUNE 2026
Georges River Council warmly invites local residents and community members to attend the Georges River Community Safety Forum, an evening dedicated to building a safer, more connected community.
The forum will include a Q&A session with Police and Council.
Civic Theatre, 16 MacMahon Street, Hurstville.
FRIDAY 26, SATURDAY 27 AND SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2026
The Festival delivers three days of excitement that surprises and delights our community along Belgrave Street, Kogarah. It features an array of immersive art installations, dynamic live performances, and mouth-watering food trucks.
Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street, Kogarah
SATURDAY 4 JULY 2026
Get ready for a double header showdown at St. George Venues Jubilee Stadium. Bring your friends, family, and fellow fans for an unforgettable night of rugby league, featuring a NRLW clash between the Dragons and Raiders from 3.15pm, before the Dragons take on the Tigers in the NRL Mens from 5.30pm. Don’t miss out – secure your tickets now and be part of the action!
St George Venues Jubilee Stadium
OPEN UNTIL 9 AUGUST 2026
SNAPSHOT GALLERY EXHIBITION: SIGN OF THE TIMES
Sign of the Times explores the changing face of St George through the signage and advertisements found on billboards, shopfronts, streets, and everywhere in between.
Hurstville Museum & Gallery
27 JUNE 2026
FANTASY WRITING FOR YOUTH
Ready to wield the magic of storytelling? Let your imagination run wild and join us for this fun, hands-on writing workshop all about the genre of fantasy!
Award winning writer Aylish Dowsett will take you through all things adventure, magic, monsters and more. Ages 15-18.
Hurstville Library
8 JULY 2026
THE ULTIMATE MAGIC SHOWSTARRING JONAS JOST
Looking for a fun-filled activity to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? Step into a world of wonder with The Ultimate Magic Show, starring the incredible Jonas Jost!
Hurstville Entertainment Centre
14 JULY 2026
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM: LEARN HOW TO CROCHET
Want to learn to crochet? We’ll hook you up with everything you need to get started on a simple project that you can take home! Ages 12-17 years.
Oatley Library
9 AUGUST 2026
E-WASTE & EXTRAS DROP OFF
Dispose of unwanted electronic items for free at Council's E-Waste drop off event. Available to residents living within the Georges River LGA.
Mortdale Depot
26 JULY 2026
NATIONAL TREE DAY
Join Georges River Council's Bushcare team for our biggest event of the year!
The aim of our National Tree Day event is to restore a section of Sydney Hinterland Enriched Sandstone Bloodwood Forest in Gannons Park by planting native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers!
Gannons Park, Peakhurst
26 JULY 2026
NATIONAL TREE DAY NATIVE PLANT GIVEAWAY
Each household in Georges River Council LGA can collect two plants to help create a greener outlook. You must be a resident of the GRC area.
Mortdale Depot
WEDNESDAYS 5-29 AUGUST 2026
MEDIA LAB: SONG BOOK
Over four weeks, build your musical skills and be transported through time with Song Book! In this program, participants will explore a range of musical genres, through song-based group learning.
Hurstville Library
15 AUGUST 2026
INTRODUCTION TO WHITTLING: CARVE YOUR OWN FIGURINE
Discover the art of whittling in this hands-on beginner workshop designed for anyone interested in carving their own small animals, figures or decorative objects from wood.
Hurstville Museum & Gallery
Oliver Dimoski 0456 897 528 odimoski @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Kathryn Landsberry 0419 984 934 klandsberry @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Natalie Mort 0499 522 200 nmort @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Nancy Liu 0400 681 188 nliu @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Leon Pun 0490 388 752 lpun @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Ben Wang 0499 366 888 bwang @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Elise Borg, Mayor 0477 222 089 eborg @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Thomas Gao 0435 307 232 tgao @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Sam Stratikopoulos, Deputy Mayor 0438 750 355 sstratikopoulos @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Tom Arthur 0432 397 106 tarthur @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Matthew Allison 0400 240 294 mallison @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Gerard Hayes 0413 710 994 ghayes @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Christina Jamieson 0431 833 609 cjamieson @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Georges River Civic Centre Corner MacMahon and Dora Streets, Hurstville
Elaina Anzellotti 0418 308 997 eanzellotti @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Peter Mahoney 0419 374 727 pmahoney @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 8.30am-5.00pm Clive James Library and Service Centre Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street, Kogarah
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 9.00am-6.00pm, Sat 10.00am-4.00pm, Sun 10.00am-1.00pm 9330 6400 | mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au | georgesriver.nsw.gov.au | fiyl