Mayor's Community Message
17 December
LOCAL HEROES
As we head into the heart of ‘storm season’ I want to pay a special tribute to the NSW State Emergency Service Ryde Unit as the SES celebrates its 70th anniversary of service to the people of this state – an extraordinary milestone for one of the most respected volunteer organisations in our community.
These remarkable locals are the people who will unhesitatingly come to your aid after natural disasters unexpectedly and dramatically impact your home, family and belongings. It’s a tough and often dangerous duty that showcases the very best of our community.
If you ever have the misfortune of being on the receiving end of Mother Nature’s ire, you could not hope for better support than from this dedicated, hardworking team.
I’d also like to again acknowledge the selfless work of one of Ryde’s quiet heroes in Keiran Gibson, who retired earlier this year after 18 years of service as our local and highly respected SES Commander.
ROCKEND UPDATE
I would like to provide the community with an update on Rockend Cottage, a heritage-listed property situated at Banjo Paterson Park, Gladesville.
Council has now taken back occupation of the property and is currently considering next steps to prepare the premises for a new lease.
Our main consideration in leasing this special property for commercial purposes has been its ongoing and carefully managed preservation as a significant Australian historical site.
As a one-time home to the famous poet and writer AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson, it is vitally important that Rockend cottage continues to be maintained as a wonderful community asset for the people of Ryde to enjoy for generations to come.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
This is my last TWT column for 2025 and I’d like to take the opportunity to wish all readers and the broader City of Ryde community a merry Christmas and happy new year.
It has been another eventful and productive year for the City of Ryde and I can assure everyone that Council will work even harder in 2026 to honour our pledge of offering lifestyle and opportunity at your doorstep.
I am looking forward to a great turnout at Council’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Meadowbank Park on 31 December when our community will say farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 with a spectacular bang!
Sincerely,
Trenton Brown – Mayor