🌟 Editor's Note
Hello {{first_name | resident}},
Welcome to The LAB #23.
Saturday was unbearable for me personally (I was working without AC) but yesterday’s weather was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Some new events have appeared on calendar as we approach our national celebration. Take note of what’s ahead to ensure you and your family don’t miss out.
Norman.
Are you running an event or have news that could benefit the community? Maybe you have a local business and would like to partner with us. Shoot me an email: [email protected]
🗓️ Today’s Edition
🪧 Community News
Sweltering heat prompts council to act
Voting open for Christmas lights competition
📺 Garage Sales
41 Berith Street Auburn
🔥 Events
Concerts and Festivals
Basketball and Cricket
Showground Experiences
🦘 Australia on ❎
🪧 Community News
Wentworthville Memorial Swim Centre
☀ Sweltering Heat Prompts Council to Act
Cumberland City Council released a welcomed announcement that there would be a 50% discount on entry fees for Saturday 10 Jan at the 3 council operated swim centres (Granville, Merrylands and Wentworthville).
The discount came at great time, with temperature in Sydney reaching as high as 42.2°C
If you missed out, don’t fret! This was also followed up with a secondary announcement that FREE entry would also apply on Australia Day 26 Jan.
🎄 Voting Open for Christmas Light Competition
Voting is open for the Cumberland City Council Christmas lights competition. Visit the website to cast your vote.
One winner from each ward will receive a $500 gift card, while a runner up and highly commended entry will receive a $200 and $100 gift cards respectively.
Voting will close tomorrow 13 January.
📺 Garage Sales
Today’s new section is for local garage sales. If we know about an upcoming garage sale we’ll include it in its own section separate from events.
If you’re running a garage sale, advertise it for free by emailing me at [email protected]
Be sure to include the address, date and time.
41 Berith Street Auburn
🕘 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Saturday 17 Jan and Sunday 18 Jan
🎵 Concerts & Festivals 🪩
DATE | Event | VENUE | TICKETS |
|---|---|---|---|
Fri 16 Jan | The Lumineers | Qudos Bank Arena | |
Sat 24 Jan | HTID | Sydney Showground | |
Sun 25 Jan | Meltdown Festival 2026 | Sydney Showground | |
Fri 6 Feb | One Republic | Qudos Bank Arena |
🏀 Sydney Kings Games 🏀
DATE | Vs. | VENUE | TICKETS |
|---|---|---|---|
Thu 22 Jan | JackJumpers | Qudos Bank Arena | |
Sun 25 Jan | Adelaide 36ers | Qudos Bank Arena | |
Thu 29 Jan | Illawarra Hawks | Qudos Bank Arena |
🏏 Sydney Thunder Games 🏏
DATE | Vs. | VENUE | TICKETS |
|---|---|---|---|
Mon 12 Jan | Melbourne Renegades | Engie Stadium |
🔥 Sydney Showground Events 🔥
EXPERIENCE | VENUE | TICKETS |
|---|---|---|
Balloon Story | Fever Pavilion | |
Machu Pichu: Journey to the Lost City | Fever Pavilion | |
Horizon of Khufu | Fever Pavilion | |
Life Chronicle | Fever Pavilion | |
Bubble Planet | Paddington Pavilion | |
The Last Stronghold | Fever Pavilion |
This table contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, the LAB Newsletter earns commission at no additional cost to you.
🎈 Community Events
Check out events and things to do for this upcoming weekend and the next.
If you’re running an event, reach out to [email protected] or reply directly and I may be able to include it this section.
⚽ Youth Soccer Program (Kids 12-15)
📍 George Parry Oval Field 1, 109 Mona Street, Auburn
9:00 am - 10:00 am today 12 JanFREE participation as part of the Cumberland City Council Youth Program
FREE parking onsite
Bring a water bottle and sign up here
🦖 DinoFest at Olympic Park (Families/Kids under 9)
📍 Blaxland Riverside Park, Olympic Park
🕥 10:30 am - 12:00 pm & 🕐 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm, until 1 FebMeet the whole herd – walking Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Spinosaurus, Ankylosaur, Pachycephalosaurs, T-Rex and adorable baby dinos
One ticket, heaps included – dinosaur encounters, dino dig, tattoos, feel-a-fossil activities + a 30-stop life-size Dino Trail
Dino Rangers bring it to life with fun facts, myth-busting and some very questionable prehistoric jokes
Perfect for families with kids under 9 – under 2 free, plus coffee & icecream vans
For further information including tickets check the event page
🫙 Newington Pop Up Markets (All Ages)
📍 Newington Marketplace
🕘 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Every 3rd Saturday (17 Jan)
Monthly market stall event with several vendors
Experience fine foods, Jewellery and homewares
Kids activities
2 Hours FREE parking
For more information including how to run your own stall visit: Newington Marketplace
🧺 Celebrating 125 Years of Federation (Families)
📍 Granville Memorial Park, Granville
🕙 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Saturday 17 JanLive Music, Free BBQ and picnic zone
Creative activities for all ages
‘One Cumberland, Many Stories’ historic exhibition
For more information check the Cumberland City Council website
🎬 Movie Marathon: Lord of the Rings (Families)
📍 Reading Cinemas Auburn, Red Yard Parramatta Road
🕙 10:00 am - Midnight Saturday 24 JanRelive the cinematic experience of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy
All 3 films, extended cuts shown in succession across 14 hours
30 minute breaks in between films
Book your tickets on the Reading Cinemas website
🇦🇺 Australia Day Celebration 2026 (Families)
📍 Holroyd Gardens Merrylands
🕔 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Monday 26 JanFireworks display 8:50 pm
Featuring food stalls and trucks, live music, cultural performances and movie screenings
Check the event page for further information
🎈 The Big Bounce Australia (All Ages)
📍 Sydney Olympic Park
20 Feb - 1 MarEnjoy a full 3 hour session in biggest and craziest inflatable touring event in the world
Multiple attractions including the world’s biggest jumping castle, the Giant (obstacle course) and several playgrounds and arenas
DJ music and food trucks on site
Children 3 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult
Tickets ranges from $40-55. For more information and booking, visit The Big Bounce Australia
🦘 Australia on ❎
Find out what they’re saying about us.
Quick interesting posts on X.com featuring Australia or its people.
source: X.com
Context: Sydney’s temperature peaked at 42.2°C this Saturday Jan 10. The following Sunday’s cold front produced a dramatic but welcomed 20°C drop.
