Oran Park Gazette June 2024

Consultation about New Bus Services Connecting Western Sydney International Airport with Surrounding Communities to Begin

Transport for NSW will begin to seek input from key stakeholders and landowners around a new interchange and bus layover planned for the emerging city of Bradfield.

This will be followed by broader engagement with communities about the new services, which are due to start operating before the new Airport opens in 2026.

The new interchanges to be built around the future Bradfield City Centre and the Airport will allow passengers to easily transfer between airport, bus, and Metro services.

Input from the community and stakeholders will be considered to help improve passenger experience as the project progresses towards first services before the Airport opens.

Along with the coming Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport and the toll-free M12 Motorway, the new bus services will help ensure Western Sydney residents have a wide range of transport options in and around the precinct.

To ensure they are operating as soon as possible, the new services will make use of existing infrastructure including existing dedicated bus lanes on the newly upgraded The Northern Road.

The new services will be a first step towards a Western Sydney Rapid Bus network with additional services expected to be introduced as demand develops following the Airport opening in 2026.

For more information about the proposed services and to register for updates about the project go to https://www.transport.nsw. gov.au/projects/current-projects/new-bus-services-for-westernsydney

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

Harrington Park Over 55's Social Club

Meets the first Monday of the month from 10:00am at Harrington Park Community Hall (Fairwater Drive, Harrington Park). More details: 0413526307

Macarthur Art Group

Meets the second Saturday of each month from 9.30am2.45pm at Narellan Library (1st floor - Queen Street, Narellan). More details: 0404 229 498

OAK - Over 55's Social Group

Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 10am to 11.30am at New Life Anglican Church Oran Park. Morning Tea is provided and there is no charge. More details: 0401 888 880

Children + Families

PlayTime @ NewLife Anglican Church

Meets every Wednesday (During School terms) at 10am - 12pm. PlayTime is for Mums and Carers with kids 0-5. NewLife Anglican Church (Cnr Marcus Loane Way + Central Avenue, Oran Park). More Details: www.newlifeanglican.org.au/wp/playtime.

Hobbies + Interests

Library Movie Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:00pm at Narellan Library (Corner Queen and Elyard Street, Narellan). More details: 02 4645 5039

Storytime (2-5 years)

Held weekly on Wednesdays from 11:00am till 11:30am at Oran Park Library (72 Central Avenue, Oran Park). Family Storytime (all ages welcome) is the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm, during school term only. More details: 02 4645 5645

Markets

Camden Fresh Produce Market

Held weekly on Saturdays from 7:00am till 12:00pm at Camden Town Farm (40 Exeter Street, Camden). More details: camdenproducemarket@hotmail.com or www. camdenproducemarket.com.au

Cobbitty Village Markets

Held on the first Saturday of the month (excluding January and February) from 8:00am till 1:00pm at Cobbitty Public School (Cobbitty Road, Cobbitty). More details: www. cobbittymarkets.com.au

Support + Wellbeing

Australian Breastfeeding Association CamdenWollondilly Group

Come along and meet new friends. Chat with mums who have 'been there' and connect with their local breastfeeding counsellors and educators. The group meets monthly at Spring Farm Community Centre (275 Richardson Road, Spring Farm). More details: camden_wollondilly_aba@outlook.com

Badgerys Creek Senior School Leaders Visit

NSW Parliament

Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, recently hosted her annual Badgerys Creek Senior School Leadership Forum in NSW Parliament House.

The forum was comprised of student leaders from schools across the Badgerys Creek electorate, under the supervision of a staff member from each of the respective schools.

The students enjoyed a tour of NSW Parliament House, as well as discussions with guest speakers Tim James MP, Member for Willoughby, Shadow Minister for Fair Trading, Work Health and Safety and Building, and The Hon. Rachel Merton MLC.

The students also experienced Question Time from the Legislative Assembly gallery, with a warm welcome from the Speaker.

Feedback from teachers confirmed the success of the event. “The students were buzzing all the way back home and were so excited by what they had seen.”

One student commented to Mrs Davies, “I didn’t know why I was selected to come to this event, but I am so glad that I came. It has given me so much to think about now.”

The eventful day concluded with photographs on the front steps of NSW Parliament House.

“I thank the students for their great interest in our Parliamentary process and its history. It was rewarding to see their strong desire to learn, and I wish them success in their academic endeavours,” stated Mrs Davies.

rTanya Davies MP with the senior school leaders | Image/Article: Tanya Davies MP

Article Written + Submitted by: Parish Priest Fr David Catterall MTh

P: 02 4648 2226 W: www.marymackillopparish.org.au

A: 94 Oran Park Drive, Oran Park NSW 2570

Facebook: www.facebook.com/oranparkparish

Twitter: www.twitter.com/oranparkparish

Over recent weeks and months there has been a lot of commentary and reflection, not only on social media and on our television news and current affairs, but also around our kitchen tables and in our workplaces, about the reality of domestic and family violence.

Bishop Anthony Randazz, the Catholic Bishop of Broken Bay, said in one of his reflections, “Our relationships with loved ones, family, friends, and others can sometimes be difficult.”

“To live with open hearts, receptive and giving of love, is never easy. Selfishness easily creeps in and cuts us off from others. At worst, dynamics of domination and submission can give some a sense of power over others. This disfigures both the identity of the perpetrator and the one who is abused. Domestic violence is a distressing illustration of this. It can occur in a variety of forms – physical, verbal, sexual, psychological, and spiritual,” he said.

None of us, no matter if we are a person of faith or not, no matter our gender or background, can remain silent in the face of violence. We must do all we can to reject any behaviour which erodes the human person and diminishes their unique identity and dignity. Our task – both individually and communally (here in Oran Park and the surrounding suburbs), is to foster fruitful relationships and build communities of peace, safety, and reconciliation.

Here in the Catholic Parish of St Mary MacKillop (Oran Park) we are proud to offer Escabags, which are free tote bags, kindly made with love by volunteers, and then filled with the necessities that a victim of abuse and his/her children may need when initially escaping a dangerous or abusive situation.

If you would like to find out more about Escabags you can go to their website escabags. org. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (a National 24-hour hotline) for advice or support in relation to sexual assault and domestic violence. The service also connects victims to the nearest assistance services according to their location.

FAITH – NEWLIFE ANGLICAN ORAN PARK

Article Written + Submitted by: Lead Pastor Stuart Starr

A: Cnr Central Avenue + Marcus Loane Way, Oran Park NSW 2570

W: newlifeanglican.org.au

E: stuart@newlifeanglican.org.au

Not Something for Nothing

There are many pressures on families and households now, and many of us could use a helping hand. However, we often get suspicious if we’re offered ‘something for nothing’. We start asking questions ‘is it good quality?’, ‘Do they need to get rid of it?’, ‘is there a trick to this somewhere?’, ‘what’s the catch?’.

It’s at this point that I would like to let you know about our big green and white van. Every fortnight NewLife Anglican Church on Central Avenue plays host to a Mobile Food Pantry – in a van. The van is operated by Anglicare, and we are privileged to welcome it on a Wednesday from 1.45 – 2.45pm. For those who come and join us, you will find our friendly team ready to greet you and an opportunity to get some low cost groceries.

You’ll note I didn’t say they were free. When you pay $12, you’ll be given a bright blue Anglicare shopping bag and be invited to choose quality grocery items in the van from our various sections to the value of well over $40. Most people walk away with their bag full of useful things at a very reasonable price.

Now let me answer some of your questions.

• Yes, everyone is welcome.

• No, you won’t have to fill in any financial declarations – we’re happy to have all comers.

• No, you don’t have to stay for a free cuppa and a bite of afternoon tea – but you’d be welcome to.

• Yes, we’re on every fortnight come rain, hail, or shine.

• Yes, I can let you know our next dates – 5 and 19 June, 3, 17 and 31 July.

Jesus calls everyone to love their neighbours as themselves, and our van is a good start. It doesn’t offer something for nothing, but you are invited to find out just how much ‘something’ buys!

Cobbitty Village

Markets: A True Country Experience

Next Markets:

Saturday June 1st

Saturday July 6th

The market is on the first Saturday of each month from March - December

Location:

Cobbitty Public School, 306 Cobbitty Road, Cobbitty

Time:

8:00am to 1:00pm

Visit Cobbitty Village Markets for a true country experience. The Market has been operating for over 40 years and was first established in 1982.

The market is a non-profit organisation and is run by a committee of volunteers. All money raised by the market each month is put back into local charities, schools, and worthy causes in our community. By supporting the market each month, you are helping to support the local community in many ways.

There are over 150 stalls at the market each month selling high quality and locally made crafts, gift, woodwork, artwork, pottery, plants, manchester, jewellery, baked goods, and fresh produce.

There are a variety of delicious hot food, dessert, coffee stalls and much more.

Local musicians provide great entertainment while sit, relax, shop, and enjoy the country atmosphere.

Visit the next Cobbitty Village Markets taking place on June 1st.

For more information, search ‘Cobbitty Village Markets’ on Facebook.

Land for sale

Enjoy living in the Park with easy access to the conveniences Oran Park is known for.

No matter where you live in Oran Park, you’re only moments from a great range of amenities including The Podium Shopping Centre, a wide array of schools, parks and facilities.

Set in one of the fastest-growing LGAs in Australia, Oran Park is a thriving, peaceful, master-planned community of new homes and expanding dining and retail precincts.

Visit the Sales Office today and discover all Oran Park has to offer.

Scan the QR code to register your interest to be informed about future land releases.

Royal Revelry: 10 June

In Britain, the monarch’s birthday has been celebrated since 1748, during the reign of King George II. This day has been celebrated with a public holiday in Australia since the First Fleet arrived in 1788. These festivities used to be held on the actual date of the monarch’s birthday, until 1936, with the death of King George V.

The celebration of the sovereign’s birthday now varies around the Commonwealth, but is generally set around the end of May or start of June. This was to coincide with a higher probability of fine weather in the Northern Hemisphere specifically for the “trooping of the colour" ceremony, which is always an impressive display of pageantry in London – and much better viewed in sunny weather.

To any event, most Australian states (except Queensland and WA, who do things differently) celebrate the King’s Birthday on the second Monday in June, this year the tenth, with the ‘Kings Birthday Long Weekend,’ a staple for us all in the middle of Winter.

Of course, Australia has developed its own traditional celebrations of the day, not least of which is the MCG hosting of the yearly AFL game between Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons (so far 14 games to 7 to Collingwood since the tradition began in 2001, results also include a draw and a no match played due to COVID).

Australia also uses this day to award honours for meritorious, distinguished, and conspicuous service, the “King’s Birthday Honours List.” Recipients gather in Government House, where the King’s representative, the Governor-General, awards those recognised and congratulated. Last year, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), described the awards thus “Recipients have made substantial contributions and had a significant impact at the local, national, or international level. Some are volunteers, others have had a remarkable impact in professional roles – many have done both. They are all inspiring and their service is valued by us all.”

While there remains even more debate than ever after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II about the value of the monarchy, and our attitude to a republic, the history of the Commonwealth, and right now the health of the current monarch, there will be no debate about the AFL game and the long weekend in Australia.

If ever the Kings Birthday was cancelled, I am hopeful that the corresponding ‘Republic Day’ will also land on the second Monday in June, and I don’t think I’ll be alone in that.

NOTE: All Australian voters are eligible to request their very own portrait of the King from their Federal MP, although it may take some time as the Palace has yet to provide Australia with their official portrait for distribution, and an interim is being used for official purposes at the moment.

r First official portrait of the King | Image: Buckingham Palace. Article: Kate Neill

Book Review your

opinion, should be a “textbook for teachers” available from the Education Department.

Instilling compassionate, careful consideration for each of her students, treating each as special and unique, with humour and imaginative methods.

If some aspect was not understood, there was the incentive to “find another way”, so each student could improve and gain recognition for their efforts.

Each episode relayed brings a smile (or a tear.) Being respectful to her students, they learned respect for others.

My family members all wish they had a teacher like that.

I read it through twice in one day, and return to odd sections at times, just for the delight to continue.

Book Review by: Camilla Hubbard

New President and Vice President for Gregory Hills Football Club

Behind every sporting Saturday or Sunday is an army of volunteers. It is these volunteers that help steer and operate our local sporting clubs. Two such volunteers are Adam Coleman and Natalie Sarca. Adam has recently been elected as the new President of Gregory Hills Football Club (GHFC), whilst Natalie Sarca the new Vice President.

Both Adam and Natalie have been a part of the club since 2022. Adam is also the coach of the current Under 14 Girl’s team and has been since last season. Natalie managed teams last season, with this season being a player for the club as well as sponsoring one of our women's teams this year.

According to Natalie, everything they do, they do in the interest of the club and for the benefit of its members. “As parents of girls in the sport, we both have a passion for seeing more girls in the sport. We both took on GHFC and hoped that we could grow female registrations - and we did. Personally, women in the sport are rare - so it's great that I can be the VP of a great club that has a lot of potential to be a great club. We both take pride in being a part of the club, and along with the rest of the committee, we're proud to wear the purple and yellow,” said Natalie Sarca.

The club was in a position this year to purchase family passes for the Matilda's game in Sydney in June and gave these back to the members (particularly the girls) as a 'thank you' for playing with GHFC. The club is also planning a Female Football gala day in the next school holidays to compliment Female Football Week, that unfortunately washed out due to the rain. This is also their first year with an M-League team, and that has been something that they’ve enjoyed being a part of this season.

“None of what we do or what we want to achieve within the club would have been achievable without our awesome committee behind us - Aimee, Kendall, Scott, Mauricio, and Lara. And of course, our parents in the club who help with the smooth running of game day each week. I think it's something special when kids see their parents help out around the club. That Saturday soccer tradition carries on!” she ended.

A big shoutout to all the people helping and volunteering, so that all the participants of sports get to develop new skills and enjoy their game.

r [L-R] Adam (President), Natalie (Vice President), Aimee (Member Protection) and Kendall (Secretary) at the GHFC Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser recently. Image supplied by Natalie Sarca/Gregory Hills Football Club. Article: Julie Lobel

Local’s Documentary Making

Macarthur filmmaker Daniel Fenech will have the world premiere of his new documentary, The Blind Sea, at the 71st Sydney Film Festival on Tuesday 11th June at Event Cinemas in George Street, Sydney.

“The Blind Sea is an inspirational and breathtaking documentary about Australian Matt Formston, 3 times World Champion blind surfer” said Daniel, who is the Writer and Director.

Diagnosed with Macular Dystrophy at the age five, Matt shares some of his processes that have enabled him to succeed at the highest level - both in and out of the water, despite facing a lifetime of judgment and prejudice. This thought-provoking account explores the remarkable career of one of the greatest blind surfers of all time.

With only 3% vision remaining, Matt aims to inspire the next generation. With insights from World Champions Layne Beachley AO, Sam Bloom, Joel Parkinson, and big wave legends Lucas ‘Chumbo’ Chianca and Dylan Longbottom, the film follows Matt around the world, as he pushes his mettle to the limits and attempts his most fearsome and dangerous challenge yet, breaking the world record for a blind surfer and surfing the monster waves of Nazaré.

Despite the spectacular backdrop of The Blind Sea, Daniel describes the documentary as being a local film.

“This a local film. Although it was shot around the world, it was produced and edited here in the Macarthur. We’re so proud that our little indie film is playing on one of the country’s biggest stages and it’s a testament to the calibre of the filmmakers in the area” he explained proudly.

He can’t wait for the documentary’s world premiere this month and invites the community to see it.

“The Blind Sea is in competition as a top 10 finalist for Documentary of the Year at this year's festival. It would be great to see you all on the red carpet” Daniel smiled.

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r Feature Article [Cover] Matt Formston on a big wave at Nazaré [Top] The Blind Sea theatrical poster [Above] Matt Formston (orange vest) with his safety team | Images: The Blind Sea

Article Written + Submitted by:

Keira Noble | Clinical Psychologist

The Anxiety & Depression Clinic

W: www.anxietydepressionclinic.com.au

P: 0424 263 577 | 02 46266932

Improving Sleep Habits

Feeling exhausted, run down, getting sick more often or are you more irritable than usual?

Sleep can impact our mental and physical health in a multitude of ways. Despite the crucial effect of sleep on our daily functioning, it is often the first thing we sacrifice in order to complete one more task in our day or satisfy our craving for one more episode of our favourite TV series.

Having the discipline to prioritise your sleep hygiene is one of the best investments you can make in your life to improve your psychological and physical health. As we face the Winter months where colds and flus can often be a feature, getting enough sleep supports our immune system, and assists with recovery and repair of cells in our bodies. With the many demands and stressors facing each of us in our daily lives, a lack of sleep can impact our motivation, concentration, and memory. It can impact and diminish our coping capacity, making small tasks seem difficult, or even insurmountable. We would never expect our iPhone to work if we fail to put in on charge, yet this is the common expectation we have for ourselves.

If you find yourself struggling with a poor sleep routine, there are some behaviours you can engage in to assist your sleepwake cycle.

Behaviour Changer to improving sleep:*

• Go to bed and wake up at the same times each day – set an alarm to remind yourself.

• If you cannot sleep after 20 minutes, remove yourself from bed and do something relaxing, for example read a book or watch TV.

• Be active during the day – physical exercise can assist to improve your sleep quality.

• Do not nap during the day. If you feel tired, expose yourself to sunlight or do some small physical tasks to increase your heart rate.

• Sleep without the television on.

• Make your sleep environment quiet, dim, and cool.

Local CEO to Participate in Vinnies CEO Sleepout to Support Homelessness

Chad Kanj, the CEO of Everything RV, is proud to announce his participation in the upcoming Vinnies CEO Sleepout, an initiative by the St Vincent de Paul Society aimed at raising awareness and funds to support Australians experiencing homelessness. This marks Kanj's first involvement in the Sleepout, and he expresses his dedication to making a real difference in the lives of those in need.

As part of his commitment to the cause, Kanj has pledged to donate $500 from the sale of every caravan at his dealership from May 20 to June 20, 2024, on behalf of his customers. Additionally, Everything RV has partnered with Grays.com.au, a leading online auction platform, to further amplify fundraising efforts and support the mission of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Reflecting on the initiative, Kanj stated, "It's heartbreaking to think about the thousands of fellow Australians who experience the harsh reality of homelessness each and every night. But together, we can make a difference to help those whose reality is homelessness and want to break the cycle."

On the night of the Sleepout, Kanj will step out of his comfort zone and sleep under the stars, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges faced by the homeless community. However, he emphasises that his participation extends beyond this one night, and he urges others to join him in supporting the cause.

"I implore you to give what you can," Kanj appealed to the public. "Whether it's $100 or whatever you can contribute, your generous donation will go a long way in providing crucial assistance to those who need it most. Together, let's create a brighter future for all Australians."

Kanj's involvement in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout underscores his commitment to corporate social responsibility and his dedication to making a positive impact in the community.

For more information on how to support Chad Kanj and the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, please visit https://www.ceosleepout. org.au/fundraisers/chadkanj/nsw

rChad Kanj, the CEO of Everything RV | Image: Everything RV - Facebook. Article: Everything RV

New High School for Sydney's South-West Fast Tracked

The NSW Government is continuing work to ensure all students have access to quality, free education, close to their homes, with a new high school for Gregory Hills and Gledswood Hills to be fast tracked.

Public school students in parts of Sydney’s rapidly growing South-West will be able to attend a new local high school from the start of next year, as the NSW Government plans to use existing temporary school facilities to fast-track the opening of the new high school by two years.

In a win for local families who have waited years for local school infrastructure to catch up with the exploding population, enrolments are now open for current year six students to attend the new high school for Gregory Hills and Gledswood Hills, from Day 1, Term 1, 2025.

The new high school will initially open in temporary facilities currently being used for Gregory Hills Public School students, who will vacate it by the end of this year. The new permanent primary school, which is located on the same site as the temporary school, is in the final stages of construction.

A site for the permanent new high school, catering for students from Gregory Hills and Gledswood Hills, was announced late last year and the acquisition is currently underway.

The announcement comes as Gledswood Hills Public School students returned to their school for the first day of Term 2 with brand new facilities, following a major upgrade that has nearly doubled the number of classrooms, increasing student capacity from 575 to 1012 and enabling the removal of demountables from the school playground.

Camden is a rapidly growing part of Sydney’s outer southwest, with the population in the Local Government Area skyrocketing from 78,218 in 2016 to 119,325 in 2021.

In addition to the new and upgraded schools in Gledswood Hills and Gregory Hills, the Labor Government is addressing the school infrastructure backlog in South-West Sydney with new public high schools announced in Leppington and Edmondson Park, and major upgrades at Leppington Public School, Austral Public School, Greenway Park Public School, and Dalmeny Public School.

This is part of the NSW Government $8.8 billion investment in new and upgraded schools and follows the NSW Government’s enrolment audit which identified Gledswood Hills - Gregory Hills, as well as three other South-West areas, within the state’s top 10 student growth areas of the past five years.

“This is a double dose of good news for the communities of Gledswood Hills and Gregory Hills – a larger public school and a local place for their children to begin high school next year.

“Every child in NSW deserves access to a world-class public education, so I am thrilled that these new classrooms have now been delivered for the students of Gledswood Hills Public School, with demountables to now be removed from their playground.

“The Liberals and the Nationals left the families of Gledswood Hills and Gregory Hills without a local high school, and I am delighted to say the Minns Labor Government is fast-tracking the opening to meet the needs of local families.

“Camden is experiencing some of the most rapid population growth in Australia, and as Minister for Western Sydney I know how vital it is that we deliver schools for these communities” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car.

“I am thrilled to see the progress that has been made to deliver much-needed school facilities for our growing community.

“It is wonderful to be here for the first day of Term 2 to see students in their new classrooms.

“The work we are doing here, for both primary school and high school students, is essential to the learning needs of our students today and into the future” said Member for Camden Sally Quinnell.

Our Local Playgroup

Did you know we have one of the longest running playgroups in the local community right here in Harrington Park?

Camden Playgroup has been part of the Camden community for an amazing 40 years. It is volunteer run, with thanks to the generous support of parents and carers.

The Playgroup meets on Thursdays, during school terms at Harrington Park Community Centre (33a Fairwater Drive, Harrington Park) between 10:00am to 12:00pm.

There are typically 15 to 20 people that attend each week.

“The activities that take place at Camden Playgroup include playtime, craft, story time, and nursery rhymes singing. The cost to join the Playgroup is $4 a session” said Carole Eagles of Camden Playgroup to the Oran Park Gazette.

Carole enjoys being a part of Camden Playgroup and the joy that it brings to the community each and every week.

“What I like the most is watching the children enjoy themselves and also, meeting new families” she explained.

To find out more about the group, visit the website https://www.playgroupnsw. org.au/playgroup/camden/ or find them on Facebook by searching ‘Camden Playgroup NSW’.

r Fun activities at Camden Playgroup | Image supplied by Carole Eagles/Camden Playgroup

Camden Receives Exceptional Results on Resident and Employee Surveys

Customer and employee survey data has confirmed that Camden Council is excelling in service delivery and community satisfaction.

The survey, conducted by Micromex Research in October 2023, questioned residents in the Camden area about the quality of life in Camden and the services delivered by Camden Council. The survey sample comprised interview responses from a random sample of 401 residents which provides a maximum standard error of +/-4.9% at the 95% confidence level, which is considered robust and best practice for this type of research. Participants were selected through a random sampling method utilising Australian marketing lists with representation across gender and age demographics.

The results revealed an impressive 97% of respondents confirmed they had an ‘excellent’, ‘very good’ or ‘good’ quality of life in the Camden area. This was in comparison to Micromex’s benchmark of other growth councils of 93%.

Similarly, 96% of Camden residents reported being ‘very satisfied’, ‘satisfied’ or ‘somewhat satisfied’ with Council’s overall performance, an excellent result compared with the growth council benchmark of 84%.

The research and consultancy agency also completed an employee survey of Camden Council employees. Results indicated 94% were at least moderately satisfied, with 71% very satisfied or satisfied. Furthermore, 79% of staff were highly likely to recommend Camden Council as a great place to work.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said she was pleased with the survey findings.

“I am proud to see Camden’s excellent results particularly compared with other Council areas across the region,” she said.

“Thank you to all who took part in the survey, your voices are integral to finding out how the community views their home, their neighbourhood and our local facilities as well as the things we can do at Council to improve it.”

General Manager of Camden Council, Andrew Carfield, expressed his pride.

“Camden Council continues to deliver exceptional local services for our community, and I am keen to use this valuable feedback from our community and employees to ensure we continue to improve as an organisation,” he said.

“The strength of our community and organisation is evident through these results. As the fastest growing local government area in the country, I am pleased to see that our residents’ quality of life too is thriving.”

The Community Satisfaction Survey results are now available on Council’s website at www.camden.nsw.gov.au/ community/community-information.

Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Oran Park E: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com P: 0410758755

There are many Probus Clubs throughout Australia and New Zealand, yet many people are unaware of the benefits of joining one of these clubs. Once you have retired from work, you move away from set routines and lose contact with work colleagues. You have more time on your hands. For some, this means more time to spend on favourite hobbies and pastimes. For others, transition to retirement can be a challenging time. Serious illness or loss of a life partner can lead to isolation and depression in the elderly, and this is where social clubs, like Probus, can help. Probus is a place where retirees can engage with others who have similar interests, make new friends, or develop new interests, and have some fun. Oran Park Probus Club has been established for ten years and we still have some of those founding members actively involved in the Club today.

Tours and Day trips are always popular activities on the calendar. At the end of last month, 39 members, with visitors from other Clubs, travelled by coach to Katoomba to ride on the ZigZag Railway. There were plenty of opportunities for the avid photographers in the group! Closer to home, regular activities include Coffee and Chat mornings at local cafés, specialty dining and pub lunches, and we have groups that attend craft, trivia, movies, and theatre shows.

Visitors are welcome at our monthly meetings, which are held at Wests Lakeside Golf Club, 50 Raby Road, Gledswood Hills, usually on the first Tuesday of the month starting at 10.00am. Each meeting opens with a guest speaker. Our last speaker introduced us to the world of Aussie Hero Quilts. Volunteers sew quilts and laundry bags on request, and they are posted to ADF personnel all over the world. There were several of these wonderful quilts on display at the meeting. One of our members had brought along a ‘Fallen Warrior’ quilt, sent to her after her husband had died. Each quilt has the same poppy motif and similar colours. The quilts elicit positive and often emotional responses from the recipients, and they become prized possessions, and have brought joy to so many.

If you would like more information about Oran Park Probus Club, please contact the Club Secretary by email: secretary. oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com

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r Image Supplied: All aboard at the Zig Zag Railway

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PO Box 8254

Glenmore Park NSW 2745

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HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Emergency Services

Police, Ambulance, Fire 000 or 112 mobile

Narellan Police Station 4632 4499

Police Assistance Line 131 444

Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling 131 114

WIRES (Wildlife Rescue) 4754 2946

NSW Rural Fire Service 1800NSWRFS

St. Vincent de Paul Society 8250 1484 e: Socialjustice.Wol@vinnies.org.au

Camden SES 4647 0319

(For emergency help in floods and storms call

NSW SES – 132 500)

General OPT information, Contact: Sales & Information Office 9043 7500

Health Services

Camden + Campbelltown Hospital Switchboard 4634 3000

After Hours Medical Clinic

(Campbelltown) 4634 3290

Heathdirect Australia 1800 022 222

Get Healthy 1300 806 258

Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36

MensLine Australia 1300

Kids Helpline

Karitane Careline

Breastfeeding Helpline (NSW) 1800 686 268 (1800

Sports Clubs

Camden Athletics Club + Little Athletics http://camdenathletics.org.au/

Camden Cats Senior AFL Club

Greg McGuiness 0413 257 516

Camden Netball www.camdennetball.com.au

Macarthur District Softball Association

Lesley Darby 0401 740 023

Narellan Physie Club narellanpcc@hotmail.com

Mount Annan/Currans

Hill Knights Softball Club

Jennifer Tadros 0404 629 710

Camden RSL Youth Club Boxing

Ron 4646 1658

Macarthur Bushwalkers

Ken 4628 2528

Narellan Jets Junior Rugby League

Cindy Morley 0413 086 601

Camden District Cricket Association

Kyle Malcolm - President 0411 371 115

Cobbitty Narellan Cricket Club

Mark Bush - 0497 555 071 - mbush@hvg.net.au

Oran Park Cricket Club

Karl Bennett coaching@oranparkcricket.com.au

Oran Park Rovers Football Club

Nathan Hawthorne 0422 139 993

Oran Park Junior Rugby League

Dave Gabriel 0451 440 661

Oran Park Hockey Club

Michelle Brennan 0400 050 078

Camden Junior AFL Club

Naomi Porter 0417 683 768

Camden Junior OZTAG camdencobras@oztag.com.au

Harrington Park Scorpions Softball Club

Greg Trevena and MB: 0417 257 385

Mets Baseball - Catherine Field

Kim O'Grady 0412 081 144

Camden Valley Wildfire Basketball Club www.wildfire.org.au

Matt McKenna 0410 503 684 play@wildfire.org.au

Community Groups

Gledswood Toastmasters

David Johnson 0417 423 458

Rotary Club of Gregory Hills Next-Gen President 02 9136 6349 or facebook.com/ rcgregoryhills

As I sit here with pen to paper, the bitter cold night air has set in; as we swiftly approach the middle of the year, and Winter slides on in.

I love the crisp morning air, and the wonderful array of soups and stews that grace my dinner table throughout the season.

As usual there's a wealth of information within these pages across a broad range of topics including, faith, children, pets, and health from our dedicated columnists.

A shout out to our long-standing and newest advertisers found within these pages, they're responsible for allowing us to continually land in letterboxes. Let them know, you found them in the 'Gazette' when you purchase or use their services!

Plenty to read and lots to do in this edition. Why not get warm, enjoy a hot cuppa and have the kids try their hand at our ‘Jazzy June’ Puzzles.

Enjoy your Community News!

Be thankful for today, you only see it once.

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Community News... The Oran Park Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor. Letters to the Editor... May be printed and edited as necessary. Names must be submitted but can be withheld from publication at the writer’s request. Every effort is made to print correct information but no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.