HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 116 February 2025 | Page 19

OUT & ABOUT

Bushcare meets baby care Hornsby Shire Council launches unique Bushcare group for new parents

New parents in Hornsby Shire have a fresh opportunity to connect with nature , build friendships , and get some welldeserved “ me-time ” with Hornsby Shire Council ’ s innovative new initiative : the New -Bub Bushcare group .
Launched in November 2024 with 15 mums and dads , the unique program is designed to combat the social isolation and feelings of being overwhelmed that many new parents experience . It combines Bushcare with wellbeing , offering parents a chance to nurture their mental health while nurturing the environment .
Sessions are held every third Monday of the month , from 10am to 12pm at Mount Colah Community Hall . The first hour is dedicated to Bushcare , where parents help maintain the bushland surrounding Mount Colah Community Hall under the guidance of a qualified and experienced Bushcare Trainer ( Council staff ).
During this time , free babysitting is provided by trained TAFE students who are supervised by a Child Safety Officer from Hornsby Shire Council .
Following the Bushcare session , parents reunite with their children for a relaxed social hour , complete with light refreshments , offering new mums a chance to drink a cup of tea or coffee while it ’ s still warm .
“ New-Bub Bushcare is as much about self-care as it is about bush
Parents at the first New-Bub Bushcare session .
care . The program achieves several strategic priorities , including reducing social isolation , enhancing community participation and recruiting new Bushcare members ,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell .
“ We hope that parents in our community will come along , give it a try , and experience the many benefits this group offers – for themselves , their children , and the local environment .”
Science shows that being in nature can boost mood and enhance happiness , thanks to beneficial bacteria in soil . New- Bub Bushcare combines this with the sense of accomplishment from helping local bushland thrive , social interaction with other parents , and a break from home-based distractions .
One of the parents who participated
New-Bub Bushcare .
in the trial , Liching Yew , shared her experience , “ It was a truly wonderful experience and a much-needed opportunity for new mums like me to connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment .”
Babies and young children are cared for by students enrolled in TAFE NSW ’ s Adult Migrant English Program who have completed child safety training through TAFE childcare centres and hold Working with Children Checks .
Hornsby Shire Council ’ s Bushcare program is a well-established and leading environmental program where members of the community help restore local bushland , through controlling weeds and planting local native species , whilst also learning about native flora and fauna . The next New-Bub Bushcare will
be held on Monday , 17 February 2025 . Parents are invited to express their interest in joining via www . hornsby . nsw . gov . au / bub-bushcare .
New mum Liching Yew with her baby at New- Bub Bushcare .

Sparkling Wahroonga - a feast for the senses in Wahroonga Park

Wahroonga Park will come alive with flavour and festivity on Sunday , 2 March 2025 , as the inaugural Sparkling Wahroonga Food + Wine Festival makes its grand debut . This free-entry event promises a day of indulgence , celebrating New South Wales ’ finest cellar door wines , small-batch spirits , craft beers , and gourmet delights .
Festival goers can look forward to sampling exceptional offerings from 30 acclaimed NSW wineries , including De Beaurepaire Wines , Tamburlaine Organic Wines , and Petersons House . Renowned for their sparkling , white , red , and rosé selections , these producers highlight the diversity and quality of the region ’ s wine industry .
In addition to wine , the festival will feature 10 boutique distilleries showcasing artisanal spirits , including Bondi Liquor Co . and Wolf & Woman Distillery , alongside craft brews from Six String Brewing Company and North ’ s Collective Depot Beer . Complementing the beverages , 10 gourmet food vendors will serve a variety of cuisines , from Lucio Pizzeria ’ s wood-fired creations to Alejandro ’ s Authentic Italian and Smokey Sue ’ s BBQ .
Visitors can also indulge in elevated seafood offerings from The Greens North Sydney , paired with premium Piper- Heidsieck Champagne and Robert Oatley wines . This exquisite menu , crafted by
Executive Chef Chris Behre , promises to elevate the culinary experience .
The festival isn ’ t just about food and drink . Live music from talented community bands will set the tone , with genres ranging from jazz to contemporary hits performed on the picturesque rotunda stage . For those seeking unique finds , a 15-stall artisan showcase will feature handcrafted goods and local produce .
Wine enthusiasts can purchase tasting packages starting at $ 38.50 , including a branded wine tumbler and five tasting tickets . Pre-sale packages are available online for priority pickup or can be purchased on the day .
Supported by Ku-Ring-Gai Council and The Greens North Sydney , Sparkling Wahroonga is set to be an unforgettable celebration of local culture , bringing together the community for a day of effervescent enjoyment .
Details at a glance : Sunday , 2 March 2025 , 11am – 5pm at Wahroonga Park , Upper North Shore , Sydney . Free and open to all ages .
Mark your calendars and join the festivities . Follow @ wahroongafoodandwine on socials or visit wahroongafoodandwinefestival . com . au for updates . Don ’ t miss out on this sparkling celebration !
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR ! ISSUE 116 // FEBRUARY 2025 17