History

1967:
Formation of a Progress Association at Galston.
Members included Bill Folkard, John Kars, Ken & Caryl Turnidge, Bob Stephens, Charlie Rogers who had recently been elected to Hornsby Council, Irene Rogers and Ruth Chiswell.
he Association was small but very active, working towards the establishment of a Galston High School, The Galston Swimming Pool, better roads, sewerage,a better water supply and the restoration of Waddell Cottage which was under threat.

About 1968:
A small local newspaper was started by the Progress Association and named the Galston Gazette. David Chivers of Crosslands Road, Galston was the first printer.

A Town Planning Committee was formed as a sub committee to ensure development to be well planned for the future of Galston. A proposal was put to Hornsby Council suggesting building blocks in the village area no smaller than 10,000sq ft with one acre blocks forming a buffer zone for a radius of one mile around the Galston Village, then the five acre blocks. A map was drawn up and put on display in the Council Chambers and the window of the chemist shop. The plan was very well received and Hornsby Council accepted it in principle. Unfortunately some local residents misunderstood the motives of the Progress Association, accusing the committee of supporting the plan for monetary gain.

An extra-ordinary meeting of the Progress Association was held at the then Galston School of Arts. Our little committee of sincere members with great concern for the future of Galston where well and truly outvoted. That was the end of a very good plan. The Progress Association and the Galston Gazette changed hands at the next Annual General Meeting - under new management.

The Galston Chamber of Commerce, engaged a town planner and submitted their own ideas to Hornsby Council for the improvement of the Village Shopping Centre, especially the parking and traffic flow.

2007:
In March 2007, the council appointed an Executive Officer to run the Chamber's affairs on a day to day basis. Responsibilities of this position, amongst others, includes support to the home-based business owners, information gathering and publication of the Hills Rural News.

The appointment has also allowed for much needed support to be given to the Village Retailers and businesses of the Hills Rural Area.

2008:
In February, 2008 the chamber changed its name to the Hills Rural chamber.
This would ensure that the chamber would remain an active community organisation which would promote commerce into the area for the benefit of the growth and sustainability of all of the communities which fall in its boundaries.

At the same time, the paper was changed from the Galston District News to the Hills Rural News.

Along with the name change, the format of the paper was changed to carry a fresh, new look, produced in full colour.

Over the years the Chamber has introduced many innovative and promotional ideas, these include:

The Business Directory
The Chamber website
The Galston Green Bag
Galston Village Retailers Christmas promotion.

2009:
Springfest
An Annual Festival which encompasses various events commencing with the Springfest Parade and Grand Opening on the first Saturday of September each year. In 2009 the events include:

Galston Street Parade
Northholm Grammar "Tastes of Spring"
Galston Skatefest
Swanes Nursery
The Bushland Shire Festival
The Galston Scarecrow Gathering
Jazz at the Pines
Mulawa Arabian Stud - Open Day
Geranium Cottage
Galston Open Gardens
Sydney's Christmas Barn
Tobruk Sheep Station
Galston District Eisteddfod
Outdoor Movie Night @ Middle Dural