LIFE & STYLE
Celebrate community this October with Hello Hornsby
Hornsby Shire Council is proud to present a series of inclusive and uplifting community events this October, designed to support youth, carers, and grandparents across the Shire.
The events are part of the Hello Hornsby initiative – once a program for residents aged 60 years and over, now a vibrant platform for everyone in the community to connect. This October, whether you’ re preparing for exams, a carer in need of connection, or looking for a way to spend quality time with the grandchildren, Hello Hornsby has support and activities tailored for you.
Pizza Pop Up for Mental Health Month – Wednesday 1 October and Wednesday 8 October As part of Mental Health Month, Pizza Pop Up events will be held on Wednesday 1 October at Galston Skate Park from 12pm to 1pm, and on Wednesday 8 October at Berowra Skate Park from 12pm to 1pm. All are welcome to drop in, enjoy a slice of pizza and a cold drink, connect with the community, and take away information about community events, activities, and resources to support health and wellbeing. No bookings are needed.
Carers Week Morning Teas – Tuesday 14 October and Friday 17 October In recognition of the invaluable role carers play in our community, Hornsby Shire Council will host a special morning tea from 10am to 11.30am on Tuesday 14 October at The Brook Eatery, Cherrybrook Shopping Village to celebrate and support those who care for others. There will also be another morning tea for people with dementia and their carers on Friday 17 October from 10am to 11am at Hornsby Library. These events will offer a chance to connect, share experiences, and enjoy a moment of respite. Bookings are not required.
HSC Afternoon Tea – Wednesday 22 October To support local students during the HSC period, a relaxing afternoon tea will be held from 2.30pm to 4.00pm on Wednesday 22
October in Hornsby Library. Students are invited to take a well-earned break, connect with peers, and enjoy free refreshments in a calm and welcoming environment. Additional opening hours of
Grandparents Day at Koala Park.
Hornsby Library and Pennant Hills Library will also be available from 7 October to assist students with study, with students permitted to arrive between 9am and 9.15am on weekdays.
Grandparents Day at Koala Park – Sunday 26 October Grandparents in Hornsby Shire are invited to bring their grandchildren along to Koala Park for a special day out in celebration of Grandparents Day on Sunday 26 October. Free tickets are available and must be booked online. Tickets grant entry to Koala Park between 9am and 11am on the day. Spaces are limited, so early booking is encouraged.
The Hello Hornsby program launched in 2022 with a grant from the NSW Government, initially aimed to help bring residents aged over 60 together to connect and try new activities. Thanks to funding from the Special Rate Variation, the program has been able to continue and now also includes youth, families, and individuals living with a disability.
“ These events reflect our commitment to fostering community connection and supporting residents with a variety of needs,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor, Warren Waddell.
“ Hello Hornsby is about creating opportunities for people to come together, meet new friends, and enjoy the richness of life in our Shire. We are excited to
HSC students in Hornsby Library, 2024. see the community come alive with these diverse and engaging activities.” For more information or to book tickets, visit: https:// www. hornsby. nsw. gov. au / hellohornsby
Hills schools at breaking point as population booms
The school’ s crisis in The Hills Shire continues to worsen, with 13 schools already operating above their enrolment cap and three schools being forced to accommodate more than double their intended student capacity.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, has warned that the situation is becoming increasingly dire, with the NSW Government failing to match its radical housing reforms with the infrastructure funding required.
Schools under strain While funding for new schools remains scarce, existing campuses are crumbling under record enrolments, with dozens of demountables in use and many facilities falling below standard.
This comes as 20,000 NSW residents have signed a petition on the NSW Parliament website, demanding investment in better roads, schools, parks and infrastructure for the fastgrowing Hills Shire.
“ We are one of the fastest-growing councils in the country, with the most overcrowded schools in the state. While the NSW Government is approving tens of thousands of homes in our Shire, they are doing nothing to address the school’ s crisis,” Mayor Byrne said.
“ When we launched our Fairer Hills Future campaign, we identified 13 new schools would be needed by 2035. With additional housing reforms such as Low-to-Mid Rise planning and the Housing Delivery Authority, that figure has now increased to 15.”
She added that The Hills is facing more applications under the State’ s Low-to-Mid Rise reforms than any other council, while the HDA is fast-tracking nearly 6,000 homes in the LGA.
“ Meanwhile, we have no indication of how the NSW Government will help Hills families cope with today’ s overcrowding let alone the tidal wave of students expected over coming years.”
Parents have reported children enduring mould-covered demountables and outdated toilets at Baulkham Hills North Public, asbestos-affected buildings at Castle Hill High, and such poor Wi-Fi that Department of Education staff bring their own 5G dongles when visiting. Katherine Kirk, President of Castle Hill High School P & C, said that the local high school, which had been in the media over asbestos issues, is stretched far beyond its capacity, with nearly 2,000 students on a site originally designed for just 900.
“ This severe overcrowding has left us relying on 51 demountables, with facilities simply not fit for purpose with outdated toilets, no change rooms, poor drainage, weak Wi-Fi, and no covered walkways or bus shelters,” Mrs Kirk said.
“ While asbestos is well managed by the Department of Education, the broader infrastructure issues are separate. Despite funding being approved, projects have been delayed two to three years, even in unaffected areas. Government intervention is urgently needed to bring our school up to a safe, modern standard.”
At Baulkham Hills North Public School, Vice President of the P & C, Nadine Vijaykumar, said 20 ageing demountables were leaking and fostering mould growth.
“ Our children are disadvantaged by inadequate facilities,” Ms Vijaykumar said.
“ Our library is tiny, our hall is undersized, and the kids don’ t have the open space needed for play-based learning. The P & C even had to raise funds for modern AV equipment.”
Demand for 15 new schools Hills Shire Council estimates that 15 new public schools will be required across the region to cope with the booming population, particularly in Cherrybrook, Castle Hill, Norwest, Bella Vista / Kellyville, Box Hill, and Gables.
More details about the campaign are available at www. fairerhillsfuture. com. au
16 ISSUE 124 // OCTOBER 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT