Bus Boom Arrives as New Western Sydney Routes Commence
Western Sydney communities including Narellan, Oran Park and Mt Druitt are now connected by five new permanent bus routes launched recently, bringing the total number of new services installed by the Minns Labor Government to 5,910.
The new routes from Liverpool (825 and 860), Campbelltown (845 and the enhanced 840), Penrith (790) and Mount Druitt (772) will connect communities that have been underserviced by public transport with train stations, shops, hospitals, jobs and the new Western Sydney International Airport.
These services will run every 30 minutes from 5am to 10pm, seven days a week, totalling 2,626 services across the week.
This $302.7 million investment is part the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild and expand bus services in NSW, after the 2024 Bus Industry Taskforce found buses had been “neglected” and “underfunded” under the former LiberalNational government.
In the recent budget the Minns Labor Government announced an additional record investment of $6.5 billion for hundreds of new electric buses and electric bus depots to reduce our reliance on foreign fuels, meet the needs of the growing community and underpin a revival of domestic bus manufacturing.
To support the new services, the NSW Government is also investing in bus infrastructure. This includes upgrading driver facilities at some of the busiest interchanges in the state such as Mt Druitt, Blacktown, Bankstown, Parramatta and Fairfield and installing new signs at bus stops across Western Sydney.
The NSW Government is also partnering with selected Western Sydney councils to deliver more than 30 new bus shelters along the new routes as part of the $1.5 million trial Bus Shelter Program.
Since coming to office, the Minns Labor Government has:
• Added nearly 6000 new bus services, the majority in Western Sydney.
• Restored the popular M52 Parramatta to CBD via Ryde service and the 301 Rosebery to Eastgardens service.
• Reduced the bus driver shortage down from over 500 to under 200.
• Ordered 923 new buses including 50 new articulated (bendy) buses and 10 new decker buses.
• Increased local content to over 50% of over half the buses ordered.
For important travel advice and to plan your trip on public transport visit https://transportnsw.info/trip-planner
r Article: Prue Car MP/John Graham MP
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
Lions Club of Emu Plains Inc
Meets 3rd Thursday of the month from 6.30pm at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay). More Details: Alan Cooper 0414 155917.
Hobbies + Interests
(BMPDOS)
Meets on the 4th Friday of the month in Melrose Hall (169 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains) from 7.30pm More Details: 0493 547 794.
Nepean Group – Embroiderers Guild
Meets on the 1st Monday of the month at Panthers Leagues Club, Mulgoa Road Penrith from 6.00pm. More Details: 0466 725 317
Markets Square Dancer
Classes
Glenbrook Public School Hall and Surveyors Creek Community Ctre, Glenmore Park. First Lesson is FREE! All ages are welcome! Inquiries 0411 456 208
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club Markets
Held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm. Glenbrook Infants School (10 Ross Street, Glenbrook). More Details: https://www.facebook.com/ glenbrookrotarymarkets
Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month at Emu Sports Club from 10.30am. Visitors & New Members welcomed. Contact John on 4735 1542 Support + Wellbeing
Lung Support Group
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay) from 6.45p.m. More Details: www. prostatesupport.org.au or phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on1300 13 38 78.
Penrith Womens Walk and Talk
Meets 5.30pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6.00pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk
Penrith Mens Walk and Talk
Meets 5.00pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6.00pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/
SOLiD MEN
Every Saturday at 5.45am, meet in Glenbrook Visitor Centre Carpark for a free boot camp for men followed by coffee and chat. More Details : www.facebook.com/solid.men78
Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society
Mountain Culture Brews Local Flavour for Western Sydney International
Passengers travelling through Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) will soon be able to enjoy a touch of Mountain Culture with the first airport venues of the Katoomba-based craft brewery set to open at Australia’s newest 24-hour global gateway.
The acclaimed Blue Mountains brewer will have two sites in WSI’s integrated terminal, servicing both domestic and international passengers in a partnership with Airport Retail Group Australia (ARGA), reflecting WSI’s commitment to creating a distinctly Western Sydney experience.
ARGA is an Australian-owned and operated airport hospitality group with an established footprint in major Australian airports. ARGA’s partnership with WSI includes four sites in total under a seven-year agreement.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the Mountain Culture venues would help bring an authentic sense of place to the terminal - design elements of which were inspired by the iconic neighbouring mountain range, which is also reflected in the terminal’s striking feature ceiling.
“Western Sydney International is an airport which reflects the character, creativity and energy of the region it represents, and a strong presence from local brands like Mountain Culture helps bring that vision to life,” he said.
“We are delighted to showcase one of the great success stories of the Blue Mountains and to give passengers from around the world a genuine taste of the top-tier hospitality offerings this region is ready to serve.
“Mountain Culture has also given us the great honour of developing a new WSI brew, which is incredible and something only our visitors enjoying the new state-of-the-art airport terminal will get to experience.”
ARGA Managing Director George Drivas said the exclusive partnership between Mountain Culture Beer Co and ARGA will give travellers through WSI a memorable first or last taste of Australia.
“Recently awarded Australia’s fastest growing craft beer, Mountain Culture matches our ethos of creativity and innovation in hospitality and is brewed just 22 kilometres from the terminal in Emu Plains and in the beautiful Blue Mountains,” he said.
“We believe the passenger experience should be elevated, and for us, that starts with what you eat and drink.
“To complement the beers, we’ll also be running a modern Australian menu in a restaurant-bar setting – the kind we know passengers will enjoy as part of their airport experience.”
The Mountain Culture venues at WSI will incorporate vibrant designs inspired by the nearby World-Heritage listed Blue Mountains landscape and surrounding Western Sydney region with a modern Australian menu served up beside locally connected brews including Pierces Pass and Blue Gum.
Mountain Culture Co-Founder and CEO DJ McCready said the opportunity to showcase the product to passengers on this scale was exciting.
“Our brand was built on the simple premise that a day discovering the mountains is always made infinitely better when you can end it with a good beer. So, extending this to passengers of Western Sydney International Airport as they look at the Blue Mountains outside their gate window, could not be more apt,” he said.
“We have always put the beer first at Mountain Culture - and being voted the #1 beer in the country for the last 4 years is testament to that. We can't wait to share our product with passengers."
WSI is on track to begin air cargo services from 26 July 2026 with passenger services taking off from 25 October 2026.
This 24-hour global gateway is Australia’s first major international greenfield airport development in more than 50 years, providing a world-class experience for travellers while supporting economic growth and enhanced connectivity for Greater Sydney.
r [Top] WSI x Mountains Culture: George Drivas (Founder and Managing Director, Airport Retail Group Australia), DJ McCready (Co-Founder and Head Brewer, Mountain Culture Beer Co), Simon Hickey (WSI CEO), Mark Barton (Chairperson, Business Blue Mountains) [Above] WSI x Mountains Culture: George Drivas (Founder and Managing Director, Airport Retail Group Australia), Simon Hickey (WSI CEO), DJ McCready (Co-Founder and Head Brewer, Mountain Culture Beer Co) | Images: Western Sydney International Airport
Framing the Blue Mountains Forever
For more than three decades, local photographer Stephen Georgiou has been preserving the beauty of one of Australia's most spectacular landscapes. What began as a personal passion born from weekends spent bushwalking and mountain biking has evolved into a lifelong pursuit of creating breathtaking panoramic images that invite others to see the wilderness through his eyes.
"I have been a photographer for over 30 years now," Stephen said. "After exploring our beautiful Blue Mountains, I wanted to share with others the beauty that I had seen."
It is a simple philosophy that has guided his work ever since. Unlike traditional landscape photography, Stephen specialises in panoramic images that capture the vast scale and grandeur of the Blue Mountains. Each finished photograph is carefully crafted from eight individual images taken from a tripod before being meticulously stitched together using Adobe Photoshop. The result is a seamless, wide-angle perspective that reflects not only the beauty of the landscape, but also the patience and precision required to create it.
His favourite locations are among the region's best-kept treasures. For dramatic, expansive vistas, Hanging Rock at
Blackheath remains his first choice, while the tranquil beauty of Terrace Falls in Lawson offers a completely different photographic experience.
Behind every stunning photograph lies countless hours of preparation, something Stephen believes is often overlooked. "Practice and persistence, knowing your location well, visiting it many times beforehand, preparing and planning, getting up early and arriving before the sun rises," he explained. "I have gone back to the same location up to 12 times to get the one photograph that I choose to print, frame and hang on the wall."
That dedication is evident throughout his portfolio. Rather than chasing a single lucky moment, Stephen waits patiently for the perfect combination of light, weather and atmosphere, returning time and again until nature delivers exactly what he envisions.
For Stephen, photography is about far more than creating beautiful images. It is about encouraging others to slow down, appreciate the extraordinary landscapes on their doorstep and connect with nature in a meaningful way.
To view Stephen Georgiou's gallery or purchase his work, visit www.stephengeorgiou.com. You can also follow his photography on Instagram (@stephen_georgiou) and Facebook or connect with fellow enthusiasts through the Blue Mountains Photography Group.
Last Chance to Join PAWGUST as the Beloved Challenge Returns for Its Final
Year
After raising more than $7.8 million over eight years, Guide Dogs' much-loved PAWGUST challenge is back for one final year, inviting Australians to walk or run 60km (or more) throughout August to help fund the training of life-changing Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs across the country, including New South Wales and ACT.
Since launching in 2018, thousands of Australians have laced up, leashed up and stepped up for Guide Dogs, raising vital funds and awareness to help people with low vision or blindness live life their way.
Like the loyal Guide Dogs it celebrates, PAWGUST is retiring after its ninth year, making 2026 the final opportunity for Australians to be part of the iconic challenge before Guide
Dogs evolves its community fundraising program.
Guide Dogs is calling on Australians to give PAWGUST the send-off it deserves by making every step count. Whether participants walk, run, go solo or bring along their four-legged friend, every kilometre helps support the training of Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs that transform lives.
Participants who fundraise throughout the month can also unlock a range of prizes and rewards while improving their physical and mental wellbeing.
What: PAWGUST 2026: Guide Dogs' final fitness and fundraising challenge
When: August 2026
Who: Australians of all ages, with or without a dog Register now: Register now and join thousands of Australians taking one last walk for Guide Dogs at https://www.pawgust. com.au/register/pawgust/individual
Rewards: Earn PAWsome rewards while stocks last, at https:// www.pawgust.com.au/rewards26
r [Top] Stephen Georgiou [Above] Narrow Neck by Stephen Georgiou | Images: Stephen Georgiou. Article: Tanya Nellestein
A Grand Final to Remember
Just over a year after a life-changing workplace accident left him paralysed, Jarrod Canning has achieved something few could have imagined, helping his team win the NSW Wheelchair Rugby League Plate Grand Final and being named Player of the Match.
The grand final, played at Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool, saw the Bulldogs edge out the West Tigers 30-24 in a thrilling overtime victory. Jarrod sealed the fairytale finish by scoring the winning try, capping off an extraordinary rookie season.
On 2 June 2025, Jarrod suffered a workplace accident that broke his back and severed his spinal cord, leaving him with a T10 spinal injury and paraplegia. While facing the enormous challenge of rebuilding his life, he was introduced to Wheelchair Rugby League by Australian representative Brad Grove and New Zealand international Mitch Stone.
It didn't take long for Jarrod to fall in love with the sport.
Wheelchair Rugby League follows many of the same rules as the NRL, with players competing on an indoor court in sports wheelchairs instead of on grass. Even kicking has been adapted, with goals and general play kicks performed using a closed-fist strike, similar to an AFL handpass.
The sport's inclusive nature also allows able-bodied players
to compete, giving Jarrod's father, Kevin Canning, and uncle, Antony Wiffen, the chance to share the field with him.
For Kevin, the experience has been unforgettable.
"Thirteen months ago, Jarrod was lying in ICU unable to move," he said. "To now play alongside him and watch his physical and mental progress has been nothing short of inspirational. It's a moment I'll cherish forever."
Jarrod's remarkable first season has already produced an impressive list of achievements. Along with his grand final heroics, he represented Parramatta in the Division One competition, earned selection in the City Reserves team and has been invited to train with the NSW Blues.
Jarrod has transformed adversity into achievement, creating a story of determination, resilience and hope that continues to inspire those around him.
If his first season is any indication, this is only the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary sporting journey.
r Feature Article [Cover+Above] L – R: Kevin Canning, Jarrod Canning, and Antony
Gemma and son Arthur | Images Supplied by Kevin Canning
Wiffen [Top] Jarrod Canning, representing NSW City, with his partner
The Rise of Christmas in July
New Location for Penrith Medicare Urgent Care Clinic
Since 1 July 2026, the Penrith Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has been operating at a new location.
As winter settles across Australia, roaring fireplaces, roast dinners and ugly Christmas sweaters are making an unlikely mid-year comeback. “Christmas in July,” once a quirky novelty celebrated in the Blue Mountains, has grown into a nationwide tradition embraced by pubs, restaurants and families eager to recreate the wintry atmosphere missing from the country’s hot December festive season.
Now located at Octa Medical Centre in the Nepean Health Hub at 13 Barber Avenue Kingswood, the Penrith Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is open extended hours, seven days a week.
from home, they encouraged a hotel to host a festive dinner with decorations and winter food, inspiring a wider local trend.
to ease pressure on the busy Nepean Hospital, where around 35 per cent of presentations in 2024-25 were for semi-urgent or non-urgent conditions.
The idea itself is older, appearing in Northern Hemisphere literature and culture from the 19th century. Some link it to European summer camps, while in the United States it gained popularity after the 1940 film Christmas in July.
Parking for patients using the Penrith Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is free in the underground Nepean Health Hub carpark below the clinic. It is extended through validation for the duration of your consultation and treatment at the Clinic.
Businesses have since embraced the concept, offering themed menus and winter events, while social media continues to drive its popularity.
No appointment is needed, patients can walk in and all services are bulk billed.
Unlike the traditional Australian Christmas, often spent at the beach in 30-degree heat, Christmas in July offers a Europeanstyle winter celebration many Australians know from films and overseas travel. Across towns and cities, fake snow machines, mulled wine and turkey feasts appear each July, drawing crowds seeking a cosy seasonal escape.
The highly trained doctors and nurses are equipped to treat a range of conditions and injuries that need urgent attention but aren’t life threatening, including cuts, viral infections, or a sprained ankle.
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP, says “This new Penrith Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will continue to provide the urgent care people need as an alternative to fronting up at the Emergency Department.
The Penrith Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will continue to help
Historians trace its Australian origins to the early 1980s, when Irish tourists in the Blue Mountains reportedly marked Christmas during a cold July evening. Missing snowy traditions
HEALTH MATTERS
P: 0418 166 269
With on-site, undercover, free parking for Medicare UCC patients, and access to scans and pharmacy, it should be the first port of call for urgent but not life-threatening medical matters for the region.”
r Image/Article: Susan Templeman MP
Though unofficial, Christmas in July has become a cherished winter ritual, giving Australians a second chance to enjoy a traditional cold-weather Christmas atmosphere. r Image: www.pexels.com
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
Pars Defect Pain – Rest is Not the Only Answer
The ‘pars interarticularis’ are two bony bridges that connect the upper and lower facet joints. One pars interarticularis bridge is on the left the other right side of each lumbar vertebra. They are the weakest part of the vertebral arch and highly vulnerable to injury. A pars defect (termed spondylolysis) is a break or weakness (see diagram) in one or both bridges. It can be due to:
1. a congenital abnormality (present at birth) called an ‘attenuated pars’, or 2. a stress fracture.
The vertebrae usually affected are L5 (85 - 95%), and L4 (5 –15%), but rarely higher lumbar vertebrae. It can be diagnosed by plain X-ray, CT or MRI. 50 - 81% of people with spondylolysis end up with the bilateral fractures of the pars interarticularis, resulting in forward slippage (spondylolisthesis) of the vertebra. Most pars defects are asymptomatic, but some present as
lower back pain. Typically, when the patient stands on one leg and leans backwards, pain results. When the defect is on one side only, standing on the opposite leg elicits the pain. Pain typically gets worse with sports and better with rest
About 6% of the general population have a pars defect. However, the injury is more common in adolescents participating in high-risk sports (gymnastics, diving, weightlifting, wrestling, rowing, figure skating, dancing, volleyball, soccer, tennis). Up to 30.4% experience lower back pain often due to a pars defect. No optimal treatment plan exists in the literature; pain relief medications may be used but nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided as they slow down the bone growth and healing. Some authors state that ‘only rest’ can heal a pars defect, with acupuncture and massage having no benefit. This is incorrect.
Rest is vital, however stiff lower back muscles increase the forces on the vertebrae to which they are attached and so the likelihood of re-injury. Inflammation reduces the ability of tissue to heal. Muscle elongation therapy helps address both issues, and (along with rest) often reducing long standing back pain in people with pars defects.
If you have unresolved pars-defect related back pain call Andreas on 0418 166269.
r ** Refer to submitter for references
Go The Bird: Come and Join Emu Plains Cricket Club
Emu Plains Cricket Club (EPCC) represents the Emu Plains, Emu Heights and Leonay areas, and caters for all ages with competitive teams participating in the local Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) competition.
EPCC is built up by the many junior and senior players from our local community and its surrounds each season.
Emu Plains Cricket Club continue its proud tradition of running the Woolworths Cricket Blast Program for kids having their first ever experience playing cricket.
This program is built around fun activities each week, which are skills based, such as batting, bowling, catching and throwing. It’s great starting point for any child’s first experience participating in sport, and it’s a lot of fun.
EPCC enjoyed more success in the 2025/26 season, bringing home 3 Premierships, with their Under 12’s junior side winning, along with their 4th and 6th Grade senior teams.
The club were once again competitive right throughout their junior age groups and across their senior grades.
They look forward to another season big season ahead in the upcoming 2026/27 season.
Emu Plains Cricket Club welcomes you to join in for a lot of fun playing cricket here with them at Emu.
‘Go The Bird!’
EMU PLAINS CRICKET CLUB GET READY FOR THE 2026/27 SEASON
Our Junior and Senior cricket teams play within our local competition, the NDCA.
We also provide the Woolworths Cricket Blast Program for new kids between the ages of 5 to 8.
Please keep an eye out for links to our registration page, starting dates and any other important information which will be made available through our Facebook Page:
Emu Plains Cricket Club (I’m Mad for The Bird!)
Or alternatively you can follow the play.cricket.com.au link online where you can search for EPCC registration information.
We look forward to all past, present and new players signing up for the upcoming season.
‘Go The Bird!’
Airing of the Quilts Returns
A long-held tradition will continue this month, with the Airing of the Quilts being held at one of the region's most historical locations.
The Caring Hearts Quilters are having their annual fundraising event at The Arms of Australia Inn Museum, located on the Great Western Highway in Emu Plains. from 9:30am to 2:30pm on Saturday 29th of August 2026.
Come along and see the quilts, trading table, bookstall, quilt raffle, whilst the ladies make a great Devonshire Tea, and the boys make a mean Sausage Sizzle.
The lady quilters have been stitching their kind of magic into quilts for palliative care patients at Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury Hospitals for 27 years. They take pride in the knowledge that they are doing something that they love to do, whilst bringing joy and comfort to those that receive them. The ladies have also given quilts to Penrith Women's Shelter, for the children. They have made and delivered quilts to two schools in remote areas in New South Wales, providing handmade quilts and gifts for their family Christmases.
Traditionally, quilt airings were held in Spring as a method of keeping quilts fresh. They would be hung on clothes lines and verandas to flap in the breeze on sunny days. Today, quilt airings are a chance for the quilters to exhibit their work.
“This group are rewarded by their efforts and would like to recruit helpers from the area” said Margaret Collier of Caring Hearts Quilters. “This is an ongoing task, and what we need from helpers is a commitment to contribute in whatever way they feel they can. If you're in the area and looking to join a worthy cause and lend a hand in the community, please join us” she continued.
The event cannot be held in the event of inclement weather. For more information, contact Margaret Collier of Caring Hearts Quilters on 0438 670012.
The Arms of Australia Inn Museum, Emu Plains
Date: Saturday 29th August 2026
Time: 9.30am to 2.30pm
Cost: $5.00
Celebrating Australia's Next Generation
Communities across Australia are preparing to celebrate International Youth Day on August 12, joining millions of people worldwide in recognising the achievements, voices and potential of young people.
Established by the United Nations in 1999, International Youth Day highlights the important role young people play in shaping communities, driving innovation and tackling global challenges. Each year, the event centres on a different theme, encouraging governments, organisations and communities to engage with issues affecting youth.
Across Australia, schools, universities, youth organisations and local councils mark the occasion with a variety of activities designed to inspire and empower young Australians. These include leadership workshops, cultural performances, career development sessions, environmental projects, sporting events and volunteer initiatives.
Many communities also host youth forums where young people can share their ideas on topics such as mental health, education, employment, climate action and social inclusion. These discussions give young Australians an opportunity to influence local decision-making and advocate for positive change.
Youth centres and community groups often use the day to recognise outstanding young volunteers, entrepreneurs, artists and athletes who have made significant contributions to their communities. Awards and public recognition celebrate the achievements of young people while encouraging others to become active participants in civic life.
Social media also plays a major role in Australia's celebrations, with young people sharing stories, achievements and community projects using International Youth Day hashtags. Online campaigns encourage conversations about the challenges facing today's youth while promoting resilience, diversity and inclusion.
The day serves as a reminder that investing in young people benefits the entire nation. Australia's youth bring fresh perspectives, creativity and innovation across education, business, science, technology, the arts and sport. By providing opportunities for education, employment and leadership, communities help build a stronger and more inclusive future.
As International Youth Day approaches, organisations across the country are encouraging Australians of all ages to support and celebrate the next generation of leaders. Whether through volunteering, mentoring or simply listening to young voices, the annual event reinforces the message that empowering youth today helps create thriving communities for tomorrow.
r Image: www.pexels.com
Blue Mountains' Best-Kept Sweet Secret
Hidden down the winding road to Martin's Lookout in Springwood, beside the Blue Mountains National Park, a tiny roadside bakery is quietly becoming one of the region's most sought-after weekend destinations.
House of Suns, the micro artisan bakery created by local mum of three Romina Gardella, has built a devoted following since opening over the Easter long weekend this year. Every Saturday, customers begin queuing from around 8.30am, hoping to secure a box of handcrafted Chilean treats before the shelves are empty.
"We open at 9am until sold out, and every week we sell out," Romina said. "The support from the community has been incredible and I'm so thankful for it."
Originally from Chile, Romina taught herself to bake, driven by a desire to preserve the traditional recipes and flavours she grew up with.
"I really want to honour the traditions and flavours of Chile," she said. "They're so special to me, and I wanted to share them with the local community and, hopefully, Australia."
Running House of Suns is far more than a one-day-a-week business. Romina spends almost the entire week planning, preparing and baking, while also raising her three children.
"It takes a whole week of planning and preparation," she said. "You have to be very organised to juggle everything as a mum and make sure everything is ready for Saturday."
Rather than offering an overwhelming selection, House of Suns focuses on quality. Each week features around five to seven different products, with the menu changing regularly to keep things exciting.
- EMU PLAINS ANGLICAN
"I like switching up the range every week," Romina said. "There's always something different. It keeps it fun, and I'd rather make more of each product than have lots of different things."
Among the bakery's most popular offerings are its classic and filled Alfajores (traditional Chilean biscuits) and its signature Tres Leches cake, which has quickly become a customer favourite.
Social media has also played a major role in the bakery's rapid growth, with videos shared on Instagram and TikTok introducing House of Suns to thousands of people beyond the Blue Mountains.
For many visitors, a stop at the hidden bakery has become part of a perfect mountain morning—picking up fresh cakes and pastries before heading into the nearby national park for a bushwalk or visiting one of the area's scenic lookouts.
Beyond the bakery, Romina has already published two baking e-books and dreams of one day holding a printed cookbook in her hands.
"Having a physical cookbook sitting on a bookshelf would be the cherry on top," she said.
For now, she's simply grateful that a small hidden bakery is helping introduce more people to the rich flavours and traditions of Chile, one sold-out Saturday at a time.
Article Written + Submitted by: Senior Minister Roger Cunningham P: 4735 1001 E: roger@epac.org.au W: www.epac.org.au
Service Times: Sundays @ 8:00am, 9:45am and 6:30pm
Plus activities for adults and young people throughout the week
The Father of Fatherhood
We’re coming up on Father’s Day on September 6. I love being a father. I love caring for my kids and leading them in a way that will help them grow up. Actually, now that my kids are adults, what I do for them looks quite a bit different, but I’ll never stop caring for them or being their father. It’s a privilege to be a father, and it’s also a privilege to have one who does it well.
I know, too, that not everyone has had a good experience of fathers. That’s a tragedy. It’s a tragedy because of what we’re meant to be as fathers and what we expect of fathers. The depth of the pain only goes to show how important good fathering is. When we see bad fathering, or even just okay fathering, we long for excellent fathering. Where can we find that?
Well, when Jesus walked the earth, he kept saying something extraordinary. He kept calling God his Father. Not only that, but he also said we could call God our Father too, if we trust in Jesus. Do you know the Lord’s Prayer, the one Jesus taught? Do you remember how it begins? “Our Father in heaven.” That’s quite something. It’s something because it shows us God isn’t remote or distant, or simply a cosmic force. He’s personal, he’s interested, and he cares for the people he has made and whom he remakes through Jesus. What’s more, he doesn’t get things wrong the way earthly fathers do. He uses his strength to provide for our needs and to lead us to grow up trusting Jesus, and through Jesus, himself. In fact, God is the Father of fatherhood itself, and he can be our Father too. Will you trust him for that?
r [Top] Romina Gardella of House of Suns [Above] Some of the amazing, sweet treats you’ll find at House of Suns | Images: Elise Clarkson
Why Lifelong Socialisation is a Game-Changer for Your Dog
When you hear the word “socialisation,” what comes to mind? If you are like most pet parents, you probably picture an adorable room full of puppies at preschool, learning how to play and greeting everyone they meet. There is no doubt that early experiences are absolutely crucial for setting puppies up for success. However, a common misconception we see at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital is that once a puppy graduates, the job is done. In reality, socialisation is a lifelong journey.
Dogs are naturally social creatures, much like us. Their interactions with the world shape their confidence, behaviour, and mental well-being. It is also important to remember that socialisation isn’t just about making doggy friends. It means gently introducing your dog to different environments, noises, people, and objects in a positive, stress-free way.
While the first few months of a puppy’s life are the most critical for building a foundation, these skills can fade if they aren’t practiced. A dog that used to love visitors or busy streets can easily become anxious, fearful, or reactive if they spend months isolated from those situations. Regular, positive exposure keeps their confidence high and prevents old fears from creeping back in.
The good news is that ongoing socialisation is easy to weave into your normal routine. It can look like exploring a new walking track, hanging out at a dog-friendly café, or simply sitting on a
Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP)
CONSULTING HOURS
bench watching the world go by. These simple outings provide incredible mental enrichment that keeps your dog’s brain active.
Continued socialisation is especially powerful during big life transitions, such as moving houses, welcoming a new baby, or recovering from an illness. Gently guiding them through these changes ensures they don’t lose their footing. Even our senior dogs benefit immensely. They might prefer a quiet stroll over a chaotic dog park, but that gentle mental stimulation keeps their aging minds sharp and happy.
Just remember: socialisation never means forcing your dog into scary situations. It is always about quality over quantity, ensuring your dog feels safe and comfortable at their own pace.
Every day, we see firsthand how much easier life is for well-socialised dogs. They handle vet visits, grooming, and unexpected adventures with absolute ease. Think of socialisation not as a puppy phase, but as a lifelong investment in your best friend’s happiness. By keeping their world full of positive experiences, you are helping them stay resilient, calm, and ready for whatever life throws their way. For more information, contact our friendly team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 0247362027.
For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au or call 02 4736
NSW Rural Fire Service 1800NSWRFS State Emergency Service 132 500 Churches
Anglican Church St Paul’s, Emu Plains 47351001
Baptist Church Emu Plains Community 4735 1050
Catholic Church Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains 4735 1041 Uniting Church 7 Green Street, Glenbrook 4739 6295
Blaxland Presbyterian 15a Wilson Way, Blaxland
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 0438 006 290 Spiritual Church 0439 453 430 Elevation Church Penrith 4722 8489 Community Groups
Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS)
Embroiderers Guild Nepean 0466 725 317
Girl Guides Glenbrook 4739 6087
Lions
Advertising Policy... Payment on booking secures your space. The Business Directory offers cost effective advertising to businesses in an alphabetical format. Premium Placement may be available, at an extra charge. An editorial focus on a local business may be included if space permits, at the Editor’s discretion. Community News... The Emu+Leonay 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.
One of the greatest privileges of producing these newspapers each month is seeing just how much is happening across our local communities. While national headlines often focus on challenges, we have the opportunity to highlight the people, businesses and organisations making a positive difference right here in our own backyard. Every edition is filled with stories of local achievement. Whether it is a business celebrating a milestone, volunteers giving their time, sporting clubs enjoying success or community groups creating opportunities for others, these stories remind us that our region continues to grow because of the people who genuinely care about it.
As August unfolds and the weather begins to warm, community calendars become busier with events, activities and opportunities to reconnect. Supporting a local business, attending a fundraiser or simply sharing a positive story all help strengthen the place we proudly call home.
Thank you for continuing to support local journalism. Together, we can ensure the stories that matter most continue to inspire, connect and celebrate our community.
