Often volunteer-led and run, these organisations provide our communities with valuable services—through emergency services, education, sport, culture, or spiritual relief. Their services range from opening the doors of opportunity through to life-saving support.

It’s extraordinary to me just how many of these local organisations are celebrating significant anniversaries between 2024-2026, and I wanted to do something to acknowledge and celebrate this.

I am pleased that the majority of my fellow councillors agreed with me in Council holding an event to acknowledge these organisations for the work they do. I’ve been sharing stories of these anniversaries, and I hope you will too as it is these unique community organisations that define a community. They are the lifeblood of our Shire in Hornsby.

Here’s just some of the anniversaries:

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College, Northern District Cricket Club, Normanhurst Cricket Club, Epping Scouts, and Scouting in Pennant Hills are all celebrating 100 years.

Middle Dural and Dural Rural Fire Service Brigades are celebrating 80 years.

Hornsby Heights Rural Fire Service Brigade, Waitara Anglican Church, and Asquith Bowling Club celebrating 75 years.

Hornsby Heights Scout Troup, Beecroft Cheltenham District Civic Trust, and Hornsby Art Society are all celebrating 60 years.

The Berowra Wood Chop celebrates 30 years, and Hornsby Woodworking Men’s Shed and Studio Artes are celebrating 25 years.

Last year, the Hornsby Relay for Life celebrated 20 years, and this year we acknowledge the 10th anniversary of Hornsby Shire History Group and the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter.

West Pennant Hills Public School celebrates 175 years. Pennant Hills Public School celebrates 100 years. Asquith Boys High School celebrates its 65-year anniversary.

Celebrating anniversaries gives me the opportunity to acknowledge the 5th anniversary of The Post—a significant achievement in challenging times. Congratulations to Publisher Tina Brown for your vision and to Claudia, Stephen and the team—you prove each month that print media, and the sharing of local stories, is alive and well in our community.