Message from the Mayor - 5 August 2026

Published on 05 August 2026

In Them We See Ourselves sculpture unveiled

A new 7 October memorial artwork jointly commissioned by Woollahra and Waverley Councils was unveiled on 24 July at Christison Park in Vaucluse. 

Titled In Them We See Ourselves, the public artwork aims to provide the Jewish community with a place of healing and hope. 

The artist has chosen to remain anonymous, allowing the focus of the artwork to remain on the community, providing a space to sit and reflect on a tragic event that should never be forgotten. 

The sculpture is comprised of fragments of weathered Corten steel rising from the earth and leaning inward, offering shelter within, speaking of fracture and protection, grief and endurance. It was specifically designed to be interacted with, providing a visually compelling space for quiet contemplation and meditation. 

Its sheer size and steel form that rises from the ground is a symbol of hope and strength and will serve as a permanent reminder of the need for all of us to be united in our opposition to hate and antisemitism. 

National Tree Day 

A big thanks to everyone who joined me and councillors Alexander Andruska, Mary-Lou Jarvis, Merrill Witt and Hugh Woodgate and Woollahra staff at our National Tree Day event at Cooper Park in Bellevue Hill on 26 July. 

It was wonderful to see so many local families rolling up their sleeves to help - we really appreciate all the support we received from our community to improve an important slice of local bushland. 

Together, we planted more than 2,000 native shrubs and seedlings, along with 23 more established trees. 

You can find more ways to get involved with protecting and growing our Urban Forest at Urban Forest Strategy.

Planting a tree at Cooper Park on National Tree Day

Playground upgrade 

Thank you for sharing your ideas and suggestions on how to improve Thornton Reserve Playground in Bellevue Hill. 

We have used your feedback to help create a new design which features a variety of play equipment for both younger and older children, including a new giant slide on the embankment, new swings and a more challenging climbing structure. A new accessible entry, a new pathway and more seating will also be added. 

The playground will be closed from early August and we aim to reopen in December 2026, weather permitting.  

In the meantime, alternative playgrounds nearby include Lyne Park Playground in Rose Bay, Bellevue Park in Woollahra and Cooper Park Playground in Double Bay. 

For more information, visit Your Say Woollahra.