LOCAL LIFE
Diane Williams
Nearly five decades down the track, Diane Williams still retains a passion for the Girl Guides movement. Here she is pictured with some of the latest group of young guides to be, well, guided by her to become good citizens.
to destinations including Norfolk Island, England, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, India, Mexico, Singapore, Hong Kong, France and the United States.
For 35 years, she also helped distribute The Waratah, the movement’ s monthly magazine. And for the past 16 years, she has volunteered monthly at Hawkesbury District Hospital, delivering books and bright conversation to patients.
Now 76, Diane reflects on the strong women who supported her journey and the hundreds of girls she has mentored.
“ I believe I haven’ t done my job if any girl leaves unhappy,” she says.“ My aim has always been to encourage them to bring out the best in themselves.”
It’ s safe to say that Hawkesbury’ s own“ Brown Owl” has done exactly that lighting the way for generations to follow.
Development consent paves the way for an adventure for all at Camp Yarramundi
The Y NSW has reached a major milestone in its vision to transform Camp Yarramundi into one of Australia’ s most inclusive outdoor education destinations, with Development Consent officially granted by Hawkesbury City Council.
The approval clears the way for the next phase of a significant redevelopment of the 35-acre site on the banks of the Grose River, which has served the community since 1937. Backed by the NSW Government’ s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grant Program, the project will expand capacity, improve safety and accessibility, and deliver contemporary outdoor learning experiences for children, young people and community groups across the state.
Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh said the redevelopment would build on the camp’ s proud legacy.“ Camp Yarramundi has shaped generations of young people through adventure, learning and connection to nature. This redevelopment allows us to create a safe, inclusive camp that empowers young people to grow, learn and
thrive,” he said. The upgrade will include new and enhanced all-abilities programs, high and low ropes courses, giant swings, rock climbing and abseiling, team challenge zones and accessible adventure infrastructure. Once complete, the site will accommodate up to 466 participants in activities at any one time.
Six new architect-designed lodges will provide approximately 466 beds, increasing total capacity from 260 to 466 guests, alongside upgrades to existing cabins to meet modern accessibility standards.
Sustainability measures, including solar systems, water-saving initiatives and improved site access, are also part of the plan.
Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with the revitalised Camp Yarramundi aiming to reopen in late 2027.
KURMOND
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 190 // MARCH 2026 7