Oran Park Gazette December 2024 by District Gazette

Construction Begins on New Atura Hotel in Oran Park, Opening in 2026

The construction of the highly anticipated Atura Hotel in Oran Park has officially kicked off, following a groundbreaking ceremony held Thursday the 14th November. The event was attended by key stakeholders from EVT, Greenfields Development Company, and Infinity Constructions.

Set to open in 2026, the new 184-room hotel is designed to meet the increasing demand for premium accommodation, meeting spaces, and leisure facilities in Oran Park, a community experiencing rapid growth due to the upcoming Western Sydney Airport and expanding local population.

The Atura Hotel is a world class project which will make a landmark in Oran Park, providing high-end amenities and creating a dynamic hub for both business and leisure. The development includes the following key features:

• 6-story hotel featuring 184 guest rooms, a basement car park, and a mezzanine level for back-of-house services

• 9 ground-floor retail tenancies

• Restaurant and café

• Dedicated function rooms and meeting spaces

• Large outdoor pool area with a bar and event venues

Mark Perich, Project Director at Greenfields, remarked, “The Oran Park Atura Hotel not only compliments the vision of Oran Park but opens up a new and exciting tourism and commercial offering for the whole of South-West Sydney and in particular the new Western Sydney Airport. The hotel will not only provide a muchneeded hospitality offering in the area but will also complement the growing retail, leisure, and residential developments within the Podium precinct. This project will be a key milestone in the ongoing transformation of the area.”

Mathew Duff, Director of Commercial, EVT mentioned that Atura’s “prime location, modern facilities, and commitment to sustainability, this hotel will be the first of its kind in the region and will serve as a key asset for both leisure and business travellers".

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: 4648 5085

Macarthur Art Group

Meet every third Saturday at Narellan Library 1st floor from 9.30am - 1.30pm. Tea coffee biscuits for a gold coin donation. More details: 0404 229 498

OAK - Over 55's Social Group

Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 10.00am to 11.30am at New Life Anglican Church Oran Park. Morning Tea is provided and there is no charge. More details: 0438 093 412

Children + Families

PlayTime @ NewLife Anglican Church

Meets Wednesdays (During School terms) at 10.00am -11.30am. 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.

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

Alan Yazbek, Managing Director of Infinity Constructions, expressed the company's pride in delivering the project, saying “Our team is looking forward to delivering a world-class hotel that will not only enhance the local economy but also create a lasting legacy for the region.”

r [Top] Officials at groundbreaking ceremony [Above] Artist's impression of the Oran Park Attura Hotel. Image/Article Supplied by Greenfields Development Company.

A Man of Many Musical Talents

It’s not everyday you find a musician that writes all the songs, sings all the vocals, and performs all the instruments on their debut EP, however, local Tyler Hauptberger isn’t your average musician.

The talented musician released ‘24+4’ this year and is fast making a name for himself in the music industry.

“Growing up listening to the things my parents would play on the radio was a big inspiration for me. It moulded the style I play now. Watching and listening to artists by the likes of Crowded House, Grinspoon, The Beatles very much contributed to the way I write the way I do” said Tyler to the Oran Park Gazette.

“I have been a musician since the start. But I found my real passion and drive when I turned 18” he added.

‘24+4’ was released on 31st August 2024. “The name simply being my age at the time said in a complicated way. I wrote all the songs and performed all the instruments and vocals myself, along with a few special guest friends on a track or two” he explained.

He describes his style of music as being ‘alternative rock’ with hints of pop rock, country, rockabilly, punk and more.

Tyler is looking forward to the journey ahead.

“My plans for the future are to continue down the path I've been following so far. I will take on anything interesting that comes my way, continue gigging full time locally around Sydney and far far away, meeting and playing music with people, running open mic nights and a whole lot more. I'll be releasing music next year too” he smiled.

For more information about Tyler, search Tyler Hauptberger Music on Facebook.

r Macarthur’s Tyler Hauptberger | Images Supplied by Tyler Hauptberger.

Article: Julie Lobel

Community Win: School Crossing on the Way!

Oran

Concert

Community Win: School Crossing on the Way!

I’m pleased to announce that I’m delivering on my election promise to build Spring Farm a new school crossing.

School Crossing on the Way!

Two raised school crossings on Barley Road have been completed, with a third on Springs Road currently undergoing planning This crossing is expected to be commenced in early 2025.

I’m delivering on my election promise to build Spring

As a former teacher and parent in the area, I know this infrastructure is a vital, longawaited change. Spring Farm Public School experiences huge levels of traffic, and this crossing is a vital strategy to ensure our kids have a safe path to and from school.

Two raised school crossings on Barley Road have been completed, with a third on Springs This crossing is expected to be commenced in early

Two raised school crossings on Barley Road have been completed, with a third on Springs Road currently undergoing planning. This crossing is expected to be commenced in early 2025.

Oran Park Christmas Concert is fast approaching!

Since being elected, I have been focused on addressing the neglect of the former government by improving community safety – because nothing is more important than knowing our children are looked after. In my first year as Member for Camden, I have successfully actioned and completed the Camden South Public School wombat crossing.

As a former teacher and parent in the area, I know this infrastructure is a vital, longSpring Farm Public School experiences huge levels of traffic, and this crossing is a vital strategy to ensure our kids have a safe path to and from school.

I will continue to campaign for upgrades for our local area – and to make them happen as soon as possible.

Since being elected, I have been focused on addressing the neglect of the former because nothing is more important than In my first year as Member for Camden, I have successfully actioned and completed the Camden South Public School wombat crossing.

Thank you to our community for raising these issues and helping me to action this change. To keep updated with my ongoing school crossings campaign, scan the QR code.

I will continue to campaign for upgrades for our local area – and to make them happen as soon as possible.

As a former teacher and parent in the area, I know this infrastructure is a vital, long-awaited change. Spring Farm Public School experiences huge levels of traffic, and this crossing is a vital strategy to ensure our kids have a safe path to and from school.

If you would like more information about this issue or any other State Government matter, please contact me at my office on (02) 4655 3333 or at camden@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

Yours sincerely,

Thank you to our community for raising these issues and helping me to action this change. To keep updated with my ongoing school crossings campaign,

Here’s what you can expect:

• Performances, carols and dances

• The lighting of the Oran Park Christmas Tree

• A visit from Santa

• Inclusive space

• Face painting

• Gingerbread house, pots workshops

• Wooden wreath and wooden reindeer workshop

• Plus, much more! They can’t wait to see there.

If you would like more information about this issue or any other please contact me at my office on (02) 4655 3333 or at camden@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

I will continue to campaign for upgrades for our local area – and to make them happen as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Thank you to our community for raising these issues and helping me to action this change.

Sally Quinnell MP Member for Camden

To keep updated with my ongoing school crossings campaign, scan the QR code.

For more information, head to: bit.ly/oran-park-christmas-concert

DATE: Sunday 1st December 2024

TIME: 5:00pm to 9:00pm

VENUE: Oran Park Civic Precinct

COST: Free

If you would like more information about this issue or any other State Government matter, please contact me at my office on (02) 4655 3333 or at camden@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

(02) 4655 3333 – camden@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Authorised by Sally Quinnell MP, Shops G20/21 Narellan Town Centre, 326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan NSW 2567. Funded using parliamentary enRtlements, November 2024.

Sally Quinnell MP Member for Camden (02) 4655 3333 – camden@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Authorised by

2024.

r Sally Quinnell MP, Community Win! School Crossings Underway | Image: Sally Quinnell MP (02) 4655 3333 camden@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shops G20/21 Narellan Town Centre, 326 Camden Valley Way,

r An exciting event for the whole family.

Images/Article: Camden Council

Sally Quinnell MP, Shops G20/21 Narellan Town Centre, 326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan NSW 2567. Funded using parliamentary enRtlements, November

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.

Ring Ring, Siren Sounds, Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Ring ring, siren sounds, Santa Claus is coming to town! No sleigh for the man in the big red suit and his elves, those little helpers hopped off the shelves. They snuck into the big red truck, all ready and we’re in luck. There's trouble about as the Grinch has stowed away, will you see him in Oran Park one of these days?

A tradition born in 1960 in Sydney, we have grown to love and look forward to the annual Santa Runs every Christmas. Narellan RFS Brigade Santa Run will return again this month, visiting Mount Annan, Spring Farm, Elderslie, Camden, Harrington Park and Oran Park on Saturday 14th December between 11:00am and 4:30pm.

“We stop at designated spots (route to be placed on our Facebook page) and allow time for the children to have a photo with Santa. We hear The Grinch may also make an appearance!” said Heidi Morris of Narellan RFS Brigade.

The local RFS Brigade enjoy the popular event and the excitement that it brings to the community.

“While we really enjoy engaging with the community, the Santa Run helps us spread some festive cheer, where we love to see the children and adults smile” she explained.

Narellan RFS Brigade will be at the Bunnings Narellan Christmas Family Night on Thursday 5 December, between 5:00pm and 8:00pm and the Cobbitty Markets on Saturday 7 December, between 8:00am and 1:00pm. They were previously at the Camden Christmas Festival on Saturday 23 November spreading their Christmas cheer.

“We won’t be the only Brigade helping Santa visit the suburbs. Check out the other local Brigades on social media to find out when and where they plan to take Santa” added Heidi.

The RFS also invites locals who would like to join them as volunteers.

“We are always looking for members of the public who would like to join us. Please reach out to us or visit www. RFS.nsw.gov.au/volunteer for more information” she ended.

Drives for Learners in Macarthur – Log Book Run Event

The Drives for Learners in Macarthur – Log Book Run event is a joint project between Camden Council and Campbelltown City Council, and supported by NSW Police – Macarthur Highway Patrol.

This free event is designed to assist learner drivers gain hours towards their log book, and to expose them to a variety of road types and conditions to assist them in the learner driver journey. The Log Book Run event is offered to the community four times a year, with events held in March, June, September and December.

It is an organised drive throughout the Macarthur region, where learner drivers and their supervisors drive the route with the other participants in their own vehicle. The Log Book Run event includes:

• A structured day including orientation, breath testing, licence, registration and vehicle checks, pit stops, check points, morning tea and lunch;

• Map and instructions;

• Covert and overt speed monitoring;

• Police involvement, with both mobile and stationary RBT along the route to give learners that experience in a controlled environment;

• Window mounted flags and window mounted car numbers for easy identification of participants;

• Staggered start to avoid large groups of learners in one place;

• Emergency contact numbers and Tail Vehicle for added safety; and

• The opportunity for participants to meet, talk with and learn from other learner drivers and supervisors, and ask Police questions in a relaxed environment.

The event starts and finishes at Oran Park. Event start time is 9:00am and the event concludes at approximately 2:00pm.

r A great initiative for learner drivers. Image/Article: Camden Council

Book Review your

time again (until the next book when he does it all again that is!).

Set during the Holocaust, we follow 4 separate, yet intertwined journeys of a ruler, a lover and 2 brothers. In particular, one brother Nico who is unable to lie which becomes more of a curse than a blessing when he takes the lives of thousands, including his family, because of it. Did I mention he was only a child too?

With Albom’s signature talent for writing from the point of view from someone you wouldn’t consider had a point of view to start with, you’ll be amazed with the chapters written specifically from the point of view of Truth and will be moved to tears , pause in reflection and be talking about this story for a long time to come.

I couldn’t possibly recommend this story - or any of Mitch’s previous work - enough! If you do one thing this year, make time for this book to be read and reread!

New Book Uncovers Lapstone’s Hidden History: A Secret Suburb No

More to Shop, Taste, Enjoy, Give, and Find This Christmas at The Podium Oran Park

This Christmas, the Podium Oran Park is your go-to destination for festive shopping, dining, and family fun, with over 60 new stores and exciting events to make the season unforgettable.

More to Shop

With over 60 new stores, Podium Oran Park has everything you need for holiday shopping. Find stylish gifts at Cotton On, shop for toys at Toys & Tales, discover unique home décor at Wileaway, and pick up footwear at Skechers or Platypus there’s something for everyone on your list.

More to Taste

Savour the flavours of the season at Caffé & Co., Hong Kong Chef, and Banksia. Whether you're enjoying a warm coffee, indulging in dim sum, or savouring fresh, vibrant meals, there is a variety of dining options to suit every taste.

More to Enjoy

There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy! Kids can have their photos taken with Santa, get creative with kid’s craft stations, and have fun at the Kids Playground. Plus, Tada Kids where kids can be inspired through interactive play.

More to Give

Make gift wrapping easier this holiday season with The Podium’s Lifeline Gift Wrapping Service, available on selected dates and times throughout December. For a small donation, have your presents beautifully wrapped while supporting a great cause.

More to Find

With new stores, exclusive promotions, and seasonal events happening throughout the month, there’s always something fresh to discover at The Podium.

Stay up to date with all the festive happenings by visiting www.oranparkpodium.com.au.

At the foothills of the Blue Mountains lies Lapstone, a small, often-overlooked town with a rich history. Now, Michele Corin, a lifelong resident, brings this untold story to life in her new book, The Secret Suburb, which explores the unique community spirit that has shaped Lapstone over the last 70 years.

While many travellers bypass Lapstone in pursuit of more prominent mountain destinations, this quiet town is steeped in historical landmarks like the Lapstone Hill Zig-Zag Railway, Lapstone Hill Tunnel, Knapsack Viaduct, and Lennox Bridge. Michele’s book brings to life the people and events that transformed the area, beginning with Arthur Hand, the “Father of Lapstone.” In 1954, Hand, a Blue Mountains alderman, purchased 116 acres of vacant land to fulfill his vision of creating a close-knit community, delaying his retirement plans for this project.

“Growing up in Lapstone in the 60s and 70s was a unique experience. Maybe because everything was new and exciting, local people wanted to connect. Or maybe the town was a reflection of its time in the 1960s,” Michele explains.

“My mother was the teacher librarian at Emu Plains Primary School for 20 years, and as a young girl she would take me to meet local elderly residents to record their stories. It is part of my DNA to discover people’s stories.”

The Secret Suburb delves into the lives of the families who shaped Lapstone, such as the Davis and McGraw families, who worked closely with Hand, and early residents like the Beggs, Booths, Sharmans and Stephens, who fostered a spirit of collaboration and community.

The book will be available from Blue Dragon Book Store, Glenbrook https://bluedragonbooks.com.au/and in time for Christmas 2024.

r Local author Michele Corin | Image: Vividity Photography by Jennifer Taylor/Supplied by Michele Corin [Inset] The Secret Suburb by Michele Corin. Image/Article: Michele Corinddie

Article Written

+ Submitted

by: Keira Noble | Clinical Psychologist

The Anxiety & Depression Clinic

W: www.anxietydepressionclinic.com.au

P: 0424 263 577 | 02 46266932

Dealing with Grief

Have you lost someone and suffered a deep ache, overwhelming feelings of sadness, anger, guilt and/or confusion?

Grief is the emotional pain we feel when experiencing loss. This pain can feel all encompassing, be exhausting and lead to isolation. Whilst many people believe that grief occurs in specific stages, it is now understood that the experience of grief can be unique to everyone, lasting short periods for some and extending into years for others.

There are many emotions that can be part of the grief response, and these emotions can co-occur and come and go throughout the grief journey. Whilst we sometimes minimise the grief response, it is important to understand that grief is the process of facilitating a significant adjustment from having the loved one in your life to them no longer being there. This process often takes time and patience before this adjustment occurs to allow for acceptance. Grief can be difficult, with many people putting on a mask to get through daily living which can be exhausting. This is often accompanied by a desire to isolate at which time the person can take off the mask. It is common that we can become preoccupied with thoughts about the final moments of our loved one, suffer guilt regarding our last interactions or whether we were present for their final moments.

Behaviour Changer - Tips to assist with grief

• Remind yourself that grief is a unique experience with no right or wrong way

• Give yourself permission to rest and prioritise sleep

• Cry and allow yourself to have any emotion which occurs

• Don’t be afraid to talk about your loved one with supportive friends or family

• Be kind to yourself whilst grieving- engage in kind self-talk, engage in activities of comfort

• Don’t be afraid to seek help. Talking with a supportive friend or health professional can assist.

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

yourself Sydney, because the world’s most fun-filled 5k run is back this December, 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 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 wellstocked 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 Saturday 14th December 2024 at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre in Horsley Park.

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.

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!

Brace

Independent Living

Retirement living is simply the best of both worlds. The freedom to come and go as you please, with the security and companionship of the Carrington community never far away.

At Carrington, you’ll retain a high level of independence just without the stress or worry of maintenance, which means you’ll have more time and energy to focus on what you really love. Prices from $530,000

Riverview Assisted Living Apartments

Riverview Assisted Living is the ideal balance between independence and support. Offering a variety of services to suit your individual needs, in a welcoming and secure environment. Features include delicious meals, laundry and cleaning services and much more. Prices from $456,000

Building Bonds for Dads

This past July, three local long-time friends, Darren, Brad, and Chris, launched Men Behaving Dadly, a community group designed to support fathers in the Camden area. Their first meet-up took place in August, and the group has since grown into a welcoming space for dads to connect, share experiences, and navigate the challenges of fatherhood together.

“We’re older and wiser now,” said Darren. “We’re finding new challenges with parenting and being men, and we felt there was a need in the community for support and peership.”

The group’s main gathering takes place at 9:00am every second Sunday at Howard Park in Gregory Hills. In addition, Men Behaving Dadly hosts a Walk’n’Talk event every Wednesday morning at 5:30am in Camden, followed by coffee at Back Galley Café. These regular meet-ups offer dads the chance to bond, share advice, and enjoy quality time with their children and each other.

“There are several reasons why groups like this one are important,” Darren explained. “With Camden LGA growing so quickly, many of the people we’ve engaged with are new to the area. Our group is a good opportunity for dads to spend time with their kids, connect with other dads on similar journeys, and realise that we don’t have to do it alone.” For Darren and his cofounders, the goal is to create a supportive network where men feel comfortable discussing the ups and downs of parenthood and life.

Darren also highlighted the group’s focus on building protective factors for those who may be at risk. “Providing an opportunity for dads and kids to bond and for men to see how other dads engage in parenting helps create a strong foundation,” he said. Many of the group’s members are dealing with career changes, shifts in family dynamics, or simply adjusting to life’s challenges. Men Behaving Dadly offers a safe, inclusive space to explore these issues.

Looking to the future, the group hopes to expand its offerings to include mentoring, men’s support, and guest speakers. “Dads are more active in their children’s lives than ever before,” Darren said. “We’d like to collaborate with local supports and initiatives to build our vision that all men feel like they have the support they need to thrive.”

Men Behaving Dadly is open to all fathers and father figures in the area who are looking to build meaningful connections and find support on their journey through parenthood. To find out more visit https://menbehavingdadly.godaddysites.com/ or find them on Facebook or Instagram.

r Dads and kids connect regularly | Image: Darren Brisbane. Article: Tanya Nellestein

Double Win for Local Coaches

Harrington Grove Tennis Club has capped off an amazing year, with local coach Kelsey Lewis winning the Tennis NSW Development Coach of the Year Award for 2024.

Kelsey’s inspiring achievement has secured back-to-back awards to coaches from the popular club, with Tennis Director John Thompson claiming the award last year.

“Both Kelsey and I won the Tennis NSW Development Coach of the Year Award, myself in 2023 and Kelsey in 2024” said John Thompson of Harrington Grove Tennis Club.

“Kelsey as a player was coached by me for many years. She played on the professional women’s tour and obtained a professional ITF Tennis women’s world ranking. Now we run a coaching business together called Elite Personal Development and have done so for the last 3 years” he continued.

Both John and Kelsey have just returned from Texas in the US, after attending the prestigious John Newcombe Tennis Academy at New Braunfels in Texas.

“We both travelled to the US to be part of the coaching team at the John Newcombe Tennis Academy for what they call ‘Legends Week’. This is where 12 past Grand Slam Champions come in and coach for a week. John Newcombe himself actually runs the week” John said to the Oran Park Gazette.

John has continued his success since winning the 2023 Tennis NSW Development Coach of the Year Award, with a highlight this year seeing him coaching for Australia at the ITF World Masters Championships in Portugal.

r [Top+Above] Kelsey Lewis and John Thompson | Images: John Thompson

Oran Park Public School Students Awarded ‘Circular Champions’

Students from Oran Park Public School have won their share of $20,000 worth of prizes in a national sustainability schools’ competition, ‘Circular Champions’, which invited them to work together to develop creative ways of re-using plastic bottles whilst demonstrating the Aussie values of fair go, respect, inclusion and mateship.

The competition is part of the popular nationwide Aussie of the Month Award – a student recognition program that rewards the characteristics of personal endeavour, teamwork and contribution to community, and is the younger sibling to the prestigious Australian of the Year Awards.

The students used discarded plastic bottles to create a piece of art for the whole school event. “Their focus was the Galapagos Tortoise as they've been studying the Galapagos Island for the past term. With the Aussie of the Month ‘Respect’ in mind, they researched how we can help make a difference in these islands, so they chose to use rubbish or a waste product for their art piece. By using plastic bottles, this art installation was designed to be kept outside in the weather,” said Year 5 classroom teacher Jonnie Economu.

The talented winners received a bumper prize pack of Pilot Pen classroom stationery, including erasable gel pens and highlighters, whiteboard markers, ballpoints, refills, and Sellotape safety dispensers.

Jarrad Murray, Head of Marketing, Pilot Pen Australia said, “We were thrilled to see the excitement, imagination and enthusiasm the students brought to the Circular Champions Challenge. We have been a proud partner of the Aussie of the Month program for 20 years this year and we are keen to encourage people to refill their pens when the ink finishes as part of our commitment to a circular economy.”

The Aussie of the Month program recognises outstanding contribution to the primary school community and broader society, and rewards students who display values such as respect, inclusion, mateship and a fair go. The Aussie of the Month program is delivered by Auspire - Australia Day Council (WA) in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and the National Australia Day Council and its network.

“We are delighted to support this exciting initiative as part of the popular Aussie of the Month program and extend our appreciation to Pilot Pen Australia for providing these generous prizes,” said Mark Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, National Australia Day Council.

To sign up and receive a 2025 award kit containing Aussie of the Month certificates, lapel pins and Pilot Pen stationery products, schools can register at: www.aussieofthemonth.org.au.

ORAN PARK PROBUS CLUB

Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Oran Park E: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com | P: 0410758755 r [Top] Oran Park Public School students. [Above] The students’ artwork | Images Supplied by

Christmas and the end of the year are fast approaching. For the members of Oran Park Probus Club, November has been another busy month with our usual activities, craft group, the general meeting, walking group, a Boyz Club lunch, a theatre show, coffee and chat, a seafood dining event, trivia, a day out to Retford Park House near Bowral, and of course the tasty lunch that followed.

Our last meeting of the year on December 3, will be followed the week after by the Club’s Christmas lunch. This will be the final official activity for the year. However, our group of enthusiastic walkers will probably continue their walks throughout the holiday period!

In January, after the Christmas and New Year Celebrations are over and we’ve all regained our energy, members are invited to start the Probus year off with a brunch in mid-January, and the opportunity to catch up for a chat. In 2025, the Oran Park Probus Club year starts officially with the first General Meeting on February 4.

New retirees who are just experiencing their life without work, rosters and deadlines, may start to wonder how they’re going to fill their extra leisure hours. Grandparents are often in great demand to help with childcare. Whilst grandparents are only too willing to help, they can also feel lonely as they experience the loss of the companionship of their former work colleagues or move house to be closer to family.

Probus can help! Joining a Probus Club offers new members the chance to interact with people of their own age, to make new friends and enjoy the activities and outings that become available to them. Remaining active is beneficial to the ageing body and mind and, there is no excuse to say retirement is boring!

Come to the February 4 meeting of Oran Park Probus Club. Visitors are always welcome. Listen to our Guest speaker, talk to some of our members, perhaps stay on for lunch afterwards and find out if Oran Park Probus Club would suit you. Meetings commence at 10.00am and are held in the Function room of Wests Lakeside Golf Club, 50 Raby Road, Gledswood Hills.

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

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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

Pregnancy Birth + Baby

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 Gregory Hills Chargers RLFC

Melissa Takacs 0491 644 812

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

It has been a big year for the District Gazette. With a great team, we have been publishing and delivering over 27,000 papers every month to letterboxes around our local community, each one packed full of what’s happening in our area. It’s a huge job, but now we’ve made it to the end of the year, we look forward to taking a break to refresh and count our blessings over the festive season.

We will be back bigger and better than ever next year, your next District Gazette will land in your letterboxes in February, as always, it will be packed full of news, events, and everything that’s happening right here!

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers and subscribers a peaceful and joyous holiday season, and a new year filled with success and happiness. Thank you for making this your go-to for all things local!

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to our advertisers, who trust us to get the word out about their businesses and services.

For now, sit down and relax before the Christmas rush catches up with you, and enjoy your Community News!

“The new year stands before us like a blank book, just waiting to be written.”

facebook.com/districtgazette facebook.com/oranparkgazette

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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 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.

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Discover the joy of Christmas at the Podium.