We’re sharing what’s on around The Hills this autumn to help you and the family enjoy the season together.

Preschool Story Time

Step into a world of stories, songs, and imagination at Preschool Storytime at Dural Library.

This interactive 30-minute session is all about having fun, exploring books, and encouraging a love of reading in children aged 2–5.

Join in the stories, sing along to the songs, and enjoy activities designed to spark imagination and prepare little ones for school. Perfect for parents and children, Storytime is a playful and engaging way to bond while fostering early literacy skills.

Next session: Monday, 20 April 2026 | 10:30–11:00 AM
FREE | No bookings required | Adults must stay

Get Crafty – Castle Hill Library

Get creative and connect with fellow craft lovers at Get Crafty at Castle Hill Library. 

This relaxed session is all about sharing skills, learning new techniques, and enjoying a variety of crafts — from knitting and needlepoint to quilting and more. 

Bring your own materials and projects, swap tips with others, and enjoy a couple of hours of creativity and conversation. Perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike, Get Crafty is a friendly way to learn, teach, and make new connections. 

Next session: Monday, 20 April 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM 
FREE | Suitable for adults | Held every Monday during school terms 

Baby Bounce – Dural Hill Library

Enjoy a fun and engaging session with your little one at Baby Bounce at Dural Library.
Designed for babies aged 0–24 months, this interactive program features songs, rhymes and gentle activities that support early development and bonding.
Sing along, learn new rhymes, and enjoy a relaxed environment where you and your baby can connect, play and build early literacy skills together. Perfect for parents and carers looking for a joyful and enriching experience.

Next session: Tuesday, 21 April 2026 | 10:30–11:00AM
FREE | Suitable for ages 0–24 months | Held weekly during school terms

Forest Therapy Walk for Earth Day

Reconnect with nature this Earth Day at a guided Forest Therapy Walk through Eric Mobbs
Reserve. This calming and immersive experience invites you to slow down, engage your senses, and enjoy the
natural surroundings through gentle walking and reflective moments.Take part in simple nature-based activities like sketching and observation, and enjoy a peaceful morning outdoors while deepening your connection to the environment. Perfect for those looking to unwind, reflect, and celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful way.

Next session: Wednesday, 22 April 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Eric Mobbs Reserve, Baulkham Hills
FREE | Suitable for adults | Moderate fitness required | Light morning tea included

Kids Dance Classes with the Stage Door Performing Arts

Get little ones moving and grooving at Kids Dance Classes with The Stage Door Performing Arts at Bella Vista Pocket Park.

These fun, interactive sessions are designed for children aged 2–5, helping build confidence, coordination and musicality in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.

Led by experienced performing arts teachers, each class encourages creativity and social connection, with special themed sessions held monthly for extra fun. Perfect for young children and their carers, it’s a great way to get active and meet other local families.

Next session: Wednesday, 22 April 2026 | 10:00 – 10:45 AM
Location: Bella Vista Pocket Park
FREE | Suitable for ages 2–5 | Held weekly during school terms

Small Business Discovery Session

Take the next step in your business journey at the Small Business Discovery Session. This interactive session is designed to help you
better understand the wide range of support available, connecting you with expert advice, practical tools and free resources from local, state and federal government.

Gain valuable insights into your target customers, learn how to navigate business requirements with ease, and discover grants, funding opportunities and programs to support your growth. You’ll also have the chance to connect with local business owners and speak directly with experienced advisors who can help map out your next steps. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for clarity, confidence and direction.

Next session: Thursday, 23 April 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30PM
Location: The Hills Shire Council, Norwest
FREE | Suitable for new and established business owners | Light refreshments provided

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation for the incredible women in our lives.

The most memorable celebrations often come from thoughtful gestures, meaningful experiences, and quality time together. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a shared activity, or a favourite treat, these simple touches can make the day truly special.

Celebrate Locally Around The Hills of Carmel There are plenty of local spots to help make mum feel cherished this year:

• Send a Basket, Castle Hill – Choose a beautifully curated gift basket filled with treats and thoughtful goodies.
• Urban Flower, Hills of Carmel – Fresh seasonal blooms add a personal and heartfelt touch to her day.
• Bakedell Bakery, Hills of Carmel – Delicious pastries or sweet treats are perfect for a morning brunch or afternoon indulgence.

Combine these thoughtful gifts with quality time, whether that’s a walk, a coffee catch-up, or a cozy afternoon together and you’ll create a Mother’s Day that she’ll truly remember.

With climate change becoming more visible every year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the truth is everyone has an impact, and small, everyday
actions can make a real difference.

This Earth Month, it’s a great time to reflect on simple ways we can reduce our environmental footprint and create more sustainable habits.

Start with what you can.
You don’t need to be perfect or make drastic changes overnight. Even small steps like walking
instead of driving, reducing food waste, or using less energy at home can add up over time.

Reduce, reuse, recycle
Focus first on reducing what you consume, then reusing items where possible, and finally recycling. Choosing durable, long-lasting products and
avoiding single-use plastics can significantly cut down waste.

Be mindful of your energy use
Switching to renewable energy where possible is one of the biggest impacts you can make. At home, simple habits like turning off unused devices or unplugging electronics can also reduce energy waste.

Think about where your money goes
Supporting sustainable brands, buying second- hand, and avoiding fast fashion are powerful ways to lower your impact. Even small purchasing decisions can help reduce waste and demand for harmful production.

Look at your food choices
Food production has a major environmental impact, especially meat and food waste. You don’t need to completely change your diet—start small with initiatives like meat-free days or better meal planning to avoid waste.

Travel smarter
Combine errands into one trip, consider public transport, and reduce unnecessary flights where possible. Small changes in how you travel can significantly lower your carbon footprint.

Use your voice
One of the most powerful things you can do is talk about it. Sharing your actions with friends, family, and colleagues can inspire others and create a ripple effect in your community.

Every action counts. This Earth Month is a reminder that creating a more sustainable future starts with the choices we make every day.