LOCAL LIFE for a fairer Hills future
are suffering from the impact of rapid population growth.
“ The Premier has acknowledged the heavy lifting The Hills is doing for the housing crisis. The Government’ s defence is to blame the rapid population growth and lack of infrastructure on previous governments.
“ While successive governments have contributed, we need the current NSW Government to have a better plan to tackle our population growth instead of unclear funding announcements and past funding commitments not backed by a delivery program.
“ I was pleased the Federal Government stepped in with the $ 220 million upgrade for Windsor Road. Given they are responsible for our population growth rate, it’ s only fair they shoulder the burden of improving infrastructure and services to support their population growth.
“ I’ d like to thank every single person who supported our campaign by signing the petition and spreading the word. I’ d also like to thank my fellow Councillors and Council staff who were on the ground beside me explaining our campaign in shopping centres, sports fields, progress associations, and more.
“ We still have a long way to go before our infrastructure needs are met, but this campaign has shown our community is determined to advocate for the basics we need in the face of an unprecedented population boom.”
During the six-month Fight for a Fairer Hills Future campaign:
- The petition on the NSW Parliament’ s website received over 20,000 signatures. Any petition that receives over 20,000 signatures must be debated by the Legislative Assembly. This means when the matter is tabled, the concerns of our residents will be heard and debated by decision makers, and the Government will be required to respond.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed $ 220 million to upgrade Windsor Road at Rouse Hill. An additional $ 20 million was committed for a planning study to improve travel times on Old Windsor Road, between Kellyville and Northmead.
- A pop-up high school in Box Hill was announced to cater to Year 7-8 students while a more permanent facility is built.
- The NSW Government announced $ 11.7 million in funding for three Box Hill projects- the construction of The Water Lane, land acquisition towards a new fire station and the planning and design of the Terry Road Upgrade.
- The NSW Government announced a temporary overflow car park at Kellyville Metro Station will be implemented for 150 additional parking spaces until mid-2026.
For more information about the campaign, visit: www. fairerhillsfuture. com. au
Pedalling for a Purpose: Tour de V Centre to tackle veteran homelessness
This October, a group of dedicated cyclists will embark on a 460km journey from Warrnambool to Box Hill in the inaugural Tour de V Centre.
Running from 12 – 16 October, the ride will raise awareness of the pressing issue of veteran homelessness across Australia, as well as highlight services that are available to veterans who are struggling.
One such service is Vasey RSL Care’ s V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program, an industry-first initiative located in Ivanhoe. Opened in February 2024, the program combines safe accommodation with tailored support services for veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or struggling to adjust to civilian life.
Alarmingly, veterans are almost three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population, with approximately 6,000 veterans currently without a home. Suicide rates are also significantly higher among veterans – double for men and even higher for women compared to civilians.
Chris Gray, Executive General Manager Veteran Services at Vasey RSL Care, said he hoped the ride would open up vital conversations.
“ It’ s really important to make sure that regional communities are aware of the supports available to veterans, particularly housing solutions and specialist programs. This event will bring communities together and remind veterans they are not alone.”
Adam Kent, a Warrnambool-based veteran and co-organiser of the ride, said the event represents the power of community.
“ I really believe in approaches where everyone comes together to support those who need it. Veterans, and anyone who is struggling, deserve to know that they are not alone – that the community is right behind them.”
The Tour de V Centre coincides with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Health Week, further highlighting the importance of community support and understanding of the challenges faced by veterans.
Riders will stop in Ararat, Ballarat, and Geelong before crossing the finish line in Box Hill, with community events and fundraising dinners planned along the way.
For more information or to get involved, visit: www. vaseyrslcare. org. au / tour-de-v-centre /
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 124 // OCTOBER 2025 5