Pen Man’ Memorialised with Plaque
The passing of John ‘Pen Man’ Boccanfuso OAM in 2024 touched the Penrith community with an outpouring of grief across social media and the establishment of temporary memorials.
Then Penrith Councillor Marlene Shipley expressed her wish for the community to have a plaque which would forever honour the ‘Pen Man’ and the enormous contribution that John gave to his local community.
Last month, Ms Shipley was joined by Penrith Mayor Todd Carney at the unveiling of the permanent memorial in the gardens of the Penrith Civic Centre.
“This is a special moment where our City is able to permanently recognise the incredible contribution that John Boccanfuso made in the lives of many in Penrith and beyond,” Cr Carney said.
“John sold more than one million pens for charity over almost 50 years, but it was his infectious enthusiasm that saw him become a recognisable figure selling pens in Westfield.”
Ms Shipley said John was an icon of Penrith.
“Everyone knew John, and equally John knew everyone,” Ms Shipley said. “There wouldn’t be anyone in Penrith who didn’t know John, or the extraordinary work he did to support the ‘House with No Steps’.
“At the time of John’s passing I felt it was important for Penrith to honour him and provide an everlasting memorial for the impact he had on so many.”
The memorial plaque is situated in the gardens of the Penrith Civic Centre facing Westfield. It bears the inscription:
“John always led by example promoting social inclusion of those living with disability.
Your tireless fundraising for others will always be remembered
The Penrith community will miss you dearly.”
r [Top] Penrith Mayor and former Councillor Marlene Shipley with the memorial plaque for John ‘Pen Man’ Boccanfuso OAM [Above] The memorial plaque | Images/Article: Penrith City Council
Submit your Community Notice on/by 10th of the month, to be included in the following edition. Notices may be edited or omitted due to space limitations. E: info@districtgazette.com.au
Community Groups
Lions Club of Emu Plains Inc
Meets 3rd Thursday of the month from 6.30pm at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay). More Details: Cheryl Devine 0417 234 295.
Hobbies + Interests
Meets on the 4th Friday of the month in Melrose Hall (169 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains) from 7.30pm More Details: 0493 547 794.
Nepean Group – Embroiderers Guild
Meets on the 1st Monday of the month at CWA Rooms, 1 Tindale Street Penrith (opposite RSL) from 6.00pm. More Details: 0466 457 594
Markets Square
Dancer
Classes
Glenbrook Public School Hall and Surveyors Creek Community Ctre, Glenmore Park. First Lesson is FREE! All ages are welcome! Inquiries 0411 456 208
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club Markets
Held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm. Glenbrook Infants School (10 Ross Street, Glenbrook). More Details: https://www.facebook.com/ glenbrookrotarymarkets
Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month at Emu Sports Club from 10.30am. Visitors & New Members welcomed. Contact John on 4735 1542 Support + Wellbeing
Lung Support Group
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay) from 6.45p.m. More Details: www. prostatesupport.org.au or phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on1300 13 38 78.
Penrith Womens Walk and Talk
Meets 5.30pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6.00pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk
Penrith Mens Walk and Talk
Meets 5.00pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6.00pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/
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
Goals, Grit and Glory
Emu Plains Hockey Club Kicks Off 2025 Season with Strong Start and Big Goals
The 2025 season is off to a flying start for Emu Plains Hockey Club, launching on Thursday, April 3rd with spirited performances from across its junior and senior teams.
“Our Under 8’s and Under 11’s had great games to open the season,” said Club Secretary Kim Sagar. “And our Under 14’s team showed incredible determination, especially considering most of the players are brand new to hockey.” The energy carried into the senior matches, with the 2nd grade women’s team narrowly missing a win in a tough match, and the 1st grade women earning a hard-fought draw. Meanwhile, the men’s team stormed to a 10–0 victory, highlighted by club life member Stuart Parnell scoring five goals.
2/129 Russell Street EMU
This year, the club has six teams—three juniors (Under 8’s, Under 11’s, and Under 14’s) and three seniors (two women’s and one men’s)—and expects to field over 50 players throughout the season.
“We’re really proud of the sense of community in our club,” Kim said. “There’s a great mix of experience and fresh talent, and we love watching our players grow each week.”
The club is still welcoming new players and sponsors. “We’re always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining, whether they’re experienced or brand new,” Kim said. “And we’d love to connect with local businesses for sponsorships.” Player inquiries can be directed to Kim at secretary@emuplainshockey. com.au, and sponsorship queries to Rickie at fundraising@ emuplainshockey.com.
Last season brought standout success to Emu Plains Hockey Club, especially from the 1st grade women’s team. Emily Watson represented NSW in the O40’s Blues team at the national Masters competition, while coach Michelle Kennedy made her debut coaching the same team. Karen Hall also played nationally for South Australia’s O60’s team.
As for what lies ahead, Kim said, “We’re looking forward to watching our players develop their skills and confidence this season. It’s not just about the game—it’s about having fun and being part of something special.”
r Life member Stuart Parnell | Images: Emily Watson. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Have you ever wanted to run or enjoy a walk with others to stay active and to connect with people in the Lower Blue Mountains? Well, the Barre Nation Run Club could be for you.
The group meet at 7:45am every Sunday in the courtyard of Barre Nation in Blaxland. It’s a relaxed, friendly spot to gather and stretch, before they head out. Their group includes a mix of running, walking, and the occasional interval session—where they alternate between different speeds or periods of running and walking.
“We currently have three routes. One is a loop that can be shortened or lengthened based on how everyone’s feeling. The other two are ‘out and back’ routes, so they’re easy to adjust for distance as well” said Yasmin of Barre Nation.
“We have around 10 members who come and go depending on their weekend plans. Typically, we have a regular group of about six who show up consistently. We of course would love to grow this group!” she continued.
The health benefits of walking and running are widely recognised, but the additional benefits of social engagement and connection are only just gaining merit. Yasmin said that “Our main goal is to keep the community going—whether that’s through casual runs or walks. It’s all about staying active and connecting with others within the Lower Blue Mountains community”.
Yasmin invites anyone wanting to come along and join the run club.
“This is a club for all abilities. We know that running groups may feel intimidating if you’re just starting out. That’s why we’ve created a space where you can begin your running or walking journey without pressure. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking your very first steps, you’re welcome here” she ended.
To keep up to date, you can follow the Barre Nation Run Club Facebook group at: www.facebook.com/share/g/1DmxzCRru4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
r Barre Nation Run Club meets weekly | Image: www.pexels.com. Article: Julie Lobel
The Secret Suburb: Lapstone – The Early Years Launches with a Focus on its Community
Author Michele Corin is excited to announce the release of her new book, The Secret Suburb: Lapstone – The Early Years launched on Thursday 3 April 2025 at Blue Dragon Books in Glenbrook by Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP.
The Secret Suburb: Lapstone – The Early Years is Michele’s account of the how the suburb began in December 1954 when timber merchant Arthur Hand purchased 116 acres of vacant timbered land known as “Stephen’s Paddock” on the rocky slopes above the Nepean River’s western shore. Recent bushfires had cleared the land and removed cattle, making it suitable for housing.
In his Ford Twin Spinner car, Arthur daily drove from his home in Blackheath to work on the site. The initial works such as blasting rock and clearing other obstacles were overcome and the first houses, built with mostly local materials, arose in the late 1950s. Many houses were occupied by RAAF personnel and their families.
The town has innovative advances such as the underground installation of electricity and unique brick kerbside guttering.
Today Lapstone has grown to a township of 15 streets and a population of 1000 residents. Knitted into a warm and connected community which in 2024 gathered at Lapstone School to celebrate its 70 years.
Michele describes her book as a “tribute not only to Arthur Hand, but to every family who made Lapstone what it is - a thriving community that cherishes its past while looking towards its future.” She has undertaken the research, written and designed the book which presents the affectionate touch of a
family album with its photographs of long-term residents and their memories over the years.
Central to the purpose of the book is an exploration of the strong, lasting bonds that grew between the early residents and their deep connection to the land.
The book features six families, three of whom still reside in Lapstone today, whose personal narratives offer a unique insight into how these families shaped not only the physical landscape of the suburb, but also its emotional fabric. The residents built strong connections with one another, crafting a place where people truly felt they belonged, and continue to do so.
While modern research suggests increasing mobility, with Australians moving every six years on average, communities like Lapstone thrive on the deep connections residents form with their home. Long-term attachment to a place strengthens civic engagement, and this book shows that Lapstone is not only a testament to that, but a roadmap that other communities might follow.
There were many nostalgic reminiscences at the reunion launch when families - long term neighbours and newer residents gathered to celebrate the early story of their suburb. The Secret Suburb: Lapstone – The Early Years is now available for sale at Blue Dragon Books, Glenbrook.
r Susan Templeman MP (left) and Michele Corin (right) | Image/Article: Michele Corin
Saturday 10 May, 9am-3.30pm
The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington
Help keep valuable resources out of landfill by bringing your unwanted clothing, accessories (belts, scarves, handbags) and linen to Council’s free textile recycling drop-off event! Items dropped-off on the day will be recycled with Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) to be made into new items such as blankets, floor rugs and tote bags. New, unworn clothing is welcome at the event, these items will be donated to local charities partnered with Textile Recyclers Australia such as The Haven and WestCare.
*only clean items will be accepted on the day
Upgrades for Sport and Recreation Facilities in the Nepean
Susan Templeman MP, the Federal Member for Macquarie, has announced a re-elected Albanese Labor Government would fund much-needed improvements to sport and recreation facilities in Leonay, Emu Heights and Emu Plains.
This election commitment would put $2.25 million towards significant improvements for Leonay Sports Oval, funding resurfacing, field extension and drainage improvements.
These upgrades would allow for safer and more regular use by local clubs.
Detailed design work will also be undertaken to support a future upgrade to amenities at the oval.
“If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines watching your kids play sport and thought, ‘This field needs work,’ then this is for you,” Ms Templeman said.
“Emu Plains Little Athletics and Emu Plains Junior Rugby League have hundreds of young athletes and players who rely on this oval every week, and this investment will finally give them the surface they deserve.”
This election commitment also provides $1.1 million to upgrade recreation facilities in Emu Plains and Emu Heights.
This funding would go towards replacing deteriorated asphalt at the Clissold Park basketball court and create a new concrete multi-purpose court with painted game spaces for children. New pathways would also make the park more accessible and functional.
Playgrounds will be modernised with new play equipment at Ausburn Reserve and the Gough and Lucas Street Reserve in Emu Plains, and new pathways will be constructed to enhance connectivity within these public spaces.
“People have been telling me that improving community infrastructure like this is a priority for them,” Ms Templeman said.
“Our region deserves accessible and high-quality sport and recreation facilities.
“This means more fun, more active outdoor spaces, and more free options for local families.”
“I know how much these upgrades mean to our community. Whether it’s standing on the sidelines at Saturday sport, taking the kids to the playground after school, or simply having goodquality spaces close to home, these improvements will make a difference to families across Leonay, Emu Plains, and Emu Heights.”
“I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working alongside locals and Penrith City Council to progress these improvements.”
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
r Image/Article: Susan Templeman MP
MyTime Playgroup Pops Up in Emu Plains
Families in Emu Plains recently had a special opportunity to attend a MyTime supported playgroup.
Held last month on Wednesday 9th April from 10:00am till 12:00pm, the one off playgroup meet and greet was held at Regatta Park in Emu Plains.
The MyTime supported playgroup is regularly held at Mount Riverview Hall (176 Rusden Road, Mount Riverview).
Taking place every Wednesday in May, the group is open to parents, carers, and grandparents of children with disabilities, developmental delays, or chronic medical conditions. “This is a supported playgroup, for parents, carers and grandparents who care for children with disabilities or have a chronic medical condition,” said Sharon Harding, who helps coordinate the sessions.
The MyTime program provides a safe, inclusive space for families to connect, access support, and take part in engaging activities. Each week in May features a guest speaker offering valuable insights for families. On May 7, a Behaviour Support Practitioner will be on hand; May 14 features a Music Therapist; and on May 21, the focus will be on “Helping with Sleep for Little Ones.”
Harding explains that what makes MyTime special is the trained facilitator who supports interactions, plans sessions, organises speakers, and connects families to services. “Groups are open, inclusive and free for parents/carers of a child with a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition,” she said.
The sessions are not only informative but also relaxing and social. They include a free morning tea, allowing attendees time to connect with other families in similar circumstances. While there are no plans at this stage to hold regular MyTime playgroups in Emu Plains, this May series in Mount Riverview offers a unique chance for local families to benefit from the supportive and enriching environment MyTime is known for.
For more information or to join a session, contact Kathryn Minogue on 0482 472481 or Sharon Harding on 0414 865411, or email sharding@aanddinhomecare. com. More details about the program can be found at www.mytime.net.au.
r MyTime supported playgroup at Mount Riverview | Images Supplied by Sharon Harding. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Sunrise Shines on Our Lady of the Way!
It was an early start, but spirits were high as Sunrise rolled into Our Lady of the Way Primary School on Monday, April 7 for a live weather broadcast with Channel 7’s popular presenter, Sam Mac. The Sunrise team arrived at 4:30am, and students began flooding in from 5:30am, buzzing with anticipation.
The school was featured in seven live crosses throughout the morning, each one showcasing the vibrant community and energy of the school. Segments included a science demonstration on static electricity, a Year 6 student debate on four-day school weeks, and a colourful Easter Hat Parade — where students presented Sam with a custom hat that he proudly wore during the broadcast.
Assistant Principal Catherine Ruff described the experience as “exciting, fun, and amazing,” adding that “the students were buzzing all day!” Teachers and parents shared the enthusiasm, with Ruff noting, “Our amazing teachers prepared the children for each segment with signs, banners, and their own excitement.”
The broadcast was organised after Sunrise producers contacted the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD), requesting to feature the school. Mr Stuart Matters from CSPD coordinated the visit, which was a hit not just within the school but with viewers around the country. Ruff shared, “We’ve received emails from people who watched the broadcast, even from those outside our school community, praising our students, our uniforms, and the spirit of our school.”
One viewer wrote, “The broadcast really showed the warm and connected spirit of the school. The kids and Ms Ruff were so confident and relatable. It made us proud and gave us lots of warm fuzzies.”
To thank the Sunrise crew, the school presented Sam Mac with a framed caricature of him riding an emu, drawn by one of the teacher’s husbands, Mr Andrew Ross. Sam signed a copy for the school to keep as a memento of the day.
With 340 students from Kindergarten to Year 6, the school thrives on its strong house system and commitment to community spirit, learning, and sport. “Our house system brings our community together and creates a sense of belonging,” Ruff said. “Sunrise said they visit a lot of schools, but they couldn’t speak more highly of us — and that means the world.”
Watch Our Lady of the Way on Sunrise here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=kUr_It_44Kk
Just wondering sometime if your paper could give a shout out to the wonderful Gardner at Emu Plains Public School please. It's a huge area to be kept and he does an amazing job keeping it mickey mouse!! We have lived opposite the school for 50 years and we don't think we have seen anyone so dedicated to his job like the current Gardner.
www.districtgazette.com.au/ submissions
11th May 2025
r Feature Article [Cover + Top + Above] Sam Mac and Our Lady of the Way Primary School students Images: Stuart Matters/Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese. Article: Tanya Nellestein
r Anonymous - Emu Plains
in Christopher Cartwright’s Sam Reilly series, and it does not disappoint! The book follows Sam Reilly and his circle of adventurous friends who are trying to stop the Relic Hunter from getting her hands on the Elixir of Life. If she succeeds, the Relic Hunter will use the Elixir to raise an army of ancient metallic insects that will wreak havoc on the world at her command. It takes all of Sam and his crews’ combined skills, planning and fancy Bond-like technology as they attempt to protect the unsuspecting tourist who stumbled across the Elixir accidentally while visiting an old church in Ethiopia, and prevent the Relic Hunter putting her plan into action.
The author brilliantly weaves twists and turns into every chapter and you never quite know what is around the corner. There are near misses, faked deaths, gotchya moments and sprinkles of humour as Sam and his crew navigate all the challenges to protect the tourist and foil the Relic Hunter’s plans. I also thoroughly enjoy how the author paints really descriptive pictures of the key locations in the story, which you can tell are the result of having researched those places and the folklore that surrounds them.
This was a highly enjoyable and unpredictable read. After enjoying this book so much I have started to read the Sam Reilly series from the beginning – but this book gives a really good flavour for the style of story you’ll get if you want to embark on the full adventures of Sam and his crew, which I highly recommend!
Book Review by: Kelly Carn
The Medicare Mental Health Centre in Penrith is a welcoming and non-judgemental place where you can access free mental health information, services and supports.
They provide caring, calm and inclusive mental health and wellbeing support for people over the age of 18. You don’t need to be an Australian citizen, resident, have a visa or Medicare card to get support.
You also don’t need a referral from a doctor. You can just walk in or call to get support.
Whether you have experienced mental health challenges in the past or this is your first time reaching out for support, everyone is welcome.
The Medicare Mental Health Centre offers immediate support if you’re in distress. The team will work with you to understand what will help right now. And then if needed, they’ll help you find the right support for later.
Many of the staff at the centre have experienced a mental health crisis themselves and understand what you may be going through.
Whether you’re trying to improve your sense of wellbeing, looking for help with something that’s bothering you, or helping someone you care about, Penrith Medicare Mental Health Centre is here for you.
They also offer support for carers and families of people experiencing distress.
If you think you may need support or know someone who does, you can drop in at 111 Henry Street, Penrith or call 1800 595 212.
Penrith Medicare Mental Health Centre is delivered by Neami National and funded by the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network.
For more information, go to: www.neaminational.org.au/ penrith-medicare-mental-health-centre
A safe place to share what’s on your mind.
No referral or Medicare card needed
Walk-in for free and immediate support.
111 Henry Street, Penrith.
neaminational.org.au/penrith-medicare-mental-health-centre
Council Backs ICF 2025 International Canoe Slalom Championships with Sponsorship Announcement
Leonay’s Fox sisters to compete in their hometown of Penrith.
Penrith City Council is excited to be sponsoring the 2025 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Slalom World Championships to be held at Penrith Whitewater Stadium on 29 September – 4 October 2025.
Council is providing $100,000 in sponsorship, plus in-kind marketing support to Paddle Australia who will deliver the major international event that’s anticipated to deliver a $9 million return in economic benefits for the City of Penrith.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said, “The international championships will mark 25 years since the Sydney Olympic Games and will give the people of Penrith the chance to see Jess and Noemie Fox in action, in their hometown, while again highlighting Penrith on the world stage.”
“Jess is the world’s greatest individual paddler of all time and Noemie, the first Olympic Gold medallist in kayak cross.
“The Fox sisters are proud Penrith locals, and this event will leverage their 2024 Paris Olympics success, attracting
thousands of spectators in the stands and millions of viewers on TV screens across Australia and the world,” Cr Carney said.
The exciting six-day event is expected to attract 25,000 spectators and over 300 local, state, national and international participants who will compete for the coveted world title events.
“Supporting major international events like this is part of our strategy to grow the Penrith visitor economy, cement our City as a reputable host for major events, and showcase the natural beauty and vibrancy of Penrith to the nation and the world,” Cr Carney said.
Council’s sponsorship will assist Paddle Australia in delivering specific event infrastructure, event development and marketing, community activations, logistics, and funding staff to deliver the Championships. The event is also receiving $2 million in funding from the NSW Government and $1.2 million in funding from the Australian Government.
Cr Carney said the event also marks the continued success of the Whitewater Stadium as a venue for major sporting events.
“Since 2000 the Stadium has hosted a range of local, national and international competitions and brought hundreds of thousands of athletes and spectators to our City, which all help boost our local business, tourism and accommodation sectors.”
The Championships will not only deliver economic benefits to the City of Penrith but will also help elevate Penrith’s profile as a global events destination, attract future events, tourism and investment opportunities.
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
Location, Location, Location
If there’s something that takes up a lot of thinking time across Sydney, it’s where we will live. If you had a choice, what are the selling points that matter most to you? Some of us live in small homes, and some in big, and some in villas. Some of us feel short of space, and some feel we have too much. And what would you think of living in a house with many rooms? Space to spread out. Everyone can have their own room. Or perhaps you’d wonder who’s going to do the cleaning?
But for all of that, what makes the most difference? It’s who we live with, isn’t it? What they are like, how we know them, and how they know us. The experiences shared together, and the stories we bring back from when we are apart. Even if we live alone, our neighbours can be an important part of our life.
It’s not surprising, that as Jesus was leaving his disciples back at the first Easter, he said, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14 verse 1). It’s a picture of a mansion – a palace actually! But do you notice what the real selling point is? It’s whose house it is, and so who we’ll get to share it with – the loving, ruling, understanding, saving, gracious and constant God of all. That’s an invitation worth taking. It’s a location open to all. And the cost? Well, Jesus has looked after that as well.
Have you considered where you will live?
r [Top] Noemie Fox (front) and Jess Fox at Penrith Whitewater Stadium [Above] Penrith Mayor Todd Carney with Jess Fox (L) and Noemie Fox (R). Images/Article: Penrith City Council
A Thoughtful Mother’s Day: Choosing Pet-Safe Bouquets
With Mother’s Day around the corner, many of us will be picking out beautiful flower arrangements to celebrate the special women in our lives. However, while flowers bring joy, some can pose serious risks to our furry family members. Many plants and flowers can cause mild stomach upset if ingested by pets, but others are far more dangerous— potentially leading to severe illness or even death, even in small amounts. Before selecting a bouquet, it’s important to be aware of toxic flowers that could harm your pets.
Flowers to Avoid:
Lilies – Highly toxic to cats and dangerous to some dogs, lilies (including Peace, Calla, Easter, and Tiger Lilies) can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, kidney failure, and, in severe cases, multiple organ failure. Even a small amount—such as pollen or water from a vase—can be deadly for cats.
Daffodils – These cheerful spring flowers can cause serious heart irregularities, difficulty breathing, and trouble swallowing if ingested. The bulbs are especially toxic, and even skin contact can lead to rashes, itching, and inflammation.
Carnations – While less toxic than some other flowers, carnations can cause stomach upset if eaten and skin irritation upon contact.
Chrysanthemums – Common in floral arrangements, chrysanthemums contain toxic compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, drooling, rashes, diarrhoea, and loss of coordination.
Tulips – Every part of a tulip is toxic, but the bulb is the most dangerous. Ingesting tulips can lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, heart issues, and difficulty breathing.
Ivy – Popular varieties like English Ivy and Devil’s Ivy (Golden Pothos) can cause severe mouth and stomach irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and swelling of the lips, tongue, and mouth.
If your pet chews, licks, or ingests any of these toxic plants, seek veterinary care immediately. Contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at (02) 4736 2720 for advice and assistance.
This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate with love and care—by choosing pet-safe flowers that bring joy to both our mums and our pets!
r Image | www.pixabay.com
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
•Home visits
•Cat boarding and Kitten adoption
•Secure off leash dog park CHECK
Habitat Restoration: Waterbugs
Live Well with Dementia: Information Session
Council is spending the morning as citizen scientists and learning how to investigate how healthy Schoolhouse Creek is
Learn about advance care planning for dementia with a representative from Nepean Hospital.
Join them in exploring and identifying what lives at Schoolhouse Creek with waterbug activities! Waterbugs play an important role in maintaining our ecosystems. They’ll be determining the health of the creek and learning about what they can do to maintain it for our wildlife and flora.
One of the most important aspects to living with dementia is to be prepared. Join Council for an information session with Maree White - Advance Care Planning Coordinator from the Clinical Governance Unit at Nepean Hospital.
After the waterbug activity, they’ll spend some time weeding to help improve habitat for our creature friends!
They’ll be discussing:
What can you expect?
• what documents you or your loved one needs.
What do you need to wear and bring?
providers know what matters to you most and respect your treatment preferences.
Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy closed-in shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a bottle of water.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments provided.
The session is free, but bookings are required.
Bookings can be made at https://www.eventbrite.com. au/e/live-well-with-dementia-information-session-tickets1218645233699?aff=oddtdtcreator
The event is open to everyone with and without Bushcare experience. Children must be supervised by an adult.
Registrations essential as places are limited. Register at: https://events.humanitix.com/waterbugs?c=wo Dates and Times 13 April 2025 - 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Please advise them on 4732 7891 if you have accessibility requirements for this session.
This event is supported by NBMPHN through federal government funding.
Location
You’ll be provided with tools, training, and guidance for the activities. No experience is required!
• what advance care planning involves and how to plan your future health care needs.
Yummy refreshments, tea and coffee.
• what services and support that may be helpful. Being prepared helps ensure your loved ones and health
HEALTH MATTERS
P: 0418 166 269
Date: 08 May 2025
Schoolhouse Creek
Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM
Meet at the eastern end of Martin Street, Regentville. Next to 24 Martin Street, Regentville NSW 2745
r Article: Penrith City Council
Location: Penrith City Library, 601 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 r Image/Article: Penrith City Council
Can Simple Stretching Improve Your Cardiovascular Health?
Facilitated stretching is a part of every session of MET at our clinic and we provide stretches for patients to do at home. Stretching may reduce cardiovascular risk. A 2017 study by Shinno et al., asked healthy women over 40yo to stretch 3 times per week, for 3 or 6 months. They conducted 20-30 second static stretches of 15 muscle groups: ‘trapezius, arm-flexors, deltoids, triceps, upper-back muscles (trapezius/rhomboids), pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, gastrocnemius, soleus, hip abductors, hip adductors, quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, and lower erector spinae. Stretching intensity was participant-rated as “somewhat-heavy” to “heavy”.
To see whether the stretching routine had any long-term effects on blood vessels flexibility (compliance), researchers measured an index called RH-PAT both before and after 3 or 6 months of stretching. RH-PAT is determined by:
1. measuring normal arterial blood flow in the forearm, then
2. inflating an upper-arm cuff to stop blood flow for 5 minutes, then
3. releasing the cuff and measuring blood flow 1 min after cuff release.
4. Calculating the ratio of arm blood flow before cuffing and 1 min after cuff-release
5. This gives a ratio called the “reactive hyperaemia peripheral artery tonometry (RH-PAT) index”
RH-PAT is a “powerful predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular
morbidity and mortality”. It can predict:
1. endothelial (blood vessel lining cell) dysfunction
2. coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis
3. microvascular dysfunction following sepsis
4. coronary plaque formation
The arteries of healthy people are flexible/dilatable and have a higher HR-PAT index; people with cardiovascular diseases have a low HR-PAT index because their arteries have difficulty dilating. So how did regular stretching effect participants artery’s ability to dilate (health)?
a. all study participants had an RH-PAT index below 1.67 at study’s beginning
b. both 3 and 6 months of stretching improved RH-PAT index significantly
c. a further 6-months of no-stretching saw RH-PAT index return to pre-intervention values
These results suggest regular stretching can increase the compliance (flexibility) of arteries, reducing cardiovascular risk, and that regular stretching may lead to health benefits beyond increased muscle-flexibility for maintaining a healthy back. Importantly, once women stopped stretching accrued cardiovascular benefits were slowly lost over the following 6 months. So, the old imperative idiom of ‘use it or lose it’ certainly applies to the cardiovascular benefits of stretching too.
r
** Refer to submitter for references
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
Plant a Tree for Mum
Penrith’s beloved Trees for Mum event is celebrating eighteen years this Mother’s Day.
Penrith City Council’s annual Trees for Mum community tree planting event returns on Sunday 11 May at Caddens Road Park, Claremont Meadows from 8:30am to 12:30pm.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney is excited to celebrate such a significant milestone for the City’s beloved Mother’s Day event.
"The longevity of Trees for Mum is a testament to how important an event such as this one is to our community and I’m proud that our residents remain passionate about conserving our local bushland,” Cr Carney said.
“Penrith is one of the only local government areas that has continued to host this special event and our Bushcare team is excited to not only be running its eighteenth year, but to be celebrating such a meaningful day with community members.
“Planting a tree is such a simple gesture to honour your mum, grandmother, aunt or a mother-figure in your life and can be a very positive and meaningful experience to share with family and friends on Mother’s Day.
“Trees for Mum is not only a great way to gift something special, but it’s an opportunity to learn about our local environment and help restore our endangered bushland by planting native trees or shrubs,” Cr Carney said.
The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions. The first session will start at 8:30am with the last session at 12:00pm. Participants are encouraged to wear closedtoe shoes and a hat. Sunscreen will be available on the day.
The native trees and shrubs available for planting are proudly provided by Council’s nursery.
To ensure there are enough trees for everyone to plant and so the Penrith Council Bushcare team can coordinate the 30-minute sessions, please book your attendance by registering at penrith.city/events.
r Image/Article: Penrith City Council
Celebrate Mum
This year, as Mother’s Day rolls around, it holds a special significance to me. For many years, Mother’s Day was a twopart event. The first part is the phone call to my mother, and to the women who have been mothers to me in my life. The second is a quick trip down memory lane as I recall some of my favourite Mother’s Days with my own daughter over the years and, if she’s not working away, perhaps a trip out for a meal together.
This year things have changed. My dearest mum has struggled with health problems, and we are left wondering just how many more Mother’s Days we will be gifted to celebrate with her. How can we make this one special? If this is the last one, what can we do to make it a joyful celebration, a memory to flood our hearts with love in the relentless repeat of Mother’s Days to come?
The most precious gift we can give our mothers is love and time. Work and life often distract us from the important things, one of them is our relationship with our mothers. They are always there and often taken for granted – until they are not there.
This year it is more important to me than ever to spend time with my mum. Time to really talk with her, to thank her for the time, the effort, and the boundless love she put in, particularly in times when I wasn’t particularly grateful, kind, or loveable. I know that if I asked her what she would wish for on Mother’s Day, she would ask for more time to spend with her family, her daughters and grandchildren.
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate all mothers, those here with us, and those we hold in our memories. Mums raising children, stepchildren, grandchildren, foster children, adopted children, mums who lost children, those who long to be mothers and struggle with infertility. This day can be complicated, painful, and bittersweet, but may it also be filled with joy and love that never fades.
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HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Services
(Police, Ambulance, Fire) 000
Penrith Police Station 4721 9444 Police Assistance Line 131 444
Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling 131 114 WIRES (Wildlife Rescue) 4754 2946
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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 0491 174 725
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) 0493 547 794
Embroiderers Guild Nepean 0466 457 594
Girl Guides Glenbrook 4739 6087
Lions Club Emu Plains 4735 5120
Lung Support Group 4735 1542
Sports Clubs
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By the time our paper arrives in your letterboxes, with any luck the election is done and dusted, and now we can all hope that our government takes its responsibility seriously and gets on with the business of looking after us and Australia’s interests.
With Autumn here and Winter on the horizon, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, whether that is sitting in your yard, going hiking, or getting involved with your community – you’ll find lots of info and events here in the Gazette about what’s happening around your area!
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‘In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” (John Muir)
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