INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
It’s been a big three years at The Hills Shire Council, with $168 million invested in building new infrastructure for the community.
WAVES FITNESS AND AQUATIC CENTRE
Opened September 2022 after a complete knock down and rebuild of the centre.
The new centre includes:
• outdoor FINA Standard Olympic-sized 50-metre pool with 10 lanes
• 25-metre outdoor training pool
• indoor 25-metre and family leisure pool
• 20-metre warm water program pool
• sauna, spa pool, steam room
• 1000 square metre state-of-the-art fitness centre.
There’s also an on-site café, water play area, outdoor fitness station, picnic tables, children’s playground and much more.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN
The beautiful rose garden, located in Baulkham Hills, has been upgraded with a new arbour, garden bed edging, central staircase and pathways.
The project was partially funded under the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant (LRCI).
NEW OFF-LEASH DOG PARKS
We’ve also built new off-leash areas to bring your dog to play and socialise, including:
• Indwarra Avenue Reserve, North Kellyville
• Colbarra Place Reserve, West Pennant Hills.
TERRY ROAD CULVERT CROSSING
Terry Road in Box Hill has now reopened following the installation of new drainage to prevent future flooding.
MORE CYCLEWAYS, SHARED PATHWAYS AND FOOTPATHS
The Hills Shire is home to more than 100 kilometres of shared pathways, cycleways and footpaths.
Recently we’ve built:
• cycleway and pathway at Bella Vista Farm
• cycleway at Castle Hill Showground
• footpath outside Annangrove Public School – funded by the Get NSW Active Program.
NEW PLAYGROUNDS AND PARKS
More places to play, spend time with family and friends and get out and be active include:
• new playground at Bella Vista Farm delivered in partnership with the NSW Government through the Public Spaces Legacy Program
• new reserve and playground at Hannaford Avenue Reserve in Box Hill delivered in partnership with the NSW Government through the Greening Our City Grant
• new reserve and playground at Withers Road Reserve in North Kellyville.
More work is still underway at many locations across The Hills.
ANTHONY SKARRATT RESERVE
Construction on Anthony Skarratt Reserve in Box Hill has commenced. This new reserve will be the largest community facility and sporting reserve in The Hills Shire in over 20 years.
The reserve will feature a range of facilities including:
• four soccer fields, two baseball fields, two cricket pitches, six multipurpose courts, and cricket practice nets and
• community centre, playground, BBQ area and picnic shelters.
Stage one of the project has already commenced, which includes the construction of a brand-new state-of-the-art community centre with a youth playground and plaza, and satellite library.
NEW TRAFFIC LIGHTS New traffic lights are coming soon to the:
• intersection of Withers, Barry, and Hezlett Roads in North Kellyville and
• intersection of Old Pitt Town Road, Fontana Drive, and Terry Road in Box Hill.
NEW ROUNDABOUT
• Annangrove Road and Edwards Road intersection will become a four-way roundabout.
NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES AND PLAYGROUNDS
• The Cockayne Reserve project in Castle Hill involves the construction of two new playgrounds, two new pedestrian bridges, which will eventually link Middleton Avenue to Hills Showground Metro Station, two-kilometres of shared pathway, seating areas and landscaping.
• A new shared pathway bridge will also be constructed over Smalls Creek to connect Curtis Road in North Kellyville to Farmer Circuit in Beaumont Hills.
Indwarra Avenue Reserve Dog Off Leash Area
DON’T WING IT WITH SNAKES AND SWOOPING BIRDS
SWOOPING BIRDS
CELEBRATE
CHRISTMAS THIS
SUMMER
AS THE WEATHER WARMS UP, YOU MAY NOTICE MORE WILDLIFE ACTIVITY IN YOUR BACKYARD AND COMMUNITY. SNAKES COME OUT OF HIBERNATION IN SPRING AND SUMMER TO LOOK FOR FOOD AND BREED, AND BIRDS SUCH AS MAGPIES, BUTCHER BIRDS AND PLOVERS SWOOP TO PROTECT THEIR YOUNG DURING BREEDING SEASON.
Living with native wildlife is part of living in The Hills Shire, and snakes and native birds play important roles in the ecosystem:
• Snakes help keep the population of pest species like mice and rats in check and are also a great food source for other native wildlife, like kookaburras.
• Native birds pollinate plants and control the insect population.
Encountering a swooping bird or snake can be daunting, so here are some helpful tips about what to do if you find yourself in this situation:
SNAKES
Snake season occurs primarily between September and April, and you’re more likely to come across one during the warmest part of the day.
If you see a snake:
• Stay calm. Snakes prefer to avoid interactions with humans and if given the chance, snakes will move away from you and escape. Snakes tend to only bite if they feel threatened as their last defence.
• Do not attempt to capture or harm the snake. Most snake bites occur by untrained people trying to
• Avoid the snake by going around it or back away slowly and find an alternative route. Using heavy footsteps is a good way to indicate to a snake that you are in the area and will give them a warning to escape.
Swooping season generally occurs between August and November every year. A swooping bird will generally swoop for four - six weeks until chicks are old enough to leave the nest. Remember that swooping birds are only trying to protect their young.
Tips for swooping birds:
• Avoid known swooping areas if possible. Look out for signage about swooping birds.
• If you need to walk through a swooping area, walk quickly, try not to make eye contact and stay calm. Running, panicking and making lots of noise may cause birds to swoop more.
• Carry an open umbrella, stick or small branch above your head but do not swing at the bird.
• Wear a hat or helmet to protect your head.
• Walk in pairs or in a group.
• If you are riding a bicycle, get off and wheel it quickly through the area.
AT ILLUMINATE THE HILLS
ILLUMINATE THE HILLS RETURNS TO THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN FROM THURSDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2024 – THURSDAY, 2 JANUARY 2025
Snake sightings and swooping birds in Council parks and reserves can be reported to Council through our website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and searching for Report it to Council.’
For more information about snakes and swooping birds, visit Council’s website and search for ‘Living With Native Wildlife’. capture or harm a snake.
• If you are unable to avoid the snake for any reason, stay as still as possible. The snake will not see you as a threat and will move on.
• Tell others of any snake sightings in the area.
Council does not remove snakes from public or private land. Only licensed reptile handlers capture and release snakes under strict conditions. If you find a snake on your property, you can contact a licensed reptile handler by visiting the NSW Government’s website, www.environment.nsw.gov.au, and searching for ‘Catch and release reptiles.’
• Keep your pets and children inside if a snake is on your property. To help deter snakes from your property, keep your gardens tidy, lawn mown short, prune vegetation and keep your yard free of debris.
PLEASE NOTE
All native bird and reptile species are protected in NSW under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the harming of these animals including killing, injuring, or capturing the animal is prohibited under the Act.
Wander through the glittering garden lit with thousands of twinkling fairy lights, lined with magnificent Christmas installations and adorned with a dazzling nativity scene.
Join us on opening night on Thursday, 28 November from 7:30pm to watch the lights get switched on, and enjoy coffee, ice cream, traditional Christmas carols and a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus.
The rose garden is located on Roxborough Park Road, Baulkham Hills next to Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre.
For more information, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Illuminate the Hills’
PROTECT YOUR CAT AND NATIVE WILDLIFE
RESEARCH FROM THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY FOUND THAT ROAMING PET CATS KILL 546 MILLION ANIMALS A YEAR IN AUSTRALIA. 323 MILLION OF THESE ARE NATIVE ANIMALS.
It’s not just in the rural areas either. 46 per cent of Australia’s threatened wildlife can be found in cities, and pet cats kill between 6,000 - 11,000 native animals per square kilometre each year in urban areas.
The Companion Animals Act 1998 outlines the current laws regarding responsible pet ownership, including the management of cats. Under the Act, there is no legal requirement for a cat in NSW, domestic or otherwise, to be secured inside a private property during the day or night. For this reason, Council does not trap or seize stray cats.
WHY SHOULD I KEEP MY CAT CONTAINED?
The RSPCA encourages cat owners to keep their cats contained for a number of reasons, including:
• Reduce the risk of your cat getting sick, hurt or killed in an accident
• reduce the risk your cat will stray and be lost or impounded
• minimise the risk they will harm or kill other animals
• prevent your cat from interacting with roaming cats that haven’t been desexed and
• give them a better chance to enjoy a longer, healthier life.
The risks of letting your cat roam include:
• being hit or run over by a car
• being attacked by a dog or being bitten by a venomous snake
• fighting with other neighbourhood cats
• acquiring a serious infection, such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
• eating toxic plants or poisons e.g. toxic chemicals, poison baits intended for other animals such as
ADOPT DON’T SHOP THIS CHRISTMAS FOR $99
If you’re looking for a furry companion for your family, visit the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter to adopt a dog or cat waiting for their forever home.
Adoption costs $99 and covers their first vaccination, desexing, microchipping, and lifetime registration. The Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter is located at 10 Mulgrave Rd, Mulgrave.
For more information visit The Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter website, hawkesburycas.com.au or call 02 4560 4644.
SUMMER READING ADVENTURE FOR KIDS
rats or foxes, or eating rats or mice that have ingested poison baits
• being stolen or abused and
• picking up ticks or fleas and related problems such as flea allergy dermatitis or tick paralysis.
HOW DO I KEEP MY CAT AT HOME?
The RSPCA lists three main options for keeping your cat contained, including:
1. Totally indoors
2. indoors with an outdoor enclosure or
3. indoors with an outdoor space surrounded by an escape-proof fence.
For tips on how to keep your cat safe and happy at home, visit the RSPCA website, safeandhappycats.com.au
TRY REFORMER PILATES AT WAVES
Improving your balance and flexibility, strengthening your core and relaxing your mind are just some of the incredible benefits of Reformer Pilates.
Classes at Waves are beginner friendly and open to both members and nonmembers. Grip socks and a reformer mat or towel are required, which are available for purchase at Waves.
Waves is located at 44 Mileham Avenue, Baulkham Hills. To book a class, visit: www.waves fitnessandaquatic.com.au
The Summer Reading Adventure is a fun free program to encourage children to keep reading over the summer holidays.
The challenge is open from 1 December 2024 – 31 January 2025 to library members aged 5-14 years. Once registered, children will receive a Summer Reading Adventure booklet containing fun activities and challenges. Participants who complete their booklets will also receive a special reward and a certificate.
LEARN ABOUT HILLS HISTORY WITH HILLS VOICES ONLINE PODCASTS
Explore the past with Hills Voices Online. Hear from Hills residents with firsthand accounts and personal knowledge of local historical information.
Listen to the interviews anywhere and anytime through Podbean or subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.
BORROW AT THE WAVES BOOKSHELF
Are you thinking about visiting Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre these
holidays? You can now visit Waves AND borrow a book with our new Waves Bookshelf.
The Waves Bookshelf contains a collection of new releases and popular titles for children and adults available to members of The Hills Shire Library Service.
SUMMER READING ON OVERDRIVE!
Enjoy free eBooks, audiobooks and magazines on your computer, phone or tablet these holidays. We have a great range of titles and interesting reads, including:
• The Two Deaths of Ruth Lyle by Nick Louth
• The Perfect Place by Amanda Cassidy
• The Community by Christine Gregory
• The Homestead in the Eucalypts by Leonie Kelsall
Become a Hills Shire Library member for free. Simply visit your local library branch at Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Dural or Rouse Hill with photo ID to sign up.
For more information, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Library
‘tis the season to recycle
Bin collections will occur as normal—even Christmas Day
Over the Christmas period, bins will be collected as normal, even if your bin collection day falls on a public holiday. Please ensure you place your bins out at the kerbside the night before your collection day.
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPERATING HOURS
COUNCIL’S CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE
Council’s Customer Service Centre will close at 4:30pm on Tuesday, 24 December 2024 and reopen at 8:30am on Thursday, 2 January 2025.
Council’s After Hours Call Centre will operate during this period to provide limited customer services for customer requests and escalate emergencies according to Council’s normal after-hours operating procedures. Potholes, unauthorised activities, noise, safety and other concerns can be reported via Council’s website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au by searching for ‘Report it to Council’
cards and wrapping
bottles and jars
bottles and containers
and aluminium cans and tins
and junk mail
Friendly reminder: If you plan on donating to a local charity please comply with their requirements and place items into the charity bin. Do not leave any items beside the charity bin or at the front of the store.
Questions about your bin collection? Cleanaway Waste Hotline: 1800 623 895
COUNCIL’S CHILD CARE CENTRES
Council’s Child Care Centres will close from Friday, 20 December 2024 and reopen on Tuesday, 7 January 2025.
HILLS COMMUNITY CARE
Hills Community Care will operate until 4.30pm on Tuesday, 24 December 2024 and will reopen on Thursday, 2 January 2025. Throughout the entire Christmas/New Year period, client support will be provided on request and emergency contact numbers will be available.
*Waves Café is not operated by Council.
Days/times subject to change. For more information, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Christmas and New Year Operating Hours.’
CONGRATULATIONS
to the winners of
Waste and Recycling Calendar Photo Competition
LIVVI’S PLACE PLAYGROUND EXTENSION
The much-loved, all-abilities Livvi’s Place Playground at Bernie Mullane Reserve in Kellyville is closed to allow for an exciting renewal and extension.
The playground extension will introduce a variety of new features, including an accessible multi-play tower, double flying fox, slides, ramp, and swings designed for both toddlers and older children.
An accessible amenities “Changing Places” room will also be installed, which will have an accessible facility twice the size of a standard disabled cubicle, fitted with an overhead hoist, shower, toilet, and basin.
people or faces.
The upgrades will also include shade sails, picnic shelters, accessible park furniture, and wide pathways, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone.
The extension is funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants (WSIG) Program, in partnership with The Hills Shire Council.
Livvi’s Place will be closed until March 2025, weather permitting,
While Livvi’s Place is closed, we encourage you to visit the following playgrounds, which are all within 800m of Livvi’s Place:
• Samantha Riley Drive Reserve
• Golden Grove Reserve
• Duncraig Drive Reserve
• Ted Pike Reserve
Other fantastic parks around The Hills include Bella Vista Farm Park in Bella Vista, Castle Hill Heritage Park in Castle Hill, Hannaford Avenue Reserve in Box Hill, Balcombe Heights Estate in Baulkham Hills, and Turkeys Nest Recreational Park in Beaumont Hills.
An alternative water play area is also available at Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre in Baulkham Hills.
For more information, visit www. thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Livvi’s Place Playground Extension.’
Meet your Mayor and Councillors
Dr Michelle Byrne has led a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors.
She has approached all her roles with the ethos of service, dedication and persistence.
A lifelong Hills resident, Michelle was first elected to The Hills Shire Council at the 2008 Local Government elections and by 2011 had been elected Deputy Mayor.
To this day, she remains the youngest ever Mayor of The Hills Shire – a title she received when she was elected Mayor in September 2012 at the age of 32.
She was re-elected to the role of Deputy Mayor in September 2014 following two years as Mayor and, in 2017, Michelle was officially elected as the first-ever popularly elected Mayor.
Michelle served three terms on Council between 2008 – 2021 before being re-elected for a fourth term in September 2024. During her period away from Council, Michelle was actively involved in several local community organisations.
Michelle is passionate about education and life-long learning. She has attained a doctorate in cancer research and a law degree.
CLR FRANK DE MASI
DEPUTY MAYOR OF THE HILLS SHIRE WEST WARD 0439 013 343 clr.demasi@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Frank has been a proud resident of The Hills Shire for 27 years, has served as Councillor since 2017 and has been heavily involved in advocating for the community.
He championed the construction of the new Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre and proposed the renaming of the Roxborough Park Rose Garden at AH Whaling Reserve to the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden.
This term he plans to focus on reducing the cost of waste in the area and will call on the NSW Government to build a waste-to-energy facility in Sydney.
Frank has been an award-winning small business owner in The Hills Shire for more than 18 years.
He has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management and an advanced certificate in Management. He is also a Graduate of The Australian Institute of Company Directors.
with its traditional quarter acre blocks to its rural enterprises and everything in between.
Rosemarie believes that the family is the core of society and this drives her support for the needs of Hills families. She would like to see more activities for teenagers in our open spaces, community centres and libraries –especially during school holidays, affordable access for young, possibly isolated mothers to community venues where they can create new networks and friendships and enhance life skills. Rosemarie wants to connect with more community groups during this term to see how she can assist in any way.
Rosemarie will work hard to protect our bushland and oppose the drive for overdevelopment. Where development needs to occur, she believes there should be strict design standards that ensure that buildings are functional as well as visually pleasing and will work for this purpose.
Rosemarie is a small business owner with her husband, a long-time volunteer in marriage and parent education, an SRE teacher, been involved in pastoral care and managed sports teams. She is the mother of a large family, and feels her greatest achievements are having a happy marriage and being a mum and grandmother. In her spare time, Rosemarie enjoys discussing ideas about anything and everything, reading, gardening, making bread and spending time with family and friends. She is looking forward to serving the Hills on Council and meeting with many members of the community throughout the new term.
Immanuel has held executive positions in the digital sector for 25 years and is also a small business owner. Since 2019, he has been the President of the Greater Cumberland Chamber of Commerce and through this role has continued to support small businesses in the Greater Western Sydney area.
During his term, Immanuel aims to act as a voice for local small businesses. He also wants to advocate for much needed infrastructure improvement, explore strategies to ease traffic congestion, organise events to improve reading habits of school kids and to explore effective ways to improve residents’ physical and mental health.
Immanuel has a Master of Business Administration and Master of Information Systems.
CLR MITCHELL BLUE NORTH WARD 0400 449 324
clr.blue@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Mitchell has lived in The Hills Shire for almost his entire life and previously served Council in the 2021 - 2024 term. During this time, he was most proud of being an advocate for North Ward residents and rural residents impacted by the floods.
Mitchell volunteers with the Rural Fire Service and is a recipient of the National Emergency Medal. He also has an Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering and is a graduate from The Australian Institute of Company Directors.
She is a strong supporter and patron of The Hills’ major cancer-awareness event – The Hills Relay for Life and has volunteered for dozens of community groups.
Michelle is an active community advocate and is passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues.
As Mayor, Michelle enjoys connecting with the community, and her vision is to create an excellent quality of life for those who live in The Hills.
She lives in Baulkham Hills with her husband Matt and their three daughters.
CLR ROSEMARIE BONEHAM WEST WARD 0400 551 435 clr.boneham@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Rosemarie has lived in the north west of Sydney for 28 years and feels honoured to be serving her second consecutive term on Council. She believes The Hills is an exceptional part of the world that offers opportunities for different lifestyles
CLR IMMANUEL SELVARAJ WEST WARD 0400 223 546
clr.selvaraj@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Immanuel has been a Hills Shire resident for 17 years and was elected to The Hills Shire Council for the first time in September 2024.
He has actively served the community by supporting the success of small businesses and serving as president of The Hills District Toastmasters.
Mitchell is passionate about The Hills Shire and is proud to live, work and volunteer in The Hills. A major passion is increasing community engagement in the Shire, which is why he was a proud supporter of Council’s new Community Engagement Strategy introduced during the last term of Council.
Mitchell stands for good governance, financial prudence, and being a representative who listens and provides residents with a voice.
COUNCILLORS COMMENTS COUNCILLORS COMMENTS
CLR JACOB JACKSON PSM NORTH WARD
0428 924 211
clr.jackson@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Jacob has been a Hills resident for more than 15 years and is serving his second term on Council. He is a Public Service Medal recipient, having been recognised for his work in Corrective Services NSW during the COVID crisis.
He believes in lean government that minimises interference in residents’ daily lives, and maximising individual and private sector initiatives. In this term he wants to focus on minimising overdevelopment in the Hills, maximising much needed infrastructure, increasing open space for sporting and leisure, preserving rural areas and making flood prone areas more resilient.
Jacob has a Bachelor of Psychology, a Master of Applied Health and Business Psychology, Master of Public Leadership and Policy, Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management and a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security. He is also a registered Psychologist.
He spends his free time as a sport, music and taxi dad for his three young children with his wife Jean, enjoying activities with his church community and listening to as many podcasts as he can. He looks forward to supporting North Ward and the broader Hills community over the next four years.
CLR DR MILA KASBY NORTH WARD
0400 597 538
clr.kasby@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Mila grew up in the Hills, attending Baulkham Hills North Primary and Castle Hill High before completing Year 11 and 12 at James Ruse Agricultural High School. After working overseas, she moved back to Kenthurst where she has lived for the past 20 years with her husband and two daughters. Mila is a veterinarian with a keen interest
in the welfare of pets and their families. This love for animals led her to volunteer for the RFS as a bushfire fighter, not only to help protect the local community but also to rescue injured wildlife caught in bushfires.
She is currently studying for a Diploma in Conservation and Ecosystem Management and is focussed on preserving the natural assets (bushland, wetlands, waterways, wildlife and green spaces) that are so vital to our health and wellbeing here in the Hills.
She has a creative streak with a love for the arts and enjoys camping, cycling, scuba diving and exploring the great outdoors with her family. This is Mila’s second term as a Councillor. She is keen to help build a resilient, sustainable community and prepare the Hills for future climate related challenges including heatwaves, bushfires and floods. She’d also like to see more opportunities for our multicultural community to connect through a shared love of nature.
CLR JANE GREVTSEVA EAST WARD 0437 938 380 clr.grevtseva@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Jane has been a proud resident of The Hills Shire since 2013. Elected to the Council in September 2024, Jane is deeply committed to serving her community with integrity and dedication. Her active involvement in local shelters and various community service initiatives highlights her passion for social justice and community wellbeing.
With over a decade of professional experience as a statutory auditor and certified practicing accountant, Jane brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her background in accounting and auditing ensures that she upholds the highest standards of transparency and accountability within Council.
Jane’s vision for her term on Council includes several key objectives. She aims to enhance road safety, preserve the natural environment, and promote sustainability and environmental awareness. Jane is also focused on
fostering partnerships that benefit The Hills Shire, ensuring that the community’s needs and concerns are effectively addressed.
Living in Baulkham Hills with her husband and their two boys, Jane is deeply invested in the future of her community. She values the trust and support she received during her election campaign and is determined to make a positive impact. Jane’s proactive approach to addressing community issues and her unwavering commitment to the community is what brought her to the role of councillor.
Jane’s dedication to her community is evident in her efforts to provide a voice for all residents, advocate for their needs, and work tirelessly to enhance the quality of life in The Hills Shire.
CLR SAMUEL UNO EAST WARD 0436 481 369 clr.uno@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Samuel grew up in The Hills Shire where he has been a resident for 35 years and where he is now bringing up his own children with his wife Bianca.
He served as Councillor from 2017 – 2021 and is a board member of Hills Community Aid. During his last term on Council, Samuel served as the Deputy Mayor and was most proud of Council’s construction of the Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre, which provided an excellent facility to improve the community’s physical and mental health.
Samuel is a proud local small business owner in the finance sector.
Samuel is keen to focus on fiscal responsibility, ensuring that Council maintains a balanced budget and responsibly manages ratepayers’ money to continue delivering the pipeline of infrastructure projects.
Samuel has a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and is a Chartered Accountant. He also has a Diploma of Mortgage Broking and is a Member of The Australian Institute of Company Directors.
CLR ALAN HASELDEN EAST WARD 0437 144 392 clr.haselden@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Alan has been a Hills Shire resident for more than three decades, living in West Pennant Hills with his wife Valerie, where they raised their two children.
Alan has previously served two terms on Council from 2012 – 2021. He was most proud of Council’s reform of tree modification regulations, striking the right balance between conserving tree canopy and protecting the property rights of residents. He also pushed for increased oversight of Council’s tendering process to ensure better value for ratepayers.
Alan is a non-executive director of a company in the fluid power industry and sits on the board of the National Space Society of Australia. Prior to Council, he spent 16 years as the Managing Director of Asia-Pacific for an American multinational company.
Alan is keen to explore new and innovative ways to tackle the growing waste problem while pushing for sensible development that will help accommodate Sydney’s booming population and maintain all that we love about The Hills Shire.
Alan has a Bachelor of Engineering, a Masters of Business Administration and is a diploma graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
CLR JEROME COX CENTRAL WARD
0400 499 157 clr.cox@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Jerome is a local small business owner with a lifelong association to The Hills Shire.
He was elected to his second consecutive term in September 2024 and previously served on Hornsby Shire Council from 2012 – 2017. He has also served on the boards of several associations, clubs and as a community representative on a local planning panel. Jerome served on the Hawkesbury River County Council from
2022 – 2024 and was elected its Chair from 2023 – 2024.
Jerome is most proud of pushing to maintain weekly red bin collections during the previous term of Council.
As a former student of Castle Hill’s Kung Fu Academy and Redfield Old Boys Rugby player, Jerome is passionate about Council’s huge sporting infrastructure program, and is eager to see the vision for more sporting fields in Fred Caterson Reserve come to fruition.
He’s also keen to continue the fight against overdevelopment, particularly around the metro stations and maintaining the social fabric of the Shire.
Jerome enjoys fishing, bushwalking and spending time with his wife and four children. He holds certificates in Mortgage Broking and Governance.
CLR REENA JETHI CENTRAL WARD 0439 008 173
clr.jethi@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Reena is a dedicated Hills resident, proud mother of two sons and holds both a Master of Arts and a Master of Education.
With nearly 15 years of experience as a high school teacher, Reena currently runs a small business in Castle Hill. She has served on the Council for three consecutive terms and is honoured to once again represent the Hills Shire residents.
As the first Hills Shire Councillor of Indian descent, Reena was awarded the Ministers’ Award for Women in Local Government in 2019. She is committed to making The Hills Shire not just a place to live and work, but a community where families can thrive.
Reena’s vision includes breaking down barriers for women by advocating for programs that provide educational opportunities, mentorship, and financial literacy. She is passionate about encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM and supporting those re-entering the workforce, ensuring that no woman is left behind.
Her commitment to sustainable development focuses on accommodating
the growing population while maintaining the family-friendly character of The Hills. Reena envisions The Hills as a twentyminute city where residents can grow up and age gracefully in their community. She will advocate for more schools and essential road upgrades with the NSW Government.
In her spare time, Reena enjoys listening to jazz and classical music, reading, and staying active.
TINA CARTWRIGHT CENTRAL WARD 0477 645 950
clr.cartwright@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Tina is a first-term Councillor who has lived in The Hills Shire for more than 20 years with her husband and two children.
She volunteers for numerous organisations including Castle Hill Rotary and Disability Trytime Rugby League, raising awareness and support for causes like homelessness, the prevention of domestic violence and disability inclusion.
Tina’s priorities on Council include advocating for better infrastructure and services for The Hills Shire, strong environmental management, improved local transport, safety around schools, waste management and support for people with disabilities.
Tina is committed to transparency and inclusion to ensure that constituents view their local council in The Hills Shire with integrity and trust.
Tina enjoys cooking, gardening, furniture painting and spending time with her family.
She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Western Sydney University.
CLR
WAVES POOL PARTY
10am - 3pm
Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre 44 Mileham Avenue, Baulkham Hills
Inflatable obstacle course in the 50m pool
FREE sausage sizzle (limited availability)
Party tunes from a live DJ and roving entertainment
AUSTRALIA DAY ACTIVITIES AT WAVES ARE FREE. NORMAL ENTRY PRICES TO WAVES APPLY.
FUN AT THE FARM 4.30pm
Bella Vista Farm | Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
JUNKYARD BEATS
RICKI-LEE
- 9pm
Main Stage performances from Australian Idol alumni Ricki-Lee, the Bluey Live Interactive Experience and Junkyard Beats
Community Stage performances from local community groups
Food trucks
FREE activities, face painting and roving entertainment
Amusement rides
Fireworks finale
Entry is FREE. Limited parking available on-site. Free shuttle bus services will run from Bella Vista Metro Station.