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March is one of my favourite months , the extreme heat drops and gives way to warm days and nights . Moving the body is much more doable , which leads us into our Challenge column , p14 , where our writer Lorna is setting herself and you a walking challenge !
Hornsby Shire Council is running free guided bushwalks , which offer a wonderful opportunity to keep active whilst learning about our incredible bushlands . The walks are of various lengths and interests , p27 .
Staying outdoors , gardening is another enjoyable activity as we come into autumn . To that end , Help Hornsby Shire ’ s bushland flourish initiative welcomes the return of its Native Plant Giveaways program this month . Residents can make an appointment at the Community Nursery to collect four free plants , p9 .
Seniors Week is back and this year ’ s
theme is ‘ time to shine ’. The Hills Shire ’ s Seniors Festival has a huge array of events from 2 to 16 March , which includes open day at Bella Vista Farm , Tai Chi , a movie screening , expo and Jazz at the Pines in Dural , p15-21 .
The Capturing the Spirit of the River photography competition had over 600 entries which indicates this inaugural event has been a huge success . Winners for six categories were announced and there were some remarkable entries depicting the Hawkesbury-Nepean river , a life line for farmers , p8 .
International Women ’ s Day ( IWD ) is on 8 March , this year ’ s theme is Accelerate Action . It emphasises the need of making strides towards gender inequality much faster . Norwest Sunrise Rotary Club is hosting a breakfast to mark the event on 7 March at the Hills Shire Café , Norwest . The breakfast has four powerful female leaders lined up as speakers , p22 .
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