Mayor's Community Message

11 February

RALC FEES

The City of Ryde is seeking feedback on a proposal to change the scheme currently offering free Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre (RALC) entry to eligible resident pensioners and health care cardholders.

While we value supporting active and healthy lifestyles for vulnerable groups, Council must also operate in a financially sustainable way, and we need to budget for necessary upgrades to this much-loved 25-year-old facility in coming years.

Last financial year (FY2024/25), the scheme cost $426,029 to provide 58,154 free entries. In comparison, in FY2022/23, the scheme cost $268,275 to provide 40,810 entries.

During the Have Your Say process, which runs until 22 February, we are asking the community for feedback on four discount options. They are a maintenance of the current free entry system, or discounts off the adult rate for eligible resident pensioners and health care cardholders of 75 percent, 50 percent, and 25 percent. 

Council is committed to providing fairness and equity and we value the opinions of our broader community. For further information on RALC fees, click here.

MAJOR MILESTONE

I am honoured to be attending the 60th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Ryde Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society on Saturday 15 February 2026 at Field of Mars Reserve.

The Society – which was formed in 1966 to successfully advocate that Field of Mars be developed into a flora and fauna sanctuary – has become one of our area’s most important and impactful environmental groups.

The event, which takes place from 12.00 – 4.00pm, will feature a BBQ and salad lunch, fascinating displays, talks, music and special activities for all ages.

It’s an important milestone that is well-worth recognising and celebrating. 

COMMUNITY GRANTS

I’m pleased to announce that Round 1 of City of Ryde’s 2026 Community Grants Program is now open, supporting high quality projects that deliver positive outcomes for our local community.

Through the Community Grants Program, funding is available across key categories including Arts & Culture, Community Wellbeing, Events, Facilities and Equipment, and Sport and Recreation, supporting initiatives that foster creativity, connection, participation and active lifestyles. 

These grants aim to empower local organisations and groups to bring innovative ideas to life and strengthen community engagement across the City of Ryde.

For more information on Community Grants, click here.

Sincerely, 
Trenton Brown – Mayor