Trusted Since 1888
Trusted Since 1888
By Hawkesbury Gazette Based on reporting by the ABC and national data Australians are increasingly rethinking their relationship with alcohol, yet new national data reveals that older adults—especially those in their 50s and 60s—remain some of the most likely to drink beyond recommended health limits. According to the
Hawkesbury residents heading to New Year’s Eve celebrations, concerts and major sporting events are being warned to stay alert after new research revealed Australians lose an average of $432 each time they fall victim to ticket scams. New national data released by PayPal Australia shows one in five Australians
A Sydney skip bin hire and waste removal company has been fined $60,000 for illegally dumping asbestos-containing waste on private property, prompting renewed warnings from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) about the risks of illegal dumping in semi-rural areas such as the Hawkesbury. The EPA investigation found Peakhurst-based
RSPCA NSW is urging Hawkesbury dog owners to remain vigilant after confirmed cases of parvovirus were reported in Richmond this week. Parvovirus (parvo) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects unvaccinated dogs and puppies of any age. Without urgent veterinary treatment, survival rates are extremely low,
Polling, submissions and a decade of escalating bureaucracy raise serious questions about financial stewardship
Households building new homes across the Hawkesbury and wider NSW will soon face upfront gas connection fees of more than $2,000, following a major rule change aimed at reducing long-term energy costs. The decision, handed down by the Australian Energy Market Commission, will apply from October next year across
Residents across the Hawkesbury region are being urged to steer clear of bats this summer, with health authorities warning that injured or distressed bats can carry a potentially fatal virus. Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV), a close relative of rabies, has been detected in both fruit bats (flying foxes) and insect-eating
This week Hawkesbury Council passed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) with a vote of 10 councillors for and 2 against. RAP is a formal commitment by an organisation (company, school, council, government agency, non-profit, etc.) to take practical actions that support reconciliation, improve relationships, and foster respect and opportunities for
25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to 10 December
As the holidays draw near, e-bikes are expected to top many Christmas wish-lists but parents around the Hawkesbury are being urged to be careful and fully understand what they’re buying before wrapping that shiny new ride under the tree. Across Australia, authorities have seen a surge in accidents involving
By Jye Bryant Hawkesbury local Jackie Randall has released her newest work, Elliot, a historical adventure novel for older children and young adults that has already captured the attention of local schools and libraries. The Blaxlands Ridge author, whose previous book, Only Two, was longlisted for the prestigious ARA Historical
Competing at the 38th FIG Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships in Pamplona, Spain, Ethan McGuinness secured gold in the Men’s tumbling Final, reaffirming his position as one of Australia’s most accomplished athletes in the discipline.
After years of relentless advocacy, passion, and persistence, Hawkesbury communities are celebrating the third consecutive year of Variable Message Board warning signs alerting motorists to koalas during their critical mating and movement season.
Truck Stop Before Bellbird Hill Quietly Closed for Months as Accidents Continue on the Great Western Highway Motorists are raising concerns over the continued closure of a key truck stop on the Bell’s Line of Road (BLOR), just west of Bellbird Hill, at a time when another serious truck
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has launched a formal investigation into a major chemical fire that broke out at Coopers Environmental Waste Recycling Pty Ltd in North St Marys late on Saturday night. The blaze, which ignited around 11:30pm on 29 November, triggered several explosions and prompted a significant
The nationwide pay rise for early-childhood educators is welcome news but for many families in the Hawkesbury, it arrives against the backdrop of a deepening childcare shortage and controversial Council rent hikes that threaten existing services. What’s new nationally: a pay increase for ECEC workers A government-backed wage boost
RFS lack of clarity leaves fire-affected Hawkesbury communities without answers as compensation deadline nears
A new federal inquiry will examine whether local councils across Australia are being adequately funded to meet the growing list of responsibilities expected of them, a move welcomed by Macquarie MP Susan Templeman, who says communities like the Hawkesbury stand to benefit from greater transparency and accountability. The House of
By the Hawkesbury Homesteader Every spring, I find myself reaching for my favorite propagation trick. A simple, clever hack that turns seed-starting into pure magic. Forget fancy equipment or expensive trays. I use opaque, inexpensive storage boxes. The kind you’d find at any discount store. They’re a bit
Road users in Pitt Town are being advised to expect temporary traffic changes throughout December as work continues on the Pitt Town Bypass Project. Nightworks will take place across Bathurst Street, Pitt Town Road, Cattai Road and Glebe Road on the following dates, weather permitting: * Monday 1, Tuesday 2 and
As Hawkesbury Council Disaster & Emergency Committee prepares to meet and review bushfire readiness this is essential reading.
Community Asks Are We Throwing Good Money After Bad?
The NSW Government has released the first artist’s impressions of three new modern ambulance stations at South Windsor offering a glimpse of the upgraded emergency care facilities set to strengthen mobile medical response across the state.
Hawkesbury Council Approves “Option 3”: Rates to Rise 39.4% Over Four Years
The proposed Special Rate Variation (SVR) by Hawkesbury City Council is shaping up to be one of the most contentious local issues in years, with thousands of residents voicing opposition ahead of the final decision scheduled for Tuesday, November 18. Community sentiment appears to be running strongly against the rate
Questions Mount Over BLOR Closure, Charity Bike Race and Council’s ability to advocate for its businesses and residents.
Trusted North Richmond Vet warns ticks season has arrived
Hawkesbury City Council’s controversial sell off the Windsor sewage system and the Sewage Loan Refinancing has come under scrutiny after figures from the NSW Auditor-General revealed that the transfer of this local infrastructure to Sydney Water represents a $152.8 million asset write-down for Hawkesbury Council. The handover covers
Paige Raddatz is racing toward her F1 dreams after a strong debut in India, showing determination and skill on the international stage.
We’re always happy to accept letters to the Editor. It’s your opportunity to speak about the good, the bad, and the ugly, and everything in between.
NSW Moves to Rein In Council General Manager executive pay
With demand for homes across Western Sydney at record highs, Redbank’s latest release is seen as a welcome development for families seeking the space provided by a semi-rural environment and lifestyle without compromising on convenience.
Tuesday 4 November and Thursday 20 November 2025
Council mismanagement denies critical communication infrastructure
The construction of a new bridge at North Richmond part of a half-billion-dollar project led by Transport for NSW is being hailed as a vital step toward easing congestion and improving flood resilience across the Hawkesbury. For many, the new bridge represents long-overdue progress. The existing North Richmond crossing carries
The NSW Government has announced a major upgrade to one of Western Sydney’s most congested corridors, unveiling plans to widen Richmond Road between the M7 Motorway and Townson Road at Marsden Park. The $520-million project jointly funded by the state and federal governments aims to ease chronic traffic bottlenecks,
Reflections from the RFS ‘Hotspots’ Program at Kurrajong Heights
Local businesses have welcomed news that the NSW Government is fast-tracking $200 million to repair Sydney’s damaged road network, including key transport routes through the Hawkesbury. Assistant President of the NSW Legislative Council and Labor spokesperson for the Hawkesbury, Hon. Peter Primrose MLC, said the government is “getting on
Shifting rainfall, temperature, and wind patterns well into summer.
Why Fire Management Language is Changing but is it Helping?
From Mayor Lyons-Buckett 2018 30% rate increase to Mayor Sheather 2025 proposed 40% increase...
A strong community foundation and standout on-field results drive another successful season.
With the LEP stalled once more, Hawkesbury is a planning basket case.
Hawkesbury locals are in for a tail-wagging treat with the upcoming Puppy’s & Paw’s Expo, a community event designed to celebrate the bond between people and their pets.
Hawkesbury City Council’s Director of City Planning, Meagan Ang, has resigned from her position effective 13 October 2025. Ms Ang was appointed to the role in 2023 after the General Manager Elizabeth Richardson successfully persuaded Councillors to abandon one of the long-standing cornerstones of the public service — merit-based recruitment.
The Hawkesbury played host this past weekend to John Ruddick MLC, Chair of the NSW Parliament’s Select Committee on Rural Housing and Second Dwellings Reform, who met with local landowners and community leaders to discuss the future of dual occupancy in rural areas. The visit was warmly received, with
Dementia is now the second leading cause of death in Australia
NSW has changed rules so rent increases can only happen once a year.
Cindy Cash Ray White North Richmond
Hawkesbury Council is patting itself on the back
Richmond Christopher M Edwards Solicitors and Accountants, has been banned for ten years from providing financial services by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). Mr Edwards has the right to appeal this decision before the Administrative Review Tribunal. The ban, which took effect on 15 September 2025, also prohibits
Catalina Equine that has become the heart of Australia’s horse cloning
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
At the end of the day, community sport is strongest when the community itself is in charge.
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
Fire chiefs, residents, business and community leaders renew call for roadside water tanks to stop bushfires from entering Western Sydney
A devastating fire last night has gutted one of the Hawkesbury’s most beloved heritage venues, Loxley on Bellbird Hill at Kurrajong. The alarm was raised at 7:06pm, with emergency crews on site in under ten minutes. Despite their swift response, the blaze tore through the historic property, leaving
The roar of engines, the spray of the Hawkesbury River, and the cheers from the banks!
Winners are grinners. The results of the Hawkesbury Business Awards!
Included with Hawkesbury Council winter rates notice was “your new look community newsletter Hawkesbury Buzz”. Inside is a cheery cartoon setting our Council’s finances with budget items represented by buzzing bees showing a honey hot of $20 million in financial reserves. But the real story has a sting, hidden
Why Our Home Decks Are Damaging the Rainforest
Now, decades later, the roles have reversed. As our parents age, it’s up to us—often their adult children—to initiate another essential, uncomfortable conversation: the death talk.
It is NSW Hospital Week and it's worth celebrating 203 years of having a local hospital.
The NSW Shadow Minister for Emergency Services met with community groups in the Hawkesbury on Friday.
As Council pushes ahead with sewer sell off, residents are asking what will happen to our sullage pump-out systems?
Hawkesbury residents are being urged to check how loud the new Western Sydney Airport could be in their backyard.
Hawkesbury City Council is facing a fresh wave of community outrage after it refused to release a report into why a major sewer pipeline—Rising Main C—took so long to repair.