Construction of Nepean Avenue Pathway Gets Underway
A safer, more inviting and connected Great River Walk experience is now a step closer with construction of the new pedestrian pathway on Nepean Avenue now underway.
The project, which is funded by Penrith City Council and the NSW Government, aims to address pedestrian safety issues on the road and provide the long-awaited missing link to the popular bridge-to-bridge loop of Penrith’s Great River Walk.
Council’s General Manager Andrew Moore said the project has been more than ten years in the making, having first being raised as a priority for the community during the development of the Our River Masterplan in 2013.
“After many years of planning, investigating and consulting to achieve the best possible outcome for residents and the wider community, it’s exciting to see this project get underway,” Mr Moore said.
“When complete, there will be connected pathways around the Great River Walk loop and our shared vision for a walkable Nepean River Precinct, with improved access and safe passage on Nepean Avenue, will be realised.”
The new pathway will be built on the western side of Nepean Avenue, between Memorial Avenue and Tench Reserve. The path will feature bollards and a stamped concrete buffer to create a visual and physical separation between pedestrians and traffic.
The project will also deliver effective design treatments along Nepean Avenue, including traffic calming bands, to create a safer, calmer traffic environment which supports cyclists on the road and encourages active transport.
Construction will be delivered in stages, starting at the southern end of Nepean Avenue (near Tench Reserve). The street will mostly remain open to two-way traffic and pedestrians during construction, with temporary diversions in place as required.
Construction is expected to be complete in late 2024 (weather dependant). For more information visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/ Nepean avenue.
This project is 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 a further $2.5 million is allocated from Council’s District Open Space Contributions Plan.
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
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 6.30pm 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 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
Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS)
Fresh Is Best at Riverbank Organics
Buying local is important for Australia's future. During these economic times, we are all looking to save money. There is the viability of small business, who without our support, are also really suffering. Then there is the health argument that comes with purchasing chemical free products, with environmental illness continuing to rise year on year despite medical advances, making the argument for buying local organic product very compelling.
Local business, Riverbank Organics, understands the need for more options in the area and has found it challenging over the years to source local, fresh, organic produce.
“We recently launched our online business, though the idea originated a few years ago when we set up a small stall for our children to sell their homegrown mulberries and vegetables” said Christine El-Helou of Riverbank Organics.
"This experience made me realise the importance of contributing more to our community by sharing our homegrown food and organic options. We've always had small vegetable gardens and involved the kids in growing food, believing it's crucial for them to understand where their food comes from and the health benefits of organic, chemical-free, homegrown produce”, she added.
Riverbank Organics offers seasonal fruits and vegetables all that are chemical and pesticide free along with a small selection of organic nuts and eco-friendly produce bags. They are also planning to expand their range to include more eco-conscious products.
Christine says, “We offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, with two purchasing options: our homegrown, chemical-free produce from Emu Heights, or our locally sourced and certified organic options. We are constantly expanding our garden to grow a wider variety of fruits and vegetables and to increase our cultivation areas, aiming to offer more homegrown, chemicalfree options”.
Riverbank Organics would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the local community for the support and encouragement they have received since starting their business. They look forward to sharing their fresh, organic, chemical-free produce with you and you can find more information at www. riverbankorganics.com.au.
r Produce from Riverbank Organics | Image: Christine El-Helou. Article: Julie Lobel
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Local Business Recognised for Inclusiveness at 2024 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards
Marley Flow Control, an industrial equipment supplier based at Emu Plains, has taken top gong in the Most Inclusive Employer category of the 2024 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards – a major recognition awards program dedicated to spotlighting outstanding trades-based small business operators.
Announced winner of the prestigious accolade at the Awards’ glittering National Presentation Evening Gala held at Sydney’s The Star on Friday 23 August 2024, Marley Flow Control was represented on stage by its director, Gareth Jones, who accepted a customised trophy, certificate and invaluable kudos as a nationally recognised industry leader.
A special category of the Awards, the Most Inclusive Employer title is presented to businesses that embrace and facilitate for staff with disability. Marley Flow Control has a positive partnership with NOVA Employment, and as stated by Gareth Jones: “Inclusiveness is not just another tick in the box for our business, we actually practice what we preach.”
Touted the ‘Logies of Australia’s trade sector’, the 2024 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards red-carpet event was hosted by Nine News’ Peter Overton and attended by more than 1,000 small businesspeople.
This year marks the second consecutive year of the Awards, created to celebrate and inspire the most innovative, dynamic, and top-performing tradies spanning all capital cities as well as rural, regional and suburban towns.
Free to enter, the Awards attracted entrants across more than 50 trade categories in retail, services and manufacturing industries.
Marley Flow Control scored the highest result in the Most Inclusive Employer category, comprehensively judged by an independent expert panel that considered various aspects of small business operations – including each entrant’s strategies, growth plans, financial performance, eco-friendliness, innovation, customer service quality, community support, as well as staff inclusiveness – to name but some of the judging criteria.
“Especially relevant this year as we continue to navigate through unprecedented challenges and transformative opportunities for so many tradies, this program pertinently pays tribute to the vital role of small businesses in the trade sector as the backbone of the nation’s construction industry, and a significant contributor to Australia’s overall social and economic prosperity,” said Steve Loe, Awards Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, which coordinates the Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards.
“The majority of Australian small business owners are trades-based, and they provide employment to millions. Marley Flow Control’s focus on inclusiveness in its staffing is absolutely commendable and it’s truly an honour to help spotlight that,” added Mr Loe.
The 2024 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards is sponsored by Boa, NOVA Employment, Xcllusive Business Sales, VJB Group, Lifestyle Tradie, Castaway Forecasting and Big Clean.
For more information – including a full list of 2024 winners – visit championawards.com.au/trades. r Article: Precedent Productions
Recycle your Bicycle
Drop-off an d Repai r Event
The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington Saturday 2 November, 9am-2pm
Council is providing a free Bike Drop-off and Repair Event to give your bike a new life. Bring your bike for a check and tune up, if it can be repaired the team will give it a go, if not your bike will be collected and all parts will be recycled, diverting valuable resources from landfill.
While you wait make a delicious smoothie, powered by a bike!
Every year, All Hallows Eve, now shortened to Halloween, is celebrated on 31 October, this year a Thursday. This is a tradition which originated from a Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in what is now Ireland, the UK and northern France.
It was a time of celebration for their New Year, which they celebrated on November 1. It marked the end of summer and harvest, and the beginning of the winter. The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the living and the dead became thin, and the ghosts of the dead could return to earth and cause trouble. Huge bonfires were lit, animals sacrificed, and the Celts dressed up in costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, to ward off any evil spirits and mischief makers.
As with many religious festivals, they changed over time, through Christianity, and spread with the movement of people across the world.
When we think Halloween, the first things that come to mind is the trick or treating that is prevalent in the United States. However, Halloween was also celebrated in Australia as far back as 1858, in Castlemaine, Victoria.
For many years, many Australians viewed the Halloween trick or treating they saw happening in the States as something odd the Americans did. However over recent decades, Australians have warmed to the idea of a spooky dress-up and fun with neighbours on this night, and many of us have been caught wanting, with children knocking at the door. I know people who turn their lights off and hide, to avoid small ghosts and witches roaming the streets.
There is a tendency, as there is with many celebrations these days, to consider that it is just another marketing opportunity, so that big companies can skim more dollars out of our stretched funds. But from someone who embraced it a couple of years ago, you just cannot beat the giggling and laughing from the ghosts and witches, also spiderman - and last year I had two very cute pumpkins - when you have a few little home baked patty cakes ready to go!
Let’s embrace our version of this ancient ritual, because it’s fun, and sometimes fun is hard to find amongst the daily grind, and it doesn’t have to cost much. Put a little sign on your letterbox and hope the little spooks tear through the veil between the living and dead, and knock on your door. Take the opportunity to get to know your neighbours and community while you have some fun!
Penrith is turning pink once again! Join us on Saturday, 19th October 2024, at Tench Reserve for the 8th Annual Turn the River Pink event, where our community unites to walk, laugh, and remember loved ones, all while raising crucial funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). With over $70,000 raised since the event began, this year promises to be the biggest yet, bringing together families, friends, and local businesses in a lively display of support for those impacted by breast cancer.
“Turn the River Pink is a fantastic morning where the community comes together to remember those they’ve lost, celebrate those who are currently fighting or have beaten breast cancer, and help NBCF’s vision of zero deaths from breast cancer,” said Angie Harris from event organiser, Tanti Financial Services.
The event encourages participants to don their brightest pink outfits to raise awareness and show their support. “We’ve seen everyone from solo participants to families, friends, and workgroups enjoying the walk,” said Angie. “It’s incredible to see the community come together in such a fun and meaningful way.”
Following the walk, participants will gather for a BBQ breakfast and enjoy live music, amongst a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. “The energy on the day is always amazing,” Angie said. “We hope to see even more of the Penrith community join us this year to make it the biggest and best event yet.”
The local community can get involved by registering online at www.ttrp.com.au, where official Turn the River Pink T-shirts are also available for purchase. For those unable to attend, donations can be made via the website to continue supporting NBCF’s vital work.
Angie encourages everyone to spread the word: “We’d love the Penrith community to take action and support NBCF’s mission of zero deaths from breast cancer. Every step we take and every dollar we raise brings us closer to that goal.”
For more information, visit the Turn the River Pink Facebook page or the official website. Let’s make this year’s event a memorable one and show our support for a future free from breast cancer.
Trees for Dad 2024 a Success
Penrith City Council had a fantastic time at their record-breaking Trees for Dad event at Blue Hills Wetland in Glenmore Park last month. This was their biggest Trees for Dad yet!
They had 500 people attend the event (that’s 170 more than last year!) and plant over 450 trees or shrubs in memory of their dad, grandfather, uncle or father figure. Their Bushcare team enjoyed talking to those in attendance about their experience with attending the event before and appreciated those who shared stories about their dads with them on the day.
This year’s site is the same one they held Trees for Mum in 2022 — if you attended that event, did you notice how the trees have grown over the last two years?
If you’re interested in helping conserve our bushland areas, find out more about how you can volunteer at https:// www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/wasteenvironment/environment/bushland/ bushcare-groups
Hard to imagine how his life was changed overnight when the Khmer Rouge regime took power in 1975.
Becoming an outsider in his own country and the loss of his parents and siblings leaving him alone to survive as best he could.
I feel that the book is written in such a way as to feel as if you are sitting with him while he tells you his story and every now and then we take a side trip before getting back on track .
I have the pleasure of actually knowing the author and if he decides to continue his journey in another book I will be eager to read it.
Highly recommend.
r Book Review by: Lesley Oneil
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Spring to The Joan and Penrith
Regional Gallery these School Holidays
Spark the creativity and imaginations of your children and teenagers these October school holidays at The Joan and Penrith Regional Gallery, with their range of concerts and interactive workshops.
Experience the magic of music and animals in Carnival of the Animals, a special family-friendly concert for ages 3+ at The Joan. Be spell-bound as the Richard Bonynge Ensemble and Glenbrook Ballet Theatre bring Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals and Bach’s Concerto for Four Pianos to life on stage.
After the show, you can get up close to the instruments and discover how they make the animal sounds, from the majestic lions to the dancing elephant and braying mules. Join in the carnival spirit and come dressed up as your favourite animal!
Ignite your creativity with Q Theatre’s ‘spooktacular’ Halloween inspired drama workshops for ages 5 – 18 at The Joan. From bewitching Broadway to magical musical theatre, a spine-tingling ghost tour of the theatre and even a singalong dance party where you can boogie to creepy tunes, there is something for all young ghouls to enjoy.
Plus, Q Theatre’s all-day themed drama workshop packages for ages 5 – 8 and 9 – 12 return due to popular demand! Featuring three immersive sessions each, these workshops will allow you to discover the magic of captivating storytelling, costume and props through a range of imaginative drama games and hands-on activities. Book a workshop package to all available sessions to receive a discount or book your preferred workshop/s individually. Supervision will be provided between all workshop sessions.
Head to Penrith Regional Gallery for an exciting program of art workshops for ages 3 – 12. Paint, draw, create, and play at Penrith Regional Gallery these school holidays with a range of fun workshops inspired by our exhibitions. Kids and families can explore watercolours, drawing in the Gallery Gardens, and stencilling with paint through engaging gallery visits and art making activities.
There is so much to see, make and do. Explore the full program at: https://www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au/ spring-holidays-2024/
r
Carnival of the Animals: Illustration by Claire Bernoth | Image Supplied by Penrith Regional Gallery | Article: Penrith Regional Gallery
Express Yourself Canvas Art
Join Penrith City Libraries for this canvas art workshop facilitated by Na'ama. Use mixed media, collage and paint to create an animal portrait.
Participants will use a transfer technique to draw an animal portrait of their choice. They will use mixed media collage, text and writing to create a personal textured surface, focusing on positive affirmations and personal power, before adding a layer of paint to pull the work together. Let your wild side shine through!
The session is best suited for adults and costs $20 per person. Bookings are essential.
A ticket must be purchased for each participant. All materials
HEALTH MATTERS
and light refreshments supplied.
Bookings can be made through https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/express-yourself-canvas-art-workshop-tickets991534324857?aff=oddtdtcreator
Dates & Times 26 October 2024
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location
Penrith City Library 601 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
P: 0418 166 269
Helping Back Pain From Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory arthritis of the spine and other joints. It affects up to 2% of Australians, is three times more common in men than women and usually appears between 15 and 45 years.
AS starts with pain and stiffness in the sacroiliac (SI) joint (between the spine and pelvis) but can affect other areas of the spine, the hips, shoulders, eyes, skin, bowel, chest and even lungs. Eventually the whole axial skeleton of a person with long term AS can become fused.
Ninety percent of people with AS have a gene called HLA-B27. HLA-B27 is a perfectly normal gene found in 8% of the general population and no more than 2% of people born with this gene ever get spondylitis. So, the gene itself does not cause spondylitis, but people with HLA-B27 are simply more susceptible to getting spondylitis.
Patients may suffer:
1. lower back pain,
2. red/sore eyes
3. neck, chest hips, buttocks, knee pain
4. a hunched posture,
5. slight fevers
6. fatigue
7. night sweats
8. ‘Crohn’s disease-like’ symptoms - bloody intestinal ulcers with cramping and diarrhea or constipation.
Nobody really knows why people get AS. The overwhelming evidence suggests that people inherit susceptibility genes from their parents, but then get AS via an infection, that alters bowel function leading to immune dysregulation and autoimmunity.
The medical literature lists at least 14 different micro-
organisms which can act as possible triggers and though still controversial, it is thought by many that infection with these organisms can lead to gastro-intestinal changes, triggering commencement of AS symptoms.
Currently, there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but various medications such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, bisphosphonates and drugs called DMARDs and bDMARDs are used by doctors to reduce symptoms and manage the pain.
At the clinic we have had some success in treating people with AS by determining and treating possible infective organisms, altering diet to optimize nutrition and immunity, then using adjunct treatments including muscle elongation therapy to reduce inflammation and remove the need for ongoing AS medications. If you’d like to know more, why not give us a call at the clinic.
r **Image Supplied. Refer to submitter for references.
Emu Plains JRLFC Continues to Thrive in 2024 Season
Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Football Club (JRLFC) celebrated another successful season, with over 780 players registered from Under 5’s through to A Grade, including 130 female players.
“The club continued to grow, entering 52 teams in the Penrith JRL competition—four more than last year,” said Club Secretary Joanne McDonald. “We had six all-female sides, and we’re excited to add even more next season, including an Open Women’s team.”
The club's competitive teams had an outstanding season, with 25 of the 28 eligible teams making it to the semi-finals. Of these, six teams progressed to the grand finals, with the Under 15/2’s, Under 18 Girls, and A Grade all becoming premiers. “A Grade became back-to-back premiers, winning a tight contest against Colyton 20-18,” McDonald shared. “The 18 Girls made history as the first Emu Plains team to win the Don Feltis 9’s competition.”
A highlight of the season was the return of the Pesle Dicker Memorial Shield to A Grade. “This Shield is contested by A Grade St Marys and Emu Plains teams, in honour of two great club stalwarts, Ian Dicker from St Marys and John Pesle from Emu Plains,” McDonald explained. “It’s always a special event, and we’re proud to bring the Shield back to our club.”
The club’s culture of community and family support is at the heart of its success. “We couldn’t do this without our sponsors, parent volunteers, coaches, managers, and trainers who give their time to help develop our players,” McDonald said. “Special thanks also go to Blake South and his team at the Junior League for their ongoing support.”
Looking ahead, Emu Plains JRLFC is committed to further developing its players and supporting its coaching staff. “We have programs coming into place to help our coaches enhance players’ skills,” McDonald added. “Our club has a great culture, and it truly feels like family.”
The Junior Presentation will be held at Leonay Oval on Saturday, October 19th, while the Senior Presentation will take place at the Pullman at Panthers on Saturday, November 2nd.
For those interested in getting involved as a volunteer or sponsor, or for updates on preseason and registration information, follow Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Football Club on Facebook. “We’re always looking for new faces to join our community,” McDonald said. “Like our page to stay updated and be part of our club’s exciting future.”
Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Celebrates Back-to-Back Win at Penrith City Local Business Awards
On Wednesday, 11th September, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital proudly attended the Penrith City Local Business Awards held at the stunning new Western Sydney Conference Centre. They were overjoyed to be named the winners of the “Outstanding Pet Care” category for the second year in a row, a testament to the dedication, passion, and tireless efforts of their entire team.
This win marks the third prestigious award they have secured in the past 12 months, including the Australian Small Business Champion Award, making it a trifecta for their team! Dr. Camille, who leads the team, was incredibly humbled by the recognition and honoured to have won this award again. They want to extend their deepest thanks to their wonderful clients who took the time to nominate them, as your support has made all of this possible.
“It was an exciting night, and being placed as a finalist alongside eight other exceptional pet care businesses felt like a privilege. However, walking away with the award reaffirmed our belief in what we do and motivated us to keep pushing forward, striving for excellence in every aspect of pet care”.
At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, they pride themselves on being an independent, family-friendly practice that provides affordable, high-quality veterinary healthcare to the pets and families of Western Sydney. Their team blends experience with youthful innovation, combining expertise with fresh ideas. They are driven by a commitment to deliver personalized service, built on a foundation of care, knowledge, and strong connections to their community, clients, and colleagues.
“As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we also look to the future with excitement. We are eager to continue exceeding expectations and providing the best possible care to our clients, both new and old. Once again, thank you for your unwavering support!”
r Dr Camille and Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital team members with the award | Image: EventPix
r A Grade celebrating a hard fought win | Image supplied by Emu Plains JRLFC. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Article Written + Submitted by: Kellie Tickner from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital
A: 49 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027
Celebrate Safely
With warmer weather upon us, it's the perfect time to fire up the BBQ and enjoy outdoor gatherings with friends and family. There may even be a sport presentation or grand final to celebrate! However, if pets are part of the celebration, extra care is necessary to ensure they stay safe and healthy. While we may be focused on food, drinks, and fun, pets are often lurking under the table, ready to pounce on any dropped treats. Unfortunately, many common BBQ and party foods can pose serious health risks for dogs.
Though party food is delicious for humans, it doesn’t mean it’s safe for pets. In fact, several popular BBQ staples can lead to serious medical emergencies for our furry companions. Here are a few common foods you should never allow your dog to eat at gatherings:
Cooked Meat Bones: While it might seem natural to toss your dog a leftover rib or chicken bone, this can be very dangerous. Cooked bones splinter easily and can get lodged in your dog’s throat or digestive system. If bone fragments pass into the intestines, they can cause blockages or severe constipation, leading to intense pain and potential trauma to the colon. Always keep bones out of your dog’s reach.
Onions and Garlic: Found in many BBQ dishes, onions and garlic (and all members of the onion family) are toxic to dogs. Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, these ingredients can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Keep any food with onions or garlic well away from pets.
Salty Snacks like Chips and Pretzels: While these may seem harmless, chips and pretzels are packed with sodium, which isn’t good for dogs. Excessive salt can upset a dog’s stomach, cause dehydration, and lead to more severe symptoms like vomiting, tremors, seizures, and diarrhoea. Discourage guests from giving these snacks to your dog.
Chocolate Desserts: Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and desserts made with it are a significant danger. Even small amounts of chocolate can lead to symptoms like seizures, heart arrhythmias, and muscle tremors. If a dessert contains xylitol (a common sugar substitute) or alcohol, it can be even more dangerous, causing rapid drops in blood sugar, seizures, and possibly liver failure.
Grapes and Fruit Salads: While fruit might seem like a healthy treat, grapes are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhoea can occur within 12 hours of ingestion, leading to long-term kidney damage or death. Keep any fruit salads containing grapes far from curious pets.
With spring festivities in full swing and the potential excitement of victory celebrations on the horizon, be sure to protect your pet by keeping dangerous foods out of reach. Enjoy your time with friends, food, and fun—but ensure your pet stays safely away from party treats. For more information, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at 0247362027. Celebrating at home is always better than spending the day in a veterinary emergency room!
For more information check out our Facebook, website
Understanding Snake Activity this Season
With Spring now upon us, Western Sydney residents can anticipate increased snake sightings in bushlands, grasslands, backyards, and houses. The snake season traditionally falls between September to March, but often varies due to temperatures.
Sean Cade, from Australian Snake Catchers, has over 20 years of experience and assures residents that these encounters should be viewed as informative rather than alarming. "Snakes are mostly present for shelter or food and are generally just passing through a property," Sean explained.
The Sydney Basin is home to a diverse range of snakes. "Most people in Western Sydney will come across the Eastern Brown Snake, Red Bellied Black Snake, Yellow Faced Whip Snake, and the Golden Crowned Snake," Sean said. Other snakes in the Sydney Basin include the Broad Headed Snake, Tiger Snake, Marsh Snake, and Death Adder.
Sean offered some basic tips to minimise the chances of encountering snakes:
• Avoid approaching snakes.
• Refrain from trying to catch or harm them.
• Ensure children and pets maintain a safe distance.
• Clear any clutter or trash around your home.
• Maintain clean lawns and store firewood at a distance from the house.
Correcting common misconceptions, Sean explained that the presence of a Red Bellied Black Snake doesn't necessarily mean you won't encounter an Eastern Brown Snake. “This is a common statement which is incorrect. If the snakes are a similar length, they cannot eat each other. And Eastern Brown Snakes will also eat a Red Bellied Black Snake,” he said.
Sean's dedication to his profession stems from a love for wildlife and a passion to share the wonders of native fauna with his children. "Although many are hesitant to deal with snakes, they play a valuable role in our ecosystem. They, like any animal, sometimes need assistance,” he said.
"Snakes don't need to be feared. With a little understanding they are quite fascinating creatures. This time of year, they are breeding also and are quite active," Sean explained.
“Due to urban development, encounters may increase due to habitat loss” he added. If someone is suspected of having a snake bite, (not sure if it is a scratch or bitten) apply a compression bandage, keep patient still and calm and call 000.
“There is no need to catch the snake for identification” ended Sean.
If you need expert and secure removal of snakes or reptiles, reach out to Sean and his crew through their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/australiansnakecatchers/ or call Sean at 0410 761575 or Freya at 0452 492836.
r Sean with an Eastern Brown Snake | Image: Australian Snake Catchers
FAITH - EMU PLAINS ANGLICAN
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
Home Spiritual Health Check
Does your doctor send you to have a set of blood tests each year? I am at the age where I should expect this, and I can assure you, or at least I will plead with you, ‘I’m not that old’!
We expect to have regular health checks. They can tell if something is wrong, or on the way to going wrong. Iron levels low? Cholesterol high? But what about your spiritual health, how do you know what shape you are in there?
I guess you must know how to measure this. God in the Bible gives us this spiritual measure – ‘Where do you stand with Jesus?’. Now what the question means, and how to make sense of it needs insight, just like the doctor with your iron and cholesterol.
But one of my favourite verses of the Bible can help us here. It says, ‘If you declare with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved’ (Romans 10:9). In those words, we hear we need to be made well. We hear that we can be spiritually well. And we hear it is all about how we treat and depend on the risen Jesus.
That is a spiritual health check you can do at home. There is much more can be said, but it is a start. If you would like to know more, join us at church, or come to Christianity Explored. Details are at www.epac.org.au
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
After what seems to have been a very long and, on occasion, extremely cold and wet Winter, we’re finally seeing the sun with gorgeous Spring weather, and salad weather is upon us. It’s time to wheel the barbecue from the shed and fire it up at last – and what heralds the oncoming Summer more than the delicious aroma of someone in the neighbourhood barbecuing a few snags?
This past month, we’ve seen so many community groups celebrating various milestones and events, with many more to follow in the coming month, as our District Gazette community works hard to compile each edition, making sure it’s packed with what’s happening right here in your local community.
Check out our new and existing advertisers this month, and please support them if you can. We cannot exist without them, so using their goods and services helps us to get your local paper directly to your letterbox.
Distribution Enquiries wedeliver@districtgazette.com.au facebook.com/districtgazette
Sports
Writer
Cim
Writer
Writer
Tanya Nellestein
Writer Julie Lobel
Personal Assistant
Jasmine Stinson
Advertising Policy... Payment on booking secures your space. The Business Directory offers cost effective advertising to businesses in an alphabetical format. Premium Placement may be available, at an extra charge. An editorial focus on a local business may be included if space permits, at the Editor’s discretion. Community News... The Emu+Leonay Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor.
Letters to the Editor...may be printed and edited as necessary. Names must be submitted but can be withheld from publication at the writer’s request. Every effort is made to print correct information but no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.
A huge thank you to all our readers, and we hope you can grab a cuppa and sit down to enjoy your Community News!
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