2020 media releases

‘Mind At Play ll’ at Chrissie Cotter Gallery - A ‘sequel’ art exhibition is next to feature at Council’s Chrissie Cotter gallery.
‘The Melody of Humanity’ video launch for Human Rights Day - The Community Refugee Welcome Centre in Callan Park will mark Human Rights Day with the launch of The Melody of Humanity, a cross-cultural and multilingual music video.
16 Days of Activism in the Inner West - Council will once again support the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism to prevent gender-based violence.
2020 Amy Large Volunteer Awards - Council has recognised Inner West volunteers through the annual Amy Large Awards.
2020 Amy Large Volunteer of the Year awards now open - Council’s annual Amy Large Volunteer of the Year awards are now open.
2020 Built Environment Award winners - A former Temperance Hall in Balmain that has been converted into five apartments has won the 2020 Marrickville Medal for Conservation.
2020 Footprints Online - Celebrate sustainability at Footprints Online program of talks and activities on Saturday 29 August.
2020 GreenWay Art Prize now open - Entries are now invited for the GreenWay Art Prize, which celebrates the 5.8km urban environmental and sustainable transport corridor in Sydney’s Inner West.
2020 GreenWay Art Prize winners announced - The winner of the 2020 GreenWay Open Art Prize is Nicole Robins who has won a prize package valued at $6,000 for her work Agave Attenuata.
2020 History Week (online) in the Inner West - Council’s Library and History Services will present a jam-packed program of free online events for History Week (5-13 September).
2020 Reconciliation Week film screening - Council is celebrating Reconciliation Week by inviting the community to a discounted virtual cinema screening of the documentary film, In My Blood It Runs, on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 June.
2020 Refugee Week virtual event - Council will mark 2020 Refugee Week (Sunday 14 June - Saturday 20 June) with a virtual event: Celebrating the Year of Welcome.
2020 Seniors Festival - Inner West seniors will ‘Love to celebrate’ this February during the NSW Seniors Festival.
2020 Young Creatives Awards winners - Inner West Library and History has announced who has won 2020 Young Creatives Awards.
A ‘Public Housing Plan for Birds’ at Newtown’s ArtSeat - Inner West Council has unveiled the latest artwork at Newtown ArtSeat.
Accelerated infrastructure stimulus program for Inner West - Council will fast track $20 million in infrastructure projects, creating jobs and supporting the local community.
'Alchemy' to be made at Chrissie Cotter Gallery - A collaborative exhibition showcasing textiles, ceramics, painting, printmaking and mixed-media collage is the next to feature at Council’s Chrissie Cotter Gallery.
Amazing new Ashfield Aquatic Centre open to the public - Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne is encouraging locals to dive in and discover the new Ashfield Aquatic Centre, which opened to the public on the weekend.
Annual Grants round now open - Council offers grants for projects supporting a culturally diverse, progressive and sustainable Inner West.
Another big night of wins for Marrickville Library - Another big night of wins for Marrickville Library at the 2020 National Trust Heritage Awards
Applications now open for Chrissie Cotter Gallery and ArtSeat in 2021 - Council is inviting local artists to submit ideas for the exhibition of artworks at the Newtown ArtSeat and Chrissie Cotter Gallery in 2021.
Applications open for Pride Centre Reference Panel - Council is calling for applications for a Reference Panel that will provide advice and feedback in establishing an Inner West Pride Centre.
Artists invited to take part in Creative Trails - Applications are invited from studios, galleries and artist-run initiatives (ARIs) for Midjuburi (Marrickville ward) Creative Trails weekend on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August 2020.
ArtSeat by Brian Fuata for Biennale of Sydney - Performance artist Brian Fuata is the latest creative to feature at the Newtown ArtSeat.
Ashfield Aquatic Centre café operator announced - Council has announced that Robert and Philip Fallato have won the tender to operate the café at the new Ashfield Aquatic Centre (AAC).
Ashfield Aquatic Centre goes solar - Council continues to take great strides towards its goal of being completely powered by renewable energy in 2025, installing a large solar array at the new Ashfield Aquatic Centre.
Bairro Português: Food and Wine Fair - Celebrate the very best of Portuguese culture with entertainment, music, dance, cultural activities and traditional and contemporary foods for all the family.
Blooming Arts exhibition at Chrissie Cotter Gallery - The next exhibition at Council’s Chrissie Cotter Gallery is the annual Blooming Arts which celebrates the work of artists with a disability, and supports their art practice.
Celebrating eight years of Feel the Love - Council’s eighth annual ‘Feel the Love’ Mardi Gras reception is on Thursday, 6 February 2019 at Marrickville Library and Pavilion, 313 Marrickville Road, Marrickville, 7pm-9pm.
City councils to offer relief and resources to bushfire-ravaged communities - In response to the devastation caused by bushfires ravaging NSW, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has today convened a meeting of Sydney Councils to plan a coordinated response to help local governments in affected areas recover from the disaster.
Clean Up Australia Day in the Inner West - Council is encouraging local residents and community groups to get involved at a Clean Up site in the Inner West.
Collaged fast food at Newtown’s ArtSeat a commentary on waste and recycling - Council has unveiled the latest artwork at Newtown ArtSeat.
Council adopts infrastructure Budget - Council has adopted a Budget focused on stimulating the local economy, delivering new infrastructure and fixing ageing infrastructure.
Council affirms its opposition to uranium mining in NSW - Council has unanimously affirmed its opposition to uranium mining in New South Wales.
Council announces Arts Resilience grants - Council assistance during the current Coronavirus pandemic has now been extended to the Inner West arts community.
Council announces successful 2020 grants - Eighty-nine Inner West projects have received more than $500,000 in Council funding, as part of the Inner West Council 2020 Grant Program.
Council eases restrictions at playgrounds, fitness stations, skate parks and pools - Council will reopen playgrounds, outdoor fitness stations and skate parks today, Friday 15 May, in line with advice from NSW Health.
Council encourages everyone to 'Tune In' for Mental Health Month - Take part in Council's Mental Health Month 'Tune In' short video competition.
Council Local Democracy Groups membership applications now open - Membership applications are now open for Council’s Local Democracy Groups.
Council looking for members for new economic recovery taskforce - Council is calling for Expressions of Interest from members of the community for the Inner West Economic Recovery Taskforce.
Council moves more customer services online - Council has moved many more customer services online, making it easier and faster for residents to make and track requests with their mobile phone, PC or device.
Council opens new childcare centre - Council has opened a new childcare centre. The first phase of Yirran Gumal Early Learning Centre will start with a limited intake of 20 children per day from late October.
Council partners with 22nd Biennale of Sydney - Council is partnering with the 22nd Biennale of Sydney to present a series of residencies, performances, talks, installations and exhibitions throughout the Inner West.
Council says, "Go take a hike!" - Council is urging Inner West citizens to make the most of their COVID-19 isolation exercise time by discovering the many walks, running and cycling routes available to them.
Council to open EOI process for new Pride Centre in Newtown - Council will launch an Expression of Interest (EOI) process calling for submissions from LGBTIQ or LGBTIQ-friendly organisations to manage a Pride Centre that will operate out of Newtown Town Hall.
Councils to form Community to Community Relationship - Inner West Council has initiated discussions with Eurobodalla Council on establishing a formal Community to Community Relationship.
Councils to pursue legal action over $252 million slush fund - At its meeting on 27 October, Council resolved to pursue legal action against the NSW Government over their maladministration of the Stronger Communities Fund.
Deleted slush fund documents must be released by Premier Berejiklian according to department head - From Mayor Darcy Byrne: I have today received correspondence from the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Tim Reardon, informing me that the deleted documents through which the Premier approved grants in the $252 million council grants slush fund do exist and can be retrieved and released only with the Premier’s permission.
Destruction of $252 million slush fund approval documents requires forensic examination - From Mayor Darcy Byrne: Following testimony last Friday from the Premier’s advisor Sarah Lau that documents approving grants through the Government’s $252 million slush fund were shredded and deleted, I have written to the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet requesting a forensic review to retrieve these crucial pieces of evidence from Department’s IT and records system.
Diverse and experienced taskforce to lead the Inner West’s economic recovery - The newly created Inner West Recovery Taskforce has met for the first-time.
Dubbo Council awarded $28 million sweetheart deal by Berejiklian and Barilaro - It has been revealed that Gladys Berejiklian and John Barilaro personally intervened to award the National Party electorate of Dubbo an extraordinary $28 million through the Government’s $252 million Council slush fund, in a successful attempt to sandbag the seat at the 2019 election.
Entries now invited for the 2020 Built Environment Awards - Submissions are now open for the 2020 Built Environment Awards, comprising the Marrickville Medal for Conservation and the Inner West Urban Photography Competition.
Ferry services between Balmain peninsula and Circular Quay must remain - Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has condemned the NSW Government’s proposed cut of direct ferry services from Birchgrove and Thames Street wharves to Circular Quay.
First Inner West Summer Fest - Council’s first Inner West Summer Fest is on Saturday 8 February in Enmore Park.
Fringe-EDGE Inner West Artist in Isolation Residencies applications now open - Council is proud to be a Major Partner of the Sydney Fringe Festival 2020 program and is funding two Fringe-EDGE Inner West Artist in Isolation residency opportunities.
Girls Get Active day - As part of Council’s International Womens Day activities, a Girls Get Active day will be held for Inner West young women.
Go Solar campaign wins - Inner West Council has won the Community Engagement Achievement category for the Go Solar campaign at last night’s Cities Power Partnership 2020 Climate Awards.
Government demolition of White Bay power station would be an act of vandalism - Yesterday’s announcement from Dominic Perrottet and Andrew Constance that they intend to demolish the historic White Bay Power Station is an obscene threat which, if carried out, would constitute a crime against the heritage of Sydney, according to Mayor Darcy Byrne.
Government’s citizenship ceremony dress code is absurd - Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has condemned a letter of demand from the Department of Home Affairs requiring that Councils across Australia immediately create a new dress code for citizenship ceremonies.
Have your say on a Greek Precinct for the Inner West - Council is inviting local businesses, Greek organisations and the local community to have a say on a proposed Greek precinct in Marrickville and Dulwich Hill.
Have your say on Inner West arts and culture - Council is asking all citizens how to grow and sustain arts and culture in the Inner West.
Haystacks solar garden information evening - Inner West residents are invited to be part of Australia’s first large scale solar garden.
Help design the public art for Ashfield Aquatic Centre - Everyone’s invited to contribute ideas for the landmark public artworks planned for Ashfield Aquatic Centre at a workshop on Thursday 27 February.
Homelessness still a concern in Inner West - The annual Inner West Street Count has found that homelessness continues to be of concern in Sydney’s Inner West.
Inclusive Film Festival - Council is hosting a free Inclusive Film Festival (IFF) on Friday 4 December to mark the 2020 International Day of People with Disability.
Inner West Council’s new Music Library - The Inner West now has a Music Library, which was launched yesterday by Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.
Inner West Fest to replace large scale festivals and events - Council is inviting the community to submit ideas and proposals on new ways of delivering events and activations in 2021 through the $400,000 Inner West Fest.
Inner West launches Australian first solar initiative - Through an Expression of Interest, Council is inviting experienced organisations to design a system that will dramatically increase uptake of solar energy across the Inner West.
Inner West marks January 26 in a more mature way - Following a decision made in November to move all celebratory events away from January 26, Inner West Council will hold a sombre and respectful citizenship ceremony this Sunday at Marrickville Library.
Inner West scores Odds on Youth grants for gambling harm prevention - Five Inner West projects have received $185,000 in funding as part of the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling’s Odds on Youth program.
International Women’s Day in the Inner West - Inner West women are invited to celebrate 'Strength in Sisterhood' at Council’s International Women’s Day events.
Leichhardt and Campbelltown must not be left out in the cold by the NSW Government - Greg Warren, the Member for Campbelltown and Darcy Byrne, Inner West Mayor, have joined forces in calling for fair funding for suburban NRL grounds so that the West Tigers can play more games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium and Leichhardt Oval.
Leichhardt to be recognised as Little Italy - Council has voted unanimously to formally apply to have central Leichhardt officially renamed Little Italy.
Light up the dawn in the Inner West this Saturday - Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has joined with RSL NSW to encourage all local people to #lightupthedawn.
List your online events for free - Council is encouraging the Inner West community to list their online events on Council's website.
Marrickville Library wins at 2020 Australian Institute of Architect Awards - Inner West Council’s magnificent Marrickville Library has won the prestigious David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture and was joint winner of the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture.
Marrickville Library wins major architecture award - Council’s magnificent new library in Marrickville has taken out the prestigious NSW Premier’s Prize at the 2020 New South Wales Architecture Awards.
Marrickville Town Hall to become a live music venue - Council has voted to convert Marrickville Town Hall into a live music and performing arts centre.
Mayor slams State Government’s ‘unfair’ rates changes - Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has criticised the Berejiklian Government's council rate harmonisation process for merged councils, saying that forcing through rates changes in 2021 without any phase-in period will create unfair financial burden on many ratepayers.
More affordable housing for Inner West - When the nine new affordable housing units at the old Marrickville Hospital site are leased soon, Council’s current stock will rise to 19.
New acting General Manager for Inner West - Brian Barrett has been appointed acting General Manager of Inner West Council.
New art at Newtown ArtSeat by Jeff McCann - Jeff McCann - artist, educator, artistic director and story-teller – is the latest artist to feature at Council’s ArtSeat.
New public art celebrates Aboriginal culture and heritage - Council’s Gadigal-Wangal Wayfinding art project is almost complete, with the final commission currently underway.
New public art for Ashfield Aquatic Centre - Council’s magnificent new aquatic centre in Ashfield, set for an October opening, now boasts a landmark new public artwork.
Next Perfect Match artwork by Wendy Sharpe - Council’s unique Council initiative, Perfect Match, will hit new highs when the next commission is unveiled this month.
Next phase commences in Council’s war on food waste - Council will commence a new food organics collection in the former Marrickville Local Government Area.
Northern Beaches cluster highlights risks of NSW Government’s inaction on New Year’s Eve - In the wake of the COVID-19 cluster on the Northern Beaches, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has once again called on the NSW Government to provide COVID-safe plans for all parks on the Sydney Harbour Foreshore, not just those in the CBD and North Sydney.
NSW Government’s inaction risks COVID-19 outbreak on New Year’s Eve - The NSW Government’s refusal to put forward a COVID-safe plan for New Year’s Eve risks a major COVID-19 outbreak in Balmain and Birchgrove on December 31, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has warned.
Ode to Australia Street at Newtown's ArtSeat - 'Snapshot of Australia Street 2010 - 2016 A love letter to Newtown' was unveiled today.
Paintings of urban ‘wild weeds’ at Chrissie Cotter Gallery - An exhibition of paintings that explore “weeds and self-seeded plants in urban settings” is the next to feature at Council’s Chrissie Cotter Gallery.
Pop Up Festive Tree community celebration - Everyone’s invited to celebrate the installation of a new tree and public artwork in St Peters.
Save New Years Eves - Turn the fireworks to the Inner West - Following revelations that the New Year's Eve fireworks may not proceed Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has today said he'll work with the NSW Government to save New Year's Eve and bring the fireworks to the western side of the Harbour Bridge.
Slush fund documents prove Premier’s involvement - forensic review must still be undertaken - The release today by the Premier of some of the documents through which she approved $141 million in grants though the Government’s disgraced Stronger Communities program, demonstrate that she has lied to the people of NSW about her role in creating and administering the slush fund.
Tell your stories to Council - Council's Library and History Services is collating a COVID-19 community archive and is seeking stories, anecdotes, artworks and images from Inner West citizens.
Tempe Reserve synthetic turf agreement will see sporting ground usage soar - Council has voted to endorse a ground-breaking agreement with Newington College over the upgrade of Tempe Reserve, which can lead to two new fields with synthetic surfaces being installed there for the benefit of local sports clubs.
Unsung heroes recognised for their contributions to the Inner West - An advocate on behalf of women experiencing Domestic and Family Violence, an animal welfare activist, a public health academic, a retired early childhood educator and a public education campaigner are the 2020 Inner West Council Citizen of the Year Awards.
WestConnex traffic changes put locals in permanent lock down - Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has today condemned the State Government’s radical new road network changes planned for Haberfield, Ashfield and Leichhardt, which will make it all but impossible for local residents to get into and out of their own suburbs or across the City West Link.
What bird is that? - Council is encouraging residents to get involved in Bird Life Australia's 'Birds in Backyards' quarterly seasonal survey.
What’s on at the Libraries in March - From talks and panel discussions on body image and gender diverse experiences, to learning how to podcast, to understanding the HSC - there’s something for all ages at Council’s libraries in March.
What’s on in February at Council’s libraries - Nothing’s off-limits at Council Libraries this February, with talks on sex, romance, adolescence and a Mardi Gras-related Rainbow families storytime.
Win for Council and the community in King George Park negotiations - Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will compensate Council and the local community $2.875 million for the compulsory acquisition of 2,285sqm of land at King George Park.
Women in Business mentor program - Council is now taking applications for the second Women in Business Mentor Program.
Young Creatives Awards 2020 - The Young Creatives Awards are now open to young people aged between 12 – 24, who study, work or live in the Inner West Council area.