It’s Official – Western Sydney to Open to Passengers on 25 October and Freight on 26 July 2026
After 15 years of planning, seven years of construction and a year of testing; Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will welcome its first passengers on 25 October 2026.
Jetstar will operate the airport’s first commercial passenger flight, from WSI to the Gold Coast at 11am on Sunday 25 October.
Air New Zealand will start flights to Auckland on 26 October and Singapore Airlines will operate daily flights to Changi starting on 23 November 2026.
Freight operations will commence earlier, on Sunday 26 July, with Qantas Freight beginning regular flights to and from WSI the following evening.
“My community, which expects to be impacted by the flight paths, is not looking forward to these first flights,” says Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP.
“When I think back to the plan first put forward by the Abbott Government in 2015 that had every single incoming flight arrive via Blaxland in the Blue Mountains, I am pleased our community efforts have resulted in a greater sharing of the noise.
“I met with Minister King as she signed the Ministerial directive to Airservices Australia to prioritise Reciprocal Runway Operations as the default operating mode at night, including the use of a specific Noise Abatement Procedure, when safe to do so.
“Together with the other airspace and flight paths requirements I have helped secure, these measures represent the most comprehensive protections of their kind for any airspace development in Australia.
“This lessens the impacts for many people, day and night; however, I remain concerned about what the reality will be in our whisper-quiet community.
“I’ll be encouraging people to keep records of what they experience, and I’ll be looking to the data collected by the extensive and ongoing noise monitoring program, to evaluate the impacts and as a basis for ongoing advocacy.”
The entire WSI project has created over 12,800 jobs, with around half of those jobs going to local workers.
More than $500 million has also flowed to more than 360 Western Sydney based businesses during major construction works at WSI, including local tradies and construction companies, caterers, and security guards.
r Image/Article: Susan Templeman MP
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: Alan Cooper 0414 155917.
Hobbies + Interests
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
Square Dancer Classes
Glenbrook Public School Hall and Surveyors Creek Community Ctre, Glenmore Park. First Lesson is FREE! All ages are welcome! Inquiries 0411 456 208
Markets
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club Markets
Held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm. Glenbrook Infants School (10 Ross Street, Glenbrook). More Details: https://www.facebook.com/ glenbrookrotarymarkets
Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month at Emu Sports Club from 10.30am. Visitors & New Members welcomed. Contact John on 4735 1542 Support + Wellbeing
Lung Support Group
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay) from 6.45p.m. More Details: www. prostatesupport.org.au or phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on1300 13 38 78.
Penrith Womens Walk and Talk
Meets 5.30pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6.00pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk
Penrith Mens Walk and Talk
Meets 5.00pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6.00pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/
Every Saturday at 5.45am, meet in Glenbrook Visitor Centre Carpark for a free boot camp for men followed by coffee and chat. More Details : www.facebook.com/solid.men78
Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS)
SOLiD MEN
Don't Let Winter Win: Local Trainer's Tips for Staying Active This Season
As temperatures drop and the couch beckons, it can be tempting to put fitness on hold until spring. But Merinda Husking, personal trainer and founder of Designer Body Mobile Personal Training, has a timely reminder for local residents: winter is no time to go into hibernation.
"Staying active during the cooler months is just as important as it is at any other time of the year," says Merinda. "Even 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days can make a big difference to your physical health, support mental wellbeing, and help strengthen your immunity during winter."
The good news is that keeping fit through the colder months doesn't have to mean forcing yourself through workouts you dread. Merinda's first piece of advice is simple: find something you actually enjoy.
"The key is finding something you genuinely enjoy, because consistency becomes much easier when exercise feels
rewarding rather than like a chore," she explains. "Exercising with a friend, joining a class, or setting small achievable goals can also help keep you motivated and accountable."
For those who struggle to get started, Merinda recommends treating exercise the same way you would any other important commitment. "One of the best ways to stay on track is to plan ahead and schedule exercise into your routine like any other important appointment," she says. It's a small shift in mindset that can make a significant difference when motivation is running low and the warmth of home feels hard to leave.
She also wants people to know that staying active doesn't require a gym membership or expensive equipment. Walking, backyard workouts, and home-based sessions all count, and the feeling afterwards is often its own reward.
"Focusing on how good you feel afterwards can be a great motivator, especially during the colder months," Merinda notes. Her overall message is an encouraging one. "The most important thing is to start small, stay consistent, and choose activities that suit your lifestyle and ability level."
Designer Body Mobile Personal Training offers flexible, personalised support for people at every fitness level, wherever they are in their journey. To find out more or get in touch, visit designerbody.com. au or follow Designer Body Mobile Personal Training on Instagram and Facebook.
r [Top] Staying active through winter doesn't have to mean the gym [Above] Even 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days can support your physical health | Images Supplied. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Women Finding Connection Through Breathwork
A local wellness practitioner is helping women slow down, reconnect and better manage the stresses of modern life through the growing practice of breathwork.
Hayley Ashe founded Embodied Breathwork in 2021 after experiencing the benefits of breathwork firsthand. What began as a personal journey to manage stress, anxiety and emotional overwhelm has since developed into a successful business offering a range of holistic wellbeing services.
“I started Embodied Breathwork after experiencing the benefits of breathwork myself,” Hayley said. “It helped me manage stress, anxiety and emotional overwhelm, and I wanted to create a space where others could access the same support in a safe and grounded way, especially for women.”
Based at Embodied Studio in Emu Heights, the business offers one-on-one breathwork sessions, group classes, women’s circles, workshops, retreats, energy healing and somatic-based practices. Depending on the session, participants may also experience meditation, gentle movement, sound healing,
cacao ceremonies and nervous system regulation techniques.
Breathwork is the practice of consciously using the breath to support physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. The primary technique used by Embodied Breathwork is conscious connected breathwork, a guided breathing method designed to help regulate the nervous system and promote self-awareness.
According to Hayley, the practice can provide a range of benefits, including reducing stress, supporting emotional release, improving energy levels and helping people feel more connected to their bodies.
“Breathwork can help calm the nervous system, increase energy and support emotional wellbeing,” she said.
Embodied Breathwork hosts regular group sessions and monthly healing breathwork journeys at its Emu Heights studio, along with women’s circles, workshops and seasonal events. The business is also preparing for a women’s retreat in the Hunter Valley this October.
Importantly, Hayley emphasises that no prior experience is required to take part.
“Sessions are guided and beginner-friendly, with the intention of creating a supportive space for people to feel safe to slow down, breathe and reconnect with themselves,” concluded Hayley.
More information about upcoming events and services can be found through Embodied Breathwork’s social media channels and website.
r Hayley Ashe | Image: Timeless Soul Photography
Tanya Hennessy and Craig Foster Give
Farewell Foster. Hooroo Hennessy.
Two of Australia’s most recognisable surnames are officially going dry this July, with Comedian Tanya and Former Socceroo Craig temporarily giving up Foster and Hennessy to encourage Aussies to ditch alcohol and raise funds for people affected by cancer.
For both ambassadors, the cause is deeply personal, with the pair using the playful hook to spark conversation around the very real impact cancer has on thousands of Australian families every year.
“I love my last name, and I genuinely enjoy a drink too, but ditching Hennessy for a month is well worth it, to get more Australians signing up, donating, or joining my team” Tanya Hennessy said.
“I want to make this year a record breaker in participation and fundraising, because the funds really do make a huge difference in the lives of Aussies going through a cancer journey.”
After 15 years of supporting Dry July since he was first an ambassador in 2011, Craig is motivated to get as many Aussies as possible involved.
“We hear people every year saying they are ‘doing Dry July’ but not signing up to raise funds for people affected by cancer. I want to change that this year and show people that this isn’t just a sobriety challenge that can benefit your health and your hip pocket, it’s a chance to make a real impact” Foster said.
“Dry July isn’t about being perfect or going without. It’s about people coming together and doing something positive. I’m happy to give up my last name to drive more awareness and fundraising.”
Australians can now join Team Tanya and Team Craig as part of Dry July 2026, raising funds to support cancer patients, their families and carers across the country.
The campaign launches amid a broader cultural shift around alcohol, with younger Australians increasingly embracing moderation and alcohol-free lifestyles. New research from Flinders University found Gen Z Australians are significantly more likely to abstain from alcohol than older generations, making Dry July the perfect opportunity for Australians already thinking about moderation to challenge themselves while raising money for a good cause.
Meanwhile, cancer continues to touch almost every Australian family, with one in two Australians expected to be diagnosed by the age of 85.
Dry July Foundation CEO Gillian Odbert said the campaign was intentionally designed to cut through differently this year.
“Dry July has always been about making a small sacrifice to help people going through something much bigger,” Odbert said.
“This year we wanted to bring a little more fun, personality and cultural relevance to the campaign, while still shining a light on the very real impact funds raised through Dry July make.”
“Every dollar raised during Dry July helps fund practical support services that genuinely change lives, whether that’s specialist cancer nurses, transport to treatment, accommodation close to hospitals, wellness programs or services that help make an incredibly difficult time just a little bit easier for patients and their families.”
And beyond helping others, many Australians are discovering Dry July comes with benefits of its own.
Previous Dry July participant research found people reported better sleep, more energy, improved focus and feeling healthier overall after taking a break from alcohol.
Since launching in 2008, Dry July has raised more than $100 million for people affected by cancer across Australia and funded more than 1,300 projects nationally.
Whether you’re getting a workplace team together, doing it with friends or family, or challenging yourself, go dry this July and help fund life-changing cancer support services nationwide.
Sign up now at www.dryjuly.com.
Blossom Helps Gardens and People Thrive
A local educator's passion for gardening has flourished into a new business aimed at helping both plants and people thrive.
Kim Henderson, founder of Blossom –Your Garden Guardian, officially launched the business in early 2026 after years of quietly helping family, friends, neighbours and community members care for their gardens.
After spending 14 years as a high school teacher, Henderson found herself navigating significant personal and professional challenges. Managing ADHD, supporting her neurodivergent son, and experiencing burnout led her to transition into relief teaching. However, it was a serious throat injury that ultimately changed the course of her career.
"The career I'd always imagined as my forever path was no longer possible without a full recovery," Henderson said.
During months of recovery, gardening became a source of comfort and healing. What began as a personal sanctuary soon sparked the idea for a business that would combine her love of nature, creativity and supporting others.
"Blossom grew from a moment of clarity during some very dark days," she said. "I realised there was a need for reliable and caring garden support that looked after people as much as the plants."
The business offers a wide range of services, including general garden maintenance, garden sitting while owners are away, end-of-lease garden refreshes, fruit tree pruning, Airbnb garden care and sensory garden design. One of its most unique services is Companion Gardening, where Henderson works alongside clients in their gardens, offering guidance, encouragement and social connection.
The service is designed to support people of all ages and abilities, including older adults, beginners, children and neurodivergent gardeners.
Henderson's goal is to create a welcoming, judgement-free gardening service where clients feel supported and proud of their outdoor spaces.
"I want people to feel seen, connected and happy in their gardens again," she said.
The name Blossom carries special significance. Henderson was nicknamed "Blossom" by her parents after Ragged Blossom, the bush spirit from May Gibbs' beloved Gumnut Baby stories, a name that has stayed with her throughout her life.
Supported by her partner Brendan and currently undertaking a Certificate III in Horticulture, Henderson hopes to continue expanding her services while sharing her passion for beautiful, accessible and nature-friendly gardens with the community.
Community Steps Up for Men's Health
More than 75 participants took part in the third annual SOLiD MEN Check 6 Challenge at Regatta Park, Emu Plains, on Monday, June 8, helping raise $6,000 to support the organisation’s work promoting men's health and wellbeing.
The six-hour community event saw participants complete laps of the Nepean River Bridge walk, with a new lap beginning every hour on the hour from 10am. Participants were encouraged to run, walk or ride the course and could choose how many laps they completed, from a single circuit to all six.
According to SOLiD MEN President Lance Rogers, this year’s event attracted the largest number of participants since the challenge began.
“We had 75 participants this year, our largest ever,” Lance said. “From this group, eight individuals completed all six laps running.”
The challenge generated strong community involvement, with members of SOLiD MEN joined by family, friends and local residents. Collectively, participants covered more than 1,000 kilometres throughout the day.
He said the organisation had refined the event over the past three years, making changes to improve both the participant experience and event management.
“As this was our third event, we've learned and adapted the approach, both for participants and how we organised the day,” he said. “We simplified a few things, just focusing on connecting with the community and the laps. Compared to previous years, this was our most engaged and ultimately successful one yet.”
Funds raised through the challenge will directly support SOLiD MEN, a registered not-for-profit organisation with six locations across NSW. Based in Penrith, the organisation operates local groups in Penrith, Glenbrook and Richmond and aims to improve the physical, spiritual, emotional and mental health of men.
The Nepean River location was chosen to reflect the organisation’s local roots and strong community presence in the Penrith region.
Lance also thanked local business Pizza Inn Emu Plains for supporting the event by providing free pizzas to participants throughout the day.
Donations to support SOLiD MEN’s ongoing programs and activities can be made online through the organisation’s website.
r [Top] Kim Henderson [Above] Blossum – Your Garden Guardian. Images Supplied by Kim Henderson
Sydney Set to get Foamy and Fun: The 5K Foam Fest Returns this December!
Brace yourself Sydney, because the world’s most fun-filled
The 5K Foam Fest has some of the best and most exciting obstacles in the world, including the largest inflatable waterslide, slip and slides, and mucky mud pits. Combine this with 2.5 million cubic feet of foam and you are destined to have an awesome day.
Rock out all day to awesome (family friendly) music, enjoy a FREE kid’s zone for kids aged 6 and under, taste delicious food, shop from local vendors, and celebrate your success in a well-stocked beer garden.
With a variety of obstacles and a ton of foam, the 5K Foam Fest run is an exciting challenge for experienced and beginner runners alike. Walk it, run it, charge it, fun it; this course should be enjoyed
But there's more to it than just fun. The 5K Foam Fest proudly supports Make-A-Wish Australia, an organisation dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Your participation not only guarantees a great time but also contributes to a fantastic cause.
Mark your calendars for Saturday 14th December 2024 at When you register, you'll receive a 5K Foam Fest string bag, tattoos,
Your Business Called. It wants this space.
HEALTH MATTERS
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
P: 0418 166 269
Dynamic Loading - The Secret to Fighting Osteoporosis
Epidemiological data show 200 million osteoporosis cases worldwide, including 210.2 million American and 15 million European men and women over 50. In Australia, researchers estimate 1.2 million people currently have osteoporosis, a further 6.3 million osteopenia (low bone density) (Healthy Bones Australia, n.d.).
A person’s bones adapt to regular mechanical ‘loading’. Animal research shows bone production is determined by the magnitude, and the rate and frequency of loading. Evidence shows dynamic-loading makes more bone than static loading. The optimal exercise prescription for prevention and management of osteopenia and osteoporosis is regular application of dynamic, high-magnitude loads to bones at a rapid rate. What does this mean?
• ‘Dynamic-loading’ - refers to the requirement that the exercise requires motion. Standing will put a static load on leg bones, running provides dynamic load.
• ‘High-magnitude’ – means forces experienced by bones during exercise must be relatively high – e.g. forces on leg & hip bones through jumping 30cm into the air & landing with two feet on a hard floor.
• ‘Applied at a rapid rate’ - means you might complete 5-6 30cm jumps & landings in quick succession.
Combining high-intensity resistance-training with highimpact jumping elicits high strain and strain-rates on bone.
Theoretically this is an optimal exercise protocol for bone strength.
Australian researchers, put women aged 61-71 years on either a low-load home-based exercise program or a supervised highintensity high-impact program (called HiPRT). Participants had lumbar spine T-scores of -2.15 ± 0.72 i.e. osteopenic or osteoporotic lumbar bone densities. Both programs involved 2 x 30min exercise sessions weekly on non-consecutive days, over 8 months. Bone density & strength effects were compared:
Results: There were no reported injuries in either group. Researchers found HiPRT women became faster, fitter, stronger & amazingly GAINED femur & lumbar bone density and increased their overall height. Low-load program women became slower, less fit, shorter and lost bone density. Can the contrast be any starker or the message be any clearer?
r ** Refer to submitter for references
Emu Plains Volunteer Earns National Award
A local, tireless contributor to grassroots cricket has capped off a remarkable year of recognition, with Emu Plains Cricket Club’s Heidi Vanderlem receiving Cricket Australia’s National Community Cricket Volunteer of the Year Award.
The national honour follows Vanderlem’s earlier success in being named the Cricket NSW Volunteer of the Year for the 2025/26 season, cementing her reputation as one of community cricket’s most dedicated and influential volunteers.
The Cricket Australia award was presented at the Nepean District Cricket Association Junior Presentation at Saints Leagues Club, where Vanderlem was recognised in front of junior players, parents, volunteers and members of the local cricket community.
“It was a huge surprise and a really special honour because there are so many amazing volunteers right across the country doing incredible work,” Vanderlem said.
While humbled by the recognition, Vanderlem said volunteering has always been driven by her passion for community cricket rather than personal accolades.
“To be honest, it’s still a bit surreal. I don’t volunteer for awards or recognition. I do it because I love community cricket and what it gives back to families, including my own,” she said.
Vanderlem’s volunteer work has spanned a range of roles and initiatives aimed at strengthening the game at the grassroots level. She serves as Junior Secretary at Emu Plains Cricket Club, coordinates the junior competition for the Nepean District Cricket Association and has worked alongside Cricket Australia on projects designed to improve the experience for players, families and volunteers.
She was nominated for the awards based on her significant contribution to community cricket over several years.
“I just enjoy finding ways to make things better and helping the game continue to grow,” she said.
Vanderlem believes volunteers are the foundation of local sport and play a crucial role in creating opportunities for young people.
“Without volunteers, there really isn’t community sport. Every game, training session and event relies on people giving up their time,” she said.
“Volunteers help create a place where kids can make friends, build confidence and enjoy being part of a team. That’s something really worth investing in.”
Reflecting on her achievements, Vanderlem said both awards belonged to the many people who have supported her throughout her volunteering journey.
“This award might have my name on it, but it belongs to a lot of people who have supported me, shared ideas and worked alongside me,” she said.
She also encouraged others to get involved, saying even small contributions can have a lasting impact on local clubs and communities.
r Feature Article [Cover] Emu Plains Cricket Club's Heidi Vanderlem [Above] Heidi (centre) with her National Community Cricket Volunteer of the Year Award. Images: Cricket Australia
Fire and Rescue NSW Remind Us To “Check Your BLEEPING Smoke Alarm”
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) are raising public awareness ahead of the busiest home fire season of all: Winter.
A recently launched, bold smoke alarm safety initiative, “Check your BLEEPING smoke alarm,” uses blunt and attention-grabbing language to mark 20 years since the installation of these life-saving devices became mandatory in NSW homes. Smoke alarms are either missing or not working in almost half the homes (45 per cent) to which firefighters are called.
The initiative coincides with fresh FRNSW-commissioned research that suggests 31 per cent of NSW residents have either not checked their smoke alarm in the last year or never checked it at all, and one in four people report that they are not
confident about how to test them.
The survey indicates 37 per cent of respondents weren’t aware smoke alarms needed to be replaced every 10 years, and 45 per cent had no idea that alarms require cleaning every six months.
Offering in-person service, firefighters can visit regional homes to conduct fire safety checks, and if required, install new smoke alarms for free. The survey found around one in two people weren’t even aware the service existed.
FRNSW normally receives 600 bookings for home safety visits a month. This winter, it’s hoping to increase that number. Free home visits can be booked online - https://www.fire.nsw.gov. au/visits
“We know that beep can be loud and annoying. But that ‘bleeping’ could be the difference between you and your family waking up to a fire or losing a loved one.
“Almost half the house fires we’re called to have no working smoke alarm. So, if it takes some colourful language to improve that frustrating statistic to keep people safe, then it’s worth it.
“If people hear about this campaign and then take the 30 seconds to test their ‘bleeping’ alarm, then that’s a win.
“We now know that when survey respondents were made aware of our free safety visits, more than half of them said they’d consider booking one. I encourage people to make that booking to help us increase the number of visits” said Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell
Penrith Relay For Life Celebrates 25 Years
Penrith Relay For Life is back for 2026. Registrations are now opened for Saturday 12th September 2026 and Sunday 13th September 2026 at Harold Corr Oval, starting at 9:00am on Saturday 12th September and finishing at 10:00pm on Sunday 13th September.
Once again, Penrith Relay For Life will be held at Harold Corr Oval, 32 Herbert St, Cambridge Park.
This year, they will be celebrating 25 years, and the Penrith Community has raised over $4.3 million.
Penrith Relay For Life will be doing 25 hours for 25 years. It has returned to an overnight event, where relayers will be able to camp out at the venue or continue walking around the oval.
The money raised provides groundbreaking Cancer research, local support programs for Cancer patients as well as Cancer prevention programs in local schools and community groups.
Organised by passionate local volunteers, Penrith Relay For Life gives the community a chance to join forces in support of everyone affected by cancer, have fun at a community festival, and raise vital funds towards Cancer Council’s world-class research, prevention, advocacy and support services.
“We have seen a large spike in demand for our support in the Western Sydney region, but a fall in fundraising to support the cause. With Cancer Council’s services needed more now than ever before, we need our local community to get involved” said Community Fundraising Coordinator, Yvette Haines.
They are also looking for local businesses to sponsor their event or donate prizes.
Penrith Relay For Life 2026 will still have all of the special key relay elements, including opening ceremony, survivors and carers lap of honour, entertainment and their very special hope ceremony. There will also be a number of food vendors in attendance.
Penrith Relay for Life Media/Marketing Co-ordinator Brad See said, “Our aim as a committee is to put on a good event for our community to support one another, this year’s target is $100,000 to support Cancer Council in working towards a cancer free future”.
To join the family-fun, register for Penrith Relay For Life at: https://www.relayforlife.org.au/event/penrith-2026/home
You can also keep up to date with what’s going on by joining the Penrith Relay for Life Facebook Group.
The Rise of Christmas in July
As winter settles across Australia, roaring fireplaces, roast dinners and ugly Christmas sweaters are making an unlikely mid-year comeback. “Christmas in July,” once a quirky novelty celebrated in the Blue Mountains, has grown into a nationwide seasonal tradition embraced by pubs, restaurants and families eager to capture the wintry atmosphere missing from the country’s sun-soaked December festivities.
Unlike the traditional Australian Christmas, often spent at the beach in 30-degree heat, Christmas in July offers a taste of the European-style winter celebration many Australians know from films and overseas travel. Across regional towns and city venues, fake snow machines, mulled wine and turkey feasts now appear every July, drawing crowds looking for a cosy escape.
Historians trace the origins of the celebration in Australia to the early 1980s, when a group of Irish tourists staying at a hotel in the Blue Mountains reportedly celebrated Christmas together during a cold July evening. According to local accounts, the tourists missed the snowy Christmas traditions of home and convinced the hotel to host a festive dinner complete with decorations and
hearty winter food. The idea quickly gained popularity among locals and visitors.
The concept itself, however, predates Australia’s version. In the Northern Hemisphere, “Christmas in July” has appeared in literature and popular culture since the 19th century. Some historians believe the phrase emerged from European summer camps and festivals where communities staged mock Christmas celebrations during warmer months. In the United States, the expression became more widely known after the 1940 comedy film Christmas in July.
Australia’s adaptation took on its own identity because of the country’s reversed seasons. For many Australians, July provides the cold weather atmosphere they associate with classic Christmas imagery, woollen jumpers, hot drinks and nights by the fire.
Businesses have eagerly embraced the trend. Restaurants now offer dedicated Christmas in July menus, while tourist regions market winter festivals around the theme. Social media has also fuelled the celebration’s popularity, with themed parties and festive photo opportunities attracting younger Australians.
Though unofficial and largely commercial, Christmas in July has become a cherished winter ritual, proof that Australians are willing to celebrate Christmas twice if it means finally getting the coldweather version they have always imagined.
r Images: www.pexels.com
A peaceful place to honour and remember
Set in Sydney’s west, Kemps Creek Memorial Park offers a beautifully landscaped and affordable resting place, thoughtfully designed to serve people of all faiths, cultures and traditions.
Choose from traditional burial and cremation options, natural bushland burials, and personalised services held in our serene outdoor pavilion.
A place where compassion, choice and respect guide every step - and where families are supported with care during life’s most important moments.
Contact our caring team today to explore your memorial options.
At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, preventative healthcare is one of the most important services we provide. While many owners seek veterinary care when their pet becomes unwell, some of the most important veterinary visits happen when a pet appears perfectly healthy. Preventative healthcare plays a vital role in helping pets live longer, healthier lives and can often prevent serious illness before it starts. As a veterinary hospital serving pets and their families across the Penrith region, we see firsthand the difference that proactive healthcare can make.
Vaccinations remain one of the most effective tools available to protect pets from potentially life-threatening diseases. Diseases such as parvovirus in dogs and feline panleukopenia in cats can cause severe illness and, in some cases, prove fatal. Vaccination programs are designed to provide protection against these diseases and help reduce their spread within the community. Even pets that spend most of their time indoors can still be exposed to infectious diseases, making regular vaccination an important part of responsible pet ownership.
Parasite prevention is another essential component of preventative healthcare. Fleas, ticks, intestinal worms and heartworm can all have significant impacts on a pet’s health. Some parasites can cause chronic discomfort, while others can lead to serious disease or even death if left untreated. Regular parasite prevention protects not only pets but also helps reduce the risk of some parasites spreading to people.
Desexing also plays an important role in preventative healthcare. In addition to preventing unwanted litters, desexing can reduce the risk of several serious health conditions. In female pets, it can help prevent potentially life-threatening uterine infections and significantly reduce
Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP)
CONSULTING HOURS
the risk of mammary cancer when performed at an appropriate age. In males, desexing can reduce the risk of certain reproductive diseases and may help minimise behaviours such as roaming, which can increase the risk of injury or accidents.
Annual health checks are equally important. Pets age much faster than humans, meaning significant health changes can occur within a relatively short period of time. During a routine examination, veterinarians assess a pet’s overall health, monitor weight, examine teeth, listen to the heart and lungs, and check for any early signs of disease. Many conditions, including arthritis, dental disease, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of cancer, can develop gradually and may not be obvious to owners in their early stages.
Detecting health issues early often provides more treatment options, improves outcomes and can reduce the financial burden associated with managing advanced disease. In many cases, owners are surprised to learn their pet has a developing health concern despite appearing happy and healthy at home.
At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we encourage pet owners to view preventative healthcare as an essential part of responsible pet ownership. By staying up to date with vaccinations, parasite prevention, desexing and regular health checks, pet owners can make a significant difference to their pet’s wellbeing—because sometimes the care that saves a life happens long before a pet ever becomes sick.
For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au or call 02 4736 2027
•Visiting specialist radiographer and ultrasonographer
•Puppy preschool
•Home visits
•Cat boarding and Kitten adoption
•Secure off leash dog park
Article Written + Submitted by: Senior Minister Roger Cunningham P: 4735 1001 E: roger@epac.org.au W: www.epac.org.au
Service Times: Sundays @ 8:00am, 9:45am and 6:30pm
Plus activities for adults and young people throughout the week
The Bible, Again?
Have you ever wondered why ‘the Bible’ or ‘in the Bible it says’ keeps coming up in this column? It could be that I’m not very creative – a one trick pony. It could be because – “well of course a minister would say that”. But we were reading a part of the Bible the other day at church which really hits the nail on the head. The Bible claims it’s God’s word, with God’s authority.
Paul says, “All Scripture (the Bible) is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). That’s a huge claim, but if God is in charge of everything, and he’s spoken to us (that’s what God-breathed means) then it makes sense.
The challenge with knowing God, and knowing ourselves, and knowing the good news of how he’s brought us together again is whether we trust the Bible has that authority and power over us. Some people disagree. Some people agree but actually rely on some other authority in their lives more. Some draw on their experience, some on long held traditions, some on human reason. Everyone draws on all of them to some extent, but when it comes down to it, only one can have the final say.
What about you? What’s your final authority when it comes to your faith, and understanding the world, and knowing God and yourself? I’ve benefited in some way or other from all those authorities I’ve mentioned, but I’m convinced the Bible is the best and final authority on what it means to be a Christian, because it’s the book about Jesus Christ, by Jesus Christ, who put the Christ in “Christians”. If you haven’t already, check it out!
NSW Rural Fire Service 1800NSWRFS State Emergency Service 132 500 Churches
Anglican Church St Paul’s, Emu Plains 47351001
Baptist Church Emu Plains Community 4735 1050
Catholic Church Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains 4735 1041 Uniting Church 7 Green Street, Glenbrook 4739 6295
Blaxland Presbyterian 15a Wilson Way, Blaxland
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 0438 006 290 Spiritual Church 0439 453 430 Elevation Church Penrith 4722 8489 Community Groups
Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS)
Embroiderers Guild Nepean 0466 725 317
Girl Guides Glenbrook 4739 6087
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There’s something about July that encourages perspective.
Halfway through the year, many of us pause to reflect on goals, reset priorities, and look ahead to what the months to come might hold. But while we often focus on big milestones, it’s worth recognising that communities are strengthened through the smaller moments.
A conversation over coffee. Supporting a local business. Attending a community event. Sharing a local success story. Offering patience, encouragement or simply showing kindness.
These everyday actions create connection and shape the places we live far more than we realise.
Local communities continue to evolve, and that growth happens because people choose to contribute in their own way, whether through business, volunteering, supporting neighbours, or helping create opportunities for others.
As winter settles in, let’s continue to look outward, support local and remember that every contribution matters.
Thank you for being part of what makes our communities strong, connected and worth celebrating.
