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... FROM THE PUBLISHER’ S DESK... Your thoughts? julie @ hdinews. com. au
As we reach the final edition of the year, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports The Independent, whether you’ re an advertiser, a reader, or one of the many community voices who share their stories with us each month. This magazine exists because of you. Your support allows us to shine a light on the people, places and projects that make our region so special.
This month we celebrate Hawkesbury’ s Finest, recognising the achievements of Scott Hinks( pages 6 & 7), a local who embodies the spirit of contribution and community pride. We also bring you the first look at the newly unveiled artist’ s impression of the purpose-built ambulance station planned for South Windsor( page 8), a major step forward in strengthening emergency and mobile medical care for our region.
In Hawkesbury History( page 10), Michelle Nichols and Jonathan Auld take us back through the traditions of celebrating Christmas in the Hawkesbury. Meanwhile, experts warn that Australia’ s new social-media age restrictions could pose fresh privacy challenges for young people( page 17).
And don’ t forget Rotary Carols return to Richmond Oval on 14 December from 6.30pm. Bring a rug, arrive early and settle in for a wonderful community night.
There’ s plenty more inside too: sport, local stories, movie ticket giveaways, Duckman, Harpo, and even a family pass to Cirque Alice up for grabs( page 28).
From all of us at The Independent, Merry Christmas. We hope you enjoy a safe and happy New Year with your loved ones.
See you all in 2026!
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Issue 187 | December 2025 Phone 4588 5055 | e: info @ hdinews. com. au theindependentmagazine. com. au
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We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. The Independent is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 187 // DECEMBER 2025 3 MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!