EMU + LEONAY GAZETTE DECEMBER 2025 by District Gazette

Platforms on Notice to Comply with Social Media Minimum Age

eSafety has informed Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit of its view they are age-restricted platforms required to comply with Social Media Minimum Age restrictions from December 10.

eSafety has also informed the broader online industry all platforms are obliged to continually assess whether they meet the definition of an ‘age-restricted social media platform’, in particular when they introduce new features or their primary usage changes.

If they do meet the definition, they must take reasonable steps to ensure users under 16 do not hold an account.

On available information, eSafety considers all nine services named, currently meet the criteria for ‘age-restricted social media platform’, in particular the key requirement that their “sole or a significant purpose is to enable online social interaction”.

eSafety has informed the following platforms it considers they are not subject to age restrictions on the basis they do not currently meet the criteria for ‘age-restricted social media platform’ including falling within an exclusion in the legislative rules: Discord, GitHub, LEGO Play, Roblox, Steam and Steam Chat, Google Classroom, Messenger, WhatsApp and YouTube Kids.

From 10 December, eSafety expects all nine services currently assessed as meeting the criteria for age restriction to take reasonable steps to prevent Australian children under the age of 16 from having accounts. eSafety remains in ongoing discussions with these services around their compliance obligations and our planned approach towards enforcement.

Any age restricted platforms which fail to do so may face enforcement action, including civil penalties of up to $49.5 million.

Due to the fast-changing nature of technology, eSafety has been clear there will not be a static list of companies that are age-restricted.

Instead, eSafety will provide updated advice to the public on current assessments and its approach to compliance and enforcement on its website. When new platforms emerge or existing ones evolve to the extent that their purposes change, eSafety may reassess those services. eSafety will assess (and reassess) services when considering exercising its powers.

To help Australians understand better and prepare for the changes that are coming, eSafety recently released a comprehensive package of resources and webinars to answer questions from the public and provide additional details.

Informed by extensive consultation and feedback from key partners including mental health and support organisations, such as headspace, Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue, Raising Children and ReachOut Australia, all resources are available for free at eSafety.gov.au.

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 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 r Image: www.pexels.com. Article: eSafety – Australian Government

Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society

Cheers to 30 Years: Candice’s Netball Journey with Emu Plains

When Candice De Marzi first pulled on the Emu Plains Netball Club uniform in 1995, she was a six-year-old just learning to pass, pivot, and shoot. Thirty years later, she’s still lacing up her shoes and taking the court, now as one of the club’s longest serving and most beloved players.

Over three decades, Candice has played in countless teams, experienced nearly every grade, and celebrated numerous finals appearances and premiership wins. “I’ve been lucky to play with and against so many people,” she reflects. “It’s been an incredible journey filled with great memories.”

Candice has seen plenty of change since those early days, both in the club and the wider world of netball. “The sport has become so much more popular, not just locally but across Australia,” she says. And while the skills, speed, and professionalism of the game have evolved, one of her fondest memories is far more nostalgic: the old uniform. “I’ll never forget the pleated skirts with the sliding clip side and tucked-

Santa Swaps Sleigh for Fire Truck

The sound of sirens will take on a jolly twist this month, as the Regentville Rural Fire Service (RFS) prepares for its muchloved annual Santa Run. Throughout the festive season, Santa will trade his sleigh for a bright red fire truck, spreading Christmas cheer to families across the local community.

Running on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughout December, the Santa Run will see crews from Regentville RFS escorting Santa through Regentville, Jamisontown, South Penrith, Glenmore Park, Leonay and Emu Plains.

“We’ll be bringing Santa to see the children and families across our local suburbs,” said Regentville RFS member Seth Wilmot. “He’ll make stops along the way to hand out lollies and take as many pictures with the kids as he can.”

in shirt!” she laughs.

For Candice, netball has always been about more than just competition, it’s about family and community. Some of her favourite moments have come from sharing the court and sidelines with her mum and sisters, all of whom have coached her at different stages. More recently, she’s found joy in watching her two nieces take up the game and fall in love with it just as she did.

When asked what keeps her coming back year after year, Candice’s answer is simple: “It’s a fantastic way to get outdoors, exercise, and socialise. I’ve made so many wonderful friends through netball and still keep in touch with many of them.”

As for how long she plans to keep playing? Candice smiles. “For as long as my body lets me! If I stay lucky with injuries, maybe I’ll make it to 40 years.”

Proudly representing Emu Plains for three decades, Candice sums it up perfectly, “It’s a wonderful part of our community and I’m so proud to be part of it. Cheers to 30 years!”

The tradition has become a highlight for many families, with streets lighting up as children wait eagerly to catch a glimpse of Santa riding atop a fire truck.

“We love bringing the joy of Christmas to so many kids throughout Penrith,” Wilmot said. “It’s our way of giving back to a community that has supported us for many years.”

This year’s event will feature a combination of drive-by routes and park visits to help the brigade reach as many residents as possible.

“As much as we’d love to, it’s just not possible to visit everyone on every street,” Wilmot explained. “To make sure we see as many people as we can, we’ll be stopping at selected parks and reserves in addition to our driving routes.”

For many firefighters, the Santa Run is as special as it is for the families watching from their front yards.

“It’s a great opportunity to connect and enjoy the festive season with our neighbours and friends,” said Wilmot. “Seeing streets full of families enjoying the cheer as the kids race to see Santa is lots of fun for everyone.”

Final routes, dates and park stop details will be announced soon on the Regentville RFS Facebook page.

r [Top Left] Candice De Marzi in 1995 [Bottom Right] Candice this year | Images: Elizabeth De Marzi

Your 2026 Bin Collection Calendar is Now Available

It’s easier than ever to stay up to date with your bin collection days with our electronic calendars.

You can get yours by either:

• Downloading our Penrith Waste Champion app where you can get real-time notifications in the palm of your hand

• Requesting a printed copy to be sent to you by visiting The Waste Spot at penrith.city/thewastespot

• Downloading a copy of the calendar from...

Drop Off Your Recycling!

Have a lot of recycling that won’t fit into your yellow-lidded recycling bin?

Bring it to our free recycling drop-off point from Monday 22 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026* between 3pm and 6pm at The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington.

Additional Kerbside Bin Collections for Christmas and New Year’s Thursday 25 December 2025 to Wednesday 7 January 2026

We’re providing extra bin collections to help with the additional waste and recycling produced over Christmas and New Year’s.

We’re accepting items such as wrapping paper, cardboard boxes and other household recyclables.

Please remember that polystyrene can’t be dropped off, but it can be placed in your red-lidded residual bin or taken to Penrith’s Community Recycling Centre. *Event excludes public holidays and weekends.

During the weeks highlighted, place all bins on the kerbside the night before your normal collection day.

Collections may run early in the morning and late into the night, so please do not bring your bins in until they have been emptied.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree!

We’re collecting real Christmas trees for free on Saturday 10 January 2026.

Bring your real tree to The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington between 8am and 12pm and we’ll turn it into mulch. Please make sure to remove all decorations from your trees before bringing them down on the day.

Artificial trees can be disposed of by booking a bulky waste collection at The Waste Spot or by breaking it down and placing it in your red-lidded residual bin.

Learn more at penrith.city/christmasservices

Sydney-based technology start-up BellBots is set to launch their world-first G1Humanoid Robot application developed for everyday assistance across retail, education, transport and emergency service sectors.

BellBots are set to revolutionise the retail sector with shopper-focused, practical assistance like bag carrying and store finding, while also delivering effective in-store advertising and promotional services to retailers.

Standing 5 feet tall and with a human-like form, the core robotics platform within the robotic shells manufactured by Unitree, are powered by a custom AI software stack that integrates motion control, vision recognition, and conversational intelligence. The system uses reinforcement learning and advanced motion planning to mimic human-like movement while adapting to different environments.

The launch of the robots will also coincide with a custom shopper engagement software suite that turns each robot into an interactive advertising channel for retailers. The platform will have the ability to connect shoppers, store owners, and centre management through a custom app and cloud dashboard.

BellBots Founder Andrew Bell shared, “inspiration came from a clear vision that technology should make everyday life simpler, more efficient, and more engaging for both individuals and communities. We saw a gap between cutting edge robotics research and practical, real world applications. The driving force has been to bridge that gap bringing futuristic technology out of laboratories and into public spaces, schools, and workplaces in ways that genuinely benefit people.”

The robots will be designed for multi-sector human interaction across multiple environments such as airports, schools, events and even the emergency services sector, with a core focus on the technologies’ accessibility and engagement within the community.

First Boeing 737 Lands at Western Sydney International Airport

Decades of planning, thousands of workers and more than 22 million work hours have led to another milestone moment for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) as the first Boeing 737 touched down on their 3.7km runway recently.

The RFS ‘Marie Bashir’ Large Air Tanker 737 was met with rapturous community applause upon arrival to Sydney’s soon-to-open 24-hour gateway and marked the start of WSI’s largest ever multiagency emergency exercise.

The 737 played an important role in their staged simulation that saw about 300 volunteers, NSW Police and other emergency services and federal agency partners descend on their freshly minted airfield where they were put through their paces to ensure they’re fully prepared to respond in the unlikely event of an emergency.

The 737 landing is the first of many. The Boeing 737 is the most common aircraft in Australian skies and will be coming in for landing more frequently at Sydney’s new domestic, international and cargo airport when they begin welcoming their first commercial customers in the second half of 2026.

With major construction complete, domestic and international airlines signed and more talks with other airlines underway, their opening day preparations are now shifting to focus on operational readiness and live trials, with exercises providing opportunities to train staff and test systems.

This includes dozens of technology systems that will give customers a simple, seamless, and stress-free experience, all while taking in the architecture of their beautiful airport terminal that pays homage to First Nations communities and the nearby Blue Mountains.

The arrival of the first Boeing 737 represents a significant milestone on the journey to becoming Australia's newest 24-hour airport. WSI's operational readiness program will continue throughout 2025 and 2026, ensuring all systems, staff and airport partners are ready and raring to go ahead of opening.

KID’S CORNER December

Book Review Your

Elevator to Nowhere

Author:R.L Stine

Elevator to nowhere is a choose your own adventure book written by R.L Stine. The storyline follows you and your friend Jamie getting a science assignment for your school science fair. Jamie’s uncle Darius, an inventor, says he can help you, and you travel to his house and find him in the middle of testing his “Transuniversal Transvator”

Although it appears as a normal elevator to untrained eyes, uncle Darius says it can transport people to alternate universes. To prove it, he says he will travel to a headhunting universe (where people hunt people for heads to shrink) and bring back a shrunken head. When he comes back, there’s good news and bad news: The elevator worked perfectly, but uncle Darius’s headhunting self in the other universe has come back instead of the normal uncle Darius. And he’s out to shrink yours and Jamie’s heads!

The ways you can defeat the headhunting uncle Darius vary. You can either battle him on Earth, assisted by the countless quirky devices he has scattered around the house, or sneak into the Transvator and travel to alternate universes to search for the real uncle Darius, some of which include a world where children are banned to a world where humans are entirely governed by bugs, and bring him back. No matter which path you choose, Thrills and fun are guaranteed through dozens of choices.

However, there is a twist. You must accomplish all this without dying, either by headhunting Darius with his long Machete or the beings of the universes you travel to. There are over 20 different endings, but some are good. Overall, I would highly recommend this to all, and it was a captivating read from start to finish.

r Book Review by: Mustafa Faisal

Fifteen Years of Emerald Street Magic

For fifteen magical years, Linda Hernando has turned her home on Emerald Street in Emu Plains into a dazzling beacon of Christmas cheer. This December, from the 1st to the 31st, Linda and her family will once again light up the neighbourhood with their beloved Christmas Lights Display, an annual tradition that’s become a highlight of the local festive calendar.

Visitors can expect twinkling lights in every colour, intricate window scenes, and countless photo opportunities. “We really want to bring joy to the community,” says Linda, the heart behind the display. “It’s about creating a space where families can smile, take photos, and feel the magic of Christmas together.”

This year’s program includes two special events. On December 7th, the popular Dogs Night at the Lights returns, inviting furry friends and their humans to join the fun, all while raising money for the Animal Welfare League. Then, on December 20th, the street will come alive for the Christmas Spectacular, featuring

Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, and even the mischievous Grinch.

Beyond the glitter and glow, Linda’s lights have a deeper purpose. Since 2008, the Emerald Street Christmas Lights have raised more than $56,299 for Bear Cottage, a children’s hospice, along with additional donations to the Salvation Army and the Animal Welfare League. Visitors can contribute via cash donations on-site or online through Lights for Kids at: https://www.lightsforkids.org.au/fundraisers/ christmaslightsemeraldst/2025.

When asked what she loves most about the season, Linda smiles. “Christmas movies and music,” she says, “but mostly the joy it brings to everyone who visits.”

This year feels particularly poignant. After fifteen years, Linda admits she’s considering making this display her last. “It might be time to finish up,” she says thoughtfully. “But we just welcomed our very first grandbaby, so who knows? Maybe we’ll keep the lights shining a little longer.”

Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: the glow from Emerald Street will continue to warm hearts long after the lights go out.

r Feature Article [Cover + Above] The amazing display | Images: Walter Peters/Supplied by Linda Hernando

The Twelve Holiday Hazards for Pets – Christmas 2025

Christmas is a time of joy, laughter, and celebration—but for our pets, it can also bring a few unexpected risks. Between the tempting aromas of festive feasts, the glitter of decorations, and the excitement of visitors, it’s easy for curious paws to find trouble. To keep your pets safe and happy this holiday season, here are twelve common Christmas hazards to watch out for:

1. Decorations and Tinsel - Shiny ornaments, fairy lights, and tinsel are irresistible to curious cats and playful pups. Unfortunately, they can cause serious injuries if chewed or swallowed. Tinsel and ribbon can lead to dangerous intestinal blockages, while chewing on cords can cause electric shocks or burns.

2. Christmas Dinner and Leftovers - While pets love to be part of the family feast, fatty meats, gravies, and salty foods can cause digestive upsets or pancreatitis. Avoid sharing table scraps—especially ham, pork, and turkey skin—and stick to their regular treats instead.

3. Chocolate, Sweets, and Alcohol - Desserts are another danger zone. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats, and xylitol (a common sweetener) can cause sudden drops in blood sugar or even liver failure. Alcohol can also make pets dangerously ill. Keep all treats and drinks well out of reach.

4. Ribbons and Gift Wrap - Once the presents are opened, those colourful ribbons and bows can become tempting playthings. But if swallowed, they can twist and tangle in the intestines, requiring emergency surgery. Collect and dispose of wrapping materials promptly after gifts are unwrapped.

5. Heat Stress and Hot Cars - The holiday season coincides with hot summer weather, putting pets at risk of heatstroke. Never leave them in the car, even briefly—temperatures can soar in minutes. Make sure they always have access to shade, fresh water, and a cool place to rest.

6. Snakes - With more outdoor gatherings and warm weather, snake sightings are common, particularly in grassy or bushy

areas and along walking tracks like the Nepean River. Keep pets close and on a lead, and seek urgent veterinary care if you suspect a snake bite.

7. Lilies and Toxic Plants - Beautiful but deadly, lilies are extremely poisonous to cats, even a small amount of pollen or a single leaf can cause kidney failure. Choose pet-safe plants and flowers for your home and gifts.

8. BBQ Skewers and Cooked Bones - Cooked bones can splinter and cause painful internal injuries, while discarded skewers can puncture the digestive tract. Dispose of leftovers carefully and keep rubbish bins secure during outdoor celebrations.

9. Grapes, Raisins, and Festive Fruits - Many Christmas treats like puddings, cakes, and fruit salads contain grapes, raisins, and sultanas—all toxic to pets and capable of causing kidney failure. Keep these dishes well away from hungry noses.

10. The Christmas Tree - Whether real or artificial, trees can be a source of fascination for pets. Cats may climb them, while dogs might chew on decorations. Pine needles can irritate the stomach, and water in live tree stands may contain toxic preservatives. Secure your tree and supervise curious pets.

11. Guests and Gatherings - Holiday visitors and noisy parties can be overwhelming for some pets. Set up a quiet, comfortable room with their bed, water, and favourite toys so they have a safe retreat when things get hectic.

12. Fireworks Frenzy - Fireworks may be fun for us, but they can be terrifying for pets. Loud noises and bright flashes often trigger panic, leading to escape attempts or injury. Keep pets indoors during fireworks displays, close windows and blinds, and make sure your pet’s microchip and ID details are up to date—just in case they bolt in fear.

From all of us at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we wish you and your pets a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy holiday season!

If you need advice or emergency care, please call us on 02 4736 2027.

Penrith Wild Photo Competition

Penrith City Council’s popular Wildlife Wednesday Photo Competition is back under a new name! “Penrith Wild Photo Competition" is what they felt best represented their community of photographers.

Aspiring photographers can enter the draw to win one of 10 Nature Packs, including one “A Guide to Native Bees of Australia” by Terry Houston, one Biodiversity Pack of 10 preselected native plants supplied by Council’s Nursery and the opportunity to be featured in the Bushcare Calendar 2027. How long is the competition running?

The competition is open from Saturday 1 November 2025 and closes 5:00pm Sunday 1 February 2026. How do you enter the competition?

They have 3 different ways you can enter the competition:

• On Instagram: Post on Instagram including the hashtags #penrithwild and #wwcomp2025, a brief description of what your photo is and where it was taken. Entries without #wwcomp2025 and/or posted on private accounts will not be considered. Accounts must be public for photos to be entered.

• On Facebook: Post your photo as a reply to their photo competition posts on Facebook. Photos shared in posts that are not dedicated to the photo competition will not be considered entered.

• Via email: Email bushcare@penrith.city with the subject “Penrith Wild Photo Competition Entry” and a high-quality version of your photograph.

If possible, when you enter, please provide a description of what you photographed and where you captured it. How many times can you enter?

As many times as you like! You will only have the chance to win one Nature Pack per household. They will only select one of your photos as the winning entry. What are the prizes?

Each pack includes one “A Guide to Native Bees of Australia” by Terry Houston, and one Biodiversity Pack of 10 pre-selected native plants supplied by Council’s Nursery. Winners’ photos will be displayed for a month at Penrith City Library and have their photograph featured, with full credit, in Council’s free Bushcare Calendar 2027, which is given to over 200 volunteers every year.

Terms and conditions

Please ensure you read the terms and conditions at: https:// www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/images/waste-environment/ bushcare/2025-2026_penrith_wild_photo_competition_ terms_and_conditions.pdf before entering.

If you have any questions, please email bushcare@ penrith.city

r Can you spot the joey in the photo? | Image: Penrith City Council Bushland Management. Article: Penrith City Council

Emu Plains Lions Club Preparing for Christmas

Emu Plains Lions Club will be selling ‘real’ Christmas trees on Saturday 6th December, at Lions Park, Great Western Highway, Emu Plains. Look out for the banner announcing the date.

The Christmas Trees are sourced from Oberon, and the estimated drop-off time for the trees is between 6:30am and 7:00am and there will be 75 trees available.

The selling price is $45 per tree; payment can be made by CASH or EFTPOS.

All proceeds from the Christmas tree sales will be donated to Ronald McDonald House, Westmead.

Christmas Cakes and Puddings will also be available at the Christmas Trees and at Lennox Village, Emu Plains on Wednesday 19th November, Sunday 23rd November, Wednesday 26th November, Wednesday 3rd December and Friday 12th December 2025.

A Christmas Raffle will be held at Lennox Village the same days as the Christmas Cake sales.

For more information please contact, Cheryl Devine on 0417 234295.

Image/Article: Emu Plains Lions Club

advertise@districtgazette.com.au | districtgazette.com.au

Plus activities for adults and young people throughout the week Book Now

Article Written + Submitted by: Assistant Minister, Youth Co-ordinator David Simmons

P: 4735 1001 M: 0438 672 484 E: david@epac.org.au

Service Times: Sundays @ 8:00am, 9:45am and 6:30pm

The Best Gift at Christmas

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received at Christmas? I can think of lots of good ones, like a bike when I was a kid, or tickets to a show, and my wife Louise always comes up with great gifts (and I’m not just saying that because she’ll see this!). And aren’t the best gifts always the unexpected and undeserved?

If you’ve ever heard someone talk about the ‘grace of God’ you might be surprised to hear it means the ‘gift of God’. Grace means gift. And at Christmas, as we give gifts, no matter how good they are, we’re reminded again of the greatest gift.

Paul in the Bible puts it like this, ‘You know the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.’ (2 Corinthians 8:9). And so, at Christmas we remember Jesus’ coming, so he could give us this gift. He came into the world, God himself, in all his awesome power and holiness. He came as a man, into the mire of us living as if we were God and he weren’t. He set aside the riches of his glory and took on the poverty of our ungodliness. He came to live and die so we need not, and instead become children of God.

That is an extraordinary gift, isn’t it? It was unexpected by most and deserved by none. If we had deserved it, well, it wouldn’t be a gift! This is the gift we remember at Christmas, God meeting our greatest need. Actually, it’s what we at our church remember all year round; it’s what made us a church! All that is left for each of us is to decide whether we’ll accept it, and this Christmas, I hope you will.

Merry Christmas

The Moustache is Calling

Strengthening Men’s Health

This Movember, the moustache is calling again — and it’s calling on everyone.

It's not always something blokes want to talk about, but Special Envoy for Men’s Health, Dan Repacholi MP, has visited Macquarie to encourage conversations on the very issues the Prime Minister has charged him with advocating for.

This Movember, the moustache is calling again — and it’s calling on everyone.

work being done across the region to focus on wellbeing both on and off the field, whether you’re a player, coach or part of the support team that makes local sport possible in the first place.

From humble beginnings in Melbourne 22 years ago, Movember has grown into a global movement that has changed the face of men’s health. In 2025, the charity is once again rallying Australians to unite, grow and take action for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer - with a renewed focus on supporting men in regional and remote communities who are facing the greatest risk

Joining Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, Mr Repacholi met with sport and community groups, men’s health advocates and services as part of his ongoing work to listen to men and local leaders on the ground and ensure men’s health remains a national priority.

Since its inception in 2003, Movember has sparked billions of conversations, raised in excess of AUD $1.7 billion and funded more than 1,300 men’s health projects across the world. Its impact has been transformative — from groundbreaking biomedical research to building some of the world’s largest prostate cancer

Mr Repacholi, five-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and Ms Templeman met with representatives from Emu Plains and Windsor junior rugby league clubs and Penrith District Rugby League Football staff including Club CEO Matt Cameron, at Penrith Panthers Academy, to discuss their work on physical and mental health.

Panthers Wellbeing Officer, Kevin Kingston, spoke about the

HEALTH MATTERS

0418 166 269

P: 0418 166 269

registries and pioneering mental health programs that reach men where they are - in workplaces, sporting clubs, and rural towns across Australia.

And in 2023, the Movember Institute of Men’s Health was launched, backed by an AUD $100 million global investment – uniting experts, communities and partners to accelerate research and translate it into real-world solutions.

Mr Repacholi and Ms Templeman also visited Regatta Park at Emu Plains with Penrith Mayor Todd Carney, where joint funding from all three levels of government has delivered new playspaces and shared pathways, helping to keep the whole family active with the popular River Walk, water play, sand play and playground equipment free of charge.

“Men’s health still isn’t enough of a priority,” says Movember Co-Founder Travis Garone. “Our healthcare systems often don’t meet men where they are especially in rural and remote areas — and too many fall through the cracks. The moustache is our rallying cry — it gets people talking, laughing, and most importantly, acting. Every Mo grown and every conversation sparked can save a life.”

A men’s health forum was held at Richmond, attended by Blue Mountains, Nepean and Hawkesbury residents who shared their experiences and spoke of the benefits of community connection through men’s sheds, walking groups, sport, and community service organisations, followed by a visit to Hawkesbury Men’s Shed, Last Round Boxing and North Richmond Walk It Off.

Image/Article: Movember

Australians are encouraged to sign up, donate, or learn more

r Image/Article: Movember

Australians are encouraged to sign up, donate, or learn more

r Image/Article: Movember

Australians are encouraged to sign up, donate, or learn more

Can Regular Slump Stretching Improve Recovery From Lower Back Pain?

Many people suffer from “non-radicular low back pain” (NRLBP), i.e. lower back pain without the pain, numbness, or tingling that may be felt in the glutes, thighs, calves, or feet, which are symptoms “referred to areas” served by a “pinched nerve.” In these NRLBP patients, physical therapists often prescribe spinal mobilization and stabilization exercise protocols to help reduce back pain.

Nerve restrictions and overall nerve length can limit how far someone can stretch. When nerves, such as the sciatic nerve, are:

1. shortened, or

2. can’t slide smoothly through surrounding tissues due to entrapment by scar tissue adhesions or compression by surrounding muscle, everyday movements can put excess mechanical stress on nerves, compromising nerve function and causing back pain.

Thus, NRLBP may, in part, be due to restricted nerve movement, and neural mobilization exercises (NME), like slump stretches, may be of benefit. NME “are combinations of joint movements that promote either:

1. nerve tensioning (by displacing nerve endings in opposite directions), or

2. nerve sliding within its bed (by displacing nerve endings in the same direction),” to stretch nerves and reduce restrictions, possibly lowering nerve stress and thus back pain.

In a 2012 study by Nagrale et al., researchers randomized 60

patients to receive two sessions per week for three weeks of either a normal spinal mobilization and stabilization exercise protocol:

1. 5 min stationary bike warm-up

2. 2 or 3 x 40 sec front-back oscillations to mobilize “stuck” vertebrae

3. 10 wall squats

4. 10 bridges

5. 10 pelvic tilts

6. 10 quadruped arm and leg lifts

or the normal protocol plus 5 x 30 sec slump stretches.

Slump stretching involved patients sitting with knees straight, feet flat against a wall, then flexing their trunk and neck/head toward their feet, with overpressure on the head/neck from a therapist to increase stretch until the onset of stretch symptoms, then holding for 30 seconds.

The authors found that the addition of slump stretching led to greater improvements in:

1. overall disability

2. pain scores

3. levels of fear and avoidance

Specific stretching is almost always helpful to aid patient recovery from lower back pain. Suffering lower back pain? Give Andreas a call at the clinic on 0418 166 268.

r ** Refer to submitter for references

r Article: Susan Templeman MP/Dan Repacholi MP

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

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

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

Penrith Regional Gallery: The Pool Show

Featuring new commissions from Marian Abboud & the Seed of Hope Collective, Katerina Asistin, Dennis Golding, Mike Hewson and JD Reforma.

An often-repeated claim is that swimming pools are democratic spaces of inclusion in Australia, and that a summer here just wouldn’t be summer without a dunk in one of the cool blue oases dotted throughout our towns and suburbs.

But in Penrith – which on one day in January 2020 was officially the hottest place on the planet – access to water is a loaded subject. The Pool Show takes a deep dive into the local swimming pool in our art and in our psyches – not just as spaces of leisure, and relaxation, but also as sites where the politics of our time play out; where your race, postcode, gender or sexuality can determine who swims and who doesn’t, and how they are treated in the pool.

Responding to cultural, climatic and social cues from our local context, The Pool Show brings together a selection of new and existing artworks that consider the Australian preoccupation with swimming pools in all their various, glorious guises. The concreted, chlorinated embrace of countless municipal aquatic centres; the soothing, pellucid depths of rivers and bushland swimming holes; the invigorating, salty turbulence of pools carved into coastal rockshelves.

From the iconic imagery created by Harold Cazneaux, David Hockney, Ian Fairweather, Max Dupain and others to the powerful iconoclasm of artists such as Robert Campbell Jnr, Tracey Moffatt and Dennis Golding, The Pool Show will help us rethink the mythology and iconography of the pool in the Australian imagination, to visualise new definitions of swimability in the hottest part of Australia’s biggest city.

The Pool Show is presented in collaboration with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and with the generous support of TLE Electricals.

Date: 8 November 2025 - 15 February 2026

Venue: Penrith Regional Gallery, Emu Plains

r Katerina Asistin, ‘Quiet Spectator’ (detail), 2025, synthetic polymer paint and oil on canvas, 61 x 46cm | Image: Katerina Asistin. Article: Penrith Regional Gallery

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December is a month of celebration, reflection, and connection. It is a time when the year gently comes to a close and our community shines in its best light. Streets sparkle with festive decorations, the sound of carols fills the air, and families gather to share meals, laughter, and memories. School graduations mark new beginnings, while community events bring neighbours together in the warmth of summer. It is also a time to pause and reflect on the months gone by, to appreciate milestones reached, lessons learned, and the people who have supported us along the way. Amid the busyness, remember to rest, recharge, and find joy in the simple moments that make this season special.

Thank you for being part of our community and for sharing your stories, spirit, and kindness throughout the year. Here is to a wonderful festive season filled with love and laughter, and to a bright, hopeful year ahead.

“What is done in love is done well.” –Vincent Van Gogh

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