Hornsby Shire Plans for Bushfire Safety and Sustainability
By Councillor Jane Seaglove Living in Hornsby Shire means enjoying beautiful bushland and rural landscapes, but it also means being prepared for the challenges that come with living in a bushfire-prone area, while planning for a sustainable and connected future. Bushfire readiness is something we all need to take seriously as we head into the […]
Free Digital Skills Training Opens for Hills businesses
FREE digital skills training is the big news for Hills business owners this month, and it comes with a few extras worth knowing about. The Hills Shire Council has joined the Australian Government’s Digital Solutions Program as a partner, opening up government-funded training, mentoring and tools to small and micro-businesses across the Shire. First, here’s […]
Minns Government Finalises Cherrybrook Development Plan
By Mark Hodges MP The Minns Labor Government has now finalised its rezoning of the Cherrybrook Metro Precinct, paving the way for up to 10,000 new homes and buildings of up to 27 storeys. From the outset, when this proposal came to light last year, I strongly opposed it, and I maintain my opposition to […]
Are You Fire Ready? Now Is the Time to Prepare
By Councillor Mitchell Blue As Chair of The Hills Bushfire Management Committee and a local volunteer firefighter, bushfire preparedness is a cause I am deeply passionate about. With the 2026-27 bushfire season approaching, now is the time for residents and landowners across The Hills to understand their level of risk and take practical steps to […]
Cherrybrook Rezoning Raises Major Infrastructure Concerns
Dr Michelle Byrne – Mayor of the Hills Shire Council The NSW Government has decided to finalise the Cherrybrook Rezoning – and it’s significantly different from the Cherrybrook Place Strategy our residents expected that was developed through extensive community consultation. The original Place Strategy proposed around 3,200 additional dwellings. The final rezoning could now allow […]
Cherrybrook Rezoning: We Need Infrastructure to Match Growth
By James Wallace MP In August the NSW Labor Government announced the rezoning of the Cherrybrook Metro Precinct. The rezoning allows for buildings ranging between 27 storeys opposite the Cherrybrook Metro station, and between four and seven storeys backing onto existing suburban homes. The total long-term projection is for 10,000 new homes. It is significant […]
Homelessness Week: A Growing Crisis we Cannot Ignore
We recently marked Homelessness Week, providing an important opportunity to recognise the people experiencing homelessness across New South Wales and the organisations and volunteers working tirelessly to support them. I used the occasion to speak in Parliament about the growing homelessness crisis in our State. Homelessness is often misunderstood as simply sleeping rough, but it […]
Orange Blossom Festival Returns to The Hills This September
By Councillor Mitchell Blue Orange Blossom Festival One of The Hills’ favourite community celebrations, the Orange Blossom Festival, returns this September with a packed month of events and activities across the region. A major highlight this year is the return of the Orange Blossom Festival Parade at Rouse Hill Town Centre on 19th September. Main […]
Nominations Open for 2027 Castle Hill Woman of the Year
Do you know a remarkable woman making a difference in our local community? Nominations are now open for the 2027 NSW Women of the Year Awards in the Castle Hill electorate. This is your opportunity to recognise a local woman who goes above and beyond to strengthen our community through leadership, service, or quiet dedication. […]
Orange Blossom Festival Returns in 2026
By Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne Our signature Orange Blossom Festival is back in 2026 with the return of three main events and a series of community events to kick off spring. Echoes – Moon Garden Nightly, Friday 18th September – Sunday 11th October 2026 | Bella Vista Farm After a hugely successful debut last year, […]