Local People

“Bill set an example to all young Australians and had shown what could be done by ability and willingness to take a chance” – said Jack Renshaw, Local Government Minister and future Premier, in 1956. Blacktown City Council has honoured construction giant Bill McNamara OAM with a Key to the City in recognition of the […]

Former Blacktown Girls High principal, Beryl Simes Smith, now has a park named in her memory in the heart of the city near her beloved school. Located on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Prince Street, opposite Blacktown Mosque, the park features  an outdoor gym, volleyball court, play equipment and undercover picnic areas. Costing $2 […]

Playwright, screenwriter and novelist Debra Oswald will discuss her new book The Family Doctor at Castle Hill library on Tuesday, 24 May. While Debra’s impressive television credits include Police Rescue, The Secret Life of Us, Sweet and Sour, Bananas in Pyjamas, the writer is a two-time winner of the NSW Premier’s Literary Award and was […]

New garage sale platform Second Hand Hornsby launched today (2 May) giving residents and buyers easy access to advertise and find sales in their district. With expectations of the Hornsby Shire becoming a pre-loved shopper’s paradise, the website is a one stop shop for people interested in buying or selling items at garage sales 52 […]

Vincent Alauni, 13, was last seen leaving his home on Denbern Street, Dean Park, about 1pm on Wednesday (20 April). Vincent is of Maori/Pacific Islander appearance, thin build, about 160cm tall, with black hair and brown eyes. He may be wearing a grey coloured tracksuit. Vincent is known to frequent the Blacktown, Mount Druitt and […]

“Guides has brought so much joy into my life,” Diane said. By Greg Martin Halfway through my interview with the Williams family – parents, Brian and Diane and their twin daughters, Justine and Kylee – I had to put a hold on the questions. “Will you excuse me while I ring Julie Ryan, our publisher, […]

“I was surprised and really happy the Foundation had finally been recognised in the community, at the end of the day we are the only agency in the Hills specialising in supporting women and children who experience domestic violence so it helps to raise our profile,” Aileen said. By Lorna Gordon Aileen Mountfield had been […]

“I met up with two Hungarians mates and we then headed up north to Ingham to cut sugar cane, lasting a couple of months before I finally arrived in Sydney to see those kangaroos,” Alex said with a laugh. By Greg Martin Two famous names to come out of Transylvania over the past two centuries […]

NSW Police Superintendent Donna McCarthy and Foster Care Angels founder Kelly Doyle have been named joint winners of the 2022 Blacktown City Woman of the Year Award. Supt. Donna McCarthy is the Commander of Riverstone Police Area Command, and has served with NSW Police for 35 years. Kelly Doyle is the founder of children’s charity […]

By Maryann Jenkins. Pictures by Kathryn Johnson Decades of commitment and selfless volunteering, some over generations of family, was honoured at the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association (HDAA) awards presentation night on 29 January. Attended by more than 150 people and all three tiers of government, the awards recognised completion of 10, 20, 30 and 40 […]

A dedicated community advocate and volunteer, a correctional officer who is passionate about the environment, a five-year-old charity founder and a COVID-safe Christmas lunch for those in need, are the recipients of this year’s Blacktown City Australia Day Awards. Deputy mayor Brad Bunting presided over this year’s online presentation this year, which saw a diverse […]

Some of Hawkesbury’s most outstanding citizens, community workers, sportspeople and artists have been honoured for their work in this year’s Australia Day awards. The 2022 recipients are: Diane Williams – Citizen of the Year – Commitment to Girl Guides; Sophie Wills – Young Citizen of the Year – Defibrillator installation program; Anne Robbie – Volunteer […]