Penrith City Council is urging residents to plan ahead by downloading and completing an emergency plan on the Red Cross Get Prepared app.
The Get Prepared app helps residents connect with key support people and accomplish simple tasks to make loved ones safer in the event of an emergency. It’s a great way to plan ahead to protect the things that matter most in a crisis.
The app is free to download and easy to use, it’s a one-stop tool to help you prepare for any type of emergency where residents can:
• Establish a quick and easy network of support with three key contacts
• Review the risks relevant to where they live
• Create checklists of actions to make an emergency plan
• Save the emergency plan as a PDF so it can be printed and shared with others.
Penrith Mayor, Tricia Hitchen, said that with emergencies becoming more frequent and with lasting impacts, it has never been more important for the community of Penrith to get prepared.
“Penrith is in a unique position where we've endured extreme heat waves, bushfires, floods, storms and the COVID-19 pandemic. The more people prepare for a disaster, the better we can all manage during an emergency and in the recovery afterward,” Cr Hitchen said.
“The Get Prepared app is the perfect way to get your household ready for an emergency and to put you in the best position to respond, adapt and recover should you need to.”
“I encourage everyone to tell their family, friends and neighbours about the Get Prepared app so we can all prepare as a community, because a prepared community is a resilient community.”
As a participating Council in the Resilient Sydney program, Penrith Council is collaborating with the Councils of Sydney to create a connected, inclusive and resilient region.
Download the Get Prepared app, co-created by Australian Red Cross and general insurer IAG, to keep your emergency plan close to hand.
To find out more, visit penrith.city/emergencyready
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
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.
Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS)
Meets on the 4th Friday of the month in Melrose Hall (169 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains) from 7.30 p.m. More Details: 0493 547 794.
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
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay) from 6.30p.m. More Details: www. prostatesupport.org.au or phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on 1300 13 38 78.
Penrith Womens Walk and Talk
Meets 5pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk
Penrith Mens Walk and Talk
Meets 5pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/
Western Sydney filmmaker George Basha has premiered his new action film, Hostile Forces, at the Lebanese Film Festival Australia recently. With filming locations including the Lower Blue Mountains, the film has also been released in North America.
Hostile Forces tells the story of a retired soldier, who takes his family to a nice quiet holiday out to the Australian bush. It takes a deadly turn when they accidentally stumble across some mysterious bags, forcing the father to rely on his old military skills to save his family from a team of bad guys. The family must do everything in their power to not only survive them, but to survive the Australian bush.
Written and directed by George Basha (who also stars), the film was shot in June 2021. Filming locations also included Kurrajong, Colo Heights, Richmond, Parramatta, Carlingford, North Head and Irrawong.
It was Basha’s fourth film to date, “I have to say it was the most challenging of any film, especially the fight scenes, which there is plenty of. We were shooting during Winter, and it was really cold, and we had a tight budget that we were working with” he explained.
“I enjoyed the experience, as this was my first film as a standalone director. I appreciated directing the actors and having total artistic control on how I shot it and the feel I gave the film. I will never forget it and am very proud to be able to have had the opportunity” George added.
It didn’t come without its challenges, with filming hindered by the pandemic.
“We were shut down in our final week of filming, due to the lockdown. We also had to go back and film the waterfall fight scene, due to me getting hypothermia and collapsing” he stated.
George himself got COVID on the last day of the shoot. Postproduction was also brought to a halt, with COVID striking down the editor.
“All these issues contributed to the film going over budget, but we got there and it’s here now” George ended.
The film has just got a release in the North American market, through Myriad Pictures and Saban Films and is currently streaming on Tubi as a Tubi original. It will hit digital streaming in Australia and New Zealand in the coming weeks. Dates and streaming platforms will be announced shortly.
r (L-R) Maya Stange, George Basha, and Ria Maric - stars of Hostile Forces | Image: George Basha
St Paul’s Grammar School is offering a limited number of scholarships to new students entering Year 11 in 2024, encouraging excellence and nurturing potential across the curriculum.
Financial Scholarships
Are offered to students who are able to demonstrate a commitment to learning and cocurricular pursuits. Applications must include a summary of the financial circumstances of the family.
All-Rounder Scholarships
Are offered to students with significant ability in a minimum of two of the following areas:
• Academic • Performing Arts • Community Service
• Sport • Leadership
Performing Arts Scholarships
Are offered to students of exceptional achievement in music, dance or drama as well as a commitment to pursuing excellence in other academic studies.
Christian Congregational Scholarships
Are offered to students with a developing understanding of the Christian faith and who are actively involved in a Christian Church.
Emu Plains local, Bruce Turner, has released ‘Footprints: On the Banks of the Nepean,’ his fifth book in five years. The book shares stories about the changes in how people live, work, and play in the Nepean Valley.
The book is a full colour, 450 page, A4 sized collection of the memories of 72 people who have helped shape the Nepean Valley Community. “The stories are brought to life through fast facts, key dates, ancestry charts, maps, personal insights, artefacts, over 500 photos, and several directly referenced local history walks. The research has unearthed many interesting connections, right through to Queen Elizabeth II,” said Bruce Turner, author of Footprints: On the Banks of the Nepean.
Taking almost 3 years to write and produce, the book follows an extensive time span of people, from an early pioneer of the district born 1810 through to Penrith’s youngest mayor born 1976. “Sourcing information and shaping the stories had to be handled delicately. There was considerable research in tracking down even the tiniest of facts to ensure optimal accuracy,” Bruce explained.
Ninety percent of the people profiled in the book have passed on, and, of these, almost seventy percent lived beyond their seventieth birthday. “The book reflects that the best investment you can make is in memories,” he explained.
In September, Bruce joined Penrith City Library during History Week for an Author Talk, where he discussed his book, the research behind it, and the people he has included to tell their stories. The event was a great success with all tickets sold out. “It [the book] has been really well received, people seem really interested in uniquely local stories,” Bruce said.
Bruce is not slowing down anytime soon, with his second book in the Banks of the Nepean trilogy already in the publication and design stage. “It is ‘Tears Near the Banks of the Nepean’ and it should be released in 2024. ‘Tears’ is a collection of memories of 72 scandals, tragedies, crooks, and controversies,” Bruce told the Emu and Leonay Gazette. If all goes to plan, Bruce predicts the final book in the in the trilogy ‘Triumphs’ will follow in 2025.
Footprints: On the Banks of the Nepean can be purchased online through the Author Academy Bookstore in either softcover or hardcover versions, which are $80 and $100 respectively. Direct link: https://www.authoracademybookstore.com.au/ shop/footprints-on-the-banks-of-the-nepean/
The team at Tanti Financial Services is thrilled to announce the 7th Annual "Turn The River Pink" charity fundraiser event, continuing its mission to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support. The event will take place on Saturday October 21st 2023, promising a day filled with hope, solidarity, and community spirit.
In its seventh year, "Turn The River Pink" has become a cherished tradition within our community. Breast cancer is a disease that affects millions of lives every year, and the team is determined to make a difference in the fight against it. "Turn The River Pink" is not just an event; it's a celebration of life and a testament to the power of community coming together for a common cause.
Event Details:
• Date: Saturday October 21st, 2023
• Time: 8:00am
• Location: 6 Tench Avenue, Jamisontown
• Registration: www.ttrp.com.au
For more information about "Turn The River Pink" event and how you can get involved, please visit www.ttrp.com.au.
r Image: www.pixabay.com | Article: Tanti Financial Services
Article Written + Submitted by:
Sussan Omar | Parenting FacilitatorNepean
Community & Neighbourhood ServicesW: www.nepeancommunity.org.au
E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au
As parents and caregivers, our concern for children's online safety is paramount. To protect them effectively, we must actively engage with and understand their digital world. Open communication from early years through adolescence can reduce online risks.
Common Online Risks
Depending on your child's age and internet usage, risks may include:
Excessive Screen Time: One of the primary concerns for caregivers is the amount of time children spend online. Current guidelines recommend specific limits based on age.
• For children under 2 years old, it's recommended to avoid any screen time other than video chat.
• Between the ages of 2 and 5, limit screen time to no more than 1 hour per day.
• For children and adolescents aged 5 to 17, the recommended limit is no more than 2 hours a day, excluding schoolrelated work.
Online Gaming: Online gaming can become addictive and impact other areas of a child's life if not monitored.
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying, comprising of hurtful messages, posts, and images, that are sent directly to the young person or shared online. This can impact young victims mentally and physically.
Child Grooming: Child grooming involves adults posing as peers, establishing trust with minors, and leading to potential sexual abuse. According to e-safety research, 38% of young people chat to strangers online, and while most interactions are harmless, caregivers need to be aware of the risk.
Sexting: Sexting, common among youth, can turn problematic when coerced, shared without consent, or used for control. Both males and females are equally at risk of being victims here. It's important to note that once an image is sent, it can be lost forever in cyberspace.
Exposure to Online Pornography: Children may inadvertently come across explicit content, affecting their development.
Open Communication: Engage in online activities with young children and maintain conversations about their online experiences and safety.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules on where and when kids can access the internet, favouring communal spaces.
Agree on Rules: Discuss age-appropriate time limits and consequences for device usage. Create agreements together when possible.
Provide Support: Foster a safe environment where children can seek help when facing online threats or issues.
Use Parental Controls: Utilise built-in controls in devices and apps to monitor and restrict online access.
Today, children enjoy the digital world for fun, education, and connection. While it can be enjoyable, parents must remain vigilant, set boundaries, and support their children. For more resources, visit: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents
A local woman has started a book club to cater for mature book lovers in the Lower Mountains area, hosting meetings monthly in Glenbrook.
“On a personal level, I love to read books as it is my way of escaping from the humdrum of everyday life, enabling me to experience different lives,” said Annette Legge, creator of the Lower Mountains 40+ Book Club. Annette was inspired to start a book club after struggling to find a local club to join for her age group. “My daughter Rebecca who runs a Book Club for younger people in their 20s and 30s repeatedly suggested to me that there was a ‘more mature’ group of people in the local community who needed a book club,” she added.
The book club was formed at the start of the 2023, with its first meeting being held in February. With 29 members, the club meets on the first Thursday of every month at the Glenbrook Panthers Bowling Club, from 7pm-9pm. “On a social level, I knew that, after being in isolation for three years with Covid, that the Book Club would be a good avenue through which to meet people and make new friends,” Annette said.
The Lower Mountains 40+ Book Club not only gives a great opportunity to talk about novels and reading, but also gives members of the community a chance to bond and create new friendships.
Book Club members can expect to be primarily involved in:
• Reading the set novel or chosen book for each month.
• Participating in the group discussion at monthly meetings whilst sharing dinner and a glass of wine.
• Making suggestions and contributing to a list of recommended good reads.
• Offering a brief summary review – a recent theme was to read an autobiography of your own choice and then share your reading experience with the group.
• Film excursion to Glenbrook Cinema to watch the film: ‘Book Club: The Next Chapter’.
• A luncheon with an emerging author to provide feedback for her draft Sci-fi novel.
If you’re a bookworm and are interested in finding more information about this Book Club, go to Facebook and search ‘Lower Mountains 40+ Book Club’. For more details, you can private message the host of the Book Club, Annette Legge, who will happily answer your questions.
r Lower Mountains 40+ Book Club members | Image: Rebecca Legge
On October 22, local Thomas Latty will be running 10 laps of the Great River Walk, 64kms in total, to raise funds for WestCare Community Services. Starting at 5:00am, Latty will commence his run at the newly opened venue on Tench Avenue, The Orchard, and will run the 10 laps consecutively throughout the day.
“The charity I will be sponsoring is WestCare, and specifically towards their work towards the Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk and Penrith Women’s Walk and Talk,” said Thomas Latty.
WestCare provides auspice to Penrith Walk and Talk, where men and women around Penrith can join a group of likeminded people for a weekly walk at the Nepean River. “Physical exercise is proven to help those struggling with their mental health and I love what the teams behind both of these weekly events have created,” Latty explained.
Discovering his passion for running after the COVID-19 lockdowns, running the bridge to bridge has become a regular habit for Latty, and is something that thousands of Penrith locals’ jog, walk or run every week.
“Every Thursday evening, I would run past all the people from the Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk and thought it would be a great idea for the community to have an event involving one of Penrith’s best locations with a local charity doing so much for the community,” he added.
In preparation for his 64-kilometre run, Latty has run two marathons this year and frequently runs the Great River Walk. His main goal for this event is to raise funds and awareness for those in need in the local area.
On the day, Michael Todd from OnePointHealth, and Luke Kohler from Sydney Direct Fresh Produce will be joining Thomas along the way to support the cause.
To donate, Andrew from WestCare has set up donation links within their website, accessible via https://westcare.org.au/ donate.
“For those wanting to get involved in the event, anyone is more than welcome to join me along the way for a lap or two. Feel free to reach out to me directly for more details,” Latty concluded.
Whether you can run, jog, or walk on the day, the main goal of the event is to raise awareness for those in need within our local community!
r Thomas Latty at Runaway Noosa Marathon earlier this year | Image Supplied
(one who prunes, weeds and feeds your garden, but can also mow?)
one who prunes, weeds and feeds your garden, but can also mow?
?
Winter sleep is over, Spring has come full of colour and new life
Autumn brings falling leaves Winter sleep is over, Spring has come full of colour and new life
Time to get your garden ready for Winters’ sleep and plant your bulbs for Spring’s awakening
• 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
Due to a printing error, last months solution didn't print correctly. Thankyou to the lovely readers who notified us!
Puzzle 1
Across: 1. Witch, 6. Pirate, 7. Dinosaur, 9. Mummy, 10. Mermaid
Down: 2. Clown, 3. Carrot, 4. Devil, 5. Vampire, 6. Pimpkin, 8. Angel
Puzzle 2
will transport you from 19th century Valparaíso to goldrush San Francisco.
Eliza was abandoned as a baby on the doorstep of the Sommers house, wrapped only in a cardigan. She was adopted and raised in English manners and customs by Rose Sommers, who is unable to marry and have a daughter of her own. One day, when Eliza is 14, she falls in love at first sight with a delivery boy, Joaquín Andieta, and they begin a passionate, but short-lived affair.
Reports from the Californian goldfields allure Joaquín away from his beloved. Not long after he leaves, Eliza discovers she is pregnant and devises a plan, convincing her friend Tao Chi'en to smuggle her on to a ship headed to California.
She survives the voyage, only just, thanks to Tao’s medicine and care, and sets off to find Joaquín who, in the months they have been apart, has become an infamous outlaw with a bounty on his head. On her journey, Eliza meets hopeful and dejected miners, a travelling brothel, abolitionists, brigands, and more.
Daughter of Fortune is an engrossing tale of chasing freedom and love and finding more than what you bargained for in the most unlikely of places. It's a story of separation and reunion, family secrets, and overcoming grief.
Allende's writing is poetic and elegant. She takes care with every word and writes with sensitivity when dealing with the harsh realities of prostitution, foot-binding, disease, and more. Her characters will linger in your imagination long after you turn the final page.
Daughter of Fortune will appeal to lovers of historical fiction, especially Gone With the Wind and The Lady's Mine, as well as anyone who wishes they could be a better writer. You can trust Allende to delight.
r Book Review by: Chloé Steward
SUBMIT YOUR BOOK REVIEW and receive a $50 GiftCard if your review appears in print!
EMAIL: info@districtgazette.com.au
SUBJECT: Book Review
Please include: (1) Name (2) Postal Address (3) Phone Number (4) Book Review (250-300 Word limit) and a clear (4) Book Cover Photo to qualify.
GiftCard randomly selected and sent by post to the chosen 'printed' entries. Printing may appear in all/any District Gazette publication
On Saturday, October 21, the Caring Hearts Community Quilters will be hosting their annual Airing of the Quilts at the historic Arms of Australia Inn Museum in Emu Plains.
“There will be lots and lots of colourful quilts this year to see with a trading table, plant stall, hand made goods, Devonshire teas, a sausage sizzle, and a beautiful raffle quilt, with the proceeds of the raffle going to Motor Neurone Disease,” said Margaret Collier. The event will run from 9:30am to 2:30pm and will cost $5 for an entry ticket.
Working hard throughout the year, The Caring Hearts Community Quilters produce quilts to donate to local charities in the area. “The ladies of this group take pride in the knowledge that they are truly doing something they love whilst bring comfort to those that receive them,” Margaret explained.
All quilts displayed at the event will be donated to palliative care patients in the Hawkesbury, Nepean, and Blue Mountains areas, the Penrith Women’s Shelter, The Flying Doctor Service, and other people in need in the local area.
With the day taking a tremendous effort to set up, the members of the quilters group are always looking for help and would welcome any new patchwork and quilting ladies.
The group will be receiving help on the day from palliative care nurses at Nepean Hospital, who have also made quilts to display and donate. “Julianne Brisbane is a palliative care nurse and quilter, who joined the group after last year’s Airing of the Quilts. She said she could see the positive difference to patients and their families, and wanted to get behind the charity so that it continues,” said Margaret.
“I love making a variety of different patterns. There are only so many quilts you can use yourself, and this helps my passion for quilting. Maybe there are others that feel the same, if so, I hope they reach out to this group. It is very worthwhile as I have witnessed the joy that they (the quilts) bring to the patients that I have cared for,” Margaret ended.
For more information about the event or Caring Hearts Community Quilters, contact 0438 670012.
*The Airing cannot be held in the event of inclement weather.
Article Written + Submitted by: Senior Minister
Roger CunninghamP: 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
It was in the news a few years ago - ‘Kangaroo seen on Sydney Harbour Bridge’. What are we going to do now? After years of telling Americans kangaroos don’t actually roam the streets in Australia, we’ve got one on the Harbour Bridge! It would have confirmed everything they ever thought they knew. It was a wallaby of course, but that’s not as gripping a headline.
Seeing something can challenge what we think we know. Even hearing a report from someone else can do the same. It can even have happened years ago. But even if it never happened before, you’ve still got to take notice of the time that it did. Have you ever seen a kangaroo on the Harbour Bridge before?
It happened a while ago now, but reports of Jesus’ life and words have certainly challenged what many people thought they knew. Explanations and opinions differ - you’d be forgiven from many for thinking he is the creation of a lively imagination, or an ancient figure who is no longer relevant.
But when you read the Bible and hear the reports of those who met Jesus - you may just want to remember news of the kangaroo on the Harbour Bridge. You thought it was impossible, or a figment of imagination, but discover Jesus is not only genuine but has a crucial place in your life.
Christians who trust the Bible still believe that. They believe other extraordinary things too, like Jesus’ death was a victory over our death, that he rose again from the dead so we could too, and that a life lived trusting him is true freedom.
In a time when you wouldn’t expect a kangaroo to cross the Harbour Bridge, Jesus can challenge everything you thought about him as well.
HEALTH MATTERS
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
P: 0418 166 269
Medical researchers conducted two small placebo-controlled human trials, to look at the benefits of fermented milk yoghurt for UC patients.
The first trial looked at 20 UC patients whose symptoms had been brought under control using standard treatments.
Taking yoghurt daily for 1 year allowed most patients to remain symptom free. Most patients not taking yoghurt had relapses. For patients who did relapse, if the patient was taking yogurt, they generally had only one relapse. Patients not taking yoghurt had two or more. So, eating daily yoghurt worked, in preventing relapse in most patients, and in significantly reducing the number of relapses if relapse did occur.
In a second (12 week) trial, researchers looked at 20 UC patients whose symptoms had initially been controlled using standard treatments, but in whom UC symptoms returned, while on medication.
Patients were kept on standard medications - mesalazine or salazosulphapyridine, and then given either placebo, or a milk yoghurt made using 3 bacteria - Bifidobacterium (breve & bifidum) and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
After 12 weeks, patients in the group receiving yoghurt were more likely to:
1. have symptom improvement, or
2. be completely symptom free,
and their bowel walls tended to look much more healed when viewed by endoscope, and much less injured when bowel-tissue samples were viewed by microscope.
Finally, those eating daily yoghurt showed marked increases in small fatty acids content in stool. Small fatty acids (such as butyrate and propionate) help heal the bowel. Butyrate is the main energy source for the cells lining the colon, and it also reduces bowel inflammation caused by the immune system. In this way butyrate helps heal the bowel. No increases in small fatty acids were seen in the placebo group.
The researcher then noted that adding prebiotic foods would further help normalise bowel bacteria composition, likely making yogurt treatment even more effective, i.e., a more wholistic approach, leads to a more effective treatment.
Michelle and I had an exceptional lunch at Grow Cafe in Emu Plains. It was my first time visiting this venue and it did not disappoint. Carmen and her team provided us with outstanding service.
When we arrived, we were greeted by Carmen and her team, who were very welcoming. I knew from the warm welcome we received that our lunch would be enjoyable.
After looking at the menu, I decided to settle on the Big Breakfast. This Big Breakfast was filling and had plenty of flavour. It consisted of two FreeRange Eggs, Crispy Bacon, Chorizo Sausage, housemade Potato Rosti, Garlic Butter Mushrooms, Grilled Tomatoes, along with 2 pieces of Buttered Toast.
The careful preparation was evident in each element – the eggs were perfectly cooked, the bacon was wonderfully crispy, the chorizo added a spicy kick, the potato rosti was satisfyingly hearty, and the garlic butter mushrooms lent a rich and savoury touch. The addition of buttered toast was a comforting accompaniment that rounded off the meal. This breakfast truly offered a delightful assortment of textures and flavours. What made it special was the handmade potato rosti.
Michelle chose the Southern Style Chicken Wrap which consisted of Fried Chicken, Red Onion, Cheese, Tomato, Spinach, Chipotle Sauce, and a serve of Chips. She really enjoyed her wrap and said that it was full of flavour and very filling.
I was also very keen to try a glass of freshly squeezed Orange Juice. The juice was sweet, very refreshing, full of flavour, and highly recommended.
I tried a Flat White Coffee, which was creamy, had plenty of flavour, and not bitter at all.
Grow Cafe are allergy and vegan friendly, taking dietary requirements very seriously.
I give Grow Café a ten out of ten. Thanks to Carmen and her team for looking after us.
Brace yourself Sydney, because the world’s most fun-filled 5k run is back this November, 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 12,000 watts of 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 November 25th and 26th at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre in Horsley Park and save a date for February 3rd at St. Ives Showground for an encore performance.
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. Use promo code SYDFOAM to save 10% on single entry tickets - but act fast because prices jump every 500 tickets sold.
The 5K Foam fest is not just a run; it’s a foam-soaked, mudcovered, 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!
Article Written + Submitted by: Kellie Tickner from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital
A: 49 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027
With warmer weather arriving, it’s time to dust off the BBQ and spend extra time gathering with friends and family outdoors. As we prepare, remember that it is important to check where your pets may be hiding – most likely under the table waiting for the food and snacks to drop.
While party food is appropriate for people, that doesn’t automatically mean that it’s also safe for your pets. In fact, when you have a BBQ or picnic, you need to keep a very close eye on what foods are within reach of your dog. Many foods are not only bad for your dog’s digestive system, but they can even be deadly for him to eat.
Here are a few common BBQ and party foods that are dangerous for dogs.
Ribs and Other Cooked Meat Bones:
While it’s tempting for many people to give cooked bones to dogs, it can have its problems. Cooked chicken bones and rib bones can splinter very easily, becoming lodged in a dog’s throat or digestive tract. Bone fragments can also become lodged in the small intestines, causing a complete intestinal blockage. If bone fragments travel down the gastrointestinal tract and reach the large bowel, they may collect and cause constipation. This is painful for dogs, as the bone fragments scrape the lining of the colon and rectum and lead to significant trauma.
Onions:
Onions add flavour and can often be found in many party foods. All members of the onion family, including shallots and garlic, are toxic to dogs. Although not as toxic as grapes or xylitol, avoid giving onions to your dog, regardless of if they are raw or cooked. Cooking onions doesn’t have an impact on the safety of onions, and cooked onions are still poisonous to dogs because of their toxic effect on red blood cells. All forms of onion can be toxic to dogs whether powdered, dried, fresh, or cooked.
Potato Chips and Pretzels:
These may seem like simple snack foods, but in reality, pretzels and chips are loaded with sodium, which isn’t good for dogs. Too much of either of these snack foods can upset a dog’s stomach, as well as cause excessive thirst and urination. In severe circumstances, it can result in vomiting, tremors, diarrhoea, seizures, and fever. Discourage your guests or other partygoers from the temptation of feeding these snacks to dogs.
Chocolate Desserts:
Desserts are everyone’s favourite part of the BBQ, but they can be deadly for dogs especially if they involve chocolate, xylitol, or alcohol. The compounds in both chocolate and xylitol can be fatal to dogs. The symptoms of chocolate poisoning include seizures, heart arrhythmias, and muscle tremors. Within thirty minutes of ingestion, xylitol will cause a fast, dangerous drop in blood sugar levels accompanied by disorientation and seizures. Some dogs can even develop liver failure, which may lead to death.
Some fruits are perfectly fine for dogs to eat in moderation, but grapes are not one of them. If you include grapes in fruit salads or desserts, make sure your dog cannot eat them. Grapes cause kidney failure in dogs and can cause lethargy, diarrhoea, and vomiting around twelve hours after ingestion. The dog will become increasingly dehydrated, may refuse to eat, and will
show either an increase or decrease in urination. Long-term kidney disease or death follows.
This time of year is always full of fun with friends and food. Keep your dog safely locked away, especially on the weekend that we will hopefully be celebrating a Panthers victory!
A celebration at home is much more relaxing than being in a Vet Emergency waiting room.
Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Football Club (JRLFC) have capped off a fantastic 2023 season in the local competition.
This season saw 710 players, from the Under 6’s through to A Grade, making up 49 teams in the Penrith and District Junior Rugby League Competition. 5 female teams (Under 11’s, Under 13’s, Under 15/1’s, Under 15/2’s and Under 17’s) and 44 male teams represented the Emus.
With the club’s success on the field brought with it many highlights this year.
“I’m proud of the club this season. We had 8 teams playing in their grand finals. This consisted of the Under 9/3’s, Under 10/3’s, Under 12/1’s, Under 14/2’s, Under 15/1’s, Under 15/2’s, Under 17 Girls and A Grade” said Stephen Chester, President of Emu Plains JRLFC.
“A Grade and the Under 15/2’s would go on to win and be crowned premiers. There was also growth within the club, with the number of teams growing from 43 in 2022 to 49 in 2023” he added.
Stephen described A Grade’s grand final as one he enjoyed and a great way for them to end the season, “Watching A Grade win the 2023 grand final 32 – 26 against the Windsor Wolves was special”.
The club’s efforts on the field would see two of their standout players named in New South Wales squads. Matilda Vella was chosen to represent the Under 16’s for New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC), whilst Talmage Brown for the Under 15’s New South Wales Combined High Schools (NSWCHS) teams.
The 2024 Under 17’s Penrith Panthers Harold Matthews Summer Squad also included Emu Plains JRLFC members with Asa Visesio, Kees Muller, Taj Jelacic, Zackary Fitzgerald, Hayden Gill and Talmage Brown.
“Congratulations to our Emu players on being selected in their representative teams” Stephen explained.
With the season now over, attention turns towards the presentations later this month. Senior Presentation takes place on Saturday 21st October at The Log Cabin and Junior Presentation the following week on Saturday 28th October at Leonay Oval.
Penrith City Council is proposing to build two new kayak launch decks to make it safer and easier for people of all ages to launch kayaks and other passive watercraft such as canoes and stand up paddleboards on the Nepean River.
The new launch decks are planned to be built on River Road, Leonay and at Factory Road Reserve, Regentville to create opportunities for people to access the water on both sides of the Nepean River.
At River Road, the project includes the construction of a new launch deck and access path to the water’s edge, with informal sandstone seating and planting of new trees along the embankment.
Improving access to the Nepean River for fishing and kayaking was identified as a priority for our community in the Our River Masterplan (2013) and the delivery of these launch decks will be another step towards realising this vision.
Construction is expected to start in September 2023 with the project expected to be complete in November 2023.
For more information about the project, visit https://yoursaypenrith.com. au/launchdecks
4733
editor@districtgazette.com.au www.districtgazette.com.au
PO Box 8254
Glenmore Park NSW 2745
General Enquiries info@districtgazette.com.au
Advertising Enquiries advertise@districtgazette.com.au
Account Information + Enquiries accounts@districtgazette.com.au
Artwork Submissions + Approval design@districtgazette.com.au
Distribution Enquiries wedeliver@districtgazette.com.au
NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE
18th October 2023
NEXT ISSUE DISTRIBUTION
Online: 1st November 2023
Letterboxes: 7 + 8 November 2023
Flynnko Pty Ltd
ABN: 65 601 734 472 trading as:
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.
October is upon us, and without a doubt, it sure is getting warmer!
It's late September as I sit in my office and put pen to paper. We've experienced a spate of warm, picture perfect days - warm enough that the pool was beginning to look extremely inviting! Although the smarter /wiser me knows that it's far too icy to give it a trial run. I won't be fooled by these idyllic daysnot just yet!
We couldn't publish this amazing paper without you. Do you have a story to share? A great achievement, a milestone, an accomplishment against all odds? Perhaps you have an interesting career, a rare find, a talent, an unusual skill or hobby?
We'd love to share your story, it might be exactly what our readers need to hear or know.
I'm excited to present this jam-packed edition, chock-full of events, stories and opportunities to connect.
Time for a cuppa! Enjoy Your Community News.
Remember, ‘none of us sit high enough to look down on anyone'.
facebook.com/districtgazette
Delivered MONTHLY to homes in Emu Plains, Emu Heights & Leonay + Pick Up Points in Glenbrook & Blaxland
or PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY from...
Blaxland Tavern
Emu Sports Club
Glenbrook Panthers Bowling Club
Grow Café Co. Leonay
Lennox Newsagency
Nanna’s Place
Nourishmint Café
If you would like to have the Emu + Leonay Gazette available for collection at your place of business, please contact us.
