Camden Councillors Ashleigh Cagney and Therese Fedeli have been elected as Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively at their recent Ordinary Council meeting.
Mayor Cagney said she was honoured to be re-elected Mayor of Camden.
“I’m thrilled to be working with my fellow eight Councillors in the fastest growing Council in Australia. Camden is a diverse and connected community with amazing opportunities for growth while cherishing our rich heritage and supporting natural environment projects,” Mayor Cagney said.
Cr Cagney, who lives in Currans Hill with her husband John and four children, has been active in the community through her involvement with St Clare’s Parents and Friends Association Executive Camden Rotary, Camden Youth Council and Camden Rotary’s Relay for Life Committee. She is also a board member of the Macarthur Football Association and South West Sydney Academy of Sport.
First elected to Mayor in May of 2023, she has been involved with a number of initiatives, including NAIDOC Week celebrations, National Tree Day with 3,000 native species planted, the Mayor’s Winter Sleepout to combat homelessness, the Camden Careers Expo, Seniors Festival events and many more.
Mayor Cagney said she was looking forward to the community enjoying the $67 million Oran Park Leisure Centre, which opens from 21 October.
“With summer just around the corner, the local community and visitors can enjoy world class leisure and aquatic facilities for many decades to come, Mayor Cagney said.
“Hopefully, Oran Park Leisure Centre will become the Southwest Sydney home of many aspiring athletes, their families and future Olympians.”
Mayor Cagney said she’s also looking forward to working with internal and external stakeholders on the $10 million Camden Animal Shelter project, as construction is expected to commence in mid-2025 and be completed in mid-2026.
“When I was previously Mayor of Camden, it was great to officially launch stage two of the Narellan Sports Hub and provide the community with its first-ever Camden Christmas Festival and Oran Park Christmas Concert,” Mayor Cagney said.
Cr Therese Fedeli said, “I’m thrilled to be the Deputy Mayor of Camden and I’m really looking forward to serving this wonderful community in a range of projects. I believe we can achieve some great results along with my fellow Councillors.”
r Image/Article: Camden Council
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: 4648 5085
Macarthur Art Group
Meet every third Saturday at Narellan Library 1st floor from 9.30am - 1.30pm. Tea coffee biscuits for a gold coin donation. More details: 0404 229 498
OAK - Over 55's Social Group
Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 10.00am to 11.30am at New Life Anglican Church Oran Park. Morning Tea is provided and there is no charge. More details: 0438 093 412
Children + Families
PlayTime @ NewLife Anglican Church
Meets Wednesdays (During School terms) at 10.00am -11.30am. 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.
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
Little Shop of Horrors Comes to Camden
After the great successes of their recent productions of Villains and Vixens, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Nunsense, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Camden Musical Society is back on stage with the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors.
Follow the story of Seymour Krelborn, a humble florist who stumbles upon a mysterious plant with an unusual appetite. As Seymour's fortunes rise, so does the plant's, leading to a series of unexpected and humorous twists. Starring Zach Moses as Seymour, Emily Boardman as the sweet but naive Audrey, Corey Harvey as Orin Scrivello, the deranged dentist, and Kane Hudson as the grumpy flower shop owner Mr Mushnik, Little Shop of Horrors offers a unique and entertaining theatrical experience which will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. A huge part of the show is, of course, the terrifying yet charismatic plant (dubbed Audrey II) which will be brought to life with the help of three puppeteers, four different puppets and a supremely talented voice artist (Alfie Walker).
"Little Shop of Horrors is special for its unique blend of comedy, horror, and science fiction in a musical format. Beneath its campy exterior, the show explores themes of ambition, greed, and morality, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking" - Bree-Anna Linsley, Director
With the refurbishment of the Camden Civic Centre, Camden Musical Society had to find another venue for this show, and the AH&I Hall in Argyle Street turned out to be a perfect match with its intimate ambience and retro vibe. Don't miss seeing this deliciously dark yet beautifully touching musical right here in Camden.
Showing from 22 November - 1 December 2024 at the Camden Show Hall (also known as the AH&I Hall). Visit www. camdenmusicalsociety.com.au for more information and ticket bookings.
r (L to R) Corey Harvey, Emily Boardman, Zach Moses, Kane Hudson. Image: Kylie Lyons, Handprint Photography. Article: Camden Musical Society
Community Win: School Crossings Underway
I’m pleased to announce that I’ve delivered on my election promise to build Camden South Public School a new raised school crossing. This construction is now complete. Over the October school holidays, construction for the raised wombat crossing was carried out, and opened for Day 1 of Term 4 on Monday. As a former teacher and parent in the area, I know this infrastructure was a vital, long-awaited change. Camden South Public School has been left for years without a safe school crossing, resulting in parents needing to drive their kids directly to school to avoid risk, despite living within walking distance.
This crossing will remedy this issue. The wombat crossing is designed to slow down highway traffic, providing a safer path to school for our local students.
Since being elected, I have been focused on addressing the neglect of the former government by improving community safety – because nothing is more important than knowing our children are looked after.
I am so proud to be able to have seen this process the whole way through, and fully deliver this necessary infrastructure to the community. Thank you to our community for raising these issues and helping me to action this change.
To keep updated with my ongoing school crossings campaign, scan the QR code.
As always, If I can assist you in any other state matters, please don’t hesitate to contact me at my office on 4655 3333 or at camden@parliament.nsw.gov.au.au.
r Sally Quinnell MP, Community Win! School Crossings Underway | Image: Sally Quinnell MP (02) 4655 3333 camden@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shops G20/21 Narellan Town Centre, 326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan NSW 2567
Authorised by Sally
MP, Shops G20/21 Narellan Town Centre, 326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan NSW 2567. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.
$1,000,000
Grant to Get Women and Girls into Sport in Macarthur
Dr Mike Freelander MP, the Federal Member for Macarthur, is proud to have helped secure vital funding for local women and girls to find it easier and more enjoyable to play sport as a result of a $1,000,000 grant to Macarthur Bulls FC.
Macarthur FC was selected to receive the funding under the Australian Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program, which is designed to remove barriers to women and girls participating in sport and physical activity.
It will use the money to deliver football development and coaching programs for women and girls in the Macarthur region, including those from CALD & Indigenous backgrounds.
Macarthur FC is one of the many groups around the nation which will receive Play Our Way funding for participation programs, or new or modified equipment suitable for women and girls across a range of sports and physical activity programs.
More than 660 applications for funding were received. Funding is being offered to initiatives nationwide, with a focus on women and girls who face additional barriers to participation.
Assessment of applications under the facilities stream of the Play Our Way Grant Program to support construction of new and modified sporting facilities, playing areas and spaces, is still in progress.
More information on the Play Our Way Grant Opportunity can be found at: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/ play-our-way-program.
r Image/Article: Dr Mike Freelander MP/The Hon Anika Wells MP
Quinnell
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.
Oran Park Leisure Centre: Southwest Sydney’s New Sports Destination Natural Disaster Connectivity Boost for Macarthur
No longer will the next Ariarne Titmus or Cameron McEvoy born out of Southwest Sydney be forced to travel far to mould their dreams of glory – with the Oran Park Leisure Centre opening on 21 October.
Set to become Southwest Sydney’s premier leisure and aquatic centre, the new facility will be home to an indoor 50m pool, a leisure pool and learn-to-swim pool, an indoor multipurpose sports hall with four basketball courts and a state-of-the-art gym. It will also feature a spa, sauna and steam room, café, crèche and ample undercover parking.
The $67 million project was co-funded by Camden Council and Greenfields Development Company. It is the largest project ever delivered by a Council in Southwest Sydney.
The leisure centre, located at 74 Central Avenue, Oran Park, designed by Warren and Mahoney Architects and built by ADCO Constructions, will be managed by BlueFit.
Camden Council hosted a community event at the facility on 20 October, where there was a range of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Camden Council General Manager Andrew Carfield said the facility will be enjoyed by local residents and visitors to the Camden area for many decades to come.
“The Oran Park Leisure Centre is a testament to the vision we have for Camden – to provide world-class facilities right here in our community,” he said.
“This centre will not only cater to our growing population but also inspire the next generation of athletes and active families. We are incredibly proud to bring such a comprehensive facility to the Macarthur region.
“This facility is part of Council’s ambitious $1 billion Capital Works Program which will deliver vital local infrastructure for our rapidly growing community over the next four years.”
Greenfields General Manager Mick Owens said he was excited to see the centre open its doors.
“We are very proud to have facilitated this fantastic community project,” he said.
“It is another piece that adds to the lifestyle of the town centre and provides another layer of amenity for the residents of Oran Park.”
BlueFit Chief Executive Officer Todd McHardy said his team were looking forward to delivering a range of health, fitness, sports and aquatic programs for users of the centre.
“We're excited for the Oran Park Leisure Centre to become a vibrant community hub where members and families feel inspired to engage in various health and fitness activities,” he said.
“With memberships and Learn to Swim enrolments opening soon, we're eager to deliver accessible and inclusive fitness, wellness, sports, and aquatic opportunities to the Camden community.”
For more information on memberships, swim school and everything else available at Oran Park Leisure Centre, visit www.oranparkleisurecentre.com.au.
Residents of Macarthur will share in $40.9 million for upgraded mobile coverage awarded nationally for 47 projects under Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP), delivering a major boost for locals in Gregory Hills and surrounding suburbs.
The Government has awarded funding to mobile carriers and tower companies for projects in the region that will deliver new or upgraded mobile phone infrastructure that targets longstanding mobile coverage and reception issues in our area.
The peri-urban fringe is where the bush meets the suburbs, creating natural disaster risks for those living and working there. These areas have been historically underserved because of the high cost of deploying infrastructure, difficult terrain, planning challenges and lower population densities.
Natural disasters across Australia have highlighted the need for more reliable mobile services during emergencies, which the Government is committed to delivering.
The projects were recommended by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts following a competitive, merit-based process.
The PUMP complements other Government initiatives to improve telecommunications services across Australia, through its $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
For more information on PUMP Round 2, including a list of funded solutions, visit infrastructure.gov.au/pump.
"We’re pleased to support these projects, which will help to ensure the Macarthur community can stay in touch and receive information when they need it most” said the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.
rArticle: Dr Mike Freelander MP/The Hon Michelle Rowland MP
Be Kind Friday: Spreading Kindness Across Communities
Be Kind Friday, a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering kindness, has had an eventful year filled with impactful initiatives and growing support. “Our mission is to inspire individuals and communities to come together every Friday, embracing kindness as a way of life,” explains Director, Pat Frusciante.
Throughout 2024, Be Kind Friday held monthly events across various Sydney suburbs, thanks to generous sponsorships from local businesses such as Camden Valley Meats, Urbun Bakery, We Donut Care, Lindt Chocolate, Alka Power, Burek on Wheels, and Ayoub Fresh. “It’s heartwarming to know these businesses believe in what we are doing and want to support us,” says Pat.
In June, Be Kind Friday expanded its reach with a successful activation in Queensland. “The weather was perfect, the turnout was huge, and the vibe was buzzing as 9 News Gold Coast stopped by,” Pat says. The organisation also launched weekly giveaways through its social media channels, continuing to engage the community with small acts of kindness.
One highlight of 2024 has been the introduction of Be Kind Friday school talks, which aim to teach children the value of kindness. “We had a great chat with students at Oran Park Anglican School, and their response was very positive. We hope to bring these talks to many more schools next year,” says Pat.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises even more growth. The organisation will soon launch its Be Kind Friday van, provided by Lion’s Den Finance & Advisory, to enhance their event capabilities. “This van will take us to the next level, allowing us to carry more stock and travel further to spread kindness,” Pat explains. Plans also include expanding into Victoria, with continued events in Sydney and Queensland.
For those interested in getting involved, Pat encourages the community to reach out through their social media platforms or email. “Everyone can join us, whether by sponsoring an event, attending a gathering, or simply spreading kindness every day,” says Pat. “One small act of kindness can create a ripple, a wave, and change the world, one soul at a time.”
With gratitude for the progress made in 2024, Pat and the Be Kind Friday team are excited for what’s to come. “We’ve had a positive year, and we feel our message is getting out there. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!”
Get in touch at bekindfriday@myyahoo.com or via Facebook or Instagram.
r Group photo at their Queensland Activation| Image: Pat Frusciante. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Thank You for Celebrating with The Podium Oran Park!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined them for their epic 10th birthday celebration at The Podium Oran Park on October 17th! It was a truly memorable day, filled with excitement, laughter, and a wonderful sense of community.
The atmosphere was electric as families and friends gathered to take part in the festivities. A special highlight of the day was the announcement of the winner of the Clinton’s Toyota RAV4, who was also celebrating her 10-year wedding anniversary as part of our community. They were thrilled to have had such enthusiastic participation and to celebrate this milestone together.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including the thrilling Claw Machine, where many had the chance to win exciting prizes with their purchases. The Kids Craft Zone was a huge hit, with little ones expressing their creativity and making memories that will last a lifetime. Face painting and balloon bending added to the fun, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.
They were also excited to showcase stunning V8 Supercars on display, allowing fans to get up close to these incredible machines.
Mark Perich, Director of Greenfields Development Company, expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s amazing to see our community come together to celebrate this milestone. We’re proud to be a part of Oran Park and look forward to many more years of fun and connection.”
They are incredibly grateful for their dedicated staff, vendors, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this celebration a success. Their hard work and commitment to our community truly made a difference. A special thank you goes out to everyone who participated in their activities and contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the day.
As they look back on this milestone, they are reminded of how fortunate we are to be part of such a wonderful community. Your continued support over the past decade has made The Podium a beloved destination for all. They can’t wait to create more memories with you in the future.
Thank you once again for celebrating with them! Here’s to many more years of fun, community, and unforgettable moments at The Podium Oran Park!
r Mark Perich, Director of Greenfields Development Company and Camden Mayor Ashleigh Cagney as the ribbon is cut | Image/Article: Greenfields Development Company
Article Written + Submitted
by: Keira Noble | Clinical Psychologist
The Anxiety & Depression Clinic
W: www.anxietydepressionclinic.com.au
P: 0424 263 577 | 02 46266932
Perfectionism
Are you a high achiever and have exceedingly high expectations of yourself?
Whilst working hard and having goals is helpful in providing drive and direction, holding rigidly to goals and holding oneself to unrealistic standards impacts our well-being.
Perfectionism is a common problem for many people and can be a serious issue that often goes undetected. A perfectionist works relentlessly toward their next goal and is often tunnel visioned in this pursuit, meaning that they can become fixated on their next task whilst dismissing other factors including their own feelings, fatigue levels and environmental cues, including people around them. Whilst someone with perfectionism may be a high achiever and look to others that they are extremely successful; they often suffer low self-esteem and are highly self-critical. Their perfectionism is often rewarded by the awards and accolades they receive from others which provides brief feelings of reassurance. however, in the long term, they continue to suffer feelings of worthlessness that can lead to depression. Whilst perfectionism can be seen as an admirable trait, pathological perfectionism is motivated by a fear of failure rather than a desire to strive. Whilst we all like to succeed, it is important and healthy that we can sit with the discomfort of making a mistake or failing on occasion which is an inevitable fact of life.
Behaviour Changer for Perfectionism
• Take a moment to check in and notice
• Bring your awareness to the current
• Notice any rigid rules you have (‘I have and see if you can hold them lightly
• Regularly set small tasks where you make a part of a task incomplete or leave something unchecked
• Employ the ‘near enough is good enough’ some tasks and practice sitting with the discomfort this provides
Gregory Hills Women Over 50 Group: Fabulous Not Invisible
One day you wake up and find yourself an empty or near enough empty nester. Your children are grown up and your washing basket is empty. They are driving themselves to sport and school and to sleepovers or maybe they have moved out. Suddenly, between looking for socks to pair which were eaten long ago by the sock monster, you realise that a lot of the friendships forged through school and sport have moved in a different direction and that you're unsure how to make new connections.
For Tracey Najjar, most of the local groups and community Facebook pages had topics around local schools, daycare, mums and bubs, and being in her fifties, along with having an eighteen-year-old son, many of the topics were no longer relevant to her.
Tracey decided to take matters into her own hands and did a post in her local community group Facebook page, asking if anyone would be interested in something for women over 50. A few ladies responded and so the Gregory Hills Women Over 50 Group was born, and Tracey had a whole new baby. “What we are hoping to do with this group, is to have active members who are genuinely wanting to participate in events, whilst establishing relationships and being part of a community of ladies who want to engage in conversations, and other activities, building new friendships” said Tracey to the Oran Park Gazette.
Tracey says, “We had our first coffee catch up on 13th October, and the group is looking at lots of varied events such as coffee catch ups, walks, dinners, movies, live music gigs, High Teas, Sip and Paints and other local shows”. Furthermore, she says that “the next event on Saturday 30th November, we will be getting together at Macarthur Square for dinner and a movie; and if the movie is no good, I guess we will need to settle on dinner, drinks
and great company forming new friendships”.
If you would like to join the group, search Gregory Hills Women Over 50 Group on Facebook.
Hello & Welcome ANGUS TAYLOR from
I’d like to introduce myself as your Liberal member for the seat of Hume, as a result of the recent federal redistribution.
Our community is a great place to live, work and raise a family. For the past 11 years as the Member for Hume it has been an honour and privilege to represent my constituents in the Federal Parliament.
I’ve advocated for local jobs, small businesses and better infrastructure and services to enhance our quality of life.
As your federal representative I can help you access federal government services and represent you on local issues.
To ensure I continue to advocate for what is important to you and our community, I would like to hear from you.
I would be grateful if you could please scan the QR code below to complete my 30 second survey to help me better understand the challenges of the local community. Alternatively share your concerns or feedback with me angus.taylor.mp@aph.gov.au
Thank you to all the residents who joined me for the community barbeque at Dawson Damer Park on October 12th.
Later in the day I headed to Oran Park Podium where I also spoke to several small business owners.
The Coalition will get Australia back on track by delivering a back to basic economic agenda that fights inflation and boosts productivity. This will include cutting red tape; securing our energy future; reforming our tax system; restoring sensible workplace laws; encouraging enterprise and small business and supporting a strong financial sector.
We will be absolutely focused on restoring Australians’ way of life.
Scan this QR code to complete the survey online
r The first women’s event [Inset] QR Code to join Gregory Hills Women Over 50 Group | Images: Tracey Najjar. Article: Julie Lobel
The Moustache is Calling
Twenty-one years ago, a bristly idea was born in Melbourne Australia, igniting a movement that would transcend borders and change the face of men’s health forever. The movement, known as Movember, united people from all walks of life –sparking billions of important conversations, raising vital funds, and shattering the silence surrounding men’s health issues.
Since 2003, this trailblazing charity has challenged the status quo, shaken up men’s health research, and transformed the way that health services reach and support men. Thanks to their global network of supporters, they have raised over AUD 1.5 billion for men’s health. These critical funds have powered more than 1,300 men’s health projects worldwide, from pioneering biomedical research to developing some of the largest prostate cancer registries globally. Since taking on mental health and suicide prevention in 2006, Movember has advocated for the early recognition of mental health issues and improved clinician responses to men in distress. By fostering better social connections and educating men and their supporters, Movember hopes to ensure that more men know how to act when mental health challenges arise.
Movember is committed to advancing new research, cuttingedge treatments, and healthy behaviours, and advocating for inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare that caters to the unique needs of men, women, and gender-diverse individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. In doing so, they hope to forge a future where barriers to healthy living are overcome, stigmas are removed, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to live a long, healthy life. By improving men’s health, we can have a profoundly positive impact on women, families, and society.
At Movember, they’re driven by a bold mission: to change the face of men’s health. But that mission isn't ours to tackle alone. To truly make a difference, they need to unite their global community of supporters. Growing a moustache is the original Movember method. Start with a shave down, then let your Mo take care of the rest. You can also Move for Movember, running or walking 60km over the month. Each kilometre is for the 60 men lost to suicide globally every hour or Mo Your Own way and make your own rules.
This Movember, the moustache is calling once more. Come Together. Grow Together. Become one with the Moustache. Donate now at Movember.com or via the Movember app.
r Unite to take on men’s health | Image/Article: Movember
2024 Camden R.S.L Remembrance Day
The Camden R.S.L Sub Branch invites the local community to attend the annual Remembrance Day Commemoration Service on Monday, 11th November 2024 at the Macarthur Gardens Memorial Site, located on Menangle Road, Camden. The service will commence at 10:15 AM.
This solemn occasion holds deep significance for our community as we come together to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve in the defence of our nation.
The public is encouraged to participate by laying personal floral tributes during the service, as a gesture of respect and remembrance for the fallen.
"This annual service is a vital reminder of the sacrifices made by so many for the freedoms we enjoy today. It is an opportunity for our community to reflect on the legacy of those who served and ensure their memory lives on," said Carlene Cardona, Event Coordinator for the Camden R.S.L Sub Branch.
Remembrance Day serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the importance of peace. It unites people across generations in a shared act of reflection, ensuring the legacy of past sacrifices continues to inspire future generations. By gathering together, the Camden community reinforces the enduring value of service, duty, and remembrance.
All members of the public, local schools, and organisations are welcome to attend. For further information or enquiries, please contact Carlene Cardona at anzacday@camdensb.com. au.
Let us come together as a community to commemorate this important day.
r Remembrance Day in 2021 | Image: Brett Atkins | Article: Camden R.S.L Sub Branch
Local Oran Park School Wins Prestigious National Award for Intercultural Excellence
The inaugural Together for Humanity (TFH) National Awards for Intercultural Excellence have been held via an online ceremony. Attending were representatives from 16 Australian schools, guest speaker Giridharan Sivaraman, Australian Human Rights Commission Race Discrimination Commissioner, and Peter Khalil MP, Special Envoy for Social Cohesion.
TFH’s mission is to create a more cohesive, inclusive society free of racism and prejudice, where all young people feel they belong. The awards were launched by the educational not-for-profit to recognise high school student champions, as well as teachers, teams, or schools who demonstrate leadership, passion and influence in intercultural and/or interfaith issues. Recipients were awarded across four categories.
‘Individual Teacher’ and ‘School Team’ awards recognised teachers or school teams who facilitated curriculum enhancement, interschool initiatives, community engagement and whole-school approaches. ‘Individual Student’ and ‘Student Team’ awards recognised high school students or student teams promoting, encouraging or advocating for intercultural or interfaith understanding in areas including diversity and inclusion, anti-racism, human rights and reconciliation.
Awards were presented to one individual student, four student teams, two individual teachers and nine school teams from Government, Independent and Catholic schools located in NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
St Benedict’s Catholic College, Oran Park was a Student Team Award Recipient.
“Together For Humanity congratulates all those who received awards. It’s inspiring to see students, teachers and schools championing inclusion and promoting intercultural initiatives in their communities,” said Rabbi Zalman Kastel AM, Dean and Founder of Together For Humanity. “I’m particularly proud of the young change-makers determined to bring about meaningful change in their communities.”
Kate Xavier, Awards Director and Professional Learning Lead at Together For Humanity said the essence of all the projects was honouring identity and fostering belonging and inclusion.
“In schools, there is a big focus on literacy and numeracy, but if young people don’t have a sense of belonging, their wellbeing and learning are impacted,” said Xavier.
“The Awards are an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the rich work happening at a grassroots level in school communities. We don’t often hear about projects like these, driven by passionate students and teachers who know their communities best; they’re the unsung heroes of intercultural work.”
r Elvina Joby, Mia Mynott, Kaitlyn Benedicic, Alyssa Hogan and Emily Webb from St Benedict's Catholic College Oran Park | Image/Article: Together for Humanity (TFH)
PROBUS CLUB
Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Oran Park E: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com | P: 0410758755
Probus South Pacific’s October Probus month celebrated community and companionship in retirement. Probus Clubs throughout Australia held Probus colour themed events. You may have seen gold and blue bunting and banners, hats and shirts as Clubs took advantage of the spring weather to hold picnics and BBQs in local parks.
One of the events planned for our Club involved the walking group holding a morning tea at their walking venue, Harrington Park Lake. The intrepid walkers brave the weather on most Thursdays of the month and walk at the pace and distance that suits them, often stopping for any photographic opportunities that arise. Who can resist the ducklings! If you see our walkers, please say hello and find out more about Probus and Oran Park Probus Club. The local coffee shop is a great way to end this morning exercise. Some members skip the walk and just join the group for coffee!
Where does the word Probus come from? Initially there for those retiring from professional careers, ‘Pro’ comes from professional and ‘Bus’ from business. The first Probus Club was formed in New Zealand 50 years ago, by Rotary. Now there are clubs worldwide with membership open to anyone who is retired or semi-retired and wants to connect and make friends in their local community. Probus provides opportunities for members to participate in a wide range of activities, trips and interest groups, to keep their minds and bodies active.
The Probus year ends in December and recommences in February, however we still have a busy few weeks at Oran Park Probus Club, with our regular activities - coffee and chats, pub lunches, specialty dining, boyz club, craft, trivia, movie and theatre shows. Outings to POLAIR and Retford Park house and gardens will be followed by the final event of the year, our Christmas party!
It’s not too late to join Probus – come to a monthly meeting on Thursday, November 7 or Tuesday, December 3. Listen to our Guest speaker, talk to some of our members, perhaps stay on to lunch afterwards and find out if Oran Park Probus Club would suit you.
Visitors are always welcome. Meetings commence at 10.00am and are held in the Function room of Wests Lakeside Golf Club, 50 Raby Road, Gledswood Hills.
If you would like more information about Oran Park Probus Club, please contact the Club Secretary, email: 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
“Is There Anyone Out There?”
That cry in Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ is haunting, but also familiar to many of us. In August, the NSW Government launched a parliamentary inquiry into loneliness. According to the frame of reference, “Loneliness occurs when a person experiences distress from greater levels of social disconnection than they desire.”
It may appear easy to dismiss loneliness as an unfortunate occasional event, but Martin Blake of Groundswell notes, “A growing body of evidence demonstrates how prevalent loneliness is in Australia and around the world – and its harmful consequences if left unaddressed. The impacts of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes or having six alcoholic drinks per day.”
Further research shows that loneliness is linked with premature death, poor physical and mental health, and increased psychological distress. Remarkably, loneliness isn’t just for the isolated. Elizabeth Shaw of Relationships Australia, writes, “You can be lonely due to lack of social connections, and you can be surrounded by others and feel deeply lonely.”
So why highlight this? Firstly, because in a growing suburb like Oran Park, loneliness is sure to be prevalent, and secondly, because we run an organisation that gives you some practical ways to get on the front foot.
I was speaking with a young first-time mum and mentioned our Wednesday morning Playtime group for 0-5year olds and their carers. She was excited to think that although her baby couldn’t engage with the craft and story time, she might be able to get out of the house and talk with another adult. We offer lots of opportunities for connection with Friday afternoon for primary kids, Friday nights for teens at Youth, and Sundays at 9:30am and 6pm.
Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full.” At the very least His invitation to know God came with an invitation to be known in community. There are people out there - and we’d be glad to get to know you.
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 Gregory Hills Chargers RLFC
Melissa Takacs 0491 644 812
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
As we start to work our way through November, the countdown to the school holidays and festive season seems to be racing towards us at top speed. It’s no longer possible to ignore the tinsel that’s starting to twinkle in the shops or the online advertisements for every kind of advent calendar you’d like to imagine – that’s my Christmas gift suggestion to all those wanting to get it over and done before December even arrives!
I would like to take this moment to thank all our team, supporters, subscribers and contributors, you all help to make the Gazette our go-to paper for all things local.
A special thank you to our wonderful advertisers, you make getting our local paper into every letterbox possible!
In the meantime, Summer’s almost here, so dust off your cossies for a dip, and of course, take a moment or two to relax and check out everything that’s happening right here in your community with your copy of the District Gazette.
“Do anything, but let it produce joy.”
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Santa Photo bookings open 8 Nov, scan the QR code to secure your spot.
