Local People

By Maryann Jenkins. Pictures by Kathryn Johnson Decades of commitment and selfless volunteering, some over generations of family, was honoured at the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association (HDAA) awards presentation night on 29 January. Attended by more than 150 people and all three tiers of government, the awards recognised completion of 10, 20, 30 and 40 […]

A dedicated community advocate and volunteer, a correctional officer who is passionate about the environment, a five-year-old charity founder and a COVID-safe Christmas lunch for those in need, are the recipients of this year’s Blacktown City Australia Day Awards. Deputy mayor Brad Bunting presided over this year’s online presentation this year, which saw a diverse […]

Some of Hawkesbury’s most outstanding citizens, community workers, sportspeople and artists have been honoured for their work in this year’s Australia Day awards. The 2022 recipients are: Diane Williams – Citizen of the Year – Commitment to Girl Guides; Sophie Wills – Young Citizen of the Year – Defibrillator installation program; Anne Robbie – Volunteer […]

“I don’t know what I’ve taken on here, but I’m determined to see it through to the end with the production and publication of a book on Richmond’s proud history as a rugby league club.” Darryl Cooper by Greg Martin During his 75 years in this place, Darryl Cooper has enjoyed being in any number […]

“With CareFlight it’s pre-hospital, there could be 1000 different things going on, you could be dealing with bad weather, the media, a crowd or working at a challenging location which makes giving the necessary care more demanding on your skills.” Dr Ruth Parsell By Lorna Gordon It’s not unusual to see CareFlight helicopters in our […]

“I was a shy and timid kid but I never took a backward step and could never tolerate bullies.” Danny Eastwood by Greg Martin Clint Eastwood, as Dirty Harry, let his .44 Magnum “the most powerful handgun in the world” do his talking. Danny Eastwood’s right hand – and left hand for that matter – […]

“The stallion immediately became frisky, reared up and one of its giant hooves smashed into my mouth, cleanly knocking out four of my top front teeth.” Jeff Levy by Greg Martin When I was a kid, westerns dominated Australian television. We grew up watching Rawhide, Cheyenne, Bronco, Gunsmoke, Sugarfoot, Maverick, Have Gun Will Travel, Bonanza, […]

“We bleed the same. We breath the same. Let’s unite as one.” Solomone Fotu, Rap 4 Change. By Greg Martin As is my want as I drive home after visiting subjects for interviews, I ponder. And ponder and ponder what will be the lead paragraph in the story? But most of the way home from […]

“We could hear ‘chuffing’ in the bush and had disturbed a sun bear. It chased us and we had to run through the jungle in the middle of the night!” Ben Dessen by Lorna Gordon Snakes and lizards may not be everyone’s cut of tea when it comes to pet’s but for Ben Dessen they […]

By Lorna Gordon As a mother of two children with special needs, I know the value of a support network to help you out, so I was thrilled to speak to Sandy Golder, one of the founders of the Thrive Tribe & Co community network. Thrive Tribe & Co supports parents of children with special […]

“It was a fraught time for all of us because we weren’t permitted to carry weapons whereas the Indonesians and the FPM forces were armed to the hilt.” Graeme Simms By Greg Martin She Who Has Never, Ever Been Disobeyed sent yours truly on a mission to “find me petunias” and my first port of […]

This weekend, learn sustainable tips from some of the biggest names in fashion and finance as part of the Hills’ Garage Sale Trail celebrations. Register now for one of the FREE online masterclasses being presented tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday (7 November) and you can use your new found expertise to sell your wares at the […]