Emu + Leonay Gazette February 2022

WYCLIFFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Find your place, find your purpose Preschool to Yr12

Preschool to Yr12

Wycliffe Hope School is a Christian school for students with mild to moderate ASD or moderate intellectual learning needs.

(02) 4753 6422 www.wycliffe.nsw.edu.au

wycliffe.nsw.edu.au/ wycliffe-hope-school/

FEBRUARY 2022 | Issue 173

School Bell Rings for Jack See Article Pg 6

Café now open in Leonay

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PH 4735 8828

Mon-Fri Sat Sun

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WHATS NEW FOR YOU IN 2022 WE HAVE NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND A NEW AREA TO SERVICE CLIENTS.

The Loans Suite Blue Mountains Covering the area from Emu Plains to Blackheath, with a new broker joining us. She has years of experience both in residential and commercial banking and is absolutely amazing with finding the right solutions for her customers.

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February 2022 1

MEDIA

Key Site Primed For Employment Opportunities

“The revitalisation of strategic locations, like 158-164 Old Bathurst Road, aligns with Council's Employment Lands Strategy to support Penrith’s continued economic growth into the future,” she said.

For more information visit penrith.city/ oldbathurstroad v

An industrial site in Emu Plains will unlock new opportunities and generate economic activity in the City, with grand plans for Penrith City Council’s recent purchase of the site set to create jobs while strengthening the local economy.

Council has been handed the keys to the expansive property, at 158-164 Old Bathurst Road, and has commenced preliminary works on site to convert it into a hub of jobs growth and innovation. The 16.29 hectares of industrial land previously housed concrete pipe supplier Rocla until 2020.

Located close to the M4 Motorway, Emu Plains train station and next door to the commuter car park being delivered by the State Government, the sprawling site is set to become an employment hub that will support vital industries and allow more residents to find work closer to home.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said she was excited by the property’s potential and the transformational impact it will have on Penrith.

“Council purchased this site with the vision to create a contemporary industrial hub that will unlock hundreds of jobs within our LGA and drive incredible change in our City,” Cr Hitchen said.

“This will allow businesses to stay local, as well as drive further investment in Penrith and build on the revitalisation of our City.

“Our decision to purchase the site will have significant benefits for the community as Council endeavours to stimulate the local economy. The development will attract key industries such as advanced manufacturing, ecommerce and construction to create innovative local businesses, and local jobs.”

Plans for the site include subdividing the land to accommodate over 40 industrial businesses, large and small, and create 300-350 new jobs.

The project is expected to inject an estimated $36.4 million into the local economy each year.

Council is working towards a Development Application submission in early 2022.

“This strategic, economic-initiative will see Council’s plans for the expansive property unfold alongside many other city-shaping projects that are coming to fruition,” Cr Hitchen said.

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Image/Article: Penrith City Council

History Made as New Council Appoints Mayor, Deputy Mayor Penrith City Council’s Mayoral election will be embedded in Penrith’s great story as an historic moment, with the outgoing female Mayor passing the baton to another female for the first time in Council’s 150-year history.

The recently formed 15-member Council elected longstanding Councillor Tricia Hitchen as Mayor of Penrith City during the recent Ordinary Meeting and watched on as Councillor Karen McKeown OAM handed over the Mayoral chains.

Cr McKeown expressed her “heartfelt congratulations” to Cr Hitchen and paused to reflect on the pivotal event.

“It is a momentous occasion for this Council - in 150 years it’s the first time a female Mayor has handed the chains to an incoming female Mayor and I really take great pride in that,” Cr McKeown said.

Penrith’s new Mayor will serve a twoyear term with Councillor John Thain elected to be Deputy Mayor through to September 2022.

Cr Hitchen, a retired police officer who was first elected to Council in 2012, has served two terms as Deputy Mayor since 2016.

After being elected unopposed, Cr Hitchen said she had looked back on the past 10 years and how much Penrith has changed, in particular the many new estates which have been developed including Thornton, Caddens, and Twin Creeks.

She said it’s an exciting time for Penrith with several transformative projects taking shape, such as the Regatta Park upgrade, the Police Cottage refurbishment, City Park, and the Soper Place car park revitalisation.

“Given the success of these projects in Penrith, we now have the opportunity to expand similar projects into St Marys and the eastern part of our LGA, to synchronise with the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport,” Cr Hitchen said.

“St Marys has a unique opportunity to grow and provide our residents with an exciting shopping experience, CBD and lifestyle,” she said.

Cr Hitchen is currently a volunteer director of The Haven – Nepean Women’s

February 2022 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

Shelter. She is an active member of Council’s Access Committee, Local Traffic Committee and is on the board of St Marys Town Centre.

Cr Hitchen strongly advocates for people with disabilities through her own experiences of having a child with special needs, which has seen the introduction of more accessible spaces in the St Marys and Penrith CBDs. In recent years, Cr Hitchen has started a local community garden at Kingswood, been vocal about her concerns regarding the overdevelopment of Oxley Park and pushed for an upgraded off-leash dog park in St Clair.

New Deputy Mayor Cr Thain, who was also elected unopposed on Monday evening, has been a Penrith Councillor since 1999. He first served as Deputy Mayor in 2004-2005 and has been in the Mayoral role twice, in 2005-2006 and again from 2016-2018.

r

Image/Article: Penrith City Council

Local Seniors Share Their Stories Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has congratulated five Penrith locals whose stories are included in this year’s edition of Seniors’ Stories Volume 7.

“With only 100 contributors chosen from across the state for inclusion in the book it’s wonderful to see that five local authors are included.”

Authors from Penrith include: • Jill Ayling • Cheryl Anderson • Susan Cootes • Wendy Gordon • Margaret Onus “I encourage everyone in Penrith download a copy of the book. It’s a great read showcasing creativity and writing talent,” Stuart Ayres said.

“Seniors in our community have had so many amazing experiences and it is wonderful that we are able to read about them in the Seniors’ Stories book.”

An initiative of the NSW Seniors Card, members were invited to contribute shortstories to the book that were influenced by the theme of ‘What’s age got to do with it’.

Seniors’ Stories Volume 7 is available to download now at: https://www. seniorscard.nsw.gov.au/news-activities/ seniors-stories

rArticle: Stuart Ayres MP

Leonay’s Best Kept Secret

PROACTIVE PETS

WANTED - PET CARERS Do you LOVE pets?

Would you like to have a dog or cat stay with you in YOUR home and be paid an incentive for their companionship?

Covid-19 restrictions are at last easing and lots of people are looking to get away. As a result, we are looking for kind-hearted, responsible, trustworthy people to assist in caring for pets when their pet parents are on holidays.

Some dog walking opportunities are also available.

If this sounds like you, please contact Proactive pets Now!

CALL Tracey NOW on 0419 813 620

or EMAIL tracey@proactivepets.com.au VISIT www.proactivepets.com.au

The local community have welcomed Leonay’s newest café, The Willow Tree Café.

Opening on 29th November late last year, it has already been embraced by foodies for its amazing menu, décor, and atmosphere.

“We live in Leonay and have a successful café in Winmalee.

The opportunity came up to purchase the convenience store, so we approached our two friends Krystle and Daniel to come on board with us. We thought it was a great opportunity to provide good food and coffee to Leonay locals” said Michelle Andrews of The Willow Tree Café to the Emu and Leonay Gazette.

“At The Willow Tree Café, we provide delicious café style food and award-winning coffee” she continued.

Michelle and her team are thankful for the support they have been given since opening.

“The locals have been very supportive, sharing our social media page, coming in everyday/week to buy coffee or food, and just being generally encouraging when talking to us. We have been overwhelmed with kindness and enjoy seeing our friendly community” smiled Michelle.

As we enter 2022, they have big plans for the new year.

“We hope to open in the future for dinner and obtain a liquor licence” she ended.

The Willow Tree Café is located at 30-32 Leonay Parade in Leonay. Their phone number is 4735 8828. Their website is www.thewillowtreecafe.com.au. You can also find them on Facebook.

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Address: Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 Phone: (02) 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Stuart Ayres MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

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February 2022 3

SEE YOU AT THE E-WASTE DROP-OFF DAY Right now, e-waste is growing three times faster than other waste. And with the way the world is becoming more tech savvy, we need to become more e-waste savvy.

It’s so important to dispose of e-waste properly and responsibly. E-waste can’t go in your household bins.

Recycling at our E-waste Drop-off Day keeps e-waste out of landfill and our community safe.

So, never waste a chance to be great with e-waste.

See you at the E-waste Drop-off Day at Jamison Park Saturday 5 February from 9am-3:30pm PENRITH.CITY/EVENTS

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February 2022 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

Emu Plains Bowls Them Over Emu Plains Cricket Club (EPCC) have kicked off the 2021/22 season fielding 8 junior and 6 senior teams in the PJCA and NDCA competitions. After the COVID-enforced delays to the start of the season, it was great to see so many returning and new players take the field.

The Club will also be running the Woolworths Junior Blasters Program again starting this month (February 2022).

EPCC is proud of the junior player development the Club has facilitated with various forms of these early-stage programs running for over 25 years. These programs are often the first steps into cricket for many kids around the Emu Plains, Emu Heights and Leonay areas and serves as a wonderful introduction into not only cricket but sport in general.

Emu Plains Cricket Club’s Junior Blasters Program is run by four of the senior players in the Club, who are now into their third season of delivering this program together with great success. EPCC Junior Blasters Coordinator, Pat Anderson, continues to oversee this program and said “Junior Blasters is all about fun and participation and teaches kids all of the basic skills such as batting, bowling, catching, and throwing and generally having fun with other kids. We’d love for all kids aged 5-8 to come down and try it out. Cricket is such a great game and teaches kids so much”.

The program runs for 8 weeks commencing on Saturday 5th February from 9.00am – 10.00am at Dukes Oval, Emu Plains.

To join in on the fun of Junior Blasters, please go to www. playcricket.com.au and follow the information to the Junior Blasters registration section. v EPCC Under 10s enjoying their first game | Image/Article: Emu Plains Cricket Club

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February 2022 5

School Bell Rings for Jack

PARENTS CORNER

Article Written + Submitted by: Monica Purcell | Family Facilitator Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

Parents Cannot Afford to “Switch Off” When it Comes to Kids and Technology Much of our digital world has not been built with the safety of children in mind, and recent media coverage has highlighted the risks. Given the scale of the problem, caregivers understandably feel overwhelmed. When we face tremendous challenges, a common human response is to ignore, deny or delay responding. What this sometimes looks like in families is leaving children to their own devices (quite literally!)

Navigating the internet is like driving a car. It’s not only about whether a child or young person can operate the technology (growing up in the digital age, children and young people often adapt faster to new technology than adults do!). It’s about whether they have the cognitive, social, and emotional maturity to appropriately handle challenges in the online space.

Top tips for preparing children to use the internet: Children need supervision, guidance, and support to be good digital citizens. From the beginning, explain that owning or operating devices is a privilege, not a right. Clearly articulate the limits, and let your child know that continued use of a device depends on their capacity to use it safely and appropriately.

You will be most effective if you can understand and join your child’s digital world. Learn about their favourite places or activities, who they connect with online and how they understand the internet. Find ways you can connect over online activities, such as playing a game together.

Communicate regularly about online safety. If you make an executive decision (i.e., removal of a device or app), explain your reasons. Where appropriate (and especially with young people), consider inviting your child into the problem solving – explain your concern and then ask, “what can we do about this?”

Be a good digital role model. Children learn far more from what they see us do than what they hear us say! Consider your own online behaviour. Does this behaviour reflect the values you want to impart on your children?

The 8th of February 2022 marks Safer Internet Day. Find more information and resources at esafety.gov.au and saferinternet.org.

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Image: www.pixabay.com

February 2022 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

Thousands of children across the country will walk through the school gates for the first time this month, beginning their education journey. 5-year-old Jack Worthy is one of those children and he will be starting Kindergarten at Leonay Public School.

Jack will be the second generation of his family to join the school, with Father Daniel attending there from 1989 to 1995 and Uncle Justin from 1992 to 1998.

“Jack is very happy to start big school. He is looking forward to making new friends and learning about space and the moon.

He can’t wait to open his lunchbox at recess and lunch to see what Mum and Dad have packed him” smiled Ashlea Worthy, Jack’s Mum. The energetic youngster, who turns 6 in April, enjoys sport and he is ready to hit the playground.

“He loves to play soccer. Jack started playing in 2021 for Emu Plains Football Club and he will continue to play this season. He enjoys swimming and spending time with his best friend Adele.

Oh, and he loves anything Minecraft” said Ashlea.

Despite not having started Kindergarten yet, Jack has already set his sights on a career with animals or with food.

“I want to be a Zookeeper or a Cooker (Chef )” he replied.

For many parents and carers, that first day of school is filled with mixed emotions as they wave goodbye to their children.

“As Jack’s parents, we are excited to see him start this new chapter of his life. I am sure his first day will be very emotional for both my husband and I. Jack is already asking when the school holidays will be over so that he can begin Kindy” Ashlea agreed.

Best of luck to all those students who are beginning and returning to school in the local community this year. r Feature Article [Cover+Above] Jack ready for the big day | Images: Ashlea Worthy

Trio of Perfect Scores Crown Exceptional IB Results at St Paul's

r Year 12 IB students Marvin Madfouni, Mondira Paul, and Josh Lim. Image/Article: St Paul’s Grammar School

LEARN TO SWIM

Redee m First La p Vouch ers with u s.

Matching your child to the right teacher is just another thing we do.

We create a positive and productive environment for children to thrive in the water.

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02 4733 2840

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Three Year 12 students from St Paul's Grammar School have achieved a 'perfect score' in the International Baccalaureate (IB), with many other students from the school just a hair's breadth behind them.

Josh Lim, Mondira Paul, and Marvin Madfouni all achieved an IB score of 45 (ATAR 99.95) when the 2021 results for the IB Diploma Programme were released on Monday, 3rd January.

Of the forty-nine students from St Paul's who sat for the IB Diploma, 16% achieved results above ATAR 99, 37% above ATAR 95 and 53% above ATAR 90.

Strong results were recorded in English A Literature; Languages including Chinese, French and Latin; Psychology; Chemistry; Physics and Visual and Performing Arts.

St Paul's Principal, Ian Wake, congratulated students, families, and the staff of St Paul’s, noting the extraordinary circumstances in which these results have been achieved.

"Securing these marks in the IB, despite the many challenges students faced over the course of their final years of study, is testament to their ironclad determination, flourishing talents and great resilience. It is a phenomenal achievement," he said.

Mr Wake also highlighted the important role that the whole school community plays in supporting student achievement.

“No student excels in a vacuum but shares their success with a network of family members, teachers, friends and supporters who have helped them realise their potential," he said.

Celebrating their perfect IB scores, St Paul's Duces for 2021 Josh Lim, Mondira Paul, and Marvin Madfouni reflected on their last two years studying for the IB Diploma.

Josh found periods of remote learning and lockdown challenging but says it also presented several unique study opportunities.

"In my case, remote learning was very two-sided when it came to study for the IB. Rather than dwelling on the negatives, I found it helpful to make the most of the positive opportunities I now had. Limited travel opened more time and flexibility with when and how I studied. While I had to be organised and take more responsibility for my learning, I could take on information at my own pace," he said.

Mondira thanked her teachers for their support throughout these difficult two years.

"The support I received from my teachers while studying remotely really drove my learning and encouraged my curiosity.

Inquiry is a skill that's at the heart of the IB so having teachers who were always happy to discuss and answer my questions was really valuable," she said.

Similarly, in overcoming the challenges of the last two years, Marvin acknowledges the support from those around him.

"After receiving my IB score, I felt overjoyed as I could finally see that my hard work and sacrifice had paid off. After a disrupted two years it was a bit of a surprise and a great way to end my schooling. I couldn’t have achieved such good results without the support of my family, teachers and the school, and for that I am very thankful," he said.

St Paul's is one of Western Sydney’s leading academically non-selective co-educational schools with an open enrolment policy to the IB Diploma.

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(close to Glenmore Park, M4, Mulgoa)

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February 2022 7

Fantastic February

KID’S CORNER 1 BACK TO SCHOOL

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SPOT THE 5 DIFFERENCES AND COLOUR ME IN

SOLUTIONS

Puzzle 2 Puzzle 1

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February 2022 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

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2023 Scholarships at St Paul’s

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APPLICATIONS FOR ALL SCHOLARSHIPS

OPEN NOW

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ST PAUL’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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PMS 362 C

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C78 M0 Y100 K2

C2 M0 Y60 K0

R0 G47 B108

R80 G158 B47

R243 G234 B93

Each year, St Paul’s Grammar School offers a limited number of scholarships to students entering Years 5, 7, 9 or 11, encouraging excellence and nurturing potential across the curriculum.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS AND APPLICATIONS

Academic Scholarships

All-Rounder Scholarships

Performing Arts Scholarships

Are awarded to students on the basis of their ACER exam results and at the Principal’s discretion. All applicants must sit for the scholarship test in February.

Are available to students with significant ability in areas such as academic, performing arts, debating and/or public speaking, sport, and leadership.

Are available to students of exceptional achievement in music, dance or drama as well as excellence in academic studies.

Christian Congregational Scholarships Are offered to students with a developing understanding of the Christian faith and actively involved in a Christian Church.

The Don Harwin Scholarship Is offered to new students who are able to demonstrate outstanding service and citizenship in their current school, church and community.

p. 02 4777 4888 e. enrol@stpauls.nsw.edu.au

stpauls.nsw.edu.au SPGS_SShip2023_FPC_277hx190w_DGazette_FINAL.indd 1

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19/11/21 9:44 am February 2022 9

FAITH - EMU PLAINS ANGLICAN Article Written + Submitted by: David Simmons | Assistant Minister | P: 4735 1001 | E: roger@epac.org.au W: www.epac.org.au Service Times: Sundays @ 8:00am, 9:30am and 6:30pm | Plus activities for adults and young people throughout the week

Do You Want Friends With That?

As I was prepping a sermon recently on ‘Wisdom and Friendship,' almighty Google was watching and thought I was interested in the show ‘Friends’ - that hit sitcom from the 90’s. So, my Facebook feed was full of videos suggesting I watch ‘Friends’ clips. I watched a few of those videos and thought how good it would be to have friends like that. People who are not family but are as close, and caring, and committed to one another as family. People who are always there for one another (as the unforgettable song ‘I’ll Be There For You’ reminded us in the opening credits).

The Bible talks about the goodness of friendship. Proverbs 17:17 says, 'A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity,’ and Proverbs 18:24 says, ‘One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.’

But best of all, it shows us friendship with God is on offer through Jesus. On the night before he died, Jesus called his disciples friends and told them he would show his love by dying for them, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13).

Because of this we can be friends with God too. Anyone who believes in Jesus is his friend. Jesus is the best friend you could ever have.

Where other friends will let us down, Jesus loves at all times. Where other friends abandon us, Jesus sticks closer than a brother. Jesus is closer, more caring, and more committed to his friends than anyone else and he promises to always be there, now and in eternity. What a friend we (can) have in Jesus!

HEALTH MATTERS

Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness P: 0418 166 269

Can my Genes be so Bad that Migraine is Unavoidable?

A small number of people suffer from a rare/severe subtype of migraine with aura (MA) called hemiplegic migraine (HM), where weakness or temporary numbness, affects one side of the body, accompanying migraine.

HM is diagnosed/subdivided into: 1. Sporadic hemiplegic migraine (SHM) – no family history of HM exists 2. Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) – 1st or 2nd-degree relative has HM ~0.01% of Europeans suffer HM. SHM (1/3 of HM cases) results from: 1. Pathogenic-variant newly arisen FHM-genes (listed below) 2. Cellular mosaicism (people with mixtures of cells with completely different genetics) 3. Other gene-transmission-mechanisms 4. Environmental factors One of 3 specific FHM gene-mutations is passed-down from parents: 1. CACNA1A (FHM type 1) leads a person’s brain cells to misshandle calcium.

2. ATP1A2 (FHM type 2) leads to altered handling of both sodium, potassium, calcium and possibly acid by brain cells.

3. SCN1A (FHM type 3) leads to altered sodium-handling by brain cells which alters levels neurotransmitter GABA levels.

All mutations, increase risk of brain-cell-hyperexcitability, cortical

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spreading depression (CSD) and migraine. No other major HMcausing genes have been found and >75% of genetically tested HM sufferers, have no detectable gene mutation. HM genetic sub-types are indistinguishable although symptom-picture varies widely, even among people with the same genetic mutation.

FHM has: 1. an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern (just one copy of mutated gene can cause disease).

2. a high penetrance – i.e., 70-90% of people with the mutated gene will get migraines.

Nevertheless, penetrance isn’t 100% and twin studies clearly show even identical-twins can have completely different symptom-profiles.

Recently, a study concluded that the ‘wide array of symptoms, severity, age of onset and frequency’ suggests that HM-patients getting severe headaches, do so from an unlikely combination of both genetic and endogenous or environmental factors.

Swedish researchers similarly concluded that HM may not be caused by single-gene-mutations; but is likely an extreme-version of migraine with aura, sitting at the severe-end of the HM diseaseseverity- spectrum. They argued that a combination of environmental factors working together with rare and/or multiple-commongene-variants, conspire to produce HM migraines which suggests that even very rare and severe migraine types, have controllable environmental factors, that may significantly lower migraine risk.

February 2022 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

Emu Heights Dog Park Upgrade

The designs for the upgrade to Emu Heights Dog Park have been finalised and are available to view. Penrith City Council want to thank everyone who provided feedback about this project during the consultation process. Construction is due to begin in February 2022.

Council is committed to providing safe and usable spaces at their local off-leash dog parks. Emu Heights Dog Park, located on Wedmore Road in Emu Heights, is undergoing an upgrade to the existing park to better cater for residents and local dogs. Council is seeking community input to help them deliver the best result for our dog park users.

The dog park upgrade includes the installation of a new fenced enclosure for large and small dogs. This upgrade will: • Provide separation between large and small dogs • Improve the opportunity for dogs to exercise and socialise without anxiety • Increase seating and shade for dog owners What is possible in the upgrades with the available budget?

• Provision of additional seats with back and armrests • Planting new trees for shade and amenity • Installation of a new bin and tap • Bins and dog waste bag fixtures • Additional water • Dog play equipment What are the benefits of these upgrades?

The new fencing will include an “air lock” style entry to assist with ease of access into the space.

Planting new trees will improve shade opportunities, provide cooling and beautification of the reserve. Trees will be planted in both the large and small dog park enclosures to provide good shade opportunities for hot afternoons.

Additional seating with backs and armrests will be provided to the large and small dog enclosures to provide a space for owners to sit and observe their dog(s).

What is not possible in the upgrades?

• Lighting • Toilets and BBQ facilities • Carparking How are the works being funded?

The works are funded by the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Access to the dog park during the upgrades: During construction, the dog park will be closed with fencing around the site and unavailable for use. Construction time is approximately 8-10 weeks. Council will inform the community of when the park is expected to undergo construction after practical community feedback has been applied. r Welcome news for our furry friends | Image/Article: Penrith City Council

Adventure Awaits The pandemic has meant that we have been unable to travel.

Trips that we once took overseas, or interstate have been replaced with adventures closer to home. Local Mum Melissa Bedwell saw this as the perfect opportunity to create Clue Tours NSW. Clue Tours use nature, infrastructure, history, and community to create cryptic clues for you to access and solve with your mobile phone. It is a fun self-guided trail where you solve the clues on a scavenger hunt through the outdoors. You receive the clues on your mobile and answer them as you follow and walk on your trail - discovering more of the people, land, and history with every clue. They can be done by yourself or in a group; it’s a fun activity for families, partners, groups of friends and team building experiences.

“I have always been passionate about adventure, exploring, history and having fun! With overseas travel closed for the past two years, I re-discovered adventure and history at home in our local area and beyond. Creating a cryptic clue tour was a way to incorporate fun, a sense of adventure, and looking at our local area from a completely different viewpoint” explained Melissa.

“There is so much beauty in our landscape, amazing history and community vibe that surrounds us in Western Sydney, and I wanted to share that with a fun twist that suits both locals and tourists” she continued.

Clue Tours NSW was officially launched in November 2021.

The Glenmore Park tour was the first, with a Penrith tour to be launched soon. In 2022, they plan to expand tours in the Blue Mountains and Emu Plains, Hawkesbury as well as additional Penrith and Glenmore Park tours.

“We’re also developing a unique clue tour that can be completed online or by car for those who can’t get out walking, but still want to experience the sense of adventure, fun and challenge that Clue Tours NSW provides. Beyond 2022, we plan to expand the Clue Tours to regional towns across NSW” Melissa stated.

Clue Tours NSW are offering Emu and Leonay Gazette readers a 20% discount off their Glenmore Park Discover Clue Tour. Simply head over to their website and enter the code ggazette20 at the checkout page (Valid for the Glenmore Park Discover Clue Tour, and tour must be purchased by 31 March 2022).

Find out more at www.cluetoursnsw.com.au.

r Local Annabelle discovering clues | Image: Melissa Bedwell

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February 2022 11

PAWS A WHILE

Article Written + Submitted by: Camille Brandt from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital A: 49 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027

Welcome To Our New Staff Members We are getting busier and busier, and we are still growing in size.

Please join me in welcoming 4 new staff members to our team!

You will still be seeing all the previous staff members when you visit.

We now have a total of 25 staff! Wow! Cesar Cesar grew up in Miami, Florida, USA. He completed his Bachelor's Degree in Animal, Poultry and Veterinary Sciences with a concentration in Animal Nutrition, at Tuskegee University in Alabama, USA in 2009. Cesar is currently pursuing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree at the University of Sydney. He has worked as a veterinary technician for over 20 years in the USA, working in a variety of different practices.

Cesar has extensive experience with a wide variety of animals, ranging from dogs, cats, horses, pocket pets, large animals, reptiles, birds, and fish.

When not busy working or attending classes, Cesar enjoys scuba diving, aquaculture, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Cesar completed 2 weeks of University placement at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, and we were so impressed, we offered him a job.

Cesar began casual employment in February 2021.

Ethan Ethan is a Penrith local who joined our team in December 2021.

He is currently studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney.

At home, Ethan has 5 cats and 1 dog. In his free time, he enjoys bouldering, reading, and walking his dog, Harley.

Sarah Sarah graduated with her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in January 2021.

She joined the team at Orchard Hills in November 2021.

Sarah has grown up with animals and feels like there’s a hole in her heart when she’s not around them.

She currently has four cats - Calvin, Marshmallow, Sundae and Tucci, and a Staffie named Phoebe in tow.

“I love being able to work with animals and help them in any capacity I can. I am continually learning and love being able to expand my knowledge of animals and veterinary nursing”.

Melitta Melitta joined our team in October 2021 in the grooming department.

Melitta has previously worked on a breeding thoroughbred stud managing vet visits and owns her own country clothing business (Country N Co).

Melitta has 2 horses, Sensation (3yr old stock horse), Krakajac (25yr old thoroughbred) and 2 dogs, Dixie (14wk old Kelpie) and Penny (3yr old Labrador).

Melitta has a loving passion for all animals every shape and size.

In her spare time, she is out competing her horses in team sorting, camp drafting, local shows, and beach riding!

Melitta loves coming to work as part of such an amazing team!

Xinlin Xinlin grew up in Harbin, Heilongjiang China and he is

12

currently studying the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree at the University of Sydney.

Xinlin has no pets currently, as he left his geckos in China with his friends to look after.

Xinlin completed 2 weeks of University placement at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, and we were so impressed, we offered him a job.

Xinlin began casual employment in January 2022.

We look forward to meeting you and your pets at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, and please feel free to pop in anytime and meet the team.

February 2022 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

Check us out on Facebook, contact us by phone on 4736 2027 or online at www.orchardhillsvet.com.au

r

Pets are part of the family! Image: www.pixabay.com For Appointments Call

4736 2027

Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP)

CONSULTING HOURS Monday to Friday: 8am - 7pm | Saturdays: 8am - 2pm Services provided include: • General Surgery (desexing to orthopedics) • Vaccinations and in-house pathology • Radiology and Dentistry • Visiting specialist radiographer and ultrasonographer • Puppy preschool • Grooming and hydrobath • Home visits • Cat boarding and Kitten adoption • Secure off leash dog park CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION www.orchardhillsvet.com.au or Join us on Facebook

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February 2022 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

Our Commitment to Give Back The District Gazette supports the Lung Foundation Australia, with specific financial support of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, through their IPF Program.

In memory of the late, courageous, strong and determined, Wendy Frame

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(Police, Ambulance, Fire) Penrith Police Station Police Assistance Line Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling WIRES (Wildlife Rescue) NSW Rural Fire Service State Emergency Service Anglican Church St Paul’s, Emu Plains Baptist Church Emu Plains Community Catholic Church Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains Uniting Church 7 Green Street, Glenbrook Blaxland Presbyterian 15a Wilson Way, Blaxland The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Spiritual Church Elevation Church Penrith Girl Guides Glenbrook Lions Club Emu Plains Lung Support Group

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Letterboxes: 1 + 2 March 2022

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THE LAST WORD FROM THE EDITOR

Here we are in February with the first edition for 2022. Despite the new COVID variant Omicron arriving, we refuse to give in and continue the fight to stay safe for one another. Our health care workers are working hard to look after us and we cannot praise them enough.

As we wave goodbye to our holidays, it’s time to prepare for a new year ahead of school, work, and life in general.

This month, we follow the excitement of that first day of kindergarten, prepare for Summer sports and shine the spotlight on those members of the local community that make it just that ‘a community’.

We wish our advertisers, contributors, and ‘you’ our much-valued readers a safe, happy and healthy year ahead.

By continuing to support our Advertisers, you support us. For this, we thank you.

To all the lovers and those in love.

'Happy Valentines Day' (Feb 14).

Enjoy ‘Your Community News’.

Remember, being happy never goes out of style!

Belinda

4735 4982

Baseball Club Penrith BMX Penrith Panthers Junior AFL Cricket Club Hockey Junior Rugby Union Junior Rugby League Karate Goshin Ryu Little Athletics Emu Plains Little Athletics Glenbrook Netball Rugby League Self Defence Emu Heights Tennis Club Glenbrook Soccer BMFC Swimming Club Nepean

0434 116 940 0434 267 785 0412 579 061 0418 209 105 0419 226 698 4736 3912 0404 116 226 0411 136 237 0438 039 913 0438 357 478 0419 357 165 4736 3912 0422 648 206 4739 1675 4739 5121 0416 311 453

Triathlon Club Panthers ptcmembership@hotmail.com

SMALL PRINT Advertising Policy... Payment on booking secures your space. The Business Directory offers cost effective advertising to businesses in an alphabetical format.

Premium Placement may be available, at an extra charge. An editorial focus on a local business may be included if space permits, at the Editor’s discretion.

Community News... The Emu+Leonay Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor.

Letters to the Editor...may be printed and edited as necessary. Names must be submitted but can be withheld from publication at the writer’s request.

Every effort is made to print correct information but no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.

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T N A T R O P M I UPDATE

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