Jo Abi: Why I Love Castle Hill

When she’s not on television, journalist Jo Abi heads to Castle Hill for a sense of community, creme brulee

Jo Abi enjoys a break at Crinitis restaurant, Castle Hill. Picture: Angelo Velardo

• Why Adam Hawse loves Cherrybrook
• Graham Ross on Beecroft

Journalist Jo Abi loves the community feel of Castle Hill.

When did you move to this suburb and why?

My family moved to Castle Hill in 1989. We had lived in nearby Annangrove when I was a baby and then moved to Rooty Hill for two years to be closer to my dad’s work before returning to the northwest. We were just more comfortable here, and mum and dad were more comfortable raising their kids here. They wanted us to go to school here and it felt safe and familiar to them.

What do you like most about living there?

I love the fact it is filled with families. It feels like a real community. It feels like the kind of place where if your kid gets lost and is crying, everyone will come and help. Now that I have kids, I like the sense that my kids are safe here too. I also love that it is a really central location to all the places I like to go, like the city and the Blue Mountains and out to Wisemans Ferry.

Jo Abi’s home suburb has a lot to offer. Picture: Angelo Velardo

What do you enjoy doing on the weekend?

The kids and I love hanging out in the area on the weekend, doing some shopping, maybe some bowling or a movie — just relaxing and enjoying the area. I love that we can go to the (Castle) Towers (pictured) and see a movie then go downstairs and do the grocery shopping.

What is your favourite cafe/restaurant/bar and why?

Criniti’s is our fav when we are splurging. We used to love Hog’s Breath and yum cha and were devastated when they closed. But Criniti’s, for pizza and creme brulee, every time.

Castle Towers could do with a Woolies, Jo Abi says. Picture: Troy Snook

What is your best memory from this area?

My parents still live on Showground Rd and I remember when the parade would go down the street right past their house and end up at the showground. My siblings and I would sit on the front steps and watch it all go by and then follow it down to the showground for some fun.

What do you wish you could change about your suburb?

Mum and I have been dying for years for Castle Hill to have a Woolworths and a Baker’s Delight in the Towers. And also all the parking spots and schools and shops are too narrow.