Sydney Hills

The region of Sydney Hills in New South Wales, Australia is an area with a rich and varied history dating back thousands of years. The area is located in the northwest Sydney metropolitan area and includes the local government areas of The Hills Shire and parts of the City of Parramatta and Hornsby Shire. The indigenous people of the region are the Darug people, who have inhabited the area for over 20,000 years. The Darug people spoke a language called Gundungurra, which is unique to the region. They were hunter-gatherers, relying on the abundant flora and fauna of the region for their sustenance and tool-making. The first European settlement in the area was in 1791 by Governor Arthur Phillip, who named the region "The Hills" due to its hilly terrain. Early European settlement was mainly focused on agriculture, with crops such as wheat, maize, and potatoes being grown. Dairy farming and fruit growing also became prominent industries in the area. The first colonial subdivision of land in the area occurred in the 1840s, with the creation of the townships of Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills. The area became known for its orchards, with apple and pear trees being particularly popular. The first post office in the area opened in 1869, and the first school opened in 1878. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area began to develop as a residential suburb, with many of the orchards being subdivided into smaller blocks for housing. The opening of the North-West Railway in 1924 further encouraged the growth of the region, with commuting to Sydney becoming easier. During World War II, the Sydney Hills region played an important role in the defense of Australia. The RAAF operated a radar station in Castle Hill, and the area was home to many military personnel and their families. After the war, the area experienced a boom in population growth, with many young families moving into the area. Today, the Sydney Hills region is a thriving suburban area, with a diverse range of businesses, industries, and communities. The area has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several major events and festivals taking place throughout the year. The Hills District Historical Society is active in preserving and sharing the rich history of the area with the wider community. In recent years, the Sydney Hills region has experienced significant growth and development, with new housing estates, shopping centers, and infrastructure projects being built. Despite this growth, the region has managed to maintain its unique character and history, with many heritage buildings and landmarks still standing. Overall, the history of the Sydney Hills region is a fascinating and complex one, shaped by thousands of years of indigenous culture and centuries of European settlement. The area has undergone significant changes over the years, but it has remained an important and unique part of the Sydney metropolitan area.