Penrith City Council invites community and industry views on the future development of the Aerotropolis precinct, with the draft Penrith Aerotropolis Development Contributions Plan released for public exhibition until 13 July 2023.
The draft Aerotropolis Development Contributions Plan (the Plan) seeks to deliver $815 million by apportioning a contributions rate of 5.5% for development over $200,000 within the Aerotropolis precinct in Penrith’s Local Government Area.
The contributions will fund the delivery of essential infrastructure such as local roads, bridges, active transport connections, open spaces and community facilities as identified in the Aerotropolis planning package.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen says the Plan establishes a sustainable funding model that will ensure adequate infrastructure is in place to support growth within the emerging Aerotropolis precinct.
“Our vision is for the Aerotropolis to become a hub of industry and innovation that offers a diverse range of jobs for the community, but achieving this ultimately depends on our ability to fund the necessary infrastructure.
“The Plan will see the costs to deliver local infrastructure in the Aerotropolis precinct shared by those benefiting from the development, and importantly will ensure these costs don’t fall to Penrith ratepayers,” Cr Hitchen said.
The Plan was previously released as a joint plan between Penrith and Liverpool City Councils in 2020-21 and a key change is that both councils now have their own Plans to enable greater autonomy and simplified administration of the Plan.
With the total cost of local infrastructure for both councils estimated at $2.8 billion, a collaborative approach was taken to develop individual plans which better reflect the unique requirements and costs of infrastructure for each Local Government Area.
Find out more at yoursaypenrith.com.au/draft-penrithaerotropolis-CP. Written submissions can be made via email to: city.planning@penrith.city or by mail to the General Manager, Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 before 5pm, 13 July 2023.
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
Lions Club of Emu Plains Inc
Meets 3rd Thursday of the month from 630pm at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay). More Details: Cheryl Devine 0417 234 295.
Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS)
Meets on the 4th Friday of the month in Melrose Hall (169 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains) from 7.30 p.m. More Details: 0493 547 794.
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
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay) from 6.30p.m. More Details: www. prostatesupport.org.au or phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on1300 13 38 78.
Penrith Womens Walk and Talk
Meets 5pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk
Penrith Mens Walk and Talk
Meets 5pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/
Emu Plains’ Lena McKechnie is a cake decorator in demand. Whether it’s running her business, Savvy Cakes, making the Australian Prime Minister’s birthday cake or teaching masterclasses, she continues to taste sweet success.
What started out as a hobby over a decade ago has now grown into a flourishing, local small business.
“I started making cakes at the time my twin girls turned one. Their birthday is over the Christmas/New Year period when many cake shops are closed, so I quickly figured out that I'd better learn as I'd face the same problem every year” Lena said to the Emu and Leonay Gazette.
“It was a hobby for a few years, while I took classes and refined my skills. Then I got my kitchen registered in 2012 and started taking orders” she continued.
Lena’s amazing cake decorating skills saw her win the 2020 Jo McIntosh Cake Mate Award in the Australian Cake Decorating Network Industry Awards.
“It was a bit like a citizenship award. I try to help out in the cake community as much as possible and get to know everyone. I get lots of messages from decorators asking for advice, which means I get to talk about cake decorating too” replied Lena.
This year, she made Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s 60th birthday cake. Most of Lena’s favourites to make are kids cakes and big cakes, where she gets to be creative.
Lena offers cake decorating masterclasses, both in person and online. She has recently listed classes on fondant cookies, sugar succulents, buttercream, and a square gift box.
“Teaching cake decorating is my focus now” she explained.
She recently travelled to Miami in the US to teach a class at the SoFlo Cake and Candy Expo in April.
“I took my newly developed cake decorating product ‘Cover Up’ with me, which is now being stocked in the USA, Canada and here in Australia. ‘Cover Up’ is a washable, food safe film that preserves fondant, rather than using single use plastic” Lena added.
With teaching engagements at both Cake Bake and Sweets Shows in Melbourne this month and Sydney in September, she is busy indeed.
“I also work as a cake events co-ordinator for the Australian Cake Decorating Network. This means I get to help plan things like Cake Camp and Cake Crawl, which are just as awesome as they sound”.
So, what’s the secret to making the perfect cake?
“Patience is key. Don’t bake and decorate all in one day. Do each step one day at a time” she ended.
68% of drinkers have considered going alcohol-free in 2023, making this year the perfect time to sign up to the OG sober challenge.
2023 marks a milestone 15 years of Dry July, the annual challenge encouraging Aussies to give up alcohol and raise funds towards improving the comfort, care and wellbeing of people affected by cancer.
Since its inception in 2008, Dry July Foundation has raised over $82 million for more than 80 cancer organisations and funded more than 1,200 projects across Australia in the process.
It all started with three friends in a pub pledging to give up alcohol for a month to raise funds for their local hospital, their original goal was to raise $3,000. They well and truly smashed it, gaining the attention and support of Adam Spencer and raising a whopping $250,000. All three Founders still remain on the Board of Dry July Foundation, and proudly take part in the challenge each year.
Co-Founder Brett Macdonald says, “We love to have a laugh about the old joke ‘three men walk into a bar’, and that’s really how it all started. Never did we imagine 15 years ago that Dry July would not only take off in Australia the way it has, but that it would be the inspiration for countless other sober challenges here, and around the world.
“We couldn’t be prouder to be the trailblazers of such a positive global trend, that has not only impacted people’s health and relationship with alcohol, but above all, has raised vital funds for people affected by cancer. That mission has and always will be our number one priority.”
In the last 15 years, over 317,000 Dry July-ers and counting have given up the drink and joined the cause.
Dry July Foundation CEO, Katie Evans says, “It’s undeniable that the mass participation we’ve seen has impacted Australia’s drinking culture. Our research this year proves people are less worried about backlash from their mates if they opt to take a break from the booze.”
73% of people agree that it is more popular than ever, and over half admit it’s no longer taboo to take a booze break. As for past Dry July participants, the experience has been such a positive one, that four in five have considered going completely alcohol-free.
Over the years Dry July-ers have noted the greater sense of purpose and achievement they feel not just from giving up alcohol but do it for a cause and raising money for those affected by cancer.
To sign up for Dry July or make a donation, visit the Dry July website – www.dryjuly.com.
r Dry July Co-Founders Phil Grove, Kenny McGilvary, and Brett Macdonald | Image/Article: Dry July Foundation/Forward Agency
Did you know that an old, unused mobile phone can save the life of someone trying to escape domestic violence?
There are currently more than 2 million victims of domestic violence* in Australia and Penrith City Council is calling on the community to help make a difference.
Council is urging residents and staff members to drop off any unwanted phones and chargers in collection boxes set up at various locations across the City.
These will be donated to DV Safe Phone, a registered charity dedicated to providing a lifeline for those dealing with domestic violence.
The phones will be refurbished and distributed to government agencies and support services that gift them to victims.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen encouraged residents to donate a device as there are vulnerable, unsafe community members who need urgent access to support.
“There were 1,077 reported instances of domestic violence in the Penrith Local Government Area in 2022 alone which proves domestic and family violence does not discriminate and the issue is impacting our community,” Cr Hitchen said.
“We all have a drawer at home filled with old technology – that unused phone might be what your friend, relative or neighbour needs to call emergency services or a support network when they plan to escape domestic violence,” she said.
“I am proud of our Council for continuing to be proactive in this space and I encourage everyone, from our staff to our many residents, to help save another by dropping off a phone at one of our collection points.”
Penrith City Council endorses a zero-tolerance approach to any form of violence, bullying or harassment in or outside the organisation.
As an accredited and practicing White Ribbon Workplace that supports gender equality and champions a culture of respect, Council’s policy incorporates Domestic Violence Leave to support staff.
Earlier in May, which is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Penrith’s Mayoral Charity Ball raised $60,000 for The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter.
DV Safe Phone CEO Ashton Wood said Penrith is one of the first councils in the state to be supporting the organisation’s work, which has seen more than 5,000 phones delivered to domestic violence victims in three years.
“We are proud to partner with Penrith City Council. Having organisations like them collect phones on our behalf is vital to the service we provide,” Mr Wood said.
“We encourage everyone to drop their old phones into their office and help ensure that no call for help goes unheard. Your old phone could save a life of a victim of domestic violence here in Australia.”
To see where your nearest collection box is, visit penrith.city/ dvsafephone
To find out more about the organisation Council is supporting, go to dvsafephone.org
r DVSafePhone: The collection box in the Penrith Civic Centre foyer. Image/Article: Penrith City Council. *Figure provided by DV Safe Phone
The Nepean District Historical Society will be holding its Annual Historical Festival and Open Day at the Arms of Australia Inn Museum, Corner Gardenia Avenue and Great Western Highway, Emu Plains on Sunday July 16th, 2023, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Admission is free.
There will be special displays in the Inn, telling the history of the building and the Penrith area.
The NSW Corps of Marines will be at the festival and will be in charge of keeping law and order.
As in previous years, there will be activities for the young and old - including the old fashioned school room where you can write on slates, the Penrith Printing Museum, Antique and Classic Motor Club Cars, the Pioneer Timber Cutters, bookstall, Morse Code Club and plant sales including a Bonsai display plus a tea room, BBQ, and drinks.
Entertainment will include Harmony Choir.
For more information about the Annual Historical Festival and Open Day, call 02 4735 4394, email info@armsofaustraliainn. org.au or visit the website at http://www.armsofaustraliainn. org.au.
The impact of the pandemic on local sporting clubs in recent years was damaging. The resilience of many were tested. One such club, Emu Plains Hockey Club, is determined to rebuild and show the strength and determination that has guided them for the past 50 years.
With the 2023 season starting a few short months ago in April, the local club has seen 63 players registered across two women’s teams, one men’s team and a number of junior teams.
“We used to be much bigger. The club has lost a lot of players in the last few years for various reasons. This includes the pandemic, where players just didn’t return after two seasons were cut short by lockdowns” explained Mark Parnell, President of Emu Plains Hockey Club.
Parnell has only been at the helm of the local club this year and he’s ready to lead and restore them to their former glory.
“I only took on the role of President a couple of months ago. Frankly, it's been a bit of a tricky time, going through a fairly rough patch after losing a lot of members. I do love the culture within the club though. While everyone enjoys winning of course, our focus has always been on just getting out there and having fun, and I believe it's important we maintain that” he stated.
“I have a longstanding family connection. My dad has played for Emu every year since the club (and the Nepean Association) were founded in 1972. So, I am enjoying the opportunity to give back, despite the challenges” Mark continued.
Despite the season being more than half over, they welcome players wanting to join the club. In particular, their Under 11’s and Under 16’s are both short on numbers this year.
“If someone is keen, we’re not going to turn them away” he added.
Sponsors, coaches, and volunteers are also needed.
“We definitely could do with more sponsors; that's something I'm particularly keen to work on in the coming months. And like probably just about any community organisation, there are never enough volunteers, including coaches,” said Mark.
Emu Plains Hockey Club will be running a trivia night this month, on Saturday 8th July. Details and registrations are available at https://emuplainshockey.com.au/trivia-night/.
Flood waters are dangerous and you should never try to drive through them. If there’s a flood warning or evacuation order, it’s important to leave when you’re told, because roads can be cut. There are new flood evacuation signs in the Hawkesbury-Nepean area to help, but it’s good to plan ahead and learn about your local evacuation routes before a flood happens. Having a plan of where to go can make all the difference.
For information, visit ses.nsw.gov.au/yourfloodplan
“I THOUGHT WE COULD WAIT, BUT WE ENDED UP BEING TRAPPED.”Article Written +
Submitted
by: Monica Purcell | Family Facilitator Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services
W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au
E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au
Parents often complain to me that when they ask their child, “how was school?” or “how was your day?”, they receive no more than a “good/fine” or a grunt in response. There are many ways parents interpret these responses, either believing their child doesn’t want to talk to them or is being pouty or impolite. Neither are true or fair.
Adults under-estimate the amount of cognitive processing that questions ask of children. When asked a question, I must not only decipher the meaning of the question but work out if I know the answer and want to give it to you. That’s a lot of thinking. Younger children with developing language capacity take even longer to manage a response.
Timing of question is usually another complicating factor. Questions fired at children just as they are bundling into the car at pick up rarely stimulate riveting conversation. Transitioning from school or day care to home is another process. Think about how you feel the minute you arrive home from work; even if you had the most successful day, you still need to recharge the batteries. Children, like adults, fatigue over a long day away from their safe base.
So, what then is the answer to the tricky question of questions? First, it’s important that we come from a place of genuine curiosity and openness. Children see the emptiness of this adult business of small talk and what they crave is connection. If you don’t really want to know the answer, best not to ask.
However, if you do want to connect with your child, then wrap that curiosity up in a reflective statement. Reflective statements share what you observe of your child’s emotional experience. For example, “it seems like you’ve had a hard day” Statements are open-ended and free from obligation to respond. However, if children feel seen and heard by parents, more often than not they will actually speak more. And then there’s times children don’t want to talk about it. In which case, just say you are open for a chat when they’re ready.
We often create more conversation with children when we don’t ask too much.
I was unable to put it down. Ellis mother of three often finds nature as her place of refuge. In a moment of intense emotion and distraction, Ellis mistakenly leaves her baby, Viola unattended and drives away from the woods. In the short time it takes for her to realise, and return, the child is gone. This is the final straw in an already fractured marriage and she falls into despair and guilt, drowning herself in alcohol and drugs.
The only solution she sees is to leave it all behind. Ellis fears becoming her own mother, something she believes is inevitable, so removes herself from her family’s lives and takes to the mountain wilderness.
Spending time in nature has always been Ellis’ escape, and Vanderah’s writing describes the mountain environment so beautifully. The journey is heartbreaking and tragic at times, though thoughtfully explored by the author.
Intertwined is the story of Raven, home-schooled and isolated, a beautifully naive young girl. Her mother has secrets and Raven is not allowed to see other people. An encounter in the woods with some local children, opens Raven’s eyes to the outside world and she wants to know more.
The novel is told through the eyes of these two characters, both lovers of nature and struggling with their individual issues. Themes of addiction, secrets, forgiveness, trust and love are brought together in a moving and for some maybe too neat ending.
A well crafted novel, with absorbing characters and difficult subjects that was moving and delightful and impossible to put down.
r Book Review by: Tess
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Penrith City Council will celebrate NAIDOC Week 2023 with a special program of community activities and events taking place across the City from Sunday 2 July to Sunday 9 July 2023.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate the significance of our Aboriginal heritage and the important contribution Penrith’s Aboriginal population make in our community and across our vibrant City.
The program of events will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, and heritage; as well as embrace the NAIDOC 2023 theme, ‘For Our Elders’, a homage to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and their ongoing contributions to communities across the country.
Local student David Eskander is preparing for a once in a lifetime experience, having been selected to take part in the 2023 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge this year.
David, who turns 18 this month, will represent Penrith RSL and his Australian Army Cadet Unit 21ACU in the Challenge, which will see him travel to Papua New Guinea, trekking across the Kokoda Trail from 23rd September to 4th October, during the school holidays.
He was initially nominated by his Cadet Captain, Captain Kilgour. Penrith RSL received multiple nominations from schools, Army, Air Force and Navy cadets. Nominees were asked to complete an application of interest, that included a 600 word essay. A small number of applicants were then invited for an interview with Penrith RSL COB (Chair of Board), Sub-Branch President and Vice President, before the selection was made.
“I was overjoyed to get the news that I was selected to be part of this Challenge” said David to the Emu and Leonay Gazette.
The 10 day trek will see David and his fellow participants cover 15 to 22kms a day across treacherous terrain that includes steep inclines, deep valleys, dense jungle, and rapid rivers. Along the way, they get to visit and learn the history of significant battle sites, and at the end of each day, discuss the main lessons learned from the site around the campfire.
In preparation for the trek, he has been hiking in the mountains with full gear to build endurance. Gym workouts and mental training also help with the hard challenge ahead.
“The Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity of trekking the Kokoda Trail. I’m looking forward to the chance to witness and experience the trail itself. I’ve always had a long-standing interest on the history of Australia’s Defence Force. The chance to trek through the same path that our veterans had gone through, and those who laid down their lives for our country, is an experience that I cannot put into words” he stated.
“I see this trek as a personal challenge to me. I firmly believe that the experience of trekking the Kokoda Trail would help me develop a new level of self-awareness, gratitude, mindfulness, discipline, and resilience that I can apply to all areas of my life” David continued.
David is thankful for the opportunity he has been given.
“A huge thank you to my Captain and my Cadet Unit 21ACU for my nomination, and Penrith RSL for selecting me out of all the applicants they received and to the amazing group of people who make the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge happen, the RSL & Services Clubs Association, and Adventure Kokoda that is run by Major Charlie Lynn” he ended.
You can follow David Eskander’s journey on Facebook by searching ‘EskanderKokoda LSC 2023’.
r Feature Article [Cover] Preparing
Council’s NAIDOC community event will return to Jamison Park from 10am to 3pm on Friday 7 July 2023. This fun and inclusive event will feature performances from First Nations artists, workshops, stalls, a free BBQ and more.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen encourages everyone to come along to Council’s 2023 program of NAIDOC events and activities, to learn and pay homage to the oldest, continuing culture on the planet.
“NAIDOC Week is an excellent opportunity for our community to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Cr Hitchen said.
“While COVID-19 and bad weather impacted our flagship NAIDOC event in recent years, we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Jamison Park this year to participate in a range of activities that celebrate and support our First Nations communities,” she said.
Council’s 2023 NADIOC program will embrace this year’s NAIDOC theme, ‘For Our Elders’, a homage to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and their ongoing contributions to communities across the country.
For more information visit: Penrith. city/NAIDOC.
Puzzle
Puzzle
Messy Makers specialise in providing children’s activities, from the ages of 5 months right up to 12 year old age group. They can be found right across Sydney and the Central Coast, plus have a wide range of sessions and events available for children in the Penrith and Camden regions. This includes Emu Hall at Emu Plains, fortnightly on Wednesdays from 10:00am till 11:00am.
For the little ones aged up to 5 years of age, they offer a specialised, food-based sensory program. Children naturally learn through play, and providing a food-based play program, they assist children understand their senses. They finish off each session with group time, including parachute and bubbles activities, ensuring it’s a fun-filled hour! Messy Makers also offer Toddler Time sessions for this age group, which are more focused on soft play, sensory toys, and craft activities.
For the older children, Messy Makers provides a range of activities for ages 4 years plus, which are highly popular at Council and community events, as well as during the School Holidays at a wide range of venues. Whether you’d like to learn to make slime, bring out your inner Picasso with sand art activities, or make your own bath bombs, Messy Makers have you covered.
They also offer this service to childcare and daycare centres - which have been immensely popular over the past two years.
“Messy Makers believes every child should start to explore their senses early and get a head start on their education. The founders, having two young children themselves, quickly realised that there were no activities that could cater for this need. Additionally, every parent knows the importance of play, but don’t like the mess. Bring in Messy Makers, where we encourage maximum play, maximum mess and leave the clean up to them” explained Amy Titchener of Messy Makers.
The parenthood journey can also be hard. Messy Makers offers a space for parents to take a break and enjoy play time with their children. A space where you can meet parents of similar aged children and form new friendships.
The cost to attend is $18 per child. Looking to attend more than once? They offer monthly passes (excluding St Marys RSL), which provide a discounted price for each session throughout the month. There are no costs for parents/guardians.
Interested in finding out more? Visit their website at www. messymakers.com.au or call 1300 685221.
Article Written + Submitted by: Assistant Minister David
Simmons
P: 4735 1001 E: david@epac.org.au W: www.epac.org.au
Service Times: Sundays @ 8:00am, 9:45am and 6:30pm
Plus activities for adults and young people throughout the week
This might be the first time you’ve ever been asked that question and you might not think it’s relevant. Isn’t theology for Bible colleges, university departments, and the religious elite of the world? It might surprise you to hear that we’re all theologians - including you.
Theology means the study of God (‘theos’ is Greek for God). We are all theologians because we all think something about God. The person who thinks God is like a benevolent grandparent in the sky is doing theology. The person who thinks God is a miserable crank is doing theology. Even the atheist who says, ‘there is no God’ is doing theology. The question is not whether we do theology or not but ‘how’s your theology?’ Is it reasonable? Is it reliable? Is it true?
Have you ever thought why you think the things you do about God? Where did those ideas come from? Maybe from parents, or scripture, or church, or possibly a Youtube rabbit hole, or a stream of Facebook comments on the topic.
It’s worth checking because theology is how we answer life’s biggest question - Does God exist? If he does, can we know him? Can we know why he made us and his plans for our world? What is the meaning of life? Those questions are too big for us to ignore.
I believe the Bible has the answers. It is the place to go for reliable, reasonable, and true theology. It tells us God exists and, even better, he wants us to know him. God speaks to us in the Bible telling us who he is, who we are, and how we can we can be with him forever. So open the book and check your theology. You might be surprised by what (or who) you find.
Last month, we learnt that:
1. Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is generally considered incurable,
2. Regular medical approaches can involve pharmacotherapy including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and/or immunosuppressive drugs, and surgical intervention (sometimes extensive).
3. These interventions are supportive not curative, many have side effects.
4. Human UC patients have alterations in gut microbial composition.
5. Inappropriate gut flora may be a contributor to UC disease.
6. Faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) tries to treat UC by correcting gut microbial composition.
7. Donor SD-FMT was able to maintain steroid free remission in
a. 32% of UC patients at 8 weeks.
b. 13% at 12 months.
And patients maintained their standard medications through this study.
Transplanting donor bacteria may be a good start, but this study failed to address patient diet, ‘a key modifiable factor influencing the composition of the’ microbiota resident in the gastrointestinal tract.
A recent study randomised 66 patients:
1. 35 receiving FMT plus a specific autoimmune dietary regimen (FMT-AID) and standard care.
2. 31 receiving standard care alone.
In this study, FMT-AID was found significantly superior in all measures
when compared to standard medical care as an intervention for UC. Comparing the results (at the end of 1 year) from this study with those of the FMT-only study from last month, we see that the intervention that also addresses diet has best results (See below table).
This might be expected given:
1. ‘Diet is one of the major determinants of the gut microbiome’ composition ‘and has been associated with risk as well as disease course of IBD’.
2. Diet provides nutritional elements that improve intestinal health. From our previous articles, it’s clear that intestinal cells aren’t healthy in UC patients.
A review of dietary instructions given to patients in the FMT-AID group shows that, although the prescribed diet provides some good nutritional advice, this diet often focuses on exclusion of certain foods and misses some foods providing key nutritional elements likely helpful for UC. For example:
1. Probiotic.
2. High zinc foods.
3. High nitrate/melatonin foods.
Michelle and I went to an awesome restaurant, Maldini’s By The River in Jamisontown. Maldini’s is an Italian Restaurant, and they have options for everyone. I last visited this venue 3 weeks ago and was impressed with the service and offerings on the menu.
When we entered Maldini’s, the staff were friendly and more than happy to help. After locating our table, we read through the menu and to begin our lunch, we were interested in the Cheese and Garlic Pizza. The Cheese and Garlic Pizza was soft to the touch and had plenty of garlic and cheese on top. The garlic and cheese together along with the base gave this delightful starter plenty of flavour and it was delicious.
Michelle chose the Chicken Skewers, which came with a house salad, flat bread, chips and a side of Tzatziki. She was impressed with the size of this meal it would have fed 3 people. She offered some of the chicken for me to try and it was amazing.
The chicken was crisp on the outside and when I bit it, the flavours along with the Tzatziki were amazing. It was moist, and the edges of the chicken reminded me of a char-grilled steak. I enjoyed the Tzatziki, which was creamy, and slightly tangy in flavour.
The Calzone Pizza came presented on a plate and was cut in to 4 pieces. Within this half-folded pizza was mushrooms, salami, olives, basil, and ricotta cheese. I also asked if garlic and hot pepperoni could be added. The calzone reminded me of a large, toasted sandwich and after taking my first bite, I immediately noticed the creamy ricotta and salami. The garlic also added extra flavour to this already incredible pizza and the mushrooms and hot pepperoni enhanced the flavours within this pizza.
I finished off this outstanding lunch with a flat white coffee and Michelle had a piccolo coffee. I can highly recommend Maldini’s, and this venue receives a ten out of ten.
The Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP, recently proudly congratulated the five Lindsay residents who received honours in The Order of Australia, as part of The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List.
“The Order of Australia honours seeks to recognise Australians who make significant contributions in our communities,” Mrs McIntosh said.
“Many Lindsay residents have a long and distinguished history of outstanding community service, and this year’s recipients have demonstrated selfless and enduring commitment to service.
“On behalf of the Lindsay electorate, it is an honour to see the recipients chosen have extensive achievements that have driven meaningful change on the ground level, creating a significant impact upon all the lives they touch.”
The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), has announced the following Lindsay locals as honours recipients: Medal of the Order of Australia
• Mrs Gai Hawthorn OAM, of Emu Plains: for service to the community through a range of organisations
• Mrs Leisa McGivern OAM, of Glenmore Park: for service to children as a foster carer Public Service Medal
• Mrs Denise Robens PSM, of Glenmore Park: for outstanding public service in classroom teaching at Regentville Public School
• Mr Stephen Thorpe PSM, of South Penrith: for outstanding public service in driving change and innovation in Corrective Services NSW Australian Corrections Medal
• Mr Preetpal Singh ACM, of Glenmore Park: for significant achievements as a correctional officer with Corrective Services NSW
“The Order of Australia medallists, Mrs Gai Hawthorn OAM and Mrs Leisa McGivern OAM, were recognised for their longstanding commitment and dedication to volunteerism in our local community,” Mrs McIntosh shared.
Mrs Gai Hawthorn OAM has been recognised for exceptional service in an extensive range of organisations.
Mrs Hawthorn has demonstrated her commitment to our local community through her work as: CEO of Penrith CBD Corporation; President of Penrith PCYC; an ambassador for Pink Up Penrith with the McGrath Foundation; and for her ongoing service at Penrith Community Kitchen.
Mrs McIntosh proudly commends all Honours Roll recipients for their outstanding achievements, and for their wide-ranging and enduring spirit of community service in Lindsay.
Article Written + Submitted by: Kellie Tickner from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital
A: 49 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027
Winter can be a time that makes us all feel under the weather. Like us, our pets also notice the cold. Here is what to look out for with your pet in Winter.
Arthritis : As with humans, the cold weather can make arthritis symptoms worse. Owner should look out for any decrease in activity levels that could be due to an animal’s discomfort. Dogs and cats may have difficulty first thing in the morning, climbing up and down stairs or just generally slowing down.
Shelter from the cold : Adequate warmth and shelter are essential in combating the cold weather. It may seem obvious, but double check that pets can safely shelter themselves from wet weather and wind. Some very old pets with severe joint disease or senility may not have the capacity to remove themselves from the elements It may be best to give pets warmer, padded bedding and more blankets so they can escape the cold. Know your pet – this is especially important for short-haired dogs that live outside. Breeds such as whippets can feel the cold more than other dogs. Another option is to purchase a jacket or clothing to keep your pet warm if they feel comfortable wearing them. Also, consider bringing your pet inside at night if they’re older or a short-haired breed.
Winter diet : As we tend to stray away from exercise in colder weather, we may forget our pets’ activity needs. Decreased activity without a change in diet may impact your pet’s metabolism. In Wintertime, many people won’t exercise their dogs as much as in the Spring or Summer with the beautiful weather. If you know your dog will be getting less exercise – even if it means reducing the length or frequency of walks – remember to adjust their diet to avoid ‘winter weight gain.’
The same goes for cats, which can become less inclined to exercise or venture outside in winter. Ensure you’re exercising your cat regularly with playtime, and adjust their diet to align with activity levels.
Exercising in Winter : The cooler weather doesn’t mean our pets won’t enjoy exercise as much. Most pets are happy to participate in regular exercise routines if they’re enjoying company with their owners Again, it’s good to be aware that they could be slower than normal, particularly if they’re old or have arthritis. Steady exercise and a good warm-up will prevent injury.
If your pet is slower than usual, or acts sluggish or like they’re in pain – all of which can be exacerbated by colder weather – give the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital a call on 0247362027.
For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au, instagram @orchardhillsvethospitalgrooms or call 02 4736 2027
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Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging all Australians to check their home’s smoke alarms are in working order this winter, by testing the devices.
The public is being urged to jointly “Sound the Alarm” and test the alarm sirens in a widespread determined effort to avoid deaths and injuries during the upcoming colder months.
There were a record 16 deaths due to structure fires in NSW last winter, 12 of them have been deemed ‘preventable’ by FRNSW.
Another 87 people were injured during the 895 winter fires in 2022.
At the launch of the FRNSW’s Winter Fire Safety Campaign, firefighters set fire to a mock bedroom at a testing ground at Londonderry, in Sydney’s west, to demonstrate how fire can destroy a typical bedroom within just three minutes.
“Working smoke alarms save lives, and sadly complacency can be deadly,” said FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter.
“If you’re not regularly checking that your smoke alarms are in working order, you’re putting your life and the lives of your loved ones at risk.
“The first day of winter is a great prompt to test your smoke alarms by pressing the button on the devices.
“If you can’t reach it use a broom, but don’t ‘leave it ‘til later,” advises Commissioner Baxter.
“If the alarm activates, your alarm is okay…if it doesn’t, replace the battery or get a new smoke alarm.
“By law, you should have working, hard-wired smoke alarms in your home.
“If you’re renting and they’re not installed, speak to your landlord or real estate agency immediately.
“Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
“If they’re yellowed, they are likely out of date and leaving your household at risk.”
“Last winter, we had an unusually high number of people die,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“Simple steps can help save you, your loved ones, or your neighbours needlessly dying from fire in your home.
“Most of those deaths could have been avoided.”
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, has expressed concern at the number of smoke alarms within the community that haven’t been tested and are no longer working.
“If you are having trouble testing your alarms, please seek help from friends, neighbours, loved ones or your local firefighters who can also offer advice, because last winter, in almost 50 per cent of structure fires, smoke alarms either weren’t working or not even installed.” Mr Dib said.
“If we work through this together, we can avoid any more tragic deaths because what we want to see is everybody come through this winter safe and sound.
“Having a working smoke alarm, having a safe environment around home heaters and ensuring you have a home safety escape plan showing how the ways out of your home if a fire takes hold, is the best way to stay safe this winter.”
You can book a home safety visit from your local fire crew at the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page. php?id=9316
Firefighters can discuss safety options with you and install a free smoke alarm if needed.
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You know Winter has well and truly arrived when your bathroom pipes have frozen and water is no longer free-flowing in the early hours of the morning.
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