Full Steam Ahead for 2023 Thirlmere Festival of Steam

It’s full steam ahead for the 2023 Thirlmere Festival of Steam, which will bring the village of Thirlmere to life on 18 and 19 March. The festival is once again being delivered by Wollondilly Shire Council and Transport Heritage NSW, operators of the NSW Rail Museum.

Visitors can look forward to steam train rides aboard the State’s rail heritage collection, demonstrations from local artisans, and the colourful annual street parade.

The iconic Huff n’ Puff race is making a long-awaited return to the festival this year, giving runners the opportunity to race against the beautifully refurbished 3001 engine.

In 2023, there will also be an expansion of the Saturday activities, an even bigger Family Carnival, local performers as well as the headline act Chris Sebastian, winner of The Voice 2020.

Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould said, “We’re proud to be able to host the state’s premier steam event here in Wollondilly once again. I hope that everyone can get on board to take part in the fun.”

Transport Heritage NSW CEO Andrew Moritz said, “We’ll have at least six historic engines in steam throughout the weekend at the NSW Rail Museum, including Locomotive 3001; a 120-year-old steam locomotive that’s recently been restored by THNSW volunteers and staff.”

“In addition to steam train rides, visitors can enjoy cab visits, steam machinery, live steam models and more all weekend at the NSW Rail Museum.” r An exciting weekend for all |

On Saturday 18 March, the NSW Rail Museum will be open with a variety of steam train rides, driver’s cab visits, a steam and vintage park, mini-train rides and more. The Family Carnival will take place at Thirlmere Sportsground, with carnival rides and activities from midday.

On Sunday 19 March, the whole village will come to life with market stalls, a street parade including the Campbelltown Camden District Marching Band, live performances, as well as steam rides and other activities at the NSW Rail Museum.

To find out more about the event and book tickets for the train rides, head to https://www.thirlmerefestivalofsteam.com.au.

Image/Article: Wollondilly Shire Council

Small Club with Big Ambitions

The anticipation is building for the 2023 Campbelltown District Netball Association Winter Competition to begin this month, as Gregory Hills Netball Club are looking to show their dominance on the court once again.

The new season begins on 25th March, with Grand Finals slated to be played on 26th August. Preparations are now well underway.

This year marks their 9th season in the local competition, after it was established in 2015.

2022 saw 8 teams, consisting of juniors and seniors, represent the local club. It is hoped that these numbers will grow with more teams and players this year.

Despite the club having less than 100 players last year, they were able to achieve some big results that they can be proud of.

“There were many highlights last season for Gregory Hills Netball Club” said Sussan Jamett, Gregory Hills Netball Club Secretary.

“We had 4 out of 8 teams make Grand Finals. Our Under 14’s made the Grand Final, after having a difficult season before. Their hard work and commitment were amazing. Our Division 3 team won the Premiership against an Under 14’s representative team. The Under 13’s were Joint Premiers and won the Gala Day, which was such an achievement. Our Under 15’s were also Runners-Up.

“Overall, the season was great, hardly any interruptions compared to 2021 season, due to COVID. All teams/players and spectators were happy to play a full season. The Executive committee organised the annual presentation day at Aquatopia too. It was such a fun filled family day to celebrate all our players and family’s commitment throughout the year” she continued.

Looking ahead to the 2023 season, the club can’t wait for the whistles to start blowing.

“We’re looking forward to seeing our members develop in their netball pathway whether that be coaching, playing, administrating, and umpiring. We are always looking for new players and sponsors join our club. Everyone is always welcomed to join Gregory Hills Netball Club!” Sussan ended.

To know more about the club, they can be contacted via email at ghnc1@outlook.com or on Facebook by searching Gregory Hills Netball Club.

r Gregory Hills Netball Club Gala Day 2022 | Image: Sussan Jamett/ Gregory Hills Netball Club

1st Year Electrical Apprentice

DAGS electrical is a fully licensed and professional business providing a diverse range of services predominantly in the Blue Mountains Region, Penrith, Western Sydney suburbs and metropolitan Sydney. DAGS has been operating in Western Sydney for over 20 years.

DAGS is one of Penrith’s leading antenna installation companies. We remove and replace antennas and troubleshoot.

We have an opportunity for an individual who is interested in completing an Electrical Apprenticeship (not yet commenced, or 1st Year) to become a qualified electrician. An Electrical Apprenticeship is a four-year program which is a combination of structured training and on the job experience.

DAGS Electrical is a local family business we have built our reputation on providing superior customer service, competitive pricing, and rigorous safety protocols.

What do you learn and what qualifications will you gain?

Through this apprenticeship, you will have access to the latest training to ensure your skills and knowledge are at the forefront of the industry, completing Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, comprising of subjects in Work, Health and Safety, learning to install, test and repair electrical systems and be equipped with skills needed to join this growing industry.

Safety is the number one priority at DAGS Electrical, and to ensure you are kept safe you will be supervised in every aspect of your work while being mentored and taught safe work practices.

What skills will you acquire?

 Drive to succeed

 Correct use of power tools

 Safe use of test equipment

 Practical skills in Electrical Operations

 Manual skills in using hand tools

 Be comfortable with working at heights

What you ideally need:

 An enthusiastic and can-do attitude, with a willingness to learn

 The ability to take direction and show initiative

 Strong attention to detail

 Be punctual, organised, trustworthy and reliable

 Strong physical fitness, be able to work at heights and enjoy working outdoors

 Have a genuine interest in a career in the electrical industry

 Current NSW Drivers License

 Good understanding of safe work practices

 White Card & Working at Heights training preferred

 Clean police record

 Demonstrate a high level of communication both verbal and written

 Enjoy working in a team

 Be motivated to learn a trade.

Pty. Ltd. Pty. Pty. Ltd.

To apply, please submit your application and covering letter to: DAGS Electrical – info@dags.tv

Looking For A Carpenter

WORK IS BASED IN WESTERN SYDNEY

All aspects of building, majority New builds, Stick Framing, trusses, all types of cladding, soffits, decks, patios, fencing, the list goes on...

Something different everyday.

Ideal for someone looking to complete their certificate 4 in building and requires experience working for a builder.

Required:

 Basic tools, tool belt, drills, framing gun and fixout gun

 White Card

 Must have a reliable car and license

 Reliable and trustworthy

 Hard worker

 Driven

 Good attitude

 Attention to detail

 Willing to learn

 Available to work Monday to Friday and sometimes Saturdays

Learner Log Book Run Events

In addition to the Drivers for Learners in Macarthur booklet, a Day Time Log Book Run event is offered to the community four times each year.

The Log Book Run event is an organised drive based on a route from the booklet which learner drivers and their supervisors are invited to attend.

The Learner Log Book Run provides:

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

• Map and instructions;

• Covert and overt speed monitoring;

• Police involvement;

• 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 r Article: Camden Council

• The opportunity for participants to meet, talk with and learn from other Learner Drivers and Supervisors.

One month following each Learner Log Book Run (except those that occur during daylight savings months) a Night Time Learner Log Book Run event is held.

With the added difficulty of reading and driving at night, the night time event is only offered to participants that have previously attended a Day Time Log Book Run event as they already have an understanding of the structure and running of the event and know how to use the route guides and maps. A different route to the Day Time event is used for the Night Time Log Book Run.

The next event scheduled for 12 March 2023. To register your interest, call 4654 7777 or email: mail@camden.nsw.gov.au.

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

Meeting the Jesus Who’s Really There

Who’s Jesus to you? “I like to think of Jesus as a good teacher.” Or “I like to think that he’s a good man.” Of course, some might retort, “I don’t think he lived at all.”

But we all know that our thinking doesn’t create reality. I’d like to think that I can have a three day work week, or that fish would find my bait every time I dropped a line in, or that I’m a perfect Dad. Just thinking it won’t make it so. There’s a real work week waiting for me each Monday, a real empty line when I cast out, and... well the verdict on my parenting is still in process, so perhaps there’s hope for that yet.

It’s the same with Jesus. We can imagine Him however we’d like, but the Bible assures me there’s a living reality out there beyond my wishes. And what’s He like? Better than you might think.

He’s angry about religious hypocrites, concerned for the poor and forgotten, and often speaking truth to the powerful. He’s also quick to challenge sin, eager to lift up the holiness of His Father, and ready to ruffle the feathers of those of us who think that trying our best to work our way to heaven is the key to eternal life.

Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” At NewLife each Sunday, this term we’re looking at Jesuswe’d love you to meet Him as the Bible portrays Him. I’m convinced you’ll be surprised - you might even like what you find. Join us at 9:30am or 6pm or YouTube - search for “NewLifeOranParkLive”.

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

While the shelves of our local supermarkets are already filled with Easter eggs and Hot Cross Buns – symbols we associate with Easter – for many Christians the lead up to Easter (known as Lent) is super important. It is a time that calls us to be people of prayer, fasting and works of charity.

As a reflection from Caritas Australia, that coordinate PROJECT COMPASSION (an annual campaign to raise funds that Caritas can use to support communities living in poverty) says “Last year was filled with emergencies and crises that many of us could have never imagined happening in our lifetime. For many vulnerable communities across the world, 2022 proved to be even more challenging and devastating than 2020 and 2021. Yet, despite everything we have endured in recent times, I have faith that together, as one human family, we can continue to work to make the world a more just and better place for all. Each year, Project Compassion comes as a timely reminder of the importance of solidarity and how a single act of kindness – whether big or small, can make a lifechanging impact in the lives of those who need it most.”

The theme of Project Compassion 2023 is For All Future Generations. It reminds us that what we do today can have an impact For All Future Generations. This message invites us to step up for those who do not have the essential resources they need for their survival and those whose needs at this time are far beyond ours. By putting compassion into action, we can make a difference today, For All Future Generations.

May Lent 2023 be an opportunity for all of us, no matter our faith background, to reach into the lives of others so that they might know the joy of true partnership and solidarity. For more information on PROJECT COMPASSION and to support this year’s 2023 campaign, go to: https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/

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