A fresh start for Camden.

Probus Club

Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Oran Park

E: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com P: 0410758755 r Scenic World Katoomba by Rail | Image Supplied

The aim of a Probus Club is to promote fun friendship and fellowship to its members. Membership is available to people in the community who are retired or semi-retired. Probus is not a fundraising organisation and there are many Probus Clubs to choose from throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Oran Park Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Wests Lakeside Golf Club at Camden. However, due to renovation works at Lakeside, our recent meeting was held at WSLC at Leumeah. Members had a great view over the football field and stands, but that didn’t detract from the attention paid to the Speaker at the meeting, a beekeeper who brought a ‘working hive’ display. Everyone was handed an individual sample of pure honey – delicious! The Speaker started beekeeping at the age of nine. He spoke passionately about his ‘girls’ as he called the bees, talks to them, and rarely wears protective gear when working with them. Bees apparently hate noise and the smell of horses, bad breath, and perfumes – one of the useful tips we learned about bees in order to avoid a sting! After the Speaker departed, we resumed our normal meeting with one unexpected guest. One of the bees had escaped and landed on a member’s head before flying around amongst the group. One of our gallant members caught the bee in one of the used honey cups and later took it outside to the garden. However, I’m not sure if it made its way home – a long distance to fly to its hive on the South Coast.

Oran Park Probus Club members recently enjoyed a coach trip to Katoomba, stopping at the Three Sisters for morning tea before enjoying the Skyway Railway and Gondola at Scenic World. This was new to some and a trip down memory lane for others. A great lunch followed at the Katoomba RSL, then some shopping in Leura before the return journey. A lovely day enjoyed by all participants, in the sunshine amongst the changing Autumn colours.

If you would like to hear more about Oran Park Probus Club and our activities, please consider attending a monthly meeting as a visitor, at 10.00am on the first Tuesday of the month at Wests Lakeside Golf Club, Camden. Visitors are always welcomed.

For more information about Oran Park Probus Club, please contact the Club Secretary on email: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com.

Article

It is indeed an exciting time to be living in this beautiful part of South West Sydney, one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. At the same time, it is good for us to remember – especially as our nation reflects on the upcoming Referendum and Voice to Parliament, that we live in a part of the world that for tens of thousands of years has been a home to the Dharawal People.

As Catholic Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci said: “We need the ongoing journey of reconciliation and healing. Whatever happens with the Voice will not solve all the issues, we are all on the journey together. Let’s make sure we are informed, and to see which is the best way forward for dignity and respect for all.”

At its heart, the upcoming Referendum is an opportunity for all people who live in this ‘Great South Land of the Holy Spirit’, indigenous and non-indigenous alike, to work together for Reconciliation.

As they say “Reconciliation is not a mere gesture; it requires deep introspection, empathy, and concrete actions to address the past and create a more inclusive future. It is about recognising the ongoing effects of colonisation, listening to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and working together to build a society that values and respects the rights, cultures, and contributions of all. Together, we can be agents of change, contributing to a more just and equitable Australia”. Let us acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where we work and live. Let us pay our respects to Elders past and present. Let us acknowledge the deep spiritual attachment and relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to this country and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council has launched a new website called “One Journey, Together” for all of us to learn about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Visit: www. indigenousvoice.church.

In just 10 short years, Oran Park Rovers FC have shown why they are a powerhouse in the Macarthur Football Association (MFA) Competition, with over 1,000 players registered with the club this season.

The 2023 season, which is underway, has seen 1,200 players registered with the local club. This comprises of 94 teams.

It’s a far cry from Oran Park Rovers inaugural season in 2014, which saw 3 teams take to the field at their former home ground, Wayne Gardner Reserve. These days, the Rovers call Doohan Reserve in Oran Park home, since making the move in 2021. The state-ofthe-art sporting facility accommodates 4 full size pitches.

The new season is already proving to be successful for the club on the field.

“Most of our teams are proceeding very well in their competitions after the first few rounds” said Jason Robbins, Secretary of Oran Park Rovers FC to the Oran Park Gazette.

Despite the teams being at full capacity for players, coaches, and managers, they are always looking for sponsors and volunteers to bolster their ranks.

Preparations are now in full swing for Oran Park Rovers FC’s 10th Anniversary celebrations, which are slated to take place next month.

“We have our 10 Year Anniversary Celebration on Saturday the 12th of August. This will be held at our home ground (Doohan Reserve) and will feature games with our M League teams as well as having activities for all, live entertainment, food vans and more” he announced.

As Secretary of the Rovers, Jason enjoys being a part of the close-knit local club.

“We have a strong community environment and involvement, and always strive to be the best we can for all our members” Jason explained.

He believes that the foundations that were built in 2014 and beyond through the hard work and dedication of its members, have helped shape the club to what it is today.

“We are only 10 years old. The way the club has developed and succeeded is mostly due to our volunteers both past and present, those who give up some time to ensure the club can provide the best to all our members. The platform was set many years ago and from that the club just keeps getting stronger and successful” he ended.

For more information about Oran Park Rovers FC, including their upcoming 10th Year Anniversary Celebration, visit their website at https://www.oranparkroversfc.com.au/ or find them on Facebook and Instagram.