Mayor's Community Message

15 July

THISTLE PARK

I want to let the community know that Council is seeking certainty from the State Government about the future of Thistle Park, which is situated on the former site of the Meadowbank Public School.
The 9,000m² park is currently owned by the government, and our preference is for the City of Ryde to be transferred ownership or granted a long-term lease over the site. As you know, open space is at a premium in our City, particularly in Meadowbank where housing uplift is causing an exponential increase in population and density.
Several years ago, the school was closed, and all the buildings were demolished to create public open space. Although the site is available to the public for passive recreation, there are no facilities provided and Council has been forced to undertake basic upkeep.
Additionally, there is no certainty that the site will remain public open space in the long-term and I echo our community’s concerns about its future.
Council has been liaising with Schools Infrastructure NSW (SINSW), and I will keep you informed of any developments.

SWAP ENTRIES

Time is running out for our creative community to get involved in the 2026 Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize (SWAP), with entries closing on 26 July.
SWAP is an environmental art competition for people aged 10 and over who live, work, study or play in the City of Ryde.
It aims to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage positive behaviour change using artworks and design objects made from upcycled waste materials as mediums of communication.
This competition always produces some amazing work, with $5,000 in prizes offered in five categories open to artists of all ages. An exhibition at Meadowbank’s See Street Gallery after the competition closes will feature around 80 shortlisted works and is well-worth attending.
For more details on SWAP, click here.

VALE IVAN PETCH

Council acknowledges the passing of Emeritus Mayor Ivan Petch, who died on 6 July 2026. Mr Petch served as Ryde Mayor on three occasions (2000-2002, 2005-2008, 2012-2013) and was both an Alderman at Ryde Municipal Council (1977-1987) and Councillor at City of Ryde Council (1995-2014).
In addition, Mr Petch served as the Member for Gladesville in the NSW Legislative Assembly from 1988-1995.On behalf of the City of Ryde, I offer condolences to Mr Petch’s family, friends, and former colleagues.

Sincerely, 
Trenton Brown – Mayor