Hawkesbury far behind neighbours in disaster preparedness
Falling behind our neighbours in disaster infrastructure
Building More Than Benches: The Men’s Shed in Richmond
“It keeps me out of the pub. The atmosphere’s friendly. Some blokes come in really uptight at first, but after a while they relax, they talk. It makes a difference.”
“Dementia is the only disease where you’re not supported to fight for your life.”
Dementia is now the second leading cause of death in Australia
And what are they doing for the Hawkesbury?
Why are Hawkesbury specific issues barely mentioned at our local political party meetings?
Hawkesbury in the Firing Line: Climate Report Warns of Growing Risks
The National Climate Risk Assessment warns the Hawkesbury faces escalating flood, bushfire, and heatwave threats - locals are calling for urgent investment in infrastructure and emergency planning.
A New Chapter for Tractor 828
Since taking over on July 1st, Joanne Sepping is determined to uphold this Ebenezer café’s country charm and tasty menu that keep local faces returning.
Free Virtual Health Care Now Available for Hawkesbury Residents
Hawkesbury residents now have easier access to urgent health care without leaving home, thanks to a new NSW Labor Government initiative that delivers free virtual health services across the state. The service, available through Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, connects people with qualified clinicians between 8am and 10pm, seven days
Koala Fest Returns to Kurrajong
Since 2014, Science for Wildlife has been documenting koalas across landscapes from Wollemi National Park to the leafy streets of Kurrajong. Their research has uncovered an encouraging story of survival, showing that local habitats still hold the key to the species’ future.
Council Votes for 80% Rent Rise on Not-for-Profit Childcare Centres
Hawkesbury City Council has voted to increase rents on community-based early childhood education centres operating from Council-owned buildings, phasing them up to 80 per cent of commercial rates over the next four years. Under the decision, centres will face a 20 per cent rise this year, with annual increases continuing
Redbank Village Welcomes Stage 2
A new chapter now open in North Richmond with specialty stores and amenities.
Push for ‘Water Curtain’ to Shield Western Sydney from Bushfires
Fire chiefs, residents, business and community leaders renew call for roadside water tanks to stop bushfires from entering Western Sydney
Heart and Soul of the Hawkesbury: Dan the man
"Daniel’s warm heart, energy, and trademark cackling laugh brighten even the toughest day".
Across Hawkesbury all you see is gold and green
Blooming with Pride: Wattle Day Marks the First Day of Spring
What’s going on in Early Childhood Education and Care?
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is back in the headlines—too often for the wrong reasons.
The Clarendon Classic. Engines, history and community spirit power
We love having families and the wider community come along,” Franks said. “It’s a great day out, it supports a good cause, and it keeps our rural heritage alive
Save Your Pet & Wildlife From Poison
At North Richmond Vet Hospital, we regularly treat cats and dogs that have been poisoned by rodenticides and heartbreakingly, not all survive.
RAAF Richmond Airshow 2025 to Celebrate a Century of Service
The skies above the Hawkesbury will roar to life this spring when the RAAF Richmond Airshow returns on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September 2025, marking 100 years since RAAF Base Richmond was established. Billed as one of the largest aviation events in the region’s history, the weekend will
Richmond Lions Sleepout braves the storm for Hope4U
“Although the weather was against us this year, with storms, constant rain and freezing temperatures, it only further demonstrated the reality that members of our community — and people right across the country — have to contend with each and every day.”
Hawkesbury March for Humanity
“I had to stop watching the images of what’s happening in Gaza — it felt like a modern-day holocaust, and I felt powerless,”
Fact or Fake? Educating The Hawkesbury About Fake News
Equipping Hawkesbury residents, young and old, with the ability to recognise fake news is an essential first step in fighting back.
Cattai kids dig deep for platypus protection
Cattai Public School students swapped classrooms for creek banks on Thursday, 24 July, joining a special environmental education day designed to inspire the next generation of platypus protectors. The event formed part of the Resilient Rivers for Resilient Hawkesbury Platypus Populations project (RRRP), led by the Hawkesbury Environment Network and
Veterans honoured at St John of God Richmond Hospital Commemoration Service
Under a bright winter sky, more than a hundred guests gathered last Thursday at St John of God Richmond Hospital for the annual Veterans’ Day Commemoration Service—a moving tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our nation. Among the attendees were Hawkesbury Mayor Les Sheather, Councillor
Hawkesbury Social Media Ban for Under 16 Year Olds
A world-first step in the right direction for Hawkesbury and Australian children’s online safety, mental health and wellbeing.
Caring for Country Together: A Community Pathway for the Hawkesbury
Sometimes, big changes—like floods, fires, or long dry spells—can affect how we live. But instead of only reacting to problems, we can prepare in advance by strengthening what already works
NDIS Cuts: A Blow to the Macquarie Electorate’s Most Vulnerable
By Sarah Langston In July 2025, sweeping changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) quietly came into force. These changes are reshaping the scheme’s reach and effectiveness, especially for those in regional and rural communities like ours here in the Macquarie electorate, which includes the Hawkesbury and the
Nurse Next Door - bringing compassionate care to Hawkesbury doorsteps
Nurse Next Door is an Australian government approved home care packaged provider.
Macquarie Towns Orchestra hits the right note for over 50 years
Everyone from school-aged musicians to seasoned professionals can find their place in the ensemble, and the orchestra is also welcoming new players.
Richmond Lions Club Sleepout returns to shine a light on mental health
“Too many people are suffering in silence. This is about starting honest conversations, breaking stigma and reminding people they’re not alone."
A love story… James and his harmonica
In the heart of the Hawkesbury lives a man whose greatest love story isn't with a person — it's with a pocket-sized instrument that changed his life - the humble harmonica. James, a familiar face at the Kurrajong Bowling Club and a dedicated member of the Macquarie
Hawkesbury residents confront soaring insurance premiums amid climate challenges
Fire is just one of the natural disasters pushing up insurance premiums. Homeowners in the Hawkesbury region are facing significant increases in home insurance premiums, driven by escalating climate-related risks and wider industry trends. Despite not being the most expensive area to insure in the Sydney basin, residential insurance in
Hawkesbury regular steps up to support families in Gaza crisis
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, one Hawkesbury regular is taking action to make a real difference — one family at a time. Jacki Spinoza, who regularly visits our area and is a passionate advocate for social justice and community wellbeing, has stepped forward to provide direct support to Palestinian
Concerns over Hawkesbury Bushfire Management Plan - land managers left out of consultation
A key oversight in the newly exhibited Hawkesbury Bush Fire Risk Management Plan has sparked concern among residents and rural landholders across the district, particularly in high-risk areas like Bilpin, Colo and St Albans Districts. Despite being a legislative requirement under the Rural Fires Act 1997, the plan appears to
Foxes on the prowl: Hawkesbury's native wildlife under threat
Foxes are highly adaptive. They scavenge, hunt efficiently, and are active mostly at night. They thrive around farms, bins, and roadsides — and their growing numbers are making life even harder for local wildlife.
Wickets and legacy: The rich history of cricket in the Hawkesbury
Cricket in the Hawkesbury region is more than just a summer pastime — it’s a sporting tradition that stretches back well over a century. From dusty paddocks to well-manicured ovals, generations of cricketers have picked up bat and ball in the Hawkesbury, forging not just a strong sporting culture, but
Classic cars and community spirit both shine at Kurrajong Heights
Dozens of car lovers gathered to admire the collection, swap stories, and celebrate the artistry and history behind each ride.
Cheaper batteries for Hawkesbury residents
From July 1, Hawkesbury residents can take advantage of a major new federal initiative aimed at slashing energy bills and boosting the region’s transition to renewable energy.
Hawkesbury’s Whistling Tourist: Art that smiles back
If you’ve taken the scenic drive through Mountain Lagoon lately, you may have noticed a curious figure watching the horizon — lips pursed, camera around his neck, head tilted skyward in a moment of quiet, joyful whistle. Meet The Whistling Tourist, a whimsical roadside sculpture that’s fast becoming a
Wilberforce rally driver set to take on world's toughest classic car rally
From the dusty paddocks of the Hawkesbury to the rugged terrain of East Africa, 36-year-old amateur rally driver and mechanic Timothy Wilkins is preparing to take on the challenge of a lifetime - the legendary East African Safari Classic Rally.
Walk and talk: North Richmond group steps forward for mental health
A grassroots initiative in North Richmond is helping locals put one foot in front of the other—not just for physical health, but for mental well-being too. The North Richmond Walk It Off group, part of the nationwide Walk It Off Australia charity, invites locals to come together for weekly
A Bentley day to remember: Sunshine, stories and stunning views in Kurrajong Heights
A chilly winter day was forecast but it turned into a picture-perfect Sunday on June 22, as members of the Bentley Drivers Club gathered for the much-anticipated Kurrajong Run. The destination was the Archibald Hotel in Kurrajong Heights, where manager Tom extended a warm welcome to drivers and guests. The