Mulgoa Valley Gazette October 2023

Safer Drivers Course free for Wollondilly’s Learner Drivers

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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

Community Groups

(NEW) Silverdale Probus Club

Meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10:00am at Warragamba Workers & Sporting Club (9-11 Eighteenth Street, Silverdale). 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/

Markets

A year after the tragic car accident at Buxton, the entire Wollondilly community is feeling the enduring impact of losing five young locals.

As part of an ongoing response, Wollondilly Shire Council has partnered with Southern Highlands PCYC to offer a free Safer Drivers Course for local young people.

The course is available to 16 to 25-year-old residents of the Wollondilly Shire who are on their Learner Drivers licence, and at the completion of the course they can take 20 hours off their log book.

The free offer will run over 10 months until June 2024 with spaces available for 12 participants each month.

Council’s initiative will cover for the $140 cost of the two-module five-hour course; part of the Local Government Road Safety Behavioural Program.

Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould said, “As we acknowledge the first anniversary of the tragic accident at Buxton and remember the five young local lives that were lost, we understand the importance of doing everything we can to make sure our young people are safe.”

“We want to provide our Learner Drivers with essential skills and knowledge that will cultivate a culture of responsible and confident driving and ultimately help to prevent accidents on our roads.”

“The Safer Drivers Course offers strategies to help participants become proactive, safe drivers, as well as giving them a head start towards obtaining their Provisional Licences.”

As an Accredited Provider of the Transport for NSW Safer Drivers Course, PCYC will help students gain a greater understanding of how to be safe P-plate drivers.

The course highlights on-road decision making and hazard identification and includes a practical coaching session.

Spaces are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis. Participants are required to have obtained their Learner Driver licence and have completed 50 hours on their log book before they do the course.

Bookings can be made by direct email through Southern Highlands PCYC southernhighlands@pcycnsw.org.au

r Image/Article: Wollondilly Shire Council

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

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 6.30p.m. More Details: www. prostatesupport.org.au or phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on1300 13 38 78.

Penrith Womens Walk and Talk

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

Penrith Mens Walk and Talk

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

Outback Wedding to Remember

Local marriage celebrant Janice Bradley has returned from Birdsville in Queensland, where she officiated the Big Red Bash Wedding in the middle of the Simpson Desert.

The wedding between Katelyn and Christopher, who come from Perth in Western Australia, was held on top of the big red sand dune, which is the first sand dune travelling West from the town of Birdsville into the Simpson Desert via the QAA track. The big red sand dune is the largest in the Simpson Desert.

The Simpson Desert is made up of 1,100 parallel sand dunes that run north-north-west to south-south-east. Some of these dunes are 200 kilometres long, and tracks like the Old Andado, Colson or Hay River tracks have been made in the swales (dips) of the dunes and run for tens of kilometres.

“This was my third Big Red Bash Wedding, although I did have one booked in 2021. However, both the couple and we couldn’t travel to Birdsville that year due to COVID restrictions. I ended up officiating at their wedding in a hot air balloon in the Hunter Valley in January 2022, which was very exciting,” said Janice.

This year’s Big Red Bash Wedding was an experience that Janice will remember.

“We were lucky to have a beautiful sunny day, although still somewhat chilly. The last two weddings I have officiated at were held with the Big Red Bash site in the background, but the couple, Katelyn and Christopher wanted their ceremony to be held with the Simpson Desert in the background.

“They are a lovely couple, who along with their gorgeous little daughter, Christopher’s younger sister and parents, just wanted to party on and celebrate their special day at such an iconic event. It was a pleasure to be a part of their special day” she explained.

“Katelyn’s parents also live in WA and Christopher’s live in Brisbane, so they thought it was a perfect halfway point for their wedding. They took two weeks and over 4,000 kms to get there, but felt it was the perfect place to be married as they love camping and the outdoors” she continued.

Janice and husband Greg have attended the annual Big Red Bash six times. They originally attended as a friend was going, but loved it so much that they kept going back. Along the way, they have made many friends and look forward to catching up with them every year.

“Because of our yearly trip to the Big Red Bash, it has given us the opportunity to see so much of our beautiful country and appreciate how lucky we are to live here” Janice ended.

r The couple with their daughter and Janice | Image: Greg Bradley

Horse and Harpy’s Iconic Project

Horse and Harpy in Silverdale is one step closer to restoring the heritagelisted Silverdale Church, with renovations underway.

“We are happy progressing at our own pace” said Jacob Golding of Horse and Harpy to the Mulgoa Valley Gazette.

The centre piece of Horse and Harpy will be Silverdale Church. The ‘pretty little weatherboard church’ which was first known as All Saints, was a place of worship in Silverdale between 1906 and 2016.

The local iconic project is yet to have a completion date. The local business has been posting their progress on their social media accounts.

“Our project is self-funded, alongside the growth of our small business. We still have quite a long road ahead of us” he explained.

The delicate operation will make sure that future generations will still be able to look at and admire the century old church.

“The renovation will preserve and show case the existing All Saints Anglican Church, with an extension that will complement and enhance the street scape” Jacob stated.

Local company Waters Prestige Building are currently working on the project and overseeing the restoration of the church.

“We would like to mention Alec Waters at Waters Prestige Building for his passion for the project and his attention to detail. Thank you to the community and local businesses for the continued support” he replied. Horse and Harpy currently have their very own range of freshly roasted coffee.

There are four blends in their range, consisting of Safari, Church Blend, Catchment and Buckshot. Safari is a dark roast with Columbia and Guatemala origins, Church Blend is a medium roast with Columbia, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala and Costa Rica origins and Catchment is a light roast with Costa Rica and Papua New Guinea origins. Their newest blend, Buckshot is a medium roast with Robusta Vietnam origins.

“Our team continue to be focused on producing quality coffee, wholesaling coffee beans and engaging with the community” Jacob ended.

Visit their website at www.horseandharpy.com.au or search ‘Horse & Harpy Coffee Roasters’ on Facebook.

r Alec and Matt From Waters Prestige Building at Horse and Harpy | Image: Jacob Golding

Firefighters Protect Warragamba

Dam and Local Township from Bushfire Risks

Artist Brings Local School’s Walls to Life

Professional muralist Daniel Hend has recently completed a series of murals at Warragamba Public School.

The project included a total of six murals, each representing landscapes, flora, and fauna. It was done over a period of 1 to 2 weeks and completed during August. The talented artist worked closely with the school to ensure that the murals represented the local area and environment.

This included subjects such as an impression of the local landscape with animals and plants, large scale native flowers, simple bush scene on a water tank, varying landscape, and waterfall and 16 different animals each representing the classes at the school.

Of particular interest was two of the murals, which were completed with the assistance of some of the students.

“It was a great experience. The school staff, teachers and students were nice. I enjoyed collaborating with them on the project. It’s always important to make sure that my work reflects the communities and places that people call home,” said Daniel.

“It also gave me the opportunity to learn new things about the local area and culture. I find this an interesting part of my job” he replied.

Daniel has been a muralist for 9 years since he was the age of 19. He has over 100 completed murals across various locations in Australia, particularly the East Coast. An upcoming assignment will see him travel to Portugal in Europe later in the year.

He started out doing landscape paintings at a young age. His father taught him at the age of 9 and he soon found himself selling his paintings at markets around the North Coast of New South Wales.

As an artist, Daniel also enjoys painting on a smaller scale and has held various exhibitions for his artworks.

“I’d love to work with the school again. It was a wonderful environment” he ended.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have played a major role in a hazard reduction burn to protect Warragamba Dam, west of Sydney, and its nearby township from the threat of bushfires.

FRNSW was tasked by Water NSW with establishing controlled burns and containment lines along the front of the 25-hectare zone around Sydney’s primary water catchment.

A helicopter was used to drop incendiary devices into the bush to safely ignite the hazard reduction fire.

FRNSW Station Officer, Heath Langdon, said the environment created a few challenges for the fire crews.

“The wind was burning in a sort of undulating terrain,” FRNSW Station Officer Langdon said, “It was very difficult to read and predict, however, we managed to get the flanks in and utilising the burn patterns we had, we used the wind to our favour to protect the interface and put depth on the hazard reduction itself.

“By conducting this hazard reduction, it’s not only protected the interface of the local township, but it has also protected the infrastructure of the Warragamba catchment.”

Station Officer Langdon said the successful operation has provided peace of mind to locals, particularly Warragamba’s long-term residents.

“The work that we’ve done was much needed to reduce the fuel loads as we head towards summer.

“The fuel is drying rapidly after the dry winter and now’s the perfect time on a regular basis to go out there and conduct hazard reductions.”

To see more of Daniel’s amazing work, search Daniel Hend Artist on Facebook and Instagram or visit his website at www. danielhend.com.

r Some of the amazing murals done by Daniel Hend that now adorn the walls at Warragamba Public School | Image: Daniel Hend

Article Written + Submitted by:

Sussan Omar | Parenting Facilitator

Nepean

Community & Neighbourhood Services

W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au

E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

Online Safety for Kids

As parents and caregivers, our concern for children’s online safety is paramount. To protect them effectively, we must actively engage with and understand their digital world. Open communication from early years through adolescence can reduce online risks.

Common Online Risks

Depending on your child’s age and internet usage, risks may include:

Excessive Screen Time: One of the primary concerns for caregivers is the amount of time children spend online. Current guidelines recommend specific limits based on age.

• For children under 2 years old, it’s recommended to avoid any screen time other than video chat.

• Between the ages of 2 and 5, limit screen time to no more than 1 hour per day.

• For children and adolescents aged 5 to 17, the recommended limit is no more than 2 hours a day, excluding schoolrelated work.

Online Gaming: Online gaming can become addictive and impact other areas of a child’s life if not monitored.

Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying, comprising of hurtful messages, posts, and images, that are sent directly to the young person or shared online. This can impact young victims mentally and physically.

Child Grooming: Child grooming involves adults posing as peers, establishing trust with minors, and leading to potential sexual abuse. According to e-safety research, 38% of young people chat to strangers online, and while most interactions are harmless, caregivers need to be aware of the risk.

Sexting: Sexting, common among youth, can turn problematic when coerced, shared without consent, or used for control. Both males and females are equally at risk of being victims here. It’s important to note that once an image is sent, it can be lost forever in cyberspace.

Exposure to Online Pornography: Children may inadvertently come across explicit content, affecting their development.

Practical Steps for Caregivers

Open Communication: Engage in online activities with young children and maintain conversations about their online experiences and safety.

Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules on where and when kids can access the internet, favouring communal spaces.

Agree on Rules: Discuss age-appropriate time limits and consequences for device usage. Create agreements together when possible.

Provide Support: Foster a safe environment where children can seek help when facing online threats or issues.

Use Parental Controls: Utilise built-in controls in devices and apps to monitor and restrict online access.

Today, children enjoy the digital world for fun, education, and connection. While it can be enjoyable, parents must remain vigilant, set boundaries, and support their children.

For more resources, visit: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents

Warradale FC Celebrate 40 Years of Football

Memories of Warragamba Dam

Warradale FC have celebrated their 40th Anniversary, will a celebratory dinner at Warragamba last month.

The celebrations took place on Saturday 9th September at Warragamba Workers and Sporting Club. 100 past and present members, Presidents, life members and committee members attended the major milestone. This included 19 past Presidents and life members joining the event.

The night began with Steve Keller, the current President’s speech about the history about how the club was formed and who was involved with that. This covered many of the events and people during those four decades, finishing with where the club is today. Two past life members, Steve Keys and John Beswick, spoke about their memories and experiences during their time at the club.

The celebration involved a dinner, luck door prize, raffles, DJ, photo booth and much reminiscing amongst the guests. There was old jerseys and other memorabilia on display, honour boards, and a continuous slide show that featured photos dating back to the 1980’s till now. A future master plan for the upcoming upgrades of Waterboard Oval and the facilities was also on display.

“I have been with the club since 2010, and to be President for such a wonderful milestone was amazing. I have learnt so much of the club’s past history, met many wonderful past members, and it has made me realise just how important all members, committee, players, and family are to the success of a club like ours” said Steve Keller, President of Warradale FC.

“The effort our committee members made towards ensuring a great night was unbelievable and I am very proud to be President of such a wonderful club. It could not have been done without their hard work” he added.

The club would like to thank all of their sponsors for this year. This includes those who donated prizes for the night’s raffle, which were Liquor Master Warragamba, Nick’s Deli, DST Steel, The Bunker Mulgoa, and Luddenham Village Café.

Their next event will be the much anticipated Presentation Day this month, on Saturday 21st October.

For more information about Warradale FC, visit their website at www.warradalefc. com or find them on Facebook.

r Feature Article [Cover] Steve Keller watching Cheryl Parsons - Tyler and Amanda Reynolds cut the cake. Honouring the late Steve Parsons and Anita Reynolds [Above] Past committee/life members attending on the night. L-R: Steve Keller, Bronwyn Dunn, Sharon Slender, Simon Perigo, John Webb, Graham North, Andrew Moore, David Logozzo, John Letby, Steve Key, John Beswick, Neville Slender, Kay Vincent, Kerry Andrew Jones, and Rick Owens | Images: Mel Mackie

Who remembers walking across the old suspension bridge over the gorge at Warragamba Dam?

It was one of two original suspension bridges workers used to get to the work site when construction of the dam began in the late 1940s.

Perhaps you can remember even further back, to your parents or grandparents making a cup of tea in one of the giant hot water heaters at Haviland Park?

Warragamba Dam has been a favourite spot for family picnics for generations.

It’s still a popular destination today. Entry is free, and visitors can enjoy the landscaped picnic grounds, panoramic views of the dam wall and Lake Burragorang from viewing platforms, and their modern Visitor Centre.

Warragamba Dam is 65 kilometres, or a one-hour drive, west of the Sydney CBD. Our Visitor Centre is open daily from 10am-4pm. WaterNSW looks forward to welcoming you soon.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3JHZt2h.

r [Top] Warragamba Dam and suspension bridge [Above] Haviland Park | Images/Article: WaterNSW

Enchanting October KID’S CORNER

SOLUTIONS

Puzzle 1

Across: 1. Witch, 6. Pirate, 7. Dinosaur, 9. Mummy, 10. Mermaid

Down: 2. Clown, 3. Carrot, 4. Devil, 5. Vampire, 6. Pimpkin, 8. Angel

Puzzle 2

SPOT

Book Review your

will transport you from 19th century Valparaíso to goldrush San Francisco.

Eliza was abandoned as a baby on the doorstep of the Sommers house, wrapped only in a cardigan. She was adopted and raised in English manners and customs by Rose Sommers, who is unable to marry and have a daughter of her own. One day, when Eliza is 14, she falls in love at first sight with a delivery boy, Joaquín Andieta, and they begin a passionate, but short-lived affair.

Reports from the Californian goldfields allure Joaquín away from his beloved. Not long after he leaves, Eliza discovers she is pregnant and devises a plan, convincing her friend Tao Chi’en to smuggle her on to a ship headed to California.

She survives the voyage, only just, thanks to Tao’s medicine and care, and sets off to find Joaquín who, in the months they have been apart, has become an infamous outlaw with a bounty on his head. On her journey, Eliza meets hopeful and dejected miners, a travelling brothel, abolitionists, brigands, and more.

Daughter of Fortune is an engrossing tale of chasing freedom and love and finding more than what you bargained for in the most unlikely of places. It’s a story of separation and reunion, family secrets, and overcoming grief.

Allende’s writing is poetic and elegant. She takes care with every word and writes with sensitivity when dealing with the harsh realities of prostitution, foot-binding, disease, and more. Her characters will linger in your imagination long after you turn the final page.

Daughter of Fortune will appeal to lovers of historical fiction, especially Gone With the Wind and The Lady’s Mine, as well as anyone who wishes they could be a better writer. You can trust Allende to delight.

r Book Review by: Chloé Steward

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We sell various types of animal feed including Dog,

OOPS! Last Months Solution

Due to a printing error, last months solution didn't print correctly. Thankyou to the lovely readers who notified us!

The Wallacia Progress Hall Continues to Improve

Many Wallacia residents might not be aware that their hall is one of the few with land that is still owned by the local community and managed by the Progress Association Committee. It was opened in 1954 and built with voluntary labour.

The hall was registered as being of Historical Significance in 2008. The Wallacia Progress Association Hall is a focal point for social activities in the local community. It is a representative example of a 1940’s community hall.

Over the years, many improvements have been made for the benefit of the hall users such as air conditioning (supported by Lions Cambridge Park), fire safety to meet statutory requirements, electric hand dryers and upgraded power and plumbing. The latest improvement is some much needed concrete paths for safety with funds from the NSW Government Community Building Partnership 2022 grant. “Thank you to Denes from DJ Concrete who put in extra time and effort to suit our requirements. The hall committee’s both past and present should be thanked for their ongoing efforts” they said.

The new footpath from Greendale Road to the front of the hall was installed by Penrith Council with the assistance of Councillor Sue Day and it is now much easier for people to walk to the hall.

The hall is available to hire with the details at www. wallaciaprogressassociation.com.au.

WPA has also received funding from Penrith City Council Heritage Assistance Funding for window restoration, but the amount has to be matched so additional fundraising will be required and any offers of help or donations are very welcome.

The Association usually meets the second Tuesday of the month and members and guests are always welcome. Details are updated on www.wallaciaprogressassociation.com.au, on the Facebook page Wallacia Our Community and regular newsletters.

Wallacia Progress Hall’s recent improvements

Margaret Stepniewski

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

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

Celebrate at Home Rather Than in a Vet Emergency Waiting Room

With warmer weather arriving, it’s time to dust off the BBQ and spend extra time gathering with friends and family outdoors. As we prepare, remember that it is important to check where your pets may be hiding – most likely under the table waiting for the food and snacks to drop.

While party food is appropriate for people, that doesn’t automatically mean that it’s also safe for your pets. In fact, when you have a BBQ or picnic, you need to keep a very close eye on what foods are within reach of your dog. Many foods are not only bad for your dog’s digestive system, but they can even be deadly for him to eat.

Here are a few common BBQ and party foods that are dangerous for dogs.

Ribs and Other Cooked Meat Bones:

While it’s tempting for many people to give cooked bones to dogs, it can have its problems. Cooked chicken bones and rib bones can splinter very easily, becoming lodged in a dog’s throat or digestive tract. Bone fragments can also become lodged in the small intestines, causing a complete intestinal blockage. If bone fragments travel down the gastrointestinal tract and reach the large bowel, they may collect and cause constipation. This is painful for dogs, as the bone fragments scrape the lining of the colon and rectum and lead to significant trauma.

Onions:

Onions add flavour and can often be found in many party foods. All members of the onion family, including shallots and garlic, are toxic to dogs. Although not as toxic as grapes or xylitol, avoid giving onions to your dog, regardless of if they are raw or cooked. Cooking onions doesn’t have an impact on the safety of onions, and cooked onions are still poisonous to dogs because of their toxic effect on red blood cells. All forms of onion can be toxic to dogs — whether powdered, dried, fresh, or cooked.

Potato Chips and Pretzels:

These may seem like simple snack foods, but in reality, pretzels and chips are loaded with sodium, which isn’t good for dogs. Too much of either of these snack foods can upset a dog’s stomach, as well as cause excessive thirst and urination. In severe circumstances, it can result in vomiting, tremors, diarrhoea, seizures, and fever. Discourage your guests or other partygoers from the temptation of feeding these snacks to dogs.

Chocolate Desserts:

Desserts are everyone’s favourite part of the BBQ, but they can be deadly for dogs especially if they involve chocolate, xylitol, or alcohol. The compounds in both chocolate and xylitol can be fatal to dogs. The symptoms of chocolate poisoning include seizures, heart arrhythmias, and muscle tremors. Within thirty minutes of ingestion, xylitol will cause a fast, dangerous drop in blood sugar levels accompanied by disorientation and seizures. Some dogs can even develop liver failure, which may lead to death.

Fruit Salad with Grapes:

Some fruits are perfectly fine for dogs to eat in moderation, but grapes are not one of them. If you include grapes in fruit salads or desserts, make sure your dog cannot eat them. Grapes cause kidney failure in dogs and can cause lethargy, diarrhoea, and vomiting around twelve hours after ingestion. The dog will become increasingly dehydrated, may refuse to eat, and will

show either an increase or decrease in urination. Long-term kidney disease or death follows.

This time of year is always full of fun with friends and food. Keep your dog safely locked away, especially on the weekend that we will hopefully be celebrating a Panthers victory!

A celebration at home is much more relaxing than being in a Vet Emergency waiting room.

Community Supporting Warradale Men’s Shed

For the past decade, Warradale Men’s Shed have been valued members of our community. With the group selflessly helping others, their generosity has been rewarded thanks to some kind donations given to the inspiring men recently.

Earlier this year, they received a generous grant from Transgrid, through their Community Partnerships Program. This enabled them to purchase new and safe machinery consisting of a planer/jointer/thicknesser and a disk/belt sanding unit.

Morris and Sons from Mascot found them via their website and donated a panel table saw unit, as well as a dual bag dust collector, which will be great for the removal of sawdust from the Men’s Shed environment.

JJ Stairs, a local Silverdale company, donated a drum sander and a quantity of quality timber off-cuts, for their future projects.

Len Barone from Werombi also donated a wood lathe and is planning to join the Shed. The lathe is already turning out some items.

“The Shed was given an incomplete doll’s house that an old chap had been working on for years. He has now gone into care. We were able to complete the project, and now the doll’s house is on its way to his great granddaughter” explained Michael Davis, President of Warradale Men’s Shed.

Warradale Men’s Shed is now a registered charity and will shortly have their Deductive Gift Recipient (DGR) status. They offer sponsorship opportunities for local businesses to be included on their website.

Over the years, they have accumulated a substantial number of tools, both old style and modern electrical/battery operated tools. The wood and metal workshops are well equipped for any projects that members of the Shed, or the community may have. Do you like using your hands? Would you like to learn new skills, hone up old skills or share your skills? Would you like to meet new mates, get out of the house, and come to a safe and productive place?

“This is an opportunity for men from the community to join a great group of current members. Members have skills and backgrounds that they can share with one another” he ended. For more information, visit www.warradalemensshed.org.au.

LATEST @ LUDDENHAM

Article Written + Submitted by: Wayne Willmington E: c/- info@districtgazette.com.au | Subject ‘Latest @ Luddenham’

Luddenham residents are happy once again now that the IGA has stock. For about the last six months, the shelves have been very low, and a lot of common grocery lines were not available. Mid-September, the Ahmedi family took control of the IGA and immediately had a fleet of trucks restocking the shop. It is now a pleasure to shop back at the IGA.

With planning under way for next year’s Luddenham Show, they are looking for sponsors. Further information is available at https://luddenhamshow.com.au/show-sponsorshipproposal-2022/. The Show will be held on the 2nd and 3rd of March 2024. If you have any suggestions or ideas to improve Luddenham Show, please email secretary@luddenhamshow. com.

The Annual General Meeting of the Luddenham Progress Association will be held on Wednesday the 4th of October at 8pm in the hall. It is in your interest to belong to this Association and have your say in the progress of Luddenham. They want your support, your views, and your ideas on anything that can assist our wonderful village. The Progress Association has written to Penrith Council, asking that a footpath or walkway be constructed from Campbell Street to Willmington Road. Also, the area on the corner of Park Road and Willmington Road needs to be tidied up and is a disgrace. They have asked the Council to install a bus shelter type seat in the front hall. This area is a bus stop and needs some seating.

Some sad news, with the passing of Trudy Darley-Jones. Trudy was a long-term resident of Luddenham. She was a member of the Luddenham Progress Association and was the Presidents (Patrick) wife. Her funeral was held on the 22nd of September at Holy Family Church, Luddenham.

Still no updates from the NSW Government re the future of Luddenham and the proposal by NSW Planning for more housing out of the noise contours.

r Doll’s House completed by Warradale Men’s Shed | Image Supplied by Warradale Men’s Shed

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

I wonder what life would be like without mirrors and cameras. Cameras are relatively recent inventions, with the first camera that made a permanent image being made in the 1820s, just two hundred years ago! Mirrors extend back thousands of years, but they were small and made from polished stone.

In the mythological story of Narcissus, he falls in love with himself when he sees his image in a pool of water. It could have been possible for thousands of years that the only way a person might have seen themselves was in a similar way. People could have easily gone their whole lives without seeing an image of themselves.

How things are different today! Instead of others being the only ones who can help us with our appearance, it is easy to obsess over our own image, particularly our faces. While you can see the rest of your body, our faces are difficult to look at!

The proliferation of images of ourselves makes us much more aware of our image than we might be. As a result, it is easy to be self-obsessed and caught up in what we look like. The Bible teaches that, as human beings, we are each made in the image of God and that we are made for God and for each other.

Real life isn’t found in obsessing about ourselves, but the secure knowledge that God loves us and that we are to love others.

r Image: www.pixabay.com

HEALTH MATTERS

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

P: 0418 166 269

Does Eating Fermented Milk Products like Yoghurt Help Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Patients?

Medical researchers conducted two small placebo-controlled human trials, to look at the benefits of fermented milk yoghurt for UC patients.

The first trial looked at 20 UC patients whose symptoms had been brought under control using standard treatments.

Taking yoghurt daily for 1 year allowed most patients to remain symptom free. Most patients not taking yoghurt had relapses. For patients who did relapse, if the patient was taking yogurt, they generally had only one relapse. Patients not taking yoghurt had two or more. So, eating daily yoghurt worked, in preventing relapse in most patients, and in significantly reducing the number of relapses if relapse did occur.

In a second (12 week) trial, researchers looked at 20 UC patients whose symptoms had initially been controlled using standard treatments, but in whom UC symptoms returned, while on medication.

Patients were kept on standard medications - mesalazine or salazosulphapyridine, and then given either placebo, or a milk yoghurt made using 3 bacteria - Bifidobacterium (breve & bifidum) and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

After 12 weeks, patients in the group receiving yoghurt were more likely to:

1. have symptom improvement, or

2. be completely symptom free,

and their bowel walls tended to look much more healed when viewed by endoscope, and much less injured when bowel-tissue samples were viewed by microscope.

Finally, those eating daily yoghurt showed marked increases in small fatty acids content in stool. Small fatty acids (such as butyrate and propionate) help heal the bowel. Butyrate is the main energy source for the cells lining the colon, and it also reduces bowel inflammation caused by the immune system. In this way butyrate helps heal the bowel. No increases in small fatty acids were seen in the placebo group.

The researcher then noted that adding prebiotic foods would further help normalise bowel bacteria composition, likely making yogurt treatment even more effective, i.e., a more wholistic approach, leads to a more effective treatment.

r **Refer to: www.districtgazette.com.au for expanded version

FOOD 4 THOUGHT Grow Cafe

Shop 1/30/32 Leonay Parade, Leonay

Michelle and I had an exceptional lunch at Grow Cafe in Emu Plains. It was my first time visiting this venue and it did not disappoint. Carmen and her team provided us with outstanding service.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Carmen and her team, who were very welcoming. I knew from the warm welcome we received that our lunch would be enjoyable.

After looking at the menu, I decided to settle on the Big Breakfast. This Big Breakfast was filling and had plenty of flavour. It consisted of two FreeRange Eggs, Crispy Bacon, Chorizo Sausage, housemade Potato Rosti, Garlic Butter Mushrooms, Grilled Tomatoes, along with 2 pieces of Buttered Toast.

The careful preparation was evident in each element – the eggs were perfectly cooked, the bacon was wonderfully crispy, the chorizo added a spicy kick, the potato rosti was satisfyingly hearty, and the garlic butter mushrooms lent a rich and savoury touch. The addition of buttered toast was a comforting accompaniment that rounded off the meal. This breakfast truly offered a delightful assortment of textures and flavours. What made it special was the handmade potato rosti.

Michelle chose the Southern Style Chicken Wrap which consisted of Fried Chicken, Red Onion, Cheese, Tomato, Spinach, Chipotle Sauce, and a serve of Chips. She really enjoyed her wrap and said that it was full of flavour and very filling.

I was also very keen to try a glass of freshly squeezed Orange Juice. The juice was sweet, very refreshing, full of flavour, and highly recommended.

I tried a Flat White Coffee, which was creamy, had plenty of flavour, and not bitter at all.

Grow Cafe are allergy and vegan friendly, taking dietary requirements very seriously.

I give Grow Café a ten out of ten. Thanks to Carmen and her team for looking after us.

Sydney Set to get Foamy and Fun: The 5K Foam Fest Returns this November!

Brace yourself Sydney, because the world’s most fun-filled 5k run is back this November, and its foamier than ever!

The 5K Foam Fest has some of the best and most exciting obstacles in the world, including the largest inflatable waterslide, slip and slides, and mucky mud pits. Combine this with 2.5 million cubic feet of foam and you are destined to have an awesome day.

Rock out all day to 12,000 watts of awesome (family friendly) music, enjoy a FREE kid’s zone for kids aged 6 and under, taste delicious food, shop from local vendors, and celebrate your success in a well-stocked beer garden.

With a variety of obstacles and a ton of foam, the 5K Foam Fest run is an exciting challenge for experienced and beginner runners alike. Walk it, run it, charge it, fun it; this course should be enjoyed at your own pace and all obstacles are optional!

But there’s more to it than just fun. The 5K Foam Fest proudly supports Make-A-Wish Australia, an organisation dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Your participation not only guarantees a great time but also contributes to a fantastic cause.

Mark your calendars for November 25th and 26th at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre in Horsley Park and save a date for February 3rd at St. Ives Showground for an encore performance.

When you register, you’ll receive a 5K Foam Fest string bag, tattoos, head buff, and a finisher’s medal as tokens of your achievement. Visit www.foamfest.com for more information and to secure your spot. Use promo code SYDFOAM to save 10% on single entry tickets - but act fast because prices jump every 500 tickets sold.

The 5K Foam fest is not just a run; it’s a foam-soaked, mudcovered, and music-filled extravaganza that promises a day of unforgettable fun. Come and conquer obstacles, make memories, and have a blast. It’s an event you don’t want to miss!

#foodie#extraordinaire#reviewer

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

Southern Style Chicken

r Brace yourself for some serious ‘foamy’ fun! | Images Supplied by 5K Foam Fest

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)

A Discussion on Types of Foot Orthoses

Orthoses (aka orthotic devices) are medical devices inserted into shoes that support the foot, improve function and/or protect structures*.

What are the different types of orthoses prescribed by podiatrists?

• Cushioning insoles – while not technically orthoses, these are good for offloading high pressure areas where additional support is not required.

• Prefabricated – these are orthoses in ready-made sizes that can provide moderate support.

• Customised prefabricated – these are prefabricated orthoses that have been modified by a podiatrist to provide additional or different support. For example, additional wedging or domes can be added, or material ground away to modify the support.

• Custom-made – these are moulded specifically for the feet and are the best option for patients requiring optimal support, patients who have complex biomechanical issues, or require a more durable and longer-lasting option. How do I know which orthoses will benefit me?

The best way to know if orthoses will be beneficial is to see a podiatrist who can perform a biomechanical assessment and determine the cause of the issue. The podiatrist will then discuss the best treatment options for the condition, and if orthoses is indicated, they can discuss which orthoses are more appropriate to treat the condition.

The chemist or shoe store sells pre-fabricated orthoses and insoles a lot cheaper. What is the difference?

If they happen to be the correct prescription, it is possible to get some relief from these products. In general, they tend to provide less support or are made from less durable materials that will collapse a lot faster than the more expensive prefabricated orthoses sold by podiatrists. Do I need to pay thousands of dollars for a series of arch supports to fix my pain?

Please beware! There are many charlatans out there with no medical training claiming to be able to miraculously fix your pain. They are usually found peddling their generic, inferior products in shopping centre or cruise ship kiosks, and can often cause more problems than they solve for a greater price than you would pay for proper medical advice.

House

Complex Cases

Custom Or thoses

No Damfest for 2023

Damfest Warragamba 2023 will no longer take place this year.

We are devastated that we are not able to move forward with Damfest this year. We have attempted to do everything we can think of to bring Damfest to the community in 2023, but we have encountered some unforeseeable circumstances that prevent us being able to use all of the facilities normally needed to hold a full and enjoyable Damfest.

The WSNC would like to thank all of our stall holders, artists suppliers and the community for your understanding and support and look forward to being able to bring Damfest back bigger and better in 2024.

While we recognise that this news is disappointing, we hope that you can understand and respect our decision.

r Image/Article: Warragamba Damfest - Facebook

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NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE

18th October 2023

NEXT ISSUE DISTRIBUTION

Online: 1st November 2023

Letterboxes: 7 + 8 November 2023

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

October is upon us, and without a doubt, it sure is getting warmer!

It’s late September as I sit in my office and put pen to paper. We’ve experienced a spate of warm, picture perfect days - warm enough that the pool was beginning to look extremely inviting! Although the smarter / wiser me knows that it’s far too icy to give it a trial run. I won’t be fooled by these idyllic days - not just yet!

We couldn’t publish this amazing paper without you. Do you have a story to share? A great achievement, a milestone, an accomplishment against all odds? Perhaps you have an interesting career, a rare find, a talent, an unusual skill or hobby?

We’d love to share your story, it might be exactly what our readers need to hear or know.

I’m excited to present this jam-packed edition, chock-full of events, stories and opportunities to connect.

Time for a cuppa! Enjoy Your Community News.

Remember, ‘none of us sit high enough to look down on anyone’.

Belinda

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Advertising Policy... Payment on booking secures your space. The Business Directory offers cost effective advertising to businesses in an alphabetical format. Premium Placement may be available, at an extra charge. An editorial focus on a local business may be included if space permits, at the Editor’s discretion.

Community News... The Mulgoa Valley Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor.

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