Students wrapping up their schooling in Wollondilly will be given the opportunity to access fee-free training to help them rapidly gain new skills for summer jobs in industries experiencing labour shortages such as hospitality, construction and early childhood education.
Member for Wollondilly, Nathaniel Smith MP said the NSW Government’s Summer Skills program will help school leavers find their feet as they try to match their early career opportunities with the right training.
“Business in Wollondilly and across NSW need workers now and this program will help upskill young people and find jobs this summer,” Mr Smith said.
“Summer Skills gives young people meaningful opportunities to get jobs, whether it’s a gig at their local café or securing work in the aged care sector.”
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the Summer Skills program will deliver 4,000 fee-free courses, with a focus on school leavers, as part of the NSW Government’s record $3.1 billion investment in skills and training.
“If you’re completing your HSC, now is the perfect time to get skilled for free and jump straight into a well-paid and rewarding job over the summer,” Mr Henskens said.
“This program is helping people boost their budget by slashing course costs, so that young people can get the skills they need for the jobs they want – whether that’s to kick start a career or earn money while they study.
“It will also help businesses address labour shortages so that they can employ more people and have a bumper summer.”
Summer Skills courses will be available for people between 16 and 24 who have left school through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations.
For more information, visit www.skills. education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/summerskills.
r Article: Nathaniel Smith MP
Mayor Matt Gould has established the Mayor’s Giving Tree Christmas Appeal to help support those doing it tough in Wollondilly, this Christmas and beyond.
The Mayor is encouraging residents to embrace the spirit of giving by donating unwrapped gifts for children between 0-12 years old or non-perishable food items at one of the designated delivery points.
“This has been a difficult year for many Wollondilly residents due to unprecedented storm events, personal tragedy, and financial stress,” he said.
“The spirit of Christmas is about kindness, family, generosity and sharing and as we know, the Wollondilly community does this so well.”
“We always look out for each other here is Wollondilly so as Christmas draws nearer, I’m asking residents to lend a hand to those in our community who need some support and extra help this year.”
“By donating a child’s gift or nonperishable food items, you can make a huge difference to children and families this Christmas.”
Donations can be made at the Council Administration Building in Picton, the Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre, Community Links Wollondilly at Tahmoor, the Dilly Wanderer, or the Mobile Library.
The appeal is unable to accept used, second-hand or wrapped gifts.
In this position, you will prospect for new customers by cold calling, using leads, or other means of generating interest from potential customers. Developing and maintaining relationships with current customers across several publications both in an inbound and outbound capacity is critical.
The ideal candidate will have strong ties to the area and a knowledge of local business. A willingness to support our communities and highlight the value of local newspapers to our region’s future is essential.
The role is casual, working across our entire portfolio.
Up to 12 Hours Per Week | 6-Month fixed term contract, possible ongoing for the right candidate.
• Calling customers for advertising needs and advocate our products (Warm and Cold Calls)
• Assist advertisers with their advertising solutions in innovative ways.
• Deliver the revenue targets.
Get into the festive spirit by watching some Christmas classics with family and friends! Join us as we host a doublefeature, The Grinch (2018) and The Santa Clause (1994). Dress up in your best festive outfit - there is free face painting to help complete the look!
Grab some delicious takeaway food from a local restaurant or a sweet treat from a dessert truck. There is free popcorn on offer for the first 200 people.
We have a great line-up of movies that the whole family can enjoy!
The Grinch (2018) Movie will start at 5.30pm.
The Santa Clause (1994) Movie will start at 7.30pm.
Triangle Park is a 5 minute walk from the Civic Centre or Penrith Train Station. Parking is available at Union Road carpark.
This event is free and proudly brought to you by Penrith City Council.
Join us for a relaxing, fun and festive night!
Dates & Times
Starts: 10 December 2022 05:00 PM
Ends: 10 December 2022 10:00 PM
Location Triangle Park 565-567 High Street Penrith NSW 2750
• You are easy to talk to and have a professional telephone manner.
• Sound Microsoft Office skills and the ability to learn new systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Accuracy and excellent attention to detail.
• Effective time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• A positive work ethic and strong drive for results, with an ability to work well in a team.
• The ability to use initiative to solve a problem.
• An understanding and keen interest in local business and news
• You have gained work experience in sales or customer service in the media industry (ideal but not essential)
The District Gazette are proudly locally-owned and operated by industry professionals.
For over twenty-five years, publishing 5 Independent Newspapers that are a fresh, modern monthly publication catering to a growing region, with incredible reach into the community.
Apply
Email CV + Cover letter to info@ districtgazette.com.au
The Inaugural Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards were held at Star City Pyrmont on Saturday 12 November 2022.
Our very own Wollondilly Women in Business (WWIB) network came home as Champions in the Women’s Organisation category.
Steve Loe, Awards Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions states the aim of these awards is to “increase the visibility of female entrepreneurs from across Australia”. He further states that, “since their inception in 1999, the Australian Small Business Champion Awards has captured the hearts and minds of small businesspeople who strive for the ‘Oscar of Small Business’.”
Wollondilly Women in Business, along with the 2,500 other submissions, were given the opportunity to profile their story while sharing their passion and commitment to excellence and opportunity. Their win bears proof, that with a heart for service, a lot of hard work, perseverance and initiative, anything is possible!
WWIB began as a Facebook Page in 2015 and 7 years later they are the largest business and community organisation in the Wollondilly Shire. They strive to ‘Connect our Community through Commerce’.
Today, they have an all-volunteer team of 12 women, who are business leaders in their own right. This includes Michelle Legg (Founder and President), Brooke Hilton (Vice President), Wendy White (Treasurer), Katrina Langhorn (Secretary), Noleen Jessup (Public Officer), Melissa Owen Doughty (Training and Initiatives), Marjo Hallowell (Communications), Debbie Roberts (Resources), Carole-Anne Priest (Policy and Governance), Josephine Byrnes-Luna (Leadership Breakfasts), Tia Veech (Coffee Catchups) and Sharon Horner (Networking Nights).
Not to sit on their proven achievements, the team are working on new ideas to bring into creation for 2023. Let’s watch with pride what is coming as this regional team of powerhouse women have put our beautiful shire of Wollondilly on the map as Australian Champions!
Congratulations to our very own Wollondilly Women in Business.
Lunden House is a new cafe, coffee shop and event space that opened in the heart of Luddenham last month.
Opening on Monday 21st November, the exciting local destination features a café, event space (indoor with outdoor to open), with beautiful gardens, and water feature.
Dine-in, grab and go, hot and cold drinks and healthy options are available. The food is Italian inspired.
Lunden House’s name pays homage to the rich history of the area. ‘Lunden’ was inspired by Luddenham and ‘House’ as the site was once a private residence.
The business is owned by locals Nancy and David Mamone, with daughter Estelle.
“We are very much looking forward to working in the community and the local support” said Nancy Mamone to the Mulgoa Valley Gazette.
Their trading hours are Monday to Friday 5:00am to 3:00pm, Saturday 6:00am to 2:00pm and Sunday closed.
The community friendly venue also has plans to introduce farm animals in the future.
For more information, search Lunden House on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website www. lundenhouse.com.au.
Lunden House is located at 76 Willmington Road, Luddenham NSW 2745. Their phone number is 4773 4339.
v Lunden House now open | Image: Lunden House - Facebook
Teenage filmmaker Jacob Di Giorgio has completed his second short film, which will be premiering locally this month.
‘Warragamba Days’, which was filmed in late September/early October this year, will premiere at Warragamba Workers and Sporting Club on Sunday 4th December at 3pm. Actors and their families will be on hand to watch the film for the first time, with a small presentation for the actors afterwards.
“Filming was great. We all had lots of laughs. Just to be out during the Springtime in Warragamba was amazing. Meeting people watching us make the film with great interest was a memorable experience,” said Jacob.
The short film has already been submitted to the Flickerfest FlickerUp Youth Film Festival. With judging yet to be completed, there have been over 3,300 entries.
Moviegoers will get a chance to watch ‘Warragamba Days’ when it is available to watch on YouTube soon.
“The film will be available to watch late this year to early next year. It can only be released on YouTube after the judging of the film festival has been completed” he explained.
Jacob would like to thank the local community for the support he has received when making his short film, showcasing Warragamba.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the film, including the actors and their families, and my parents for all their help, support, and advice. I would also like to thank the Mulgoa Valley Gazette with all their assistance and enthusiasm regarding the development of the film” Jacob ended.
At Christmas, it is easy to feel just how much our world is in a mess. Just think about the wars, sickness, car accidents and death that still happen at Christmas. It just feels so wrong. Surely for just one day the world can take a break from all the evil, violence and pain that exists the other 364 days! We spend billions of dollars trying to remove pain, eliminate sickness and prevent death, but we don’t succeed, not even for a day. We can delay and reduce the bad things we see, but not stop them. Surely God could do something about this?
At Christmas, we remember how God has done something and will do something about it. The Bible says that the root of our problems is our sin, that is our rejection of God. It teaches that Jesus came once to ‘take away the sins’ of people, and that he will appear a second time to establish his Kingdom, bring salvation to all those who are waiting for him and put everything in the world to right. The good news is that God hasn’t forgotten us. He will act to fix up the world and the most important thing for each one of us is to come back into a relationship with God through Jesus. Christmas is a time when we can remember what God has done for us in Jesus and what he will do. God hasn’t forgotten you.
May this year bring blessings of Christ’s peace, joy and love to you and your loved ones. Merry Christmas and many blessings for the new year.
to get the fun day that had been months in the making.
At Twin Creeks Country Club in Luddenham, 124 players hit the greens to raise money for the non-profit that has been dedicated to serving children with autism spectrum disorders and their families in the Greater Western Sydney region
16 years. The day included not just 18 holes of golf, but many novelty competitions, raffle prizes, entertainment by the famous Brad Blaze, and a live auction.
LPF has been fortunate to have many longstanding attendees that come year after year. This year you would have also found many Penrith celebrities including the Penrith Panther and 2022 Churchill Medal winner, Dylan Edwards, Royce Simmons and more.
Players walked away with many great prizes and auction items including new golf swag, fishing excursions, and access to some of Australia’s most well-known golf courses.
The Luke Priddis Foundation is already looking forward to next year’s Charity Golf Day tentatively scheduled for October 2023. New players, sponsors, and donors are always welcome to join the fun. If you are interested, reach out to LPF to become involved.
In the meantime, the Luke Priddis Foundation is full steam ahead planning their very special Christmas party for the kids of LPF. All children and their families are invited to the clinic that is being converted into the Grinch’s Who-ville where they will be able to do fun activities, receive individual presents, and most importantly have a private visit with Santa.
For more information about the event, head to lukepriddisfoundation.com.
r Golfers at the LPF charity event | Image/Article:
The Luke Priddis Foundation’s Charity Golf Day finally experienced blue skies and sunshine last month, on Friday 14th November after multiple cancelled attempts. Despite a series of setbacks, the team at the Luke Priddis Foundation (LPF) and all the golfers were able for Luke Priddis FoundationConstruction on the new Mulgoa Rural Fire Brigade station has entered the final stages, with the $1.4 million redevelopment set to be complete in time for summer.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the new building will consist of a three-bay station, amenities, change rooms and a large training space.
“The Brigade’s former twobay station was no longer fitfor-purpose and could only accommodate two of its three appliances,” Ms Cooke said.
“The new station, being built on the site of the previously outgrown building, will continue to provide fire coverage to the Mulgoa community, while also assisting neighbouring Brigades by facilitating meeting and training activities.”
I want to first and foremost thank the people of my electorate for their support over the years and for giving me the honour of serving as their local member in the NSW Parliament.
Since I was first elected in 2011 as part of the Liberal and Nationals Government, we have secured significant investments for our community. Some of the projects I am proud to have helped deliver include the:
• $1.0B Nepean Hospital Redevelopment
• More than $700m Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospital Redevelopment
• The $4.4B Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan [1] that has rebuilt The Northern Road, Bringelly Road, Werrington Arterial Road and more,
• New Fernhill School in Glenmore Park and the under construction Nangamay Public School in Mulgoa Rise
• $248m Mamre Road Upgrade Stage 1 commitment
• M4 Roper Road westbound onramp
• $500m Cooler Classrooms Program to deliver air conditioning in many Western Sydney learning environments
• $13m Performing Arts and Learning Centre at Glenmore Park High School
• $27m purchase of historic Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa for parklands and recreation, and
• More than 70 cost of living support programs to ease the pressure on household budgets.
These achievements are evidence of a strong Government delivering for the interests of its citizens. I am excited by the opportunity to continue delivering projects like these to help build a brighter future for every family in Western Sydney.
If given the honour to represent you as the Member for Badgerys Creek in March 2023, I will continue to fight for you and what is rightfully ours in western Sydney. If elected in a Liberal and Nationals Government I will fight to:
• Deliver the Elizabeth Drive upgrade,
• Complete the Mamre Road upgrade,
• Accelerate the delivery of more affordable housing,
• Cut the ribbon on the Palliative Care Unit at Nepean Hospital,
• And more
Together, with a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government we can build a brighter future.
Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the NSW Government is committed to providing volunteers with the facilities and equipment they need to carry out their roles safely and effectively.
“I thank the almost 50 active members of this Brigade who continue to protect our community from grass and bush fires, as well as a whole range of incidents like car accidents and storm responses,” Mrs Davies said.
“We’ve had our fair share of storms, floods and bush fires here in Western Sydney and I am very grateful to our volunteer emergency service personnel who serve our community each and every day.”
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Cumberland District Manager, Superintendent Angelo Baldo, said the Mulgoa Brigade’s members are committed to helping their fellow residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The construction of this new station will enhance our ability to support communities in the Cumberland Zone and beyond,” Superintendent Baldo said.
“We also thank the families, friends, employers, and colleagues of these and all of our volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience which in turn enables NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”
This festive season, Council will be continuing the weekly collection of the yellow lid recycling bin to help increase materials sent for recycling and keep valuable resources out of landfill.
The response received following last year’s festive season weekly recycling service was positive and Council is excited to offer this service to the community again.
Yellow lid recycling bins will be collected on a weekly basis starting Monday 12 December 2022 until Friday 6 January 2023 inclusive. During this period you can place your yellow lid recycling bin with the red lid garbage bin for service each week on your normal collection day. Your green lid garden organics bin collection would continue as normal on a fortnightly service during this period.
From Monday 9 January 2023 the yellow lid recycling bin collection returns to normal fortnightly collection.
Scan the QR code or refer to your waste booklet, or the “Festive Season Weekly Recycling” page on Council’s website for more info
wollondilly.nsw.gov.au | 4677 1100
• Downloading our Penrith Waste Champion app where you can get real-time notifications in the palm of your hand
• Downloading a copy of the calendar from... penrith.city /bincalendars
• Requesting a printed copy to be sent to you by visiting The Waste Spot at penrith.city/thewastespot
We’re providing extra bin collections to help with the additional waste and recycling produced over Christmas and New Year’s.
During the weeks highlighted, place all bins on the kerbside the night before your normal collection day. Collections may run early in the morning and late into the night, so please do not bring your bins in until they have been emptied.
Have a lot of recycling that won’t fit into your yellow-lidded recycling bin?
Bring it to our free recycling drop-off point from Monday 19 December to Friday 30 December 2022* between 3pm and 6pm at Jamison Park.
We’re accepting items such as wrapping paper, cardboard boxes and other household recyclables.
Please remember that polystyrene can’t be dropped off, but it can be placed in your red-lidded residual bin or taken to Penrith’s Community Recycling Centre. *Event excludes public holidays and the weekend.
We’re collecting real Christmas trees for free on Saturday 7 January 2023. Bring your real tree to Jamison Park between 10am and 2pm and we’ll turn it into mulch. Please make sure to remove all decorations from your trees before bringing them down on the day. Artificial trees can be disposed of by booking a bulky waste collection at The Waste Spot or by breaking it down and placing it in your red-lidded residual bin.
Learn more at penrith.city/christmaswaste penrith.city
Mulgoa’s own Brittanie Shipway has had a year to remember. With two of her plays debuting in 2022 and the chance to sing in a musical at the Sydney Opera House for the first time, her star continues to rise.
Brittanie is currently starring in The Lovers, which is playing at the Sydney Opera House.
“I’m currently in my final week of the new smash hit musical The Lovers, which is a pop-infused adaptation of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. This show is particularly exciting because it’s written by Australia Laura Murphy, and it’s my Sydney Opera House debut!” said Brittanie to the Mulgoa Valley Gazette.
With so many wonderful memories, she finds it hard to single out one main highlight on the stage this year. One thing is for sure and that is there is no place like home when life gets busy.
“I mean…singing at the Opera House is pretty cool! But developing my first ever play and seeing it hit the stage was amazing. “I’m really grateful for the year I’ve had, but more grateful for my family supporting me. They go to every show, pay for a ticket, and then encourage other friends to get in to watch. They’re the best PR team a gal could ask for. But whenever work life gets a bit hectic, there’s no greater feeling than heading down Mulgoa Road, and watching the sunset over at the Nepean River Lookout” she smiled.
Away from the stage, Brittanie is also excited by the prospect of continuing to write more productions.
“I’ve been really lucky to have two plays debut in 2022, A Letter for Molly at Ensemble Theatre, and Senser at Theatre Works down in St Kilda. Currently, I’m working on a musical called Yellow Rock, which will have songs that explore Dreaming stories from my Gumbaynggirr heritage. I’m really excited to workshop it in the new year, with generous support from Australia Council for the Arts, Create NSW, and APRA AMCOS” Brittanie explained.
With 2023 just a few weeks away, a national tour awaits the talented performer.
“I’ll be touring Australia with a national production of Rolling Thunder Vietnam. We swing past Sydney in June too. It’s a jukebox musical with rock n’ roll songs we all know and love, set against the Vietnam War from an Australian perspective. It’s going to be a banger! Definitely a show my Uncles will love” she ended.
(Bell Shakespeare) at the Opera House,
You may have recently noticed some changes happening at HomeCo. Glenmore Park Town Centre, as they commence their $20 million centre development works.
HomeCo. has developed a master plan that includes changes to both sides of the Town Centre precinct in order to provide a retail mix that services the strong family market alongside a centralised services precinct.
On the Coles side of HomeCo. Glenmore Park Town Centre, they will be making way for an exciting new retailer, Best & Less. To accommodate this, some of the existing specialty stores will relocate to new sites within the Town Centre. Works will commence on the new retail space in January 2023, and it is anticipated that Best & Less will open in the following months.
Works will also commence on the redevelopment of the area alongside the Woolworths side of the Centre, on Town Terrace. Fences will be erected, and some minor construction works will commence shortly. During this time there may also be some minor impacts to the nearby car spaces, and they will provide further updates as appropriate. This will be the first stage of the construction of a services centre with Services NSW and a medical precinct including a new look for the existing Medical Centre, plus Flawless Retreat; a unique spa experience. This will also be complemented by food operators with alfresco dining and a community space.
The Town Centre redevelopment represents a $20 million investment in the local community, creating an estimated 150 construction jobs. The redevelopment also aims to achieve a 4 Star Green Star Communities Buildings rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
Glenmore Park is a family-oriented suburb with 73% of the population being families. The Town Centre is a social hub for multiple generations, from local mums connecting over a coffee, teenagers grabbing a bite after a football match, or families dropping in to pick up the weekly groceries the centre is a constant hive of activity. HDN CEO, Sid Sharma said “We are excited to further develop this much-loved Glenmore Park destination by bringing more restaurants, an outdoor eating precinct, a new medical centre, office suites and services to the centre while reinvigorating the community space.”
During the works, HomeCo. will endeavour to ensure that customers can still shop in a comfortable and convenient environment. They will provide ongoing, up to date information of the works and ongoing announcements of new tenants. Visit https://homeco. com.au/glenmore-park for more details or check the HomeCo. Glenmore Park Town Centre Facebook page for further details.
r Artist’s impression | Image/Article: HomeCo.
This month, I was excited to finally visit The Blind Chef Café and Dessert Bar in Penrith for lunch.
Michelle and I were impressed with the service and quality of the food there. When I first walked into the Café, Craig greeted me, and I immediately noticed how welcoming he and his team were and the warm atmosphere within. Craig and I had a chat, and I was excited by how easy it was to navigate the Café. There was plenty of room to walk, and no obstacles in my way. The tables were spread out, so people were able to walk by and the seating was comfortable.
Michelle ordered the Halloumi Salad This salad consisted of oven roasted halloumi, chickpeas, pumpkin, cauliflower, spinach, confit cherry tomato and harissa yoghurt dressing.
Michelle really enjoyed her salad and said it was exceptional and very filling.
I ordered the menu item called the Fat Boy, which consisted of schnitzel, prawns, prosciutto garlic sauce and chips.
The Fat Boy was outstanding, and I found the flavours exceptional. The schnitzel was tender, the prawns were succulent and the garlic sauce on top gave this dish a ten out of ten.
I ordered a mug of flat white, along with a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice. I really enjoyed how fresh this juice was and the coffee was creamy and had plenty of flavour. What also impressed me was when my coffee arrived, the Waitress told me that the handle of the mug was on my right.
Overall, the Blind Chef Café and Dessert Bar receives a ten out of ten.
The service was outstanding, and the staff were really engaging and friendly. Craig has put so much time and effort into his Café. If you have not visited the Blind Chef Café and Dessert Bar, you really need to visit and experience the warm and inviting atmosphere and the top-quality cuisine Craig has to offer.
Thank you so much team for making my visit welcoming and a pleasant encounter.
This year, Di has decided to design a choice of three calendars. This has consisted of landscapes, horses, and a dog calendar.
All of the amazing photography that you will find in the calendars have been taken by Di on her travels, exploring and adding to her landscape gallery with her caravan and pet Labradors, or in her country style portrait studio at Mulgoa.
And with the choice of calendar profits being donated to three important causes close to Di’s heart, being Drought Angels, Dolly’s Dream and Red Dot Animal Programs.
Drought Angels is personalised support helping farmers facing many adversities with the ongoing natural disasters. Dolly’s Dream helps to protect children from bullying and cyberbullying with online safety programs and education. Red Dot Animal Programs works to produce the number of unwanted animals by rehoming, education and desexing.
Di’s calendars are $30 each and are available now in store at Mulgoa Newsagent and Post Office and Hairline Mulgoa and also online. They are available online at www.farmstayaustralia. com.au/shop.
All three calendars are 100% Australian made, with design and printing by Digital Print Australia in South Australia.
Di also has her gallery open on the 3rd and 4th December at 74 Fairlight Road in Mulgoa, as part of the Mulgoa Art Trail weekend of open galleries.
Any visitors to Di’s gallery during the Mulgoa Art Trail will receive a $100 Gift Voucher for a Portrait Session at Di’s Studio www.diwatsonphotography.com.au.
r Di Watson’s three new 2023 calendars | Image:
Do you love taking photographs of flowers or animals (or both!) you see in Penrith? Enter Penrith City Council’s #WildlifeWednesday photo competition!
All you have to do is:
• Take a photo of an animal or plant local to Penrith.
• Submit your photo by sharing it in a comment to a Wildlife Wednesday Photo Competition Facebook post OR
• Email bushcare@penrith.city with the subject “Wildlife Wednesday Photo Competition Entry”
• Keep taking photos until the competition closes!
All entrants will go into the draw for the chance to win one of 10 Nature Packs! All winners will be included in Bushcare’s 2024 Bushcare calendar.
Terms and conditions apply. The competition is open to all budding photographers and closes Wednesday 1 February 2023. Find out more at https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ waste-environment/environment/bushland/things-to-do
Greater Western Sydney Zone 5 is one of 16 zones in New South Wales and comprises of 24 clubs.
“It was nice to bring a flag back. We were all very happy with the result” said Bruce Chamberlain, President of Wallacia Bowls. 12 players from Wallacia (consisting of 3 teams each with 4 players) qualified for the 2022/23 Men’s State Pennant Finals, which were played at Warilla Bowling and Recreation Club from Friday 18th November to Sunday 20th November. The round robin competition would see three teams qualify for the finals.
Chamberlain has previously been a part of 9 Zone Championship winning teams. This was his first time at the State Pennant Finals.
“The last time we were Zone Champions was a couple of years ago. This year’s team was strong” he stated.
Bruce would love to see more players take up the sport of lawn bowls.
“It would be great to see more young players get involved in the sport. It’s very enjoyable to play” he finished.
It’s summertime! Traditionally, this is the time of year that exercise shoes are dusted off and sandals retrieved from the back of the closet as the weather warms up and the outdoors seems much more appealing once again. Here are our top tips for keeping feet healthy this summer:*
1) Build exercise intensity gradually
When starting to get back into exercise, particularly after a long break, the temptation is to pick up the intensity where you left off. This can over-stress muscles and joints, causing pain to develop. Instead, gradually build up the intensity to give foot and ankle structures time to gain strength.
2)
Replacing worn out shoes and wearing supportive footwear when exercising is essential. Different shoes are appropriate for different foot mechanics, and a podiatrist can advise on the best styles of footwear and fit for all foot types. Always
wear footwear around public pools to protect feet from infections like the wart virus.
3) Stretch Regular stretching helps to decrease the risk of injury during activity. Only 5-10 min of stretching per day, particularly before exercise, can save on months of pain and rehab!
4) Change socks regularly
Changing to fresh socks when they get sweaty can help prevent infections such as tinea and fungal nails, and help stop blisters from occurring.
5) Moisturise
Applying cream can help reduce calluses (hard skin) and cracking on the feet which increases the risk of infection and pain. Moisturised feet also look much better in summer footwear!
6) Visit us at Repairs Afoot Podiatry
We can help with any concerns of the feet, ankles and lower legs.
* For general information only – a healthcare professional must be seen for tailored advice. See our ad opposite.
Many animal models for studying colitis exist. Most use rectal instillation of irritants such as acetic acid, ethanol, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, formalin, and hydrogen peroxide, or oral ingestion of sulphated polysaccharides to generate colon inflammation. These animal models don’t resemble human ulcerative colitis either in terms of causation, at the tissue level appearance, or how human UC develops over time. The real clues, to what may cause human UC came from observations of a nutritional form of colitis in pigs.
Last month’s article suggested that a compound called “Co enzyme-A” may play a key role in Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in humans.
Co enzyme-A is made in the body of all mammals from Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Vitamin B5 is an essential nutrient which must be gotten from the diet.
Vitamin B5 deficiency often develops in animals (particularly pigs) fed corn, because corn/soybean meal is deficient in pantothenic acid. Dietary deficiency of Vitamin B5 causes Ulcerative Colitis (among other problems) in pigs.
This was first illustrated in the early last century. Dietary Vitamin B5 deficiency leads first to a low free CoA level in pig colon cells, then severe colonic inflammation, wall thickening, oedema, excessive mucus discharge and bloody diarrhoea. In fact, this
Colitis in pigs exactly resembles UC in humans:
1. Free Co enzyme-A concentration in pig colonic mucosal cells and UC patients are both low
2. Colitis appears first at the rectum, then spreads toward the caecum as disease worsens in pigs and human UC
3. Similar tissue inflammatory changes occur with appearance of crypt abscesses, and mucus cell depletion.
In pigs, the chain of events is: Low dietary Vitamin B5 low Vitamin B5 levels in colonic cells low free CoA levels in colon cells Colitis.
] ] ]
Vitamin B5 supplementation easily reverses this chain of events, and the pig Colitis heals, commencing at the caecum and progressing toward the rectum.
While simple Vitamin B5 deficiency isn’t sufficient to induce UC in man, it was:
1. The clear similarity of Vitamin B5 deficiency Colitis in pigs to UC in humans, and
Starting its humble beginnings locally, SOLiD MEN is a group whose mission is ‘to strengthen and equip a growing number of communities of like-minded men with the goal of promoting physical, spiritual, emotional and mental health’.
Back in 2017, a group of women including the wives of their founders, started a 2 week fitness challenge. The men thought it might be good to do a similar challenge… except they kept going for over 5 years! The group was started by two friends, Nik Fe'ao and Suaia Matagi. Suaia was playing NRL for the Parramatta Eels at the time, bringing his fitness knowledge to the group.
“We run free; peer led exercise sessions twice a week. Sessions are always outdoors and include bodyweight training, cardio and often we use concrete bricks to increase the intensity” said Lance Rogers, Treasurer and Public Officer of SOLiD MEN.
“After each session, the men get together and grab a coffee and chat. Men are free to share as much or as little as they like knowing it is a safe space to speak. We also have a run club twice per week, again with a well-earned coffee and chat afterwards!” he continued.
Run Club is a lap of the Nepean River Bridge to Bridge, meeting at 5:00am near The Coffee Club. Wednesday workouts are at 5:00am at Jamison Park Netball Courts. Their main session is every Saturday at 5:45am at Western Sydney University (Werrington Campus), followed by coffee at The Valley Junction in Caddens from 7:10am. They also have a seasonal basketball session at Ropes Crossing Basketball Courts, which is due to start again in January 2023.
Lance enjoys being a part of SOLiD MEN, “The accountability aspect has been fantastic to help myself grow as an individual both physically and mentally. If I don't show up for a few workouts or go AWOL on our weekly "Check In Tuesday" post, I know there'll be someone out there texting or calling. I'm fitter than I have ever been in my adult life and have an amazing circle of friends that has all come from being a part of SOLiD MEN”.
He believes that it’s important to have groups like this in the local community.
“One of our values is ‘Check 6’ representing the need to watch out for each other, keep an eye on that vulnerable area of life and ensure we're checking in with each other and also know a man out there has my back.
“We hear the stats that men too often don't speak up and reach out if they need help, but when you've pushed your body through a tough workout alongside another bloke it breaks down that barrier opening up that real, vulnerable conversation. When it comes to getting men connected with each other I don't think there can ever be enough groups like this out there”.
r Group photo after the workout. If there's no photo it didn't happen!
Image: Lance Rogers
Local resident Belinda was all set and prepared for gastric sleeve surgery, when she began losing weight during the pre-operation diet, but she was starving.
She decided to start herself on Lite n’ Easy and ended up feeling so great and never had to go through with the surgery. “After the ‘pre-op’ diet, it made me realise I didn’t have to starve myself to lose weight” explained Belinda.
Belinda kick started her weight loss with Jump Start. Jump Start is a two week program designed to kick weight loss into high gear. Based on the science of calories in versus calories burnt, it combines five days of normal, healthy eating (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) with two days of intermittent fasting. Results from 1,600 survey participants revealed that 88% of people lost weight.
“This helps to increase your weekly calorie deficit which may accelerate your weight loss in those first two weeks, giving Australians the motivation, they need to continue,” said Accredited Practising Dietitian for Lite n’ Easy Ashleigh Jones.
“On intermittent fasting days, breakfast and morning snacks are removed. This reduces the weekly calorie intake by approximately 600 to 800 calories. For optimum results increasing water intake and exercise will assist further along with avoiding alcohol,” Ashleigh said.
A recent study by Torrens University shed light on the sad state of Australia’s obesity epidemic. The number of Australians who are overweight and obese is now the highest on record.
“What the current science indicates is that weight loss really comes down to eating less and moving more. The problem is that this isn’t always easy to do. People need help putting these principles into practice, and a program such as Jump Start may be the key to helping people lose weight,” Ashleigh added. Belinda has now lost 35kgs without the need to go under the knife, “I know my dear (late) Mum would not have wanted me to go through with surgery, and I feel like somewhere, somehow, deep down she played a hand in helping me come to this realisation” she said. Even her own Doctor was shocked by the results. “My doctor was even pleased I didn’t go ahead with the surgery, convincing me I didn’t owe the surgeon anything” she ended.
r Belinda [L] before and [R] after | Image Supplied | Article: Project PR & MediaOn November 10th, the Western Sydney Aerotropolis Development Control Plan Phase 2 (Phase 2 DCP) was finalised and replaced the interim Phase 1 DCP. Two other documents have also been finalised along with the Phase 2 DCP: one that sets out the requirements relating to Country and Aboriginal culture and another that ensures that new development supports the airport’s future operation.
These documents apply a performance-based approach to guide development in the Aerotropolis and balance the need to provide both certainty and flexibility for landowners, developers and council staff when designing, proposing, and assessing new development. But due to WSA Co’s objection into the new houses in Luddenham (out of the noise contours), Luddenham Village was excluded from the DCP.
The Luddenham Progress Association has once again written to Mr Simon Hickey the Chief Executive Officer of WSA Co, telling them that their “objection to Luddenham is holding up the future for the entire Village. WSA Co has not been able to come up with any concrete reasons as to why they oppose development outside of the noise contours, except to ‘future proof’ the airport. At a recent meeting with your management team, they stated that “Airport Ground Noise” was the issue. After doing some research, we know that this is not an issue for what the Department is planning and asking them to withdraw its objection to the future development of Luddenham Village’”. At the time of going to print, no reply has been received.
Further to last month’s article about WSA Co stockpiling contaminated soil and asbestos from the airport site and burying it next to a creek, they have advised the following “A significant amount of asbestos contaminated material (ACM) has been discovered on the site. The source of this material is likely to be from illegal dumping, and from buildings that used to occupy the site. A Remediation Action Plan (RAP) was developed to guide remediation and validation of the site. This has been implemented by Western Sydney Airport’s contractors, overseen by an environmental advisor, and is certified by an independent site auditor ensuring the safety of the site, workers, and community at all times. We have opted to permanently encapsulate this material within the site, according to legislative requirements and industry best practice standards.
Adams Road has partially reopened, after it was rebuilt to allow the fuel tankers to deliver fuel for the airport. But disappointed that Liverpool Council didn’t know that Adams Road and Anton Road are actually in Luddenham, not Badgerys Creek.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the readers a very Merry Christmas and a Safe 2023.
With Summer holidays fast approaching and families gathering at local beaches and swimming pools, it is a timely reminder to keep watch whenever children are near water. Unfortunately, around 22 children lose their lives to drowning in Australia each year. These deaths are preventable with active adult supervision.
Toddlers aged 1-4 years are most at risk because they are fast moving, adventurous and do not understand water safety. Parents think that children will splash and yell when they are struggling but drowning occurs quickly and silently. A child’s airway can fill with water in less than 20 seconds, preventing capacity to call out.
Active supervision requires you to have your full attention on your child when they are near, around or in water. Avoid distractions like smart phones. Always ensure you are within an arm’s length of toddlers, so you can intervene quickly. Flotation devices or leaving small children in the care of older children does not replace adult supervision. Older children also require your full attention when near, in or around water.
Other steps you can take to ensure your children’s safety around water:
1. Restrict children’s access to water. Ensure gates to pools or spas are securely closed and meet NSW Standards (visit swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au for more information). Make sure there are no chairs or pot plants nearby for children to climb and gain entry. Empty all buckets, containers, and wading pools immediately after use as young children can drown in as little as 5cm depth.
2. Learn and regularly refresh your cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. You can access a free online course at kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/cpr-resuscitation. You can also download, print, and display resuscitation posters to keep as a reminder around pools and spas.
3. Enrol your children in water familiarisation or swimming lessons so they can start to develop their understanding of water safety from an early age.
For more information on water safety, visit kidsafensw.org or royallifesaving.com.au. Keep safe this Summer. Keep watch.
With more than 30 years of experience in the leisure and recreation industry, Belgravia Leisure currently manages over 220 sport, leisure and tourism sites across Australia and New Zealand.
Belgravia Leisure CEO Nick Cox said Belgravia Leisure was honoured to be appointed manager and operator of Wollondilly’s Swimming Pools.
“Belgravia Leisure is proud to partner with Wollondilly Shire Council to manage Wollondilly Leisure Centre and the Warragamba Pool in New South Wales. We hope the community continues taking advantage of these great community spaces, especially in the lead up to summer. We are looking forward to working with Council in connecting the community to leisure,” Mr Cox said.
Mayor Matt Gould said, “Throughout the process, we have sought to get the best outcome including service quality and price for the operation of our swimming pools, on behalf of our communities.
“We expect that there will be minimal disruption to users and no changes to fees during the transition period, as the necessary adjustments are made. We know how important these facilities are for the health and well-being of our residents,” Mayor Gould continued.
Belgravia Leisure’s South West NSW Area Manager Scott Vanderheyden said that the company is committed to supporting the local economy. “This means continuing to hire local staff, engaging local suppliers, and keeping regional economies healthy through investing in resources from the area.”
The partnership will enable Council to work with Belgravia Leisure to maximise the use and community benefit of the venues by tapping into their established connections and networks.
Belgravia Leisure has a proven record of attracting state and national sporting and recreation events, conferences, and conventions and partnering with the government to manage community facilities of all shapes and sizes. The award-winning company is also renowned for placing a high priority on access and inclusion, health and safety and sustainability.
“For membership enquiries or if you are looking for a fulfilling career in leisure with opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact in your community, please visit Belgravia Leisure’s Simply the Best Summer Jobs, and complete an expression of interest. We will pay for qualifications and training to ensure each candidate is ready to go,” Mr Vanderheyden concluded.
r Warragamba Pools | Image: Wollondilly Shire Council | Article: Belgravia Leisure
The festive season is here and that could mean one thing, Santa Claus is coming to town! He’s making a special trip to join up with Wallacia Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) for their Annual Santa Run this month.
This year’s Wallacia RFB Santa Run will take place on Friday 24th December (Christmas Eve). Santa will be our very own guest ‘firie’ for the day when he visits the local community with members of the Wallacia RFB there to support him.
Santa will start his trip at 3:00pm on Christmas Eve in William Street, before making his way around the streets of Wallacia to greet all the boys and girls and handout Iolly bags to all those that have been good. Our local Wallacia Brigade will be in tow with one of their fire trucks. It’s also an opportunity to pass on your wish list and even grab a photo with the man in the big red suit.
You will be able to follow Santa to see where he is as he travels around Wallacia on the local brigade’s Facebook page. Don’t forget to greet him, before he begins his long trek around that world later that night.
“After a very tough year with the wet weather, all of the members of Wallacia RFB are really looking forward to helping Santa and seeing our local community out and enjoying Christmas” smiled Captain Jody Preston of Wallacia RFB.
For more information about the Annual Santa Run, follow Wallacia RFB on Facebook. Whilst there, you can track Santa’s travels around the village on Christmas Eve and read updates of this exciting family event.
“All the volunteers at Wallacia RFB would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas” ended Captain Jody.
r Feature Article: [Cover] Santa and members of Wallacia RFB [Above] Santa giving out lollies to local kids | Images: Wallacia Rural Fire Brigade (RFB)
Chocolate is delicious for humans, but can be fatal if our pets ingest it. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which causes vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, restlessness, muscle twitching, increased urination, excessive panting and if left untreated can be rapidly fatal.
If your dog does accidentally eat some chocolate, it is vitally important that they are seen within 30 minutes to an hour by your local veterinarian. The veterinarian will give a medication to make your pet vomit, which removes most of the toxins from the body. Sometimes, your pet will be hospitalised, where intravenous fluids may be used, an enema or stomach pump may be required, and we may also need to use muscles relaxants and activated charcoal.
Ensure all chocolate is kept out of reach from your pets.
With the warmer weather upon us, snakes are coming out of hibernation.
Signs of snake envenomation includes: muscular weakness, wobbliness or paralysis, increased respiratory effort, trembling, salivation, vomiting, slower blood clotting time, bruising, blood in the urine, and abnormal neurological signs (including collapse, seizure, tremors, pupil enlargement).
The sooner the snake anti venom is given, the higher the chance of survival.
If you see a snake, please keep your distance, do not try to touch it or try to contain it and call WIRES on 1300 094 737.
Ticks are bloodsucking, external parasites. High humidity is necessary for all stages of the tick to survive and ticks are commonly found in a 20 kilometre band on the eastern coastline of Australia, from Lakes Entrance, Victoria to Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Ticks are also found in the Lower Blue Mountains.
The tick toxin is injected into the host whilst the tick is feeding. The neurotoxin causes a rapidly progressive, ascending lower motor neuron paresis to flaccid paralysis. Pain sensation is preserved.
Some clinical signs include:
1. Loss of coordination in the hind limbs.
2. Change in voice or bark.
3. Retching, vomiting, coughing
4. Loss of appetite.
5. Difficulty breathing or increased respiratory rate.
6. Large and poorly responsive pupils
7. Progressive paralysis to the forelimbs and respiratory muscle paralysis in a few hours.
Treatment of tick paralysis is aimed to preserve life while the antitoxin has time to work and neutralize the tick toxin. The tick is removed as soon as possible, tick antiserum is administered and supportive care is provided. Some cases may require 24 hour specialist care with a ventilator.
There are many products on the market that provide some protection against ticks, including: Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, Comfortis, The Big Five, Credelio, Revolution Plus, Frontline and many other products.
Perform daily body searches on your pet for ticks when visiting tick infested areas.
The typical history of a canine patient that is diagnosed with pancreatitis is one in which the dog ate a high-fat meal or got into the garbage. Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammatory reaction within the pancreas that can result in abdominal pain, inappetence, and vomiting. The inflammation results from the inappropriate, early activation of an enzyme within the pancreas, which causes the pancreas to digest itself. Avoid feeding fatty foods to your pets, including the fat from the Christmas hams.
Raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs. Grape and raisin toxicity in dogs can cause serious kidney damage that can lead to acute (sudden) kidney failure, which can be fatal. Do not give your dog raisins or raisin products, including the Christmas cake.
With the weather warming up it is important to look after your pets:
• Provide shelter for your pets, so they get away from direct sunlight.
• Provide plenty of water. Animals do not sweat like humans and they rely on the evaporation of the water in their mouths to cool themselves down. So they need extra water so they do not overheat.
• Provide extra water sources in case they are spilled.
• Provide kiddy pools so your pet can lay in the water.
• Bring your pets indoors with air conditioning, if possible.
• Consider day boarding in air conditioning.
• Avoid exercising your pets during the heat of the day. Walk them in the early morning, or later at night when it is cooler.
• Do not leave pets in a car or vehicle.
Please feel free to pop in anytime and meet the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital.
(Police, Ambulance, Fire) 000
Penrith Police Station 4721 9444
Police Assistance Line 131 444 St Marys Police Station 9677 7499
Warragamba Police 4774 1105
Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling 131 114 NSW Fire Brigade Warragamba 4774 1222
Graffiti Hotline Penrith 1800 022 182
Wollondilly SES 4677 1417
Rescue)
Anglican Church 2265 Silverdale Rd, Silverdale 4733 1635
Catholic Church Sacred Heart, Luddenham + Warragamba
4773 4321
Uniting Church The Northern Road, Luddenham 0409 818 091 Wallacia Community Christian Park Rd, Wallacia 4773 8232
Baptist Church 38-40 Nineteenth St, Warragamba 0417 174 455
Mt Schoenstatt Shrine + Retreat Centre 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa
‘This year, I lost, won, failed, cried, laughed, loved, but I didn’t fold.’
A relevant quote that not only echoes the year many have experienced, but ironically also here at the District Gazette.
We’re proud to still be delivering local news across our portfolio of 5 publications, reaching 28,000 letterboxes spanning 20 suburbs and a readership of 83,000.
Unlike some, we have not ‘folded’ but stand stronger than ever.
We wouldn’t be here without all of our supporters, both readers, contributors and advertisers. Not to mention all of the people who’ve taken time out of their busy lives to chat with us, to tell their stories and keep us up to date with what’s happening right here; and let’s not forget those who walked the streets delivering papers be it rain, hail or shine in 2022.
Remember to support local, small business and especially those that you see advertising within these pages. Without their support we wouldn’t be able to deliver ‘your community news’ to you.
4773 8338
Elevation Church Penrith 4 Production Pl, Penrith 4722 8489
Mulgoa 0491 969 275
Wallacia 4773 9887 0438 336 887 Luddenham 4773 4142 Silverdale 4774 1252
Home + Community Care 4774 2589
Penrith Suicide Bereavement Support Group 0402 627 696
Progress Association Mulgoa 4773 8230
Progress Association Luddenham 4773 4454 Progress Association Wallacia 0407 230 499 Warradale Community Action Association Inc. 0419 685 422
Mulgoa Valley Landcare 0411 487 512 Neighbourhood Centre 4774 1273
Seniors Mulgoa 4773 8974 Probus Club 0408 304 006
Penrith SouthProbus Club 0422 410 146 Scouts 1800 SCOUTS (1800 726 887) Girl Guides 0414 619 382
We wish you a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. Cherish friends and family, those both here and in our hearts. Stay safe and well. We’ll be back from February next year!
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