Hornsby Shire Council is in the process of acquiring the West Epping Bowling Club from the Panthers Group. Settlement is expected to occur in August .

Council intends to retain the site as open space and will work with the community to develop a recreational facilities plan.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) operate a free energy on-line price comparison website for NSW residents and small businesses called ‘My Energy Offers’. Using only your postcode and recent electricity and gas bills, Hornsby Shire residents can choose an energy deal that is best for them.

The ‘Energy Comparison Calculator’ shows that a typical Hornsby Shire resident could achieve a discount of up to 22% off their annual electricity bill by moving from a regulated contract to a market based contract*

Please visit myenergyoffers.nsw.gov.au/ or call 1300 136 888 during business hours to find out what market contracts are available.

(* Actual discounts may vary. Valid as of 18 April 2012)

There is a terrific calendar of school holiday activities at Hornsby, Pennant Hills and Epping and Berowra Libraries. Just some examples include: Storytime, Recycling show with Mic Conway, When Veggies Attack show and a visit from Pirate Pete.

Visit hornsby.nsw.gov.au/library for more details.

Downloadable eBooks and additional eAudiobooks are now available for loan by members of Hornsby Shire Libraries. The collection includes titles for adults, young adults and children with over 1,200 titles to choose from. Members are able to borrow up to 6 titles at a time through this new service. Simply log in using your library membership number and PIN. There are no overdue or reservation fees.

Visit hornsby.nsw.gov.au/library/elibrary/ebooks

Australia's preeminent social researcher Hugh Mackay will share his insights into why we do the things we do as he discusses his book What Makes Us Tick.

Hugh will speak at Hornsby Central Library on Tuesday 17 July at 6:30 pm.

Places are limited so make a booking on 9847 6614

Join a fun community event and contribute to a great cause. Knit in @ Hornsby Library will be held on Friday 3 August from 9am – 1pm.

You can start knitting squares now or come along on the day. More details about your knitting project and the event are on the Library section of the website.

Fun gentle exercise class to music designed by the Heart Foundation
Where: Hornsby Leisure & Learning Centre, 25 Edgeworth David Ave Hornsby.

Date:
Mondays 16 July to 17 September 2012, 9.30am to 10.30am
Wednesdays 18 July to 19 September 2012, 9.30am to 10.30am
Fridays 20 July to 21 September 2012. 9.30am to 10.30am

Cost:
$5.00 per class, bookings essential, call Kim Harris on 9847 6531

Tai chi is a great way for older residents to improve their fitness, muscle strength and flexibility.

Date:
Mondays at Asquith and Hornsby 16 July to 17 September

Venue:
Asquith Leisure and Learning Centre, 421 Pacific Highway (off Lords Ave Asquith) 9.45am to 10.45am Hornsby leisure and Learning Centre, 25 Edgeworth David Avenue Hornsby
11.15am to 12.15pm

Cost:
$5.00 per class, bookings essential call Kim Harris 9847 6531

Always wanted to dance? Well, join in on our popular Line dancing class. A fun way to get fit and meet new people!

Date:
Wednesdays, 18 July to 19 September, 10am to 11.30am
(No class 22 August)

Venue:
Roselea Community Centre 645 Pennant Hills Road Carlingford

Cost:
$5.00 per class, bookings essential call Kim Harris 9847 6531

How to prevent Cancer seminar presented by the Cancer Council.

Date:
Friday 27 July 10.30am – 12 noon

Venue:
Hornsby Central Library, 28-44 George Street Hornsby

Cost:
Free. Refreshments provided, Bookings essential, call Kim Harris on 9847 6531

Jumna Bija Jumna Killi (Darug) Here We Shine exhibition is part of the Guringai Festival.

The exhibition is open for viewing from Wednesday 11 July until Saturday 21 July at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre, Willow Park, 25 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby. Artworks for sale.

Opening night is Friday 13 July, 6.00 – 9.00pm and includes entertainment, food and awards.

Check the website for more details or call Sophie Davis on 9847 6741.

Council is seeking expressions of interest from interested community groups or organisations who currently organise events in the Hornsby Shire and would like to obtain additional support from Council.

Events must be run by a group in Hornsby Shire and the event must be located in Hornsby Shire. The event must be a free community event however fundraising activity on site is permitted.

New or existing events are able to apply. Events must fall in the 2012 / 2013 financial year.

The EOI closes on Friday 27th July 2012. EOI submission is via Council's website.

The winners of Hornsby Shire Council’s annual photo competition have been announced. This year’s competition was strong in all categories, with 279 entries from across Hornsby Shire.

Mount Colah resident Michael Tristram has taken out the top prize in the open category with a photo of his son Joel, exactly as he did in 2010.

Visit Hornsby Library to view the category winners’ photographs and enter the People’s Choice Awards.

Join in the biggest and brightest community event for the year!

Date:
Sunday 16 September 2012

Time:
event runs 10am – 4pm

Location:
Fagan Park, Galston

More information and photos: go to www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ whatson

Come to the Eco Garden any time between 10am and 1pm to make your own herb mix for dinner or learn lots about worms!

The activity will run for approximately one hour and is aimed at primary school-aged children. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Bookings are essential on 9847 4856 as spaces are limited.

Date:
Tuesday, 10 July 2012, 10am – 1pm.

Location:
Eco Garden Gazebo, Fagan Park Arcadia Road Galston

Bring along your garden prunings and branches, then take home free mulch. Strict conditions apply. For full details, visit What's On or call Council’s Waste Hotline on 9847 4856.

Please note: There are tree preservation restrictions in Hornsby Shire. For more information, visit Council’s website or call 9847 6853.

Date:
Sunday 15 July, 2012

Location:
5 Beaumont Road, Mt Kuring-gai

Cost:
Free

For details of more events during May check out the What's On section of the website.

Kangaroo Point Reserve in Brooklyn is one of the Shire's most beautiful recreational spots.  Over the coming months Council will be improving the park facilities and a restaurant and takeaway food kiosk will be built by a private operator.

We need your help - do you have any old photos of Kangaroo Point stashed away in storage, or in old family photo albums that you could send in to us?  We want to gather as many photos as possible.  You can either email it to us (rhawke@hornsby.nsw.gov.au) or send it in via post (Attn Rachel Hawke PO Box 37 Hornsby NSW 1630) and we'll return it safely.

Read about our current and upcoming works in your local area.

Instead of our usual photo feature, this month we’re going to direct you to our social media pages – where you can find photos and much more.

Go to www.facebook.com/HornsbyCouncil and www.twitter.com/HornsbyCouncil to see upcoming events, latest news and to simply get in touch with your fellow shire residents.