Spring has officially arrived, bringing longer days, warmer weather and plenty happening across The Hills! With local events, community updates and Halloween fun on the calendar, there’s lots to look forward to this October.
Take a look at what’s happening around The Hills of Carmel, from upcoming events and local updates to ways to connect with and enjoy our growing community.
Welcoming a New Season at The Hills of Carmel!
Spring is in full swing, bringing warmer days, longer evenings and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors across The Hills of Carmel. October is a great time to get out and about, reconnect with the community, explore local events and see the continued growth of the neighbourhood.
Thank you for being part of The Hills of Carmel community. We hope you’re enjoying everything this time of year has to offer, whether that’s taking a walk through the neighbourhood, joining a local event, connecting with neighbours or getting into the spirit of Halloween with family and friends.
We look forward to sharing more community updates, local happenings and moments together throughout October and into the warmer months ahead.
Residential Spotlight
Manish Chandra
When we first looked at Hills of Carmel, we were drawn to the long-term vision for the community and the lifestyle it will offer as it grows.
We loved the peaceful environment, open spaces and mountain views, as well as the plans for future green spaces, walking paths, amenities and family-friendly facilities. We were looking for somewhere quieter and residential, while still having everything a family needs close by.
The purchasing experience also gave us confidence in our decision. The Hills of Carmel team, particularly Natasha and Catherine, were incredibly supportive, understanding and responsive while we worked through our finance approval.
We’re excited to see the masterplan come to life and watch the community grow. We believe Hills of Carmel has strong long-term potential and will become an even better place for families as new amenities and facilities are delivered.
The Growing Community of The Hills of Carmel
Holiday Fun with Gecko Sports Ninja Event
Thank you to the 130 kids who joined us at Brindle Parkway Reserve for the GeckoSports Ninja Warrior holiday activity! It was a great opportunity for local kids to get active, take on new challenges and connect with other children from the community.
From tackling action-packed obstacle courses and testing their reflexes to team duels, tug-of-war and a final game of Ninja dodgeball, there was plenty of energy and fun throughout the morning.
A big thank you to Jodie and the GeckoSports Hills District team for putting together such an engaging activity, and to all the families who came along and got involved.
We hope you enjoy looking back at some of the highlights from the day in the gallery below!
New park designs released for Bella Vista and Kellyville
New designs have been released for the future Bella Vista District Park and Kellyville Centre Park, bringing more high-quality public open space to the growing local community.
The parks form part of the NSW Government’s $520 million investment in infrastructure supporting Transport Oriented Development precincts, with both projects planned to begin construction in 2027.
Bella Vista District Park will feature family-friendly play areas, waterplay, picnic spaces, walking paths and an amphitheatre, while Kellyville Centre Park will include basketball, pickleball, skating and cycling facilities, along with connections to Kellyville Metro Station.
The parks will provide new spaces for local families to gather, play and enjoy the outdoors as the Bella Vista and Kellyville communities continue to grow.
Metro expansion plan for new stations across Western Sydney
Potential locations for new metro and heavy rail stations across Western Sydney have been revealed as the NSW Government considers future rail extensions.
In the north-west, the proposed map includes potential stations at Emerton, Bidwill, Marsden Park and Schofields, as part of a potential extension of the Western Sydney Airport Metro from St Marys to Tallawong. A separate potential extension in the south-west would connect Bradfield with Campbelltown, with stops including Oran Park, Narellan and Macarthur.
The NSW Government has committed $40 million to investigate the feasibility of the northern extension, while the federal and state governments have jointly committed $100 million for a business case examining potential southern rail extensions.
The potential projects would support future growth across Western Sydney and improve connections between growing communities, employment hubs and the Western Sydney International Airport.
Rouse Hill Hospital reaches major construction milestone
Work is progressing on the new $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital, with piling works for the hospital’s structural foundations now complete and more than 220 foundation piles installed.
A new fly-through animation has also been released, giving the community a first look at the hospital’s planned emergency department, inpatient and outpatient facilities, maternity and birthing unit, paediatrics and renal services, as well as landscaped areas and the main entry.
The hospital is being delivered by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments to support the growing population of Sydney’s north-west, with a new pedestrian and cycle path connecting the hospital to Rouse Hill Town Centre and Rouse Hill Metro Station, alongside a multi-storey carpark with up to 700 spaces.
The project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with Western Sydney Local Health District, with Lendlease engaged for early works. The main works construction contract is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
HomeWorld – Box Hill Family Fun Day!
Halloween Fun at The Hills of Carmel
Halloween is taking over The Hills of Carmel! Local families are invited to visit the Sales Centre throughout the week for some spooky fun and a little treat.
Little ghosts, witches, superheroes and spooky creatures can drop by, say “Trick or Treat!” and pick up some lollies and chocolates.
Monday, 26 October – Saturday, 31 October | 10am–5pm
The Hills of Carmel Sales Centre, 2 Copenhagen Street, Box Hill NSW
On Halloween, come dressed in your spookiest, silliest or most creative costume and stop by for a special Halloween treat. We can’t wait to see all the amazing costumes!
Don’t miss out on this reward, it’s the perfect time to finish your homes!
$10,000 Izumi Land Reward
Get Excited! Purchasers in Stage IZUMI who complete their home and landscaping within 24 months of settlement can earn a $10,000 reward, helping create a welcoming, beautifully finished neighbourhood.
Carmel One Now Selling!
The Carmel One release is now selling eight brand-new five-bedroom homes within The Hills of Carmel master planned community in Box Hill.
Built by Rawson Homes, each residence is delivered move-in ready, complete with landscaping, fencing, driveway and premium inclusions.
Designed to take the stress out of building, buyers can secure their home with a 10% deposit, no progress payments during construction and fixed-price certainty from contract to settlement. Flexible floorplans also provide adaptable living spaces that can evolve with changing family needs, whether as a home office, guest room, parent’s retreat or rumpus room.
Pricing starts from $1,290,000, with homes ready to be moved into from November 2026.
October has Arrived, Bringing Warmer Days, Spring Sunshine and Plenty Happening Across The Hills.
From community events to family-friendly activities, discover what’s on this month and make the most of the season. Make the most of October with events and activities across The Hills!
With spring in full swing, October is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy everything The Hills has to offer. From local events and community activities to a little Halloween fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.
HSC Study on Sundays – Castle Hill Library
Preparing for your HSC? Castle Hill Library is opening exclusively for 2026 HSC students on Sunday mornings, providing a dedicated space to focus and get some serious study done ahead of the exams.
With computers, Wi-Fi, printing and staff assistance available, students can make the most of the quiet study environment and prepare for the big day.
Next session: Sunday 18 October 2026 | 9:30 AM – 1 PM at Castle Hill Library.
Step Aboard the Brain Station Express
Step aboard the Brain Station Express for a free, interactive experience exploring brain health and healthy ageing. Visitors can speak with researchers, complete a personalised brain health survey and take home practical tips and resources to support brain health and reduce dementia risk.
Available in English, Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese, the exhibition offers an engaging and inclusive way for the community to learn more about brain health and wellbeing.
Next session: Monday 12 – 18 October | 10 AM – 4 PM at Parramatta Westfield
Coffee Connections women’s wellness and support circle
Take a moment to connect, unwind and share at Coffee Connections, a welcoming monthly support circle for women aged 18 and over. Held at Bella Vista Pocket Park, each session offers a relaxed space to listen, chat and connect with other women in the community.
Gently guided by a registered counsellor, sessions explore topics including mindfulness, self-care, resilience and everyday wellbeing, with practical tips and supportive conversations along the way. Complimentary coffee and childcare are also available.
Next session: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 | 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM at Bella Vista Pocket Park
Navaratri Festival
Celebrate Navaratri with family and community at this special evening hosted by Chinmaya Mission Australia. The celebration will include a traditional pooja dedicated to Shree Maha Saraswati Devi, along with Veda chanting, bhajans, arati, a talk and Dhandia/Garba.
Join the community for an evening of celebration, devotion and connection at Chinmaya Sannidhi Ashram in Castle Hill.
Next session: Saturday, 17 October 2026 | 07:30 PM – 09:00 PM at Chinmaya Sannidhi, 38 Carrington Road
Jazz at The Pines
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of live jazz at the historic Roughley House in Dural. Bring along a picnic rug or your own chairs and settle under the beautiful old pine trees while enjoying live music from the Bridge City Jazz Band.
Freshly baked cakes, tea and coffee will also be available from the Visitor Centre, making it the perfect way to spend a spring afternoon with family and friends.
Next session: Sunday, 18 October & 15 November | 12:30 PM to 03:30 PM at Dural Visitor Centre, Roughley House
Deepavali (Diwali) – Festival of Lights
as the community comes together to celebrate the spirit of Deepavali and the triumph of light over darkness.
Next session: Sunday, 08 November 2026 | 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Chinmaya Sannidhi, 38 Carrington Road, Castle Hill
Child Restraint Fitting Days
Keep little passengers safe with a free Child Restraint Fitting Day, helping families make sure their child restraints are correctly fitted and suitable for their children.
Bookings are essential, with places limited and sessions available for Hills Shire residents. Book early to have your restraint checked by an approved restraint fitter.
Next session: Wednesday, 25 November 2026 | 08:30 AM to 01:30 PM at Baulkham Hills (Exact location supplied once booked)
Loreto Normanhurst Spring Fair
Join the community for one of Loreto Normanhurst’s most anticipated events, featuring fairground rides, market stalls, entertainment and the Boarders’ Farmers Market. Everyone is welcome, including current families, friends, alumnae, past parents, prospective families and the wider community.
Sunday, 8 November | 10am–3pm
Loreto Normanhurst, 91–93 Pennant Hills Road, Normanhurst | Free entry
Hills Shire Symphony Orchestra Presents English Excellence
The Hills Shire Symphony Orchestra will close its 2026 concert season with English Excellence, an evening celebrating the richness and beauty of British orchestral music.
The program features works by George Butterworth, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Edward Elgar, taking audiences from the gentle pastoral beauty of The Banks of Green Willow to the playful energy of The Wasps and the sweeping emotion of Elgar’s Violin Concerto in B minor. Distinguished violinist Tim Li will join the orchestra as soloist for Elgar’s celebrated concerto.
Join the Hills Shire Symphony Orchestra for a memorable season finale showcasing exceptional musicianship, expressive performances and the enduring legacy of English music.
Next session: Saturday, 28 November 2026 | 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM at The Hills Grammar School
Get Ready for a Spooktacular Halloween at The Hills!
Halloween is just around the corner!
Whether your family loves dressing up, decorating the house or heading out for some trick-or-treating, we’ve put together some fun and practical ideas to help you celebrate. Discover simple Halloween activities, creative costume and decorating inspiration, spooky treats and helpful safety tips for a fun and enjoyable night for everyone.
Halloween Kids Disco – Hudson Hotel
Bring the little ones along for a free Halloween Kids Disco at Hudson Hotel in Seven Hills! Kids can dress up in their favourite costumes, dance the night away and enjoy Halloween-themed activities, with prizes up for grabs for some of the best costumes.
Saturday, 31 October | 6–9pm
Hudson Hotel, Seven Hills | Free entry | Kids and families
Spooky Not Scary Halloween Trivia
Round up your friends and family for a fun-filled night of Spooky Not Scary Halloween Trivia at Bella Vista Hotel. Hosted by Bennoble Entertainment, the evening will put your knowledge of spooky family favourites and magical worlds to the test, with questions inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, Casper, The Addams Family, Hotel Transylvania, Beetlejuice and more.
Entry is free, with prizes and giveaways throughout the night, plus a special prize for the Best Dressed. Make a night of it with dinner, including the $20 Any Burger & Chips offer, and enjoy a Halloween celebration without the scares!
Thursday, 22 October | From 7pm
Bella Vista Hotel | Free to play | Prizes, giveaways and Best Dressed prizes
Halloween Safety Tips for Families
Whether you’re heading out for trick-or-treating or celebrating at home, a little preparation can help make Halloween fun and safe for everyone. Here are some simple tips for families, including staying visible after dark, checking costumes are safe and comfortable, supervising younger children and being mindful around roads and unfamiliar homes.
Stay together
Younger children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Be visible
Choose bright or reflective clothing where possible and carry a torch when heading out after dark.
Keep costumes safe
Make sure costumes fit properly and don’t restrict vision, movement or hearing.
Take care near roads
Use pedestrian crossings and take extra care when crossing streets, particularly after dark.
Check treats
Encourage children to wait until they get home before eating their treats and check packaging is sealed.
Respect neighbours
Only visit homes that are participating in trick-or-treating and be mindful of noise and other residents.
Have fun at home
If trick-or-treating isn’t for your family, create your own Halloween celebration with games, crafts, costumes and spooky treats.
Halloween Activities & DIY Decorations
Make Halloween a creative family activity with easy crafts and decorations the kids can help make at home. From friendly ghosts and hanging bats to spooky baking and Halloween scavenger hunts, there are plenty of simple ways to get creative and bring a little Halloween magic into your home.
Make friendly ghosts
Use paper plates, tissues or white paper to create cute ghosts to hang around the house.
Create hanging bats
Cut bat shapes from black cardboard and hang them from windows, doors or the ceiling.
Decorate paper pumpkins
Draw, paint or decorate paper pumpkins with stickers, glitter and colourful patterns.
Craft creepy-crawlies
Make cute spiders using paper cups, pipe cleaners and googly eyes.
Bake spooky treats
Get the kids involved in decorating biscuits and cupcakes with Halloween-inspired designs.
Set up a Halloween hunt
Hide spooky surprises around the house or backyard and create clues for the kids to follow.
Fun Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids
Let the kids get creative with their Halloween look! From classic spooky characters to robots, favourite Australian characters and pop-culture-inspired costumes, there are plenty of fun ideas to choose from.
Friendly ghost
A simple Halloween classic that’s easy to create at home.
Robot
Turn a cardboard box, foil and silver clothing into a fun DIY robot costume.
Bluey or Bingo
Bring everyone’s favourite Australian pups to life with blue or orange clothing, ears and a tail.
Superhero
Create a homemade cape and let kids design their own superhero character.
Witch or wizard
Pair a dark outfit with a DIY hat, wand and a little imagination.
Black cat
Add some ears, whiskers and a tail to an all-black outfit.
K-pop-inspired character
Take inspiration from the colourful outfits, accessories and characters from KPop Demon Hunters for a fun pop-star-inspired look.
Little vampire
Add a cape to a dark outfit for an easy spooky costume.
Magical character
Transform a favourite dress-up outfit into a fairy, fairy-tale character or magical creature.
Making the Most of Spring Together
Spring Family Activities
Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors, enjoy the warmer weather and spend quality time together as a family. Whether you’re heading to a local event, exploring a new park or enjoying a picnic in the sunshine, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season.
Make the most of the outdoors
Pack a picnic
Grab some snacks, a picnic rug and head to a local park for an easy family day out.
Explore the neighbourhood
Take a family walk and discover new paths, green spaces and playgrounds close to home.
Visit a local park
Make the most of the warmer weather at Anthony Skarratt Reserve, Blacktown Showground Precinct, Livvi’s Place Elara or Governor Phillip Park.
Get active together
Bring a ball, scooter or bike and spend an afternoon enjoying some fresh air and family-friendly fun.
Enjoy a spring weekend
Explore a new local spot, grab an ice cream or find a sunny spot to relax together.
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