LOCAL LIFE
way to celebrate the spirit of the season and bring people together.
“ It’ s heartwarming to see our community come together to celebrate Christmas right here in The Hills,” Mayor Byrne said.
“ Join me for the big switch on at Illuminate the Hills, explore the sparkling displays, and find the perfect Christmas gifts at our one night only market. Then come along to my Children’ s Christmas Party, where there’ ll be Christmas themed crafts and a special visit from Santa.” CHRISTMAS BONANZA Illuminate The Hills Christmas Market From 5pm on Sunday, 30 November 2025. Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden, Roxborough Park Road, Baulkham Hills. Wander through festive installations, meet Santa and Mrs Claus, enjoy carols, shop boutique stalls, and grab a bite from the food trucks. Illuminate The Hills Nightly from Monday, 1 December 2025 to Thursday, 1 January 2026. Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden, Roxborough Park Road, Baulkham Hills. Experience the six metre walk-through Christmas tree, nativity scene, giant bauble seat, glowing star displays, twinkling lights, and more each night from 7pm. Mayor’ s Children’ s Christmas Party 10am to 2pm on Sunday, 7 December 2025. Bella Vista Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista. Enjoy free face painting, cookie decorating, Christmas crafts, and inflatable games, with rides, food, and drinks available for purchase.
Special honours for students across the Hills
A highlight of the Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville calendar is its annual Year 6 Writing Competition, celebrating literacy and creativity among students across the Hills and surrounding districts. This year’ s event culminated in an awards night on August 25 at The Lyceum, Castle Hill RSL Club, attended by 189 guests including students, parents, teachers, special guests and Rotary members.
This year marked two milestones- 50 years since the Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville was founded and 20 years of the Writing Competition, which continues to grow in popularity among local schools.
“ The purpose of the competition is to promote literacy among Year 6 students in the Hills district,” said club president John van den Burg.“ This year’ s narrative topic was‘ I saw my friend being bullied by some kids in the school playground’. The quality of the entries made judging a real challenge. The competition remains a highlight of our Rotary year as it encourages literacy and supports youth development.”
Students from 14 local schools participated, including Bella Vista, Crestwood, Excelsior, Ironbark Ridge, Jasper Road, Kellyville, Matthew Pearce, Sherwood Ridge, Winston Hills, Our Lady of the Angels, Our Lady of the Rosary, Rouse Hill Anglican College, St Angela’ s and St Michael’ s.
Student winners: 1st – Kayesha Verma, Crestwood Public School( pictured) 2nd – Connor Behrens, Rouse Hill Anglican College 3rd – Ella Yoon, Winston Hills Public School
School winners: 1st – Ironbark Ridge Public School 2nd – Excelsior Public School 3rd – Winston Hills Public School
Winners received trophies and monetary prizes thanks to event patrons and Five Senses Education. The club also acknowledged Castle Hill RSL and ClubGRANTS NSW for supporting the presentation night.
The Hills-Kellyville Rotary Club continues to champion youth programs and community initiatives locally, nationally, and abroad.
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 125 // NOVEMBER 2025 5