Hills Focus Community Magazine - Summer 2023-24

F CUS SYDNEY HILLS

SUMMER 2023

N E W S A N D I N F O R M AT I O N F R O M T H E H I L L S S H I R E C O U N C I L

INSIDE

Christmas events and workshops Australia Day at Bella Vista Farm Waves is the place to be!

What’s on at the Library And more…

Illuminate the Hills at the Rose Garden from 30 November 2023 – 1 January 2024

THE FIRST SPORTSFIELDS WERE OPENED IN NORTH KELLYVILLE

A Year in

Review

As 2023 comes to a close, The Hills Shire Council would like to wish residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s take a look back at the year that was.

Samantha Riley Drive Reserve is North Kellyville’s first-ever sportsground and was opened on Saturday 23 September.

The community celebrated the opening with a park party which included free gelato, hot drinks and face painting.

Samantha Riley Drive Reserve features: •

• • • • • • •

Four multi-purpose rectangular natural turf sportsfields that can also be reconfigured into two cricket ovals A basketball half-court

Two practice cricket nets A local playground Picnic facilities

An amenities building with accessible toilets, change rooms, kiosk, referee room and storage Onsite carpark with 200 spaces and Concrete shared loop pathway around the fields.

THREE NEW LOCAL PARKS WERE BUILT

These included: • Withers Road Reserve, North Kellyville • Kumbantine Crescent Reserve, North Kellyville and • Deepwater Circuit Reserve, North Kellyville.

A range of playground upgrades were also completed this year, including: • Parsonage Road Reserve, Castle Hill • Alice Robinson Reserve, Glenhaven • Woodhill Street Reserve, Castle Hill • Aberdour Village Reserve, Rouse Hill • Ellerman Park, Dural.

WAVES TURNED ONE AND WON TWO AWARDS

In the first 12 months, Waves had over 30,000 visits. Waves was also recognised nationally by winning two awards – winner of the Cohesive Communities Category at the 2023 National Awards for Local Government and winner of the Social and Community Infrastructure (Recreation Facility) at the 2023 UDIA Awards.

COUNCIL HOSTED THE FOOTBALL FAN ZONE FOR THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

These included:

• •

Mayor of The Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi and Waves staff celebrating Waves turning 1

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THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL

An additional field at Kenthurst Park, Kenthurst

An additional field at George Thornton Reserve, West Pennant Hills.

The construction of Stringer Road Reserve and Brindle Parkway Reserve in North Kellyville also began this year, and are expected to be completed next year.

The ARAs are open to companies, government and not-for-profits across the Asia-Pacific, Australia and New Zealand and are awarded to organisations with the highest reporting standards.

Council also secured the Work Health and Safety Reporting Award, which acknowledges exceptional reporting that promotes workplace health and safety.

THE GROWING FOOD FOR WILDLIFE PROJECT BEGAN

The Growing Food for Wildlife Project started in August 2022 after Shaun Warden, a local wildlife carer, contacted Council to source land to grow native plants to support animals in care.

This much-needed food is then passed onto local wildlife rescue groups who care for sick, injured or orphaned Australian animals, including endangered species that are at risk of disappearing forever.

SIX NEW SPORTSFIELDS WERE BUILT Four sportsfields at Samantha Riley Drive Reserve, North Kellyville

Council won a Gold Award for its 2021-2022 Annual Report at the 73rd Australasian Reporting Awards (ARAs).

Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre celebrated its first anniversary since a complete knockdown and rebuild that transformed the centre into a state-ofthe-art complex.

For more information about Samantha Riley Drive Reserve, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Samantha Riley Drive Reserve.’

•

COUNCIL’S ANNUAL REPORT WINS GOLD FOR THE SIXTH TIME IN A ROW

To support the watershed moment in women’s sport, Council hosted a free live site in partnership with Rouse Hill Town Centre. The Football Fan Zone at Market Square showed every match throughout the Women’s World Cup. Thousands of Hills Shire residents attended the live site, culminating in an estimated 2,200 people cheering on the Matildas in the semi-final against England.

The Growing Food for Wildlife Project is held on the second Saturday of every month at the Community Environment Centre, located at Currie Avenue, Annangrove.

Meet like-minded people, learn more about the local environment and plant species and help native wildlife.

For more information on the Growing Food for Wildlife project, visit Council’s website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Growing Food for Wildlife.’

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SENSITIVE STORYTIME AND SENSITIVE LIBRARY WERE LAUNCHED

to over 4,000 roses and 80 different species.

the platypus population across Western Sydney.

Volunteering occurs every Wednesday from 9am – 12pm. Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary.

To celebrate the discovery, Council teamed up with CHEN to bring residents a series of free workshops about the egg-laying mammals during August, which is also known as ‘Platypus Month.’

Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden is located at Roxborough Park Road, Baulkham Hills next to Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre.

For information about volunteering, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov. au and search for ‘Rose Garden Volunteering.’

The Hills Shire Library Service launched Sensitive Storytime at Castle Hill Library. Sensitive Storytime is for neurodivergent children up to 5 years of age and their families. The sessions include stories, songs and sensory experiences. Sensitive Storytime is held every Tuesday during school term at Castle Hill Library and is limited to 10 children per session.

Baulkham Hills Library also introduced Sensitive Library. Every Wednesday from 9:30am, Baulkham Hills Library offers a quiet, light and noise-sensitive environment for 30 minutes for library members with neurodivergent needs.

These library initiatives are free. To book, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/ Library

VOLUNTEERING AT QUEEN ELIZABETH II MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN BEGAN

BALCOMBE HEIGHTS CHILD CARE EXCEEDED THE NATIONAL STANDARDS

ouncil has received an increased number of requests to remove snakes from residential properties and surrounding bushland after a warmer-than-average start to spring.

Higher temperatures have prompted increased snake activity, resulting in more sightings and calls for assistance.

Council’s centre joined 23 per cent of long day care centres in Australia that exceed the National Quality Standards under the National Quality Framework.

Platypuses were found in The Hills earlier this year in the Cattai Catchment area, which spans from Castle Hill to Cattai. The discovery was made by Dr Michelle Ryan and the Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN), who have been monitoring

Families and staff from the centre celebrated the achievement with a sausage sizzle and cake.

For more information about Council’s child care centres, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Child Care.’

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE HILLS FOCUS MAGAZINE

FOCUSFOCUS SYDNEY

SYDNEY HILLS

HILLS

AUTUMN

TION FR OM THE HILLS SH IRE COU NCIL

N E W S A N D I N F O R M AT I O N F R O M T H E H I L L S S H I R E C O U N C I L

Originally established in 1972, the Rose Garden is one of the largest of its kind in NSW after the Botanic Gardens. The garden is currently home

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL

Nicola Rutzou from Women Who Cycle

INSIDE

This new volunteering opportunity provides rose lovers and green thumbs with the chance to indulge their passion at Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden.

CYCLE THE HILLS

2020

WINTER 2021

NEWS AN D INFOR MA

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LEARN ABOUT WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE ONE FROM RAVI FROM SYDNEY WILDLIFE

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PLATYPUSES WERE SIGHTED IN THE HILLS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 25 YEARS

Do you have any suggestions for the Hills Focus magazine?

Scan the QR code to fill out a short survey.

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Snakes are out and about this summer

INSI DE

Samantha Riley Drive Update Top picnic spots in The Hills Key Projec More sportsfields on the way ts in The Hills Meet Volunteer Max Roughley Rose garden revitalisation Responsible Dog Ownership The honey and egg man AND MORE… Major projects update Actor makes director debut And more…

Council does not remove snakes or reptiles from public or private land and does not recommend attempting to handle them, however, a professional snake catcher can.

In early November, the Community Environment Centre held a Snake Safety and Behaviour Workshop with Ravi Singh. Ravi is a wildlife rescuer and professional snake catcher from Sydney Wildlife, a rescue organisation that cares for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. Ravi joined Sydney Wildlife in 2015 as a volunteer and within a year, completed his training with professional snake catchers.

Ravi is now listed on the Department of Primary Industries’ Reptile Handler list, which is a list of operators allowed to legally catch and release reptiles (usually snakes) from commercial and residential homes and backyards.

Residents who participated in Ravi’s workshop learned about snake behaviour, their important role in the environment, what to do if they see a snake and how to treat a snake bite with basic first aid.

If you missed out on the workshop, Focus caught up with Ravi for his insights into these amazing and misunderstood creatures:

A NEW W AV E S I S O N T H E HILLS FOCUS I 1 WAY !

DISCOVER TOP CYCLEWAYS IN THE HILLS. PAGE 6

Focus: What made you become a professional snake catcher?

FUN FACT All native snake species in NSW are protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the harming of these animals including killing, injuring, or capturing the animal is prohibited under the Act. Only licensed reptile handlers can capture snakes and release them under strict conditions.

Ravi: I always had a love for our native animals. I came to Australia when I was 12 years old from the Fiji Islands.

Growing up as a kid in Kellyville, there was a lot of bushland and every day, I would witness lots of beautiful native animals and reptiles and I was fascinated by them.

The reason I became a wildlife carer/ professional snake catcher is to educate and raise awareness about our wildlife.

In today’s society, I have heard a lot of people say that some of our native animals like snakes are bad, that they don’t belong on their property and that we should kill them.

I think we still need more education and awareness so that our community can foster a positive mindset towards our wildlife, so it is appreciated and respected.

professional snake catcher, and keep yourself, your children, and your pets indoors.

If you are out walking and see a snake, leave it alone and safely walk away.

Snakes are generally shy and will not attack unless provoked.

Like most wild animals, snakes have a natural fear of humans. The saying, “they are more afraid of you than you are of them,” is 100 per cent true for snakes and they will do their best to avoid interactions with humans. If you are concerned about sighting snakes in your area, please contact wildlife groups such as Sydney Wildlife, WIRES or a professional snake catcher for advice.

Focus: What is your advice for people if they come across a snake in their backyard or if they’re out and about?

For more information about upcoming workshops at the Community Environment Centre, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Environment Centre Events.’

Ravi: If you come across a snake inside your home or your backyard, call a

To read Ravi’s full interview, visit www.hillsfocus.com.au HILLS FOCUS

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W HA T’S ON AT THE LI BRARY

This Summer

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD ONLINE The Sydney Morning Herald online is now available from your local library.

Current and back issues are available on your computer, tablet, smart phone or app, so you can read anytime, on the go, while commuting to work or with a coffee in the comfort of your own home.

To access the Sydney Morning Herald online, download the BorrowBox app and sign in with your library card or read on your computer to get started today!

Website: thehills.borrowbox.com

SUMMER READING

EMILY WHO CHRISTMAS SHOW We are excited to announce that the Emily Who Christmas Show is returning to the Pioneer Theatre!

Join us for an interactive, fun-filled Christmas event presented by Australian children’s singer Emily Who! This show is packed full of Christmas songs and plenty of dancing!

Date: Monday 18 December 2023, 10am - 10.45am Location: Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill (directly underneath Castle Hill Library) Age:

Preschool-age children

Bookings: Bookings are essential online. To book, visit www.thehills. nsw.gov.au/Library and search for ‘Christmas Show’.

AN EVENING WITH BENJAMIN STEVENSON Benjamin Stevenson is an awardwinning comedian and author of three novels. Benjamin has sold out live shows from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to Edinburgh Fringe and will be joining us in the Pioneer Theatre to discuss his latest bestselling book, Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect.

Date: Tuesday 5 December 2023 6.30pm - 7.30pm Location: Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill (directly underneath Castle Hill Library) Age:

Adults

SUMMER READING ADVENTURE Dive into the Summer Reading Adventure "Oceans of Possibilities" these school holidays!

Open to children aged 5-14 years, the Summer Reading Adventure promotes reading while most importantly, having fun!

Children will receive a booklet with challenges and activities when they join and a certificate and reward when they complete their booklets.

The Summer Reading Adventure is free to join at any Hills Shire Library.

Simply visit one of the Hills Shire 6

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Bookings: Bookings are essential online. To book, visit www.thehills. nsw.gov.au/Library and search for ‘Benjamin Stevenson’.

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL

Libraries and sign up.

For more information, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Library and search for ‘Summer Reading Adventure’.

Indulge in some summer reading these holidays with our curated list of interesting reads: • The Hidden Book - Kirsty Manning • Lowbridge - Lucy Campbell • Bound to Happen – Jonathon Shannon • Road Trips Australia: Backroads and Byways - Don Fuchs • The Long Game - Elena Armas • After She Wrote Him: A Mystery Sulari Gentill For more information or to search the library catalogue, visit www.thehills. nsw.gov.au/Library.

Library membership is available for free at any Hills Shire Library. Visit any branch of the Hills Shire Libraries with photo ID to sign up.

Children at Ellerman Child Care Centre learned about bush tucker and native plants from Council’s Environmental Education Officer, Jess.

The children planted warrigal greens, midyim berries, wild currants, native leeks and pigface plants.

Age: Suitable for children aged 5-14 years

The bush tucker will be used in nutritious meals for the children, which are prepared freshly each day by an on-site cook.

Bookings: To sign up, visit your local Hills Shire Library branch

GET FIT AT WAVES As we approach 2024, there’s no better opportunity to kickstart a healthier lifestyle than at Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre.

Whether you’re interested in getting into shape, improving your swimming skills, giving a loved one a unique Christmas present, or planning a thrilling birthday party, Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre has everything you need.

LEARN TO SWIM AT WAVES The great team at Waves is committed to helping you take the plunge and achieve your 2024 goals. Our experienced and certified swim instructors offer a range of classes for swimmers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, including convenient daytime lessons for children, aged 6 months to 3 years.

GET FIT AT WAVES Why wait until January 1 to start working towards building a happier, healthier you? Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre offers a range of

fitness programs, including aqua aerobics, group fitness classes, and access to our state-of-the-art gym. No matter what your fitness goals are, we have the resources to support your needs.

Are you struggling to find the ideal Christmas gift for a loved one?

Why not give them a Waves gym membership to jumpstart their fitness journey?

WAVES SPLASHPAD IS NOW OPEN! Looking for an exciting water wonderland to take the kids to these summer holidays?

Waves has an exciting splash pad equipped with slides and water soakers.

Waves splash pad is open: •

Weekends 10am - 6pm

•

School Holidays 10am - 6pm

•

Weekdays 3:30pm - 6pm

We encourage you to call ahead to confirm if the splash pad is open.

For more information, visit www. wavesfitnessandaquatic.com.au

BUSH TUCKER GARDEN AT ELLERMAN CHILD CARE CENTRE

Date: 1 December 2023 - 31 January 2024 Location: The Hills Shire Library Service

IS THE PLACE TO BE!

Ellerman Child Care Centre is located

in the leafy, rural setting of Round Corner, Dural. The centre is open from 7am – 6pm and features a large shaded outdoor playground, sandpit, veggie patch, fruit trees, dry creek and cubby house. Places are available for 3-5-year-olds. Start Strong funding is available for children 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’ or call 9761 5703.

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Celebrating Platypus Month

PROTECTING THE UNIQUE POPULATION IN THE HILLS The enchanting world of the platypus came alive in The Hills as community members, citizen scientists from the Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN) and Dr Michelle Ryan from Western Sydney University joined forces during Platypus Month.

This special time allowed residents to learn about the remarkable discovery of the local platypus population and take action to protect these unique creatures for the future.

WORKSHOPS AND CELEBRATIONS Throughout Platypus Month in August, workshops and celebrations brought the community closer to their aquatic neighbours.

The first workshop, Platypus and Riverbank Restoration, aimed to educate attendees on the importance of preserving riverbank habitats for platypus. During a special workshop for kids, young participants learned

about these native Australian creatures, including their diet of water bugs.

The remaining two workshops delved into the research and stories of the local platypus population, shedding light on their presence in the local community and offering insights into how residents could contribute to their conservation.

These workshops drew over 100 attendees, showcasing the commitment of the community to protect this local population. An especially heartwarming celebration came from Balcombe Heights Child Care Centre, who organised a birthday party for their platypus friend, ‘Platy’. This came complete with a lively rendition of the platypus song and a hearty “happy birthday”.

along Cattai Creek.

Their efforts included planting, mulching, and weeding to create a healthier habitat for the local platypus population.

Platypus Bushcare is held once a month at Connelly Way, in Kellyville.

PARTNERSHIPS FOR PLATYPUS: Council has also partnered with Cattai Hills Environment Network and Greater Sydney Landcare to help run and support Platypus Landcare.

Over 40 dedicated Bushcare volunteers rolled up their sleeves to engage in the vital work of restoring the riverbank

The Hills Shire Council Australia Day Awards celebrate ordinary Australians making extraordinary contributions to their community.

Australia Day Awards will be awarded in the following categories:

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Saturday 9 December | 10am – 12pm

Homemade colourful preserves are a great gift for Christmas! During this workshop, learn how to manage an abundance of seasonable fruit and vegetables as well as leftovers by preserving them. Find out more about preserving techniques and help make a seasonal preserve using common kitchen equipment and

utensils. During the session, you will make two preserves in small jars that can be used as lovely Christmas presents.

This workshop is supported

by The Hills Shire Council Resource Recovery Team.

NATIVE CHRISTMAS WREATH

Thursday 7 December | 10am – 12pm Get into the Christmas spirit and make your own native Christmas wreath! Native plants have a huge range of colours and textures and look beautiful as decorative plants. Bring your own native plant cuttings or use some native cuttings from our gardens to decorate and create your own recycled Christmas wreath.

dried flower arrangements which will be a unique and special piece for Christmas.

Native cuttings form into

The Community Environment Centre is located on Currie Avenue, off Annangrove Road, Annangrove. For more information about these FREE workshops, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Environment Centre Events.’

PLATYPUS BUSHCARE

Do you know an unsung hero in your local community who should be celebrated for the work they do?

Nominate them for the 2024 Australia Day Awards.

•

CHRISTMAS PICKLING AND PRESERVING PRESENTED BY MARGARET MOSS HOUSE

To read more about our platypus program, visit the Hills Focus blog, www.hillsfocus.com.au

NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL HERO FOR THE 2024 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

•

CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS AT THE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT CENTRE

Young Citizen of the Year (24 years and under) Citizen of the Year

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL

• • •

Senior Citizen of the Year (over 65 years)

From Thursday 30 November 2023 – Monday 1 January 2024 head down to Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden to enjoy the rose garden after dark.

Environmental Citizen of the Year Community Group of the Year

Wander through rose-lined pathways and twinkling fairy lights, magnificent Christmas installations and a nativity scene that’s sure to get you and your family in the festive spirit.

To nominate someone, visit www. thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Australia Day Awards.’

Nominations will close on COB Friday 1 December 2023. The winners of each category will be presented at an Australia Day Awards ceremony in 2024.

Nominees must be residents of the Hills Shire local government area.

ILLUMINATE THE HILLS IS BACK FOR 2023

On opening night, you might even see Santa and Mrs Claus!

The 2023 Australia Day Awards winners: Daniel McGovern, Ryan Barton, Rajiv Chaudhri, Paul Rapp and Elaine White.

The rose garden is located on Roxborough Park Road, Baulkham Hills next to Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre.

For more information, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Illuminate the Hills.’

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CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPERATING HOURS

‘tis the season to recycle Bin collections will occur as normal, even Christmas Day

COUNCIL’S CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE

COUNCIL’S CHILD CARE CENTRES

Council’s Customer Service Centre will close at 4:30pm on Friday, 22 December 2023 and reopen at 8:30am on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

Council’s Child Care Centres will close from Thursday 21 December 2023 and reopen on Tuesday 9 January 2024.

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 – click on the ‘Report to Council’ button on the homepage.

HILLS COMMUNITY CARE Hills Community Care will operate until 4.30pm on Friday 22 December 2023 and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

Throughout the entire Christmas/New Year period client support will be provided on request and emergency contact numbers will be available.

COUNCIL’S LIBRARIES

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.

CAN I PUT IT IN MY YELLOW LIDDED RECYCLING BIN? YES

Christmas cards and wrapping Glass bottles and jars Plastic bottles and containers Steel and aluminium cans and tins Cardboard and junk mail

Remember to collapse cardboard and squash plastic bottles and aluminium cans before placing into the recycling bin.

NO

Christmas lights Toys and clothes Bon Bons Artificial Christmas Trees Decorations/ribbons/tinsel/foil Polystyrene Broken crockery and drinking glasses Plastic bags

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 10

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THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL

Date

Castle Hill

Rouse Hill

Baulkham Hills

Dural

Friday 22 December

Normal hours

Normal hours

Normal hours

Normal hours

Saturday 23 December

Normal hours

Normal hours

Normal hours

Normal hours

Sunday 24 December

Closed

Closed

Closed

Closed

Monday 25 December

Closed

Closed

Closed

Closed

Tuesday 26 December

Closed

Closed

Closed

Closed

Wednesday 27 December

9:30am – 5pm

9:30am – 5pm

Closed

Closed

Thursday 28 December

9:30am – 5pm

9:30am – 5pm

Closed

Closed

Friday 29 December

9:30am – 5pm

9:30am – 5pm

Closed

Closed

Saturday 30 December

9:30am – 5pm

9:30am – 5pm

Closed

Closed

Sunday 31 December

1pm – 5pm

1pm – 5pm

Closed

Closed

Monday 1 January

Closed

Closed

Closed

Closed

Tuesday 2 January

Normal hours

Normal hours

Normal hours

Normal hours

WAVES FITNESS AND AQUATIC CENTRE Date

Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre

Waves Café*

Friday 22 December

6am – 8pm

7am – 7pm

Saturday 23 December

7am – 7pm

7:30am – 5:30pm

Sunday 24 December

7am – 5pm

7:30am – 5pm

Monday 25 December

Closed

Closed

Tuesday 26 December

8am – 6pm

8am – 6pm

Wednesday 27 December

6am – 9pm

7am – 7pm

Thursday 28 December

6am – 9pm

7am – 7pm

Friday 29 December

6am – 9pm

7am – 7pm

Saturday 30 December

6am – 8pm

7:30am – 5:30pm

Sunday 31 December

7am – 5pm

7:30am – 5pm

Monday 1 January

8am – 6pm

8am – 6pm

Tuesday 2 January

6am – 9pm

7am – 7pm

*Waves Café is not operated by Council.

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COUNCILLORS COMMENTS schools and hospital beds.

MAYOR, DR PETER GANGEMI 0419 429 095

On a lighter note, I am proud of what Council has achieved this year, including: •

mayor.gangemi@thehills.nsw.gov.au

This term has seen Council undertake over $100m of recreation projects for our community, and as a part of this, I was proud to open two new reserves alongside local residents - Withers Road Reserve and Samantha Riley Drive Reserve. Withers Road Reserve features significant facilities including a naturethemed playground covered by a shade sail, swings, spinner, picnic shelter, basketball half court, turf kickabout area and extensive vegetation cover.

Samantha Riley Drive Reserve is North Kellyville’s first-ever sporting reserve, featuring four multi-purpose natural turf sportsfields that can be reconfigured into two cricket ovals, basketball halfcourt, two practice cricket nets, local playground, an amenities building and more.

Another priority of Council is to fight for the retention of the family friendly nature of The Hills and advocate against proposed overdevelopment. The NSW Government has recently announced three actions in this space that have the potential to negatively impact our community: 1.

2.

3.

The Government is proposing to give a 30% height and density bonus above local controls to developments over $75 million if they allocate 15% of their homes for affordable housing for 15 years.

Correspondence from the Department of Planning and Environment and comments from the NSW Planning Minister suggest that the five storey limits adopted only in December for the Cherrybrook Precinct may be revisited.

Prior to any announcement or funding of a school in the Showground Precinct, the 5,000 dwelling cap has been removed, potentially leaving the area with up to 9,500 dwellings and insufficient state infrastructure to support it.

As a Council, we have met and exceeded our housing targets. It is time for the State Government to provide the additional infrastructure our residents need, as locals battle traffic congestion on state roads and struggle to find 12

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Hosting the Football Fan Zone for thousands of residents in partnership with Hills Football and Rouse Hill Town Centre, showing every game of the Women’s World Cup.

•

Bringing our annual Orange Blossom Festival celebrations back to our community, which included the OBF Night Markets and the OBF Parade as well as a range of fantastic community-run events.

•

Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre won the Cohesive Communities Category at the 2023 National Awards for Local Government and the Social and Community Infrastructure (Recreation Facility) at the 2023 UDIA Awards.

•

Celebrating Small Business Month by facilitating a number of workshops and being the major sponsor of the first-ever WEXPO in The Hills. I was proud to be the Patron of WEXPO in The Hills, which saw hundreds of local business owners take the opportunity to connect, learn and grow their businesses.

As we are now in the full swing of summer, I am urging Hills Shire residents to be prepared for bushfire season. The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting very hot and dry conditions this summer with an expected El Nino weather pattern, increasing the risk of grass fires after three summers of rapid growth under La Nina conditions. Please contact your local Rural Fire Service brigade and take a moment to best prepare your property and consider your fire plan to keep your family safe.

Thank you for your support of the Council and myself again this year. I would like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

CLR MITCHELL BLUE DEPUTY MAYOR NORTH WARD 0400 449 324 clr.blue@thehills.nsw.gov.au

The weather has certainly warmed up and there hasn’t been a great amount of rain. Already, we have seen numerous total fire ban days. We are now in the bushfire danger period.

In September I presented at the Glenorie

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL

COUNCILLORS COMMENTS Progress Association meeting on bushfire preparedness and in particular the role that The Hills Shire Council plays. As the Chair of The Hills Bushfire Management Committee and a local volunteer firefighter, I am so passionate about bushfire safety and preparedness.

I was joined by The Hills NSW Rural Fire Service staff along with other RFS members from The Hills.

Before the presentation, it was interesting to see how many residents chose to ‘stay and defend’ in the event of a bushfire and then the number that decided afterward that it was best for them to ‘leave early’.

This is a key consideration when developing a Bushfire Survival Plan. Even if your plan is to leave early, the more you prepare your home, the more likely it will survive a bushfire or ember attack. A well-prepared home can also be easier for you or firefighters to defend, less likely to put your neighbours’ homes at risk and give you more protection if a fire threatens suddenly and you cannot leave.

With hot and drier conditions expected this summer, you may be at higher than normal risk of bush and grass fire.

Know your risk this bushfire season and prepare well ahead. Download the ‘Hazards Near Me’ app. I’m ready, and I’d like you to be too.

In October, Council moved to put its draft Community Engagement Policy, Community Engagement Strategy Framework and Community Engagement Toolkit on public exhibition.

The draft community engagement documents have been developed to move The Hills Shire Council forward into a more engaging culture that will strengthen our relationship with our residents and stakeholders, creating a more inclusive and vibrant community.

The documents will exist to make the community engagement process across Council more consistent, streamlined, and easier to carry out. These drafted documents are the next step needed to steadily move forward towards an engagement-focused culture.

A more effective and streamlined engagement process will allow Council to make decisions that take into consideration the needs, values, and preferences of the community.

Community engagement improves the process of making sustainable decisions by drawing on the knowledge and experiences of the public. Issues can

be identified and addressed earlier, minimising wasted resources and time required to address them later.

The community in return will also have a better understanding of Council’s decision-making process, keeping them in the loop and improving their confidence and trust in Council.

Community engagement is something I am passionate about. It is the reason I wanted to become a Councillor and the reason I moved that Council investigate an update of our Community Engagement Strategy and activities in February last year.

As this is the last magazine before Christmas, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous 2024.

I hope that you can take a break, enjoy time with family and friends and hopefully enjoy summer.

If I can be of any assistance, please contact me. Until next time...

CLR MARK HODGES MP CENTRAL WARD 0400 492 842 clr.hodges@thehills.nsw.gov.au

The last twelve months for our community have witnessed the completion by our Council of sporting fields, parks, and gardens. The completion of the muchloved Roxborough Park Rose Garden, which has been renamed as the Queen Elizabeth II Rose Garden, Withers Road Kellyville and the completion of the Samantha Riley Drive Sporting Fields are some of the recent achievements. I know our community will enjoy each of the new parks and gardens.

Council will again light up the Rose Garden with a magnificent Christmas light display. I remember last year many children enjoyed the wonderful Christmas lights and I know that our community again will come out in force to enjoy the festive lights. The lights will commence on 30 November 2023.

Council will again next year celebrate Australia Day at the historical Bella Vista Farm. Australia Day at the Farm will be a day full of history, great food and activities at the farm. I look forward to seeing our community at the Farm.

As we move towards the Christmas and New Year Season my thoughts are always with family, friends and our community. Our community have faced disruptions to the peace of our community over the last twelve months.

My hope for our community is that the Christmas Season will bring with the season peace and goodwill. I wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

CLR TONY HAY OAM CENTRAL WARD 0414 482 000 clr.tonyhay@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 JEROME COX EAST WARD 0400 499 157

CLR JESSICA BRAZIER CENTRAL WARD 0400 460 504

clr.cox@thehills.nsw.gov.au

clr.brazier@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.

Report it to Council

ANY DEVICE, ANYWHERE, ANY TIME

Trees

Barking Dogs

Cycleways

Potholes

Have you seen something that needs our attention? You can report an issue from anywhere, on any device, at any time.

Issues that can be reported include: • Road maintenance including pothole repair • Waste issues including missed, damaged or lost bins • Bushland, reserve and playground maintenance • Community, health and safety issues • Buildings and venues maintenance • And more

Maintenance

Bins

To get started, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Report it to Council.’

www.thehills.nsw.gov.au | 9843 0555

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COUNCILLORS COMMENTS

CLR REENA JETHI EAST WARD 0412 341 161

CLR DR MILA KASBY NORTH WARD 0400 597 538

clr.jethi@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 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.

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 six years.

To view current job opportunities at Council, visit www.thehills.nsw. gov.au and search for ‘Careers.’

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clr.kasby@thehills.nsw.gov.au

It’s been an unseasonably warm spring and as we head towards a very hot El Nino summer, I’ve been encouraged by the number of organisations preparing communities for extreme weather events.

In Australia, heatwaves tragically cause more deaths than bushfires, floods and storms combined.

North West Community Services held a fantastic Spring Fair in Maroota as part of their Wellbeing project. It was a blistering hot day in September, highlighting just how important it is to have these conversations now. North West Community Services brought the RFS, SES, Landcare and Service NSW together, giving residents an opportunity to connect, ask advice, and learn how to plan ahead for the expected hot temperatures and other weather-related disasters. Knowledge is crucial and communities with strong social ties and good support cope much better through challenging times. For more information and upcoming events, visit: http://nwcs. org.au The RFS held their Get Ready Weekend in mid-September, a great opportunity for people to drop into their local RFS station and speak with volunteer firefighters about preparing their homes for bushfire or to make an appointment for a property safety inspection. As a member of the Kenthurst Brigade, it was encouraging to meet many new residents making the most of this invaluable service.

COUNCILLORS COMMENTS move faster to reduce emissions and limit global temperature rise. I’d like to see our Council adopt a Climate Change Action Plan, set an emissions reduction target, accelerate the electrification of our fleet vehicles, make new residential developments gas-free, increase shade and tree canopy cover, assist residents and businesses in shifting to renewable energy and storage and develop programs that support people in extreme heat conditions. I’ll be working towards accelerating these initiatives over the next year. Wishing you and your families a very happy summer festive season – stay safe and take care.

CLR VIRGINIA ELLIS NORTH WARD 0400 552 041 clr.ellis@thehills.nsw.gov.au

September came with one of most important traditional festivals in the Chinese calendar, the Moon Festival. Celebrated all over Sydney, I had the privilege of attending functions held locally in the Hills where our local Chinese community came together. This is a time for family and friends to gather, watch the full moon and eat mooncakes known in Chinese as yuebing.

I was fascinated by the legends associated with the origins of the festival which were shared with me, explaining that the festival represented notable elements of popular folklore coming from China’s long history and rich cultural traditions.

Glenorie Progress Association hosted a very informative Bushfire Preparedness meeting and despite living in bushland for the past 30 years I learnt a great deal. The changing climate means we will face more catastrophic and extreme fire danger days, conditions that make staying to defend your home extremely dangerous, even if it is well prepared. I cannot understate how important it is to have a well-considered bushfire survival plan this summer. Complete one online at rfs.nsw.gov.au or contact your local RFS brigade for information.

The festival is associated with a longbelieved legend which has slightly evolved over the many years of its following.

Chang’e, the goddess of the moon is said to have stolen the elixir of immortality from her husband, Yi, the great archer and hero of Chinese mythology. She then escaped to the moon, where she was condemned to a lonely existence. Yi then made sacrifices to his departed wife that featured cakes and fruits. The local people felt sympathy for him and also started making offerings of their own. To this day, Chinese people continue this tradition, by offering mooncakes in commemoration of Chang’e, as they make wishes and pray for family unity and harmony which is so important in their culture.

Adapting to events driven by an unstable climate is now essential and it is reassuring that this is being addressed but it is also crucial that we

On another note, we have now moved on from the cold days of winter to the warmer days we have been experiencing during spring. These have reminded us that we are

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL

possibly in for a hot and dry summer and the potential for devastating bushfires.

Throughout the Hills there have been several ‘Get Ready’ meetings which were extremely informative and well attended.

The RFS need to be congratulated for taking the initiative to connect with our residents and explain how and what they need to do to be fire ready. It is important that everyone living within the Hills area has a fire plan in case they are faced with a bush fire.

Plan, be ready and never take risks is the message I encourage everyone to follow, and hopefully, we will get through this summer without any problems.

2023 has been an interesting year and the end is fast approaching. The Hills Shire and in particular our northern areas, continue to change as many of the new roads, developments, parks, and open spaces have finally been completed. We are even more excited that there are new upgrades planned for North Ward that will build and benefit our present and future communities.

Christmas is literally around the corner, made more apparent because shopping centres have already started putting up decorations to remind us that we need to prepare for the festive season. Given this is the last communication for 2023, I hope that you and your family stay safe and are able to enjoy and celebrate the coming Christmas period and New Year.

CLR ROSEMARIE BONEHAM WEST WARD 0400 551 435 clr.boneham@thehills.nsw.gov.au

by the whole family. Or head to Council’s huge Australia Day celebrations at Bella Vista Farm on Friday, 26 January.

With this fabulous weather we’ve been enjoying comes the ideal time to get out and about. And to remember too, that when it’s time to buy that coffee, or gift or whatever, shopping locally not only helps our Shire to thrive, it also offers the opportunity to become part of a community.

CLR DR BARBARA BURTON WEST WARD 0400 452 389 clr.burton@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 FRANK DE MASI WEST WARD 0439 013 343 clr.demasi@thehills.nsw.gov.au

Waste and Recycling Council has been working hard to minimise the cost of waste and recycling however it is getting more and more expensive to dispose of waste.

All residents will also soon need to commence separating food waste as part of the NSW Government mandate for Food Organics and Garden Organics – FOGO.

One of the factors important to Council’s planning decisions is connectedness.

Councillors and Council strive to make the Hills a place that facilitates healthy, personal interactions, a place where people feel safe and find it easy to be with other people. Along with these planning decisions, the Council also strives to support activities that enrich our residents and help them link up with other folk.

The Strategy introduces new requirements for councils to provide food and garden waste collections to all NSW households by 2030 and for large food waste generating businesses to source separate food waste by 2025. In addition to these future changes there are no landfill sites left for general waste in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. Waste will need to be shipped by rail to Goulburn. This is again going to add to the cost of managing waste. There is a viable solution however.

Cost of living expenses are on the rise, but there are many FREE options in the Event Directory on Council’s website along with date, suburb and category options to make it easy to find something that suits you. Why not head down to the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden from 30 November for Illuminate The Hills, a free celebration of Christmas with a wonderful light display to be enjoyed

I recently returned from a self-funded study tour of Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan to see what we can do better in managing waste. The simple solution is for the NSW Government to invest in a Waste to Energy Plant. This means that all waste is treated, anything that is recyclable is separated and the rest is incinerated. The plant I toured in Singapore has minimal emissions and 10% of the electricity generated

powers the plant and the remaining 90% is then sent back to the grid.

Our current methods are not realistic with landfill a less environmentally friendly solution with the gases that are produced and the leeching of contaminated waste into our water ways which impacts on flora and fauna.

I will lobby to have a better solution for all residents on what we can do better to prevent the increasing costs of managing waste with a solution that is the best option for our environment.

Renaming the Rose Garden

September marked the first anniversary of the passing of our late Queen Elizabeth II. It is only fitting that in honour of Her Late Majesty, Council has renamed the Rose Garden at Roxborough Park Road, Baulkham Hills to the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden.

This was an idea that I presented to Council and I thank the majority of Councillors who agreed with me and voted in favour of this change, as it was only fitting to rename the Rose Garden in honour of our late Queen and mark her 70 year reign. Queen Elizabeth was an avid flora lover and there is even a rose named after our late Queen, which is featured at the Rose Garden behind the rose arbour.

Australia Day Celebrations and Awards

I look forward to meeting you at the many Australia Day functions being held throughout The Hills on 26 January 2024.

Please see the Council website for events that are taking place close to your home.

The major event will be held at Bella Vista Farm, where we can all celebrate together after restrictions finally allow us all to come together. It will be a fun filled day of entertainment, acknowledging residents who have contributed to The Hills and receiving Awards for their efforts. The day will be capped off with a fantastic fireworks display. This is a great event for all the family as we celebrate Australia Day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

As we come to the end of this year and a new year commencing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas celebrating the child Christ’s birth and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. I look forward to continuing to serve you and our community in 2024.

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AT BELLA VISTA FARM 4.30pm - 9pm

DOROTHY THE S DINOSAUR & FRIEND

Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista

Join us at Bella Vista Farm on Australia Day for family fun and festivities!

The Farm will be jam-packed with Aussie entertainment, including: •

Two live stages with performances from pop princess Samantha Jade, Dorothy the Dinosaur & Friends and community groups

•

FREE activities, rides and face painting

•

Roving entertainment, displays and stallholders

•

Delicious street food from a range of food trucks

•

And more!

Bring a picnic blanket and celebrate our national day in the stunning heritage location of Bella Vista Farm.

Entry is FREE and parking is available onsite. For more information, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Australia Day’ or follow The Hills Shire Council on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow us on socials

www.thehills.nsw.gov.au

SAMANTHA JADE