2024 Diwali Lights Competition
Blacktown City’s increasingly popular Diwali Lights Competition is back in 2024!
The ancient Hindu festival of Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, with observers around the world lighting lamps and candles in and around homes and temples. These lights are said to help the goddess Lakshmi - goddess of wealth - find her way to homes and businesses. Adding to the colour are rangoli artworks on the floors of living rooms and courtyards; these are bright patterns (the most popular being a lotus flower) created from coloured sand, petals, flour or dry rice.
$2,500 in cash prizes are available for the best decorated properties across our City’s 5 Wards.
They will once again recognise the prestigious title of ‘Best Street’. Best Street acknowledges neighbours who come together in the spirit of Diwali to create a festive and culture-filled atmosphere in the street they each call home. To be eligible for this category, you must have a minimum of 3 decorated properties entered from the same street. The street that successfully takes out this title will receive a sign erected acknowledging them as the winner of ‘Best Street Blacktown City Diwali Lights Competition 2024’.
Residents of all backgrounds are encouraged to get involved by decorating their home with lights.
Nominations are now open. Visit: https://au.openforms.com/ Form/99b06112-6ff8-480e-a0a5-422b18507854
Nominations close: Friday 25 October.
Preliminary judging: Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 October, between 8:00pm and 11:00pm.
Final round judging: Friday 1 November, between 8:00pm and 11:00pm.
For terms and conditions, go to https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov. au/Community/Awards-scholarships-and-competitions/2024Diwali-Lights-Competition#section-2 2023 Overall City Winners
1st Place - 28 Wilcox Street Marsden Park
2nd Place - 12 Phantom Street Nirimba Fields
3rd Place - 20 Jensen Street Grantham Farm. 2023 Ward Winners
Ward 1 - 20 Jensen Street Grantham Farm
Ward 2 - 27 Lorikeet Street Glenwood
Ward 3 - 14 Hereward Highway Blacktown
Ward 4 - 27 Lilydale Drive Woodcroft
Ward 5 - 28 Wilcox Street Marsden Park. 2023 Best Rangoli
27 Lilydale Drive Woodcroft.
2023 Best Street
Phantom Street Glenwood.
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
Cranebrook Kids
Meets at 10:00am on Tuesdays at Andromeda Community Hall (Andromeda Drive, Cranebrook). More details: https:// www.playgroupnsw.org.au/Playgroup/Playgroups/ CranebrookKids
Cranebrook PlayConnect
Meets at 9:30am on Thursdays at Koolyangarra Aboriginal Family Centre (1 Kington Place, Cranebrook). More details: https://www.playgroupnsw.org.au/Playgroup/Playgroups/ CranebrookPlayconnect
Hobbies + Interests
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
Held weekly on Sundays from 6:30am till 2:00pm at The Skyline Drive-In (33 Cricketers Arms Road, Prospect). More details: www.blacktownmarkets.com.au Markets
Blacktown Markets
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
Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s Group
Meets every Tuesday from 7pm at Jordan Springs Community Hub (2 - 6 Cullen Avenue Jordan Springs). More Details: Lauren 0404 666 344.
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/
The Haunted Pub Comes to Jordan Springs
With Halloween returning this month, get ready to be spooked, right here in Jordan Springs!
Family favourite destination Brooks Jordan Springs will be transformed into ‘The Haunted Pub’ on Thursday 31st October.
Get set trick or treaters to be surprised, with the venue to be decorated in the Halloween theme. It’s sure to give the most bravest the chills!
Don’t forget to come dressed in your best costumes. Will you be Dracula, Frankenstein or even Beetlejuice!
There will be two prizes for the best dressed children, as well as face painting.
“We can’t wait to bring you the Haunted Pub. It’s an event not to be missed. We love being a part of this community” explained Rebecca Passlow, Assistant Manager of Brooks Jordan Springs to the Jordan Springs Gazette.
It is hoped that the exciting, new experience will become an annual event.
Rebecca also has an awesome announcement about an upcoming charity fundraiser taking place early next year.
“We are currently planning something special to take place in February 2025. Keep up to date on our socials for more information soon” she said.
This will follow the successful 2024 Brooks Social Charity Bike Ride, which took place on Sunday 23rd June 2024.
Just under 40 riders were registered to take part in the charity event, which saw them ride from Brooks Jordan Springs to Plough & Ale, at Calderwood.
Over $2,000 was raised with the Brooks Social Charity Bike Ride in aid of Black Dog Ride Australia.
For more information about ‘The Haunted Pub’, search Brooks Jordan Springs on Facebook in the lead up to Halloween.
Travelling Plant Giveaways
In theme with keeping their commitment to ‘greening the City’, Blacktown City Council’s popular annual travelling plant giveaways are expected to take place between September and October.
There are five giveaway sites across Blacktown City, one in each electoral ward. Residents can attend their closest one and collect two plants per property from a selection of native and exotic species. Nursery staff will be onsite to assist in selecting plants that will be appropriate for their garden.
Terms and conditions of travelling plant giveaway program
• Participants must be an owner or occupier in the Blacktown City Council local government area. Proof of this must be shown (for example: rate notice, driver’s licence).
• A limit of two (2) plants per residential allotment applies. A maximum of 2 plants per person.
• You may only collect 2 plants for one property at the travelling and local government week giveaways (this means you cannot collect for friends and neighbours, or multiple properties). They will honour multiple property ownership at the Blacktown Council nursery but not at travelling or local government week plant giveaways. This is so everyone can have an opportunity to collect plants on the day.
• 2,500 plants will be available at the nominated locations to the first 1,250 residents.
• Residents must be present on the day to collect plants.
• This program is to be conducted strictly between the times designated (9:00am – 1:00pm) or until all plants given away.
• The plant entitlement from this event is additional to Council’s Nursery Giveaway program. Residents can still collect their annual allocation of 2 free plants from Council’s Nursery (Showground, Kent Street, Blacktown – Tuesday to Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm) each financial year.
Find out more about these events at https://www.blacktown. nsw.gov.au/Services/Blacktown-Nursery/Travelling-PlantGiveaways When
Saturday, 12 October 2024 | 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Saturday, 19 October 2024 | 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Saturday, 26 October 2024 | 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM Where
12 October 2024 Lynwood Park R55 Allen Road Blacktown 19 October 2024 Canine Centre Carpark, R855 Owen Street, Glendenning
26 October 2024 Blacktown Showground (R20) - Richmond Road, Blacktown r Image/Article: Blacktown City Council
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.
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:
r Sean with an Eastern Brown Snake | Image: Australian Snake Catchers
EventPix
Beating the Odds and Inspiring Others
Local Andrew Hewitt has been drumming since he was ten years old, when his parents bought him his first drum kit in 1980. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Andrew’s journey into drumming wasn’t just about music—it was about overcoming challenges.
“I’d been watching a lot of music shows on TV, in particular Countdown, and wanted to be that drummer on stage,” Andrew recalled. “Despite my disability, I never took no for an answer.” Now, after 44 years as a drummer and nearly two decades as a drum teacher, Andrew continues to inspire others with his passion for music and his unique approach to teaching.
Andrew’s teaching journey began in 2004 after leaving the stressful world of IT. “I wanted to do something more rewarding with my life and help others,” he said. He started with hand drumming sessions for disability groups, which eventually evolved into teaching drum kit.
His teaching style is distinct, using backing tracks of popular songs to teach students to play by feel rather than from a book. He also adapts his teaching methods for students with disabilities, drawing on his own experiences. “I’ve had to work other ways to make the drums work for me,” Andrew explained, noting that he combines electronic and acoustic drums due to restrictions with his leg strength.
Andrew’s drumming career is filled with highlights, from performing internationally to co-founding Can-Do Musos, an organisation supporting musicians with disabilities worldwide. “I’ve performed in the USA five times now and even co-hosted panel discussions at NAMM for Can-Do Musos,” he shared. Andrew’s talent and determination have earned him features in international drum magazines and endorsement deals with top brands like Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, and Remo heads. Recently, Andrew became involved in the Mable advertising campaign after responding to a Facebook post. “They specifically wanted a drummer for the campaign,” he said. “My drum kit is my domain... where my disability is irrelevant, and I can go off into my own world. I love showing others that anything is possible with a bit of persistence.”
Andrew’s biggest drumming idol is Rick Allen from Def Leppard, who lost an arm in a car accident but continued to drum with the help of electronics. “Rick inspired me to combine electronics on my own drum setup,” Andrew said.
For those interested in drumming, Andrew offers lessons from his fully wheelchairaccessible home. He has a current Working with Children’s Check and can be contacted through his Facebook page or his website, www.drummerstix.com.au.
r Feature Article [Cover + Above] Andrew Hewitt: Australia’s Most Inspirational Drummer | Images: Andrew Hewitt | Article: Tanya Nellestein
Disability and Carers with Services Australia
Find out about disability and carer support from a qualified Services Australia representative.
A Services Australia representative will present on disability and carer support and be available to answer questions you may have regarding:
• Eligibility for both payments
• Income and Assets tests for both payments
• Respite care for Carers
• General help for both payments
The session is free, but bookings are essential.
02 October 2024
10:00am-11:30am
Penrith City Library
601 High Street
Penrith NSW 2750
Bookings can be made through https://www.eventbrite.com. au/e/disability-and-carerswith-services-australia-tickets952545337747?aff=oddtdtcreator r
Book Review your
him while he was in his early teens.
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
EMAIL: info@districtgazette.com.au
SUBJECT:
Spring to The Joan and Penrith Regional Gallery these School Holidays
the creativity and imaginations of your children and teenagers these October school holidays
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
Spark
at The Joan and Penrith
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.
Embrace the Spooky
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!
Goals to Success
Cambridge Park – St Marys Basketball Club (CPSM) have just completed the 2024 Winter season, with great success on the court in the Penrith District Basketball Association (PDBA) Competition.
“It was another amazing season for our club. We finished up with multiple teams again reaching the finals” explained Mel Innins of Cambridge Park – St Marys Basketball Club.
With many highlights, both on and off the basketball court this year, this season would also see success for the club’s coaches.
“We have had just had eight of our club coaches selected to be part of the coaching staff for the 2025 representative season with Penrith Basketball” she smiled.
Attention now turns towards the upcoming 2024/2025 Summer season, which begins shortly. The new competition will commence on Friday 11th October and run through to term 4 of school.
They will then take a break for the Christmas holidays and resume to play the remainder of the season at the start of term 1 in 2025.
The club is still looking for additional players, with vacancies in a number of different age groups.
“We are looking for boys born in either 2016 or 2017 to play in their Under 10’s team. We also have other spots for girls and boys from the Under 10’s through to the Under 18’s.
“Please contact us if you are wanting to join up” Mel announced.
They currently train out of two separate locations, the basketball stadium at Cambridge Park and St Pauls Grammar School.
For more information about Cambridge Park – St Marys Basketball Club (CPSM), including their upcoming season, you can contact them via email at basketballcpsm@gmail.com or jump onto their website at www.cpsmbasketball.com.au.
r Cambridge Park – St Marys Basketball Club (CPSM) | Image: Cambridge Park – St Marys Basketball Club (CPSM
PROBUS CLUB
Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Jordan Springs
E: Jordanspringsprobus@gmail.com
W: probussouthpacific.org/microsites/jordansprings
October is Probus Month, and we are celebrating with numerous events reflecting the Probus ethos of fun and friendship in retirement.
Events will include a country market day, ten pin bowling and a large celebratory lunch gathering, as well as regular walks and trivia nights. The highlight will be the monthly meeting on Tuesday 22 October, when the Jordan Springs Community Hub will house the inaugural “Retiree Olympics”. It is bound to be a laughter filled few hours of numerous games and quizzes.
Visitors and new members are always welcome at any event!
Specifically catering for semi & full retirees, Jordan Springs Probus meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at Jordan Springs Community Hub, 2-6 Cullen Ave, Jordan Springs. For more information contact Keith on 02 9713 9038, Judy on 0414 766 763, Tricia on 0414 976 997, Annie on 0409 230 753, or email us at probusjordansprings@gmail.com.
r Probus Lunch gathering| Image Supplied
FAITH – ST DAVIDS CHURCH LLANDILO
Article Written + Submitted by: Rev John Hebblewhite
A: Lot 257A Seventh Ave, Llandilo P: 4736 3592 Service Times: 10am each Sunday with additional services held: 2pm on the Third Sunday + 8am on the Fourth Sunday
The Christian Bible is a textbook of the faith in the Holy Trinity. The Bible itself provides no proof for the existence of God. God is taken as a given. It is interesting to note its pages contain the changing concept of God from a tribal deity to the immanent and transcendent caring God.
The Bible is not concerned overly with explanation but rather with meaning. God is seen as one who acts: this is stated, but not explained. The meaning of the action is achieved by the results of the action, in many instances it is at variance with much that is known from such disciplines as astronomy and anthropology. Within the context of the Bible story, coloured by the understanding and knowledge of the time, the teaching is validated by its effect rather than the veracity of the knowledge in which the story is recorded.
As such, the Bible is not a useful tool for apologetics, simply because Jesus Christ left no written record. The written record contained in the New Testament is telling the story of the life and teaching of Jesus the Christ many years after his death and ascension. The record is storytelling of which the four Gospels give coherent accounts, although often requiring comparative interpretation, particularly between the gospel of St. Mark and that of St. John. Apology is thus better in terms of appeal to what Jesus did, using the Bible as the supportive source of that action as it is belief in the action of Jesus that leads to the acceptance of him as being the Christ. As such, the role of the Bible reason and appeal to the writings of scholars and teachers down through history of Christianity and give support and guidance to this faith.
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 www.orchardhillsvet.com.au, instagram @orchardhillsvethospitalgrooms or call 02 4736
4733 0792
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Emergency Services
(Police, Ambulance, Fire) 000 Penrith Police Station 4721 9444
Police Assistance Line 131 444
Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling 131 114
WIRES (Wildlife Rescue) 4754 2946
NSW Rural Fire Service 1800NSWRFS Churches
Corpus Christi Catholic Church 86-92 Andromeda Dr, Cranebrook 4730 1249
St Thomas’ Anglican 29 Callisto Dr, Cranebrook 4730 3434
St Davids Llandilo Seventh Avenue, Llandilo
St Mary + St Marina Coptic Orthodox Church 363 Ninth Ave, Llandilo
Jordan Springs Anglican Church
Penrith Church – Strong Nation Churches (LTD) Coming soon Shop 2, 56 – 66 Lakeside Parade, Jordan Springs 4577 6555
MOSAIC Community Church (Llandilo) Seventh Ave, Llandilo
Community Groups
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.
A huge thank you to all our readers, and we hope you can grab a cuppa and sit down to enjoy your Community News!
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
712 972
Breastfeeding Group 1800 686 268 Scouts 1800 SCOUTS (1800 726 887)
Penrith Suicide Bereavement Support Group
Sports Clubs
Baseball Club Penrith 0434
940 Karate Goshin Ryu 0411 136 237 Swimming Club Nepean 0416 311 453 Triathlon Club Panthers www.pantherstriclub.com.au
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 Jordan Springs Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor.
Letters to the Editor... May be printed and edited as necessary. Names must be submitted but can be withheld from publication at the writer’s request. Every effort is made to print correct information but no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.
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