0400 774 102 paul @ landscapelogicnsw. com. au www. landscapelogicnsw. com. au
... FROM THE PUBLISHER’ S DESK... Your thoughts? julie @ hdinews. com. au
We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Australia Day, celebrating everything that makes this country so special alongside friends, family and neighbours.
Days like these remind us just how strong and connected our local communities truly are.
That spirit was on full display at the 2026 Australia Day Awards, where local volunteers and community leaders were recognised for their dedication and impact. This year’ s Citizen of the Year, Professor Olivia Mirza, received the Shire’ s highest honour for her outstanding leadership in STEM education and her measurable community impact through outreach programs supporting girls, migrant families and underrepresented students. We congratulate Professor Mirza, along with all award recipients. You can find the full list of winners on
HDI pages 4 and 5.
Our Finest feature this month shines a spotlight on our local libraries. Often overlooked, libraries are far more than places to borrow books – they are vibrant community hubs offering learning, connection and support for people of all ages. Read more about what they offer on pages 6 and 7.
You’ ll also find a deep dive into the Western Sydney music scene on page 11, along with some great giveaways on page 14.
Local issues continue to matter, and we invite you to have your say on Council’ s proposed fairer rating structure, the design of Box Hill’ s newest park, and the West Gables planning proposal – details on page 12.
Add in back-to-school insights, horoscopes, and all the latest local news and sport, and it’ s another packed edition.
HILLS DISTRICT
INDEPENDENT
Issue 128 | February 2026 Phone 4588 5055 | e: info @ hdinews. com. au theindependentmagazine. com. au
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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Paul McDarmont
0400 774 102 paul @ landscapelogicnsw. com. au www. landscapelogicnsw. com. au
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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 128 // FEBRUARY 2026 3