In a seismic shift, the Australian government is set to impose strict new limits on toxic "forever chemicals" in drinking water - substances linked to cancer and a range of other severe health problems. The long-overdue move marks a major policy turnaround, acknowledging the grave risks posed by PFAS chemicals that have seeped into water supplies nationwide. For years, experts have warned about the dangers, and now, under pressure, Australia will drastically lower the allowable levels of these harmful substances, potentially forcing a massive clean-up effort across the country.The proposed changes, revealed by the SMH will be announced today and will bring Australia's standards closer to the toughest global regulations, following in the footsteps of the United States. However, some critics argue the new limits don’t go far enough, with certain chemicals still permitted at levels far higher than those in the U.S., despite their known links to cancer, immune system damage, and other health impacts. This is a watershed moment for Australia's environmental and health policy, but the question remains: has this change come too late for communities already heavily exposed - including Richmond in the Hawkesbury? The dangerous cancer-causing chemicals have been detected in the North Richmond water supply at dangerous levels.PFAS contamination has silently spread through water systems for years, with some locations already breaching the proposed limits. The extent of the damage is still largely unknown, and many areas have never been tested. With the nation now facing the financial and logistical burden of cleaning up contaminated water supplies, the spotlight will likely shift to whether corporate giants - 3M and DuPont - responsible for the pollution will be held accountable.More to come....

While we’re still waiting to catch up with our new Mayor, Les Sheather, for an interview, we thought you’d enjoy revisiting this feature story The Hawkesbury Post published on him a few years back. It's a great read and offers insight into the man now leading our community!Group focus – Les and The Doc – less red tape, raise Warragamba Dam wall, a less ‘woke’ HawkesburyNov 30, 2021 Les Sheather is no stranger to Hawkesbury Council, he served on it for almost two decades, and he says the animosity he has seen among its members this last term needs to end. Mr Sheather is heading a team of six independents and like the Liberals in this election each of his candidates has a moniker. With the Liberals it’s titles like The Leader, The Farmer, The…you get the picture – with Mr Sheather’s group there’s The Doc, Coldy, Hodg, Morgs and Shell. So, let’s take a look at this first, because there has been talk in the community about Les and The Doc being a front for the Liberals, a way to get more like-minded people on the Council. It’s not overly fanciful – as the Sydney Morning Herald reported four days ago there are Liberals standing as independents in a number of other local council elections – there is a pattern. Mr Sheather’s number 2 – Dr Warwick Mackay, himself also an ex-Hawkesbury councillor – is a member of the Liberal Party. Mr Sheather previously stood for One Nation at a past Federal election, though he’s not currently a member of any other political party, apart from his own, and he says he resigned from the Liberal Party in the 1980s. Les and The Doc are preferencing the Liberals. Like the Hawkesbury Liberals, who have run what one Liberal insider told us was seen as a “presidential campaign”, in other words the two main candidates Conolly and Richards fronting the posters and most appearances, so too have Les and The Doc mostly fronted theirs. Even the icons used on Les and The Doc’s Facebook posts follow a similar pattern to the Liberals – and the colours are the same too. It’s all the more surprising because back 8 months ago Mr Sheather told the Post he didn’t have a Facebook page and didn’t even know how the social media site worked. The Les and The Doc team: L-R: Morgan ‘Morgs’ Mackay, Dave ‘Coldy’ Coldrake, Dr Warwick Mackay, Gerard ‘Hodg’ Hodgskin, Les Sheather, Michelle ‘Shell’ Sheather And on Facebook, Dr Mackay said, “We are not constantly attached to our keyboards and our iPhones like others seem to be. We don’t care about that rubbish,” but their Facebook posts have been extremely well written, presented and put together – in fact they have been among the best this campaign has seen. Where’s that come from? When Mr Sheather wanted to set up what turned out to be a short-lived Facebook page eight months ago pushing the raising of Warragamba Dam wall – yes he’s in favour of that – he turned to family friend, property mogul and leading local Liberal, Matthew Bennett, to build it for him. So who has been doing all the social media work, taking the pictures and writing the words, given these two blokes Les and The Doc say they don’t have a natural affinity for social media? “We’ve got other people who help with those things,” Mr Sheather told the Post when we put the questions a lot of people are asking. “The pictures are taken with a telephone, it’s no big deal, we’ve got Coldy [Dave ‘Coldy’ Coaldrake – one of the groups’ candidates] who does this stuff regularly. Gerard [Gerard Hodgskin – another candidate] who gives us a hand but he’s a bit like me. Between us we’ve worked it out. “We’ve sought advice from different people but they have only been friends who are supportive of what we do,” says Mr Sheather. “As to being tied into the Liberals, Warwick has been a member of the Libs, he may still be, I was years ago, I’ve always been to the right, I’ve been for One Nation once, I’m not hiding that. But in saying that, I don’t care what’s being said, people know where I stand. “In council my political views will not have a bearing on decisions I make.” “That’s why I resigned from the Liberal Party in 1983 because we were being dictated to by people from outside of our city on how, and what’s in the best interests of our community, and our community know that, I work for people who elect me.” Okay, we’ve got that out of the way – now let’s look at what Mr Sheather wants to achieve. We should say straight out, he is a bloke who clearly has the community at heart and he’s involved in many community groups. When others might be retiring, he’s still out there and engaged with the locals. You will not find anyone who speaks ill of Les Sheather – even political foes tell you he is a true gentleman who politely but firmly speaks his mind. What you see if what you get. “I wanted to stand the election before but the wife was a bit reluctant for me to do that,” he says. “We have put nearly half our life into council in the past and it’s a big ask. But she changed her mind when he saw how passionate I was about it.”  Les Sheather and Dr Warwick Mackay, hands on hips in South Windsor He says council processes need to be streamlined and he cites too much red tape as a major issue. He also can’t see why it took 18 months to get a report on sullage and pump-out from Council staff and says that is indicative of unacceptable delays. In one early Facebook campaign post, Les and The Doc said for four of the last five years, “Council has been governed by incompetence”, which suggests the last year it wasn’t, yet the last year has been one of the most divisive we’ve ever seen. “They raised our rates by 30% but our roads still need repair, sporting fields are at capacity and our community facilities are worn out. You can’t even get a shed approved by the planning department without major hassles and lots of expensive reports,” said Les and The Doc. “During this time, the Council had its biggest staff ever, it spent millions on consultants and focussed on ‘woke’ issues. “The councillors have spent hours debating unnecessary motions that are not part of the Council’s responsibilities, rather than fixing the potholes and playgrounds. It is a Council, not the ABC. “During those four years, they turned the Council WOKE and that means it is now going BROKE!” Fighting words indeed, and catchy too, but what does Mr Sheather believe he and his candidates can really bring to the Council? Men at work: Sheather and Mackay on the road… “How can they [Council] take up to 18 months to give approval for a house? There are thousands of homes built every day, there’s got to be an easier process to deal with those things,” says Mr Sheather. “It’s not just housing, any development at all. People want to get on with their lives and they are being frustrated through red tape. If the councillors aren’t making an issue about it then I don’t expect the staff are going to change it,” he says. And what would a Les Sheather-led group of councillors look like? “If I get elected, I’m not naive to think I’m going to make this massive difference by myself. If I get elected I’ll be one of 12 there, and if Warwick is there we might be 2 of 12. “Warwick and I, while we have got a lot in common, there may even be times when we will vote separately. That’s what independence is about and that’s one of the things that we want to bring back to local government. “The people will choose who, and it’s up to those 12 people who work there to get common objectives and make it a better place. “We’re very passionate about the Hawkesbury and the people who live in it.” One thing he is very passionate about is looking at the committee structure which was radically changed after Labor and Liberals voted together to push it through. He doesn’t believe it was the right thing to do. “That [getting rid of the original committee structure] was dumb, it’s crazy. You can’t understand what the community feels, or look at their values or way of life, if you are not communicating with them. “And if you isolate it to just a small group of people then you get repetitious views which may not be the view of the general community. From Bilpin to St Albans and everything in between, values or opportunities do vary and it is up to the council to massage those and have a good community. “They [councillors] do all want to make it a better place, but you can’t lead a football team if you don’t have everyone playing together. Council is no different. “That would be my main objective, to bring cohesion, because unless that happens the other stuff falls away.” Mr Sheather says he sat through a few council meetings in this current term and he didn’t like what he saw. “I sat there a couple of times and I was embarrassed. As a prior councillor I have pride in the people who have been before us. And the custodians, the elected councillors today, have got a responsibility.” He says he has spoken to both sides in the Council and reckons they need to take stock. “They both see evil but do no evil. I’m saying have a look in the mirror. You can’t chuck a rock and say it fell out of the sky. The people deserve better. I know all of them in there and I know their direction of view is not hostile and they are community minded, but for some damned reason they will not work together. “And they blame the politics. Politics is out there somewhere but you’ve got a personal attitude to how you deal with things and that is your responsibility. I would seek strongly to encourage the better side.”

Buried deep inside the Hawkesbury Council’s 129-page Draft 2025 Flood Plan is a proposal that could change the future of Windsor and the surrounding Macquarie towns in ways that few residents likely see coming. The recommendation, to raise the flood control level to the 1 in 200 AEP (Annual Exceedance Probability) event, plus a 0.5-meter freeboard, would push the flood planning level in Windsor to 19.3 meters - nearly two meters higher than the current benchmark.At first glance, this technical-sounding adjustment might seem like a minor policy shift. But for tens of thousands of property owners across the region, the implications are nothing short of seismic. The flood planning level serves as the official marker that determines whether land is considered flood-prone, and it plays a crucial role in decisions about everything from home insurance to financing, resale value, and the permissibility of development. In simple terms, this recommendation could reclassify large portions of Windsor and other towns as too risky to build on, sending shockwaves through the property market.For Windsor alone, this higher flood planning level would bring drastic changes. Thousands of homes and businesses, which currently sit just above the existing flood level, would now fall below the new mark, triggering a domino effect of economic and personal consequences.Property values in these areas could plummet as buyers shy away from flood-prone land. Insurance companies, already hesitant to cover properties below the 1 in 100 AEP level, could withdraw further, leaving many homeowners without the safety net of flood insurance. Financing, too, would become a major hurdle. Banks have already been limiting loans for properties at risk of flooding, and an increase to the 1 in 200 level would make securing a mortgage even more difficult.The implications don’t stop there. Under the new flood control level, property owners may face severe restrictions on what they can do with their land. Any sort of development - whether it’s building new homes, making improvements, or even repairing damage - would be subject to tighter controls. Floor levels for new buildings would need to be elevated to meet the new flood standards, and the process of getting approval for even minor changes could become bogged down in red tape. For many, this could mean the end of future development plans and a sharp reduction in the value of their investments.The impact wouldn’t be limited to Windsor. The new flood planning level would affect a wide area, including most of the other Macquarie towns. While these places have long dealt with flood risks, the proposed changes would cast a much wider net, pulling in properties that were previously considered relatively safe from flooding. Ironically, the new measures would have little impact on the Hawkesbury Lowlands, where the 2020 flood policy changes already precluded almost all development. However, it is likely to impact resale value as buyers find it harder to obtain finance. But, for areas like Windsor and Richmond, the proposal represents a seismic economic and planning change.What makes this situation even more troubling is how the proposed changes have been communicated - or rather, not communicated. Hidden in the depths of a lengthy technical document, these recommendations haven’t received the clear, public-facing explanation that such a significant change deserves. For a policy that could affect tens of thousands of people, critics argue that the council should have done much more to bring these issues into the spotlight. Instead, many residents who stand to lose the most may not even be aware that their property is on the verge of being reclassified.The Draft 2025 Flood Plan has been placed on public exhibition, inviting comments from the community. However, the lack of widespread awareness about the proposal means that many people may not realise the scale and implications of the changes being proposed. The last day for the receipt of submissions is Monday 9 December 2024.Council’s flood management strategy is built on the idea of safeguarding the community from future flood events, and the proposal to raise the flood planning level is presented as a necessary step in preparing for increasingly severe floods, compounded by climate change. The draft plan even mentions that the current flood planning levels don’t fully account for potential flood risks, particularly as the region faces growing uncertainties in predicting flood behavior. The inclusion of a 0.5-meter freeboard - a safety buffer added to the 1 in 200 AEP level - is designed to account for these uncertainties, including factors like storm surges, wind influences, and potential errors in flood modeling.“Typically, in coastal locations a 0.5m freeboard above the 1% AEP is similar to the 0.5% AEP level. At Windsor the freeboard would need to be 1.2m to provide an Flood Planning Level at the 0.5% AEP level. With climate change 2030 1% AEP flood levels are already close to the historic 0.5% AEP. Given the extreme flood range, consideration should be given to using a flood planning level greater than the 1% AEP. The extreme flood range or the climate change risk (as discussed in Section 7.3) are enough in isolation to recommend consideration of a higher flood planning level than the 1% AEP,” the study conducted by engineering consultants, WMA Water said."Hawkesbury City Council’s current planning documents set the Flood Planning Level to the 1% AEP level without freeboard. The nature of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley means that the additional area affected by an increase in flood planning level is small. Based on the flood range and climate risk it is recommended that Council adopt the 0.5 % AEP (1 in 200 AEP) as the defined flood event and the 0.5 % AEP (1 in 200 AEP) plus 0.5m freeboard for the Flood Planning Level….Therefore, it is recommended that Councils planning documents be updated to reflect this. Consideration should be given to the inclusion of climate change in planning levels," it said.You can see how the new proposed flood planning levels would impact your home here - New Draft Flood Plan HCC

Australia's National Aerial Firefighting Fleet has added new equipment to its arsenal, ready to tackle the upcoming high-risk weather season. A C-130 Hercules Large Air Tanker and three heavy-lift helicopters - a Sikorsky S61N and two Blackhawks - are now on standby, poised to assist communities facing fires, floods, and other natural disasters.The new aircraft, part of a $48 million investment into the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet, bring a crucial capability to Australia’s disaster response toolkit. Equipped for more than just fire suppression, these aircraft can support diverse emergency operations, including delivering heavy water drops, conducting search and rescue missions, and assisting with evacuations. The C-130 Hercules is the primary addition, capable of releasing 13,250 litres of fire retardant, making it effective for large-scale fire containment. It’s accompanied by a Cessna Citation 525, which acts as a lead plane, guiding the tanker for precise drops in critical areas. The Sikorsky S61 helicopter, by comparison, can carry 4,000 litres of water and is intended for flexibility in various emergency scenarios.Coordination of these assets will be managed by the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC), which will position the aircraft across the country based on operational needs. During the high-risk weather season, the NAFC will work with state and territory agencies to determine where the fleet is needed most, and potentially relocate aircraft as conditions change.Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the multi-purpose design of the aircraft meant to respond to an array of disaster situations, not just bushfires. “These aircraft help save lives and safeguard our communities and environment during disasters,” McAllister said. “This year, helicopters will supplement the existing fleet and provide the much-needed ability to operate in disasters requiring aerial support, beyond bushfires.”With over 160 specialised aircraft, Australia’s National Aerial Firefighting Fleet is substantially larger than it was before the devastating 2019 - 2020 Black Summer bushfires, when it included around 135 aircraft. The fleet's expanded capabilities are to help address the increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters.

Photos taken near 150 Hermitage Rd in Kurrajong paint a jarring picture: upstream of a new development, the Blue Gum Creek flows clear and unblemished, but downstream, it turns into a murky brownish-yellow, laden with sediment.These images were captured yesterday, 15 October. Some residents have since written to Hawkesbury Council, raising serious concerns about environmental damage linked to the developer’s lack of sediment control. Eric Finley, whose family has lived alongside the creek for 25 years, said he has “never seen water of this color here before, even after heavy rain.” He believes there has been a lack of proper oversight and control which is required under the conditions of the Development Application (DA). Finley’s letter to Council detailed the impact of sediment runoff on Blue Gum Creek, which is home to a range of wildlife, including Platypus that rely on the creek’s health for survival. Sediment pollution occurs when soil particles run off into waterways, impacting both human and animal health.“The difference in water quality above and below the site is dramatic even at a casual glance,” Finley wrote, pointing out that the upstream water remains clear while the downstream section, where major earth and roadworks are underway, is heavily discoloured. Finley’s letter references sediment control advice given by a Council officer to the developer last month, which was intended to prevent precisely this outcome.Finley also noted that a University of Western Sydney study found platypus DNA in Blue Gum Creek in June 2023, confirming the presence of this species. The creek flows into Little Wheeny Creek, a significant ecosystem for the region, supporting a variety of threatened and endangered species. The recent pollution threatens the delicate balance of this habitat, with sedimentation potentially damaging the food sources and nesting areas crucial to wildlife.In his letter, Finley demanded that the Council take immediate action to enforce stricter controls at the site. “This development has already had a significant and unnecessary impact on the local environment and wildlife, not to mention local residents' quality of life,” he wrote, urging the Council to address the issue before it worsens.Finley’s concerns reflect broader frustrations among residents who have witnessed local ecosystems disrupted by so-called “Zombie DAs”- developments approved under planning applications granted more than a decade ago. The DA for 150 Hermitage Rd, approved in 2008, allowed the developer to clear land and wildlife habitat under regulations that some residents believe are outdated and inadequate for protecting the environment today.Despite assurances from the Council last month that the developer would install necessary sediment controls, photos and first-hand observations suggest otherwise. Council had not responded to the Hawkesbury Post’s questions by the time of publication.The photo on the left shows Blue Gum Creek about 400 metres upstream from the development. The photo on the right is Blue Gum Creek approximately 200 metres downstream from the development.

A shock mayoral election result leaves the local Liberal Party with the whip hand for another two years.In a move that defies the results of the recent local election, Les Sheather has been elected Mayor of Hawkesbury, with Sarah McMahon selected as Deputy Mayor, maintaining a Liberal-aligned leadership team for the Council. Last night, 12 newly elected councillors were sworn in before casting their votes for a new mayor and deputy mayor to lead the council in the upcoming term. This followed last month’s local government elections, which saw significant voter backlash against major parties. The Liberal Party experienced one of the largest electoral swings in Hawkesbury's history, while the Labor Party lost a seat in the Chamber.The September election saw a remarkable shift away from large party-affiliated candidates, with Mary Lyons-Buckett, a leading independent councillor, receiving a strong mandate. Her “People Not Parties” group gained an extra seat, highlighting voter dissatisfaction with the status quo and delivering a clear message for change. The Liberal Party, led by former Mayor, McMahon lost more than 25% of its formal vote and barely held onto its fourth seat, reflecting a significant erosion of public trust. McMahon’s individual vote fell by over 36% compared to the last election.Despite a clear mandate for change, last night's Mayoral vote saw Liberal-aligned Independent, Sheather win against Lyons-Buckett, Labor’s Amanda Kotlash, and Independent, Nathan Zamprogno. Lyons-Buckett was backed by Greens Councillor Danielle Wheeler, Independent Tom Aczel, Zamprogno, and Kotlash in the final vote. Meanwhile, Zamprogno received two votes in the first and second rounds, supported by Shane Djuric of the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party. Kotlash secured only her own vote and dropped out after the first round.Sheather, however, maintained solid support from all Liberal-aligned councillors throughout the rounds, and in the final vote, gained additional backing from Djuric and Kotlash. This solidified a right-leaning bloc on the Council and indicated that the controversial Liberal/Labor alliance will likely persist this term. With this alignment, Sheather secured a seven-vote majority, clinching the mayoral seat.At last months Council elections, Sheather’s Group garnered just 3.38% of the formal vote, representing about one-third of the support received by the Groups led by the other mayoral candidates. Personally, he secured a mere 0.55% of the vote, with his popularity slightly exceeding that of Kotlash, who received just 0.39%, amounting to only 139 votes from the community.The Deputy Mayoral election last night played out similarly. McMahon won the position after a drawn-out voting process that pitted Lyons-Buckett and her supporters against McMahon and her allies. In the first round, McMahon received six votes, with Lyons-Buckett trailing with four, while Zamprogno received two votes, supported by his own and those from Djuric. The tie was ultimately broken by lot, securing McMahon’s position as Deputy Mayor. The new leadership faces significant challenges in addressing critical issues that have fueled dissatisfaction among the Hawkesbury community. Key concerns during the election included inappropriate and rapid development, the protection of natural environments - particularly native animal habitats - and the integrity of councillors. Voters overwhelmingly supported candidates who prioritised greater transparency and sustainable growth, stressing the need for a Council that not only listens to its residents but also takes decisive action on their behalf.Sheather and McMahon will serve in their new roles until September 2026.

The vote is on, and by tonight, we’ll know who’s taking the mayoral seat. Independent Councillor Nathan Zamprogno is the only one to confirm he’s in the race. Meanwhile, the Hawkesbury Liberals, including former Mayor, Sarah McMahon, have stayed silent on their intentions.It’s unknown whether Mary Lyons-Buckett, who brought home a very strong election result will also run. Rumors are swirling about backroom deals and mounting pressure on a number of Councillors to secure their vote, especially Councillor Les Sheather. Some speculate he could make a run for mayor himself, potentially with a Liberal deputy in tow. Could the Liberals back that move? It seems unlikely, but stranger things have happened in politics.If the contest narrows to McMahon vs. Zamprogno, Sheather may well hold the Council’s fate in his hands. With the vote expected to be razor-close, every single count will matter.We’ll first hear from the General Manager, who will announce the nominations once the meeting opens at 6:30 PM. By 7:30 PM, Hawkesbury will have its new Mayor. Stay tuned for the outcome!

A NSW Government inquiry into “Zombie DAs” could bring about reforms to protect crucial koala and wildlife habitats across the Hawkesbury. Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, is urging residents to make their voices heard, as public input could be key in safeguarding local ecosystems.Zombie DAs, or dormant development applications, refer to projects approved years - or even decades - ago that bypass current environmental standards. Often inactive for extended periods, these developments can suddenly restart with little regard for updated regulations or the latest ecological knowledge.In the Hawkesbury, several projects, including a controversial housing development at 150 Hermitage Road in Kurrajong, threaten significant wildlife habitats. Templeman pointed out that the community is increasingly aware of the dangers these outdated consents pose.“There’s a growing understanding in our community that there are significant threats to the habit of koalas and vulnerable native animals in the Hawkesbury, particularly through ‘zombie DAs’,” Templeman said.“These historic DAs were done with a different set of rules or understanding of the importance of the land, or approved for any number of reasons. In the Hawkesbury we’ve seen the impact of these zombie DAs firsthand. I’ve heard from many people who are understandably distressed that we’re seeing trees cleared, trees we now know, are home to koalas. “While the revival of dormant, historic DAs is not the only reason habitat is being cleared, there will be other old DAs that come back to life in the future. That’s why I’m encouraging Hawkesbury residents to contact the inquiry and share their concerns about how they’re hurting our vulnerable native wildlife,” she said.The Kurrajong project, approved by Hawkesbury City Council in 2010, could harm local wildlife corridors critical to koalas, glossy black cockatoos, and other endangered species. Despite strong public backlash, the project moves forward under 2010 regulations, which allows the property to be subdivided into eight residential lots.Hawkesbury Council has told residents they are powerless to stop it, but have sought further advice from the NSW Minister for the Environment to see if updated conservation laws could apply. Council has not provided any update on whether they received any advice.Templeman encouraged residents to contact the inquiry to share their concerns about the impact of Zombie DAs. Although formal submissions are closed, she assured that the Committee on Environment and Planning will still consider correspondence from concerned residents. Greens MP Cate Faehrmann has also highlighted the urgent need to reevaluate Zombie DAs across NSW, highlighting the threat these outdated approvals pose to species already on the brink of extinction. “These old consents would never meet today’s environmental standards,” Faehrmann stated. “We can’t allow approvals from decades ago to continue harming wildlife.”Residents can learn more about the inquiry and how to share their views by visiting the NSW Parliament website.https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3037#tab-contactus

Richmond Park will fall into a reverent hush as the clock strikes 11 on Monday, November 11, 2024. The Richmond RSL Sub-branch will lead a Remembrance Day service, inviting the community to honour those who have served and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. But beyond the solemn wreath-laying at the Richmond War Memorial, this day represents something more profound - a chance to connect the past with the future and remind younger generations why this tradition remains so vital.For many young people, Remembrance Day may seem like an event disconnected from their daily lives. After all, the wars it commemorates feel like ancient history. However, this day is more than just a moment of silence; it's a bridge between the past and present, a reflection on how peace, often taken for granted, has been hard-won.The tradition of observing a moment of silence at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month began after World War I, the so-called "War To End All Wars." It's a time when entire nations pause to reflect on the immense loss of life, not just from that conflict, but from all wars. More than 60,000 Australians died during World War I, and the ripple effect of that loss continues to shape families and communities.But how does this history resonate with younger generations? Today's young people may not feel the immediate impact of global conflicts, but they live in a world shaped by them. The soldiers, airmen, and sailors whose service we remember on this day fought for ideals that still resonate—freedom, fairness, and unity. In many ways, these values are even more relevant in today's rapidly changing world.The Richmond RSL Sub-branch invites all members of the community, young and old, to the 2024 Remembrance Day service. As they gather at Richmond War Memorial, local school students will stand alongside veterans and military personnel, laying wreaths to commemorate those who came before them. It's a powerful visual reminder that, even though past wars may seem far removed, the legacy of service and sacrifice lives on.Involving schools and younger community members is part of a broader effort to ensure the importance of Remembrance Day continues to resonate. The Richmond RSL Sub-Branch hopes that by bringing together people of all ages, younger generations will see the relevance of reflecting on peace and the price paid for it."Remembrance Day is an opportunity for young people to connect with history in a meaningful way," a spokesperson for the Sub-branch said. "It's not just about looking back, but about understanding how the past shapes our present and future. The peace we have today was earned through great sacrifice."So, as Remembrance Day approaches, it's worth pausing to consider why we observe this tradition. It's not just for the older generations who remember the wars firsthand but for young people whose future is being built on the foundation of those sacrifices. This November 11, Richmond will once again honour that legacy—and invite a new generation to carry it forward. Details of the Remembrance Day Service:- Location: Richmond War Memorial, Richmond Park- Time: 10:55am, Monday, November 11, 2024 (assemble by 10:40am)- Covered seating available for veterans and older community members.

Students at Maroota Public School received an exciting visit, when the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service made a special landing on their school grounds. The visit, which also included students from MacDonald Valley Public School, allowed children to meet the rescue crew and learn about coastal safety and emergency procedures.In addition to the helicopter visit, around 12 volunteers from the Maroota Rural Fire Brigade and a fire truck were on hand to further enhance the students' understanding of emergency services.The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service operates from two bases in Sydney's La Perouse and Moruya on the South Coast. With a longstanding history of providing vital support to the community, the service assists in search and rescue missions, aerial surveillance, flood support, and coastal patrols. The service has recently marked 50 years of operation and has completed more than 100,000 missions without charging anyone for rescue efforts.Westpac Regional General Manager Mellissa Pearson said educating young Australians about safety was important, especially as they spend time exploring the country's beaches and waterways. "It's important to remind young Australians to stay safe no matter what time of year it is or what they are doing," Pearson said. She noted that the interactive session provided students with a unique opportunity to see up close the advanced lifesaving equipment used by the rescue crew, making the experience both educational and fun.Shane Daw, General Manager of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, highlighted the significance of teaching children how to stay safe outdoors and what to do in emergencies. "The helicopter has been called out to the area numerous times, and it's great to teach students about the role we play in helping the community," Daw said. "While we hope they'll never need us, if they do, we'll be there to help."The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, supported by Westpac for 50 years, remains one of Australia's longest-running community partnerships.

By Kate Hughes, PhD2When experts disagree about PFAS risks to health, what can we do to protect ourselves?In the last 100 years, humans created many substances that caused pollution on a global scale. Think DDT and other persistent pesticides, or industrial chemicals like PCBs, and wastes like dioxins, which are among the most toxic of man-made substances. More recently, PFAS has emerged as a pollutant, including here in the Hawkesbury where groundwater is contaminated with fire retardants migrating from RAAF Base Richmond. But the Base is not the only source of PFAS. Fabrics and floor coverings, potting mix, outdoor gear, cosmetics and pizza boxes are among many everyday products that contain some of the thousands of types of PFAS. According to the US EPA, there are 15,000 classes of PFAS but not much is known about the health hazards that most of them might present.    So is this lack of data a problem for the community? Yes it is, but toxicity is not the only issue. We also have to understand how we get exposed and whether there is enough exposure to affect our health. Recently. I attended two scientific conferences where PFAS was front and centre of many of the presentations. PFAS origins, PFAS chemistry, sources of PFAS pollution, PFAS investigation, PFAS risks to health, PFAS risk to wildlife and PFAS clean up. What stood out was the divergence of expert opinions about risks to health. One leading Australian regulator stated that the risk was minimal when compared with others, while an American toxicologist described PFAS as multi-system toxicants that can affect a range of organs and systems in the body. Impacts on health accepted in many jurisdictions include cardiovascular problems, reduced birth weight, decreased response to vaccines, endocrine and immune system disruption, and liver and kidney toxicity.Other talks confirmed in my mind that despite assurances to the contrary, there are serious health risks linked to exposure to PFAS. The critical thing is the amount of exposure needed to cause damage. Again, as with the PFAS toxicity, experts differ in their opinions as do regulators. The variation in drinking water standards in different countries is a good example. The lack of agreement about toxicity and exposure is what is most troubling because risks are calculated using these two parameters. As risk assessors put it: risk = hazard plus exposure.So while the experts wrestle with the data and hopefully come up with practical recommendations to governments about minimising exposure to PFAS and cleaning up groundwater pollution, what can individuals do to protect their health? Given the many sources of PFAS, we are at a point where exposure happens just by being alive. So what to do? Recognising the many sources of PFAS is a start, and then taking action personally to avoid exposure where possible. The links below provide reader-friendly information that can help you understand more about PFAS, how exposure happens and what you can do about it.

Hawkesbury Council has released the Draft Hawkesbury Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan 2025, outlining major recommendations to tackle future flood risks in our community. We’re digging through the details ourselves, but what stands out immediately is the potential impact on property owners who could find themselves on the downside of new flood planning levels and planning rules. You have until December 9 to make submission - it’s online at https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au Council is also holding info sessions where you can ask questions: Richmond Oval on October 12 (4pm - 9pm), North Richmond Shopping Village on October 24 (11am - 1pm), Wilberforce School of Arts on October 30 (10:30am - 12:30pm), and Windsor Mall on November 30 (5pm - 9pm). The study's brief was to look at the consequences of flooding on the community and measures to mitigate flood risks and impacts. See what you think. Measures investigated are outlined in the picture.

More than 2,000 people in the Nepean Blue Mountains region sought help for alcohol and drug issues last year, according to Wentworth Healthcare. As substance abuse continues to impact the area, a new community-based service has opened in the Hawkesbury to provide much-needed support.WHOS Hawkesbury, located in Windsor, offers free day treatment for those living with alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems. Funded by the Federal Government’s Community Health and Hospitals Program, the centre is the latest effort to address rising concerns over the lack of accessible services for residents seeking help with addiction.Alcohol remains the leading issue, accounting for over a quarter of those treated in the region, according to Wentworth Healthcare’s 2023 Needs Assessment. WHOS Hawkesbury’s opening is expected to provide a lifeline for locals struggling to find affordable care close to home. “Anyone can have issues with substance dependence, it doesn’t discriminate,” Wentworth Healthcare CEO Lizz Reay said. “In the Hawkesbury, there has been a lack of permanent and accessible services offering affordable community-based support.” She said many people can’t commit to residential rehabilitation due to family or work responsibilities, which means they’ve been left without options.”The new service aims to change that by offering a range of treatment options, including counselling, group therapy, case management, and relapse prevention, all within the local community. Clients can remain close to their families, friends, and healthcare providers throughout their recovery, a model that has been widely advocated for by local health stakeholders.WHOS Hawkesbury also provides outreach services, working closely with Aboriginal community organisations to ensure culturally appropriate care is available. The service is designed to be flexible, providing tailored support for each individual’s needs.Local Federal MP Susan Templeman praised the opening of the service, which she said had been long overdue. “I’m proud that the Federal Government is supporting this service, which has been long-needed in Hawkesbury. I congratulate Wentworth Healthcare for finding a model designed to suit local needs and give people the ability to continue living in their community as they tackle their addiction,” she said.For many in the region, the opening of WHOS Hawkesbury will provide a vital step toward reducing the strain on hospitals and ensuring that people have access to the help they need without having to travel or uproot their lives. “Residential rehab is important, but it’s not always suitable for everyone,” Reay added. “Community-based support allows people to get well where they live, surrounded by their support networks.”WHOS Executive Director Garth Popple hopes the new service will have a lasting impact. “ We are looking forward to further develop relationships with a variety of service partners, such as Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and the local Aboriginal community, as we collectively work towards the common goal of reducing substance use related harm in the Hawkesbury”,he said.The centre is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 2 Forbes Street, Windsor. People can self-refer, walk in, or be referred by a GP or specialist. For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.nbmphn.com.au/WHOSHawkesbury or call 4509 9110.

Newly obtained photos, allegedly taken at Redbank, reveal the tragic impact of land clearing on native wildlife, showing a dead baby galah found in the hollow of a felled tree. While distressing, we have decided to publish these images to highlight the brutal reality for animals that rely on old-growth trees for shelter and breeding. The Hawkesbury Post has not been able to verify that these photos were taken at Redbank in North Richmond in 2021.This particular incident is far from isolated; it starkly illustrates the irreversible damage land clearing is causing across the Hawkesbury and New South Wales. Trees with hollows, like the one pictured, can take over a century to form, providing critical shelter for a range of native animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Once felled, these trees leave animals homeless and vulnerable, often resulting in injuries or death as their habitats are destroyed.Currently, developer Redbank is cutting down 158 trees along Grose Vale Road in Grose Vale. Yesterday, the Riot Squad was deployed when community members peacefully protested the destruction of the wildlife corridor, holding placards to voice their opposition.One resident who contacted the Hawkesbury Post today said she and many others who live in Redbank are appalled by the developer’s actions. “I’m eating my breakfast outside right now, and all I can hear are birds calling and trees being chopped to pieces. I just watched a flock of cockatoos fly overhead, alarmed and calling, trying to land in nearby trees,” she said.“I hope someone is checking for wildlife before they cut these trees down, or at the very least, that they are present to help any animals in the process.”As Redbank workers continue to destroy the Grose Vale wildlife corridor today, another developer, Monterra Holdings, is seeking approval to clear an additional 133 trees in nearby Kurrajong. The Land and Environment Court will hold a site meeting on February 10 at 67 Kurrajong Road, where residents are encouraged to attend.Environmentalists have long called for urgent, and stronger protections against land clearing. They say current planning rules have failed to safeguard the environment, and governments are not acting to close the loopholes that allow developers to raze native habitats across the state. With each tree that is cut down, native species are being driven closer to extinction.Below are more photos of the felled trees, allegedly at Redbank which show the dead baby galah in the hollow at the trees felled by bulldozers.

Late yesterday evening, emergency services were called to a severe house fire in East Kurrajong, leaving a large family home in ruins. At 6:21 PM, the East Kurrajong Rural Fire Service (RFS) was activated, with reports indicating a house engulfed in flames and fire already spreading through the roof by the time they arrived.Additional crews from the NSW RFS Glossodia Brigade and other units from the Hawkesbury District arrived shortly after, bringing support. Wilberforce RFS said responders faced challenging conditions due to the intensity of the fire and the threat of explosion from two large LPG cylinders on the property’s verandah.“Our heavy tanker arrived just after, and with NSW RFS - Glossodia Brigade in tow we were able to cool down and eventually remove two large LPG cylinders from the verandah,” Wilberforce RFS said on Facebook. “Several of our members assisted with breathing apparatus (BA) operations, improvised a water supply, established breathing apparatus control, and performed fire suppression using our ground monitor.”Multiple brigades, including those from Wilberforce, Tennyson, and specialised support from Hawkesbury Bulk Water and Hawkesbury PC Charlie, coordinated on-site for more than five hours. With limited water supply adding to the difficulties, firefighters used all available resources, drawing water from a swimming pool, an irrigation system, and a nearby dam to sustain the suppression efforts.The Windsor and Richmond Fire and Rescue NSW teams joined the RFS in managing the fire, with both services employing breathing apparatus and ground monitors to tackle the blaze. However, despite their combined efforts, the structure could not be saved due to the extent of the fire upon their arrival.Thankfully, all occupants of the home were able to evacuate without injury. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, though early assessments are underway. This incident involved various local firefighting units, from both RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW. Friends of the family are asking the community for donations to help provide immediate support. Donations of clothing and essentials are needed for two young boys (clothing sizes 4 and 6; shoe sizes 9 and 12), an adult male (XL clothing), and an adult female (clothing size 12, shoe size 9). The family greatly appreciates any assistance during this challenging time.

Ever wondered what it’s like to see military aircraft and cutting-edge equipment up close? Now’s your chance! The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is opening the doors of RAAF Base Richmond to the public on Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm, offering a rare glimpse into the powerful operations and technology behind Australia’s air defense.The community open day will feature a display of aircraft and military equipment, allowing visitors to experience the scale and sophistication of the ADF's assets firsthand. ADF personnel will also be on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the wide range of career opportunities available in the military.Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, has long advocated for the open day and said she is thrilled to see the Base welcoming the local community.“This is something I’ve certainly been a proponent of with senior RAAF leadership, as I believe it’s really crucial that local people understand the breadth and depth of the important Defence work that takes place on the Richmond Base. “Last year I attended the open day with RAAF Base families, and partners, parents and children told me what an eye-opener it was to see the Base and get a better understanding of how the work of their family member fitted into the bigger defence picture. “This open day is a terrific opportunity for local residents to have that same experience, and for longer-term locals to see the change in the role of the Base. With a $9.8 billion upgrade in the pipeline for the arrival of 20 state-of-the-art C-130 Hercules aircraft beginning in 2027, RAAF Base Richmond’s role is set to grow as a vital asset in Australia’s defense strategy.Event Details:Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Location: RAAF Base Richmond, entry via Gate 2 off Dight St, Richmond, NSWTickets are free and will be available from today (Wednesday, 9 October) at: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/aa389152-54bd-43cd-bcc7-bd1d1a92b088.

Determined to protect their own development, Redbank developers today rejected any compromise, shifting the full impact of their road-widening project onto the neighbours. Disregarding the community’s pleas, they began clearing 158 old-growth trees - some over a meter wide - that provide essential wildlife habitat along Grose Vale Road.Residents gathered in protest early this morning, holding signs and pleading for the trees to be spared. By 8 am, police arrived. Residents told the Hawkesbury Post that one police car and two paddy wagons with six police officers walked them out. Shortly afterwards the trees began to be cut down.Police would not say who reported the protesters but told the Hawkesbury Post that at about 8 am today police were called to Grose Vale Road, North Richmond, following reports of protesters at a construction site.“Officers attached to Hawkesbury Police Area Command attended and located a group of protesters. The group agreed to leave the construction site police action was required.”Local councillors Mary Lyons-Buckett, Nathan Zamprogno, and Danielle Wheeler attended the protest. Councillor Zamprogno said he believes the road could have been designed to avoid the trees by moving it to the right on the Redbank side of the road.“Look at these photos. The trees on the left are scheduled for felling. The clear land on the right is part of an (expanded) road reserve and edges the Redbank estate. In my mind there is no reason why the road couldn’t run to the right and avoid the trees,” Zamprogno said.“I asked the Redbank representatives directly whether a road conforming to the relevant design rules could be constructed further over. In fact, I asked three times and never got a satisfactory answer.“The proposed loss of these trees was not presented to Councillors at any stage. We feel it should have,” he said.For residents, the felling represents not only a loss of cherished green space but also a threat to local wildlife, including koalas and gliders. One resident said: “We’re losing these beautiful trees and the wildlife they support, all so Redbank can keep their development unscathed. It’s infuriating that we’re the ones who have to sacrifice.”Comment is being sought from Redbank.The felling will be the latest in a number that has occurred recently in the Hawkesbury for new developments.Hawkesbury City Council (HCC) says the planned clearing is part of a road widening project agreed upon between Redbank developers and HCC under a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA). The approval for these works was a 2023 DA that was not considered by Hawkesbury Councillors but by the Planning Panel which was established in 2017.The Redbank development North Richmond has long been a source of contention in the Hawkesbury, with its origins tied to allegations of political corruption and questions over the project’s approval process. The development, which began in the early 2010s, was envisioned as a large-scale residential estate but soon became embroiled in an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation that involved former Liberal MP Bart Bassett. Although ICAC found that Bassett had accepted prohibited donations, he maintained that they did not influence his support for Redbank. No corrupt findings were made against Bassett. Bassett today works for Redbank.

"It's been like this for months now. Every time I step outside, the smell hits you like a wall. It's so bad, I can't even hang my washing out or open my windows," Wilberforce resident, Logan (name changed), wrote to Hawkesbury City Council more than four years ago, their frustration palpable. Since then, little has changed. The stench from the Hypro pet food factory has pushed Logan, a Wilberforce resident of 15 years, to consider leaving their home. "I don't know what else to do. We've tried everything - complaints, petitions, you name it. No one seems to be listening."Logan's experience is far from unique. Nearby residents continue to describe the odour as "unbearable" and "putrid," akin to "cooking dead animals." One neighbour lamented, "We can't have barbecues, our kids can't play outside," while others say the smell worsens on humid days. For years, locals have battled the stench, claiming the factory violates consent conditions and operates outside regulated hours, with trucks routinely arriving during restricted times. The Hawkesbury Post has sighted years of correspondence between residents, Council and Hypro management.In June 2018, Logan wrote: "As you can see, our main concern is the smell. However, the activity down there seems to be growing with earlier start times and later finishes. You can hear semi-trailers pulling up very late at night and sometimes early in the morning. They are then accompanied by the sounds of forklifts… When we moved here, this factory didn't exist. It has been growing dramatically, producing more and more foul odours, and they are well and truly working outside normal hours."In 2019, Logan noted: "…there is a 12/10 very foul odour. I've had to close all my back windows and sliding door as our kitchen and lounge are filling up with the bad smell." The next day, Logan wrote: "It's like déjà vu this morning. Opened my back door and guess what greeted me. Actually, my entire family has been having gut issues. I'm wondering." By 2020, Logan's patience had worn thin: "Could I please have an update on what Council has done about Hypro, if anything? The smell is horrific and more frequent, and the late-hour activities continue."In the correspondence Council has told residents it had sought legal advice, conducted surveillance, and held discussions with Hypro, yet ongoing complaints suggest little has changed. "It would be good to know if they cook every day. Sometimes it smells like boiling dead chooks; other times it's simply a strong kibble odour," a resident said.Frustrated by the lack of action, Logan has lodged complaints with both Hawkesbury City Council and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), only to be caught in a bureaucratic loop. "Council says it's within regulations, and the EPA says it's a council issue. I'm just passed from one to the other." "I've kept logs, sent videos, but it all leads to nothing. One time, they even lost my video." The company's senior management has told Logan that the complaints would forwarded to the compliance team, but nothing has changed.Many residents trace the problem back to Hypro's expansion into manufacturing, shifting from packaging to full-scale production. "It started small, but then these chimneys went up, and the smell became unbearable," Logan explained. "Now they operate early and late, and it's not just the smell. The noise, lights, and trucks at all hours are a constant presence, but the smell is what drives people mad."Despite double-glazed windows, the odour frequently invades Logan's home. "We can't even hang my laundry outside - it seeps into everything." The family lives less than a kilometre from the factory, yet relief remains elusive.Other residents echo these complaints, with one person stating, "The smell is sometimes worse in the mornings, sometimes at night, but it's always there." Another resident, who lives near Wilberforce sports grounds, added, "On Saturdays, when there's soccer or cricket, the smell is horrendous for players and spectators. It's like the air is toxic, and you can't escape it."When approached by the Hawkesbury Post, Hypro Industries did not respond to requests for comment about the odour complaints or concerns about operational violations. However, emails seen by the Post show that Hypro previously denied responsibility for the smell, instead blaming nearby Grange Growing Solutions. "When myself and another colleague approached Hypro last year with the odour concerns, they were very firm and believed it was not coming from them, alleging it was from Grange Growing Solutions. Hypro has a weather station on-site and used some of the data collected to back up their claims. With them refuting the odour is produced by their processes, any future regulatory action taken by Council will probably result in legal action from their side, which would put Council in a tricky situation," a Council officer wrote to a resident in 2020.Council maintains that Hypro is operating within the law. "Hypro has development consent to operate their business on-site. Council has received complaints in the past about odour and truck movements, which have been investigated by Council and its partner agencies. These investigations have found Hypro is operating in compliance with the regulatory framework," a spokesperson for Hawkesbury City Council said. The EPA said it's a Council matter.However, residents disagree and say they feel abandoned. "We've been ignored for years," one complainant said. "At this point, I just feel like nobody cares."Despite this, Hypro wants to expand its operations, which include purchasing the nearby Woodlands Park Pony Club site. The land, valued for its high biodiversity and role as a wildlife corridor, would require rezoning for industrial use. "I would be very concerned if they build another factory or intensify their operations," said a local resident who has written to the company about the smell for two years.The situation echoes the battle fought by residents near the Elf Farm Supplies mushroom composting factory in Mulgrave, where a "sustained campaign" led the EPA to intervene. When an odour monitor was finally deployed, it found the factory operating at 100 odour units near Hawkesbury Hospital, far exceeding the one-unit limit at the boundary.[All residents spoken to by the Hawkesbury Post asked to have their names withheld from publication]

It only took seconds for six-year-old Ava to dash away, says her father, Brendan Edmonds "Ava put her shoes on to come out the back door, but I was going to mow the lawn with the ride-on. Her mum was just putting a load of washing on. So I said, 'No, darling, wait until I've done the lawns, and then you can come out.' A few seconds later, I heard the front door. So I ran out to the front, and she was already gone - just like that."CCTV footage later showed Ava running like she was in a race. As Brendan explains, "She's never run, but I reckon, in the CCTV, she was running like she was in the Olympics, so to speak."What unfolded on Monday morning, September 23, was a heart-stopping search, as hundreds of locals from Glossodia and beyond joined forces with emergency services to find her.Neighbour Michelle Rampling sounded the alarm on social media. "She was the first one to hear my partner come out. She didn’t give up. She was out here 10 minutes after Ava had gone missing and stayed with my partner right through to the end," Brendan said. "She was the one who thought of checking the CCTV cameras, and that gave us a direction to search."Michelle immediately posted on social media.  It was the type of post no one wants to read, but it rallied the volunteer searchers. “I said to [Lisa], ‘Do you have the Glossvegas page?’ She said ‘no,’ so I immediately put it out there. The response was amazing,” Michelle told the Hawkesbury Post.That afternoon, Michelle posted a desperate plea on the Glossvegas Facebook page: "There had been a little autistic girl that has gone missing on Wattle Crescent. She is six years old, sandy blonde hair, wearing a t-shirt and nappy. She has been missing for about 20 minutes. Please can everyone keep an eye out for her - the police have been called. It's my neighbour's little girl. Thank you."The community responded in force. Brendan estimates that between 200 to 300 local volunteers joined the search, though police put the number closer to 100. The overwhelming support gave Brendan hope that Ava would be found. "After the one-hour mark, I was getting really, really worried. We called the police, obviously, but I only had two eyes. I was thinking it was like finding a needle in a haystack. But as I saw more and more people coming out, I got so much more confident that she was going to be found."Five hours after she went missing, Ava was found by two local men, Charles Xiberras and his cousin Luke, who had travelled from Grose View to join the search. Coincidentally, one of the men has a child with autism, while the other has a newborn also named Ava. Brendan was full of praise for the men who helped find his daughter.In an interview with Seven News, Charles Xiberras said: "I felt helpless, hearing it on the radio and the news, so I came out with my cousin, Luke. We were trying to work out what to do, and as we were working it out, we heard plovers swooping down at a little girl. We thought maybe it was someone who lives on the property, but as we got closer, we realised it was actually her."Having only moved to Glossodia with his partner Lisa in July,, Brendan said they were still getting to know the neighbourhood. He knew no one "from a bar of soap" and hadn't even met the neighbours yet.   "It's hard to describe in words, but the feeling and the support that I received in our time of need, in our new community of Glossodia - the love, the effort. Thank you. I'm proud to say that I've moved into Glossodia," Brendan tld the Hawkesbury Post.He also expressed his gratitude to emergency services. "I want to thank the emergency services like the SES and the RFS, but in particular, the four Hawkesbury detectives on the case. There was a lady and three gentlemen, and they were so supportive and like rocks with us. It was unbelievable how good they were with us." But it’s also the local community - and especially Michelle - that Brendan will never forget. “People I’d never even met before were out there looking for Ava like she was their own daughter," he says. "I’ll never forget that. We’re so lucky to be here."For Michelle, the experience left her humbled by the outpouring of support. However, she remains modest about her role in the search. "My daughters even said, ‘You don’t realise what you did,’ but I don’t think I did anything special," she said. "It’s just what you do - you look out for your neighbours."