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My neighbourhood

Hills Shire residents will now be able to keep up-to-date on the latest projects, council works and events happening throughout their community with the help of a new online mapping tool, called My Neighbourhood.

The new interactive map, located on Council’s website, gives people a more convenient way to discover proposed works planned in their suburb and The Hills more generally. You can also find information about your parks and facilities, events, as well as your local Councillors and bin collection dates. You can either type in your full street address and hit search, use the Find My Location Button or use the computer mouse to scroll through the map. More than 300 projects have already been listed, with more being added to the site every day.

The map can be used at any time of the day via Council’s website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au. Simply visit the homepage and click on My Neighbourhood to use the interactive map.

First home super saver scheme

First home buyers can take advantage of the Government’s First Home Super Saver Scheme, which came into effect on 1 July. The scheme will give first home savers the ability to accelerate their savings by at least 30 per cent. First home buyers will be able to save for a house deposit within their superannuation by making voluntary contributions of up to $15,000 per year and $30,000 in total into their superannuation account. These contributions, which are taxed at the discounted rate of 15 per cent, along with deemed earnings, can be withdrawn for a deposit from 1 July next year. Withdrawals will be taxed at marginal tax rates less a 30 per cent offset.

With many Australians now entering the housing market later in life, this initiative will encourage first home buyers to save for a deposit more quickly. Further information on the First Home Super Saver Scheme is available at: https://www. budget.gov.au/2017-18/content/glossies/factsheets/html/ HA_14.htm. First Home Buyers can also get an indication of how the scheme can benefit them by visiting: www.budget.gov. au/estimator.

WorldVentures Foundation partners with Seven Hills students

In July, volunteers from the WorldVentures Foundation worked alongside students at Seven Hills High School to expand the on-site farm that will teach students about sustainability and food production, and employ youth in the community for maintenance.

Established in 2010, the WorldVentures Foundation is committed to enriching the lives of children worldwide through sustainable programs that promote health and well being. Working with not-for-profit organisation, Sprouting Good, Seven Hills High School students and WorldVentures Foundation volunteers expanded the school’s on-site farm. In addition to developing the garden to educate students in years 7 to 10 about food sustainability, the aim of the project is to create employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth by offering paid garden maintenance roles. During the volunteer day, volunteers and students took part in hands-on activities such as building garden beds, weeding and mulching of gardens, establishing row farms and maintaining on-site animals.

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