OUR COUNCIL

Mayor’s message

As we head into spring, it’s great to see some warmer weather. While spring is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy the beauty of our Shire in bloom, it’s also a good opportunity to start preparing for bushfires and other emergencies.

I encourage you to create an emergency plan using the Australian Red Cross Get Prepared app. The free app helps people make important decisions ahead of time, create personalised emergency plans, establish support networks, prepare emergency checklists and share plans with family and friends.

Finally, for students preparing for the HSC, extended library hours will be available to help them focus during this busy time. All the best to our students across the Shire as they prepare for this important milestone.

Warren Waddell
Mayor, Hornsby Shire Council

Bushwalks

Explore your backyard

Join one of Council’s free guided bushwalks and events.

Expert guides and facilitators will provide you with fascinating insights into the natural and cultural heritage of our Bushland Shire.

6 Oct - 4 Nov

HSC Students - Extended hours

Hornsby and Pennant Hills Libraries will be opening our doors early for HSC students from 9am on weekdays leading up to and during the HSC period. Please be at the doors of the library between 9am – 9.15am with your Student ID card to gain early access.

11 Oct

Chipping for Mulch - Mount Kuring-gai

Bring your garden prunings and branches that don’t fit in your green lid bin and have them chipped into mulch.

13 Oct

Solar and Batteries. A webinar with Adam Corrigan

This workshop steps you through some of the ways you can save money on your home energy bills.

15 Oct

Carers Week Coffee and Chat

Our event will provide an opportunity for Carers to connect with like-minded people in our community while enjoying a coffee and sweet treat.

15+27 Oct

Make & Mend Workshops

Learn simple ways to repair, reuse and rewear the clothes you already own.

17 Oct

Clothes Swap

Exchange your preloved clothes and accessories with our
second-hand community.

19 Oct

New-Bub Bushcare

Join us for a fun, hands-on Bushcare session.

Enjoy time in nature, a cuppa and meet other parents.

20 Oct

Composting and Worm Farming

Join our community of composters and worm farmers, turning household food waste into nutrient rich compost for your garden.

21 Oct

HSC Afternoon Tea

The Community Development team will once again host an HSC afternoon tea to support our amazing year 12 students. Free pizza and cold drinks will be provided.

25 Oct

Hello Hornsby Celebrates Grandparents Day 2026

Hornsby Shire grandparents are invited to bring their grandchildren to Koala Park for this FREE annual event.

31 Oct

Waste Warrior Volunteer Induction

We’re rethinking the way our community approaches waste - turning everyday choices into powerful actions. Join us in creating a culture of rethinking, reusing, and reducing.

Simple steps to prepare for bush fire season

Living close to bushland is part of what makes Hornsby Shire special, but it also means many homes can be exposed to bush fire, particularly wind-driven embers that can travel well ahead of the fire front.

The good news? There are practical things you can do around your home now to reduce the risk.

Are wind or wildlife scattering your trash?

Council’s Waste Management team is trialling SafeWaste Multi-Fit Bin Lid Latches to keep bin lids secure, free for residents.

Key benefits

Universal fit: Works on any standard household wheelie bin without tools.

Smart release: Unlatches automatically when emptied by collection trucks.

Litter prevention: Keeps streets clean on collection days or during storage.

Help keep our local environment tidy. Request your free bin latch today (while stocks last) by calling the Waste Hotline on 13 70 30.

A more comfortable, efficient home

Want to love your home more, all while saving cash and the planet? Cowan resident Michael and Berowra resident Ruth opened their homes to show us what they’ve been doing to make them more comfortable and energy efficient.

Michael has been transforming his 1940s weatherboard home into a fully electric, energy-efficient house and now pays zero dollars for electricity.

Ruth has gradually upgraded her 1980s brick home with solar panels, a battery, new windows and shutters to improve comfort, sustainability and resilience.

Meet the staff making a difference in our community 👋

If you’ve enjoyed a new playground, visited an upgraded park or spent time in one of our community spaces, there’s a good chance Meredith has helped bring it to life.

As a Landscape Architect and Project Manager, Meredith works with communities, designers and contractors to create welcoming outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed for years to come.

“Seeing families and children enjoying a space I’ve helped create is incredibly special.”
Meredith

These projects are currently open for comment

Hornsby Plug and Play
Survey closes 19 October

7 City View Road - Amended Voluntary Planning Agreement
Submissions close 30 October