Message from the Mayor - 28 January 2026
Published on 28 January 2026
Happy New Year to all – I hope you were able to relax with family and friends over the festive period.
Over the break we have been putting the final touches on some exciting new events happening in February and March, including Celebrate Double Bay and the Festival of Fun, which I am confident will make a great contribution to the Woollahra community for many years to come. I’ll be sharing details with you in the coming weeks once the programs are finalised.
Have your say on our Cross Street Car Park redevelopment proposal
Community consultation on our proposal to redevelop Cross Street Car Park in Double Bay is now open.
The car park is important for local businesses, visitors and residents, providing valuable parking for 396 cars, and is located conveniently within the Double Bay centre, close to shops, cafes and restaurants.
However due to its condition, the 1970s structure requires either expensive repair works or to be rebuilt. We believe a rebuild is the best option. Our proposal involves building a new 5-storey car park with at least 412 spaces, and subdividing the site, with 38% sold to pay for construction of the new car park, which would ensure there is no cost to Council or ratepayers. Any additional funds from the sale would be redirected to funding improvements for the local area and the community.
Construction of a new car park would take approximately two years, from 2028 to 2030. The community is invited to provide feedback on the proposal until 25 February at Your Say Woollahra.
A community information session will also be held on Tuesday 3 February, 6pm–7.30pm at Woollahra Library at Double Bay – all are welcome and no RSVP is required.
Kids Giving Back kitchen, Paddington
Inspector Amy Scott appeal
I was saddened to hear NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, one of many heroes of the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre attack in 2024, has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.
A fundraiser has been created to ease the financial burden for Amy and her family during this incredibly challenging time. Donations can be made at Police Legacy NSW.
Bondi support
The National Day of Mourning for victims of the Bondi terror attack on 22 January and the memorial event I attended were opportunities to remember and honour the victims and also the heroes of Bondi, and show we stand together with the Jewish community in this difficult time.
Following the attack, Woollahra Council has been working on a number of initiatives to support the Jewish community, including an allocation of $45,000 to help Jewish House Lifeline and Kids Giving Back to fund support services for the community.
Kids Giving Back opened its kitchen in Paddington during January as part of the One Mitzvah for Bondi initiative, and it was wonderful to see many local families participating.
In Jewish tradition, a Mitzvah is an act of kindness, compassion, and a moral responsibility. When these acts are carried out collectively, they help strengthen the community and bring light in moments of darkness. This can be as simple as checking in on a neighbour, volunteering time, offering support to a local business, or donating to those in need and I encourage everyone to take part.