Penrith City Council Upgrades Online Customer Services with Launch of MyPenrith
Penrith City Council has launched MyPenrith, a major upgrade to its online services platform, delivering a more secure way for the community to connect with Council services.
MyPenrith introduces a single sign-in that gives customers access to a growing range of Council services. The platform currently supports the Online Services Portal and will soon extend to include Council’s upcoming Bookings and Venue Hire Portal.
To improve security, MyPenrith includes multi-factor authentication, requiring users to enter a verification code sent via SMS or phone call when signing in.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney welcomed the introduction of MyPenrith.
“This upgrade to our services positions Council for the future, making it easier for our community to engage with us online, while also strengthening the protection of personal information,” said Cr Carney.
"This upgrade reflects our commitment to putting customers first by delivering simple, safe and accessible services for the people of Penrith.”
Customers who have used the Online Services Portal before 1 July 2025 can register for MyPenrith using their existing email address for a seamless transition. By re-registering with the same email address, previous records and service history will be retained in MyPenrith. Registration is a one-time process and is required for all users, even if they’ve used the previous system.
Once logged in, customers can continue to access a wide range of Council services, including submitting requests related to waste management, community facilities, infrastructure and more.
For more information on how to register with MyPenrith, a how-to guide and video tutorial are available at my.penrith.city to assist with the transition.
Real Festival
Real Festival is returning in 2025 and will once again transform Tench Reserve into a spectacular fusion of fun.
Featuring fantastic art installations, a pop-up bar, arcade games and performances. Real Festival celebrates the landscape of the Nepean River by day with hands-on workshops and on-water activities and by night, the riverside will become an illuminated playground of fun.
Create unforgettable moments and memories for all ages.
More information coming soon!
Dates & Times:
Friday 12 September 2025 4:00PM – 10:00PM
Saturday 13 September 2025 4:00PM – 10:00PM
Sunday 14 September 2025 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Location:
Tench Reserve, Tench Avenue, Penrith NSW 2750
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
(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 CWA Rooms, 1 Tindale Street Penrith (opposite RSL) from 6.00pm. More Details: 0466 457 594
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
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
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/
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 r Image/Article: Penrith City Council r Image/Article: Penrith City Council
Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society
SOLiD MEN
From Beans to Peaks
At just 16 years old, Lucy Bartholomew completed her first 100km ultramarathon—alongside her dad. Today, she’s one of Australia’s most recognised endurance athletes, turning her passion for trail running into a profession that continues to take her to awe-inspiring places, all while building community and chasing big goals.
“Running has always been a massive part of my dad’s life,” Lucy says, “and that rubbed off on me. I’m lucky to have found a sport that takes me to such cool places and introduces me to truly amazing people.”
Inspired by her father’s leap from road marathons to ultra distances, Lucy was especially moved by the spirit of the backof-the-pack runners. “It wasn’t just seeing my dad finish the North Face 100km that inspired me,” she recalls. “It was the final finishers—every age, shape, colour, and size out there getting after it and having a good time. I knew I wanted to do it too.”
Her most recent adventure—Manly to the Mountains— was more than just a run. It was a two-day endurance journey designed to launch a special collaboration with Two Roads Coffee Roasters, who roast their beans by the Manly foreshore. “Day one was 85km from Manly to Glenbrook, and day two was 52km from Glenbrook to Echo Point, Katoomba,” Lucy says. “It was a super fun way to showcase who we are and what we represent: hard work, good fun, and a lot of caffeine.”
The event wasn’t a fundraiser but a celebration—of community, connection, and coffee. “We could’ve just done a photoshoot and posted a can,” she laughs. “But I don’t like the easy way.”
With dozens showing up before sunrise to run the first leg and an even bigger crowd joining in the Blue Mountains, Lucy describes the experience as “truly special.”
What’s next? “I’m training full steam for UTMB, a 170km race around Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland,” she says. “This will be my third time. I’ve finished 10th twice— I’m hoping to do even better.”
For Lucy, running is more than racing—it's about adventure, resilience, and inviting others to come along for the ride.
Airing of the Quilts Celebrate 25 Years
On Saturday 6th September, the Caring Hearts Community Quilters will be hosting their annual Airing of the Quilts in Emu Plains.
The Airing of the Quilts has become a tradition in the local area and will again be held at the historic Arms of Australian Inn Museum in Emu Plains, where you can enjoy walking amongst the colourful quilts and enjoy a Devonshire tea or sausage sizzle whilst supporting the Caring Hearts Community Quilters. The event will run from 9:30am to 2:30pm and will cost $5 for an entry ticket.
The group work hard during the year, to make quilts that will be given to palliative care patients in the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Blue Mountains areas, as well as Penrith Women’s Shelter, The Flying Doctor Service, and people in need in our local area.
“The ladies of this group take pride in the knowledge that they are truly doing something they love, whilst bringing comfort to those that receive them” said Margaret Collier of the Caring Hearts Community Quilters, who this year celebrate 25 years and are proud to say that they have produced over 6,000 quilts over this time.
Traditionally, Quilt Airings have always been held in the Spring as a method of keeping quilts fresh, but today quilt airings are a chance for the quilters to exhibit their work and to bring together in a social gathering. This year, the Caring Hearts Community Quilters will do just that.
The ladies in the group are always looking for help and would welcome fellow patchworkers and quilting ladies to join them. They are blessed to have the help of the palliative care nurses from Nepean Hospital on the day of the Airing, and some of them are also making quilts, they welcome donations of fabric, UFO’s and patchwork quilt tops.
Julianne Brisbane is a palliative nurse and quilter and joined the group after 2023’s Airing of the Quilts.
“I could see the positive difference to patients and their families and wanted to get behind the charity, so that it continues. As I work 5 days a week, I’m not able to attend the sewing catchups, so I make quilt tops at home and drop them off to the ladies” Julianne explained.
“I love making a variety of different patterns. There are only so many quilts you can use yourself, and this helps my passion for quilting. Maybe there are others that feel the same. If so, I hope they reach out to this group as it is very worthwhile. I have witnessed the joy they bring to the patients that I have cared for” she continued.
There will be lots and lots of colourful quilts this year to see, with a trading table, plant stall, hand made goods, Devonshire teas, sausage sizzle and a beautiful quilt to be raffled with the proceeds of the raffle going to Motor Neurone Disease. So, let’s hope for fine weather!
For more information about the event or Caring Hearts Community Quilters, contact 0438 670012.
*The Airing cannot be held in the event of inclement weather.
r Caring Hearts Community Quilters members | Image/Article: Margaret Collier
r [Top] Lucy Bartholomew and Joey Hall at the end of Manly to Mountains [Above] Glenbrook community at Cafe 2773 featuring Lucy Bartholomew and Joey Hall | Images: Pat Suraseang. Article: Tanya Nellestein
More Motorsport Accolades for Ron
Emu Plains resident Ron Hutchinson has added another amazing motorsport award to his brimming trophy cabinet, taking home the Club Person of the Year Award for the NSW Vintage Compact Speedcar Club at the recent 2025 Combined Vintage Speedway Club Presentation.
The Awards Ceremony, which combined the Vintage Speedcar Association (NSW), NSW Vintage Compact Speedcar Club and the Vintage Modified Association (NSW), was held on Sunday 29th June at Mounties Club in Mount Pritchard.
“To receive this prestigious award was totally unexpected. I am very proud to be the recipient of the Club Person of the Year Award” explained Ron.
He was also awarded the 2024/2025 Car Participation Award and 2024/2025 Presidents Appreciation Award from the NSW Vintage Compact Speedcar Club.
Ron’s illustrious motorsports career has included induction into the Australian Speedway Hall of Fame in 2021 and the Liverpool City Raceway Hall of Fame in 2013.
His extraordinary time behind the wheel yielded 2 Australian Championships and 11 State Titles in karting and 3 Australian Championships in a compact speedcar, after transitioning into speedway.
In recent times, Ron has been involved with the Place of Pace Liverpool Speedway 1967 –1989 Exhibition at the Liverpool Regional Museum.
“I have been heavily involved with Liverpool Regional Museum, where there is an onsite display of over 40 bikes and cars that raced at Liverpool City Raceway. My commitment has been in progress over 6 months and still has another month or so” he stated.
Stones and Stories: Emu Plains Cemetery
Discover the history beneath the grounds of Emu Plains General Cemetery with the Research Services Team from Penrith City Libraries. Join them to uncover the lives and legacies of those who shaped our community. Every headstone tells a story—come and listen.
Step into a place where stories live on. This cemetery has long served as a resting place for the people of Emu Plains and surrounding areas, its earliest burial dating back to 1859.
Nestled on the historic site of Governor Macquarie’s Agricultural Establishment and convict barracks, this cemetery offers a unique glimpse into Australia’s colonial past. Join them to uncover the lives and legacies of those who shaped our community. Every headstone tells a story—come and listen.
The session is free, but bookings are essential. Bookings can be made at: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/stones-stories-emu-plains-cemetery-tickets1451196119659?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a water bottle.
Please note the ground may be uneven in parts.
Dates & Times:
Tuesday 19 August 2025
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Wednesday 20 August 2025
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Location:
Emu Plains General Cemetery
21 Nixon Street, Emu Plains NSW 2750
r Image/Article: Penrith City Council
New High-Tech Western Harbour Tunnel Facility Brings Manufacturing Jobs to Sydney’s West
The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a better NSW, opening a high-tech facility last month that will fabricate the new Western Harbour Tunnel and create around 700 quality manufacturing jobs in Western Sydney.
The new, purpose-built facility at Emu Plains will precast individual concrete segments and culverts. They will then be put in place by the two largest tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in the Southern Hemisphere as they excavate under Sydney Harbour.
The walls, roof and floor of the huge tunnel, which is the size of three Metro tunnels, will be fitted together from thousands of concrete pieces made by skilled local workers and fitted together like a giant precision-cut jigsaw.
More than 13,000 concrete segments and nearly 1,400 culverts will be custom built in the state-of-the-art facility in Emu Plains, before being transported to the tunnels via the M4 and WestConnex.
The Emu Plains site is an Australian first. It is expected to operate for up to three years for the project and has the potential to be used by other projects or businesses in future, making it a lasting legacy of the tunnel project.
The tunnel boring machines are expected to arrive in
Sydney later this year, before being assembled deep underground below Birchgrove. They will tunnel 1.5km from Birchgrove to Waverton, under the Sydney Harbour seabed, connecting the northern and southern ends of the project.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $4.2 billion over four years to deliver Sydney’s first road crossing of the harbour in almost 30 years.
The 6.5 kilometre tunnel will connect the Warringah Freeway in North Sydney to the WestConnex M4 and M8 at Rozelle Interchange, helping drivers bypass the CBD and making it easier, faster and safer to get around Sydney.
As the Government continues to champion women’s economic opportunities, particularly in historically male dominated industries, of the 700 jobs created at this facility there will be a target of 50 per cent women. Over 7,000 construction jobs will be created through building the Western Harbour Tunnel.
Due to open to traffic in 2028, under the Minns Labor Government this city shaping Project will remain in public hands. This is in direct contrast to the former Liberal National Government who sold off roads which were paid for and owned by the People of New South Wales, resulting in rising toll prices controlled by a private company and have continued to champion privatisation from opposition.
r [Top Left] Segment storage area [Top Right] Mould prep area [Above] Concrete pourer | Images/Article: Chris Minns MP/Jenny Aitchison MP/Courtney Houssos MP
Book Review Your
How to Kill a Monster
Author:R.L Stine
How to Kill a Monster is a children’s horror book by R.L Stine. The story revolves around Wendy and her stepbrother Clark being dropped off at their grandparent’s house in the swamp as their parents are going on a business trip to Atlanta (in the USA). However, Wendy and Clark soon realise all is not what it seems. Their grandparents are acting strangely, and they aren’t what they used to be. One day, Wendy stumbles upon a room which contains a swamp monster.
The swamp monster chases them, and Wendy and Clark rush to tell their grandparents. But they have barricaded Wendy and Clark in the house, and have gone away. Meanwhile, the monster starts wrecking the house in an attempt to kill them. Wendy and Clark rush around the house, hiding, until they have an idea. They pour poison into pies their grandmother had made, and put them in the kitchen and make noises. When the monster came, it ate all of the pies, but survived unharmed! But Wendy noticed two letters on the fridge from their grandparents. On one, it said that the monster had come uninvited to the house, and they had to feed it to keep it peaceful. Before they could read the second one the monster came after them. Wendy then led it to a gaping hole in the floor, and it fell down a three-story drop and was killed.
Wendy and Clark then smashed their way out of the house, and waded into the swamp to look for civilization. But when they opened the second letter, it said that the monster had brothers and sisters in the swamp, and if they defeated it they must never go into the swamp, or they will be killed by its siblings. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and was very suspenseful.
r Book Review by: Mustafa Faisal
New Season of Cricket Awaits Emu Plains
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 and every year. Whether it be with their Woolworths Cricket Blast Program for kids having their first ever experience playing cricket, or a senior player with over 500 matches played.
EPCC are fortunate to have great volunteers in their coaches and managers. These volunteers help support their young players, help improve their skills, encourage great teamwork and sportsmanship.
“Our local club continues to promote our junior cricketers having as much fun as possible playing the game, which is what it's all about.
“The senior sides are made up from open age groups across many different grades, to help cater for all participants. Our senior sides are always competitive, whilst having fun.
“We encourage our Under 14’s, 15’s and 16’s junior players to fill in for our senior sides, when possible. This helps them to learn and gain confidence to continue their cricket, well into the future with our club” said Pat Anderson of Emu Plains Cricket Club.
“We welcome you to join us for the upcoming 2025/26 season” he concluded.
For upcoming registration information about the 2025/26 season, please refer to their advertisement in this edition of the Emu and Leonay Gazette.
Go the Bird!
EMU PLAINS CRICKET CLUB
2025/26 SEASON IS ALMOST UPON US
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 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!’
• Catering for 2-3 year old Children
• Situated in Quiet and Safe Street
• Preschool and School Readiness Specialty Program
• Qualified Early Childhood Sta
• Operational Hours 8am till 5pm Monday till Friday
• Large Outdoor Play Area
Local author Danielle Bernard has just published her debut book, titled ‘The Paper Feather’.
“This is my very first book. I had been writing it since the start of last year” explained Danielle to the Emu and Leonay Gazette.
“It’s about a mystery feather, a forgotten world and a girl who remembers what others can’t.
It’s a fantasy book for tweens or anyone who loves a mystery adventure” she continued.
Amazon have given praise to the book, describing it as “Heartfelt, lyrical, and filled with wonder, The Paper Feather is a middle-grade fantasy about memory, belonging, and the magic of being seen. Perfect for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon, Pages & Co., and Bridge to Terabithiain”.
Danielle has always been inspired by the wonder that reading a book can bring to the life of a child.
“The joy that books bring to children, making their imagination go wild is inspiring. Sadly, my kids are old enough to read to themselves, so I don’t get to enjoy the book reading moment with them anymore. This book was for them” smiled Danielle.
The book took just under a year to bring to life, after the idea was conceived.
“I’ve had ideas in my head and put parts of the story in a journal over a few years. However, it probably took me about 8 months to put it together and publish it” she replied.
When asked if there be other books for Danielle to publish, she responded with a very vibrant, “Yes, this is the first of a series of The Paper Feather, and as the first book in the series it leaves you on a bit of a cliff hanger. The second instalment will be available at the end of the year”.
For those wanting to purchase the book for their teen or themselves, it can be bought on Amazon in Australia, America, UK, Canada and Europe. It’s also available in Kindle and paperback in Australia.
“For the locals, I’m happy for people to buy one direct from me. This can be done by messaging me on instagram @ladylaserscan” concluded Danielle.
A Stitch in Time – Clothing Upcycle Workshop
Give new life to old clothes at this nature-inspired workshop, where industry professionals will guide you through decorative mending techniques like embroidery, Sashiko, and appliqué to creatively upcycle a garment.
‘A Stitch in Time’ Nature-Inspired Clothing Upcycle Workshops: Extend the Life of Your Clothing and Reduce Waste
Upcycling clothing is an eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe and reduce textile waste by transforming old, wornout, or unused garments into stylish, functional, and one-ofa-kind pieces that can be enjoyed for longer. This process can involve combining garments and materials to make something new, or adding ornamental flair, such as using embroidery, Sashiko, and appliqué to mend holes or signs of wear and tear.
Join them in August for their half day workshops, where they will explore creative methods for repairing and adding a personal touch to your most loved clothing items!
Inspired by the Penrith Regional Gallery's artist-designed garden, guided by industry professionals, participants will learn decorative embroidery, Sashiko and appliqué skills to upcycle.
What’s Included:
• 2 hours of guided skills and technique practice led by their specialised tutor
• 40 minute break to explore the artist designed garden and the current exhibition
• 2 hour guided session to apply learnings to your clothing item (brought from home) using the supplied materials kits. Local and sustainable enterprise, Trashy Penrith, will generously supply workshop materials for upcycling participants garments.
To ensure participants receive close care and guidance from the workshop tutor throughout the event, place availability is strictly limited to 12 people.
Workshop Details:
Where: Penrith Regional Art Gallery, 86 River Road, Emu Plains (Sonia Farley 2 Studio)
Cost: $30 ticket
Workshop 1 (Beginners): Saturday, August 2 from 10:30AM to 3:30PM
Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/a-stitch-in-timeworkshop
Workshop 2 (Intermediate): Saturday, August 16 from 10:30AM to 3:30PM
Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/a-stitch-in-timeworkshop-intermediate
This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy initiative, funded from the waste levy. Supported by Penrith City Council.
r Image/Article: Penrith City Council
r The Paper Feather | Images Supplied by Danielle Bernard. Article: Julie Lobel
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
Commandments for Life
I wonder what you think of when I mention the ten commandments – maybe Charlton Heston in the movie, or Disney’s “Prince of Egypt”, or a church or a school you’ve been to. Maybe you’re like me when, back in the day, I thought the ten commandments were about control. guilt and stifling fun.
But now I’ve come to see them quite differently. God’s people had been enslaved in Egypt for generations before he saved them through the Red Sea. You can read it in the book of Exodus in the Bible. All they’d known was the tyranny of Pharoah. He’d oppressed them and even tried to kill them. That’s has to have an impact on how you live, doesn’t it?
So, God gave these ten commandments - and the other instruction which came with it – out of love. Not only had he loved them all the way out of Egypt, He was teaching them to know and show what life with him looked like – both for their sake, and the rest of us. He was providing a fence within which they’d be safe with each other and from losing sight of him.
Now God invites us to experience his love too. Not by keeping the ten commandments and earning it – God’s people back then could not do that. Instead, it’s through trusting Jesus who did! And as God taught them what it looked like to have life and respond to his love, so Jesus does today. What did he say? “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”, and “Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mark 12:30) Is his love a love you feel with confidence? And one you experience from his followers? I pray it may be. r Image: www.pexels.com
Helping Pets Cope with Separation Anxiety
For many pet owners, leaving home each day isn’t just part of the routine — it’s an emotional struggle. As soon as the shoes go on or the keys are picked up, it begins: barking, whining, pacing, or scratching at the door. These aren’t just bad habits — they’re signs of separation anxiety, a condition that can deeply affect our pets.
Separation anxiety occurs when pets, especially dogs, feel intense stress when left alone. While it’s more commonly seen in dogs, cats can suffer from it too — though their signs may be more subtle. The behaviours can be upsetting — chewed furniture, accidents in the house, constant noise — but beneath the frustration is a pet in distress.
It’s a tough situation for many pet owners. We adore our pets, but it’s hard to face the aftermath of even a short absence: damaged blinds, messes on the floor, and unhappy neighbours. It’s important to remember that our pets aren’t acting out to be naughty — they’re anxious, confused, and unsure.
Some common signs of separation anxiety include:
• Barking, whining, or howling before or after you leave.
• Chewing doors, windows, or furniture.
• Soiling indoors, even in well-trained pets.
• Pacing, panting, or drooling more than usual.
• Attempts to escape that can result in injury.
Certain pets may be more likely to develop separation anxiety. Dogs with a close bond to their owners, or those who’ve gone through big life changes — like moving house, a new baby, or a
return to office life — may begin to show signs. Rescue pets or those with a history of trauma are also more at risk.
The good news is, there are ways to help. It takes time, patience, and a consistent approach, but many pets can improve with the right support.
Start by helping your pet get used to short periods of alone time. Reward calm behaviour with treats and gentle praise. Provide toys, puzzle feeders, or relaxing background noise to keep them occupied. Keep your arrivals and departures calm — making a big deal can increase anxiety. Sticking to a steady routine also helps build confidence and security.
In more serious cases, it may be best to speak to your vet or a qualified animal behaviourist. They can work with you to create a personalised training plan. Sometimes, medication is recommended alongside behaviour therapy to help ease the process.
Separation anxiety won’t vanish overnight, but with patience, understanding and the right tools, your pet can learn to feel safe and settled — even when you’re not home. Remember, you are not facing this alone. For advice and support, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 02 4736 2027.
For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au or call 02 4736 2027
Thank You, Penrith – Three Years of Trust, Care and Community
We are incredibly proud to share that Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital has been awarded the Penrith City Local Business Award for Outstanding Pet Care for the third consecutive year.
This honour reflects the heart of who we are – a dedicated team of veterinarians, nurses, and support staff who show up each day not just for the pets we treat, but for the people who love them. From routine check-ups to complex surgeries, our goal is always the same: to deliver expert veterinary care with warmth, compassion, and honesty.
We would like to thank our exceptional team. Their dedication, empathy, and professionalism are the reason so many pets wag their tails (or purr contentedly) when they walk through our doors. Whether it’s providing exceptional medical treatment or offering a comforting word during a difficult time, our team goes above and beyond.
But most of all, we thank the Penrith community. Thank you for trusting us with your family pets, for your continued loyalty, and for being part of our extended Orchard Hills Vet family. It is your support, feedback, and kindness that fuels our growth and inspires us to evolve alongside the changing needs of our region.
We are proud to serve such a strong and connected community—and we look forward to caring for your pets for many years to come.
HEALTH MATTERS
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
P: 0418 166 269
So, are Some People Really just ‘Inflexible’?
Folks often try stretching eventually resigning themselves to believing they’re naturally “inflexible”.
The key to their inability to lengthen muscles, comes down to two issues. Poor Stretching:
1. regularity
2. technique
Usually individuals stretch for a few seconds, probably for less than 30. They often ‘push’ their stretches – to ‘feel the pain’ of a good stretch. Stretching-associated pain is often a key reason why they don’t like to stretch and don’t do it for long. Stretching aggressively for short periods is often unlikely to gain effective long-term increases in flexibility.
Little organelles in muscles called ‘muscle spindles’, send signals from muscle to brain indicating muscle length. A bigger stretch sends a stronger signal. A strong-enough signal will elicit a ‘myotatic reflex contraction’ stopping your muscle from stretching further and will be interpreted as painful. In short, flexibility has little to do with actual ‘muscle & connective’ tissue length, but rather with how strongly and at what stretch-length the myotatic reflex elicits a contraction that resists further stretching.
Done correctly over a period of weeks, regular stretching modifies the way the ‘spindle-brain’ system reacts to stretch:
1. It dampens the strength of the signal sent to the brain by muscle spindles,
2. It makes the brain less sensitive to muscle spindle signals,
3. Reduces the likelihood of a stretch being able to elicit pain, and
4. Reduces the likelihood of any stretch being able to elicit a myotatic reflex contraction.
Thus, after regular stretching it takes a much bigger stretch to generate a spindle-signal strong enough to stop you stretching. That is, your body ‘learns to stretch’ further. Hopefully, you can now understand that stretching is simply just a ‘learned skill’! As with any other skill, correct repetition of the skill, improves performance. So, to become flexible, a person must practice stretching regularly and keep stretching to remain good at it. Appropriate stretching can relax and lengthen lower-back muscles too, which can help ease lower back pain. If you have a back or musculoskeletal injury and need help why not give Andreas a call at the clinic on 0418-166-269.
r ** Refer to submitter for references
r Dr Camille Brandt and the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital with the award | Image/Article Supplied by Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital
Dingo Den Animal Rescue: Saving the Wild-Hearted
Dingo Den Animal Rescue began with one man’s lifelong love for Australia’s wild-hearted dingoes. Founder Joshua Said felt a deep connection to these misunderstood animals from childhood. When he adopted his first dingo, Blaze, he set out to learn everything he could to give him the best life possible — but quickly discovered how little accessible, reliable information existed.
In response, Joshua created an online resource in 2014 to help others care for dingoes with compassion and understanding. As more rescues followed, so too did the need for a safe, specialised space. In 2015, Dingo Den Animal Rescue became a registered charity — and the sanctuary was born.
Based locally and run entirely by volunteers, Dingo Den Animal Rescue is dedicated to saving dingoes, supporting carers, and protecting the ecosystems that depend on these apex predators. Through rescue, rehabilitation, sanctuary care, advocacy, and education, the team is building a future where dingoes are no longer feared — but respected and protected.
Dingoes are a vital part of Australia’s ecosystem. As apex predators, they play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance. By regulating populations of invasive and overabundant species such as kangaroos, foxes, and feral cats, dingoes help protect native flora and fauna. Their presence promotes biodiversity and supports the survival of many of Australia’s most vulnerable species. Without them, entire ecosystems can begin to collapse.
In June 2025, the sanctuary faced its greatest crisis. With just $6,000 left in the bank and no government funding, it launched an urgent appeal to raise $30,000 — the minimum needed to continue operating. The outlook was grim, but the community responded with heart. Supporters rallied, donated, and helped spread the word. Together, they saved the sanctuary. Thanks to this incredible generosity, Dingo Den Animal Rescue now has the funds to operate through the coming months. But the future remains uncertain — rising costs and the possibility of emergency medical care for the dingoes mean continued support is crucial. Here’s how you can help:
• Donate: Every dollar feeds and cares for dingoes in need
• Sponsor a dingo: Support an individual and receive updates
• Volunteer or foster: Hands-on and remote roles available
• Spread the word: Awareness is powerful
• Partner with them: Welcome schools, businesses, and local groups
To learn more, visit www.dingoden.net and join them in protecting Australia’s wild-hearted.
r Founder Joshua
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As we make our way into August, we hope that the flooding rains settle, and the wind chill factors we’ve been experiencing begin to let up, as I know I’m counting my toes to check they’re all still there! We hope all our readers have made it through the record weather safely.
As things start to warm up and we think about getting out and about, there’s plenty happening in our communities this month. The wattle will begin to flower soon, which makes for wonderful bush walking and photography. There’s something good for the soul about just getting out, enjoying a leisurely walk – around your streets, your local park, or one of our beautiful national parks – they’re all right here!
If you want to get involved in your community, check out what’s happening in your District Gazette, as local groups and clubs start getting their outings and events organised. There is something for everyone right here in our own suburbs.
Thank you as always to everyone who works to get your District Gazette out across the suburbs and into your mailbox – we can’t do it without you. Enjoy your Community News!
“Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.” (Paulo Coelho)
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