EMMA Heming Willis (pictured) has shared the emotional toll of Bruce Willis’s diagnosis with Frontotemporal dementia, telling the International Dementia Conference 2026 that her family received little guidance after the diagnosis, leaving them feeling isolated and uncertain. She launched the Australian support website www.raredementia.com.au, developed by HammondCare, to provide information and support for families living with rare dementias. The initiative also aims to raise awareness that dementia includes many conditions beyond Alzheimer’s disease, including FTD, which affects behaviour, personality and language rather than memory in its early stages.
A NEW era of indoor adventure is arriving in Sydney’s north-west with the opening of Tru Ninja Rouse Hill on Thursday 4, June 2026, bringing Australia’s most feature-packed ninja obstacle park to the region. The new venue is the third Tru Ninja location in Australia, following successful parks in Penrith and Adelaide, and has been designed to provide an immersive obstacle experience for visitors of all ages. Catering for everyone from toddlers and school groups to families, corporate teams and fitness enthusiasts, the attraction combines physical challenges with interactive entertainment. Owner Michael Hicks said Tru Ninja Rouse Hill takes the concept to the next level. “Tru Ninja Rouse Hill is a revolutionary obstacle adventure park, offering an immersive ninja experience designed to engage participants of all ages,” he said. “Building on the foundations established at our venues in Penrith and Adelaide, Rouse Hill introduces our most feature-packed line-up of attractions yet.” Among its standout features are Sydney’s largest indoor inflatable obstacle course, the Ultimate Warped Wall, Ninja Slides, Giant Ninja Slides, a Digital Ninja Floor and Ninja Dodgeball. Younger visitors are catered for with a dedicated Junior Softplay area and toddler zone, while adults can enjoy specialised evening sessions featuring in-house DJs. The venue also includes five large party rooms, a café and spectator seating, making it suitable for birthday celebrations, school excursions, corporate team-building events and private functions. Immersive lighting throughout the venue creates an arena-style atmosphere, enhancing the excitement of the challenges. Open Ninja sessions allow guests to tackle the full range of obstacles during one or two-hour bookings, offering an energetic and engaging experience for all skill levels. Management says the new attraction represents a significant investment in the rapidly growing North-West Sydney community and is expected to become a popular destination for families, social groups and businesses looking for a unique and active entertainment experience.
A YEAR 9 student from Rouse Hill Anglican College has achieved an impressive literary milestone, officially publishing her first book at just 14 years of age. Rileen Sharma recently released The Life She Never Planned through the BriBooks Program, with the book now available for purchase on Amazon. Written independently by Rileen, the book explores reflections on life and family inspired by her close relationship with her maternal grandmother, affectionately known as Nani. The young author’s work has been praised for its maturity, sensitivity and deeply personal storytelling. The achievement has become a proud moment for the Rouse Hill Anglican College community, which says Rileen’s success reflects the creativity and talent being nurtured among students. School representatives said Rileen’s accomplishment would inspire other young people to pursue their passions with confidence and purpose. The school, which has more than 1,700 students, congratulated Rileen on the publication and said it looked forward to seeing her continue to grow as a writer and young author.
TRAVEL insurers are providing 24/7 support to Australians affected by the Middle East conflict, including medical assistance and help with disruptions. Policies may be extended due to airport closures, and travellers are urged to contact insurers or lodge claims. While war-related losses are typically excluded, other claims remain covered. The Insurance Council of Australia has declared the conflict a Significant Event, coordinating industry, government, and response efforts.
IN April, Uniting Local Area Coordination (LAC) proudly celebrates 10 years of delivering the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to communities in NSW. To celebrate their ‘Decade of Impact’, Uniting LAC has launched the inaugural Uniting Disability Impact Awards. “These Awards recognise individuals and organisations in NSW and the ACT who have made meaningful, lasting contributions to inclusion for people with disability,” said Jennine Blundell, the Head of LAC at Uniting NSW.ACT. Uniting is calling for nominations across four categories highlighting leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and ideas that put people with disability at the centre: Organisation Award (Community) Open to organisations operating within NSW that have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to disability inclusion and improved outcomes for people with disability. Leadership Award (Community) Open to leaders who have demonstrated inclusive leadership, integrity, and compassion in advancing positive change for people with disability and their communities. Individual Award (Community) Open to individuals who have used their lived or living experience, advocacy, or community contribution to influence, strengthen, and promote disability inclusion. Uniting LAC / Team Award (Uniting LAC Program) Open to Uniting Local Area Coordination (LAC) staff members or teams, recognising contribution, collaboration, and impact within the Uniting LAC program. Nominations close on April 6. Winners will be announced at an event in Sydney on April 21 bringing together NDIS participants, community partners and staff. Jennine Blundell, the Head of LAC said: “Reaching this 10-year milestone as a proud partner of the NDIS is an opportunity to reflect on the people who have helped us shape a more inclusive community. “We’re launching the Uniting Disability Impact Awards to shine a light on people with disability, their families and carers, and the organisations who’ve helped us make an impact over the last decade. “All are ‘champions of change’ whose efforts continue to improve outcomes and expand opportunities for people with disability. We’re excited to see what we can achieve together in the next 10 years,” she said. Find out more about Uniting LAC at lac.uniting.org About Uniting Local Area Coordination Uniting Local Area Coordination (LAC) supports 53,000 NDIS participants to access and make the most of the NDIS in Southern NSW, the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Nepean-Blue Mountains, Northern Sydney and Western Sydney regions and Hunter New England. They engage with communities to promote the strengths of people with disability and facilitate greater inclusion. The team is committed to employing people who live with disability, carers and people with lived experience. About Uniting Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care, providing services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Their purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. Values include diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.
FINANCIAL literacy is a vital but often overlooked life skill that shapes long-term decision-making. An RMIT expert says money education should begin in childhood using simple tools like pocket money and jars to teach saving and spending. Teenagers benefit from bank accounts, budgeting and understanding credit, while young adults should learn about superannuation and compound growth early. Financial education builds responsibility, confidence and stronger life choices, not just better money management.
A NEW era of indoor adventure is arriving in Sydney’s north-west with the opening of Tru Ninja Rouse Hill on Thursday 4, June 2026, bringing Australia’s most feature-packed ninja obstacle park to the region. The new venue is the third Tru Ninja location in Australia, following successful parks in Penrith and Adelaide, and has been designed to provide an immersive obstacle experience for visitors of all ages. Catering for everyone from toddlers and school groups to families, corporate teams and fitness enthusiasts, the attraction combines physical challenges with interactive entertainment. Owner Michael Hicks said Tru Ninja Rouse Hill takes the concept to the next level. “Tru Ninja Rouse Hill is a revolutionary obstacle adventure park, offering an immersive ninja experience designed to engage participants of all ages,” he said. “Building on the foundations established at our venues in Penrith and Adelaide, Rouse Hill introduces our most feature-packed line-up of attractions yet.” Among its standout features are Sydney’s largest indoor inflatable obstacle course, the Ultimate Warped Wall, Ninja Slides, Giant Ninja Slides, a Digital Ninja Floor and Ninja Dodgeball. Younger visitors are catered for with a dedicated Junior Softplay area and toddler zone, while adults can enjoy specialised evening sessions featuring in-house DJs. The venue also includes five large party rooms, a café and spectator seating, making it suitable for birthday celebrations, school excursions, corporate team-building events and private functions. Immersive lighting throughout the venue creates an arena-style atmosphere, enhancing the excitement of the challenges. Open Ninja sessions allow guests to tackle the full range of obstacles during one or two-hour bookings, offering an energetic and engaging experience for all skill levels. Management says the new attraction represents a significant investment in the rapidly growing North-West Sydney community and is expected to become a popular destination for families, social groups and businesses looking for a unique and active entertainment experience.
KELLYVILLE and Quakers Hill locals, Aduk Dau and Belinda Peoples, will release For Hope, Love & Life Itself this month. The book is an inspiring true story about the life of South Sudanese Australian, Aduk Dau. Co-authors of the fascinating memoir, Aduk and Belinda have worked together to capture Aduk’s life story since meeting at Kellyville Anglican Church 10 years ago. “When Aduk shared just a snippet of her life story during a church interview one day,” Belinda said. “I knew immediately hers was a story worth writing.” In 1999, Aduk and her family were granted humanitarian visas to live in Australia after spending more than 15 years fleeing conflict and surviving as refugees throughout northern Africa. Now an Australian citizen for more than two decades, Aduk still has an amazing repertoire of fascinating anecdotes drawn from her life experiences. Belinda has been a western Sydney local for most of her life and was enthusiastic to use her skill and passion for writing to see Aduk’s story come to life in a memoir for a worthwhile cause dear to both their hearts. “Aduk has always been passionate to make the world a better place. When she told me that she hoped her memoir could one day be a fundraising tool for Lost Children of Jonglei Scholarships, the opportunity was too good to ignore,” Belinda says. Sales of For Hope, Love & Life Itself will contribute toward the Lost Children of Jonglei Scholarship project that Aduk founded in 2017 to provide secondary school education to vulnerable South Sudanese young people displaced by war and living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. “Education is the key to bringing an end to the ongoing hardship suffered by generations of South Sudanese refugees. It’s been more than forty years since the Sudanese conflict first began,” said Aduk. “I hope my story not only enlightens and entertains readers, but changes lives by becoming part of the solution.” The memoir has been a labour of love for all involved, including aspiring young artist, Lauren Jones, who spent countless hours painting the portrait of Aduk for the book’s cover. The artwork is so exceptional, Lauren was recently awarded the honour of finalist for the portrait among five thousand entrants in the Eckersley’s Art & Craft Prize 2025. For hope, love & life itself will be available on Amazon from Tuesday, October 14 and in Ariel Booksellers in Paddington. A book launch is scheduled at Kellyville Anglican Church on Saturday November 1 at 2:00pm. Tickets are free and can be reserved through Humanitix.
THE community is being given their first look at the new 30 bed inpatient unit planned for Blacktown Hospital, which will increase the hospital’s capacity to support patients recovering from a range of urgent conditions. The NSW Government is investing $120M in the upgrade of Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals to provide expanded and contemporary acute inpatient capacity. The project will include 60 additional beds across Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals. This additional 60 beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals are part of the NSW Government’s delivery of more than $3.4B in hospital infrastructure across western Sydney over the next four years. The redevelopment at Blacktown Hospital includes a mix of fit-for-purpose rooms supporting recovery. The project will also include expanded clinical and non-clinical support service spaces. Staff, stakeholders and the community are invited to attend an information session at Blacktown Hospital to meet the project team and learn more: Blacktown Hospital Foyer – outside Gloria Jean’s café. Thursday, 14 August, 11:00am – 1:00pm. Further consultation, planning and design will continue throughout the year, with construction timeframes to be finalised as part of the overall planning and once a builder has been appointed. Work to deliver the project will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption to clinical services, which will remain operational throughout the redevelopment. The $120M upgrade of Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western Sydney Local Health District. Planning for the expanded Mount Druitt Hospital is progressing, which will include additional medical and surgical capacity. For more information visit: nsw.gov.au/bmdh-additional-beds. The 2025-26 NSW Budget includes $1.3B of additional funding to support the delivery of health facilities across Western Sydney including: An additional $700M for the new Bankstown Hospital, increasing the total investment to $2B; Additional State funding of $90.0M to provide the full range of maternity and birthing services as part of the new Rouse Hill Hospital, with a further $120M announced by the Commonwealth Government; $492M to develop a Statewide Pathology Hub on the Westmead campus; $40.1M to fit out level 13 of the new Paediatric Services Building at Westmead in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. $22.3M to establish a new paediatric hospice at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Other projects in the Western Sydney region include upgrades at Nepean, Liverpool, Canterbury, Fairfield, Camden and Campbelltown hospitals. Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali said: “The Minns Labor Government is listening to community feedback by designing and building infrastructure to meet the health needs of Blacktown City’s fast-growing population. This means more nurses and allied health staff in appropriate facilities to deliver for our local residents.” Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said: “The new beds at Blacktown and Mt. Druitt hospitals combined with the new Rouse Hill Hospital are a big improvement for the healthcare needs of my electorate.” Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla said: “The investment to expand inpatient capacity at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals is a significant step to supporting our community across Western Sydney.”
THIS National Tree Day, North West residents and green thumbs alike are invited to join the nationwide initiative and contribute locally by planting 7,500 plants at Sundowner Parkway in Gables. Participants can help rehabilitate the local waterway and create a wildlife corridor along the Parkway, while enjoying a FREE BBQ hosted by the Castle Hill Lions Club. Hills Mayor, Dr Michelle Byrne encouraged Hills residents to roll up their sleeves and grab their gardening gloves in support of this cause, happening on Sunday, July 27 from 9am to 12pm. “National Tree Day is a fantastic opportunity to restore and nurture our local environment whilst also connecting with like-minded community members who share a passion for nature,” Mayor Byrne said. “The ambitious goal of planting 7,500 native plants will boost biodiversity and revitalise the local ecosystem as we seek to increase greenery in our new release areas. “From budding green thumbs to seasoned soil experts, everyone is invited to dig in and play a part.” On the day, each participant will receive a bucket of plants to sow throughout the morning. To streamline the planting process, holes have been pre-dug in the soil and staff will provide demonstrations to guide participants on proper planting techniques. For more information and to register for the National Tree Day event, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘National Tree Day 2025’. Event Details: What: National Tree Day Community Planting. When: Sunday, July 27, 2025, 9am – 12pm. Where: Sundowner Parkway, Gables. Register: To register for this free event, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search ‘National Tree Day 2025’.
THE GPT Group (GPT) has started construction on the anticipated expansion of Rouse Hill Town Centre (RHTC), marking a milestone in its strategy to grow and evolve retail assets in high-growth corridors. The expansion of RHTC will deliver a diverse retail mix, reflecting the evolving new customer base, with over 50 new retail, dining and leisure options for the community to experience. The milestone was marked with a symbolic sod-turn ceremony at RHTC, attended by Hills Shire Council Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, the Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation, with GPT’s CEO Russell Proutt and Head of Retail Chris Barnett, and representatives from construction partner ADCO and RHTC retail partners. With Australian retail sales forecast to grow 3.3% p.a. per sqm over the next decade, GPT’s Chief Executive Officer, Russell Proutt said RHTC consistently delivers strong footfall, robust sales, and maintains low vacancy. “We’re seeing a resurgence in bricks-and-mortar retail, not just as a point of purchase, but as a vital driver of customer experience and a powerful contributor to online conversion. The modernisation of RHTC opens the door for more retailers to establish a physical presence while addressing the evolving needs of Sydney’s rapidly growing north-west corridor,” he said. The RHTC expansion will increase the centre’s footprint to over 80,000 sqm, introducing a revitalised Town Green, upgraded amenities, including end-of-trip facilities, and 200 additional parking spaces. The project is expected to create more than 300 construction jobs and over 400 new retail positions upon completion. Speaking at the event, Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said: “As one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, The Hills Shire is expected to welcome nearly 329,000 residents by 2041—an incredible 71 per cent increase in just 15 years. To support this growth, we need to enhance our parks, sports fields, roadways, schools, and retail opportunities. Western Sydney is predicted to experience significant population growth—including a projected 30% increase in Rouse Hill and the Hills Shire over the next decade—the expansion of RHTC reinforces the development of investing in high-potential regions and supporting the needs of growing communities
THE third and final stage of the Riverstone East state-led rezoning has now been finalised, making way for more homes, two new community centres, transport services and up to 48 hectares of green open space. The 378-hectare precinct plan for Riverstone East Stage 3 allows for free-standing homes, duplexes and apartments, giving future residents several housing options close to shops and transport. Affordable housing will also be available for essential workers and low-income households with five per cent of Riverstone East Stage 3 Precinct properties set aside as affordable housing. The design of homes will also meet the BASIX requirements for energy, heating and cooling, water and emission provisions, and will require roof materials to have a solar absorptance rating of 0.64 or less to mitigate urban heat island effects. The precinct plan provides for community and transport infrastructure, two new community centres, road upgrades, and up to 48 hectares of green open space. Construction on stages 1 and 2 of the precinct is already underway after approval was given in 2016 for an initial 3,500 homes to be built. Riverstone East is close to the town’s CBD and train station, and only a short drive away from Windsor Road, the Rouse Hill Town Centre and Tallawong Metro, making it an accessible and well-located precinct for new residents. Future development proposals for the precinct will go through a development application process before any development works can begin. Blacktown City Council will remain the consent authority for most new developments. This is part of the NSW Government’s plan to build a better NSW with a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose. Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said: “We’re not only building new houses, we’re investing in important upgrades to create a vibrant new community for Riverstone East. “I’m encouraged the Minister took the time to reassess Riverstone East Stage 3 to ensure better community facilities were provided and necessary surrounding infrastructure was underway before rezoning took place.”
THE NSW Government investment in North-West Sydney grows with a public primary school and preschool for Grantham Farm. The Government is continuing its investment in rebuilding public education, with a new primary school and co-located public preschool for Grantham Farm to meet the needs of families in the rapidly growing region of North-West Sydney. The new primary school in Grantham Farm, located on the corner of Hamilton and Crown Street, will cater to the suburb’s increasing student population, with 24 modern classrooms, three support learning rooms, a multipurpose hall, a covered outdoor learning area, and outside of school hours care facilities. The new primary school will open for at least 500 students on Day 1, Term 1, 2028 and will be master planned for future expansion. It will also include a new library, a canteen, administration facilities and staff parking. The public preschool will cater for up to 60 children per day. As part of long-term planning for growth and infrastructure development in the area, Vineyard Public School will transition to the new school in Grantham Farm once built, to mitigate future impacts to its site from the planned Bandon Road upgrade by Transport for NSW. The new school at Grantham Farm will accommodate five times the number of students that are currently at Vineyard Public School. Student learning will continue at Vineyard Public School until the new facilities at Grantham Farm are built. All families, students, and staff will be supported during their transition to the new school, with updates for families to be shared as the project progresses. As the project progresses, consultation with the community will be undertaken to determine the name for the new school. This project adds to the list of new and upgraded schools already delivered in the North West, including: Melonba Public School. Melonba High School. Tallawong Public School. Nirimba Fields Public School. Box Hill Public School. Box Hill High School. Gables – new primary school. Schofields and Tallawong – new high school.l Rouse Hill High School upgrade. Castle Hill Public School upgrade. Matthew Pearce Public School upgrade. Excelsior Public School upgrade. Glenwood High School upgrade. John Palmer Public School upgrade. Riverbank Public School and The Ponds High School upgrade. The Government plans to invest $8.9B io deliver new and upgraded schools across NSW, including $3.6B in Western Sydney. Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the new school at Grantham Farm is part of the Government’s commitment to rebuild public education and ensure every child has access to a modern, high-quality learning environment close to home. “North West Sydney is one of the fastest-growing regions in NSW, and this new school and preschool will support local families for generations to come.” Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said he’s proud to be part of a government that is committed to investing in schools, particularly in areas experiencing rapid growth.
EMMA Heming Willis (pictured) has shared the emotional toll of Bruce Willis’s diagnosis with Frontotemporal dementia, telling the International Dementia Conference 2026 that her family received little guidance after the diagnosis, leav...
AUSTRALIA Post is inviting eligible not-for-profit organisations across New South Wales to apply for Community Grants of up to $10,000 to support locally led projects that strengthen social connection and improve mental health and wellbe...
THE Australian Medical Association is calling for urgent reforms and increased funding to improve healthcare for Australians living in residential aged care. The AMA says funding shortfalls, regulatory barriers and poor digital integrati...
INDIGENOUS Business Australia (IBA) has strengthened First Nations and female representation on its board with the appointments of Bronwyn Dodd, Jessica Bulger and Krista Dunstan. The appointments bring the board to nine directors, inclu...
RESEARCH from Adelaide University has found that rising jet fuel prices do not automatically lead to higher airfares. Published in Research in Transportation Economics, the study shows airfare changes depend on the type of fuel price sho...
FAMILY First National Director Lyle Shelton has called on the Australian Defence Force to assess personnel according to biological sex rather than affirmed gender. Responding to reports that transgender and non-binary recruits are assess...
THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia says community pharmacies can play a vital role in improving men’s health by providing accessible, early intervention and ongoing care. Australians visit pharmacies every three weeks on average, creating...
RESEARCH by AMPC and CQUniversity has highlighted the wider social value red meat processors deliver to regional communities through jobs, training, school partnerships and career pathways. The study found these contributions are often u...
THIS year’s Hawkesbury Local Business Awards was a sensational spectacular that provided a fitting finale to the annual event. This year’s winners exchanged hugs while cheers filled the room as they made their way to the stage on Mon...
FOOTBALL fans across Parramatta NSW will be able to travel safely and celebrate the Socceroos’ crucial FIFA World Cup clash against Egypt this Saturday morning with 24-hour public transport services and extended trading hours announced...
By MARK McDONNELL THERE are almost three times as many international visitors staying overnight in the Hawkesbury as there are people living here permanently. Happily memories of Covid lockdowns are receding, but the even better news is ...
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