Highlights from ‘Activating Western Sydney’ knowledge exchange

Cumberland City Council, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and Street Furniture Australia in November co-hosted a factory tour and knowledge exchange for Councils about creating great public spaces and local manufacturing.

Guest speakers presented enriching case studies and conversations about Country, climate, culture and community at the Street Furniture Australia factory, which is located within the Cumberland LGA in Western Sydney. 55 people attended the event.

Head of Marketing and Innovation with Street Furniture Australia, June Lee Boxsell, said, “Activating Western Sydney was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas on bringing joy to our local communities while also celebrating the completion of Merrylands Civic Square — a remarkable human-centred development at the heart of Cumberland City Council.

“With Street Furniture Australia positioned right at the doorstep of Western Sydney-based projects, we appreciate the chance to highlight the thriving local manufacturing scene. Our presence not only enhances aftermarket services but also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of these projects.”

Speakers included:

Miriam Enoch, Vice President, AILA NSW.

  Cherina Brown, Mark Spithill, Troy Davis and Bronwyn Partell, Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council.

 Andy Sharp, Director Planning, City of Canterbury Bankstown and representing the AILA Board.

 Christopher Manoski, Acting Manager Place and Engagement, Cumberland City Council.

 Matt Coggan, Director, Turf Design Studio.

Chairing the panel discussion:

 Joshua French, Chief Executive, Greater Sydney Parklands.

Miriam Enoch, Vice President of AILA NSW, said, “At the heart of Western Sydney’s future transformation are the WestInvest projects, a $5 billion program that will fund projects that echo the aspirations of communities. From creating places for families and individuals, ushering in the relief of urban greening and opportunities for connection with nature, encouraging active lifestyles, restoring biodiversity and increasing the vibrancy of our precincts.

“To enhancing safety, boosting our local economy and above all revelling in the rich tapestry of the diverse and vibrant community of Western Sydney.”

Cherina Brown, Program Director with Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council, which covers six LGAs in south-west Sydney, shared the importance of partnering with First Nations peoples for public place projects to ensure healthy land and waterways, and to build places for all cultures to feel welcome.

“The importance of co-creating with us is to understand Country, and to ensure your project illuminates a seed of Reconciliation: asking how does your project bring us all together?” she said.

Andy Sharp shared AILA’s strategic vision of how well-designed infrastructure can provide solutions to social, cultural, environmental and economic challenges. He shared City of Canterbury Bankstown projects and programs that celebrate diversity, green natural areas and plan for renewal and growth in this rapidly developing LGA.

“Long term is the master plan for renewal and growth, and we hope to see a refocus on community benefits rather than density alone,” Sharp said.

City of Canterbury Bankstown activates Western Sydney with a month-long vibrant global food bazaar, ‘Ramadan Nights Lakemba,’ which attracts 1.4 million people and celebrates a month of fasting, prayer and reflections.

Sharp said, “There are many culture challenges in Western Sydney as there is huge cultural diversity. It is the first place immigrants come when they arrive in Australia.”

Merrylands Civic Square.

Christopher Manoski spoke about the importance of activation, reflecting on Merrylands Civic Square, a major new public space for the community by Turf Design Studio for Cumberland City Council, which now features a monthly event program.

He said, “In our cities people can’t exist without places, and places can’t exist without people. Often for new spaces we have a ribbon cutting – then they are forgotten and not well-utilised. We want places to feel alive ongoing and add to the economic development of our city. For this we need to co-design and understand how people want to use the space.”

Matt Coggan, Director of Turf Design Studio, shared the importance of designing for the diverse local community for Merrylands Civic Square and referencing the history of the site. He said, “We looked at finding a common ground that all cultures in the area could relate to and connect with.

“We found unifying factors that all people need from this space: shelter, shade and connecting with the environment and each other in this urban setting. Connection and shade were top priority for everyone.” 

If you missed out on this event, book into one of Street Furniture Australia’s 2024 factory tour dates.

Photography by Eva Shaw.

Public space professionals gathered at the Street Furniture Australia factory in Regents Park.

Cherina Brown sang the National Anthem in language.

Panel discussion MC’d by Josh French, Chief Executive, Greater Sydney Parklands.

Activating Western Sydney speakers.

Guests enjoyed a tour of the Street Furniture Australia factory.

Viewing ready-to-send products in the dispatch area.