Hills Voices Online

In this episode, we spoke with Norm Hession, a long-term resident of Nelson. In this interview, Norm shared stories about his early life on a poultry farm, his family history, local schools and shops, transportation, and the devastating 1939 fire in the area.

In this episode, we revisit an interview with the late Connie Lowe, wife of former Hills Shire Councillor Harvey Lowe, after whom the Harvey Lowe Pavilion at Castle Hill Showground was named. Connie was born in 1900 and moved to Lower Portland on the Hawkesbury River in 1931. In this interview, she spoke about her father-in-law, Councillor Robert Lowe, an original member of the Baulkham Hills Shire Council in 1906, as well as the early days of life in Lower Portland and her involvement with various community groups throughout her long life.

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 episode, we talked with longtime Maraylya resident John Cox, who shared the memories of his life in the area during the 1950s. He took us on a journey through his childhood, the local schools, shops, and the simple ways people entertained themselves back then. John also spoke about the farming industry, with a special focus on his family's mushroom business. Through his stories, we gained a unique perspective on how Maraylya has evolved over the decades.

In this episode, we had​ the privilege of interviewing the late Gordon 'Clive' Roughley, the last Roughley family resident of Roughley House, a historic property now owned by the Hills Shire Council. Roughley House was built in 1856 and stands as an iconic landmark of the Dural area. Clive shared with us stories of his pioneering ancestors and revealed the early history of the house and the surrounding area. Through his personal recollections we gain a unique glimpse into colonial life in The Hills. Roughley House is currently open to the public on the third Friday of the month. Groups can book a tour here. (https://au.openforms.com/Form/79106c0a-b7c2-4aba-8867-24e2fd1ec381)

In this episode, we spoke with Trish Miller, who had been a Box Hill resident for over 60 years, as she takes us on a journey through Box Hill in the 1940s. We explore the daily life on her parents’ poultry farm, the founding of Box Hill Progress Association, and the early history of Box Hill, and discuss the tight-knit community of her old neighbours on Terry Road, the local public schools and the transformative land development in the area. Through her stories, we gain a unique perspective on the changes that have shaped Box Hill over the decades.

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.