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Free rapid antigen tests (RAT) will no longer be available for concession card holders from 1 August as the federal government restricts eligibility to its Concessional Access Program. Commonwealth concession card holders include pensioners and veterans. However today (Friday, 15 July), the NSW Government announced it will provide free rapid antigen tests to vulnerable communities […]

Three of Blacktown’s finest were recognised in the recent Blacktown City NAIDOC Awards held at Nurragingy Reserve. Sports Person of the Year was presented to Lucy Doole-Dunham; Young Achiever of the Year went to Aaliyah Jane Thomas, while Debra Hansel was named Citizen of the Year. “Whether it be on stage, in the community or […]

Recovery Centres are open at Wisemans Ferry and South Windsor and four community hubs are also open throughout the district. If you have been impacted by flooding, you can visit the Recovery Centres for assistance from government and non-government agencies with: Financial assistance for individuals, primary producers and small businesses Accommodation advice Help with replacing […]

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has registered new rules to require Telcos to identify, trace and block SMS scams. Working with industry peak body Communications Alliance, ACMA developed the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam Short Messages industry code in response to evidence that SMS scams are increasing in prevalence and impact. The move […]

*FRNSW Windsor salvage and clean up video below* Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Strike Teams have been on the ground this and last week, assisting residents in our district’s worst flood affected areas. Five additional Strike Teams, comprising 80 personnel and 25 fire vehicles, were deployed to flood zones including the Hawkesbury-Nepean valley. Dozens of […]

Investigations continue into the tragic death of Cattai pilot Carl Hearps, 67, after his helicopter crashed at South Maroota while assisting in the Hawkesbury-Nepean flood effort. Officers attached to Hawkesbury Police Area Command, PolAir, Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance helicopter, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW SES and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter responded to reports of the […]

Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly is backing three tactics – Pre-release of dam water, raising the dam wall, private sector buy up of flood prone lands. Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly is calling for urgent ‘practical’ flood mitigation work to commence immediately and ‘undoing past planning errors’ to protect residents of the Hawkesbury-Nepean flood plain. “After this […]

The Careflight helicopter landed in North Richmond this morning to respond to reports of a teenager suffering a medical episode on Grose Vale Road. The aeromedical team loaded the boy and airlifted him to Westmead Children’s Hospital in a stable condition as the bridge was still closed by floodwaters. “This was a concerning time for […]

Residents are exhausted and completely over having to go through the clean-up and rebuild time and again – Hawkesbury Mayor Patrick Conolly. “It’s time for a decision on flood mitigation – we need the NSW Government to raise Warragamba Dam wall now.” Both Hawkesbury City Mayor Patrick Conolly and The Hills Shire Mayor Peter Gangemi […]

Following The Hills Shire being declared a natural disaster zone, Mayor Dr Peter Gangemi has thanked the Australian and State governments for their support during the latest flood crisis to affect the district. The declaration allows residents who have been affected by this natural disaster to claim for funding and access support to help them […]

Community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 now to be part of the 65th annual NSW Seniors Festival. Castle Hill MP Ray Williams wants to see groups help fill the 2023 calendar with engaging and empowering activities for older people in the district. “This year’s Seniors Festival included computer […]

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have provided pictures of a rescue of two people and six horses, trapped by floodwater in Sackville North yesterday (Tuesday). SES and FRNSW services were called to Pages Wharf Road in Sackville North at 2pm after a woman raised concerns for her parents who were unable to make it […]