News and announcements

New acting General Manager for Inner West

Brian Barrett has been appointed acting General Manager of Inner West Council.

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.

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.

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 ...

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 mi ...

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 h ...

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.

'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.

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 affirms its opposition to uranium mining in NSW

Council has unanimously affirmed its opposition to uranium mining in New South Wales.

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Annual Grants round now open

Council offers grants for projects supporting a culturally diverse, progressive and sustainable Inner West.

New Years Eve fireworks with harbour brigde

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 ...

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.

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.

Council Local Democracy Groups membership applications now open

Membership applications are now open for Council’s Local Democracy Groups.

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.

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2020 Young Creatives Awards winners

Inner West Library and History has announced who has won 2020 Young Creatives Awards.

Council encourages everyone to 'Tune In' for Mental Health Month

Take part in Council's Mental Health Month 'Tune In' short video competition.

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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.

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.

A ‘Public Housing Plan for Birds’ at Newtown’s ArtSeat

Inner West Council has unveiled the latest artwork at Newtown ArtSeat.

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Councils to form Community to Community Relationship

Inner West Council has initiated discussions with Eurobodalla Council on establishing a formal Community to Community Relationship.

Haystacks solar garden information evening

Inner West residents are invited to be part of Australia’s first large scale solar garden.

Pesticide use notification

Council will be carrying out weed spraying in all of its parks including sports fields from 26 August 2020 to 23 October 2020.

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.

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.

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.

Child safety

Inner West Council has pleaded guilty to historical matters concerning Stanmore Out of School Hours Care Service (OOSHC) and has received a fine of $10,000. Immediate steps were taken at the time to a ...

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).

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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.

Systemic failures of iCare worker's compensation scheme

Sign the petition calling for an overhaul of the scheme.

Council adopts infrastructure Budget

Council has adopted a Budget focused on stimulating the local economy, delivering new infrastructure and fixing ageing infrastructure.

2020 Footprints Online

Celebrate sustainability at Footprints Online program of talks and activities on Saturday 29 August.

Deep cleaning at Arlington Reserve

Arlington Reserve hosted a player on Saturday 1 August who has subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

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Take the COVID-19 Coronavirus Racism Incident Report Survey

Council is opposed to all forms of racism and especially the growing anti-Asian racism that has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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).

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 ...

Responsible disposal of fur products

There are ethical and sustainable alternatives to reselling or throwing out old or vintage fur products.

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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.

Updates to the current Development Control Plans (DCPs) – adopted by Council

Council publicly exhibited amendments to the current DCPs from 16 March and 24 April 2020 as part of a wider project (Draft Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2020 and associated amendments to the re ...

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.

Accelerated infrastructure stimulus program for Inner West

Council will fast track $20 million in infrastructure projects, creating jobs and supporting the local community.

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.

Report the sale of suspected illegal animal products

Help stamp out this cruel industry.

Council supports Raise the Rate campaign

Council has voted unanimously that the JobSeeker payment not be cut back to the old Newstart rate.

New public art celebrates Aboriginal culture and heritage

Council’s Gadigal-Wangal Wayfinding art project is almost complete, with the final commission currently underway.

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.

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.

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.

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Exodus food drive

Exodus needs your help to collect food for the homeless and hungry

Collaged fast food at Newtown’s ArtSeat a commentary on waste and recycling

Council has unveiled the latest artwork at Newtown ArtSeat.

Get the site right

During June we are supporting the Get the Site Right campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of runoff from building sites.

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.

2020 Amy Large Volunteer Awards

Council has recognised Inner West volunteers through the annual Amy Large Awards.

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. ...

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 supports 'Nobody Left Behind' campaign

Council is calling on the Federal Government to provide a COVID-19 safety net for asylum seekers.

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.

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 th ...

Council announces Arts Resilience grants

Council assistance during the current Coronavirus pandemic has now been extended to the Inner West arts community.

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 fo ...

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.

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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.

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.

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.

List your online events for free

Council is encouraging the Inner West community to list their online events on Council's website.

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.

What bird is that?

Council is encouraging residents to get involved in Bird Life Australia's 'Birds in Backyards' quarterly seasonal survey.

ArtSeat by Brian Fuata for Biennale of Sydney

Performance artist Brian Fuata is the latest creative to feature at the Newtown ArtSeat.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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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.

Leichhardt to be recognised as Little Italy

Council has voted unanimously to formally apply to have central Leichhardt officially renamed Little Italy.

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.

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.

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‘Mind At Play ll’ at Chrissie Cotter Gallery

A ‘sequel’ art exhibition is next to feature at Council’s Chrissie Cotter gallery.

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.

Inner West Summer Fest Cancelled

We are very sorry to advise that Inner West Summer Fest has been cancelled due to forecast extreme weather conditions on Saturday 8 February.

Bronwyn Bancroft overall 2019 Amy Large Award Winner

2020 Amy Large Volunteer of the Year awards now open

Council’s annual Amy Large Volunteer of the Year awards are now open.

Volunteer and Citizen of the Year Awards

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.

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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.

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. & ...

2020 Seniors Festival

Inner West seniors will ‘Love to celebrate’ this February during the NSW Seniors Festival.

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 ceremonie ...

First Inner West Summer Fest

Council’s first Inner West Summer Fest is on Saturday 8 February in Enmore Park.

ICAC to examine the shredding of documents by NSW Premier’s Office

From the office of Mayor Darcy Byrne: The NSW Information Commissioner has now referred the destruction of documents by the Premier’s Office approving the $252 million Stronger Communities counc ...

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 ...

Women in Business mentor program

Council is now taking applications for the second Women in Business Mentor Program.

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.

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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.

Council urges citizens to donate to bushfire appeals

A number of funds which have been established to support those affected by the bush fires

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.

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 i ...