Iconic NSW Road Trips Get EV Charging Stations
Nine road trips have been equipped with strategically located charging stations allowing drivers of electric vehicles to experience the best of NSW, free of range anxiety.
These curated routes take EV drivers through some of NSW’s most popular destinations, from pristine beaches and rugged mountain ranges to national parks and charming regional towns.
To make EV travel easier for NSW drivers, EV charging stations are strategically located along each route, ensuring seamless recharging and eliminating any concerns about range anxiety.
There are at least two fast-charging plugs and one destination charging plug per 100km. On average, modern EVs can now typically travel 400km on a single charge.
Each route varies in length and highlights a mix of unique local attractions with something for everyone, including unique regional towns, gourmet food and cultural experiences.
The nine EV-friendly road trips are on the Visit NSW website www.visitnsw.com/evroadtrips:
• Central Coast and Hunter Valley – a U-shaped 257km trip from Newcastle to Maitland
• Grand Pacific Drive – a 200km journey along the coastline from Sydney to Jervis Bay
• Greater Blue Mountains Drive – a 283km round trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains
• Southern Highlands to the South Coast – a 210km journey through the highlands and coast
• Kosciuszko Alpine Way – a 171km drive through the Snowy Mountains
• Southern Tablelands – a 100km trip taking in Goulburn and surrounds
• Classic Country – a 422km drive through the Southern and Riverina Murray tourism regions
• Legendary Pacific Coast – an 819km, multi-day journey along the Pacific Highway
• Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive – a 406km trip through Australia’s southeastern corner
Each road trip has its own webpage which breaks the itinerary into stages and shows not just the EV charging options, but also the tourist attractions available along the route.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $199 million to support the installation of thousands of publicly-available EV charge ports across NSW. This includes ultra-fast charging stations, destination and kerbside chargers. The NSW Government has awarded funding for more than 3,000 charge ports at more than 1,100 sites, with many more to come.
These chargers give EV drivers confidence to travel to regional areas and give people living in the regions the freedom to choose an EV as their next vehicle.
The EV Council awarded NSW 10/10 for the rollout of public charging infrastructure in its 2024 State of EVs report.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe commented, “We are committed to making the state a leader in electric vehicle adoption and sustainable tourism.
“Driving electric is not only better for the environment, but it’s also the most budget-friendly way to hit the road. Lower running costs means EVs offer significant savings for drivers.”
Minister for Roads and Tourism, John Graham concluded with “The installation of EV chargers across regional NSW ensures our regional visitor economies can attract the growing number of EV drivers.”
r Article: Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Roads and Tourism, John Graham.
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
Uniting Our Lost Pets
Australians have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with 75% of households having one pet and 25% of households having two or more. There are estimated to be six and a half million dogs in Australia – that’s one dog for every four humans. Each year, it’s also estimated that 200,000 dogs are surrendered for rehoming and 10,000 lost pets are reunited with their owners, mostly through online platforms and social media.
In 2022, local Melanie Anderson noticed that Emu Plains didn't have a group to help find missing pets. She soon started a group to help those who are looking for their pets or to assist in rehoming them. As a result, ‘Missing, Lost and Rehomed Pets Emu Plains’ was formed on Facebook.
“After my cat Phantom had gone missing, I wanted to create this group to help find him. We were lucky enough he came home on his own, but unfortunately in 2023 he went missing again and Phantom is no longer with us” explained Melanie to the Emu and Leonay Gazette.
“The group now has over 300 members (324), which means there is plenty of room for growth. Since starting the group, we have already managed to help members of the community find their missing pets and have even been able to rehome a few” she continued.
There are plans afoot to continue to grow the group, “The plan is for the community to come together and help make the group grow, by helping one another find their pets,” said Melanie.
The mother of two not only oversees the group, but she also spends her spare time trying to help lost pets be reunited with their loved ones.
Melanie invites the community to join the group.
“If you haven’t heard of us, you can find our Facebook page by searching ‘Missing, Lost and Rehomed Pets Emu Plains’. You are welcome to join us and to help our beloved pets find their way back home” she ended.
r Local group to help our furry friends | Image: www.pexels.com. Article: Julie Lobel
Regatta Park Community Event
On Saturday 8 March 2025, join Council for a special event to celebrate to completion of Regatta Park!
Regatta Park has been transformed into an iconic recreational destination on the banks of the Nepean River.
The park features a pavilion with water play equipment and sandpit, an adventure playspace, multi-use lawn space, cricket oval, shaded picnic and BBQ areas, pathways and central staircase leading to the river foreshore, over-water viewing platforms, kayak launch areas, car parking, toilets and lots more.
From 10:00am until 3:00pm, Regatta Park will be buzzing with plenty of fun activities including:
• FREE bike checks and tune ups. Limit of one bike per booking. You can register at https://events.humanitix. com/regatta-park-launch-free-bike-checks-and-tune-ups
• Live entertainment
• Roving performers
• Face painting
• Garden games
• Reptile display
• Food trucks
More details will be coming soon!
The Regatta Park project was jointly funded by Council and the Australian and New South Wales governments as part of the Western Parkland City Liveability Program.
How to get there
Regatta Park is located on the corner of the Great Western Highway and River Road, Emu Plains. It sits on the banks of the Nepean River.
They’re expecting a large crowd, so they encourage you to leave your car at home and consider other forms of transport to the event if possible.
FREE shuttle buses
Free shuttle buses will be running between Billington Place car park at Emu Plains Train Station and Regatta Park. The loop will take approximately 10-minutes.
There will be shuttle buses available which can accommodate wheelchairs, prams, strollers and mobility aids.
If you are walking or bike riding
If you live nearby, why not walk, run or bike ride to Regatta Park! There will be bike racks available for use on the day.
If you are catching public transport
The nearest train station is Emu Plains Station. From here, you can catch a free shuttle bus, or it is about a 10-minute walk to Regatta Park.
If you’re coming from Penrith Train Station, you can catch the 688 or 689 bus to Regatta Park. There is a bus stop right next to the park on the Great Western Highway.
For more information and to plan your trip, please use Trip Planner.
If you are driving
If you are driving to the event, car parking is available at Regatta Park. This includes some accessible parking spaces. However, they’re expecting a large crowd, so they encourage you to consider other forms of transport if possible.
r A great day out | Image/Article: Penrith City Council
The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington Saturday 8 March, 9am-3.30pm
Dispose of your unwanted, broken, or old electronic items correctly at our E-Waste Drop-off Day! If you have any of the items below, it’s your perfect opportunity:
For a full list of accepted items and more information, visit penrith.city/e-wasteday
penrith.city/events
Small Town, Big Secrets
Local author and District Gazette writer Tanya Nellestein has delivered once again with the release of Murdered in Shadows, the second book in her gripping Townsend & Gray series. Set in the small, New England (US) town of Sergis, this instalment combines slowburn romance with a taut murder mystery, delving into themes of deception, loyalty, and the resilience of its flawed yet relatable characters.
The novel opens with the shocking murder of a vulnerable local resident, leaving the community shaken and Police Chief Chad Townsend reeling. “For Chad, this case is deeply personal,” explains Nellestein. “The victim was under his protection, and the guilt of that failure drives him to uncover the truth—despite the town’s efforts to keep it hidden.”
Chad is joined by Ashleigh Gray, a former detective from Sydney, whose own tumultuous past adds layers of complexity to both the investigation and their fledgling relationship. “Ash and Chad are still navigating their professional partnership while facing shadows from their pasts,” Nellestein says, “Their romance is slow burning but raw, as they learn to trust one another in the midst of chaos.”
Building on the success of Missing in Shadows, the first book in the series, Murdered in Shadows pushes both the characters and the stakes further. “This isn’t just about solving a murder,” Nellestein shares. “It’s about uncovering the darker secrets of Sergis and the lengths people will go to protect them.”
Nellestein, who has published 16 novels and won multiple awards, describes the challenge of balancing her writing with everyday life. “Writing a sequel isn’t linear,” she admits. “It’s about expanding the world and characters while maintaining the heart of the story. I’ve had to adapt, writing in small bursts and embracing the process, even when it’s messy.”
The book is already generating buzz among fans of smalltown mysteries and slow-burn romance. Packed with twists, tension, and emotional depth, Murdered in Shadows is a must-read for lovers of gripping suspense. “I promised readers it would be worth the wait,” Nellestein says. “This is a story about fighting for justice—and maybe even for love.” Murdered in Shadows is available now at mybook.to/ murderedinshadows. For those new to the series, Missing in Shadows is also available on Amazon. For more information head to www.tanyanellestein.com.
r [Top] Tanya Nellestein at a book signing [Above] Books 1 and 2 in the Townsend & Gray series | Image/Article: Tanya Nellestein
• 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
International Women’s Day
As International Women’s Day rolls around again this year, women, who make up 50.7%* of the population, wait for the gender gap to be released in March. Well, some of us wait and hope for some improvement.
Last year, the results noted a 0.1% decrease in the gender gap, across 146 countries, to 68.6%. It is estimated that in approximately 134 years we will reach parity. That is when everyone, regardless of gender, stands on a level playing field (100%). Roughly five generations.
If you want to see it before you die, perhaps a move to Iceland will be your best chance. They stand at the top of the rankings, at 93.5%. The Nordic countries and New Zealand (83.5%) rank next, making up the top 5.
Now when I talk about gender parity with friends, colleagues and women I meet at random, they talk about “equal pay for equal work”. For most of us, this is the case, especially if you work for the public service. But the real issue, and the reason for such a pay gap, is because professions that are traditionally ‘women’s work’, have a much lower rate of pay, than for roles traditionally classified as men’s work.
The other glaring roadblock to parity is the lack of women in leadership roles. Roles that are more highly paid, and positions of political representation. In Australia, those figures have fallen since 2022.
So, what is it about Iceland that has brought it so close to parity? Do they have a much greater need for traditional women’s work? Do men not work?
No. What Iceland has is the will to reach parity, to make sure that everyone in their society is equal on every count. Iceland has supported women in areas such as education, employment, financial inclusion, representation, discrimination, domestic violence, justice and community safety. And over the past 50 years, Iceland have had a female head of state for almost 25 years.**
And finally, where does Australia stand? 78%. Globally, we are ranked 24th. If you’re thinking that’s not too bad, just remember some of the countries that outdid us: Namibia, Nicaragua, Rwanda, Philippines and Mozambique***, among many more.
And countries who have made the most serious inroads into closing the gap? Ecuador, Sierra Leone, Algeria, Guatemala and The Gambia. Perhaps Australia could take some lessons from them.
Marching for a Cure: Aussies Urged to Take Steps to Help Save Lives from Melanoma
Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) is calling on Australians to join its national campaign, Melanoma March 2025, to raise awareness and funds to save lives from melanoma.
This national campaign, now in its 14th year, is MIA’s flagship fundraising campaign and involves participants either walking or running at family-friendly events across the country during the month of March. The events, organised by volunteer committees impacted by melanoma, are also a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to honour lives lost to melanoma and support those impacted by the disease.
Melanoma March events will be held every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of March.
This year, all funds raised will go towards the updating and clinical promotion of the National Melanoma Clinical Guidelines. This was a key priority identified in the 2022 State of the Nation in Melanoma Report and is vital to ensure melanoma patients across Australia benefit from current evidence-based clinical best practice. The National Melanoma Clinical Guidelines are not funded by Government, and so funds raised at Melanoma March 2025 will provide the necessary support to help achieve our mission of zero deaths from melanoma and also to lower the overall health burden from this disease.
This year’s campaign also aims to shine a spotlight on the dangers of tanning and the need for all Australians to follow the five sun safe rules to prevent melanoma and other skin cancers.
Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. One person is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes and one person dies from the disease every 6 hours. It is the most common cancer affecting 20–39-year-old Australians.
‘This is our biggest Melanoma March campaign yet, with 28 events spanning the country and reaching every single state and territory,’ said MIA CEO Matthew Browne. ‘It is heartwarming to see Australian communities joining together in the fight against this disease,’ said Matthew.
Australians are urged to register now for a Melanoma March event near them.
Those who can’t attend an event can still support the campaign by getting active and hosting a March Your Way activity with friends or individually.
To register or donate to Melanoma March, go to www. melanomamarch.org.au.
Local Swimmer Shines at Nationals
Local Leonay swimming champion Samuel Stoneham has made a splash on the national stage, competing in the Australian Open Water Championships in Busselton, Western Australia, from January 23-26. In his first-ever national competition, Sam finished 14th in the Men’s 18 years 5km race, an outstanding achievement for the young athlete.
To qualify for the championships, Sam had to meet strict qualifying times at official open water meets. His opportunity came at the Nepean Aquatic Centre Open Water Meet in November, where he swam a 1:04:18, surpassing the qualifying time of 1:05:00 by 42 seconds.
“It’s taken almost ten years of training to get here,” Sam said. “I’ve been swimming since I was a kid, and finally qualifying for nationals at 17 was a huge moment for me. It really proves that persistence pays off.”
The experience of competing on the national stage was both thrilling and inspiring for Sam, especially as he raced alongside two Olympians, Nick Sloman and Kyle Lee, who competed in the Marathon Swim at the Paris Olympics last year.
“I was warming up, and right next to me was Nick Sloman getting ready for his race,” Sam said. “It was surreal to be in the same wave as such elite swimmers. It really showed me what’s possible with enough hard work.”
Sam’s success doesn’t come without serious commitment. He trains nine times per week, balancing seven two-hour pool sessions with two strength and conditioning workouts. His early morning sessions begin at 4:45am, often seeing him head straight to school after training.
His primary focus is backstroke, with his biggest achievements to date including his first state qualifying time at 16 in the 200m backstroke and qualifying for the Open NSW State Championships in the 100m and 200m backstroke, set to take place in March.
His mother, Sarah Stoneham, couldn’t be prouder. “Sam’s dedication and resilience have been incredible. He has never given up, even when the results didn’t come quickly. Seeing him finally reach nationals was an emotional moment for all of us.”
Looking ahead, Sam’s aiming to qualify for the 2025 Australian Age Championships in Brisbane, with upcoming opportunities at the NSW Metropolitan Championships in February and the NSW State Open Championships in March.
For Sam, the journey is far from over. “I’m back in the pool, working on my backstroke,” he said. “I know I have more to give.”
There’s no doubt Samuel Stoneham is a name to watch in Australian swimming.
r Feature Article [Cover + Top] Samuel Stoneham racing in the 5km race in Busselton [Above] Samuel Stoneham with Nepean Aquatic Centre Swim Club Head Coach, Sarah-Jane Weir | Image: Sarah Stoneham. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Time to Shine at the 2025 Penrith Seniors Festival
Penrith will once again celebrate its senior community with its annual Penrith Seniors Festival from Monday 3 to Sunday 16 March 2025.
The Penrith Seniors Festival includes a program of exciting events and activities aimed at residents aged 50 years and over including, crafts, movie screenings, health workshops, exercise classes and more – all free of charge.
Kicking off the festival program will be a mini Seniors Expo, Chair Yoga and the highly anticipated Penrith Seniors Comedy Gala on Monday 3 March at The Joan. The gala line-up will feature the hilarious comedians Andrew Barnett (emcee), Anisa Nandaula, Laura Hughes and Sean Woodland.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said that the Penrith Seniors Festival is one of our City’s premier Seniors Week events and a great opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the important contributions seniors make in our community.
“This year’s Seniors Festival theme is “Time to Shine” and our festival will offer the chance for attendees to do just that – discover new experiences, build friendships, stay active and connect to our community,” Cr Carney said.
“It is a great opportunity for our senior community members to connect with other like-minded individuals, experience something new and learn some different skills.”
“I would like to thank our local community organisations who have contributed to the festival but also those who provide regular services to our senior community which assist in the healthy aging journey.”
The Penrith Seniors Festival’s program of activities and workshops will be held in easy and accessible locations across Penrith. Our local festival also reflects the themes of the NSW State Government’s Seniors Festival and aims to address the interests and needs of our Penrith senior residents.
For more information about the festival visit penrith.city/seniorsfestival r Celebrating our senior community | Image/ Article: Penrith City Council
with severe disabilities, accepted as a family member by a caring family of five. Nonverbal, and with consistent night traumas, he was reluctantly given into care by his mother from age 9-18. His single mother was accepted into the family with her son whenever she chose to visit. There was almost no support from Government Departments, in spite of assurances.
I cannot begin to describe my admiration for this family, and especially the foster-mother who went above and beyond to ensure the boy felt loved and cared for in every way, as well as her family and students at school.
I congratulate her for fitting 48 hours of work into every 24! And for finding ways of alleviating some of the problems, over time.
His foster-mother then became his advocate when he was moved into a group home. Written with heart-felt compassion, through struggling circumstances, showing love and determination for Jonathan’s best.
It is a story one cannot put down. Easy to read, even through the difficult parts. I read it in 7 hours straight, and can thoroughly recommend it!
It is, as the author says, a story that must be told.
r Book Review by: Camilla Hubbard
Now, we all know that tiles can be hard to lay at the best of times. For Glenbrook artist Andrew Ellis, the use of tiles in mosaic form is his chosen craft, turning them into pictures and true works of art.
Andrew, who has a business Trad Tiles, says he is an artist who primarily uses tile and timber.
“My main focus is mosaics, custom cut tiles and hardwood bespoke handmade furniture,” said Andrew.
He takes a lot of reference from tattoo culture, native flora and fauna, urban landscapes, and Victorian to mid-century furniture designs. Andrew started Trad Tiles in 2020, after breaking his leg whilst skateboarding. He wanted to find a creative outlet that wasn’t so physical, one that he could do whilst sitting down.
His motivation was learning something new that he hadn’t done before.
“I started making small tile pieces for friends as gifts, until eventually someone asked if I would make one for money. It happened really organically, and I never set out to do it for a living or had any idea it would turn into a career. It really just started as learning a new skill to pass time” he smiled.
Andrew went on to say that “each piece can take from a day to weeks, depending on the complexity of the piece. There
also can be a lot of drying time with glue or coating pieces. I’ve definitely worked out ways to speed up each process as I’ve become more experienced”.
Further to this, he added “I love the process and steps it takes to make a finished tile piece from the first idea to the drawing, to the tiles, to the grout and finally framing. Or for furniture, from the first idea, to picking the rough sawn timber, to machining, to glueing to sanding and finally coating it bringing it to life”.
Andrew Ellis’s first solo gallery exhibition opening will be held on the 27th of February at Passport Gallery on Oxford Street in Sydney. It will then be on show until late April. For more information, visit www. tradtiles.com..
Lobel
Upgrades Planned for Glenbrook Village Centre
Glenbrook village centre is set to be transformed with a new program of works delivering improvements for residents, businesses and visitors in the Ross Street, Park Street and Glenbrook Park area.
Currently in the planning and scoping phase, the upgrades are anticipated to be completed in 2027 and will include:
• Paving and footpath upgrades for pedestrian safety
• Improved crossings and street lighting
• Improved carparking
• Street tree planting, landscaping and stormwater harvesting
• New bicycle parking and water re-fill station
• Public art and treatments for cultural and heritage interpretation
• Improved street banner system
• Improved navigational signage
• Improved seating
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “Glenbrook is a thriving village centre that is valued by its residents and many visitors for its character and its contrast with nearby Sydney.
“This project will deliver a range of upgrades to the village to improve amenity for residents while recognising Glenbrook’s role as the eastern gateway to the Blue Mountains National Park.
“This program also provides an opportunity to investigate options for improved carparking in the town centre, in the Park Street and Green Street area.”
Interested community members are invited to share their experience through an online survey until 9am, Monday 24 March. Responses to the survey will help inform the delivery and future evaluation of the upgrade program.
The Scenic Eastern Escarpment Masterplan was adopted in May 2018 following a year of extensive community consultation. The Masterplan highlighted access and parking in Glenbrook as critical issues for the community.
The project is funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program. This is in addition to funding for improvements at Blaxland, Hazelbrook and Katoomba town centres.
Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said, “As always, I welcome the NSW Government’s support for our Blue Mountains City Council and community through funding programs that enhance and upgrade village amenity”.
For further information and project updates visit: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/glenbrook-village-upgrade
To share your experience of Glenbrook village centre visit: yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/glenbrook-village-upgrade
r Some of Andrew’s amazing work | Image: Andrew Ellis. Article: Julie
The Importance of Cat Vaccinations: Getting Back on
Track
Vaccinations are essential to keeping your cat healthy, protecting them from potentially fatal diseases and preventing the spread of infections within the feline community. With the recent vaccine shortage now easing, it’s critical to resume your cat’s vaccination schedule to ensure they remain protected.
Why Vaccinations Are Crucial: Vaccinating your cat doesn’t just protect them—it also safeguards other cats in your home and community. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to create antibodies, preventing serious illnesses and reducing the risk of outbreaks. If your cat requires boarding, vaccinations must be administered at least two weeks before admission, making timely vaccinations essential.
• Feline Infectious Enteritis (Feline Panleucopenia): This highly contagious and life-threatening disease can affect cats of all ages, with kittens being particularly vulnerable. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and, in severe cases, sudden death. Pregnant cats may face complications, and surviving cats can become carriers, posing ongoing risks.
• Feline Respiratory Disease (Cat Flu): Caused by viruses such as Feline Herpes Virus 1 (FHV1) and Feline Calicivirus (FVC), this condition leads to symptoms similar to a severe cold, including sneezing, eye or nasal discharge, fever, and ulcers. Severe cases can result in permanent eye or lung damage, and untreated infections may become fatal.
• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): This virus spreads through close contact, such as fighting or grooming, and weakens the immune system, making cats more susceptible to infections and certain cancers. It’s comparable to immunodeficiency syndromes in humans and poses a significant health risk.
Additional vaccinations may also protect against Feline Chlamydia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), depending on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors.
Resuming Your Cat’s Vaccination Schedule: While the vaccine shortage disrupted schedules, it’s now time to get back on track. If your cat’s vaccinations were delayed, consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. Some cats may require additional doses to restore their immunity, especially if they are overdue or need vaccinations for boarding.
If you’re uncertain about your cat’s vaccination status or need to schedule an appointment, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at 0247362027. Keeping your cat’s vaccinations up to date is a proactive step toward ensuring their long-term health and happiness.
For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au, instagram @orchardhillsvethospitalgrooms or call 02 4736 2027
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
•Home visits
•Cat boarding and Kitten adoption
•Secure off leash dog park CHECK
$300m Invested in the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility
The Minns Labor Government has invested $300 million in the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF), the first industry-focused advanced manufacturing development centre. The AMRF is owned by the Bradfield Development Authority.
The AMRF will be delivered in two stages and is a critical investment in industrial infrastructure to support the growth of an advanced manufacturing ecosystem in Bradfield City Centre. This investment is also critical to enable local Western Sydney and NSW manufacturing firms to benefit from the innovation ecosystem at the Aerotropolis.
Until now, high costs and knowledge barriers made it
difficult for manufacturing businesses to implement new technology. AMRF will help manufacturing businesses to improve the productivity and efficiency of existing operations, as well as supporting the commercialisation of new technologies and innovative products.
The AMRF offers access to world-class equipment, including precision machining, additive manufacturing, nano microscopes, CNC machines, laser machines, advanced composites, derisking investment in new technology. AMRF Connect, powered by Western Sydney University’s Launchpad and CSIRO, is growing the manufacturing ecosystem through resources, networking and learning opportunities.
Despite the first stage building yet to open (due March 2025), AMRF has hit the ground with local Emu Plains business Marley Flow Control. It is the first business to complete a project with the AMRF team. They are industry experts with extensive experience across advanced manufacturing specialties from engineering design to composites, precision machining, process improvement and factory digitisation.
Marley Flow Control is a Western Sydney based engineering company specialising in cooling tower manufacture and maintenance, flow control engineering (including pumps and piping), large-scale fan manufacturing, laser alignment and facilities maintenance.
The Honourable Courtney Houssos MLC, Minister for Finance, Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement and Minister for Natural Resources together with Susan Templeman Federal Member for Macquarie were welcomed on a tour of Marley Flow Control facility with Director Gareth Jones and representatives from AMRF recently.
They were able to see how Marley Flow Control are working with the AMRF to further enhance production efficiencies and how the time-study project identified operational efficiencies that could increase productivity by 600% and reduce production costs by 15-20%.
r (L to R): Karen McKeown OAM; The Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC; Susan Templeman MP; and Simon Jones from Marley Flow
| Image/Article: Karen McKeown MP
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
Can You Be Certain?
Did Julius Caesar really exist? Did people really walk on the moon? Does it really matter to you anyway? Some things don’t really affect our day to day lives, but other things we really want to be certain about. We want to be certain everyone’s going to drive on the left side of the road, and the people we do life with say what they mean and do what they say. We all know what a trainwreck it is if these things are not certainties.
It's the same, too, with love and forgiveness, reconciliation, and even life after death. These things might seem more removed from the day to day, but when we stop and ask ourselves the question, aren’t these the things that matter a great deal to us?
When Luke wrote about Jesus, he knew that he was going to say some incredible, almost unbelievable things. He knew he was going to end with a dead man alive again. He knew he was going to declare him as the person who is God. He knew he was going to extend an invitation to trust and depend on him.
That’s why he lays out what he’s done and why, right from the outset (Luke 1:1-4). He’s spoken to the witnesses, he’s examined all the evidence himself, he’s verified what happened in full view, in history. And as he’s become certain through these same things himself, he invites us to be certain of them too, because of who Jesus is, and what he’s done, meets us in the places that matter to us most.
Why not check out what Luke has to say in the Bible for yourself.
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Bushfire Prone Land Map Updated
2025 Local Celebration Awards
Do you know someone who is making a difference in our community?
The NSW Rural Fire Service have recently certified a revised Bushfire Prone Land map, covering the whole of the Penrith Local Government Area.
2025! Further details on the award categories, selection criteria and nomination process are available at the link below. A nomination form is also attached to this email.
The revision took into account requirements for mapping to recognise areas classified as vegetation Category 3 - grassland areas, as well as other vegetation, to carry bushfires into areas of residential development that have potential to present notable fire risks.
The Local Celebration Awards recognise unsung local heroes, people who dedicate their time to supporting others, building community and improving quality of life in our City. We all have people in our lives who we admire for their selflessness – now is the time to shine a light on their contributions!
Nominations for the 2025 Local Celebration Awards are now open. There are four award categories:
• Citizen of the Year (for people over 18 years old)
We all know someone who goes above and beyond to improve the lives of others – this is your opportunity to recognise them with an accolade they would never seek out but certainly deserve.
The changes do not affect land owners unless they lodge an application for development on their property. Where land is mapped as bushfire prone, a property risk assessment will be carried out as part of the DA process.
Once an assessment of the site has been undertaken, a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) is nominated for the development, and the Bushfire Protection Measures (BPM) required can be determined. These may include incorporating building elements to protect the structure, providing an asset protection zone or cleared area, providing a fire fighting water supply and providing safe entry to and exit from the property.
• Young Citizen of the Year (for ages 24 years and under)
• Mayor's Local Hero Award (all ages)
The Local Celebration Awards are a rare opportunity to acknowledge work in our community that might not be widely known about but is incredibly valuable.
More often than not, a combination of these is used to ensure the development is safe for the occupants and fire fighters. The Bushfire Prone Land map has been certified by Council and the Commissioner of the Rural Fire Service.
• Making a Difference – Community Service Award (all ages)
Nominations can be submitted in person, online, via mail or by video – but be quick, as you only have until 31 March
Find out more about Local Celebration Awards - Penrith City Council at https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/communitylibrary/community/local-celebration-awards
For further information contact Council's Development Services Department on 4732 7991.
HEALTH MATTERS
Written +
P: 0418 166 269
r Article: Penrith
r Article: Penrith City Council
Poor Head Movement, Neck Pain and Hand Paraesthesias – Could Tight Muscles Be A Problem?
Patients often come to clinic suffering:
1. Chronic neck & shoulder pain
2. reduced ability to turn their head, and/or
3. loss of muscle strength, pain, altered or lost feeling in their arm, hands or fingers, (intermittent or constant)
4. muscle atrophy
5. headaches
Medical texts refer to this as ‘cervical syndrome’ (CS) and symptoms occur due to ‘cervical nerve root irritation.’ ‘Cervical’ is Latin for neck.
CS results from mechanical (structure/function) changes around the intervertebral foramina. These are the bony tunnels between vertebrae that allow nerves to pass from the spinal cord to the body.
Medical texts list numerous causes:
1. Abnormal motion, or subluxation of vertebrae with a sprain, stretching, or relaxation of vertebral ligaments & joint structures, or slackening with age/illness.
2. Blockage of nerve tunnels by:
a. bulging/ruptured discs
b. bony outgrowths
c. enlarged tissues
d. inflammatory swelling of vertebral-joint structures
e. haemorrhage
Muscle relaxants are mentioned, but otherwise medical
literature often fails to discuss the effect of tight muscles on the scenarios above. Muscles can tighten (shorten) due to past acute injury, chronic overuse, mental stress, poor posture, or excessive strain due to any of the above-listed structural issues. Muscle tightness is exacerbated by poor nutrition. Tight muscles put pressure on the spine and all its structures. This increases risk of causing:
1. chronic wear & tear,
2. future injury,
3. the locking-in and exacerbation of existing problems above.
A recent client in his 70s attended clinic suffering paraesthesias and loss of strength of the ring and little fingers of his left hand (he was unable to open a bottle with this hand), together with neck muscle pain and severe restriction of the ability to turn his head left or right which significantly affected his driving, and required the installation of extension mirrors on his car for safety reasons. He had had no recent traumatic neck or arm injuries, and the issues were long standing.
By simply lengthening muscles in this patient’s neck and shoulder regions, the client quickly regained the ability to turn his head near normally, strength in his little and ring fingers returned, and he was able to open bottle-tops again, and thus far the intensity of paraesthesia in the fingers has reduced by ~60%.
r** Refer to submitter for references.
Article
Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
City Council
New Pathway Takes Big Step Towards Safety
The popular bridge-to-bridge loop of Penrith’s Great River Walk is now a safer, more connected and enjoyable experience with the new pedestrian pathway on Nepean Avenue complete.
The pathway, which includes bollards and in-ground lighting, significantly improves the safety of thousands of pedestrians who complete the Great River Walk every week and provides the long-awaited addition to the popular walk.
Jointly funded by the NSW Government and Penrith City Council, the pathway project has produced a range of improvements on Nepean Avenue, between Memorial Avenue and Tench Reserve.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney was joined by Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM on site to celebrate the completion of the project.
“Each year we see more and more people visiting our beautiful Nepean River and completing this popular loop walk, and for so long they have been forced to walk on the road during this stretch of the walk which was not ideal,” Cr Carney said.
“This project has been a priority for Council and our community since the development of the Our River Master Plan and the award-winning Penrith Green Grid Strategy.
“It’s fantastic to see our shared vision for a walkable, connected and safe Nepean River precinct realised.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the NSW Government invested $1.25 million towards the project through the Metropolitan Greenspace Program.
“Penrith’s Great River Walk is one of Western Sydney’s most iconic and picturesque destinations with beautiful views of the Nepean River and the Blue Mountains,” Mr Scully said.
“Funding for this project makes this popular community walkway a safer experience for walkers and cyclists. It also improves connectivity to nearby Tench Reserve and the Yandhai Nepean Crossing.”
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM MP said this much-anticipated pathway provides better traffic flow and improve the experience of Great River Walk users.
"The Great River Walk is one of Sydney's most scenic walks and this new pathway makes it even better," Ms McKeown said.
“The local community wants the Nepean River precinct to be a world-class destination for nature and recreation. A safer and more connected Great River Walk is part of that vision."
The project also included new traffic calming paver bands to create a safer, calmer traffic environment which supports and encourages cyclists on the road, as well as the planting of new trees to enhance amenity, provide shade and help cool the city.
This project was proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Penrith City Council. Council secured a $1.25 million grant under the Metropolitan Greenspace Program, and this contribution was matched by Council with additional funds allocated from Council’s District Open Space Contributions Plan and General Revenue.
Learn more at yoursaypenrith.com.au/nepeanavenue.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney and Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM
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HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Services
(Police, Ambulance, Fire) 000
Penrith Police Station 4721 9444 Police Assistance Line 131 444
Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling 131 114 WIRES (Wildlife Rescue) 4754 2946
NSW Rural Fire Service 1800NSWRFS
State Emergency Service 132 500 Churches
Anglican Church St Paul’s, Emu Plains 47351001
Baptist Church Emu Plains Community 4735 1050
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) 0493 547 794
Embroiderers Guild Nepean 0466 457 594
Girl Guides Glenbrook 4739 6087
Lions Club Emu Plains 4735 5120
Lung Support Group 4735 1542
Sports Clubs
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2025 is well underway as we make our way out of the shortest month and roll into Autumn. After a remarkably mild Summer, our trees and gardens look fabulous as the weather begins to cool and it won’t be long before we see leaves turning orange and yellow as nature provides her own compost in the shape of fallen leaves.
St Patrick’s Day, also known by my grandma as Planting Sweet Pea Day, falls in March, along with International Women’s Day, so check our pages to find out what’s happening in your area to celebrate!
As our team is hard at work to get your local Gazette to your letterbox, we’d like to thank all our wonderful advertisers and regular column writers. We appreciate your continued support and contributions – they make our paper a truly local community effort!
But for now, take the opportunity to take a few moments out of your busy day to sit down and read about all the latest happenings in your own local community –Enjoy your Gazette!
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is, you’re the pilot.” (Credit: Michael Altshuler)
Belinda
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