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 Street will be filled with colourful floats, local performers, schools, sporting clubs and community groups, creating a fantastic atmosphere for families and residents of all ages.
Food lovers can also look forward to the return of A Taste of Wisemans at Wisemans Ferry Park on 27th September. Surrounded by the beautiful Hawkesbury landscape, this popular event showcases the very best local produce, wines and gourmet delights. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, free family activities, and a wide range of offerings from local wineries, distilleries and food vendors.
Another exciting festival experience this year is Echoes – Moon Garden at Bella Vista Farm. As the sun sets, visitors will be transported into a magical hidden garden that only reveals itself under the moonlight. Wander through a captivating nocturnal landscape where illuminated plants and flowers come alive through stunning light installations, immersive displays and spectacular special effects.
The experience promises to delight all the senses and is set to become a must-visit attraction during this year’s festival. Guests can also enjoy a fantastic range of food offerings throughout the evening.
For event details and tickets,
visit www.orangeblossomfestival.com.au
Bushfire Preparedness
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 upcoming bushfire season approaching, now is the time for residents and landowners to understand their level of risk and take practical steps to better protect their homes, families and properties.
Each September, the NSW Rural Fire Service hosts Get Ready Weekend, providing communities with valuable information and practical advice to help prepare for the months ahead.
This year’s event will take place on 19th and 20th September with many local RFS brigades hosting activities and information sessions throughout The Hills. If you would like to find out more, you can visit the NSW RFS website or contact your local brigade for dates of their events.
Bushfires have long been part of The Hills landscape. From the fires that impacted Glenhaven and Annangrove in 1975, Kenthurst in 1991, and the devastating events of 1994 and 2002 across Maroota South, Glenorie and Kenthurst, our community has experienced firsthand how quickly conditions can change.
It has now been more than six years since Australia’s last major bushfire crisis dominated headlines. During that time, significant growth and development have reshaped suburbs such as Box Hill, North Kellyville and Annangrove.
While our communities continue to expand, the bushfire risk remains very real.
That is why The Hills District Rural Fire Service and The Hills Shire Council are encouraging residents to participate in the Four Weeks to Fire Ready program tailored specifically to local conditions in The Hills.
Many people are surprised to learn that homes are often lost not from direct flame contact, but from embers carried ahead of a fire front. These burning embers can travel kilometres on strong winds, landing in gutters, gardens, decks and roofs, potentially igniting homes far from the main fire.
Even newer homes in suburban areas can be vulnerable. Bushfires can also move at incredible speed, meaning residents must have a plan.
Creating a bushfire survival plan takes only a short amount of time, but having a clear plan in place can make a critical difference when every minute counts. Protecting your home is important, but most importantly, it can help protect your loved ones and save lives.
I will have more to say on Four Weeks to Fire Ready on my article next month with dates and activities that will help you and your family be prepared for what could be a busy fire season ahead.