By Greg Martin Down the ages, people have been remembered in many ways – with bridges, museums, sporting venues and statues. Crikey, during my travels I’ve even come across a toilet block named in honour of a bloke whose surname was Dunne! Silverdale’s Reg Varley would no doubt be chuffed to know his contribution to […]
Hornsby Shire Council is bringing back its popular Native Plant Giveaways this August for residents in the Shire’s northern suburbs, following the success of its March event for southern residents. This year, the program has been divided geographically to give more residents the opportunity to take part. The March giveaway was available to those living […]
By Lorna Gordon What began as a diagnosis for a chronic health condition has grown into one of Australia’s most unique community fundraising events. On Saturday, 29 August, the Galston Valley Railway will once again come alive with the sound of miniature locomotives as volunteer teams from across New South Wales take on the Galston […]
By Lorna Gordon There were plenty of smiles, cheers and happy memories shared when the Halinda Bowling League celebrated its 40th anniversary in May, marking four decades of friendship, inclusion and sporting achievement for people with disability. The league’s story began in 1984 when students from Halinda School started visiting the local bowling centre as […]
By Greg Martin Down the ages, people have been remembered in many ways – with bridges, museums, sporting venues and statues. Crikey, during my travels I’ve even come across a toilet block named in honour of a bloke whose surname was Dunne! Silverdale’s Reg Varley would no doubt be chuffed to know his contribution to […]
Get ready for a fantastic day out as Hawkesbury Fest returns on Sunday, August 9, from 10am to 3pm at Governor Phillip Park, Windsor. Held annually during Local Government Week, Hawkesbury Fest is a free community event celebrating everything that makes the Hawkesbury special. The festival showcases the work of Hawkesbury City Council and its […]
Fans of classic British television comedy are in for a treat when Richmond Players present the much-loved stage adaptation of Are You Being Served? Based on the iconic sitcom, the production follows the quirky staff of the fictional Grace Brothers department store as they navigate workplace dramas, interpersonal relationships and the daily challenges of retail […]
There are so many wonderful reasons to join your local library, but Hawkesbury Library Service is here with one more just for you! During July, the Library is back with its annual Membership Drive, celebrating all new and existing members with a range of prizes for all ages. All new Hawkesbury Library members who join […]
As Urban Real Estate continues expanding across north-west Sydney, the independently owned business says its long-term success has been built on strong internal culture, local knowledge and investing in people for the future. With offices located throughout some of Sydney’s fastest-growing communities, Urban Real Estate has continued strengthening its presence across the region by focusing […]
The Hawkesbury community has welcomed an impressive new early childhood education and care option, with Explore & Develop North Richmond officially opening its doors to local families. The centre has been established by experienced early childhood professionals Diane and Rachael, who together bring more than 30 years of experience to the sector. While the new […]
by Greg Martin We were returning to home base after interviewing multi award-winning Munro’s Quality Meats proprietor Craig Munro when I quipped to our ace photographer, Kathryn Johnston, that Craig was certainly the “Baron of Beef”. That sparked a rapid-fire swapping of nicknames for Craig Tsar of Sausages, King of Kransky, Prince of Pork, Baron […]
by Michelle Nichols & Jonathan Auld Woolworths is an iconic name in Australian retail and has been operating in Australia for over 100 years. The first Woolworths store was established in Sydney in 1924 and opened in the old Imperial Arcade in Pitt Street. There is no connection to the American retail firm, instead the […]
The Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of a free household asbestos collection and disposal trial, set to begin in 2027. Mayor Byrne said she had long advocated for changes to make asbestos disposal more accessible and affordable. “I’ve been calling for a new approach to asbestos […]
Hornsby Shire Council is bringing back its popular Native Plant Giveaways this August for residents in the Shire’s northern suburbs, following the success of its March event for southern residents. This year, the program has been divided geographically to give more residents the opportunity to take part. The March giveaway was available to those living […]
Stockland has officially opened its new Lake Foreshore precinct at The Gables, creating a vibrant waterfront destination for residents and visitors in Sydney’s north-west Hills District. Spanning more than 20,000 square metres, the Lake Foreshore features 160 metres of boardwalks, five playgrounds, a basketball half-court, picnic areas, accessible pathways and expansive green open space, providing […]
By Lorna Gordon What began as a diagnosis for a chronic health condition has grown into one of Australia’s most unique community fundraising events. On Saturday, 29 August, the Galston Valley Railway will once again come alive with the sound of miniature locomotives as volunteer teams from across New South Wales take on the Galston […]
Families across The Hills are set to benefit from the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the region’s history, with the Minns Labor Government announcing a series of new schools and major upgrades as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget. The funding package includes two new schools in Bella Vista, a new public preschool […]
Hills Shire residents are invited to celebrate NAIDOC Week and First Nations culture at the third annual Yarn at the Farm event, featuring a diverse range of fun and interactive cultural experiences for the whole family. Council’s Yarn at the Farm event is delivered in partnership with local First Nations enterprise Muru Mittigar. The day […]
Community groups, environmental organisations and local councils across Australia are being encouraged to apply for funding through the 2026 Healthy Cities Landcare Grants Program, which has officially opened for applications. Following another successful year in 2025, the program, delivered by Landcare Australia in partnership with Bupa Australia, will provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 […]
As Urban Real Estate continues expanding across north-west Sydney, the independently owned business says its long-term success has been built on strong internal culture, local knowledge and investing in people for the future. With offices located throughout some of Sydney’s fastest-growing communities, Urban Real Estate has continued strengthening its presence across the region by focusing […]
Blacktown City Council has voted to reduce the size of a planned Special Rate Variation (SRV), following approval from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). IPART approved Council’s application on 4 June 2026, allowing rates to increase over three years to help fund essential infrastructure, maintenance and services needed for the city’s rapidly growing […]
By Lorna Gordon There were plenty of smiles, cheers and happy memories shared when the Halinda Bowling League celebrated its 40th anniversary in May, marking four decades of friendship, inclusion and sporting achievement for people with disability. The league’s story began in 1984 when students from Halinda School started visiting the local bowling centre as […]
By Julie Ryan Blacktown City’s sporting community came together to celebrate its finest athletes, coaches, volunteers and clubs at the annual Blacktown City Sports Awards, with boxer Tyrell Adams taking home the night’s highest honour, Sportsperson of the Year. Adams, who trains with Boxfit Windsor, said he was “incredibly honoured and humbled” to receive the […]
By Greg Martin The words highly respected and much admired barely begin to describe how Blacktown residents feel about Dr Prabha Chandra. Revered is probably a better fit. When your favourite magazine learned that Dr Chandra was retiring after 53 years at his Stephen Street practice, we knew there was a story worth telling. So, […]
Young people in Mount Druitt who are at risk of entering the justice system will receive additional support through community-led programs aimed at improving outcomes and strengthening community safety. The NSW Government has announced almost $5 million in funding through its Community Safety Investment Fund, with more than 25 projects across the state set to […]
For five decades, NAIDOC Week has celebrated the voices of our communities — steady, unapologetic, and proud. Each year, its themes have called for truth, celebrated culture, honoured resistance, and reminded the nation of who we are. Fifty Years of Deadly marks a milestone. It’s a tribute to the people who built this movement. the […]
If Patrick Beach was applying for a job, he could do a lot worse than asking Jim Fraser for a reference. “He’s a really good kid. He takes advice, is eager to learn, very receptive to change and highly intuitive,” Fraser says. The now 22-year-old goalkeeper may well say he owes Fraser a lot, but […]
By Janakan Seemampillai GWS GIANTS Academy youngster Ethan Matthews has confirmed his credentials as a potential first round draft pick in this year’s AFL National Draft, with a scintillating performance for the Allies against a strong Vic Country outfit in the opening game of the U-18 Boys National Championships at Blacktown Sports Park yesterday. Despite […]
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