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To the Editor
With reference to the Hawkesbury City Council Councillors
My name is Holly Purcell, and I have been a resident of the Hawkesbury since 2005. I take great pride in this fact, and I contribute to the community however I can; I’m an active member of the RFS and SES, and represented the Hawkesbury in Kyotamba, Japan, in 2019 as part of the Hawkesbury Sister City Association student exchange program. So, a few of you may or do know me.
I am privileged to have grown up in an area with such natural beauty. But like my community, I am increasingly concerned about the governance of this place, especially when it comes to our koalas.
The vulnerable position that this iconic species is in will not be news to anyone, nor is it surprising that there is a growing public consensus that these precious animals will disappear, a conviction that is being fed by the continuous incompetence and ignorance of policy-makers.
What may be news, however, is that on 13th August, Councillor Danielle Wheeler’s proposal to use excess council funds to support a Koala Plan of Management was rejected (7-5). All of the councillors that rejected this were either Labour or Liberal.
This result was upsetting, but sadly, predictable, because I and many others know how you love dragging your feet on this matter.
My main question to you, councillors, is this: why?
What reasons could you possibly have to oppose such a proposal? I’m honestly trying to think of some for you, but I don’t like what I come up with. Don’t the future generations deserve the same experience that I and others have had,
and get to grow up in an area full of beautiful wildlife? It is a possibility that they don’t get to have koalas, because you think funding initiatives such as this is a stunt.
It makes one wonder if personal interests are taking priority over the community you are paid to represent. A petition with nearly 900 signatures was brought before you – that’s nearly 900 people you immediately dismissed, including me. I thank the councillors who fulfil their role to the community and do their jobs; this scathing message is more for the councillors who cannot seem to think outside their own interests.
I may be a disgruntled Hawkesbury resident, but to be honest, that is exactly why you should be listening to me, and everyone else in the Hawkesbury. That is all the reason you should need.
You can kick the can down the road, even though ‘time is of the essence’, and that’s fine. The next council will show how things should be done, one hopefully with less Labour and Liberal councillors who aren’t transparent with and don’t listen to their community.
Holly Purcell
To the Editor PFAS
Should a ‘Collective’ be established for bulk purchase of still Australian mineral water. Might the supermarket chains come to the party on this. Currently, even a cup of tea or coffee places a person at risk from ‘forever chemicals ‘.
The risk is widespread, but it is of particular relevance to Richmond residents. The only thing on offer from the Government. I suspect, is ‘spin’.
John Maher
Please email your letter to info@hawkesburypost.com.au
As the Hawkesbury Council elections draw near, it’s time to recognise the real power of your vote. The councillors you choose will shape decisions that directly impact your daily life, making your participation crucial.
On September 14, voters in 126 local councils across NSW, including the Hawkesbury, will cast their ballots. This is your chance to determine how our community is governed and who will make key decisions on your behalf. Every vote counts, and the outcomes will have lasting consequences for our future.
The Hawkesbury Council is divided, with councillors often holding vastly different visions for our future. We’ve seen firsthand how critical your vote is – your family’s future may well depend on it, the future direction of the Hawkesbury most definitely will.
Elected councillors will decide on matters affecting planning decisions which will ultimately determine how much farmland and greenspace we retain, rates, local roads and road repairs, infrastructure, parks, the environment, and essential services including our sewer. Why does your vote matter? This year’s election is pivotal for the Hawkesbury, giving you a direct say in shaping the future of our community. Your vote will influence what the Hawkesbury looks like in the
years to come. Look at 2023: the community’s collective voice turned bad decisions into victories. You are not just a bystander – your voice compels councillors to act.
Remember the Wilcox family farm? The community rallied to oppose a road that would have cut through their land, and some councillors fought to protect it, even at great personal cost for Clr. Nathan Zamprogno
Think of the fight against fireworks at Berrambing, near the Gospers Mountain fire site, or the growing rally cry for the protection for koala habitats and more broadly our natural environment. Or even calls for something to be done to fix the parking inequality at our local shopping precincts.
The third crossing at Richmond shows the impact of community input. While not a council project, your voices influenced the route change, proving that decision-makers listen when we speak up.
In this election, your vote is your voice. It’s a powerful tool to shape the future of our community. Don’t underestimate its impact – this is your chance to influence the direction of the Hawkesbury and make sure your voice is heard.
Editor, Samantha Magnisson sam@hawkesburypost.com.au
Hawkesbury Mayor Sarah McMahon’s path to re-election is certain, yet her legal troubles cast a long shadow over her campaign. Just five days after the local council elections on September 14, McMahon will return to court following a recent arrest.
McMahon is listed as the defendant to appear at Windsor Local Court on September 19. Her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Bennett is listed as the Applicant in the matter.
The controversy erupted when McMahon was arrested late on Sunday July 14. She was found unlawfully inside the business premises of, sales and leasing agent Bennett. McMahon allegedly hacked into his computer, searching for evidence he was having an affair. The dramatic incident concluded with her being arrested, escorted in a police car to Windsor Police Station and placed under an interim apprehended violence order (AVO).
The incident, detailed in a police report, revealed that McMahon had been searching the Hawkesbury for Bennett, going to his mother’s house, his sister’s house, and an address in Castlereagh before finally arriving at his business, the historic Post Office building on Windsor Street, Richmond. Gaining access through an unlocked side door at 9:30 pm, McMahon reportedly accessed Bennett’s computer and took a photo, which she then sent to him. Bennett, remotely monitoring CCTV cameras, identified McMahon and called the police, leading to her arrest.
Following the arrest, McMahon was served with an interim AVO, prohibiting her from assaulting, threatening, stalking, harassing, or intimidating Bennett or anyone he has a domestic relationship with, as well as from damaging any of his property or pets. The order also bars her from approaching or contacting Bennett, except through a lawyer, and forbids her from trying to
locate him or entering any place where he lives or works.
The next day, McMahon returned to Windsor Police Station, this time with her own allegations of domestic violence against Bennett during the years they lived together. These include claims he swung a Nike bag at her, knocking her off her feet and hurting her thigh before he told her to “get up and stop faking
it.” She also claimed he pinned her to a bed and broke a $2 glass during a verbal argument. Bennett has also been served with an interim AVO, though no charges have been filed against him.
This legal battle arrives at an inconvenient time for McMahon, who is the lead candidate on the Liberal Party ticket for the upcoming council elections. However, her candidacy has
caused deep anger within the local Liberal Party, who are already concerned about the party’s direction and leadership. Many party members told the Hawkesbury Post they are frustrated that they were denied a say in endorsing local candidates, a process usually required under party rules. Instead, Liberal headquarters pushed through her nomination without any input from the local rank and file.
While the Liberal Party has refused to comment on the matter, the controversy is clearly on their radar.
The New South Wales Liberal Party headquarters has been in disarray since news broke on August 8 that it had failed to nominate more than 130 candidates across 16 councils for the September 14 local government elections. As one Liberal insider told the Hawkesbury Post, “The part of the story that the media isn’t reporting isn’t the councils that failed to field a Liberal ticket; it’s the councils that are fielding illegitimate tickets because they were never ratified.” McMahon’s ticket for her candidacy was never ratified.
McMahon is not the only local leader facing domestic turmoil during this election cycle. Byron Bay Mayor, Michael Lyon who is also seeking re-election, recently lost his bid to keep domestic violence charges against him under wraps. He was charged with common assault and intimidation following an incident near Mullumbimby. Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy refused to grant a permanent suppression order, citing that the matter was “quite obviously one of significant public interest.” He said that such an order could create the impression of a “two-tier justice system” where public figures receive special treatment not afforded to others.
Despite the gravity of the allegations against McMahon, neither the Hawkesbury City Council nor the Liberal Party has publicly addressed the situation.
One of the most frequent complaints heard in the Hawkesbury community is the frustration and expense tied to navigating the Council’s planning department. Residents report that the process of obtaining Development Applications (DAs) is often mired in excessive delays, burdensome costs, and decisions that seem to disregard individual circumstances. Many feel that the Council’s approach lacks practicality and fairness, resulting in significant stress and financial hardship for those trying to build or modify their properties.
Gordon Eckel’s experience is a striking example of this widespread issue. Formerly a resident of Lower Portland, Eckel and his family endured a protracted battle with the Hawkesbury Council that ultimately drove them to relocate to Tasmania. Eckel, who lived in a small, well-constructed slab hut on his property, sought permission from the Council to retain the cabin while building a new home. However, the Council refused to grant the necessary DA unless the cabin was demolished, leaving Eckel and his family in a precarious situation.
“The cabin was a beautifully built little slab hut, only 27.5 square meters, but it was solid,” Eckel recalls. “Even the builders who had to take it down said it was a disgrace to destroy something that had been so well-constructed.”
Eckel’s wife, a complex trauma specialist, used the cabin as a workspace, where she handled sensitive cases
involving refugees from conflict zones like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. “We needed that cabin as a separate space,” Eckel explains. “The stories she dealt with were harrowing – people who had witnessed unspeakable atrocities. We couldn’t have our young kids exposed to that, even accidentally.”
Despite taking the matter to the Land and Environment Court – and winning – Eckel found himself entangled in further complications as the
Council continued to reject his attempts to retain the cabin. The drawn-out process, marked by additional DA submissions and rising costs, left the family with over $120,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. The situation was exacerbated by a significant flood that struck while they were trying to sell their property, leading to a total financial loss estimated at around $1.2 million.
“Every time we met with the Council, they asked for more reports, more paper-
work. It felt like they were just trying to wear us down,” Eckel says. “I can see why two people in our area ended their lives after dealing with this kind of bureaucratic nightmare.”
Hawkesbury Councillor Nathan Zamprogno was the only official who attempted to assist Eckel by advocating for an exemption to retain the cabin. However, by the time the Council amended the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to allow for such an exemption, Eckel had already sold the property and moved to Tasmania.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Eckel offers a clear message for candidates in the upcoming council elections: “Sack the entire Planning Department and hire professionals who have a somewhat more progressive view with a solutions mentality, rather than an outright rejection policy.”
Since moving to Tasmania, Eckel has had a markedly different experience with local authorities;
“I recently dealt with the council about adding outdoor seating for a restaurant,” he says. “They immediately asked, ‘How can we help you?’ I started by asking if there would be any problems. They responded, ‘We can address that. How else can we help you?’ I said, ‘How else can you help me?’ And then I thought, in all my years dealing with councils and developments, no one has ever said, ‘How can I help you?’ It’s always been more about how can we screw you.”
As the council elections approach, Hawkesbury residents face a pivotal decision that will shape the future of our community. This election is not just about choosing councillors; it’s about determining the direction our region will take – whether we allow unchecked development or pursue thoughtful growth that preserves the unique character of the Hawkesbury.
Hawkesbury, one of the last remaining belts of farmland in Greater Sydney, has long been celebrated for its open spaces, equine economy, and farming community. For over two centuries, it has served as Sydney’s food bowl, a role deeply valued by residents. However, this landscape is increasingly threatened by developers who see the land as ripe for rezoning and exploitation.
Plans for over 7,000 new dwellings west of the Hawkesbury River are already underway. Developers aim to build across more than 1,500 acres in North Richmond, Glossodia, Freemans Reach, and Grose Wold – areas currently zoned for Primary Production. While the Planning Panel recently rejected one proposal in Grose Wold, developers are expected to revise and resubmit. Meanwhile, significant projects like the extension of Redbank and the Hambledon Park development, which could see up to 5,000 new lots, are poised to reshape the region.
The plans have alarmed many in the community. Resident Doug Wiggins captured this sentiment, saying, “It is so wrong to develop these areas on top of beautiful productive land. All so developers can make their millions building more medium-density slums. This area is rural and must stay that way. Our rural quality of life is why we settled here. I think we need to defend it,” he wrote on Facebook.
The 12 councillors elected in the September 14 local government elections will play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the Hawkesbury through their influence on planning matters.
Councillor Danielle Wheeler argues that the Hawkesbury has already met its housing targets, making further greenfield development on agricultural land unnecessary. She advocates for future growth to focus on infill projects near town centres and transport hubs, aiming to provide smaller, more diverse, and affordable housing options. “Good planning looks like what we did in previous terms of Council, where we sat down and looked at our industrial, residential, and agricultural land use, and we said, what works best in which spot. This bit here was not slated for upzoning,” Wheeler said.
Supporters of development, primarily investors from outside the Hawkesbury, often tout job creation and economic growth, but their claims are frequently backed by little more than empty rhetoric. Meanwhile, they overlook the jobs and economic contributions they will displace, particularly in the thriving equine industry, tourism, and farming sectors that are integral to the region.
Recent decisions by Hawkesbury Council, such as the covert sale of community-owned land – Woodlands Park Pony Club – to a pet food manufacturer, have elicited strong opposition from residents. The sale was approved by a Liberal-Labor alliance of Councillors, who have consistently blocked efforts to protect native habitats and supported controversial planning regulations and development proposals that benefit large-scale developers. A poll conducted by the Hawkesbury Post revealed that overdevelopment and the protection of the natural environment are among the top concerns for voters.
The great fear is that the Hawkesbury will fall victim to the endless, monotonous sprawl of dystopian housing estates that plague Western Sydney, leading to the loss of farmland and green spaces. These developments show little regard for long-term livability, resulting in poor-quality homes with limited life expectancy that are environmentally unsound heat traps. Residents in these areas are often burdened with inadequate infrastructure and services that struggle to keep pace with relentless development.
The Hawkesbury region, with its unique landscape and vistas, faces similar pressures. Recent decisions to remove considerations of views and vistas from the local environment plan have sparked community outrage. Many residents moved to the area specifically for its scenic beauty, and the removal of these considerations is seen as a betrayal of community trust.
Hornsby Mayor and former Federal Minister Philip Ruddock, a staunch advocate for thoughtful development, has urged voters to take decisive action to protect their communities. “People in public life need to be cognisant of these factors,” Ruddock said. “We must avoid accommodating developers’ cheap and nasty aspirations if it’s going to give them a bigger profit at the expense of community amenity.” Ruddock, who attributes his ousting from the Mayor’s role to the influence of property developers, warned that elected officials must remain aligned with community expectations. “Elected officials should have regard for what the community expects,” he said. “Communities should ensure that candidates are committed to maintaining the character and amenity of their areas.”
A study by the University of Technology Sydney, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data, found that up to 60% of Western Sydney’s farmland may have been lost to development. This region, which produces more than three-quar-
ters of the total value of agricultural production in the metropolitan area, is losing its farmland at an alarming rate. “A lack of political will, short-term election cycles with shifting priorities, and low public awareness have meant the importance of retaining farmland close to the city isn’t well understood,” said Amy Lawton, co-author of the study. “Perishable foods grown close to urban markets not only reduce transport and energy costs and emissions but also improve a city’s food security.”
The study also revealed that from 2016 to 2021, Western Sydney lost 9% of its primary production land, with The Hills Shire, Blacktown, Camden, and Campbelltown being the worst affected. Local council policies aimed at retaining productive farmland have often been sidelined to accommodate state government growth plans. “Our study suggests some questioning of a pro-urban growth agenda has begun. There is growing recognition of the importance of preserving agricultural and rural land on the outskirts of our major cities to help us withstand and recover from crises,” Lawton added.
On the other hand, some developers argue that changes should be made to allowing more residential sub-divisions and rezoning for industrial use. A newly formed lobby group, Hawkesbury Business Group, has called for rezoning throughout the Hawkesbury. “The lack of industrial land is a pressing concern that must be addressed to ensure that local businesses have the room to expand without needing to relocate,” said HBG spokesperson Jeff Ferrara. He added, “Hawkesbury Business Group (HBG) encourages Council to consider the rezoning and sale of other suitable areas of operational land – this would simultaneously provide Council a method to pay down debt while boosting productivity in the region through job creation.” The Chairman of HBG is John Camilleri, founder of Hyppro Industries which plans to buy the Woodford Park Pony Club lands and
rezone it for industrial use.
Others, including Council candidate Bob Gribbin, are advocating for rezoning to allow all properties to be divided into one-acre blocks. When asked if he or his family would benefit from such a change, Gribbin responded, “I live in Oakville. I have land that was affected negatively when we were rezoned from rural to residential–rates went up from $1,500 to $4,500 overnight. The value of my land has increased due to local development in Box Hill, but I have no intention of selling; I enjoy my five acres. I would support subdivision into minimum oneacre, self-sustaining blocks, where the decision is the landowners’. This would allow me to keep my parcel.”
Independent Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett has long advocated for balanced growth that reflects the community’s values. “We know from repeated surveys that our people want to preserve the semi-rural character of this area; they value open space, our river, bushland, and the atmosphere offered in our towns and villages,” she said. Lyons-Buckett emphasised that development should occur in suitable locations with proper infrastructure, not just in response to developer interests. “We must avoid development driven by developer interests, particularly in areas lacking adequate transport, utilities, and services. By focusing on suitable locations and supporting thoughtful development, we can ensure the Hawkesbury retains its uniqueness while meeting future needs.”
The last term of council gave residents a clear picture of where individual councillors stand on development and environmental issues. The Liberal-Labor alliance, often with the support of Independent Clr. Les Sheather has supported large-scale development, while most Independent councillors, Greens, and Shooters, Farmers, and Fishers have taken a more balanced approach, considering the impact on the environment and the need for infrastructure to support any development.
Hawkesbury ratepayers have footed a hefty bill of over $95,000 in just one year, largely due to code of conduct complaints lodged by councillors against their political adversaries. Despite the high number of complaints – 23 in total – only one resulted in a finding of misconduct.
According to the Local Government’s annual “Your Council Report,” Hawkesbury Council received the second-highest number of code of conduct complaints in the state, trailing only Cumberland Council.
Statewide, Sydney ratepayers spent more than $700,000 in a single year to address similar complaints, with the majority leading to no findings of misconduct. The $95,500 spent by Hawkesbury ratepayers during the 2023 financial year exemplifies this trend. The report does not mention the names of individuals involved or specific offenses. Nor, does it include the latest code of conduct complaints.
A September 2022 review of the Model Code of Conduct, conducted by the previous state government, identified significant issues within the framework. While not all councils struggle with councillor conduct, the review highlighted serious problems in some, pointing to deficiencies such as a lack of certainty, consistency, timeliness, and independence. Despite the framework being in place for over a decade, little progress has been made in reducing conduct complaints.
One persistent criticism is the system’s lack of transparency, with much of the process occurring behind closed
The recent unconventional emoji poll conducted on Facebook by the Hawkesbury Post has uncovered the issues that matter most to residents as council elections approach. While we accept the methodology was not strictly scientific, the results paint a clear picture of a community deeply concerned about Councillor integrity.
Councillor Integrity: A Resounding Call for Change
The poll results were nothing short of eye-opening. Councillor integrity emerged as the runaway top concern (153 votes), garnering twice as many votes as the second-place issue of conservation (Koalas and land clearing) at 75 votes. The overwhelming response reflects a community frustrated by perceived alleged links between councillors and property developers, and a growing sentiment that the two major parties may not have residents’ best interests at heart.
One resident, Shell Bells, commented, “The conduct from some Councillors over the past few years has been disgraceful. Hopefully the people of the Hawkesbury stop voting for parties and vote for those that want to serve our community with morals and ethics.”
This sentiment was echoed throughout the poll, with many calling for the major parties to stay out of local government.
“My main comment is that there should be no state government members on our council. It’s called local government for a reason. It’s entirely up to us to protect our collective wishes, and therefore, we should vote carefully,” wrote Angela Bichler on Facebook.
doors. In one case, a councillor’s behavior was deemed “not meeting accepted standards,” likely breaching the Code of Conduct, yet this did not lead to a formal finding. The complainant was not informed of the resolution process chosen by the general manager, and the complaint was closed without any mechanism for appeal.
These costly complaints may soon be a thing of the past. Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig promising to introduce reforms to the state’s model code of conduct, having previously labeled the current system a “shambles” and vowed to overhaul it.
Some councillors have however maneuvered through this opaque system with ease, often at significant expense to ratepayers, while being more hesitant to allocate funds to issues outside their political priorities.
In one case, Hawkesbury ratepayers were charged at least $46,000 for the Council’s successful motion to censure Councillor Eddie Dogramaci. Cr Dogramaci was found to have breached council rules by attaching his council business card to election materials for the recent NSW elections, where he was a candidate. He was also censured for distributing election leaflets that allegedly damaged the Council’s reputation by suggesting mismanagement in handling a sewer leak and withholding information. Dogramaci, maintained that he did nothing wrong and accused the Council of withholding information on a $35 million loan to cover the sewerage repair cost overruns.
Peter Budd wrote: “Probably comes under integrity, but how about councillors that work for the community rather than a political party which really should have no influence on local councils.”
Stacy O’Toole: “Conservation/Environmental: take it more seriously and stop letting developers run the show. “ Conservation and Infrastructure worry residents
While integrity took centre stage, other crucial issues weren’t far behind:
1. Conservation and Environmental Concerns: Koala protection and land clearing ranked second, highlighting the community’s strong connection to its natural surroundings.
At the last council meeting of the year, Liberal and Labor councillors voted to defer voting to commit to a Koala Plan of Management until the new Council reconvenes in October.
2. Roads and Infrastructure: Potholes and general council services tied for third place, indicating ongoing frustration with fundamental maintenance issues. Many Potholes have remained unrepaired since roads were flooded.
How the Community Voted:
1. Councillor Integrity – 153
2. Conservation (Koalas and Land clearing) – 75
3. Tied – Potholes – 66 and General Roads, Rates Rubbish and Council services – 66
4. Development – 53 (concerns mainly reflected concerns with over development with a few comments about restrictions on second dwellings)
5. Bridges (North Richmond and Grose Wold)- 45
6. Disaster Resilience 33
Additionally, Heritage was nominated by four people but was liked multiple times.
Stephanie Clay articulated two of the community’s major concerns around development and koala habitat: “We in Kurrajong Hills and (with no warning or notification at all) had a housing development go into motion on our neighbour’s land two months ago. An alarming number of enormous diggers bulldozers and semi trailers just popped up one day and have been relentlessly digging up the landscape 11 hours a day six days a week ever since. It has completely changed the way we function and enjoy our property. This used to be a peaceful rural area with weekly and sometimes daily koala visitors in our trees.”
A Clear Message to Candidates
As the election looms, these results send a powerful message to those vying for council seats. Candidates would do well to focus on demonstrating unwavering commitment to ethical governance and transparency, and keeping party politics and agendas out of Council decision-making; outlining clear and actionable plans for environmental conservation, particularly koala habitats; and addressing long-standing infrastructure concerns Your Voice, Your Vote While our emoji poll may have been unconventional, it has amplified the community’s voice in a powerful way. As we approach the council elections, remember that your vote is your strongest tool for shaping the future of Hawkesbury.
Opinion
Nathan
Councillor
Hawkesbury Council will face unprecedented challenges in this coming term, and I need your help to fix it.
Worse, our infrastructure backlog – a measure of how behind we are on the maintenance of roads, parks and other facilities, has risen from 2.1% to 9.3% in just two years.
The condition of our roads is consistently the #1 thing people raise with me. You need to know that without different leadership there’s going to be a $162M hole in the maintenance of these assets by 2033.
If we’re going to turn this around, we need to drastically change the way in which Councillors collaborate, because this term has failed ratepayers, heritage and the environment alike.
Like any workplace, politics presents a spectrum of relationships. I’ve been blessed with some wonderful professional friendships and mentors in my time where we bring out the best in each other.
A successful chamber is one where
voters send twelve citizens of diverse skills, life-experiences, professional pursuits and temperaments to work together respectfully and talk through thorny issues.
Good leaders make that flourish, and toxic leadership kills it dead.
So, it may surprise you to see me spending my final editorial to you, at the cusp of this coming election, praising others. Because I’m imploring you to think about the power of your vote so that we elect a collegial, competent team for the next four years.
It has been my observation that Councillor Shane Djuric from Shooters Fishers Farmers has distinguished himself in his first term on Council to be a thoughtful and passionate representative.
Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett has a wealth of experience in local government and is very sensible and collaborative in her approach.
Councillor Danielle Wheeler from the Greens is, in my estimation, usually the smartest person in the room and the degree of preparation and factual knowledge she brings to each debate proves her to be a huge asset to Council.
Councillor Les Sheather has earned my respect over a quarter-century of friendship simply because of his heart to serve his community. He’s seemingly involved in everything and brings a huge institutional memory and fundamental decency during his decades of public service.
Lastly, newcomer Angela Maguire strikes me as just the kind of entrepre-
Over the last three years under two Liberal Mayors, Council’s debt has risen from $16.3M to $62.5M, one of a raft of metrics that have slid, plus an even larger list of issues and projects that have been delayed or mishandled. So much for the major parties’ traditional claim about being good economic managers.
neurial go-getter we need to freshen up the chamber.
These people deserve to be elected. Don’t misunderstand me – I don’t agree with these people on every issue. Some of these people are on the left, some on the right. But that shouldn’t matter. It’s our diversity that can be our strength. We can disagree without becoming disagreeable. But more importantly, it’s about good-humour and temperament.
And so we return to what you can do to help:
We can all think of politicians that
seem incapable of saying anything nice about people they disagree with. If you’ve got someone like that in mind, please do your Council a favour and don’t elect them to the next Council. Please start conversations with people you know and tell them to consider their vote too. Whether you vote above or below the line, number as many squares as you can. We’ll all be better off.
Nathan Zamprogno is a local teacher and independent Councillor. Sponsored Content.
Cancer-causing chemicals have been detected in a Blue Mountains Dam, causing it to be shut down and investigation launched.
A water supply dam in the Blue Mountains has been shut down following the discovery of concerning levels of cancer-causing chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The Medlow Dam is one of five that supply water to the Cascade water filtration plant in Katoomba, which provides drinking water to more than 41,000 people in the Blue Mountains.
WaterNSW, which manages Greater Sydney’s water catchment, announced the closure in a statement released on August 28. “WaterNSW, as Greater Sydney’s catchment manager, is conducting additional, targeted PFAS-related investigations to ensure Sydney Water and NSW Health have up-to-date information on the presence of PFAS in the catchment, so any risks continue to be managed appropriately,” the statement read. It said water is still safe to drink.
Preliminary results published on the WaterNSW website revealed that Medlow Dam is returning elevated PFAS levels. This means they are higher than the Australian safe levels which are well above US safe guidelines for the cancer causing chemical.
“The WaterNSW investigation, involving specialist water quality scientists, seeks to identify any new localised PFAS contamination sources,” the statement said. “Preliminary results, published on the WaterNSW website, indicate Medlow Dam is the only part of the Blue Mountains dam network returning elevated results,” it said.
Medlow Dam does not supply raw water directly to the public. It provides water to the Cascade water filtration plant, which does. WaterNSW said the dam has been disconnected from the supply as a precautionary measure while further investigations are conducted.
WaterNSW said they are investigating the issue, focusing on the Blue Mountains area in the upper reaches of the Greater Sydney catchment, where Sydney Water testing detected PFAS at levels below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines in the Cascade water filtration plant supply.
Despite these findings, Sydney Water said in the statement that the water supplied from the Cascade water filtration plant to local communities is safe to consume and meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council is reviewing its guidelines for PFAS following conclusions from US authorities that PFAS causes cancer and that no safe level exists.
WaterNSW said it is working with NSW Health and Sydney Water to ensure the safety of drinking water and plans to keep the community informed as the investigation progresses.
These developments follow a June investigation by the Sydney Morning Herald, which revealed the presence of carcinogenic chemicals–specifically perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), both part of the PFAS group–in drinking water across parts of Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Victoria, Queensland, Rottnest Island, and Norfolk Island. Testing at the North Richmond Water Filtration Plant revealed some of the highest levels
of PFOA contamination in Australia, well above U.S. limits.
Western Sydney University Associate Professor Ian Wright, a water expert, has warned that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stated there is no safe level for PFOS/PFAS chemicals in drink-
detected.
ing water. “Humans can readily accumulate PFOS and PFAS chemicals in some of our organs. There is growing evidence that elevated concentrations of these chemicals can be harmful to human health. According to the World Health Organisation, they may be carcinogenic to humans,” he said.
When former NSW treasurer MP Matt Kean paid tribute to former federal minister Philip Ruddock, he shared a story of a 16-year-old boy who stumbled across some maps in his father’s basement. This discovery led to the boy uncovering a legal obstacle that thwarted the then-state Government’s plans to turn the Hornsby suburb of Westleigh into an industrial area. “Westleigh is the beautiful suburban family suburb it is today because of Philip Ruddock,” Kean recalled.
But last month, 64 years later, Ruddock watched helplessly as his party ousted him as Hornsby Shire Mayor, effectively ending the political career of Australia’s longest-serving politician. He claims his removal was orchestrated by property developers, backed by senior party members because his stance to limit sub-division and development was not aligned with their interests. Ruddock maintains his support for “appropriate development,” which respects the natural and built environment, was deemed “unacceptable” to those driven by property developer interests.
“I’m not going to speculate other than to say that we had a particular candidate whose family has substantial property interests and believed that change might help further their interests, and I don’t intend to take it any further than that, that they were actively involved in supporting a candidate who also owns acreage.”
“I did have a particular federal Member of Parliament suggest that it was time for me to hang up the queue. You know, he said, ‘You need to get renewal’. And he was actively putting that view.” Ruddock’s concerns echo a broader unease about developers’ influence on council decisions. The influence of property developers in local government is nothing new. However, when a figure described as one of the “most consequential public figures of our time” declares that these vested interests have ended his political career, it raises serious concerns.
The son of Max and Emmie Ruddock, Philip’s father grew up in Windsor, attended Windsor Primary School, where he became Dux, and later won a place at Fort Street Boys High School. His grandfather was a forestry officer working out of the Windsor courthouse.
Now in his eighties, Ruddock entered the Federal Parliament in 1973, a formative time for Australia. Gough Whitlam was Prime Minister, the Queen officially opened the Sydney Opera House, Papua New Guinea was granted self-government before independence, the federal voting age was lowered from 21 to 18, and ACDC played its first major gig in Sydney. It was also the year that the Whitlam government passed laws to remove the “White Australia Policy,” ensuring that race would be disregarded as a component of immigration to Australia. For Ruddock, it marked the beginning of a distinguished public service career. He would serve as a federal Liberal MP for 43 years, including as a Minister in the Howard and Abbott governments, notably as Minister for Immigration and Attorney General. He famously crossed the floor in defiance of his party’s stance on slowing Asian immigration, presided over reforms to the Family Law Act, and defamation law reform, and helped shape the nation’s immigration policy. After retiring, he was appointed Australia’s first international representative for human rights and was elected Mayor of Hornsby Shire in 2017.
Some have suggested that such a
career should not conclude with such an unfitting end to a lifetime of service due to the influence of suburban property developers, but instead should have been through a natural or honourable departure.
Liberal insiders told the HP that Ruddock’s experience is not an isolated political skirmish but a symptom of deeper issues between property developers and New South Wales’ local governments. They say Ruddock’s ousting has raised serious questions about the influence of developers within the Liberal Party. Ruddock himself suggested that branch members with large acreages, who stood to benefit from zoning changes, were involved in the push against him, although he refrained from making direct accusations.
Despite the belief that the introduction of bodies like planning panels has created a buffer between developers and councillors, Ruddock argues that councillors and council administrators remain very influential in planning decisions.
“Councillors and council administrators continue to play a significant role in shaping the potential profits of local developers,” Ruddock said.
“...The council plays a role, usually through its staff, if these matters are being dealt with by planning panels, in identifying factors that might be relevant to design excellence,” he said.
These decisions range from major land rezoning to smaller, seemingly innocuous tweaks of rules and regulations, such as the ceiling height of an apartment or, in the case of the Hawkesbury, whether views and vistas of existing properties should be considered when assessing new developments.
“One of the things we did when we first became a council in Hornsby, that was concerned about development that had occurred at an earlier point in time in Asquith and Mount Colah, was to ensure that developers weren’t able to change the design of five-storey buildings by reducing the height within the individual apartments so that they could then put an extra temporary facility on the roof. I call them the chicken sheds,” Ruddock said.
In Hornsby, his council aimed to balance state housing targets with the needs and aspirations of the local com-
munity. He outlined plans for accommodating 5,000 additional residents around Hornsby’s commercial centre, focusing on preserving local amenity through proper planning and design excellence.
However, Ruddock expressed concern over the broader state government’s onesize-fits-all approach to development, which may not be appropriate in areas prone to natural disasters like bushfires and flooding. He believes local councils are better positioned to understand and address these risks.
The former minister also criticised developers’ tendencies to prioritise profit over community well-being, citing past developments in Hornsby that led to a deterioration in local amenities. He urged the public to hold elected officials accountable for ensuring that development aligns with community expectations.
“I went to public meetings with people in Asquith and Mount Colah about the developments that had occurred, and people were in tears over what had happened to the amenity of the local community. I believe that people in public life need to be cognisant of these factors and try to avoid accommodating developers’ cheap and nasty aspirations if it’s going to give them a bigger profit by ensuring that there is appropriate design excellence and amenity,” he said.
With local elections on the horizon, Ruddock stressed the importance of community engagement, encouraging residents to meet candidates, ask tough questions, and advocate for developments that serve the broader public good.
As the push for rezoning intensifies and developers set their sights on Hawkesbury’s remaining flood-free farmland and bushland, crucial wildlife corridors are facing an imminent threat. These natural highways, essential for the survival of countless species, are at risk of being sacrificed in the name of progress. Currently, less than 10% of Western Sydney’s native vegetation remains, scattered in fragmented patches of varying size and condition.
Environmental advocate Richie Benson spoke with the Hawkesbury Post, issuing a stark warning: if immediate action isn’t taken, these natural corridors, and the rich biodiversity they support, could be lost forever.
Benson’s immediate concern is focused on a critical wildlife corridor at 295 Sackville Road, Wilberforce. This land, home to the Woodlands Park Pony Club for 40 years, has been approved for sale by Hawkesbury Council to pet food company Hypro Investments Pty Ltd. This decision comes just two months after the Council deemed the land unsuitable for a new Bushfire Control Headquarters due to its high biodiversity value. Hypro Investments has already requested the land be rezoned for industrial use. The land forms part of several endangered ecological communities, including the Cooks River/Castlereagh Ironbark Forest, Shale Plains Woodland, Shale Sandstone Transitional Forest,
and River Flat Eucalypt Forest – all of which are at risk of extinction.
“When I visited the site, I found four threatened species within just 20 minutes. Another 56 plant species were also identified. This area’s biodiversity is too valuable to lose,” Benson revealed.
The land at 295 Sackville Road is more than just a patch of bush; it is a vital component of the broader Cumberland Plain Woodland. This woodland is a grassy woodland community found predominantly in Western Sydney. Additionally, bushland to the southeast of the site has been designated as “priority conservation land” in the Cumberland Plain Recovery Plan. The Woodlands Park Pony Club site is crucial for ensuring connectivity to the nearby creek, which is essential for the long-term recovery of threatened biodiversity.
Benson emphasised the importance of these corridors for maintaining genetic diversity. “Without connectivity between larger patches of bushland, wildlife populations become isolated, leading to a decline in their health and viability over time,” he warned. Species such as echidnas, macropods, koalas, and gliders, which require large territories, rely on these corridors to migrate, disperse, pollinate plants, and avoid displacement. Without these corridors, local extinctions of plants and animals are a real possibility.
We have an opportunity now to protect and enhance what’s left of these corridors before they are lost to development,” Benson said.
The fragmentation of Hawkesbury’s habitats is an escalating crisis. Much of the land has already been cleared, leaving the remaining pockets of bushland, some slowly regenerating, struggling to support the diverse wildlife that once flourished there. Benson stressed the urgent need to restore and expand these vital corridors, particularly along creek lines, to facilitate the movement of both animals and plants.
“It’s important to note that under the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017, isolated bushland pockets can lose their biodiversity protection if an impact is seen as serious and irreversible,” Benson said. This occurs through development or rezoning of such land.
Benson pointed out that across Western Sydney, developers are buying up peri-urban and rural communities, turning soil without identifying and establishing sufficient wildlife corridors. “These corridors are often minimal, as seen in developments like the planned Jacaranda Ponds estate at Glossodia, Redbank Creek at North Richmond, and many other developments to the east of Hawkesbury. These riparian corridors are not wide enough to maintain healthy ecological processes,” he explained.
These corridors are not merely about saving individual species; they’re about preserving entire ecosystems. “Creek lines often serve as natural highways for wildlife, and preserving them with wide vegetation buffers is essential for the movement of species across the landscape,” Benson explained. “Water is life, and there’s often fantastic vegetation already growing along creeks, making these locations ideal starting points for corridors.”
Reflecting on the broader implications of land development in the region, Benson acknowledged the tension between development and conservation. However, he urged a balanced approach that considers the long-term environmental impact. “Development without regard for these natural corridors risks further fragmenting habitats and diminishing the biodiversity that is vital to our environment’s health,” he said.
He drew parallels to past initiatives like the 1948 Cumberland Plan’s “green belt” proposed for Western Sydney, which aimed to establish a network of connected green spaces. Although much of that vision was destroyed by development, it highlights the potential of thoughtful planning. “We have an opportunity now to protect and enhance what’s left of these corridors before they are lost to development,” Benson said.
Preserving Hawkesbury’s wildlife corridors is not just an environmental concern; it’s a matter of responsible land stewardship. As the region continues to grow, the challenge will be to balance development with the need to maintain these critical natural connections. Benson’s message is clear: “If we prioritise these corridors now, we can ensure that future development coexists with the natural environment, safeguarding the biodiversity that makes Hawkesbury so unique.”
“Protecting and regenerating wildlife corridors is crucial for the survival of the region’s ecosystems. By recognising their importance and planning with foresight, the Hawkesbury can continue to support both its human and natural communities. As George Santayana famously said, ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’”
Once again, the Liberal-Labor alliance on Hawkesbury Council has voted together at the August Council meeting, to leave the region’s koala population unprotected from development. In a decision that has sparked community outrage, the majority of councillors chose to delay committing to funding a Koala Plan of Management (KPoM), despite a petition signed by nearly 900 residents and recommendations from council staff to analyse koala records and map critical koala corridors. The alliance of Liberal and Labor councillors instead voted to delay and leave the decision to the newly elected councillors in October.
The same councillors have repeatedly voted against motions to protect koalas throughout this term of Council. Those who voted not to protect koalas last night were:
Sarah McMahon (Liberal)
Patrick Conolly (Liberal)
Jill Reardon (Liberal)
Paul Veigel (Liberal)
Les Sheather (Independent –Liberal aligned)
Barry Calvert (Labor)
Amanda Kotlash (Labor)
The councillors who supported efforts to save the Hawkesbury’s koalas were:
Danielle Wheeler (Greens)
Mary Lyons-Buckett (Independent –People Not Parties)
Nathan Zamprogno (Independent)
Shane Djuric (Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party)
Eddie Dogramaci (The Small Business Party)
Sydney Basin Koala Network, Project Manager Stephanie Carrick expressed her disappointment; “We are at a loss to understand why this would need to be delayed, when it would provide such valuable knowledge to help the very important Hawkesbury koala population. We look forward to a new council moving forward with these important protections for a vulnerable koala population seeking food and shelter on private land due to 79% of their habitat being lost in the Black Summer Bushfires.”
The Hawkesbury region is home to the most genetically diverse koala population in Australia however, these iconic marsupials are now classified as endangered, facing an uncertain future. The primary threat to their survival is habitat loss, driven by ongoing development, exacerbated by the application of the Rural Boundary Clearing Code in the Hawkesbury. Despite this, the Council has yet to implement a KPoM to safeguard these vulnerable animals from further habitat destruction.
The Hawkesbury Environment Network (HEN) says the absence of a KPoM is alarming, considering the increasing pressure on koala habitats. “As urban development encroaches on the natural environment, koalas are left with fewer places to live, breed, and thrive. Without immediate action to protect and preserve these critical habitats, the survival of Hawkesbury’s koalas hangs in the balance,” HEN Secretary, Nick Soudakoff said.
A groundswell of concerned residents came together to call Hawkesbury Council to take decisive action, signing a petition, highlighting the urgency of the
situation and urging the Council to fund the KPoM. The KPoM would establish guidelines and protections for koala habitats within the region. Without this plan, koala populations could continue to decline, potentially leading to their extinction in the area.
“Now is the time to implement the KPoM, given that over the next few years, we are going to see more and more pressure for suburban development in the Hawkesbury,” Soudakoff said. “Hous-
ing development often fragments koala habitat and brings noise, dogs, light, and vehicles close to habitat, threatening the established koala populations. The knock-on effect of development can extend beyond the immediate area,” he added.
The matter will be returned to the newly elected Council during the quarterly budget review in October.
Slides courtesy of Hawkesbury City Councillor Watch
The newly formed Hawkesbury Business Group (HBG) has made its first major push, urging the rezoning of land across the region to address what it claims is a critical shortage of industrial space in the Hawkesbury electorate. This call to action follows the contentious sale of the Woodlands Park Pony Club grounds to Hypro Industries, a pet food manufacturer owned by HBG’s Chairman, John Camilleri. HBG is advocating for the Hawkesbury City Council to rezone the Woodlands Park Pony Club site at Wilberforce, along with other lands in the Hawkesbury, for industrial purposes. The lobby group argues that such a move could provide the Council with a means to pay down its debt while also boosting local productivity and employment.
“The lack of industrial land is a pressing concern that must be addressed to ensure that local businesses have the room to expand without needing to relocate. The Council’s actions in this instance (approving the sale of the Woodlands Park Pony Club land) are a step in the right direction, showing their commitment to supporting local economic growth while balancing community needs,” said Jeff Ferrara, Secretary of the Hawkesbury Business Group, in an email to the Hawkesbury Post.
Ferrara further highlighted that the Council’s proactive approach in facilitating the sale of the land at 295 Sackville Road sets a precedent for how industrial land availability can drive local business growth and job creation.
However, not everyone agrees with this perspective. Hawkesbury Greens Councillor Danielle Wheeler expressed concern about the approach. “Council’s
responsibility is to decide on zoning with an overarching view,” Wheeler said. She criticised the practice of ‘spot rezonings,’ describing it as an ad hoc approach to land use planning that leads to poor outcomes. “This kind of reactive decision-making is why our transport infrastructure has never kept pace with development in the Hawkesbury. Good planning involves a comprehensive review of industrial, residential, and agricultural land use, as we did in previous terms of Council. The area in question (Woodlands Park Pony Club) was never slated for upzoning,” Wheeler added.
The HBG officially launched its lobbying efforts at a networking event on August 16 at Windsor RSL, ahead of the upcoming Local Government elections on September 14. The event was attended by several councillors and candidates, including Mayor Sarah McMahon, Councillors Mary Lyons-Buckett, Nathan Zamprogno, Les Sheather, Shane Djuric, Eddie Dogramachi, Liberal candidate Mike Creed, and Independent candidate Angela Maguire. Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman was also in attendance, while State Member for the Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston sent her apologies.
In an invitation addressed to local businesses, the HBG stated its mission: “The Hawkesbury Business Group is dedicated to supporting the interests of local businesses and advocating for improved infrastructure and service delivery in our community. We aim to foster sustainable economic growth and create a thriving business environment within the Hawkesbury City Local Government Area.”
Just days after the secret sale of public land by Hawkesbury City Council to a pet food manufacturer became public, calls for land to be rezoned for industrial use have already begun. The $5 million approved sale of the bush block, which was conducted in secret, without public tender or community consultation, has fuelled community backlash, particularly as the land is rich in biodiversity and is home to the Woodlands Park Pony Club and has been for 40 years.
Hawkesbury Council is burdened by significant debt, including but not limited to, a $35.1 million loan for a botched sewer repair project in Windsor and a $16.5 million loan for infrastructure in the Vineyard Development area. In a confidential session last week, the Liberal-Labor alliance of councillors voted to green-light the sale of the block at 295 Sackville Road, Wilberforce, to pet food company Hypro Investments Pty Ltd.
This decision was made despite the Council, just two months earlier, deeming the block inappropriate for the new Hawkesbury Fire Control Centre (FCC) location, citing the land’s high biodiversity value. Hawkesbury Council refused to provide the Hawkesbury Post with the information it used to determine that the site was unsuitable for FCC. “The report you seek is the property of NSW Public Works and NSW RFS, and not the property of Hawkesbury City Council. As such, the Council is unable to provide access to this report,” a spokesperson for Hawkesbury Council said..
Adding to the controversy, the newly formed Hawkesbury Business Group, chaired by Hypro Investments founder John Camilleri, is already advocating for Hawkesbury land to be rezoned for industrial use. The current RU1 zoning restricts industrial activities, but a change in zoning could significantly increase the land’s value. Without any rezoning, local real estate agents said the $5 million price tag is significantly higher than the current market for such a block. Hypro currently operates from the industrial estate adjacent to the Pony Club block.
Jeff Ferrara, Secretary of the Hawkesbury Business Group (HBG), defended the sale in an email to the HP, arguing that it could help the Council reduce its debt while promoting economic growth through job creation. “The Hawkesbury Business Group encourages Council to consider the rezoning and sale of other suitable areas of operational land – this would simultaneously provide Council a method to pay down debt while boosting productivity in the region through job creation,” Ferrara said.
Ferrara said that the land sale deals “were conducted independently between Hypro Investments and Hawkesbury Council, with no input or influence from the Hawkesbury Business Group.” He added that on February 9, 2024, Hypro began discussions with the Council’s Property Manager, and one week later, on February 14, Hypro Investments submitted an offer to purchase the property. On August 1, Hypro accepted the Council’s counter-offer for the land.
HCC refused to answer questions about the sale, citing confidentiality. The HP also sent questions to re-contesting councillors, Liberal’s Sarah McMahon, Jill Reardon, Paul Veigel, Independent, Les Sheather and Labor’s Amanda Kotlash who voted to sell the land. The HP has yet to receive a response. You can read the questions below.
The sale will leave the Woodlands Park Pony Club homeless once its lease runs out, raising serious concerns about the Council’s priorities and public trust. The club, a vital part of Hawkesbury’s equestrian community, was not informed of the sale until it was listed in the Council business papers.
Local residents took to social media to express their strong disapproval of the sale. Melinda Strachan voiced her concerns about the impact on local youth, saying, “Taking away recreational grounds for children and forcing them back inside on their devices. What a great move.” Another resident, Tabatha Hunt, criticised the decision’s broader implications, stating, “Forcing horse people further west to open up acres for development.” Cassandra Chiarelli urged the community to take action, declaring, “Surely this couldn’t go through! The Woodlands Park Pony Club (and agricultural land/activities) are an important part of the community. We need to inundate the council with objections to let them know it’s not okay.”
Environmental advocates have also expressed alarm, pointing out that the land is home to threatened species and serves as a critical wildlife corridor.
Richie Benson commented on the sale’s ecological impact, stating, “This site is home to several plant communities which are Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC’s). Within these plant communities, there are three threatened species which require our full protection and preservation.” He further emphasised the importance of the land as a wildlife corridor, a critical factor in maintaining biodiversity in the area.
Councillor Nathan Zamprogno, who opposed the sale, supported a successful rescission motion bought by Green’s Councillor Danielle Wheeler for the matter revisited by the newly elected
council in October. Zamprogno urged residents to elect representatives who will prioritise transparency and community interests over secretive deals that benefit private entities. “I signed the rescission motion to have the matter brought back to the new council in October. If you want this turned around, elect a different Council,” Zamprogno stated.
The situation has left others questioning the Council’s growing disregard for the cultural and economic contributions of the equestrian community. Mel Jacobs wrote on Facebook, “Such an important place for local riders, young and old to come together. Council is very out of touch with just how big and important horse activities are in their government area that has one of the highest numbers of horses per capita.”
As development pressures mount in the region, public lands traditionally used for sports and recreation and the natural environment are increasingly at risk, pushing long-established clubs like Woodlands out in favour of commercial interests.
The Woodlands Park Pony Club, determined not to close its doors despite this setback, is seeking urgent discussions with the Council regarding the future of their lease. “We appreciate all the community interest,” Keddie said, “Our club does require new grounds and WILL NOT be closing down.”
Questions left unanswered by councillors who voted to sell the Pony Club land.
1: Given that the item on the agenda had a public portion and a confidential portion, why did you choose to move the entire debate into confidential when there was a public expectation that this would be debated openly?
2: Wouldn’t council’s divestment of a significant asset normally be the subject of extensive consultation and then either a public auction or tender? Why was this deemed inappropriate in this case?
3: Would it be ethical to take nearly $6 million from a potential purchaser knowing they would unlikely realise that value through a rezoning?
4: If the same land was deemed inappropriate for the location of the new fire control centre, why do you believe that it would be appropriate for a dog food manufacturer to use the same land to extend their factory?
In a significant win for the community, the Hawkesbury Council has voted to fund the expansion of The Women’s Cottage premises in Richmond. During the August Council meeting, 10 out of 12 councilors voted in favor of the motion, ensuring the project will move forward to meet the increasing needs of women and children escaping domestic violence. Mayor Sarah McMahon and Liberal Councillor Patrick Conolly recused themselves from the vote, with Mayor McMahon citing “personal circumstances” as the reason for stepping aside.
The decision marks a crucial step in bolstering support services for vulnerable families in the Hawkesbury region, where The Women’s Cottage serves as a cornerstone support service. The organisation, which currently provides over 1,000 occasions of service related to domestic violence each year, has been urgently seeking council funding to expand its facilities amidst a dramatic rise in domestic violence cases.
The motion to approve funding for extensions to the council-owned premises in Richmond was presented at the August 13 council meeting. The expansion aims to enable The Women’s Cottage to “meet ongoing increasing needs of women and children escaping domestic violence and other forms of distress and trauma.”
Maria Losurdo, Manager of The Women’s Cottage, highlighted the challenges the organisation has faced in its expansion efforts. “In 2020, we had enough funding–about $450,000–to extend the building,” she said. “This came from government grants, our own funds, and community donations.” However, protracted delays in obtaining Development Application (DA) approval from the council, significant costs from council-required conditions, escalating construction costs, and an unforeseen financial blow have derailed these plans.
“After three years of toing and froing with the council, the builders went into receivership in February, taking with them a deposit of over $250,000 that was supposed to be held in trust,” Losurdo revealed. “The project was also supposed to be insured (by the builder), but it wasn’t.” These complications have ballooned the estimated cost of the project to between $600,000 and $700,000, a figure now beyond the organisation’s reach. “We’re asking the council to accept financial responsibility for the work to its own building in support of women’s safety.”
The need for expansion is underscored by a surge in demand for The Women’s Cottage’s services. “Since the bushfires in 2019, the level of need around domestic violence has gone up every year,” Losurdo said. “Add to that the seven floods we’ve had, COVID-19, cost of living pressures, mortgage stress, and a lack of social housing, and it’s a perfect storm that’s increasing both the incidence and severity of domestic violence.”
Louise (name changed), a young woman in her 20s with a postgraduate degree, experienced the invaluable work of The Women’s Cottage firsthand when she left a long-term abusive relationship. “In my darkest moments, The Women’s Cottage was a guiding light, helping me reclaim my strength and hope,” she said.
Currently, the organisation’s limited space forces them to rent external venues for group programs–an unsustainable expense. These group sessions serve as crucial “soft entry points” for women who may not initially feel comfortable disclosing abuse. “Group work is really important for women to realise that they’re not the only ones,” Losurdo said. “To do some of that healing with other women is vital.”
The proposed expansion would add two counseling rooms, additional worker offices, and dedicated spaces for group programs, enabling The Women’s Cottage to accommodate more clients and specialist counsellors. Relocating or decentralising services isn’t a viable option due to the specialised security requirements inherent in providing domestic violence support. “It’s not safe for the workers, the clients, or other people in shared office spaces at other locations,” Losurdo noted. The current premises offer the necessary security infrastructure, a critical factor in ensuring safety and respectful service provision.
The Women’s Cottage has explored alternative funding avenues, including appeals to organisations like Rotary, but these entities are reluctant to invest in improvements to council-owned properties. With a 30-year lease on the building and 25 years remaining, the organisation views the council’s support as essential.
“The Women’s Cottage has done extraordinary work for 40 years, helping women and children when they have been at their most vulnerable. Now they need us. I’m hopeful that Council will support the Cottage with the money needed to fund their much-needed extension. There is plenty of room for the community and businesses to get involved with donations or labor, but first we need Council to provide enough security to get the project started. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a lot of money to help women and children get safe and stay safe,” Hawkesbury Councillor Danielle Wheeler said.
As the council prepared to vote on the motion, Losurdo recalled the terrible statistics confronting women of domestic violence, with one woman dying every week from domestic violence. “It’s just a matter of time until [a domestic violence-related death] actually happens in the Hawkesbury,” Losurdo warned.
Throw not the book, but the entire Library in their faces for wasting our $40 million!
Dogramachi Councillor Opinion
Ratepayers, residents, business owners, and hard-working battlers – you’re feeling the squeeze, working day and night just to get by, only to be hit where it hurts most.
Remember that $2.7 million figure? Our management, major party councillors, GM, mayor, deputy mayor, and infrastructure manager had no clue what “ductile iron” even was. They were too embarrassed to ask for clarification, letting jargon fly over their heads without question.
As the $2.7 million figure ballooned to $4 million, then to $8 million, $12 million, and eventually $20 – $25 million, panic set in. When it finally hit $32.5 million, the situation was critical. They had no idea how to repair potholes, fix curbs, or decide which sporting fields to neglect. In the end, they borrowed $32.5
Welcome to Hawkesbury Council, the undisputed champion of wasting approximately $2,400 per household, quietly siphoning away your hard – earned cash. If this Council operated in the private sector, it would not survive.
Consider the breakdown of a pump behind Windsor Toyota in 2022. The Council claimed it was due to a “simple breakage of a ductile iron clamp,” yet our infrastructure department – after hours and days of deliberation – arrived at a staggering repair cost of $2.7 million for this so-called “simple clamp repair.” Local plumbers and tradespeople, on the other hand, estimated they could fix it for $600,000 – guaranteed.
million, incurring $1.9 million in interest in the first 9 -10 months – an amount your children and grandchildren will be paying off for the next 20 years. And this is your Council, these are the councillors you elected last time, now begging you to vote them in again.
This colossal failure cost you $40 million and led to a 14% rate increase to cover their fiscal disaster. I will stop this. I will bring justice. I won’t just throw the book at them; I’ll throw the whole library – but only if you change your voting habits.
VOTE ME IN TO SAVE OUR HAWKESBURY. VOTE 1 FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS PARTY. Sponsored Content
Kurrajong Heights residents are once again rallying against a proposed pup/ poker machine development in their historic precinct, as the developer has submitted a new development application (DA) following widespread community opposition to the original plans. The revised proposal, lodged on August 16th, 2024, has sparked fresh concerns, prompting community members to resubmit their objections before the August 30th deadline. Jeremy Braithwaite, leader of the Kurrajong Heights Heritage Committee, has been at the forefront of the campaign to protect the area’s unique character. In an email sent to the 135 residents who objected to the initial proposal, Braithwaite emphasised the need for immediate action, urging them to submit new objections as their previous submissions are now invalid.
“The new DA is essentially a reworked version of the original proposal, with some modifications, but it remains a massive overdevelopment that is not compliant with the B1 zoning or the heritage requirements of Kurrajong Heights,” Braithwaite said.
The revised plans still include a four-storey structure that would dwarf and overshadow surrounding heritage buildings, including the historic Lochiel House. Braithwaite’s analysis highlights several major issues with the new proposal, including extensive excavation work that would involve 331 large truck movements, raising concerns about soil erosion and potential contamination of Wheeny Creek.
The community’s concerns extend to traffic management, with the revised plans suggesting that all traffic would enter via Douglas Road and exit onto Warks Hill Road, creating potential bottlenecks and safety hazards near the busy Bells Line of Road (BLOR). Additionally, the proposal
indicates that all water would need to be trucked to the site, and waste removed, further exacerbating traffic and access issues.
Noise pollution is another significant concern, as the updated plans include expanded verandas, a large smoking area, and a beer garden, which residents fear will lead to increased noise levels throughout the area. The possibility of live music events attracting large crowds from outside the area has also been flagged as a major issue not adequately addressed in the developer’s acoustic report.
Other objections raised by the community include the potential impact on local wildlife, particularly the koala habitat, the removal of trees, light pollution, and the invasion of privacy for nearby residents, including the adjacent church.
This is not the first time Kurrajong Heights residents have mobilised against the pub development. In May 2022, a packed meeting at the local bowling club saw around 50 residents express their concerns about the original $7 million proposal, which they feared would destroy the heritage and ambience of their tight-knit community. The proposal, put forward by developer Bashir Merhi, director of Balma Projects Pty Ltd, included plans for a modern pub with VIP access to a gaming room, up to 22 poker machines, and the capacity to cater to over 300 patrons per night.
Despite minor changes, the revised proposal has done little to alleviate the community’s concerns. “A concrete monolith surrounded by a picket fence does not fit,” Braithwaite said in a previous meeting, encapsulating the sentiment of many residents who believe the development would irreparably damage the character of Kurrajong Heights.
Residents are encouraged to submit their objections to the Hawkesbury Council before August 30th, 2024.
In the lead-up to the upcoming local council elections, discontent is brewing among grassroots members of the Liberal Party in the Hawkesbury. Many long-time members are voicing their frustration over what they perceive as a disregard for their views, particularly concerning the endorsement process for the party’s ticket at the upcoming local government elections.
The Hawkesbury Post (HP) spoke to current and former Liberal Party members – on the condition of anonymity – all of whom felt they had been marginalised by Liberal Party headquarters and were deeply dissatisfied with the direction of the local party.
Local Liberals were incensed that the ticket of six candidates to be presented at the elections on September 14th was drawn up without consultation, or a vote. Additionally, the newly scheduled local Liberal Party meeting to present the candidates was days after the close of nominations meaning any dissent or debate was moot.
Liberal Mayor Sarah McMahon announced on Facebook on August 2: “I will be running again in the next election.”
According to a long-serving member of the local Liberal Party, many members feel increasingly sidelined, with their voices and opinions being disregarded in favour of decisions made behind closed doors.” I thought our party was a broad church where different opinions would be welcome. Unfortunately, I found that wasn’t the case,” the former member lamented, echoing sentiments that seem to resonate with other members.
This disillusionment has been compounded by the recent handling of the endorsement process. Despite the requirement for an endorsement meeting, no such meeting occurred, leaving members without a say in who would represent the party on the ticket. “It seems that Sarah McMahon will once again take the top spot on the ticket without any endorsement by the local membership,” the former member noted at the time, highlighting a key source of frustration.
“There has not been a meeting of Liberals concerning Council since December 2022. I know of a couple of newer members of the branches who would make excellent Councillors – involved in the community and decent people. When the party opened nominations they expected to be a part of the conversation about standing at a preselection, but they were completely shut out,” another local Liberal Party member said.
Current members of the local Liberal Party have also voiced their concerns, with one long-serving member, who chose to remain anonymous, criticising McMahon’s leadership. “The rules are changed without any regard to the membership and it’s causing a lot of anger among the rank and file,” the member said, adding that the lack of transparency and communication from the party’s leadership has left many feeling disenfranchised.
“There’s no way I’ll support Sarah,” the member said, citing a lack of trust and the belief that McMahon’s leadership is not beneficial for the party or the community. “She has not got the support that she thinks she has.”
The situation has been further exacerbated by McMahon’s arrest in July. No charges have been laid however, McMahon remains under an interim Apprehended Violence Order in relation to her former boyfriend Matthew Bennett. That situation is “disgraceful,”
one party member said. Despite this, the fact that McMahon is leading the ticket has left many local Liberals feeling that they have no control over the party’s direction.
The HP understands that a meeting of the Hawkesbury Liberal’s Local Government Conference was scheduled for the 21st of July but was abruptly cancelled when the legal issues surrounding the Mayor and her former partner blew up. A rescheduled meeting was called for August 17th. An email to members said; “At this meeting, we will be introducing the candidates who were successful in their nominations for winnable positions on the Liberal Party ticket at the upcoming Local Council Election in September.”
Despite disillusionment with the local and state branches of the party, the former member expressed continued support for the federal Liberal Party, whose philosophies closely align with their own. “I’m encouraged by the direction I’m seeing the federal body take. But I think the local government and state government still have a lot of work to do.”
The growing dissatisfaction within the ranks of the Hawkesbury Liberal Party raises questions about the party’s unity and its ability to present a united front to voters. Neither the Liberal Party State Director, Richard Shields nor NSW President, Don Harwin responded to questions from the Hawkesbury Post. [The questions are listed at the end of this article].
While the party is expected to secure typically strong Liberal support, the growing dissatisfaction among its base could lead to a shift in support. “It’s becoming a bigger issue, and the state executive needs to consider why people are feeling so unhappy at a local level,” one local member told the HP.
Questions from the HP the NSW Liberal Party refused to answer.
• Has the Hawkesbury Local Government Ticket been put before the local membership for ratification at an endorsement meeting pursuant to Section 21.4.1 (“PROCEDURE WHERE A SINGLE NOMINATION IS RECEIVED”) in the Party Constitution?
• If not, why?
• If it is because the matter was urgent and had to be determined by the State Executive, why was urgency required? What circumstances prevented the matter from being presented to the members of the Hawkesbury LGC in a timely fashion at any point within the last 6 months?
• Mayor Sarah McMahon used her official Facebook page on the 1st of August to announce she was a candidate, but this has occurred without any announcement from the Party, either locally or from the State Executive. This is both a breach of the Councillor Code of Conduct, which prohibits official Council channels being used for campaigning and of the Party’s media policy – could you pls confirm? What action have you taken in this regard?
• Many local Liberals we have spoken to are angry that they have not had the chance to discuss, interview, question or choose the members of the ticket. They have told us that if an endorsement meeting were held, they would vote not to endorse a ticket at the upcoming election, with the Mayor on the ticket. What is your response to this?
• The local Hawkesbury LG Conference has not met once since December 14th, 2022. How can it be said that the ticket is representative of the wishes of the local members?
Hawkesbury City Council (HCC) faced fierce backlash after publishing a Facebook post that many argue deliberately conceals critical events from Council’s last meeting before the local government elections, raising accusations of public deception and manipulation.
The heavily sanitised Council summary has been slammed for intentionally omitting crucial matters, including the Liberal-Labor alliance’s controversial rejection of a plan to protect local koalas. Despite a petition signed by 900 residents urging the Council to fund a Koala Plan of Management, this significant matter was glossed over. Additionally, the post failed to disclose a covert scheme to sell publicly owned land, and the current home of the Woodlands Pony Club, with high biodiversity value without a public tender or auction. Another key omission was the Liberal-Labor alliance’s decision to withdraw from the Hawkesbury River County Council without any community consultation.
The FB post published after the Council meeting comes as Hawkesbury Council has actively been promoting itself as the only source of truthful information in the region. Mayor Sarah McMahon has frequently directed the community to rely solely on HCC news.
Critics have condemned the Council for spreading misleading information and are questioning who authorised the post.
Myra McDonald blasted the post, saying, “Who actually wrote this? Or approved this post? Because they are delusional if they think this is what the public want to be updated about ‘at a glance’. Don’t treat the voting public like idiots. We are watching. It seems like the only person who isn’t watching what’s actually going on, was the one who compiled this inane list.”
Al Lozzie condemned the summary as a blatant attempt to deceive, stating, “This is not a true summary of the meeting’s outcomes, it appears to have been censored for public distribution, by whose direction?”
Eric Finley, who was present throughout the meeting, asserted, “From someone who was present through the first 4 hours of that meeting, this is not an accurate ‘at a glance ‘ summary of what occurred.”
Greens Councillor Danielle Wheeler criticised the Council’s sanitised account and posted her views on her own Face-
book page,” while Fiona Hamann added, “Goodness this is a really sanitised version of events. Thank goodness for Hawkesbury City Councillor Watch and Hawkesbury Post. What a misleading summary. Who approves this content?”
Sarah Terry said “If you’re aiming for transparency, not reporting on the two most controversial items is a poor way of going about it. No wonder people are seeking their information from other sources. Also, the Mayor serves a 24-month term, not 12.”
Resident Alex Rogers agreed, “This is no where near what I saw, especially with regards to the sale of Woodlands to a dog food factory, which will have a direct impact on residents with the stench it creates, further heavy vehicle traffic, along with depriving children of their enjoyment of their hobby.”
Councillor Nathan Zamprogno, a vocal advocate for transparency and council integrity, expressed concern over the Council’s approach, saying, “Although it is flattering that Council has lately been publishing these post-meeting summaries, my concern is that they offer a very curated view of the debate and issues. I am very proud to be associated with Hawkesbury City Councillor Watch that gives a much fuller and (in my view) fairer and more useful summary of each meeting. If re-elected, I will be reintroducing my previous motion to have all councillor voting, attendance and expenses reported publicly (and especially around election time) for the greatest accountability and transparency.The account we’re seeing here omits some of the most important, and most contentious items, discussed,”
The Council turned off comments on the controversial post, and despite promising to reopen them the next day, they remained disabled.
The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has warned candidates ahead of the upcoming local elections, urging them to avoid using the Commission as a tool for political attacks. ICAC is concerned about the potential misuse of complaints, which could lead to unnecessary investigations and drain resources.
In an unprecedented move, ICAC Commissioner John Hatzistergos advised candidates in the upcoming NSW local government elections to resist the temptation to “weaponise” the Commission for their own political gain. The message comes as councils across the state prepare for elections on September 14, with some already embroiled in ICAC investigations or under formal administration.
“The weaponisation of the Commission for political advantage, whether through a referral or other means, is inappropriate,” Hatzistergos stated. He emphasised that using such allegations to damage political rivals, regardless of their validity, is unethical and could hinder the Commission’s ability to properly assess and investigate claims. “This conduct, especially during election campaigns, leaves the Commission with little time to investigate thoroughly and could jeopardize key evidence.”
Hatzistergos also pointed out that ICAC investigations are more effective when corruption is reported directly to the Commission without media involvement. “Timely and discreet reporting allows the Commission to deal with allegations more effectively,” he said. “Anyone with genuine suspicions of corrupt conduct should report them in
the usual manner, which contributes to a more corruption-resistant public sector in NSW.”
ICAC further warned that false claims of corruption might be publicly addressed to maintain trust in the Commission. “While the Commission usually refrains from confirming or denying allegations or investigations, if it becomes clear that its functions are being exploited, it may be in the public interest to clarify its involvement,” ICAC noted.
Current councillors were also reminded of their responsibilities during the caretaker period from August 16 to September 3, which includes restrictions on making controversial decisions or entering into significant contracts. Additionally, councillors were cautioned against misusing council resources for election campaigns and reminded of their obligations under electoral laws. “Candidates must not attempt to bypass electoral funding laws or engage
in improper arrangements involving political donations, as such actions could be used to exert undue influence on council decisions,” Hatzistergos warned.
To help prevent misuse of the Commission’s services, Hatzistergos offered to work with NSW councils to enhance their education programs. “We encourage councils to reach out to the Commission for training opportunities for their councillors,” he said.
Hawkesbury Post / September, 2024
Local council elections in New South Wales, Australia are set for September 14. Hawkesbury residents will choose 12 councillors for our local council. If you’re over 18 and registered to vote, you must vote. Find your polling station on the elections.nsw.gov.au website.
You’ll get one ballot paper. It’ll have group names above a line and 6-8 names in each group below the line. Ungrouped candidates (those running alone) will be listed below the line.
To make your vote count, select the minimum number of candidates shown on your ballot. You can vote either “above the line” by ranking groups or “below the line” by ranking individual candidates.
Because of the way our votes are counted (preferential voting) the more numbers you mark on the ballot, the longer your vote counts – your first choice may not make it through, but your second or subsequent choices might. You must vote above OR below the line–not both!
Voting above the line:
Put a ‘1’ next to your first choice group. This means you’re voting for all the candidates in that group in the order they are listed. You can rank more groups by writing 2, 3, and so on in order of preference. This is the easiest way if you want the lead candidate in a group to get in.
It’s important to note that if you vote above the line, don’t write anything below it.
Voting below the line: Write ‘1’ next to your first choice, ‘2’ for your second, and so on. Make sure you pick at least the minimum number of candidates as directed. Choose below the line if you want to select specific candidates from one group in your own order or vote among candidates from different groups by name. If you vote below the line, don’t write anything above it.
You can ask for help if you need it, and you can take someone to the voting
booth with you if you need to. Your vote matters, so make it count.
The polls close at 6 p.m. on election day. The ballot boxes are then unsealed, and the papers are sorted and tallied. Multiple counts are conducted before the final results are announced.
Candidates may designate scrutineers to monitor the ballot counting process. These observers oversee the voting and tallying procedures to ensure the election is conducted fairly and properly.
We love this video that explains it clearly: https://elections.nsw.gov.au/ elections/how-counting-works/how-votesare-counted-in-a-local-government-election (show still of video)
How do I vote to ensure that my favourite candidate has the best chance of success?
First, put your favourite candidate at number 1. Candidates often provide how-to-vote cards, which give you an idea of how they would like you to vote to give them the best chance. You don’t have to follow their how-to-vote suggestions. If they lead a group, voting above the line is your best option.
How can I vote for one or more candidates in a group but avoid having my vote count toward one or more others in the same group?
This is where below-the-line voting comes into play. You can vote for people within a group and avoid one or more particular candidates in that group. Your vote will not be allocated to that person. You must ensure you vote for the minimum number of candidates below the line.
How do I vote for an ungrouped candidate?
Ungrouped candidates are listed below the line, so you must vote below the line. Make sure you vote for the minimum number of candidates required.
For more information:
https://elections.nsw.gov.au/elections/how-voting-works/ voting-in-new-south-wales/how-to-cast-your-vote-in-alocal-government-election
How are votes counted?
We use a preferential voting system that ensures your vote counts for as long as possible. Preferential votes are tallied until a candidate receives more than half of all the votes.
On polling day, the vote counters check who everyone selected as their top choice and sort them into piles.
They then total up all those votes and see if any candidate has more than 50 per cent.
The candidate with the fewest votes is removed if no candidate has enough votes.
The vote counters then return to the ballot papers of voters who voted for the eliminated candidate as their first choice and check who they picked as their second choice.
Those votes are allocated to the remaining candidates. This process continues until one candidate has over 50 per cent of the votes. If a voter’s first choice doesn’t succeed, their second choice might.
Have you ever wondered why some potholes on Hawkesbury roads get fixed quickly while others linger for ages? Or why has the Council just not approved and moved forward on the Richmond Bridge or specific DAs? You may be a young, first-time voter won-
dering why Council elections matter.
The answers lie in understanding Australia’s three levels of government–who’s responsible for what, what we can reasonably expect from our councillors, and why it’s important to have your say.
With a council election coming up on 14 September, it’s worth knowing how to manage your expectations of what councillors can feasibly deliver and how to understand when candidates promise things they will never be able to deliver because they are beyond their remit.
The Three Tiers of Government Australia’s government structure is designed to be a well-coordinated team, each tier having specific roles yet working together for the greater good.
Hawkesbury Post contacted all candidates with questions to provide voters with comprehensive information for the upcoming local council election. We asked them to submit a brief summary of themselves and their stance on the top five issues that matter most to our community, as determined by our recent emoji poll.
The responses we received were as diverse as the candidates themselves. Liberal Candidate Sarah McMahon, Labor candidate Amanda Kotlash, and Independent Les Sheather chose not to respond at all. In these cases we have worked with publicly available information and voting records to offer insights into their positions around issues.
The top issues identified in our emoji poll include Councillor integrity, environment and conservation (particularly koalas), council services and pothole repairs, and development concerns – particularly regarding over-development.
I’m a scientist, community campaigner and permaculture practitioner. Since being elected in 2016, I’ve achieved increased heritage funding, support for the Women’s Cottage, wetlands protections and increased tree canopy and town centre upgrades, increased community participation in council meetings and animal shelter reforms, and worked for a more inclusive Hawkesbury. I’m a hard worker and a fierce advocate with the intelligence and tenacity needed to ensure a thriving future for our community and our environment. Allister Claasz moved to the Hawkesbury at 17 to study Wildlife and the Environment at WSU Richmond. Having completed a science degree, he now lives in South Windsor and works on an organic farm in Bilpin.
In one sentence or your tagline, share what your team stands for: Building a better Hawkesbury – for now, and the future.
Councillor Integrity:
Integrity requires honesty, transparency, and sticking to principles. My time as a soldier and scientist shaped my commitment to these values. As a Green Party member, I am committed to grassroots democracy, ecological sustainability, peace and nonviolence, and social justice. I’m bound by these principles and accountable to the community, not a faceless party machine. I want to see Council back in the community, holding regular public meetings and listening sessions in parks and community centres,through youth parliaments, and participatory decision-making. More social engagement, less social media. Councillors should be free to explain their votes, and Council’s media policy must be rewritten and focus on transparency, not defensiveness. If we all act with integrity, we should have nothing to fear.
Environmental Conservation:
I’ve been a fierce advocate for the environment and consistently fought for environmental protection, opposing harmful policies like the Rural Boundary Clearing Code and advocating for a Koala Plan of Management. I started the Wetlands Working Group and added wetlands protections across the Council’s planning documents. I’ve worked to prevent destructive developments while increasing urban greening. Good development doesnt have to be environmentally damaging if planned correctly. The Hawkesbury community values our environment, and I’m committed to removing the Rural Boundary Clearing Code, securing a Koala Plan, and expanding our urban forest.
We need local road crews to quickly restore and maintain our roads after disasters, keeping jobs local, upskilling staff and prioritsing repairs based on need. We’ll advocate for more funding and higher-quality repairs. Instead of increasing hard rubbish collections, which less than a third of households use, we support expanding recycling efforts such as “Second-hand Saturday”, and introducing food and organics recycling earlier. We’ll ensure transparency in Council’s budget, focusing on what the community values: roads, parks, the environment, and public spaces. Council should serve the community, spending public money on public assets with a sustainable future in mind.
Hawkesbury has met its housing targets, so there’s no need for more greenfield development on agricultural land. Future development should focus on infill near town centres and transport, meeting the need for smaller, more diverse, accessible and affordable housing. We must implement the revised LEP with the proper protections removed by Liberal and Labor in 2022. Council also needs to stand up to developers and the state government. Development should be something we control, not something that happens to us that we are forced to live with. I’ll continue to oppose harmful developments and advocate for planning that benefits the community and environment, not for developer profits.
Bio: Mary has developed a deep connection and understanding of the Hawkesbury people and their vision through her background in scientific research, law, mediation, and small business, coupled with 12 years experience as a Councillor. Determined to finish what she started, Mary strives to see a functional, effective and reliable Council in which the people can have trust and confidence. She listens to the community to
learn what characteristics are valued; which precious areas and assets require protection; which services are missing or need upgrade; and what opportunities can be embraced to support our local economy and overall wellbeing. Mary understands the need to balance future growth with preservation of the qualities that make Hawkesbury the unique, incredible place it is. Councillor Integrity
Councillor Integrity:
Integrity is a core component of good governance. Council decisions must be made with appropriate levels of transparency, accountability and fairness. To equip councillors to make good decisions, they must have a thorough understanding of community needs and expectations. The Chamber should be a place where integrity is paramount, and good leadership is essential to deliver that. Our ratepayers and residents must feel they have had meaningful engagement and that their feedback has been listened to, and when possible, translated into appropriate actions or policies. Perceptions that consultation is merely a box-ticking exercise lead to distrust and lack of confidence in decisions made and actions taken by Council.
Environmental Conservation:
I treasure the natural environment we are so fortunate to have, and for which we are custodians. It is one of our majordrawcards. With many pressures from proposed developments, land clearing and climate change, our precious environment is under threat of irreversible damage. Loss of connectivity and fragmentation of habitat will have wide-ranging impacts. I opposed opting into the Rural Boundary Clearing Code because I saw no evidence of any benefits, and feared its (mis)use as a tool for the destruction of valuable vegetation, sadly realised. I strongly support the completion of a Koala Plan of Management. I have persistently advocated for increased community participation in disaster management planning.
Council Services and
I strongly advocate increasing the number of traineeships and apprenticeships within Council, and developing teams within Council to carry out the regular monitoring and maintenance of our roads. Reliance on external contractors has not delivered timely and high-quality road repairs. I understand the community frustration about this. Excuses of inability to access contractors or materials to explain delays are unacceptable. I strongly promote betterment in infrastructure renewal, particularly in areas which are vulnerable to repeat extreme weather inundation. If we are proactive rather than reactive, monitor and maintain efficiently, we will reap the rewards of preparation being much cheaper than damage repair.
We can have growth compatible with the need to preserve Hawkesbury’s valuable attributes if it is properly planned and designed. We have major constraints – floodplain, bushland, height restrictions due to the RAAF, and areas without reticulated water and sewer. We will never have massive amounts of medium-density housing like adjacent growth areas. We can utilise opportunities near transport corridors for a better blend of housing style. The delay of our LEP has left us vulnerable to poor planning decisions and missed opportunities around dual occupancy. We need up-to-date, concise planning documents to deliver well-planned growth for the future, with adequate supporting infrastructure and services.
Candidate did not respond. What we know from public records
Councillor integrity:
Clr Kotlash voted against reporting councillor attendance and engagement (Feb and May 2022), favoring a lack of accountability to the community. She supported Liberal Mayor Sarah McMahon’s re-election. During the previous Council term, Labour aligned with Liberal councillors on at least 35 key votes, forming the “Lib-Lab Voting Block” with Independent Les Sheather. This bloc, often supported by the Mayor’s casting vote, raised conContinued on page 25
cerns about local governance dynamics and the balance of power within Council. She also backed the draft media policy limiting media access to Council statements.
Conservation:
Clr Kotlash moved to dismantle the Hawkesbury River County Council, a body specialising in river conservation. HCC is a member of HRCC along with other councils (August 24).
She voted in favour of the Woodlands Pony Club sale (August 2024).
She voted to postpone committing to funding the Koala Plan of Management until October 2024. She voted to allow rural boundary clearing without a DA, despite no koala mapping in place. Council has subsequently admitted this has been has been misused by people who want to clear their land (May 23).
Kotlash voted in favour of kangaroo signage on the Driftway in July 2023 (unanimous vote).
Council Services and Pothole repairs:
Labor Councillors Kotlash and Barry Calvert were the only two in the chamber to vote against the commission of an independent inquiry into the debacle that saw the cost of repair for the Cornwallis drains increase from $2.7 million to over $30 million in the space of 12 months. Their position was at odds with that of the State Labor government, which focuses on local government waste.
Kotlash put forward an amended motion rejecting the $5,000 plan to tackle the growing crisis of abandoned cats in the area by allocating money to the Animal Welfare League for a desexing program. The Lib-Lab Block, including Les Sheather, supported her motion.
Clr Kotlash voted in favour of the Woodlands Pony Club sale (295 Sackville Road, Wilberforce) to pet food manufacturer Hypro.
She voted in favour of development, including the community title subdivision at 6/21 Vincents Road Kurrajong (with Lib-Lab Bloc) (November 2023)
Candidate did not respond at all. What we know from public records.
Councillor integrity:
Les voted against reporting councillor attendance and engagement in May 2022. While part of the “Lib-Lab Voting Block,” he was less consistent than the Labor councillors in aligning with the group. This bloc often opposed three to six other councillors, with
the Mayor’s casting vote tipping the balance in their favor. This pattern of voting raised concerns about the dynamics of local governance and the balance of power within the Council. Additionally, Les Sheather and Councillor Sarah McMahon served as Directors on the Windsor RSL Board, and Sheather spoke against gambling reform at the 2023 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly.
Conservation:
He voted in favour of the Woodlands Pony Club sale (August 2024)
Sheather voted to postpone committing to funding the Koala Plan of Management until October 2024
He voted in favour of the motion to gag debate on the rural boundary clearing code (RBCC) and to allow the RBCC without a DA, despite no koala mapping. Council has subsequently admitted this has been has been misused by people who want to clear their land (May 23)
Sheather voted in favour of kangaroo signage on the Driftway in July 2023 (unanimous vote)
Development:
Voted in favour of the Woodlands Pony Club sale (295 Sackville Road, Wilberforce) to pet food manufacturer Hypro
Voted in favour of development, including the community title subdivision at 6/21 Vincents Road Kurrajong (with Lib-Lab Bloc)
I moved to Oakville in 1986 and enjoyed the best life with what the Hawkesbury has to offer and in turn have given back through continuous volunteering. I started volunteering back in 1988 as Secretary of Sydney Showjumping Club when they jumped at Scheyville National Park. My current roles: President, Pony Club NSW Zone 26; Competition Secretary, Pitt Town Football Club; Representative Hawkesbury Sports Council; President, Oakville and Districts Progress Association; President, Rouse Hill Rams Little Athletics
This is my first time running for Council. My Number two is Melissa Crane, who has lived in Pitt Town for many years and is very involved in the local community. She is Hawkesbury Volunteer of the Year 2023, President of Pitt Town Football Club, and director of Pitt Town and District Sports Club. In one sentence or your tagline, share what your team stands for: Hawkesbury First. Our Core Values are Respect for the Individual, Rate Payer Satisfaction, and Excellence in everything we do.
Councillor Integrity: Integrity in public service means acting with honesty, fairness, and commitment to the public good. I will advocate for a code of conduct with regular
ethical training, clear conflict-of-interest guidelines, and a transparent system for reporting breaches. I’ll commit to regular self-assessment and encourage my peers to do the same. Public accountability is essential; I support publishing councillors’ voting records and the reasons behind key decisions. I will also promote regular attendance at local meetings to empower the community and ensure transparency in governance.
This is an area where I have limited knowledge; in my work life, when I was given a project where I had limited knowledge, I would engage with appropriate subject matter experts. I would take the same approach on Council collaborating with other members like Danielle Wheeler to identify the best outcome for the environment. My home shares a boundary with Scheyville National Park. Back in the late 1980s, I was part of the protest group that opposed the area being turned into an airport, Jail, and housing commission before becoming a National Park where today we have native wildlife. The unique natural habitats for all native animals must be protected. Koala, platypus, echidna, kangaroo, all reptiles, and bird life must be preserved for future generations.
Flood events and increased heavy vehicle usage have severely damaged our road infrastructure, especially with the rise in potholes. I will push for a rapid response team to ensure potholes are repaired quickly and advocate for durable materials and innovative techniques to minimise future issues.
Transparency and accountability are crucial. I will review service contracts and performance metrics to identify inefficiencies and push for more flexible rubbish collection options. I’ll advocate for a clear breakdown of how rates are spent to ensure every dollar improves our community.
To enhance service delivery and manage costs, I will focus on efficiency, innovation, and community involvement. This includes streamlining operations, partnering with local businesses, and involving residents in decision-making through regular feedback forums and surveys.
Development:
Development is progressing on both sides of the river, with more to come. We have two choices: let the State Government dictate our future or take control and shape it ourselves.
We propose a balanced approach, allowing acreage to be subdivided into one-acre blocks while preserving the option to keep properties unchanged. All new blocks must be self-sufficient, with Enviro-cycle sewerage systems, solar or wind power with battery backup, and large inground water tanks to ease the load on existing infrastructure.
This plan maintains Hawkesbury’s rural character while allowing thoughtful development.
Continued on page 26
Group
Shane Djuruc (Shooter, Farmers, Fishers):
I’m a proud Hawkesbury local, I was born in Windsor hospital and have been a part of our community for nearly 53 years. I’m a third generation honey producer and my family’s apiary has been pollinating the Hawkesbury since 1960. I am a member of the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party, not just because I’m a farmer, but because the SFF are a grass roots party that is made up of everyday people like you and me, just community members that strive to make a difference where it counts the most, and for me it’s about bringing the community’s voice back to council to make community led decisions, instead of a select few dictating to everyone else.
Our dedicated team of Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party candidates believes that Council should be the heart of where we come together for the enrichment of the Hawkesbury and its community.
My ticket no.2 is Bradley McGregor from South Windsor, no.3 is Brooke Djuric from Bligh Park, no.4 is Stephanie Fuller from Wilberforce, no.5 is Keith Levy from Thompson Square, and no.6 Gae Kelly from Pitt Town.
Councillor integrity:
Councillor integrity is very important to me and elected members should hold themselves to a higher standard as the community has put them forward to be their voice as it should be under the Westminster system. A lack of integrity from all levels of government is why I put my hand up to run in the first place, further, there seems to be a lack of accountability. I have been in regular contact the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party UpperHouse members and they are aware of the issues concerning our Council, as well as other councils, and they have called on the government to push reforms that will help guide Councils in regard to integrity and delivery which will contribute to a better performing Council.
Many people are drawn to the Hawkesbury for its historic and rural charm, its significance in the Blue Mountains, and its unique wildlife. Given its proximity to Sydney, the Hawkesbury’s distinctiveness must be protected. I fully support Koala mapping, as it will help ensure their survival and attract environmentally conscious residents. This approach can reduce development in sensitive areas and lower DA application costs outside of koala zones.
With a potential recession on the horizon, I will oppose any rate increases above CPI, especially given the current cost-of-living crisis. While road conditions are a widespread issue, I will work with SFF Upperhouse members to push for local government reforms to ensure Hawkesbury Council operates efficiently and productively.
I’ve always advocated for greater rights for individual homeowners. While large developments on the Hawkesbury’s outskirts are clearing acres of trees, families struggle to build granny flats for their elderly parents. I’m firmly against mass development, especially west of the river, as it will destroy our community’s identity. We lack the infrastructure to support such growth, and State and Federal governments show no foresight in addressing the needs of the existing community, let alone considering more development. Their proposal to duplicate Richmond Bridge, which won’t alleviate township traffic or provide flood-free travel, demonstrates how little they consider our needs.
Angela Maguire is an independent candidate at September’s local government election. As a long-term Hawkesbury resident, small business owner, and award-winning entrepreneur, the community’s concerns are my concerns. My group members are all locals who care about their community, with interests and expertise in local performing arts, sport for young people, STEM education, and agritourism. Meera Webster is my number two. A Hawkesbury Small Business Award winner and local arts personality, she is dedicated to improving the arts scene in the region.
In one sentence or your tagline, share what your team stands for:
Integrity – Representation – Stronger Community
Councillor Integrity:
The role of Council is to establish the strategic direction for council staff to follow. Council staff can only do the best they can with the leadership they are provided. It’s not just following the letter of the law, but it’s also about being seen to do the right thing. My personal and professional reputation is being an ethical and principled person. I will take those attributes into Council and apply them accordingly. Councillors may need to engage in mandated governance training to ensure they are crystal clear about their obligations and responsibilities.
Environmental Conservation:
As president of Hawkesbury Harvest, I intimately understand the need to protect our natural environment so we can grow quality food, offer Hawkesbury and other Sydney residents green open spaces for recreation and encourage tourism, especially with the opening of Western Sydney Airport. We are all stewards of the environment for future generations. It’svital that we protect our unique and beautiful assets today for enjoyment and economic security tomorrow. If elected, I will support the creation of a Koala Plan of Management.
Council Services and Pothole repairs:
I won’t be distracted by politicking and personal attacks. If elected, I will focus on the Council’s core purpose to deliver these essential services. If we’re struggling to deliver what we need to, look to other councils who are doing it better and learn from what they do. As a peri-urban council with a challenging rates base subject to multiple natural disasters, we need to lobby state and federal governments as a united council to get our fair share of funding and support.
I want to retain our beautiful peri-urban environment whilst allowing people to have affordable and livable homes. I don’t see this as an either-or choice. However, we need to be a bit more creative in our solutions and have a little less greed from developers. We need appropriate infrastructure in place before any additional development, including emergency services. The Hawkesbury needs a variety of housing stock that accommodates our older population who will likely age in place at home. As someone who lives on the western side of the river, I am acutely aware of this challenge.
I was elected in 2016 as a Liberal but now proudly stand as an independent. I am a local high school teacher. I am very proud to stand by my record as the only Councillor that has sought to engage with residents through regular videos, newsletters, website and social media posts.
The key issue facing voters in Hawkesbury is ensuring that the next Council is led with integrity.
Our Council has been controlled by either Liberal or Labor Mayors for 17 of the last 20 years.
They haven’t delivered, even by the metrics they themselves set concerning debt, fairer rates, or Council customer service performance. Many decisions seem oriented to please developers rather than the broader community. It’s time to restore Council’s leadership to citizens, not political parties.
Councillor Integrity:
Two-thirds of the meetings Councillors are required to attend are briefings, workshops, rountables and other events outside of the public, formal chamber meetings.
I moved an initiative where this broader attendance, plus expenses and travel would be gathered and reported at the end of the Council term - a simple integrity measure already commonly practiced by neighbouring councils. My motion passed, only to be rescinded by the Liberal and Labor bloc a few months later.
Then, I conceived and co-created the “Hawkesbury City Councillor Watch” page and website, which has been reporting on voting and attendance since May 2022.
Environmental Conservation:
I served five years on the board of the Hawkesbury River County Council (two as chair) charged with waterway health and weed control. I opposed our Council’s withdrawal and dissolution of HRCC.
I have readily supported clauses in our LEP and DCP which strengthen environmental protection, such as ‘views and vistas’.
I’ve decried the delay of the new LEP and DCP, which has dragged on for years because developers prefer the older, laxer rules.
I support the proper funding of a Koala Mapping and Management strategy.
In each of these, I have been frustrated by the current ruling party bloc and hope for change.
Development:
I have been a trenchant advocate for reform of local government to prevent property developers or those associated with them to improperly influence the political process.
I oppose inappropriate development and decry the pressure placed on the Hawkesbury by the growth of the ‘sydney anthill’ which threatens our remaining agricultural land and sensitive ecological habitats. It became apparent to me that the only way in which I could ethically pursue these objectives was by leaving the Liberal Party.
Council Services and Pothole repairs:
Council faces an infrastructure backlog that will grow to over $160M over the next nine years without significant intervention. Our finances are simply inadequate to the task and this will get worse.
The next chamber must give the issue of road repair significant priority, but I am surprised there is no disclosure from candidates about where they would stand on a future further rate rise. If this issue is ignored, it will be harder for the new chamber to declare a mandate to impose this, especially given a perception that our current system is unfairly weighted towards some property owners, and that the last rate rise did not deliver on associated capital works projects promised as sweeteners.
In one sentence or your tagline, share what your team stands for:
We stand for respectful, competent, hard-working representation. We’re ready to govern because the Liberal + Labor bloc have let us all down.
Did not respond at all.
What we know from public records.
Councillor integrity:
Clr McMahon, was the former domestic partner of local property developer Matthew Bennett. McMahon and Bennett have consistently claimed Bennett is not a property developer under the definition in the Act and neither is McMahon by association. McMahon signed a candidate form declaring she had no association with such entities.
McMahon voted to rescind reporting on councillor attendance and engagement. This means she was in favour of councillors not being accountable to the community through reporting attendance and performance. She voted in favour of the draft media policy, which would limit the ability of some media to access statements from or engage with Council. Subsequently, McMahon has boycotted the Hawkesbury Post and threatened legal action against it and its editor, Sam Magnusson.
Conservation:
Clr McMahon voted to dismantle the Hawkesbury River County Council, a body specialising in river conservation, of which Hawkesbury City Council is a member (August 24). She also supported the sale of the Woodlands Pony Club (August 2024) and voted to delay funding for the Koala Plan of Management until October 2024.
Additionally, McMahon voted to allow rural boundary clearing without a DA, even though there was no koala mapping. The Council later acknowledged that this policy was misused by those wanting to clear land (May 23).
McMahon voted in favour of kangaroo signage on the Driftway in July 2023 (unanimous vote)
Council Services and Pothole repairs:
Clr McMahon presided over the Council as Mayor during the last term, when the lack of repairs to potholes was noted, and the community’s anger was palpable.
Development:
Despite being found to be “not a developer,” McMahon has had to recuse herself from multiple development projects before Council that her (now ex) partner or family members were involved in, such as the community title subdivisions at 6/21 Vincents Road Kurrajong.
Voted in favour of the Woodlands Pony Club sale (295 Sackville Road, Wilberforce) to pet food manufacturer Hypro.
I’m Eddie, a door-to-door salesman with a background in Textile Technology from the U.K. and further studies in Industrial Chemistry. I’ve lived in Hawkesbury for 36 years and am well-known among tradespeople, veggie farmers, turf growers, and manufacturing companies. Why did I enter politics? Small business owners, elderly residents, veterans, single parents, and even the homeless along the creek beds asked for my help with rising rates, council fees, protection, and job opportunities. Seeing their struggles, I decided to run for office. Since then, I’ve become one of the most outspoken and controversial Councillors. I’ve faced more penalties than anyone else for speaking out, protecting the vulnerable, demanding answers, and challenging management and major party councillors. They tried to silence me by interfering with my council phone, delaying emails, stopping my business card printing, and even attempting to expel me.
In the past three years, I’ve exposed a $40 million failure in maintenance and management that could have been better used for roads, charities, women’s shelters, and helping those in need. I uncovered a $32.5 million secret loan, which led to attempts to have me removed for revealing it. I also highlighted the council’s failed lawsuit against a construction company, resulting in an additional $4.9 million in damages, costs, and compensation.
I don’t have time for lies and empty promises. I don’t smile when asked why because there’s nothing to smile about when people are deceived and promises are broken. I’ll smile when ratepayers start smiling. Having lived, worked, and dealt across four continents, I’m grateful to Australia for giving me the chance to build a safe, secure future. This is my way of giving back and saying, “Thank you, Australia, and thank you, Aussies.” That’s me – Eddie, no more, no less.
Key Council Issues based on Voting record, where questions not addressed -
Environmental Conservation:
Voted with the Liberal and Labor Bloc to dismantle the Hawkesbury River County Council (August 24). He was the only Councillor to vote against Urban Greening (August 23).
Voted with Liberal and Labor to rescind the RBCC –allowing rural boundary clearing without a DA. Recused himself from the Woodlands Pony Club sale vote as the Buyer (Hypro) is on his ticket (August 2024).
Voted in favour of Voted in favour of kangaroo signage on the Driftway in July 2023 (unanimous vote).
Development:
He voted to endorse the site-specific amendment to the LEP to legalise subdivision on the Seniors Village Vincents Road Kurrajong site (November 2023).
He recused himself from the Woodlands Pony Club sale vote as the Buyer (Hypro) is on his ticket (August 2024)
Statistics compiled and presented by local Facebook page “Hawkesbury City Councillor Watch” have shown an expanded insight into who has turned up the most during this term of Council.
In June the The Hawkesbury Post (Post) reported on publicly available data for the term that only encompassed formal Council meetings held in the Council chambers.
But two thirds of the meetings that Councillors attend, and equally crucial to their paid role as elected representatives, are not held in the public gaze. They take the form of various briefings, workshops, roundtables and plenary committees Councillors are encouraged to attend every week. Liberal and Labor had combined in early 2022 to halve the number of chamber meetings held. During this term there were 44 formal Chamber meetings but over 83 of these briefings and workshops. Rules in the Local Government Act stipulate that a Councillor absent for more than three consecutive formal chamber meetings without a valid reason (such as travel or illness) can be subject to censure or even suspension. However, no such rules apply to these other meetings, where reports are offered by Council staff of issued in depth, and usually relating to matters coming in following weeks to the chamber in need of a vote. A Councillor could attend all, or none of these briefings and the public would not know, with perhaps just the risk that they would seem clueless in a debate on matters they could have been briefed over.
Prior to COVID, all these meetings were held in the committee rooms of the Council chambers. Since COVID lifted, about a third of the briefings are still conducted on-line by Zoom.
“Barely three months ago I persuaded my Council colleagues to back a motion that would present an annual report card on Councillor attendance at meetings, briefings, committees and workshops, as well as better disclosure on Councillor expenses.
It isn’t a perfect measure of diligence, but given some Councillors in the past were known to take the pay and yet turn up to as little as possible, I felt this kind of accountability was just The Right Thing To Do.
Councillor Nathan Zamprogno moved a Notice of Motion early in this term of Council at the meeting in February 2022 for data to be gathered by Council staff concerning Councillor attendance at these briefings, workshops, and other relevant public events for Councillors such as citizenship ceremonies and inspection field-trips. It also called for Councillor expenses and publicly funded travel to conferences to be reported at the end of the Council term as a report.
This motion passed, only to be rescinded at the meeting in May 2022 by the Liberal and Labor Councillors, together with Councillor Les Sheather, voting to abandon the collection and reportage of this data.
Councillor Zamprogno wrote at the time on his Facebook account:
I was disappointed when several
Councillors professed to be offended at the mere idea they could be held accountable. Barely weeks later they voted to halve the number of meetings Council would hold.
I think this is cynical and fails the ‘pub test’.”
Councillor Zamprogno tells the Post that he felt there was still a public interest in this attendance data to be collected and reported, and he collaborated with local graphic designer David Simpson to start the Facebook page and website “Hawkesbury City Councillor Watch”, and collecting the data himself.
“This page has been very warmly received by the community, especially because it reports on what’s happened at Council in a factual and accessible way”.
Nathan Zamprogno
Now published for the first time and timed to provide voters with a report at the end of the term, it reveals that some Councillors’ attendance at these crucial but non-public meetings has been poor. Small Business Party Councillor Dogramaci only attended 38% of the meetings held, followed by Labor Councillor Calvert (50%) the Liberal’s Patrick Conolly (52%) and Labor’s Amanda Kotlash (72%).
“Councillors often have legitimate reasons to be absent from this meeting or that,” Zamprogno says, “but I think the public has a right to know if a Councillor simply isn’t doing their job, because that’s disrespectful to the public that elected and pays them.”
Zamprogno adds that, if re-elected, he will again seek to have this data-collection done formally by Council staff and reported at the end of the term.
Urban platypus populations in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River are under immense pressure, with ongoing research revealing the urgent need for conservation efforts. Dr. Michelle Ryan, the Hawkesbury-Nepean Waterkeeper and Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University emphasised the critical nature of the situation. “Urban platypus populations are under immense pressure. The federal government’s investment is a major step forward in conserving these critical habitats across our catchment areas,” Dr. Ryan said.
Highlighting the broader environmental challenge, Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek noted that “nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of our threatened plants occur in urban areas. We need to act now to protect them.” This pressing need for action has led to Western Sydney University securing a $1 million grant from the Albanese Labor Government. The funding, part of the Urban Rivers and Catchment Program, will support the ‘Resilient Rivers for Resilient Hawkesbury Platypus Populations’ project over the next three years.
The initiative aims to establish a network of ‘Platypus Parks’ along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River and its tributaries, creating protected areas that will serve as vital habitats for the platypus. The project, led by Western Sydney University in collaboration with
the Hawkesbury-Nepean Waterkeeper Alliance, will involve First Nations communities, local landholders, and various community groups.
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman welcomed the funding, stressing the importance of local expertise in driving these conservation efforts.
“This $1 million investment, delivered through the Hawkesbury Environment Network (HEN) and involving Western Sydney University, ensures that our local, world-leading platypus experts are at the forefront of efforts to protect our waterways,” she said.
The project will allocate sixty percent of the funding to on-ground initiatives aimed at enhancing habitat connectivity and improving riparian health. Community involvement will be a cornerstone of the project, with plans for free events and workshops to engage the public in conservation activities.
As part of a broader $200 million commitment by the federal government to restore and protect urban rivers and waterways, this project underscores the urgent need to protect vulnerable species in urban environments. Local groups such as the Cattai Hills Environment Network, Streamwatch, and the Hawkesbury-Nepean Landcare Network will play key roles in the initiative, with additional support from Local Land Services Greater Sydney.
Brad Moore, Senior Land Services
Officer for Aboriginal Communities,highlighted the significance of First Nations participation, stating, “This project acknowledges the importance of First Nations voices in managing local waterways, which are vital for the platypus and other wildlife to thrive.”
With work set to begin later this year, the Hawkesbury District is on the path to securing a brighter future for its unique and threatened platypus populations, ensuring these iconic creatures continue to inhabit the river for generations to come.
By Imy Abbott
When Castlereagh Public School students stood before a panel of experts, they didn’t just present a video – they delivered a life-saving message: “Don’t drive through floodwaters.” This straightforward yet critical advice was part of a larger event where nearly 100 students from across the region came together to address the ever-present threat of flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.
The event, known as a Hackathon, brought together primary and high school students to collaborate on innovative ways to keep their communities safe from floods. A Hackathon is an event where participants work intensively to solve real-world problems. It was the first time such an event had been held in the region, and it focused on the unique challenges posed by the valley’s floodprone environment.
Guided by leading experts from the NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW State Emergency Service (SES), and the Bureau of Meteorology, students developed creative campaigns and tools to raise flood awareness. The winning junior entry, from Castlereagh Public School, focused on the importance of not driving through floodwaters. The Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education (Richmond) won the senior competition, whose “Tilly the Turtle” campaign used animation and music to teach evacuation procedures. Wyndham College took first place in the secondary division with their “Get the Duck out of the Water” campaign, aimed at young drivers and featuring a rubber duck with a QR code
to promote safe driving during floods.
“The hackathon is part of our schools program and a fun and engaging way to connect with young people and share our work to reduce flood risk in one of the most populated floodplains in Australia,” said Emma Whale, Executive
Monday 16 September, 6pm Tuesday 17 September, 12:30pm
Experience magical encounters with rare species, from the Leadbeater’s possum to the Sumatran rhinoceros in this immersive theatrical experience featuring exquisite puppetry. Discover more at the free post-show Q&A with the cast and creative team.
For your chance to win two of 20 children’s passes to Featherdale Wildlife Park, simply purchase a ticket to ARC before 12 September and use the promo code HAWKES when booking.
Wednesday 2 October at 11am
Join the Richard Bonynge Ensemble and Glenbrook Ballet Theatre for Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals and Bach’s Concerto for four pianos
After the show you can get up close to the instruments and discover how they make the animal sounds.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS WORKSHOPS
There’s fun for everyone these school holidays with our engaging and interactive:
• Q Theatre Drama Workshops at The Joan thejoan.com.au
• Art Workshops at Penrith Regional Gallery penrithregionalgallery.com.au
Director of Hazard Risk and Data Management at the NSW Reconstruction Authority. “We’re working with some of the brightest young minds in our region, many of whom have seen first-hand the impacts of flooding in recent years. I’m excited to see the work they’ve creat-
ed to help their communities be more aware of flood risk.”
This initiative, which also provided insights into the NSW Government’s efforts to reduce flood risk in the valley, was designed to complement what students are already learning in school.
A large two-story house in North Richmond was severely damaged in a fire that broke out on Sunday, August 25, leaving the property fully engulfed in flames. The blaze, which started just before 3:30 PM on Flinders Place, also spread to the garage and a car. The family returned home to find the home fully ablaze.
Fire and Rescue NSW received multiple triple zero calls, prompting a significant response from emergency services. Firefighters from Richmond, Windsor, Cranebrook, Riverstone, and additional support from Ropes Crossing, Penrith, St. Marys, and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) from Grose Wold rushed to the scene. In total, nine fire trucks and 36 firefighters were deployed to combat the blaze.
Upon arrival, firefighters reported that the two-story home was “well alight,” with smoke visible from a distance. The fire threatened neighboring properties, leading to the self-evacuation of nearby residents. Firefighters equipped with air sets immediately launched an aggressive attack on the flames, working to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent homes.
Despite their efforts, the house was completely destroyed, though quick work by the fire crews prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring houses. One nearby home did sustain heat and smoke damage. It took firefighters several hours to fully extinguish the blaze, with an aerial fire truck also utilized in the final stages of the operation.
Fortunately, all occupants of the affected home were accounted for, and only one firefighter suffered a minor injury, which was treated on-site. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
In the aftermath, a fundraising page has been set up to support the family, who returned home from an outing to find their house ablaze and the family dog on the front lawn. Tragically, they were left with nothing but the “clothes on their backs and the cars they were driving,” according to the page. This fire comes at a particularly diffi-
cult time for the family, who are already dealing with the recent loss of their mother. The remaining seven family members, including five foster children and a father with advanced multiple sclerosis, are now faced with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. Many in the community have been rallying around the family, with a campaign
aiming to raise immediate funds to meet their basic needs and provide items to assist their wellbeing in the aftermath of the fire. The family has expressed their deep gratitude for the support they have received so far. If you would like to donate go to mycause.com.au and go to – Help family who lost everything in North Richmond house fire.
Pauleen West from North Richmond has been named the 2024 North Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year, honouring her decade-long commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors in the Hawkesbury region.
The North Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year Awards, held at Castle Hill RSL, also recognised outstanding volunteers in other categories. Final-year medical student Yannick De Silva was named the 2024 North Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and support to community health and first aid as a St John Ambulance NSW volunteer.
Other award recipients included Jacob Dommersen from Castle Hill (Young Volunteer of the Year) and the Red Frogs Taylor Swift Team (Volunteer Team of the Year).
The Hawkesbury’s Pauleen West was recognised for her tireless efforts at RSL Lifecare Ron Middleton VC Gardens. For the last ten years, she has been a source of joy for 80 residents, dedicating her time to organising activities that bring warmth and companionship.
“It was, and it is a great honour,” said Pauleen of the recognition and award. At 86 years old, she runs a book club on Mondays, visits residents who may have received bad news or be in palliative care on Tuesdays and often helps with a church service on a third day during the week. “I’ve been coming in for ten years,” Pauleen told Hawkesbury Post.
“I was there when the nursing home opened, and I like to volunteer. I really just said, What did they have on offer that I could do?”
Looking to the future, Pauleen shows no sign of slowing down. “When I introduce myself to some of the new residents and let them know that I’m there and if they need anything, I’m very often asked, “ What room are you in, dear? So I have to say, I’m not here yet,” she laughed. Also recognised with certificates were other Hawkesbury Volunteers, including Cath Bisaro of North Richmond for her work with Harding Miller Education Foundation; Pamela Galloway from Windsor, Alison O’loughlin of Bligh Park, Ann Lin of Oakville for their work with Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation;
William Thom and Eddie Dries of Windsor for their work with Windsor Bowling & Sports Club; Yvonne Bartle of Pittown for her efforts with Hawkesbury Radio; Bob Penn of Hobartville for his work with Hawkesbury’s Helping Hands and The Hawkesbury Division of St John’s Ambulance Australia (NSW) and the Hawkesbury Unit of the SES.
The State Member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston, was on hand to present Pauleen’s award and acknowledge other Hawkesbury volunteers: “I’m not surprised that Hawkesbury volunteers were recognised today because we’ve had a
lot of adversity. We’ve had eight floods in four and a half years. We’ve had the black summer bushfires. We had a drought before then, and the pandemic. Each time we go through adversity, they step up and volunteer to assist wherever they can.
“There are so many volunteers, and we couldn’t function as a community without the support and help of the volunteers in Hawkesbury,” she told the Hawkesbury Post.
The annual awards, supported by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW, highlight the crucial role volunteers play in sustaining vibrant, caring communities.
“These awards recognise the exceptional effort of volunteers across North Western Sydney, “ said Gemma Rygate, CEO of The Centre for Volunteering.
“Whether it’s in the local sports club, in health care, education and cultural centres, legal support or emergency response, volunteers are essential for the ongoing health and viability of local communities.”
“It’s important for volunteers across North Western Sydney to know that their commitment is recognised and valued,” she said.
This year marks the 18th year of these high-profile Awards, which have honoured hundreds of thousands of volunteers for their community service and highlighted the value and benefits of volunteering.
Pauleen will be invited to the State Ceremony at the end of the year, where she will be running for NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year and NSW Volunteer of the Year for 2024.
SUSAN TEMPLEMAN MP
All women and children deserve to be safe from family, domestic and sexual violence, which is why the Albanese Government has committed more than $3 billion to take actions to end domestic and family violence in one generation.
It’s a lot of money, but when one in four women experiences intimate partner violence in their lifetime, and the number of women killed by their partners or former partners increases each year, it’s a crisis and deserves serious attention.
At a local level, we’re about to see additional domestic violence workers at various community organisations in the Hawkesbury, part of an election commitment to boost the region’s workers significantly. Another local boost is $253,000 in additional funding for Penrith Women’s Health Centre to continue their domestic violence support which reaches across the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains.
They are part of a range of measures we can take at a federal level, working with NSW, as part of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and
Children, an urgent priority for the Albanese Labor Government.
We know economic insecurity can trap women in violent relationships, which is why we’ve legislated 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave. (And if you’re a small business and you haven’t had a chance to learn about the program, head to the Gretel Killeen/Lifeline podcast “Small Business, Big Impact”.)
The government has expanded the single parenting payment, and made permanent the Leaving Violence Program, because we know that 57% of recipients under the trial reported they would not have left the violent relationship without that financial support.
We’re also making sure that women
and their kids will have a place to go when they do leave, by building 4,000 social and affordable homes for families escaping violence – and delivering a further 720 Safe Places of emergency accommodation nationwide. Since we came to government a crucial four independent short-term units have opened in the Hawkesbury for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
We’ve made the family law system safer for women and children including harmonising sexual assault and consent laws, and currently I am chairing an inquiry into Apprehended Violence Orders to see what changes might increase safety for victim-survivors in the Family Court system.
These are just a few of the many ways we’re urgently addressing domestic, sexual, and family violence. There is no quick fix here, but these reforms and investments are important, life changing, steps that move Australia closer to achieving our vision of ending domestic, sexual, and family violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family, domestic, or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au
Windsor is set to see the construction of a permanent cenotaph at McQuade Park, a long-awaited addition to the community that will serve as a focal point for Anzac Day and other significant commemorations.
The initiative, driven by the Windsor RSL Sub-Branch, received a significant boost with a $53,669 grant from the Albanese Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program. The development has been approved by the Hawkesbury City Council, with the cenotaph to be situated on state-owned land managed by the Council.
“This is something that Windsor RSL Sub-Branch has worked towards for years, and it is a testament to their determination that a permanent structure is about to be built,” said Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, during a community gathering to celebrate the project’s commencement.
Dave Hadfield, President of Windsor RSL Sub-Branch, said the memorial would provide an important commemoration of those who served. “After nearly a decade of red tape, temporary builds, and dismantles, it is incredibly significant to the Hawkesbury to have a permanent memorial here for all our veterans,” he said. “The cenotaph will be inscribed with the words ‘Lest We Forget,’ serving as a powerful reminder of our ANZAC legacy for all who pass by or visit the park.”
Ms. Templeman lauded the SubBranch for its persistence over the years in providing temporary structures to ensure proper Anzac Day dawn services. “The Hawkesbury has a proud history of
service and sacrifice. The Anzac Day service at McQuade Park offers thousands of locals the opportunity to pay their respects, and I’m glad that a permanent cenotaph will now be in place,” she remarked.
ROBYN PRESTON - STATE MEMBER FOR HAWKESBURY
and maintained by the community or local Council and are held in reverence.
There are many occasions throughout the year that we come together to attend a commemorative service. Of particular significance is Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, but there are many other days of the year that we commemorate to honour and pay our respect to veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, those who served and returned and to current serving members.
The monuments and memorials that have been erected in towns throughout New South Wales, have often been built
Our memorials tell the story of our history and should be protected at all costs, that’s why I recently introduced into Parliament the Summary Offences (War Memorials and Other Protected Places) Bill 2024.
This Bill will ensure that all memorials, monuments, pools, gardens and surrounds are automatically protected.
The Bill also seeks to discourage the vandalism of Australia’s war memorials through an increase in penalty units.
Currently the fine is a maximum of 40 penalty units or $4,400. I am proposing an increase in the fine, to a maximum of 50 penalty units i.e. $5,500 or imprisonment for 2 years, or both.
Everyone I speak to agrees that heftier fines should be imposed. We need to send a strong message to would be perpetrators, that there is no tolerance for wilfully damaging a protected place.
It is time to push back and stand up to those who disrespect our veterans. I will be seeking the support of every Member of Parliament, when voting for this Bill.
advocate on your behalf to find solutions
offer advice and guidance about Government regulations, services and grants
assist with matters relating to transport, roads, education, health, water, welfare, mental health, veterans, emergency services, housing and Local Government
arrange congratulatory messages for significant birthdays and anniversaries
aid in Seniors Card applications and updating your enrolment provide Justice of the Peace services
By Imy Abbott
For a decade, No Beef
Patty N Stu have been bringing their distinctive sound to venues across the Hawkesbury. The duo, often joined by other musicians for live gigs, plays a mix of jazz, blues, funk, and soul, and they’ve performed at nearly every music venue in the Hawkesbury and many in the Blue Mountains.
“You know, I’ve got a little bit of a prejudice against Hawkesbury gigs and a bit of a prejudice for Hawkesbury gigs” says Stu. “There’s a lot of expectations for sort of sort of Aussie pub rock kind of bands… So [that’s] one of my one of my big beefs. Funny that, it should be ‘No Beef Patty and Stew’.” Patty acknowledges the Hawkesbury’s love for pub rock covers but offers a different perspective: “Every cover was once an original, so everything we do feels original, even when it’s a cover. There’s a balance between making it accessible and familiar
while also bringing a fresh take.”
The duo’s unique approach allows them to “push the creative envelope” in the area.
“I’d like to think we’re bringing energy back into live music rather than it being just background noise,” said Stu. “Tate’s has been pretty good with this sort of thing.”
Patty adds, “I’m surprised every time we play–especially with Stuart–by how interactive and engaged the audience gets.” “There’s something about that, what I think is creativity and interacting and really bouncing off the energy that the audience brings and the other band members bring, that is really fresh and new every time. So it’s just surprising how much the audience likes it.”
With backgrounds in mental health and family therapy, both Patty and Stu say they apply those same skills to crowd work, ensuring every performance feels personal and engaging.
By Imy Abbott
For the past four years, Charlene Pretorius of Kurrajong’s Lochiel House has been bringing the essence of South African flavours to country dining.
Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Pretorius has lived in Australia for nine years but has had a passion for cooking her whole life.
She believes that “every chef is unique”, and she embraces “fusing flavours together” of both Australian and South African dishes.
Each week, Charlene provides a different experience, constantly reshaping her cuisine without the restrictions of a set menu.
She keeps a blackboard to write her menu on, which she changes weekly depending on the dishes she is inspired to make and the outcomes of the restaurant’s garden harvest.
Most of the restaurant’s fresh produce is harvested directly from the kitchen garden, which boasts veggie patches, fruit trees and a chicken coop.
As Pretorius put it, the food is “from garden to plate” as she wants to provide “wholesome, honest, real food, and make it unique”.
Also in the restaurant’s backyard is an Airbnb, which guests can book for romantic short-term accommodation.
In the past, Lochiel House was run as an upmarket and exclusive “fine dining” restaurant. Charlene prefers a warmer and more approachable atmosphere, accessible to a broader number of diners–delicious food in a friendly country setting. However, she stresses, “It isn’t just a steak and pasta kind of joint.”
Pretorius achieves this warmth through her interaction with the customers. She greets them with a happy “Let’s start with some bubbly!” and brings out bottles of her nicest South African wines for testers.
During our visit, five courses were brought out, with seven dishes.
These were:
1. Sourdough bread with the restaurant’s signature smoked paprika butter
2. Chakalaka bruschetta with homemade labneh, tomato and cornichons
3. Lentil and mushroom bobotie croquettes with charred mandarin, curry leaves and Cape Malay aioli
4. Lochiel’s ‘Surf and Turf’ Gatsby-inspired Marsala steak with pickled barramundi, caramelised onions and greens
5. Ricotta gnocchi with lentil ragu, roast fennel, zucchini and savoury nut praline
6. Peppermint crisp Sundae
7. Basque cheesecake with burnt orange, malt caramel and ginger crumb
One delighted member of our group
described the meal as being “in a league of its own.”
Pretorius creates art in her cooking, and her passion does not go unnoticed.
Each dish is unique and imaginative, and every flavour is purposeful and successful in complementing the others.
Next year, Lochiel House will be celebrating 200 years, with five of them under Pretorius’s ownership.
Charlene celebrates its long history. One room is dedicated to Joseph Douglas, an ex-Irish convict who established almost all of Kurrajong Heights. She also nurtures the old tree at the front of the restaurant, which dates back to the 1800s.
She loves when members of the past generations who owned this building come and visit the restaurant, and appreciates how they support her with pride and joy.
“It’s about nurturing history and bringing it alive in a modern way,” said Pretorius.
Lochiel House offers a special Tasting five-course shared menu for only $65 per person.
Lochiel House is a contender in the 2024 Hawkesbury Business Awards, and any votes and support for this “hidden gem” will be welcomed by Pretorius and her team.
Riverside Gardens is a boutique retirement village offering stylish residences within a safe, independent living community.
Established in 2010, Riverside Gardens consists of 2 and 3 bedroom villas and apartments nestled amongst established gardens and tree lined streets.
On a daily basis, the community centre is a hive of activity and a beautiful space for residents to socialise and enjoy.
Riverside Gardens is conveniently located within walking distance of North Richmond shops, cafes, and endless recreation.
By Imy Abbott
One of Terissa Perrigo and Shipon Shazadul’s first dates was at Biviano’s, an Italian restaurant on Baker Street in Windsor. As they sat together, savoring the rich flavors of Italy, Perrigo remembers turning to Shazadul and saying, “I want a restaurant just like this!” Little did they know, that moment would set the stage for a life-changing decision.
Fast forward to April 2024, the couple, driven by their shared passion for Italian cuisine, took over the very same restaurant, now named iSapori. After frequent visits to the Hawkesbury and learning that Biviano’s was up for sale, they made what Perrigo describes as an “impulsive decision” to buy it.
They weren’t the first to attempt to revive the space. The previous owners, worn down by the stress of COVID-19, a kitchen fire, and personal challenges, had to let go of their dream. But for Perrigo and Shazadul, everything seemed to align perfectly, allowing them to bring their vision to life.
To fully commit to their new venture, the couple moved their family to Windsor, where they have since become an
integral part of the community. “Italians show our love through food, and that’s what we want for the community,” Perrigo shared.
Perrigo and Shazadul also own La Botte, a family-owned Italian restaurant in Willoughby, Northern Sydney, originally established by Perrigo’s father, Ercole Perrigo. Terissa has worked there since she was 13, and Shazadul was trained in Italian cuisine by Ercole himself. While La Botte is a continuation of her father’s legacy, iSapori is something distinctly their own. “It’s ours,” Perrigo said proudly. “We’re here and we know what we’re doing.”
The couple invested time and effort into renovating the building, creating a unique experience for their customers. Each room in the restaurant is themed to accommodate different events and moods. One room, dedicated to Faenza, the Perrigo family’s hometown, features flags from the Palio del Niballo, a traditional Medieval horse race, as well as traditional ceramics from the town. The cellar room, with its intimate atmosphere, offers a peaceful retreat even when the rest of the restaurant is bustling.
“The whole restaurant can be busy, but the cellar is always peaceful,” Perrigo said, recommending it as the perfect spot for a romantic date or anniversary. A new room, the Garage, is set to open in late September, showcasing traditional antique tools. “Having different rooms means people fall in love with something,” Perrigo explained.
In keeping with their respect for history, the couple paid homage to the
building’s past, which dates back to the 1840s. The entryway features a glass cabinet displaying old boots from the 1800s found during renovations. Perrigo, curious about the building’s history, discovered its connections to the Tebbutt family and its past lives as a cobbler’s workshop and a doctor’s office.
The restaurant’s kitchen, originally a horse stable, still has the old horse windows, offering diners a glimpse into the kitchen. The main dining room’s bar
was built around a historic window they uncovered during renovations, seamlessly blending the old with the new. As iSapori prepares to switch to its Spring-Summer menu in September, the couple continues to serve authentic Italian cuisine with love and passion. Looking ahead, the restaurant plans to host events, including a special Digger Station for Christmas, promising to make Windsor’s newest Italian eatery a cherished local favorite.
As the weather starts to warm up and the last vestiges of winter melt away, I daydream about how much I need to get away and have a break. You know the feeling, right? That post-winter blues mixed with an intense craving for a sun-soaked holiday. My social media feed seems full of pictures of friends’ perfectly manicured toes poolside in Bali. Sigh. To compensate for my lack of holidays this year, I created a little piece of Bali in my kitchen. Enter Nasi Goreng Ayam, the mood-lifting, season-straddling, quick and easy comfort dish about to become your new best friend.
The All-Weather Wonder
Nasi Goreng, which literally translates to “fried rice” in Indonesian and Malay, is a perfect inter-season meal. It will satisfy your craving for something warm and comforting on a cool evening and tick all your boxes in warmer weather.
If you haven’t had it before, it’s not spicy but has lovely aromatics with its white pepper and ginger flavours, which will make you feel like you’re dining at a beachside warung in no time.
Hartleys Asian Supermarket in Richmond is an excellent place to stock up on the necessary spices and sauces, while Richmond Fruit Market or Scibberras Fresh are great for your vegetables.
Here’s a little insider tip: Can’t find Kecap Manis, the sweet soy sauce that gives Nasi Goreng its distinctive flavour? You can make your own by simmering 3/4 cup of tamari (which is gluten-free) or light soy sauce with 1 cup of brown sugar. Voila! You have a perfectly workable substitute.
This recipe is adapted from Lara Lee’s Coconut & Sambal cookbook, which has a tonne of fabulous Indonesian recipes.
30 minutes to make
Serves 4
Ingredients
4-5 Boneless skinless Chicken thighs (chopped into bite-sized chunks)
½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper
3 Tb vegetable oil
4 eschallots peeled and thinly sliced
2 thumb-sized pieces of ginger peeled and finely chopped (I pulsed mine quickly with the garlic in a small food processor)
4 Garlic cloves peeled and finely chopped
2 cups green beans (topped and tailed and cut roughly into thirds)
4 large spring onions chopped into 1cm slices
½ – ¾ tsp turmeric
Around 3 -4 cups of cooked and cooled white rice (long grain, jasmine or basmati)
4TB Kencap Manis (sweet soy sauce)
4 tsp light soy sauce
3 tsp fish sauce
4 eggs
Chopped peanuts, fried shallots and finely cut red chilli to garnish Prawn crackers to serve (optional)
Method
1. Season the chicken with salt and white pepper, and then fry it until brown in a pan with half the oil. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Add the rest of the oil to the pan, add the eschallots, ginger and garlic and stir until the eschallots are starting to go translucent. Then, add the beans, spring onions, and turmeric and stir for another minute.
3. Add the cooked rice and stir until warm, breaking up any chunks as you go.
4. Add the chicken back to the pan, along with the soy, kencap manis, and fish sauce. Add more salt and white pepper to taste.
5. In a separate pan, fry the eggs to your liking.
6. Divide the rice mixture between 4 bowls, add the chopped peanuts, fried shallots, and red chilli, and top with a fried egg. Serve with prawn crackers on the side.
largest zipper manufacturer, is based in which country?
3 What is the name of the contact sport based on formation roller skating around a track?
4 Liechtenstein is bordered by one country to the east and one to the west. Which countries are they?
5 What animals were sent into space before monkeys, mice and dogs?
6 What year was construction of the Sydney Opera House completed?
7 The interrobang was created with the intention of combining the functions of which two punctuation marks?
8 What is the more common name for melaleuca oil?
9 Does a koala (pictured) have fingerprints?
10 What is a quinzhee?
Place each of the tiles of letters into the blank jigsaw below to create four sixletter words going across and down.
There may be more than one possible answer.
ACROSS 1 Person who didn’t win (5)
Wood (9)
Acknowledges contribution of (7)
name of phone company (7)
Starting with the sevenletter word, drop a letter and form a six-letter word. Continue in this manner until you reach the single letter at the bottom. You can rearrange the letters in each step, if necessary.
There may be more than one possible answer.
Fill in the blank cells using the numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block
Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.
Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.
Western Sydney University student
Jasmine Haydon has made headlines again, this time for winning a silver medal in the Women’s Boccia BC3 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Haydon, alongside her teammate Jamieson Leeson and ramp operator Jasmine Hayden, fought their way to the final Gold Medal match but were narrowly defeated by the team from Hong Kong.
At just 23 years old, Haydon, a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy student, is already balancing her academic commitments with her sporting ambitions. Her journey to the Paralympics has been deeply influenced by her personal experiences and her dedication to helping others.
“I’ve always wanted to support people like my siblings,” Haydon said. “Seeing firsthand the positive impact of Occupational Therapy on their lives inspired me to pursue this field and work in pediatric rehabilitation.”
Her commitment to the field of Occupational Therapy was reinforced through her studies and work experiences. After leaving high school to
complete a Certificate III Traineeship in Childcare, Haydon developed a passion for working with children with disabilities. This led her to further studies in Allied Health Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, eventually enrolling at Western Sydney University.
Supported by the GO Foundation Aboriginal Allied Health Scholarship, Haydon has been able to focus on her dual passions of academics and athletics. She is currently studying part-time to accommodate her rigorous training schedule.
Haydon’s journey into Boccia began in an unexpected way. Her mother spotted a Facebook post looking for a new Ramp Operator for Leeson, who had previously been supported by her mother. With her mother’s encouragement, Haydon took on the role, which involved meticulous coordination without direct communication with her partner during matches.
“My role as a Ramp Operator is to follow Jamieson’s directions precisely to help us achieve the best results,” Haydon explained. “It’s a challenging but rewarding experience, and I’m proud to be part of this team.”
Two talented local riders have been selected for sponsorship by the Hawkesbury Race Club (HRC) to compete in the upcoming 2024 Equimillion competition, a prestigious event that highlights the skills and versatility of retired NSW Thoroughbred racehorses.
Poppie Gorton, a pre-apprentice jockey working with renowned trainer Brad Widdup, and Brooke Somers, a dedicated Hawkesbury local who rides trackwork for Blake Ryan, have been selected as the fortunate recipients of the HRC sponsorship. Each rider will receive $1,100, covering their nomination and competition fees.
Both riders have a history of success at Equimillion, with Poppie excelling in the Junior Eventing division last year and Brooke securing victory in the 95 Division. Poppie will once again compete as a Junior in Eventing, while Brooke will take on the competition as an Amateur in the same discipline.
The Equimillion event is part of a broader movement to provide a second career for retired racehorses, offering them a new lease on life as sport horses.
Australian eventer Nicki Lyle highlighted the importance of these
“The club was delighted with the quality of the applications received, all of which were of exceptionally high quality. It’s clear that there is strong support for Off The Track thoroughbreds in the Hawkesbury region,” HRC said. “We wish Poppie and Brooke all the best on their journey to the 2024 Equimillion Equestrian competition.”
opportunities: “I think it is really important to provide an avenue for these horses when they retire, and that is something Equimillion, along with other thoroughbred shows, is helping to do. It gives people a reason to choose a thoroughbred over another horse. It creates a culture of thoroughbreds as sport horses being the preferred choice. They now have their own lucrative shows, their own
circuit if you like, as well as being able to do all the other shows as well,” she said. Rehoming racehorses has long been a challenge for the racing industry. However, with increasing investment in events tailored specifically for retired thoroughbreds, there is a growing appreciation for these adaptable horses in a variety of horse sports..
In a spectacular display of skill, determination, and community spirit, Bligh Park Football Club celebrated an unforgettable weekend as both their Under Under 14 girls’ and Under 13 Boys teams clinched Grand Final victories.
U14 Girls: Solid Defence Seals the Deal
In a thrilling conclusion to an already stellar season, the U14 Girls’ team clinched the Grand Final victory on Saturday with a nail-biting 1-0 win against Jamisontown.
The team, which had already secured the minor premiership, demonstrated their prowess once again as Amelia Kent and Maddy Rawling combined forces to score the decisive goal in the first half.
The crowd’s excitement was palpable as the goal went in, setting the tone for an intense match. Jamisontown, known for their tenacity throughout the season, put up a valiant fight but were ultimately unable to breach the impenetrable defense led by the goalie Emily Dawson, supported by the rock-solid defenders Eden Falkenmire and Indigo Kenny.
The victory was a fitting end to a remarkable season for the U14 Girls, who have consistently proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with on the field. Every team member, from the seasoned players to the newcomers, played a crucial role in these victories. The blend of experience and fresh talent bodes well for the future of women’s football in the area.
As we celebrate these triumphs, one
can’t help but wonder: Are we witnessing the rise of future Matildas? With such skill, determination, and team spirit on display, the sky’s the limit for these talented young footballers.
U13 Boys Make Victory Twice as Sweet
The Bligh Park Football Club Boys Under 13 team also emerged victorious in their Grand Final clash against Richmond Ex Servicemen. The nail-biting match ended with a 1-0 scoreline when Bligh Park FC was awarded a crucial penalty in the last minutes of the game.
Rising to the occasion, young star Cobii Sammut stepped up to take the high-pressure kick. This victory was particularly sweet for the Bligh Park boys, who had tasted the bitterness of defeat in last year’s Grand Final. Their determination to go one better this season was evident throughout their campaign, culminating in this thrilling win.
In a statement, Bligh Park Football Club praised its players: “The BPFC club & community is so proud of these youngsters playing hard all year, improving week on week, and finishing the season with such beautiful wins.
“We hope to see these kids, the rest of our amazing club & their families back next year for another incredible season! “ Bligh Park FC has undoubtedly set the bar high, and all eyes will be on these promising young teams as they continue their football journey. Well done, Bligh Park FC – your community couldn’t be prouder.
