SYDNEY HILLS
NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL INSIDE
Volunteer at the Rose Garden Help Plan for the Future
What’s on at the Library
Meet the Hills Shire Youth Ambassadors And more…
WINTER 2023
A few of our wonderful rose garden volunteers (L to R): Alan White, Joyce Keouw, Jim Jarron, Priscilla Bingley, John Drayton, Kylie Liston and Cathy Walsh.
Thousands of new jobs, more homes, green spaces, infrastructure upgrades and an ‘Eat Street’ are some of the highlights proposed in Council’s Draft Precinct Plans for Norwest, Rouse Hill and Castle Hill.
The Draft Precinct Plans set a 20-year vision on how each area will be reimagined as exciting precincts within walking distance of a world-class Sydney Metro station.
The draft Plans aim to concentrate high-density
developments within walking distance of the train. This is to preserve The Hills Shire’s existing residential character while also providing a mix of housing options for future generations and more places where people can set up a business, such as a retail outlet or café.
The Plans also outline infrastructure to support this growth, including new or upgraded parks, cycleways and footpaths as well as better connections to the precincts, community facilities and public transport.
KEY FEATURES FOR THE DRAFT PRECINCT PLAN FOR NORWEST
• Capacity for 30,000 extra jobs with dedicated areas for commercial office development around Norwest Station, west of Cattai Creek, as well as along Carrington Road;
• Capacity for 18,100 homes;
• A proposed new park alongside Norwest Lake;
• Enhancement of the Cattai Creek Greenway Link Corridor alongside the Castle Hill Showground;
• New pedestrian bridges and links over Norwest Boulevarde, Windsor, Carrington and Showground Roads; and
• New road links, upgrades and intersection improvements throughout the Precinct, including the potential extension of Carrington Road from Victoria Avenue through to Windsor Road.
KEY FEATURES FOR THE DRAFT PRECINCT PLAN FOR CASTLE HILL
• Capacity for 13,500 extra jobs with dedicated areas for commercial office development within and around the Ring Road, including an education precinct with a new university;
• Capacity for 7,400 homes;
• Proposal to extend Arthur Whitling Reserve;
• Extension of the existing Main Street and reimagining of McDougall Lane as an ‘Eat Street’;
• New urban plazas and expansion and enhancement of existing local parks;
• Completion of the Ring Road, from the intersection of Pennant Street and Showground Road through to Old Northern Road and Cecil Avenue;
• New pedestrian bridges and links over Pennant and Terminus Streets; and
• New road links, upgrades and intersection improvements throughout the Precinct.
2 I THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL HILLS FOCUS I 3
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE DRAFT NORWEST, CASTLE HILL AND ROUSE HILL PRECINCT PLANS AND DRAFT ECONOMIC GROWTH PLAN
SUBMISSIONS CLOSE ON MONDAY, 31 JULY 2023
Artist impression of Arthur Whitling Reserve
Artist impression of commercial developments along Brookhollow Avenue in Norwest
Artist impression of McDougall Lane Eat Street in Castle Hill
KEY FEATURES FOR THE DRAFT PRECINCT PLAN FOR ROUSE HILL
• Capacity for 8,800 extra jobs with dedicated areas for commercial office development that can capitalise on the planned Rouse Hill Hospital;
• Capacity for 2,750 homes;
• A new central open space and plaza area in the undeveloped lands north of the town centre;
• New pedestrian bridges and links over Rouse Hill Drive, Commercial and Windsor Roads; and
• New roads, upgrades and intersection improvements throughout the Precinct.
THE DRAFT ECONOMIC GROWTH PLAN
Accompanying the draft Precinct Plans is the Draft Economic Growth Plan, which provides direction for economic development, jobs, and investment throughout The Hills Shire. The long-term plan aims to position The Hills Shire as a region for innovation, health and science, jumpstarted by major investment in infrastructure such as the Sydney Metro Northwest and bolstered by the growth of Norwest Business Park.
KEY FEATURES OF THE DRAFT ECONOMIC GROWTH PLAN
• The creation of 56,000 new jobs;
• Attracting new investment opportunities to the area;
• Retaining and enhancing employment land; and
• Investing in people and their skills and growing opportunities for residents to work close to home. The Plan also aims to grow local industry and attract more businesses that can stimulate economic growth for the local area.
HOW CAN I HAVE MY SAY?
Workshops and drop-in sessions have been running throughout the course of the exhibition which began on Tuesday, 2 May 2023.
Council’s Forward Planning Team and Economic Development Team will also be available at Council’s Administration Building to discuss these Plans throughout the entire exhibition period between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Residents and stakeholders that live, work and play in The Hills Shire are encouraged to provide feedback on these plans.
SUBMISSIONS CLOSE ON MONDAY, 31 JULY 2023.
To view the draft Precinct Plans and the Draft Economic Growth Plan and to make a submission, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Draft Precinct Plans.’
MEET THE 2023-24 HILLS SHIRE YOUTH AMBASSADORS
DEANNA STEVENS AND EVA PULVIRENTI WERE RECENTLY ELECTED AS THE 2023-24 HILLS SHIRE YOUTH AMBASSADORS DURING A CEREMONY AT COUNCIL. THE YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM SELECTS YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15-24 WHO LIVE IN THE HILLS SHIRE TO SERVE AS REPRESENTATIVE VOICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE FOR 12 MONTHS.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS?
YEAR ONE READING CLUB
Our 2023 program is well under way with 448 Year One students already registered!
If you know a child in Year One at school who might enjoy developing their love of reading, there’s still time to join the challenge, which ends on Wednesday, 31 October.
Children will receive a logbook when they join, then a sticker each time they visit their local library to borrow. After receiving two stickers, club members begin to collect rewards!
By making regular visits to the library, reading becomes an enjoyable habit for children.
Year One Reading Club is free to join at any Hills Shire Library. Simply head to one of The Hills Shire Library branches and sign up. For more information, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Library
Date: March – 31 October 2023
Location: Hills Shire Library Service
Age: Suitable for children in Year 1
Fees: Free
SENSITIVE LIBRARY
The Hills Shire Library Service is proud to introduce Sensitive Library at Baulkham Hills Library.
Families with neurodivergent needs will have the opportunity to visit the library prior to its normal opening hours and enjoy a light and noise sensitive friendly time.
Date: Every Wednesday morning
Time: 9:30 -10am
Location: Baulkham Hill Library
Age: Suitable for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult
Fees: Free
Bookings: Bookings are essential online. To book, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Sensitive Library.’
LIBRARY IN THE PARK
Come along and enjoy an interactive time of stories, music and movement for children aged 0-5 and their families.
Remember to bring your hat, sunscreen and a rug to sit on. Bring your library card or join on the day to browse and borrow from a selection of great library items.
In the event of adverse weather, please check The Hills Shire Library Service Facebook page for cancellation notifications.
Date: Every Wednesday morning (excluding School Holidays)
Time: 10:30am
Location: Wheelie Park located at Cataract Road, Box Hill
Age: Suitable for children aged 0-5 year and their parents
Fees: Free
Bookings: No bookings required
Deanna: I’m currently a student in Year 12, so my hobbies and interests have been replaced with textbooks and exams. My biggest passion is reading, and I enjoy everything from sci-fi to fantasy, as well as books on scientific theories, particularly quantum physics.
I also love film and am currently making one as my major work. After school, I hope to pursue a career in the film industry and become an author, as I love to write.
I’m passionate about making a positive difference in the world and believe that my interests in film and writing can be powerful tools to inspire and motivate others.
I also enjoy expressing my ideas through speeches and slam poetry, which allow me to communicate my thoughts in a really powerful way.
Eva: I am currently in Year 11 at Santa Sophia Catholic College in Box Hill and I am a part of my school’s debating team and enjoy participating in public speaking. I’ve grown up in the Hills and enjoy going for walks with my dogs in the various nature reserves this district has to offer.
I enjoy giving back to my community through community service by volunteering with the Hills Youth Army.
I have a strong passion for advocacy so I feel very excited to use my new role as a platform to spread awareness about core issues affecting young people in the Hills Shire District.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON DURING YOUR TIME AS A YOUTH AMBASSADOR?
Deanna: In my time as Youth Ambassador, I plan to focus on turning around the social stigmas towards serious issues that our society faces. Delving into climate change, suicide prevention, and inclusivity. Looking at the internalised prejudice that’s within all of us towards different groups, and seeing how we can turn that around, especially in school settings where children are supposed to be finding themselves, rather than suppressing their own identities.
Whilst the conversation around mental health is slowly becoming a more openly-discussed topic, I am determined to spark a dialogue that not only raises awareness of available resources, but
breaks down the taboos that act as barriers preventing people from seeking help. I would love to utilise this position as a platform to raise awareness among both youth and educators on how to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes diversity, equality and acceptance for individuals of all races, genders, sexualities and abilities.
Eva: I would like to focus on spreading awareness to young people of the various services the council has to offer and on how to use technology safely and appropriately.
I want to continue to ensure that this beautiful area is safe and inclusive for all people from all walks of life and demographics.
To read Deanna’s and Eva’s full interviews, visit www.hillsfocus.com.au
HILLS FOCUS I 7 6 I THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL
Deanna Stevens (L) and Eva Pulvirenti (R)
EXPLORE THE RECENTLY REFURBISHED ROXBOROUGH PARK
Sportsgrounds and Reserves Update
RECENTLY COMPLETED
BELLA VISTA FARM SHARED PATHWAY
Bella Vista Farm is now accessible to all users with the recently completed, integrated cycleway and footpath.
The addition of a pedestrian bridge completed the safe, all-weather trail that allows residents and visitors to circumnavigate the Farm.
The new bridge forms part of the more than one kilometre of dedicated, shared, foot and cycle path around the Farm.
Bella Vista Farm is a popular historic farm complex. The surrounding grounds of Bella Vista Farm are open to the public and feature a playground, BBQ facilities, picnic tables, walking tracks, toilets and is dog-friendly (dogs must be on-leash at all times).
KENTHURST PARK
The upgrade of Kenthurst Park has been completed. The project increased the size of the southern sports field area to accommodate two full-sized playing fields. The project also included:
• Enhancements to the existing turf cricket oval, including an improved cricket outfield and retained turf cricket square;
• The construction of a retaining wall, as well as the installation of a new irrigation system, sports field LED lighting and stormwater drainage;
• The installation of new garderners’ and sports storage sheds and bush regeneration activities.
DEEPWATER CIRCUIT RESERVE
Deepwater Circuit Reserve is a new playground located in North Kellyville.
This playground features two slides, a climbing structure, a kickabout space, picnic shelter and seating.
This reserve also features a stormwater management basin which prevents downstream flooding and allows biological processes to remove pollutants from stormwater run-off before entering the natural waterways.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
WITHERS ROAD RESERVE UPDATE
Construction on Withers Road Reserve at North Kellyville has commenced.
The park will feature a range of facilities including:
• A natural theme playground with shade sail, catering to a wide range of age groups and abilities;
• A ½ basketball area;
• Gathering and picnic areas;
• A turf kick-about area;
• Concrete pathways throughout the site including a loop track around the playground suitable for bikes and scooters;
• Security lighting in the main play space area.
STRINGER ROAD RESERVE UPDATE
Construction has begun on Stringer Road Reserve. This reserve will include:
• Four multi-purpose rectangular natural turf sports fields that can also be reconfigured into two ovals.
• An amenities building with accessible toilets, change rooms, kiosk, referee room and storage.
• Onsite carpark.
• A local playground with picnic facilities.
• Concrete shared pathways.
• Two multipurpose basketball courts.
• Two practice cricket nets.
• Sports field LED lighting, irrigation and drainage system with underground storage tanks to collect rainwater.
For more information about these projects, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
10 I THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL HILLS FOCUS I 11
Bella Vista Farm cycleway
Deepwater Circuit Reserve Playground Kenthurst Park
MAYOR, DR PETER GANGEMI
0419 429 095
mayor.gangemi@thehills.nsw.gov.au
It was wonderful to see Hills residents celebrating the recent coronation of King Charles III. To mark this historic event, Council’s atrium was lit purple, which is a colour synonymous with royalty.
King Charles III has a long association with Australia and has made 16 visits to our shores so far, 15 of which he either accompanied Queen Elizabeth II or represented her.
I would also like to congratulate Councillor Mark Hodges on being elected to NSW Parliament as the State Member for Castle Hill.
Mark is well connected with local community groups and has a wonderful background as a police officer, a solicitor and as a Hills resident of 30 years.
Draft Precinct Plans for Norwest, Castle Hill and Rouse Hill are currently on public exhibition and I encourage you to look through them and have your say.
These plans are major documents that detail Council’s 20-year vision for each area and include the provision of tens of thousands of jobs, new public spaces, more investment opportunities and vital infrastructure to support our growing population.
Highlights of the plans include the reimagining of McDougall Lane in Castle Hill as an ‘Eat Street’, the vision of a new park alongside Norwest Lake in the Norwest Precinct and a major central plaza north of the existing Town Centre in Rouse Hill.
Accompanying the Draft Precinct Plans is the Draft Economic Growth Plan. The focus of this plan is to grow local industry and attract more businesses, retain and enhance employment land, invest in people and their skills and grow opportunities for residents to work close to home.
The Draft Precinct Plans and Draft Economic Growth Plan are on public exhibition until Monday, 31 July 2023. To view the plans and provide feedback, please visit Council’s website and search for ‘Precinct Plans.’
Council has recently completed a suite of infrastructure projects for our residents. Kenthurst Park was upgraded by increasing the size of the southern sports field to accommodate two fullsized playing fields.
The upgrade of the much-loved Roxborough Park Rose Garden has also been completed, which included the installation of a new rose arbour, sandstone wall and restoration of the fountain, as well as upgrades to the stairs, pathways and the border edging, new irrigation and park benches.
Wisemans Ferry Park has also reopened after sustaining significant damage during the July 2022 floods.
The entire facility went underwater and approximately 120 tonnes of waste and 7,000 tonnes of sand had to be removed from the site. 12,000 square metres of new turf were laid as part of the cleanup, with the park now looking better than ever and ready for picnics and outdoor activities.
Council also opened a new park at Deepwater Circuit Reserve in North Kellyville, which includes slides, a climbing structure, kickabout space, picnic shelter and seating. Playground restorations throughout the Shire also continue with new play equipment most recently installed at Ellerman Park in Dural and Alice Robinson Reserve in Glenhaven.
I would also like to congratulate our new Youth Ambassadors for 23/24, Eva Pulvirenti and Deanna Stevens. Both Eva and Deanna are inspirational young women and will do our Shire proud in the year ahead.
The announcement of our Youth Ambassadors was made as part of our Youth Week celebrations for 2023. Council partnered with community organisations to deliver a range of events, including an Outdoor Cinema and Youth Festival, basketball competition, skate jam, art therapy workshop and a talent and public speaking showcase at Rouse Hill Town Centre.
I would like to thank everyone involved in making these events possible and I would especially like to thank the youth of our Shire for what they contribute to our community. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance to you.
CLR MITCHELL BLUE DEPUTY MAYOR NORTH WARD
0400 449 324 clr.blue@thehills.nsw.gov.au
There is plenty happening at Council.
Council has recently put it’s 20-year Draft Precinct Plans for the Norwest, Castle Hill and Rouse Hill strategic centres along with its Draft Economic Growth Plan, on public exhibition. These are very detailed and exciting plans outlining Council’s vision for these precincts to enable them to achieve their full potential. I encourage residents to view these and provide submissions should they wish to.
Council’s community consultation period for the Draft Hills Shire Plan recently closed. The Hills Shire Plan is Council’s annual document that sets out its operational and financial strategies and includes Council’s resourcing and delivery program. This year’s plan will see total expenditure of $285.2M of which $118.1M is to be spent on capital works. It is a fantastic plan, and I am looking forward to its delivery over the next financial year.
Council has recently made changes to the community grants program to enable community groups to apply for greater funds with less paperwork. Council’s Minor Community Grant program has increased from $1,000 to $2,500. The Annual Community Grant program has increased from a maximum limit of $15,000 to $25,000. I am proud to support the many deserving community organisations whose programs, events and services help engage and better our community here in The Hills. The Minor Community Grant and Other Financial Assistance programs are open to applications all year round, while Council’s annual Community Grants Program will open early in the new financial year for applications.
At Councils meeting on 18th April, I was honoured to be elected as Deputy Mayor of the Hills Shire Council by my Councillor colleagues for the remainder of this term. As the Deputy Mayor, some of my priorities are to increase community engagement, fast track key infrastructure projects in the new release areas, highlight North Ward through tourism, address key infrastructure issues, continue to work on flood
recovery, but most of all, provide a voice to residents - be that person they can rely on to help them out and advocate on their behalf. I have the community at heart. I have and continue to be a keen learner, always asking questions. In many cases, questioning the status quo and why. Residents often set challenges for Councillors, and I am more than happy to take them on and achieve results and outcomes, mostly through thinking outside of the box.
I would like to thank the community and those that continue to support me along the way. I want you to know that I am here to serve the community, represent you, advocate for you and achieve results where I can. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
The Hills Kellyville Rotary held its awards night where awards were presented to community members for Pride of Workmanship for those who excelled in their chosen vocation and Community Service Awards for dedication and service to the community. African Theatres and Knit for Life held a multicultural dinner, music, and dance awards night at Pioneer Theatre to recognise the service of our community members who have served our ethnic communities. Thank you first to all volunteers and thank you to the community organisations who organise awards nights to recognise our volunteers.
Anzac Day
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
Winter Sports in the Hills
We are now well into the winter sports season. It has been great to see so many of our community out enjoying winter sports. With the Mayor I recently attended Fred Caterson Reserve for the annual Luke Gardoni Trophy Match. The match is an annual match played by the Premier League teams from Castle Hill United Football Club and Kenthurst District Football Club. It was the first draw between the two clubs in the history of the annual match.
The annual match raises funds for EndUCD. EndUCD aims to end the heartache of Unexplained Cardiac Death (UCD) through research to find screening tests to identify people at risk before an arrest. This year an impressive $3,000 was raised which will assist with research to end UCD. I extend my congratulations to Paul Jones from Castle Hill United Football Club, Sue Torville from Kenthurst District Football Club and to all those who volunteered on the day.
Recognising volunteers in our community
The Hills Shire is extremely fortunate to have many volunteers and volunteer groups who each give up their time for the betterment of our community. Two recent volunteer awards events were held.
This year I attended the Centenary of Anzac Day Dawn Service organised by the Castle Hill RSL Sub-Branch; the Anzac Day Service held at John Benyon Park, Kenthurst organised by Kenthurst Rotary, the Annangrove Anzac Day Service held at Annangrove Park, organised by the Annangrove Progress Association and the Hills Club Anzac Day Service organised by the Hills Club, Baulkham Hills. Anzac Day is an important day in our calendar as it affords an opportunity to remember those who served our community at home and abroad during times of conflict. Thank you to all involved who organised Anzac Day services within our community.
Council Precinct Plans
The Hills Shire Council now has on exhibition precinct plans for Castle Hill, Norwest, and Rouse Hill. Each precinct plan contains the vision of Council for the future. The Castle Hill Precinct Plan reinforces the vision of Castle Hill as a regional entertainment, shopping and leisure destination which offers a range of educational, employment and residential opportunities. As the State Member for Castle Hill and as Councillor I look forward to community comments in relation to each precinct plan. Please take some time to review the plans and provide comments.
157 clr.cox@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
Dear Residents
Today I would like to give you a sneak peak into my life as your representative in the local government. My life as a councillor, wife, mother and business person.
I migrated to Australia from India in 2000 as a skilled migrant. With double Bachelor and double Master in Arts and Education I have been a high school teacher by profession. I taught in a Western Sydney high school until I started my life in politics in 2015. Very quickly I realised the importance of managing a family calendar shared on my iPhone with my husband and kids. Managing commitments and time went up a notch just like our conversations moved from ‘who did what’ to what is important for our growing community in The Hills.
As a mother to two super energetic boys Bella Vista Farm has been my all-time favourite. It has so much to offer for everyone. Every month, the Friends of Bella Vista Farm conduct free tours of the historic homestead. Devonshire tea is also available on the day or bring a picnic and relax in the garden while listening to the Hills Shire Symphony Orchestra.
12 I THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL HILLS FOCUS I 13 COUNCILLORS COMMENTS COUNCILLORS
CENTRAL WARD
492
clr.hodges@thehills.nsw.gov.au
COMMENTS CLR MARK HODGES MP
0400
842
CLR JESSICA BRAZIER CENTRAL WARD 0400 460 504 clr.brazier@thehills.nsw.gov.au
CLR TONY HAY OAM CENTRAL WARD 0414 482 000 clr.tonyhay@thehills.nsw.gov.au
CLR JEROME COX EAST WARD 0400 499
CLR REENA JETHI EAST WARD 0412 341 161 clr.jethi@thehills.nsw.gov.au
As a teacher my passion for reading brought me closer to my local library. I made the most use of Hills Shire Library Book Clubs. If you love reading, join a Hills Shire Library Book Club. Book clubs are a great way to meet kindred book lovers, share your favourite books and discover new authors. Every Hills Shire Library has a book club that meets on different days and at different times, so you can find one that works for your schedule.
My elder son Tj is an ardent swimmer. Most of my afternoons were spent either sitting by the pool now known as Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre or admiring Roxborough Park Rose Garden. If you have a green thumb or if you’d like to grow your green thumb, you can now volunteer at Roxborough Park Rose Garden. Come along to help maintain our beautiful rose garden and learn about the 80 different rose varieties that live there. Anyone can volunteer and no experience is necessary.
Note: Rose Garden Volunteering occurs every Wednesday from 9am – 12pm at Roxborough Park Rose Garden, so you can stop in for a coffee at Waves café after you finish.
With the growing needs of our growing boys and having three generations living under one roof, my family needed a bigger home. We recently moved from Baulkham Hills to Kenthurst. The local Kenthurst Park is such a treasure and much appreciated by the local community.
An upgrade to Kenthurst Park has recently been completed. The size of the southern sportsfield was increased to accommodate two full-size playing fields at the site. The existing turf cricket oval was also upgraded. This is a great result for our large community of soccer and cricket players in The Hills.
As a local business person of The Hills I understand the importance of living, growing and working in The Hills. Especially for our kids who are entering the working life.
As a Council we have many employment opportunities. If you’re looking to make your next career move, The Hills Shire Council is always looking for talented, communitydriven professionals. To view current job opportunities, visit The Hills Shire Council’s website and search for ‘Careers.’
In the end I would like to thank you all for having trusted me and elected me as your representative.
CLR RYAN
TRACEY
EAST WARD 0419 429 217
clr.tracey@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
messaging and our mindsets.
There was also an emphasis on the need for collaboration with all industries and organisations along different parts of the supply line to work together to sort this collossal issue out - from taking more responsibility at the design phase (making products more easily repairable, reusable or recyclable) right through to the separation & recovery stage, making it a whole lot easier for communities to do the right thing.
Uneaten food is another huge resource that often goes to ‘waste’ – a hidden cost to families (on average we throw out at least 1 of every 5 bags of shopping we buy) and a huge source of greenhouse gas emissions if it ends up in landfill instead of being returned to nature as compost, worm or chook food.
Having attended several volunteer functions around the Hills this past month, it’s great to see that many of our residents are getting out and about and getting things done.
Council is doing the same, continuing to repair and recover from the natural disasters we experienced so recently. It’s heartening to meet so many people who express their gratitude for what is a mammoth effort.
Citizenship Ceremonies.
The largest groups identify as English, Australian, Chinese, Irish, Scottish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Hindi and Arabic. I know that there are many cultural groups which meet regularly to maintain friendships, languages and traditions.
I would like to encourage everyone to join in local sporting groups, service clubs, political groups, Parents and Citizens groups, playgroups and anything else which engages with our community.
ELLERMAN CHILD CARE CENTRE, PRESCHOOL FOR A LONGER DAY OPEN FROM
7am - 6pm
Whether we are passionate about it or not, waste is something that we all have to deal with and its management is a huge and complex part of Council’s service to the community.
The mountainous volumes of ‘rubbish’ created by our modern society continues to grow and we are fast running out of accessible landfill sites.
Overseas countries have stopped accepting our plastic waste (fair enough!) and the unfortunate collapse of REDcycle has left many of us despairing about what to do with our soft plastics.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some local recycling facilities doing an incredible job, (we visited the VISY site last year), but what needs to change quickly is the single-use, linear mindset around our ‘waste’ & the low value we attribute to it.
The industry is helpfully changing its terminology from ‘waste management’ to ‘resource recovery’ - a great start but there is much work to do before we can realise a truly ‘circular economy,’ in which materials are recovered and returned to a resource pool where they can be reused or reincorporated & their lifecycle continues. Everything has a value and ideally there should be no ‘waste’.
The language around waste makes a huge difference. Imagine if instead of bins we called them banks? This changes our perspective to one of appreciating the contents as having value.
The Annual Waste Conference was themed around the need to change our
Excitingly this is set to change over the next 5 – 7 years when every council in NSW will be collecting food ‘waste’ along with green ‘waste’ for composting using a new ‘FOGO’ bin.
The switch to collecting Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) will be one of the biggest changes to Council’s domestic waste service, resulting in our food waste (even meat and bones) being diverted from landfill (red lid bins), into valuable compost to feed our soils and reduce emissions.
Minimising contamination with plastics and other materials will be a big hurdle to overcome so Council is currently putting a lot of thought into how we can get the messaging clear and make this a huge success.
I’m really looking forward to seeing this roll out as I know our community are ready and are absolutely on board. Council is also working towards providing a community recycling centre in the Hills as we know this is important to an overwhelming 92% residents. Watch this space!
We’ve said goodbye to the warm seasons well and truly now and we’ve stepped into that time of year when every bit of sunshine becomes an event!
Winter can be a time of discovering parks and leisure spots we’ve never seen before and many of us will be really delighted by what we find in the Hills.
Why not hop on the Community and Council Event Directory on the Council website to see if there’s an event that might interest you and your family. There are so many things happening, please don’t miss out. For example, The Hills District Historical Society is always happy to showcase their museum at Balcombe Heights. Have you visited yet? Or the library activities for the little ones.
Winter is also a great time to enjoy the many cafes and restaurants in the Shire and it’s a lovely time to stay connected with friends, family and neighbours.
I hope everyone can take advantage of what’s on in our fabulous Hills Shire these coming months.
We have a Mayor and 12 Councillors. My guess is that only one Councillor was born overseas, so in that way we are not truly representative of our very diverse community which reports that over 37% of households speak two or more languages at home and only 32% of Hills Shire residents identify as Australian or AngloSaxon. So I would really like to see Hills Shire Councillors being as linguistically and culturally diverse as our constituents.
How do we get there? I think most Councillors have been a part of local community groups before becoming Councillors. Personally I was involved in Playgroup, Parents and Citizens and Girl Guides - all opportunities to serve our community and meet people and develop new skills.
I understand most people are overworked and have very little free time and many have to care for family members including small children.
It has been shown that community volunteers get major emotional and mental health benefits, and probably physical health benefits by engaging in volunteer activities.
The more you give to others the more rewards you get in your own life. So please look around you and see how you can best engage with this wonderful Hills community.
Places are now available at Ellerman Child Care Centre for 2 – 5 year-olds. Located in the leafy, rural setting of Round Corner, Dural, Ellerman has been servicing the community and preparing children for school for over 30 years.
Open from 7am – 6pm, our 40 place Centre features a large shaded outdoor playground, sandpit, veggie patch, fruit trees, dry creek and cubby house. Educators are nurturing, qualified and experienced, and nutritious meals are prepared freshly each day by an on-site cook.
Start Strong funding is available for children aged 4 years old on or before 31 July 2023.
To book a tour or to enquire about Ellerman Child Care Centre, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Ellerman.’
APPLY FOR A JOB AT COUNCIL
Are you looking to make your next career move? The Hills Shire Council is always looking for talented professionals who have a commitment to providing exceptional customer service to our community. The Hills Shire Council is recognised across the local government sector for its commitment to organisational excellence and innovation, winning the Gold Award for its Annual Report for the last five years.
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
The Hills Shire is a vibrant community comprising people from more than 120 countries, cultures and language groups. It is my pleasure to meet many of you at community events and at Australian
To view current job opportunities at Council, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov. au and search for ‘Careers.’
14 I THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL HILLS FOCUS I 15 COUNCILLORS COMMENTS COUNCILLORS COMMENTS
CLR ROSEMARIE BONEHAM WEST WARD 0400 551 435 clr.boneham@thehills.nsw.gov.au
CLR FRANK DE MASI WEST WARD 0439 013 343 clr.demasi@thehills.nsw.gov.au
CLR VIRGINIA ELLIS NORTH WARD 0400 552 041 clr.ellis@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
CLR DR MILA KASBY NORTH WARD 0400 597 538 clr.kasby@thehills.nsw.gov.au
CLR DR BARBARA BURTON WEST WARD 0400 452 389 clr.burton@thehills.nsw.gov.au
www.thehills.nsw.gov.au | 9843 0555 @thehillsshirecouncil @thesydneyhills @thehillscouncil To have your say on the Draft Norwest, Castle Hill and Rouse Hill Precinct Plans and the Draft Economic Growth Plan, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Precinct Plans.’
park
Norwest Lake.
Artist impression of the proposed
expansion at
