Emu + Leonay Gazette August 2023

Western Sydney Airport Preliminary Flight Paths Released

The preliminary flight paths for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) have been made public. For additional transparency, the preliminary flight paths, along with estimated aircraft noise impacts, are now available to communities through an online interactive Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool.

This tool will let people search an address or location and get a clear picture of impact of the preliminary flight paths including the expected altitude at that location, daily aircraft numbers and the predicted aircraft noise.

Supporting material has also been released to explain the approaches to the preliminary flight paths design and noise modelling.

They will hold community information and feedback sessions as well as community information stalls across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains over the coming months. Communities will be able to find out more information and speak with the flight path design team at these events.

These preliminary flight paths have been developed by an Expert Steering Group led by The Hon Catherine King MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government’s department and including AirServices Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Department of Defence, and airport operator WSA Co.

Importantly, the preliminary flight paths were developed according to Airspace Design Principles that reflect community feedback from the ‘proof-of-concept’ flight paths released in 2015. These principles include minimising flights over residential areas and reducing the impact on the community of aircraft operations at night.

Later this year, they will release a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that examines the noise, social and environmental impacts of the preliminary flight paths and includes a draft noise insulation and property acquisition policy.

The Albanese Government is committed to balancing the needs of the community, environment, industry, and users of the broader Greater Sydney airspace, while maintaining safety as a priority, in the design of WSI’s flight paths.

That is why the community will be able to provide feedback on the draft EIS during a formal public exhibition period following its release. This feedback will be considered as they finalise the flight path design ahead of the new airport starting operations by late 2026.

They encourage people to visit their Online Community Portal at wsiflightpaths.gov.au to use the Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool, read the supporting material, and get details of the community information and feedback sessions.

r Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport flight path design for single runway operations | Image: WSIflightpaths.gov.au. Article: The Hon Catherine King MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Submit your Community Notice on/by 10th of the month, to be included in the following edition. Notices may be edited or omitted due to space limitations. E: info@districtgazette.com.au

Community Groups

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: Cheryl Devine 0417 234 295.

Hobbies + Interests

Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS)

Meets on the 4th Friday of the month in Melrose Hall (169 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains) from 7.30 p.m. More Details: 0493 547 794.

Markets

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

Support + Wellbeing

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay) from 6.30p.m. More Details: www. prostatesupport.org.au or phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on 1300 13 38 78.

Penrith Womens Walk and Talk

Meets 5pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk

Penrith Mens Walk and Talk

Meets 5pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/

Emu Plains based company, Ryleco Building, have started a dream project, that will see a local 1970’s home transformed to give it a modern twist.

Located just 150 metres from the renowned River Walk, their Riverside project involves taking an existing 1970's brick veneer home and converting it into a large contemporary Hamptons-style double storey family home with some eye-catching features.

The work involves a full strip out and renovation of the existing single storey house with the addition of a ground floor and double garage extension, a large rear alfresco area, and a first-floor extension to add new bedrooms and bathrooms, whilst increasing the size of the backyard space.

Riverside will boast a large bespoke kitchen with open plan living and an impressive, raked ceiling with skylights to bring in the natural light. The open plan living will flow seamlessly out to the back alfresco where the raked ceiling continues and draws attention to glimpses of the Blue Mountains, the perfect place to take in those amazing sunsets.

“Whilst all of our jobs have their own unique touch, this one is extra special to us because it will be our family home” explained Jamie Rylewski of Ryleco Building.

“One of the things we love most about this, is it gives us the complete opportunity to showcase what we do best and to demonstrate the beauty of what can be achieved with an existing home. That is, by keeping the main structure and building from the bones, without having to knockdown and start from scratch,” he continued.

The project, from start to finish, is expected to take approximately 9 months to complete.

Ryleco Building is a local family owned and run building company, established in early 2021. Although young, the team carries a combined total of over 60 years of experience in the construction industry, across both residential and commercial sectors.

They specialise in a range of building works, from small home renovations and extensions to knockdown re-builds, complete home make overs and luxury builds. They also offer commercial services to local businesses requiring works in the fit out of new offices, retail, and hospitality spaces.

“If anyone is interested in finding out more information about this particular project, you can follow our socials for regular updates, or feel free to stop by the job and say hello. If you have a project you would like us to assist with, we would be happy to chat further with you. We are proud to be able to offer our services to the local community and look forward to continuing to build our reputation as a local leading builder” ended Jamie.

r Progress of the new house during construction [Inset] Old house before the renovation commenced. Images: Jamie Rylewski

Warragamba

African Lion Safari 55 Years On

This month marks the 55-year anniversary since the official opening of the African Lion Safari, located in Warragamba. Visitors of the park would drive on a 4-kilometre road, where lions roamed freely. It was common for the lions to approach cars driving on the safari, biting bits off motor vehicles, and climbing onto bonnets. Park workers would frequently have to retrieve parts from cars, such as bumpers and side mirrors.

With a scenic railway and a dolphinarium, the safari park would attract up to 200,000 visitors each year. The 100-acre reserve featured many other exotic animals, including tigers, bears, sea lions, and water buffalo. Activities that were held daily at the park included a parrot circus, a dolphin and sea lion show, kangaroo feeding, and visits to Pets Corner, home to a range of non-native animals. A local community service was also established by the park where unwanted or sick livestock could be disposed of and used as food for the lions and tigers.

The park was opened on a block of land near Warragamba Dam on August 17th, 1968, by Stafford Bullen. An additional park was opened by Stafford called Bullen’s Animal World, located in Wallacia. Here visitors watched a circus and drove through an animal petting zoo. The Bullen family was a renowned circus family in Australia who were responsible for bringing the Great Moscow Circus to the country.

With extensive work required to upgrade the Lion Safari Park following legislative changes, the facility closed in 1991. Despite the parks closure, the Bullen family continued to hold the animals on site and bred the lions and tigers.

On August 7, 1995, three lions escaped from the park gates and roamed the nearby streets and backyards of Silverdale. One of the lions was shot dead by a park handler after smashing down a fence and mauling a family dog in Marsh Road. Following this unfortunate attack, the park was required to upgrade its facilities to prevent any more animals from escaping.

Today, the land where the African Lion Safari Park once sat has been demolished and is being built on for residential development. For many, it is sad seeing such a thrilling place in ruin, however it will remain a wonderful memory for those who grew up with it as their playground.

r Lions have right of way 1970 | Image: Penrith City Library

Emu Plains Family Raising Childhood Cancer Awareness with Ball

Visitor Pay Citywide Parking Scheme Underway

Permits for FREE parking are now available for Blue Mountains residents, ratepayers, businesses, and their employees as Stage 1 of the Visitor Pay Citywide Parking Scheme has commenced.

You have until the end of September 2023 to apply for permits before visitor pay parking compliance activity begins. Permits will also continue to be available after 30 September.

• Apply for a permit online. Go to bmcc.nsw.gov.au/parking and click on ‘Apply for a Parking Permit’ to start.

September is the International Childhood Cancer Awareness month. This year, a local family from Emu Plains will be holding their Annual Gold Ribbon Ball on September 2, at the newly built Western Sydney Community and Conference Centre.

The gala evening helps raise awareness of Childhood Cancers and the implications it has on both the children and their families. All funds on the night are given to the Kids with Cancer Foundation, who use 100% of this money to financially assist families with children undergoing cancer treatment.

The impact on childhood cancer effects the whole family. 52% of parents will quit work or change jobs to allow time to care for their child during treatment, which put more pressure on the family unit. 82% of families rely on savings, credit, and family members for financial support.

“We know firsthand the difference the foundation can make on families struggling, financially and emotionally, as we lost our youngest family member, William, in 2018 to Neuroblastoma. William was just 8 years old and was in treatment for over 2 years when we were given the heart-breaking news that his cancer had become so aggressive, no further treatment could be offered. William passed away 8 weeks later” said Danielle Smith of Gold Ribbon Ball.

“It is through our grief, that we decided to hold an annual gala evening to help other families and give back to a foundation that helped us. It is also a way we can honour William and other young cancer patients, survivors, and angels” she added.

The night will be hosted by ‘Farmer Dave’ Graham and includes a 3 course sit down meal including a drink package, entertainment, performances, silent auctions and more. Last year’s Gold Ribbon Ball raised $32,000 and they aim to exceed $40,000 this year, to help the foundation cover a full month of financial help to families. More information, tickets and donations can be found at goldribbonball.com.au. The family is also offering all local attendee’s a $40 discount with the discount code LOCAL2023.

• Call their NEW Permit Hotline 1300 322 263 for assistance.

• Visit one of their Customer Contact Centres in Katoomba or Springwood.

You can also make a Parking Permit Enquiry online at http://bitly.ws/KnZr.

Carer Permits are available for FREE parking for those who live outside the Blue Mountains and care for a local resident, as well as for contractors who are temporarily working in the Blue Mountains.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said: “Council is expecting a high number of enquiries, so we appreciate your patience as we roll out this new system."

“If you require assistance, and wait times are lengthy, please contact Council at a later date. Remember – you have until 30 September to apply for a permit.”

Time restricted parking locations already exist in town centres in the Blue Mountains. The activation of smart parking technologies will help manage visitor pay parking and parking turnover in their town centres. This, in turn, will help their local economy.

“The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is one of the most visited destinations in the southern hemisphere, but currently most visitors do not contribute to the financial cost of managing the City,” Mayor Greenhill said. “This new plan means that visitors will help fund the critically required renewal of services, facilities and infrastructure.”

Once meters are installed, visitors will be required to pay using a meter or the NEW PayStay App.

Keep up to date on this important project for their City at bmcc.nsw.gov. au/parking.

r Parking rollout | Image/Article: Blue Mountains City Council

r [Top] Kids with Cancer Foundation, Ambassadors and family who run the Gold Ribbon Ball [Above-Left] William Smith, in late 2017 | Images: 7Chairs Photography - Ben Halcomb [Above-Right] William Smith, during treatment | Image: Danielle Smith. Article: Gold Ribbon Ball

PARENTS CORNER

Article Written + Submitted by:

Monica Purcell | Family Facilitator

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

W:

E:

www.nepeancommunity.org.au

info@nepeancommunity.org.au

Kids and Pets: Tips for Building a Safe and Respectful Relationship

Around 63% of Australian households host a furry member of the family. Children reap many benefits from having pets; the research suggests that that beyond companionship, caring for animals may support the development of a child’s non-verbal communication skills and empathy.

Looking after pets can be a positive learning experience for kids, but the care of an animal should not be left to a child alone. Parents must play an active and thoughtful role in teaching children how to care for animals responsibly and safely.

Pets should never be bought or adopted on a whim (even if your child begs and begs). A cat or dog is a long-term commitment for the whole family. When calculating the forecasted costs of your new furry companion, do not underestimate veterinary costs over a pet’s lifetime.

Always supervise your child with the family pet. Be in eye and ear shot of toddlers and babies around animals and stay close in case you need to intervene. Keep animals securely contained and away from infants when you are not in the room and establish separate spaces in the house for pets and young children.

Help your child recognise your pet’s cues of stress or fear. Together, you and child need to look out for both the obvious signs of distress (e.g. cats hissing, dogs growling) as well as the more subtle signs (e.g. a cat swishing its tail). Children should be encouraged to give animals space when appropriate, including at sleeping and eating times.

It is essential that you model respect for animals so that your child can learn by example. Children learn more from observing us than listening to what we say. Show your child how to speak calmly and quietly with animals and handle them with gentleness. Praise your child when they do the right thing, for example “great job giving soft pats”.

NCNS in partnership with RSPCA hosts regular Pet Days at Cranebrook Neighbourhood Centre to offer subsidised desexing and micro-chipping. Check out our Facebook page to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/NepeanCommunity. Follow these tips and you can create a healthy and happy home for both kids and pets.

Book Review your

novel is a highly recommended addition to any bookshelf. She weaves a tale of magic, nature, and music based on Scandinavian fairy tales and legends.

The story revolves around Esther and her infinite love for her sister, Aura, who has disappeared. The family has fractured since the disappearance and they are all struggling with the loss. Esther sets out to discover the mystery of Aura’s last few months. A journey that takes her, reluctantly, from home in Tasmania to Denmark and the Faroe Islands.

While reconnecting with her family roots, Esther discovers myths, legends and symbols that begin a transformation in her as she finds the courage to allow herself to be immersed in grief, joy, and love. The local stories and legends are fascinating, and then she adds another dimension with the 'back to the 80's' themes, introducing fun cultural references from those years.

Initially I couldn’t relate to Esther, I found her tiresome and slightly irritating. It took a while for me to get into the book. But the writing is so delightful and almost musical, it is impossible to not become enthralled. In retrospect, I realise that this was about her journey and she didn’t really like the person she was either. Esther at the end is a different person. She had unresolved issues to face and Holly Ringland actually writes so beautifully about the pain of grief and loss and family conflict. Ringland’s prose is magical and written with gentleness.

I thoroughly enjoyed being transported to Scandinavia through Esther’s eyes, and the ending was satisfying.

r Book Review by: Tess

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK REVIEW and receive a $50 GiftCard if your review appears in print!

EMAIL: info@districtgazette.com.au

SUBJECT: Book Review Please

all/any District Gazette publication

A new commuter car park with 750 spaces has opened alongside Emu Plains Railway Station. The car park, accessible via a newly constructed roundabout at the intersection of Old Bathurst Road and Smith Street, will provide additional spaces for commuters who use Emu Plains to access public transport.

In addition to the commuter parking facility, the NSW Government funded a 220-metre long footpath to improve pedestrian connectivity between the railway station and the Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School.

The new footpath was included in the project after the community called for safety and access improvements around the station following the death of Rhys Walker, a student at the Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School.

The footpath connects to the new footbridge over Old Bathurst Road providing safe and direct pedestrian access between the car park and railway station, complete with new fencing and lighting. The footpath will be dedicated to the memory of Rhys.

The design of the new footbridge was inspired by an emu and the colour resembles an emu egg.

The new commuter car park is a jointly funded initiative between the Australian and NSW Governments and includes accessible parking and dedicated motorcycle spaces.

A cast bronze sculpture named ‘buru’ (or wallaby) by local Darug artist Hayley Pigram sits prominently at the car park entrance. The ‘buru’ represents a living connection between

past, present, and future.

Other key features of the car park include CCTV, lighting, and wayfinding signage to improve safety and rain gardens to capture and manage excess rainfall. Transport Park&Ride infrastructure, which facilitates free parking for public transport users when they tap on and off with the same opal card is also planned to be installed in the car park.

Over 1,000 workers were employed on the project and approximately 110,000 work hours were spent on the construction of the car park.

“This project is more than just a car park. Transport for NSW have worked with families, local schools, and the community to create a safe walking route along Old Bathurst Road, helping people avoid a busy and dangerous intersection” said NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen.

“The tragic loss of Rhys Walker's young life 12 years ago has had a lasting effect on both his family and our community. This pathway will serve as a Tribute to honour Rhys' life.

“We formally name the path the ‘Rhys Walker Memorial Path’ which will feature seating and a dedicated plaque in his honour.

“I sincerely thank Rhys' family and the local community for their involvement in working with the Government to achieve the outcome we see” said Member for Penrith Karen McKeown.

More information about the project can be found at www. transport.nsw.gov.au/emuplains.

r Feature Article [Cover] Vicky and Nick Walker on a memorial bench dedicated to their son Rhys (with photo of Rhys in between them) [Above L-R] Vicky and Nick Walker at the Rhys Walker Memorial Path [2] School children on the Rhys Walker Memorial Path [3] Vicky and Nick Walker with Karen McKeown MP [4] Karen McKeown MP (left) and Alia Karaman - Exec Director of South & West Rail Delivery, Transport for NSW (right) | Images/Article: NSW Government Transport for NSW

Adventurous August KID’S CORNER

SOLUTIONS

Come and Play Cricket for Emu Plains

Emu Plains Cricket Club (EPCC) represents the Emu Plains, Emu Heights, and Leonay areas, and cater for all ages with competitive teams participating in the local PJCA and NDCA competitions.

They have had a lot of success with their teams over the years, with their 1st Grade teams winning the 1st Grade Evans Memorial Shield a massive 26 times. The first was in 1923/24, and the latest being in the 2022/23 season.

EPCC senior sides across the grades had a great season in 2022/23, taking out the NDCA Club Championship, which was a fantastic result for the club.

The local club continues to promote their kids having as much fun as possible playing cricket, which is what it's all about. EPCC juniors continue to go from strength to strength, taking out the first three Junior Club Championships since introduced in the 2019/20 season and coming a close second last season. Any current junior player who steps up into seniors for their first senior match receives a ‘Junior to Senior’ Cap from their senior captain on the day, to wear with pride.

They also introduced the 'Star Cap' in recent times, which are handed out on game day by either the Captain or Life Member of their club, to celebrate the loyalty of their players. Each star that is gained representing a 100 game milestone.

“We hope to see as many past, present and future players signing up for this upcoming 2023/24 season with us," explained Emu Plains Cricket Club.

For upcoming registration information about the 2023/24 season, please refer to their advertisement in this edition of the Emu and Leonay Gazette.

EMU PLAINS CRICKET CLUB

2023/24 SEASON IS ALMOST UPON US

Our Junior and Senior cricket teams play within our local district competitions, the PJCA & NDCA. We also provide the Junior Blaster 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 playcricket.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!’

Article Written + Submitted by: Assistant Minister David

Simmons

P: 4735 1001 E: david@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

Who Loved Who?

I was at a wedding recently. It seems common at weddings I go to that they give a bit of the history of the relationship. Who initiated it? Where did they meet? Where was the first date? This particular couple couldn’t decide if it was the beach or Nandos. The wedding seemed a good time to set the record straight (the beach).

What is the history of our relationship with God? It’s normal and natural for us to think we’re the ones who initiate the relationship. For some it’s because we invented God as a way to make sense of the world and find peace in life’s uncertainties. For others, who believe God exists, it’s because we picked up the phone and gave him a call when we prayed, or we showed our love for him by doing what he said in our good works and God took notice. In either case, we are the ones who go to God for relationship.

The Bible sets the record straight on our relationship with God. The apostle John puts it neatly in his first letter, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us.” God loved us first before we loved him. But how do we know this? John goes on, "and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Our sins are a rejection of relationship with God. But God didn’t reject us. He loved us by sending Jesus to take our sins away and bring us into relationship with himself. So, let’s set the record straight: God came to us for relationship, not the other way round. He calls us today to meet Him in His Word and find relationship with him through His Son.

HEALTH MATTERS

P: 0418 166 269

Effect of Multi-Strain Probiotics on Remission of Ulcerative Colitis

As we saw last month:

1. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is considered incurable.

2. Medical approaches involve pharmacotherapy - antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and/or immunosuppressive drugs; surgical intervention (sometimes extensive).

3. These are supportive, not curative; may have side effects requiring discontinuation.

4. 20-30% of patients don’t respond/are forced off medication, leading to colectomy.

5. Human UC patients have alterations in gut microbial composition.

6. Inappropriate gut flora may be a contributor to UC disease. We’ve previously examined various microbial UC treatments:

1. Single strain probiotics (Mutaflor),

2. Transplantation of donor stool alone (FMT)

3. FMT plus diet modifications

Open-labelled and randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trials (RCT) have also been conducted using a probiotic containing 8-bacteria, namely:

• Streptococcus thermophilus

• Bifidobacterium breve

• Bifidobacterium longum

• Bifidobacterium infantis

• Lactobacillus paracasei

• Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus

• Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Lactobacillus plantarum

Bibiloni et al (2005), studied 34 adult active-UC patients (while on steroids or mesalazine) given 2 sachets of probiotics morning and

night for 6 weeks. 53% of these UC patients achieved remission, 24% a significant clinical response, 9% no response, 9% a worsening of symptoms. In total, 77% of patients’ symptoms improved on multistrain probiotics.

Lee et al, (2012) studied 24 adult patients with active UC (concomitant medications not specified) given 2 sachets of probiotics morning and night for 8 weeks. 46% of UC patients achieved remission, 21% significant clinical response, 25% had either no response or some symptom-worsening. In total, 67% of patients improved on multi-strain probiotics.

Sood et al (2009) conducted an RCT involving 147 adults with active UC (not on steroids; but with oral mesalazine, azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine allowed) given 2 sachets of probiotics morning and night, or placebo for 12 weeks:

After 6 weeks:

i. 33% of the probiotic’s patients, only

ii. 10% of placebo patients halved their symptom scores.

After 12 weeks:

i. 42.9% of probiotics patients achieved remission, only 15.7% on placebo.

ii. 52% of probiotics patients achieved significant symptom scores decreases, only 19% on placebo.

iii. Symptom decrease-magnitudes were significantly greater for those on probiotics.

These studies clearly show that multi-strain probiotics are a generally safe and effective adjunctive treatment for achieving clinical response and remission in UC.

r **Refer to: www.districtgazette.com.au for expanded version

Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

Pietro italian ristorante 41 Fourteenth st, Warragamba

I love Italian food, so I was pretty excited to try Pietro Italian Ristorante with Luke. Only a short 20-minute drive from Penrith, this hidden gem is located in the beautiful township of Warragamba.

We arrived 15 minutes before our reservation, but the staff were instantly accommodating and happy to seat us ahead of our booking time. We were served complimentary meatballs in Napoli sauce as we were seated, and they tasted divine.

The menu had a great selection of food ranging from pizza, pasta, risotto, salads, and chef’s suggestions. We decided to order an entrée of arancini, followed by pizza and gnocchi for mains.

The crisp arancini balls were served quickly. Each plate had one large, crumbed rice ball filled with bolognaise and mozzarella cheese. Served with a delicious addition of Napoli sauce and parsley, the arancini had an amazing crunch and was served at a perfect temperature. Overall, it was a great start to our meal.

Soon after, our pizza was served. We ordered the Vinni traditional pizza, which was topped with ham, cabanossi, mushroom, capsicum, pineapple, onions, and olives. The base was perfectly crunchy and cooked to perfection. All of the toppings balanced each other out perfectly and the cheese was not too overpowering.

The gnocchi came out soon after and was served with parmesan and chilli on the side. It smelt amazing and our stomachs were rumbling just looking at the dish. The gnocchi were cooked al dente, with a light, squidgy texture. It was complimented beautifully by the smooth and creamy mixed red and white sauce.

While we were eating, the owner of the restaurant, Anthony, made sure to say hi and ensure we were enjoying our food. I watched and he continued to interact with almost every table in the restaurant which was very nice to see.

Overall, our experience at Pietro Italian Ristorante was exceptional. Not only was the food amazing but every single staff member was friendly and helpful, and the overall atmosphere was great. With ample serving sizes it is well worth the price. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Tayla

Lower Blue Mountains Welcomes its First Boutique Barre, Pilates, and Yoga Studio

Opening on 1 July 2023, Barre Nation is the Lower Blue Mountains first purpose-designed and premium Barre, Pilates, Reformer, and Yoga Studio. With a team of certified instructors, Barre Nation will offer a variety of classes that can be curated to suit individual needs and goals. The classes will be motivating, engaging, and energizing, and will cater to Mum’s, people who prefer or need lower impact, teenagers, pre and post-natal women, beginners,

and more.

Barre Nation owners and Lower Blue Mountains locals: Alicia Palmer, Yasmin Formosa, and Emma Smith, are busy Mums that know the importance of taking time for yourself, prioritising health, and wellbeing, and connecting with your local community, and so they wanted to bring this together through an experiential studio.

Yasmin Formosa, Co-Owner of Barre Nation, said, “Our community is at the forefront of everything that we do at Barre Nation so when planning our studio offering, we reached out to locals to find out what is important to them when working out. After analysing almost 300 responses, we were able to carefully curate a timetable that thoughtfully provides variety and meets the needs of our local community”.

Classes offered at Barre Nation will include:

• Barre - Signature, Flow, Cardio

• Mat Pilates - Signature, Power

• Reformer - Group Signature and Foundation or Private

• Yoga – Yin, Hatha, and Vinyasa

• Variation Classes - Low-Impact, Child-Friendly, Teen-Friendly Yasmin added, “As Barre, Pilates and Yoga lovers, Barre Nation is everything that we have ever wanted in a studio ourselves – it is purpose-designed, offers a flexible timetable, and has a welcoming and beautiful environment”.

Located at 3 Station Street in Blaxland, and designed by local interior decorator, Interiors by Fay & Co., the Barre Nation studio has been thoughtfully designed to offer members a premium end-to-end experience. Design finishes provide a natural, organic, and calming space that is aesthetically pleasing and that feels great to break a sweat in.

Special experiential touches include Barre Nation’s signature, all-natural, facial hydration mist, which is spritzed during savasana, pre-prepared cold face towels to refresh and cool members down post work-out, and freshly brewed herbal tea to be enjoyed after class. Members will leave the Barre Nation studio feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to commence the next part of their day.

To celebrate the upcoming opening, Barre Nation is offering the following special:

• 14-Day Trial Pass for $60*

Normally valued at $80, the trial pass is valid for 14 days once it is activated on the first day of attendance. Offer includes unlimited mat and reformer classes.

*Terms and Conditions Apply

For more information about Barre Nation, please visit barrenation.com.au or Instagram: @barrenation_

**Restaurants are not privy to reviews taking place, and all meals are fully paid by us.

Luke showcasing the delicious Vinni traditional pizza!

Gnocchi with smooth and creamy Sophia- Rose sauce

Article Written + Submitted by: Kellie Tickner from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital

A: 49 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027

Welcome to the Family Dr Maria

It is with great excitement that we announce an addition to the Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital family.

Last month we welcomed a new Veterinarian to the team, Dr Maria Scheible. With the addition of Dr Maria, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital now has six Veterinarians able to provide high quality care for your fur babies.

Growing up, Maria always knew she wanted to work with animals, and the dream of becoming a veterinarian was sparked when she found an interest in high school biology. She spent several years of her childhood in Japan, where her family adopted their first pet, a Miniature Schnauzer named Muffin, before moving back to Sydney in 2009.

She has volunteered at organisations such as the Animal Welfare League and WIRES, and has also spent some time pet-sitting and working as a veterinary nurse before becoming qualified. In 2022, she graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

After graduation, she decided to take several months off to pursue her interests and travel back to Japan to spend time with friends and relatives, before returning to Sydney and joining the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital as a new graduate Veterinarian.

Currently, her passion lies with small animals and ensuring her furry patients receive a high level of care that will ultimately enhance their quality of life. In her spare time, Maria enjoys baking, travelling, being outdoors, exploring new places to eat, and spending time with her two Miniature Schnauzers, Cooper and Moose.

and our team at 49 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills or call us on 0247362027 to arrange an

CONSULTING HOURS

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Services provided include:

• General Surgery (desexing to orthopedics)

• Vaccinations and in-house pathology

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• Puppy preschool

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appointment.

Kicking Goals for our Youth

With the FIFA Women's World Cup™ for 2023 now underway in Australia and New Zealand, the sport of soccer is at an all time high here. Local Cian Evans has just brought his soccer school for youths to Glenbrook, coaching the next generation of potential Socceroos and Matildas.

Cian’s Soccer School runs group and private soccer classes from Monday to Friday at Whitton Park in Glenbrook.

“A group class costs $20, and a 1-on-1 class costs $30, with each class going for 30 minutes. Within my classes, I like to focus on each student and gather an understanding of their playing style. This gives us both an idea of what the student would like to work on for improvement” explained Cian to the Emu and Leonay Gazette.

Each student is shown the 4 core skills to succeed in the sport, which is dribbling, striking, 1-on-1 and passing.

Cian began playing soccer in the UK when he was just 3 years old. He played for 8 years, before moving to Victoria to continue playing.

“I have about 15 to 16 years of playing behind me and have assisted coaching staff at teams in Melbourne and look to continue doing so here, in the Blue Mountains” he said.

He also has his Miniroos and skill training certifications from Football NSW to assist him along his coaching journey. Cian has experience with teaching all ages.

Evans believes it’s the inclusiveness of soccer for one and all that makes the sport so popular.

“I think the growing popularity of soccer in Australia is due the sport itself. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or what you look like, if there’s a ball, everyone can join” Cian agreed.

“I’m looking forward to a fun, soccer filled term 3” he ended. For more information about Cian’s Soccer, search on Facebook.

r Cian Evans at Whitton Park in Glenbrook | Image: Charlotte Lorens

Active Ageing Group for Over 60’s

Are you over 60 and looking for a regular fitness group? Penrith City Library is hosting the Active Ageing Group every Tuesday from now until 19 September at Penrith City Library. The group will meet at 11:00am to 12:00pm.

Workouts include gentle strengthening exercises, seniors’ yoga, and light cardio. Participating in the group is free. Bookings are essential; please get in touch with the Library at libmarketing@ penrith.city or phone 4732 7891.

r Article: Penrith City Council

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