The City of Ryde's Catherine Hamlin Park, a $10.4 million project in the heart of Macquarie Park, was officially opened on 19 October 2026, providing a much-needed oasis in one of Sydney's fastest-growing precincts.
The public park, at 45 Waterloo Road, is located close to Macquarie Park Metro Station, is highly accessible from surrounding streets and has created a vibrant open space attractive for local workers, commuters and the local community.
The park includes key features such as outdoor exercise equipment, event space, seating, BBQ area, public artwork, kick-about space and an amenities building.
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown said Catherine Hamlin Park was a vital new addition to Council's open space portfolio.
"It only takes a glance at the many apartment towers being constructed in this precinct to understand the necessity for beautiful open space like this as our population and density continues to boom," he said. "The Macquarie Park Innovation District is also a thriving economic zone, which draws hundreds of workers to our City each day.
"This will be a wonderful place for local families and workers to relax and play and it helps to fulfil our promise to build thriving and connected communities, not just houses."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said the Minns Labor Government has invested $6.45 million in the project along with $3.95 million in Council funding.
"This is an important investment in quality green open space in one of Sydney's fastest-growing precincts" Mr Scully said.
"Catherine Hamilin Park is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering the infrastructure communities need to thrive and grow."
Mayor Brown said he was particularly pleased that Council was able to acknowledge a truly iconic and inspirational local woman.
The park has been named in honour of Dr Catherine Hamlin AC (1924-2020), who grew up in Ryde and became one of Australia's most remarkable humanitarians.
Together with her husband, Dr Reg Hamlin OBE, she dedicated her life to restoring the health and dignity of women living with devastating childbirth injuries, many of whom had endured years of pain, isolation and stigma.
From the hospital they established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, grew a remarkable healthcare network that today includes six specialist fistula hospitals, the Hamlin College of Midwives and Desta Mender, a rehabilitation and reintegration centre for women with complex injuries.
Since Catherine first arrived in Ethiopia, more than 82,000 women have received free treatment through the Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia healthcare network.
"We are thrilled to see the City of Ryde honour Dr Catherine Hamlin AC by naming one of its newest recreational spaces after her," said Karen Foard, Global Head of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications for the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation.
"Catherine believed deeply in the dignity and potential of every person. It is especially fitting that a place designed for families, recreation and community connection will carry her name.
"We hope Catherine Hamlin Park will introduce new generations to the story of an extraordinary Australian whose life's work continues to transform the lives of women and communities in Ethiopia."
The Catherine Hamlin Park Project is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with the City of Ryde.
