MULGOA VALLEY GAZETTE MARCH 2025

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Student Forecasts Show Timeline for New High School in Wollondilly is Urgent

With new forecasts showing an expected increase in school students over the next 10 years in the Wollondilly Shire, the timeline for a new high school has now become urgent.

A Sydney Morning Herald report based on data from Informed Decisions demography company shows a significant increase in the number of students who will be living in the Shire.

The increase is particularly apparent in the Appin and Douglas Park statistical area, which includes both Wilton and Appin Growth areas, where the projected total increase in high school student numbers is 715 over the next six years. The Picton/ Tahmoor/Buxton area also projects an increase of 425 students.

Mayor Matt Gould said that this highlights the need for a second high school to be fast tracked, with only one public high school in the entire Wollondilly Shire including the Wilton and Appin growth areas.

The need to provide additional high schools has been part of the commitment linked to the State-led rezoning of land in Appin and Wilton.

Mayor Gould said, “Although most villages have their own primary school, Picton High School is still the only public high school in the whole Wollondilly Shire - and it is functionally at capacity.”

“For years we have flagged that large numbers of our school aged children are forced to leave the Shire to attend school, with many travelling up to an hour each way. This report shows that in the next six years alone the number of additional high school students in the Shire will increase by the same amount as currently attend Picton High.”

“Locals have been calling for additional high schools for many years, even without the many families moving into Wilton and then Appin. These forecasts show that the government needs to act now to make sure the needs of our future community are met.”

“I know our local MP Judy Hannan also sees this as a key priority and is advocating strongly for a new high school in the Wollondilly Shire.”

r Image/Article: Wollondilly Shire Council

Submit your Community Notice on/by 10th of the month, to be included in the following edition. Notices may be edited or omitted due to space limitations. E: info@districtgazette.com.au

Community Groups

Silverdale Probus Club

Meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10:00am at Warragamba Workers & Sporting Club (9-11 Eighteenth Street, Warragamba). We welcome new members. More details: Contact Ethan. Phone: 1300 630 488 Email: membershipsupport@probussouthpacific.org

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/

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 Markets

Luddenham Country Markets

Luddenham Community Uniting Church Markets

Held monthly on 1st Saturday each month 8am to 1pm in grounds of Luddenham Uniting Church. More details: Search Luddenham Uniting Church Markets on Facebook

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 6.45p.m. More Details: www. prostatesupport.org.au or phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on1300 13 38 78.

Penrith Womens Walk and Talk

Meets 5pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk

Penrith Mens Walk and Talk

Meets 5pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/

Strengthening Community One Step at

It Off (WiO) Warragamba is making strides in 2025 with exciting plans to commence a women’s walking group in the coming months, a long-awaited initiative that has been eagerly anticipated by the community. This milestone aligns with another celebration for WiO Warragamba—their first anniversary on March 19th. To mark the occasion, group members will take part in an impressive 12-hour walking event. “Some will walk the full 12 hours; others will join for parts of it. It’s all about participation and starting conversations around mental health,” says Chris Edwards, a dedicated leader of the initiative.

Since its launch, WiO Warragamba has made a significant impact in the local area, creating a space where people can connect, exercise, and discuss mental health in a supportive environment. Highlights from 2024 included a 10km walk for World Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day, participating in Dam Fest, and fostering relationships through Wollondilly Coffee and Cars at the Warra Dam Cafe. “Hearing feedback like, ‘I can’t thank WiO enough for the change it has made in me,’ is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do,” Chris shares.

For those new to the group, Walk It Off Warragamba offers an inviting weekly routine. Members meet at 5:30pm at Warra Dam Bakery Cafe for coffee and conversation, followed by a 3.4 km walk around Warragamba at 6:00pm. Afterward, they return to the cafe, where owner Danny Vu provides light refreshments, encouraging further conversation in a relaxed setting.

“I really enjoy seeing the growth in attendees—both as individuals and as part of a strengthening community,” Chris reflects. The sense of connection and camaraderie among members has been a driving force behind the group’s success.

For those interested in joining or supporting Walk It Off, more information can be found on Facebook at Walk It Off Australia, Instagram at walkitoff_australia, or on their website at walkitoff. org.au. “Through the website, people can donate or sponsor us or even reach out if they’re interested in bringing Walk It Off to their own community,” Chris says.

Walk It Off Warragamba is more than just a walking group— it’s a movement changing lives, one step at a time.

r Members of the Walk It Off Warragamba community at Dam Fest. Image supplied by Chris Edwards/Walk It Off Warragamba. Article: Tanya Nellestein

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.

Walk

WARRAGAMBA WORKERS CLUB

$18 Chicken Schnitzel with chips & salad + Meat Raffle @ 7pm

MONDAYS @ 12:30PM

THURSDAYS @ 7:00PM

11AM-10PM

11AM-8PM

A Season of Promise for Warradale FC

Warradale FC are ready for their biggest year yet, as the kick off to the 2025 season begins this month.

““We can’t wait to welcome all our existing and new members back and are looking forward to an awesome season” said Steve Keller, President of Warradale FC.

With registrations still open, player numbers are already looking promising.

“As of mid-February, we are looking at 22 junior teams, from the Under 6’s to the Under 15’s, plus our usual All Age Senior teams. We have several new female teams in 2025. This includes Under 6’s, Under 7’s and Under 11’s female teams, as well as keeping our 2 female teams from last year.

It looks like we are going to exceed last year’s 335 players” he continued.

Last season brought with it many highlights for the club.

“Our Under 14 Boys made it to the Grand Final and won. They also competed for the first time in the Nepean Cup, which made it through to the Grand Final. Fielding our first Junior Under 9 and Under 13 Girls teams, with our Under 13 Girls also progressing to the Grand Final. And success from Our AAM Division 6 team also winning their Grand Final” said Kelly McGarry of Warradale FC.

“Another highlight of the year was being able to run a successful Summer soccer season for our local members to enjoy. Every year gets bigger and better with word of mouth, and we are able to continue to provide a great fun competition for our members to enjoy” added Abbie Skretkowicz of Warradale FC.

They recently held a successful come and try day for the girls last month, “We are really looking forward to seeing the growth in female participation,” said Kelly.

“Despite Warradale FC being one of the smaller clubs in the association, we definitely are the club with the biggest hearts. The passion from the committee that run the club and try and create moments for our members to enjoy and create fun times truly shows when you watch our teams out on the pitch playing for each other” concluded Abbie.

More information can be found on their website, www.warradalefc.com or on Facebook – www.facebook.com.au/83rovers and Instagram.

r Girls at the Come and Try Soccer Day |

8th March, 9-1pm For Professionals, carers and parents

March

Bookings Essential. Call the WSNC team.

Wills and Power of Attorney etc. Bookings Essential

Monday at 9.30am @ Livvi’s Park GuesteachSpeakers week

WIGWAM 00SHC

Now supporting Families with bus pick up from Mulgoa and Luddenham PS each day. Bookings Essential CRISIS AND ELECTRICITY BILLS SUPPORT

Available at WSNC. Call to book a confidential appointment

Image supplied by Warradale FC. Article: Julie Lobel

International Women’s Day

As International Women’s Day rolls around again this year, women, who make up 50.7%* of the population, wait for the gender gap to be released in March. Well, some of us wait and hope for some improvement.

Last year, the results noted a 0.1% decrease in the gender gap, across 146 countries, to 68.6%. It is estimated that in approximately 134 years we will reach parity. That is when everyone, regardless of gender, stands on a level playing field (100%). Roughly five generations.

If you want to see it before you die, perhaps a move to Iceland will be your best chance. They stand at the top of the rankings, at 93.5%. The Nordic countries and New Zealand (83.5%) rank next, making up the top 5.

Now when I talk about gender parity with friends, colleagues and women I meet at random, they talk about “equal pay for equal work”. For most of us, this is the case, especially if you work for the public service. But the real issue, and the reason for such a pay gap, is because professions that are traditionally ‘women’s work’, have a much lower rate of pay, than for roles traditionally classified as men’s work.

The other glaring roadblock to parity is the lack of women in leadership roles. Roles that are more highly paid, and positions of political representation. In Australia, those figures have fallen since 2022.

So, what is it about Iceland that has brought it so close to parity? Do they have a much greater need for traditional women’s work? Do men not work?

No. What Iceland has is the will to reach parity, to make sure that everyone in their society is equal on every count. Iceland has supported women in areas such as education, employment, financial inclusion, representation, discrimination, domestic violence, justice and community safety. And over the past 50 years, Iceland have had a female head of state for almost 25 years.**

And finally, where does Australia stand? 78%. Globally, we are ranked 24th. If you’re thinking that’s not too bad, just remember some of the countries that outdid us: Namibia, Nicaragua, Rwanda, Philippines and Mozambique***, among many more.

And countries who have made the most serious inroads into closing the gap? Ecuador, Sierra Leone, Algeria, Guatemala and The Gambia. Perhaps Australia could take some lessons from them.

Reasonable prices 100% guarantee on our work

Visit us at Hairline Mulgoa where all our clients are our priority! Whether you have made an appointment or not, at Hairline Mulgoa we ALWAYS fit you in; and with a smile!

Specialists

• Cutting and Colour

• Colour Correction

• Styling/up-styles

• Blow Dry/Straight & Curls

• Formal Hair/Weddings

• Eyelash and Eyebrow Tinting

• Men’s Cuts

• Kids’ Style Cuts (All ages) Shop 2, 1216 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri: 9am - 5pm, Thurs: 9am-7pm, Sat: 8am-1pm

• Catering for 2-3 year old Children

• Situated in Quiet and Safe Street

• Preschool and School Readiness Specialty Program

• Qualified Early Childhood Sta

• Operational Hours 8am till 5pm Monday till Friday

• Large Outdoor Play Area

The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington Saturday 8 March, 9am-3.30pm

Dispose of your unwanted, broken, or old electronic items correctly at our E-Waste Drop-off Day! If you have any of the items below, it’s your perfect opportunity:

For a full list of accepted items and more information, visit penrith.city/e-wasteday

penrith.city/events

with severe disabilities, accepted as a family member by a caring family of five. Nonverbal, and with consistent night traumas, he was reluctantly given into care by his mother from age 9-18. His single mother was accepted into the family with her son whenever she chose to visit. There was almost no support from Government Departments, in spite of assurances.

I cannot begin to describe my admiration for this family, and especially the foster-mother who went above and beyond to ensure the boy felt loved and cared for in every way, as well as her family and students at school.

I congratulate her for fitting 48 hours of work into every 24! And for finding ways of alleviating some of the problems, over time.

His foster-mother then became his advocate when he was moved into a group home. Written with heart-felt compassion, through struggling circumstances, showing love and determination for Jonathan’s best.

It is a story one cannot put down. Easy to read, even through the difficult parts. I read it in 7 hours straight, and can thoroughly recommend it!

It is, as the author says, a story that must be told.

2025 Luddenham Show is Here!

The Annual Luddenham Show is back for another year on 1 and 2 March, with thousands expected to attend the biggest event on the Luddenham calendar. The 119th edition of the “Country Show” has a range of entertainment for the whole family, with organisers expecting to build on the record crowds in attendance last year.

Saturday morning kicks off with the traditional poet’s breakfast with other Luddenham favourites throughout the day including the cattle show, dog high jump, show and line dancing. With the help of generous sponsors, a prize pool of over $8,000 has attracted bull riders from across the state for a hot contest on Saturday night. Once the rush of the bull ride has concluded, crowds can enjoy live music with the 2024 Best of the Buskers from the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Robbi and Ben lighting up the stage followed by Ronnie Judo and the Whiskey Sodas who will be performing until late with a quick intermission for Fireworks at 9:00pm.

Sunday presents the opportunity for crowds to get involved with the best mullet competition, strong arm competition, pumpkin lawn bowls, whip cracking, ice cream eating and Lego building competitions for the family to enjoy. For those who prefer to sit and watch, the farm vehicle challenge, sheep dog trials and wood chopping competitions will be held on Sunday with almost $4,000 up for grabs in the wood chopping. Back for another year, Ingrid Mae will again grace the Luddenham stage, performing her country music hits into the late afternoon.

The Wheel of Steel will be performing 5 shows throughout the weekend, defying gravity with daredevil tricks dazzling the arena. The stage is spoilt for entertainment with magic shows, dancers, a bush balladeer and the infamous Jurassic Jack Dinosaur show. Side show alley is back as well as the animal nursery, horse and poultry competitions with a new cow milking demonstration occurring on both days in the cattle pavilion.

The pavilion competitions are free to enter with categories for art, craft, photography, cooking, produce, flowers, scarecrows and of course Lego. Debuting this year is the “man cake” competition, designed to encouraged men to enter baking competition with cash prizes up for grabs. A great range of prizes including cash, vouchers and prize packs donated by their sponsors will be on offer.

Luddenham Showground can be found on the corner of Park Rd and Campbell St in Luddenham. Further information can be found on their website www. luddenhamshow.com.au or on the Luddenham Show Facebook and Instagram pages.

r Feature Article [Cover] Fresh produce [Above] Rodeo | Article/ Images Supplied by Luddenham A.H & I Society.

Clean Up Australia Day Event

Join Council for their annual Clean Up Australia Day at this popular community and family nature recreation place on the Bargo River. Potholes Reserve is a beautiful place to start a bush walk, have a family picnic and play on the banks of the river. Unfortunately, due to its popularity, they tend to find a variety of litter is left behind and sometimes illegal dumping of larger items. This Clean Up Australia Day, come lend a hand to keep this place special for our community to enjoy.

Sunday, 2 March 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm

Potholes Reserve Car Park, Cnr of Rockford Rd and Charlies Point Rd, Bargo

r [Top] Image/Article: Wollondilly Shire Council [Above] Image: www.cleanup.org.au

Shop Local at Luddenham Uniting Church Markets

Luddenham Uniting Church Markets are held on the first Saturday of each month (except January) from 7:30am to 1:00pm, depending on the weather.

They are held in the grounds of Luddenham Uniting Church, which is located at 45 Willmington Road in Luddenham. Some of the stalls are inside the Progress Hall, adjacent to the grounds.

There are a variety of stalls, including bric-a-brac, preloved clothing, books, plants, homemade food, handmade cards and craft items.

The church members serve hot and cold drinks as well as fresh sandwiches and Devonshire tea in the small hall, which contains very popular used clothes and bric-a-brac. They also run the barbecue, serving egg and bacon rolls and sausage sandwiches.

They welcome new stall holders. Currently the cost of stalls is $20 (or $25 in the Progress Hall). Contact their Market Coordinator, Tracy on 0412 888087 or send a message through their Facebook page: Luddenham Uniting Church Markets, for more information.

“Markets, like ours, are important for the local community for many reasons” explained Dianne Whyte, Church Secretary.

“It’s a regular social gathering event. People know when it’s on and often arrange to meet up with family and friends. Newcomers to the community have the chance to meet locals and everyone is warmly welcomed.

“It’s an opportunity for our church to raise much needed funds for charities and to maintain our church”.

All money raised by the Church is used to maintain their historic Church, as well as supporting a variety of causes including Mana Lana’s Community Foundation, Cancer research and Luddenham School. In addition, they try to support other causes and areas of need, both locally and overseas.

HEALTH MATTERS

Poor Head Movement, Neck Pain and Hand Paraesthesias – Could Tight Muscles Be A Problem?

Patients often come to clinic suffering:

1. Chronic neck & shoulder pain

2. reduced ability to turn their head, and/or

3. loss of muscle strength, pain, altered or lost feeling in their arm, hands or fingers, (intermittent or constant)

4. muscle atrophy

5. headaches

Medical texts refer to this as ‘cervical syndrome’ (CS) and symptoms occur due to ‘cervical nerve root irritation.’ ‘Cervical’ is Latin for neck.

CS results from mechanical (structure/function) changes around the intervertebral foramina. These are the bony tunnels between vertebrae that allow nerves to pass from the spinal cord to the body.

Medical texts list numerous causes:

1. Abnormal motion, or subluxation of vertebrae with a sprain, stretching, or relaxation of vertebral ligaments & joint structures, or slackening with age/illness.

2. Blockage of nerve tunnels by:

a. bulging/ruptured discs

b. bony outgrowths

c. enlarged tissues

d. inflammatory swelling of vertebral-joint structures

e. haemorrhage

Muscle relaxants are mentioned, but otherwise medical

literature often fails to discuss the effect of tight muscles on the scenarios above. Muscles can tighten (shorten) due to past acute injury, chronic overuse, mental stress, poor posture, or excessive strain due to any of the above-listed structural issues. Muscle tightness is exacerbated by poor nutrition. Tight muscles put pressure on the spine and all its structures. This increases risk of causing:

1. chronic wear & tear,

2. future injury,

3. the locking-in and exacerbation of existing problems above.

A recent client in his 70s attended clinic suffering paraesthesias and loss of strength of the ring and little fingers of his left hand (he was unable to open a bottle with this hand), together with neck muscle pain and severe restriction of the ability to turn his head left or right which significantly affected his driving, and required the installation of extension mirrors on his car for safety reasons. He had had no recent traumatic neck or arm injuries, and the issues were long standing.

By simply lengthening muscles in this patient’s neck and shoulder regions, the client quickly regained the ability to turn his head near normally, strength in his little and ring fingers returned, and he was able to open bottle-tops again, and thus far the intensity of paraesthesia in the fingers has reduced by ~60%.

r** Refer to submitter for references.

Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
P: 0418 166 269

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

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

The Importance of Cat Vaccinations: Getting Back on Track After

the Shortage

Vaccinations are essential to keeping your cat healthy, protecting them from potentially fatal diseases and preventing the spread of infections within the feline community. With the recent vaccine shortage now easing, it’s critical to resume your cat’s vaccination schedule to ensure they remain protected.

Why Vaccinations Are Crucial: Vaccinating your cat doesn’t just protect them—it also safeguards other cats in your home and community. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to create antibodies, preventing serious illnesses and reducing the risk of outbreaks. If your cat requires boarding, vaccinations must be administered at least two weeks before admission, making timely vaccinations essential.

• Feline Infectious Enteritis (Feline Panleucopenia): This highly contagious and life-threatening disease can affect cats of all ages, with kittens being particularly vulnerable. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and, in severe cases, sudden death. Pregnant cats may face complications, and surviving cats can become carriers, posing ongoing risks.

• Feline Respiratory Disease (Cat Flu): Caused by viruses such as Feline Herpes Virus 1 (FHV1) and Feline Calicivirus (FVC), this condition leads to symptoms similar to a severe cold, including sneezing, eye or nasal discharge, fever, and ulcers. Severe cases can result in permanent eye or lung damage, and untreated infections may become fatal.

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): This virus spreads through close contact, such as fighting or grooming, and weakens the immune system, making cats more susceptible to infections and certain cancers. It’s comparable to immunodeficiency syndromes in humans and poses a significant health risk.

Additional vaccinations may also protect against Feline Chlamydia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), depending on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors.

Resuming Your Cat’s Vaccination Schedule: While the vaccine shortage disrupted schedules, it’s now time to get back on track. If your cat’s vaccinations were delayed, consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. Some cats may require additional doses to restore their immunity, especially if they are overdue or need vaccinations for boarding.

If you’re uncertain about your cat’s vaccination status or need to schedule an appointment, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at 0247362027. Keeping your cat’s vaccinations up to date is a proactive step toward ensuring their long-term health and happiness.

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

CONSULTING HOURS

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

Services provided include:

•General Surgery (desexing to orthopedics)

• Vaccinations and in-house pathology

•Radiology and Dentistry

•Visiting specialist radiographer and ultrasonographer

•Puppy preschool

•Home visits

•Cat boarding and Kitten adoption

•Secure off leash dog park

CHECK

It’s Luddenham Show Weekend 1 & 2 March, and it is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet. There is an exciting rodeo planned for the Saturday evening, accompanied by a huge fireworks display. The crowds will also be entertained with some country bands, and lots of new stars, including the Wheel of Steel –Rocky’s Not So Cowboy Show, Jurassic Jack Roar Adventure, and in true Aussie style, a Best Mullet Competition. Luddenham Show is the original country show, for more information follow Luddenham Show on Facebook & Instagram.

Luddenham Progress Association is calling for a little-known 30-year-old Federal Government policy to be scrapped. Under the policy, residents in Western Sydney will soon be exposed to the unfair and unnecessary dumping of aircraft noise, with 5000 overnight flights every year set to shift from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to Western Sydney International (WSI). Seventy-four freight flights each week are allowed to arrive and depart during the SYD curfew between 11pm and 6am. These flights are strictly required to operate over water to the south of Sydney, to ensure there are no noise impacts to local communities. Under this policy, once WSI opens, these flights must use it instead, which will mean 5000 overnight flights every year. While currently operating over water to decrease noise for those around SYD, they will be unnecessarily transferred from the east to the west. The flights have operated at Sydney Airport for decades, arriving and departing, disturbing no one.

February saw the first tanker loads of fuel arrive at the Western Sydney Airport fuel farm. The official word is “by 2030, the expected fuel demand would require approximately 43 B-double fuel deliveries per day”. Three storage tanks (The Fuel Farm) that can hold approximately 12 million litres of Jet A1 fuel have now been constructed in Luddenham. The tankers go via the Northern Road into Adams Road.

Sydney’s new 24-hour airport is partnering with Australia’s leading inflight caterer to serve up innovative catering services, harnessing local produce for domestic and international airlines and their passengers. DNATA Catering & Retail is investing $17 million to build an advanced inflight catering centre within the Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) in the Luddenham Cargo Precinct, which will be capable of producing three million quality meals each year.

The Luddenham Village Interim Strategy published in March 2022 was endorsed by the Local Community, Penrith and Liverpool Councils, as well as State and Federal Members of Parliament. However, it has never been implemented. It is now three years since it was released, and still the NSW Government have not approved their own plan for new housing north of the noise contours in Luddenham Village.

Every

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

Human Bears The Image Of God

Before becoming a Christian minister, I taught science in high school for three years. Often students would think science disproved the existence of God and would ask me about it since they knew I was a Christian. I would talk to them about cockroaches. It went a bit like this: if we are nothing more than extraordinarily complex animals, then there is no ultimate moral difference between stepping on a cockroach and killing a human being. Yet, deep within, we know this is not true. We instinctively recognize the profound wrong in taking a human life. But why?

The answer can be found in the very first chapter of the Bible. Genesis 1:27 tells us, ‘So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.’ We are not biological accidents. Humans are made to reflect God in the world, and this is why human life has intrinsic worth, and why murder is not just a crime against human laws but a grave offense against our Creator.

But there is more to the story. Jesus is the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15). Through him, we see what it truly means to be human - full of grace, truth, and love. He came not only to show a better way to live, but to bring us back into a true relationship with God. May we see every person as God does - precious, valued, and made in his image.

FAITH – GRACE WEST ANGLICAN CHURCH
r [Top] Current night flight paths over water in Sydney [Above] Artist impression of Cargo Terminal and Catering Centre located in the building | Images Supplied

GLASS TINTING

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HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Emergency Services

(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

WIRES (Wildlife Rescue) 4754 2946

NSW Rural Fire Service 1800NSWRFS

Churches

Anglican Church 2265 Silverdale Rd, Silverdale

Catholic Church

Sacred Heart, Luddenham + Warragamba

Uniting Church 45 Willmington Rd, (Po Box 55) Luddenham

Wallacia Community Christian Park Rd, Wallacia

Mt Schoenstatt Shrine + Retreat Centre

Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa

Elevation Church Penrith 4 Production Pl, Penrith

Community Groups

Sports Clubs

2025 is well underway as we make our way out of the shortest month and roll into Autumn. After a remarkably mild Summer, our trees and gardens look fabulous as the weather begins to cool and it won’t be long before we see leaves turning orange and yellow as nature provides her own compost in the shape of fallen leaves.

St Patrick’s Day, also known by my grandma as Planting Sweet Pea Day, falls in March, along with International Women’s Day, so check our pages to find out what’s happening in your area to celebrate!

As our team is hard at work to get your local Gazette to your letterbox, we’d like to thank all our wonderful advertisers and regular column writers. We appreciate your continued support and contributions – they make our paper a truly local community effort!

But for now, take the opportunity to take a few moments out of your busy day to sit down and read about all the latest happenings in your own local community – Enjoy your Gazette!

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is, you’re the pilot.” (Credit: Michael Altshuler)

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