Mayor to Seek Tenfold Increase in Old
Bathurst Road Fines for Oversized Vehicles
Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, is seeking a tenfold increase in fines for large, oversized vehicles breaching weight and length limits on Old Bathurst Road, Blaxland, following yet another spillage incident on the roadway.
Concrete was discovered spilled on the roadway early on Monday, 29 July, causing slippery unsafe conditions on the bends and sparking a significant clean-up operation.
Digital flashing signage was previously in place to warn truck drivers not to use the road. However, this was removed from the bottom of the hill by Penrith City Council after they had installed large static warning signs, which they viewed as being sufficient to deter oversize vehicles breaching weight and length limits for the road.
Blue Mountains City Council will now as a priority seek a meeting with Penrith City Council, Transport for NSW, and NSW Police (responsible for enforcement of oversized or overweight vehicles), to further review Old Bathurst Road safety issues and to identify the best ways of stopping oversized vehicles from using Old Bathurst Road.
Old Bathurst Road has a vehicular weight limit of 3.5 tonnes and vehicular length limit of 7.5 metres. Any driver breaching these limits, however, only faces a $227 fine.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said drivers who broke similar rules at Galston Gorge in the Hornsby Local Government Area, faced substantially greater penalties.
“If you drive an overweight or oversized vehicle in Galston Gorge, you face a significantly higher fine of $2,818,” Mayor Greenhill said.
“This has been an ongoing situation for many years, and obviously the current fine is not acting as a deterrent for drivers who don’t mind flouting the rules on this very steep and winding road.
“There should be no difference between breaking the rules in Hornsby and breaking them in the Blue Mountains.”
Mayor Greenhill took a Notice of Motion to the 30 July Council meeting, for this significant road safety issue to be further addressed and enforced as a priority, including seeking support for the higher penalty for oversized trucks using Old Bathurst Road from NSW Transport Minister Joanna Haylen and Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle.
“Council has long-standing concerns about the movement of heavy vehicles through the Blue Mountains; I said five years ago the situation on Old Bathurst Road is a fatality waiting to happen,” Mayor Greenhill said.
Council will also contact Google Maps to investigate ways to ensure Old Bathurst Road is not being promoted as a route through the Blue Mountains.
“We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure safety on our roads.”
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 7.30 p.m. 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 6.30p.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/
SOLiD MEN
Every Saturday at 545am, 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
Celebrate Spring with Spectacular Orchids
Spring is now here, and with it comes the much-anticipated annual Spring Orchid Show hosted by the Blue Mountains and Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS). This year’s show promises to be a spectacular display of vibrant and colourful orchids, offering a unique opportunity for plant lovers and the wider community to immerse themselves in the beauty of these exquisite flowers.
The 2024 Spring Orchid Show will be held on Saturday, 14th September from 9:00am to 4:00pm, and on Sunday, 15th September from 10:00am to 3:00pm, at Melrose Hall, located at the corner of Great Western Highway and Park Street, Emu Plains. Entry to the event is $2 (cash only) for adults, while children under 15 can attend for free.
The Spring Orchid Show is set to feature a stunning array of orchid displays, with many species in full bloom. "This is our biggest show of the year, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to see orchids they might never encounter in regular shops," said Malcolm Stone, Publicity Officer for BMPDOS. "It’s not just about admiring the plants – there’s also the chance to purchase some truly unique orchids and get expert advice on how to care for them."
In addition to the dazzling displays, the show will also offer a wide variety of orchid species for sale, catering to everyone from novice gardeners to seasoned orchid enthusiasts. "We’ll have card facilities available for orchid sales, making it easier for attendees to take home a piece of the show," Malcolm said.
Beyond the sales and displays, visitors can participate in a raffle, adding an element of excitement and the chance to win some wonderful prizes. The show offers an excellent opportunity for the community to engage with local growers, learn more about orchid cultivation, and perhaps even start a new hobby.
For those interested in continuing their orchid journey, BMPDOS holds monthly meetings on the 4th Friday of every month (except December) at 8:00pm at Melrose Hall. These meetings provide additional learning opportunities, with the Growers Group meeting at 7:30pm for an information session led by an experienced orchid grower.
Don’t miss out on the 2024 Spring Orchid Show – a must-visit event for plant lovers and anyone looking to add a touch of springtime beauty to their lives. For more information, visit the BMPDOS website at www.bmpdos.org.au.
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r Cattleya | Image: Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society Inc.
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Care, Connection and Comradery: the Secret Ingredient of National Meals on Wheels Day
National Meals on Wheels Day took place last month on Wednesday 28 August, which saw thousands of volunteers serving up care, connection and camaraderie to Australians in need, a key ingredient of the iconic, essential service.
For thousands of older Australians, a delicious, nutritious meal delivered to their door by a friendly volunteer not only keeps them well-nourished and able to live independently and well in their own home but also enables them to remain socially connected.
While, for some 35,000 volunteers Australia-wide, Meals on Wheels provides a meaningful opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and feel good about making a real and tangible difference in their local community.
Chair of Meals on Wheels™ Australia, Paul Sadler says Meals on Wheels has and always will be “more than a meal”, going deeper in combating social isolation and malnutrition - two prevalent public health issues faced by older Australians.
“The positive impact of Meals on Wheels goes beyond the delivery of the meal itself,” he says.
“The dual benefit to both customer and volunteer truly shows how Meals on Wheels has been making a difference in almost every Australian community for over 70 years.
Nepean Food Services General Manager, Ditte Kozak says National Meals on Wheels Day, which fell on the last Wednesday in August, was an opportunity to recognise the irreplaceable efforts of volunteers, who without, Meals on Wheels’ valuable work would not be possible.
“At Nepean Food Services, care, connection and camaraderie really is the secret ingredient in every meal we deliver,”, she explains.
“Our volunteers are critical to ensuring we can continue to deliver our life-changing service as cost-effectively as possible, which is particularly important given the escalating cost of living crisis.”
“Meals on Wheels’ important work would simply not be possible without them.”
“There are several volunteer opportunities available right now and we would welcome anyone who would like to join in the fun and support the health, independence and connection of more than 600 people within our community.”
Nepean Food Services recently hosted a daily morning tea service to celebrate National Meals on Wheels Day from Monday 26 August until Friday 30 August. Call 4733 7200 for more information.
r Nepean Food Services team | Image/Article: Nepean Food Services
Plant a Tree for Father’s Day
If you’re looking for something to gift Dad for Father’s Day, Penrith City Council’s annual Trees for Dad community tree planting event returns for its sixth year on Sunday 1 September at Blue Hills Wetland in Glenmore Park.
Everyone is invited to plant a tree in honour and celebration of their dad, grandfather, uncle or father figure.
The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions, with the first session starting at 8:30am and the last session at 12:00pm. Registrations are essential to join the day and help Council’s Bushcare team to ensure they have enough trees and tags for participants to plant and write on. Register at penrith.city/ events
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said he was excited that the event was returning for its sixth year after Trees for Mum welcomed an impressive 500 participants earlier this year.
“Trees for Dad is becoming bigger and bigger every year — and it’s quickly become an important event our community looks forward to — we had an impressive turnout last year with 320 people attending,” Cr Carney said.
“Planting a tree is such a simple gesture to honour your dad, grandfather, uncle or a father figure in your life and can be a very positive and meaningful experience to share with family and friends on Father’s Day.”
“When we held our biggest Trees for Mum event on Mother’s Day this year, it was touching for the Bushcare team to hear beautiful stories from participants about why they had come to celebrate and honour their mum, and I hope that Trees for Dad continues to provide such a space to remember Dad.
“Trees for Dad is not only a great way to gift Dad something special, but it’s an opportunity to learn about our local environment and help restore our endangered bushland by planting native trees or shrubs.
“Council’s Bushcare team is looking forward to another great day planting trees and celebrating our local dads,” Cr Carney continued. Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and a hat. Sunscreen will be available on the day.
Council’s Nursery proudly provides the native trees and shrubs available for planting on-site.
To ensure there are enough trees for everyone to plant and so Council’s Bushcare team can coordinate the 30-minute sessions, please book your attendance by registering at penrith.city/events.
r Article: Penrith City Council | Image: www.pixabay.com
Angela is Making a Difference
The word “hero” conjures up so many images of people wearing costumes, with weapons and superpowers, saving the day in any given situation.
But what about the everyday heroes? The single mums and dads, the police officers putting themselves on the line day in day out, or the firemen running into or away from fires? There are so many heroes out there, doing great deeds to help others that you may not know about.
Local Angela Lambros is one of them. Making changes that help many, by bringing light to a subject or struggle and helping others along the way.
Inspired by the positive impact of the Penrith Men's Walk and Talk initiative, Angela was moved, and supported by them to create a similar support network for women in our community. Angela says, “I am grateful for the opportunity to support others through the Penrith Women’s Walk and Talk. Our aim is to provide a compassionate and inclusive environment where local women can connect, build friendships, and support each other's physical, mental, and social well-being".
Throughout her life, she has faced significant challenges and loss. Despite the hardships, she found the strength and resilience to seek support from others. Angela is proud to work in the mental health sector, witnessing firsthand the positive impact of reaching out for help.
Angela was recently honoured at the 2024 Local Celebration Awards, receiving the Making a Difference Community Service Award for her efforts in serving the community. The award ceremony took place on Thursday 25th July at St Marys Leagues Club.
“It was a humbling experience to see the incredible individuals who were also commended for their acts of kindness and service. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the anonymous person who nominated me for this award, as their gesture means a great deal to me” said Angela, who was initially nervous and a little anxious at receiving this recognition.
When discussing Penrith Women’s Walk and Talk, Angela said, “All women are welcome to join our free and supportive community for a weekly walk and talk gatherings that take place every Wednesday evening, starting and finishing at Maldini’s By the River”
“Recognising that it's okay to not be okay, our goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for women to come together. Additionally, kind-hearted members of our community generously donate free tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for our gatherings”.
r Angela Lambros | Image: Penrith City Council. Article: Julie Lobel
• 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
Fantastic Ms Fox: Jess the Best in Olympic History
Leonay’s Jessica Fox won her second gold medal at the Paris Games, defending her Olympic title in the Canoe-Slalom C1, and in the process has become the most successful individual medallist in Australian Olympic history.
In her trademark cool and calm manner, Jess carved through the tricky white-water course at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium to clock a time of 101.06 seconds, 2 minutes and 58 seconds ahead of her nearest rival, silver medallist Germany’s Elena Lilik.
Lilik threw down the gauntlet midway through the event, her 103.54 run bringing the race to life. Jess was the second-last paddler and responded to the German in style. Despite a two-second penalty on the course, she took over the gold medal position.
In scenes that reminded her of her K1 victory, she had a nervous wait for fastest qualifier Gabriela Satkova to finish, but the 30-year-old Aussie’s time was enough for gold.
Jess paid tribute to her family and support team, in particular her mother and coach, Myriam.
“So much can happen when you dream, when you believe, and when you work hard,” Jess said.
“So many have been part of the journey to get me here and I’m very grateful to them.
“Obviously Mum, my coach since the start has been a big one, and I’m sure I inherited some great genes from Mum and Dad to help me get to this point.”
In front of a vociferous Vaires-sur-Marne crowd, Jess maintained her now-famous steely focus, putting her victory down to mindset.
“I was nervous about certain moves, but visualisation is so powerful to be able to see yourself do it before you get out there, so that’s what I was doing in the break before the final,” Jess said.
“When it actually goes to plan, it’s pretty special.”
Not only did Jess become Australia’s most successful individual Olympic medallist, with six, she is also the most decorated athlete in the history of Olympic Canoe-Slalom.
“I’ve never thought about those records,” she said.
“They’ve never felt attainable or even something I could possibly dream about. Each Olympic experience I’ve had has been very different.
“This is just magical, but to be named amongst some of Australia’s greatest champions in Olympic history – I can’t quite believe it.”
The sixth individual medal for Jess surpasses Ian Thorpe, Leisel Jones, Shirley Strickland, Shane Gould, Anna Meares and Ariarne Titmus, all with five apiece.
Jess adds the C-1 gold to her K1 in Paris, gold in the C-1 in Tokyo, silver in the K-1 in London, and two K-1 bronze from Rio and Tokyo.
Koalas in Emu Heights
Koalas seem to be coming out of the woodwork in Emu Heights! Kristy, who’s lucky enough to have her property back onto the bush, spotted a koala in a gum tree!
She reports that koalas have been seen from time to time at her place and this one hung around for one day, although Kristy suspects it stayed a little longer as the native birds reacted to something high up in the tree for a while…
If you see a koala:
• Report a sighting to Science for Wildlife, who are doing research locally to monitor populations via www.scienceforwildlife.org/how-tohelp/koala-sighting
• Report injured wildlife to WIRES on 1300 094 737
• Safely take a photo without disturbing the animal and send it to bushcare@ penrith.city for it to be recorded and featured on Council’s socials. They love knowing what animals are calling our Penrith bushland home!
• Join your local Bushcare Group and help protect their habitat! Nearby groups include Bellbird Reserve and Clissold Reserve. Find out more at https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov. au/.../bushcare-groups.
#penrithwild #wildlifewednesday #koala
r Photo courtesy of Kristy from Emu Heights | Article: Penrith City Council
Book Review your
always just around the corner.
Aliese Coleson drops off some documents to Hollenbeck on her way home from work. The building's closed, but the documents were supposed to be on his desk hours ago, so she goes in through the back to deliver them. Inside, she witnesses his bloody murder - and she saw who did it.
While fleeing the crime scene, she’s spotted by Kellen Reid, who is caught by police and blamed for the murder. As soon as he is released on bail, he sets out to find Aliese, the only person who can prove his innocence.
But Aliese is determined to stay hidden. Her address was on the documents she delivered, so she flees into the night with her young son, Jonathan, mere minutes before the killers come knocking.
Aliese will do anything to keep Jonathan safe, but his fragile immune system makes him her biggest liability. If he gets sick, she can’t risk taking him to hospital because the killers have eyes and ears everywhere.
The novel takes place over a few wild days, transporting readers from suburban Adelaide to a remote cabin in the Tasmanian bush, to a motel, to a hospital, to a ferry in the middle of the Bass Strait.
Target In Sight is a high-speed suspense novel about the lengths a parent would go to keep their child safe. It's about the risks and rewards of trust and the emotional turmoil and triumph that love entails.
Hester is an expert at putting her characters in impossible situations that make you wonder how, or if, they'll escape.
r Book Review by: Chloe' Steward
EMAIL: info@districtgazette.com.au
SUBJECT: Book Review
A Year of Birds: Merryl Watkins Unveils Her 2025
Calendar
Blue Mountains-based photographer Merryl Watkins has just released her much-anticipated 2025 calendar, A Year of Birds. Known for her stunning nature photography, Merryl has curated a collection of images that celebrate the diverse birdlife found in the Blue Mountains and along the Nepean River.
Merryl’s calendar features a variety of birds, all photographed in their natural habitats. Among the birds showcased are the Regent Honeyeater, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Gang-Gang Cockatoo, Willie Wagtail, King Parrot, and Tawny Frogmouth. Each photograph captures the unique beauty and character of these birds, offering a visual journey through the region’s rich avian life.
When asked about her favourite bird in the calendar, Merryl admits it’s difficult to choose, but the Regent Honeyeater holds a special place in her heart. “These birds are critically endangered, so to be able to photograph one in a front yard in Emu Heights was just fantastic,” she says. “It was such an unexpected and thrilling experience.”
Merryl’s passion for bird photography stems from the challenges it presents and her love of the outdoors. “Birds are often in tricky spots, with poor light or hidden behind branches, and they’re usually on the move,” she explains. “But more than anything, I love being outside, enjoying nature, and feeling recharged after stepping away from the cares of the world for a while.”
Merryl extends her gratitude to the many people who have supported and encouraged her photography journey, both in person and through social media. She hopes her work will inspire others to venture outside and discover the beauty of the natural world around them.
The calendar, priced at $25, will be available for pick-up in Blaxland or can be posted directly to your door. For those who prefer online shopping, it will also be available through Merryl’s online store, Photos and Cards by Merryl. Additionally, you can purchase it at the Blaxland Post Office and Foothills Eco in Glenbrook.
To purchase A Year of Birds 2025 Calendar or to explore more of Merryl’s work, visit her online store, Photos and Cards by Merryl, at madeit.com.au.
r [Top] Regent Honeyeater [Above] King Parrot | Images: Merryl Watkins Photography. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Council Election
The Local Government elections will be held on Saturday 14 September 2024!
If you live in Penrith and are on the electoral roll, you must vote in the Local Government elections on or before Saturday 14 September 2024. Voting is compulsory, and fines apply if you don’t cast your vote.
Local Government elections do not allow absentee voting, so if you are not going to be in Penrith on election day, you will need to request a postal vote or make a pre-poll vote. Applications for a postal vote are available from 6 August 2024 to 9 September 2024. Pre-polling will be available from 7 September 2024.
It is important to remember that Penrith is made up of three wards – North, South and East. If you are voting on the day, you must vote in your ward. Find your closest polling booth on the
HEALTH MATTERS
NSW Electoral Commission’s find my electorate webpage.
The polls will be open from 8:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday 14 September 2024 at various locations across the Penrith LGA.
The 2024 Local Government elections will be managed by the NSW Electoral Commission. Helpful information as well as questions from voters and candidates can be accessed via the FAQ page at https://elections.nsw.gov.au/faqs.
To find out more information, such as how to apply for a postal vote and where you can go to vote, visit the NSW Electoral Commission 2024 NSW Local Government elections webpage. Enrol to vote
If you are over 18 and haven’t yet registered to vote, now is your chance. You can enrol to vote by visiting the Australian Electoral Commission’s enrol to vote website.
You can also check your enrolment or update your details on the Australian Electoral Commission’s website. Translated information
Information about the NSW Local Government elections is available in 24 different community languages.
r Image/Article: Penrith City Council
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness P: 0418 166 269
So you have a Slipped Disc and Back Pain – What Does this Mean?
‘Intervertebral discs’ have a hard outer connective-tissue (anulus fibrosus) and a ‘gelatinous’ interior (nucleus pulposus). At the top and bottom are endplates, the transition tissues between disc and bone.
Discs have several important functions. They act as:
1. shock absorbers for the vertebral column
2. ligaments that tie the vertebra above and below the disc together
3. spacers between vertebra to allow appropriate nerve-exit from the spine
4. Movement-enablers for vertebrae relative to each other allowing us to bend and twist
As we age, disc tissues may begin to deteriorate and weaken, showing progressive signs of disc disease. This weakening may eventually lead to herniation of one (or more) discs, which we colloquially call a “slipped disc”.
Disc herniation often occurs gradually but significant trauma can also lead to disc extrusion or sequestration. If a herniated disc contacts a nerve, this may result in significant nerve compression (occlusion) and pain in the lower back and down the nerve course. Compression may also lead to ‘radiculopathy’,
i.e. pathological changes in nerve function resulting in one of several ‘neurological deficits’ including:
1. sensory changes such as tingling, altered sensation or numbness
2. motor changes such as muscle weakness or reflex loss
Any/all such symptoms, often referred to as sciatica, may be experienced by patients with a slipped disc.
MRIs (involving no radiation exposure) are the best scan for enabling physicians to see the soft spinal tissues unseen with conventional x-ray.
Things are, however, a little more complex than this. A study by Luoma et. Al. (2000) showed that many patients may have both lower back pain and sciatica yet have no disc bulges. A further study by Livshits in 2011 showed that degeneration of the discs alone, whether or not a bulge was present, was highly associated with lower back pain. It may be that the chemicals of inflammation released from degenerating disc (or muscle tissue) become a key factor in generating lower back pain, possibly sciatica and that cleaning muscles of inflammatory infiltrate while lengthening them may be a key driver toward tissue healing and remediation of symptoms.
r **Refer to: www.districtgazette.com.au for expanded version.
Little A’s is Back for a New Season
Emu Plains Little Athletics Club are set to take on the 2024/25 season, returning to the track later this month.
The local club is looking forward to having a successful season ahead, with the Paris Olympics no doubt inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Registrations are now open for the 2024/25 season. The competition runs from September, through until March, with a 4 week break over Christmas.
With Emu Plains being one of the biggest clubs in the area, they anticipate that they could have 400 plus athletes this season.
“We had 430 athletes in 2023/24. The 2024/25 season will be big” explained Paul Dukes, President of Emu Plains Little Athletics Club.
They will be running their popular Tiny Tots program (3 and 4 years) and competition for Under 6’s to Under 20’s. Tiny Tots starts at 5:30pm, whilst the Under 6’s to Under 20’s starts at 6:20pm. Competition is held every Friday evening during Summer at Leonay Oval.
Paul Dukes returns as the President, after completing his first season in 2023/24. He said there were many highlights from last year.
“It was great to see how many athletes made it to representative levels in zone, regional and state” he said to the District Gazette.
Together with the committee, Paul is looking forward to the new season.
“We had a fantastic season last year, and we welcome new sponsors to the club, as well as the sponsors that have been there for many, many years. We are always looking for volunteers and local sponsors to help out and assist this wonderful club.
“We also want to acknowledge the prior history and thank all the prior volunteers, committee members and previous presidents. With their assistance, we have forged a great longstanding and strong club” stated Paul.
To register for the new season, visit the Emu Plains Little Athletics Club website at https://emu-plains.lansw.org.
You will find more information and regular updates on their website, as well as their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Come and join them for some Summer fun!
A
Dementia Support Centre
Is Hosting a 4 Part Dementia Series
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY DEMENTIA AUSTRALIA
TUES 6TH AUG 2024 10am - 12pm
Topic Understanding Dementia and what it is
TUES 3RD SEP 2024 10am - 12pm
Topic Understanding Younger Onset Dementia
TUES 20TH AUG 2024 10am - 12pm
Topic Understanding changes in behaviours
TUES 17TH SEP 2024 10am - 12pm
Topic Communication and Dementia
All sessions will be held at Unit 1, 88 Batt Street, Jamisontown
To book your FREE spot please email us aanddinhomecare@gmail.com, or call (02) 4707 6176
r Emu Plains Little Athletics Club athletes | Images: Emu Plains Little Athletics Club
Introducing Dr Omnia Youssef
We are thrilled to introduce our new veterinarian, Dr. Omnia Youssef, to the Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital family!
Dr. Omnia Youssef brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to her role. Originally from Egypt, Omnia's journey in veterinary medicine began at Cairo University, where she earned her degree in 2011. Her commitment to advancing her expertise led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Veterinary Microbiology, which she completed in 2017. This strong academic foundation is a testament to her deep understanding of animal health and her drive to excel in her field.
In 2020, Omnia made the bold decision to move to Australia with her family in search of new challenges and opportunities. Since then, she has fully immersed herself in the veterinary community, working in various practices across the country. Her dedication to providing the best care for animals drove her to undertake the rigorous Australian National Veterinary Exam, which she successfully passed in December 2023, earning her registration as a veterinarian in Australia.
Dr. Omnia is eager to continue her professional journey, where she can further enhance her skills and provide the highest standard of care to our clients and their beloved pets. Omnia’s approach to veterinary medicine is characterised by her compassionate nature and her commitment to personalised care, ensuring that each pet receives the attention and treatment they deserve.
Outside of her professional life, Omnia enjoys exploring the vibrant Australian community with her husband and their three children. Whether it’s discovering new places or spending quality time together, Omnia cherishes these moments with her family. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Dr. Omnia Youssef! We are confident that she will be an invaluable asset to our team and a trusted partner in your pet’s health and well-being.
For more information
Monday to Friday: 8am - 7pm | Saturdays: 8am - 2pm
Services provided include:
• General Surgery (desexing to orthopedics)
• Vaccinations and in-house pathology
• Radiology and Dentistry
• Visiting specialist radiographer and ultrasonographer
• Puppy preschool
• Grooming and hydrobath
• Home visits
• Cat boarding and Kitten adoption
• Secure off leash dog park
Tired of Dating Apps? Discover a Fresh Alternative with
Merge Dating
Are you single and feeling exhausted by the endless swiping on dating apps? Merge Dating, a new and exciting solution, is making its mark across Sydney and in Penrith, offering singles a refreshing alternative.
Merge Dating has been hosting a series of natural singles events at The Elk Bar in Penrith, specifically designed for different age groups. These events are unique because they provide a space where everyone in attendance is genuinely single and looking to meet new people in real life. It's not about speed dating, filling out lengthy questionnaires, or adhering to a strict format—Merge Dating is all about creating a safe and organic environment where singles can connect in person.
The events offer a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging attendees to engage in meaningful conversations without the pressure often associated with more traditional dating setups. This approach provides an excellent opportunity for people to meet face-to-face, enjoy great company, and possibly find that special someone, all while avoiding the repetitive and often impersonal nature of dating apps.
Merge Dating's upcoming events include a gathering on Thursday, September 6th, for those aged 25-35, followed by another on Thursday, September 19th, for the 35-45 age group. Additionally, there are plans to host an event for singles aged 45 and over in the near future.
For anyone tired of staying home and endlessly swiping on dating apps, Merge Dating offers a refreshing alternative. Join an event and experience the joy of meeting new people in a fun, relaxed, and genuinely organic environment.
r Image/Article: Merge Dating
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
Knowing Suffering – Knowing God
The Sound of Music - it’s a classic, isn’t it? Who hasn’t seen it? And do you have a favourite song or scene from it? What about when the Captain and Maria confide their love for one another? It’s a heartwarming moment in the film, but it also puts a finger on something I think we hold dear to our hearts. Maria sings, ‘Nothing comes from nothing, Nothing ever could, So somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good’. It’s the way we want the world to be, isn’t it? Do something good, get something good – do something bad get something bad.
Now that all sounds fine on paper, but who lives their lives on paper? Who among us hasn’t been disappointed, or hurt, or slandered, or sick, or grieved? We live in a world in which we know only too well the experience of suffering. And did you deserve it? Maybe – it’s a possibility – but we know bad things happen to people who don’t deserve them.
Suffering, whether our own or of a loved one, has often led people to wrestle with the God of the Bible. He claims to be in control. He claims to be loving. He claims to be just. And yet suffering is awful and ever-present. The Bible neither denies nor diminishes the extent and seriousness of our suffering, or the impact that it has on us. It leans into it, addresses it, and even has an answer for it.
It's answer? Jesus’ suffering, so we could have what we don’t deserve. Jesus’ suffering, so that the day can come when there is no more suffering. Jesus’ good news, that the good things of God - knowing God himself - can happen to people like us, who don’t deserve him.
That’s the goodness of God we can know, even in a world in which we know suffering.
Prepare for Bush Fire Season with Get Ready Weekend 2024
The NSW Rural Fire Service is hosting its annual Get Ready Weekend over the weekend of Saturday 21 September and Sunday 22 September 2024. Local RFS Brigades are opening their doors to assist residents to review bush fire survival plans and provide information to better prepare for the upcoming bush fire season.
Brigades across the Cumberland and Macarthur areas, incorporating the local government areas of Penrith, Blacktown, Fairfield, Camden, Liverpool, and Campbelltown, will be opening their doors for residents and landholders to meet local volunteer firefighters, and offer the opportunity to discuss bush fire survival plans and also learn about the new Fire Danger Rating System which has been rolled out across NSW.
Of particular concern this season will be the heightened risk of grass fires, and it is important for landholders to ensure that land is prepared to mitigate the risk of fast-moving grass fires. Grass fires move three times faster than bush fires which makes them particularly dangerous.
Brigades will be hosting events at local Brigade stations, shopping centres, and other public areas. Information regarding what your local RFS Brigade has planned will be posted in advance of Get Ready Weekend on the NSW Rural Fire Service website.
A list of events can be found at www. rfs.nsw.gov.au.
rArticle: NSW RFS
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HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Services
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Penrith Police Station 4721 9444 Police Assistance Line 131 444
Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling 131 114 WIRES (Wildlife Rescue) 4754 2946
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Anglican Church St Paul’s, Emu Plains 47351001
Baptist Church Emu Plains Community 4735 1050
Catholic Church Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains 4735 1041
Uniting Church 7 Green Street, Glenbrook 4739 6295
Blaxland Presbyterian 15a Wilson Way, Blaxland 0491 174 725
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 0438 006 290
Spiritual Church 0439 453 430 Elevation Church Penrith 4722 8489
Community Groups
Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS)
Embroiderers Guild Nepean 0466 457 594
Girl Guides Glenbrook 4739 6087
Lions Club Emu Plains 4735 5120
Lung Support Group 4735 1542
With Winter giving us it's last hurrah with a scattering of snow in some places, the Wattle is out and Spring has sprung. With it, opportunities to get out and about. We've got lots of options for you to choose from this month.
Our regular community contributors have brought us their latest events and celebrations, along with local stories and information about the things that affect you in your community.
Thank you to all our advertisers, who also make our paper possible, please consider using their goods and services. Supporting them supports us, and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in the District Gazette!
Finally thank you to all our wonderful readers, without you we just wouldn’t do what we do. We love to get our local events and milestones out to your letterbox every month, and we hope you take the opportunity to find a moment to relax, soak up some spring sunshine (don’t forget your SPF), and read how you can get involved!
Belinda
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” Find us on Facebook
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Jasmine Stinson
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