Getting to the Hawkesbury Show EXTRA TRAINS , STAFF AND
BETTER CAR ACCESS
To ensure your arrival and access into the Hawkesbury Show is easier with minimal fuss this year , the HDAA committee has been busy working with police and authorities to move people around the showground precinct .
Because of its record crowds and the fact it ’ s the biggest Ag Show outside the Sydney Royal , thousands of people converge on the showground every day for this outstanding three-day event being held from 6-8 May .
HDAA says plans have been put in place to ensure patrons can enter the grounds with minimal hold-ups , and urge showgoers to “ please be patient ” as thousands of visitors and families move through the area .
“ In accordance with the requirements and directives of NSW Police and Traffic NSW a no-right-hand-turn WILL BE PERMITTED to vehicular traffic between 9am and 11.30pm on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 May ; and 9am to 5pm on Sunday 8 May turning into Racecourse Road from both Richmond / Blacktown
Road and Hawkesbury Valley Way ,” the committee said .
“ Additionally , also during these hours a no-right-hand-turn WILL BE PERMITTED to vehicular traffic turning onto Richmond / Blacktown Road from Racecourse Road .” Catch the train The HDAA committee is also encouraging visitors to catch the train to Clarendon Station , which is within metres of the entry gates . Additional tap-on , tapoff points are being installed for the event to move passengers quickly through the platform .
“ Clarendon station is right across the road from our Gate 1 entry . Sydney Trains will be putting on extra services to make travelling easier and we will also be providing a free on-ground parking facility .”
For further information about the show , admission prices , parking and disability access , go to hawkesburyshowground . com . au / show / hawkesbury-show or call 4577 3591 .
HIDDEN IN THE HILLS
HIDDEN IN THE HILLS Terrestrial orchids
by Lachlan Turner
There are many ground hugging orchids that start flowering in early autumn , lasting through to late spring . One such plant is the Trim Greenhood Orchid , or Pterostylis concinna . When this plant flowers it stands up about 250mm above the grassy environment in which it prefers to live .
Its preferred habitat is the more open woodland that provides adequate shelter from strong sunlight . It is often found in quite large colonies within a local habitat growing amongst shorter sedges and grasses .
A similar species is the Blunt Greenhood or Pterostylis curta which does not have the horn-like sepals protruding upwards from either side of the flower .
An unrelated terrestrial orchid is the Red Beard Orchid , Calochilus paludosis . The flower stem is up to 400mm tall and carries numerous flowers which are characterised by hair-like extensions resembling a man ’ s long and untrimmed beard .
This can be found growing in scattered areas of suitable habitat along the coast of eastern New South Wales , west to the Blue Mountains . Surviving in dry , sandy as well as swampy conditions it is found in both heath and woodland environments , frequently growing under eucalypts .
As with many ground orchids there are some related species , which can overlap in similar habitats . The Copper Beard Orchid , Calochilus campestris , grows on 600mm stems and tends towards bluish purple-coloured hairs . Whilst the Purplish Beard Orchid , Calochilus robertsonii , grows on 450mm stems , and the hairs tend to be bronze purple in colour .
Yet another orchid sometimes found growing from the fissures in large sandstone rock formations is the distinctive mauve coloured Hyacinth Orchid or Dipodium punctatum . This particular orchid gains its nutrients from decaying vegetable matter found either in leaf litter or in rocky locations .
TH
HAWKESBURY SHOW
6 - 7 - 8
MAY 2022
Hawkesbury Showground Racecourse Road , CLARENDON BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE ! www . hawkesburyshowground . com . au
TRAFFIC IMPACT DELAYS MAY OCCUR
Where the Country meets the City
From stunning fireworks to exhilarating rides and a spectacular celebration of Australian cultural and rural traditions , there ’ s three days of entertainment , activities and competitions to satisfy the whole family at the Hawkesbury Show .
Easy access , free parking and expansive lawns ensure a relaxed and fun day out for everyone .
COVIDsafe requirements will be in place . FOR SHOW UPDATES
30 ISSUE 83 // MAY 2022 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT