Oran Park Gazette June 2023

Help Improve our Resistance to Flooding

What are your experiences of flooding in the Narellan Creek catchment area?

Camden Council is calling on residents and business owners to share their experiences to help identify where measures might best be implemented to reduce the risk of flooding in the catchment and to assist with emergency management. Feedback will help inform Council’s upcoming detailed overland flow study.

The Narellan Creek catchment area encompasses the suburbs of Narellan, Narellan Vale, Harrington Park, Gregory Hills, Smeaton Grange, Currans Hill, Kirkham, Elderslie and Mount Annan.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said local information and experiences would be extremely beneficial.

“Flooding is naturally a concern for our region and many local residents have unfortunately experienced the heartache, stress and inconvenience of previous floods,” she said.

“We’re being proactive so Council and the community can be as prepared as possible for future flood events.”

Cr Cagney encouraged residents and business owners to share what they had.

“Observations and photos of flooding behaviour from the community are a valuable source of information which will help develop computer models of the extent and nature of potential flooding,” she said.

To share your experiences and find out more, visit yourvoice. camden.nsw.gov.au/floodplain-management.

r Article: Camden Council

Families Officially Join the Lucky Country

As we all reflected on the importance and value of our loved ones during National Families Week last month, for 37 local families, it was especially joyous.

The 37 families were among the 236 people who officially became Australian citizens at a citizenship ceremony at Camden Civic Centre.

In 2009, husband and wife Thani Sivasankaran and Sangee Bg left their home in India and came to Melbourne, Australia for an employment opportunity. The couple quickly fell in love with the Australian way of life and decided to make it the home of their future children Tiki and Sidd. On Wednesday, the Leppington family of four proudly received their certificates and gave their oath of loyalty to Australia.

“When we thought about having children, it became very clear to us that we wanted them to grow up here,” Mr Sivasankaran said.

“Our favourite thing about Australia and the Camden area is the people. They are so warm and welcoming.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, you feel part of the community here … I have lived in other countries as well, and I have never seen so much celebration of multiculturalism.”

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said it was incredibly heart-warming to see the smiles on residents’ faces as they officially became Australians.

“It’s always my pleasure to witness residents make the choice to become an Australian and add to our beautiful and multicultural community,” she said.

“Congratulations to our new Aussie citizens. I’m glad they’ve chosen Camden to officially begin their life as an Australian.”

r Image/Article: Camden Council

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

Children + Families

Camden Playgroup

Meets on Thursdays from 10:00am at Harrington Park Community Centre (33a Fairwater Drive, Harrington Park). More details: camdenplaygroup@gmail.com

Harrington Park Pixies and Munchkins

Meets on Fridays from 10:00am at Harrington Park Community Centre (33a Fairwater Drive, Harrington Park). More details: pixiesandmunchkins@gmail.com

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

Crowds Paw-leased at Annual Pooch Event

Camden’s much-loved dog-themed event, Paws in the Park, saw thousands of very good boys and girls, and their owners, have a blast at Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park last month.

The annual event kicked off with a 2-kilometre dog walk before attendees enjoyed a sled dog demonstration, dog obedience sessions, as well as the chance to meet Camden’s most famous pooch, Phoenix, and Farmer Dave, who brought his furry friend Jimmy.

The event’s competitions were as strong as ever, with prizes awarded for best trick, best golden oldie, best fancy dress, tallest dog, and cutest face.

Throughout the day, attendees and their pups also enjoyed flyball demonstrations, an agility obstacle course, dog-andowner caricature drawings, face painting, a photobooth and the famous Paw-tastic Parade.

Mayor of Camden (now Deputy Mayor), Cr Therese Fedeli, said the event was a resounding success.

“Paws in the Park is one of the most eagerly awaited events on our annual calendar and 2023 definitely lived up to its expectations,” she said.

“We had locals as well as dog lovers from far and wide come down and enjoy the day.

“The caricature drawings and photo booth were a real hit, and the competitions were incredibly pleasing to watch.

“I’d like to thank the community, and everyone involved in making such a great event. We can’t wait to see you again in 2024.”

A big thank you to their event sponsors: Pet One Australia, National Companion Pets Institute, Macarthur Veterinary Group, The University of Sydney - Uni Vets Camden and Macarthur Lions Club.

r A great day out for families and their four-legged friends | Image: Brett Atkins/Camden Council | Article: Camden Council

As proud club sponsors, we wish the Oran

season!

Macarthur Locals Shine at 2023

Sydney Royal Easter Show

Macarthur has been well represented at the 2023 Sydney Royal Easter Show, with local student

Anabelle Nash and Badgally Stud in Gregory Hills both winning competitions.

At just 9 years of age, Annabelle Nash of Harrington Park, has been awarded the Ena and Keith Stuart-Wright Memorial Annual Trophy, for the most successful Exhibitor in U/20’s Perishable Cooking Classes at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Cooking for the Sydney Royal Easter Show is a family tradition for Annabelle, with her younger sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and uncle all long-time exhibitors. Entering all possible categories in her age group, Annabelle came away with wins for her lamingtons, cupcakes, and plain white scones, with placings for her chocolate cake, coconut ice and gingerbread figures. Annabelle’s younger sister Matilda also placed in the chocolate cake and gingerbread categories.

The Meat and Dual Sheep Competition covers Ram and Ewe categories for 13 different breeds of meat sheep, as well as categories for schools.

This year, Badgally Stud, located at St Gregory’s College in Gregory Hills, NSW, was awarded Most Successful Corriedale Exhibitor in the open categories, as well as taking home the award for the Champion Schools Ram in the Schools Interbreed Competition. Max Gorey, a student at the College, was also successful in winning the Sheep Handler’s Competition for the 10-14 years age group.

The competitions of the Show showcased the efforts and skills of people from across the country in various diverse industries and niche interest areas. A total of 15,000 trophies, certificates and medals were awarded this year amongst some of the 22,400 entries.

Run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), the Show provides a true taste of Australia's vibrant culture and celebrates agricultural excellence and rural Australia.

RAS General Manager of Agriculture and the Show, Murray Wilton, said the Show this year has been an incredible success.

“Marking 200-years since the first Show, this year, we were encouraging Showgoers to come to the Show and find their happy place. Rich in fun and family traditions – we were thrilled to see people doing just that, making new memories, and celebrating everything we know and love about the Show and rural Australia,” he said.

“We shone a spotlight on the best of the best in Australian agriculture, welcoming over 6,500 livestock exhibits that represented over 480 different animal breeds, and 12 international judges across the competition who brought their world-class knowledge to the Show rings.

“For us, a key part of the Show is to give back and support our rural and regional communities, and I’m proud to share that our RAS Foundation was able to raise $56,000 for the Eugowra Community Children’s Centre to support in their rebuild following the 2022 floods, in addition to selling all their fundraising Ag Bags which contribute to the Community Futures Grant program.”

r The Sydney Royal Easter Show was well attended this year | Image: Monde Photo for RAS of NSW | Article: Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS)

Ethan Rocks Camden Shorts

Harrington Park musician Ethan Kapitanow has just returned from a successful performance at Camden Shorts, in celebration of National Youth Week.

Ethan took to the stage at Camden Civic Centre on Thursday the 27th of April. The talented teenager showcased a setlist of music from some of his favourite musicians.

“I played my setlist consisting of two songs on my Gibson and Fender guitars. I played one of Bon Jovi’s top songs, ‘It’s My Life’ using a talk box just like the original done by Richie Sambora. My second piece was a song on Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirator’s ‘Apocalyptic Love’ album called ‘You’re A Lie’” explained Ethan to the Oran Park Gazette.

Amazingly, his choice of songs was due to recognition he received from these musicians on his social media.

“I chose to play these songs as I was recognised by Bon Jovi (The Official Band Page) and Todd Kerns (The Bassist in Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators) when I released the cover songs on my Instagram” he smiled.

He is thankful for the opportunity given to him to perform at Camden Shorts and the positive experiences it gave him.

“One of my favourite things about being a musician is showcasing my talent in a live setting, so that it brings joy to an audience. Camden Shorts has been a great opportunity to do this and also be able to meet other musicians and bands in the local area to support and encourage each other’s musical abilities. Everyone is encouraging and it is a positive atmosphere for everyone that attends” Ethan reflected.

Ethan has some exciting times ahead with his music.

“I will be performing at Macarthur Music Academy’s concert in the next few weeks. Currently, lots of my time is being spent making a studio album. I am looking forward to performing more of my own original songs in the near future at live venues” he concluded.

Be sure to follow Ethan Kapitanow on his musical journey on social media.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Ethankapitanow/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Ethankapitanow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

EthanKapitanowOfficial Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ artist/0oAYJ51xavY3sssnq6PxTU

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ethankapitanow/1602875554

r Ethan Kapitanow at the Camden Civic Centre performing for Camden Shorts | Image: Karren Kapitanow

ORAN PARK

FINALAPARTMENTS NOW SELLING ACT NOW!

This is your last opportunity to secure a luxury apartment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the heart of the Oran Park community.

Generously sized, these 3-bedroom apartments feature ample floor space, sophisticated style and the finest finishes.

Built in partnership with the award-winning Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction, the residences are completed to a high standard with:

• Miele oven, gas cooktop, rangehood, built-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece

• Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedrooms

Apartment G.03

Interior 111sqm

Exterior 33sqm

Total 144sqm

Apartment 3.10

Interior 108sqm

Exterior 23sqm

Total 131sqm

Price $819,500

Gelato with a Difference

Netball Thrives at Oran Park

Whistles have been blown, with the 2023 Camden and District Netball Association Winter Competition now underway. Oran Park Netball Club are looking to have a big year on the court.

This year will see 18 teams represent Oran Park Netball Club on the court at Narellan Sports Hub.

The season began on the 1st of April and concludes on the 12th of August, with the finals starting the 19th of August. Grand Final Day takes place on the 2nd of September.

The local club hope to build on another full season, without the interruptions of the pandemic or bad weather.

“There were so many highlights from last season. It is hard to pick just one!” said Samantha Perovich, Club President of Oran Park Netball Club.

“I think it would be a toss-up between watching our Net Set Go Program thrive and develop our future netball stars and being so proud to watch all our teams at presentation reflect on their highlights from the season. It is always so heartwarming to see just what the girls take away from the season” she continued.

Samantha is looking forward to watching the players in the club flourish as the year progresses.

“I am looking forward to watching our club cultivate more girls who love the sport. I personally get so much satisfaction out of watching our girls learn, grow, and improve and we have some wonderful girls and teams who are already doing just that this season!

“I can’t wait watch them progress and be part of their netball journey” ended Samantha.

It’s an ice cream van with a difference. A kombi van that serves gelato, in fact. Oran Park’s Anthony and Suzie Shakir have created Gelato Shak, opening just this year.

The exciting new business brings together the Shakir’s fondness for events and dessert.

“Our motivation when starting Gelato Shak was a combination of our love of special events and our favourite dessert – being gelato” explained Anthony and Suzie to the Oran Park Gazette.

The small family run business brings a variety of gelato and sorbets to your wedding party or event in their 1975 Mint Green VW Volkswagen Kombi.

With over 60 flavours of gelato, including gluten and vegan options, there’s sure to be something for everyone!

They offer a range of packages to suit all budgets and event types and also the option of customised packages to suit events. The delicious gelato and sorbets are available in either cups or waffle cones.

Gelato Shak have some amazing plans ahead of 2023 with the business.

“We are currently offering 30% off all our packages at the moment, for a limited time as an opening offer. We have our Kombi van already attending events and will have gelato carts available for event hire from August 2023, which we will be taking bookings for” they smiled.

To see the Sydney wide areas that Gelato Shak currently caters to, their gelato and sorbet flavours and range of packages, visit their website at www.gelatoshak.com.au.

You can also find Gelato Shak on social media. Look for them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Provision of child care service in Oran Park

Oran Park is proudly being developed by Greenfields Development Company, a local family-owned company.

Oran Park is one of the largest land releases in NSW and is part of the NSW Government’s South West Growth Centre. The development team is seeking Expressions of Interest from capable child care providers interested in purchasing a vacant site to construct and operate a suitably sized child care centre in Oran Park.

For more information or to obtain an EOI package, please contact josephine@greenfields.net.au or call 9043 7500

Expressions of Interest must be received by Friday, 16 June 2023.

Oran Park Netball Club are looking for more sponsors for the 2023 season. If you would like to support them, please email oranparknetball@gmail.com. To like and follow the club on Facebook, search ‘Oran Park Netball Club.’ oranpark.com.au

PARENTS CORNER

Article Written + Submitted by:

Monica Purcell | Family Facilitator Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au

E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week: Can You Spoil a Baby?

The short answer is “no”! Even though this has long been a worry for new parents, the current science reassures us that there is no way to spoil baby. Babies who receive warm, sensitive, and responsive care from their parents get a much better start in life.

You may have been told it’s wrong to give “too much attention” to a crying baby. You are not the first parent to receive this advice! In 1894, a popular guide to parenting instructed its readers that “Babies under six months should never be played with: and the less of it at anytime the better for the infant.” But, as the science of attachment and child development has advanced, this myth has been totally de-bunked.

To the contrary, the more a child can rely on the emotional and physical availability of caregivers, the more independent they become in the long run. A child who knows their parent ‘has their back’ is unburdened to explore their world with full curiosity, tenacity and zeal. Exploration and play support children’s emotional, physical, social, and cognitive development.

On a physiological level, separation from a primary caregiver triggers a stress response in the baby’s nervous system. This stress response occurs not only in situations of physical separation. When a caregiver is close by physically, but their attention is elsewhere (e.g. staring at a screen), a baby’s stress hormones will naturally spike. Babies can withstand some separation, but pro-longed exposure to stress without recovery is toxic to a growing body and brain.

When distressed or uncomfortable, crying is a baby’s way of reconnecting with a safe adult who can attend to their needs. These needs may be physical (e.g. hunger, tiredness) or emotional (e.g. the need for safety, security, comfort). Beyond having immediate needs met, a baby needs consistency in knowing their needs will be met in the future. That’s why the current advice is to respond to your crying baby as much and as often as you can.

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week runs every June to highlight the importance of babies' emotional wellbeing and development. Find out more at aaimh.org.au.

The Top 100 Baby Names Revealed

New South Wales can now officially welcome a change to the most trending names for boys and girls in 2022.

Noah has bumped Oliver from the top spot for the first time in eight years, becoming the most popular boys name in 2022. Both remain clear favourites with each name recording almost 200 more registrations than Leo, which landed in third place.

Charlotte jumped two places from last year to take out most popular name for girls, replacing Olivia which fell to fourth, while Amelia has gone back-to-back in second place.

Remy rocketed into 78th spot, with more than 100 boys taking the unisex name along with 23 girls. It was Remi, however, that proved a more popular spelling for girls with 161 counts and just 41 for boys.

Amongst the biggest movers and shakers, Joshua dropped 27 places from 2021 - 2022. For the girls, Lara fell 24 spots, while Hallie jumped 31 places to land at 67.

Other traditional names such as Muhammad and Gabriella have also increased in popularity, with both jumping eight and 11 spots respectively since last year.

Classic names like Grace, Evelyn, Jack, and Henry have remained popular ranking within the top 20 in both 1922 and 2022. William, however, is the stand-out name across the generations, ranking second in 1922 and in the top five last year. Other old favourites like Dorothy, Joan and Joyce are yet to make a comeback.

Births boomed in Blacktown and Dubbo, recording the highest number of newborns in the year 2022, while Oran Park saw the most growth with more than a 90 per cent increase compared to that in 2012.

The Hills Shire region continues to reign as the State’s top growing Local Government Area for newborns, with 1054 births in 2022 compared to 182 in 2012.

“Picking a name for your baby can be a daunting task, a oncein-a-lifetime decision forming a child’s identity and creating a connection to family, community, and culture.

“While there are so many special and culturally significant names starting to appear in the top 100, there were also almost 11,000 bubs given an unrepeated name in 2022.

“With fresh starts on the horizon, we wish all new parents a big congratulations as they welcome their newest family members and our newest citizens. May your children grow to enjoy happiness, love, and success.” said NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib.

r Noah has topped the most popular boys name in 2022 | Image: www. pexels.com | Article: Jihad Dib MP

Local Business Named Champion Interior Designer Camden Welcomes

Splendour Interiors from Cobbitty has been named Champion Interior Designer at the anniversary of the 25th Australian Small Business Champion Awards Ceremony held on Saturday, 29th April 2023 at The Star Sydney, with over 1,000 guests in attendance.

The Australian Small Business Champion

Awards is the only national recognition program for Australian small businesses.

The program aims to highlight extraordinary people and acknowledge outstanding Australian small businesses. The Champion Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the high standard of excellence seen throughout the small business sector across the nation.

“The Australian Small Business Champion Awards is a way to recognise the efforts of small businesspeople whose efforts contribute to the prosperity and vitality of communities across Australia. After 25 years of celebrating outstanding small businesses, I am in awe of the continued resilience and creativity small business owners across Australia continue to display”, said Steve Loe, Managing Director of Precedent Productions, and founder of the awards.

Representatives of Splendour Interiors received an award statuette, a limited edition 25th anniversary commemorative coin and certificate, as well as national recognition for their efforts as an industry leader. In addition, having their passion, dedication, commitment, and hard work celebrated amongst their peers was an experience they will treasure for many years to come.

Small businesses across Australia delivered an unprecedented array of entries, with winners representing a broad cross section of industries from all states and territories.

The Awards are proudly supported by Awards Partners Nine Plus, NOVA Employment, CUB – Club of United Business, Xcllusive Business Sales, Castaway Forecasting and Big Clean.

The Australian Small Business Champion Awards have been proudly managed by Precedent Productions, a small business in its own right since their inception in 1999.

New Mayor

Cr Ashleigh Cagney was elected Mayor of Camden, and Cr Therese Fedeli was elected Deputy Mayor, at last month’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

Mayor Cagney said she was honoured to be elected the 35th Mayor of Camden.

“It’s a great privilege to lead my fellow Councillors as we continue to make Camden a great place to live and work in,” she said.

“Camden is one of the fastest growing LGAs in the country and so it’s vital that we continue to make the right decisions and go from strength to strength.

“I’d like to thank Cr Fedeli for her four years as Mayor. It has been an honour to receive her guidance as we tackled the challenging circumstances of bushfires, floods, and COVID-19. I look forward to continuing to work with her as our Deputy Mayor, as well as my fellow Councillors.”

Cr Fedeli said she was eager to continue serving the people of Camden as the Council’s Deputy Mayor.

“I’d like to congratulate Cr Cagney for her appointment as Mayor,” she said.

“I feel as committed as ever to continue our good work and advocate on behalf of the people of Camden to achieve the best outcomes for our community.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Cagney and my fellow Councillors to continue delivering a great range of initiatives, events and projects for the Camden area.”

r Feature Article [Cover] (L-R) Mayor Cr Ashleigh Cagney and Deputy Mayor Cr Therese Fedeli | Image/Article: Camden Council

r [Top] Splendour Living - Interiors Director Marilyne Estephan in the Splendour Living Showroom

[Above] The Splendour Living - Interiors Team: Director Marilyne Estephan (centre) with Junior Designers Vivien Vella and Jackson Lewis in the Splendour Interiors Design Studio | Images: Kylie Lyons of Handprint Photography | Article: Precedent Productions

“Being a local, I’m as proud of the Camden area as we all are, and I’m as eager as ever to help make it the best place it can be.

Member for Mulgoa

Tanya Davies MP

Chargers Firing Up!

Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers RLFC are firing on all cylinders, with a solid start to the new season in the local competition.

This year, they have 26 teams taking the field, with over 320 registered players! This is up from last season, which saw 250 players represent the Chargers. The club continues to grow each and every year, as new families move into the community. There are still some team vacancies for junior players wanting to play in 2023.

“We are still seeking some additional players in a few of our age groups. If you or someone you know is turning 12 this year (male or female) or turning 14 this year (male), we would love to have you join our club! Registrations are open until 30th June and can be completed via www. playrugbyleague.com” said Casey Gettings, Media Manager of Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers RLFC.

Morale and team spirit is already high amongst the club’s members early in the season.

“So far, we have played 5 games this season. Our Under 6’s to Under 9’s has seen great registration numbers and are having an awesome time on the field! Our competition teams have seen some strong results so far, and we cannot wait to see how far they come throughout the year” she smiled.

Preparations are underway for Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers’ annual fundraising event later in the year. It’s an opportunity to raise much needed funds for the grassroots rugby league club.

“We have our Annual Fundraising Dinner coming up at the end of September and are looking for businesses within our local community to provide support for our club. We welcome any donations (large or small) to put together raffles, hampers, prizes etc on the night. If any local businesses are looking to get involved, please send us an email at fundraising@oranparkchargers.com.au any support is most appreciated” Casey replied.

Both the junior and senior clubs at Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers have amalgamated in 2023, with one committee overseeing their operations.

“This season, our junior club and senior club have united. The executive committee of our junior club are now running the senior club also. This provides our juniors with a pathway to continue their footy careers. Our aim is to bring family friendly footy into the community on a Saturday night!

“Here at the Chargers, we pride ourselves on family, great communication and doing the best we can for our club members. Our players are our priority, and we have them at the forefront in all that way do” she ended.

r Senior and Junior Chargers pictured together at their very first senior trial game | Image: Casey Gettings/Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers RLFC

PROBUS CLUB

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

E: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com P: 0410758755

Oran Park Probus Club will hold its next meeting on Tuesday June 6, 2023, commencing at 10.00am. For the first time, this meeting will be held at Wests Leagues Club at Leumeah. Our usual venue, Wests Lakeside Golf Club at Camden, will be closed for a month due to construction and renovation of the premises. As always, visitors are very welcome to attend, but all members and guests must sign into the Leagues Club at the main reception, before proceeding to the meeting room on the first floor, via the stairs or lift from the foyer. Wests staff members will direct you. This venue will offer our members some different lunch options, as many members and visitors choose to lunch together after the meeting. This is a good way to get to know each other and to make new friends. Probus is all about ‘Friendship, Fellowship and Fun.’

A highlight of a Probus meeting is the Speaker. Our Speaker Coordinator endeavours to find Speakers who cover varied topics – something for everyone. At our May meeting, our Speaker, a Probian himself, recounted the adventures he and his wife had whilst travelling around Australia by motorcycle. His wife rode pillion. They planned to travel over 20,000kms in 3 months. Everything they needed had to fit into two panniers. One each for clothes and a top box, which carried extras including a breakdown kit, riding gear, camera, computer, chargers, snacks, and drinks. It is hard to imagine going away for three months and taking so little with you! Our Speaker at the June meeting is an apiarist, who will be bringing a working beehive and some of his honey.

At Oran Park Probus Club, our calendar for the year is filling up rapidly. Already, we are thinking of Christmas in July. We will be returning to Menangle Trackside for this event, as many of our members really enjoyed their evening last year, the dinner and the Trots, even a few winning bets were placed! Our regular activities are well attended and there is a lot of interest in this year’s Tours programme.

If you would like to know more about Oran Park Probus Club, please contact the Club Secretary, via email at secretary.oranparkprobusclub@ gmail.com.

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

Holiday Fun for Kids @ NewLife

I always remember my school holidays as being a great break from the routine of school. Many families will go away to change the scene at this middle point in the year, though for others that simply isn’t possible due to family or work commitments.

For those who are staying around Oran Park in the coming holidays, NewLife is offering a full day camp on Friday July 7th for kids from prep to year 6. We’ve done this for almost a decade, and with roughly 120 kids on the church site on the day, it’s been a blast each and every time.

Tickets will cost $40 per child for a full day program from 8:45am to 4:30pm (with family discounts available for those with multiple children). This price will include all craft materials, morning, and afternoon tea, as well as lunch. This year, our theme will be built around the energy and colours of the circus and children will experience a day full of fun, adventure, craft, games, and teaching about Jesus.

If this sounds like something that your kids and their friends would like to be a part of, please get in touch with us via our website www. newlifeanglican.org.au and follow the links through from the front page to learn more and book your tickets.

Before July comes around, you can find our regular NewLifeKids program runs each and every Sunday for kids for the same ages as our camp. Our kids’ program is run down at Oran Park Anglican College for our 9:30am service.

I hope we see you soon - be it on a Sunday during school term time, or in the holidays in July for our Big Epic Kids Fun Day.

FAITH – ST MARY MACKILLOP CATHOLIC PARISH ORAN PARK

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

Ten years ago, I had the privilege to walk part of the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. On my final full day of walking, I learnt an important lesson. I had been walking for nearly 20kms, with only a few more kilometres to go before I would stop for the night. The Camino path came very close to the main highway that leads into Santiago. As I walked along, cars and trucks and tourist buses would wiz bygoing some 100+ kms an hour. As a road sign I came across would highlight, the reason why there was so much traffic on the road was because I was only 20kms or so from Santiago. If I hopped in one of these cars or buses that whizzed by me, I would be in Santiago in less than 20mins.

You’ll be pleased to know; I didn’t do that. After a restful night’s sleep, I was able (despite some rain) to walk those final 20kms, and to finally to reach Santiago, that I had been walking towards for the last 10 days.

You and I live in a world that wants to convince us that there are easy and quick roads – not to Santiago, but to happiness, to success and to love. These roads, because they can sometimes offer a quick fix or cheap solution, are enticing and attractive. But so often, rather than leading us to life and happiness, they lead to ‘dead ends’ and false and empty promises.

For those, who like me, profess to be Christian, there is one road that leads to true and lasting happiness and that is the WAY that is Jesus. “I am the way” Jesus tells us in the Gospel “No one can come to the Father expect through me”.

Did those trucks and cars, that sped by me, get to Santiago quicker than I did? Sure, they did. But all I can say is, that while they got there quicker, I will never regret taking the slower and more life-giving road.

FAITH – NEWLIFE ANGLICAN ORAN PARK

Member for Camden Announces Office Open to Community

Sally Quinnell MP, newly elected Labor Member for Camden, has declared her electorate office open to the community as seen in recent social media posts by Mrs Quinnell.

Mrs Quinnell’s office, located at Narellan Town Centre will, over the coming weeks and months showcase culturally significant artwork from Camden artists, and is the first step Mrs Quinnell is taking to ensure that Camden has a strong local voice.

Mrs Quinnell has also committed to creating a social and community hub at her office, which in due course will provide a room for her constituents to meet with herself and her staff, toys, and activities for young children when local parents meet with her and displays provided to her by local community organisations.

This is all part of Mrs Quinnell’s commitment to work with the Minns Labor Government to ensure that the needs of the Camden Electorate are met after twelve years of inaction by the previous government.

“I’m thrilled to announce that my electorate office is finally open.

“Thank you to everyone in the community who have been incredibly patient with me while I get things up and running, it’s been greatly appreciated.

“I’m so excited to start meeting with everyone in Camden. After twelve years of inaction by the Coalition government, it’s time that Camden starts receiving the attention it deserves.” said Sally Quinnell MP, Labor Member for Camden.

Hills

v Sally Quinnell MP | Image: Sally Quinnell MP Facebook. Article: Sally Quinnell MP

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HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

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Police, Ambulance, Fire 000 or 112 mobile

Narellan Police Station 4632 4499

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Mount Annan/Currans

Hill Knights Softball Club

Jennifer Tadros 0404 629 710

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Ron 4646 1658

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Ken 4628 2528

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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

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Rachael Cecil 0433 994 591

Oran Park Rovers Football Club

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Dave Gabriel 0451 440 661

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Michelle Brennan 0400 050 078

Camden Junior AFL Club

Naomi Porter 0417 683 768

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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

Gosh! Don't we know it, June has arrived! The nights are indeed fresh.

I am approaching 11 years since taking on the District Gazette portfolio of publications (3 publications [at the time] which has now grown to 5).

I can't put into words how much fun and how rewarding it has been. Let's make no mistake, it is and has been a lot of hard work, but what a joy it has been!

I get a huge kick when I hear a reader remarking that they love reading and receiving their 'Gazette'; and of course - every call or enquiry from a new business or new advertiser always brings me great delight, particularly when they continue to advertise because their phones continue to ring!

I say this often, but for good reason - your support of the local businesses that advertise within the Gazette means everything to them and in turn me.

Without advertising support, the Gazette would not and could not exist. Be sure to tell them where you saw their ad and thank them for their part in getting your favourite 'local' into letterboxes.

'Always make time for the things that make you happy!'

Enjoy your Community News.

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