Page 4

For Nilmini De Silva, photography is a way of seeing the world differently — from the beauty of the Hornsby bushland she has called home for more than 25 years to the extraordinary patterns created by water across Australia.

How did you get into photography?

In 2010, I took a year’s sabbatical from my work as a water engineer to travel solo around the world. I discovered photography while volunteering on a conservation project in South Africa. On my return, I had my first exhibition, joined Hornsby Heights Camera Club and my creative journey began in earnest.

What do you love most about this area?

I bought my home in Hornsby in 1998, just six months after migrating to Australia, because I loved the bush and birdlife. My bedroom overlooks Berowra Valley National Park and I still begin each day looking across the valley — watching the fog and listening to kookaburras.

What’s the story behind your winning photo?

I had submitted several nature images when the magazine asked whether I had any more distinctive Hornsby shots. I took on the fountain — it’s notoriously difficult to photograph, but I love a challenge. On my second visit, I found a composition that worked after sunset, using a long exposure and night filter to create the final image.

What inspires your photography?

I’m drawn to the natural world and places off the beaten track. Aerial photography has become my signature style. I photograph salt lakes and floodplains by drone and light aircraft, searching for the stories water has written across the landscape.

What does being on the cover mean to you?

It’s wonderful to be recognised, especially in the place I call home. As I transition towards working professionally as a photographer, the timing feels particularly meaningful. Ultimately, I hope to use my photography to tell stories and raise awareness about issues I care about.

Dream location?

Despite travelling to more than 60 countries, there are still many places I’d love to explore. My dream location would be an aerial photographer’s paradise of braided rivers and extraordinary patterns created by water, in a landscape no other photographer has yet discovered!

NILMINI DE SILVA

nilminidesilva.com

@nilmini_de_silva_photography

We’re on the hunt for Front Cover-worthy shots for future editions, got a magnificent photo, email us at hello@hornsbymagazine.com

Page 6

Few pieces of public art divide a community quite like the Hornsby Water Clock.

Since it was unveiled in Hornsby Mall in 1993, the eight-metre kinetic sculpture officially titled Man, Time and the Environment has become something locals either adore or roll their eyes at. There is rarely much middle ground, and that is arguably a sign of what its creator set out to do.

The man behind it, sculptor and engineer Victor Cusack, who is now almost 90, was already well-regarded when Hornsby Council approached him in the early 1990s, having completed the Pacific Family sculpture at Warringah Mall a few years earlier. Cusack’s vision for Hornsby was ambitious: a working fountain and clock, cast in bronze, stainless steel and toughened glass, designed to give the suburb the kind of gathering point he had admired in French town squares, as he put it, where the whole social fabric of an area could revolve around one meeting point.

It was a serious undertaking. Construction took over two and a half years and cost more than $500,000, and the finished piece weighs 20 tonnes.

“For me, this was never just a commission. It was an opportunity to make a genuine artistic statement about humanity’s relationship with the environment and to create something that would become part of the very public, very Hornsby landscape”, said Cusack.

Of course, keeping a 20-tonne mechanical sculpture running for over thirty years was never going to be simple. Blocked pipes, wear and tear, and changes made during nearby redevelopment work have all taken a toll over the decades, and the clock’s moving parts haven’t always kept pace with the fountain’s popularity. Cusack, understandably protective of a piece bearing his name and reputation, has at times pushed hard, including through Australia’s rarely used “moral rights” copyright provisions, to see it properly maintained rather than left to decline. It is a reminder that when an artist hands over a major work, their connection to it does not simply end with installation.

Whatever side of the fountain debate you sit on, it is worth appreciating what stands in that mall: a rare, large-scale piece of functioning public art, built by a local craftsman with real ambition for what a town centre could be. Love it or find it a curiosity, the Hornsby Water Clock has quietly given the suburb something most towns don’t have — a genuine, one-of-a-kind landmark, and a story still being written.

Page 9

“When kids spot someone with a physical difference, they usually have a hundred blunt questions — or sometimes, they just stare in unsure silence. That’s exactly why I started Amazing Amputee”, said Beatrix Gebhardt.

Growing up as a below-knee amputee, Beatrix was often the kid on the receiving end of those stares. But she learnt early on that children aren’t being unkind; they just haven’t been shown how to engage yet. Once you give them a safe space to simply ask their questions, fear quickly turns into friendship.

Beatrix said, “I run 45-minute hands-on workshops for early learners (ages 3-8) to take the awkwardness out of physical differences. Instead of just talking at them, I bring in my real prosthetic legs and arms so the kids can touch them, hold them, and figure out how they work. We chat openly about my day-to-day life, answer all their curious questions, and finish up by designing and decorating their own craft prosthetic leg!”

But true inclusion takes a village. Beatrix has over 10 years of professional experience in disability support, but her biggest education has been at home. As a local mum to two boys — navigating ADHD, Autism, and a decade of the NDIS — she knows the everyday reality of raising neurodivergent kids. Because of this, she also offers dedicated evenings for parents and educators, sharing practical, real-world strategies for supporting kids with physical disabilities and neurodivergence alike.

“Let’s work together so no child feels left out, and every child learns how to be a great, supportive peer”, she says.

Book a classroom session

Duration: 45-minute hands-on workshop and craft. Cost: $150 per session. Contact: Beatrix 0435 418 403, beatrixnikki@gmail.com

Page 11

For 25 years, Hill View Bushwalkers Inc. (HVB) has been bringing people together to explore some of New South Wales’ most spectacular walking tracks.

This year marks a significant milestone for the club, which became an independent organisation in 2001 after evolving from a Friday bushwalking program established in 1979 at NSW Health’s Hillview facility in Turramurra. The initiative, inspired by Barbara Hamilton, was created to encourage better health through walking — a mission that continues today.

Now boasting more than 110 active members, HVB offers three different walking programs each Friday from February to November, catering to a wide range of fitness levels. Whether members prefer gentle urban strolls, moderate bushwalks or more challenging adventures, there’s a walk to suit everyone.

Last year alone, club members completed an impressive 105 walks covering more than 1,050 kilometres. From Sydney’s stunning coastal tracks to the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Southern Highlands and Illawarra, every walk offers a chance to discover beautiful landscapes while enjoying great company.

Beyond the weekly walks, HVB has built a vibrant social community. Members regularly come together for special events, celebrations and walking weekends. In August, the club headed to Bundanoon for a three-day adventure featuring walks through Nattai National Park, Thirlmere Lakes, Mount Annan Botanic Gardens and the picturesque Southern Highlands.

The club recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a picnic at Auluba Reserve in Turramurra, where all three walking groups converged just a few kilometres from the place where the club’s journey began.

HVB President Nick Speyer says the club’s success has always been about more than walking, “Over many years and through the dedication of enthusiastic members, we have created a thriving bushwalking community. The club has a database of hundreds of wonderful walks — mapped, tried and tested. Our aim is to promote walking as a group as healthy, fun and safe.”

The club remains true to the vision of its early champions, including founder and life member Anne Eggins and Jean Allen, who believed bushwalking could improve both physical health and social wellbeing.

With annual membership costing just $45, and a focus on using public transport and carpooling wherever possible, HVB makes it easy and affordable to get involved.

Thinking about giving it a go? New walkers are invited to experience the club by joining up to three walks for free before becoming a member.

HILL VIEW BUSHWALKERS

hvb.org.au

Alan Oakley, Secretary

secretary@hvb.org.au

Page 12

This year has been an incredibly meaningful one for all of us at the Granny Flat Foundation.

We recently completed one of our most important projects to date: the construction and donation of a two-bedroom granny flat for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter.

For women and children escaping domestic violence, access to safe and secure accommodation can mean the difference between fear and safety, uncertainty and hope, and survival and the opportunity for a fresh start.

The new granny flat will provide essential emergency accommodation and support for women and families experiencing domestic violence and homelessness, giving them something everyone deserves: a safe place to call home.

As the founder of Granny Flat Solutions, I’ve spent many years seeing how much a home can mean to a family. We’re a family-run business, and giving back to the communities in which we live and work has always been important to us. It was this belief that led us to establish the Granny Flat Foundation.

Granny Flat Solutions built and donated the granny flat, but it was very much a community effort. Many of our trades and suppliers generously contributed their time, materials and services, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to life.

On 20 June, we also hosted our first Charity Gala, where almost 400 guests came together and helped us raise an incredible $56,650. These funds will support the completion of the Women’s Shelter project and help commence approvals for our next initiative, working with The Salvation Army to provide additional shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

For me, this project is a reminder of what can be achieved when local businesses and communities come together for a shared purpose.

We build homes every day. Through the Granny Flat Foundation, we have the opportunity to use what we know to help provide a home when it’s needed most.

Wally Gebracl
Founder & Director, Granny Flat Foundation

Page 14

The Cottage at Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River is a welcoming community space that brings people together through art, markets, local history, Brooklyn RSL history, educational activities and social interaction, all within its beautiful heritage-listed cottage.

Brooklyn is a popular destination for day trips from both Sydney and the Central Coast, and The Cottage is conveniently located opposite the Hawkesbury River train station. The Cottage is proudly operated by volunteers who are passionate about supporting the local community.

The Cottage supports and promotes local artists across a range of disciplines, inviting individual artists and groups to exhibit throughout the year. Art exhibitions typically change every six weeks, providing visitors with an ever-changing showcase of local creative talent.

The Cottage holds workshops and invites people to pitch and lead engaging classes.

A variety of market stalls are also held throughout the year, including second-hand and Christmas markets, with opportunities for interesting stallholders to participate.

Upcoming markets

2026 Christmas Market — Sunday 22 November. 2027 Second-hand Market — Sunday 14 March.

THE COTTAGE

10 Dangar Road, Brooklyn

Open Saturday and Sunday 10am–3pm

0450 434 505

thecottage@brooklyncommunity.org.au

@cottagebrooklyn

Pages 16–17

Every day, the teams prepare, pack and deliver hundreds of meals across Northern Sydney.

For many of the people they serve, those meals are much more than food. They provide nourishment, reassurance, independence and a connection to community.

Over the past year, they have been on another kind of journey — one that has taken place behind the kitchen doors.

The Nutrition Standards Enhancement Project has provided them with the opportunity to review, strengthen and enhance the systems that underpin every meal they prepare. Its purpose has always been simple: to continue providing nutritious, high-quality meals that support healthy ageing and independent living.

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of Community Bank Lindfield, whose grant of $27,585.75 provided the catalyst for this important work.

The journey so far

Building on strong foundations

This project gave them the opportunity to take the next step in reviewing the seasonal recipes, strengthening nutrition governance and enhancing the information that supports the menu planning and food production. Working collaboratively across the organisation has reinforced the importance of consistency, quality and evidence-based practice in everything they do.

Learning from the experts

An important part of this journey has been the collaboration with Nutrition Professionals Australia. Working alongside accredited dietitians has provided valuable guidance as they reviewed recipes, strengthened the nutrition framework and explored opportunities to further support the nutritional wellbeing of their clients for the long-term.

Growing our nutrition culture

Across the kitchens and service sites, they have begun sharing regular nutrition messages and reminders, encouraging the teams to reflect on the important role they play in supporting the health and wellbeing of clients. As part of this commitment, they have also introduced a newly restructured Food Quality & Kitchen Assistant role.

The road ahead

Although the Nutrition Standards Enhancement Project has reached an important milestone, they see it as the beginning of an ongoing journey rather than a finished destination. The project has opened conversations and created opportunities that they hope to continue exploring as resources, partnerships and organisational priorities allow. Some of these opportunities include:

Listening to clients

They are exploring ways to involve clients more closely in conversations about nutrition and menu development, including the potential establishment of a Nutrition Committee that provides opportunities for client input and feedback.

Creating opportunities to learn together

Food tasting sessions and nutrition-focused workshops are ideas they would like to build upon over time, creating opportunities for clients to learn, connect and share their experiences while helping the team better understand their preferences.

Continuing to invest in people

Nutrition is becoming an increasingly important part of how they think about quality. As opportunities arise, they will continue incorporating nutrition-related learning into staff development, helping teams build confidence and knowledge that supports better outcomes for clients.

Strengthening partnerships

The collaboration they have begun with Nutrition Professionals Australia has highlighted the value of working alongside specialist partners.

More than a project

The greatest outcome of this project may not be found in a recipe, a policy or a nutrition report, but a culture emerging. 

A culture that recognises nutrition as everyone’s responsibility. 

A culture that values learning, collaboration and continuous improvement. 

A culture that understands every meal carries the opportunity to improve someone’s health.

While there is always more to do, they are proud of the progress they have made and grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey — the Board, staff, volunteers, clients, partners and especially Community Bank Lindfield.

After all, at The Village Chef by Meals on Wheels every meal is more than just a meal — it is an opportunity to care.

THE VILLAGE CHEF BY MEALS ON WHEELS

1300 361 287

info@villagechef.com.au

villagechef.com.au

Page 18

Pennant Hills Netball Club (PHNC) is celebrating a remarkable milestone in 2026, marking its 60th Diamond Anniversary.

Founded in 1966, when the sport was still known as “women’s basketball”, the club began as part of a local competition organised by a school headmaster. Just two years later, PHNC became a proud founding member of the Hills District Netball Association (HDNA), helping shape the local game for generations to come.

Today, the club fields 22 teams and boasts 242 active members, including players, coaches, umpires, managers and volunteers. Ages range from just six years old to 67, reflecting the club’s enduring commitment to creating a welcoming community for all.

Over the years, PHNC has nurtured players from grassroots to the elite level, including former NSW Swifts player Hayley Smith (née McKivat) and GIANTS Netball defender Erin O’Brien. The club also takes pride in every player who has represented HDNA at regional, state and national competitions.

At the heart of PHNC is its philosophy of being “one community”. Dedicated mentor coaches develop young umpires and create positive experiences that promote teamwork, confidence and wellbeing both on and off the court.

The club continues to invest in the future, with Netball Clinics for children aged 6–10 which introduces young players to the game. The 60th anniversary celebrations will culminate at Presentation Day on Sunday, 20 September, featuring a special display of memorabilia celebrating the club’s rich history. Anniversary training shirts will be provided to all active members to celebrate this milestone. They were proudly supported by local businesses including sponsors Pennant Hills Marketplace, Finesse Pilates, HealthSave Pharmacy Pennant Hills, William Buck Accountants and Advisors, Avilee Academy of Dance, Kolachi Grill and Aligned to Achieve.

Past and present players, families and supporters are invited to join the celebrations.

PENNANT HILLS NETBALL CLUB

pennanthillsnetball.com.au

pennanthillsnetballclub@gmail.com

Page 20

Two years ago on 26 August 2024, a devastating motorcycle accident in Sydney’s western suburbs resulted in the death of Leeam Bugeja two days later. He was just 20 years old.

Leeam’s death was a huge loss for his family, but it was life-changing for 17 other people as the Bugeja family made the difficult decision to donate Leeam’s organs.

“As much as the tragic news of his death shook my family, that decision meant Leeam’s death was not for nothing and he became a hero for 17 people,” Leeam’s sister Leaneaka Bugeja says.

“Although the news of his death changed my family’s life for the worse, it also changed many other lives for the better. Donating either your own organs, or that of a loved one, gives others another chance at life.”

The NRL hold an annual Jersey Round to raise awareness for organ donation. Inspired by Nathan Gremmo, a 13-year-old boy from the Hills District whose death in 2015 led to one of Australia’s most recognisable organ-donation awareness movements, Leaneaka Bugeja is hoping Leeam’s story will also help promote a better understanding in the community of the need for organ donation.

At 17, Leaneaka has endured her own share of hardships. She has lived in 13 foster homes and is now working to be an advocate for foster children, hoping to make a difference in the lives of other children. But for now, she wants to recognise Leeam and the contribution he made.

“Leeam was my older brother and devoted to his beloved Penrith Panthers. Losing him is one of the hardest things I’ve had to go through,” she says. “He always cared so much for his family and friends. He was the type of person who would give his own shirt if someone else needed it, and he always reminded me he was only a phone call away. He was my hero in so many different ways and knowing he became a hero in death to so many other people make my family very proud.”

“This year’s Jersey Round comes just after we mark the second anniversary of Leeam not being with us. As a family, we not only want to recognise Nathan Gremmo and Leeam, but every organ donor.”

In the past 50 years, more than 7,500 people who died either chose to donate their organs, or their family chose it for them. Together they have saved more than 20,000 lives.

“Every one of these people is a hero,” says Leaneaka.

Page 22

For nearly 70 years, Inala has supported adults with intellectual and developmental differences in living full, connected, purposeful lives.

That work is grounded in a Rudolf Steiner inspired philosophy that sees every person as capable of growth, dignity, and contribution.

Today, Inala’s Day Services and Supported Independent Living programs support nearly 200 individuals with a disability.

At an Inala Day Service, participants learn trades and crafts, tend gardens, cook, and create art in programs tailored to their strengths and goals. In Supported Independent Living, that same spirit continues at home, where participants are supported to manage daily life with autonomy, making choices and building routines as genuine members of their community.

Inala’s work has never been just about services delivered. It is about a genuine community built around its participants, and there is no better proof of that than the Inala Fair.

Now in its 60th year, this year’s Fair will be held on Sunday 18 October, from 9am to 3pm, and it promises to be a wonderful day out for the whole family.

Wander through market stalls brimming with handmade arts and crafts, boutique clothing, books, and other treasures. Sample food from around the world, and keep the kids entertained with animal encounters, pony rides, face painting, and craft workshops. Enjoy all day entertainment on the main stage from local community groups.

Every dollar raised provides vital items the NDIS does not cover, such as art and craft materials, mobility equipment, medical supplies, and therapies that help participants thrive.

For many participants, the Fair is also a chance to shine, helping set up stalls and greeting visitors. It shows what Inala lives out all year round, that inclusion is not just a principle to uphold, but a practice to build together.

Hornsby locals have long supported Inala. Bring the family, some cash for the stalls, and spend a Sunday supporting a cause woven into the fabric of our community.

Support the Fair by donating a raffle prize, sponsoring the event, or volunteering on the day.

INALA

99 Franklin Rd, Cherrybrook

Sharni Anson

0425 285 708

events@inala.org.au

inala.org.au