Hills Voices Online

In this episode, we spoke with Gwen Millhouse, long-term West Pennant Hills resident and author of The Settlers of West Pennant Hills Valley, 1799 Onwards. Gwen shared memories of her childhood in West Pennant Hills, her family life during the Depression, old neighbours, local schools, and everyday experiences in the 1930s and 1940s.

In this month's episode, we talk with Jack Iori (OAM), who called Rouse Hill home for over 70 years. In this fascinating interview, Jack shares stories about his heritage, his family’s egg farm, and life in Rouse Hill during the 1930s, including the local school and shops. He also reflects on the growth and transformation of Rouse Hill, from its early days through to the 2000s.

In this episode, we chat with Malcolm Johnston, a long-time Kenthurst resident. He takes us back to the 1950s, sharing stories of daily life on the local citrus farms, Kenthurst Public School, the shops, the post office, and the community. His memories help create a clear picture of the rural community 70 years ago.

Join Ray Whiteman, as he shares stories about Glenorie in the 1940s and 50s. From his family’s farming business to local transport, schools, local shops, scouts, and community hall, Ray’s vivid storytelling takes us back Glenorie in a much quieter time. Don’t miss this engaging trip down memory lane!

In this episode, we talk to Connie Keith who moved to Castle Hill from Italy with her parents when she was 6 years old. Connie shares stories of her childhood in the Hills area in the 1950s, her life on a farm near Victoria Avenue Castle Hill, people’s social life and how the area changed over the years.

This month we explore life in Maroota in the 1970s and 1980s in an intriguing interview with Charlie and Carmen Camilleri. Their storytelling paints a vivid picture of life on a fruit & vegetable farm, the Maltese community, the neighbourhood in the area and the changes to Maroota over the years.

In this episode, we meet John Doring, a long-term Annangrove resident. Join us as he shares stories of his childhood in the 1930s, the farming businesses in the area, the harrowing 1939 bush fire in the Hills District and how residents celebrated Christmas. Don't miss out on this fascinating journey through history!

In this episode, we talk to fourth-generation Glenhaven resident Helen Zamprogno (nee Holland) as she unravels the rich tapestry of Glenhaven’s past. From the humble beginnings of the district, farming and daily life in the rural area, public transport in the past, shops and entertainment for locals, to its transformation into the vibrant community today.

In this episode, we meet long-term Kellyville residents Flo Willcox and her son Dennis Willcox. Together, they take us on a nostalgic journey through the early days of Kellyville, from their life on the dairy farm to the neighbours, the local Comito’s store, and Kellyville Public School. Their story paints a vivid picture of the development of Kellyville over the years.

Pat Nati (OAM), a Dural flower grower, business owner, and long-term resident, takes us on a personal journey back to the early years of Dural. His interview is filled with stories of the Italian migrants in the area, the flower and vegetable farming business, and the changes that have shaped Dural over the years.

This month, Join Patricia Schwartz, a long-term resident of Glenorie, as she talks about life in the Hills rural area in the 1980s, wildlife in Maroota Forest, her role as a member of the Glenorie Progress Association, and the changes in the bushland over the years.

Castle Hill Players, which has been entertaining local people since 1954, is celebrating its 70th birthday this year. In this podcast episode, Maureen Cartledge, set designer, scenic artist, archivist, and long-term member of The Castle Hill Players, talks about their history, Pavilion Theatre, the productions, and her love for theatre arts.

The late Ron Smith OAM, former Castle Hill and District sub-branch vice president and Naval officer, spoke to us about life in Castle Hill during wartime as well as the development of Castle Hill RSL Club and its ANZAC Day celebrations.

Join Archaeologists Peter Douglas and Graham Wilson in this Podcast episode, as they talk about the history of early European settlement in Castle Hill, Castle Hill Rebellion and the discovery of the location of Castle Hill Barracks.