It ’ s January . The start of a new year which will hopefully be better for our community than the previous two have been . Here ’ s to looking forward to new opportunities and learning from experiences past , where our resilience was tested in ways none of us could have imagined .

Our year in review on pages 8 and 9 highlights some of the events which marked how we celebrated and coped in our everyday lives .

With the local government elections being finalised last month and an upcoming federal election just waiting in the wings , we need to look ahead with confidence to ensure our district continues to thrive and recover from the long-lasting consequences of the pandemic .

Our Hills Finest story for the start of

2022 is one of community service , specialist care and commitment . Dr Ruth Parsell is the deputy medical director of the rapid response service for CareFlight .

She is no stranger to dealing with emergencies , of which we ’ ve had many over past months . Dr Ruth began her medical career as a paramedic and her story about setting her dreams high and the pathway she took to becoming a specialist doctor is inspiring , especially for our recent school leavers or those training in the medical profession this year . You can read about Dr Ruth on p6-7 . And with those thoughts of planning for a ‘ sky ’ s the limit ’ future , all of us here at the Independent wish you a prosperous year ahead in whatever pathway you choose .

We look forward to sharing it with you .

We are currently looking for dynamic and enthusiastic individuals to become a bus driver at our Windsor & Blacktown depots .

• Extensive training program and ongoing support

• Casual positions with the potential to progress to full time

If you think this is you or you would like to learn more , contact us today !

Busways is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from people representing all diversity groups and ages such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander , LGBTI , people with disabilities , religious beliefs and ethnicity .

Busways is the largest Australian private bus company , committed to providing safe , reliable bus services .

• Career Advancement opportunities

• Immediate start

• Work locally and support your community

APPLICATIONS & ENQUIRIES TO recruitment @ busways . com . au or phone 02 9497 1800

HILLS DISTRICT

Issue 79 | January 2022 Phone 4588 5055 | e : info @ hdinews . com . au theindependentmagazine . com . au

Owner / Publisher | Julie Ryan // 0421 574 093 // info @ hdinews . com . au PO Box 16 WINDSOR NSW 2756

Creative Director | Natalie Reed // Natwest Creative Designs // 0411 030 474 www . natwestcreativedesigns . com . au | production @ hdinews . com . au

Printer | Spot Press , Marrickville • 2022

Julie Ryan 0421 574 093 Owner / Publisher

Myee Lallyette 0413 305 578 Advertising Sales

Maryann Jenkins 0427 442 452 Group Editor

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Kathryn Johnston 0422 404 366 Photographer

Lorraine Clifford 0488 025 533 Sub Editor

Disclaimer : The comments of columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Hills District Independent . The Hills District Independent nor any person acting on their behalf , may be held responsible for the use to which the information contained in this publication may be put , or for any errors which , despite careful preparation and checking , may appear .

Greg Martin 0420 655 524 Journalist

Lorna Gordon 0402 596 244 Freelance Writer

Patrick Staveley 0406 225 405 Journalist

Haley De Martin 0408 634 583 Social Media

Brisbane Waters National Park

Glossodia

North Wilberforce

South Maroota

NEWS

PENRITH

Shanes Park

Ropes Crossing

Marsden Park Rouse Hill

Dural North Kellyville

Schofields The Ponds

Beaumont Hills Glenhaven Kellyville Ridge

Kellyville Cherrybrook

Quakers Hill Willmot

Stanhope Hassall _Shalvey

Gardens Grove _Colbee Parklea

Bidwell _Glenwood Norwest

CASTLE HILL

Lethbridge Dean Park

Acacia Gardens

Park Blackett Oakhurst

Bella Vista

Emerton Kings Park Tregear _Hebersham Glendenning _Marayong Kings Langley

Dharruk Plumpton Woodcroft Baulkham

Whalan Doonside

Hills

Rooty Hill Mount Druitt

BLACKTOWN Lalor Park North Rocks

Bungarribee Winston Hills _Carlingford

Seven Hills Arndell Park

Northmead Minchinbury

Huntingwood Prospect

Eastern Creek

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PARRAMATTA

THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 79 // JANUARY 2022 3