Editors Picks
18 May 2025
HILLS GEARS UP FOR BIKE DROP OFF AND TUNE
THE Hills Shire Council has partnered with Revolve Recycling to host a Bike Drop Off & Check and Tune event at Castle Hill Showground.
The event on Saturday, June 21 includes a quick tyre, gears, and brakes check service, or the opportunity to drop off any bike, scooter, e-bike, or tricycle to be recycled free of charge.
Hills Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne is encouraging Hills residents to make the most of this important initiative.
“I am proud that Council is partnering with Revolve Recycling to reduce our environmental footprint, give back to the community, and redistribute refurbished bikes to those in need,” Mayor Byrne said.
“The Revolve Recycling Foundation is working towards the ambitious goal of delivering 1,000 bikes to disadvantaged children every year. You can help them reach this goal by simply cleaning out your garage and donating your old bike.
“Or, if your bike is not ready to be donated yet, you can book in to get it checked and tuned by a mechanic during a free 15-minute session.”
The event, which runs from 9am to 1pm, is an initiative by NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy, funded from the waste levy.
Whilst bookings are required for a check and tune service, no bookings are needed to drop off old bikes.
For more information or to book your bike for a check and tune service, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Bike Drop Off & Check and Tune’.
18 May 2025
LIVERPOOL COUNCIL'S SHOPPING TROLLEY SOLUTION
LIVERPOOL City Council is working on a plan to provide residents with two-wheeled shopping trolleys in a move it hopes will reduce the dumping of supermarket-owned trolleys across the city.
The council has decided to investigate and develop a trial program to supply up to 500 personal two-wheeler shopping trolleys (nicknamed “Granny Trolleys”) to eligible residents at a subsidised rate, with a focus on pensioners and individuals without access to private transport.
Deputy Mayor Peter Harle – a long-time campaigner against dumped trolleys – said that by providing trolleys – probably at a nominal cost – it was hoped to residents would take their own trolleys to and from supermarkets.
“While the law places responsibility for trolleys fair and square at the supermarkets, Council is left with the problem and so Council has come up with a solution,” he said.
“In some ways it’s an old-fashioned solution to a modern problem. Years ago, every home had its own shopping trolley and by going “back to the future” we can probably find a commonsense solution to a massive problem.
Councillor Harle also encouraged shoppers to take advantage of free home deliveries.
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the idea was a positive and innovative solution to a huge problem statewide and called on other councils to consider following suit.
In the last two months, Liverpool City Council has impounded nearly 1,200 trolleys, most of which have been collected by their owners, who were charged $46.30 a trolley.
12 May 2025
ASIAN FASHION FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
THE highly anticipated Asian Fashion Festival, Heritage Runway 2025, is just around the corner, taking place on Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, in the breathtaking Blue Mountains.
This inaugural event promises to be a vibrant celebration of multicultural fashion, showcasing an array of talented designers and unique styles that reflect the rich tapestry of Asian and Australian cultures.
Festival-goers can expect an exhilarating lineup of fashion shows, interactive panels, and exhibition where attendees can purchase exclusive clothing pieces from participating designers. This is a unique opportunity for fashion enthusiasts to not only witness the latest trends but also to take home a piece of the festival.
Adding to the excitement, the festival will feature a VIP guest panel that includes renowned Hollywood casting director Paul Weber and celebrated beauty queen and cancer advocate Robbie Canner. Their presence promises to inspire and engage attendees with discussions on the intersection of fashion, film, and empowerment. Mr Weber, known for his work on numerous Emmy-nominated series and blockbuster films, will lead an exclusive session on May 17, offering invaluable insights into the fashion industry and its relationship with cinema.
Ms Canner, a trailblazer in the fashion world, continues to break barriers at the age of 66, recently gracing the catwalk at New York Fashion Week. Her advocacy for women over 50 and her journey as Ms. World 2018/19 serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging attendees to embrace their individuality and redefine beauty standards.
The festival will also showcase the stylish eyewear designer venEyes, alongside other talented designers such as Marissa O'Donnell and Mr. Ginoo. In collaboration with the National Fashion College, students will gain hands-on experience in styling and event coordination, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees.
"This event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate diversity and creativity in fashion", said Lovely Bandal, CEO of Regal Star Productions. "We invite fashion lovers from across Australia and beyond to attend this unique showcase."
The Asian Fashion Festival aims to promote inclusivity and innovation within the fashion industry while coinciding with the prestigious Australian Fashion Week. Designers will have the chance to network with industry professionals, media representatives, and influencers, making this an unmissable event for anyone passionate about fashion.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.regalstarproductions.com.au/events.
08 May 2025
MOUNTIES EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH RAIDERS
WESTERN Sydney based Mounties Group has anounced the extension of its partnership with the Canberra Raiders for another two years to support and grow women’s rugby league pathways.
The renewed partnership strengthens the alignment between the Raiders NRLW program and Mounties’ Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership team, providing a vital development platform for emerging female athletes.
Since the new partnership began ahead of the Raiders’ inaugural NRLW season in 2023, it has given players the opportunity to gain valuable game time, recover from injury, and build their skills in one of the country’s most competitive women’s leagues.
Mounties Group has a long-standing relationship with the Raiders, dating back to their NSW Cup partnership from 2012 to 2020. Now, with the spotlight on the women’s game, Mounties Group is proud to be able to play a role in shaping the future of female rugby league.
02 May 2025
LIVERPOOL COUNCIL ANNOUNCES RESTRUCTURE
LIVERPOOl City Council has announced a proposed organisational restructure, reducing the number of directorates and re-allocating section teams.
Mayor Ned Mannoun said the draft restructure is in a consultation period and Council is seeking submissions on the organisational change.
“Liverpool Council will be listening to the opinions of residents and stakeholders as we work together to create a better Liverpool,” he said.
“We are determined that residents have the best services Council can provide: things like getting the grass cut, the rubbish collected and the roads repaired. It’s also about making the functions of Council clear and efficient.”
CEO Jason Breton said the draft restructure is also designed to meet budget directives.
“I want to make it clear the restructure does not diminish frontline resources. In fact, they will be increased and the proposed structure has a stronger emphasis on operational capabilities,” he said.
In a presentation to staff, Mr Breton said the organisation has five key requirements to support service delivery and drive an exciting and innovative organisational transformation.
“We must deliver the core services (the basics) better. This involves increasing resources to the front line and rationalising the executive layer,” he said.
Under the restructure, the number of directorates has been reduced from six to four, and there is a new management stream under the direct control of the CEO.
A 28-day consultation period starts today in accordance with the Local Government Award. At the end of May, the proposed structure will be reviewed and, if implemented, take effect from June 11.
27 April 2025
CARAVAN GROUP WELCOMES GROWTH
THE Caravan Industry Association of Australia has welcomed the Coalition’s $1B commitment to the revitalised Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and urges the Albanese Government to match it. The investment is vital for regional infrastructure, supporting the caravan and camping sector’s 16 million trips annually and its $11B contribution to the economy. Improved roads will boost safety, tourism, and regional growth, strengthening Australia's domestic travel and manufacturing sectors.
27 April 2025
FLEXIBILITY THE KEY TO RETURN TO WORK
RETURNING to work can be challenging for parents, especially single parents and those living with disability or caring for a child with disability. Research shows flexible hours, part-time work, and childcare assistance are key to workforce participation. atWork Australia supports over 8,500 parents, helping more than 2,600 find jobs over the past year through training and tailored employment support. Success stories like Kong and Jack highlight the importance of flexibility, upskilling, and ongoing assistance in achieving sustainable employment.
