Oran Park Gazette May 2023

Priority Groups Urged to Book in for Free Influenza Vaccine

Priority groups are encouraged to book in now for their free influenza vaccine, ahead of the flu season.

While everyone aged 6 months and over is urged to get their influenza vaccine as soon as possible, it is particularly important for those at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.

The influenza vaccine is free for priority groups, including children aged 6 months to under five years, people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal people from 6 months of age, pregnant women, and those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung, or liver disease.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of flu.

“Influenza is highly contagious and can be deadly for some people, so if you are in one of these priority groups, please take advantage of the free flu vaccine as soon as possible,” Mr Minns said.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said influenza vaccines are available through GPs for any age group, as well as through pharmacies for everyone aged five years and over.

“When people book, they should ask their pharmacist or GP if they are eligible for a free flu vaccine. There is plenty of stock available throughout the state, so now is the time to book your shot,” Mr Park said.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it is difficult to predict the full impact of the flu season ahead, but vaccination is the way to ensure you are protected.

“If you are aged 65 and over, or at higher risk of severe illness, we also recommend you receive a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster, as both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time,” Dr Chant said.

All adults can get a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster if it’s been six months or longer since their last COVID-19 booster or confirmed infection (whichever is most recent) for additional protection against severe illness from COVID-19. More advice on COVID-19 booster vaccines can be found here.

We can all take steps to help protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19 and flu, including:

• Stay up to date with your recommended flu and COVID-19 vaccinations

• Stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms and get tested

• Wear a mask in crowded, indoor places

• Get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows

• Wash or sanitise your hands often

• Talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or flu to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicines

• Don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or flu symptoms or have tested positive to COVID-19 or flu.

• Take a rapid antigen test to test for COVID-19 before visiting vulnerable loved ones.

r Article: NSW Premier Chris Minns, Ryan Park MP. | Image: www. health.nsw.gov.au.

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

Get Ready to Paw-ty

Where’s the paw-ty at? At Paws in the Park of course!

The much-loved, four-legged festival will be held on Sunday 7 May, 9:00am to 1:00pm, at Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park.

The event, which will be made up of a combination of live and online activities, will include a two-kilometre dog walk, pet information and product stalls, a special guest appearance, food and drink stalls, an agility course for dogs, activities and professional demonstrations, doggy competitions, roving entertainment, activities for kids and an inclusive space.

An event day doggy competition will feature the following categories: Tallest dog, Best trick, Best golden oldie, Cutest dog and Best fancy dress.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said she was excited to have the event back up and running.

“Camden has experienced a tumultuous few years, with extreme bushfires, the pandemic and devastating floods wreaking havoc on so many residents and businesses since 2019,” Cr Fedeli said.

“One of the unfortunate realities of these disasters was having to cancel and postpone events for various reasons – with some, restrictions prevented us from holding the event we had planned, and, with others, sites were unable to physically be used due to flood-related damage.

“It’s so fantastic we’ll be able to come together as a community to enjoy this extra-special event. I know for most of us, our four-legged pups aren’t just pets, but another child to love, so it feels so lovely to be able to celebrate them in this way.

“Whether you attend the in-person event or enter the online competitions, I hope everyone can get involved in one way or another.”

Online competition details will be announced on Council’s Facebook page, as well as at the event.

For more information, go to bit.ly/camdenpaws

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

Tanya Davies MP Re-Elected

The election result was a challenging night for the NSW Liberal Party. I want to thank Dominic Perrottet for his vision, service, and leadership of our State both as Treasurer and Premier during the most challenging period of our time. I also want to thank his wife, Helen, and the family for all their support.

I also want to thank the people of Badgerys Creek for returning me to Parliament. I am humbled by this result and eager to continue to be the strong voice and advocate for Western Sydney.

The people of Western Sydney and NSW more broadly sent a clear message on election night that they want a Liberal Party that stands up for families, backs in our small businesses and governs with compassion.

Therefore, I have decided that I can offer the leadership and representation that the people of Western Sydney and NSW more broadly demand. Western Sydney is the engine room of the NSW economy, and it is critical that the Liberal Party has a spokesperson that can truly champion its people and their aspirations. The new Western Sydney Airport linking our region to the world, the emerging city of Bradfield and future prosperity of all depend on it.

Our Party must also lead with policies that serve families, individuals and supports small businesses. As the only Liberal left standing in Sydney with what looks to be an increase in support for me, I believe I can offer so much more to the NSW Parliamentary Liberal Party, and I will be seeking support from colleagues in the Party over the coming days and weeks for the deputy leadership.

I am committed to ensuring that the Liberal Party offers a clear choice between political parties and addresses the serious concerns of the people of Western Sydney and NSW more broadly. I am honoured to put my name forward for the deputy leadership of the NSW Liberal Party and I look forward to working hard to earn the trust and confidence of my colleagues and the people of NSW.

2023 Mother’s Day Classic

Australia’s biggest fun run and walk for breast cancer research, the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic, have announced more than 70 locations nationwide where participants can celebrate, honour, and raise vital funds for those impacted by breast cancer.

“We are excited to announce that in 2023, the 26th year of the Mother’s Day Classic, there will be 73 locations in major cities, metro areas and regional towns for Australians to unite nationally in support of breast cancer research,” Mother’s Day Classic CEO, Zara Lawless, said.

“And we’re thrilled to reveal there are almost 20 locations that are either joining the Mother’s Day Classic nationwide community for the first time, or rejoining us after taking a break through the disruption of the last few years.”

There will also be 12 popular venues returning after an absence of a few years including Edenhope, Ouyen and Lilydale in Victoria, Parramatta Park, and Kyogle in New South Wales, as well as Chinchilla, Roma, and Toowoomba in Queensland.

Major events will have an event village, entertainment, live music, and food stalls as well as activities for kids both oncourse and in the event village.

If you prefer staying local, there is an option to walk or run at one of the many Local events that will be held across Australia on Mother’s Day. These events will have strong community support and, depending on location, will include music and entertainment, food and market stalls, fundraising opportunities, and the option to walk or run with pets at select locations.

Another new element to this year’s event is the addition of some longer running distances. There will be a 5km and a 10km run in Sydney and Western Sydney.

“Over 1.5 million people have participated in the Mother’s Day Classic for breast cancer research in the past 25 years, donating $41.5 million, and each year we are building on the success of the event. So, this year we’re giving running enthusiasts more options, adding longer distances to some locations,” Ms Lawless said.

If you’re unable to join the tens of thousands of runners, joggers, and walkers on the day you can still participate in your own way at any place with MDC Anywhere. Participants will receive a race bib and medallion in the mail so they can create their very own unique MDC experience and have access to the MDC online fundraising dashboard and fitness tracker.

“By signing up for the Mother’s Day Classic you are joining a passionate, pink, and purpose-driven community united in the fight against breast cancer,” Ms Lawless said.

“We cannot wait to see everyone suiting up, showing up and standing stronger together on Mother’s Day and as we bring communities back together across Australia.”

Visit mothersdayclassic.com.au for more information on your nearest location.

Start your Mother’s Day with purpose by suiting up, showing up, and standing up against breast cancer.

Register online for the 2023 Mother’s Day Classic at mothersdayclassic.com.au.

r Mother’s Day Classic participants | Image/Article: Stamping Ground/ Mother’s Day Classic

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

Here Comes Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Coming to Camden this May, a magical musical adventure, Camden Musical Society's highly anticipated production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"! For those that loved the classic movie and those that are yet to experience Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the production is coming to the Camden Civic Centre for two weekends from May 5th and promises to captivate audiences of all ages with its heart-warming story, catchy songs, costumes and sets. The Camden Musical Society, the local community theatre group has been active since 2019 and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang follows their other successful productions Seussical (2021), Villains and Vixens (2022) and High School Musical 2 Jnr (2022).

Directed by Kerrie Jiear and produced by an exceptionally passionate group of behind the scenes volunteers, the show boasts a talented cast of local performers who will bring the iconic characters to life on stage. From the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts to the lovable Truly Scrumptious, and the infamous Baron and Baroness Bomburst, audiences will be enchanted by the unforgettable characters and their thrilling adventures.

One of the highlights of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" will be the flying car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Created by local, Laurie Boardman, our biggest challenge was having this set piece engineered to be dynamic, fit for purpose on the Civic Centre stage and also come within budget.

“Come and see this fantasmagorical musical in your own backyard here in Camden. We truly have a fantastic cast of performers that will make you laugh out loud and want to sing along with the iconic songs. Our flying car is spectacular and will be fun to watch in itself,” said Kerrie.

With performances over two weekends, May 5th, 6th and May 12th,13th with matinee and evening options, there are plenty of opportunities to catch this must-see production at the Camden Civic Centre.

Don't miss out on this enchanting musical that will captivate the entire family! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at Trybooking or at the Camden Civic Centre website. Be sure to book early to secure the best seats and join Camden Musical Society for an unforgettable theatrical experience with "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

Book tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/CEHBY

r Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car with Caractacus Potts, Truly Scumptious, Jeremy and two Jemimas. Actors - Craig Davidson, Samantha Taylor, Lyrica Matthews, Imogen Bakoss and Eddison Collyer. Real life Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car by Mike Ellard (not used in production) | Image/Article: Camden Musical Society

Article Written + Submitted by:

Monica Purcell | Family Facilitator

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au

E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

How to Tell the Difference between Bullying and Fighting

Do you know the difference between bullying and fighting? Researchers have found that many parents struggle to know when it’s bullying or just everyday quarrels between friends, classmates, or siblings. This article will help you learn more.

Children learn important social and emotional skills when they navigate differences with others. Depending on a child’s level of skill and their emotional state, these clashes can often be resolved with minimal to no adult intervention. Bullying, in contrast, is not a ‘rite of passage’ or part of an ordinary childhood. Enduring experiences of being bullied or bullying eithers can severely compromise a child or young person’s social, emotional, and physical development, therefore serious and proactive adult intervention is always required.

Not all mean behaviours are bullying. Pushing, kicking, name calling, starting rumours, or excluding can be extremely distressing, but none are bullying in isolation. Bullying is not a single incident, but rather a pattern of behaviours repeated over time. Bullies often progressively use a combination of verbal, physical, social, and/or online strategies to hurt a victim.

As children learn emotional and behavioural control, they can struggle to disagree respectfully with other children. Losing control and lashing out in the heat of the moment is not bullying. On the other hand, bullying is intentional; bullies make a conscious choice to harm a specific child.

Bullying is an abuse of power. Power can be physical (i.e., size, strength), psychological (i.e., intelligence, age/maturity), or social (i.e., popularity). Certainly, two children fighting can escalate to serious harm, but if both kids are on a reasonably equal footing this is not bullying. In those cases, both children may need to be separated and supported to develop emotion regulation or social skills.

So, next time you feel concerned about bullying – ask yourself three questions:

1. Is this a pattern? Is the behaviour repeated over time?

2. Does the bully intend to harm this specific victim?

3. Is there a power imbalance (physical, psychological, social) between the two children?

If you answer “yes” to all three, then you need to act. You can get further help and support from the BULLY Project by visiting thebullyproject.com.au/parents.

Proposed New Education Precinct

A new school is planned north of the Oran Park Town Centre. The facility will be delivered and operated by Regis Education and will comprise a new co-educational school catering for approximately 2,000 students from Kindergarten to Year 12, including an onsite 90 place centre-based childcare facility.

The site is located on the doorstep of the Pondicherry Lake Precinct and in close proximity to the Oran Park Town Centre with access to a good pedestrian/cycle path network. A school has been proposed in this general location for many years through the Oran Park Indicative Layout Plan.

The proposed Regis Education, Sporting and Recreation Precinct will fulfill the long term vision for Oran Park – creating a vibrant, accessible, and liveable community centred around walkable neighbourhoods including a strong focus on employment and lifelong education.

The Education Precinct will create a new co-educational and state-of-the-art facility consisting of the following:

• Centre-based childcare facility: licensed for maximum 90 children

• Junior School Precinct: Kindergarten to Year 4 (500 students)

• Middle School Precinct: Year 5 to Year 8 (500 to 700 students)

• Senior School Precinct: Year 9 to Year 12 (800 students)

The Precinct Development will include:

• An outdoor 30 metre pool as well as an undercover Learn to Swim complex

• Performing Arts Centre

• Tennis, futsal, and netball courts

• Gymnasium Multi-Purpose Hall – including specialist dance and gymnastics areas, exercise and weight rooms, 4 basketball courts suitable for other sports

• Library

• Administration building and caretaker/manager’s residence

The Education Precinct envisages the joint and shared use of school facilities providing controlled community access when not required for school use.

The proposed Education Precinct supports the need for additional education infrastructure and alternative schooling options for Sydney’s rapidly growing South West Growth Area and Camden LGA specifically.

The proposed design of the Education Precinct will complement the surrounding residential development and will be of high quality, ensuring exceptional learning and teaching environments.

Next Steps

As this is a State Significant Development (SSD) with the application to be determined by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPIE), the first step in the process is to request a Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) to help prepare documents for the SSD Application.

The SEARs application has now been lodged and once a SEARs has been issued by DPIE, documentation can then be prepared for the SSD application.

All SSD applications are publicly exhibited with provision for community input.

For more information about the application process, please contact the Oran Park Sales Office on 9043 7500.

The George Centre to Open in 2023

The George Centre is a 57 bed day and short-stay surgical hospital located in Gledswood Hills, catering for adults and children and includes a 26-bed private maternity unit. The hospital is scheduled to open for surgical services on 1st June 2023 and maternity services on 1st August 2023 (subject to licencing approval by the Department of Health).

The hospital design is modern and spacious with abundant natural light throughout and is surrounded by landscaped gardens. The ground floor and lobby has been designed around a community feel with artworks and sitting areas scattered throughout. It will not only provide surgical and maternity services but will focus on improved health of the community through ongoing education in our bub-hub and education hive.

The cost for the development of The George Centre was $100M and it is anticipated to employ 100 people.

The hospital has a unique mix of services unavailable elsewhere in the region and even in other parts of Sydney which include:

• 2 dedicated endoscopy suites

• 5 operating theatres

• 4 ultra-modern birthing suites

• 26 bed private maternity unit

• On-site medical consulting suites

As the hospital is day and short stay, the surgical case mix is non-acute. Their 5 theatres and 2 endoscopy suites will cater for the following specialties.:

• General surgery

• Endoscopy

• Breast surgery

• Plastic surgery

• Bariatric surgery

• Urology

• Ear, Nose and Throat

• Ophthalmology

• Gynaecology

• Colorectal

The operating theatres also have AirFRAME – the very latest technology for better infection control.

The maternity unit has 4 ultra-modern and spacious birthing suites catering to the needs of their mums to be. The birthing area and ward has strictly controlled swipe access to ensure the safety of babies and their mums and has a special-care nursery (for babies needing extra help), a well-baby nursery (where mums can meet and chat together or to bathe their baby) and have discussions with their midwives and lactation consultants.

There are 26 beds with 5 LUXE suites for those mum’s wanting a little extra pampering. They also have “K2” a highly integrated monitoring system that is not available in any other Sydney based private maternity unity.

This means their local mums can now have the choice of a premium private maternity service without having to travel outside of area.

Mums can arrange for a tour of their maternity unit from 26th April 2023, and they have their inaugural mums and bubs expo planned for late June 2023. Other services and amenities on site include:

• An on-site pathology lab and pathology services provided by Douglass Hanly Moir (DHM)

• On-site medical imaging services

• On-site fertility services and fertility lab provided by City Fertility

• Specialist medical consulting suites with some of the area’s leading specialists

• On-site pharmacy

• Café

• Florist and gift shop

• A large education area where there will be regular education classes provided to medical professionals as well as patients and the wider community

As well as being a wonderful facility, The George Centre will have a highly experienced clinical team and a hotel services manager to look after their patient’s needs. They are also very proud to have attracted the region’s leading medical specialists, a number of whom will provide consulting services on site.

New ‘Hazmat’ Fire and Rescue NSW Pumper to Protect South-West Sydney

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has installed a special fire appliance at its new Oran Park station in Sydney, adding another layer of protection for the people of south-west NSW.

The Scania P320 V3 Class 3 CAFS Pumper is one of two new appliances assigned to the Southwell Road station which was opened by FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter recently.

The truck is both a Pumper and Hazmat vehicle which means it can respond to fires and hazardous materials emergencies across the south-western suburbs.

The appliance features a Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) that allows a mixture of foam and water to be applied to fires, extinguishing flames more efficiently.

“All FRNSW vehicles are considered ‘jacks of all trades’ but these new combined pumpers carry specialist Hazmat detection equipment as part of their standard inventory,” Zone Commander Greg Wright said.

“That means they can turn out to all types of emergencies, bringing specialist equipment and expertise to hazardous materials incidents with their crosstrained crews,” Superintendent Wright added.

“When you add this appliance to the new ‘Heavy Hazmat’ truck already installed at Oran Park station, it’s an impressive boost in capability to protect the south-west sector of New South Wales.

“I’m immensely proud that we can serve our communities with the best equipment, new vehicles and dedicated firefighters, who have been provided specialist training to deal with chemical incidents, gas leaks and other emergencies.”

r Feature Article [Cover] The George Centre [Above] Lobby area, Consulting suites and Recovery. Images/Article: Acurio

r The new vehicles | Image/Article: Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW)

Get ready to go LEGO® crazy, with the Camden Brick Show coming to town this month.

The special event will take place on Saturday 27th May and Sunday 28th May at Camden Civic Centre. Entry is $10 per person (adult or child) with kids under 3 free. There is also a Family Ticket for $45 (admits 5). They will be available to purchase online or at the door, unless sold out.

It will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am to 2:00pm on Sunday. Sessions are staggered every 2 hours, to allow for crowd control. That doesn’t mean that you have to leave when the new session starts, you can stay as long as you like on the day.

It will feature 60 tables of custom built LEGO® models on display. This includes lots of new models never displayed at Camden before, as well as a couple of fan favourites from previous years.

The weekend promises to be fun packed with something for the whole family. There’s not only displays to look at, but also interactive displays for the young and young at heart.

“We are looking forward to the event. There will be something for everyone” explained Graham Draper of Playwell Events to the Oran Park Gazette.

“There will be several interactive displays for little (and not so little) LEGO® fans to get involved with. As well as this will be a live Mosaic build, the ever popular ‘play tables’, Rubik's Cube solver and a couple of others” he continued.

Opportunities to purchase LEGO® sets and parts on the day from their vendors will be available.

With events held all over the state, they prove to be popular with LEGO® enthusiasts alike. For session times and ticket purchasing, head to the ticketing page. Tickets are available now online at: https://www.trybooking. com/CFOSD

For more information, you can also search Playwell Events on Facebook. Camden Civic Centre is located at Oxley Street, Camden.

r Some of the models that will be on display at the

Camden Brick Show | Image: Graham Draper/Playwell Events

Gregory Hills

PROBUS CLUB

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

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

Probus Clubs throughout Australia are social clubs for retired and semi-retired people, within the community that promote friendship, fellowship and fun. Meetings of Oran Park Probus Club are held in the Function Room of Wests Lakeside Golf Club at Camden, commencing at 10.00am. Each month, we invite a guest speaker to give a talk. Topics are many and varied and often involve a power point display with photographs, a video and sometimes stand-up comedy or singing. At the last meeting, our speaker took members through some Bollywood Fit exercises. Our speaker developed this program as an online fitness program during COVID, to involve all age groups in the community, with modified exercises for those who had mobility issues. Set to Bollywood music, our members found the exercises to be a lot of fun and a lift to their spirits. Many of our members stay after the meeting to enjoy a sociable lunch together at the Club. The coffee and chat mornings are always popular, as well as pub lunches and various dining events. Other regular group activities include family history, craft, walking and movies. Barefoot bowls is also on the list of activities this month. In May, our first bus tour of the year will take members to Katoomba and the second, a trip to Canberra. A short break on the Coffs Harbour Coast is being planned for October - November and a cruise on the Murray River early next year.

If this has piqued your interest and you would like to find out more about Oran Park Probus Club or Probus in general, please come to a meeting as a visitor. You will be welcomed.

For more information, please call the secretary Ph: 0410 758755 or email: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com.

r Bollywood Fit | Image Supplied

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

Discount Bin Discovery?

Coolcabanas seem to be the invention of the last few years. On a recent break, we were amazed by the sheer number of these beach shelters that were spread across the sand. As travellers, we needed to find some shelter that could be purchased and then left behind (getting one into an overhead locker wasn’t looking likely). So, you can imagine my joy to discover an umbrella in the discount bin at a local pharmacy that scanned in cheaper than the ticket read. After all who doesn’t love a bargain?

A sun shelter at the beach is a good thing - it certainly makes for a more relaxing time but it’s hardly a life changing decision. It’s a handy aid for a while - but you’d never take up residence under one.

It’s not an act of genius to say that God isn’t a sun shelter but I do wonder if that’s how we can view Him. A little bit of benefit for not a lot of cost. Making things a little easier without a huge investment. It’d be nice to have Him on board as long as He’ll fit in a locker when we need Him to.

Jesus doesn’t talk about knowing God that way, or about the cost being small.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” To know God is to find the centre of life - not its edges. To know God is more than a little shade for a while - it’s a whole house to take up residence in. If God’s real it’s no surprise He’s not in a discount bin. To give God our all is to find all He offers. To know God is to come home.

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

After the last few years when we were required to be ‘socially distanced’ from family and friends and neighbours, it’s more important than ever that we re-connect with each other.

“Imagine a free, fun, informal dinner party, where everyone can come to the table with questions about life, faith and meaningthat’s Alpha. Alpha is run anywhere people gather, all across Australia and is a great way to connect with people in your community and know you're not alone with your questions. Over 750,000 have been to Alpha in Australia. Topics like ‘What is the answer to loneliness?’ and ‘Is there more to life than this?’ are just some of the conversations we’ll have together. No question is out of bounds, and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. Everyone should have the chance to explore faith, ask questions and share their point of view. Whatever your faith background and wherever you are in life, there’s a seat at the table for you at Alpha”.

St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish in Oran Park will be hosting Alpha in late May. There is no charge for Alpha and no pressure to sign up for all of Alpha. For more information, go to the special ‘Alpha Page’ here: bit.ly/alphaoranpark

FAITH – NEWLIFE ANGLICAN ORAN PARK

The Disability Trust Expands in Oran Park

This year, The Disability Trust have expanded their Employment Services and Sports and Recreation Programs into Oran Park’s Julia Reserve Community Centre.

The Disability Trust have been pioneers in the Disability Services world with great success in Wollongong, Campbelltown and South-East Sydney and have noticed a gap in services for youth with disabilities in the Camden region. With The Disability Trusts vision being “to create an inclusive world, where people with a disability can live the life they choose”, they saw an opportunity to create programs that reflect the company’s vision and are dedicated to assisting the Camden Youth in upskilling themselves in a supported environment.

The School Leavers Employment Supports (SLES) program has been operating successfully in Miranda and Campbelltown for a number of years, and the Sydney SLES team have been busy at work networking with Oran Park local businesses. They have successfully placed two participants at Woolworths Oran Park for work experience, where participants receive hands on learning experiences that support them to develop their life and work skills, as well as support their pathway to employment. The SLES program also promotes skill building such as resume building, interview prep and communication skills and is crucial in supporting youth with disabilities in achieving their employment goals.

The Disability Trust provides three Sports and Recreation Programs, such as Youth Club (Wednesdays 6:00pm – 9:00pm) for participants aged 15 and above to come together at Julia Reserve, enjoy games and activities, and to have a safe space to socialise as well as to create lifelong friendships.

They also provide a Learners Drivers study group (Fridays 3:30pm – 5:30pm), that teaches participants the importance of road rules and assists them in obtaining their Learners Permit. A third program they are offering is a Cooking Group (Fridays 5:45pm – 7:45pm) which supports participants in developing their cooking skills by going through food safety, how to follow a recipe and how to make delicious, healthy foods.

The Disability Trust is extremely excited to provide their Employment Services and Sports and Recreation programs to the youth of Camden. They look forward to expanding and providing more services in the future, so teenagers and young adults feel supported and are encouraged to achieve all their personal, work and life goals.

Helping Hand Given to Local Youth Charity

Pulling together fries and fun in the name of charity, McDonald’s in Macarthur hosted a Charity Fun Night recently to raise over $5,500 for Youth Solutions.

The local youth drug and alcohol prevention charity has received the generous helping hand, following the Charity Fun Night, which saw a percentage of sales from 17 local restaurants donated to its cause.

The Charity Fun Night is just the latest in a long-standing partnership between McDonald’s in Macarthur and Youth Solutions, with both working together to support local young people for many years.

Youth Solutions Chief Executive Officer, Geraldine Dean, said the charity was blown away by the support and the generosity of McDonald’s in Macarthur and the community.

“We are thrilled to learn of the result of the Charity Fun Night and would like to express how grateful we are to McDonald’s in Macarthur for their support, as well as thanking all of the community members who got behind the initiative,” Mrs Dean said. “As a local charity, we rely on the incredible support of the community and organisations like McDonald’s in Macarthur to continue and grow our drug and alcohol prevention work and to support our young people. Thank you for helping to not only raise funds for Youth Solutions, but to share our work and support services with the community.”

Local licensee, Peter Meadows, was pleased with the result and the opportunity to support local, Macarthur region young people.

“It’s a pleasure to support a quality charity like Youth Solutions, because we share their passion for supporting young people. We employ the largest number of young people in Macarthur and connect with many customers who are young people, so we fully appreciate the difference that our support can make,” Mr Meadows said.

The participating restaurants included: Narellan Town Centre, Macarthur Square, Campbelltown Mall (food courts), Campbelltown, Minto, Glenquarie, Woodbine, Mt Annan, Eagle Vale, Narellan, Rosemeadow, Camden, Gregory Hills, Spring Farm, Emerald Hills, Oran Park, Ingleburn (drive-thru restaurants).

r [Top] Jesse Mowczan (Woolworths Oran Park, Work Experience)

[Above] Madison Dagg and Madison (Maddie) Grant (Julia Reserve Community Centre) | Images/Article: The Disability Trust

r McDonald's in Macarthur and local Licensee, Peter Meadows, are longterm supporters of Youth Solutions and its team lead by CEO Geraldine Dean | Image/Article: Youth Solutions

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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

As the year races by, we find ourselves in Term 2 of school; Easter has been and gone, with Mother’s Day just around the corner. In the blink of an eye, it will be the end of financial year and we’ll be donning our winter woollies!

Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May.

For some, a day of celebration and admiration; for others, one filled with bittersweet memories of a much-loved mother taken too soon, while others desperately yearn to become a Mum.

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Mother’s Day is special, but can be complicated for many. To my Mum, I miss you and wish we had just 5 minutes more. We have a jam-packed edition for you this month, with plenty of local stories and information to keep you well informed and ‘up-on’ the latest happenings in and around your community.

Flynnko Pty Ltd

ABN: 65 601 734 472 trading as:

Karitane Careline

Breastfeeding Helpline

22 74 64

(NSW) 1800 686 268 (1800 MUM 2 MUM)

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 Netball Club

Rachael Cecil 0433 994 591

Oran Park Rovers Football Club

Nathan Hawthorne 0422 139 993

Oran Park Junior Rugby League

Dave Gabriel 0451 440 661

Oran Park Hockey Club

Michelle Brennan 0400 050 078

Camden Junior AFL Club

Naomi Porter 0417 683 768

Camden Junior OZTAG camdencobras@oztag.com.au

Harrington Park Scorpions Softball Club

Greg Trevena and MB: 0417 257 385

Mets Baseball - Catherine Field

Kim O'Grady 0412 081 144

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

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

Community Groups

Gledswood Toastmasters

David Johnson 0417 423 458

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

Make yourself a priority once in a while. It’s not selfish. It’s necessary and you deserve it!

Enjoy your Community News.

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Managing Editor Belinda Sanders

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