When I stepped back from Council, I did so with clarity and optimism — not just about where our cities were headed, but about the role planning could play in shaping our future. For over two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of planning, politics, and community, as a mayor, consultant, and researcher. I’ve seen the power of good planning to create liveable, inclusive, future-ready places. I’ve also seen how easily it can be derailed by short-term thinking — and how costly that can be for clients, communities, and councils alike. Greiss Planning exists to bring clarity, rigour, and steady leadership to the approvals process, so good projects can move forward with confidence.
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At a Glance
• More than 250 guests attended the 2023 Mayor’s Charity Gala
• Over 76,000 dollars raised for the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre
• Funds to support scalp cooling technology and chemotherapy chairs
• Marking 20 years of cancer care in the Macarthur region
An Evening of Purpose and Generosity
On Saturday 4 March 2023, more than 250 members of our community gathered at Ottimo House for the Mayor’s Charity Gala. Evenings such as this remind me that civic leadership is not only about policy and infrastructure. It is also about compassion and shared responsibility.
This year, all funds raised were dedicated to the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre. The Centre marks 20 years since opening at Campbelltown Hospital, and over that time it has become a cornerstone of health care for our region.
In 2022 alone, more than 2,500 new cancer consultations were undertaken and over 100,000 episodes of care were provided. These numbers are not abstract. They represent neighbours, friends and family members supported during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Strengthening Care Close to Home
Access to quality health services close to home is essential for a growing region such as ours. I have always believed that regional cities must not be defined solely by housing growth, but by the depth and quality of services available to their residents.
The Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre embodies that principle. Its work allows patients to receive treatment within their own community, surrounded by family support networks and familiar environments.
The Centre’s goal for this year’s Gala was to raise sufficient funds to purchase a scalp cooling machine, valued at 47,750 dollars, and new chemotherapy chairs, valued at approximately 8,200 dollars each. These items are not simply equipment. They directly improve patient comfort and dignity, and enhance the Centre’s treatment capacity.
Together, we raised more than $76,000 (at the time of print), an incredible result for the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre.
That outcome reflects the generosity of our community and the trust placed in this annual event.
The Power of Partnership
Events of this nature are made possible through partnership. I would like to acknowledge Charter Hall Campbelltown Mall as platinum sponsor. I also extend my sincere thanks to our gold sponsors Macarthur FC, Menangle Park Dahua Group and Mir Group, our silver sponsors Cameron Brae Group, Cabra Vale Diggers and Marsdens Law Group, and our bronze sponsor Western Sydney University.
Their support demonstrates how business, education and community organisations can align behind a common purpose. Civic strength emerges when sectors collaborate rather than operate in isolation.
The success of the Gala is also a credit to the volunteers, staff and attendees whose participation created not only financial benefit, but a sense of solidarity.
A Community That Cares
In reflecting on the evening, I was struck by the quiet resolve in the room. Many present have been personally touched by cancer. Their attendance was not merely social. It was deeply personal.
Campbelltown is often described in terms of growth statistics and infrastructure projects. Yet what defines a city more profoundly is its capacity for empathy. When residents gather to support improved treatment facilities for those undergoing chemotherapy, it reveals something essential about our character.
Over the coming weeks, I look forward to formally presenting the funds raised to the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre alongside our sponsors. It will be a tangible reminder of what collective action can achieve.
Reflection
Civic leadership is measured not only by the projects we build, but by the people we stand beside. The Mayor’s Charity Gala 2023 demonstrated that Campbelltown’s community spirit is strong, generous and compassionate. As we continue to grow as a city, I remain committed to ensuring that our institutions, our partnerships and our values grow with us.
Read the original Mayoral Minute here: 4. Thank you for Supporting the Charity Gala Dinner