Dear Berowra Resident,

This newsletter covers some important information on how I can assist, what is happening in our community and paying recognition to those who make our community better every day. 

This edition includes: 

• Running activities these Summer School Holidays?
• What's on this October! 
• How my office can assist with My Aged Care 
• Update on Epping Bridge Widening 
• Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Parkinson's Association
• Visiting our fantastic local schools
• National Centre for Childhood Grief
• Our local arts scene is strong - NUCMS & Chester St Theatre
• The Dish 
• Hills Yarning 
• Hills Hornets Basketball
• Berowra Woodchop Festival 2025
• HDNA Grand Finals 
• NDCC Centenary Dinner
• Hindi Divas Celebration 
• Barker College Spring Fair
• Beecroft Public Multicultural Fair
• Go For Broke Charity Bikeride
• North Epping Rangers Day
• Hornsby Art Prize 
• Ku-ring-gai Netball Grand Finals
• Salvos Community Café
• Community Bank Epping
• Upper North Shore Volunteer of the Year Awards
• Wine, Women and Sone - Sunday BBQ

I am here to represent you, and my team and I are always ready to assist with your concerns.

Whether you need help dealing with a federal agency, advice on a grant application, or want to share ideas to improve our community, we are here to support you.

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

A highlight of my monthly updates is sharing the great community events happening right across the Berowra Electorate.

With fewer than 100 days left in 2025, I’m calling on all local groups to start sending through your late-December and January activities.

As a dad of two young kids, I know how important it is to have fun things to do during the long summer holidays.

If your group is planning an event, I’d love to hear from you. 

Reply to this update or email me at julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au so we can help spread the word about the great summer community activities that will be on offer!

Friends of Fagan Park Open Day 2025
Sunday, 5 October, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
📍 Fagan Park, 38–48 Arcadia Rd, Galston

Sydney Sixers Holiday Bash
Tuesday, 7 October, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
📍 Mark Taylor Oval, Waitara Ave, Waitara
💲 Cost: $55
✉️ Jaydon.Eades@cricketnsw.com.au
For ages 5-10

Sydney Community Group's Diwali 2025 Celebration
Friday, 10 October, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
📍 The Epping Club, Rawson Street, Epping
💲 Cost: Individual $99, Table of 10 $900
✉️ info@sydneycommunitygroup.com.au

Berowra Rotary Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, 18 October, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
📍 Hunt Reserve, corner Pacific Highway and Beryl Avenue, Mt Colah
💲 Cost: Free
✉️ berowrarotary@gmail.com

Diwali Festival - Hosted by the Council of Indian Australians
Saturday, 18 October, 12:30 pm – 8:30 pm
📍 Castle Hill Showground, Showground Road Castle Hill, NSW 2154
💲 Cost: Free

Brooklyn Spring Fair & Markets
Sunday, 19 October, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
📍 Brooklyn Oval, Brooklyn Rd, Brooklyn
🎟 Entry: $2 per person or $5 per family
Proceeds support Hawkesbury River Child Care

Inala Fair
Sunday, 26 October, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
📍 Inala, 99 Franklin Road, Cherrybrook
💲 Cost: Free
📞 9680 1000
✉️ sanson@inala.org.au

Rewind: A monthly non-denominational church service for people living with dementia and their carers
Wednesday, 5 November, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
📍 The Heights Church, 110a Galston Road, Hornsby Heights.
💲 Cost: Free
✉️ leanne@rewindservice.org

Reply to this update or email me at julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au to send through any November events you want the community to know about. 

 

If you are experiencing difficulties with My Aged Care - including assessments, referrals for services, or delays in receiving support - my office may be able to assist.

We can make enquiries with our contacts at the Department of Health and Aged Care to request updates, clarify decisions, and help progress delayed matters.

If you have not had success dealing with My Aged Care directly, please let my office know so we can follow up on your behalf.

I recently sought, and received, a briefing from Transport for NSW about the status of the Epping Bridge upgrade and what it will mean for our community.

In particular, many residents have raised concerns with me about the potential permanent closure of High Street to through traffic.

I confirmed that this is currently only a suggestion being consulted on, and no official decision has been made. I will continue to keep the community updated on this important issue.

Early works are progressing on the project, including investigation works, installation of rail services, cable routes and cables, and upgrades to drainage infrastructure. Main construction works remain on track to begin next year.

When complete in 2030, the upgrade will ease congestion for over 60,000 vehicles that use the bridge daily, reducing travel times for families, improving safety, and better connecting the Epping town centre, railway station and bus interchange.

You can read more about the project here.

HORNSBY KU-RING-GAI PARKINSON'S ASSOCIATION
 

I recently had the opportunity to meet with Rose Parkin, Dick Babb and Michael Parkin from the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Parkinson’s Association (Parky People), a wonderful local group dedicated to supporting people living with Parkinson’s, their families, and carers.

The Association meets on the first Friday of each month at the Mt Colah Community Centre, providing a welcoming space for connection, information, and support.

Their activities go well beyond monthly meetings, from their Parkinsong choir to walking groups and craft sessions, the group is centred around community.

It was inspiring hear how they are making a real difference for locals living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.

If you want to find out more you can visit www.parkypeople.org , email hkparkypeople@gmail.com , or contact 0450 542 423. 

LOCAL SCHOOL VISITS 
 

It’s always inspiring to spend time with students from across our community.

This month I joined Pacific Hills Christian School for their Thank You Week, spoke with Year 6 students from Loreto Normanhurst following their Canberra visit, presented Cowan Public School with a new Australian flag, and met Normanhurst West Public School during their visit.

I was also honoured welcome Epping Public School students to Parliament House and talk to them about the importance of our democracy.

If your school is visiting Parliament House, or requires an Australian, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flag, I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CHILDHOOD GRIEF

For more than 30 years, the National Centre for Childhood Grief in Hornsby has been providing free, specialised support to children and adults grieving the loss of a parent or sibling.

I recently met with CEO Duncan Schieb who says early support is vital to help young people process grief, stay engaged in education, and build future opportunities.

To learn more or access resources, visit childhoodgrief.org.au.

 

It’s been a big month for community theatre in our area!

Normanhurst Uniting Church Musical Society wowed audiences with their production of My Fair Lady, with great performances by Christine Forbes, Andrew Pennycuick, Peter Hellier, Murray Fane, Joshua Woodward, Jane Ferrier and Sue Rowe. A classic performed with incredible local talent and dedication.

I also joined Theatre on Chester for the launch of their 2026 season, an exciting program that promises another year of outstanding performances. Thank you to the ongoing work of President, Carla Moore, Secretary, John Wiltshire, and Front of House Manager, Janelle Lye, for all the work behind the scenes that makes these productions so successful. 

You can see the Theatre on Chester's 2026 program and purchase tickets here.

We’re fortunate to have such vibrant and creative theatre right here in our community.

 

The Dish of St John’s at Hornsby provides food, friendship, and community support through free meals four nights a week and a Food Care Program that rescues surplus produce for families in need.

Through the support of $5,000 in Federal Volunteer Grants funding, The Dish will now be able to upgrade their technology and strengthen their operations.

Learn more about how The Dish can support you - or how you can get involved at https://thedish.uca.org.au/

Since 2020, Hills Yarning has been working to amplify First Nations voices and share stories across our community.

I was pleased to visit them recently to announce their success in receiving a $5,000 grant.

This will support their latest initiative which will connect young people with local Elders to ensure First Nations stories are passed on to the next generation, strengthening culture, connection, and understanding across the Hills.

UPGRADES ON THE WAY FOR HILLS HORNETS BASKETBALL CLUB
 

 

The Hills District Netball Association Grand Finals was a fantastic day of competition, showcasing the talent, teamwork and determination of players from across our community. Congratulations to HDNA President Lisa Robertson, coaches, umpires, volunteers, athletes and families who made this season such a success.

It was wonderful to see our community come together to celebrate grassroots sport.

NORTHERN DISTRICTS CRICKET CLUB CENTENARY DINNER

Players past and present, families, supporters and friends of the Northern District Cricket Club recently came together to celebrate an extraordinary milestone, the Club’s Centenary Dinner.

From its beginnings at Waitara Oval to becoming one of NSW’s most respected Premier Cricket clubs, NDCC has stood for community, development and sporting excellence for 100 years.

The night was a chance to reflect on the talent the Club has nurtured, including producing three former Australian team cricket captains (Mark Taylor, Neil Harvey and Adam Gilchrist) the friendships forged, and the proud history built in maroon, royal blue and old gold.

Congratulations to everyone involved in making NDCC a pillar of cricket in our community, here’s to the next century of success!

HINDI DIVAS

Hindi Divas is a time to recognise the importance of Hindi as one of the world’s most spoken languages.

Locally, IABBV Hindi School celebrated 38 years of teaching Hindi to our community and I was proud to attend their celebrations during Hindi Divas. 

For almost four decades the school has been nurturing students, young and old through language, helping them stay connected to culture and heritage while enriching our broader Australian story.

Congratulations to Mala Mehta for all your work as the President and Honorary Founder to keep Hindi alive in our community. 

BARKER COLLEGE SPRING FAIR

Barker College was buzzing at this year’s Spring Fair, with students, families and the wider community turning out in force to enjoy the rides, stalls and entertainment.

The fair is a much-loved tradition that showcases the energy and spirit of the school community, while raising funds to support Barker programs.

BEECROFT PUBLIC MULTICULTURAL FAIR

From traditional Chinese music to Japanese Karate demonstrations, the richness of our community was on full display at Beecroft Public School’s Multicultural Fair.

It was wonderful to see so many student performances and to enjoy the dozens of food stalls showcasing dishes from the diverse cultures of our local families.

My thanks go to Tanya Rose and Lyndal van Hooft, and the whole Beecroft Public School community, for bringing people together and making this special event possible.

GO FOR BROKE 2025

Hundreds of cyclists hit the road last month for Go for Broke 2025, taking on the 180km challenge ride from Berowra to Newcastle to raise vital funds for Lifeline.

Founded by Ed Kirk, Go for Broke is about more than endurance, it’s about supporting people who need it most.

Congratulations to Ed, the organisers, riders, volunteers and supporters for another inspiring effort.

Go for Broke shows the very best of our community, people coming together to make a difference.

NORTH EPPING RANGERS DAY

Rangers Day is the highlight of the North Epping calendar, bringing the whole community together to celebrate our local club.

It was terrific to join hundreds of players, their parents, coaches, organisers and supporters for a day full of community spirit.

I also was delighted to present the award for the best team banner, a hotly contested competition and a great display of creativity and pride for the many teams that make up the North Epping Rangers.

Congratulations to everyone involved for making Rangers Day such a success once again.

 

HORNSBY ART PRIZE
 

The 2025 Hornsby Art Prize Finalists’ Exhibition is was on display at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre last month. With over 400 entries received nationally and 73 works shortlisted across painting, sculpture, photography, drawing and printmaking, the exhibition is a true celebration of Australian, and local, creativity.

With a prize pool of $23,000, including a $10,000 major prize, the Hornsby Art Prize has become a cultural highlight for our community.

KU-RING-GAI NETBALL GRAND FINALS
 

The Ku-ring-gai Netball Association has wrapped up another fantastic season with their grand finals at the Canoon Road courts.

Players from juniors through to seniors took to the courts in front of family, friends, and supporters for a day of exciting competition.

The finals showcased great teamwork and sportsmanship with plenty of celebrations as the 2025 season came to a close.

SALVOS THE GATEWAY CAFE
 

The Hornsby Salvos Gateway Café is more than just a coffee spot, it’s a welcoming space where locals can find connection and community support.

Run by the Salvation Army, the café provides affordable meals and a friendly place to gather, while also linking people with services that can make a real difference in their lives.

It’s one of the many great examples of community spirit in action right here in the Berowra Electorate.

COMMUNITY BANK EPPING 
 

Established 23 years ago by North Epping residents, Community Bank Epping - Bendigo Bank has provided over $2.7 million to the community through its grants program.

Alongside their regular grant rounds, the Bank has a separate initiative to help build new partnerships with surrounding charities. These are groups not regularly partnered with but offering worthy support to residents.

I'd like to congratulate this year’s recipients: Camp Quality, Parramatta Women’s Shelter, Dignity, Epping Scouts, Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club, and Beecroft & Districts Garden Club.

The Upper North Shore Volunteer of the Year Awards were held at Hornsby RSL on Friday 19 September, celebrating the incredible contribution of locals who give their time to help others.

Organised by The Centre for Volunteering, the awards recognised the generosity and dedication of community members across our region.

It was a fitting opportunity to thank volunteers whose efforts continue to strengthen and enrich our community. 

In particular I would like to acknowledge the following winners of each category: 

2025 Upper North Shore - Young Volunteer of the Year: Max Harpham, Adult Volunteer of the Year: Declan O’Hare, Senior Volunteer of the Year: Glenn Bridgland, Emergency Volunteer of the Year: John Aitken, Volunteer Team of the Year: Hornsby Street Side Medics. 

WINE WOMEN AND SONG - SUNDAY BBQ
 

Last weekend, the Thornleigh Community Centre came alive for a special event celebrating and raising money for our local Men’s Sheds.

Guests enjoyed a community BBQ, live entertainment from friends of Jim Jam Studios, and a silent auction showcasing the incredible creations built by Men’s Shed members throughout the year.

The event was proudly hosted by the Rotary Club of Wahroonga and the Wine Women and Song Collective, Sallianne McClelland, Kylie Clift and Carmel May, three inspiring local women who brought together food, music and community spirit for a great cause.