... FROM THE PUBLISHER’ S DESK... Your thoughts? julie @ hdinews. com. au
Happy New Year and welcome to our first edition of 2026!
We begin the year with a major local issue on page 3, where The Hills Shire Council has strongly rejected the NSW Government’ s State-led rezoning proposal for the Cherrybrook Station Precinct, raising serious concerns about infrastructure capacity and long-term planning.
There’ s also plenty to look forward to, with The Hills Shire’ s biggest annual celebration returning in 2026. This year’ s Australia Day festivities promise a bumper program of family fun, live music, cultural performances and activities for all ages— full details on pages 4 and 5.
Our January Finest, featured on pages 6 and 7, is local Hills resident Scott Young, who took on Nedd Brockmann’ s“ Uncomfortable Challenge” with determination and heart. His story is an inspiring reminder of the power of
HDI pushing beyond comfort to support a cause.
Creative minds will be pleased to know entries for the Remagine Environmental Art Prize open soon( page 8), while families can enjoy a packed Australia Day at Hornsby’ s beautiful Fagan Park, complete with entertainment, food trucks and water play from 10.30am( page 10).
Winston Hills Mall has also unveiled its newly refurbished food court— a warm, contemporary space inspired by the Hills District’ s natural charm( page 20). And if you’ re after a good laugh, Castle Hill Players’ production of Arsenic and Old Lace hits the stage this month( page 23). With school holidays in full swing, you’ ll find summer fun ideas, giveaways, sport and much more throughout this edition.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes each month. Here’ s to a safe, happy and community-filled year ahead!
HILLS DISTRICT
INDEPENDENT Issue 127 | January 2026 Phone 4588 5055 | e: info @ hdinews. com. au theindependentmagazine. com. au
HILLS 127
The Independent Magazine acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which our company is located and where we conduct our business.
We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. The Independent is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.
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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 127 // JANUARY 2026 3