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Dear Berowra Resident,
As we head into the summer holidays, this edition is full of activities to keep the family busy.
It also covers many of our communities local achievements and events over the past month.
This edition includes:
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I
would like to wish everyone in our community a Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year. I hope you and your family have a safe and relaxing
break.
To those of you who are serving our community in the SES, RFS, Police,
Fire & Rescue, health system and defence forces - thank you.
I am here to represent you, and my team and I are always ready to assist with your concerns.
If I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me at julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au or on (02) 9980 1822.
Kind regards,
Julian
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P.S Follow me on social media to keep up with my work representing you.
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WHATS ON THIS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!!!
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🎄 CHRISTMAS CAROLS, MARKETS & FESTIVALS
“Cradle to the Cross: A King’s Story” Community Christmas Carols
Parramatta Christian Church, 20 Barney Street, North Parramatta.
Family-friendly carols with jumping castles, face painting, petting zoo, food, drinks and show bags.
When: 6 December, 5:30–9pm
Price: Free
Bookings/Contact: pcc.org.au |
Epping Uniting Church Christmas Markets
Epping Uniting Church (Oxford & Chester Streets). Handmade gifts, morning tea, food stalls and live music.
When: 6 December, 8am–1pm
Price: Free
Contact: Carolyn 0408 747 880 |
Lifeline’s GIANT Book Fair – Hornsby
Rosewood Centre, Barker College, Unwin Road, Hornsby. 90,000+ books across 50+ categories.
When: 6–8 December 2025, 8am–5pm
Price: Free entry
Bookings/Contact: Rachael Temm — 9498 8805 | marketing@lifelineh2h.org.au |
Bella Vista Farm Open Day & Mayor’s Children’s Christmas Party
Bella Vista Farm, 9am–2pm. Tours, heritage buildings, Devonshire Tea, chamber music, stalls and family activities.
Price: Free
Bookings/Contact: No RSVP required |
Wahroonga Village Fair
Railway Avenue, Wahroonga. Artisan stalls, food, coffee, Christmas stalls, live music and Knox Pipe Band.
When: 7 December, 9am–4pm |
TurkFest Parramatta 2025
Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta. Celebration of Turkic culture with food, sweets, music, dance and handmade wares.
When: 7 December, from 12pm
Price: Free |
The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition
The Rocks.
When: Fridays–Sundays, 5–21 December
Festive markets with gifts, artisan products and entertainment. |
Christmas Storytime
Christmas stories, songs, craft and Santa (Hornsby sessions). Ages 0–6.
When & Where:
• Hornsby Library: Tue 9 Dec, 10am • Thu 11 Dec, 10am
• Pennant Hills Library: Wed 10 Dec, 10am • Fri 12 Dec, 10am
• Berowra Library: Fri 12 Dec, 10:30am
Price: Free |
Christmas by the Beach
James Meehan Reserve, Dee Why Beach.
When: 12 December, from 4pm
Family entertainment, kids show, sing-along carols and food trucks.
Price: Free
Bookings/Contact: No RSVP required |
Carols By Candlelight – Fagan Park
When: 13 December, 5–9pm
Food trucks, carols and a visit from a special guest.
Price: Free
Bookings/Contact: No RSVP required |
Carols on the Corner – St Matthew’s West Pennant Hills
St Matthew’s Anglican Church.
Family festival on St Matts Green, 4:30–6pm; Carols indoors 6–7pm.
When: 13 December
Price: Free
Bookings/Contact: stmatts.au/carols |
Thornleigh Community Carols
Headen Park. Food trucks, local bands and festive carols.
When: 14 December, 5–9pm
Price: Free
Bookings/Contact: No RSVP required |
Christmas at St Mary’s Cathedral
St Mary’s Cathedral Forecourt.
When: 17–25 December, 5:30–10:30pm
Light show from 8:30pm nightly; markets, entertainment, performers.
Price: Free
Bookings/Contact: No RSVP required |
The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain
The Domain, Sydney.
When: 20 December
Fireworks, lights and performances by leading artists.
Price: Free
Bookings/Contact: No RSVP required |
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🎭 SHOWS, THEATRE & LIVE MUSIC
Studio Artes: Here, Seen, Celebrated! Exhibition
Wallarobba Arts & Cultural Centre, 25 Edgeworth David Avenue,
Hornsby. Exhibition by Studio Artes artists, held for International Day
of People with Disability.
When: 2–7 December, Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm
Price: Free entry
Bookings/Contact: arts@hornsby.nsw.gov.au |
Handel’s Messiah 2025
Presented by Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Ecumenical Choir
Holy Name Church, Wahroonga
When: Thursday 11 December, 8pm
100+ choristers, organ, trumpets, tympani and soloists.
Price: Adults $30 | Concession $20 | Students $10 | Children under 10 free
Bookings: Tickets available at the door |
A Comedy of Errors – Sport for Jove
Bella Vista Farm.
When: 19 December, 7–9:15pm
Fast-paced outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors.
Price: Ticketed
Bookings/Contact: sportforjove.com.au/the-comedy-of-errors-2025 |
Sydney Symphony Under the Stars: 50 Years of Music and Pictures
Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.
When: 17 January
Outdoor symphony concert celebrating Sydney Festival’s 50 years.
Price: Free
Bookings: No RSVP required |
The Wiggles – Tree of Wisdom Big Show
TikTok Entertainment Centre, Sydney.
When: 20 December, 10am
High-energy Wiggles concert with classic and new songs.
Price: Ticketed
Bookings: thewiggles.com/live |
👨👩👧👦 FAMILY & HOLIDAY PROGRAMS, CAMPS & WORKSHOPS
Rewind – Dementia-Friendly Church Service
The Heights Church, Hornsby Heights.
When: First Wednesday of each month, 10:00–10:45am (morning tea to ~11:30am)
Price: Free (donations appreciated)
Bookings/Contact: Leanne Hill — leanne@rewindservice.org |
Taronga Zoo – Zoo Adventures
Taronga Zoo Sydney. Full-day holiday program with animal encounters and behind-the-scenes experiences.
When: Multiple dates from 17 December–30 January, 8:30am–3:30pm
Price: $75 per child (+$15 T-shirt)
Bookings: au.openforms.com/Form/705d69b0-874f-4533-a92f-8d5909dbfaa2 |
Summer Holidays Code Camp – Hills District
Hills Shire Council Administration Building, Norwest.
When: From 12 January, 9am–4pm
Coding and game-building workshops for Years 4–9.
Price: $240–$520
Bookings/Contact: codewarriors.laudwords.com/codecamps/register/ |
Splash City Summer Camp #2 – Hills Grammar
Hills Grammar School.
When: 19–20 January, 8:30am–3:30pm
Motiv8sports’ two-day hybrid sports and water-themed program.
Price: $75–$125
Bookings: motiv8sports.com.au/locations/hills-district/ |
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🏞 DAY TRIPS, MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS
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Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail
Quarry Road, Hornsby. A 6km network of single-track and flowing
bushland trails with a mix of technical sections and fast runs through
Old Mans Valley. Open during daylight hours and accessible from Hornsby
Station, with parking available on Quarry Road. |
Sydney Bus Museum
25 Derbyshire Road, Leichhardt. A volunteer-run, not-for-profit
museum housed in the historic Old Tramshed, preserving a rare collection
of buses from the 1920s to the 1980s. Visitors can explore restored
vehicles and learn about Sydney’s transport heritage.
Price: Ticketed
Bookings: sydneybusmuseum.com |
NSW Rail Museum
10 Barbour Road, Thirlmere. Australia’s largest collection of
heritage rolling stock, including a mail van, prison van and the
Governor-General’s carriage. Weekends and school holidays often feature
heritage train rides and behind-the-scenes viewing at the Roundhouse
with its 105-foot turntable.
Price: Ticketed
Bookings: nswrailmuseum.com.au/tickets |
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Museum of Fire
1 Museum Drive, Penrith. An immersive, hands-on museum celebrating
Australia’s firefighting history, from early brigades to today’s Fire
and Rescue NSW. Features historic appliances, interactive exhibits and a
junior firefighter’s area.
Price: Ticketed
Bookings: museumoffire.net |
Australian Reptile Park: Jurassic Zoo
Australian Reptile Park, Somersby.
When: 20 December–2 February, 9am–5pm
Dinosaur adventure with live animals, keeper talks and dino dance party.
Price: From $32.99
Bookings: reptilepark.com.au |
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SOCIAL MEDIA RESTRICTIONS FOR UNDER 16s - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
From
Wednesday December 10, social media platforms will need to take
reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from having a social
media account.
The
age restrictions apply to Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit,
Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube as well as other platforms.
Most
standalone gaming and messaging apps, as well as many services that
support health and education, will not be affected by the new law.
The responsibility will be on the social media companies, not you as a parent or carer, to implement this law.
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HOW MY OFFICE CAN ASSISST WITH TELCO
If
you are having difficulties with your telecommunications provider -
including issues with NBN or internet connections, mobile coverage or
ongoing service outages - my office may be able to assist.
We can raise matters directly with the provider on your behalf to seek
updates, clarify information, and help progress a resolution.
If you have not had success resolving the matter through the provider’s
usual channels, please let my office know so we can follow up for you.
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FIGHTING TO IMPROVE PARKING IN EPPING
Since
Epping became part of the Berowra electorate, I have been
doorknocking across Epping and North Epping, listening to residents
about the matters that concern them most.
One issue raised time and again is parking.
As Epping continues to grow, finding a parking space has become a daily challenge for many locals.
Our infrastructure needs to keep pace, and that includes a clear plan
for more public parking to support residents, businesses, and community
life.
If you agree, please sign the petition.
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UPGRADE NEW LINE ROAD - STOP THE CONGESTION GETTING WORSE
As
part of the former Morrison Liberal Government, I secured Federal
funding for planning the upgrade New Line Road, one of our area’s
worst bottlenecks.
The Minns Labor Government did not believe our community needed this
upgrade and have redirected the funding without giving our community any
commitment that they will put the upgrade back on the agenda.
The Perrottet Government committed funds to to upgrade the road between Purchase Road and Hastings Road.
The Minns Labor Government have now announced plans thousands of new
homes in Cherrybrook, that will only increase pressure on New Line Road.
I have sought meetings with the NSW Planning and Roads Ministers to push for the funding to be reinstated.
Show your support to get this funding back by signing the petition today.
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UPDATE ON EPPING BRIDGE WIDENING
Over
the summer holidays, early works will be continuing on the Epping
Bridge in preparation for main work construction, which is expected to
begin next year.
Transport for NSW have advised the community that between Monday 1 December 2025 and Saturday 28 February 2026, the following will take place:
- establishing temporary work sites
- survey investigations
- removal, installation and commissioning of new rail signalling infrastructure
- removal of redundant materials
- restoring disturbed areas once work has been completed.
When
complete, the upgrade will ease congestion for our community,
reducing travel times for families, improving safety, and
better connecting the Epping town centre, railway station and bus
interchange.
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Artist’s
impression aerial view of the replacement bridge (indicative only,
subject to detailed design). Source: Transport for NSW
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UPDATE ON THE EPPING STATION LIFT REPLACEMENT
Following
extensive campaigning from the State Member for Epping, Monica Tudehope
MP, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) have advised they will carry out
essential maintenance work on the two lifts servicing the Beecroft Road
footbridge.
Lift replacement parts are expected to arrive by January 2026
and the parts are expected to take approximately one week per
lift to install.
They have also confirmed they plan to replace both lifts in the future.
I will keep the community updated on any further information as it is provided by TfNSW.
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Many
Epping residents have contacted me about the two-year closure and
extensively delayed restoration of the Epping Aquatic Centre.
Ahead of a major Council meeting on Monday to determine the pool’s
future, I wrote to the Parramatta Lord Mayor urging Council to
commit to the recommended renewal works and fast-track reopening.
Epping is a key growth area, and local residents rightly expects infrastructure to keep pace.
I will continue stand with our community in the fight to regain this essential local facility.
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FEDERAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT WARRAH
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I recently visited Warrah and met Tangara student volunteers using new tools funded through a $5,000 Volunteer Grant, helping them work more safely and effectively.
Over 34 days, students from William Clarke College, Pacific Hills
Christian School, Tangara Girls School, and Barker College contributed
4,033 hours of community service using the new equipment for Warrah, a
not-for-profit supporting people with disability.
I also joined the team for the official opening of the upgraded accessible bathroom, funded by a $20,000 Stronger Communities Grant, providing safer, more inclusive facilities.
It was wonderful to share morning tea with Delia Gray, CEO, staff,
residents, and students and hear firsthand about the positive impact of
these projects.
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BROOKLYN THEATRE IN THE PARK
A
great night at the annual Theatre in the Park, in Brooklyn, where the
production of 'Caught in the Net' was the sequel to last years
production, 'Run for Your Wife'.
It's extraordinary how the local community put together such a
professional production for one night only, and it's a reminder that
theatre in our community comes in all different shapes and sizes.
A great ensemble cast tonight featuring Samantha Rudge, Amanda Frank, Michelle Raison, Meg Covey, Gary Robertson, Greg Upfold and Phil Wallis.
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NORTH EPPING MEN'S SHED OFFICIAL OPENING
The
North Epping Men’s Shed recently held their official opening, with more
than 100 people attending to celebrate the fantastic new facility.
A huge thank you to past President, Brian Bailey, and current President, Bob Bramston, for their tireless work in getting the shed to where it is today.
Men’s Sheds are such an important part of our community, giving people connection and purpose.
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HONOURING THOSE WHO SERVED
For
Remembrance Day, it was a privilege to attend services at the ANZAC
Jawan Cenotaph in Cherrybrook, organised by the Hindu Council of
Australia, and at the Boronia Park Cenotaph for a service organised by
the Epping RSL sub-Branch.
The ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph was made possible by a grant I secured for the Centenary of Armistice in 2018.
It stands as a powerful symbol of the long record of service Indian
Australians have given this country, dating back to the First World War
when around a dozen Indian Australians served in the AIF.
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Thank
you to everyone who attended these services – and others across our
community – to pause, reflect and honour all those who have worn our
nation’s uniform in the cause of freedom.
Lest we forget.
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HORNSBY CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES
Congratulations to everyone who became a citizen at the November Hornsby Shire Citizenship Ceremonies.
It is always a pleasure to attend and congratulate people on what is such a significant day in their lives'.
It is also a special reminder of how fantastic it is to be a part of such a diverse community.
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RECOGNISING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ATHLETES
From
Badminton to Netball it was fantastic to recognise eight talented young
athletes who are all recipients of the latest round of local sporting
champions awards.
A huge thank you to retired Paralympian and Berowra local Ellie Cole AM for attending to help present these awards.
As Australia's most decorated swimmer, Ellie is an inspiration to the next generation of athletes.
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OPENING OF THE MSB CENTRE AT MOUNT ST BENEDICT COLLEGE
I recently joined the Mount St Benedict College community for the Opening and Blessing of their new MSB Centre.
I have worked closely with the Mount St Benedict community over the years and was pleased to advocate for $1.975 million in funding to the Centre, provided by the former Coalition Federal Government.
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The refurbished buildings were blessed by Bishop Anthony Randazzo, and I toured the new centre with Principal Michael Hanratty, Board Chair Professor Marea Nicholson, Father Raphael Kimaro, and Father Robert Borg.
Mount St Benedict's produces outstanding students, well formed in their
Catholic identity with a strong commitment to social justice.
This upgrade will further strengthen the College’s facilities and serve our community well into the future.
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OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS (OHLC) EPPING
Our churches and places of worship truly bring the community together.
I'd like to thank Father Jim and the entire
congregation for welcoming me to attend their Sunday service and speak
with you at the morning tea afterwards.
OHLC Epping is a vibrant parish in the heart of Epping,
offering regular services, programs and events for all ages.
Click the button below to find out more on OHLC Epping, including the service times and community events they run.
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RECOGNISING OUR FUTURE LEADERS
Nearly
100 Year 12 student leaders from across the Berowra electorate attended
my 2025 Berowra Student Leaders Forum, where we discussed leadership
skills, school-based initiatives, and the practical responsibilities
that come with leading a school community.
The students engaged thoughtfully on
everything from mentoring younger cohorts to building a stronger culture
of respect and service in their respective schools.
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A
big thank you to Mack from Burn Bright Australia as well as Class of
2023 student leaders Charlie and Jaime for being part of our panel
discussion.
Their insights grounded the conversation and added real value for these incredible emerging leaders.
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BALAR MALAR CHERRYBROOK'S 4TH ANNUAL CULTURAL DAY
It
was a pleasure to join Balar Malar Cherrybrook for their 4th Annual
Cultural Day, a wonderful celebration of language, culture and
community.
Students showcased traditional dance, music and storytelling, supported by dedicated teachers and proud families.
The event highlighted the strength of our local Tamil community and the
important role Balar Malar plays in keeping language and culture alive
for the next generation.
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I
recently had the privilege of meeting with the Epping Civic Trust to
talk about my work as your local Federal Member and to hear directly
from residents about local and national issues.
The Trust plays an important role in standing up for Epping’s character and amenity.
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CHERRYBROOK RFB FLAG PRESENTATION
It
was a pleasure to present Cherrybrook RFS with their new Australian
Flag and official portraits of His Majesty King Charles III.
Thank you to all the volunteers for your ongoing service to our
community, particularly as we head further into the bush fire season.
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MAHAMEVNAWA BUDDHIST MONASTERY STONE LAYING CEREMONY
It was great to celebrate with the
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery and to help lay the foundation stones of
their new Bodhi Tree Podium.
I have supported the Monastery through past grants for new fencing,
buildings, and security systems, and it is wonderful to see the site
grow.
The Monastery's Bodhi tree is a direct descendant of the Jaya Sri Maha
Bodhi, an ancient tree that is still flourishing in Sri Lanka today.
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The podium will
be the first step in multiple upgrade projects, and will create a
beautiful space to meditate, conduct ceremonies, and make offerings to
the Buddha.
Congratulations to the members of the Maha Sangha, Rev Soma Thero
Bhanthe, and Rev Bodhidhamma Bhanthe who joined us from Melbourne, as
well as to the whole community who made this project possible.
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CHERRYBROOK PUBLIC SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FETE
The Christmas season was in full swing at Cherrybrook Public School for their Christmas Fete!
Funds raised on the day will go towards upgrading the school library with new lighting, chairs and air-conditioning.
It was great to join in on the festivities and catch up with Hugh Vassila, Principal of Cherrybrook Public School, and Jojo The, President of the P&C - along with all the students and parents running the stalls.
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SCHOOL PRESENTATION SEASON BEGINS
It’s
school presentation season, and I’ve already had the privilege of
visiting schools right across our community to celebrate the hard work
of students, teachers and families.
Over the past week I’ve attended presentation days at:
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Epping Boys High School
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Epping Heights Primary School
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Wideview Public School
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Hills Grammar Public School
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Wisemans Ferry Public School
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Northholm Grammar
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Epping Public School
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Warrah Specialist School
I am hoping to get to 31 of our schools presentation day events this year.
To all the students whose presentation days are still to come: congratulations on everything you’ve achieved in 2025.
I hope you enjoy a well-earned, relaxing school holiday break and come back refreshed, ready to tackle your studies in 2026.
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