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 Pitt Town 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. 

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 sparked outrage, 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 dollar 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 location of the new Hawkesbury fire control centre, citing the land’s high biodiversity value.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 which sits adjacent to the pony club block.Jeff Ferrara, Secretary of the Hawkesbury Business Group, 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 also said that the dealings about the land sale “were conducted independently between Hypro Investments and Hawkesbury Council, with no input or influence from the Hawkesbury Business Group.” Ferrara also said that the dealings about the land sale “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 has left 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 the 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 outrage. 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 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 own 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: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?

AThe GreensDanielle WheelerAllister ClaaszMatilda JulianDebbie PatonBrian CrowtherKaren KobierBPeople Not Parties - IndependentMary Lyon- BuckettTom AczelEmma-Jane GarrowPeter RyanStacey O’TooleRichie BensonKayte MurphyTara VigourouxCLaborAmanda KotlashWendy DaviesSimon GriffinAnita ArtlettChristopher HavilandDIndependentLes SheatherAndrew CadmanKris WatersGerard HodgskinDave CoaldrakeMichelle TaparaEIndependentBob GribbinMelissa CraneLynette BrandWendy CampbellElise SmithAnton RaunjakFShooters, Farmers, FishersShane DjuricBradley McGregorBrooke DjuricStephanie HillKeith LevyGae KellyGIndependentAngela MaguireMeera WebsterMelanie CarrJames CleverKirsten RadunzJohn MaguireHIndependentNathan ZamprognoDonna PellewDavid BallPhilip PriceJoel BaltaksJessica DicksonILiberalSarah McMahonMike CreedJill ReardonPaul VeigelWarwick MacKayNatasha BennettJSmall Business PartyEddie DogramaciRodney GaleaPeter MuscatHanif BismiThomas ChiarelliEsma Dogramaci

In light of the community's concern about the secret, approved sale of the Woodlands Pony Club land at Wilberforce, we wanted to share the questions we posed to the councillors who voted in favour of the sale (see below). No councillors have responded but we’ll publish their responses in full, if or when they reply. Hawkesbury Council refused to answer our questions citing 'confidentiality'. Follow the Hawkesbury Post for complete coverage of this issue tomorrow.1.Given that the agenda item included both a public and confidential portion, why did you choose to move the entire debate into a confidential session, despite public expectations for an open discussion?2.Typically, a significant asset divestment by the council would involve extensive consultation followed by either a public auction or tender. Why was this approach deemed inappropriate in this case?3.Is it ethical to accept nearly $6 million from a potential buyer, knowing they are unlikely to realise that value through rezoning? 4.If the land was considered unsuitable for the new fire control centre, why do you believe it would be appropriate for a pet food manufacturer to use it to expand their factory?

Hawkesbury City Council faced fierce backlash tonight after publishing a Facebook post that many argue deliberately conceals critical events Tuesday's Council meeting, raising accusations of public deception and manipulation.The Council's summary has been slammed for intentionally omitting crucial decisions, 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 with high biodiversity value without a public tender or auction. Another key omission was the alliance’s decision to withdraw from the Hawkesbury River County Council without any community consultation.The Post 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. 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 meetings 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," 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 has now turned off comments on the controversial post, but residents will have the chance to express their frustration when comments reopen tomorrow morning. “This facebook page is only monitored between the hours of 8:30am and 5pm, the comments to this post will be closed until tomorrow morning,” HCC said in the comments.

In the lead-up to the 2024 NSW local government elections, the official ballot draw for the Hawkesbury Council took place at 2 p.m. today, determining the order of candidates in the upcoming election.Greens candidate Danielle Wheeler clinched the top position on the ballot, followed by Independent Mary Lyons-Buckett and Labor’s Amanda Kotlash. Former Mayor Sarah McMahon drew the second-to-last spot, while former Liberal and now Independent candidate Nathan Zamprogno was positioned just ahead of her in spot H. The complete list of candidates, in order of the draw, can be seen in the table below.It’s been a successful few days for Wheeler, who secured council approval on Tuesday night to fund The Women’s Cottage, enabling them to expand support services for local women and children affected by domestic violence. Additionally, she managed to delay the council’s covert attempt to sell a public land parcel with significant biodiversity value without a public tender or auction.Hawkesbury residents will have the opportunity to select from 62 candidates vying for 12 positions on the Hawkesbury City Council. The Council is currently composed of a Mayor and eleven councillors. Notably, former Labor Councillor Barry Calvert and Liberal Councillor Patrick Conolly are the only two incumbents who will not be seeking re-election. Among the fresh faces are local businesswoman Angela McGuire and Independent candidate Bob Gribbin.Campaigning is already well underway, with many candidates launching their platforms on social media and through the Hawkesbury Post. Former Hawkesbury Mayor Sarah McMahon has initiated her re-election bid on Facebook, despite not receiving the necessary endorsement from local Liberal Party members, as required by party rules. This election cycle presents additional challenges for McMahon, who will be campaigning without the support of her former campaign manager and boyfriend, Matthew Bennett. Furthermore, McMahon is preparing for a court appearance just five days after the election, following her recent arrest and the imposition of an AVO last month.Below is the official list of Hawkesbury candidates in the order they will appear on the ballot following today’s draw.

The Liberal-Labor alliance on Hawkesbury Council once again voted together last night, leaving the region's koala population unprotected. In a decision that has sparked community outrage, the majority of councillors chose to delay the implementation of 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.This decision follows a pattern, as 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, to highlight 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. “Housing 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 return to the newly elected Council at the quarterly budget review in October.

The Hawkesbury region is home to the most genetically diverse koala population in Australia, a distinction that underscores the area's ecological importance. However, as the Hawkesbury Post has reported many times 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, and by the application of the Rural Boundary Clearing Code in the Hawkesbury. Despite this, the Hawkesbury Council has yet to implement a Koala Plan of Management (KPoM) to safeguard these vulnerable animals from further habitat destruction.The absence of a KPoM is alarming, considering the increasing pressure on koala habitats, according to the Hawkesbury Environment Network. “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,” Nick Soudakoff, Secretary of the Hawkesbury Environment Network said.Environmental advocates and concerned residents are calling on the Hawkesbury Council to take decisive action. A petition has been launched, urging the Council to fund the KPoM, which would establish guidelines and protections for koala habitats within the region. The petition highlights the situation's urgency, noting that without a KPoM, 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 next few years we are going to see more and more pressure for suburban development in the Hawkesbury,” Soudakoff said.“Housing 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 far beyond the immediate area,” he said.The petition will be presented to the Hawkesbury Council on Tuesday, August 13, at 6:30 PM. Organizers are hoping for a strong show of community support, both in the number of signatures gathered and in attendance at the Council meeting. The message is clear: Hawkesbury’s koalas need protection now more than ever, and it is up to the community to ensure that their voices are heard.The petition can be accessed here: :https://www.hen.org.au/fund-the-koala-plan-of-management/

In a groundbreaking move to address the growing homelessness crisis among older women, the Older Women's Network (OWN) in the Blue Mountains has launched the Homes for Older Women (HOW) initiative. This program matches homeowners with spare rooms or granny flats to women seeking affordable accommodation and is set to expand into the Hawkesbury region following an offer from a Kurrajong property owner.In May, the Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, and Member for the Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle, officially launched the program. Already, more than 110 prospective tenants and property owners have expressed interest.The Hawkesbury Post spoke with Bronwen Johnston of the Blue Mountains branch of OWN to learn about the HOW program. "The Housing Program is an initiative of the Blue Mountains chapter of OWN," explains Bronwen. She emphasised the cost-effectiveness of using existing properties over building new ones. "We have so many properties, granny flats, and rooms available here. This is a faster solution and much more cost-effective."Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman added: "The Albanese Government is investing $32 billion to tackle housing shortages. But increasing supply doesn't happen overnight. That's why I support this program, because it can, overnight, provide a roof over the head of an older woman."Templeman noted the urgency of the issue: "Women over 55 are the fastest growing group experiencing homelessness, due to rising rents, domestic violence, and cost of living, combined with lower savings and superannuation."Bronwen also highlighted the vulnerability of older women: "The Mercy Foundation estimates there are 7000 homeless women nationally at any one time, rising at an alarming rate, especially in the over-55 category."The Homes for Older Women initiative connects women in need with homeowners who have space to spare. Funded by a $60,000 grant from The Mercy Foundation, the program has enabled a small team to set it up, including a website for home owners and women in need to lodge expressions of interest."Our program plans to place 20 to 30 women in homes this year," Johnston states. "We think that's a pretty good return on investment, considering the program's current cost of $70,000 to $80,000 to run.”Although the initiative is not officially launched in the Hawkesbury, it's gaining traction. A homeowner in Kurrajong has expressed interest, indicating potential expansion in the region. According to the Hawkesbury Demographics Study, there is a similar need for affordable accommodation for older women in the Hawkesbury.Bronwen explained that OWN isn't yet able to take expressions of interest from Hawkesbury women who need accommodation but welcomes interest from property owners. "If anyone in the Hawkesbury has pet-friendly self-contained cottages or granny flats they can rent, we would love to hear from them."The success of this initiative relies heavily on community involvement. Homeowners with spare rooms, granny flats, or self-contained units are encouraged to consider opening their doors to women in need.Interested property owners can register on the OWN website. For those inspired to do more, there's an opportunity to establish an Older Women's Network branch in Hawkesbury. Interested women can contact the NSW head office to express their interest. Susan Templeman confirmed her support for the program, saying: "I'll continue to encourage people who have secure and unused homes or rooms to consider becoming involved in the HOW project.”For more information or to get involved, visit the Older Women's Network NSW website or call their office at 9519 8044 or [email protected].

The new Richmond Bridge, will tower over the surrounding riverine landscape, at more than double the height of the existing bridge. The structure will also be far longer, a necessity to rise above floods crossing the lowest part of the floodplain. Set to be approximately 18.4 metres high at its peak, the new bridge will be a much more dominant structure than many may have envisioned.Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has confirmed that the new structure will be 10 meters higher than the current bridge, which stands approximately 8.4 meters tall. "The flood resilience of the bridge is determined by the height of water it can withstand while remaining operational. The new bridge, with deep girders, will be resilient to a 1 in 20-year flood level," a TfNSW spokesperson told the Hawkesbury Post. The 1:20 flood level is 15.3 meters, while the 1:100 flood level reaches 18.9 meters.Artist's impression of the New Richmond Bridge. Not supplied by TFNSW.The new bridge will be built about 50 meters downstream of the existing structure, which will be retained. It will also extend longer than the current bridge, connecting to the existing Bells Line of Road at a higher point. On the southern side, the new approach road will also be elevated to withstand a 1 in 20-year flood.The existing Richmond Bridge is built below the 1 in 2 chance per year flood level and is closed in moderate flood events when flood levels reach about 8 metres. Prior to 2020, Richmond Bridge had not closed due to flooding since 1992. Since 2020, Richmond Bridge has closed six times due to flooding with flood levels reaching up to 14.4 metres in March 2021Transport for NSW told the HP that the new bridge would have provided an evacuation route during all flood events since 2020. "We are finalising the concept design and Review of Environmental Factors for Stage 2 of the New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements project," the spokesperson said. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), initially due in mid-2024, is yet to be released. This report will include a crucial hydrology study to assess the impact of flooding on the route and surrounding lands and evaluate how the new infrastructure will affect water movements across the floodplain. Public feedback on these plans will be sought later this year.The Final Hydrology Report prepared as part of the Green Route in January 2020 assessed seven routes, including one similar to the new route and bridge. According to documents previously obtained by the HP under the GIPA application (Freedom of Information), all proposed routes except the Purple Route would effectively dam the river upstream during major flood events. "The preliminary results showed that by raising the road crossing, the floodplain would block a significant quantity of flow, necessitating numerous culverts or floodplain bridges to meet flood impact requirements," the January 2020 report stated. It’s yet to be seen how this large structure will impact floodplain flooding but the route is similar to others assessed in the 2020 report.A separate report, “The New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements Revised Preferred Option Report dated December 2022 (but relied upon as late as 2023) suggests that the new bridge will alleviate traffic congestion. However, the assumptions in the report appear conservative today with recent planning documents seen by the HP forecasting at least 7,000 additional dwellings planned west of the river in coming years."Traffic demand in the study area during peak periods is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, with a forecast 2,000 additional dwellings west of the Hawkesbury River, which will further increase congestion and travel times," the 2022 report stated. "The new bridge and associated road infrastructure upgrades would address traffic congestion between Richmond and North Richmond, cater for future growth, and improve flood resilience,” the 2022 report said,The last Community Update on the project website was posted in December 2022, with the latest project update in June 2023. During this update, TfNSW reported collecting traffic data and conducting ground surveys and geotechnical work, which will continue for the next few months. "Our activities include drilling holes and digging pits to test soil and pavement composition. We will also use a barge with a drill rig on the Hawkesbury River," the June 2023 Project Update stated.TfNSW has confirmed plans for road widening, wall and mound building, and some land acquisition. Residents have long complained about the lack of consultation on the project. As recently as last month, some residents were unaware of the final route, while others expressed concerns about the project's impact, particularly on shops in North Richmond, including the North Richmond Post Office, and increased traffic and truck movements in residential streets near Hobartville.Residents along Southee Road and Inalls Lane will be significantly affected, facing increased noise levels, more inconvenience, and a loss of scenic views without gaining direct benefits. The new main road will be constructed parallel to Southee Road, approximately 35-40 meters from property boundaries, turning the eastern end of Southee Road into a cul-de-sac. Inalls Lane will be widened to accommodate the new road with an 80 km/h speed limit, involving some land acquisition and restrictions on driveway access at the Castlereagh Road end.The project will alter views of paddocks and the Blue Mountains, replacing them with a noise barrier that could be a mound or a wall, ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 meters high. While the century-old Pecan trees along Southee Road are expected to remain, more trees may need to be removed if a mound is chosen over a wall for noise mitigation. Properties within the gaps of the noise barrier will be outfitted with noise reduction measures like double glazing.The Federal and NSW governments have pledged a combined $500 million for the New Richmond Bridge. However, some are now questioning whether this will be sufficient to fund the project. The former Liberal NSW government announced the new "preferred option" for the bridge in December 2022 after facing significant project delays, community opposition, and inadequate consultation.

After 25 years of dedicated volunteer management, the iconic Wilberforce School of Arts is transitioning back to the care of Hawkesbury City Council. Built in 1925, this cherished landmark holds a special place in the hearts of many locals, embodying a sense of history, love, and, above all, belonging.Neville Wearne, a 77-year-old resident of Wilberforce, has been a steadfast volunteer at the School of Arts for over two decades. As the deeds were being signed to officially remove the building from community management and hand it back to Council, he spoke to the Hawkesbury Post about the small building at 531 Wilberforce Road, Wilberforce, his fellow volunteers and its enduring place in the Hawkesbury community. For a moment, his voice briefly faltered when he recounted holding his wife's wake in the very hall he worked so hard to preserve.The decision to hand over management was part of a broader move by the Department of Local Government to centralise the administration of community facilities, many of which have been run by ageing volunteer committees. "It's disappointing in certain ways," Neville admitted. "We've been doing it for over 20 years, some close to 25 years, and there's no one new coming in. Volunteerism these days is on the decline."The dedication and hard work of the volunteers ensured the hall remained in excellent condition. Neville described the multifaceted role of the volunteers, which included general maintenance, cleaning, and lawn care. "The money we got from the hire went into improving the hall," he said. Over the years, the volunteers ensured the hall remained well-appointed, with upgrades like heaters, air conditioning, LED lights, and soundproofing. The building's upkeep has been a community effort, with the Council contributing significantly to its refurbishment."Council put money into refurbishing the place. We've upgraded the disabled access, which also acts as a mother's room with a pop-down baby changing table," said Neville. These enhancements have made the hall more accessible and comfortable for everyone. "We stood in front of bulldozers," Neville recalled, describing the community's efforts to save the building from demolition over 25 years ago. "It's now the best-appointed hall in the district." The hall has hosted countless events, from weddings and birthday parties to community meetings and reunions. It has even served as a hub for helping people in need, especially after the 2019 fires.The Wilberforce School of Arts, built as a community hall, has a rich history of community involvement and support. It was constructed in 1925 and later expanded to include a commemorative room for First World War veterans. This building, with its tasteful and unadorned architecture, stands as a symbol of Hawkesbury's heritage and community spirit.Despite the change in management, Neville remains hopeful. "Council is taking over seamlessly," he said. "We just hope they maintain the same level of care that we did." His commitment to the hall is rooted in a deep sense of community service, a value that has driven him to volunteer at the School of Arts and the Rural Fire Service.The role of volunteers in managing the Wilberforce School of Arts was well organised. "We had a roster system for maintenance," Neville explained. "It should take a month around that's at a time, you know. So in that it was just putting out the garbage, cleaning the hall, cleaning the toilets, and making sure the papers were there. It was just general maintenance." The hall was always in top condition for the community to use, Neville said.However, as the cost of living pressures and time weigh heavily on families today, Neville spoke about the challenges of maintaining volunteer interest and participation. "There's no one new coming in. Nobody wants to do it," he said. "You know, volunteerism is these days, it's knocked on the head. You very rarely get volunteers to do anything. I'm in the rural fire service as well. We struggle to get people for many reasons, particularly financial situations and things like that. People just haven't got that time, or it's not in their ethos to volunteer anymore."Neville's connection to the Wilberforce School of Arts is deeply personal. He moved to the Hawkesbury over 30 years ago with his wife, a local girl. "My wife's wake was in there," he shared, his voice trembling. "It's a special place for me and my family." This personal connection underscores the emotional significance of the hall for many in the community. "It's there for the community," Neville emphasised. "It's not there to sit as a glorified piece of building. It's there to be used and enjoyed by everyone."As Neville reflected on his years of service, he expressed a sense of fulfilment and pride. "We did what we did," he said. "We just hope people are happy with it."

As the epicentre of equestrian sports in Australia, the Hawkesbury boasts many remarkable riders, but Christopher Burton’s performance at the Paris Olympics might have just earned him the title of the greatest.When the world watched Christopher Burton complete a flawless cross-country round on the second day of eventing at the Paris Olympics, it became evident that it would take an extraordinary effort to surpass him. And it did. Sitting in bronze position heading into the final test, the show jumping, Burton faced a formidable opponent: Germany’s Michael Jung, a man who has won three individual gold medals in eventing and now a fourth. Burton needed to jump double clear and hope for Jung to have two rails down. In the end, Jung only took one rail and claimed the gold. Burton secured the silver.Team mate Shane Rose knew Burton was a serious chance of a medal. “It’s always great to be on a team with Chris, he is the ultimate competitor. We knew going into the Paris Olympics he was a real individual medal chance and he delivered,” Rose told the HP.It was a spectacular result, especially considering it had been 24 years since Australia last took individual gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Even more extraordinary was that Burton was shortlisted not just for the eventing team in Paris but also the show jumping team - a feat never accomplished before at one Olympics. The only other rider to have competed in two disciplines at the Olympics is equestrian legend, Vicky Roycroft.Known as the fastest cross-country rider in the world, a perfectionist in dressage, and a highly skilled showjumper, Burton was always favoured. However, his recent shift towards showjumping and away from eventing may have overshadowed just how exceptional he truly is.“Burto,” as he is affectionately known, was born in Queensland on a grain and cattle farm at Brymaroo. He rode from a young age but did not win his first competition until he was 16 years old, relatively late for those who prefer to spot talent and winners at a much younger age. In an interview with Equestrian LIfe Magazine, Burton fondly recalled one of his first ponies “Spice.”“I remember we were so little we couldn’t saddle her up and if we fell off, we would keep hold of the reins and try to find some food to get her to lower her head so we could climb onto her neck and hold onto her ears, and she would lift her head up and we would scramble on and ride home.”With riding now a career, Burton moved to New South Wales to further his eventing, spending ten of his formative years in the heartland of horse sports - the Hawkesbury. While pursuing his eventing career, he rode track work for Philippe and Tara Vigouroux from Vigouroux Racing Stables at Clarendon to pay the bills. There were ups and downs, but it was perhaps the downs that crystallised his internal grit and gave him the confidence in his natural talent to tough it out for years in the most competitive eventing platform in the world. In 2011, he moved to the United Kingdom to compete against the world’s best on the toughest courses.Burton was selected for the 2012 team for the London Olympics and came home with a team bronze at the Rio Olympics, shared with Shane Rose, Stuart Tinney, and Sam Griffiths. Individually, he came fifth, but this was perhaps overlooked by the team result and the public following a hilarious post-event media interview given by the team. Although selected for Tokyo, his horse Quality Purdey was ruled out due to injury before stepping on the plane to Japan. In 2024 Burton was selected on the eventing team for Paris, even though he had turned his focus to show jumping and had only been campaigning his horse Shadow Man for six months before the games. Burton had his eye on Shadow Man for years. “I honestly think he’s the best horse in the world. He’s the most beautiful animal, very easy to get to know,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. Burton had tried to buy him years ago without success, but luck and circumstance allowed Burton to lease the 14-year-old gelding for six months to aim for the Olympics.The rest is they now say is history and “Burto” has etched himself into the annals of Australia’s sporting history. What next? Burton and his family after years abroad will head back to Australia permanently, having purchased a property in Goulburn where he hopes to focus on teaching and showjumping.But for any equestrian watching Burton's dressage test, cross-country phase, or show jumping performance during the Paris Olympics, it was evident that Shadow Man was spectacular, almost as spectacular as the Australian boy from the bush who become one of the best riders in the world.

Whether you’re a commercial poultry keeper or a hobbyist with backyard chooks, NSW authorities encourage Hawkesbury residents to view the continued containment of avian influenza as a community-wide effort.After the HPAI H7N8 strain was detected in the Hawkesbury in mid-June, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development moved swiftly to contain the highly-pathogenic strain, with Emergency Order restrictions applying to all keepers of poultry, including hobbyists. There remains minimal concern over any potential risk to humans.Current information detailing the Emergency Order advises that exhibitions, displays, auctions and other means of selling domestic poultry or birds remains prohibited within the Restricted Emergency and the Control Emergency Zones, as do “roadside” sales of eggs, with surveillance of the area continuing to take place. Retail egg sales, such as those from the supermarket, are permitted.A DPIRD spokesperson tells the Post, “Avian influenza is a low risk to the public because it rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds. Eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat provided they are handled and cooked according to safe food handling practices.”The DPIRD’s advice directs any Hawkesbury residents wishing to move any birds, manure, eggs, and materials to check the interactive map on the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website, to see whether they are located in a zone where restrictions apply.The DPIRD spokesperson says, “If located in a zone where restrictions apply, residents are required to apply for a permit to move birds, manure, eggs, and materials. Exemptions may be provided upon the granting of this movement permit. Each permit application will be subject to a risk assessment, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.”If you live in the area and you are concerned about the health of your pet birds:First, check if you are in an emergency zone. Enter your address in the DPIRD website’s interactive map to find out.Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).Call your local veterinary clinic to advise of the issue and confirm that they will provide treatment for your bird.When taking your bird to the vet, you must adhere to the conditions outlined in the Group Biosecurity Emergency Permit (movement of birds for veterinary treatment).

Over 100 sites, including 24 early childhood education centers, are alleged to have had their environmental reports falsified by the consulting firm N G Child & Associates. The alleged falsifications span 135 sites across 33 councils in NSW, including the Hawkesbury area.The New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has launched an investigation into claims that environmental consultant Noel Child falsified sample results in these reports. The affected sites include residential properties, industrial or commercial sites, and undeveloped land. Among these, 24 early childhood education centers and 18 residential properties are currently in operation. However, the EPA assures the public that there are no immediate health risks, with no history of contamination or exposure pathways that could endanger public health.The alleged falsifications primarily concern contaminated land assessments involving soil, groundwater, surface water, and air sampling. Impacted councils include Hawkesbury City, City of Sydney, Hornsby, Parramatta, Central Coast, Blacktown, and Randwick.“As the consent authority for developments subject to alleged falsified records we will continue to support identified local councils affected as they undertake their own review of the individual sites affected in their LGA,” the EPA said.“As part of our investigation into alleged falsified sampling results in environmental reports, councils with properties subject to alleged falsified reports have been notified and we will continue to provide them advice and ongoing support. 33 Councils are impacted,” it said.EPA officers have already inspected 22 of the 24 early childhood education centers, with the remaining two to be inspected shortly. These visits have not altered the EPA's assessment that there are no immediate risks associated with the alleged falsifications.As part of the investigation, EPA officers have seized over 10,000 pieces of data and reviewed 2,460 files, with ongoing scrutiny of remaining files to determine the full extent of the alleged falsifications. All affected councils have been advised to review development applications that included reports from N G Child & Associates.Childcare owners and operators and land developers who have received environmental reports from N G Child & Associates and submitted these as part of a Development Application should contact the relevant local council, the EPA said.This investigation is separate from the ongoing asbestos in mulch investigation.

Local businesses around shopping precincts in the Hawkesbury are increasingly angry over ongoing parking issues impacting their operations and bottom lines. Owners are repeatedly fined for parking near their own businesses, forcing them to frequently move their vehicles throughout the business day. After years of upheaval due to COVID-19 and flooding, small businesses in the Hawkesbury - the backbone of the local economy - have been doing it tough. Foot traffic is down, and the cost of living crisis is keeping customers away. However, businesses say that rather than looking for ways to assist them during these times, rules and regulations imposed by Hawkesbury Council are making it harder.Businesses in the main shopping strips of Richmond, North Richmond, and Windsor say the parking rules - which make no allowances for business owners who need to park all day - are costing them dearly and making it nearly impossible to operate on a daily basis. Nicola Hayford-Hobbs, owner of Hawkesbury Herbs on Windsor St, Richmond, said the lack of all-day parking for business owners is infuriating. "We have a limited section of all-day parking, which fills up quickly. If you get here by 8:30 am, all the spots are gone. The rest of the parking is either one-hour or four-hour, which means we have to move our cars constantly. This is incredibly disruptive, especially when we can't leave our shops unattended," she said.Hayford-Hobbs estimates that the parking fines have cost her and her two staff about $5,000 over the past three years. "The worst time is Christmas. You can't run errands within an hour, and there's no leniency from the parking officers. They don't care that I can't close the store if there are three people in there," she said.Other small business owners who spoke to the Hawkesbury Post echoed her concerns. They also said they had raised the matter with the council, but to no avail. When asked about the problem, a Council spokesperson said Council has not received "official" requests for longer parking for local businesses. "Council has not received any official requests by business owners or workers at North Richmond to allow them to park for longer periods of time," the spokesperson said.“The success of local businesses relies on a high turnover of parking within customer car parks such as the one at North Richmond. Council supports these needs by enforcing timed parking limits at this car park,” the spokesperson added.This claim, however, appears at odds with the experience of businesses and also contradicts evidence in an email sighted by the Hawkesbury Post. Hazen Quinn, owner of Words and Pixels, wrote an email to Mayor Sarah McMahon dated June 7, 2024."Whilst I understand that you have parking limits for a reason, what I cannot understand is why we cannot pay for a parking permit. For example, $200 per car per year to allow us parking within the shopping centre. You could provide a sticker at minimal cost to the Council and make an extremely healthy profit. I know from speaking to other shop owners and some staff that purchasing a parking permit to avoid moving cars every two hours would be an option most would take. This could be applied to the whole of Hawkesbury and be a guaranteed source of income without the added cost of employing extra parking officers," Quinn wrote.Clr McMahon responded that Council is in the process of engaging consultants to investigate the issue, a process that would take at least nine months. "Staff have scoped out the consultants' brief to undertake the strategic review and parking study for our four main town centres, including North Richmond. This review will take approximately nine months to complete, followed by the next steps for implementing any recommendations. Until then, I can't provide any further advice other than to park lawfully," she wrote.Business owners are skeptical about this approach. "Engaging consultants when they could just issue special parking permits for shop owners and staff seems like a huge waste of ratepayer money in my view. It's not rocket science," said one business owner who wished to remain anonymous.Quinn also voiced dissatisfaction with the current parking situation in North Richmond. "The parking area has a two-hour limit for everyone. As shop owners, and after speaking to other owners in the same situation, we do not understand the need for such extensive patrolling of the car park. Nor do we understand why there isn't an allowance for shop owners and employees."Quinn highlighted the practical issues and financial burdens caused by the current parking enforcement. "Since May 23 we have been fined $360 to simply park in the shopping centre near our shop to work," Quinn said. "Our cars have been vandalized and damaged, which is one reason we park our cars close to the shop so we have camera footage of any incidents to our vehicles. Other business owners have parked their cars on the street, and they've been damaged or had things like batteries stolen."Another shop owner in Richmond, who did not want to be identified,  said the local car parks are not evenly distributed in terms of parking regulations and as a result distort foot traffic to shops.He said Coles has approximately 400 parking spots, with 34 all-day parking spots, 50/60 one-hour spots, and four-hour parking bays. However, the carpark between East Market Street and West Market Street has approximately 290 parking spots, 120 of which are all-day parking. There are 16 one-hour spots and the remainder four hours.“The (West Market Street) car park has become like a morgue because nothing moves around, we have customers complaining all the time because they cannot park, You’ve got to adjust the parking lot in all the areas and make them equal, so everybody has a chance to run a business, go to work, and the customers to have a parking spot. The way it is now, nothing works.”The parking issue affects business owners, their customers, and delivery services. "Couriers have to park down the road and carry heavy loads to our shops because there's no available parking nearby," Hayford-Hobbs said. "It's just not practical."Clr McMahon's response has done little to alleviate the frustration of the business owners. "It defies belief that this is still an issue," Hayford-Hobbs said. "Issuing parking permits is a simple fix that would support small businesses already struggling due to other challenges like flooding. Instead, we're stuck in a cycle of fines and frustration."

The Hawkesbury's own Courtney Nevin is set to compete at the Paris Olympics as a travelling reserve for the Matildas, Australia's national women's football team. Last month, the Australian Olympic Committee announced the 18-member Matildas squad for Paris 2024, with Nevin chosen as one of four travelling reserves. These reserves can replace an athlete in the event of injury or other withdrawal from the team.Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston congratulated Nevin in a speech to Parliament; "In Hawkesbury, we claim Courtney and are incredibly proud of her sporting prowess, culminating in her national representation. I would also like to acknowledge Courtney's parents, Angelica and Phil, who must be very proud of their daughter. Courtney is a defender, and the Matildas' first Olympic match is at 3 AM on the 26th of July, where they will take on the formidable German team in Marseille. Mr Speaker, like many Australians and her legions of Hawkesbury fans, I will be cheering Courtney Nevin and the Matildas on their Olympic journey. Go Courtney!"Nevin currently plays fullback for Leicester City in the English Women's Super League and represents Australia on the Matildas team. She began her stellar career with the Oakville Ravens before joining the Blacktown Spartans in the NPL. She is also contracted to the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Women's League.The Matildas, captained by Steph Catley, includes eight athletes who will become the first Australian footballers to compete in three Olympic Games. These athletes are Catley, vice-captain Emily Van Egmond, Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne, and Tameka Yallop. Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Michelle Heyman, Teagan Micah, and Hayley Raso are returning for their second Games. At the same time, Clare Hunt, Kaitlyn Torpey, Cortnee Vine, and Clare Wheeler will make their Olympic debut. The Matildas enter Paris following Australia's best-ever finish in Olympic football, having secured fourth place in Tokyo.Matildas Head Coach Tony Gustavsson welcomed the announcement, saying: "This has been an incredibly challenging squad to select with so many quality players competing fiercely for limited spots. It has been a methodical process over the past couple of years to reach this point, and each of the players selected brings unique and beneficial qualities to our team that will be vital for our Paris 2024 campaign. I would like to congratulate all the players selected and the teammates, coaches, family, and friends who have supported them to this moment. I know this team will give everything for the coat of arms and will represent Australia to the best of their ability in the true Aussie way."

After years of anticipation and delays, the long-awaited Pitt Town Bypass is finally set to become a reality.NSW Premier Chris Minns announced the milestone during his visit to the Hawkesbury in June. "Starting today, the construction industry can submit proposals to build the crucial Pitt Town Bypass. This initiative will reduce congestion by diverting traffic away from Pitt Town, providing faster evacuations for Hawkesbury residents during floods. Transport for NSW plans to award the main construction contract for the bypass in 2025," Minns said.Chris Bell, President of the Pitt Town Progress Association, expressed relief at the news after years of uncertainty. "We're eager for this to happen swiftly. We've had promises of funding from successive governments for years," Bell told Channel Nine.Pitt Town has faced mounting congestion, with up to 1000 trucks daily passing through its main street from sand quarries in the Hills district. Discussions about the bypass date back to the 1960s, yet relief for the community has been elusive despite the growing traffic burden.The Pitt Town Bypass will establish a direct link between Pitt Town Road and Cattai Road, effectively bypassing the town center. The $100 million project will extend Pitt Town Road and introduce two new roundabouts, aimed at enhancing road safety, diverting heavy vehicles from the town center, and supporting new residential developments north of Pitt Town."Expressions of Interest (EOI) are invited from pre-qualified contractors under Transport for NSW's National Prequalification Scheme, specifically in roadworks category R3, bridgeworks category B3, and financial level F25," detailed the tender document. The project entails constructing a new 950-meter, two-lane road connecting Pitt Town Road to Cattai Road, a single-lane roundabout over Hortons Creek at the intersection of Pitt Town Road, Bathurst Street, and Glebe Road, a new bridge over Hortons Creek, and another single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Pitt Town Road, Eldon Street, and Old Pitt Town Road," the tender document stated."The Pitt Town Bypass will alleviate traffic congestion in the town center, a notorious bottleneck, and assist in flood evacuations across the Hawkesbury region," NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said."We are finalising plans to widen roads in the area to ensure safe evacuation for families and residents during emergencies," he added.These flood road upgrades are part of a $200 million commitment by the NSW Government to establish major evacuation routes in the flood-prone Hawkesbury-Nepean region.Minns said the government was enhancing flood preparedness and mitigation, focusing on creating safer, more efficient evacuation routes, and strengthening road resilience."The Hawkesbury region faces the highest flood risk nationwide," Minns acknowledged.