Hardworking apartment owners are being slapped with soaring strata fees boosted by general inflation rising insurance levies and building defects Although there is no official data source for strata levies anecdotal evidence suggests fees increased 15 to 20 per cent on average over the past year When Josh Stubing and Emily Abbey bought their one-bedroom unit in Kellyville Ridge seven years ago the then 20 and 19 year olds thought they were taking the right financial step onto the property ladder Josh Stubing had to move out of his unit after the strata fees went out of control Their quarterly strata fees began at a manageable $600 but have ballooned to $3500 thanks to defect rectification work and the need to replace now illegal cladding MORE: ‘Dumb’ way man turned $40k into fortune but it’s running us into the ground with the expense of the mortgage too I’ve been pushing back on the strata company asking ‘how do you expect everyone to pay this much money?’ It’s so unmanageable,” he said adding that the couple had to move out of the property to keep up with the bills because we couldn’t pay the special $20,000 levy upfront a garnishing order has been put on the rent MORE: Troubled OnlyFans star’s $12m family mansion for sale are trying to sell but the high fees are putting off buyers Our monthly expenses are now so high we may as well have a $1 million house.” the Kellyville Ridge apartment complex has a long list of defects and was built using external cladding that has since been banned in NSW due to fire safety risks MORE: NRL stars getting mega paydays off the field “We bought when we were so young and thought strata fees were just about maintaining the cleanliness of the unit complex so we never imagined it could get this expensive The real estate agent advised us of the quarterly fees but apart from that we didn’t look into it said her group released an education kit to educate apartment buyers and current owners on strata living “We’ve asked the government to make that compulsory because our research shows about 60 per cent of people who move into an apartment do so from a house so they’ve got no experience with strata costs,” she said The Opal Tower in Sydney had to be evacuated due to dangerous cracking – what followed was a long process to determine who should pay for the remedial works “It doesn’t matter where you are in your life spectrum; if you’re a professional couple if you’re forced to pay $70,000 in six weeks – like a case recently in Melbourne – it’s a shock that could cripple you financially.” She added that there needs to be more responsibility placed on builders and developers the NSW Building Commissioner who will step down from his role in August successfully overhauled building regulations in the state after being granted expanded powers in 2023 His department gained broad authority to inspect and order defect rectification to housing developments The changes will allow inspectors to enter any dwelling while it is being constructed to look for defects “We’ve been allowing developers to self-certify for 20 years and that was the death knell of quality in Australia but the NSW government definitely has made the right changes all we’re asking them to do is meet Australian standards and national construction codes director of Ray White Projects Lower North Shore said the new residential sector is smartening up its act “The certification builders and developers have to go through in order to get a building’s occupation certificate is far more stringent and time-consuming than it ever was,” he said developers are also responding to consumer demand Willoughby Grounds a new development being released with lower strata fees for the area “I’ve certainly seen a trend for apartments that appeal to a wider group of people three- and four-bedroom apartments with downsizers first-home buyers and investors buying there The developer consciously decided to not include expensive amenities in order to keep the levies down,” Mr Abbott added With 186 units in the North Shore development strata fees at the yet to be completed Willoughby Grounds will start at approximately $550 for a one-bedroom home “It’s just a matter of comparing all the pros and the cons and you’re in a good financial position to do that then the amenities might be right for you But what we’re finding is with the increased pressure on living costs lower strata levies are more attractive to buyers,” he said While new buildings have been in the headlines costing some residents thousands a quarter Mr Abbott said a quality new construction can save residents in the long run newer buildings are much more energy efficient A new apartment will be a lot more cost effective than something that was built in the 60s or 70s.” third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. facing escalated charges after a man he allegedly punched at the Ettamogah Hotel has died of his injuries emergency services were called to ALH’s premise on Merriville Rd at Kellyville Ridge to reports of an assault with one patron said to have been punched by another man in an unprovoked attack 43-year-old carpenter Terekia Singapu allegedly assaulted local businessman Paul Griffin.  officers attached to Riverstone Police Area Command were told a man had allegedly punched a 55-year-old man leaving the scene prior to police attending,” said the police statement The injured man was treated by paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital with “critical injuries” to his head Strike Force Sestao was set up to investigate the incident a father of two from Plumpton also known as Huo Kiri was arrested at 8:30 the following morning at a home in Glendenning He was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm Riverstone police subsequently executed a search warrant at a house linked to Singapu in western Sydney where they reportedly found 36 cannabis plants and a hydroponic setup Officers “also located and seized a number of items for forensic testing” and Singapu was also charged with the offense of cultivating a prohibited plant Due to appear in Blacktown Local Court on Thursday the defendant was not present and did not apply for bail or enter any pleas however his lawyer requested an adjournment while CCTV footage of the event was secured Police presented that the men were not known to each other Griffin was owner of Griffin Air Conditioning operating in the Hills District for 25 years He was said to be a highly regarded member of the sporting community the senior co-ordinator and a sponsor of Hills Bulls Rugby League Club He succumbed to his injuries and passed away in hospital A charge of assault occasioning death has been bought against Singapu who is due to appear at Blacktown Local Court 21 November IBF boxing champion Jai Opetaia was one of those aided over the years by Griffin who financially supported him during his Olympic campaign “This week we lost someone very special to our team/family,” Opetaia said on Instagram A product of The Information CollectiveACN All Rights Reserved © 2025 | Privacy Policy For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. 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View on X [external link] Fire and Rescue NSW acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders We intend to name the following road at Kellyville Ridge: Darius Glade Any submissions in regard to this matter must be received by Council by 14 January 2022 The public notification period will run from Friday 17 December 2021 to Friday 14 January Anyone wishing to make a comment on this is invited to write a submission to our Chief Executive Officer, Blacktown City Council, PO Box 63, Blacktown NSW 2148. Submission can also be forwarded to us via email council@blacktown.nsw.gov.au. A submission by way of objection must set out the grounds of the objection. Any information included in submissions may be made available to third parties in accordance with relevant legislation. We acknowledge the Dharug people as the original custodians of the land on which Blacktown City is built. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge the Aboriginal people for their custodianship of this land. We will work together for a united City that respects this land and values the contribution to our community and culture of all people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.  CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Transport for NSW will construct a noise wall along Windsor Road/rear of Miller Way and Farrier Way Kellyville Ridge. Specialist noise assessment was carried out which identified that nearby properties at Miller Way and surrounding streets experience increased noise due to larger traffic volumes This project aims to reduce noise levels for residents on Miller Way The construction of the noise wall will involve significant vegetation clearing outside the property boundary along the proposed alignment of the wall We will do our best to retain as many trees as possible but conflicts with underground services will make this difficult landscaping will include planting native shrubs and smaller trees between the wall and neighbouring properties and on the Windsor Road side Work to install the noise wall will take place in the vacant area behind properties No work will be carried out on private properties Back fencing to these properties will remain untouched You can find more information about the proposed designs here.  There are two ways you can submit your feedback Phone: 1800 568 981 See consultation methods We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture this renovated home is one of oldest in Kellyville Ridge IT is believed to be the oldest home in Kellyville Ridge but this family home keeps getting better with age The property at 79 Merriville Rd has just sold for $1.475m — the highest price paid for a single storey home in the suburb and in the top five overall results While its age seems positively spritely compared to other parts of Sydney the 47-year-old residence has undergone some cosmetic work to keep it competitive against its younger neighbours It has a covered outdoor dining area overlooking an inground pool Agent Sanjeev Kumar First National Real Estate Hills Direct said most of the homes in the suburb are just five to 10 years old “It definitely doesn’t look like the oldest house in the suburb but it is probably the nicest with its renovation and landside,’’ he said “There are only a few clues that this property is older such as the original bricks inside the garage.’’ The four bedroom home on 1066 sqm has undergone a recent transformation with a redesigned open plan layout leading to a modern living and dining area The master bedroom has a no-expense spared luxury ensuite with tiles set in a herringbone pattern double rainwater showerheads and twin basins The sleek kitchen has a stone island bench and stainless steel appliances plantation shutters and airconditioning were added There is also an alfresco deck with outdoor spa overlooking the in-ground saltwater pool The modern ensuite with twin showers and vanities Kellyville Ridge became a suburb in its own right in 2002 Previously it was part of Kellyville and is believed to be the site of the second Battle of Vinegar Hill staged in 1804 Mr Kumar said one of the original owner’s daughters came to have a `stickybeak’ at the property after spotting it online She had grown up there when the home was part of a 3ha estate The rear outdoor entertaining area and garden “She wanted to come have a look and couldn’t believe the changes,’’ Mr Kumar said The property purchased by city-based investor looking for a home in Sydney’s northwest the home last sold for $600,000 in July 2011 The most expensive home in Kellyville Ridge is 22 Buckingham Street which sold for $1.85m in November last year Blacktown is a modern bustling city of 54 residential suburbs making it the largest city by population in NSW.  Click here for a new map of Blacktown City.(JPG, 6MB) Acacia Gardens 2763. Formerly a part of Quakers Hill the name was chosen to reflect the rural quality of the suburb It was formally recognized as a suburb in 1996. (Source: Pictorial History Angus 2765.  Named after a former Shire President of Blacktown Shire Council Arndell Park 2148. Named after Thomas Arndell who was appointed Assistant Surgeon to the settlement in NSW and arrived with the First Fleet He later joined Captain Tench in 1789 in the journey of exploration from Prospect Hill to the Nepean River. (Source: Pictorial History Blacktown 2148. Blacktown is closely bound to the original inhabitants of Australia The Aboriginal settlement and the Colebee/ Nurragingy land grant beside Richmond Road gave birth to the name Black Town when the railway line reached Black Town Road shows the railway station simply as Blacktown. (Source: The Seven Hills Bungarribee 2767. A residential suburb on the site of the Bungarribee property The property was resumed by the Commonwealth Government during World War II and served as an overshoot airfield It was used by the Overseas Telecommunications Commission from 1949 to the early 1990s. (Source: Doonside Residential Parcel Western Sydney Parklands: conservation management plan Colebee 2761. Colebee was the first Aboriginal person in Australia to be given a land grant by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1819 The grant was promised to two significant Aboriginal figures however only Colebee's name appeared on the grant The Colebee Centre at Nurragingy Reserve is also named after him. (Source: Where the country became the city Blacktown and District Historical Society 1996)  Dean Park 2761. Named after the Dean family William Dean (1776 or 1778/79-1847) was granted 200 acres (81 ha) beside Eastern Creek and the family owned the Bush Inn on the Western Highway. (Source: Eastern Creek - The Early Days Margaret Lovely and George Nicolaidis)   Dharruk 2770. The Aboriginal people of the Western Cumberland Plain refer to themselves as the Darug (also spelt Dharug The three clans of the Blacktown area include: Gomerigal - South Creek; Wawarawarry - Eastern Creek; and Warmuli - Prospect The impact of white settlement meant that there was competition for land and resources While numbers declined there has always been an aboriginal presence in Blacktown and today this is reflected in the name of the City and its suburbs Dharruk Marayong and Toongabbie and the fact that Blacktown has one of the largest Aboriginal populations in NSW. (Source: Pictorial History Doonside 2767. Early settler Robert Crawford (1799—1848) named his 2,000 acre (approx 810 ha) grant after his home town in Scotland. (Source: Pictorial History Eastern Creek 2766. The eastern branch of South Creek became known as Eastern Creek The village that grew where the road crossed the creek became known as Eastern Creek. (Source: Pictorial History Emerton 2770. Named after William Frederick Emert In 1861 he became a storekeeper and postmaster in Mount Druitt Glendenning 2761. Named after William Glendenning a butcher who Plumpton and who slaughtered stock in Lamb Street near Owen Street. (Source: Pictorial History Glenwood 2768. Named for an historic property in the area - Glenwood Park House but previously known as Norfolk Vale (1846 — 1882) Grantham Farm 2765. Grantham Farm was named after the Grantham Farm Estate which was a subdivision of the original land of ‘Riverstone’ in 1810 It contained a 6 bedroom cottage and other outbuildings as well as vineyards Hassall Grove 2761. Named after Mr Rowland Hassall (1768-1820) who was associated with the area as a missionary preacher He also acted as agent for the estates of Phillip Parker King and managed Samuel Marsden's properties in his absence (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section and Hassall Family History Association Hebersham 2770. In 1829 the Trustees of the Clergy and Schools Lands in New South Wales planned to establish a village named Hebersham on the Western Highway but the name was used for this present day suburb Hebersham was coined to honour Bishop Heber of Calcutta whose diocese included New South Wales. (Source: Pictorial History Huntingwood 2148. This composite name was chosen because the first English-style hunting is said to have taken place here and the "Woods Estate" owned by the Woods family for nearly a century is located within the suburb. (Source: Pictorial History Kellyville Ridge 2155. Kellyville Ridge was originally part of Kellyville (named after land owner Hugh Kelly in 1884 who operated a coach-stop inn on Windsor Road) and was named after a geographical ridge that runs through the suburb. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section)   Kings Langley 2147. Early settler Matthew Pearce (1762—1831) called his 130 acre (53 ha) grant after King's Langley Manor House in Hertfordshire Pearce's grant was situated on the opposite side of the Windsor Road to the present day suburb of Kings Langley which was officially named a 'neighbourhood' in 1976. (Source: Where the country became the city Blacktown and District Historical Society 1996)   Kings Park 2148. Originally this suburb formed part of Marayong but with increased residential development and the developer's estate name was adopted in 1987. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section)   Lalor Park 2147. Named after the Lalor family Two members of the family (George and Robert) were Councillors on Blacktown Shire Council George serving as Shire President on two occasions 1921-1923 and 1928.The land was resumed for public housing and George's daughter Miss Louise Lalor in 1957 suggested the area be called Lalor Park. (Source: The Seven Hills Lethbridge Park 2770. Named after the Lethbridge family Robert Copeland Lethbridge settled at Werrington on a land grant made on 1 January 1806. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section)   Marayong 2148. Name adopted by the Railway Department in 1922 Marsden Park 2765. Named for Samuel Marsden (1764—1838) Church of England Minister and landowner in the area. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section)   Melonba 2765. Darug name for a type of wattle found in the area Minchinbury 2770. Minchinbury is named after Captain William Minchin who was granted land (1,000 acres) west of Rooty Hill in 1819 and named it Minchinbury After Minchin's death the Estate was sold and later bought by Dr Charles Mackay who introduced grape vines for winemaking. (Source: Where the country became the city Mount Druitt 2770. Major George Druitt (1775—1842) was granted 2,000 acres (810 ha) in the area by Governor Macquarie He named his grant Mount Druitt. (Source: A History of the Manse and Mount Druitt Estate Nirimba Fields 2763. Nirimba is the Darug word for “Pelican” The area was commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 1953 and named HMAS Nirimba The site was redeveloped and the Nirimba Education Precinct was named in 1995 Oakhurst 2761. This suburb was developed by Landcom in 1981 when zoning changed from rural to residential Landcom named the development the Oakhurst Estate and the estate name was adopted as the suburb name It is believed that the "Oaks" house provided part of the name with 'hurst' (meaning hillock or wooded eminence) being added. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section)   Parklea 2768.  Parklea dates back to the early 1900s and is believed to be named by subdividers at the time. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section)  Plumpton 2761.  The area was initially known as Woodstock but when a Post Office was established in 1889 there was confusion over this Woodstock and a railway station on the Blayney-Harden line Walter Lamb (1825—1906) established a fruit preserving works and a coursing (type of greyhound race) track on his property "Woodstock" Coursing in England was conducted at Plumpton so that name replaced Woodstock. (Source: Pictorial History Prospect 2148. Prospect Hill was discovered by Captain Arthur Phillip in April 1788 on one of his first explorations in the colony later anglicized to Prospect Hill and then shortened to Prospect. (Source: Where the country became the city Quakers Hill 2763. The railway siding in this area was known as Douglas' Siding When subdivision of large properties was undertaken in the early 1900s the developers named the suburb Quakers Hill a name that had been associated with the hill since 1806. (Source: Where the country became the city Blacktown and District Historical Society 1996) Named after Benjamin Richards who established the Riverstone Meatworks in 1878 Riverstone 2765.  Lieutenant-Colonel Maurice Charles O'Connell was granted 2,500 acres (1010 ha) by Governor Macquarie in this area He named his grant "Riverston" after his birthplace in Ireland an "e" was added to the name. (Source: Riverstone - Schofields Rooty Hill 2766.  Rooty Hill was the centre of the government administration for the area and has been known as Rooty Hill since 1810 There are varying suggestions about the name's origin including the amount of tree roots that were cleared to create a road in the area There is also a suggestion it was named after Rooty Hill Road on Norfolk Island where Governor King spent time in 1788. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section) Ropes Crossing 2760.  Named after Anthony Rope a convict who arrived with the First Fleet in 1788 Rope learned bricklaying whilst working at Brickfields near Sydney and later moved to the Nepean District the Ropes were renting 48 acres on the Nepean and by 1820 had been granted 20 acres in the district Anthony Rope died at Castlereagh in 1843. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section)  Rouse Hill 2155. Rouse Hill is thought to be named after Richard Rouse who received a land grant in 1813 and built a house in the area. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section)  Schofields 2762.  Named for early settler John Schofield Schofield's Siding was built on this land in 1870. (Source: Pictorial History Seven Hills 2147. The name Seven Hills was first recorded in the annals of Australian history in July 1800 Governor Lachlan Macquarie commented that he had journeyed over seven hills on his way to Windsor The seven hills are situated along the old road between Westmead and where Norwest Blvd crosses Old Windsor Rd The name was transferred to the railway station in 1860 and this cemented the name to the growing village. (Source: The Seven Hills Shalvey 2770. Shalvey was named by the Housing Commission of New South Wales after wholesale and retail butcher; Patrick Shalvey who acquired several properties for grazing purposes including an area between Mount Druitt and St Marys in 1906 There are also suggestions Shalvey is named after the main road in the area which was originally owned by the Crown. (Source: Patrick Joseph Shalvey Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section)   Shanes Park 2760. John Harris (1754 -1838) came to Australia on the Second Fleet in 1790 and was appointed Chief Surgeon of the colony The suburb of Harris Park is named for him Among his many landholdings included a property on South Creek known as Shane's Park Estate The suburb takes its name from his property. (Source: Pictorial History Stanhope Gardens 2768. John Hillas (1768-1837) arrived in Australia in 1801 and received two land grants on the Windsor Road with the Peel family calling their dairy farm "Stanhope Park" The suburb name reflects these early properties St Marys (part of) 2760. Initially known as South Creek it takes its name from the church St Mary Magdalene on the Great Western Highway the names South Creek and St Marys were used interchangeably - the St Marys Post Office opened in 1840 but it was not until 1885 that the railway station became St Marys (Source: Dharug and Dungaree: the history of Penrith and St Marys to 1860 Tallawong 2762. Tallawong is named after the metro station located within the new suburb boundary Tallawong is also the Darug word for Apple Gum Tree The Ponds 2769. This suburb in Blacktown between Kellyville Ridge and Stanhope Gardens has been named after the waterways flowing through the area The name was proposed in 2006 and gazetted in January 2007 The first lots sold in the area in July 2007. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section)  Toongabbie (part of) 2146. Named by Governor Arthur Phillip from the Dharruk word meaning "meeting of the waters" A Government Farm was established here in 1791 and continued for thirteen years The land was used for grazing cattle and then was granted to various people In the late 1890s many orchards were located here A separate railway line ran from Toongabbie station to the quarries at Prospect from 1902 to 1945. (Source: The Toongabbie story Tregear 2770. John King Lethbridge bought land in the area and built a fine homestead which he called "Tregeare" in 1871 after his great uncle's property in England - now known as Tregear. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section) Vineyard (part of) 2765. Was originally part of Windsor's winegrowing district and takes its name from the surrounding vineyards.  (Source: Pictorial History who was granted 300 acres (122 ha) at Mount Druitt in 1831. (Source: Pictorial History Willmot 2770. Named after Thomas Willmot (1851—1938) who was elected the first President of the Blacktown Shire Council 1906—1910 and 1912 — 1913. (Source: Blacktown City Libraries Local History Section)   Woodcroft 2767. This suburb is based on the development by L J Hooker of the former State Brickworks residential construction commenced in 1992 It was formally recognized as a suburb in 1996.  (Source: Pictorial History We acknowledge the Dharug people as the original custodians of the land on which Blacktown City is built We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge the Aboriginal people for their custodianship of this land We will work together for a united City that respects this land and values the contribution to our community and culture of all people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.  This Kellyville Ridge home has just set a new record for the suburb IT HAS long been the envy of the neighbourhood now this resort style home at Kellyville Ridge has also become the most expensive — selling for $1.85m The five-bedroom property at 22 Buckingham Street was snapped up two weeks before its scheduled auction by a buyer looking to upgrade from Greystanes It smashed the previous Kellyville Ridge residential record by $400,000 The home has a resort style rear garden with swim spa “Everybody knows about the flagship house in their suburb and this is certainly it,’’ said agent Brad Norrie from First National Real Estate Hills District at The Ponds the house is 60 squares and 11 years old — it feels just like a resort.’’ which has a Balinese inspired rear gardens with decking and swim spa was inspected by 30 groups during its brief time on the market with several early offers There is a king size master retreat with luxurious marble ensuite featuring a spa bath and double showers glazing on windows to reduce heat and a balcony off the upstairs rumpus room NEWSLETTER: SIGN UP FOR ALL THE LATEST NSW REAL ESTATE NEWS It also has a fully integrated granny flat with its own kitchen living and dining area plus sound proofed walls it didn’t attract too many `stickybeaks’ at the open inspections said Mr Norrie who listed the property with fellow agent Ruma Mundi The light-filled contemporary kitchen with stone bench tops and stainless steel appliances The home has a modern interior with plantation shutters and feature walls “There were a few locals talking about putting their homes on the market so they could purchased this one but this other buyer came through,’’ he said The sale price beat the suburb’s previous residential record of $1.45m paid for 20 Maple Grove in September Latest figures from CoreLogic RP Data show the median house price in Kellyville Ridge increased five per cent in the 12 months ending in July to $999,000 There were 123 sales recorded in the same period with most homes spending 17 days on the market is well known for its affordability in comparison to other areas close to The Hills It is located just a five-minute drive to the Rouse Hill Town Centre and less than 15 minutes to Castle Towers Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time The Kellyville Ridge Cricket Club should be a hive of activity at this time of year and the fields and nets across Sydney’s west would be buzzing after school and on weekends But like many community sporting clubs across NSW they are in a state of suspended animation Nobody can tell them when the season can start Players aren’t willing to commit until they know For a club that draws its volunteer workforce from players’ families Kellyville Ridge Cricket Club senior advisor Ryan Hutton (left) and president Rodney Yendle.Credit: Dean Sewell but the costs of this extended hiatus – financial Usually they have 160 kids registered for junior cricket The Woolworths Blast program for children between five and 10 has been cancelled which means no two-day games played across two weekends – just like last season “It might sound trivial but it is actually an additional cost to do that,” said Ryan Hutton Kellyville Ridge’s Woolworths Blast and senior club co-ordinator You’re now having to provide a cricket ball every week because you’re playing one-dayers That little cost is an extra $400 per team we’re having to fund as a club.” According to a new survey by the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) on the impact of COVID-19 on community sport around 9000 clubs across the country are at risk of going bust Nearly 83 per cent of respondents reported lost revenue this year and their usual streams – sponsorships fundraising and memberships – unable to be accessed Participation (43 per cent) and volunteering (42 per cent) are both down but 88 per cent of clubs say their costs have stayed the same or The survey was conducted over June and July before the full extent of the lockdowns across NSW which suggests the results may be understating the full repercussions of the pandemic on sport Kellyville Ridge will find a way to weather the storm which are mostly local retail and hospitality businesses but the council is yet to confirm any reduction to ground hire fees but we will need to start tightening our belt a little bit in terms of how we actually go about subsidising coaching programs and buying extra equipment or merchandise,” he said [but] we will probably have to cut back on that these are our fixed overhead costs and we have to do away with our variable overhead costs in order to remain sustainable but if our participation rate is static or drops it means that the cost per player has to go up.” was finding what the NSW government will allow once the state hits the 70 per cent double vaccination milestone – and what they won’t The road map doesn’t include community sport not even in regional communities with no cases “We can go to a pub indoors and drink with people but we can’t play sport outdoors “We saw last weekend that beaches were full in Sydney The health minister came out and said outdoors is the best place for people to be and yet they haven’t changed their position [on community sport] “What’s the difference between 20 people on a cricket field and 2000 people on Bondi Beach which facilitates tax-free fundraising for sporting clubs through their website is appealing to the public and the private sector for financial support that will keep clubs alive “People don’t fully appreciate how important sport is,” said ASF chief executive Patrick Walker this is social inclusion and this is the building blocks of society which is what the clubs are telling us – that they’re at risk of financial insolvency – we’re going to have a bigger crisis on our hands “Australians generally give around $10.5 billion a year in philanthropic giving Only about 0.5 per cent of that is given to sport What we’re really saying is investing your donations in sport is a great way to re-build the health and cohesion of your community.” Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter. The Kellyville Ridge Cricket Club should be a hive of activity at this time of year. In a normal world, the summer season would be in full swing, and the fields and nets across Sydney\\u2019s west would be buzzing after school and on weekends. But like many community sporting clubs across NSW, they are in a state of suspended animation. Nobody can tell them when the season can start, or what it will look like when it does. Players aren\\u2019t willing to commit until they know. For a club that draws its volunteer workforce from players\\u2019 families, it means more work for fewer people. The club isn\\u2019t blaming anyone, but the costs of this extended hiatus \\u2013 financial, physical, emotional \\u2013 are mounting. Usually they have 160 kids registered for junior cricket, enough for 14 teams. But now there are only 84 signed up. The Woolworths Blast program for children between five and 10 has been cancelled. Senior numbers are down, too, which means no two-day games played across two weekends \\u2013 just like last season. \\u201CIt might sound trivial but it is actually an additional cost to do that,\\u201D said Ryan Hutton, Kellyville Ridge\\u2019s Woolworths Blast and senior club co-ordinator. \\u201CA two-day game, with one innings per side, is one cricket ball. You\\u2019re now having to provide a cricket ball every week because you\\u2019re playing one-dayers. That little cost is an extra $400 per team we\\u2019re having to fund as a club.\\u201D The survey was conducted over June and July, before the full extent of the lockdowns across NSW, Victoria and the ACT, which suggests the results may be understating the full repercussions of the pandemic on sport. Kellyville Ridge will find a way to weather the storm, Mr Hutton reckons, but it won\\u2019t be easy. Their sponsors, which are mostly local retail and hospitality businesses, are battling too. The season is likely to be cut in half, but the council is yet to confirm any reduction to ground hire fees. \\u201CWe\\u2019re going to get through it OK, but we will need to start tightening our belt a little bit in terms of how we actually go about subsidising coaching programs and buying extra equipment or merchandise,\\u201D he said. \\u201CKids love merch ... [but] we will probably have to cut back on that. We\\u2019ll say as a club, these are our fixed overhead costs and we have to do away with our variable overhead costs in order to remain sustainable. We\\u2019re going to have to increase our fees. \\u201CThings like ground hire, they have inflationary pressure. Those things keep going up, but if our participation rate is static or drops, it means that the cost per player has to go up.\\u201D The toughest pill to swallow, Mr Hutton said, was finding what the NSW government will allow once the state hits the 70 per cent double vaccination milestone \\u2013 and what they won\\u2019t. The road map doesn\\u2019t include community sport, not even in regional communities with no cases. \\u201CWe can go to a pub indoors and drink with people but we can\\u2019t play sport outdoors. It makes no sense,\\u201D he said. \\u201CWe saw last weekend that beaches were full in Sydney. The health minister came out and said outdoors is the best place for people to be, it\\u2019s less risk, and yet they haven\\u2019t changed their position [on community sport]. \\u201CWhat\\u2019s the difference between 20 people on a cricket field and 2000 people on Bondi Beach? The answer\\u2019s zero. To me, they have not thought this through.\\u201D The ASF, which facilitates tax-free fundraising for sporting clubs through their website, is appealing to the public and the private sector for financial support that will keep clubs alive. \\u201CPeople don\\u2019t fully appreciate how important sport is,\\u201D said ASF chief executive Patrick Walker. \\u201CThis isn\\u2019t just about a footy club, or people who can\\u2019t play their cricket. This is physical health, this is mental health, this is social inclusion and this is the building blocks of society. \\u201CIf we let 9000 clubs go under, which is what the clubs are telling us \\u2013 that they\\u2019re at risk of financial insolvency \\u2013 we\\u2019re going to have a bigger crisis on our hands, particularly in our youngsters. \\u201CAustralians generally give around $10.5 billion a year in philanthropic giving. Only about 0.5 per cent of that is given to sport. What we\\u2019re really saying is investing your donations in sport is a great way to re-build the health and cohesion of your community.\\u201D Sports news, results and expert commentary.. \\u2018This isn\\u2019t just about a footy club, or people who can\\u2019t play their cricket. This is the building blocks of society.\\u2019 Robbie and Charli Manago were taken to the hospital in an ambulance escorted by police on December 20 A spokeswoman from Westmead Children's Hospital confirmed that Robbie died on Thursday Police said the Manago children were out of their parents' sight for only a short time before they were found in a Kellyville Ridge backyard and the pool met all the necessary safety requirements "Obviously at this time of year we urge people to very vigilant around swimming pools maintain the security and keep an eye on the children," Chief Inspector Gary Sims said on the day of the accident "Whatever happens in seconds is a life-changing situation for the families and you can't imagine the grief the family are going through." Robbie's death takes the number of drowning fatalities in NSW to nine over the Christmas period with a still unidentified man found yesterday afternoon at Belongil Beach near Byron Bay There are two more people missing in the water, with the search for a boy at Maroubra beach and a man in the Murrumbidgee River near Wagga Wagga continuing. A report is being prepared for the coroner. The national sergeant-at-arms of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang has been charged after police raids uncovered more than 85kg of drugs hydrogen chloride gas cylinders and a clandestine drug lab in a disused bus was arrested by Strike Force Creswell investigators early on Wednesday evening after he attended a storage cage in residential car park in Kellyville Ridge that was the subject of a police search warrant which stretched from Sydney's inner west to Tarago uncovered 17.4kg of methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) pills believed to be cocaine; and more than 67kg of powders search warrants had been executed at the storage cage a local business in Drummoyne and a property outside of Tarago where a clandestine laboratory was located in a disused bus one of the most senior members of the Finks bikie gang was refused bail at Bankstown Local Court on Thursday charged with large commerical drug supply and 15 firearms offences The raids followed an ongoing investigation into the importation manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs and included police from the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor and the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Unit A clandestine drug lab located on a property at Tarago said the powder seized from the properties was enough to produce "conservatively at an estimated street value of $4 million." This was in addition to the 17kg of already pressed pills seized by investigators Ms Wallace said the raids were "simultaneous" to another investigation addressing a dispute between the Finks and rival gang The 35-year-old was arrested at a storage cage in a car park in Kellyville RidgeCredit: NSW Police "In managing the conflict between these outlaw motorcycle gangs and other criminal groups is we go straight to the cause of these conflicts "So taking out the catalyst for these disputes is often a way of resolving them for the community." It is not the first time a high-ranking member of the Finks OMCG has faced charges this year In February a North Wollongong court heard 34-year-old Tony Fornaciari was accused of using his senior position in the club's south coast chapter to direct fellow gang members and associates in criminal activity Inside the drug lab on the disused bus.Credit: NSW Police It was alleged Fornaciari was found in possession of 189 grams of the drug ice when police raided the North Wollongong warehouse which they believe was destined to become the gang's clubhouse At the time Fornaciari was refused bail after an agressive outburst in court prompted a magistrate to decide he was too aggressive to make an application He will appear at Wollongong local court on March 21 Seizures from the raids by Strike Force Creswell In November last year another Finks member was met by Australian Border Force officials at Sydney Airport where he was told his entry was being denied and he was deported to his native New Zealand was attempting to travel to the Central Coast where it is understood he held a senior position in the gang's Newcastle chapter which stretched from Sydney's inner west to Tarago uncovered\\u00A017.4kg of methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) pills where\\u00A0a clandestine laboratory was located in a disused bus as well as\\u00A0a .38 colt six-shot revolver and\\u00A0included\\u00A0police from the Criminal Groups Squad\\u2019s Strike Force Raptor and the Drug and Firearms Squad\\u2019s Chemical Operations Unit.\\u00A0 said the powder seized from the properties was enough to produce \\\"conservatively at an estimated street value of $4 million.\\\" Ms Wallace said the raids were \\\"simultaneous\\\" to another investigation addressing a dispute between the Finks and rival gang \\\"In managing the conflict between these outlaw motorcycle gangs and other criminal groups is we go straight to the cause of these conflicts \\\"So taking out the catalyst for these disputes is often a way of resolving them for the community.\\\" 34-year-old Tony Fornaciari was accused of using his senior position in the club's south coast chapter to direct fellow gang members and associates in criminal activity which they believe was destined to become the gang's clubhouse where it is understood he held a senior position in the gang's Newcastle chapter A toddler who was pulled unconscious from a backyard swimming pool on December 20 died in hospital on Thursday following the death of his twin sister who passed away on Boxing Day were rushed to The Children's Hospital at Westmead after they were pulled from the pool in their Kellyville Ridge home at around 7pm Two rescue helicopters arrived near the scene remaining on standby while the toddlers were rushed to hospital in separate ambulances with a police escort The Manago twins were discovered unconscious and underwater by their neighbours at the Charbel Place residence told Channel Seven after the incident: "We just kept going and going and going until the paramedics arrived were found unconscious in a pool in Kellyville Ridge.Credit: Facebook "We may have saved those children's lives Her twin brother Robbi was still undergoing treatment Their parents Fleur and Robert Manago remained at their bedside They have four older children who attend school in the local area described them as "the most beautiful family you could ever meet" while another said "they're such lovely neighbours and they're very caring parents Police from Quakers Hill Local Area Command are investigating how the toddlers accessed the pool after the incident were rushed to The Children's Hospital at Westmead after they were pulled from the pool in their Kellyville Ridge home at around 7pm told Channel Seven after the incident: \\\"We just kept going and going and going until the paramedics arrived \\\"We may have saved those children's lives described them as \\\"the most beautiful family you could ever meet\\\" while another said \\\"they're such lovely neighbours and they're very caring parents Police from Quakers Hill Local Area Command are investigating how the toddlers accessed the pool after the incident.