Glenmore Gazette July 2023

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Parklea Inmates Help Kids Become Rooby Readers

Penrith residents will soon see red and white boxes with a kangaroo on the front around their neighbourhood, thanks to Parklea Correctional Centre and Mission Australia joining forces to give kids free books.

The colourful street library boxes, built and painted by inmates, are part of a children’s literacy initiative, which has also provided inmates with meaningful work and the chance to contribute positively to the community.

Parklea Correctional Centre Acting Governor Brian Gurney said staff were always looking for worthy community projects and this reading program was a win-win for inmates and children’s literacy.

“Many inmates in prison have low levels of literacy, so they understand the barriers people face if they have poor reading and writing skills,” Mr Gurney said.

“At Parklea we provide opportunities for inmates to learn new skills and gain qualifications in a number of industries and producing something that benefits the community gives them a sense of pride and achievement.

“It also keeps them busy and helps maintain their mental health and self-esteem.”

The Paint Penrith REaD program was created by Mission Australia and Penrith City Council in 2009 to provide education and support to local parents through literacy-focused community events and workshops.

Parklea became involved in the initiative when Mission Australia Area Manager Western Sydney Julie Jasprizza-Laus, a member of the prison’s Community Consultation Committee, sought assistance to construct and paint the boxes.

Mrs Jasprizza-Laus said she was pleased the inmates wanted to donate their time and efforts for a good cause.

“The foundations for excellence in learning are laid early in life and parents and carers who engage children in high-quality learning experiences from a young age make a significant difference to a child’s educational success at school,” Mrs JasprizzaLaus said.

“Communication and language skills are vital for children’s learning and key to their life chances and success and this program will help them achieve that.”

Mission Australia is the lead organisation for Paint Penrith REaD and partners with community groups, government agencies and businesses across the local government area to highlight the importance of early literacy and the role parents and care givers play in a child’s life.

The program’s mascot “Rooby Roo the reading kangaroo” is involved in all activities, such as playgroups, rhyme time, and library engagement, to foster a fun and welcoming learning environment for children and their families.

Book boxes have been installed at Mission Australia, Kingswood; Wainwright Park, Kingswood; and Glenmore Park Child and Family Centre.

The community has the opportunity to take ownership of the street libraries by putting in books they no longer need or taking ones that others have donated.

To donate new or used books, contact Annette Britton at BrittonAn@missionaustralia.com.au

Parklea has been operated by MTC Australia on behalf of Corrective Services NSW since 2019.

r Article/Image: The book box at Glenmore Park Child and Family Centre. Image/Article: MTC Australia/Mission Australia

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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

Children + Families

Glenmore Park Little Wonders

Meets at 10:00am on Tuesdays at Floribunda Community Centre (3-4 Floribunda Drive, Glenmore Park). More details: littlewondersplaygroupnsw@hotmail.com

Hobbies + Interests

Penrith Physical Culture Club

Great Meets at Glenmore Park Youth and Community Centre and Nangamay Public School on Monday and Tuesday nights and Caroline Chisholm High School Dance Studio on Tuesday nights. More details: penrithphysie@outlook.com.

“Taste of Everything” Group for

Women

Learn something new each week, meet new people, and have a laugh. Meets every Thursday from 930am-12.30pm at Floribunda Community Centre (3-4 Floribunda Ave, Glenmore Park). More Details: Martha 0414 557 062

Markets

Luddenham Country Markets

Held fortnightly on Sunday from 19th March, 9:00am till 1:00pm at Luddenham Showground (Park Road, Luddenham). More details: Search Luddenham Country Market on Facebook

Penrith Producers

Held on Friday 23rd June, Friday 29th September and Friday 1st December from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Triangle Park (565-567 High Street, Penrith). More details: https://www.visitpenrith. com.au/www.penrith.city/events

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 on1300 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/

Jessica to Represent Australia at 2023 World Championships of Performing Arts

The official World Championships of Performing Arts celebrates its 26th year in July 2023 and is now universally cited as the one-and-only official global event for performers and entertainers both amateur and professional!

Griff O’Neil, competition president and founder, and a one-time executive of the Miss Universe Pageant, has recruited over 75 scouts and national directors to scour the globe for outstanding talent. “This is the only Olympic-style talent competition ever created,” O’Neil stated, “and a rare opportunity for the privileged few selected to participate at this elite world event.”

Over 75,000 applicants from over 50 countries auditioned to participate in the USA next year, for a spot to compete at the ultimate world meet staged in the beautiful Hyatt Regency in Orange County, California. Selected to represent Australia from Glenmore Park is Jessica Tomkins, who is set to become a part of the anticipated highly successful 2023 Australian team.

“Jessica was selected by the International Entertainment Panel to represent Australia on a world stage in July 2023. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and could open many career doors and we are certain Jessica will bring back GOLD for Australia!” National Director, Lizette Hunt said. Outstanding success was achieved by the entire team in July 2022, with more than 52 medals won, 2 Grand Champions, 6 Grand Finalists, 4 Major Scholarships and 10 Overall Awards.

Sponsors are welcome and any support to help Jessica raise funds to get to Los Angeles in July would be appreciated. For more information, email jessie.tomkins@outlook.com.

Jessica would also like to thank her sponsors Eco by Sonya Driver, Health Heiress, Better Windscreens, The Wood Guys and Carneys Bricklaying.

FLOODS. WHAT’S YOUR PLAN?

v Jessica Tomkins | Image: Black Lily Images | Article: World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA)

“I WASN’T EVEN PACKED, AND DIDN’T KNOW WHERE ALL MY VALUABLES WERE.”

On the 20th April this year my wife of 53 years Jean, unexpectedly passed away. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the friends, neighbours and complete strangers from the Prunus Close area of Glenmore Park who sent cards, flowers and food. I will be forever grateful for the kindness shown to me and my family.

Michael Reilly

FAITH - FOOTHILLS CHURCH

Article Written + Submitted by: Pastor Paul Marshall

W: www.foothillschurch.com.au

A: Junction Factory Rd & Loftus St, Regentville Service Times: Sundays 9.30am

Life’s In-built Wholeness

There is something in Life that works automatically for healing and wholeness, as if it has the will for it.

The magic of healing of the body is a wonderful example of the fact. Some years ago, I smashed my thumb with a mallet while laying pavers in our courtyard. Eventually, by my body’s own resources, the torn flesh healed, the old nail lifted off, and a perfect new nail formed underneath it. The body is a self-healer. All the doctor’s skill is used to release or activate the healing tendency within the body itself.

The body is attacked constantly by common diseases but defends itself. When it does succumb to illness and the powers of recovery are at work in the body and the mind, visualising the process at work is amazing. The whole organism seems to be committed to the task of restoration and renewal.

Even when serious illness takes a physical life, often we see the fortification of the spirit of the person involved as they fight it. The larger Reality of Life achieves its purpose as the person finds victory and wholeness in deeper places.

One way or another Life wills wholeness.

The Bible teaches that this Life with the ‘will to wholeness’ is an expression of God in the world. It is not some floating force that happens to be good, but the deliberate provision for our well-being by a God who created us, loves us as his own children, and desires relationship with us.

Jesus Christ is the way into this relationship with a God who wills our wholeness.

FAITH – GRACE WEST ANGLICAN CHURCH

Article Written + Submitted by: Senior Minister Christopher Braga

P: 4733 1635 A: 16 William Howell Drive, Glenmore Park W: www. gracewest.church Service Times: Sundays @ 8.30am, 10.30am and 6pm. Plus activities for adults + young people right throughout the week.

What is the best present that you’ve ever been given? I remember being given technical LEGO back in the 1970s. It’s still full of nostalgia when I pull it out and play with it! (Set 850 for any adult fans of LEGO). I remember being given a bike during the 1980s. It was a yellow BMX that was my pride and joy. During the 1990s, some friends gave me a Driza-Bone. However, the best presents are the ones that God has given. God gives us life itself. He gives us our friends and all that is so special to us in life. However, the most important gift he gave was his son, Jesus. It’s because of Jesus that we can know God’s love towards us. Jesus brings us the gift of salvation, that is, the gift of life when all we deserve is death.

It’s easy to think that we’re OK with God because we’ve been better than the person next door or the person on the TV. The truth is that none of us deserve God’s love and blessings. That’s why they are a gift because we don’t deserve them. God freely gives us the gift of new life, peace with him, and real confidence for the future, all through Jesus. The best gifts you can ever receive are the ones that Jesus brings!

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Empowering Accessibility: Quiet Hour Begins

Member for Badgerys Creek, Tanya Davies has welcomed the introduction of a permanent Quiet Hour at Service NSW Centres.

Mrs Davies said eight Service Centres across the State were selected for a trial of Quiet Hour by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government in 2022.

“The trial was very successful and 97 per cent of people surveyed found it a positive experience,” Mrs Davies said.

“It’s fantastic that a permanent Quiet Hour is now being rolled out to 107 Service Centres across NSW.”

“People in our own community who may be sensitive to light or overstimulated by sound can now complete Service NSW transactions in a more comfortable and safe environment.”

During Quiet Hour, the volume of music and ticket announcements is reduced and lighting is dimmed, and customers are asked to minimise conversations and put their mobile phones on silent mode.

Mrs Davies said Service NSW staff will also undertake disability awareness training to help provide customers living with disability, and their carers, extra support during each visit.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our fantastic Service NSW staff and the world-class customer service they provide to everyone in our community,” Mrs Davies said.

“Introducing a Quiet Hour is a small step forward, but for Service NSW customers living with disability it is a big step towards creating a supportive and inclusive environment.”

For more information and a full list of Service Centres participating in Quiet Hour, go to: www.service.nsw.gov.au/ about-us/our-organisation/quiet-hour.

r Article: Member for Badgerys Creek, Tanya Davies

Four local mates are preparing for a once in a lifetime trip across Australia together, all whilst raising much needed funds for charity.

Brent Farr, Arthur Frilingos, Peter Frilingos and Goran Stamenkovic are teaming up as The Avengers Car 351 and will be taking part in the 2023 Variety Bash Bathurst to Batavia Coast in August.

Spanning 4 states and over 5,500km, they will spend 11 days travelling from Bathurst in New South Wales to Batavia Coast in Western Australia on Sunday 6th August 2023.

The Avengers Car 351 will be driving a 1972 Ford Fairlane ZD, covered in 172 individual The Avengers stickers for the Variety Bash.

They will be navigating through farmlands, mountain ranges, deserts, and mining regions before ended at the Indian Ocean. Along the way, they will visit schools and donate items and equipment.

Beginning at Mount Panorama in Bathurst, the charity drive will visit places including Hay, Broken Hill, Wilpena Pound, Coober Pedy, Yulara, Warburton, Leonora, Meekatharra, Geraldton, and Batavia Coast.

“We are looking forward to travelling across the country with a group of mates and seeing what difference we can make to the children. To see the smiles and excitement on these kid’s faces means a lot” explained Brent Farr, The Avengers Car 351 team member and Glenmore Park resident.

The inspirational team have set the goal to raise $8,500 for Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT. Having raised over $6,000 already, they are well on their way.

The local community are invited to buy a sausage sandwich to support The Avengers Car 351, when they host a BBQ at Bunnings Penrith in Jamisontown on Saturday 29th July.

They also have a wine fundraiser with Brokenwood Wines.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone in advance for supporting us and Variety - the Children’s Charity” Brent ended.

You can donate to The Avengers Car 351 on their fundraising page at https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/fundraisers/ avengerscar351.

r The Avengers Car 351 | Image: Brent Farr

PARENTS CORNER

Article Written

+ Submitted by:

Monica Purcell | Family Facilitator

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au

E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

When “How Was School?” and other Questions Fall Flat

Parents often complain to me that when they ask their child, “how was school?” or “how was your day?”, they receive no more than a “good/fine” or a grunt in response. There are many ways parents interpret these responses, either believing their child doesn’t want to talk to them or is being pouty or impolite. Neither are true or fair.

Adults under-estimate the amount of cognitive processing that questions ask of children. When asked a question, I must not only decipher the meaning of the question but work out if I know the answer and want to give it to you. That’s a lot of thinking. Younger children with developing language capacity take even longer to manage a response.

Timing of question is usually another complicating factor. Questions fired at children just as they are bundling into the car at pick up rarely stimulate riveting conversation. Transitioning from school or day care to home is another process. Think about how you feel the minute you arrive home from work; even if you had the most successful day, you still need to recharge the batteries. Children, like adults, fatigue over a long day away from their safe base.

So, what then is the answer to the tricky question of questions? First, it’s important that we come from a place of genuine curiosity and openness. Children see the emptiness of this adult business of small talk and what they crave is connection. If you don’t really want to know the answer, best not to ask.

However, if you do want to connect with your child, then wrap that curiosity up in a reflective statement. Reflective statements share what you observe of your child’s emotional experience. For example, “it seems like you’ve had a hard day” Statements are open-ended and free from obligation to respond. However, if children feel seen and heard by parents, more often than not they will actually speak more. And then there’s times children don’t want to talk about it. In which case, just say you are open for a chat when they’re ready.

We often create more conversation with children when we don’t ask too much.

Book Review your

put it down. Ellis mother of three often finds nature as her place of refuge. In a moment of intense emotion and distraction, Ellis mistakenly leaves her baby, Viola unattended and drives away from the woods. In the short time it takes for her to realise, and return, the child is gone. This is the final straw in an already fractured marriage and she falls into despair and guilt, drowning herself in alcohol and drugs.

The only solution she sees is to leave it all behind. Ellis fears becoming her own mother, something she believes is inevitable, so removes herself from her family’s lives and takes to the mountain wilderness.

Spending time in nature has always been Ellis’ escape, and Vanderah’s writing describes the mountain environment so beautifully. The journey is heartbreaking and tragic at times, though thoughtfully explored by the author.

Intertwined is the story of Raven, home-schooled and isolated, a beautifully naive young girl. Her mother has secrets and Raven is not allowed to see other people. An encounter in the woods with some local children, opens Raven’s eyes to the outside world and she wants to know more.

The novel is told through the eyes of these two characters, both lovers of nature and struggling with their individual issues. Themes of addiction, secrets, forgiveness, trust and love are brought together in a moving and for some maybe too neat ending.

A well crafted novel, with absorbing characters and difficult subjects that was moving and delightful and impossible to put down.

r Book Review by: Tess

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK REVIEW and receive a $50 GiftCard if your review appears in print!

Registrations open this month for the 2023/2024 season for Glenmore Phantoms Softball Club.

The popular local club received a remarkable achievement recently when it was nominated and shortlisted for the Softball NSW Club of the Year.

Last season saw an amazing 234 registered players, consisting of 138 juniors and 96 seniors (126 female and 108 male) represent the club. This made up 22 teams.

The list of highlights for last season was also aplenty, proving that the Phantoms are a force in the sport in Western Sydney.

There were 12 teams that made it through to the SemiFinals, with 7 in the Grand Final and 3 winning their respective competitions and being crowned Premiers.

60 players, in addition to numerous coaches, managers and scorers, represented at an association level for Penrith City Softball Association, as well as PSSA and CHS.

The Phantoms produced no more than 5 players, who would further represent at State level, including Amber Frost, Xavier Lachat, Thomas Connell (NSW), Jordan Micallef (South Australia) and Ethan Randall (ACT).

Softball NSW recognised talent within the club, with Amber Frost receiving a Softball NSW Recognition Award and Corey Lowe a Softball NSW Coaching Encouragement Award.

The club dominated their social media presence. They consistently appeared in the ranks for social media results, measured for all clubs and associations in Australia by Shunt Creative. In June, they appeared in the top 10 for social media posts for the first months of 2023.

Season 2022/2023 would see the Phantoms secure new sponsor RBI Australia, who will continue into the next season.

Ahead of the September start, they are excited to announce Outback Steakhouse, Advanced Fire Suppression and Landmark Lending as their newest sponsors, joining RBI Australia.

A SafeWork rebate awarded last season resulted in a heavy duty, custom UV safe gazebo to promote the club at events, whilst providing shelter.

A further endorsement to proceed to the final rounds for a new Volunteers Grant by Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh MP was made, with the outcomes announced soon.

“Softball is a small community, where everyone chips in to bring an amazing season of sport to our players. There are lifetime friendships, and we see kids forming these same relationships both with the players within their own teams, but also across the clubs” said Elise Ellabban of Glenmore Phantoms Softball Club.

For more information about Glenmore Phantoms Softball Club, visit their website at https://www.revolutionise.com.au/ glenmorephantoms/ or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

r 2023 Teeball Premiers, Gremlins team | Image: Glenmore Phantoms Softball Club/Elise Ellabban

Jumpy July KID’S CORNER

MATCH THE SOCK PAIRS

SOLUTIONS

Puzzle

Puzzle

SPOT

The people and community of Glenmore Park were treated to a Family Fun Day at Ched Towns Reserve last month.

Taking place on Saturday 3rd June from 10:00am to 3:00pm, the fun packed day of celebrations was organised and supported by Penrith City Council.

The free event was well attended by the local community, who came together in large numbers to participate in some enjoyable activities for the whole family.

The “drop in at anytime” event included a pop-up petting zoo, inflatable obstacle course, face painting, rock painting, kids’ yoga classes, yard games, drumming workshop, games bus, food vans, craft workshops, art activities, local services, and entertainment such as demonstrations.

Attendees were able to share their day’s memories by tagging Penrith City Council and using the hashtag #PCCFamilyFunDay.

The community have told Council that they would like a range of events including smaller, local celebrations. Their Family Fun Day series, with events also planned for St Clair and Cranebrook, addresses this feedback by offering local communities the opportunity to get together to connect while at the same time enjoying entertainment and fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said that the event was be a great opportunity for residents in Glenmore Park to connect and learn more about local services in a fun, family-friendly environment.

“The Family Fun Day provided something for everyone in the community with a fun-filled, safe place to meet, relax and get involved in creative activities,” Cr Hitchen said.

Council would like to give a massive thank you to all who joined them to help make it a great day out with family and friends.

Let them know what your thoughts are and what you’d like to see at their upcoming Fun Days by completing the short survey at https://fal.cn/3yYOP.

To find out more about future events, visit online at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/upcoming-events.

Article Written + Submitted by:

Repairs Afoot Podiatry, Wallacia

P: (02) 4773 8071

W: www.repairsafoot.com.au

Shaheen Aumeer-Donovan (Practice Manager) & Philip Aumeer-Donovan (Clinical Manager and Podiatrist)

Warts & All (Part 2)

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

Maldini’s By The RiveR

T9/78-88

Tench avenue,

Jamisontown nsW 2750

Please see our Editorial in the June Edition of the Gazette for Part 1 of our discussion on wart treatments*

2) Wart paints

Once a wart has been diagnosed, you can commence home treatments with wart paints (available from the chemist). These work by burning the warty tissue with acid to provoke the immune response. It is important to follow the instructions (they normally require daily applications), and mask the area around the lesion with Vaseline, nail polish, or sports tape to avoid burning healthy skin. A podiatrist should monitor the progress every 1-2 weeks to ensure no issues are occurring. This can be a good option for stand-alone lesions, but it can be difficult to treat mosaic warts without burning the healthy skin around the virus.

3) Cryotherapy & acid treatments

In clinic, we can provide either cryotherapy or acid treatments. Cryotherapy works by applying a chemical that freezes the lesion to produce an immune response, while acid treatments work similarly to wart paints but we can use stronger chemicals. These are usually done weekly, with home treatments using wart paints done in between.

4) SWIFT

SWIFT is the current gold standard for wart treatment. It uses microwave technology to provoke the body’s immune system. The treatment itself can be uncomfortable – it is sometimes described like a rubber band snap or a hot sensation, although it doesn’t actually burn the skin – but treatment is only required monthly with no at-home treatment in between, and many of the lesions resolve within 1-2 treatments. We have had great success with long-standing and extensive warty tissue with SWIFT treatment. These may require a lot more treatments to completely resolve, but we often find that pain relief is achieved after 1-2 treatments. Success with this method is around 85%, which is a lot higher than other methods, likely because it penetrates deeper and doesn’t require ongoing daily treatment that can be a difficult commitment to maintain.

5) Curettage

Curettage is when the lesion is cut out of the foot. This can be an option for stand-alone lesions but it comes with the general risks of surgery and there is a high risk of scar tissue forming that can cause new issues. It is also not guaranteed that all the wart will be killed (since it is a virus), or that re-infection won’t occur. We highly recommend that patience and persistence with less invasive treatments (which may take a longer time) is a better option in most cases.

r Philip treating a wart using SWIFT * For general information only - a health professional must be seen for tailored advice.

Michelle and I went to an awesome restaurant, Maldini’s By The River in Jamisontown. Maldini’s is an Italian Restaurant, and they have options for everyone. I last visited this venue 3 weeks ago and was impressed with the service and offerings on the menu.

When we entered Maldini’s, the staff were friendly and more than happy to help. After locating our table, we read through the menu and to begin our lunch, we were interested in the Cheese and Garlic Pizza. The Cheese and Garlic Pizza was soft to the touch and had plenty of garlic and cheese on top. The garlic and cheese together along with the base gave this delightful starter plenty of flavour and it was delicious.

Michelle chose the Chicken Skewers, which came with a house salad, flat bread, chips and a side of Tzatziki. She was impressed with the size of this meal it would have fed 3 people. She offered some of the chicken for me to try and it was amazing.

The chicken was crisp on the outside and when I bit it, the flavours along with the Tzatziki were amazing. It was moist, and the edges of the chicken reminded me of a char-grilled steak. I enjoyed the Tzatziki, which was creamy, and slightly tangy in flavour.

The Calzone Pizza came presented on a plate and was cut in to 4 pieces. Within this half-folded pizza was mushrooms, salami, olives, basil, and ricotta cheese. I also asked if garlic and hot pepperoni could be added. The calzone reminded me of a large, toasted sandwich and after taking my first bite, I immediately noticed the creamy ricotta and salami. The garlic also added extra flavour to this already incredible pizza and the mushrooms and hot pepperoni enhanced the flavours within this pizza.

I finished off this outstanding lunch with a flat white coffee and Michelle had a piccolo coffee. I can highly recommend Maldini’s, and this venue receives a ten out of ten.

**Restaurants are not privy to reviews taking place, and all meals are fully paid by us.

Chicken Skewers with house salad, flat bread, chips and Tzatziki

Singing and Shining in Brisbane

The Riverland Harmony Chorus is a women’s barbershop chorus who love to sing, perform, and entertain! They sing a cappella in 4-part harmony in the barbershop style and performed at the Wallacia Festival, as well as other venues throughout the year. They competed in the recent Sweet Adelines Australia Convention in Brisbane with 23 choruses from around Australia.

Each chorus performed 2 songs on stage, with the international judges looking at Sound, Music, Expression, and Visual Communication. There is the opportunity for Masterclass learning and, of course, the joy of seeing other choruses and quartets perform. The Mass Sing on the banks of the river was very special, with hundreds of ladies from different choruses singing just for the pleasure of being part of this wonderful organisation.

Glenmore Park resident, Penny Lees, is their local chorus representative in the Riverland Harmony Chorus who went to Brisbane. Penny said, “It was our first Convention since Hobart in 2018, so we were really keen to perform. It was a great experience and our Music Director, Nerryl Liston, was very pleased with us all, as we improved on our previous marks. The weekend was packed with great fun, great friendship, and great singing.”

Riverland Harmony Chorus is part of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide singing organisation for women barbershop singers. It is made up of choruses and quartets that perform a cappella music and is one of the world’s largest singing organisations, with 32 Sweet Adelines Choruses in Australia and more than 500 worldwide.

The Riverland Harmony Chorus meets on Monday evenings at 7:00pm at the Penrith Baptist Church, 11 Morello Terrace, Caddens NSW. Their repertoire is very versatile and includes rock and pop songs, popular show tunes and more, all especially arranged in the barbershop style. If you are a woman looking for something new, fun, exciting and enriching, then come along and see them for yourself. New members are always welcome! See more details at www.riverlandharmonychorus.org or give them a call on 02 4739 1834 or 02 4773 8284.

v Penny Lees |

Image/Article: Margaret Stepniewski

MATTERS

Could Stool Transplants Plus Better Diet Cure Ulcerative Colitis?

Last month, we learnt that:

1. Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is generally considered incurable,

2. Regular medical approaches can involve pharmacotherapy including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and/or immunosuppressive drugs, and surgical intervention (sometimes extensive).

3. These interventions are supportive not curative, many have side effects.

4. Human UC patients have alterations in gut microbial composition.

5. Inappropriate gut flora may be a contributor to UC disease.

6. Faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) tries to treat UC by correcting gut microbial composition.

7. Donor SD-FMT was able to maintain steroid free remission in

a. 32% of UC patients at 8 weeks.

b. 13% at 12 months.

And patients maintained their standard medications through this study.

Transplanting donor bacteria may be a good start, but this study failed to address patient diet, ‘a key modifiable factor influencing the composition of the’ microbiota resident in the gastrointestinal tract.

A recent study randomised 66 patients:

1. 35 receiving FMT plus a specific autoimmune dietary regimen (FMT-AID) and standard care.

2. 31 receiving standard care alone.

In this study, FMT-AID was found significantly superior in all measures

when compared to standard medical care as an intervention for UC. Comparing the results (at the end of 1 year) from this study with those of the FMT-only study from last month, we see that the intervention that also addresses diet has best results (See below table).

This might be expected given:

1. ‘Diet is one of the major determinants of the gut microbiome’ composition ‘and has been associated with risk as well as disease course of IBD’.

2. Diet provides nutritional elements that improve intestinal health. From our previous articles, it’s clear that intestinal cells aren’t healthy in UC patients.

A review of dietary instructions given to patients in the FMT-AID group shows that, although the prescribed diet provides some good nutritional advice, this diet often focuses on exclusion of certain foods and misses some foods providing key nutritional elements likely helpful for UC. For example:

1. Probiotic.

2. High zinc foods.

3. High nitrate/melatonin foods.

Article Written + Submitted by: Kellie Tickner from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital

A: 49 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027

Winter Worries for Pets

Winter can be a time that makes us all feel under the weather. Like us, our pets also notice the cold. Here is what to look out for with your pet in Winter.

Arthritis : As with humans, the cold weather can make arthritis symptoms worse. Owner should look out for any decrease in activity levels that could be due to an animal’s discomfort. Dogs and cats may have difficulty first thing in the morning, climbing up and down stairs or just generally slowing down.

Shelter from the cold : Adequate warmth and shelter are essential in combating the cold weather. It may seem obvious, but double check that pets can safely shelter themselves from wet weather and wind. Some very old pets with severe joint disease or senility may not have the capacity to remove themselves from the elements It may be best to give pets warmer, padded bedding and more blankets so they can escape the cold. Know your pet – this is especially important for short-haired dogs that live outside. Breeds such as whippets can feel the cold more than other dogs. Another option is to purchase a jacket or clothing to keep your pet warm if they feel comfortable wearing them. Also, consider bringing your pet inside at night if they’re older or a short-haired breed.

Winter diet : As we tend to stray away from exercise in colder weather, we may forget our pets’ activity needs. Decreased activity without a change in diet may impact your pet’s metabolism. In Wintertime, many people won’t exercise their dogs as much as in the Spring or Summer with the beautiful weather. If you know your dog will be getting less exercise – even if it means reducing the length or frequency of walks – remember to adjust their diet to avoid ‘winter weight gain.’

The same goes for cats, which can become less inclined to exercise or venture outside in winter. Ensure you’re exercising your cat regularly with playtime, and adjust their diet to align with activity levels.

Exercising in Winter : The cooler weather doesn’t mean our pets won’t enjoy exercise as much. Most pets are happy to participate in regular exercise routines if they’re enjoying company with their owners Again, it’s good to be aware that they could be slower than normal, particularly if they’re old or have arthritis. Steady exercise and a good warm-up will prevent injury.

If your pet is slower than usual, or acts sluggish or like they’re in pain – all of which can be exacerbated by colder weather – give the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital a call on 0247362027.

For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au, instagram @orchardhillsvethospitalgrooms or call 02 4736 2027

CONSULTING HOURS

Monday to Friday: 8am - 7pm | Saturdays: 8am - 2pm

Services provided include:

• General Surgery (desexing to orthopedics)

• Vaccinations and in-house pathology

• Radiology and Dentistry

• Visiting specialist radiographer and ultrasonographer

• Puppy preschool

• Grooming and hydrobath

• Home visits

• Cat boarding and Kitten adoption

• Secure off leash dog park

Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP)

CONTACT

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS THE LAST WORD

You know Winter has well and truly arrived when your bathroom pipes have frozen and water is no longer free-flowing in the early hours of the morning.

4733 0792

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

12th July 2023

Online: 1st August 2023

Letterboxes: 1 + 2 August 2023

SMALL PRINT

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 Glenmore 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.

Yesterday, I received a call from a reader who has recently relocated from Western NSW to our local community. They were beyond delighted to have a local resource like the Gazette available at their fingertips.

It brings me great joy to receive these calls, of which I receive many. It’s a real privelege.

In any given week, I am in contact with a number of retailers, trades and local business owners. Sometimes I’m a shopper, other times I’m Belinda from The Gazette discussing fantastic print advertising opportunities.

With the recent rate rises top of mind for many, the common message is that times are expected to get tougher; and that your local support is key.

There’s no need to spend more than you are able to; but money you don’t spend with the big national stores or online is always welcomed by the local businesses that appear in these pages. Grab a hot ‘cuppa’ and enjoy this months dose of ‘Your Community News’.

‘Go easy on yourself. Whatever you do today, let it be enough!’

Belinda

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Managing Editor Belinda Sanders

Writer / Sales Cim Sanders

Writer / Sales Tayla James