Hawkesbury City Council has officially adopted a new Cultural Plan, the first major refresh of Council's cultural priorities since 2005.
Hawkesbury City Mayor Les Sheather said: "This is not about large new expenditure, it's about working smarter with the resources we have, partnering with our community, and making sure our cultural services and spaces reflect what matters most to the people of the Hawkesbury."
The Cultural Plan 2025 – 2029 is a 4-year roadmap, which will shape how Council supports local culture, preserves heritage, strengthens community identity, and supports creativity across the region.
Developed over nearly two years, the Plan reflects the ideas, aspirations and experiences of more than 1,000 community members and local stakeholders. Feedback was gathered from a wide range of voices across the Hawkesbury, including artists and creative businesses, historians and heritage specialists, First Nations communities, young people, seniors, volunteers, people with disability and their advocates, and many others connected to local arts, culture and heritage.
The Plan focuses on three key pillars:
- People - Fostering a vibrant, inclusive community where cultural life celebrates the diversity, creativity and talent of the Hawkesbury's people.
- Place - Embedding culture in the LGA's landscapes, heritage and townships – honouring history and shaping a strong sense of place.
- Connections - Bringing people, ideas and stories together through cultural programming, partnerships and creative connections.
Importantly, the Cultural Plan outlines smart, strategic and financially responsible actions, aligning with Council's current budgets and focusing on delivering strong value to the community.
Implementation begins in early 2026. To read the full Strategy, visit www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/for-residents/community/community-plans
