The library is a welcoming community hub where people of all ages can learn, create, and explore new interests. Visitors can borrow from an ever-growing collection, including hobby kits, retro gaming consoles and telescopes, enjoy children's Storytime sessions, and discover the Creation Space, where they can record podcasts, use 3D and woodcut printers, and create their own projects. With friendly staff on hand to help, the library offers something for everyone to learn, borrow, study and play.

Residents are also invited to attend Mosman Library Service's Library Open Day on Thursday 30 July, 10am to 5pm, as part of the statewide Open Doors, Open Books, Open Minds initiative during Library and Information Week. The free event will showcase everything the library has to offer, with hands-on activities in the Creation Space, a special Great Library Adventure Storytime for young children, information stalls, 'Ask the Manager' sessions, a Library Passport Challenge, prizes and more. No bookings are required.

We marked this year's National Tree Day with our annual community planting event at Spit West Reserve.

A great volunteer crew turned out on Sunday 26 July to help plant trees, shrubs and groundcovers to expand native canopy cover and replenish Mosman’s urban forest, strengthening local biodiversity and creating greener public spaces for future generations.

Since its inception in 1996, Planet Ark’s National Tree Day has grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event, inspiring people to connect with nature and make a positive difference in their local communities.

Over the past three decades, volunteers have contributed more than 10 million hours to planting trees, restoring habitat and and taking part in environmental activities that foster a deeper understanding of the natural world.

 

A large banner has been re-installed at Balmoral following a suspected act of tree vandalism.

The incident occurred overnight on Thursday 23 July.

The damaged Port Jackson fig, planted in May between two previously vandalised trees, has been pruned but may need to be replaced. 

The banner was previously in place for six months following the other acts of tree vandalism. 

Following the latest and extremely disappointing incident, anyone with information is urged to contact Council on 9978 4000 or council@mosman.nsw.gov.au

Measures to manage an ongoing approach to tree vandalism are also being considered.

Council has consistently advocated to the State Government for a review of fines for tree vandalism, with current penalties widely seen as too low to be an effective deterrent.

A community-led Sharing Shelf has found a new home in Library Walk, making it easier for people to access free rescued food while helping reduce food waste.

Run by dedicated volunteers since May 2024, and previously located in Zahel Lane, the Sharing Shelf collects surplus food from local retailers and makes it available to anyone who needs it. 

Guided by the message "take what you need, leave what you can", the initiative supports people experiencing food stress while building a more connected and sustainable community.

The relocation reflects a shared commitment to tackling food waste, improving food security and creating inclusive community spaces. By providing upgraded infrastructure, including refrigeration and a more accessible location beside the library, Council is helping ensure the volunteer-led service can continue to grow and meet community needs.

Together, the partnership between volunteers, local businesses and Council is helping save good food from landfill, support residents doing it tough and strengthen community connections.

A breakdown of council rate spending shows that every $100 collected is invested across a wide range of services that help maintain local infrastructure, facilities and community wellbeing.

The largest share of rate revenue, $20 of every $100, is allocated to local facilities management, supporting the upkeep and operation of community buildings and public assets. This is closely followed by community services and culture at $19, helping fund libraries, community programs, events and cultural initiatives.

Infrastructure maintenance receives $18 of every $100, ensuring roads, footpaths and other essential assets are kept in good condition. Waste and public area management accounts for $15, supporting rubbish collection, recycling services and the maintenance of public spaces.

The figures highlight the broad range of services funded through rates, with a strong focus on maintaining community facilities, infrastructure and public spaces while supporting environmental sustainability and local services.

As part of Council’s ongoing advocacy for the future of the HMAS Penguin site, letters have been sent thanking key advocates for their contribution and support on this important matter.

At its June meeting, Council reaffirmed its opposition to any sale or privatisation of the HMAS Penguin site, supporting its continuation as a public asset for future generations. Council remains concerned about proposals to partially divest the site, given its environmental sensitivity and historical and cultural significance, and will continue to advocate strongly for its protection, including exploring joint advocacy opportunities with similarly impacted councils.

View the letters:

• Letter to Senator Collins
• Letter to Senator Shoebridge
• HMAS Penguin - Council submission – Opposing Sale or Privatisation

Community members can find out more or make submissions through the federal defence and finance departments:

Defence Estate Audit

W: defence.gov.au/delivering-future-estate

E: estate.engagement@defence.gov.au

Department of Finance

W: finance.gov.au/defence-estate-audit

E: divestment.program@finance.gov.au

Did you know up to 90% of child car seats are fitted incorrectly?

A correctly fitted child car seat can significantly reduce the risk of injury in an accident by up to 70%, that's why it's vital that seats are fitted by a professional.

Mosman Council and Transport for NSW are offering a limited number of vouchers for professional child car seat fitting services to local residents from 1 July – 31 October 2026.

Each voucher covers the fitting/checking of up to TWO child car seats per household. There are three fitting locations to choose from:

• North Shore Private Hospital - 8 Reserve Rd, St Leonards
• Sydney Adventist Hospital - 183 Fox Valley Rd, Wahroonga
• At your Mosman residence - $25 mobile call out fee

Find out more and apply. 

We are notifying affected community members with updated details of an investigation into a cyber incident previously notified in May. 

This is not a new incident. 

However, confirmation and further details of individuals’ information accessed are being provided to those affected, following previous direct contact and public notification. 

We acknowledge that any loss of information can cause distress. If anyone has concerns about protecting their identity, we recommend they contact ID Support NSW or call 1800 001 040. 

An in-person information session with ID Support NSW will be held in Mosman:  

Date: Friday 10 July  

Time: 9:30-10.30am  

Venue: Allan Border Oval Pavilion  

Register: in-person at the Seniors Centre, online or contact community.care@mosman.nsw.gov.au or call 9978 4128. 

ID Support NSW offers free assistance for individuals dealing with data breaches and information compromise. It provides resources and personalised support to help restore identity documents and protect against identity theft.   

For further information or questions, community members can email dataenquiry@mosman.nsw.gov.au.

One of Mosman's heritage links was celebrated today at the annual inspection of the Scotland-Australia Cairn at Rawson Park. 

The stone pile is a symbol of goodwill between the people of each nation. 

That connection is also maintained as part of a long-standing friendship agreement between Mosman and Glen Innes Severn councils. The Northern Tablelands town also has a rich Scottish history and hosts the annual Australian Celtic Festival. Glen Innes Severn Mayor Margot Davis attended this year's cairn inspection.  

A community barbeque followed the ceremony at Mosman Drill Hall.