Welcome to The Independent Magazines

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 […]

On my way home after interviewing Jill Reardon, my thoughts turned to Leo Tolstoy and his huge and hugely successful novel, War and Peace. You would nearly have to have been a weightlifter to pick up the book which, depending on the publisher, runs anywhere between 1,200 and 1,400 pages! Such was the wealth of […]

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: […]

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 […]

Rotary Honour for Hills Community Champion by Greg Martin To Rotarians around the world, being named a Paul Harris Fellow is one of the highest honours a member can receive comparable to a Victoria Cross for valour, an Academy Award, a Nobel Peace Prize or soccer’s Ballon d’Or. Paul Harris was the American lawyer who […]

Young people looking to make a difference in their community are being encouraged to apply for The Hills Shire’s Sydney Hills Youth Ambassador Program. Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, said the 12-month program offers young residents a valuable opportunity to develop leadership skills while helping shape the future of the community. “The […]

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 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 […]

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 writers are being invited to go ‘all out’ as part of the 2026 Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize. The annual competition is open to adults, and to children (aged 8 to 17 years) who live in Blacktown City, with entrants invited to submit a fictional short story or poem inspired by the idea […]

A massive new multi-use park set to become a recreation hub for Sydney’s booming north-west is nearing completion, with residents eagerly awaiting its official opening later this year. Blacktown City Council is putting the finishing touches on the 20-hectare Ken Birdsey Park at Schofields, a major community project designed to cater for sport, fitness, family […]

Emma Hoskins has been a busy young woman — so busy, in fact, that by the time she turns 16 in September, she will already have made a remarkable contribution to her community and culture. That contribution has now been recognised with Emma being nominated for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards in […]

Blacktown City Council has unveiled its draft 2026/27 Operational Plan and Budget, outlining a record $1.011 billion investment in essential services, infrastructure and community facilities for one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. The draft budget is the first in Council’s history to exceed the $1 billion mark, highlighting the scale of growth and demand across the […]

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, […]