Mayor's Community Message
14 January
YOUTH SUMMIT
I am delighted to announce that I will be hosting Council’s inaugural Ryde Mayor’s Youth Summit on Thursday 23 April 2026 at Macquarie University.
The Mayor’s Youth Summit will bring together young people aged 12–24, community leaders, stakeholders and elected representatives to explore what matters most to young people in Ryde. This initiative reflects Council’s strong commitment to youth participation, civic engagement and inclusive decision-making.
The event will be preceded by Bootcamps in March 2026, one for high school students and another for young adults aged 18-24 years, giving young people the opportunity to share their lived experiences, identify key issues impacting them and contribute ideas that will directly inform the summit discussions.
Registrations for the Bootcamp and Mayor’s Youth Summit will soon be sent directly to local high schools and for young adults, published on our website– this is a remarkable opportunity for a vital part of our growing community to engage directly with key decision-makers.
MENTORSHIP PROJECT
Applications are open until 20 January 2026 for Council’s Ryde Together: Community Mentorship Project which gives volunteer mentors a chance to support newly arrived residents in the City of Ryde.
This wonderful initiative pairs new residents with long-term locals who can provide guidance, share their knowledge of the area and help build a welcoming and connected community.
We’re looking for community-minded individuals who have lived in the City of Ryde for at least five years and know the local area well, have strong communication and interpersonal skills, can commit two to three hours per fortnight for at least six months and are passionate about supporting new residents and fostering a sense of belonging. Being able to speak a language other than English is also welcomed.
To express your interest in the Volunteer Mentor initiative, click here.
HOLIDAY FUN
The summer school holidays are still in full swing and as usual City of Ryde Libraries have plenty of great activities to keep the kids busy and entertained.
One of the highlights is the Sustainability Families Festival being held at Ryde Library on Thursday 15 January 2026, which features a fantastic program of activities, including a scavenger hunt, a waste sorting game, bushcare tips, important information from the SES, Sydney Water’s Wonder of Waters Discovery Van, and entertainment from Spaghetti Confetti. The fun takes place from 10.00am – 1.00pm.
For more details about this and the Libraries’ other great programs and activities, click here.
Sincerely,
Trenton Brown – Mayor