Camden Mayor Confirms Candidacy For 2024 Local
Government Elections
Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney has announced her candidacy in the 2024 Local Government Elections at the top of Labor’s Camden Central ticket. Election day has been scheduled for Saturday 14 September 2024.
Mum of four who calls Currans Hill home with her husband John, Cr Cagney was first elected to Camden Council in 2016 and has been Mayor of Camden since May 2023. In this time, Cr Cagney has been an advocate for community centered initiatives including improving local resilience, ensuring that council was proud of its appearance in tackling local graffiti and littering, improving councils’ connection with community by restoring the community survey and hosting a broader breath of events, and improving local waste management.
Announcing her candidacy, Cr Cagney said “My priority is to ensure that Camden continues to be the best place to live, work, and play. It would be an honour to continue to be a champion for central ward and all of Camden.”
“Much has been achieved, but more must and can be done by council, including tackling local traffic congestion, road quality, cost-of-living relief, and ensuring our local amenities are future-fit.”
Cr Cagney was also please to introduce those joining her on the Camden Central Labor ticket, with all three candidates running together under a message of putting people first. Joining Cr Cagney on the ticket is Koady Williams and Tahia Khair. Mr Williams, a Macarthur area local is putting his hat in the ring because he wants Camden to continue to be the best place to be. “Camden has come a long way, but if people want a council that can address our continuing growing pains, we need to elect councillors who are going to put people and our community first”. Growing up in the area, Koady is excited to build and life and family here with his fiancée, registered nurse Alicia Kendall.
Mr Williams holds a Master of Business Administration, has recently completed his law studies, and is committed to being an advocate for every Camden resident. “Day-to-day I work passionately advocating for the interests of our state’s nurses and midwives with the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association. I look forward to any opportunity to advocate for the interests of Camden residents” Mr Williams said.
Mrs Khair, who has called the local area home for several years wants to see Camden Council continue be a leading council in community engagement and activation. “I’ve lived in many areas, but few councils host such a diverse range of community activities as Camden. I am committed to defending and improving these initiatives as a candidate in Central ward”.
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 9.30 am - 1.30 pm. 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 10am 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 10am -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
Camden Markets 2570: A New Hub for Local Artisans
Camden’s Main Street is buzzing with excitement as Camden Markets 2570 opens its doors, offering a new destination for art lovers and shoppers alike. The brainchild of Kelly Grasso, this innovative store aims to support micro businesses and bring a fresh energy to the area.
“The need for a quality market with a diverse range of vendors at reasonable prices became clear,” said Kelly. “I saw an opportunity to help micro businesses struggling with the cost of living by providing them with a platform to earn income without the need to constantly attend markets.”
Camden Markets 2570 is not just another shop; it’s a celebration of local talent. The store features an eclectic mix of products, from handmade ceramics and unique artwork to candles, crochet items, and artisanal cookies. “We’re proud to stock a variety of local goods,” Grasso explains. “Our offerings include ladies' clothing, honey, books by local authors and resin art, ensuring there’s something for everyone.”
Located at 125 Argyle Street, Camden, the store’s trading hours are designed to fit various schedules. It’s open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to 4:00pm, and Saturday from 9:30am to 2:00pm. On Sundays, it’s open from 10:00am to 2:00pm, while it remains closed on Mondays.
Camden Markets 2570 is set to host a launch event, though the date is yet to be confirmed. “We’re looking forward to celebrating with the community and showcasing the talent of our local artisans,” said Kelly.
In addition to the store’s offerings, customers can engage directly with the artists during the week. “We have artists working in-store, so visitors can chat with them and explore upcoming workshops,” Kelly said.
For more information or to access the online store, contact Camden Markets 2570 at info@camdenmarkets2570.com. au or visit their website at www.camdenmarkets2570.com. au. Alternatively, you can reach Kelly Grasso directly at 0401 969493.
r Kelly Grasso in front of Camden Markets 2570 Shop | Image: Stacey McCarthy Photography. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Gregory Hills Primary School
The Gregory Hills Primary School is now open!
This school is a long time coming, and a direct result of the hard work of our local community.
As the Labor candidate for our local area, this school was one of my first commitments. Alongside Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier Prue Car, we were instrumental in lobbying the Liberal Government for this crucial infrastructure.
In 2007, the State Labor Government advised Gregory Hills developers to set aside land for a future primary school. In 2011, the elected Liberal Government took over this project, but made no commitments until 2018, where a $6 billion package was announced to deliver 170 schools.
In 2020, parents began enrolling their children in Gledswood Hills Primary. When kindergarten enrolment hit 220 students, parents turned to the Liberal Government for update on the school, who provided no reply. In retaliation, they formed a Facebook group to begin campaigning.
Parents lobbied to the Opposition Labor Government. Jodi McKay, Prue Car and Mike Freelander joined the community in campaigning for Premier Berejiklian to take immediate action. After the 2021 budget revealed the school was still being funded for planning, the community distributed petitions totalling 2910 signatures. Upon presentation, the Liberal Government still did not provide an answer. In 2021, documents were released revealing an earliest school opening in 2027. Concerned parents met again in a televised meeting with Opposition Leader Chris Minns and Prue Car.
Labor lobbying accelerated this project. In 2022, the Liberal Government finally revealed the main contract for the school would be finalised mid-year. Labor lobbying reduced this to this year, where the school facilities have opened, with 44 classrooms, 4 support classrooms, and sporting and recreational facilities. Its capacity is for over 1,000 students, meeting the needs of our growing community.
I’m so proud of our local community for everything they did to get this school off the ground. Thank you for letting me listen, and for electing me to continue to deliver this infrastructure to our area.
r Sally Quinnell MP, Alison Rourke, Principal of Gregory Hills Public School, Prue Car MP and students | Image: Sally Quinnell MP
Author Talk - Joan Sauers
Notable screenwriter Joan Sauers is once again moving from screen and script to page. Her propulsive debut thriller Echo Lake is set in the scenic Southern Highlands.
Familiar local pubs, cafes and places are mixed with imaginary ones to provide a compelling, atmospheric, even haunting storyline and setting.
Echo Lake pulls you in from the start as you're shown a glimpse of what awaits the hero, Rose McHugh, down the track. Rose is a recently divorces historian escaping her city life to find peace in the country, instead unearthing mystery after mystery in which she plays an unwanted starring role. Add an enigmatic detective, colourful characters and murder...what more could you want?
Date and Times Sat 7 Sep 2024 01:00PM-03:00PM Open for registrations Venue
Narellan Library
Corner Queen & Elyard St, Narellan 2567
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.
Royce Simmons Visits Oran Park
An NRL legend, Royce Simmons and his crew visited Oran Park on August 14th, day 9 of 10 of his 300km walk. He received a warm welcome from around 200 students from Oran Park Public School, who formed a path, clapping and cheering Simmons and his crew through.
Simmons, who was diagnosed with dementia, created the Royce Simmons Foundation to raise money for dementia research. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he decided to take action. According to Dementia Australia, over 400,000 Australians currently live with dementia, a number expected to more than double by 2054. Simmons is determined to tackle dementia, by raising funds to find a cure. Each research project costs $380,000, and in just three years, Simmons' Big Walk has already funded more than five of these critical projects.
On the day Simmons arrived at Oran Park, he was joined by other legends, including Brad Fittler, Paul McGregor, and John Cross. The students greeted them all with smiles and a huge round of applause. The NRL Development Clinic set up activities to get the students active, while the local football club, Oran Park Chargers, hosted a BBQ to raise additional funds for the foundation. Overall, it was a spectacular day, filled with laughter and an overwhelming sense of support.
Despite being on day 9 of his journey, with nearly 250km already behind him, Simmons showed no signs of slowing down. After walking almost 20km that day alone, he was still full of energy, and not one drop of sweat could be seen on his face. He took the time to chat with everyone and even joined in on the activities organised by the NRL Development Clinic. Once he and his crew had finished running around with the students, they set off once more to continue their journey. Even the added challenge of rain couldn’t dampen their spirits or slow their progress.
Simmon’s visit to Oran Park wasn’t just a stop on his journey; it was a powerful reminder of how communities can come together to make a real difference. The event highlighted the strength of unity, the importance of giving back, and the impact one individual can have when they choose to turn their challenges into opportunities for others.
It isn’t too late to donate! If you would like to support Royce and his foundation, simply head to http://roycesimmonsfoundation. com.au.
r [Top] Oran Park Chargers members hosting the BBQ [Above] Royce Simmons greeted by Oran Park Public School students | Image: Royce’s Big Walk/Royce Simmons Foundation. Article: Alicia Dean
Article Written + Submitted by:
Keira Noble | Clinical Psychologist
The Anxiety & Depression Clinic
W: www.anxietydepressionclinic.com.au
P: 0424 263 577 | 02 46266932
Anger and Resentment
Have you ever been so angered by what someone has said or done to you that it has started to consume your thoughts, lead to you lashing out physically or verbally, or even impacted your functioning?
It is normal to experience anger, and it is an important emotion that can propel us to change behaviours, speak up for ourselves and assist us to be more assertive regarding the needs and rights of ourselves and others. Whilst anger is often stated as the problem, it is actually our choice to act aggressively or passive aggressively, which is more correctly the issue.
When we act aggressively, the effects can be detrimental, leading to damaging close relationships, hurting ourselves or others, and even trouble with the law in some instances.
We do not want to be on a constant quest of trying to rid ourselves of anger, but rather be able to have this important emotion and know how to act in the service of what is important to us. There is often a large emotional, psychological and physical cost in choosing to hold onto anger and resentment and knowing how to ‘let go’ after much hurt can be difficult. Furthermore, when we hold onto anger and resentment, holding a grudge, we do so to our own detriment.
Behaviour Changer- Tips to let go of anger and resentment
• Bring your awareness to the anger and notice if there is any other emotion behind the anger e.g. hurt, disappointment, sadness.
• Try and sit with the emotion with a kind and gentle approach.
• Reflect that when making a choice to let go of anger and resentment, you are the one who stands to make the greatest benefit.
Book Review your
always just around the corner.
Aliese Coleson drops off some documents to Hollenbeck on her way home from work. The building's closed, but the documents were supposed to be on his desk hours ago, so she goes in through the back to deliver them. Inside, she witnesses his bloody murder - and she saw who did it.
While fleeing the crime scene, she’s spotted by Kellen Reid, who is caught by police and blamed for the murder. As soon as he is released on bail, he sets out to find Aliese, the only person who can prove his innocence.
But Aliese is determined to stay hidden. Her address was on the documents she delivered, so she flees into the night with her young son, Jonathan, mere minutes before the killers come knocking.
Aliese will do anything to keep Jonathan safe, but his fragile immune system makes him her biggest liability. If he gets sick, she can’t risk taking him to hospital because the killers have eyes and ears everywhere.
The novel takes place over a few wild days, transporting readers from suburban Adelaide to a remote cabin in the Tasmanian bush, to a motel, to a hospital, to a ferry in the middle of the Bass Strait.
Target In Sight is a high-speed suspense novel about the lengths a parent would go to keep their child safe. It's about the risks and rewards of trust and the emotional turmoil and triumph that love entails.
Hester is an expert at putting her characters in impossible situations that make you wonder how, or if, they'll escape.
r Book Review by: Chloe' Steward
New $6 million Centre to Help Children with Hearing Loss Across Western Sydney
The Shepherd Centre welcomed the opening of its newest facility in Oran Park, servicing the needs of young children with hearing loss and their families across the South-West and Far Western Sydney areas.
The centre was opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, delivering on his government’s 2022 election promise to fund the project. Another Government funded centre is also set to open in Launceston, Tasmania later this year, following the recently opened Hobart centre. This continues to see The Shepherd Centre delivering on its mission to provide its wraparound expert services across New South Wales, the Canberra region and Tasmania.
“We are honoured and excited to have Prime Minister Albanese open this purposebuilt, much needed centre for the people of Western Sydney. Everyone involved has worked tirelessly to ensure this development was delivered to provide local, accessible support for children with hearing loss and their families wherever they live,” said The Shepherd Centre CEO, Dr Aleisha Davis.
“But our work is not done yet. We know not all children with hearing loss and their families can access the crucial early intervention services they need. We will keep working with the Government to ensure NDIS supports what it takes to provide specialised services for those that need them most,” continued Dr Davis.
The South-West and Far Western Sydney region is the fastest growing area in NSW. The number of children needing cochlear implants and hearing devices continues to rise and require lifetime care and maintenance. Numbers in the program grow year on year. The new integrated centre brings world class, evidence-based services to the doorstep of families, reducing travel time and costs for families to get to appointments elsewhere.
The centre employs specialists across the fields of audiology, listening and spoken language therapy and family and child counselling, ensuring Western Sydney children can learn to listen and speak and have a world of choice. This is facilitated through The Shepherd Centre’s team-based, early intervention program with specialised, qualified professionals.
The centre will cater to children as young as a few weeks of age, to enable the development of listening and speaking skills during the critical early years. The teambased, early intervention, wraparound model has produced incredible results with 100% of its graduates in 2023 attending their local school of choice, and children able to achieve spoken language on par with their hearing peers by the time they start school.
“Children with hearing loss deserve the best possible start in life and the best possible care and support.
“Opening this state-of-the-art facility here in southwest Sydney will be life-changing for these children” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Prepare for Bush Fire Season with Get Ready Weekend 2024
The NSW Rural Fire Service is hosting its annual Get Ready Weekend over the weekend of Saturday 21 September and Sunday 22 September 2024. Local RFS Brigades are opening their doors to assist residents to review bush fire survival plans and provide information to better prepare for the upcoming bush fire season.
Brigades across the Cumberland and Macarthur areas, incorporating the local government areas of Penrith, Blacktown, Fairfield, Camden, Liverpool, and Campbelltown, will be opening their doors for residents and landholders to meet local volunteer firefighters, and offer the opportunity to discuss bush fire survival plans and also learn about the new Fire Danger Rating System which has been rolled out across NSW.
Of particular concern this season will be the heightened risk of grass fires, and it is important for landholders to ensure that land is prepared to mitigate the risk of fast-moving grass fires. Grass fires move three times faster than bush fires which makes them particularly dangerous.
Brigades will be hosting events at local Brigade stations, shopping centres, and other public areas. Information regarding what your local RFS Brigade has planned will be posted in advance of Get Ready Weekend on the NSW Rural Fire Service website.
A list of events can be found at www. rfs.nsw.gov.au.
Ngoonungi Season (Spring)
Springtime is a special time of the year for most of us. It’s a time to get moving again after Winter, the time we start to thaw, our gardens burst with colourful bulbs like daffodils, and we have a flush of roses. Who among us hasn’t felt the need for a Spring Clean, to brighten our houses and gardens up with the optimism the season brings?
Our four seasons are taught at school, following the seasons that were established throughout Europe and the northern hemisphere, and are based on measured temperatures and rain or snow fall. But Australia is a complicated place, and those seasons, although a good guide, are not as comprehensive as our D’harawal seasons.
In Australia, ancient indigenous knowledge has given us 6 seasons, and these, albeit with different names and languages, flow right across our country. Across the Sydney basin, we live on D’harawal Country, an area that runs from Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) to the northern shores of the Shoalhaven River, and from the eastern shores of the Wollondilly River system to the eastern seaboard.
The indigenous seasons are more than temperature and rainfall. They encompass the behaviour of the native animals, the nesting of birds, the behaviour of snakes and lizards, the insects, the fishing opportunities, the availability of building materials, the ripening of fruits, and much more.
This time, Springtime, is known as Ngoonungi, and like all the six seasons, there is no set date where Wiritjiribin (the season before) ends, and this one begins. We do not step from one, on the 31 August, into the next on the 1 September. It is a more gradual process, as we watch the cool weather beginning to warm, and the flying foxes gathering, coming in from across the north, east and west, to swirl over the Sydney area in a wonderful sky-dancing display just after sunset, before they fly to their night-time feeding grounds in the south where their favourite trees are fruiting. Another sign of the beginning of Ngoonungi are the splashes of bright red Miwwa Gawaian (Telopea speciosissima, or waratah) in the remnant bushland areas in the Sydney basin.
Some areas of Australia, and Perth springs to mind immediately, have embraced their indigenous ‘Noongar’ seasons, recognising that thousands of years of knowledge really does hold true, and the European seasons just don’t seem to fit the sandy plains and escarpments where Perth (Boorloo) sits. With climate now sitting at the centre of our quest for understanding our changing seasons, there is a lot to be gained from the ancient knowledge, we just need to learn, listen, observe, and strive to understand.
r Telopea Speciosissima, or Waratah | Image: Nathan Andrew, Pexels. Article: Kate Neill
Henry’s Story
Henry Jesuadian and his wife Laura are currently residents of Harrington Park.
Born in India in 1940, Henry spent his formative years in Iran, where his father worked for the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (A.I.O.C). The family was forced to flee the country in the 1950s, when nationalists overthrew the monarch and ordered all foreigners to leave. Despite having British passports, the family re-settled in India, where, as Henry wryly puts it, they were refugees in their country of origin!
Graduating at 16 from a private English school with the equivalent of the H.S.C, he had a short spell in the Indian Air Force, before joining an industrial organisation during which time he studied for and gained a university degree. He ultimately moved on to another industrial company, which was the second largest of its kind in the country, as their thirdranking Senior Executive.
Married by this time, and with a daughter, Henry and his young family settled in Australia at the end of 1973, where their son was born the next year.
His qualification not being recognised, he accepted a job in the accounts department of an international company and attended every accounting course the company ran. He eventually moved up the ladder and then branched out as a contractor, working for various corporations, both private and government, eventually retiring in 2008 as a Forensic Accountant.
He’d always had a natural flair for art and writing, having sold some watercolour and oil paintings from an early age, but had also written a script for a play for the company’s social club as well as winning a State award for a paper on Industrial Relations.
On the urging of a former air force colleague and friend, he embarked on an ambitious project of writing a book about the Indian Air Force. Titled “Himalayan Eagle-The Story of the Indian Air Force”, Henry was pleasantly surprised when it was accepted for publication by a military book publisher in India.
Emboldened by this, Henry worked on another piece of nonfiction based on data collected in his research for his first book. Titled “Ashoka’s Lions-The Warrior Spirit of India”, it is about India’s little-known warrior traditions dating from antiquity.
This work was also picked up, by another publisher of military books in India, and gained some favourable reader reviews.
Henry then decided to turn his hand to writing fiction, and as a student of geopolitics on the Indian subcontinent, he wrote a novel about the Sino-Indian conflicts based on predictions of war between the two Asian giants in the near future. Titled “When The Cobra STRIKES….!”, this is a work with a factual historical background, and is an espionage/war story featuring a young Tibetan female spy, that was also published in India. Incidentally, the cover artworks for the books were created and done by Henry himself.
r “Himalayan Eagle-The Story of the Indian Air Force”. Published by Lancer Books, New Delhi Image/Article: Henry Jesuadian
TOOLS
Roving to Success
Oran Park Rovers FC have had an amazing season in the Macarthur Football Association (MFA) Competition this year, proving that they are one of the strongest clubs in the district.
With 1,289 registered players, it was their biggest season yet, since beginning in 2014.
From a massive 40 competitive teams that represented the club, they anticipate that approximately 26 teams will make the final.
“This season has been a remarkable journey for the Oran Park Rovers community. The most heartwarming aspect has been the welcoming of new families and returning families to our club and creating a vibrant atmosphere, building connections and celebrating the unique bonds that make our club special” said Christina and Karla, Oran Park Rovers FC Committee members to the Oran Park Gazette.
“In addition, we are extremely excited to introduce a new family member to our clubour mascot. Whilst his name is yet to be confirmed he will undoubtedly become a beloved symbol of Oran Park Rovers” they proudly continued.
The Rovers celebrated their Tenth Anniversary last season and is now a far cry from its humble beginnings a decade ago. The community’s support on and off the field has been unwavering.
“Being players and committee members ourselves, we have really enjoyed the sense of community and teamwork that comes from this Football Club” they explained.
Attention now turns towards the upcoming presentation awards for Oran Park Rovers FC. A celebration of the hard work and determination that was shown at Doohan Reserve and away throughout the 2024 season.
The Junior Presentation will be held on Friday 27th September at Wayne Gardner Reserve in Oran Park, whilst the Senior Presentation will be held on Saturday 19th October at Wests Leagues – Lakeside Golf Club.
The Oran Park Rovers FC Committee would like to thank everyone that made the season a success this year. They welcome anyone who wishes to join their footballing family in the future.
“We would like to thank all the players and their families for a fantastic 2024 season. We look forward to what the 2025 season will bring, and all the new committee members that will join”
To keep up with all the latest news and information about Oran Park Rovers FC, follow them on Facebook, Instagram or visit their website at www.oranparkroversfc.com.au.
Get ready to rove in 2025!
r The Under 6 Girls celebrating friendships and a great season | Image: Oran Park Rovers FC
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
Crazy Busy?
Do you know the feeling of being so busy that you can’t find a second to eat? I hope not, but I suspect at least a few of you do. Being this busy puts even life’s essentials on hold. It doesn’t happen often, but when you find yourself eating half a doughnut at 3pm for ‘lunch’ you know you’ve been having one of those days.
The Bible records Jesus being in just such a situation. You’ll recall that we think Jesus spent much of his life working as a carpenter with his father Joseph, in Nazareth. It’s my speculation that when Joseph died, Jesus felt he was free to begin His teaching ministry - walking around Israel engaging with people, healing them, and telling them more about how to be part of God’s Kingdom. It was only then that the crowds turned up - the carpenter had never been mobbed before!
One of Jesus’s apprentices (Mark) records a scene where Jesus and his companions became so surrounded that eating became impossible. At this point, Jesus’ family steps in to, “take charge of him.” You can imagine their concern.
The story continues, ‘Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
“Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!”’
It seems almost insulting, doesn’t it?
He brings greater clarity by adding, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
We can be busy at many things - but to be occupied with doing God’s will - that’ll make you part of Jesus’s family. Busy, but not crazy.
badgeryscreek@parliament.nsw.gov.au
tanyadaviesmp
tanyadavies.com.au
1st Sunday in September
PROBUS CLUB
Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Oran Park E: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com | P: 0410758755
The first Probus Club was started in the UK in the 1960s, and now they are found in 23 countries across the world. Probus in the South Pacific began in 1974 with the Kapiti Coast Club near Wellington, New Zealand. This club is still flourishing with 118 members. New Zealand is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year, and we are not far off that in Australia. Hunters Hill Probus Club was established just two years later in 1976.
Probus Clubs are social groups that bring retirees together to enjoy activities and outings and facilitate new friendships and recognised health benefits. The clubs have a Day, Probus Day, 1 October, which was to coincide with the UN International Day of the Older Person. The day has now been extended to a whole month of celebrations across October. Clubs across Australia are busy planning their celebrations to promote Probus and encourage new members to join their local Probus Club, take part in activities and enjoy the fun and friendship. Expect to see lots of blue and yellow Probus colours around in October!
At Oran Park Probus Club, our members will nominate a Probus member who has made a significant contribution to the Club, to receive the annual Probus Month Award. The Management Committee is planning a BBQ picnic to celebrate Probus Month, and visitors are always welcome to attend a monthly Meeting of Oran Park Probus Club. Listen to one of our Guest Speakers and hear about our various activities and outings. We enjoy regular ‘Coffee and Chat’ mornings, pub lunches and specialty dining. Members may join the walking and trivia groups or attend movies, theatre outings, day trips or longer tours.
Monthly meetings are held at Wests Lakeside Golf Club, 50 Raby Road, Gledswood Hills, on the first Tuesday of the month except November, which falls on Melbourne Cup Day. The November meeting is usually held on another day of the first week instead. Meetings commence at 10.00am and open with a guest speaker. Topics are varied so there is something to suit everyone. Our last Speaker from Service NSW informed us about the rebates and subsequent savings that were available to us, which was certainly welcome information with the rising cost of living.
If you would like more information about Oran Park Probus Club, please contact the Club Secretary at secretary. oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com
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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
(Campbelltown) 4634 3290
Heathdirect Australia 1800 022 222
Get Healthy 1300 806 258
Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
MensLine Australia
Kids Helpline
Karitane Careline
Breastfeeding Helpline (NSW) 1800 686
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 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
With Winter giving us it's last hurrah with a scattering of snow in some places, the Wattle is out and Spring has sprung. With it, opportunities to get out and about. We've got lots of options for you to choose from this month.
Our regular community contributors have brought us their latest events and celebrations, along with local stories and information about the things that affect you in your community.
Thank you to all our advertisers, who also make our paper possible, please consider using their goods and services. Supporting them supports us, and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in the District Gazette!
Finally thank you to all our wonderful readers, without you we just wouldn’t do what we do. We love to get our local events and milestones out to your letterbox every month, and we hope you take the opportunity to find a moment to relax, soak up some spring sunshine (don’t forget your SPF), and read how you can get involved!
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’”
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Community News... The Oran Park Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor. Letters to the Editor... May be printed and edited as necessary. Names must be submitted but can be withheld from publication at the writer’s request. Every effort is made to print correct information but no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.
