SPRING | 2026
YOUR QUARTERLY EDITION OF COUNCIL NEWS
TRANSFORMING LOCAL SPACES SPRING INTO PLAY LOVE YOUR HOME BE BUSH FIRE READY hornsby.nsw.gov.au
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Contents 01 MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Waddell shares the latest news from across Hornsby Shire
02 TRANSFORMING LOCAL SPACES
The latest progress at Westleigh Park and Galston Village
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SPRING INTO PLAY
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LOVE YOUR HOME
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OUR LOCAL HEROES
Explore three upgraded playgrounds across the Shire
Simple tips for a more comfortable and sustainable home
Meet the people helping make Hornsby Shire a great place to live
12 GET PREPARED
Practical steps to get ready for bush fire season
13 YOUR COUNCILLORS
Contact details for your local Councillors
Cover image: Edward Bennett Playground © Tim Watson
Hornsby Shire Council
Mayor’s
Message WELCOME TO ‘OUR COUNCIL’, OUR QUARTERLY PUBLICATION, BRINGING YOU NEWS OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS HORNSBY SHIRE. As we head into the warmer months, we also share practical advice to help residents prepare for bush fire season. Taking a few simple steps around your home now can make a real difference in reducing risk and I’m proud to share that we have taken significant steps improving safety for your family. in the progression of two of our major projects. You’ll also meet local residents who are finding smart Construction is now underway on the transformation ways to make their homes more comfortable, energy of Galston Village, which will revitalise the village centre with improved safety, accessibility, landscaping efficient and sustainable through our Love Your Home initiative. Their practical ideas show how small and public spaces while preserving its unique changes can deliver significant benefits for households character. and the environment. We have also commenced work on the new mountain bike trail network at Westleigh Park, delivering a purpose-built recreational facility that will provide SMART WAYS TO exciting opportunities for riders of all ages and skill MAKE THEIR HOMES MORE levels while protecting important environmental values. COMFORTABLE, ENERGY Welcome to the Spring edition of Our Council, our quarterly newsletter sharing news from across the Shire.
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SPRING IS THE PERFECT SEASON TO GET OUTDOORS AND ENJOY SOME OF OUR NEWEST COMMUNITY SPACES.
Our Council – Spring 2026
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EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE
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Spring is the perfect season to get outdoors and enjoy some of our newest community spaces. In this edition, you’ll discover three upgraded playgrounds at Hornsby Heights, Asquith and Cherrybrook, each designed to create fun, welcoming and accessible places for local families to connect, play and enjoy the outdoors.
Finally, I encourage you to read about some of the dedicated Council staff whose work often happens behind the scenes but has a lasting impact on our community every day. I hope you enjoy this edition of Our Council. Warren Waddell Mayor, Hornsby Shire Council
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transforming
local spaces Work has officially begun on the exciting transformation of Galston Village, with Hornsby Shire Council recently marking the milestone with a sod turning ceremony to launch construction of the Galston Village Public Domain project. The upgrade will revitalise Galston’s main street and surrounding areas, delivering improvements that enhance safety, accessibility and the overall experience for pedestrians, motorists, cyclists and public transport users. Key features include new landscaping, outdoor seating, angled parking, improved signage and a complete renewal of the corner park to better serve the growing community.
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GALSTON VILLAGE PUBLIC DOMAIN PROJECT
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PRESERVING GALSTON’S UNIQUE VILLAGE CHARACTER WHILE PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE.
Mayor Warren Waddell said the project reflects Council’s commitment to preserving Galston’s unique village character while preparing for the future.
The upgrades follow extensive planning and community consultation, with strong support received during the exhibition of the Galston Village Public Domain Plan. Construction is expected to be completed by Spring 2027, weather permitting.
The project will also deliver raised pedestrian crossings, upgraded footpaths, improved street lighting, bike racks and enhanced bus stop facilities, including new bus shelters. As part of the works, the High Pedestrian Activity Area will be upgraded and the speed limit through the village centre reduced to 40 km/h, creating a safer environment for everyone.
Sod turning with the Mayor and Councillors
Works begin
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Hornsby Shire Council
The Mayor, Councillors and State Member join the mountain bike community
WESTLEIGH PARK NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL NETWORK Construction has commenced on a new purpose-built mountain bike trail network at Westleigh Park, marking a major milestone in the delivery of one of Hornsby Shire’s most anticipated recreational projects. The project will transform the long-standing informal H2O trails into a safer and more sustainable facility designed for riders of all ages and skill levels. When complete, the network will provide approximately 6km of mountain bike trails, including upgrades to around 4km of existing trails and 2km of new trail connections. The trail network has been shaped through extensive community consultation, environmental studies and detailed design work to balance recreation opportunities with the protection of areas of high biodiversity value. The result will be a purpose-built destination featuring a mix of flow, freeride and cross-country trails suitable for everyone from families and beginners through to more experienced riders. Council recently marked the commencement of construction with members of the local mountain biking community, recognising the years of planning and collaboration that have brought the project to life. The new trail network is expected to open in early 2027 and will provide a significant addition to the Shire’s growing range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Our Council – Spring 2026
Community riders look forward to the new facility
FIND OUT MORE For further information, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ major-projects
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spring
INTO PLAY EXPLORE THREE UPGRADED PLAYGROUNDS ACROSS THE SHIRE Ulolo Park, Hornsby Heights A unique playground celebrating Hornsby Heights’ firefighting history has opened at Ulolo Community Park. Inspired by the site’s former use as an RFS training venue, the new play space features a fire truck play structure named Puff after the Hornsby Heights Rural Fire Brigade’s much-loved vintage vehicle. The upgrade also includes new pathways, seating, landscaping, accessibility improvements and additional tree planting, creating a welcoming space for families to gather and play.
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Hornsby Shire Council
Amor Street Park, Asquith
Edward Bennett Oval, Cherrybrook
The upgraded Amor Street Park playground brings a nautical theme to Asquith, celebrating the story of Captain Edward Robert Amor. Tower play equipment, nature play features, picnic facilities and improved pathways provide a fun and accessible destination for local families.
The upgraded district playground at Edward Bennett Oval offers something for everyone, from babies and toddlers to teens and even adults. Families can enjoy a range of play experiences, including climbing, swinging, balancing and nature play, along with a hammock for those wanting to relax and take in the surroundings.
Community feedback helped shape the design, with additional shade and landscaping enhancing the park’s The fully fenced playground is complemented by natural setting. picnic shelters, an accessible BBQ, accessible seating, connecting footpaths and an amenities building. A pedestrian circuit around the oval also FIND OUT MORE creates a great space for walking, scooting and exercise, while additional tree planting, shade Find your next family sails and water-quality improvements enhance adventure at: the site. hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ playgrounds
Saturday 7 November, 3pm - 9pm Dural Lane, Hornsby LIVE MUSIC | FOOD TRUCKS | LICENSED BAR MARKET STALLS | KIDS ACTIVITIES | AND LOTS MORE!
hornsby.nsw.gov.au/SpringFest
Our Council – Spring 2026
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Love your
home
A MORE COMFORTABLE, EFFICIENT HOME Want to love your home more, all while saving cash and the planet? Cowan resident Michael and Berowra resident Ruth opened their homes to show us what they’ve been doing to make them more comfortable and energy efficient. Michael has been transforming his 1940s weatherboard home into a fully electric, energyefficient house and now pays zero dollars for electricity. Ruth has gradually upgraded her 1980s brick home with solar panels, a battery, new windows and shutters to improve comfort, sustainability and resilience.
FAVOURITE HACKS FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS Our Love Your Home video series highlights simple hacks and practical tips from residents who have already done it.
Here are their favourite hacks: Seal gaps and draughts to keep warm air in during winter and hot air out in summer. Air leaks can account for up to 25% of heat loss in winter. Add insulation to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round. Without it, heat escapes through your ceiling in winter and enters in summer. Upgrade windows and window coverings to reduce heat gain and heat loss. During summer, up to 87% of unwanted heat can enter a home through windows.
Michael says door seals make a huge difference
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Plan ahead for solar, batteries and electrification. Consider how future upgrades, such as an electric vehicle, heat pump hot water system or induction cooktop, could fit into your plans. Hornsby Shire Council
DID YOU KNOW? Local homes generate around 65% of the Shire’s total carbon emissions. Improving our homes’ energy efficiency and switching to renewable energy is one of the biggest ways we can reduce emissions across Hornsby Shire and help achieve our net zero emissions target by 2050.
THE VERDICT’S IN: RUTH AND MICHAEL’S TOP HOME UPGRADES Best change made: Getting a battery. It gives me much more flexibility in how and when I use power.
- Michael More than energy savings Home energy upgrades can deliver benefits beyond lower power bills: A more comfortable home in summer and winter. Less noise from traffic, trains and other
neighbourhood sounds.
Fewer insects and less dust entering through
gaps and cracks.
Installing solar and then adding a battery. You save money and feel great about it.
- Ruth Best-value upgrade: Door seals and draught-proofing. They made a huge difference for very little cost.
Improved protection against bush fires and
smoke through features such as well-sealed homes and external metal shutters.
- Michael
Better indoor air quality and a reduced risk of
moisture-related mould.
Feeling good about the energy you use and
inspiring others to make changes too.
Insulation. It was easy to do, relatively inexpensive and made a noticeable difference straight away.
- Ruth Couldn’t live without: Solar and a battery. It’s a no-brainer.
My electric vehicle and the ease that brings!
- Michael
- Ruth
FIND OUT MORE
Ruth says installing solar saves her money Our Council – Spring 2026
Discover practical home hacks and watch Michael and Ruth’s stories at: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ loveyourhome
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Our Local
Heroes MEET THE STAFF MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY From delivering storytime sessions to helping reduce waste, creating parks and preparing for bush fire season, our staff are making Hornsby Shire a safer, greener and more connected place to live.
Helping residents reduce waste Meanwhile, Senior Customer Service Officer Lani is one of the friendly voices behind the Waste Hotline, helping residents with everything from bin repairs to recycling enquiries. “It’s rewarding working with a great supportive team and making a difference in the place my family and I call home.” says Lani.
Connecting our community through libraries
Whether it’s finding a new home for a pre-loved item or getting advice on what goes in the right bin, Leesa and Lani are helping residents make more sustainable choices. As a Waste Project Officer, Leesa helps residents reduce waste through community education and initiatives such as Second-Hand Hornsby.
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IT’S REWARDING TO SEE PEOPLE EMBRACE REUSE, SAVE MONEY, CONNECT WITH THEIR COMMUNITY AND KEEP VALUABLE ITEMS OUT OF LANDFILL - leesa 8
For 17 years, Cathryn has welcomed visitors through the doors of our libraries, helping people access everything from books and digital resources to public computers and printers. One of her favourite parts of the role is presenting Storytime and Bubs and Books sessions, nurturing a love of reading from an early age. “It’s incredibly rewarding helping children and families connect with reading, learning and the library,” she says. Hornsby Shire Council
Preparing for bush fire season
Creating places for people
If you’ve enjoyed a new playground, visited an upgraded park or spent time in one of our community spaces, there’s a good chance Meredith has helped bring it to life.
For the team, bush fire mitigation is about more than reducing fuel loads. Every project is carefully planned to balance community safety with the protection of our unique natural environment.
As a Landscape Architect and Project Manager, Meredith works with communities, designers and contractors to create welcoming outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed for years to come.
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Protecting our community and environment from bush fire risk starts long before summer. Our bush fire team works year-round to manage asset protection zones and fire trails, helping protect homes and community assets while ensuring access for firefighters. They also plan and deliver hazard reduction burns in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.
SEEING FAMILIES AND CHILDREN ENJOYING A SPACE I’VE HELPED CREATE IS INCREDIBLY SPECIAL. - meredith Helping keep buildings safe
They also work closely with residents through the Bush Fire Aware Streets program, helping communities understand local risks and prepare for bush fire season.
- myles
FIND OUT MORE For further information, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ careers Our Council – Spring 2026
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OUR WORK HELPS PROTECT THE LIVES AND PROPERTIES OF RESIDENTS WHILE ALSO PROTECTING THE NATURAL AREAS WE ALL ENJOY.
Petrea has spent 18 years building a career at Council and now works as a Senior Building Certifier. From assessing development applications to carrying out building inspections and fire safety audits, her work helps ensure buildings across the Shire are safe and compliant. “It’s rewarding to know that what we do has a positive impact, whether it’s improving fire safety or helping create safer places for people to live and work.” says Petrea.
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get prepared
now
SIMPLE STEPS TO PREPARE FOR BUSH FIRE SEASON Living close to bushland is part of what makes Hornsby Shire special, but it also means many homes can be exposed to bush fire, particularly wind-driven embers that can travel well ahead of the fire front.
Look up
The good news? There are practical things you can do around your home now to reduce the risk.
Clear leaves, twigs and debris from your roof,
Start with the roof – one of the first places embers can land. gutters and valleys
Check and repair damaged, missing or loose roof
LOOK UP
LOOK AROUND
tiles
Check for openings where embers could enter and
have them properly sealed
TIP LOOK IN
LOOK AHEAD
Metal gutter guards can help reduce the amount of leaf litter collecting in gutters, but gutters still need to be checked and cleaned regularly.
Look around Your garden can be a beautiful buffer, or fuel for a fire. Keep grass short and gardens well maintained. Remove fallen leaves, twigs, bark and other debris from around your home. Then take a walk around your property and ask: Are trees or shrubs overhanging or touching the
house?
Is vegetation creating a continuous pathway
towards the building?
Are garden beds too close to windows or walls? Are wood piles, outdoor furniture or other items
that can burn stored close to the home?
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Hornsby Shire Council
Look in
Look ahead
Embers don’t need a big opening to cause trouble.
Preparation isn’t just about the house. It’s about having the right equipment, water and plan.
Check your doors, windows, vents, walls and under-house areas for gaps where embers could enter. Consider: Installing metal mesh screens on external doors,
windows, vents and weepholes
Sealing gaps around doors and windows Installing draught excluders on external doors Repairing or covering gaps in external walls Enclosing subfloor spaces where appropriate
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PREPARATION ISN’T JUST ABOUT THE HOUSE. IT’S ABOUT HAVING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT, WATER AND PLAN.
Our Council – Spring 2026
Do you have a water tank, pool or dam? Consider
purchasing a fire fighting pump and equipment and install a Static Water Supply (SWS) sign at the front of your house
Make sure hoses are long enough to reach around
your home
Check your home and contents insurance. Is your
cover adequate and up to date?
Make your plan and download the Hazards Near
Me app. Know what you will do before you need to do it and decide your trigger to leave, where you will go and what you will take
FIND OUT MORE For further information, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ bushfireaware
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Hornsby Art Prize 2026 16 oct – 1 NOV Tuesday – Sunday 10am-4pm free entry Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre 25 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby hornsby.nsw.gov.au/artprize
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Hornsby Shire Council
your
councillors WHICH WARD IS YOURS?
MAYOR
To find out which ward you live in, scan the QR code.
Warren Waddell (02) 9847 6666 wwaddell@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
A WARD COUNCILLORS Clr Jane Seaglove (02) 9847 6666 jseaglove@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Clr Olivia Simons (02) 9847 6666 osimons@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Clr Monika Ball 0468 374 611 mball@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Clr Sallianne McClelland Clr Janelle McIntosh 0418 554 238 0413 251 055 smcclelland@hornsby.nsw.gov.au jmcintosh@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Clr Matthew Conley 0432 835 120 mconley@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Clr Verity Greenwood Clr Ben McSweeney 0402 444 456 0423 411 928 vgreenwood@hornsby.nsw.gov.au bmcsweeney@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
B WARD COUNCILLORS
Clr Nathan Tilbury 0403 227 560 ntilbury@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Deputy Mayor
C WARD COUNCILLORS
Our Council – Spring 2026
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Council recognises the Traditional Owners of the lands of Hornsby Shire, the Dharug and GuriNgai peoples, and pays respect to their Ancestors and Elders past and present and to their Heritage. We acknowledge and uphold their intrinsic connections and continuing relationships to Country.
GET IN TOUCH ‘Our Council’ is a Hornsby Shire Council publication. Send us your feedback or suggestions for stories to: media@hornsby.nsw.gov.au Subscribe to our monthly eNews: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/enews
CONTACT DETAILS Hornsby Shire Council PO Box 37, Hornsby NSW 1630 Phone: 9847 6666 Fax: (02) 9847 6999 Email: hsc@hornsby.nsw.gov.au Customer service (telephone and online) hours: 8.30am–5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) In person: Customer Enquiries counter is located inside Hornsby Library, 28-44 George Street, Hornsby hornsby.nsw.gov.au This publication is printed on Sovereign Silk Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified paper using vegetable oil based inks and an alcohol-free ISO 14001 certified printing process.