Message from the Mayor - 19 November 2025
Published on 19 November 2025
A well-deserved award for one of our inspiring volunteers
Congratulations to longtime Woollahra volunteer Rob Hitchen, who is the recipient of a Local Hero Award from Keep Australia Beautiful.
Rob was recognised for his dedicated environmental volunteering efforts in Woollahra's BushCare and HarbourCare programs over many years. He was also recognised for generously sharing his knowledge of local marine life, observed over decades of snorkelling in locations such as Parsley Bay, Watsons Bay and Camp Cove.
Are you looking to give back to your community? We have many volunteer opportunities available in our local area. Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, use your skills, connect with your local community and make a real difference.
In addition to Bushcare and HarbourCare, volunteers are an essential part of our libraries and our Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf.
You can volunteer as little or much of your time as you’d like. Volunteering is for everyone, including students, retirees, mums and dads, or anyone who has a bit of spare time to offer.
Read more about volunteering opportunities.
Woollahra volunteer Rob Hitchen
Double Bay Festive Fashion Pawrade
Proudly supported by Woollahra Council’s Grants Program, the Double Bay Festive Fashion Pawrade is Sydney’s most glamorous dog-friendly celebration! This free community event blends fashion, fun, and philanthropy - all in support of RSPCA NSW.
Highlights include a Dog Fashion Runway and prizes, dog yoga, Santa photos, matcha tastings, DJ, a live illustrator and giveaways. Every attendee enters the draw for a luxury Kimpton Margot Hotel prize.
Sunday 30 November, 11am-1pm, Guilfoyle Park, Guilfoyle Avenue, Double Bay. Entry is free. Visit Double Bay Festive Fashion Pawrade to register.
Recycle it Saturday
We have joined with City of Sydney and Waverley Councils to host Recycle it Saturday - a drop-off event where you can bring a range of tricky household items for recycling, this Saturday 22 November at the Alexandra Canal Depot, 67C Bourke Rd, Alexandria, 9am - 3pm.
Visit Recycle It Saturday for a list of acceptable items including bicycles and scooters, X-rays and polystyrene. Remember that we can only take what we have specified on the accepted list. Items that are not on the list will not be taken.
Spring Book Fair
We try to keep our libraries full of everything that members might want, but sometimes we run out of shelf space for new additions and the wonderful reads we can no longer keep become available for you to purchase in our book fair!
Come grab a bargain on thousands of great books and more on Saturday 22 November, 10am-4pm at Woollahra Library, 451 New South Head Road, Double Bay.