Community and Culture Committee - 12 Oct 2026

Topics

• Council opens naming contest for new Olds Park sports pavilion
  Residents can choose between “St George Sports Pavilion” and “Donohue Felstead Sports Pavilion” during a 28-day exhibition.
  The facility at 630 Forest Road is nearing a formal public naming decision, giving residents a direct say over a prominent community asset.
• Six local Christmas and cultural events share more than $54,000 in council support
  Council approved financial and in-kind support for six events from November 2026 to January 2027, including Kogarah carols and a Sudanese Australian cultural festival.
  The grants will help stage accessible community events and provide a clear local spending and programming story.
• Four sites go on the table for Georges River indoor stadium
  Council will consult on a proposed Indoor Multisport Stadium at four shortlisted locations before selecting a preferred site.
  The project could change access to indoor sport and affect users, neighbours and facilities at all four locations.

Decisions

• Olds Park pavilion naming consultation
  The committee endorsed the proposed names “St George Sports Pavilion” and “Donohue Felstead Sports Pavilion” for the new facility at 630 Forest Road, Penshurst. Both names will be publicly exhibited for at least 28 days, followed by a report recommending a name for adoption.
  Residents will be able to comment before the facility receives its final name.
• Event grants approved
  Grants with a combined value of $54,137, including $46,457 in financial support and $7,680 in-kind support, were approved for six community and Christmas events scheduled between November 2026 and January 2027.
  The funding will support free or community-focused events across the local area.
• Economic Development Strategy consultation
  The draft Economic Development Strategy 2027-2037 was received and will be placed on public exhibition for at least 28 days. A further report will consider community feedback before adoption.
  Residents and businesses will have an opportunity to comment on the council’s proposed 10-year economic development direction.
• Sports Recognition Framework endorsed
  The committee endorsed a Georges River Council Sports Recognition Framework, including a digital Sports Hall of Fame, and supported development of a policy covering eligibility, nominations, assessment, induction and ongoing management.
  Local sporting achievements will have a more accessible and consistent pathway for recognition.
• Indoor Multisport Stadium engagement
  The committee endorsed at least 28 days of community and stakeholder engagement on a proposed Indoor Multisport Stadium and four shortlisted sites: Johnny Warren Indoor Sports Centre, Tallawalla Reserve, Peakhurst Park and Olds Park. A later report will present engagement results, the completed business case and a preferred site and delivery option.
  Residents will be able to comment on the proposed stadium and its possible locations before a preferred site is recommended.
• Olds Park Sports Club rental subsidy rejected
  The committee rejected a 50 per cent rental subsidy for Olds Park Sports Club Limited for Years 3, 4 and 5 of the lease term. The decision cited insufficient improvement in governance, financial management and organisational stability, including board turnover and inconsistent operations.
  Council will not use ratepayer funds to subsidise the club’s rent for the specified lease years.

Discussion

• Community property
  The committee received and noted the quarterly Community Property Report for 1 July to 30 September 2026.
  The report provides an update on council-managed community property and venues.
• Quarterly community outcomes
  The committee received and noted the Quarterly Community Outcomes Report for Quarter 1 of 2026/27.
  The report tracks council’s community outcomes and performance during the first quarter of the financial year.

Impacts

• Residents can comment on the two proposed names for the Olds Park sports pavilion during a public exhibition of at least 28 days.
• Community members and businesses can comment on the draft Economic Development Strategy 2027-2037 during a public exhibition of at least 28 days.
• Residents and stakeholders can provide feedback on the proposed Indoor Multisport Stadium and four shortlisted sites during an engagement period of at least 28 days.
• Six community events will receive a combined $54,137 in council financial and in-kind support.
• Olds Park Sports Club Limited will not receive the proposed 50 per cent rental subsidy for Years 3, 4 and 5 of its lease term.

Places

• Olds Park (park and project site)
  Location of the new sports pavilion and one of the shortlisted sites for the proposed Indoor Multisport Stadium.
• 630 Forest Road, Penshurst (address)
  Site of the new sports pavilion subject to naming consultation.
• Johnny Warren Indoor Sports Centre (sports facility)
  One of four shortlisted sites for the proposed Indoor Multisport Stadium.
• Tallawalla Reserve (reserve)
  One of four shortlisted sites for the proposed Indoor Multisport Stadium.
• Peakhurst Park (park)
  One of four shortlisted sites for the proposed Indoor Multisport Stadium.
• Kogarah (suburb and event area)
  Location of Kogarah Christmas Carols and Christmas in Kogarah.
• Evatt Park (park)
  Location of the Christmas Carols in Evatt Park event.
• Georges River local government area (local government area)
  Area covered by the council strategies, grants and community programs discussed.

Next

• Place both proposed Olds Park pavilion names on public exhibition and invite community comments.
  For at least 28 days; date not specified in the minutes.
• Report exhibition feedback and recommend a final pavilion name for adoption.
  After the naming exhibition period.
• Place the draft Economic Development Strategy 2027-2037 on public exhibition.
  For at least 28 days; date not specified in the minutes.
• Report feedback and any recommended changes to the Economic Development Strategy before adoption.
  After the exhibition period.
• Conduct community and stakeholder engagement on the Indoor Multisport Stadium and four shortlisted sites.
  For at least 28 days; date not specified in the minutes.
• Present engagement outcomes, the completed Strategic Business Case and a preferred site and delivery option to Council.
  In a later report; date not specified.
• Develop a Sports Recognition Policy covering governance, eligibility, nominations, assessment, induction and ongoing management.
  Future action; date not specified.

Extract

MINUTES Community and Culture Committee Monday, 12 October 2026 Dragon Room Georges River Civic Centre Hurstville Georges River Council - Minutes of Community and Culture Committee Meeting - 12 October 2026 PRESENT COUNCIL MEMBERS The Mayor, Councillor Elise Borg, Councillor Nancy Liu (Chair), Councillor Matthew Allison, Councillor Elaina Anzellotti, Councillor Tom Arthur (online), Councillor Thomas Gao, Councillor Gerard Hayes, Councillor Christina Jamieson, Councillor Kathryn Landsberry, Councillor Peter Mahoney, Councillor Natalie Mort, Councillor Leon Pun, Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos, and Councillor Ben Wang. COUNCIL STAFF General Manager – David Tuxford, Director Assets and Infrastru...