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
• Major faith celebrations observed across the community
• Focus shifting from infrastructure delivery to social activity enablement
• Audit of community halls and review of event policies underway
• Youth mental health and “You Are Not Alone Campbelltown” initiatives progressing
• Engagement with the newly elected NSW Government commencing
Season’s Greetings
This month is considered one of the holiest and most blessed periods on the religious calendar for many people of faith in our community. At the time of writing, significant religious festivals have either begun or will take place in the coming weeks.
Christians mark the end of Lent with Good Friday and Easter Sunday, commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those of the Orthodox faith will celebrate Holy Friday and Pascha the following weekend. The Jewish community observes Passover, the first and most significant of the pilgrim festivals. Members of the Muslim faith are well into Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection and prayer, culminating in Eid Mubarak.
The diversity within our city is one of our greatest strengths. It is through the generosity of cultures who share their customs and traditions that we learn from one another and grow closer as a community.
The diversity that exists within our community is one of its many strengths.
To all those celebrating or reflecting during this sacred time, I wish you a blessed and harmonious season with family and loved ones.
From Built Form to Social Life
Over the past year, much of our focus has been on strengthening Campbelltown’s built environment. We have reviewed policies, developed strategies and secured major funding commitments. We have progressed a new Local Environmental Plan, advocated for transport connectivity, and secured significant investment in town centre upgrades and community infrastructure.
These efforts are beginning to materialise. Development approvals are progressing. Public domain upgrades are taking shape. New facilities are being planned and delivered.
However, as the physical transformation of our city gains momentum, it is timely to reflect on another important dimension of urban life: our social activities.
A city is not defined solely by its buildings and infrastructure. It is defined by the interactions, gatherings and shared experiences of its people.
Council’s Role in Social Activities
There are differing views about the role of local government in organising social activities. I welcome that debate. It is healthy for a democratic institution to continuously examine its purpose.
My view is clear.
Council should empower community members to establish and develop activities that matter to them. We should not seek to lead or control these activities, but rather provide the platform upon which they can flourish.
That platform includes:
• Accessible and welcoming public spaces
• Clear and efficient application and approval processes
• Competitive and equitable policies
• Targeted financial support or seed funding where appropriate
We already see this in practice. Council prepares and maintains sporting grounds, but it is volunteers and sporting associations who run competitions. Council initiated the Campbelltown markets, but today they are operated independently by a private provider for community enjoyment.
The role of Council is to enable, not dominate.
Three Questions for the Future
As we consider the next phase of Campbelltown’s social development, three questions arise:
- What activities does the community want and need?
- Are our spaces suitable for these activities?
- Are our policies competitive and equitable?
The first question is not for Council to answer alone. We must avoid favouritism or responding only to the loudest voices. Given the right framework, our residents will put forward a diverse and vibrant program of activity.
On the second question, we are fortunate to have many strong assets: our libraries, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Sports Stadium, Athletics Centre, Koshigaya Park and soon the Billabong Parklands.
However, I have also asked the General Manager to undertake an audit of our 27 community halls and centres to assess whether they meet the expectations of a modern and growing community. Suitability, accessibility and quality matter.
On the third question, staff are reviewing our Sponsorship Policy, City Attraction Policy and associated procedures to ensure they are user-friendly, competitive with neighbouring councils and equitable across community interests.
This work is important. A supportive policy environment is as critical as physical infrastructure.
Supporting Our Most Vulnerable
Council also carries a moral responsibility to support those most vulnerable in our community.
Our Resilience Hazard Assessment outlines the shocks and stresses that can impact our city and includes 42 actions to strengthen partnerships and embed resilience.
Two initiatives currently under consideration reflect this commitment.
Youth Mental Health
Mental health is an emerging and pressing issue, particularly among young Australians. With a relatively young population in Campbelltown, we must be proactive.
We are investigating a partnership with the Sebastian Foundation, which supports the Open Parachute program. This clinically validated initiative builds resilience, self-awareness and emotional skills among students. If implemented locally, it could provide meaningful tools to help our young people thrive.
You Are Not Alone Campbelltown
Discussions with NSW Police and domestic violence support services have highlighted the difficulty many residents face in locating support services when needed.
The concept of “You Are Not Alone Campbelltown” is simple but potentially powerful: a centralised, accessible source of information outlining available services and support networks.
Whether delivered digitally, in print or both, the goal is clarity and accessibility. While maintaining such a resource presents practical challenges, it is an initiative worth exploring.
Working with the New NSW Government
Finally, I would like to congratulate the people of New South Wales on a successful state election. Representative democracy remains one of our most important institutions.
I extend my thanks to former Members of Parliament and Ministers for their service, and I congratulate all newly elected and returning MPs.
As the new Government settles in, I will seek to engage constructively with Ministers to advocate for Campbelltown’s priorities. Our approach will remain consistent: respectful, evidence-based and focused on long-term outcomes for our residents.
Reflection
Campbelltown is entering a new phase of its development. We are strengthening our infrastructure, refining our planning framework and securing investment. Yet the next stage of our evolution must also nurture the social and human dimensions of city life.
A resilient city is not only well-built. It is well-connected, inclusive and compassionate.
As we move forward, I remain committed to ensuring that Campbelltown grows not only in size, but in spirit.
Read the original Mayoral Minute here: 5. Our Community's Social Connections