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The reconstruction of the historic Thomas James Bridge near Lower Macdonald has received the prestigious Judges’ Excellence Award in Heritage at the 2026 IPWEA NSW & ACT Engineering Awards. The award was accepted by Hawkesbury City Council Acting General Manager Will Barton at the 2026 State Conference in April. Built by convicts in the 1830s, […]

The curtain has officially risen once again on one of Greater Western Sydney’s most iconic entertainment venues, with the historic Regent Theatre in Richmond reopening after an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation. The long-awaited reopening marks a major boost for Sydney’s live music and arts scene, particularly in the rapidly growing north-west region, where residents have increasingly […]

By Greg Martin Richmond Veterans member Michael Harrison gets in some practice ahead of his tilt at the $25,000 Mega Cash hole-in-one prize at the annual Richmond Club Charity Golf Day. Watching closely are (l–r): fellow member Peter Bazewell, golf club bar manager Ashley Newis, Vets president Ken Powell and club pro Nick Banham. Photo: […]

By Greg Martin Glen Baigent took time out from doing that voodoo, that cobblers and locksmiths do so well, to proudly hold aloft the Best Forward trophy he earned during that auspicious season he had with the Badgery’s Creek A Grade league team back in 1982. This is the group of cobbers who did battle […]

By Greg Martin When she’s not attending girl guides meetings and functions, Diane Williams always finds time to potter in the spectacular gardens surrounding the Williams home in Bilpin. The gardens attract a large variety of birds who always find a bite to eat compliments of their hosts! Nearly five decades down the track, Diane […]

Residents across the district are being urged to speak up as Hawkesbury City Council seeks approval for a significant rate increase above the State’s annual rate peg. The proposal has been lodged with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), which is now calling for community feedback as part of its formal assessment process. Community […]

The Hawkesbury’s biggest and most beloved annual event is set to return this April, with the 139th Annual Hawkesbury Show promising three unforgettable days of entertainment, community spirit, and country charm. Running from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26 at the Hawkesbury Showground in Clarendon, this iconic event continues to celebrate the region’s rich […]

By Christine Rau When the producers of ABC Radio’s triple j Hottest 100 reviewed their 2024 countdown, they were alarmed to see only 29 Australian songs had made the list representing just 18 Australian artists. In contrast, 24 of the top 100 songs came from only four US acts. It was the weakest Australian showing […]

By Pam Wilson The historic Box Hill Inn on Windsor Road, opposite the Rouse Hill House Estate, has a rich history dating back to the early colonial period. The land was originally granted by Governor Macquarie on 8 May 1810 as a wedding gift to Lieutenant Maurice O’Connell and Mary Putland, daughter of Governor Bligh. […]

By Matt Austin The Hills Shire will be represented on the world stage this year, with local open water swimmer Daniel Carter and coach Josh Stapley from Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre earning Australian team honours following standout performances at the national level. Carter has been selected in the Australian Junior Dolphins team to compete […]

By Julie Ryan After almost 50 years in medicine, respected Castle Hill GP Dr Robert Elliott is retiring, bringing to a close an extraordinary career dedicated to caring for generations of local families across the Hills District. Dr Elliott’s journey into medicine was anything but traditional. Leaving school at just 15 years of age, his […]

By Lorna Gordon Alive ‘n Kicking Hills team welcome Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne to one of their games. If you ever used jumpers for goal posts to enjoy a kick about with mates, played for your school or local team and look back on those moments and wish you could still play football, then there’re […]

The Hills Shire Council has partnered with Alive and Kicking Hills to help residents aged 60 and over stay active, social and healthy through a fun and affordable community soccer program. Alive and Kicking Hills is a local over-60s soccer group that meets every Tuesday from 8.30am at Ted Horwood Reserve in Baulkham Hills. The […]

By Lorna Gordon Advika and Rihanna Ambassadors have worked on projects to connect with the young people of the community. The young people of the Hills will be happy to know that their thoughts and feelings about what is happening in our area is being represented to our local council by two very capable young […]

By Christine Rau When the producers of ABC Radio’s triple j Hottest 100 reviewed their 2024 countdown, they were alarmed to see only 29 Australian songs had made the list representing just 18 Australian artists. In contrast, 24 of the top 100 songs came from only four US acts. It was the weakest Australian showing […]

Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne with the winners of the Australia Day Awards Local residents and community groups whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact across The Hills Shire were recognised at Council’s 2026 Australia Day Awards Ceremony, held on Wednesday 21 January at the Pioneer Theatre. The annual event celebrated the outstanding contributions […]

By John Horne The Dharug people created the first tracks and pathways through what is now Blacktown City. These ancient routes were used for travel and trade long before European settlement. When Europeans arrived, bushrangers soon became part of life in the district. Many were escaped convicts desperate for food and supplies, while others were […]

Blacktown City is set to welcome an exciting international gymnastics tournament when the Marival Cup returns to Rooty Hill Leisure Centre this July, bringing together athletes from across Australia and overseas. More than 120 gymnasts will compete in rhythmic and aesthetic group gymnastics competitions from 17 to 19 July at the Blacktown City Council venue, […]

By Matt Austin Blacktown Rugby Club is entering a new era in 2026, focusing on rebuilding for the future while continuing to strengthen its proud rugby culture in Western Sydney. The club celebrates 48 years in the region this year and, despite some tough results early in the season, there is a growing sense of […]

Free, walk-in mental health and emotional support will continue to be available in the heart of Blacktown, with Safe Space Blacktown relocating to a new, more central site at 4 Grafton Street. Operated by Stride, the free after-hours support service has moved from its former location at 24 Panorama Parade to better meet the needs […]

Construction is now officially underway on the new Rouse Hill Hospital, a major and long-awaited milestone for health care here in Northwest Sydney. For local families, the new hospital will be a game-changer. Northwest Sydney is one of the fastest-growing regions not just in New South Wales, but in the country. For far too long, […]

Harinder Kaur has spent the past 13 years on a mission but it is not one that can be spoken of in the past tense. It continues every day, driven by her determination and the network she has built to support others in need. It is a mission born from tragedy, something far from her […]

By Christine Rau When the producers of ABC Radio’s triple j Hottest 100 reviewed their 2024 countdown, they were alarmed to see only 29 Australian songs had made the list representing just 18 Australian artists. In contrast, 24 of the top 100 songs came from only four US acts. It was the weakest Australian showing […]

One of Western Sydney’s most important wildlife refuges is facing destruction, with the NSW Government backing a proposal that would see the Riverstone Wetlands bulldozed and replaced with industrial development. Despite covering just ten hectares, the Riverstone Wetlands play a critical role in supporting biodiversity across Sydney and beyond. During peak seasons, the site supports […]