Local People

Maria Said and Uncle Wes were among only 200 Australians to receive the honour of Member of the Order of Australia in this year’s Queen’s Birthday list. Four local heroes who were awarded Queen’s Birthday Honours for their service to the Indigenous community, health services and our local history and heritage have been congratulated by […]

Two police officers who have, or are serving in our district, were among 10 NSW Police to have been awarded Australian Police Medals (APM) in recognition of their dedication and service as part of the Queen’s Birthday 2022 Honours. Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden and Chief Inspector Stephen Fowler received the awards at the weekend. NSW […]

Artists Nadine Schmoll, Lisa McKimmie and Alexandra Mills have won the major prizes in this year’s Remagine Art Prize hosted by Hornsby Shire Council and Hornsby Art Society. A special Youth Award (16-18 years) went to Emily Li, while Anna Druganova of Hornsby Heights received the Local Artist award. The theme for this year’s prize […]

“Bill set an example to all young Australians and had shown what could be done by ability and willingness to take a chance” – said Jack Renshaw, Local Government Minister and future Premier, in 1956. Blacktown City Council has honoured construction giant Bill McNamara OAM with a Key to the City in recognition of the […]

Former Blacktown Girls High principal, Beryl Simes Smith, now has a park named in her memory in the heart of the city near her beloved school. Located on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Prince Street, opposite Blacktown Mosque, the park features  an outdoor gym, volleyball court, play equipment and undercover picnic areas. Costing $2 […]

Playwright, screenwriter and novelist Debra Oswald will discuss her new book The Family Doctor at Castle Hill library on Tuesday, 24 May. While Debra’s impressive television credits include Police Rescue, The Secret Life of Us, Sweet and Sour, Bananas in Pyjamas, the writer is a two-time winner of the NSW Premier’s Literary Award and was […]

New garage sale platform Second Hand Hornsby launched today (2 May) giving residents and buyers easy access to advertise and find sales in their district. With expectations of the Hornsby Shire becoming a pre-loved shopper’s paradise, the website is a one stop shop for people interested in buying or selling items at garage sales 52 […]

Vincent Alauni, 13, was last seen leaving his home on Denbern Street, Dean Park, about 1pm on Wednesday (20 April). Vincent is of Maori/Pacific Islander appearance, thin build, about 160cm tall, with black hair and brown eyes. He may be wearing a grey coloured tracksuit. Vincent is known to frequent the Blacktown, Mount Druitt and […]

“Guides has brought so much joy into my life,” Diane said. By Greg Martin Halfway through my interview with the Williams family – parents, Brian and Diane and their twin daughters, Justine and Kylee – I had to put a hold on the questions. “Will you excuse me while I ring Julie Ryan, our publisher, […]

“I was surprised and really happy the Foundation had finally been recognised in the community, at the end of the day we are the only agency in the Hills specialising in supporting women and children who experience domestic violence so it helps to raise our profile,” Aileen said. By Lorna Gordon Aileen Mountfield had been […]

“I met up with two Hungarians mates and we then headed up north to Ingham to cut sugar cane, lasting a couple of months before I finally arrived in Sydney to see those kangaroos,” Alex said with a laugh. By Greg Martin Two famous names to come out of Transylvania over the past two centuries […]

NSW Police Superintendent Donna McCarthy and Foster Care Angels founder Kelly Doyle have been named joint winners of the 2022 Blacktown City Woman of the Year Award. Supt. Donna McCarthy is the Commander of Riverstone Police Area Command, and has served with NSW Police for 35 years. Kelly Doyle is the founder of children’s charity […]