Do the Right Thing When it Comes to Pool Compliance this Summer
As Summer arrives, Penrith City Council is reminding residents to make sure their pools, especially inflatable pools, are properly fenced off.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney says that as fun as the pool is, it can also be a dangerous place which is why it is so important to do the right thing when it comes to pool compliance.
“Many residents will look to beat the heat and cool off by their pool, but we urge people to please take the time to check that their pool is safe and complies with the law – especially if there is no barrier to stop children from going for an unsupervised swim,” Cr Carney said.
“Active supervision by an adult is the best protection against drowning but, a pool barrier is another layer of protection if supervision is interrupted.
“If residents need help with their swimming pool barrier, we encourage people to contact Council and one of our qualified Compliance Officers will plan a visit to assess the pool and assist with certification.”
Portable and inflatable pools are a cheap way to keep cool but can also be a source of tragedy as they have the same drowning risk as permanent pools.
It is important that home pools, including portable and inflatable pools that hold 30cm of water or more, are properly fenced with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
Council can issue on the spot fines for $550 if it is found that the gate of a pool has been propped open or there is an unfenced portable or inflatable pool.
To help prevent child drowning:
• Have a compliant child resistant pool barrier that is used correctly and maintained regularly.
• Ensure a responsible adult is always supervising children.
• Teach children water familiarisation and swimming skills.
• Learn CPR. Remember that any attempt is better than none.
For more information on pool safety, please visit penrith.city/ pools or contact Council’s Swimming Pool team on 4732 7864.
r Image/Article: Penrith City Council
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 6.30pm 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 7.30pm More Details: 0493 547 794.
Nepean Group – Embroiderers
Guild
Meets on the 1st Monday of the month at CWA Rooms, 1 Tindale Street Penrith (opposite RSL) from 6.00pm. More Details: 0466 457 594
Markets Square Dancer Classes
Glenbrook Public School Hall and Surveyors Creek Community Ctre, Glenmore Park. First Lesson is FREE! All ages are welcome! Inquiries 0411 456 208
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 6.45p.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 6.00pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk
Penrith Mens Walk and Talk
Meets 5.00pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6.00pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/
SOLiD MEN
Every Saturday at 5.45am, meet in Glenbrook Visitor Centre Carpark for a free boot camp for men followed by coffee and chat. More Details : www.facebook.com/solid.men78
Local’s Motorsport Career
Emu Plains resident Ron Hutchinson has had his motorsport career honoured, with inclusion in The Place of Pace Liverpool Speedway 1967 – 1989 Exhibition, currently being held at Liverpool Regional Museum.
Hutchinson, who was inducted into the Australian Speedway Hall of Fame in 2021, is regarded as a champion of Liverpool City Raceway, winning both races and championships at the famed track.
“An unexpected phone call from Liverpool City Council Museum started my journey with this project, after an onsite meeting with the powers to be. It was revealed that the exhibition was in honour of Mr Frank Oliveri, who left Italy and settled with his family in Liverpool. He would become a market gardener, a bus operator, then built Liverpool City Raceway (Speedway) and served three terms as Mayor” explained Ron to the Emu and Leonay Gazette.
“I was asked about my Compact Speedcar and memorabilia. I was excited, happy and proud to be a part of the Oliveri story and to represent the Speedway community, therefore agreeing to loan my car and various items for approximately 6 months” he continued.
Apart from Hutchinson’s champion racecar, his personal items on display at the exhibition include a photo of his dedicated pit crew, a helmet from his last race at Archerfield in 1989 when he unfortunately crashed and ended his racing career with spinal injuries, race suits, safety equipment, another helmet that was worn when he grazed a concrete wall with a stuck throttle, 1984 Australian Championship winning trophy, 1986 Australian Speedcar Grand Prix trophy and 2021 Australian Speedway Hall of Fame Inductee trophy.
He has many fond memories of his time racing at Liverpool over the years. Winning his first Australian Championship on asphalt within three months of transitioning into speedway from karts, winning his second Australian Championship on clay, winning the Australian Grand Prix against Americans Steve and Randy Kinser, winning the last race on asphalt starting as the last car, lapping 4/10 faster than the previous car after 10 laps and lifelong friendships forged to this very day are amongst his favourite.
“I would encourage all to visit the Museum and experience this wonderful tribute to Mr Frank Oliveri, who achieved so much for so many. There is lots to see and its free admittance. Thank you” ended Ron.
The Place of Pace Liverpool Speedway 1967 – 1989 Exhibition runs until 15th March 2025.
• Catering for 2-3 year old Children
• Situated in Quiet and Safe Street
• Preschool and School Readiness Specialty Program
• Qualified Early Childhood Sta
• Operational Hours 8am till 5pm Monday till Friday
• Large Outdoor Play Area
Exciting news!
A & D In Home Care now has expanded capacity to welcome new Core Supports and In Home Aged Care participants.
Our dedicated team is here to provide you and your loved ones with personalised, high quality care that is tailored to each individual’s unique needs. From daily living assistance and community participation to palliative and end of life care, we are committed to helping each participant thrive.
As a registered NDIS and Aged Care provider, with years of experience in the industry, we are very proud to offer exceptional care to all clients, especially those living with Dementia.
Our staff are highly trained professionals who provide a safe nurturing environment. Both in the home and our Dementia Specific Day Centre, you and your loved one will receive the focused support you all deserve.
Contact our team today on (02) 4707 6176 or email us at aanddinhomecare@gmail.com to learn how we can support you on your path to a fulfilling, independent life.
r Ronnie Hutchinson in the pits at Liverpool City Raceway | Image Supplied by Ron Hutchinson
Your 2025 Bin Collection Calendar is Now Available
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
• Requesting a printed copy to be sent to you by visiting The Waste Spot at penrith.city/thewastespot
• Downloading a copy of the calendar from...
Drop Off Your Recycling!
Have a lot of recycling that won’t fit into your yellow-lidded recycling bin?
Bring it to our free recycling drop-off point from Monday 16 December to Friday 27 December 2024* between 3pm and 6pm at The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington.
Additional Kerbside Bin Collections for Christmas and New Year’s
Wednesday 25 December 2024 – Tuesday 7 January 2025
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We’re accepting items such as wrapping paper, cardboard boxes and other household recyclables.
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 on the kerbside the night before your normal collection day.
Please remember that polystyrene can’t be dropped off, but it can be placed in your red-lidded residual bin or taken to Penrith’s Community Recycling Centre. *Event excludes public holidays and weekends.
Recycle Your Christmas Tree!
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.
We’re collecting real Christmas trees for free on Saturday 11 January 2025.
Bring your real tree to The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington between 10am and 2pm and we’ll turn it into mulch. Please make sure to remove all decorations from your trees before bringing them down on the day.
Artificial trees can be disposed of by booking a bulky waste collection at The Waste Spot or by breaking it down and placing it in your red-lidded residual bin.
Learn more at penrith.city/christmasservices
Local Firies Bring Festive Cheer and Fire Safety Awareness
This month, Regentville Rural Fire Brigade is once again bringing holiday cheer to the local community with its annual Santa Run, where Santa trades his sleigh for a big red fire truck! Starting early in December, Santa will tour Regentville, Glenmore Park, Emu Plains, Emu Heights, Leonay, and Jamisontown with the help of Regentville RFS firefighters.
"All dates and routes are still being worked out with the jolly man," said Operational Officer, Jordan Jobson, "but they will all be available on our Facebook page soon." The brigade encourages residents to follow NSW RFS – Regentville Brigade on Facebook, where the beloved “Santa Tracker Map” will go live, allowing families to see Santa’s location as he makes his way through the neighbourhoods.
The annual Santa Run is more than just a festive parade; it’s a chance for the brigade to connect with the community in a joyful setting. "Santa will be driving around with firefighters as his little helpers, delivering lollies and gifts," Jobson said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to see the smiling faces of those who support us year-round. Instead of responding to emergencies, we get to visit them in a time when they want us there – not because they need us there."
Jobson highlighted the importance of events like the Santa Run as a reminder that the RFS is on standby 24/7 for a wide range of emergencies. "Especially when things have been cooler and wetter than usual, we can help revert complacency into action," he said. "We want to remind everyone that we’re here not only for bushfires but also for floods, car accidents, and community support events."
As the bushfire season approaches, the RFS also encourages families to use this time to review their fire survival plans. "Organise a yard tidy-up and make sure everyone knows what to do if a bushfire impacts your property," Jobson advised. He also invited anyone interested in joining the RFS to stop by their station at 20 Jeanette Street on Tuesday nights or Saturday afternoons to learn more.
The Santa Run is a festive tradition that brings families together and reinforces the vital role of Regentville RFS in the community, ensuring residents are both merry and prepared for the fire season.
r [Left] Santas and his helpers ready to hit the streets to spread Christmas cheer [Right] Here Comes Santa! | Image Supplied by Jordan Jobson/ Regentville RFS | Article: Tanya Nellestein
Bake Me Happy
Amazing cakes. Colourful cookies. Delicious cupcakes. Taste bud tantalising, yummy goodness, handmade right here in Emu Heights? That would be Bake Me Happy!
Local Marlee Caterson began her small business, Bake Me Happy, in October last year.
“I have always had a love for baking and particularly cake decorating. I thought sharing this would be fun, challenging and good opportunity to expand my skills” said Marlee to the Emu and Leonay Gazette.
“I mostly make cakes, cupcakes and sugar cookies” she added.
After doing a small trial at a market recently, plans are in the mixer for Marlee to take her delicious bites to various locations more regularly throughout the coming year.
“I would also like to grow on my technical skills and be able to offer other products like macarons or marshmallows, something a little bit different!” smiled Marlee.
What does she enjoy most about her new business? “I love that this has taken a hobby for myself, that I shared with family and friends to something I can now do more regularly and share with other people”, Marlee said.
The talented owner is thankful for the support she has received since starting the business.
“I have lived in Emu Heights for my entire life and the local community have been so supportive of small businesses like my own and I can't thank them enough” she concluded.
For more information, visit the website www. bakemehappysyd.com.au or search Bake Me Happy on Facebook.
r Some of the amazing sweet treats made by Bake Me Happy | Image: Marlee Caterson | Article: Julie Lobel
Emu Plains Lions Welcome
Christmas
Emu Plains Lions Club will be selling ‘real’ Christmas trees on Saturday 7th December, at Lions Park, Great Western Highway, Emu Plains. Just to remind customers, a banner announcing the date at the above location should be erected by Council, about two weeks prior to the sale.
The trees are sourced from Oberon, where the grower advises they are not affected by drought or water restrictions.
Lions have maintained their selling price at $45 per tree, payment can be made by cash or EFTPOS.
The estimated drop-off time for the trees is between 6:30am and 7:00am and there will be only 90 trees available, so the Club recommends that you GET IN EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
The proceeds of the Xmas tree sale will enable the Lions Club to make a donation to Ronald McDonald House.
Christmas Cakes and Puddings will also be available at the Christmas Trees and at Lennox Village, Emu Plains on Wednesday 27th November, Wednesday 4th December, Thursday 5th December, Thursday 12th December and Friday 13th December 2024. Prices are again the same as last year.
A Christmas Raffle will also be held at Lennox Village, the same days as the Christmas Cake sales.
For more information, please contact President, Cheryl Devine on 0417 234295.
r Christmas trees will sell out | Image/Article: Jim Devine
Emerald Street Lights Up for Christmas
The festive season is upon us and it’s that time of year where the local community comes together to enjoy the lights and sounds of Christmas. Emerald Street Christmas
Lights Display in Emu Plains returns this month and promises to be bigger and better.
For the organisers, whose popular event has entertained for many years, the preparation and work begin about the time the decorations hit the stores. Each year, thousands swarm to see the lights and donate, as the love is spread to benefit charity.
As with every year, the donations go to Bear Cottage – for Westmead Children’s Hospital via the Lights for Kids campaign.
“Since we started collecting for Bear Cottage, we have now raised over $51,000” explained Linda Hernando, Organiser of Emerald Street Christmas Lights.
On Sunday 8th December, they hope to have a “Dogs Night at the Lights”, with all proceeds to go to the Animal Welfare League.
The much anticipated big night will be Saturday 21st December, which is when Mrs Claus, Buddy the Elf and The Grinch make their special appearance.
“There will be a beautiful display with lots of photo opportunities this year” she smiled.
With valuable funds raised for charity, cash donations can be made at the lights display or by using the QR code on the fundraising posters that will be present. They can also be done through their Lights for Kids fundraising page at https://www. lightsforkids.org.au/fundraisers/lindahernando.
So, what do they enjoy most about Christmas?
“Apart from Christmas decorations and movies, the fact that everyone is happy and love spending time with friends and family is special” Linda reflected.
Emerald Street Christmas Lights Display will run from Sunday 1st December till Tuesday 31st December.
“This might be our last year, as it gets harder and harder each year to get it all up. So don’t miss the opportunity to come by” she ended.
For more information including regular updates, visit Christmas Lights – Emerald St, Emu Plains on Facebook.
Planting for a Healthy River
Penrith City Council invites you to join them spending the morning by the water, planting native species to help improve fish habitat along the Nepean River!
They're increasing the biodiversity within the riparian area, with the aim to improve fish habitat for native fish species who call this river home! By planting trees and shrubs along the riverbank, they’re increasing the biodiversity of the river and providing important sources of food and shelter for fish. Creating healthy aquatic habitat increases fish diversity.
Stick around after you finish planting for a well-deserved BBQ lunch!
They are excited to partner with Bass Sydney Fishing Club who have a long connection to this site, and they will be there on the day to help plant.
All refreshments and activity equipment provided. Children under 16 must have adult supervision.
The event is free, but bookings are essential. Book at: https://events. humanitix.com/planting-for-a-healthyriver?c=wo
Feel free to bring your own rod and gear to fish once you are done! Anyone over the age of 18 who is holding a rod and fishing should have a licence. Exemptions include an adult supervising a youngster, or a pensioner with a pension card.
Council is partnering with Bass Sydney Fishing Club with funding provided by the NSW DPI Fisheries’ Recreation Fishing Trust’s “Habitat Action Grant Program” to restore native fish habitat along the Nepean River.
Dates & Times:
Date: 07 December 2024
Ends: 8:30am - 12:00pm
Location: Emu Green Reserve
This is a large reserve. The exact location will be provided upon registration. Emu Heights NSW 2750
r Feature Article [Cover+Above] The amazing display last year | Image: Walter Peters/Supplied by Linda Hernando
Book Review your
time again (until the next book when he does it all again that is!).
Set during the Holocaust, we follow 4 separate, yet intertwined journeys of a ruler, a lover and 2 brothers. In particular, one brother Nico who is unable to lie which becomes more of a curse than a blessing when he takes the lives of thousands, including his family, because of it. Did I mention he was only a child too?
With Albom’s signature talent for writing from the point of view from someone you wouldn’t consider had a point of view to start with, you’ll be amazed with the chapters written specifically from the point of view of Truth and will be moved to tears , pause in reflection and be talking about this story for a long time to come.
I couldn’t possibly recommend this story - or any of Mitch’s previous work - enough! If you do one thing this year, make time for this book to be read and reread!
Review by: Rowena Thring
New Book Uncovers Lapstone’s Hidden History: A Secret Suburb No
More
At the foothills of the Blue Mountains lies Lapstone, a small, often-overlooked town with a rich history. Now, Michele Corin, a lifelong resident, brings this untold story to life in her new book, The Secret Suburb, which explores the unique community spirit that has shaped Lapstone over the last 70 years.
While many travellers bypass Lapstone in pursuit of more prominent mountain destinations, this quiet town is steeped in historical landmarks like the Lapstone Hill Zig-Zag Railway, Lapstone Hill Tunnel, Knapsack Viaduct, and Lennox Bridge. Michele’s book brings to life the people and events that transformed the area, beginning with Arthur Hand, the “Father of Lapstone.” In 1954, Hand, a Blue Mountains alderman, purchased 116 acres of vacant land to fulfill his vision of creating a close-knit community, delaying his retirement plans for this project.
“Growing up in Lapstone in the 60s and 70s was a unique experience. Maybe because everything was new and exciting, local people wanted to connect. Or maybe the town was a reflection of its time in the 1960s,” Michele explains.
“My mother was the teacher librarian at Emu Plains Primary School for 20 years, and as a young girl she would take me to meet local elderly residents to record their stories. It is part of my DNA to discover people’s stories.”
The Secret Suburb delves into the lives of the families who shaped Lapstone, such as the Davis and McGraw families, who worked closely with Hand, and early residents like the Beggs, Booths, Sharmans and Stephens, who fostered a spirit of collaboration and community.
The book will be available from Blue Dragon Book Store, Glenbrook https://bluedragonbooks.com.au/and in time for Christmas 2024.
r Local author Michele Corin | Image: Vividity Photography by Jennifer Taylor/Supplied by Michele Corin [Inset] The Secret Suburb by Michele Corin. Image/Article: Michele Corin
from our team to you and yours
FESTIVE SEASON CLOSURE: 9th December 2024 - 5th January 2025
HEALTH MATTERS
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
P: 0418 166 269
Could Your Back Pain Be Due To Bowel Issues?
This article was inspired by a number of recent clients seen at the clinic with back pain that did not respond well to normal muscle elongation therapy (MET). Although scans showed vertebral and discal issues, which may have been the source of these patients’ pain, client histories reported history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with conventional IBD medication.
IBD includes two separate but similar diseases - ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. One could ask whether the patient’s back pain might be due to:
1. IBD related inflammation, or,
2. Conventional vertebral/discal issues plus resultant nerve pain and muscle spasm?
The short answer is, it could be one, the other, or (more likely) both.
In Australia, 80,000 people live with IBD. Medically, ‘association between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease’… with spinalpain and ‘inflammatory back pain (IBP)’ is ‘well described’ and ‘seen in ~25% of people’ with IBD.
Anatomically, the bowel is immediately beside the lumbar vertebrae. This allows inflammatory-processes of the bowel to “spill-over” into neighbouring spinal tissue.
Chronic back pain of patients with IBD may simply be due to the structural issues, leading to pinched nerves, muscle spasms, and muscle inflammation. Symptoms may be felt in areas serviced by the affected spinal nerves (i.e. sciatica). For these type of patients, 2-3 sessions of muscle elongation therapy should result in significant reduction in back pain, paraesthesias,
and movement restriction.
If IBD-related-inflammation is the major cause of back pain, muscle elongation treatments will generally be less able to reduce back inflammation because inflammation is continually seeping into back-tissue from the bowel. Here, dietary change should be strongly considered.
A recent intervention study concluded that adopting the Mediterranean diet was ‘associated with spontaneous improvement of disease activity and inflammatory markers’ in both ‘Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis’. Thus. adopting the appropriate diet allows IBD related inflammatory processes in the bowel to subside.
With improved diet, IBD processes no longer continually inflame back tissue, and a patient’s back pain is much more likely to respond well to treatment with regular muscle elongation therapy. If you have IBD or related back pain, why not call Andreas at the clinic to discuss how we can help with diet and MET.
r ** Refer to submitter for references. Image Supplied
The Twelve Holiday Hazards for Pets
With Christmas around the corner, we want you and your pets to fully enjoy the holiday season. However, hidden dangers such as festive foods, gatherings, and routine changes can present unique risks. During this busy time, pets can sometimes get into unexpected trouble. Be mindful of these twelve holiday hazards to help ensure a safe, joyful season for all!
1. Christmas Dinner and Leftovers: Holiday foods like roasts, gravies, and fatty dishes are often too rich for pets and can lead to digestive upsets or even life-threatening pancreatitis. This painful condition can require emergency treatment, so it’s best to avoid feeding table scraps. Instead, stick to their usual treats, and resist the temptation to slip them Christmas ham, turkey, or pork under the table, as fatty and salty foods can seriously harm pets.
2. Fruit Cake, Fruit Salad, Grapes, and Sultanas: Some fruits are safe for dogs, but grapes, sultanas, and raisins are highly toxic and can cause kidney failure. Symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhoea, and vomiting may appear within twelve hours and can worsen quickly, progressing to dehydration, appetite loss, and urination changes. Even a small amount can have severe effects, including long-term kidney disease or, in extreme cases, death.
3. Desserts and Sweets: Desserts often contain chocolate, xylitol, or alcohol—all dangerous for pets. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be deadly, causing symptoms like seizures, heart arrhythmias, and muscle tremors. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, leading to disorientation, seizures, and, in some cases, liver failure. Keep treats out of reach, as even small amounts can be fatal.
4. Macadamia Nuts: Although delicious, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, vomiting, tremors, and fever. Even a small amount can lead to severe reactions, so ensure these nuts are kept out of reach.
5. BBQ Skewers and Cooked Bones: Skewers, if ingested, can puncture or damage internal organs, often necessitating surgery. Similarly, cooked bones can splinter, causing obstructions or tears in the digestive tract. Avoid feeding pets any cooked bones and take extra care to keep skewers off the floor and away from pets.
6. Christmas Lilies: Lilies are beautiful but extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts. All parts of the plant—petals, leaves, pollen, and stems—are harmful and can lead to kidney failure. Cats are particularly vulnerable, and ingesting even a small amount of pollen or a single leaf can be deadly.
7. Decorations Like Tinsel and Fairy Lights: Shiny, dangly
decorations are hard for pets, especially cats, to resist. If ingested, tinsel or bits of lights can cause a painful and dangerous intestinal blockage that may require surgery. Cats may also try to chew on fairy lights, risking electric shock or burns.
8. Ribbons and Strings on Presents: Ribbons and strings can seem like fun toys to cats, but if ingested, they can cause severe obstructions in the intestines, sometimes requiring emergency surgery. After unwrapping presents, promptly discard ribbons to keep your cat safe.
9. The Christmas Tree: Both real and artificial trees can attract curious pets, especially cats who like to climb. Pine needles, if ingested, can cause digestive irritation, and the water in live tree stands may contain fertilizers or preservatives toxic to pets. Tree decorations or lights can also be harmful if knocked off and ingested, so keep pets supervised around the tree.
10.Visitors and Loud Celebrations: Extra guests and noise can overwhelm pets, causing stress or even prompting escape attempts. Set up a quiet, secure room for your pet, complete with their favourite bed or toys. Providing a safe space allows them to retreat from the holiday hustle and bustle, ensuring they feel safe.
11.Snake Encounters: Warmer weather and holiday outings bring more chances of encountering snakes, especially in areas with long grass, water sources, or places that attract rodents, like chicken coops. Many snakes are seen along the Nepean River Walk, so stay vigilant during walks
12.Heatstroke: Never leave your pet in a car during warmer weather, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside vehicles can climb dangerously high in a short time, leading to fatal heatstroke. Leaving windows down does not prevent heat buildup, so it’s best to avoid car trips with pets during hot days unless absolutely necessary.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season from all of us at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital!
For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au, instagram @orchardhillsvethospitalgrooms
Annual Christmas Eve Outdoor Carols
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received at Christmas? I can think of lots of good ones, like Lego when I was a kid, or tickets to a show. My wife Louise always comes up with great gifts - and I’m not just saying that because she’ll see this! And aren’t the best gifts always the unexpected and undeserved?
Now if you’ve ever heard someone talk about the ‘grace of God’ you might be surprised to hear it means the ‘gift of God’. Grace means gift. And at Christmas as we give gifts, no matter how good they are, we’re reminded of the best gift of all.
Paul in the Bible puts it like this, ‘You know the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.’ (2 Corinthians 8:9). And so, at Christmas we remember Jesus’ coming, so he could give us this gift. While he was God himself, in all his awesome power and holiness, he came into the world, came as a person into the midst of us, living as if he weren’t God. He set aside the riches of his glory and took on the poverty of our ungodliness. He came to live, and die, so we could become children of God and truly live.
That is an extraordinary gift, isn’t it? It was unexpected by most and deserved by none. If we had deserved it, well it wouldn’t be a gift! This is the gift we remember at Christmas, God meeting our greatest need. All that is left for us to do is decide whether we’ll accept it, whether we’ll trust the one who gives it. I hope you will.
Join us to celebrate and hear more this year on Christmas
Sydney Set to get Foamy and Fun: The 5K Foam Fest Returns
this December!
Brace yourself Sydney, because the world’s most fun-filled 5k run is back this December, and its foamier than ever!
The 5K Foam Fest has some of the best and most exciting obstacles in the world, including the largest inflatable
waterslide, slip and slides, and mucky mud pits. Combine this with 2.5 million cubic feet of foam and you are destined to have an awesome day.
Rock out all day to awesome (family friendly) music, enjoy a FREE kid’s zone for kids aged 6 and under, taste delicious food, shop from local vendors, and celebrate your success in a well-stocked beer garden.
With a variety of obstacles and a ton of foam, the 5K Foam Fest run is an exciting challenge for experienced and beginner runners alike. Walk it, run it, charge it, fun it; this course should be enjoyed at your own pace and all obstacles are optional!
But there's more to it than just fun. The 5K Foam Fest proudly supports Make-A-Wish Australia, an organisation dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Your participation not only guarantees a great time but also contributes to a fantastic cause.
Mark your calendars for Saturday 14th December 2024 at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre in Horsley Park.
When you register, you'll receive a 5K Foam Fest string bag, tattoos, head buff, and a finisher's medal as tokens of your achievement. Visit www.foamfest.com for more information and to secure your spot.
The 5K Foam fest is not just a run; it’s a foam-soaked, mud-covered, and music-filled extravaganza that promises a day of unforgettable fun. Come and conquer obstacles, make memories, and have a blast. It’s an event you don’t want to miss!
r A fun, foamy day is awaiting! | Image Supplied
Write Out West Festival
The inaugural Write Out West: Western Sydney Libraries and Literature Festival will be held over nine days from Wednesday 27 November to Thursday 5 December, organised by Penrith City Council with event partners Camden, Hawkesbury and Fairfield Councils.
Penrith City Libraries is proud to host a series of author events, panel discussions, workshops, Story Times, history walks, and much more for all ages.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney praised the ingenuity of the festival, saying that the Write Out West Festival is a great opportunity for literature lovers to engage with their favourite local authors, poets, and illustrators, and to stretch their creative muscles with immersive workshops led by industry professionals.
“Our Library Services team have worked hard to create an inclusive festival celebrating our local history and culture and literature in the West, with many opportunities for the community to engage with events and programs that they greatly enjoy,” Cr Carney said.
“The festival forms part of the 2023-2028 Penrith Library Strategy, which used community feedback to identify the desire for more community events and programs.
“We’re looking forward to hosting the festival with our local partners, The Joan and Lewers Gallery.”
The Write Out West Festival includes a program of over thirty events for kids, teens, young adults, and families, costing from $5 to $20 per participant.
Find out more about what’s on at penrith.city/library.
Catholic Church Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains 4735 1041
Uniting Church 7 Green Street, Glenbrook 4739 6295
Blaxland Presbyterian 15a Wilson Way, Blaxland 0491 174 725
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 0438 006 290
Spiritual Church 0439 453 430 Elevation Church Penrith 4722 8489
Community Groups
Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS)
Embroiderers Guild Nepean 0466 457 594
Girl Guides Glenbrook 4739 6087
Lions Club Emu Plains 4735 5120
Lung Support Group 4735 1542
It has been a big year for the District Gazette. With a great team, we have been publishing and delivering over 27,000 papers every month to letterboxes around our local community, each one packed full of what’s happening in our area. It’s a huge job, but now we’ve made it to the end of the year, we look forward to taking a break to refresh and count our blessings over the festive season.
We will be back bigger and better than ever next year, your next District Gazette will land in your letterboxes in February, as always, it will be packed full of news, events, and everything that’s happening right here!
We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers and subscribers a peaceful and joyous holiday season, and a new year filled with success and happiness. Thank you for making this your go-to for all things local!
We would also like to extend a huge thank you to our advertisers, who trust us to get the word out about their businesses and services.
For now, sit down and relax before the Christmas rush catches up with you, and enjoy your Community News!
“The new year stands before us like a blank book, just waiting to be written.”
Belinda
Sports Clubs
MEET OUR TEAM
Managing Editor
Belinda Pearce
Writer / Sales
Cim Sanders
Writer
Kate Neill
Writer
Tanya Nellestein
Writer
Julie Lobel
Personal Assistant
Jasmine Stinson
Advertising Policy... Payment on booking secures your space. The Business Directory offers cost effective advertising to businesses in an alphabetical format. Premium Placement may be available, at an extra charge. An editorial focus on a local business may be included if space permits, at the Editor’s discretion. Community News... The Emu+Leonay Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor.
Letters to the Editor...may be printed and edited as necessary. Names must be submitted but can be withheld from publication at the writer’s request. Every effort is made to print correct information but no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.
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