OUT & ABOUT
Plants galore! MTGC Annual Open Day & Plant Sale
Garden lovers are invited to mark their calendars, with the Macquarie Towns Garden Club’ s annual Open Day and Plant Sale returning on Thursday, 5 March, from 11am to 1.30pm at Hawkesbury Central Library.
Held in partnership with the library, the popular event will take place in the Stan Stevens Room, Deerubbin Centre, 300 George Street, Windsor, and promises a wonderful selection of plants for every type of garden.
Club members have spent the long, hot summer busily propagating and nurturing a wide range of plants, all of which will be available on the day at bargain prices. Whether you are looking to fill gaps in your garden, try something new, or simply add to your collection,
there will be plenty to choose from. Better still, every customer will receive a free plant to take home.
The Open Day is also a great opportunity to chat with experienced gardeners, ask questions, and pick up practical tips and advice. Visitors are encouraged to stay for a cuppa and enjoy the friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Those attending should remember to bring a carry bag and cash, as no credit card facilities will be available.
For more information about the Macquarie Towns Garden Club, visit macquarietownsgardenclub. wordpress. com or contact Secretary Jill Storrie on 0400 225 009 or ardlui3 @ bigpond. net. au
Redbank North Richmond reflects on a
year of community connection
Redbank North Richmond wrapped up a standout year of community events, reinforcing its place within the Hawkesbury as a neighbourhood where local connections and community spirit continue to flourish.
Over the past 12 months, residents, families and local groups have come together through a carefully curated calendar of activities designed to strengthen neighbourly ties and encourage participation across all age groups. Set among the Hawkesbury’ s mix of open spaces, foothills and family-friendly streets, Redbank’ s approach has focused on creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect close to home.
2025 began with Meet Your Neighbours Day for the Central Park Precinct, welcoming new residents and reflecting the Hawkesbury tradition of friendly, close-knit communities where knowing your neighbours still matters. The event set the tone for a year centred on connection, inclusion and local pride.
Regular Village Markets soon became
VISIT ST VISIT ALBANS ST ALBANS THIS & VALENTINE WISEMANS FERRY’ S WEEKEND!
Journey through history and celebrate the elegance, artistry and craftsmanship of vintage masterpieces at St Albans alongside the Macdonald River.
stalbansvillagemarket. com. au a familiar and popular feature at Redbank Village, drawing residents from North Richmond and surrounding areas to support local stallholders, browse fresh produce and enjoy a relaxed catch-up with friends and neighbours. The markets helped activate the precinct while reinforcing the Hawkesbury’ s strong culture of supporting local businesses.
Seasonal celebrations also played a key role. Redbank Winterfest brought warmth and activity to the cooler months, while Halloween at Redbank offered a safe, family-friendly way for children to celebrate, with streets and shared spaces coming alive in a way that echoed the region’ s strong sense of community.
A major milestone was the Redbank Village Launch, marking the continued growth of the precinct as a central gathering place for North Richmond residents. The year concluded with the Light Up Redbank Christmas Lights activation, transforming the neighbourhood into a festive destination and creating a shared moment of celebration to close out the
VINTAGE CAR
GATHERING
SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 9AM- 1PM
2 Wharf St, St Albans Northern Hawkesbury
year. Redbank’ s Head of Community, Mitul Haque, said the success of the program reflects a strong local focus.
“ Redbank is probably the only residential development in the Hawkesbury with a dedicated community team,” he said.“ That allows us to work closely with residents, schools and local groups to deliver events that genuinely bring people together.”
Community Relations Coordinator Demi Morris said the emphasis has always been on people and place.
ST ALBANS VILLAGE MARKET
Sunday 15 February | 9am- 1pm
JOIN US ON A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME FOR VINTAGE CAR LOVERS!
The Historic Automobiles Group will be displaying their stunning pre-1931 vintage cars for all to enjoy, while sharing their passion and knowledge of these precious works of art.
St Albans is a perfect day-trip destination for family and friends Enjoy breath-taking views of the Hawkesbury River Valley as you descend into Wisemans Ferry. Turn left past the Police Station for 200 metres and board the Webbs Creek Ferry. It operates 24 / 7 and is free( just make sure your GPS is set to allow for ferries). From there, enjoy a scenic 21-kilometre drive alongside the Macdonald River on sealed and
“ The goal has always been to create more than just a place to live,” she said.“ It’ s about building a true sense of belonging- where people feel connected to their neighbours and proud to be part of the Hawkesbury community.”
As Redbank North Richmond continues to grow alongside the wider Hawkesbury region, the past year highlights how thoughtful, locally focused initiatives can strengthen connections and enrich everyday life- one event and one conversation at a time.
picturesque St Albans Road. Surrounded by wilderness, you’ ll feel as though little has changed over the years- with the region’ s rich history and natural beauty making St Albans an idyllic destination.
AND THEN THERE’ S MORE …...
• A Free Misting Tunnel to keep you and the kids cool
• The Ferry Artists Pop Up Gallery
• Historical Society Permanent Display
• Giant Kids Games set up in the shade, with dedicated seating
• Your fur babies are always welcome- on a lead, please
Please do come and share the love of these fine machines on this Valentine’ s Day Weekend.
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 189 // FEBRUARY 2026 25