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As the Hawkesbury heads into another fire season, it’s more important than ever for our community to stand together. Guided by facts, trust, and respect for those who protect us. False claims and political spin only serve to divide us at a time when unity and preparedness matter most.
With that in mind, The Hawkesbury Gazette wishes to clarify recent public statements made by Deputy Mayor Sarah McMahon on her official Facebook page, which misrepresent both our reporting and our role in the community.
Our recent article, “Hawkesbury far behind neighbours in disaster preparedness,” examined Council’s preparedness and communication around bushfire risk. It scrutinised Council’s decisions and infrastructure and compared Hawkesbury with neighbouring LGAs—exactly the work independent journalism is meant to do.
The story did not criticise the NSW Rural Fire Service or its volunteers. It discussed mitigation infrastructure, planning settings and fire-management strategies, and referenced lessons from Black Summer and the experience of neighbouring councils. It also acknowledged collaboration between local RFS, councils and agencies on practical firefighting measures.
Deputy Mayor McMahon’s claim that the article was “against the RFS” and was written by “people with no qualifications and without evidence” is false and misleading. Our reporting drew on primary documents, local expertise and verifiable examples of mitigation measures adopted in comparable LGAs. In addition, members of our editorial team have firsthand bushfire experience, including RFS service, which informs—but does not substitute for—our evidence-based journalism. Hawkesbury Gazette
It is clear that Cr McMahon’s comments reflect dissatisfaction with the Gazette’s scrutiny of Council — not any genuine concern for the RFS. Reframing legitimate reporting on preparedness as an “attack on volunteers” is a disservice to both the community and to the RFS.
The Gazette has always been a proud supporter of the NSW Rural Fire Service and the thousands of volunteers who risk their safety to protect our region. Their commitment, professionalism, and sacrifice are deeply respected. Our story was written in the same spirit that has guided all our coverage of local fire preparedness, including our recent feature, “Fire training for a safer summer”, which highlighted the critical role of local brigades in keeping the Hawkesbury safe.
Our focus remains on facts, collaboration, and the shared goal of community safety. Not division.
The Hawkesbury Gazette will continue to report matters of public accountability, including those involving Council leadership, without fear or favour. We respect the work of the NSW RFS and its volunteers. Many of whom, including some of our own team and contributors, serve this community with dedication and integrity.
Our commitment remains the same: to provide factual, fair and fearless reporting in the public interest.
— The Editorial Team, Hawkesbury Gazette
