Mayor of The Hills Shire, Councillor Yvonne Keane, has congratulated the winners of the 2016 Sydney Hills Garden Competition during a special ceremony held on Friday, September 23.
Mayor Keane, who presented the Special Awards category on the night, said the competition aimed to recognise the excellent gardens in the Hills Shire, as well as foster a sense of pride in the community.
“The Sydney Hills Garden Competition recognises the commitment of residents in making this a spectacular place to live,” Mayor Keane said
“I believe everyone has a role to play in creating a vibrant, happy, healthy and inclusive community, and each of our entrants have contributed to this.
“I am very happy that more and more people from the Hills Shire are participating in this event.
“Congratulations to all the finalists and winners across the various categories,” Mayor Keane added.
Mayor Keane also thanked The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville for their long-term commitment in running the calendar favourite event.
“The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville has been instrumental in organising the competition for more than 50 years,” Mayor Keane said.
“Over the years, these club members have aided in creating a special day which brings families and friends together to celebrate the significant and beautiful contributions made by our talented community members.
“What they have done is gratefully appreciated by The Hills Shire Council and it’s an honour to offer them a sincere and public thank you for their long-term commitment.”
The Hills Garden Competition started in 1949 and has been running in the region for more than 50 years.
*Please see the table below for the name of competition winners
| Award Categories | Winners |
| Category one: Residential Garden | · Small residential garden (owner maintained) – Elsie Hehir · Large residential garden (owner maintained) – Bruce Kubbere · Residential Garden (professionally maintained) – Les Longhurst (highly commended) · Front or back (owner maintained) – Warren Hollis |
| Category two: New Garden | · Lillian Tonini (Highly commended) |
| Category three: Townhouse, Villa or courtyard garden | · Wilma Naylor |
| Category four: Senior Citizen’s Garden | · Entire garden: Maria Swensson · Front garden: Greg Edwards |
| Category five: Strata or community title property | · Macarthur Ridge |
| Category six: Speciality Garden | · Modern and contemporary – Paul & Mary Brady |
| Category seven: Speciality Garden | · Vegetable garden – The Gracewood · Outdoor living – Lillian Tonini |
| Category eight: Industrial, commercial and institutional | · The Gracewood · School gardens (maintained by primary school students) – Kellyville Public School · School gardens (maintained by staff) – Kellyville Public School |
| Special awards | · Environmental awareness award: Kellyville Public School · The George Eric Mobbs award: Bruce Kubbere and Maria Swensson · Champions of Champions: Elsie Hehir |
