Happy Harmony Week. I know that many of you enjoyed the Council run workshops showcasing the arts and crafts of our diverse community.

Our Seniors Festival has also been an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution our seniors make to our community. The festival ends this weekend with our seniors taking over the Hensley Athletic Field for Walking Football. This milder version of football is suitable for seniors of various physical abilities.

Ramadan at Bayside will also return to Walz Street, Rockdale on Saturday 6 April. It is a wonderful opportunity for our residents to share the hospitality, food and traditions of our diverse community. I hope to see you there.

I would like to thank Council staff who work so hard behind the scenes organising these events for our community to enjoy.

I am pleased to report that a major milestone in the redevelopment of the Botany Aquatic Centre was reached recently with the lodgement of the Development Application (DA) for the entire project.

We cannot predict the timeframe for the DA to be approved so, we have decided to keep the pool open and let residents enjoy this facility for one more season. Construction is now due to start in winter 2025. More information is available on Council’s website.

Finally, like most of Bayside I was saddened to see the recent tree vandalism along the Grand Parade in Monterey. Council takes a strong stand against tree vandalism. We will do all we can to save the trees and find who was responsible for this damage.

If I can assist you with any Council matter, please contact my office at mayor@bayside.nsw.gov.au.

Councillor Bill Saravinovski
Mayor