Emu + Leonay Gazette April 2023

Regatta Park Set to Become Iconic Destination

A $24 million upgrade will soon transform Penrith’s Regatta Park into an iconic recreational destination.

The project is jointly funded with $9 million from Penrith City Council and $15 million from the Australian and New South Wales governments as part of the Western Parkland City Liveability Program which is a key commitment in the Western Sydney City Deal. The program is administered by the Western Parkland City Authority.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said it was exciting to see the park taking shape with the installation of an adventure playspace, 112-metre pavilion with undercover water play, and a central staircase on the foreshore leading to the river’s edge.

“It has been the community and Council’s long-held vision to improve access to the Nepean River and enhance its surrounding green spaces so that locals and visitors can make the most of Penrith’s stunning river landscape,” Cr Hitchen said.

“We are getting closer to realising this vision with the transformation of Regatta Park, which was designed in close consultation with the community and is being delivered as a key part of Our River Masterplan.”

“There is a huge amount of work unfolding across the park, which isn’t always easy to see behind construction fencing, and we cannot wait to unveil the new Regatta Park for everyone to enjoy.”

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the Liveability Program is one of 38 commitments under the landmark Western Sydney City Deal.

“The Western Parkland City is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia and the transformation of Regatta Park is set to boost tourism in the region”.

“This is just one example of the strong partnership between all levels of government which is delivering city shaping initiatives that improve the prosperity, sustainability, and liveability of the Western Parkland City,” Mr Ayres said.

Stage two of the upgrade is also underway and includes a cricket oval, multi-use lawn space, amenities block, picnic and BBQ areas, kiosk, tree planting, car park, and works to River Road.

Regatta Park is due to open in September 2023, weather permitting. Keep up to date at yoursaypenrith.com.au/regatta-park

r Article: Penrith City Council. Current @ time of print.

Officers Charged – North West Metropolitan Region

Two police officers have been charged following the alleged assault of a woman in Sydney’s west.

In January 2023, police and other emergency services responded to a concern for welfare report in Emu Plains.

It’s alleged that during the interaction with officers, a 49-year-old woman received injuries.

Following the incident, an investigation commenced into the circumstances surrounding the alleged actions of the officers involved.

Thursday 16 March 2023, the officers – a senior constable and constable – were issued Court Attendance Notices for multiple offences.

The 26-year-old senior constable was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s), possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, intentionally etc publish etc protected information, intentionally record intimate image without consent etc, and intentionally distribute intimate image without consent etc.

The 27-year-old constable was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s).

The officers – attached to a command in the North West Metropolitan Region – will appear in Penrith Local Court on Monday 1 May 2023.

Both officers have been suspended without pay.

r Article: NSW Police Media

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Submit your Community Notice on/by 10th of the month, to be included in the following edition. Notices may be edited or omitted due to space limitations. E: info@districtgazette.com.au

Community Groups

Lions Club of Emu Plains Inc

Meets 3rd Thursday of the month from 630pm at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay). More Details: Cheryl Devine 0417 234 295.

Hobbies + Interests

Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS)

Meets on the 4th Friday of the month in Melrose Hall (169 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains) from 7.30 p.m. More Details: 0493 547 794.

Autumn Show

Saturday 1st April (9am - 3pm) and Sunday 2nd April (10am3pm) in the Girl Guides Hall (Cnr Great Western Highway and Nepean Street, Emu Plains).

Orchid Out West

Friday 26th May & Saturday 27th May (9am - 4pm) and Sunday 28th May (10am - 3pm) at Philip Charley Pavilion Hawkesbury Race Club (1 Racecourse Road Clarendon).

Markets

Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club Markets

Held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm. Glenbrook Infants School (10 Ross Street, Glenbrook). More Details: https://www.facebook.com/ glenbrookrotarymarkets

Support + Wellbeing

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay) from 6.30p.m. More Details: www. prostatesupport.org.au or phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on1300 13 38 78.

Penrith Womens Walk and Talk

Meets 5pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk

Penrith Mens Walk and Talk

Meets 5pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/

The City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch will be hosting a number of commemorative services during the month of April. This will be including:

1. ANZAC School Service: 4th April,

2. ANZAC Sunday Service: 16th April,

3. Women Veterans Network Australia (WVNA) ANZAC Service: 22nd April and

4. ANZAC Day Dawn Service: 25th April.

The Annual ANZAC Day School Service will take place on Tuesday 4th April at Penrith Paceway. Traditionally, a school nominates to host the event and this year it will be Cranebrook High School. The event has attracted almost every school in the Penrith region, with approximately 1,700 children and their teachers anticipated to attend. Local Navy, Army and Air Force Cadet Units will also be on parade and will be manning the catafalque. The City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch, along with CDC Bus Transport, will be supplying transport to/from the event for attending schools. There will not be any public access to this event.

On Sunday 16th April 2023, the annual Sunday march will make its long-awaited return after 4 years on the sideline. Veterans wishing to march are requested to meet on the corner of Castlereagh and Tindale Streets at 2.30pm. The march will step off at 2.45pm and the service will commence at 3pm at Memory Park.

The public are highly encouraged to support this event by lining Castlereagh, High Streets and Memory Park.

The ANZAC Day Dawn Service Commemoration will be on Tuesday 25th April. Veterans wishing to march are requested to meet on the corner of Castlereagh and Tindale Streets at 4.15am. The march will step off at 4.30am, with 300+ veterans and uniformed personnel expected to take part. The Dawn Service will commence at 5am at Memory Park in Penrith and will go for approximately 30-40 minutes. Breakfast will be served to the public immediately following the service at the Penrith RSL, for a gold coin donation.

The City of Penrith RSL sub-branch are expecting 3,000+ people at the Dawn Service and they anticipate the streets to be full. To assist the public viewing, TV monitors will be placed in strategic locations in the Penrith CBD, allowing people to view the service without accessing Memory Park.

Immediate access surrounding Memory Park will be closed off to all traffic from midnight on 24/4, until 10:00am on 25/4. There will be no traffic in or out of that dedicated area during this time.

Set up seating in Memory Park will be reserved for veterans and invited guests.

This event is fully supported by our local, state, and federal elected members and the RSL sub-Branch anticipates a huge turn out from the public, especially noting the previous COVID lockdowns and current world affairs.

“RSL veterans and current serving members are looking forward to this service to commemorate the ANZAC spirit” said The City of Penrith RSL sub-branch.

Do

Article Written + Submitted by: Senior Minister Roger Cunningham

P: 4735 1001 E: roger@epac.org.au W: www.epac.org.au Service Times: Sundays @ 8:00am, 9:45am and 6:30pm

Plus activities for adults and young people throughout the week

What If?

What if Jesus died and then rose again from the dead? News would spread, wouldn’t it. You can imagine the people who saw it happen told everyone they met. But then there’d be all sorts of reactions. Some, hearing the news, would believe what they were told. Others, for any number of reasons, would doubt it. Maybe there’d even be people who actively denied it. When you think about it, the reactions probably wouldn’t be that different to what we see happen again and again today to unexpected news.

But if it did happen, what would it mean? Well, we’d have someone who could answer the age-old question, ‘What happens after death?’. On top of that, given Jesus predicted his death and resurrection, and it happened the way he said it would, you’d be pretty confident the other things he said would happen would happen too – things about judgement, things about God, things about rescuing you and me from death.

In fact, it’s Jesus’ words at the grave side of a dead friend that ring in my ears as Easter comes around. He said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ (John 11:25-26). And then he raised his friend Lazarus back to life again.

If Jesus rose from the dead, it could change your life, even should change your life. I am convinced he did, and this Easter we’ll be celebrating all that means, celebrating hope, celebrating meaning, celebrating life!

r Image: https://www.pixabay.com

New Venture Puts Focus on Fitness for the Disabled

Lions Celebrate 35 Years with Donations to Local Charities

Emu Plains Lions Club will celebrate 35 years of helping the local community and charities this month, by holding an Anniversary Dinner at Emu Sports Club in Leonay.

A new fitness venture dedicated to people living with disabilities has officially launched in Emu Heights.

Boxability is a new boxing focused training regime designed specifically for those with any sort of disability including autism, brain injuries, genetic conditions, physical or mobility issues and neurological impairment.

And for founder, Penrith local and father of three Mark Steenholdt, the inspiration behind it is deeply personal.

“Just over two years ago, a week before his first birthday, my son Hudson underwent emergency open heart surgery,” he said.

“He survived but was left with an acquired brain injury as a result.”

Mr Steenholdt said the experience was traumatic for both him and his wife Kylie.

"Once Huddy came out of his induced coma, his memory was completely wiped, and he was back to being in a newborn state, he didn't even recognise his sister or my wife and I. Not one thing about him was the same, not even his smile.

“He had to relearn everything and he's still relearning. He’s also still suffering from all the effects that come from an acquired brain injury. Thankfully through his therapies, he's made amazing progress in some areas and hopefully will continue to,” he said.

“The past couple of years have been a steep learning curve for us, I had never really appreciated or understood the immense level of support, time and dedication required to properly care for a loved one with a disability. It is enormous.”

Then, a year ago when Hudson first started doing dancing classes at The Heights Studio Mark saw firsthand how important physical activity, a sense of achievement and community was for his son’s quality of life.

“You can see the joy it sparks in his face, he absolutely loves it, seeing the difference in his ability when he first started and at the end of year concert brought me to tears,” he said.

“I was so proud, and so thankful to his teacher and the dance school for making that achievable for him.

“I also work as a part time disability carer and as part of that, used my boxing and personal training background to train a couple of young brothers Josh and Jacob McAndrew, both 22, who live with autism and developmental delay.

“Once again, the change in their outlook, the sense of achievement, pride and dedication was almost immediately obvious.”

Their mother Rebecca McAndrew said she noticed the positive changes in her sons almost instantly.

“They absolutely love training with Mark, they show me their growing muscles, have taken up healthier habits and are always ready an hour before the weekly sessions,” she said.

“Honestly there is nothing like this that is readily available for the local disabled community, we have been crying out for it and it will help people like my boys so very much.

Ultimately Mr Steenholdt hopes to build enough support for the new business to offer employment opportunities to his clientele.

“I’d really like to be able to create a judgement free, safe, and inclusive space for the local disabled community and ultimately improve their quality of life.

Boxability classes currently run through the week at The Heights Dance Studio in Emu Heights. Classes are open to the public and disability organisations can also make private bookings at a day and time suitable for their group.

Visit www.boxability.com.au, follow the Facebook page or contact Mark directly on 0402 892726 for more information.

r Feature Article: [L] Hudson Steenholdt has an acquired brain injury after undergoing emergency open heart surgery [R + Cover] Boxing trainer and Hudson's father Mark Steenholdt with Jacob McAndrew who lives with autism and development delay | Images/Article: Boxability

The Club will distribute donations from their various activities; proceeds from the sales of Christmas cakes, puddings and Christmas trees, raffles, Bunnings and other BBQ’s, Chocolate Wheel in Westfield Penrith, and other charitable work.

The charities who will benefit on the night will be local charities, consisting of Westcare, The Haven, Paying it Forward, Little by Little (Kurambee School), Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy, Sailability, Australian Lions Foundation, Nepean Room of Ronald McDonald House and the Cancer Care Centre at Nepean Hospital.

Cheryl Devine, Emu Plains Lions Club President recently commented to the Emu and Leonay Gazette, “These donations couldn’t be achieved without the support of the local community”.

There will be time for indulgence in the celebrations, with an acknowledgement of service to Lions John Choma, a Founding Member of Emu Plains Lions Club, and 49 years in Lions overall.

Emu Plains Lions Club is also ‘sporting’ a new look BBQ, with a trailer gifted by Jim Aitken and Partners.

For more information about the Club, you can find them on Facebook.

r Lion John Choma, with the BBQ gifted by Jim Aitken and Partners, at the 'We Love Thornton' event | Image: Cheryl Devine. Article: Jim Devine

PARENTS

Article Written + Submitted by:

Monica Purcell |

Family Facilitator

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au

E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

Responding to Children’s Good Behaviour

Many parenting articles talk about dealing with difficult behaviour and yet, the ways we respond to children’s positive behaviour is just as important.

Due to an inbuilt negativity bias, we pay more attention to the bad than the good. The human species has survived for over 200,000 years in part because of our capacity to be alerted early to potential threats. While a focus on the negative would be useful for survival in the Savannah, it can greatly harm a parent’s relationship with their child when left unchecked.

For children with behavioural difficulties and their parents, a vicious cycle can develop over time. When a child behaves in a manner which elicits a punitive, angry, or hostile response from the parent, this often provokes the child to behave in an even more disruptive manner, and then the conflict escalates and continues.

Conversely, we build more positive relationships with children when we notice and remark on behaviour we appreciate. It helps children learn social and other life skills, it builds children’s confidence and sense of self, and it re-connects us to our love for our children.

The first step is to notice when you feel good (e.g., relief, comfort, pride, delight) in response to something your child has said or done. For specific behaviour concerns, look out for the exceptions. For example, if you are concerned about your child swearing, look out for times when your child speaks politely.

Focus on conveying genuine feelings, rather than providing an evaluation of the child’s behaviour. Avoid vague platitudes like “good boy/good girl”. Praise that feels mechanical or disingenuous can feel manipulative for the child.

Talk about how your child’s action positively affected you. Impacts might be concrete (e.g., in time, energy, money) or relate to your values (e.g., honesty, integrity, respect). Specifically describe the behaviour that you appreciated and why. For example, “I appreciate it when you wash up your cup, because now I have less dishes to do later.”

Sharing appreciation is one of the most powerful ways of building your bond with your child, so it is worth taking the time and effort to do it well and often.

A Walk Back in Time

Glenbrook and District Historical Society Inc. have recently released their 2023 History Walks Program.

The walks are lead by Doug Knowles and John Dikeman and take place on Saturdays throughout the year. Each walk is graded, giving participants information to suit their abilities. E is ‘EASY gradients’ that have a firm underfoot, M is ‘MEDIUM’ that have short steep sections and some rough sections, whilst H is ‘HARD’ that is steep and rough with a distance of 4 to 5 kilometres.

“Everybody is given a program, which shows the degree of easiness and approximate duration. We meet at a convenient start point where there is a brief introduction and any safety information. Points of interest are explained briefly and often a map or information sheet is handed out. Most of our walks return to the start point by a circuitous route” explained Doug Knowles of Glenbrook and District Historical Society Inc. to the Emu and Leonay Gazette.

Doug enjoys the experiences he has on the local walks.

“It’s a good opportunity to have a chat and explain local items of interest from an engineering, surveying or industrial archaeological viewpoint” he stated.

The upcoming walks this month (April) include Glenbrook Lagoon Precinct on Saturday April 1st at 1:30pm. It was an early campsite and railway dam construction in 1867, for water supply to the first Glenbrook Railway Station. The duration is 1 ½ hours and it is graded E. The Decent to the West – Mount York is on Saturday 22nd April at 9:00am. There are three short return walks on the three most historic roads to the west: Cox’s Pass in 1815, Lawson’s Road in 1822 and Berghofer’s Pass in 1909. The duration is 4 hours and it’s graded M. The final for April is Duck Hole, Glenbrook Creek on Saturday 29th April at 1:30pm. It was an old roadway construction and pump site for railway water supply to Glenbrook Station. The duration is 2 ½ hours and is graded H. This walk will need a minimum of 5 bookings to proceed.

“We live right beside these features. So many walkers tell us that it’s good to know their original purposes” Doug concluded.

The cost to participate in the walks is $10 (cash only). Accompanied children under 16 years are free. Bookings are essential. Phone Doug on 0414 154695 for details on meeting places. Good walking shoes are needed. Please bring a hat and drinking water. No dogs are allowed. Excessive wind or rain could cause cancellation due to hazardous conditions.

Search Glenbrook and District Historical Society Inc. on Facebook to view the 2023 History Walks Program.

r Gatehouse No.1 Ruins - A historic railway building built in 1867. Can be seen during the Eastern Zig-Zag Railway Walk | Image: Ian Dingwall/ Glenbrook and District Historical Society Inc.

Become a Girl Guide

Bakers Delight Loyalty Program Makes Earning ‘Dough’ a Breeze

It’s Easter time and what better way to celebrate the season than with a FREE six pack of Bakers Delight Hot Cross Buns?

It might sound too good to be true, but that’s exactly what Bakers Delight is offering its customers between now and Easter Sunday, just for joining their loyalty program, Dough Getters.

Dough Getters is a new and easy way for customers to earn rewards for every dollar and cent they spend on daily fresh baked goods from their local Bakers Delight. Until 9 April, new members will receive a FREE Hot Cross Bun six pack of their choice with their next purchase.

Becoming a member is easy and can be done online through the Bakers Delight website or on the spot when next visiting a Bakers Delight bakery.

Once registered, Dough Getters can start earning dough instantly and continue to enjoy the many other benefits of the program, including:

• Earn $5 to spend in-bakery every time your spend balance reaches $55

• A FREE treat on your birthday

Emu Plains Girl Guides is a local girl guide group that meets weekly at Emu Plains Guide Hall.

The group is made up of Junior Girl Guides (6 to 10 years) and Guides (10 to 13/14 years) and has 12 members.

The Junior Girl Guides meet on Mondays from 6:00pm to 7:15pm, whilst the Girl Guides meet on Mondays from 7:15pm to 8:30pm. Both groups meet at the Guide Hall during school terms only and is closed on school holidays.

Girl Guides participate in many different activities throughout the year. This can include craft, camping (both indoor and outdoor), cooking (both indoor and outdoor), outdoor games, indoor games, campfires, fire lighting, penny hikes, first aid practice, pampering nights, service activities like visiting nursing homes, food drives and RSPCA Cup Cake Day.

“I have been in the Guiding organisation since the age of 7 years. I was a youth member from then until I was 18 years old. I then took on the journey of becoming a leader from 19-20 until now, at 25” explained Stephanie Larkin, Emu Plains Girl Guides Unit Leader.

“Being a part of such an amazing organisation has given me and allowed me to take on many leadership opportunities within not only the Guiding community but also my occupation as an Early Childhood, Education and Care Educator” she continued.

Stephanie enjoys the experiences that come with being a part of Emu Plains Girl Guides.

“I have had the chance of experiencing and engaging in so many different adventures and the opportunity to make many great friendships and memories. I do it because I love it, but I also do it for the girls and the privilege of seeing them learn and grow from young girls to young women” Stephanie ended.

Emu Plains Girl Guides are looking for girls to join, ages 6 to 10 years and 10 to 13/14 years.

To learn more about the local group and their activities, you can find them on Facebook or visit the website https://www. girlguides-nswactnt.org.au.

r 3rd Emu Plains Junior Guides during Clean up Australia Day | Image: Stephanie Larkin/Emu Plains Girl Guides

• Exclusive offers to keep you delighted throughout the year

• An easy-to-use app

To find out more, visit www.bakersdelight.com.au/ doughgetters or ask in-store for details.

r Happy Easter | Image/Article: Bakers Delight

Amusing April KID’S C ORNER

SOLUTIONS

SPOT

A Touch of Malta

Nanna Clara’s Maltese Kitchen is a small business that are passionate about bringing homemade Maltese food to life. It was established in 2018 by Jenny Aquilina.

“I was inspired by the way that the Maltese community embraces the love of food and how they share their family time around the dining table” explained Jenny to the District Gazette.

“Maltese love the traditional way of cooking. With so many people living busy lifestyles, I thought it was time to share my love of cooking Maltese food the way my Nanna showed me” she added.

The name of the food business did indeed come from Jenny’s grandmother, paying homage to her much loved Nanna Clara.

“Nanna Clara is my grandmother’s name. When I was young, I used to watch her cook in the kitchen and, of course, sampling the food as she cooked. So, I named my food van after her” Jenny smiled.

It’s no secret that Nanna Clara’s Maltese Kitchen’s pastizzis are popular.

“What can I say, I have the best pastizzi here in Sydney. I also sell the well known corned beef pie. I even have the privilege of coming in the Top 5 in Australia for this” she said.

Maltese doughnuts are always a crowd favourite. Baked Macaroni and Baked Rice are on the menu. The Ravioli is all made by hand. She also sells Peppered Cheese.

“The beauty of being a mobile business is that Nanna Clara’s Maltese Kitchen can attend all the Maltese festas in and around Sydney. If you can’t come to me, follow our social media pages and drop me a DM” Jenny replied.

“I am available to do any function you may have. You can even surprise your Nanna or Nunnu with the memories of the good old days back in Malta, with the love of home cooked meals” she ended. Grazzi!

HEALTH MATTERS

P: 0418 166 269

Ulcerative Colitis - Could Oral N-Acetyl-Cysteine Supplementation Help Patients?

Scientists can induce an ulcerative colitis (UC) like condition in rats and pigs by intrarectal administration of acetic acid. The acid damages the colonic epithelial (lining) cells. Damaged cells release inflammatory chemicals in order to inform/warn surrounding tissue cells and bring immune cells into the area to investigate and deal with the cause/s of cell damage. Eventually, the death of epithelial cells leads to ulcer formation in the rectum and colon. How acetic acid induces colitis is still unclear, but reactive oxygen species produced by the activated immune system cells plays a significant role.

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (i.e., a tiny protein). GSH is made in the liver, which acts as a GSH reservoir. GSH is made from the essential amin acid cysteine. Being ‘essential’ means that cysteine, unlike many other amino acids, can’t be made by our bodies but must be gotten from the diet. Once made, GSH is delivered via the blood stream to all body cells. Inside body cells, it plays a critical role in protecting them against cell damage from:

1. immune-system-generated (microbe killing) free radicals.

2. free radicals generated during energy production by mitochondria.

3. many other toxins made inside body-cells.

4. toxic agents from external sources e.g., pollution related chemicals

a. Nitric oxide

b. sulphur oxide

c. cigarette smoke compounds, etc

GSH quickly neutralises these toxic agents.

The maintenance of excellent GSH levels inside cells is key to overcoming harmful effects of immune system generated free radicals, which can damage and kill cells such as colonic epithelial cells in UC.

So, could cysteine supplementation such as N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) help treat UC?

When acetic acid is used to induce ulcerative colitis, giving animals high (500mg/kg) daily oral doses of NAC inhibits:

1. colonic epithelial cell death

2. breakdown of normal epithelial layer structure

3. ulcer formation

4. formation of:

a. free-radical producing enzymes (and damaging free-radicals)

b. cell death promoting signals and raises the local hormone EGF, which promotes colonic epithelial cell survival, proliferation, growth, and migration to speed ulcer healing.

UC patients given NAC (800mg/day), plus mesalazine (2.4 g/day), the standard of care for UC, improved clinical response rates by 50% i.e., 44% of patients responded with clinical improvement with mesalazine-only, while 66% responded to mesalazine plus NAC.

Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness

r Nanna Clara’s Maltese Kitchen food van | Image: Jenny Aquilina

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

EMU SPORTS CLUB

1 Leonay Parade, Leonay NSW 2750

This month, my support worker Michelle and I decided to have lunch at Emu Sports Club at Leonay. This venue is family friendly and even has a play area for kids.

Having visited this venue many times over, I was very keen to try the Garlic Bread with cheese and chilli flakes on top. Michelle and I shared this Garlic Bread and we were impressed with the flavour of the cheese and how soft this Garlic Bread was. The chilli flakes on top gave this bread some spice and it was not too spicy. I can say it was mild. All the flavours went together, and I recommend this Garlic Bread.

When browsing through the menu, I settled on a 300gm Porterhouse Steak, which was accompanied by a scrumptious salad and some chips. I also asked for my Steak to become a surf and turf, with prawns on top. Along with this was the sauce, which had a slight garlic/curry flavour. It was exceptional. I chose Italian dressing on the salad and the dressing was outstanding. The Steak was perfectly cooked and the flavours were sealed in and the char grilled taste gave it extra flavours. It was amazing and full of flavour. The salad was crisp, not boring, and came with carrot, onion, lettuce, cucumber, and other ingredients.

Michelle chose the Southern Style Chicken Burger, which I have had previously. She was impressed with the flavour and how juicy the chicken was. This Burger is recommended for those who enjoy Southern Style Chicken.

I give Emu Sports Club a ten out of ten.

The staff are always friendly, the service is efficient, and I have never encountered any problems while visiting this venue. If you have not visited Emu Sports Club, I highly recommend this venue to everyone.

Emus Can Fly

#foodie#extraordinaire#reviewer

Emu Plains Cricket Club have capped off a remarkable 2022/23 season, with 6 of their teams making it into the Grand Final across the Junior and Senior Competitions.

The Under 12’s, Under 15’s, Under 16’s, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade and 6th Grade all made their Grand Finals, with the Under 15’s and 1st Grade winning their respective premierships. The Senior teams performed strongly, taking out the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) Club Championship for 2022/23.

This year saw 8 Junior teams and 6 Senior teams registered with the club. A Senior T20 side for a stand-alone competition within the district was also nominated.

Reflecting on their Grand Final victory, Under 15’s Premiership winning Coach Luke Murphy said, “The Under 15’s capped off a great season, securing back to back premierships. Batting first in wet and difficult conditions, EPCC amazed 7/118 off 34 overs with Fred Bell leading the way with 68 runs. Emu then bowled and caught extremely well dismissing, Jordan Springs for 67 in the 28th over with Xander Murphy taking 4/17 to be the main wicket taker”.

1st Grade’s Grand Final Scorecard finished with Emu Plains 4/116 defeating Panthers all out for 113. Brenton McFadgean took 6/32 off 13 overs bowled and was awarded the Dickie Williams Medal for his match winning effort. Paul Callaghan scored 50 runs not out, whilst Aaron Gater made 48 runs.

“We only lost one game all year. It really was a team effort right through the season. To have the success we did, there is nothing better than to share the field and win with your mates” smiled Daniel O’Brien, Emu Plains Cricket Club 1st Grade Premiership winning Captain.

Emu Plains Cricket Club’s Annual Senior Presentation Night will be held on Friday 28th April at 7:30pm at Emu Sports Club and their Junior Presentation on Sunday 30th April at 3:30pm at Emu Sports Club.

For more information, please check out their Facebook page by searching Emu Plains Cricket Club (I’m Mad for the Bird).

**Restaurants are not privy to reviews taking place, and all meals are fully paid by us.

SteakPorterhouse + Chips + Salad

Southern style Chicken Burger + Chips

r Emu Plains Cricket Club’s NDCA 1st Grade Premiers at Dukes Oval in Emu Plains | Image: Emu Plains Cricket Club

Easter Safety for Pets

Easter is a fun time of year filled with spending time with family and pets, a relaxing long weekend, the annual Easter egg hunt and of course chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! But for our pets, there are lots of hazards around which could turn a relaxing weekend into an emergency trip to the vet.

Easter eggs and chocolate - Chocolate is usually in abundance in most households when Easter comes around. Our pets are more likely to have the chance to hoover up sweet treats, especially if they are left around on low surfaces or on the floor. Although harmless to us chocolate can make dogs extremely ill and can even be fatal. This is due to a toxin called Theobromine. Pets metabolise this chemical much slower than humans, meaning it can have detrimental effects. Symptoms of Theobromine poisoning include muscle stiffness, tremors, vomiting, heart arrhythmias and seizures. If you think your pet has eaten chocolate, we’d recommend you take them to your vet immediately.

Hot cross buns - Hot Cross buns are another food that we love to eat but can be dangerous to our pets as they contain raisins and other dried fruits Unfortunately these can cause kidney failure in both dogs and cats. Kidney failure classically causes increased thirst and urination; however, symptoms are usually seen weeks later when the secondary effects of reduced kidney function become evident.

Confectionary - Sweets and lollies are also a popular Easter favourite. Unfortunately, some sweets contain a substance called Xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener. It is extremely harmful to dogs and even a small amount can be toxic. If your dog eats

sweets made with xylitol, monitor for any vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination and seizures and seek veterinary advice.

Easter Baskets - Easter baskets are a lovely gift idea and are great for kids as you can put small toys and other treats in there. Small toys and filler material like straw and plastic grass (very appealing to cats as it’s fun to play with) are easily swallowed by pets. This is likely to cause digestive obstruction, which may lead to an emergency surgery. Symptoms may include persistent vomiting, bloating, weight loss, weakness and dehydration.

Lilies – Easter lilies (along with many other types of lilies) are often gifted around Easter time, and although they help to brighten the house up, they too can be extremely toxic to cats. Every part of the lily is dangerous; this even includes the water it’s sitting in! It causes kidney failure and can be fatal if treatment isn’t given quickly. Some of the signs your cat may be suffering from lily poisoning are as follows: dehydration, extreme thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures and even death.

Sadly, the majority of toxins mentioned won’t show symptoms until the damage is already done and at which point it is not reversible, especially raisins and lilies which effect the kidney.

Wishing you all an enjoyable and safe Easter break.

CONSULTING HOURS

Monday to Friday: 8am - 7pm | Saturdays: 8am - 2pm

Services provided include:

• General Surgery (desexing to orthopedics)

• Vaccinations and in-house pathology

• Radiology and Dentistry

• Visiting specialist radiographer and ultrasonographer

• Puppy preschool

• Grooming and hydrobath

• Home visits

• Cat boarding and Kitten adoption

• Secure off leash dog park

Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP)

Penrith. It’s time for a  Chemical CleanOut.

Only household quantities accepted (20L or 20kg), except paint. Up to 100L (in 20L containers) of paint accepted. This service adheres to NSW Government advice and protocols. Before you attend, please place all materials in the rear of your vehicle. On arrival, remain in your vehicle and our contractor will collect your items. Contractors onsite will be wearing personal protective equipment and following social distancing measures.

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

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12th April 2023

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Community Groups

The cooler weather of Autumn begins to set in after those very (unusually) warm days in late March.

The month starts with April Fool’s Day, and the endless opportunities children have in pranking their parents for that one day of the year.

The excitement of Easter fills the air.

Chocolate Easter Eggs, Hot Cross Buns and, of course, much needed time with family and friends awaits.

ANZAC Day takes place on Tuesday 25th April. A day to remember our armed forces and the sacrifices that they have made for us.

Thank you to our valued readers for continuing to be a part of the District Gazette community and for supporting us and our advertisers. It means a lot to us to know that we have been a part of your lives for almost three decades.

Whether it’s News and Media, Faith, Parenting, Health, Pet advice or anything in between, we’ve got ‘your community news’ covered.

Don’t forget to leave some carrots and water out for the Easter Bunny. Go on, hop to it!

Remember, you never fail until you stop trying.

Flynnko Pty Ltd

ABN: 65 601 734 472 trading as:

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Belinda

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