Oran Park Gazette May 2024

New High School for Gledswood Hills and Gregory Hills Project Update

As part of the NSW Government's plan to rebuild essential services, the 2023-24 Budget is delivering a record $3.5 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney. This targeted investment in growing communities will ensure working families get access to a world class public education.

Project overview

Work is underway to deliver the new high school for Gledswood Hills and Gregory Hills to cater for the growing population. The new high school will include:

• Modern classrooms, including specialist support classrooms,

• a multi-purpose hall for sports including performance, sports, and recreation facilities,

• a covered outdoor learning area (COLA),

• library, canteen, and administration facilities.

Progress summary

The Department has conducted due diligence investigations at 9 Gregory Hills Drive, Gledswood Hills and has confirmed this is the chosen site for the new high school. The department has notified the site owner in writing that it will be acquiring the site through compulsory acquisition, with the process to be completed this year.

Any potential sale of the site by the current owner during the compulsory acquisition process will not prevent the department from acquiring the site and delivering the school as planned.

The compulsory acquisition enables the school to be delivered Day 1 Term 1 2027.

Planning underway

In parallel to the process of acquisition, planning and design work is underway, including a basic masterplan with the layout of the new school.

Next steps

• Design work will continue for the site while the compulsory acquisition is finalised this year.

• Planning for continuing high school enrolment demand in Gregory Hills and Gledswood Hills.

• Submit planning approvals to build the new high school.

How can I get involved?

They are committed to working together with their school communities and stakeholders to deliver the best learning facilities for students. For more information, please contact them at schoolinfrastructure@det.nsw.edu.au or phone 1300 482 651.

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

Community Groups

Harrington Park Over 55's Social Club

Meets the first Monday of the month from 10:00am at Harrington Park Community Hall (Fairwater Drive, Harrington Park). More details: 0413526307

Macarthur Art Group

Meets the second Saturday of each month from 9.30am2.45pm at Narellan Library (1st floor - Queen Street, Narellan).

More details: 0404 229 498

Children + Families OAK - Over 55's Social Group

Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 10am to 11.30am at New Life Anglican Church Oran Park. Morning Tea is provided and there is no charge. More details: 0401 888 880

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

Early Investigations

Begin for Intersection Upgrade at Camden Valley Way and Gregory Hills Drive

Investigations work has begun by Transport for NSW to mark the first steps towards a future intersection upgrade at Camden Valley Way and Gregory Hills Drive, Gregory Hills.

Work will investigate potential to improve turning lanes and extend the right turn bay on Camden Valley Way to reduce delays and improve safety and journey reliability.

The initial investigations will assess feasibility and will include taking geotechnical samples around the intersection so further planning work can be undertaken.

The proposed changes at this intersection could mean improvements for motorists along Camden Valley Way and turning to access Gregory Hills Drive and Oran Park Drive.

Investigations by Transport for NSW will take place through to the 28th of May.

Speed zones may be affected, and motorists are asked to observe speed limits while work is being undertaken.

“These early investigations are important to see what might be possible when it comes to improving congestion around this intersection.

“Outcomes from these investigations will then form the basis of planning for a future upgrade.

“This is an important step towards ensuring the people of Camden can move around quickly and easily, whether to and from work, or to participate in our community” said Sally Quinnell MP, Member for Camden.

r

Image/Article: Sally Quinnell MP

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 our supermarkets and other shops have moved on from Easter, in many Christian traditions, including my own, Easter is not simply a day but rather it is a season of some 50 days. This year this season stretches from 31 March to 19 May. Now while dedicating 50 days to celebrate Easter is a good thing, the question I think we must ask ourselves is ‘what difference does the celebration of Easter make to our lives?’.

Recently I came across an article that offers some response to this question:

“Our world seems particularly precarious at the moment — with rising geo-political tensions, economic hardship, environmental catastrophe, multi-theatre wars, democratic disarray, and cultural turbulence. For many people, reading the news or opening up our social media feeds feels like crawling from one disaster to another.

“However tempting it might seem to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by anxiety or to give in to apathetic fatalism, these are not the only two responses to our troubled times. The Christian hope is that despite the clash of civilisations, amidst terror and trauma, between fear and misfortune, God’s goodness finds its way into our lives when we grasp it by faith.

“The good news that Easter celebrates is that God’s redemptive reign, what Jesus and the apostles called the “kingdom of God”, breaks into the world through Jesus’s death for our reconciliation, and his resurrection gives us a foretaste of new life in a creation one-day to be healed of its weariness and wounds.”

No matter our faith background, and no matter if we celebrate Easter as a day or a Season, I think we must strive amidst the joys and struggles of our lives to be people of hope and goodness. To be the people, who through our words and our deeds, endeavour to be instruments of peace. The people who - as the title of this article said - are willing, in a darkened world, to have the courage to light a candle.

in the Park Returns

The day that all good doggies wag their tails for is returning in 2024.

Dog owners are encouraged to come down to Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park with their furry friends on Sunday 5 May, 10:00am to 2:00pm, for Paws in the Park.

The FREE event will include:

• The popular two-kilometre dog walk;

• Pet and general product stalls;

• The Pawtastic Parade;

• Free health checks by Uni Vets Camden;

• Activities and doggy demonstrations;

• Roving entertainment;

• Activities for kids and an inclusive space; and

• Lots more!

There will also be two online components to celebrate the event, which include:

• Online pet photo competition –upload a photo to their website for a chance to win; and

• Design a poster competition – create a poster describing responsible pet ownership and upload it to their website for a chance to win.

Both online competitions are now closed. Winners will be announced on Sunday 5 May.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said she was excited to see the event return this year.

“I know from speaking with residents that Paws in the Park is one of the most anticipated events on Council’s major event calendar,” she said.

“I’m excited to see everyone there. Keep an eye on our website and social media for some more exciting details to come.”

For more information on Paws in the Park, visit www.camden.nsw.gov.au/ whats-on/annual-signature/events/ paws-in-the-park

Land for sale

Enjoy living in the Park with easy access to the conveniences Oran Park is known for.

No matter where you live in Oran Park, you’re only moments from a great range of amenities including The Podium Shopping Centre, a wide array of schools, parks and facilities.

Set in one of the fastest-growing LGAs in Australia, Oran Park is a thriving, peaceful, master-planned community of new homes and expanding dining and retail precincts.

Visit the Sales Office today and discover all Oran Park has to offer.

Scan the QR code to register your interest to be informed about future land releases.

2024 Mother’s Day Classic

Organisers of Australia’s most loved national fun run and walk, the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic (MDC), have called for more to be done to increase funding for research to improve survival rates for breast and ovarian cancer.

At the official launch of the 2024 Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic in Melbourne, MDC CEO Zara Lawless made a commitment to increasing money for medical research, to elevate women’s health, prevent deaths from breast cancer, and improve the survival outcomes for ovarian cancer.

The MDC is the biggest donor to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, having raised $44 million over the past 26 years. In that time the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer has increased from 84 per cent to 92 per cent.

For the first time, this year’s annual event, in which more than 70,000 participants will walk or run nationwide on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, will also raise money for ovarian cancer research, partnering with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer, which claims the life of a woman every eight hours in Australia.

Ms Lawless said: “Through events like the Mother’s Day Classic and the public support of medical research, the rates of survival for those diagnosed with breast cancer have improved dramatically.

“We know that the job isn’t done yet, and we remain committed to achieving the goal of zero deaths from breast cancer. From this day forward we are also determined to make a difference to the outcomes for women with ovarian cancer.”

The five-year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer is just 49 per cent, with 1,054 deaths every year.

“Tragically over the last 30 years, treatment advances for ovarian cancer have been limited, there is no method of early detection, and recurrence rates are very high. Just as the Mother’s Day Classic founders said in 1998, this is not good enough, so we say it’s not good enough today. Only research can change this.

“This is why the Mother’s Day Classic has decided to go further and expand its reach and impact so participants can run or walk in support of ovarian cancer research, in addition to breast cancer research.

“We want to accelerate progress toward the day when every woman diagnosed with either breast or ovarian cancer will be given the assurance that they can survive.”

For the 2024 Mother’s Day Classic, 70,000-plus people will start their day by walking or running at one of more than 70 locations across the country to support and honour those touched by breast cancer or ovarian cancer.

Registrations are now open for the 27th Mother’s Day Classic at mothersdayclassic.com.au.

2024 Mother’s Day Classic – Camden

Where: Camden Bike Track & Softball Fields - Argyle Street, Camden

When: Sunday, 12 May 2024

Distances and times: 10:00am - 4km walk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/camdenmothersdayclassic

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

Mother’s Day – More Than Cold Tea and Toast

The tradition of Mothering Sunday began in the Middle Ages, when the custom of allowing those who had moved away from home to work, could visit their home parishes and mothers on the fourth Sunday of Lent. The modern version, Mother’s Day, is held in Australia on the second Sunday of May each year.

As Mother’s Day looms for another year, many of us spend some time thinking about our mothers, while the mothers among us spend time wondering how our own performance as mothers is panning out, and crucially, how it will be judged into the future.

One thing is clear to mothers of all ages and eras: mothering is challenging and demanding work. It never ends, and every decision will be held up for scrutiny for years to come. Who among us ever made a good decision wandering around the house looking for scissors to cut some knots out of your hair because you haven’t brushed it for weeks, the baby refuses to sleep, and you haven’t had a shower in 3 days?

And so, as Sunday 12 May rolls around, we stop to think about our mothers and the sacrifices they made - and continue to make for us. It is a time to show them that we appreciate them, because as sure as your mum told you to enjoy the time while your baby is little, our mums grow older as we are busy with life, and before we know it, they are gone forever.

We buy them chocolates, take them out for dinner, we get Grandma some new slippers, and sometimes we get a breakfast in bed of warm tea and cold toast. When I think back over the Mothers Days that I have been lucky enough to enjoy with my daughter, the one that stands out is the lukewarm tea and gift from the Mother’s Day stall at school. It takes me straight back to a little room in a hostel with two beds jammed in, everything we owned in a cupboard in the corner, and every night her little warm arms hugging me goodnight.

I would not have missed it for all the knots in my hair.

r Image: www.pexels.com. Article: Kate Neill

12 May 2024

Mother’s Day

Skating to Success

Two years ago, while we were still learning to live with COVID, Silvana Vashisht’s parents had a voucher to a local roller skating rink. They took then four year old Silvana along for a session. It was evident from that first day that she had a natural aptitude for the sport, and that she had a real passion for it. She learned very quickly, and then joined a Learn to Skate class. She quickly cleared all three levels and qualified to train for Artistic Skating.

Two years later, she was competing in the Level 1 Rising Star, under the Max Artistic Club, at the SKATE NSW championships, in the Under 10 years category this last March.

“It’s my favourite thing to do, and I’m so happy to have won!”, she said afterwards, after her incredible win.

In April 2024, she transitioned to the Penrith Skate Club to continue her training, where she is preparing now for the Level 2 Rising Stars Championship, which will be held in September this year by SKATE NSW.

Silvana’s coach, David Robertson, says she is both dedicated and determined.

“Silvana is an extraordinary talent” he said, “She’s a joy to coach, and I have no doubt that she has a bright future ahead of her in roller skating.”

Artistic skating, which is also known as figure skating or artistic roller skating, is a sport that combines elements of dance, gymnastics, and figure skating on roller skates. It involves intricate footwork, jumps, spins, and step sequences performed in time to music, which showcase the skater’s agility and musical interpretation. Silvana spends hours honing her skills and enjoys the unwavering support of her family.

Although Silvana is only 6 years old, she is a two year veteran of the sport and has high hopes for her future. She dreams of representing Australia in the World Figure Skating Championships, and she hopes that one day her sport will be included in the Olympics, so that she can go on to Olympic Success in Artistic Skating.

To follow Silvana on Instagram, search @groovy_silvana.

v Silvana competing in artistic skating | Image: Dyanne Wayling. Article: Kate Neill

Oran Park

Versatile Construction Celebrates Topping Out of NSW’s Largest Hospitality Destination

Versatile Construction has celebrated the ‘topping out’ of Oran Park Hotel, which is set to be NSW’s largest hospitality dining and entertainment destination. Key project partners Momento Hospitality and Archebiosis Architects recently attended a ceremony to mark the completion of the highest structural point of the three-storey venue.

Fabrizio Perilli, Versatile Group’s Managing Director, said he was delighted with the project’s progress, despite the significant challenges posed by the pandemic, and with the main structure now completed, work is well underway on the internal fit outs.

“The topping out celebration brings the Western Sydney community one step closer to experiencing the “super-pub” experience curated by hospitality experts and our project partners, Momento Hospitality. Versatile Construction is proud to be responsible for delivering the experience that will enhance the wellbeing and lifestyles of so many”, said Mr Perilli.

The first stage of the Oran Park Hotel is set to open in the second half of 2024. This stage introduces guests to the heart of the venue with an expansive indoor/outdoor bistro and lounge, a play area for children of all ages, a pizzeria “Papi’s Pizza”, and an interactive sports bar complete with multiple large screens, pool tables and darts.

The vision for Oran Park Hotel extends well beyond a traditional pub, with a dedicated meeting and events floor on level two, opening in stage two later in the year. With multiple state-of-the-art spaces including a large ballroom, training rooms and two multi-purpose luxe cinemas, Oran Park Hotel will be able to cater to functions of all shapes and sizes. The much-anticipated luxe rooftop bar on level 3 “Jinja” is also set to open with Stage 2 by December 2024.

The mindfully designed venue will not only provide exceptional service and amenities but also prioritise sustainability and community benefits. Oran Park Hotel will include a range of environmentally friendly features including EV charging, solar panels and advanced on-site food and organic waste recycling systems.

“This marks a pivotal moment in the development of the Oran Park Hotel which is set to become NSW's largest hospitality destination,” says Momento Hospitality CEO, Marcello Colosimo. “The enthusiasm we’ve had from the community has been overwhelmingly positive and we can’t wait to open our doors later this year”.

r The topping out celebration | Image/Article: DEC PR/Versatile Group/ Momento Hospitality

$150,000*

 Constant work from over 40 regular commercial and residential real estate agencies.

 Business sale due to pending retirement.

 Sale of the business comes with late model cleaning equipment and van.

 Ideal 2 person operation.

 Business has plenty of upside with potential for growth.

 Training period available.

 Trading figures available for past 3 years.

 Owner states turnover on average $5,000 per week.

 Owners open to discuss reasonable offer.

*Note GST applies to sale price

Any further enquiries call 1300 557 548

Renovating or building your new forever home?

Transforming your space is easy with ColorTile.

Come in and say hi to our friendly team of experts and let them bring your style to life.

PORCELAIN PAVERS

BATHWARE

Samples available on request.

02 4647 1318

narellan@colortile.com.au

Article

Written

+ Submitted by:

Keira Noble | Clinical Psychologist

The Anxiety & Depression Clinic

W: www.anxietydepressionclinic.com.au

P: 0424 263 577 | 02 46266932

How is the Media Affecting You?

Are you feeling scared, low, stressed, agitated, or angry, after watching the news or scrolling through the myriad of posts on social media regarding tragic events?

It is important to take a moment to take stock of the impact that the incessant tirade of negative media messages has on our psychological health and wellbeing. Whilst it is important to stay informed of world events, suffering a deterioration in your mental health due to being exposed to a constant deluge of negative images and messages is not helpful. The prolific negative media messages that we see to daily through numerous mediums: TV, radio, social media etc., can mean that we are rarely getting respite, and our perception of the threats can be increased. That is, due to the repetitive nature of the messages, we can feel that these tragic events are more likely to occur more often. Furthermore, the absorption of dismal news can also lead to feelings of learned helplessness, causing one to feel powerless in our world.

There are ways that you can continue to stay informed whilst limiting negative effects on your mental health.

Behaviour Changer- Tips to assist with healthy consumption of news.

• Give yourself a set time limit to catch up on daily news where you listen actively (e.g. 15 mins of TV news or one radio segment of news)

• Set a timer for social media scrolling in order to limit exposure to repetitive news items.

• Limit background TV and or radio and actively choose to watch programs or switch the devices off.

• Turn off notifications on devices alerting you to news items.

• If an event has raised feelings of injustice, sadness or anger consider what small task you may be able to perform that helps you to contribute, e.g. placing flowers at a memorial site, signing up to a charity in aid of the cause.

Sydney Royal Easter Show - Show Wrap-Up

As we bid farewell to another spectacular and unforgettable Sydney Royal Easter Show, we reflect on the joy, laughter, and camaraderie shared by the almost 800,000 people welcomed through the gates.

The Show, run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), is a unique Australian experience that brings the country to the city and showcases the very best Australian agriculture has to offer.

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

“We’ve seen Sydney and NSW come and celebrate everything we know and love about the Show and rural Australia, from farmers to food, animals to arts and crafts, rides to rodeo and good old-fashioned family fun.

“Some of the highlights from our special days include the heartwarming celebrations of Seniors Day, the proud moments of the Australian Citizenship Ceremony, the gratitude expressed on Thank a Farmer Day and the sheer delight of Kids Day.

“The 2024 Sydney Royal Easter Show truly encapsulated the spirit of inclusivity and fun for attendees of every age,” he said.

The Show attracts thousands of skilled and passionate people from around the country, with 15,000 trophies, certificates and medals awarded over the 12 days.

Our local competition winners include:

Matilda Nash, Harrington Park NSW

• Most Successful Exhibitor in U/20’s Perishable Cooking

Cassandra Coombe, Harrington Park NSW

• Beef Cattle Herdsman’s Best Maintained Beef Team

Bruce and Lonny Raines, Catherine Field NSW

• Supreme Champion Gesneriad

Rylee Schaefer, Narellan NSW

• Champion Youth Poultry Showmanship Competitor

Phillip Bachner, Ellis Lane NSW

• Champion Racing Homer Pigeon

• Champion Utility Pigeon

Badgally (St Gregory’s College), Gregory Hills NSW

• Most Successful Corriedale Exhibitor

Macarthur Anglican School White Suffolk, Cobbitty NSW

• Grand Champion Schools Exhibit

Macs Rubain, Camden South NSW

• Winner of the RAS/AgShows NSW Dairy Cattle Young Judges State Final

Christine Sutton, Cobbitty NSW

• Winner of the RAS/AgShows NSW Meat Breeds Sheep Young Judges State Final

r Article: Royal Agricultural Society of NSW

‘Ole!’ Mater Dei Early Childhood Education’s new Outdoor Learning Environment

Through the incredible support of the Macarthur community, the children of Mater Dei Early Childhood Education’s Preschool have a brandnew Outdoor Learning Environment.

Officially opened and blessed by Most Reverend Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong, on Wednesday, 3 April, this new space will provide a dedicated learning environment and for children attending Mater Dei Preschool who have been assessed with Global Development Delay and/or a diagnosed disability.

Colloquially termed an ‘Ole’ by Mrs Sally Quinnell MP, this new Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) creates a natural play area for children to utilise their imagination and understand the interdependence between plants, animals, people, and the land.

Illustrating the importance of such a facility for children with additional needs within Macarthur, led by Bishop Mascord, the Blessing and Opening commenced with a traditional smoking ceremony and was attended by a number of dignitaries including Dr Mike Freelander MP and Member for Macarthur, Mrs Sally Quinnell MP and Member for Camden, the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, Mr Richard Drinnan, Deputy Chair of the Mater Dei Board, as well as supporters of the Mater Dei Foundation Dinner, alongside parents, carers and families whose children attend Mater Dei Early Childhood Education programs.

“This is a space that fosters creative learning, spontaneous play, socialising, and the opportunity for our children to take safe risks as they develop their self-confidence, independence and self-esteem,” said Pamela Templeton, Director of Mater Dei Early Childhood Education. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to so many generous supporters who have assisted us to realise our dream.”

While such spaces are vital for children to learn and develop, it takes significant support to make them a reality. It is through the incredible generosity of the Macarthur community at the Mater Dei Foundation Dinner in 2023, and the support of the NSW Government, that such a space could be created for the children attending Mater Dei Early Childhood Education.

Matt Cleary, CEO of Mater Dei said, “Every child has a right to play and a right to learn, and this space provides the opportunity for that in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. It goes to the core of what we do at Mater Dei, and we are eternally grateful to those who support us.”

Thousands Expected to Visit Thirlmere Festival of Steam this Month

The 2024 Thirlmere Festival of Steam is on track to bring Wollondilly’s village of Thirlmere to life on the weekend of 18 and 19 May 2024, with the fun continuing for the iconic Huff n’ Puff race on Sunday 26 May.

The festival will once again be delivered by Wollondilly Shire Council in partnership with Transport Heritage NSW, operators of the NSW Rail Museum.

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

This year, the festival will continue after sunset on Saturday 18 May, with a steam train ride behind locomotives 3265 and 3001 from Thirlmere Station towards Picton and return, as well as carnival rides, live entertainment, and an amazing fireworks display at 9:00pm to top off the evening.

After the main festival weekend, runners will race a historic steam engine on Sunday 26 May in the Huff n’ Puff race. Participants will run a 6.7km route from Buxton Station to Thirlmere Station, or alternatively participants of all ages can take part in the 3.5km Family Fun Run from Couridjah Station to Thirlmere Station. Entries are now open for this event.

Transport Heritage NSW CEO Andrew Moritz said, “The annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam continues to go from strength to strength. Record numbers of people have visited the NSW Rail Museum for the event since the start of our new partnership in 2022 and we expect this to continue this year.”

On Saturday 18 May, the NSW Rail Museum will host a variety of steam train rides, driver’s cab visits, a steam and vintage park, mini-train rides and more. Thirlmere Sportsground will feature the Family Carnival, with carnival rides and activities from midday until 9:00pm.

On Sunday 19 May, the whole village will come to life with market stalls, a street parade including Ingleburn Pipes and Drums, live performances, as well as steam rides and activities at the NSW Rail Museum.

On Sunday 26 May the Festival will culminate with the Huff n’ Puff race and Family Fun Run.

To find out more about the event and book tickets for the day or night train rides, visit www.thirlmerefestivalofsteam. com.au.

Mother’s Day KID’S CORNER

HELP PRINCE DEAN FIND PRINCESS ASHLEY AND LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Despite a rain affected start, the highly anticipated 2024 Campbelltown District Netball Association season kicked off for Gregory Hills Netball Club on Saturday 6th April at Coronation Park in Minto. The popular Annual March Past was cancelled and rescheduled to Game 2, the following week.

This year, Gregory Hills Netball Club have 7 teams competing in the local competition. This consists of their Net Set Go girls, Under 11’s, Under 13’s, Under 15’s, two Grad teams and a Senior Ladies team.

The club hopes to repeat the achievements of last season this year.

“The 2023 season was a success. We had two teams qualify for the Semi-Finals. Unfortunately, they were unable to progress further. This is still an outstanding result for a small club” said Naomi McNeill, Secretary of Gregory Hills Netball Club.

“In October, we had our Presentation Day at Aquatopia Water Park. All the kids had a day of fun in the sun. and received their trophies. Our Senior Ladies Presentation was a dinner at Club Menangle” she added.

Naomi explained that the club and its members are looking forward to an exciting 2024 on the court.

“This year for the 2024 season, Campbelltown District Netball Association are implementing the rolling substitution concept, like we see in the Suncorp Super Netball Series. It will be interesting to see how it works in our suburban games.

“Overall, we are looking forward to watching our members grow in confidence, embrace new challenges, develop their skills and create good team relationships” stated Naomi.

They are still currently looking for players for their Under 11’s, Under 13’s and one of their Grad teams.

“If you are interested, you can reach out via or Facebook or Instagram pages” she replied.

They are also looking for potential sponsors. Contact them on ghnc1@outlook.com for more information.

r Gregory Hills Netball Club - Vice President; Bec and Treasurer; Angela leading their junior players and parents in the 2024 March Past on Saturday 13th April | Image Supplied by Gregory Hills Netball Club 02 4647 4553 Shop 7, Narellan Town Centre, 326 Camden Valley

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

E: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com

P: 0410758755

Probus Clubs throughout Australia and New Zealand are social clubs for retired and semi-retired people in the community. Probus Clubs provide the opportunity for members to get together and develop friendships and have fun together whilst participating in various activities.

At Oran Park Probus Club, we have a regular ‘Coffee and Chat’, pub lunches, and specialty dining. Members may join walking and trivia groups or get together to attend movies or theatre outings.

The day trips and longer tours are very popular. Later this month, members will be taking a ride on the Zig Zag Railway and then they will be off whale watching in June.

Planning is underway for an overnight stay in Bathurst and a tour of Mayfield Garden at Oberon. Mount Panorama circuit and the Racing Museum are also on the agenda.

Our members have enjoyed the fun of travelling together to Adelaide and joining others on a River Murray Cruise on the ‘Proud Mary’. The sunrises, sunsets and bird life were amazing, according to all the travellers. The food was delicious, and the tour included an onshore barbeque evening. Our Probus members also enjoyed the various onshore activities and plenty of fun and friendship moments on and off the boat.

Come and see what Probus could mean for you. Visitors are welcome at our monthly meetings, which are held at Wests Lakeside Golf Club, 50 Raby Road, Gledswood Hills, on the first Tuesday of the month at 10.00am. We have a guest speaker at every meeting and the topics are many and varied. There is something to appeal to everyone. Our last guest speaker was an aged care advocate in the Seniors’ Rights Service. She gave us some sound advice and information about how and when to access this service. Next month we will learn about the Aussie Hero Quilts.

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

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Karitane Careline 1300 22 74 64

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

Pregnancy Birth + Baby 1800 882 436

Sports Clubs

Camden Athletics Club + Little Athletics http://camdenathletics.org.au/

Camden Cats Senior AFL Club

Greg McGuiness 0413 257 516

Camden Netball www.camdennetball.com.au

Macarthur District Softball Association

Lesley Darby 0401 740 023

Narellan Physie Club narellanpcc@hotmail.com

Mount Annan/Currans

Hill Knights Softball Club

Jennifer Tadros 0404 629 710

Camden RSL Youth Club Boxing

Ron 4646 1658

Macarthur Bushwalkers

Ken 4628 2528

Narellan Jets Junior Rugby League

Cindy Morley 0413 086 601

Camden District Cricket Association

Kyle Malcolm - President 0411 371 115

Cobbitty Narellan Cricket Club

Mark Bush - 0497 555 071 - mbush@hvg.net.au

Oran Park Cricket Club

Karl Bennett coaching@oranparkcricket.com.au

Oran Park Rovers Football Club

Nathan Hawthorne 0422 139 993

Oran Park 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

Anyone who has lost and grieved a loved one knows the trepidation that one experiences as they approach a first, a special occasion or significant day.

Mothers Day is approaching, the second Sunday in May, traditionally a day to recognise our mothers, motherhood, maternal bonds and all those positively contributing to our families in such a role.

This Mothers Day marks 6 years without my amazing Mum. She was a force to be reckoned with, strong, determined, ambitious and creative.

Take some time to invest yourself deep into the lives of those who matter on Mothers Day, time is precious and not promised.

This month, plenty to read, see and do within these pages. Catch up on all the happenings in and across the community.

Enjoy your Community News!

Water what waters you.

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