Mayors Community Message
31 May
ACADEMIC’S DESERVED HONOUR
Along with City of Ryde CEO Wayne Rylands, I was proud to present Emeritus Professor Richard Howitt with a 2023 City of Ryde Excellence Award in recognition for him being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in this year’s Australia Day honours.
Professor Howitt, of Eastwood, has been an Emeritus Professor since 2018 and has served in several senior roles at Macquarie University.
He is highly regarded as the Director of the Macquarie-Ryde Futures Project from 2012-17, linking the university with the local community and with Council.
Professor Howitt’s research focuses on Indigenous rights and the interface between Indigenous communities, natural resource development, governments, and corporations at the scales of the project, the community, the landscape, and the nation.
As you can see, he is a very worthy recipient of an important honour.
PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA
I wanted to acknowledge last week’s visit to Australia by Indian Prime Minister His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi.
It was an important occasion for our LGA’s growing cohort of Indian residents, many of whom would have attended the Prime Minister’s public appearance at a rally in Sydney Olympic Park where he was greeted with rock star-like fervour and given a new nickname, ‘The Boss’.
Australia’s warm and growing relationship with India is wonderfully represented here in Ryde, where our Indian residents are a vital part of our vibrant and welcoming multicultural community.
SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday 4 May at Ryde Park between 10.00am-2.00pm for City of Ryde’s Sustainability Festival, which is celebrating World Environment Day.
There is both fun and education on offer at this annual event promoting sustainability, resilience, and environmental awareness.
There will be activities to help you learn how to reduce food waste, save water, and improve your physical activity as well as a variety of interesting stalls to browse, some fascinating workshops, and plenty of delicious food available for when those hunger pangs strike.
Click here for more information.
Yours Sincerely,

Clr Sarkis Yedelian OAM
Mayor - City of Ryde
Phone: Office of the Mayor 9952 8222.
Email mayor@ryde.nsw.gov.au