Mulgoa Valley Gazette June 2023

Mayor’s Charity Night Heading Back to the 1930’s to Raise Funds for Domestic Violence Prevention

Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould will host a ‘A Journey to the Golden Thirties’ charity night celebrating the glamour of the steam era to raise money for the Camden/Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee.

Wollondilly residents, businesses and friends will be able to enjoy dinner, drinks and live entertainment, as well as raffles, auctions and plenty of prizes from 6pm to 10pm on Saturday 24 June 2023.

To fully capture the mood of the golden era of steam travel, the event will be held in The Great Hall at the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere.

Mayor Matt Gould said, “I’d love everyone to join me on 24 June for a fun night travelling back in time to the 1930’s, when the steam locomotive was the way to travel in the days before it was replaced by electric and diesel power engines.”

“Funds raised at the Mayor’s Charity Night will go towards the important work of the Camden/Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee, specifically supporting a project to reduce domestic violence within the Wollondilly Shire.”

Local Domestic Violence Committees are a program of the NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women, which seeks to decrease violence against women through the promotion of collaborative partnerships between government agencies, nongovernment agencies and women’s groups and services.

The Camden/Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee raises local community understanding of the issues of domestic violence and its impact on women, children and the community.

It also provides a forum where all agencies delivering services to women and children experiencing domestic violence can come together to discuss issues of concern, and advocate to address these issues at a systemic level, in a respectful and professional manner.

Tickets for the event are $160 each, or $1500 for a table of 10, available through Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CIBKZ

For further information about the event please contact Council’s Events Team on 4677 1100 or email events@wollondilly.nsw.gov. au

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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Community Groups

(NEW) Silverdale Probus Club

Saturday 24 June 2023

Children + Families

Wallacia Playgroup

Meets on Thursdays from 10:00am till 12:00pm at Wallacia Christian Church (23 Park Road, Wallacia). More details: https:// www.facebook.com/cpcommunitychurch/

Warragamba Playlinks Supported Playgroup

Meets on Mondays from 9:30am till 11:00am (school terms only) at Civic Park, Warragamba. More details: https://www. facebook.com/wsncinc/

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

Free Food Fridays

Every Friday from 10:30am till 11:30am at Wallacia Christian Church (23 Park Road, Wallacia). More details: https://www. facebook.com/cpcommunitychurch/

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

Discover new interests and unlimited possibilities in retirement . A new Club is being formed in your local area. First meeting held on Monday 19th of June from 10.00am to 12:30pm at Silverdale Progress Hall, 1984 Silverdale Road, Silverdale. We welcome new members. More details: Contact Ethan. Phone: 1300 630 488 Email: membershipsupport@probussouthpacific.org 6pm to 10pm

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/

Silverdale Charity BBQ Raises Thousands

The local community came together in big numbers to show their support for the Silverdale Charity BBQ recently, all whilst raising thousands of dollars for the Black Dog Institute.

The charity event was held on Sunday 23rd April from 7:00am to 11:00am at Horse and Harpy in Silverdale. The organisers of the fundraiser were Aimee Mitchell at Elders Real Estate, Steins Plumbing Solutions and Horse and Harpy.

An estimated 700+ locals attended the event, where they were treated to a fundraising BBQ breakfast, car and bike show and raffle.

An amazing $5,062.25 was raised at the event through the BBQ and generous donations. The funds will go directly to the Black Dog Institute.

“We chose the charity Black Dog Institute for the specific reason that they help promote and support overall mental health. Mental health is something that affects 20% or 4.8 million Aussies every day. With the stresses of everyday living, it’s an issue that really needs addressing in today’s society and what better way to do it that raise money to help support the cause” said the Organisers of the Silverdale Charity BBQ.

They would like to extend a big thank you to everyone that got behind the Charity BBQ.

“On behalf of Steins Plumbing Solutions and Elders Wallacia, we would like to extend a very sincere thank you, to the community for supporting our fundraising event”.

With the success of the event, Steins Plumbing Solutions will continue to host numerous events of this nature in the future.

Be sure to follow them on social media for any updates, particularly for the 17th of March in 2024.

r [L-R] Elizabeth, Sarina, Josh, Sarah, Aimee and Damien | Image: Sabina

OPENING HOURS

Mon-Fri: 9:30am-5.30pm | Sat: 8am-1pm

02 4774 0749

8 Econo Place, Silverdale

We sell various types of animal feed including Dog, Cat, Bird, Horse, Chicken and Stockfeed.

We also sell Firewood and Pool Chemicals.

DOG WASH, POOL TESTING AND MACHINE HIRE ALSO AVAILABLE.

LATEST @ LUDDENHAM

Article Written + Submitted by: Wayne Willmington E: c/- info@districtgazette.com.au |

Western Sydney Airport are opening the gates for a Community Open Day on Saturday 17th June. You will be able to get an up-close look at the terminal, visit the experience centre and witness history in the making. Tickets will be required, and further information is on the Western Sydney International Airport Facebook page.

The Luddenham Progress Hall is now air conditioned, thanks to a New South Wales Government Community Building Partnership Grant. Earlier grants were received for the toilet block and car park asphalting. Thanks to Tanya Davies MP for securing the grants.

There is currently a lot of support for a new Memorial Park in Luddenham, to remember the Luddenham and Badgerys Creek locals that made the ultimate sacrifice fighting in wars, and for those locals that fought for our Country. Before the Northern Road (Willmington Rd) was widened in the 1980’s, there were a number of trees that were planted many years ago, to remember our local war heroes (near Adams Road and St James Church). At the time, the RTA said that they were going to replant them later; the trees were never replaced by the RTA. I believe that there is now a perfect place to replant the trees and make a Memorial Park, to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice and for those locals that fought for our Country. The proposal is to make use of the excess Airport land on the south of Luddenham, in between Eaton Road, Willmington Road and the New Northern Road (See New Park Pic).

The Federal Government has launched an Online Community Portal website (OCP). It’s a ‘one stop shop’ for all things flight paths related. The purpose of releasing the OCP now is for members of the public to become familiar with it, so that when the aircraft overflight noise tool and draft EIS are released, they know where to find the information. You can access the site at: http://www. wsiflightpaths.gov.au/

Subject ‘Latest @ Luddenham’

Mini Car Club’s Wollondilly Adventure

On Sunday 7th of May at 7am, I checked the BOM radar, which indicated a cold front was moving quickly and just about to pass over Sydney with a narrow band of rain by late morning. Considering this, we optimistically packed every space in our Classic Morris Cooper S with all the food and drinks and even squeezed in some Mini Club merchandise and set off for the meet point on the M4 McDonalds.

On arrival at McDonalds, we were pleasantly surprised to see 2 Minis in the car park, so we weren’t the only silly Mini enthusiasts. By 9:30am, our group had grown to 8 Minis and 2 other cars, as we headed west along the M4 to Mamre Road to travel along the quiet back roads through Luddenham and Wallacia. Our convoy was still growing, with a couple of Mini Club members joining along the way.

We stopped at Warragamba Dam, where a few more Minis were waiting. We walked to the Information Centre lookout and yes, the Dam is still very full at 99.0% capacity. The weather was now beginning to clear and by the time we departed, the sun was starting to beam down on us.

Our convoy of 13 Minis and 2 other cars continued south along Silverdale Road through Orangeville, The Oaks and to Burragorang Lookout and picnic area. The roads out in Western Sydney are great cruising roads, with light traffic and a variety of landscapes, as we passed very green paddocks of horse studs and through areas of forest where the previously fire damaged trees are recovering very well.

On arrival at the Burragorang picnic area, we lined the Minis up around the car park, spread out chairs and picnic rugs, while a few members set about cooking sausages and preparing bread rolls. A few more Minis and people arrived and so, despite the wet and cold weather around Sydney, we ended up with 39 people, 18 Minis plus a couple of other cars.

We all enjoyed a great BBQ lunch, caught up with old friends and made some new acquaintances. The spectacular views from the Lookout are well worth the drive.

The club extends a warm welcome to any Mini enthusiasts to join in and help keep the Mini spirit alive. A daily hack or a pristine show car, modified or standard, there is something for everyone in the Mini Car Club of NSW. Visit https://miniclub.com.au/ for more information.

v [Top] Mini Car Club of NSW minis lined up at Burragorang picnic area [Above] Mini Car Club of NSW members and cars lined up at Warragamba Dam | Images/Article: Michael Benton/Mini Car Club of NSW

Lucky Local Wins Car at Warragamba Workers Club

One lucky local has walked away with a brand new MG3 car, thanks to Warragamba Workers Club’s Win a Car Promotion.

The major prize draw was held on Saturday 13th May at 8:00pm the club, with Allan Forrester holding the winning key to unlock the MG3.

The MG MG3 Auto Excite is valued at $20,490 on road and was won by the lucky member, simply by joining the club to go into the draw.

“It was a great promotion for the Club. Exposure increased with many new memberships. It was really good to see a local winner” said Brendan Kirkwood, General Manager of Warragamba Workers Club to the Mulgoa Valley Gazette.

The competition saw 45 keys given to 23 different key holders. Each key held in their hands was a once in a lifetime opportunity to open the lock and win the MG3.

A crowd of about 150 people were present to watch as each key was used to open the lock. It was the 44th key out of 45 that was the winner!

Some of the key features of the MG3 Auto Excite include 16” two-tone machined alloy wheels, body colour door mirrors with integrated turn signal, 6 Speaker audio system with Yamaha 3D Sound Field and Rear spoiler. Look out for new competitions and promotions in the future.

Warragamba Workers Club, which is located at 9-11 Eighteenth Street in Warragamba. Their phone number is 4774 1211. Their website is www.warragambaworkers. com. You can also find them on Facebook.

See you at the Clothing and Textile Recycling

Free Drop-off Event*

Saturday 10 June, 9am-3.30pm

The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington

Help keep valuable resources out of landfill by bringing your unwanted clothing, accessories (belts, scarves, handbags) and linen to Council’s free textile recycling drop-off event! Items dropped-off on the day will be recycled with Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) to be made into new items such as blankets, floor rugs and tote bags. New, unworn clothing is welcome at the event, these items will be donated to local charities partnered with Textile Recyclers Australia such as The Haven and WestCare. *only clean items will be accepted on the day

v Maurice Hall (Club President) and Allan Forrester | Image: Warragamba Workers Club

PARENTS CORNER

Article Written + Submitted by:

Monica Purcell | Family Facilitator

Nepean

Community & Neighbourhood Services

W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au

E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week: Can You Spoil a Baby?

The short answer is “no”! Even though this has long been a worry for new parents, the current science reassures us that there is no way to spoil baby. Babies who receive warm, sensitive, and responsive care from their parents get a much better start in life.

You may have been told it’s wrong to give “too much attention” to a crying baby. You are not the first parent to receive this advice! In 1894, a popular guide to parenting instructed its readers that “Babies under six months should never be played with: and the less of it at anytime the better for the infant.” But, as the science of attachment and child development has advanced, this myth has been totally de-bunked.

To the contrary, the more a child can rely on the emotional and physical availability of caregivers, the more independent they become in the long run. A child who knows their parent ‘has their back’ is unburdened to explore their world with full curiosity, tenacity and zeal. Exploration and play support children’s emotional, physical, social, and cognitive development.

On a physiological level, separation from a primary caregiver triggers a stress response in the baby’s nervous system. This stress response occurs not only in situations of physical separation. When a caregiver is close by physically, but their attention is elsewhere (e.g. staring at a screen), a baby’s stress hormones will naturally spike. Babies can withstand some separation, but pro-longed exposure to stress without recovery is toxic to a growing body and brain.

When distressed or uncomfortable, crying is a baby’s way of reconnecting with a safe adult who can attend to their needs. These needs may be physical (e.g. hunger, tiredness) or emotional (e.g. the need for safety, security, comfort). Beyond having immediate needs met, a baby needs consistency in knowing their needs will be met in the future. That’s why the current advice is to respond to your crying baby as much and as often as you can.

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week runs every June to highlight the importance of babies’ emotional wellbeing and development. Find out more at aaimh.org.au.

Launches

Ghost Territory Tours have introduced Little Ghost Hunters, a local event just for children.

Little Ghost Hunters caters for kids from the age of 8 years through to 12 years, with wiggle room either side on request.

Taking place on Saturday 3rd June, Saturday 1st July and Saturday 5th August from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at historic Mamre Homestead in Orchard Hills, it is exclusive to this location. It will soon be offered at their other locations including Rose Cottage at Wilberforce and Winbourne at Mulgoa.

“Little Ghost Hunters is a very affordable and different activity for those children that have an interest in history and the paranormal” explained Rob Wilson of Ghost Territory Tours.

“In this exciting and spooky hour, attendees will become honorary members of team PACT (Paranormal and Cryptid Task-force), having their very own ghost hunting kit to use during this exciting Aussie Afterlife Adventure, to help validate or debunk some of the claims of paranormal activity in some of Sydney’s most haunted locations” he continued.

The introduction of the children’s event is in response to the popular Ghost Territory Tours for adults, which are often sold out.

“These special children’s events were created due to popular demand by parents that have attended the adult tours. I also believe that exposing and educating youth to history and these precious heritage locations is vital. Hopefully, igniting some passions that will ensure that these significant historic properties are still standing and flourishing for generations to come” Rob pondered.

Rob started Ghost Territory Tours on Halloween in 2020. For tour information, videos, and other content, visit www. ghostterritorytours.com. You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ghost.territory.tours.

Little Ghost Hunters

v Proprietor and lead experience officer Rob (Wolfman) Wilson at Mamre Homestead | Image: Rob Wilson

If you’re looking for a fun dog sport to enjoy with your dog or want some advice on what dog would suit your lifestyle, then look no further than Dogs on Show! This free and fun event is held at DOGS NSW grounds at Orchard Hills.

Dogs on Show will feature a Championship Dog Show, a colourful Pageant of Breeds (a showcase of different breeds and information about their origins) and sporting demonstrations which include Agility, Drafting, Dances with Dogs, Junior Handlers, Herding, Trick Dog, Scent Work, Earthdog Trials and Retrieving. Come and see which sport you and your dog could try a paw at!

Besides a showcase of dog products and services stands, ‘Dogs on Show’ will also have many breed clubs in attendance as well as a DOGS NSW Information stand to provide expert advice on all the Dogs Australia recognised breeds.

This will be a fabulous day out for any dog enthusiast, or simply a fun FREE day out for the entire family. There is something for

everyone, so why not come along and enjoy in the festivities.

When: Saturday 17 June 2023

Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm.

Where: The Bill Spilstead Complex for Canine Affairs

44 Luddenham Road, Orchard Hills NSW

This event is brought to you by DOGS NSW and proudly sponsored by Royal Canin.

Be a part of all the FREE fun sports and activities at Dogs on Show!

Bring your dog, bring your family, and have FUN!

This event has FREE ADMISSION & PARKING!

For further information go to: https://www.dogsnsw.org.au/ upcoming-events/dogs-on-show-championship-show-openday/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ DOGSNSW/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ dogsnsw/

Nepean Food Services Celebrate their Volunteers

Local Students Complete Active Volunteering Course

2023 National Volunteers Week was proudly celebrated by Nepean Food Services with a High Tea at The Bunker, Mulgoa last month, to thank its large team of volunteers who bring positive change to our community every day.

Showing their gratitude and encouragement at the event were local government leaders Karen McKeown OAM MP, Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen, Clr Robin Cook, and Melissa McIntosh MP, who were able to mingle and hear stories from the frontline.

Nepean Food Services volunteers give their time in a myriad of ways. This includes assisting people over the age of 65 or on a NDIS plan, providing frozen meal deliveries, delivering, and heating meals for people who have difficulty doing this for themselves, picking up people to take them on enjoyable group outings where they can socialise and have fun at scenic destinations, hosting and entertaining at Luncheon Clubs and a variety of other local get-togethers. As well as many other backoffice and logistics tasks that help Nepean Food Services meet its commitment to give the best service to its community.

To find out more or to join them as a volunteer or client, they encourage you to visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au or call their office on 02 4733 7200.

To coincide with National Volunteer Week, 17 Year 11 students were presented with their Certificate I in Active Volunteering (CHC14015) attained during 2022. This Certificate is a vocational course and nationally recognised qualification.

Mrs Fiona Wright, Director of Students 10-12 said: “Year 10 students at the College are given the opportunity to enrol in the course and complete five units of work across the year.

- Be an Effective Volunteer

- Communicate in the Workplace

- Work with Diverse People

- Use digital technology for simple workplace tasks

- Participate in Work Health and Safety

Students participate in set days (Incursions) for each unit of work and, also, complete at least 20 hours of volunteer work over the year.”

Student Ava Toland completed all the components of the course and received her Certificate 1 with 16 of her fellow students.

“Throughout the year we participated in practical activities such as role-playing situations we might face as volunteers and how to deal with them.”

“While the course was aimed at teaching us how to be good volunteers, a lot of the content crossed over with the how to be good employees. Every student took something from the course that they will use throughout their lives.”

“The College provided many ways for students to achieve their 20 hours of volunteer work. I chose to complete my twenty hours outside of school. I helped coached a netball team outside of school hours for a whole netball season. It was heaps of fun and helped me develop many new skills such as organisation, and time management.”

Mrs Wright said: “Serving others is something which we believe strongly in at the College. We want to extend our students beyond academics and offer ways in which they can develop their character and go into the community to make a difference for Christ.”

r Year 11 student, Ava Toland being presented with her Certificate by Principal, Mrs Felicity Grima | Image/Article: Penrith Anglican College

r [Top] (L-R) General Manager Ditte Kozak, Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchens, Councilor Robin Cook, and Karen McKeown OAM MP State Member for Penrith [Above] Nepean Food Services Volunteers enjoying High Tea at The Bunker, Mulgoa | Images: Michelle Frawley | Article: Ellen Pearce/ Nepean Food Services

Children & Dogs

Having children and dogs together can be a great experience. Most dogs end up bonding strongly with children in the family and the love between a child and a dog can be a wonderful thing. However, many people assume that dogs should be willing to tolerate absolutely anything a child does. Some parents will allow their children to chase, poke, pull tails and annoy the family pet! While some dogs can tolerate this, this puts the child in immense risk if the dog decides it has finally had enough.

The best way to avoid a potentially dangerous situation is to supervise all interactions between your dog and your kids. Even if your dog is friendly & gentle, remember that it only takes a few seconds for a child to accidently hurt a dog and for the dog to react. If you supervise diligently, you can step in when necessary to avoid bad experiences for both your dog and your children.

What signs are you looking for as a parent? If a dog shows their teeth or growls at a child, obviously they are feeling overwhelmed and reacting. But there are subtle signs that you can pick up before such dramatic behaviours occur. It is much safer to learn and recognise early warning signs that a dog is feeling uncomfortable, overwhelmed or uncomfortable.

The first signs that a dog is getting uncomfortable is often a 'freeze' or a hard stare. Some dogs will simply run away and some dogs will also prick their ears back when they are feeling anxious. If these signs fail to deter the action that is making the dog uncomfortable, the signs may escalate to snarling, growling and biting.

If you aren't able to supervise the interaction between your dog and children, it is best to confine the dog in a safe area away from the kids. If you teach your dog to be comfortable in a crate, you can easily put them away when necessary. A crate also provides a safe place for your dog to sleep & eat without worrying about children bothering them. Make sure that children cannot access your dog's confinement area as this needs to be the dogs 'safe space'.

To accomplish a good relationship between pets and children, there should be frequent positive interactions for the young pup to meet children during its early months of life. Puppies are most social and receptive to learning up to 16 weeks of age; the experiences and interactions they have during this time can make a lifelong impression. This means that if a young child accidentally hurts a young puppy, the puppy may be scared or act inappropriately towards children all its life. Ongoing positive experiences between children and puppies are essential to maintain healthy social relationships.

Puppies should be introduced to children when they are calm, and treats should be used to facilitate introductions; this allows the puppy to build a positive association with children. Positive interactions at a young age help prevent the development of fear, avoidance behaviour and aggression when the pet becomes older.

All family members should make a point of gently and positively handling the puppy in ways that a child might touch it. This may mean that you give the puppy treats while touching the tail, ears, body as well as during grooming, nail trimming and teeth brushing. This will allow the puppy to become used to handling and not become fearful. Any type of physical punishment, threats with the hand or forceful interactions should be avoided. Pets must learn that the human hand is friendly and not to be feared; if pets associate hand movement with threats or discomfort, they can bite when a child moves a hand towards them as they may associate it with a previous negative interaction.

Puppy Preschool classes that encourage family attendance can be a great way for puppies to interact with other dogs, people and children in a controlled environment. However, it is important that puppies are not overwhelmed so they do not develop fear or avoidance behaviour towards other animals or people.

For further information about integrating a new puppy into the family call Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 0247362027.

v Image: https://www.pixabay.com

Caring Communities Pay for Pet Microchip Scanners

Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together, we can do so much”. This certainly rings true with members of the local community working together to purchase three Halo pet scanners, in aid of helping lost pets return home.

Mulgoa Preschool and Wallacia Progress Association kindly and generously paid for one scanner each, whilst a third was purchased thanks to donations from locals. These donations came from Mulgoa, Wallacia, Silverdale, Luddenham and Warragamba and it was a great display of community spirit.

The pet scanners are kept at BP Wallacia, Mulgoa Cellars, and Higgins + Co Property Solutions in Luddenham and are available for public use.

“As a vet nurse and a local, I am passionate about helping lost pets get home safely. I have a microchip scanner, as does Karen Bedford at Silverdale. Karen tirelessly goes and scans animals all year round and at all hours” announced local Di Watson.

“Recently, neither Karen nor I were available to scan dogs one evening in Mulgoa and also Wallacia. Through the hard work and dedication of the community, we organised scanners for local businesses open 7 days a week that could help” she continued.

Pets with a collar and tag on with their owner’s contact details are the quickest way for a pet to get home safely when lost. When the collars and/or tags are lost, the use of a scanner to scan a pet’s microchip can be vital.

“People often take lost pets that are found to vets for their microchips to be scanned. They then have to call/email the owner, as due to privacy laws, this information cannot be given out to the general public,” said Di.

“Thank you to everyone that has helped out. It is much appreciated” she concluded.

The demand for the future purchase of pet scanners will depend upon the community’s needs. With Mulgoa, Wallacia and Luddenham now covered, it is hoped that more lost pets will be returned home quickly and safely.

ARRIVING SOON TO YOUR LETTERBOX!

Your new waste booklet & collection calendar for 2023/24 will arrive in the post soon.

Keep an eye out for your copy! If your copy doesn’t arrive please get in touch with our Customer Service Centre.

Council’s waste booklet contains important information on waste and sustainability services that will assist you in the coming year.

r One of the Halo pet scanners | Image: Di Watson Photography

Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness

P: 0418 166 269

Could Stool Transplants Cure Ulcerative Colitis?

Generally Ulcerative colitis (UC) is considered incurable. Regular medical approaches to UC involve ongoing sometimes extensive medical or surgical intervention with antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and/or immunosuppressive drugs. These interventions are supportive rather than curative and can themselves have side effects.

Treatment with antibiotics can improve UC symptoms, as well as UC colonoscopy and histological disease scores, suggesting gut microbes may help cause UC.

Animal colitis models show:

1. germ free animals get little intestinal inflammation, while

2. adding microbes heightens colitis.

Human UC patients have alterations in gut microbial composition.

Faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) tries to correct gut microbial composition.

Doctors taking stool from healthy stool-donors which is then transplanted into the bowels of UC patient.

A recent study looked at a specific method of FMT called ‘short duration FMT’ (SD-FMT) to determine if this newer method could induce remission more successfully. Stool was prepared/

processed without oxygen present, to minimise loss of oxygen sensitive donor microbes maximising transfer of beneficial organisms.

73 patients were randomised to receive either, 200 mL of faecal suspension from healthy donors (38 patients) or autologous (their own) stool (35 patients) as control. each group then received two further 100-mLs of their respective faecal suspensions, via enema In the following 7 days.

Researchers monitored disease activity, of patients in weeks 4, 8, and 52 and found that by week 8, steroid-free remission* was achieved by:

1. 12 of 38 participants (32%) donor SD-FMT; 5 of these maintained remission at 12 months,

2. 3 of the 35 (9%) receiving autologous SD-FMT; none maintained remission at 12 months,

Clearly FMT is not a cure all, but for the 13% of people in whom remission was maintained, it would be a god send. The interesting thing here is that no attempt was made in this study to determine the effects of or manipulate patient diet or micronutrient intake, both of which may have significant effects on disease, host health and bacterial health and diversity.

FAITH – GRACE WEST ANGLICAN CHURCH

Article Written + Submitted by: Senior Minister Christopher Braga

P: 47331635 A: 2265 Silverdale Rd, Silverdale NSW 2752 W: www.gracewest.church

Service Times: Sundays @ 9.30am

In 1938, researchers at Harvard Medical School began a study that would take almost 80 years to complete. The researchers wanted to answer one simple question: what makes a good life? What would you say makes a good life? It’s a great question!

The researchers recruited 268 participants who underwent interviews, surveys, and physical examinations. In the 1960s, new researchers brought in a second group of 456 participants. Despite many obstacles, they kept collecting the data each year.

So, after 80 years of collecting and analysing the data, what did they learn about the key to a good life? The answer: close relationships.

Close relationships are what kept these people happy throughout their lives. The study found close relationships to be the strongest predictor of life satisfaction, even more significant than wealth, influence, or intelligence. Those relationships may include a spouse, but just having close relationships is what made the difference.

That is no surprise when you think that God made us for relationship with each other and him. At the heart of the universe is a triune God who has lived in relationship as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each one of us is invited to have a relationship with him, a relationship that radically changes all other relationships.

Mulgoa Local Shines at 2023 Sydney Royal Easter Show

Mulgoa was well represented at the 2023 Sydney Royal Easter Show, with local resident Thomas McDermott triumphing in the showjumping.

This year, Thomas was successful in taking home the E S Playfair Perpetual Trophy, for the Most Successful Rider in Jumping Contests.

The Most Successful Rider is determined by the rider scoring the greatest number of points across the Senior Rider sections, the Mini Prix, and the Grand Prix.

Thomas McDermott rode various horses across the different categories, depending on the skill level of the horse, to earn himself the highest number of points.

The Sydney Royal Horse Competition is one of the biggest competitions at the Show, encompassing everything from breed classes, riding, and pony club, to Rodeo, Polo, and Campdraft.

The Showjumping sections are grouped according to senior, junior, and young riders, as well as the size of the jumps contested.

The competitions of the Show showcased the efforts and skills of people from across the country in various diverse industries and niche interest areas. A total of 15,000 trophies, certificates and medals were awarded this year amongst some of the 22,400 entries.

Run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), the Show provides a true taste of Australia’s vibrant culture and celebrates agricultural excellence and rural Australia.

RAS General Manager of Agriculture and the Show, Murray Wilton, said the Show this year has been an incredible success.

“Marking 200-years since the first Show, this year, we were encouraging Showgoers to come to the Show and find their happy place. Rich in fun and family traditions – we were thrilled to see people doing just that, making new memories, and celebrating everything we know and love about the Show and rural Australia,” he said.

“We shone a spotlight on the best of the best in Australian agriculture, welcoming over 6,500 livestock exhibits that represented over 480 different animal breeds, and 12 international judges across the competition who brought their world-class knowledge to the Show rings.

“For us, a key part of the Show is to give back and support our rural and regional communities, and I’m proud to share that our RAS Foundation was able to raise $56,000 for the Eugowra Community Children’s Centre to support in their rebuild following the 2022 floods, in addition to selling all their fundraising Ag Bags which contribute to the Community Futures Grant program.”

r Feature Article [Cover + Above] Thomas at the Sydney Royal Easter Show | Images: Australian Jumping | Article: Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS)

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

Warts (verruca) are caused by a virus. They are highly contagious, and transmitted by either direct touch or by touching a surface contaminated with the wart virus. Warts can present as stand-alone lesions or can form in clusters (mosaic warts), and if they are on the bottom of the foot (plantar warts) they can be very painful.

Preventing Warts

Plantar warts are commonly caught where people frequently walk barefoot, such as public swimming pools and showers. The best way of preventing a viral infection on your feet is to wear footwear (like thongs) in public areas.

If you have a wart, it should be kept covered (and avoid scratching or picking at it) so you don’t spread the virus to other people, or to other areas of your body.

Treating Warts*

Because warts are a virus, most treatment options rely on triggering the body’s natural immune system to fight the virus. Patients with a reduced immune system and patients who have had the warts for a long time will likely find that it takes longer to treat the virus.

Whenever a lesion appears, it is a good idea to visit your podiatrist for an initial assessment to first determine what it is. Sometimes corns, foreign embedded objects, and even skin cancers can be mistaken for warts, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis before commencing treatment. Podiatrists can treat warts on both feet and also hands.

Generally with warts, the earlier the intervention, the easier it is to get rid of them.

1) No treatment

Sometimes the best treatment option is to wait and see if the body’s natural immune system will kick in and kill the virus. The podiatrist can remove any hard skin around the lesion, and sometimes we even find that the wart has already been killed and is removed in this process. This can be a good option particularly for very young patients, and very small wart lesions. If we are seeing that the wart is starting to grow, spread or become painful, then a more active approach to treatment should be taken.

Tune in next month for our discussion on other treatment options for warts!

r

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Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre Inc

House

Complex Cases

Custom Or thoses

[L] Wart Lesion [R] Mosaic Wart * For general information only - a health professional must be seen for tailored advice.

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

Fibonacci

Shop 13, Southlands Shopping centre

2 birmingham Road, South Penrith nSW 2750

Mum and I visited Fibonacci in South Penrith for Lunch. Fibonacci is at Southlands Shopping Centre on Birmingham Road in South Penrith.

For my meal, I chose the Fibo Big Brekkie. This big breakfast consisted of eggs your way, bacon, smoked salmon, avocado, spinach, mushroom, tomato, and toast. I modified this breakfast and swapped the smoked salmon for sausage and swapped the spinach for haloumi. The sausages and bacon were crisp, full of flavour along with the cherry tomatoes and mushrooms and the haloumi was cooked right and flavoursome. The avocado was fresh and was an excellent addition to this breakfast. I enjoyed the hot buttered toast and together this breakfast was filling and complete.

I also enjoyed a mug of flat white coffee. The coffee at Fibonacci is always superb. The coffee was fresh, creamy, and contained so much flavour. I really enjoyed how smooth this coffee was and can highly recommend this coffee to anyone who visits this venue. Mum also enjoyed a flat white coffee and felt that the coffee was creamy and had plenty of flavour.

Mum chose the Avocado Chicken with Salad, which consisted of grilled chicken breast cooked in creamy garlic avocado sauce served with chips or salad. She said that the avocado garlic sauce was full of flavour and the chicken was moist and tender. The salad had a tasty dressing and the whole meal was very filling. Very enjoyable.

If you are after a quick lunch and excellent coffee, I can recommend Fibonacci.

I wish to thank Allie for looking after Mum and I. Allie and the team did take in to account my sesame allergy and Allie did say that they take allergies very seriously.

The service we received was quick, efficient and Allie treated all the customers with a smile and greeted them as they entered the venue. When you are greeted this way, you feel welcome, and looking after your customers is very important.

Wallacia Community Working Together

The recent Wallacia Festival was a great success, even if it did rain all day! The Festival’s aim was to have an enjoyable day for all ages as a celebration of our Wallacia community and to strengthen our wellbeing, resilience, and networks for future emergencies.

The Wallacia Progress Association organised a full programme of free entertainment with funding from Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN), as part of the Australian Government’s response to the 2022 floods. Wentworth Healthcare is the provider of NBMPHN. There were market stalls, information stands and all emergency services. There were also activities, music, dance, food and the display of the art and photography competition entries.

Andrew Hewson, Penrith City Council Community Recovery Coordinator said, “Congratulations for putting on a great event, and thanks for having us there. The spread of community groups, emergency services and other organisations was great, and worked really well to connect residents to each other and what’s happening in their area.

“Hosting the event at the school and having the students involved worked particularly well for bringing in local families on a very wet day. We were surprised how many people came despite the weather! Well done to everyone at the Progress Association for all the hard work in coordinating a great event”.

The Wallacia Progress Association are already thinking about another Wallacia Festival in 2025!

Their next community event is ‘The Squatter’s Daughter’ historic movie, dinner, and history of Winbourne event on Saturday 17th June, from 4pm to 8pm. It is being held at ‘Winbourne’, Edmund Rice Retreat and Conference Centre, 1315 Mulgoa Rd, Mulgoa. Tickets are essential - $28 will cover the movie and a delicious meal organised by their volunteers. Book at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-squatters-daughter-b-w-moviedinner-and-history-of-winbourne-tickets-637071206127.

The Squatter’s Daughter is a 1933 Australian melodrama directed by Ken G. Hall and starring Jocelyn Howarth. One of the most popular Australian films of the 1930s, it was filmed in the Wallacia area. The Wallacia Progress Association, together with the Conference Centre, have obtained permission from Cinesound Movietone to show the movie as part of a historical event at Winbourne. George Cox was granted 600 acres in the Mulgoa Valley in 1810. Although the mansion was burnt down in 1920, the Bath House and Winery (later converted into the ballroom) still remain along with the stables, all of which have been restored as part of the centre. The Christian Brothers purchased Winbourne in 1958 and it is now the Edmund Rice Retreat and Conference Centre.

#foodie

Their next major event is the ‘Back to Wallacia School’, where previous students, staff or families that were connected to the school can come along for a day of memories as well as catching up with old friends. It is proposed for Saturday 15th June 2024, with details eventually available on their new website at www.wallaciaprogressassociation.com.au. Please email wallaciaprogressassociation@gmail.com if you would like to be kept informed of this event.

r A happy lady at the festival | Image: Elizabeth Spencer Photography. Article: Margaret Stepniewski/ Wallacia Progress Association

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

Fibo Big Brekkie

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