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NEWS IN BRIEF
Council expands its electric vehicle charging network
Electric vehicle owners can now enjoy fast and convenient charging with two electric vehicle charging stations now open in The Hills Shire Council ’ s Administration Building in Norwest , in the public car park on B2 level .
In addition to this , another two electric vehicle charging stations were installed in the building ’ s secure carpark for staff and tenants . Council also opened in September another two electric vehicle charging stations at its Waves and Fitness and Aquatic Centre in Baulkham Hills .
Mayor of The Hills Shire , Dr Peter Gangemi said he was thrilled to see more electric car charging stations open to support the growing number of electric vehicles among residents and visitors in The Hills Shire .
“ These new charging stations are perfectly situated in Council ’ s Administration Building which is located in the thriving Norwest Business Park and close to Castle Hill ’ s industrial area ,” Mayor Gangemi said .
“ The number of people making the switch to electric vehicles is growing and the inclusion of these charging stations will help residents , visitors and employees in Norwest Business Park and in the industrial area to conveniently charge their vehicles .
“ I look forward to seeing people using these charging stations , which supports Council ’ s own environmental goals . As well as helping our residents to become even more sustainable through the programs we offer .”
Mayor Gangemi thanked the Australian Government for their contribution towards the project .
Pharmacy reform to expand community health care
Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams MP has announced that the NSW Government will ease the pressure on patients who find it difficult to get an appointment with a GP , by making it easier to access more medications through a local pharmacy .
Mr Williams said the reform will expand the number of vaccinations pharmacists can administer , trial pharmacists prescribing medication for urinary tract infections and also develop a pilot for trained pharmacists to prescribe medications for a range of other conditions . The NSW Government will increase the community ’ s access to primary care through :
• Authorising pharmacists to administer a wider range of public health and travel vaccinations from 14 November 2022 , including Japanese Encephalitis , Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B , Poliomyelitis , Typhoid and Zoster .
• Funding a 12-month trial to evaluate allowing pharmacists to prescribe medication for urinary tract infections ; and
• Supporting a state wide pilot where appropriately trained pharmacists can prescribe medications for certain conditions , such as skin ailments , ear infections , and hormonal contraception .
Mr Williams said that the COVID-19 pandemic provided a prime example of just how vital of a role local pharmacists play in keeping the community safe and well .
Balcombe Heights Estate celebrates 100 years of community service Mayor of The Hills Shire , Dr Peter Gangemi joined Hills dignitaries , former students of the William Thompson Masonic School , the Balcombe Heights S355 committee and Hills District Historical Society members to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Balcombe Heights Estate on Friday , November 11 .
On the day , long-time member and President of the Balcombe Heights S355 , Connie Keith , accompanied Mayor Gangemi to unveil a plaque and showcase a banksia tree which was planted to mark the special anniversary .
“ For over 100 years , this facility has provided exceptional service to The Hills community and beyond – particularly during the great wars ,” Mayor Gangemi said .
“ Council is incredibly proud to be the custodian of this wonderful community asset and are very committed to ensuring this venue remains a much-loved location that the community can enjoy for years to come ,” he added .
4 ISSUE 90 // DECEMBER 2022 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT