Penrith City Council is thrilled to announce that the Real Festival 2024, held on September 20 and 21 at Tench Reserve, drew 45,000 attendees over the two days.
With great weather, the stunning backdrop of the Nepean River and a jam-packed program, it’s no surprise that festivalgoers flocked to Penrith to enjoy this year’s festivities. The grounds were alive with excitement and creativity as families and friends indulged in the food offerings, immersed themselves in a wonderland of sound and colour, shopped from local markets and tried their hand at a host of workshops.
Penrith City Council General Manager Andrew Moore praised the event’s success.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Council staff, volunteers, and every member of our community who contributed to making this year’s Real Festival a resounding success. Your dedication and support have made a significant impact,” Mr Moore said.
“The success of this year’s event would not have been possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors, and I would like to thank Busways, Blue Mountains Gazette, Western Sydney International Airport and the Western Weekender who helped make this Festival a reality,” he said.
“Real Festival is an important annual event in Council’s calendar, as it provides family friendly activities for residents and visitors of the LGA, for free. We look forward to building on this year’s success in next year’s edition,” Mr Moore said.
Keep up to date with the 2025 dates via the Real Festival social pages: Facebook.com/realfestivalpenrith and Instagram.com/ realfestival
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
The Blue Mountains Art Prize 2024 was held at the Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre in Glenbrook on the 4th, 5th and 6th of October. It is an annual fundraising event, as the Centre is a not for profit organisation that aims to foster art in the community.
Artists from across the region are able to participate, entering the prize for their chance to win from the prize pool worth over $4,000. This is thanks to the Centre and their wonderful sponsors Black Door Gallery, Stella's Gallery, ArtSup, ColourArt, Picture Framing Warehouse, Meisha Mosaics, Merlin Mosaica, David Attwood, Gus Carrozza, Bronwyn Campbell and Alison James.
The prize is an open artist’s event and there were 78 entries this year, across a range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, ceramics, printmaking, watercolour and drawing.
Judged by Katherine Kennedy of Gallery NWC, the Blue Mountains Art Prize 2024 was won by Sharron Mountain with her ceramic entry titled 'Layers in the Landscape'.
Winners of minor prizes included Katrina Bodey, Lili Baran, Doreen Lyon, Beverley Moreman, Felicity Grover, Marnie Latz, Lucy Mathew, Felicity Olley, Kathleen Zanardo, Sarah Tankard, Trish Hickey, Hannah Hausmann, Kim Walker, Victoria Stiff, Zak De Souza, Aria Black and Caitlyn White.
Zak De Souza won first place in the children's section for his ceramic entry 'Vintage Red Telephone’. “It was an absolute pleasure to not only see him receive his prize but have the community of more established artists present on the night engaging Zak in conversation about his work, encouraging him and inspiring the younger generation to continue participating in art,” said Alison James of Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre.
The next event coming up for the Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre will be their annual members exhibition at Glenbrook Hall on the 26th and 27th of October and will look forward to their biennial Blue Mountains Print Prize in July 2025.
r Zak De Souza with his winning ‘Red
Glenbrook Players Bring Patrick White’s A Cheery Soul This Month
Glenbrook Players bring an Australian classic to the stage this November with Patrick White’s, A Cheery Soul, as the first in a great line-up of plays for their 50th Anniversary Year celebrations.
Written in 1963, this darkly comic play, follows the eponymous cheery soul, Miss Docker (Margaret Bell), as she cuts a swathe through the fictional suburb of Sarsaparilla, committing acts of goodness as she goes, leaving somewhat bewildered and emotionally tattered inhabitants in her wake.
The genuinely good-hearted, Mrs Gwen Custance (Sophie Seaborn) opens her home to the temporarily homeless Miss Docker, in a misguided attempt to share the modest good fortune she and her husband enjoy. It doesn't take them long to realise this may have been a monumental mistake.
Mr Custance (Geoff Hacker) is less than impressed from the start but does his best to be charitable, up to a point, but you simply never meddle with Ted Custance's tomatoes! And meddle Miss Docker does. As a result, Miss Docker finds herself hastily trundled off to the Sundown Home for Old People whose hapless residents soon find themselves in the grip of Miss Dockers excruciatingly cheery attempts to entertain and educate.
Miss Docker is convinced that all her actions are for both the spiritual and temporal good of others, whether they like it or not. It is not just her domestic situation that Miss Docker is determined to influence, however. She has her sights set on the Church of England itself, embodied by the local ecclesiastical duo, Rev. and Mrs Wakeman (Ben Curran and Aleksandra Ford). Willing though they are to shoulder responsibility for the spiritual sturdiness of Sarsaparilla, their congregation is dwindling, secular concerns are replacing devotion and Rev Wakeman just can't seem to hit the spot with his meandering sermons. What they need is someone to reignite the spark of faith in the neighbourhood. Enter Miss Docker. Cheery Soul and pillar of the church! But is she a bright spark or an incendiary device?
Directors John Bailey and Ainslie Yardley have drawn together a talented and experienced cast of twenty-two actors from some of Glenbrook Players longest serving performers to some of their newest, to animate this very stylised, satirical play.
“We thought it was appropriate to stage an Australian Play from a celebrated ‘local’ playwright (Patrick White spent a lot of time at his family’s mountain home in Mt Wilson). Patrick White was also a lover of Vaudeville and a good friend of Barry Humphries. We have given more than a nod to both in the staging of this wonderful, funny play, as well as referencing the much loved colour and style of 1950’s costume and domestic design.”
A feature of the production are the filmed memory sequences of Sundown Home resident, Mrs Lillie, in which Cassandra Steenbeeke and John Forbes play the figments of her memory, young Tom and Millicent Lillie. A Cheery Soul opens on the 15th of November at Glenbrook Theatre, running across two weekends, Friday 15th and 22nd November at 7:30pm; Saturday 16th and 23rd at 1:00pm and 7:30pm and Sunday 17th at 1:00pm. Bookings www.glenbrookplayers.com.au; www.glenbrookcinema.com.au or (02) 4739 0003.
r Cassandra Steenbeeke as Mrs Millicent Lillie and John Forbes as Mr Tom Lillie in Glenbrook Players upcoming production of Patrick White's "A Cheery Soul" | Image/Article: Ainslie Yardley
The Moustache is Calling
Twenty-one years ago, a bristly idea was born in Melbourne Australia, igniting a movement that would transcend borders and change the face of men’s health forever. The movement, known as Movember, united people from all walks of life –sparking billions of important conversations, raising vital funds, and shattering the silence surrounding men’s health issues.
Since 2003, this trailblazing charity has challenged the status quo, shaken up men’s health research, and transformed the way that health services reach and support men. Thanks to their global network of supporters, they have raised over AUD 1.5 billion for men’s health. These critical funds have powered more than 1,300 men’s health projects worldwide, from pioneering biomedical research to developing some of the largest prostate cancer registries globally. Since taking on mental health and suicide prevention in 2006, Movember has advocated for the early recognition of mental health issues and improved clinician responses to men in distress. By fostering better social connections and educating men and their supporters, Movember hopes to ensure that more men know how to act when mental health challenges arise.
Movember is committed to advancing new research, cuttingedge treatments, and healthy behaviours, and advocating for inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare that caters to the unique needs of men, women, and gender-diverse individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. In doing so, they hope to forge a future where barriers to healthy living are overcome, stigmas are removed, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to live a long, healthy life. By improving men’s health, we can have a profoundly positive impact on women, families, and society.
At Movember, they’re driven by a bold mission: to change the face of men’s health. But that mission isn't ours to tackle alone. To truly make a difference, they need to unite their global community of supporters. Growing a moustache is the original Movember method. Start with a shave down, then let your Mo take care of the rest. You can also Move for Movember, running or walking 60km over the month. Each kilometre is for the 60 men lost to suicide globally every hour or Mo Your Own way and make your own rules.
This Movember, the moustache is calling once more. Come Together. Grow Together. Become one with the Moustache. Donate now at Movember.com or via the Movember app.
r Unite to take on men’s health | Image/Article: Movember
A Day of Remembrance: Honouring the Brave at Memory Park
As the nation halts for a minute of silence at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, Australians from all walks of life will recognise and honour the profound sacrifices made by our armed forces throughout history.
At 11:00am on November 11, 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Remembrance Day after World War 2 to commemorate those who laid down their lives in both global conflicts.
Anthony Eddie, Vice President of the Penrith RSL sub-Branch, perfectly captured the emotion underlying this solemn ceremony. “Remembrance Day to me is a time to reflect on the many sailors, soldiers, and airmen who made the ultimate sacrifice and died fighting to protect this great nation of ours. It’s a time to reflect on the hundreds of thousands of men and women who emerged from conflict injured, both physically and mentally. It is a time to remember those that suffered in silence for a lifetime afterwards or endured contempt for their committed service. It is also a time to remember the family members, friends and community members who supported those brave Veterans through thick and thin, whilst they were away and when they game back, Eddie stated.
“Remembrance Day is a day to reflect upon the sacrifices of many so all can understand, to educate those that might not be familiar and to improve how we treat our Veterans in the future. It’s an opportunity to re-visit history, to commemorate the memories of loss and hardship, mateship during impossible times and to learn from our mistakes, said Eddie. “Veterans were not always treated well upon their return to Australia, and we must do better as a society in the future”.
This year, the Remembrance Day service will be held at Memory Park, in Penrith. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 10:30 am, with the service commencing at around 10:40am. The service will conclude just after 11:00am, followed by a morning tea and refreshments hosted by the sub-Branch for Veterans, comrades and their families at the Penrith RSL Club.
The Penrith RSL sub-Branch and Auxiliaries Team are dedicated to serving veterans and their families with initiatives like Guitars for Vets, the 4WD Club, the Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums and the newly founded Yarramundi Veterans Shed. The sub-Branch plays an instrumental role in keeping the spirit of service alive in our community. “We have a little over 480 veteran sub-Branch members with consistent and energetic growth, Eddie said proudly.
Amidst the formalities and ceremonies, the underlying message of gratitude and honour is clear. And as we stand in silence, honouring the brave souls who fought for our freedoms, we are reminded of the importance of unity, peace, and gratitude.
We will remember them. Lest we forget.
Local Author Chronicles the Nepean Valley’s Dark
Local author Bruce Turner AM has once again delved into the rich and complex history of the Nepean Valley with the release of his latest book, “Tears Near the Banks of the Nepean,” the second in his acclaimed Banks of the Nepean trilogy. Published in August 2024, the 500-page tome is a monumental work, containing 72 individual profiles, over 350 images, and a detailed account of the scandals, tragedies, and controversies dating back to 1788.
“Scandals and tragedies are a natural part of life, and they’ve helped shape the local identity,” explains Turner. His new book highlights everything from devastating road and rail accidents to natural disasters, infamous crooks, and even political scandals that rocked the community. As Turner puts it, "This history helps us stay grounded. It forces us to confront the challenges and triumphs of the past and how they shaped who we are today."
Turner’s passion for the history of the Nepean Valley stems from his deep connection to the region. A lifelong resident of the area, he began working on the Banks of the Nepean series as a self-funded passion project with the aim of leaving a lasting legacy. "I wanted to capture these stories for future generations," says Turner. "People are genuinely interested in the history of the area where they live, work, and play. Chronicling this history helps us appreciate what we have today."
The book isn’t just a collection of facts; it’s a narrative that weaves together the personal stories of those impacted by tragedy and scandal. From Aboriginal disadvantage to more recent controversies, the book offers a haunting glimpse into the darker side of life in the Nepean Valley. “The Nepean River, with all its hidden dangers, has always played a central role in shaping the region,” Turner notes. “And whether it’s floods, fires, or even earthquakes, the natural environment has had just as much impact on the people here as any political scandal or criminal activity.”
For those interested in purchasing “Tears Near the Banks of the Nepean,” it’s available at the Author Academy Bookstore for $85 https://www.authoracademybookstore. com.au/, with limited copies also available at the Arms of Australia Inn in Emu Plains.
Penrith City Mayor and Deputy Mayor Elected
Penrith Councillor Todd Carney has been elected unopposed as Mayor of the City for a second consecutive term at last month’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, with Councillor Ross Fowler OAM elected as Deputy Mayor.
Cr Carney will serve as Mayor for the next two years, with Deputy Mayor Cr Fowler OAM elected for a one-year term.
“I’m honoured and excited to continue to serve as Mayor, especially at this transformative period for Penrith,” Cr Carney said.
Born and raised in Western Sydney, Cr Carney was first elected to Council in 2016. He was previously the national service manager for a global crane manufacturer. Cr Carney started an apprenticeship at the age of 16 and worked as a heavy vehicle mechanic for 12 years. He was also an electorate officer in the Office of David Bradbury MP for six years, where he advocated for Western Sydney.
Cr Ross Fowler OAM is serving his eighth consecutive term on Council after being first elected in 1991. He served as Mayor in 1995–1996, 2013, 2014 and 2018–2020, and Deputy Mayor in 2015.
The Mayor said that he is looking forward to working closely the Deputy Mayor and the new Council as they hit the ground running.
“We will be working collaboratively to ensure that Council works together for the benefit of everyone in Penrith.”
r Deputy Mayor Cr Ross Fowler OAM and Penrith Mayor Cr Todd Carney | Image/Article: Penrith City Council
Book Review your
Capote's novel, Breakfast at Tiffany's, defined Audrey Hepburn's career and inaugurated an expression of independent womanhood that defined the 1960s and beyond.
I wasn’t aware that the studio went to incredible lengths to cast Hepburn (who, until then, had always played morally upright "good" girls) as Golightly, and pitched it as a romantic comedy rather than as a faithful adaptation of Capote’s transgressive tale to get the film through Hollywood censorship.
I was surprised to discover that Hepburn despised Danishes and tried to negotiate that Holly be enjoying an ice cream cone in the opening scene instead (a suggestion which was knocked back "because ice cream is not a breakfast food"). I also learned that there were two Givenchy dresses: one made for standing and the other for walking. The dress on the film poster is neither, the risqué leg split being added solely for sex appeal.
Overall, it was Hepburn's portrayal of Golightly, specifically Hepburn's good-girl typecast and the screenwriting that downplayed Golightly's transgressive sexuality, which inspired women that matrimony and financial dependence on men were no longer their only options in life. This cultural liberation fed into the second-wave feminist movements that gathered momentum and from which we trace many of the equalities we enjoy today.
This is an easy and entertaining read. Wasson's writing reflects his skilful storytelling, rigorous research process, and a precision with language that places him among Gay Talese, Pico Iyer and other masters of creative nonfiction.
If you love the dreamy monochrome NYC film aesthetic, Audrey Hepburn, her iconic Givenchy LBD, the Hollywood star system, or exploring the rise of feminism in popular culture, this book is for you! r Book Review by: Chloé Steward
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Back Inflammation – Many People Have It But How Does It Occur?
Many clinic patients present with back inflammation & pain. Often, they’re taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples include:
• ibuprofen - Nurofen
• diclofenac –Voltaren
• naproxen –Naprosyn
• celecoxib – Celebrex
These drugs will alleviate back inflammation/pain in the short term (a few days) but seem to be ineffective longer-term. Indeed, long-term intake may produce negative effects.
How inflammation causes pain
Inflammation is an intricate protective mechanism, the body’s response to tissue damage from physical / chemical trauma or infection. It has distinct stages.
At the microscopic level:
1. a physical or chemical trauma, or microbe damages local tissues and cells.
2. damaged cells secrete chemical mediators to notify surrounding cells there’s a problem.
3. surrounding immune, nerve & tissue cells pick up this signal then release additional chemicals to:
a. bring extra immune cells from the blood and lymphatic vessels
b. stimulate bone marrow to make & release new immune cells
c. hypersensitize local nerve cells to heighten pain
4. immune cells home in on the damaged area, releasing:
a. more chemicals of alarm plus,
b. peroxide, and free radicals to kill any microbes,
c. enzymes to digest damaged tissue & dead microbes
d. antibodies to clean-up dead microbes, body-cells, and tissue fragments
Some of the chemical mediators released by cells after damage include:
a. Histamine
b. Bradykinin & CGRP peptides
c. Cytokines (protein hormones produced by tissues & immune system – e.g. Interleukin-1β & TNFα, substance-P (for pain),
d. Oxygen and nitrogen free radicals, peroxide,
e. Leukotrienes & prostaglandins (fish-oil based hormones)
f. Metalloproteinase enzymes
Note: NSAID’s can only modulate production of fish oil-based “Prostaglandins & Leukotrienes”, but none of the others.
In response to release of the above chemical mediators:
1. Local blood vessels:
a. widen, increasing blood flow & warming the damaged area
b. become leaky increasing fluid flow from blood vessels into tissues
2. Stimulate local pain receptors increasing pain
One reason people have chronic back pain is that chemical mediators of inflammation released acutely after injury have never been cleared from the local tissue. A key goal of muscle elongation therapy as practiced at the clinic is to ‘physically’ reduce the inflammatory chemicals remaining in tissue after injury. This helps de-inflame the tissue, reducing/eliminating accompanying pain, and requirement for medication.
r ** Refer to submitter for references.
Building Community Through Giving
Located at 34 Emerald Street in Emu Plains, Little Green Gem on Emerald pantry has become a symbol of community spirit and generosity. Established two years ago, this pantry operates under the principles of a gift economy, promoting abundance and connection among neighbours.
“The pantry is about creating a safe space where you may give, ask, share, lend, and express gratitude,” explains founder, Lisa Mamo. “This strengthens our community by developing personal connections and trust between people and models this behaviour as normal for our children.”
The pantry encourages anyone in the community to contribute in whatever way they can. Whether it’s dropping off non-perishable food, excess produce from home gardens, or taking items for their household, participation in any capacity is welcomed. “We hope to positively impact poverty, food waste, community building, and environmental awareness,” says Lisa. “It’s also about cultivating love and care for Mother Earth and raising conscious children prepared for the future.”
Participants are asked to treat the pantry with care, keeping it as they would their own home pantry. Non-food items such as clothing or household goods are redirected to local op shops to ensure the pantry focuses on its primary mission.
Currently, the pantry is fully stocked and ready to support those in need. “Come and take what you need,” Lisa encourages.
With its focus on giving and sharing, the Little Green Gem on Emerald serves as a reminder that small acts of generosity can spark meaningful connections and foster a more compassionate community.
Local Firies Ready to Protect
Regentville Rural Fire Brigade recently held its annual open day for Get Ready Weekend. Get Ready Weekend is setup as the perfect time to come on down and get the information you need to help protect your family and property for the coming bush fire season.
“With a number of members down at the station, all the trucks on display, the BBQ fired up and so many activities for the kids, it was a great turnout from the community to come and see what we do, and how they can help us protect them when it matters most” said Jordan Jobson of Regentville Rural Fire Brigade.
“The local community was engaged with the information provided by first-hand accounts from our firefighters, and being able to be taken step by step through how to make a bush fire survival plan” he continued.
The brigade itself has also been undertaking some in depth training through the cooler months, to ensure they are ready to respond as required. Crews have retouched on skills like general pump operations, hose management and non-bush fire related incidents such as structure and vehicle fires, all while giving newly qualified crew leaders and breathing apparatus operators a chance to hone in on their newly acquired skills.
As part of their annual requirements, crews also undertook emergency overrun drills, ensuring everyone can safely and effectively get to the safe refuge of a truck should it be entrapped by fire. Not something they ever wish to happen to any crew, but vital for the safety of those on board.
During this training, they are able to incorporate a lot of basic skills for newer members. They have been working hard all year to work on completing their basic bush firefighter qualification, bolstering the number of crews they have available in the local area to respond to a variety of incidents across Western Sydney and New South Wales.
The NSW Rural Fire Service is always looking for members at all brigades. All you need to do is go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs and complete the application.
“Even if you aren’t overly keen on the whole firefighting practice, there are a number of support roles across the state like radio communications, logistics, catering, community engagement and even supporting aviation operations” explained Jordan.
With the weather uncertain for what this fire season will bring, there is one thing they promise… Santa is coming back! They have been in contact with him, and he has advised during the month of December, that he is wanting them to help him again get around to the communities of Regentville, Glenmore Park, Leonay, Emu Plains and Emu Heights. They can’t wait for the details to be finalised. All information regarding this will be posted to their Facebook page: NSW RFS – Regentville Brigade.
“Thank you to the community who has supported us so much in our brigades 73 years of operation. Things have changed a lot from getting on the older trucks with beaters and wet rags, but the dedication our members show to the community has not and we cannot do it without the support of our wider communities” he ended.
r Little Green Gem on Emerald pantry | Image: Lisa Mamo. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Heartworm Disease in Dogs: A Growing Concern for Penrith Pet Owners
Heartworm disease is a serious and often fatal condition in dogs, and recent positive cases in Penrith and Quakers Hill have raised concerns for local pet owners. With the increase in mosquito activity following heavy rainfall, it’s essential to understand the risks and how to prevent this parasitic infection. What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm that is transmitted to dogs through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic larvae (microfilariae), which it then passes on when biting another animal. These larvae enter the bloodstream and migrate through the organs, taking five to six months to mature into adult worms. The adult worms live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels, where they can cause severe damage to a dog’s health.
Adult heartworms can grow up to 30 cm long and live in a dog’s body for up to seven years, producing more larvae and continuing the infection cycle. In areas like Penrith, where the Nepean River creates an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, the risk of heartworm disease is particularly high.
Recognising the Signs
Heartworm disease progresses slowly, making it difficult to spot in its early stages. Initial symptoms in dogs may include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and weight loss. As the disease advances, more severe signs such as abdominal swelling and heart failure can develop. Without treatment, heartworm disease is almost always fatal.
A simple blood test at the vet can detect heartworm infection. Regular testing is especially important if your dog has missed doses of preventive medication, as some preventives can cause life-threatening reactions if adult worms are already present.
Preventing heartworm is much easier and more affordable than treating the disease. Preventive medications come in the form of tablets, chews, spot-on treatments, or injections and should be given year-round, even to indoor dogs, as mosquitoes can enter homes.
If your dog hasn’t been on consistent heartworm prevention, it’s important to have them tested before starting treatment to ensure they’re not already infected.
With rising heartworm cases in Western Sydney, staying vigilant is key. For advice on heartworm prevention, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at 0247362027 for expert guidance.
• Visiting specialist radiographer and ultrasonographer
• Puppy preschool
• Grooming and hydrobath
• Home visits
• Cat boarding and Kitten adoption
• Secure off leash dog park
Shooting Stars
The whistles have been blown on the 2024 Penrith District Netball Association (PDNA) season, with Emu Plains Netball Club having another successful year on the court.
The local club, which formed in 1969, had 219 players registered this year, representing a total of 24 teams. They consisted of 3 Net, Set, Go teams, 13 Junior teams and 8 Senior teams.
The season would bring with it many highlights as well as finals appearances.
“We had 11 teams head into the Semi Finals, to battle it out for a place in this year’s Grand Final. This would see 5 teams finally progressing through to the Grand Final” explained Elizabeth De Marzi, President of Emu Plains Netball Club.
“Congratulations goes to our Under 10/2 Peppers, Under 15/4 Sandpipers and B4 Redbacks, who came away Premiers on the day” she continued.
Elizabeth was particularly appreciative for the continued support that the club receives from the local community.
“It’s always a good season. We have wonderful, supporting parents and supporters in our club and it’s great when you see the girls learning new skills, having fun, making new friends and enjoying the game of netball” Elizabeth smiled.
Coaches, umpires and sponsors all played a vital role in their success.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Coaches and Umpires for the wonderful job they do week in and week out with our girls on and off the court.
“A special thank you to Emu Sports Club for their continued sponsorship. It is greatly appreciated, so thank you so much” she acknowledged.
Attention now turns towards the Club’s Junior Presentation, which will be held this month on Sunday November 3rd at Emu Sports Club in Leonay.
Planning for next season has already begun. Online registrations will open on 10th January.
“We hope to see you all back again, as we head into the 2025 netball season” ended Elizabeth.
r Under 10/2 Peppers were Premiers on Grand Final Day | Image: Emu Plains Netball Club
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
The One Who Prayed For Me
Have you ever had someone do something really kind for you? And has anyone ever done something for you that you didn’t find out about until much later? Maybe they bought you a gift that showed they know you. Maybe they bought you a plane ticket you couldn’t afford, to see a loved one. Maybe they prayed for you long before you found out about it.
I’ve been astounded as I was reminded again that Jesus did that last one for me, and for all of us. He prayed. Not only that, but we know what he prayed from reading chapter 17 of John’s gospel about him. Does that blow your mind? We can hear what Jesus the Son of God asked God the Father for us.
So, what does Jesus pray? He prays that God’s plans would come through despite all the enormous challenges – the challenge of wanting to avoid pain and suffering and even death. He prays it for himself – for his disciples – and for all of us who would depend on him. And at the heart of that prayer is that we would know the eternal life that is found only in knowing God
I’m grateful for lots of people who’ve prayed for me, and it’s my hope to pray for lots of people, whether they know about it or not. But how wonderful is it to know that Jesus himself prayed for you and for me. Not only that, but as he did, he showed us the most extraordinary way to depend on God – through prayer.
Jesus showed us the most extraordinary love when he prayed long before we would find out about it. Have you ever had a chance to hear what he prayed? Why not look up John chapter 17 today and read it for yourself.
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
As we start to work our way through November, the countdown to the school holidays and festive season seems to be racing towards us at top speed. It’s no longer possible to ignore the tinsel that’s starting to twinkle in the shops or the online advertisements for every kind of advent calendar you’d like to imagine – that’s my Christmas gift suggestion to all those wanting to get it over and done before December even arrives!
I would like to take this moment to thank all our team, supporters, subscribers and contributors, you all help to make the Gazette our go-to paper for all things local.
A special thank you to our wonderful advertisers, you make getting our local paper into every letterbox possible!
In the meantime, Summer’s almost here, so dust off your cossies for a dip, and of course, take a moment or two to relax and check out everything that’s happening right here in your community with your copy of the District Gazette.
“Do anything, but let it produce joy.”
Belinda
Sports Clubs
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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Plains, Emu Heights & Leonay + Pick Up Points in Glenbrook & Blaxland
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