Hornsby Shire is located 25 kms north of Sydney CBD, with the Hawkesbury River forming its northern boundary. The shire has a population of around 151,000 and includes major centres such as Hornsby itself, secondary centres such as Pennant Hills and Epping, along with villages, islands, river communities and a large rural district stretching from Dural to Wisemans Ferry. The traditional custodians of the area are the Dharug and Guringai peoples.