"People were sitting on their roofs, hearing the water hit the wall and ricochet - this loud sound - and then waves of water would rush back across the town," recalled Evans Head resident Lyndall Murray, reflecting on the devastating night of February 2022, when floods ravaged the Richmond Valley in Northern NSW." The turbulation in the water was created by the wall, and that's probably what scared people, clinging to their roofs, the most. They didn't know if they'd survive the night."Two years later, the scars of that disaster remain. Residents are still struggling to rebuild from a catastrophe they believe was made worse by the highway acting as a dam wall. The water stagnated for 12 days, trapped west of the highway, when other communities were able to clean their homes.For more than a decade, locals had warned governments that the new Pacific Highway upgrade would act as a dam, exacerbating floods in communities upstream. When the floods came on February 28, 2022, the devastation was unprecedented. Thousands of homes and businesses across the Northern Rivers region were ravaged. Residents in towns downstream of Lismore, like Woodburn, Broadwater, Coraki and Wardell, had never experienced anything like it. As the Hawkesbury awaits the results of the flood study and final designs for the new Richmond Bridge, concerns are rising about the impact a raised road on the floodplain could have. The parallels to Richmond Valley are hard to ignore. Woodburn resident, Bert Plenkovich OAM, told the ABC in 2022, "Why would you put a highway on the lowest possible area of the floodplain when you have an option to place it on higher ground? We could see that it would hold back flooding."  In the Hawkesbury the former NSW government ignored the advice of their experts to build the bridge south of the current bridge - known as the Purple Route. This route provided the most flood resilience and the least impact on surrounding properties. Instead, the bridge will now be built 50 metres downstream from the current bridge in one of the lowest parts of the floodplain and will require raised roads to ensure it can be accessed in a 15.3-metre flood. Kurrajong Road on the eastern side of the bridge is just 12 metres. The aftermath of the Richmond Valley floods included talk of a class-action lawsuit against the government for damages caused by the highway. However, the toll of the disaster left most residents too exhausted to pursue legal action. "These people lost everything," Murray said. "The $790 million Resilient Homes Grant was rolled out too slowly, and 5,000 homes were rejected for funding in June 2023. "Most of our community are on pensions or disability payments, so when people are trying to make ends meet, any energy left to try and campaign for a class action, lost traction because of the magnitude of the rebuild for the community," she said.Despite the community's efforts to seek accountability, residents remain in the dark about the true extent of the highway's impact on the flooding. A promised investigation into the flood modelling remains hidden from public view. "Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is completing modelling validation in respect of the record flooding that impacted Woodburn in February and March 2022," a TfNSW spokesperson told the Hawkesbury Post. "This modelling is privileged and cannot be released to the public," he said. When we asked why the information was privileged, TfNSW did not respond.The floodwaters in Richmond Valley didn't just inundate homes; they lingered for 12 days, causing severe damage to foundations and leaving entire communities underwater long after the floods receded in other areas. Murray emphasised the difference between Richmond Valley and neighbouring Lismore: "In Lismore, the water came up and down quite quickly. But for 12 days, our water stayed stagnant through people's homes because there was no escape route for the water to reach the wetlands and flow to the ocean."Most believed the key issue was the design of the new road. The drainage holes built under the highway were too small to handle floodwater and debris, effectively blocking the natural flow of water. "If you get one tree branch caught on that drain, there's no water going anywhere," Murray explained.Residents are frustrated with what they see as a systemic failure of government agencies to listen to local voices. "This is a testament to the epic failure of the State government to listen to local knowledge," Murray said. "Experts ignored generations of lived experience from the people who know these floodplains intimately."Despite raising concerns during consultation meetings as early as 2006, locals found their input sidelined or excluded from official records. Some meetings weren't even minuted, forcing residents to fight to have their insights recorded. Even as government agencies promised transparency, crucial design changes ignored local knowledge. A flood-free alternative route was also proposed by residents but ultimately rejected.Rumours persist that cost-cutting measures played a role in the flawed infrastructure design. However, with the investigation's findings kept secret, the community is left in the dark. "We deserve transparency," Murray said. "People who invested their life savings in their homes or businesses deserve to know what went wrong and how it will be fixed. But we've seen nothing from the government."Murray's warning to the Hawkesbury is clear: "These infrastructure projects need to be informed by local knowledge. If they build that bridge and those roads without listening to the people who know the floodplain, it will be a disaster."Residents are taking matters into their own hands. "We've already started preparing for the next flood," Murray said. "We know the water will stay for days again. We're setting up our own crisis management plans because we have no faith the government will be there to help us."Murray's message is simple: "We need accountability from those making these decisions. Until they start listening to locals and applying common sense, we're going to keep facing these disasters, and people will continue to suffer."

Farmers and landowners in Cornwallis and the Richmond Lowlands are facing yet another year of waiting for the repair of the collapsed road and riverbank along the Hawkesbury River. The $18.7 million project, meant to fix the damage that began almost four years ago, has stalled again, pushing potential repairs into 2026 after another delay in the tender process.An investigation by the Hawkesbury Post (HP) revealed that although Hawkesbury City Council (HCC) secured $18.7 million in funding through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in December 2023, the council delayed announcing this until February 2024. Of the funding, $8.2 million was allocated for a new road and $13.5 million for the reconstruction of the riverbank and drainage. However, despite the urgency, a four-week tender was not issued until June 2024, more than three years after the damage occurred in March 2021.This delay, combined with further tender complications, has only added to the frustration. In June, HCC and Public Works shortlisted six companies and appeared ready to award the contract to local firm Jeffsann Excavations, people familiar with the tender told the Hawkesbury Post. Jeffsann had been working with private landholders Jeremy Bayard and Emmanuel Degabriel to restore parts of their properties.Jeffsann's bid of $13.5 million beat a rival bid from Sutherland-based Haslin Constructions by $2 million. However, in a sudden reversal, Public Works declared that Jeffsann did not qualify for projects over $9 million, despite inviting them to bid three months earlier. Neither HCC nor Public Works have commented on the abrupt change in decision. Jeffsann also declined to comment. One local resident familiar with the process told the HP that "the reality is work on Cornwallis won't commence until March/April, which is during the greatest threat of flooding - meaning that work may stretch into 2026."In response to inquiries, an HCC spokesperson said: "Following extensive evaluation and in accordance with the NSW Government's tendering requirements, it was deemed that the tender responses failed to demonstrate value-for-money, a key requirement of the State and Federal Government funding." The spokesperson added, "a new open tender process will shortly commence with the objective of awarding a contract prior to the end of this calendar year."Meanwhile, local landowners continue to struggle with the worsening damage. "The canyon," as it's referred to, began when a poorly maintained HCC drain collapsed in early 2021. Over the years, the damage has expanded, with significant economic and environmental consequences. Turf farmers have seen their land inundated with silt from the breached riverbanks during floods, destroying millions of dollars' worth of crops. One turf farmer noted that "hundreds of tonnes of extra silt are dumped on our land during floods, causing devastating damage."Even as construction drags on, logistical blunders have piled up. The HP learned that $1.6 million has been spent on new box culverts to replace pipes ordered by HCC that were found to be the wrong size. Those pipes, worth $1 million, have been sitting unused on the riverbank for two years. Although some of the pipes have been repurposed, the tender documents also call for 42 pipes to be crushed and disposed of, which conflicts with HCC's earlier claims that they would be reused.HCC maintains that once the contract is awarded, construction will take approximately 9 -12 months, depending on weather and river conditions. An HCC spokesperson acknowledged the risk of further delays, stating, "Despite the recent dry weather, major storages in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment remain close to their full supply levels, and while ever this remains the case, there remains an elevated risk of a flood, as we saw in April and June this year, should there be a significant rainfall event."Yet, with no firm start date, local farmers and landowners continue to face growing concerns as the riverbank damage remains unaddressed and the tender process restarts.

The Hawkesbury region is bustling with activity as the Spring polo season kicks off, welcoming more than 1000 polo ponies and their grooms and riders for a prestigious Hector King, Dudley and Sir Phillip Charley Cups.The spring tournaments will significantly boost the local economy with hundreds of thousands of dollars pouring in over ten days of competition. Various private and public polo clubs in the area are collaborating to host the tournaments, which will attract top polo talent from across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and the UK. The Richmond Lowlands are once again a focal point for the sport, featuring all competition levels ranging from amateur to professional to matches.The highlights of the season are the Hector King and Dudley Cup tournaments. These events, which include more than twelve 12 - goal teams, are widely regarded as Australia's largest and most competitive high-level polo competitions.This season, polo fans will be treated to matches starring a string of elite players. Among them are Ellerston Team's Shane Finemore, a renowned investment banker and a highly respected figure in the polo community, and Peter Huston Troika, who is also Head of Corporate Legal & Strategy at Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. Other players include Ben Barnham, grandson of media mogul Kerry Packer, as well as world-class talent Alec White, an ex-Australian Captain who has played across the world, including the UK, Argentina, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain, Dubai, and whose presence is sure to bring the wow factor. Another Australian Captain and Australia's highest-ranked player to play this season will be Ruki Ballieu of Eynesbury Polo Club.The exceptional quality of the players in this seasonal competition highlights the national significance of these Hawkesbury-based events in the polo calendar. Jeremy Bayard, Treasurer of NSW Polo, told the Post: "The record entries for Countess of Dudley Cup mean approximately 1,000 horses arrive in the Hawkesbury for a fortnight of polo. "With horses come more than 150 people directly employed for their care - all of whom inject thousands into the local economy. The pubs, cafes, hotels/ motels, produce stores, vets and farriers will all benefit from this festival of polo. The final is watched online by thousands around the world, further establishing the Hawkesbury's reputation as the centre of polo in Australia."The Hawkesbury polo tournaments present a colossal organisational challenge. The event's scale is immense, with almost 40 teams registered, each scheduled for five matches. Adding to the complexity, individual players bring between 6 to 10 horses apiece, and some athletes compete across multiple skill levels. Recent rainfall has further complicated matters, forcing the closure of some fields. Consequently, organisers face the daunting task of revising the entire tournament schedule. This intricate web of logistics, coupled with unpredictable weather, has transformed the event management into a Herculean effort requiring constant adaptation and problem-solving by local company M Polo, Kim McDougal and Adam Mealy.Tickets are free for the public to get along and enjoy a game or two. Games will be played at the Windsor Polo Club between 26 September and 6 October.

The 2024 Hawkesbury Council election has delivered a significant shake-up, as voters turned away from the traditional powerhouses of the Liberal and Labor parties in favor of independents and minor parties. While some familiar faces remain, the dominance of the major parties has been decisively broken, with the Liberal Party suffering one of the largest local government swings in the region’s history.The biggest gain was made by Independent Mary-Lyons Buckett’s “People Not Parties.” They were the only Group to secure an extra seat in the Council Chamber, with Tom Aczel a new face amongst the 12 Councillors this term.The message from voters is unmistakably clear: dissatisfaction with the status quo has reached a boiling point. Former Mayor Sarah McMahon and her Liberal Party suffered a staggering blow, shedding more than a quarter of their 2021 vote. McMahon’s individual support plummeted by over 36% compared to the last local government election, highlighting a profound loss of confidence among constituents. The Liberals clung to their fourth seat by a mere nine votes, a nail-biting margin that underscores their fragile position. Meanwhile, the Labor Party, under Amanda Kotlash's leadership, faced a similar fate, seeing its representation halved as it lost one of its two seats. These results not only signal a dramatic shift in voter sentiment but also weaken the once-dominant Liberal-Labor voting bloc that controlled the previous Council.The result saw a surge in support for independent candidates and minor parties. Shane Djuric’s Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers (SFF) Party recorded a dramatic 34% increase in its vote compared to 2021, capturing 10.32% of the total formal vote. Similarly, Eddie Dogramachi’s Small Business Party has a strong swing towards it, securing 7.6% of the vote, a 47% increase from 2021. Independent Nathan Zamprogno, not only retained his seat but also received the largest individual vote of any candidate, almost 55% more votes than McMahon who had him expelled from the Liberal Party last year. McMahon’s individual vote collapsed, suffering a decline of more than 36% since the last election. The Greens, led by Danielle Wheeler, also saw a notable rise in support, with their vote increasing by almost 10%. Wheeler's party now holds 8.4% of the overall vote, compared to 7.08% in 2021, indicating that environmental issues are gaining more traction with voters.Wheeler described the election result as a sign of a major shift in the electorate’s priorities. “The result shows that people are increasingly choosing an alternative to the old major parties. More than half the Hawkesbury have voted for minor parties and independents with clear plans to make the Hawkesbury better. Now it’s time for us to work together to see those plans come to fruition. What’s really notable is the rise in the progressive vote, especially the People Not Parties ticket gaining two spots, which hasn’t happened since the days of conservative Mayor Rex Stubbs.”Liberal leader McMahon has seen her party's vote dive. In 2021, the Liberals commanded over a third of the total vote, but this year, their share fell from 34.4% to 24.6%. Despite an increase of 1,661 in the number of eligible electors, more than 3,615 people who voted Liberal in 2021 have switched their support to other parties or independents. This marks one of the largest local government swings in the Hawkesbury, as voters reject the status quo.The Labor Party, which in the past has aligned with the Liberals on key votes in Council, fared no better. Labor shed 26% of its 2021 vote, reducing its presence in the Chamber and losing influence. The much-maligned Liberal-Labor voting bloc, which controlled much of the Council's agenda in the last term, has been dealt a significant blow.Zamprogno, reflecting on the election outcome, said, "This result is good for the community because it returns control of our Council to citizens with independent voices and away from the dysfunction of the major political parties. It is clear that people have reacted badly to the acrimony and personal drama that made the last Council such a mess. Now, people expect us to focus on the basics, especially roads, but also finishing our new Local Environment Plan (LEP) and reintroducing a range of protections to accountability, our environment, and heritage that were stripped away by the last Council. I'm excited about the ability of the new chamber to make significant progress in these areas."Lyons-Buckett, whose "People Not Parties" group secured an additional seat, expressed a similar sentiment; “Since 2012, I have actively advocated for a 12-member Council to represent the Hawkesbury area, free from the dominance of major political parties. The election results reflect that our community shares this vision, as we've seen a notable decline in votes for major parties. The message is clear: people want us to focus on delivering essential services and facilities funded by their rates, ensuring a well-maintained road network, and preserving the unique character of our region. It’s evident that residents do not wish to see a continuation of the major party bloc of Liberal and Labor Councillors that dominated the previous two Councils and failed to meet the expectations of our community. I am looking forward to a fresh new Council term.”This election also saw a marked increase in the number of voters casting deliberate preferences. More than 13.3% of voters chose to vote "below the line," ensuring that their preferences were directed to specific candidates rather than the parties themselves. This is similar to the 13.9% who voted BTL in 2021, but one signal toward more deliberate voting was many groups also exchanging preferences, encouraging voters to number multiple squares above the line. This reduced the number of "exhausted" votes and ensured that voter preferences were influential throughout the counting process.The message from voters couldn't be clearer - Hawkesbury residents want new voices, independent perspectives, and a focus on the issues that matter most - roads, infrastructure, and preserving the character of the region.As the newly elected Council members prepare to take their seats, one question looms large: who will be the next Mayor? Unlike other councils, the Mayor of Hawkesbury is not directly elected by the residents but chosen by fellow Councillors. With the major party bloc fractured and independents holding significant influence, the decision on who will lead the Council is now wide open.

While many of us spent the week dreaming we, or someone we love, might be the Hawkesbury's lucky new multi-millionaire, officials at The Lott revealed yesterday that a Bathurst man was the mystery 15 million jackpot winner in last week's Oz Lotto draw 1597 after purchasing the winning ticket at Wilberforce Newsagency.Wilberforce Newsagency owner Allison Griffith said the outlet had been buzzing with excitement. "We've had the newsagency for 17 years now, and this is our first major win," she said. "It feels very special to know that we sold someone a life-changing ticket."With his newfound wealth, the winner plans to focus on family. "It feels great to know that I will be able to help my family," he shared. "All I care to do is look after my family and make sure they're happy and healthy."https://mediacentre.thelott.com/media-releases/bathurst-man-wakes-to-spine-tingling-15-million-oz-lotto-win/

After 13 long years, the Bee Polding Class Of 2024 has graduated.Students celebrated their Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, September 24th.A massive congratulations to all graduating students from the school for their achievements, with a particular acknowledgement to the following students for receiving major awards:*College Perfect Attendance Award - Chloe Lovelace*Sportsperson Award - Charlotte Ward*Stephanie Doohan Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Award - Brianna Gray*Gemma Thompson Memorial Award for Science - Cassandra Dimech*Sister Gwenda Critchley Award - Emma Lappalainen*The College Leadership Award - Ava Grace Bennett & Kurt Rodwell*Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award - Calum Winston*Australian Defence Force - Future Innovators Award (Science/Technology) - Taleisha Muscat*The Year 12 School Spirit Award - Erin Banks, Jacinta Brincat, Finbar Hicks, William Hicks &Chloe Lovelace*The College Medal - Chloe Lovelace, Jessica Reimer, Isabella Spiteri*The Annual Bishop of Parramatta Student Excellence Award - Jessica Reimer*The Good Samaritan Award - Calum Winston Marist*All-Rounder Award - Jessica Reimer*The Bishop Bede Polding Award for Outstanding Contributions to the College - Phebe Dalton*The College Academic High Achiever Award1st: Mikaylah Dimech2nd: Jade Zammit3rd: Jana Chadevski4th: Rylee McKeon5th: Roisin Kearney*The College Award - Ava Grace Bennett & Kurt RodwellFinbar Hicks, Chloe Lovelace, Erin Banks, Jacinta Brincat, Williams HicksHendrix Donnelly, William Hicks, Hayden Kelly, ... Rodwell, Finbar Hicks, Calum Winston, Mitchell CwojdzinskiJessica Reimer, Jana Chadevski, Maddison Dicki ... inta Brincat, Phebe Dalton, Alisha Sultana, Chloe LovelaceThe College Medal Left to right- Chloe Lovelace, Jessica Reimer, Isabella Spiteri

So lovely to see all the local schools' graduation events - Here's Arndell Anglican College celebrating the achievements of their year 12 class of 2024. Arndell held its valedictory celebrations on Monday.Thanks to the school for providing these images.So many amazing young people going out to make their mark on the world. Congratulations Arndell's class of 2024.Gemma Zammit, Layla Jackson, Eesha Chand, Elise Hall, Hannah MapleHarrison McLuuckie, Dr Gareth Leechman (Headmaster)Back row: Montana A, Leila Crawford, Isabella Humberstone, Anneliese Welsh, Georgia Waters, Tehya Wilson, Kayla Avery, Lucy OwenFront Row: Jade Taylor, Sienna Smith, Jade Lennox, Madison Edworthy-Cramond, Tijana McCarthyLachlan Ward, Aimee Bawcombe, Rachel NathakumaranLachlan Ward, Korey Owen, Scott Hulme, Jasper Deane, Brody Collins, Seaff Jaradat, Riley Avery

Colo High Year 12 students gathered for a farewell assembly yesterday with friends and family.Congratulations and good luck for the HSC exams next month.Amber Sherrard and Jacob James lead out Year 12 from the school hall for the final time.Outgoing Year 12 Student Leaders presenting badges of office to the incoming leaders for 2025Rachel Gartland and Cade Morgan and Sarah Beardsley performing with their Year 12 music class.

Well done to the Hawkesbury’s 2024 school leavers! We thought we’d share some photos to celebrate this exciting moment (and we’re sure the kids must be so relieved!). Richmond High School said goodbye to its leaving class on Thursday, 26th September, as they wrapped up classes and got ready for the HSC exams. Enjoy these farewell photos from their big day!Year 12 Class of 2024 - Caps Off! Richmond High School Graduates.Photo Credit: Amity GilesOur 2024 Student Leaders cutting the Graduation Cake on behalf of the Year 12 cohortPhoto Credit: Amity GilesRichmond High’s Year 12 cohort perform the closing act at the R U OK? WELL- Fair Concert on 24/9/24.Photo Credit: Laura Pedersen

Sex Crimes Squad detectives charge two Windsor men for allegedly committing and filming bestiality on farm animalsDetectives from the NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad yesterday arrested two Windsor men, aged 38 and 42, in connection with allegations of bestiality and child abuse material. The men were charged following an investigation led by Strike Force Trawler, which uncovered graphic content allegedly involving farm animals and secret footage of a child.The arrests were made early Thursday morning (September 26), after a search warrant was executed at a Windsor property. Police seized multiple electronic devices, reportedly containing bestiality material and videos filmed without the child's knowledge. Two dogs were also removed from the property and placed in the care of the RSPCA.The 38-year-old man has been charged with two counts of bestiality and using a carriage service to access child abuse material. The 42-year-old faces charges of peeping or prying and possession of bestiality material.Both men appeared at Penrith Local Court yesterday. The younger man was refused bail, while the older man was granted conditional bail to return to court on November 22.Strike Force Trawler's investigation continues, and police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

More than a kilometre of mature gums and native trees along Grose Vale Road, Grose Vale are set to be cleared next month, as part of Redbank’s controversial housing development. The large-scale tree removal, planned for October, has angered local residents, who reached out to the Hawkesbury Post this week after noticing the trees, many large old gums had been individually tagged for removal.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). They said the felling of these trees is necessary to accommodate the expansion of Grose Vale Road. Residents are also angered that the road widening and tree removal is not located on the side of the Redbank development, but instead along the opposite side of the road - just metres from established homes not associated with Redbank. The removal of native trees in the area has sparked growing anger within the community. Loss of habitat is known to be one of the greatest threats to native wildlife, including endangered koalas, which rely on the region’s trees for survival. The destruction of native habitat in the Hawkesbury is increasingly being seen as a significant environmental issue, with locals expressing deep frustration over the ongoing large-scale clearing.Late last week, over 40 native trees, including gums, were felled at another development site in Kurrajong, further fueling concerns. HCC has since issued a halt to any further clearing at that site on Hermitage Road.HCC has defended the removal stating that loss of trees will be compensated through a tree planting schedule that includes 1,049 replacement trees. “The Regional Panel in its deliberations, concluded that the proposal would not have a significant impact on any threatened species, populations or communities listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act. The loss of trees at this site would be addressed holistically in the proposed tree planting schedule which includes 1049 replacement trees across the Southern Valley Precinct,” HCC told the Hawkesbury Post.Council said the works are scheduled for the October school holidays to reduce traffic disruption, although final approval for road occupancy is still pending.

Hawkesbury City Council has stepped in to halt further tree clearing at the access to a development site in Kurrajong Hills after more than 40 trees, including old ironbarks and grey gums, were cut down this week. The felled trees at 150 Hermitage Road were part of a koala habitat and a crucial wildlife corridor for endangered species.The development, by Galea and Co was approved over a decade ago, and Hawkesbury Council had told residents it was powerless to stop it. However, residents alarm over the destruction of the native trees, half estimated to be more than 50 years old and smaller native vegetation, late last week has resulted in the Council enforcing a stop to the felling of more trees.The affected area runs approximately 200 metres along Hermitage Road, leading to the development site. The now-cleared stretch was once home to ironbarks and grey gums, which provided essential food sources for the region’s koalas. This tree-lined route was a key wildlife corridor, allowing species to move safely between Blue Gum Creek and bushland along Mill Road. Residents describe the road as having been a vital passage for numerous native species, which have now lost significant habitat.The development at the site was initially approved in 2010 for an eight-lot residential subdivision. While most development approvals would have expired by now, the construction of a bridge in 2014 led the Council to classify it as a “substantial commencement.” As a result, the project continues under the original approval, despite no longer meeting current environmental standards. This situation has become increasingly common across New South Wales, with so-called “Zombie DAs” allowing developments to proceed without today’s more sophisticated environmental and cultural impact assessments.An urgent inspection was conducted by Council regulatory staff yesterday. However, most of the trees along the road have already been lost.One of the cleared trees, a grey gum overhanging Douglas Farm Road, had long been home to a variety of wildlife. Resident Eric Finley recalls, “Last year, two frogmouths raised their chicks in that tree. They rebuilt their nest in August, and the chicks would have hatched by now. We can only hope the parents survived when the tree was felled.”Finley also highlighted the impact on Blue Gum Creek, just below the development site. “There’s now a hillside of exposed earth leading directly to the creek, where platypus have been confirmed by a University of Western Sydney research project. With heavy rain forecast this week, much of the soil is likely to wash into the creek, further damaging the ecosystem.”Residents also expressed concern about the loss of trees that had been part of local wildlife rescue efforts. “A couple of years ago, WIRES rescued a sick koala from a eucalypt along the roadside. It was released back in the same spot after treatment. That tree is now gone, along with many others where we had seen koalas and other rare animals like Feather-tailed gliders and masked owls,” Finley said.

Western Sydney University has today secured a $16.7 million federal government grant to develop an Agri Tech Precinct at its Hawkesbury campus. The precinct, previously announced, aims to revolutionise Australian agricultural research and innovation, with construction slated to begin in April 2025.Spanning 50 hectares, the new facility will serve as a hub for advanced research, education, and industry collaboration. Vice-Chancellor George Williams said the project’s goal is to establish Australia as a global leader in sustainable and resilient food systems, addressing the increasing demand for smarter agricultural solutions.The cost of the project is expected to reach $30 million, with funding split between the federal government and the university. The Albanese government said the funding contribution fulfills an election promise under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program, with 150 jobs expected during the construction phase and up to 240 additional roles created once the precinct is operational.Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said agriculture accounts for 13% of Australia’s export economy and 55% of its land mass and the investment would help to secure its competitive future. “With growing demand for sustainable, resilient food systems, the Agri Tech Precinct will help keep Australia at the forefront of innovation in the agriculture sector,” she said.Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman highlighted the Hawkesbury region’s agricultural heritage and the precinct’s role in integrating modern technology with traditional farming practices.  “This is an important investment in the WSU Richmond campus. The Hawkesbury is the heart of peri-urban farming in NSW, with a rich tradition in food production and land management, and this initiative opens up opportunities for 21st Century agri-tech,” Templeman said. “Not only will the Agri Tech Precinct play a growing role in the future of agriculture in Australia, but it will create hundreds of exciting new jobs plus new higher education opportunities in the Hawkesbury and Western Sydney,” she said.Williams praised the campus’s longstanding role in agricultural education. “Our Hawkesbury campus has a long history of agricultural education and cutting-edge research. We are delighted this facility continues that proud tradition, cementing Western Sydney’s position as a world-leading hub for agricultural research and innovation.”In addition to benefiting students and researchers, Williams noted that the precinct’s proximity to Badgerys Creek Airport could enhance export opportunities for fresh produce, strengthening ties with global markets.Stage 1 of the project is expected to open to students by late 2025, with Stage 2 to follow.

Police are urgently seeking public assistance to help locate a six-year-old girl missing from her home in Glossodia. Ava Midson was last seen around 1:40 pm today (Monday, 23 September) at her residence on Wattle Crescent, Glossodia. After she could not be found, her family alerted officers from the Hawkesbury Police Area Command, who have since launched an investigation into her whereabouts.Authorities are particularly concerned for Ava’s welfare as she is non-verbal and lives with autism, making her more vulnerable. Ava is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 120cm tall, with long blonde hair tied in a ponytail and green eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a long-sleeved purple shirt, a nappy, and purple shoes.Anyone with information on Ava’s location is urged to contact Hawkesbury Police or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Information can also be submitted confidentially via the Crime Stoppers website.Police have reminded the public not to report information through social media but to contact authorities directly.

A motorcycle rider has been seriously injured following a crash with a truck in Windsor on Sunday. About 3.40pm yesterday emergency services responded to reports of a crash between a motorcycle and truck at the intersection of Hawkesbury Valley Way and Cox Street, Windsor. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the rider, an 18-year-old man at the scene before he was taken to Westmead Hospital in a serious but stable condition. The 45-year-old truck driver was uninjured and has been taken to Hawkesbury Hospital for mandatory testing. Officers from Hawkesbury Police Area Command have established a crime scene are awaiting the arrival of specialist police.The area is expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time and drivers are urged to avoid the area.As investigations into the incident continue anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Windsor Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

In a major reversal, the NSW government will now test most of the state's drinking water for cancer-causing "forever chemicals." Still despite not knowing the outcome of those investigations, the government maintains water for Sydney and the Blue Mountains is safe to drink. "To be clear, drinking water for Sydney and the Blue Mountains remains safe to drink," a government spokesperson told the Hawkesbury Post today.This shift to widespread testing follows a Sydney Morning Herald investigation, which uncovered PFAS levels exceeding safety guidelines by more than 50 times in a pristine Blue Mountains dam.In May, Sydney Water assured the SMH that "there are no known PFAS hotspots in our drinking water catchments." The SMH investigation revealed that NSW Water had largely relied on desktop research to assess contamination risks.Before the government’s announcement, the Hawkesbury Post had already published the first in a series of articles addressing PFAS contamination in the Hawkesbury region. You can read that article on The Hawkesbury Post here; https://hawkesburyapp.com.au/hawkesbury-post-news/news/page-1/66848cbed6cd61016e45e1c6

PFAS contamination is a ticking time bomb, and the Hawkesbury is at the heart of the crisis. These deadly chemicals, once used in firefighting foams at the RAAF base, have polluted our land, water, animals for decades. Yet, governments are still failing to take decisive action. In this five-part series, the Hawkesbury Post investigates the full scope of the PFAS threat, exposing the dangers and the ongoing neglect that leaves our community at risk.Part One: PFAS in the Hawkesbury: Unseen, Unchecked, UnstoppableIn April, Sydney Water quietly published a report revealing it had been testing drinking water across the Sydney basin for a group of toxic chemicals known as PFAS. Alarming elevated concentrations were found in North Richmond and the Blue Mountains.Following further emergency tests, WaterNSW shut down Medlow Dam in August after discovering elevated levels of PFAS. Fresh independent testing by Dr. Ian Wright following this found PFAS concentration sat 3.7 micrograms per litre, which is more than 50 times higher than NSW environmental guidelines. The dangerous chemicals were detected in Adams Creek, which feeds into the dam, marking the latest in a growing series of alerts about these life-threatening chemicals in the region.Richmond is a key area for PFAS contamination - synthetic chemicals dubbed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally. These substances, often linked to cancer, have been used in everything from firefighting foams to household products like Teflon and activewear. At least one source of Richmond’s contamination is the RAAF base, which used firefighting foams for decades.While a class-action lawsuit awarded $127 million to 30,000 Australians across seven contaminated sites. This only scratches the surface of the PFAS problem and Governments are rightly scared, because these relatively small payouts are only the tip of the iceberg. In the United States, over 15,000 lawsuits have been filed, many targeting governments, as the full scope of PFAS contamination comes to light.Government Inaction on PFASDespite the mounting evidence, Australian authorities have been slow to respond.“The government is doing very little to slow the increasing contamination in highly exposed and new areas which is impacting our precious waterways and land”, LaTrobe Valley PFAS advocate Tracey Anton says. ”Once contaminated, PFAS is there forever. Government must work harder to protect uncontaminated farmland.”Richmond is no exception. Elevated PFAS levels were detected along the banks of the Hawkesbury River at Cornwallis Road which sits to the north of the RAAF base. But fears are that the chemical reach around Richmond and Windsor is far wider than reported, with recent flooding accelerating the spread of the chemicals into agricultural land and waterways, including North Richmond.“It’s not just a human impact. There are ecosystems out there that you would want to be protecting as well. Let’s say you have a prawn that lives in the sediment of water. That’s how we might be exposed,” UNSW Professor Denis O’Connell, a water engineer, told the Hawkesbury Post.The Richmond ConnectionThe presence of PFAS in North Richmond is likely linked to the Hawkesbury River, which is tidal up to the Grose River tributary. PFAS runoff from the nearby RAAF base flows into the river below Richmond and, according to Western Sydney University’s Dr. Ian Wright, is drawn back up into the North Richmond water supply.“PFAS contaminated water has run off into the river below Richmond from the RAAF base but it has come back up the river and been drawn up by Sydney Water into the North Richmond plant:” As well, treated sewage - from the Hawkesbury City Council (HCC) plant - is pumped back into the river in its tidal section. So this means the North Richmond water plant picks up water containing PFAS that has run off from the RAAF side of the river, as well as from the recycled - and PFAS untested water - discharged from the HCC sewerage plant.Treated sewage from the HCC plant, which is pumped back into the river, has not been tested for PFAS, an HCC spokesperson confirmed. “Council is required to undertake testing of its effluent in order to comply with its Environmental Protection Licenses; PFAS is not a pollutant which Council is required to monitor and report on and no testing for PFAS occurs at any of the sewage treatment plants,” an HCC spokesperson told the Hawkesbury Post. This treatment of PFAS as a secretive political hot potato has been backed up by the Hawkesbury Post’s ongoing investigation that shows how dozens of federal and state government departments and statutory bodies, all have some responsibility. These include all state health, agriculture and environment departments as well as Defence, Infrastructure and Air Services Australia at the federal level. Yet the buck appears to stop nowhere. Dr Wright says that the EPA has been negligent in not conducting widespread testing in the Hawkesbury and that testing in September this year by his team in the Blue Mountains showed how far contamination can spread.  Are We Really Safe?The National Health and Medical Research Council’s recent review of PFAS concluded that there is “limited or no evidence” linking the chemicals to human disease. This contradicts findings from the United States and the World Health Organisation, which both state that PFAS causes cancer and that no exposure level is safe.Australia’s allowable levels of PFOA, a key PFAS chemical, are 140 times higher than those permitted in the U.S., despite assurances from political leaders that our water supply is safe.Former Hawkesbury cattle farmer Alastair McLaren, a victim of PFAS poisoning, described the government’s approach as gaslighting. “When we asked tough questions, we were told there was no problem,” McLaren told the Post. He and his family missed out on compensation because they leased rather than owned their land, and no government assistance is available for PFAS victims.“When we first started having consultations with Defence in 2018 they segregated anybody that asked some harder questions. When certain issues came up they said, no that’s the Health Department. We went to Health who said no, that’s NSW Environmental Protection Authority, they said no - because it’s agriculture related - that’s the Department of Primary Industry. The DPI said no, that’s Health. And so it went on.” “That’s what half of our case is, the gas lighting. There is no problem, they told us, there’s no fucking problem.”McLaren’s wife, Kellie, revealed that their entire family has PFAS blood levels in the 95th percentile after consuming beef from Richmond for just three years. The McLarens have since moved out of the Hawkesbury.Australia Continues to Ignore the SciencePFAS poisons drinking water, waterways, groundwater, crops, and animals, yet no government offers free blood testing. While the U.S. and EU enforce strict PFAS regulations, Australia lags behind. In April 2024, the U.S. introduced its first enforceable drinking water standard, aimed at protecting 100 million people and preventing thousands of deaths.Despite a draft PFAS management plan being released in 2022, Australia has yet to finalise it. Experts remain doubtful it will meet the necessary standards.“I have no comfort that Sydney Water says that PFAS levels meet Australian standards when we all know that the acceptable levels in the US are far lower, “ Dr Wright says.Local Hawkesbury councilors are frustrated that governments are not properly briefing them. “On June 10 2024 (for the second time this year) I requested we have a Councillor briefing on the status of PFAS-related chemicals being present in drinking water at North Richmond,” HCC Cr Mary Lyons-Buckett told the Post. “HCC General Manager Liz Richardson said she would request that of Sydney Water and the Department of Defence. But to date we have not heard a response about whether that would be occurring.” Like other councillors who spoke to the Post, Lyons-Buckett noted that “native wildlife, particularly the platypus, are also vulnerable to these classes of chemicals.”A Long-Awaited Reckoning?There may be hope on the horizon. On September 18, NSW Health announced plans to help water utilities like Sydney Water test for PFAS. And Senator Lidia Thorpe is leading a push for a new Senate inquiry into PFAS contamination. This could finally break the wall of silence surrounding the crisis and bring justice to affected communities.

Unknown perpetrators vandalised Hawkesbury Radio, causing extensive damage to its critical broadcasting equipment. The incident occurred between Monday evening, September 2, after 6 pm, and the early hours of Tuesday, September 3, before 5 am, leaving much of the equipment beyond repair. When volunteers arrived Tuesday morning, they were devastated to find the station in ruins, halting regular programming.President of Hawkesbury Radio, Mark Ledden said he was shocked by the senseless destruction. “I am appalled by this action and at a loss for words as to why someone would want to destroy a community charity-based radio station. Hawkesbury Radio has been around for over 40 years, and with so many people in the community having volunteered their time, this act will affect not just our current volunteers and members but also those who have worked here in the past.”Others, mainly volunteers were also in disbelief. Hawkesbury Radio has long been a cherished institution, providing an outlet for community expression, entertainment, and public service for over four decades. For many volunteers, the station is more than just a place to work; it’s a second home, built on camaraderie and shared passion for radio. In the wake of the attack, the outpouring of support from local residents and businesses has been remarkable, Ledden said. Well-wishers have flooded in, with many offering donations to replace the damaged equipment, while others volunteered to help clean up the station. Station member and volunteer, Alex Aliheim said he would like to, “personally thank every single hard working volunteer of Hawkesbury radio for their efforts in the clean up and getting us back on the air to keep servicing the best community in NSW the Hawkesbury.”Another volunteer, Leon Watson also acknowledged the community support, “We will bounce back, but in the back of my mind I'm still in disbelief over what happened.”The station’s technical team is working to assess the damage and find solutions, with the aim of getting Hawkesbury Radio back on air as soon as possible. While regular programming remains disrupted, the station is still streaming online through iHeart Radio and its official website, www.hawkesbury.radio, allowing listeners to continue engaging with their favourite shows and music.  Police are urging anyone with information to contact Windsor Police Station (02) 4587 4099. 

Did you know that reading to your child can boost their vocabulary and thinking skills as early as 14 months? That’s the kind of impact simple activities like reading, singing, and talking can have on early development, according to numerous studies. And it’s exactly what Paint Hawkesbury REaD highlighted through their annual 'Reading Days' or 'Parties with Puddles.'This week, the North Richmond Community Centre came alive with pirate puppies, mermaids, and a friendly dragon named Puddles, showing local families how fun and easy it is to help their children learn. Beyond the treasure hunts and songs, these events aim to educate parents that the research is showing that everyday moments you spend with your child can make a huge difference to their education.Research shows our brains do most of their critical development in the first three years of life. A baby’s brain doubles in weight in the first year, tripling by age three. “Research shows that children start listening to sounds already in utero, and appropriate stimulation through reading, talking, singing and rhyming in the first couple of years of their life helps their young brains develop,” the Paint Hawkesbury REaD spokesperson said. “Children who have had access to daily reading, rhyming and singing come to school with a much better vocabulary, and much better skills in many areas, including social behaviours. Being successful at school is an important foundation for a happy and successful career and life.”Paint Hawkesbury REad said that they want families to know that these activities don’t need to cost a lot of money or take up much time, it’s all about making reading and learning part of your daily routine. “Sometimes parents are too busy, or do not realise the importance of these simple activities and so do not value them. Or they may not have the confidence or think that they don’t have the skills to for example sing with their child. Also they may think that children will learn to read in school, not realising that all the ‘preliteracy habits’; are being formed long before children get to school,”Research from the Australian government agency, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare backs this up, showing that children who are read to daily at ages 2 - 3 score higher in Year 3 NAPLAN reading tests. Even having just 30 children’s books at home when kids are toddlers can improve reading and numeracy scores by the time they reach school age. And it’s not just about reading - singing nursery rhymes, telling stories, or even pointing out street signs can all help boost early literacy skills.“We want parents to understand that these small moments are what make the biggest difference,” says a Paint Hawkesbury REaD spokesperson. “Singing a silly rhyme or reading a book together is more powerful than they might think.”These events are aimed at getting as many children as possible off to a strong start. The Paint Hawkesbury REaD initiative, part of the wider Paint the Town REaD movement, began in Parkes in the 1990s. It now spans 37 areas across Australia, including the Hawkesbury, which joined in 2013. Its goal? To inspire communities to "read, talk, sing, and rhyme with your child from birth," to help lay the foundation for success at school and beyond.Puddles is the mascot for Paint Hawkesbury REaD, to encourages everyone to read, rhyme and sing with children right from birth, so that the children are ready for reading and writing when they get to school.Families who joined the pirate-themed fun at North Richmond didn’t just leave with memories - they took home free books and practical ideas on how to continue the learning at home. Each child picked a book to take home, and parents were able to speak with local services that support early childhood education. If you are looking for children’s books - Windsor and Richmond libraries have got an amazing selection for you to borrow! Or drop into North Richmond Community Centre - there is a whole bookshelf full of donated children’s books in the foyer and you can just help yourself.This year's 'Reading Days' saw 11 local organisations come together, including North Richmond Community Centre, Hawkesbury Library, Glossodia Community Centre, HCOS, Peppercorn Services, Strong Nation Community Services, Hawkesbury City Council, Speak about Speech, Hawkesbury Community Health Services, Oakville Pre School and, All Areas Family Day Care.