SPRING 2026 I L L U M I N AT E T H E H I L L S O P E N I N G N I G H T O N S U N D AY 2 9 N O V E M B E R
SAV E THE DA T E F O R O U R
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT CENTRE
E XPE R I E N C E T H E MA G IC OF C H R ISTM AS THIS Y EAR AT I L L U M IN A TE TH E H ILL S AND THE MA YO R ’ S C H I LD R E N ’ S C H R IS TMAS PARTY.
ILLUMINATE THE HILLS
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, The Hon. Peter Primrose, MLC and Hills Shire Councillors.
STAGE ONE OF ANTHONY SKARRATT RESERVE, BOX HILL NOW OPEN
Sunday 29 November 2026 to Saturday 2 January 2027 Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden, Baulkham Hills The Rose Garden will come alive with dazzling light displays, festive decorations and Christmas-themed installations, including a Christmas train!
10am – 2pm Sunday 6 December Bella Vista Farm Bring the kids to enjoy FREE festive-themed activities. Rides, food and beverages will be available for purchase on the day.
More information about our Christmas events will be announced soon. Follow The Hills Shire Council on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL
Stage One of the project included the construction of:
Bookings now open for Box Hill & Nelson Community Centre
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MAYOR’S CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY
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a baseball batting practice tunnel were also added to the Master Plan following community consultation.
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Join us on Sunday 29 November from 5-9pm to see the lights switch on and to enjoy Christmas markets and a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus.
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In July, Box Hill residents celebrated the opening of Stage One of Anthony Skarratt Reserve.
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Box Hill & Nelson Community Centre, which features a function room and activity rooms, satellite library and dedicated playgroup space with outdoor play areas youth playground and plaza featuring a bouldering wall, omni warrior course and fitness equipment and car park with 187 spaces.
The opening event included free activities such as face painting, sausage sizzle cooked by Box Hill Nelson RFS, cupcakes and fruit, bubble artist, site tours, yard games and craft.
Looking for a space to host your next meeting, workshop, class or community event? Explore the rooms available and find the right fit for your group:
10AM – 2PM SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER ANNANGROVE PARK In November, Council’s Community Environment Centre is celebrating 20 years of environmental education, sustainability, and community connection.
FUNCTION ROOM
100 people
ROOM 2
24 people
ROOM 3
21 people
Join us at our official celebrations on Sunday, 29 November at Annangrove Park. The event will feature:
ROOM 4
24 people
Barbecue and coffee van
Maximum capacity Maximum capacity Maximum capacity Maximum capacity
The project was partially funded through the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program. Once all stages of construction have been completed, Anthony Skarratt Reserve will also include six football fields, two baseball fields, six multipurpose courts and cricket practice nets. Two synthetic cricket pitches, and
For room details and booking information, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Venues’.
local market stalls and interactive environmental activities, information displays, and community exhibits. Everyone is welcome to attend this free community event and celebrate this special milestone. For more information visit Council’s website and search ‘Community Environment Centre 20th Anniversary’.
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GET FIRE READY IN FOUR WEEKS Bush fire season is approaching, and now is the time to get prepared.
The Hills Shire Council and the NSW Rural Fire Service are once again inviting residents to take part in the Four Weeks to Fire Ready Challenge, a free program designed to help households prepare for bush fire season one step at a time. The challenge will guide you through four weekly themes:
MEET O UR N EW
YOUTH AMBASSADORS
WEEK 1: DISCUSS Know what you and your family will do if a bush fire threatens.
WEEK 2: PREPARE Take simple steps around your home to get bush fire ready.
WEEK 3: KNOW Understand Bush Fire Danger Ratings, alerts and warnings.
AM BE R M U S Z Y N S KI AN D E LIZ ABE TH M C D ON AGH ARE TH E H ILLS S H IRE ’ S YOU T H A M B A SSA D OR S FOR 2026- 2027.
WEEK 4: KEEP UP TO DATE Know where to find reliable bush fire information when you need it.
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Find out how prepared you are for bush fire season by completing the Community Preparedness Survey. You’ll receive a personalised preparedness score and tailored recommendations to help you get ready. A little preparation now can make a big difference later. Sign up today and start your journey to becoming fire ready.
hey were selected from a field of 38 applicants to represent youth in our Shire and help design programs to better engage with young people in The Hills.
To sign up and learn more, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Bushfire Protection - Be Prepared’ or scan the QR Code.
ANNANGROVE ROAD UPGRADE
A major upgrade of Annangrove Road will commence later this year, after Council awarded a construction contract for the $51 million project. The upgrade will transform a 1.9-kilometre section of Annangrove Road between Windsor Road and Edwards Road to two lanes in each direction, helping to improve safety, reduce congestion and support the continued growth of Rouse Hill, Box Hill and surrounding areas.
Works will include new traffic signals, footpaths and shared paths, stormwater
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infrastructure, street lighting, landscaping and utility relocations.
Due to the scale and complexity of the project, significant traffic disruptions and delays are expected throughout construction. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and be prepared for changing traffic conditions. Council and its contractor will work to minimise disruption where possible and will keep the community informed throughout the project. For more information and to subscribe for updates,
visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search “Annangrove Road Upgrade”.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A YOUTH AMBASSADOR?
Elizabeth: My hobbies are softball, debating, chess, Duke of Ed, and I’m very interested in musicals (specifically Hamilton, EPIC, Heathers, and SIX), religion, and politics.
Elizabeth: I was motivated to become a Youth Ambassador because I wanted to extend my voice beyond my school community. There is so much that can be done for youth in the Hills, and that is something I wholeheartedly want to be a part of. I have participated in a lot of leadership roles during my time at school, but this role as a Youth Ambassador furthers the impact I can make and allows Amber and I to work on something constructive together that benefits the youth of the Hills.
Amber: I’m a vocalist of a rock band, mostly performing songs from bands like Evanescence, Led Zeppelin and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I host the Youth Radio Show, YouthVision, at Alive 90.5, featuring weekly guests with advice for the younger generation. On a more personal level, I love the ocean, so much so, I’ve snorkeled with sharks, stingrays and turtles.
Amber: I became a Youth Ambassador to contribute to a cause greater than myself. I am passionate about advocating for youth voices and encouraging them to participate in Hills events to meet new people and help those in need. This is crucial in a time of social isolation and stress which restricts young people from seeking opportunities.
We asked Amber and Elizabeth some questions about what they’re most excited about the role.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO HAVE A VOICE IN LOCAL DECISIONMAKING? Elizabeth: Young people need to have a voice in local decision-making as most decisions made directly affect them and their futures. I strongly believe that young people being involved and engaged in these types of community spheres and decision-making is crucial in the development of a better society. The youth of today bring such a fresh, impactful and powerful perspective that should be taken into account when making local decisions. Amber: We are dependent on the younger generation - they are who will change the future and respond to the world. It is important to not assume young people’s needs but listen to them. Having a youth representative in local-decision making means young voices are taken seriously. The best way to understand what young people want, and how to motivate them to contribute to the Hills community is to have a representative from their own generation. For more information about Council’s Youth Ambassador Program, visit Council’s website and search ‘Youth Ambassador’. HILLS SHIRE NEWS
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HAVE YOUR S AY ON C H AN G E S
C OU N C IL IS P ROP OS IN G S OM E C H AN GE S TO TW O M AJ OR LAN D U S E P LAN N IN G D OC U M E N TS – T H E H IL L S L OC A L EN VIR ON M EN TA L PL A N 2019 ( LE P ) AN D T H E H IL L S D EVEL OPM EN T C ON T R OL PL A N 2012 ( D C P ) .
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he aim of these changes is to ensure our planning framework is up to date, remains fit for purpose and supports quality development outcomes.
WHAT IS THE HILLS LEP AND THE HILLS DCP? Together, these documents set out what can be built and where it can go. The LEP sets requirements for development including land use zoning, minimum lot sizes, maximum building heights, land required for public purposes and heritage conservation. The DCP gives more detailed guidance on how development is designed and assessed and includes controls around matters like car parking, local character and restricted development areas.
WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED CHANGES? The proposed changes to the LEP include: • • • • •
Introducing minimum lot size requirements for shop top housing where permitted in rural village and residential zones extending the application of the clause relating to the repair and rebuilding of dwellings, houses and secondary dwellings following a natural disaster introducing exempt controls for real estate signage in rural areas
introducing exempt controls for advertising-enabled electric vehicle charging units and updating references to local and state heritage items.
Mapping changes include adjustments to land zoning, lot size, height of buildings, floor space ratio, heritage and land reservation acquisition mapping. The proposed changes to the DCP include: •
Public domain and character controls
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waste management provisions
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definitions of site coverage and outbuildings
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refinement of controls for terrace style housing developments
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refinement of parking requirements for certain development types
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refinement of restricted development area mapping in certain locations and guidance on the intent of these areas and
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updated sustainability and environmental requirements for higher density development types.
For most residents, what you can do on your land will stay the same. The changes are about improving consistency, removing unnecessary and redundant controls and making it easier for residents, property owners and developers to see what local rules apply to the development of land.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION AND HAVE MY SAY? Scan the QR code to view the proposed changes and submit your feedback by 5pm on Monday 9 November 2026.
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COUNCILLORS COMMENTS DR MICHELLE BYRNE MAYOR OF THE HILLS SHIRE 0427 451 201 mayor.byrne@thehills.nsw.gov.au Protecting the future of Cherrybrook and West Pennant Hills At a recent Council meeting, I brought forward a Mayoral Minute regarding the NSW Government’s rezoning of the Cherrybrook Precinct. While we recognise the need for more housing, growth must be supported by the infrastructure our communities need.
Illuminate the Hills returns from 29 November - 2 January, lighting up the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden in Baulkham Hills with a spectacular nightly Christmas display. Join us on opening night to watch the lights switch on, browse through Christmas markets ideal for gifts, grab dinner at one of the food trucks and meet Santa! I will also be hosting my Mayor’s Children’s Christmas Party on Sunday 6 December at Bella Vista Farm and look forward to welcoming local children and families for a fun-filled day celebrating the magic of Christmas together with free festive activities.
CLR FRANK DE MASI DEPUTY MAYOR OF THE HILLS SHIRE, WEST WARD 0439 013 343
What is particularly concerning is that residents were originally consulted on a Place Strategy proposing around 3,200 additional homes, yet the final rezoning now permits up to 10,000 dwellings. The scale of the change extends beyond dwelling numbers. The final controls allow buildings of up to 27 storeys around Cherrybrook Metro Station, with heights transitioning to six storeys at the edge of the precinct. Although the plan includes five new local parks, walking and cycling links, and protection of the Blue Gum High Forest, these features must be matched by infrastructure that can support the much larger population. The central concern is that the infrastructure needed to support this growth has not been secured. Castle Hill Road and New Line Road are already heavily congested during peak periods, Metro services are under pressure, and there is still no identified or acquired site for the new primary school this population will require. Without firm commitments now, opportunities to deliver roads, schools, parks, sporting fields and community facilities will become more difficult and more costly as development proceeds. Housing approvals cannot come first while the essential infrastructure is left as an unfunded promise for the future. I am calling on the NSW Government to guarantee, before development proceeds, the scope, funding and delivery timetable for critical road and intersection upgrades, a new primary school, sufficient Metro and bus capacity, and the parks, sporting fields and community facilities residents will rely on. These commitments must include transparent milestones and clear accountability. If the Government is prepared to approve up to 10,000 homes now, it must be equally prepared to deliver the infrastructure needed to make the community function from day one. Celebrate Christmas in The Hills
Christmas will be here before we know it, and I encourage families to mark these wonderful community events in their calendars.
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COUNCILLORS COMMENTS planning for that growth now, not trying to catch up with it later. The State Government needs to be thinking beyond 2030 and planning for the Sydney of 2040 and 2050. For me, this shouldn’t just be a debate about whether we extend one Metro line. We should be asking how we connect the different parts of Sydney and make it easier for people to live, work and do business without everything having to revolve around the Sydney CBD. WSI is being built. The Aerotropolis is taking shape and Western Sydney is growing. Now we need to make sure the transport infrastructure keeps up — because if we build the connections, businesses will invest, jobs will follow and people will come. Build the missing link and they will come!!
clr.demasi@thehills.nsw.gov.au Build the missing link and they will come!! I recently had the opportunity to take part as a trial passenger at Western Sydney International Airport ahead of its opening on 25 October 2026.
Walking through the terminal and seeing the airport coming to life was pretty exciting. It is a massive investment in Western Sydney and one that will create some great opportunities for The Hills. But building the airport is only part of the job. We also need to make sure people can get there. There has been a lot of discussion about extending the Metro from Tallawong through to St Marys. I understand the argument, but our existing Metro is already very busy at peak times and with the population of Western Sydney continuing to grow, I don’t think we can simply keep adding more people to the same network. We need to look at the bigger picture. The Metro already connects The Hills through Rouse Hill, Norwest and Castle Hill to Macquarie Park and Chatswood and now to Bankstown through the Sydney CBD. The opportunity now is to build on that and look at how we can better connect The Hills with Parramatta, St Marys, the Aerotropolis and ultimately Western Sydney International Airport. This isn’t just about getting people from A to B. Good transport infrastructure helps businesses decide where they want to invest. It makes it easier for people to get to work and gives businesses greater access to a workforce. That means more opportunity for investment, more jobs and more reasons for businesses to establish themselves in Western Sydney in particular The Hills. The Hills is expected to grow by around 140,000 people by 2041. We need to be
THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL
Finally, some welcome news on funding. Councils across Australia have long argued that Financial Assistance Grants — untied federal funding for local government — have fallen too low, down to around 0.49% of Commonwealth taxation revenue, from a historical benchmark of 1%. Through sustained advocacy alongside councils across NSW, we’ve helped keep pressure on Canberra to restore this funding closer to that 1% mark. Every extra dollar means more capacity for the roads, services and infrastructure our community relies on. I will provide more updates as these initiatives progress.
CLR ROSEMARIE BONEHAM WEST WARD 0400 551 435 clr.boneham@thehills.nsw.gov.au
CLR IMMANUEL SELVARAJ WEST WARD 0400 223 546 clr.selvaraj@thehills.nsw.gov.au Moving The Hills Forward: Smarter Transport, Smarter Services
One of the biggest challenges facing our growing shire is congestion — too many private cars making the same commute, day after day. As your Councillor, I’ve been pushing for a practical solution: a dedicated metro-to-suburb shuttle service. This won’t be another on-demand service. I’m advocating for a scheduled, highfrequency shuttle running strictly during morning and evening peak periods — not all day — with a limited number of stops to keep journeys quick and direct. The target is a bus every 15 minutes at peak, frequent enough that residents can simply turn up and go, without checking a timetable or booking a ride. I’m pushing for this to start as a pilot on one clearly defined corridor, connecting a single metro station to a single Hills suburb, so it’s easy to deliver, easy to measure, and easy to scale once it proves itself. Get the pilot right — reliable timing, the right stops, real uptake at peak hour — and the case to extend it across the Hills becomes very hard to ignore. Alongside better transport, I’m also focused on how residents interact with Council itself. We’re exploring customer-facing Agentic AI — tools that can guide residents through applications, approvals and service requests directly, cutting the time it takes to get things done. Instead of navigating forms or waiting on hold, residents could get instant, accurate help around the clock. This is about making Council more responsive, not less human — freeing up staff for the complex cases that genuinely need a person.
As I sit to write this, I keep thinking of what residents raise most about The Hills — traffic, parking, school shortages, the growing skyline of high-rises, and a shortage of parks and playing fields in new developments. Council takes these concerns seriously and continues to press the State Government on them. Progress may feel slow, but we won’t be discouraged, and we’ll keep fighting for our community. Yet there is so much to celebrate here too. Beyond its natural beauty, The Hills is known as the family shire, with more households raising children than the city average. Our community is one of hope, and our children are that hope made visible. Council wants to support families through the events, infrastructure and pathways that help people live well together. Our seasonal events – Taste of Wisemans, the OBF Parade and Echoes at Bella Vista Farm – are highlights, but there’s plenty to enjoy year-round. Bushwalks like the Heritage Trail at Baulkham Hills, the Burraga Track Walk at West Pennant Hills, and the Platypus Track at Eric Mobbs Reserve are just a few — many pram and child friendly — so visit our website to explore them all. Our volunteering organisations, also listed online, offer a wonderful way to lift both spirit and mind through helping others. And then there are our libraries — Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, Dural, and now our new satellite library at Box Hill, open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10am–1pm. While digital information is convenient, nothing compares to walking into a library, meeting our wonderful staff, and sharing a quiet space with fellow residents. They’re true places of community and sanctuary, tailored even for our littlest visitors. So welcome to another season in the Hills. I look forward to serving this community throughout the term ahead.
CLR MITCHELL BLUE NORTH WARD 0400 449 324
CLR JACOB JACKSON PSM NORTH WARD 0428 924 211
clr.blue@thehills.nsw.gov.au
clr.jackson@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Are You Fire Ready? Now Is the Time to Prepare
Spring has arrived across the Shire, and there’s plenty happening worth reflecting on.
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 protect their homes, families and properties. This year, forecasts indicate the potential for a challenging bushfire season, with El Niño conditions increasing the likelihood of warmer temperatures and below-average rainfall across many parts of Australia. Following a drier than average autumn and winter and ongoing dry conditions in parts of New South Wales, residents should not be complacent. The combination of dry vegetation, warmer weather and strong winds can create conditions that allow fires to spread rapidly. That is why The Hills District Rural Fire Brigades and The Hills Shire Council are encouraging residents to take part in the 4 Weeks to Fire Ready Challenge, a free program tailored specifically to local conditions. Over four weeks, participants receive simple weekly guidance to help create a Bush Fire Survival Plan, prepare their property, understand warnings and fire danger ratings, and keep their plans up to date. This year, the program will also include a series of community preparedness and information meetings across The Hills. These sessions provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about local bushfire risks, ask questions, develop a Bush Fire Survival Plan and meet their local volunteer firefighters. Whether you are new to the area or have lived here for decades, these meetings offer practical advice that could make a significant difference during an emergency. A bushfire survival plan takes only a short time to prepare, but it can make a critical difference when every minute counts. Join the 4 Weeks to Fire Ready Challenge at www.4weeks2fireready.com.au and look out for Get Ready Weekend events hosted by local RFS brigades throughout September. Prepare now, because being fire ready could save your home and, more importantly, save lives.
On 1 August, I joined the community to celebrate the official opening of Stage One of Anthony Skarratt Reserve in Box Hill. After years in the planning, residents can now enjoy the new Box Hill & Nelson Community Centre, complete with a satellite library, function rooms and a nautical-themed toddler play space. Growth remains the biggest issue facing our Shire. The NSW Government continues to set ambitious housing targets for The Hills, and while I understand the need for more homes, I remain concerned that the infrastructure to support them, including roads, schools, open space and community facilities, doesn’t always keep pace. Box Hill is a clear example: even with wins like Anthony Skarratt Reserve, real funding gaps remain, and closing them will take ongoing pressure on the NSW Government. There’s some welcome news on roads, with Council recently awarding the tender for the $51 million Annangrove Road upgrade in Rouse Hill, which will widen a 1.9km stretch to two lanes each way between Windsor Road and Edwards Road.
R U OK? Day fell on 10 September, but it shouldn’t be just one day. Checking in on those we care about is something we should be doing all year round, not when the calendar reminds us. A simple conversation can mean the world.
I hope everyone enjoyed this year’s Orange Blossom Festival, which included Echoes – Moon Garden, the OBF Parade, Taste of Wisemans and a range of community-run events. OBF is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy what makes this Shire such a great place to raise a family, and along with my wife and kids, I enjoyed this year’s program immensely.
CLR DR MILA KASBY NORTH WARD 0400 597 538 clr.kasby@thehills.nsw.gov.au With urban development continuing all around us, it’s now even more important to protect and nurture the remaining natural spaces and wildlife that make the Hills Shire so special. As a veterinarian, I’m really concerned about the highly contagious bird flu spreading across Australia, and the devastating impact it may
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COUNCILLORS COMMENTS have on our native birds and wildlife. There are a number of ways we can all help to reduce the virus from spreading: •
Avoid feeding wild birds. Although this is enjoyable and may seem like a harmless hobby, it brings together many different species of birds in large numbers (which doesn’t happen in nature). This creates a hotspot for disease transmission and may result in many more bird and wildlife deaths. The kindest thing to do is to stop feeding them.
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If you have a bird bath, make sure you empty, clean, and refill it every single day with fresh water.
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Clean shoes and clothing before and after visiting nature reserves and other bushland or agricultural areas to reduce the risk of spreading the virus while moving from place to place.
Other ways to support the health of birds and wildlife while they face this virus: •
Keep pets away from birds and wildlife – keep cats safe at home preventing them from roaming. Walk dogs on a lead, especially in areas where there are native birds and wildlife.
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Plant native species in your garden as food and habitat for native birds and wildlife.
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Volunteer with Bushcare or Landcare to restore local habitat (weeding, litter removal and revegetation/ planting).
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Minimise stress and disturbance by not getting too close (or being loud and obtrusive) when encountering wildlife during outdoor activities.
Sadly, it’s very likely we’ll see more sick or dead birds over the coming year. It’s best to Avoid, Record and Report. Keep your distance – don’t handle any sick or dead birds/ animals and keep children and pets well away. Take a photo from a safe distance and record details like the date, time, location then report it to the Emergency Animal Hotline on 1800 675 888.
CLR ALAN HASELDEN EAST WARD 0437 144 392 clr.haselden@thehills.nsw.gov.au Population and the Metro It is abundantly clear to anyone using the wonderful Metro around peak times that it has become stressed. Commuters consistently report overcrowding, using unfortunate comparisons with Tokyo’s suburban trains. Council frequently turns its attention to this and the corresponding
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parking problems in addressing resident concerns but the issues, like so many others, are under the purview of the State government. The Housing Development Authority (HDA) is a recent imposition on the city established by the current government and the HDA’s extraordinary reach provides it with almost unlimited powers in approving further housing density around Metro stations. Buildings in key locations previously approved by Council to stand 25 storeys are now able to extend to 40 levels in pursuit of a solution to the so-called housing crisis. The most extraordinary reach of the NSW Government has been the release of the Cherrybrook Precinct plan around the Cherrybrook station where the agency has seen fit to approve 27 storey buildings and 10,000 dwellings straddling Castle Hill Rd at West Pennant Hills. The magnitude of this impost is still becoming clear and, as with much of the other development across our shire, has not been accompanied with additional infrastructure including schools, playing fields, public transport and road improvements. It was this disregard of community concern which gave rise to our campaign of “Fight for a Fairer Hills Future”, a petition which gathered more than 21,000 signatures from a grassroots effort by most Councillors. Council meetings today almost always debate our colossal population challenge and the limited capacity within our budget to satisfy the legitimate demands of a burgeoning population. Nowhere is this problem more acute than in the new release area of Box Hill where, through State Government inaction, an infrastructure funding shortfall exceeding $200 million denies residents what they rightfully expected. Absent infrastructure funding which only State Government can provide, the commuter crush on the Metro, which promised so much, will only get worse.
CLR JANE GREVTSEVA EAST WARD 0437 938 380 clr.grevtseva@thehills.nsw.gov.au Summer is nearly here and it’s the time of year I love most in The Hills. The evenings go warm and slow, people come out of their houses and this big, busy Shire feels small again. There is a lot on across December in The Hills and all of it is free. Start with Illuminate The Hills, my favourite. Council fills the Rose Garden at Baulkham Hills with thousands of fairy lights, Christmas displays and nativity scene. It glows every evening right through to early January. Bring
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COUNCILLORS COMMENTS your kids and watch their faces when the lights come on. That look is the whole reason we do it, we do it for them. The paths are flat for prams and wheelchairs. Opening night usually brings Santa, market stalls and delicious food trucks. Then there are the carols. Glenhaven Carols by Candlelight brings us onto Glenhaven Oval. Food stalls and rides from the afternoon and children everywhere. Then the light goes, the candles come up and everyone sings together. It also ends with fireworks. Parking is tight, so use the streets off Glenhaven Road or walk in. Here is the bit I want you to know. Glenhaven Carols started as a fundraiser for the local Rural Fire Brigade and our RFS and SES volunteers still run it. The people who protect us in summer are the same people handing your child a glow stick in December, thank you team! Our Shire is growing fast. It is easy to live here for years and never really know the place. So do not overthink it. Pick one night, bring a rug, turn up and I’ll see you there.
CLR SAMUEL UNO EAST WARD 0436 481 369 clr.uno@thehills.nsw.gov.au During this term of Council, I will be focusing on the following objectives when making decisions in the best interest of our residents. Fiscal Responsibility Continue the strong fiscal responsibility and management of Council’s budget. Ensuring we operate within our means and that The Hills’ residents continue to pay some of the lowest rates in Sydney. Connectivity Advocate for better connectivity between our major transportation hubs and employment centres, while promoting infrastructure development to cater for more flexible modes of transport (including on demand buses, bicycles, e-bikes and scooters). Continuous Improvement Use data and insights to drive Council’s standards and interactions with residents. Whether that be raising a request to repair a footpath or submit a development application to Council, we need to strive for greater transparency and improved interactions. Measured Development Supporting developments and planning proposals where they meet the long-term objectives of Council and our residents’ expectations. Thus, ensuring that our Shire is protected from over development and
excessive burden on our public amenities. Local Jobs Ensuring that we protect our industrial and commercial zoned land for future job creation, while constantly looking for opportunities to reduce red tape and irrelevant compliance to promote business and wealth creation in The Hills.
CLR REENA JETHI CENTRAL WARD 0412 341 161 clr.jethi@thehills.nsw.gov.au Newton’s Third Law – Action, Reaction and The Hills Most of us remember Newton’s Third Law from school: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Every planning decision has consequences. More development means more families, cars and demand for schools, sporting fields, parks, drainage and essential infrastructure. Growth is necessary, but growth without the infrastructure to support it is not good planning. As your councillor who lives and works locally, I experience these pressures alongside the residents I represent. Council continues investing in new and upgraded playgrounds, reserves, sporting facilities and community spaces for families to enjoy. New businesses are establishing themselves and existing businesses continue investing locally, creating jobs and strengthening our neighbourhoods. A successful community is not measured simply by how many homes we can fit into it, but by whether children have somewhere to play, families have places to connect and local businesses can prosper. I can assure you that council staff and councillors are working together to deliver outcomes with longevity, not short-term fixes. That means addressing urgent infrastructure needs while planning for roads, drainage, parks, sporting facilities and community infrastructure capable of supporting future generations. It also means continuing our fight against inappropriate overdevelopment. We are not opposed to growth, our children need homes and our economy needs investment but new housing must be accompanied by the infrastructure and services required to support it. Otherwise, residents ultimately carry the consequences. And this is where I need your help. Your emails, submissions and participation give me vital evidence and a stronger voice when advocating for our community. Speak up when traffic cannot cope, sporting fields are at capacity, infrastructure is falling behind or proposed development does not make sense.
Every email demonstrates that these concerns are being felt by mums, dads, businesses and residents across The Hills. Your voice strengthens my ability to fight for better outcomes. When residents speak up, Council has greater force behind its advocacy. So keep writing, participating and holding decision-makers accountable. Community action creates government reaction and together, we can fight against over development to protect the character, liveability and future of The Hills.
CLR JEROME COX CENTRAL WARD 0400 499 157 clr.cox@thehills.nsw.gov.au As a Councillor, my focus is: • Fiscal discipline and prudence • Minimising the size of Council and regulation • Avoiding mission creep • Good governance • Conservative values As a Councillor I have fought against reducing your red bin pick up from weekly to fortnightly with an increase (but not a doubling) of the size of the red bin. If implemented this would negatively affect the quality of life of many residents – particularly families. The motion was successful but only with the Mayor breaking the tie with a casting vote. During the voice referendum Council was approached for its stance by several residents and also received media enquiries. There were also campaigns and communications from state and federal ministers that encouraged Council to take a stand or at least favour one side of the debate. In response I moved a motion which ensured Council’s position was that we had no vote, our residents can make up their own minds and it would be inappropriate for the Council to take a position. This was a strong rebuke to other councils that had taken a stance, which I believe is inappropriate – we are not elected to use Council resources to influence our own voters in other elections. In this term, under the strong leadership of Mayor Byrne, Council is continuing to push hard against the TOD overdevelopments the State Government is imposing on our Shire. In addition to this we are pushing for serious planning reform to protect us all from inappropriate development. The final area we are focusing on is the third ‘R’ of local government – rubbish. We are pushing for serious action to be taken
to ensure we deal with our own waste in an affordable and appropriate way rather than shipping our waste to the rural areas. We are also pushing the NSW Government to account for the waste levy that accounts for a significant portion of your waste levy and appears to have not been allocated to its intended purpose.
CLR TINA CARTWRIGHT CENTRAL WARD 0477 645 950 clr.cartwright@thehills.nsw.gov.au There’s a lot happening in The Hills - and it’s worth celebrating. The NSW Government is making an extraordinary investment in our community, delivering the infrastructure our rapidly growing region has needed for years. Almost $1 billion is being invested in new and upgraded schools across The Hills - the largest investment in public school infrastructure our region has ever seen. New schools are being delivered in Box Hill, The Gables and Bella Vista, alongside major upgrades to Rouse Hill High, Matthew Pearce, Castle Hill, Excelsior and Cherrybrook Public Schools. Then there’s the long-awaited $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital. After years of promises, early works are underway on a genuine public hospital with an Emergency Department, inpatient beds, day surgery, paediatrics, renal dialysis and, importantly, comprehensive maternity and birthing services. Our roads are getting attention too, with $365 million over four years towards upgrading Windsor Road at Rouse Hill. And I’m particularly excited about the magnificent new Kellyville Centre Park and Bella Vista District Park - substantial new green spaces offering playgrounds, recreation facilities, walking and cycling connections, trees, shade and beautiful places for our community to come together. These investments matter because, as The Hills continues to grow, the infrastructure supporting our community must grow with it - better schools, quality healthcare, improved roads, more open space and the services that make our suburbs great places to live, work and raise a family. A great deal has been achieved, but our work is far from finished. What is particularly exciting is the momentum we are now seeing, with serious investment in the future of The Hills and major projects moving from plans and promises to delivery on the ground. Our community is growing, our future is bright - The Hills deserves nothing less than the very best.
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2027 ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN AT COUNCIL’S EARLY LEARNING CENTRES
The Hills Shire Council owns and operates five not-for-profit early learning centres: BALCOMBE HEIGHTS EARLY LEARNING CENTRE, BAULKHAM HILLS CASTLE GLEN EARLY LEARNING CENTRE, CASTE HILL EXCELSIOR AVENUE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE, CASTLE HILL ELLERMAN EARLY LEARNING CENTRE, DURAL EURAMBIE PARK EARLY LEARNING CENTRE, WEST PENNANT HILLS
WHY CHOOSE ONE OF OUR
CHILD CARE CENTRES? OPEN 7AM – 6PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY SMALL CENTRES LIMITED TO 40 CHILDREN AT EACH CENTRE EXPERIENCED, QUALIFIED AND FRIENDLY EDUCATORS EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR PLAY SPACES
For more information about our centres or to enquire, scan the QR code.