Ruth Didsbury
club that had supported them during some challenging times. She first volunteered in 2008 – 09 and has served as General Secretary in recent years, organising meetings, preparing agendas, handling correspondence, and keeping the club running smoothly. While her knees prevent her from playing competitively now, she still enjoys a social game here and there.
Ruth’ s home is another place where her generosity literally shines. When I spoke to her I took her away from an annual tradition in her family, each Christmas she and her family create a spectacular light display that draws crowds and encourages donations to the Cancer Council. It’ s yet another example of how Ruth uses every opportunity to help others.
Recently nominated for Senior Volunteer of the Year, Ruth is humble about any recognition.“ What I do, I can’ t do on my own,” she says.“ There’ s no‘ I’ in team. I’ m surrounded by incredible volunteers who make everything possible. I don’ t do it for awards— I do it because helping people just makes sense.”
Ruth encourages anyone considering volunteering to simply give it a try.“ You don’ t have to commit like I do. Even an hour or two each month can change someone’ s life. You meet wonderful people, and you show your children that
Support the Cancer Council at Castle Towers this December
you don’ t need a lot to make a difference.”
For those wanting to volunteer, Ruth suggests exploring local organisations or supporting the Hills Relay for Life and the Cancer Council gift-wrapping team at Castle Towers this December.
“ Every little bit helps,” she says.“ And together, we can make life brighter for so many people.”
If you are in Castle Towers over December, please consider giving a small donation to the Cancer Council and getting a gift wrapped. Ruth told me that the paper and ribbons are beautiful, so for less than a cup of coffee you can support a good cause while ticking another thing off your to do list.
Rouse Hill welcomes new Return and Earn depot
Rouse Hill is now home to a new large-format Return and Earn depot designed to make recycling large numbers of bottles, cans and cartons easier than ever before.
The Rouse Hill Return and Earn Depot- the first depot in The Hills Shire – was officially opened with a community celebration today.
The staffed depot features the latest self-service‘ tip and go’ technology which can process up to 100 containers a minute, making it ideal for returning 500 or more containers at a time without the need to pre-sort containers.
It also offers the extra convenience of a‘ tag and drop’ service, which lets recyclers receive a digital payout after dropping off their bagged containers to be counted by depot staff.
A Return and Earn machine is available onsite for recyclers with smaller amounts of drink containers.
Users can print a voucher for the refund amount, which can be redeemed at Coles for a discount on their shopping or for cash, or opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.
Locals can also donate their refund to one of over 400 donation partners listed on the Return and
Earn app. Donation partners include environmental organisations, schools, sporting clubs and animal welfare groups, supporting the causes that matter to locals.
Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups in NSW. Over $ 82 million has been raised for charities and not-for-profits from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched in 2017.
The Rouse Hill Return and Earn Depot is the 11th return point in the Hills Shire. It is located at 12 / 8-10 Hare Place, Rouse Hill, and is open daily from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm.
For more information on Return and Earn visit: www. returnandearn. org. au.
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ISSUE 126 // DECEMBER 2025 7