11th April 2026. Edition One. In this edition:
President's Report,
What the Civic Trust did in March / April 2026,
ANZAC Day 2026, M2RAG Update,
Beecroft Cheltenham History Group,
Cycling in Beecroft and Cheltenham,
The Beecroft Bush Dance, Local Justice of the Peace,
Civic Trust Facebook page,
Monica Tudehope Newsletter,
Hornsby Shire Council's News Bulletin,
Parramatta Council's News Bulletin, Recent Development Applications.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER Saturday April 25 3PM ANZAC Day Service. Beecroft Cenotaph.
Saturday May 2 2PM Beecroft Bush Dance. Beecroft Community Centre.
Message from the President Dear fellow residents,
Welcome
readers to another edition of the Trust’s enews. I’ve been re-elected
as President, for the third time. Having an active committee though will
take the pressure off me. While the committee members are listed
elsewhere in the enews, I would like to welcome our newest committee
member Bindi Shah OAM.
I recently met with our local Member for Epping Monica Tudehope and
Hornsby Councillor Verity Greenwood for an update on the separate
footpath and cycleway around the Village Green tennis courts. After five
plus years Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) NSW, owner of the
railway land, has not cooperated in allowing the construction of
Council’s cycleway over a narrow strip of rail land behind the Village
Green tennis courts. Council now has no alternative but to build
the cycleway along the Beecroft Road footpath and divert the footpath
behind the courts. However it will be interesting when Roads and
Maritime Services (RMS) decide to install the long awaited traffic
lights at the Kirkham Street intersection as there is a high probability
that the road pavement will require widening and will take out the
cycleway I am anticipating that RMS will need to replace the cycleway.
It is highly likely RMS will need to negotiate with TAHE to
relocate the cycleway behind the tennis courts. Time will
tell.
The plan for the cycleway changes is on Council's web site CLICK HERE.
Finally, the reason why we have amended our constitution is because the
Department of Fair Trading has required all incorporated associations to
adopt their new template. As a result, the Trust has taken the
opportunity to clarify the relationship of the history group within the
Trust.
What the Civic Trust did in March/April 2026 The
Trust has welcomed many new members in 2026 thus far and we thank each
of you for your interest and support. If you have queries or
concerns about changes or issues that may affect our community, please
don’t hesitate to reach out to the committee by emailing president@bcct2119.com.au
The Trust is committed to working with and assisting local and state
governments for the betterment of the district, to advocate for Beecroft
and Cheltenham residents with regard to any proposed changes and/or
developments in the district and to making submissions to federal,
state, and local governments as well as statutory bodies when
required.
On March 26, 2026, the Trust hosted a presentation by Professor
Alaistair Sproul from UNSW who shared his expertise on photovoltaic
cells and renewable energy. Professor Sproul provided comparative
costs of the different energy sectors as evidence of the growing
importance and need for renewable energy resources for Australia.
The talk was timely, given the current turmoil in the world and the
impact of rising costs for petrol and diesel fuel.
At the annual general meeting that followed, a special resolution to
adopt a revised and updated Constitution for the BCCT was approved
unanimously. A standing subcommittee, the Beecroft Cheltenham
History Group (BCHG) subcommittee, is now established within the
Trust. This change formally recognizes the amalgamation of the
BCHG with the Trust while allowing the continuation of the BCHG
initialism and the current website and domain bchg.org.au
The convener of the BCHG is also an elected member of the BCCT
committee. The BCCT Constitution 2026 is available CLICK
HERE
2026 AGM
Professor Alaistair Sprouladdresing the meeting
Ten volunteers nominated for and were subsequently elected to serve on
the committee for 2026. At the first meeting of the
committee on April 9, 2026, the four committee office bearers were
appointed as follows: Ross Walker OAM – President; Gail
Crossley – Vice President; Bill Rankine – Treasurer and Secretary; plus,
Carol Liston AO as Convener of the Beecroft Cheltenham History
Group. The other committee members are Tim Abrams, Ray
Gerke, Neil Maniar, Nina Mital, Bindi Shah OAM and Brian Shirley.
To read short biographies of each member of the Trust committee please CLICK HERE.
A new life member for the Trust was announced, namely Deirdree Wallwork,
in recognition of her contribution to support the work of the Trust,
especially through maintenance of Facebook sites. The evening
concluded with an informative update by Dr. Verity Greenwood, Hornsby
Councillor, Ward C, on some matters of interest and some comments by
resident Phillip Vassallo followed by supper.
On 1 April 2026, President Ross Walker and Trust representatives met
with Monica Tudehope, Member for Epping, and Cr Dr Verity Greenwood at
the tennis courts near Beecroft Rd and Kirkham St to discuss the planned
completion of the cycleway.
The Trust understands the cycleway has been funded by the NSW Government.
The current proposal from Hornsby Council is to connect the existing cycle pathway on the
Crescent via Beccroft Road and not across a section of railway land.
All parties agreed that siting the route behind the tennis courts is a
more desirable proposition but Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE)
NSW, who own the railway land, have not supported Council's preferred
route.
Discussion focussed on the Council's efforts in dealing with TAHE and
the likely outcome when the traffic lights on Kirkham St are installed.
This is a matter that will take considerable time to resolve.
The
windows of Beecroft Place are a great way to publicise community events
and the activities of local community organisations. The
oversight of the two windows has been entrusted by the management of
Beecroft Place to Beecroft Rotary to ensure community access and the
provision of relevant and current displays that change regularly.
The focus of displays this year have included Australia Day,
Chinese New Year, Days for Girls, Wombats football team and the Anzac
Day service and afternoon tea (Rotary). It is an
important source of information for the community. The Trust in the near
future, is planning to mount displays of the work of Marie Byles,
(curated by the National Trust) and also the activities of the M2RAG
group.
ANZAC Day Memorial Service Beecroft Rotary Club invites everyone to join their ANZAC Day Service 3pm 25th April
at the Beecroft Cenotaph on the corner of Wongala Cr and Copeland Road,
followed by afternoon tea and light refreshments at the Beecroft Community Centre Hall. CLICK HERE for the Order of Service
M2RAG April 2026 Update(M2 Residents Action Group) By Ray Gerke
Coordinator M2 Resident Action Group
Well, a lot happened in the last month! I will attempt to provide an update of developments so far. The outdoor meeting at Cheltenham Oval
This was well attended by M2RAG members and was a successful opportunity
to share experiences and possible actions regarding the M2 impact on
our lives. I met a lot of the members and their enthusiasm
was contagious.
Noise Monitoring road cameras
Noisy vehicle detection cameras were brought to our attention throigh the following link CLICK HERE
which describes the trials of cameras to detect noisy
vehicles. It appears that this technology is being trialed
in NSW. Also we have discovered that the EPA (Environmental
Protection Agency) for NSW is also concerned about traffic noise
affecting the health of people. So there are some positives
on the horizon!
Our State MP (Monica Tudehope) We met with Monica Tudehope for an update on M2RAG
issues. We had a very productive discussion and she is
trying to obtain copies of some documents from relevant government
departments.
Our Council representative for C Ward (Dr. Verity Greenwood)
Verity met with me earlier this week and also attended the AGM of the BCCT last week.
I welcomed the opportunity to brief her on the M2RAG issues and have
sent her a briefing document about noise and its effects on
people. I also mentioned the negative effects of M2 noise on
property values. Verity has agreed to a tour of the most
affected areas of Beecroft and Cheltenham to experience the noise issues
herself and discuss the issues with local residents.
Beecroft and Cheltenham.
The Shaping of a Sydney Community to 1914 Carol Liston, Convenor of Beecroft Cheltenham History Group
Copies
of the printed book and the paperback reprint have been sold out for
several years. The Beecroft Cheltenham History Group is proud to bring
to our community a digital version of the book on the front page of our
web-site. Now a flip book to be read online, residents and students can
discover the history of how their neighbourhood grew and changed. CLICK HERE and scroll down to view the book.
Community Cycling Connections By Phillip Vassallo
Local resident Phillip recently went on a bike trip and filmed the journey to show some safe protected cycle lanes and how they could be better connected in future.
While our area unfortunately is not as flat as the curving rivers of Meadowbank and Parramatta, there are some really great connections to Epping/Cherrybrook Metros. It’s so important that the connections of the bike paths make everyone feel safe, especially for children riding to Beecroft Public School or WPH Public School or for older residents riding to Pennant Hills Library and shops.
In my video, I demonstrate how easy it is with an e-cargo bike to do the weekly shopping in the local area. I estimate I save $10k a year by not requiring that second car. Almost all non-modified e-bikes can fit in the station lifts and trains. Many major stations such as Epping, Cherrybrook, Meadowbank or Hornsby have opal card bike sheds where you can securely store your bike for free. To see the video CLICK HERE.
Beecroft Bush Dance Saturday May 2 at 2PM at Beecroft Community Centre The
Bush Music Club (BMC) was formed in 1954 to collect and promote
Australian folk music, songs, and dance. We are Australia’s oldest
continuously operating folk club.
The musicians are all members of the BMC and take pleasure in playing
for an audience and to provide enjoyment for the dancers. It is all
voluntary and the musicians are not paid.
We welcome you to come along to this dance. It is not required
that you know these dances. All dances are taught on the day
and then called during the actual dance, so beginners can quickly
become involved.
It is all about having a fun time and doing something
different. Even if you don’t wish to dance why not come
along anyway to watch the dancers and listen to live Australian folk
music being played?
Civic Trust Membership Subscriptions If
you have lived in Beecroft Cheltenham for any length of time, you would
have seen many changes. While change is inevitable, the Trust will
continue to be the voice of our local community. Please, join the Trust
so you can vote and let your voice be heard!
It is only because we have the strength of numbers that we are able to influence change. Annual membership for 2026 is only $20.
To join the Trust. CLICK HERE.
Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust eNews The
Trust publishes this monthly eNews newsletter. If you would like
to receive this newsletter on a regular basis, please CLICK HERE to subscribe to the eNews.
Local Justice of the Peace Timothy
Abrams, a Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust committee member, has
generously offered his services as a Justice of the Peace for any
residents requiring this service.
Tim can be contacted on Mob 0417 662 405
Dr. Penelope Crossley has also generously offered her services.
Penelope is a practising solicitor and is happy to witness documents pro
bono for 2119 residents. Penelope can be contacted on 0449 232 474.
Civic Trust Facebook page
Every now and then the Trust’s Facebook Page includes interviews with interesting people who live in the area of postcode 2119.
The Facebook page also highlights weekly happenings and items of
interest for residents in the Hornsby Shire and Parramatta area.
Monica Tudehope MP. March / April Newsletter. The Trust's policy is that we will publish submitted newsletters from any of our elected representatives. CLICK HERE
Hornsby Shire Council's April News Bulletin Can be viewed CLICK HERE
City of Parramatta's April News Bulletin Can be viewed CLICK HERE
Recent Development Applications The
Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust's web site now has links to recently
submitted Development Applications in the 2119 postcode area for both
Hornsby and Parramatta Shire Councils. This page will be updated
with every eNews publication. CLICK HERE To access them.
Objections to Development Applications and other correspondence with council can be viewed CLICK HERE
Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust eNews.
The
eNews has become our main method for disseminating information to the
community. We already send the eNews to many of our residents. We
encourage residents who receive the eNews to tell their neighbours and
friends and suggest they too subscribe. The eNews letter is
available to all who subscribe. Trust Membership is not a
requirement.
The eNews archives are available CLICK HERE. To subscribe to the eNews: CLICK HERE.
There is an active Civic Trust Facebook group; to view the Facebook CLICK HERE.
The Trust will assist any resident regardless of their membership status.
