Helping everyone walk, ride, drive and connect more easily 10 04 06
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Waddell shares what’s happening in Hornsby Shire
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS
Read about our recent awards
HIDE AND GO CREEK FUN
Come and find Craig, our cheeky spiny crayfish and learn about keeping our creeks clean
HELLO SUMMER
Check out all the great things you can do in Hornsby Shire this summer
YOUR JOURNEY AROUND THE SHIRE
BROOKLYN HERITAGE WALK
Discover Brooklyn’s stories, landscapes and heritage
SOFT PLASTICS ARE BACK
Your soft plastics can now be recycled into useful products
YOUR COUNCILLORS
Get in touch with your Councillors
Hornsby Shire Council
Message Mayor’s
WELCOME TO ‘OUR COUNCIL’, OUR QUARTERLY PUBLICATION, BRINGING YOU NEWS OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS HORNSBY SHIRE.
As we commence a new year and enjoy the warmer months, I hope you have enjoyed a restful break with family and friends. While we know that financial pressures are real for many households, summer in Hornsby Shire offers plenty of ways to relax and have fun without breaking the bank.
From cooling off at our aquatic centres or enjoying the river, to exploring bushwalks, playing in one of our new or upgraded playgrounds, or sharing a picnic in our beautiful parks and gardens, there’s so much to discover right here on your doorstep. You can read more about what’s on offer this summer to keep the family entertained on page six.
Children will also love Hide and Go Creek, a free family-friendly activity encouraging families to explore local creeks, learn about the importance of protecting them, and take action to keep them healthy. Head out to find Craig the cheeky freshwater spiny crayfish hiding at five creeks across the Shire. Find out more on page four.
There’s also a great line-up of community events happening across the Shire this summer. To see what’s on, check out the events section on our new-look website. If you’re an event organiser, you can list your event there too using a simple form. Visit hornsby.nsw.gov.au to find out more.
We know from our recent participation in the Australian Liveability Census that our residents value good transport connections to drive, walk and cycle around their local areas. So, I’m proud that we have a comprehensive program of improvements to enhance
connectivity. Read more about a range of new shared paths, roads and footpaths across Hornsby Shire to keep you moving on page eight.
Our residents are also passionate about taking care of our natural environment for future generations. The Community Recycling Centre (CRC) is once again taking soft plastics for recycling. But what happens to your soft plastics after you leave them at the CRC? Find out more on page 12.
Our commitment to sustainability was officially recognised when Hornsby Shire Council was awarded the prestigious Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Award in recognition of our outstanding leadership and innovation. This was just one of a raft of awards received last year recognising excellence in sustainability, parks, horticulture, coastal management and more. Read more on page two.
I look forward to seeing you out and about the Shire this summer. As ever, if you have any enquiries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at wwaddell@hornsby.nsw.gov.au.
Warren Waddell Mayor, Hornsby Shire Council
CELEBRATING WINS RECOGNITION FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE
We are proud to share three recent awards that highlight our commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive and vibrant Shire. These achievements are not just about recognition – they reflect projects that deliver real benefits for our community and environment.
COLLABORATIVE RIVER MANAGEMENT EARNS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARD
In partnership with five neighbouring councils, we received the Local Government Award at the NSW Coastal Conference for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River System Coastal Management Program.
This six-year collaboration has broken down boundaries to deliver a unified approach to river management. By pooling resources and sharing knowledge, we’ve tackled complex challenges and developed strategies that protect the river and support the communities that rely on it.
FAGAN PARK CHILDREN’S FOREST WINS NATIONAL ACCLAIM
Our nature-based Children’s Forest at Fagan Park has been honoured with the 2025 Parks and Leisure Australia National Award of Excellence for Playspace under $500,000.
Designed to foster children’s connection with nature, the space includes discovery pods, timber animal interactions and outdoor learning areas. Delivered in collaboration with Fiona Robbé and funded with support from the NSW Government, this project has already received multiple awards, including recognition from AILA and Kidsafe Australia.
EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY RECOGNISED WITH SUSTAINABLE CITIES AWARD
We were named NSW Overall Sustainable Cities Winner for 2025 by Keep Australia Beautiful NSW. This award recognises initiatives such as the Wisemans Ferry Community Resilience Plan, New-Bub Bushcare, and Hornsby Second Hand Markets, which reduce waste and strengthen community spirit and resilience. We received Highly Commended awards in three categories and were finalists in two more – a testament to the passion and dedication of our staff, volunteers and residents.
These successes build on other recent honours, such as the MobileMuster Top Collector Award, the Aquas Excellence in Water Safety Award, the Community Partnership Award for our #SayHighForest campaign, the Green Space Environmental Award for Salt Pan Reserve, and a Local Government Environment Award for New-Bub Bushcare.
FIND OUT MORE
For further information about all the awardwinning projects, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Hide and Go Creek A FREE Summer Adventure!
This summer, discover the hidden wonders of Hornsby Shire’s creeks with Hide and Go Creek, a free, family-friendly adventure using augmented reality!
This fun, school holiday activity will entertain the kids while you enjoy a short, beautiful bushwalk. Get out in nature where kids (and kids at heart) can seek and scan a hidden QR code bringing Craig the freshwater spiny crayfish, our cheeky creek ambassador, out from hiding.
WHY CRAIG MATTERS
Craig isn’t just cute, he’s a freshwater spiny crayfish and a real-life health check for our creeks. He’s super sensitive to things like poor water quality, pollution and contaminants that wash in with stormwater run-off. When Craig and his crayfish friends are thriving, it means our creeks are in great shape. If they start to disappear, it’s a sign that other wildlife, like eels, frogs, and even platypus, could be in trouble too.
Earn a Rubbish Ranger Badge
Carrs Bush Discovery Loop, Fagan Park, Galston Hornsby
The good news? Council’s environmental team is confident that together, we can turn things around. By making small changes at home, we can keep our creeks healthy and create safe, thriving habitats for Craig and all the amazing native species that call them home.
HOW HIDE AND GO CREEK WORKS
Start at any of the five Hide and Go Creek locations. Seek Craig hiding behind a QR code.
Scan the QR code with your smartphone and watch Craig appear in augmented reality (it looks like he is really there).
Learn fun facts and pledge simple actions to help protect Craig.
Collect virtual badges at all five locations to become a Crazy Creek Protector!
DID YOU KNOW?
Most outdoor drains flow unfiltered to our creeks. Only clean water should ever go down them. Even natural elements like grass clippings, leaves and dog poo are extremely detrimental to our creeks and aquatic life!
Plan your adventure: hideandgocreek.com.au
Share videos with #HideAndGoCreek
Ready or not… here we come!
Earn a Leaf League Badge Ginger Meggs, Hornsby
Earn a Poo Patrol Badge Erlestoke Park Bushlands Walk, Cherrybrook
Earn a Grass Guardian Badge Pyes Creek Swing Bridge, Cherrybrook
Earn a Wash Warrior Badge Florence Cotton Walk, Hornsby
HELLO SUMMER DISCOVER YOUR BUSHLAND SHIRE STAYCATION
With so much to explore on our doorstep, it’s time to discover your new favourite spot in the Shire this summer, without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas to inspire your summer staycation.
FIND YOUR SHIRE ESCAPE
Get close to nature and relax at Crosslands Reserve, a gorgeous setting in Hornsby Heights within Berowra Valley National Park that is great for picnics, camping, bushwalking and kayaking. There is also a playground with a flying fox and a bicycle track to keep the kids busy.
SUMMER FUN FOR CURIOUS MINDS
Join in the fun at one of Council’s events for kids this summer. Play Hide and Go Creek (see page four) or take part in the Big Summer Read, Hornsby Shire Libraries’ reading challenge with great incentives to inspire a love
of reading. You can also browse the markets in Hornsby Mall, enjoy lunch at a local café, or visit Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre for a dose of creativity.
DIVE IN, CHILL OUT
Cool off or work up a sweat at Hornsby or Galston Aquatic and Leisure Centre, where you can swim laps, join classes or hit the gym in air-conditioned comfort. For those who prefer the outdoors, head to a park where fitness equipment and open spaces make it easy to walk, run and work out in the fresh air, such as Rofe Park, Berry Park or Ruddock Park.
PICNIC PERFECTION AWAITS
Enjoy a perfect picnic day out at the stunning Fagan Park. With lakes, manicured gardens, rolling green space, bush walks, playgrounds, picnic shelters and barbecue facilities, it’s one of Hornsby Shire’s most
beautiful and award-winning attractions. It’s also where Council’s Australia Day event, Fun, Food and Live Beats!, will be held on 26 January, from 10.30am.
LEVEL UP THE PLAYGROUND FUN
Try a new playground like Brickpit Park Playground in Thornleigh, where older children can test their abilities and speed on the junior ninja course against a large mounted solar-powered stopwatch, and all children will enjoy making use of the in-ground water sprays to cool off.
FIND YOUR PATH BY THE WATER
Enjoy a walk or cycle along the newly constructed Kangaroo Point Boardwalk and shared pathway at Brooklyn, between Kangaroo Point and Seymours Creek. Perfect for weekend adventures, this one-kilometre boardwalk winds through spectacular mangroves and bushland, and when you’re ready to cool off, take a dip or relax riverside at Brooklyn Baths.
SAY HELLO TO RIVER DAYS
Head out to Wisemans Ferry on the Hawkesbury River – the perfect location for a day on the water. The charming village is home to a three-lane boat ramp, as well as a new playground, a tennis court, and a mangrove walk by the waterfront.
FIND OUT MORE
To learn more about what to do in Hornsby Shire, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au
around the Shire Your Journey
MAKING IT EASIER TO MOVE, CONNECT AND ENJOY HORNSBY SHIRE
During the year, we’ve been working hard to improve the way you get around. From new footpaths and shared pathways to safer roads and tree plantings, these upgrades are helping everyone walk, ride, drive and connect more easily. With more than 20 projects completed and more underway, we’re building a safer, greener, and more connected Shire.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
20+ projects completed across the Shire
5 projects underway
More starting soon!
UPGRADES INCLUDE:
New kerb and gutter
Safer footpaths
Tree plantings for shade and greenery
Pavement improvements
Road sealing and realignment
New line marking and signs
OUTCOMES
Safer streets Road realignment, new kerbs, traffic improvements
More ways to walk and ride Shared paths and footpaths
Better connections Linking suburbs and community spaces
Improved street appeal Tree planting and pavement upgrades
WHERE HAVE WE BEEN WORKING?
Footpaths:
Heights Place, Hornsby Heights
Koloona Street, Berowra Heights
Newton Street, North Epping
Waterloo Road, North Epping
The Crest, Hornsby Heights Valley Road, Hornsby
New Line Road, Cherrybrook (Franklin Road to County Drive)
Shared pathways:
Castle Hill Road, Cherrybrook (between Victoria Road and Pennant Hills Road)
Ramsay Road, Pennant Hills (between Bellamy Street to Pennant Hills Community Centre)
Kangaroo Point Boardwalk, Brooklyn
Road improvements:
Wideview Road, Berowra (Evelyn Crescent to Kimbarra Close to Cliffview Road)
Chandler Avenue, Cowan (Fraser Road to Alberta Avenue)
Low Street, Mount Kuring-gai (Harwood Avenue to High Street)
Tecoma Drive, Glenorie (New pedestrian crossing near school)
Beechwood Parade, Cherrybrook (Upgrade pedestrian island at Purchase Road)
For more information about current infrastructure projects scan the QR code. These projects have been made possible thanks to funding from the NSW Government, your Special Rate Variation and Council’s general funds.
discover brooklyn stories, landscapes and heritage
Brooklyn sits at the meeting point of Kuring-gai National Park and the Hawkesbury River, a place where history, nature and community come together. With a rich First Nations heritage, stories of early settlers, and spectacular river and bushland views, the village offers an experience that feels both peaceful and deeply connected to the past.
These four self-guided walks invite you to explore Brooklyn at your own pace – from mangrove boardwalks and foreshore lookouts to heritage buildings, memorials and iconic railway landmarks.
Whether you’re here for a leisurely wander, a day of discovery or simply to enjoy the scenery, Brooklyn rewards every step with something new to uncover.
Choose from four self-guided walks, each offering a different way to experience Brooklyn’s rich history and natural beauty.
PEAT’S WALK
River views, historic bridges and the story of George Peat.
BUIE’S WALK
Mangroves, memorials and early village life.
VILLAGE WALK
Railway history, cottages and Brooklyn’s heritage heart.
MCKELL’S WALK
Foreshore views, parks and wartime history.
For more information about heritage walks in Hornsby Shire scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/localhistory
PEAT’S WALK
Approx. 2 km return
Easy–Moderate
Kangaroo Point and the boardwalk
Hawkesbury River Railway Bridges
Brooklyn Cemetery and Tom Richmond Oval
VILLAGE WALK
Approx. 1.2 km
Easy
Historic Hawkesbury River Station
Dangar Road cottages and Brooklyn Wharf
Heritage stores along Bridge Street
BUIE’S WALK
Approx. 1.5 km
Easy
War Memorial Hall
Brooklyn Park and historic memorials
Mangrove boardwalk and estuary habitats
MCKELL’S WALK
Approx. 2 km
Easy
Lower and Upper McKell Park
Federation Foreshore Walk
Anti-aircraft gun and Station
Master’s Cottage
Soft Plastics Recycling is Back at Thornleigh CRC
Great news for Hornsby Shire residents - soft plastics recycling has returned to our award-winning Thornleigh Community Recycling Centre (CRC). After extensive research and negotiations, we’ve secured a reliable processing partner in a challenging market.
WHAT CAN YOU DROP OFF?
Clean, dry, scrunchable soft plastics
Household quantities only
No silver lining or sticky labels WHO CAN DROP OFF?
Hornsby Shire residents only
WHERE DO YOUR PLASTICS GO?
All collected soft plastics are transported to iQRenew’s Soft Plastics Engineered Commodity (SPEC) facility on the NSW Mid North Coast. At the facility, the plastics are sorted, cleaned, and shredded, then converted into low-density polyethylene pellets. These pellets are later used by manufacturers to create practical products like crates, buckets, bollards, and decking.
Soon, you’ll have the chance to purchase items made from your recycled plastics - stay tuned for updates!
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Before heading to the CRC:
Check our website for details
Sort your recycling before you arrive
Expect longer wait times during the busy summer months
LEARN MORE
Scan the QR code or call the Waste Hotline on 13 70 30.
Clr Ben McSweeney 0423 411 928 bmcsweeney@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Deputy Mayor
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.
