HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT IND 190 March 2026 | страница 3

... FROM THE PUBLISHER’ S DESK... Your thoughts? julie @ hdinews. com. au

March has arrived in a burst of colour and what a fitting theme for this month’ s issue.

Our cover celebrates the NSW Seniors Festival and the incredible contribution older residents make to the Hawkesbury every single day. Pages 18 – 21 are dedicated to celebrating experience, resilience and the joy of living life in full colour. Our seniors are not just part of our story- they are the backbone of our community, volunteers, carers, mentors and quiet achievers who shape the fabric of this region.

At the same time, there are important conversations unfolding across the district. On page 5, you’ ll find details about Hawkesbury City Council’ s proposed 40 % rate rise and how you can have your say through IPART before 9 March. Whether you support it or oppose it, I strongly encourage you to make your voice heard. Community feedback matters and this is your opportunity to be part of the process. This issue also showcases the very best of local life from inspiring community champions like Diane Williams, to fascinating local history, sport, music, and the small businesses that keep our towns thriving. Every page reflects the heart of the Hawkesbury.

Behind the scenes, we are also preparing for an exciting new chapter with the launch of Western Sydney Seniors in May- a dedicated lifestyle magazine for the rapidly growing over- 55s community across the Greater West. It’ s an exciting expansion, and I can’ t wait to share more with you soon.

As always, thank you for supporting local journalism, local advertisers and local stories. This publication exists because of you- our readers, contributors and businesses who believe in the power of community. Live life in colour this March.

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INDEPENDENT Issue 190 | March 2026 Phone [phone] | e: info @ hdinews. com. au theindependentmagazine. com. au

The Independent Magazine acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which our company is located and where we conduct our business.

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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Paul McDarmont

0400 774 102 paul @ landscapelogicnsw. com. au www. landscapelogicnsw. com. au

LAUNCH issue MAY 2026

Western Sydney is the fastest growing senior population in Australia.

The NEW Western Sydney Seniors magazine launches in May as the definitive lifestyle publication for the 1.2 million residents aged 55 + across the Greater West.

Be part of the launch issue & harness the region’ s rapidly growing Silver Economy!

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LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR OVER 55s IN WESTERN SYDNEY

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Julie: 0421 574 093 • David: 0412 448 883 • Myee: 0413 305 578

THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 190 // MARCH 2026 3