Are you looking for your next hobby? Or just wanting to feel inspired this Spring?
From local stories from your community to new hobbies to try, explore our three featured blogs from the August newsletter below.
Meet Your Neighbour!
Originally living in Wentworth Point, Amit and his family were drawn to Daiwa House’s Japanese heritage and influence at The Hills of Carmel, as well as the area’s rich abundance of greenery, access to parklands and the sense of a growing community. Now, Amit explains that what he loves most about living at The Hills of Carmel is the people – it’s a welcoming, close-knit community that makes the estate feel like more than just a place to live.
“The Hills of Carmel is a place where we feel like we truly belong”, says Amit, who has influenced a few close friends to make the move and experience the wonderful community for themselves.
From evening strolls with close neighbours to spontaneous gatherings with locals in driveways, he shares that life here at The Hills of Carmel is grounded in connection. Even Amit’s cavoodle, Ivy, has made her own furry group of friends who she greets with a wagging tail everyday.
He also loves the proximity to amenities at The Hills of Carmel. With the local Carmel Village precinct nearby for groceries and daily needs, and nature reserves and parklands a short drive away, Amit feels that he has everything he could ask for, saying, “It just works for our lifestyle — quiet, friendly, and connected.”
If you would like to share your story and be featured in our newsletter, please reach out to [email protected].
Win A Feast Fit For A Footy Player This Spring
Footy fans, this one’s for you! With the NRL Grand Final just around the corner, there’s no better way to celebrate than with great food, good mates, and a cold drink in hand.
That’s why we’re excited to launch our latest giveaway:
WIN a $500 dining and beverage voucher to spend at one of our favourite local gems, The Vineyard.
Whether you’re planning a lively Grand Final viewing with your game-day crew or just want a night out with family and friends, this is the perfect chance to indulge, on us.
Here’s how to enter:
☑️ Follow @thehillsofcarmel on Instagram or Facebook
☑️ Tag your ultimate footy crew – 1 tag = 1 entry
☑️ Bonus entry: Share the post to your story and tag us!
The best part? You can use the prize on either Grand Final night – or whenever suits you. Because great food and good company should be celebrated year-round.
Entries close Friday 13 September
Winner announced Sunday 15 September
Don’t miss your shot at scoring a footy feast to remember. Head over to our Instagram to enter – and may the best team (and tagger!) win.
Must Join Book Clubs
From connecting with fellow Hills locals to uncovering new layers in every story, book clubs offer a great way to dive deeper into great reads while building new friendships.
Novels at Night Book Club – Castle Hill Library
Meeting on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30pm at Castle Hill Library, Novels at Night is a free event where you can discover new authors and friends in the comfortable surrounds of the library.
Meeting the second Thursday of every month at 7:30pm, Rouse Hill Book Club is just around the corner at the Vinegar Hill Memorial Library. Perfect for meeting new people, this is a great way to spend your Thursday evening, diving into the detail of a great story.
If you have a little one who is interested in practicing their reading skills, The Hills District Libraries are currently hosting a Year 1 Reading Club.
Running from Wednesday, 16 July to Friday, 31 October, children can come down to their local library to get a logbook to track their reading, receiving stickers and special rewards when they visit to borrow a book.
If you’re looking to flex your creative skills, come along to the Hills Writers group on Monday, 11 August 2025 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Baulkham Hills Library.
Held the second Monday of every month, join other local storytellers and begin to pen your very own stories in a supportive environment designed to inspire new ideas.
Flavour of the Month
This month, we’re spotlighting the fantastic Italian restaurants close to home, bringing European Summer dining to your door.
Craving Italian but don’t feel like driving? Look no further than our very own Product of Italy, at Carmel Village.
Known for its authentic woodfired pizzas and fresh handmade pastas, this is the perfect spot for a mid -week bite or casual dinner with your family or neighbours.
If you’re looking for fresh Italian-style food by a Michelin-trained chef that is close to home and won’t break the bank, look no further than Modo Mio.
Nestled in the heart of Castle Hill, Modo Mio brings a slice of Italy to the Hills, making it a perfect dining spot for a fun night out with the family.
Located in Castle Hill, the traditional Italian restaurant, Il Nido The Nest, has been beloved by locals for over two decades.
Rustic, real and authentic, Il Nido The Nest offers a warm and welcoming ambience, ideal for catching up with friends over a vino, pasta and wood-fired pizza.
With a focus on regional flavours, delicious mains and classic desserts, II Nido The Nest transports you and your family straight to Southern Italy.
Just a short drive away in Glenhaven, Entrata provides an elevated dining experience perfect for date nights or dinners with friends.
With a menu rooted in classic Italian flavours, Entrata focuses on premium local ingredients and authentic techniques. Hand-rolled pastas, slow-cooked ragùs, and wood-fired pizzas are centrepieces of a seasonal menu that honours the richness of Italian cuisine.