Local heroes whose selfless efforts have transformed lives were celebrated during The Hills Shire Council ’ s Australia Day Awards at the Pioneer Theatre on Wednesday 22 January .

The event celebrated the extraordinary contributions of individuals and groups across five categories : Community Group of the Year , Environmental Citizen of the Year , Young Citizen of the Year , Senior Citizen of the Year , and Citizen of the Year .

Mayor of The Hills Shire , Dr Michelle Byrne said the afternoon was a fantastic way to honour those who tirelessly devote themselves to serving the local community without seeking rewards or recognition for their work .

“ I am incredibly thankful for the efforts of these exceptional individuals and groups whose selfless contributions to our community make the Shire a better place ,” Mayor Byrne said .

“ Their remarkable efforts reflect the true essence of Australian values and the spirit of mateship .

“ They remind us of the power of community and inspire each of us to make a meaningful difference .” The winners in each category were : Community Group of the Year

Winner : Bears of Hope

The Castle Hill organisation provides comfort , counselling , and resources for families who have experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy ,

magazine group

HAWKESBURY • HILLS • BLACKTOWN

Julie Ryan 0421 574 093 OWNER / EDITOR / PUBLISHER info @ hdinews . com . au PO Box 16 WINDSOR NSW 2756

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SUB EDITOR

Natalie Reed 0411 030 474 Natwest Creative Designs www . natwestcreativedesigns . com . au

production @ hdinews . com . au

Lorraine Clifford 0488 025 533 lorraine @ hdinews . com . au

birth , or infancy . The organisation offers fee free face-to-face counselling , support groups , community events , and education sessions for local hospitals . They also supply bears , resources , and cuddle cots to hospitals to help grieving families .

Highly Commended Hills Musical Theatre Company ( HMTC )

HMTC has been entertaining audiences throughout the Hills Shire for over 50 years . Their musicals have allowed people to participate and enjoy theatre within the community . Their musical , Seussical , was particularly noteworthy for its accessible and inclusive approach , featuring performers of all abilities . The production received praise from theatre enthusiasts and audience members alike for ensuring that everyone , regardless of background or ability , could participate in and enjoy live theatre .

Environmental Citizen of the Year Winner : Patrick Shirvington

Patrick is a renowned landscape artist and multimedia creator from the Hills , known for his work as an illustrator , curator , and children ’ s book illustrator , including Can You Find Me and Can You Find 12 Busy Bees . Passionate about the local environment , he works as a bush regenerator for the National Trust and shares his expertise through nature journalling workshops for The Hills Shire Council ’ s Environment Workshop program . Patrick has been an artist-inresidence at Bundanoon , Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre , and various schools across Sydney , focusing on landscapes and environmental art .

Young Citizen of the Year Winner : Megan Sutton

Megan is a dedicated advocate for disability awareness and a committed volunteer , known for her role as Run Director for the Rouse Hill Parkrun . Over eight years , she has volunteered more than 130 times , helping

organise , manage , and ensure the safety of participants in the weekly 5km community event . Megan lives with a disability and is passionate about advocacy including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme , which helps individuals with non-visible disabilities receive understanding and support in public spaces .

Megan is also actively involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award program , earning high commendation for her service at an institution for young people with intellectual disabilities . She volunteers at Camp Kedron , providing one-on-one support for children with additional needs . She has also received the Youth Community Award from the Order of Australia for her extensive volunteering and advocacy work . Winner : Ashleen Khela At 12-years-old , Ashleen is one of Australia ’ s youngest-ever female published authors . She has released her fiction book 17 Stories at just 11-yearsold , with proceeds being donated to Australian charities and to support aid programs in developing nations . She self-funded the production of the book through creative efforts like recycling bottles , selling backyard plants , and using her savings .

Senior Citizen of the Year Winner : Alan Grady

Alan has been a member of Rotary for 50 years and is an active participant in the Norwest Sunrise Rotary Club and the Wesley Castle Hill Uniting Church . He is also a charter member of the Hills Older Men ’ s Network . Always eager to contribute , Alan is quick to volunteer for various projects . He plays a significant role in selling Rotary Christmas trees , with the proceeds supporting various initiatives , activities , and charitable causes . For the past 20 years , Alan has worked in the Rotary Warehouse , where he helps pack donated medical and school supplies to be sent overseas .

Citizen of the Year Winner : Katherine Kirk

Katherine is a dedicated mother of five and serves as the President of the Castle High School Parents and Citizens ( P & C ) Association . In this role , she organises BBQ fundraisers , chairs meetings , and collaborates with others to ensure that teachers , staff , and students have the best possible learning environment .

She holds the position of Vice President at Northmead CAPA High School . Katherine has also supported local sporting clubs , including the Baulkham Hills Hawks AFL Club and Hills Spirit FC . Notably , she ensured that the new women ’ s team at Hills Spirit FC received uniforms upon their arrival at the club . Katherine also volunteers with the Castle Hill RSL Sub-Branch , where she helps organise events for veterans and their families . She plays a significant role in the Sport and Recreation program , which contributed to the Castle Hill Sub-Branch winning an award at the RSL NSW Congress in 2024 . Highly Commended : Tara Gleig Tara has been a member of the Hills Domestic Violence Prevention Committee since 2015 and has served as its secretary for the past two years . She also helps facilitate the annual Parent Forum . In addition , Tara runs the important Love Bites program , in collaboration with Hills Police Youth Officer Ethan West , at eight local high schools . This program reaches thousands of young people and educates them about respectful relationships .

Tara is licensed with Mental Health First Aid Australia and trains adults in Youth Mental Health First Aid , working closely with teachers . She also volunteers with the Shining Light Foundation , which supports the homeless . Tara works with students to fundraise and donate essential items , such as sun safety packs , to help those in need .

SENIOR JOURNALIST

Greg Martin 0420 655 524 greg @ hdinews . com . au

JOURNALIST

Maryann Callaghan 0427 442 452 maryann @ hdinews . com . au

FREELANCE WRITER

Lorna Gordon 0402 596 244 lorna @ hdinews . com . au

SPORTS WRITER

Matt Austin 0425 304 006 duckman @ hdinews . com . au

CONTRIBUTORS

John Macdonald Lachlan Turner