HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 131 May 2026 | Seite 3

... FROM THE PUBLISHER’ S DESK... Your thoughts? julie @ hdinews. com. au

As we head into May, there’ s a strong sense of momentum across The Hills- and plenty happening in this month’ s edition.

On our cover, we’ re celebrating local creativity with The Hills Shire Council’ s photography competition, inviting residents to capture the beauty and character of our region. It’ s always inspiring to see the talent within our community, and I encourage everyone to get involved.

Growth continues to be a major theme, and with that comes challenges. Our feature on Windsor Road highlights the increasing pressure on local infrastructure, with commute times worsening and frustration building for residents and businesses alike.

It’ s clear that as our region expands, investment must keep pace to ensure we remain a connected and liveable community.

We also take a closer look at important environmental concerns, including calls for a central authority to better manage and protect the Hawkesbury River- one of our most valuable natural assets.

On a more uplifting note, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved locally, from Council’ s grants programs supporting community initiatives to creative competitions and events that bring people together.

Finally, I’ m excited to remind our readers and advertisers that our brandnew Western Sydney Seniors magazine launches next month, offering a dedicated platform for the rapidly growing over-55s community across the region.

As always, thank you for your continued support of the Hills Independent. We’ re proud to be part of your community.

Lic: 347025C

Paul McDarmont

0400 774 102 paul @ landscapelogicnsw. com. au www. landscapelogicnsw. com. au

HDI

HILLS DISTRICT

INDEPENDENT

Issue 131 | May 2026 Phone [phone] | 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.

LAUNCHING JUNE 2026!!

Western Sydney is the fastest growing senior population in Australia.

The NEW Western Sydney Seniors magazine launches in June 2026 as the definitive lifestyle publication for the 1.2 million residents aged 55 + across the Greater West.

Be part of the launch issue & harness the region’ s rapidly growing Silver Economy!

Western Sydney Western Sydney

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR OVER 55s IN WESTERN SYDNEY

TAKING BOOKINGS NOW!

Watch 100 % of your advertising dollar reach your target customer!

Julie: 0421 574 093 • David: 0412 448 883 • Myee: 0413 305 578

THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 131 // MAY 2026 3