North Ryde. Young Australian

Macquarie University alumni Jennifer Star (nee Purcell) has been announced as the 2012 NSW Young Australian of Year. The 25-year-old youth educator was awarded for her efforts in establishing an education partnership organisation, which benefits thousands of Indian children.

South West. New development

A new railway station, a 150-hectare regional park, seven playing fields and a bustling town centre are planned for Edmondson Park, the first precinct released for development in the South-West Growth Centre. The first development within Edmondson Park is Talana Estate, whose 170 lots almost sold out in 12 months, bringing the developer, Landcom, a $60 million windfall. Robert Sullivan, the general manager of corporate marketing for Landcom, said Landcom is now working on transforming the Old Ingleburn Army site into Edmondson Park South. He said work is about to start on the first stage of development, comprising 206 residential lots and 15 rural residential lots.