News

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Construction has officially begun on the long-awaited new Richmond Agricultural Centre, set to deliver world-class education in agriculture and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding public education. Co-located with Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury campus and catering for approximately 360 students from Kindergarten to Year 12, […]

By Greg Martin Central Watch Tower The new WatchTower at Kurrajong Heights is a welcome addition to the Rural Fire Service armoury. Long-time RFS member Col Fullagar jumped at the opportunity to have it situated on his property I was sorely tempted to open this story with the famous “Big Brother is watching you” line […]

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 […]

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 […]

By Lorna Gordon The end of an era for much loved Mt Druitt Swimming Centre, which is being upgraded to include a new indoor facility. The centre celebrated 50 years of service to the community last year. Going to the pool is a summer ritual for most Aussies. Cooling off on hot days, hanging out […]