WYCLIFFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Find your place, find your purpose Preschool to Yr12
Preschool to Yr12
Wycliffe Hope School is a Christian school for students with mild to moderate ASD or moderate intellectual learning needs. (02) 4753 6422 www.wycliffe.nsw.edu.au
DECEMBER 2021 | Issue 172
wycliffe.nsw.edu.au/ wycliffe-hope-school/
Emerald Street Christmas Lights Return See Article Pg 11
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December 2021 1
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2 December 2021 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au
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PROACTIVE PETS
Police Cottage to be a New Exciting Riverbank Dining Experience
ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS DOGGY LUNCH BOX BY 17 DEC ONLY $49 - LIMITED SUPPLY AVAILABLE
Pet Carers Wanted
Would you like to have a dog or cat stay with you in YOUR home and be paid an incentive for their companionship? Covid-19 restrictions are at last easing and lots of people are looking to get away. As a result, we are looking for kind-hearted, responsible, trustworthy people to assist in caring for pets when their pet parents are on holidays. Some dog walking opportunities are also available.
If this sounds like you, please contact Proactive pets Now!
CALL Tracey NOW on 0419 813 620
or EMAIL tracey@proactivepets.com.au VISIT www.proactivepets.com.au
Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith recently congratulated local couple Shane and Belinda Simpson on securing the tender to operate an iconic new dining venue at the refurbished historic Police Cottage at Emu Plains. “Penrith City Council, as the Crown land manager of the site, has selected Shane and Belinda, who operate 2773 Café Glenbrook, to open an exciting new café and restaurant at the soon-to-be refurbished Police Cottage” Stuart Ayres said. “Modern Australian casual dining and takeaway, focused on local sustainable produce, will blend history with contemporary hospitality to provide a great experience on the banks of the Nepean River. “This is a great example of how we can preserve and celebrate history on Crown land, while supporting business and providing new community facilities”. The NSW Government is partnering with Penrith City Council to revive the 113-year-old Police Cottage, while enhancing the riverfront Regatta Park recreation and entertainment precinct. Work on the $3.2 million project includes: • Restoring the façade; • Replacing the verandas and roof; • Services upgrades; and • Internal refurbishment. Stuart Ayres said the restoration work will start early next year and be completed by the end of 2022. “The Police Cottage will provide a highly sought-after dining venue on the Great River Walk” he said. “It will be an ideal place for family, friends and visitors to eat, meet and relax, while soaking up magnificent views of the river”.
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December 2021 3
MEDIA
Parking Boost Plains Station
At
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Work is underway to deliver around 750 additional car spaces near the Emu Plains railway station, to support commuters using public transport. The Morrison Government is contributing $15 million under the Urban Congestion Fund towards the project. Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said this important project would help ease congestion on local roads by providing commuters with greater access to rail services. “The Morrison Government is getting on with delivering infrastructure projects that improve congestion and safety for commuters across Australia, making it easier for them to move around our capital cities and ensuring they get home quickly and safely,” Minister Fletcher said. “Under the Urban Congestion Fund, we are delivering 182 packages of work nationwide. The total number of projects that are now completed or underway nationwide is 73. A further 30 are expected to start construction this year. “This is just the latest example of us delivering on our commitment to progress critical infrastructure projects across the country under our record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia’s economic recovery.” New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads, the Hon Rob Stokes MP, said the project is part of the NSW Government’s Commuter Car Park Program, which aims to provide greater public transport options for commuters and help ease congestion on our roads. “This investment is excellent news for the residents of Emu Plains and surrounding suburbs, not only for the additional car parking off Old Bathurst Road, but also the dozens of jobs that will be generated by this project,” Minister Stokes said. “A new roundabout will be installed at the intersection of Old Bathurst Road and Smith Street to allow vehicle entry and exit into the car park, with landscaping carried out including a vegetated drainage channel through the car park.” Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa
McIntosh MP, said increasing car parking at the station would take hundreds of cars off the road by increasing access to public transport. “This project will ease congestion and improve safety on our roads by enabling more people to access our local public transport network,” Ms McIntosh said. “Prior to COVID, the existing parking at the station was usually full as early as 7am on weekdays. The increased capacity will be a much-needed boost for our community. “This will help make the daily commute quicker and safer, helping local people spend more time building their business or at home with their family rather than stuck in traffic.” New South Wales Member for Penrith, the Hon Stuart Ayres MP, said a new footbridge over Old Bathurst Road is being installed as part of the project, and it will provide safe and direct pedestrian access between the car park and the station. “There will also be Transport Park&Ride infrastructure including Opal-operated boom gates, provision for future electric vehicles charging spaces, and CCTV, lighting and wayfinding signage for improved safety and security,” Mr Ayres said. Earlier this year, additional Aboriginal heritage items were discovered during field surveys as part of the now completed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment. Transport for NSW worked with Registered Aboriginal Parties, a heritage consultant and Heritage NSW to manage these items allowing construction to start. The Emu Plains Commuter Car Park is expected to be completed in late 2022. For more information, please visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/emuplains. v
Image/Article: Stuart Ayres MP
Get Ready Summer
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Subscribe to weather alerts, know your evacuation routes and prepare a ‘get ready to go’ kit – these are some of the safety tips NSW emergency service agencies have shared ahead of the 2021 summer season. NSW SES and Resilience NSW have joined forces to remind locals in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley that storm season is upon us, a wet summer is forecast and there is increased risk of flooding across NSW, particularly within the region. NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York said the widespread flooding that impacted the region in March demonstrated not only the potential for devastation, but also the importance of preparing for these events. “It wasn’t that long ago we saw major
4 December 2021 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au
flooding sweep through this area, impacting thousands of properties,” Commissioner York said. “There is the very real risk of a similar event happening again, which is why we need communities to know their risks and have a plan now. “It’s important those in the area know the early signs of potential flooding, are familiar with their key evacuation routes, follow advice of NSW SES, and prepare a ‘get ready to go’ kit ahead of time. “While you can’t fight floods, you can certainly prepare for them,” she said. Resilience NSW Executive Director, Operational Management and Partnerships, Dominic Lane, urged locals to use the start of summer to have a conversation with friends and families about being prepared for seasonal emergencies. “Our emergency service organisations do an incredible job keeping us safe, but they can only do so much. Being aware and prepared is everyone’s responsibility, whether at home, at work or away on holidays,” Mr Lane said. “Think about the area you’re in and what types of emergencies could affect you and plan now for what you will do in an emergency. Get your home or business ready, connect with NSW emergency services to stay informed and look out for each other,” he said. NSW SES has teamed up with Resilience NSW and Infrastructure NSW to develop an awareness campaign across the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley called Floods. What’s your plan? Running for eight weeks from 25 October, the campaign encourages community members to know the early signs of potential flooding and have a plan in place to respond. For more information about the campaign, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ yourfloodplan
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Image/Article: NSW SES
Santa and Firies to Spread Christmas Cheer
It's that time of year again! Santa is making a comeback after some time off not being able to travel with the novel COVID-19. Regentville RFB firefighters have been busy in meetings with Santa to ensure that they can get him out and about in our local community to see all the good boys and girls in a COVID Safe manner. They are so excited to say that he is coming! Santa will be making his rounds through December in the locations of Emu Heights, Glenmore Park, Leonay and Regentville. Due to popular success (and so others don't miss out), Santa will also be doing a day at their very own station where you can come down and get a photo with him in front of one of their big red fire trucks, that he calls a sleigh! All dates are yet to be confirmed so be sure to follow NSW RFS - Regentville Brigade on Facebook to make sure you know when your visit is happening, including live updates on where he is during his visits. “Our volunteers at Regentville Rural Fire Brigade love doing the Santa runs and being able to give back to a community that supports us when we need it most. So don't be shy, come say "G'Day" to the jolly round guy in the big red suit rising in the big red truck” said Jordan Jobson, Deputy Captain of Regentville RFB. If you've ever thought about getting involved with the NSW Rural Fire Service, why not make it your New Year's plan? Come and see them at the station at 20 Jeanette Street in Regentville on Tuesday nights from 7pm. They can help you find a place whether it be front line firefighting, logistical support, operational communications or even public relations and community engagement. There is a place for everyone.
r [Top] Santa and his helpers from Regentville RFB prepare to visit [Above] Local Federal MP Melissa McIntosh and family stop by for a photo with Santa in 2019 | Images/Article: Regentville Rural Fire Brigade
Get your Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings The Lions Club of Emu Plains are selling Lions Christmas cakes and puddings again this festive season and will be at the Lennox Village on successive Saturdays on the 4th and 11th December. A raffle will also be held across these days, with the lucky draw of a meat tray from Clean Cut Family Meat Butchers, drawn each week. The 1kg cakes and 0.9kg puddings are priced at $13 each, with the 1.5kg cake exceptional value at $17. There are also 8gm ‘mini-cakes’ available for $2. Anthony at Clean Cut Family is also selling the 1kg cakes and the mini-cakes are also available from the Nourishmint Café to eat there or takeaway. You can order your cakes and puddings by contacting: Phone: Cheryl Devine 0417 234295, Jim Devine 0427 110061 Email: jimdevine@bigpond.com The sales of cakes and puddings enables the Lions Club to provide donations to local charities.
r A popular Christmas tradition | Image Supplied by Lions Club of Emu Plains
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December 2021 5
EXTRA CHRISTMAS WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES It’s easier than ever to stay up to date with your bin collection days with our electronic calendars. You can get yours by either: • Downloading our Penrith Waste Champion app where you can get real-time notifications in the palm of your hand • Downloading a copy of the calendar from...
PENRITH.CITY/ BINCALENDARS
• Requesting a printed copy to be sent to you by visiting The Waste Spot at penrith.city/thewastespot
Additional kerbside bin collections for Christmas and new year’s Monday 27 December 2021 – Friday 7 January 2022 (incl. public holidays) We’re providing extra bin collections to help with the additional waste and recycling produced over Christmas and New Year’s. During the weeks highlighted, place all bins at the kerbside the night before your normal collection day. Collections may run early in the morning and late into the night, so please do not bring your bins in until they have been emptied. DEC S
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We’re accepting items such as wrapping paper, cardboard boxes and other household recyclables.
We’re collecting real Christmas trees for free on Saturday 8 January 2022. Bring your real tree to Jamison Park between 10am and 2pm and we’ll make sure it’s sent to the right place to be turned into mulch to be reused. Please remove all decorations prior to attending the drop-off. Artificial trees will not be accepted. These can be disposed of as part of a bulky waste collection booked online at The Waste Spot, or by placing them in your red-lidded residual bin.
Polystyrene will not be accepted at the drop-off. Clean, white polystyrene can be dropped off for free at Penrith Community Recycling Centre.
Learn more at penrith.city/ christmaswaste
Bring it to our free recycling drop-off point at Jamison Park, 3-6pm on weekdays from Monday 20 December to Friday 31 December (excl. public holidays).
penrith.city
6 December 2021 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au
Proactive Pets Introduces K9 Easy Dine
Tracey Morrison is a Homeopath and Animal Health Practitioner and the proud owner of a local business called Proactive Pets. She has a lot of things going on at Proactive Pets and in amongst the range of services and products that she offers is her great passion for promoting good, natural, healthy alternatives for our canine companions. “I have studied Small Animal Nutrition through the National College of Traditional Medicine. Upon completion, I was amazed to discover that research showed most commercially prepared dog food was nutritionally lacking in essential vitamins and minerals which is paramount to sustaining long term health and longevity. So, I set about creating my own recipe and K9 Easy Dine was born!” explained Tracey. K9 Easy Dine is her own blend of nutritious, balanced, homemade doggy dinners. Not only are they full of raw goodness, but the dogs find it utterly delicious. Through careful research and study, Tracey has developed a highly sustainable, protein rich meal that her dog thrives on. It contains fresh, human grade varieties of meat (including beef, chicken, and kangaroo), carefully selected vegetables and other secret ingredients accompanied by specially formulated bone broth and a dessert that is full of healthy bacteria to promote good gut health. “This Christmas, we will all be sitting down with loved ones for a delicious lunch so why not supply that same loved up meal for your special fur family member? I am currently making Christmas doggy lunch boxes and will be taking orders for local delivery. They will contain a nutritious 3-course Christmas lunch, healthy snacks for over the day and a few other special little gifts for your fur baby. The gift boxes are only $49 but very limited. If you would like to find out more or place an order for your Christmas doggy lunch box, please either email me at tracey@proactivepets.com.au or call on 0419 813620” she said. For further information about their services and products, please visit their website at www.proactivepets.com.au.
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
JANUARY 5TH 12 TH 19 TH 2022 9 AM - 11 AM
r Natural goodness your dogs will love | Image/Article: Tracey Morrison
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Come and enjoy coffee & cake & relax while the kids play!
Short St via Mundy St. Plenty of parking. 1 min from Lennox shops
www.epac.org.au
December 2021 7
Breast Cancer Exhibition
PARENTS CORNER
Article Written + Submitted by: Monica Purcell | Family Facilitator Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au
Parental Burnout is Real, and we Need to Take it Seriously To feel ‘burnt out’ is to feel over-extended, exhausted, and that you nothing left to give. The feeling of ‘burnout’ is often accompanied by negative thoughts about yourself and people around you. Burning out can look different for different people. It may look loud and aggressive for some, and quiet and withdrawn for others. Regardless of how it presents, burnout is a serious problem for modern parents. The term‘burnout’was first coined to describe an occupational hazard for certain professionals such as social workers, nurses, and therapists. It was thought that the stress of constantly attending to others in need can lead to a state of fatigue and cynicism. In recent years, researchers have examined how burnout can happen in other contexts. Parenting is broadly considered one of the hardest jobs there is! And, unfortunately, parents around the world are reporting increasing symptoms of burnout. Parents who are burning out often feel they are ineffective or poor in their parenting role. This can relate to unrealistic expectations of parenting. Social media can be a source of distress for some parents when they perceive that everyone else seems to raise their children with no trouble at all. Parental burnout can also make it difficult to see your child in a positive light. There can be resentment or a feeling of emotional distancing that threatens the quality of the parent-child relationship if not addressed. It is important to know that if you are struggling in your parenting duties, you are not alone. Burnout is most often reported by parents of newborns, and at other points of significant change or transition in the parenting journey. It helps to ask other family members or friends to give you some practical or emotional relief during these times. You can also call the NSW Parent Line on 1300 130052 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 for a chat, advice, and referrals. Support is here and available. Burnout is not permanent. You can thrive again, with a team behind you.
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Image: www.pixabay.com
8 December 2021 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au
For the first time ever, local Veronica Leonardo will be hosting a photography exhibition to raise awareness within her community and give back to Cancer Council NSW who supported her through her own cancer journey in 2016. Veronica was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 - having no family history of the disease. Her diagnosis had a huge impact on her plan to start a family and Veronica feels so grateful for the support she was provided by Cancer Council NSW through this challenging time. “My breast cancer diagnosis was a surprise because I felt like I was generally doing the right thing. I remember saying to my surgeon that once the storm passes, I would try to support other people through their own cancer journey. “Many people assume every aspect of cancer treatment is covered by public health, without realising the life-saving treatment is covered but everything outside of it isn’t, such as lymphedema services”. With the kind support of photographer, Karen Jack from InTouch Photography in Penrith, the exhibition will take place at 107 Projects from Monday 24th January 2022 to Sunday 6th February 2022 and features 10 women who are at various stages of their breast cancer journey, illustrating with pride their scars and embracing life post cancer. Their journeys range from 2 years to 24 years in remission. Karen volunteered her time, expertise, and patience to create a truly memorable experience for everyone involved and Veronica hopes the exhibition will give hope and inspiration to women currently facing their own diagnosis. A celebration evening will also be held at Club Parramatta on Wednesday 2nd February 2022, ahead of World Cancer Day. It is hoped this event will raise $5,000 to go towards Cancer Council NSW to help continue their support for cancer patients like Veronica. Across NSW, it is estimated that approximately 6,240 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Australia and thankfully, through research, improvements in early detection and treatment for breast cancer have led to a significant increase in survival rate in recent decades. With screening centres across NSW closed due to the extended lockdown, now more than ever it is important to be breast aware and consult your doctor if you notice any unusual changes to your breasts. To purchase tickets to the celebration evening, go to https:// events.humanitix.com/2022-breast-cancer-exhibitioncelebration. r The exhibition begins next month | Image: Karen Jack (InTouch Photography) | Article: Cancer Council NSW
Local School’s Amazing Lockdown Project
Students at Leonay Public School have been working hard to promote biodiversity and a stable environment for their local fauna. Receiving a Woolworths Landcare grant back in May, the school had planned to develop a Grow, Harvest and Cook program, however COVID had other plans. Due to Lockdown, Leonay Public School had to divert from this plan and come up with something new. This project became a saviour for the children of essential workers, who had to attend school, and gave them something to focus on and work hard for, while learning how humans impact their environment. Having to clear an area of approximately 120m², mulching and digging into hard ground to plant 160 new native and pollinating plants, students worked vigorously and took pride in their project to create a beautiful new habitat for all creatures, great and small, including lizards, insects, and native birds. The area now includes a walking track, where students can walk through and admire the fruits of their labour. In addition to this, students have also been able to establish a produce garden and have been harvesting some quality crops including carrots, kale, lime, and a range of herbs which are amongst many others. With some more hard work and time, they hope to participate in the 2022 Flower & Garden School Produce competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Next year, they anticipate that they can continue to develop their Grow, Harvest and Cook program so that students can learn about growing and preparing healthy and nutritional meals using crops that they have grown themselves. A special thanks to Natalie Devine, Daniel Clarke, Glenbrook Native Nursery, Dixons Trees, and Bunnings Penrith for their donations in plants, time, and dedication. The school are so grateful! r Students harvesting their produce garden | Image/Article: Leonay Public School
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HAPPY NEW YEAR from our team to you and yours!
FESTIVE SEASON CLOSURE 6th December 2021 – 9th January 2022
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2023 Scholarships at St Paul’s
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APPLICATIONS FOR ALL SCHOLARSHIPS
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Each year, St Paul’s Grammar School offers a limited number of scholarships to students entering Years 5, 7, 9 or 11, encouraging excellence and nurturing potential across the curriculum.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS AND APPLICATIONS
Academic Scholarships
All-Rounder Scholarships
Performing Arts Scholarships
Are awarded to students on the basis of their ACER exam results and at the Principal’s discretion. All applicants must sit for the scholarship test in February.
Are available to students with significant ability in areas such as academic, performing arts, debating and/or public speaking, sport, and leadership.
Are available to students of exceptional achievement in music, dance or drama as well as excellence in academic studies.
Christian Congregational Scholarships Are offered to students with a developing understanding of the Christian faith and actively involved in a Christian Church.
The Don Harwin Scholarship Is offered to new students who are able to demonstrate outstanding service and citizenship in their current school, church and community.
p. 02 4777 4888 e. enrol@stpauls.nsw.edu.au
stpauls.nsw.edu.au SPGS_SShip2023_FPC_277hx190w_DGazette_FINAL.indd 1 10 December 2021 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au
19/11/21 9:44 am
Emerald Street Christmas Lights Return There is some wonderful news this festive season, with the Emerald Street Christmas Lights in Emu Plains returning this month. The popular community event was cancelled in 2020, due to the pandemic. It makes a welcome return this year and promises to bring some much-needed cheer. “We are happy to announce that we will be doing the lights this year. We feel that, after all that people have been through in the past two years, it might help life everyone’s spirits” said Linda Hernando, Organiser of Emerald Street Christmas Lights. “We did not do it last year, due to COVID. With the restrictions now easing, we believe it would be a great thing for the community” she added. The Christmas Lights display will officially be turned on from 3rd December and they will run through to the 31st December. The Christmas themed displays will be on show with lots of photo opportunities. They will also have a revamped arctic enclosure with some new decorations. “We will have our usual Christmas extravaganza on the 18th December (restrictions permitting) with Mrs Claus and Bandaged Bear, face painting by an amazing lady Kristie who has volunteered on this night for over 10 years, along with lolly bags and raffles. “All money will be going to Bear Cottage, a Children’s Hospice an initiative of Westmead Children’s Hospital. We have raised just under $35,000 for them since we started collecting over the years” explained Linda. “The thing we are looking forward to the most is seeing some joy in people’s faces and catching up with all our regulars” she ended. For more information including regular updates, visit Christmas Lights – Emerald St, Emu Plains on Facebook. v [Cover] The much-loved lights display [Top] (L-R) Mrs Claus (Susan Bobis), Bandage Bear (Greg Mellis) and Linda Hernando in their snow globe backdrop [Left] Mrs Claus' Kitchen, Santas Workshop, and Santas Office | Images: Linda Hernando
FLOODS. WHAT’S YOUR PLAN? Flood waters are dangerous and you should never try to drive through them. If there’s a flood warning or evacuation order, it’s important to leave when you’re told, because roads can be cut. There are new flood evacuation signs in the Hawkesbury-Nepean area to help, but it’s good to plan ahead and learn about your local evacuation routes before a flood happens. Having a plan of where to go can make all the difference. For information, visit ses.nsw.gov.au/yourfloodplan
“I THOUGHT WE COULD WAIT, BUT WE ENDED UP BEING TRAPPED.” www.emuleonaygazette.com.au
December 2021 11
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12 December 2021 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au
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CONNECT THE DOTS AND COLOUR ME IN
December 2021 13
FAITH - EMU PLAINS ANGLICAN Article Written + Submitted by: Roger Cunningham | Senior Minister | P: 4735 1001 | E: roger@epac.org.au W: www.epac.org.au Service Times: Sundays @ 8:00am, 9:30am and 6:30pm | Plus activities for adults and young people throughout the week
Taking Trips this Christmas I’ve noticed a lot of people have travel plans ready to go for this Christmas. What with everything that’s happened this year – or hasn’t – it’s understandable. We’re desperate to see people, to see places, to simply be in another place. It struck me that taking trips at Christmas has a long history going back to the first Christmas. Jesus’ parents travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted in the census. The shepherds travelled from the fields to the town to see the newborn saviour. The Magi came from the east looking for the promised king. But the trip that beats them all is the one we’re told Jesus made – God himself, became one of us, and lived among us, in the world which he had made. Imagine the frequent flyer points for that trip! But his was a trip like no other. It was humble, after all he deserved to be honoured and treated as a king, as God himself. And yet he lived among us, in order to reveal God fully and finally to us. And he suffered beside us and suffered for us. If you’ve ever asked the question, ‘Why does God allow suffering?’, there are answers to that, but above them all we’re told Jesus took this trip in to suffer in order to bring an end to our suffering. And while Jesus returned to God the Father’s side again, it was a return trip like no other, having died so we might die to death, and risen so we might have life with God for eternity. So, while you’re travelling this Christmas, remember the trips of the first Christmas, but above all, trust the one who made the most astonishing trip of all. And if you’re around on Christmas Eve or Day, we’d love you to join us as we celebrate him. HEALTH MATTERS
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness P: 0418 166 269
Could Migraines be Genetic? 12% of people live with migraine, 88% do not. Why? Is it their genes? Is it their lifestyle? Research shows both genes and lifestyle (non-shared environment) contribute significantly to their risk of getting migraines. Using identical-twin studies, researchers found when one twin gets migraines and the second doesn’t, genes contribute (30–60%), and non-shared-environment about 35–55% to the risk of migraine. The genetic component is called ‘heritability’. Importantly, a heritability figure provides absolutely no measure of how sensitive any trait (including migraine) is to changes in environment. So even if a trait such as migraine were 100% heritable, whether the trait is expressed, i.e., whether someone gets migraines, may still depend completely on the environment in which the person lives. ‘Concordance’ describes the likelihood of two people with shared genes developing the same disorder. Research looking at 1,300 twins found that: 1. Migraine concordance rates were: a. 26% for identical twins –they have identical genes b. 13% for non-identical twins – they share 50% the same genes
c. similar for male and female twin sets 2. For identical twins, the chance of another family member having migraines was: a. 31% if neither twin had migraines b. 45% if one had migraines c. 60% if both twins had migraines Study authors concluded the influence of genes on risk of getting migraines was much lower than previously thought. Put another way, when one identical twin has migraines, the other twin doesn’t 74% of the time. When a non-identical twin has migraines, the other twin doesn’t 87% of the time. This research seems clear. Since identical twins have identical genes, the only factor differentiating a twin with migraine from a twin without, is environment/lifestyle differences. These encompass diet, sleep-sufficiency and quality, good-stress but not bad-stress, good levels of sunshine and vitamin D, appropriate exercise, good relationships, etc. All of these are within a migraineurs control. The very hopeful message here is that even if your genetics are 100% the same, you don’t have to get migraines. Genes don’t decide your fate.
14 December 2021 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au
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Appeal for Information following Motorcycle Crash – Emu Plains Police are appealing for public assistance following a motorcycle crash in Sydney’s west last month. About 3.30pm (Monday 1 November 2021), emergency services were called to the intersection of the Great Western Highway and Punt Road, Emu Plains, following after reports a Yamaha motorcycle had crashed into a telegraph pole. Officers from Nepean Police Area Command attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics. The rider, a 34-year-old man, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Westmead Hospital in a serious condition. A crime scene was established and specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit examined the scene. As inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash, investigators are appealing for any witnesses, in particular the driver of a white Holden Commodore travelling on the Great Western Highway at the time, or anyone that may have information or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Experienced local mortgage broker Karlie Scharfenberg of The Loans Suite has been named as a finalist in no less than 7 industry awards this year, making it one of her most successful years. Karlie was recently announced as a finalist for 4 awards in the 2021 Specialist Finance Group (SFG) Annual Awards in the categories for Broker of the Year – Personal Insurance, Best Branded Office, Mentor of the Year and Best Independent Office (5 brokers or less). Adding to this, she was a finalist in the 2021 Better Business Awards in the Mentor of the Year category and the 2021 Penrith City Local Business Awards in the Professional Services and Businessperson of the Year categories. The winners of the 2021 Specialist Finance Group (SFG) Annual Awards will be announced this year. Karlie was chosen as a finalist in the 4 awards based on her results. She has previously won a Specialist Finance Group (SFG) Business Excellence Award in 2019. Founded in 1991, Specialist Finance Group (SFG) is one of Australia’s leading finance aggregating companies. “I was surprised, but not surprised to have been named as a finalist in the SFG Annual Awards. I have been working hard in the business to help my customers achieve their goals and dreams” expressed Karlie. “With the recent lockdown, I have been fortunate to work in an industry where I was able to be there for so many people during COVID. I’m lucky to be able to assist people at a time when they need it” she continued. The Loans Suite have recently moved into their new office, located at Suite 16, 458-470 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750. For more information, visit their website at www. theloanssuite.com.au. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Man Arrested over alleged Bushfire and COVID-19 Relief Fraud worth $550,000 – Emu Plains A man has been arrested following an investigation into alleged fraudulent offences valued at over $550,000. Earlier this year, officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command established Strike Force Landa after reports a man had allegedly accessed fraudulent payments from various charitable organisations and NSW Government disaster relief payment schemes, designed for victims of bushfire and COVID-19. During the investigation, detectives identified that between February and October 2020 the man allegedly lodged a number of fraudulent payment applications worth over $550,000 – with $85,500 of the applications successful. Following extensive inquiries, about 7am (Monday 1 November 2021), police arrested a 36-year-old man at an address on Pellatt Place, Emu Plains. He was taken to St Mary’s Police Station, where charges are expected to be laid. Investigations are continuing. Anyone with information about these incidents are urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages
r Karlie Scharfenberg | Image: Studio 1000 Photography
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PAWS A WHILE
Article Written + Submitted by: Camille Brandt from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital A: 49 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027
Santa Photos With Your Pets Santa Claus will be visiting Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital during December 2021 to take photos with your pets. Santa will be here from Wednesday 1st December until Friday 24th December 2021, Mon-Fri (9am-6pm) and on Saturdays (9am-2pm). Due to the Coronavirus crisis, Santa will be wearing a mask underneath his beard. We usually have a staff member taking the photograph of your pet with Santa, however to minimize the number of people in the room, we will require you to take your own photograph using your phone/camera, or with our camera where we can print off the photo for you. Only 1 client per pet will be allowed in the room at one time. Santa will be photographed with pets only. For a $10 cash donation, your Santa photo is presented in a Christmas card, with all proceeds donated to the Guide Dogs NSW. We have Christmas themed props for your pet’s photos (e.g. hats and scarves), feel free to bring in your own outfits. We look forward to meeting you and your pets at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, and please feel free to pop in anytime and meet the team. For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet. com.au or call 02 4736 2027.
Check us out on Facebook, contact us by phone on 4736 2027 or online at www.orchardhillsvet.com.au v
Santa with his favourite furry friends! Image Supplied
For Appointments Call
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Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP)
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 CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION www.orchardhillsvet.com.au or Join us on Facebook
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The sun is shining, pools are full, and the BBQ is firing. The festive season is only weeks away, as many of us prepare for the ‘most wonderful time of the year’. 2021 was certainly a year that tested us all. If it has taught us anything, it’s that we are resilient and that tough times bring people together. As restrictions further ease and borders open, it’s time now to reconnect with our many families and friends that we have so dearly missed. December’s edition has a Christmas feel that is sure to leave you ready for the holidays. To our Advertisers, Contributors and Readers – from our team to you and yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy 2022. As we prepare to open the blank page of next year, may it be the best chapter you’ve ever written. Enjoy the final read of 'Your Community News' for 2021. We'll be enjoying a much needed break, and will be back in your letterboxes, bright and fresh in February for our first edition of 2022.
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