HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 95 MAY 2023 | Page 22

with Julian Leeser MP
It was fantastic to see the number of local Anzac Day services that were hosted across our community this year .
Every Anzac Day , Australians acknowledge the Anzac spirit . On 25 April 1915 , 16,000 Australian troops landed at Gallipoli . Thousands of Australian troops were killed or injured on that day .
We now embrace Anzac Day as a day to not only acknowledge those troops , but also to recognise all the Australians who have served
in conflicts and peace-keeping missions since that time .
We also pause to acknowledge the qualities of bravery , camaraderie , mateship , service , loyalty , and honour that characterise the very best of the Australian spirit .
Anzac Day 2023 was particularly notable because this year we are acknowledging the 50th Anniversary of the end of Australia ’ s involvement in the Vietnam War . Our involvement in the Vietnam War is a vitally
important chapter in Australia ’ s history and one that helped to grow our Anzac spirit and national identity . This was evident across every engagement in the Vietnam War , from battles to humanitarian missions
This year we are also marking 70 years since the end of the Korean War . Like those who served in Vietnam , Australian troops in Korea played a crucial and invaluable role in helping to stop the spread of totalitarian aggression throughout the Asia-Pacific Region .
Every contribution to our country ’ s national security matters deeply . Without the courage and dedication of all those who served our country , Australians would not be able to enjoy the
freedoms we have today . It ’ s important that we acknowledge and celebrate those contributions – on all days , but particularly on Anzac Day .
Ceremonies were held at Wiseman ’ s Ferry , Galston , Glenorie , Berowra , Cherrybrook , Kenthurst , and Annangrove , among other events around the area . I appreciated the opportunity to attend several of those services across the electorate . As is the case every year , it was humbling to pay tribute to the veterans who live among us , those who have since passed away , and their families .
Thank you to every member of our community who attended one or more of these services .
Lest we forget .

River councils reach important milestone in the future management of the

Hawkesbury Nepean River System

A multi-council project to prepare a Coastal Management Program ( CMP ) ensuring sustainable and strategic long-term management of the Hawkesbury Nepean River System has gained significant momentum thanks to a $ 432,000 grant from the NSW Government , allowing it to move into its next stages .
Led by Hornsby Shire Council in partnership with Central Coast Council , Hawkesbury City Council , The Hills Shire Council , Ku-ring-gai Council and Northern Beaches Council and state government agencies , the Hawkesbury Nepean River Coastal Management Program ( HNRCMP ) will ensure a collaborative approach to the management of the river and adjacent lands .
Stages 1 and 2 of the program involved a scoping study , community engagement and fieldwork to determine risks , vulnerabilities and opportunities to fill information gaps . Awarded from the NSW Coastal and Estuary grants program , the funding will allow the project to now move to Stages 3 and 4 .
Stage 3 includes engaging with the community and stakeholders and identifying short and longterm management options to manage key threats facing the estuary now and in the future . In Stage 4 , the councils will prepare , exhibit and finalise the HNRCMP before submitting it to the NSW Government for certification and adoption .
Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock talked about the importance of the program to Hornsby Shire and the other communities along this unique and beautiful waterway ,
“ Hornsby Shire Council is proud to be leading the charge in this important program . The Hawkesbury Nepean River Coastal Management Plan will ensure the coordinated management and sustainable development of the Hawkesbury Nepean River system , including Broken Bay , Brisbane Water and
Pittwater estuaries , for the benefit of nature , the economy and the community .”
“ A true collaboration , the program is a wonderful example of the great work that can be done when councils and state government work together . We thank the NSW Government for its support and look forward to progressing Stages 3 and 4 .”
For more information about the Hawkesbury Nepean River Coastal Management Program and to sign up for updates visit hawkesburynepeancmp . org .
22 ISSUE 95 // MAY 2023 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT