Mulgoa is
a Goer: Stage 1 Open, Work Begins on Stage 2
The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are delivering for Western Sydney, with Stage 1 of the jointly funded $226 million Mulgoa Road upgrade now complete and Stage 2 underway.
The newly completed Stage 1 works between Jeanette Street and Blaikie Road have widened Mulgoa Road to three lanes in each direction, improving access to and from the M4 Motorway and delivering safer, more efficient connections to surrounding retail and residential precincts.
Stage 2 of the works will upgrade the section between Jeanette Street and Glenmore Parkway, targeting a key pinch point to further improve traffic flow and reliability for the thousands of motorists who rely on this corridor each day. Work is expected to be completed by late 2028.
Around 52,000 vehicles use this section of Mulgoa Road each day, making it a vital link between Penrith, Jamisontown, Glenmore Park and the wider Western Sydney region.
Despite the challenges of working on a live traffic corridor, construction was carefully staged to minimise disruption, with the project delivered ahead of time and on budget.
Crews put over 743,500 hours of work into Stage 1 of the project, with works completed including:
• Widening the road from four lanes to six lanes to increase capacity
• Constructing or relocating 8 kilometres of underground utilities including water, sewer, gas, electricity and telecommunications
• Installing 2,460 tonnes of steel reinforcement
• Pouring more than 6,750 cubic metres of concrete
• Laying over 12,000 tonnes of asphalt
• Upgrading five signalised intersections to ease congestion
The upgrade will also improve bus travel, with new dedicated bus priority lanes on Wolseley Street and Glenbrook Street.
A new 3.5-metre-wide shared path along the eastern side and a pedestrian footpath along the western side will also be delivered.
Environmental outcomes were also a key focus, with more than 130,000 tonnes of material recycled during construction. While some trees were removed, the number was reduced by 20 per cent from initial estimates, with more than 450 new trees planted and measures put in place to support local wildlife, including the installation of habitat structures.
A 560-metre-long noise wall has also been delivered to reduce road noise in nearby neighbourhoods.
Further south at Mulgoa, additional safety improvements are also being delivered, including shoulder widening, minor road realignment, and the installation of safety barriers at the intersection of Mulgoa Road and Roscrea Drive.
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 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)
r (L-R) Prue Car MP, Jenny Aitchison MP and Karen McKeown MP | Image: Prue Car MP. Article: Catherine King MP/Prue Car MP/Jenny Aitchison MP
Finding Joy in the Everyday
Local author and photographer Merryl Watkins invites readers to slow down, step outside and reconnect with the natural world in her upcoming book, A Wander on the Wild Side: Conversations with Blue Mountains Wildlife, set for release mid to late April.
Blending photography, storytelling and a deep appreciation for Australia’s native fauna, the book offers a unique perspective on the creatures that share our everyday spaces. From bold and colourful species to those that quietly blend into the landscape, each animal is presented not just as a subject, but as a storyteller in its own right.
“Some are big, some are small. Some are flamboyant and some are shy. All have a story to tell and advice to give,” Merryl said.
While the book itself came together over a few months, its foundation was built over years of observation. Merryl spent time walking through her local neighbourhood, watching, listening and photographing wildlife, gradually uncovering the richness of life often overlooked.
“I wrote the actual book over a couple of months, but really it was created over a couple of years as I walked around my neighbourhood, watching and photographing the local wildlife,” she explained.
The inspiration for A Wander on the Wild Side emerged during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeking to bring light to a challenging time, Merryl began sharing daily wildlife photographs online, encouraging others to notice the beauty around them.
“I wanted to remind people, me included, that there was still beauty in the world,” she said. “The more I looked and listened, the more I realised that joy can be found in small things.”
More than a children’s book, the work speaks to readers of all ages, offering both education and reflection. It encourages a deeper understanding of native wildlife while promoting mindfulness and wellbeing through connection with nature.
“This is not just a book to read with children, but for anyone who loves nature and wants to learn what our wildlife has to say,” Merryl said.
Ultimately, Merryl hopes her book inspires readers to pause, even briefly, and rediscover the simple joys found just beyond their doorstep, proving that sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin with a single step outside.
Pre-orders for a limited print run are available now. Send Merryl a message through her Facebook page, Merryl Watkins Photography, or look out for the listing at: https://tinyurl. com/48uv5vef
Merryl Watkin’s
book
Image: Merryl Watkins. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Bigger Than Ever: Mother's Day Classic Marks 29 Years
Organisers of the 2026 Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) are encouraging Australians to mark their calendars now for Sunday, May 10, as the iconic event celebrates its 29th year of community action for breast and ovarian cancer research.
From humble beginnings in 1998 with 3,000 participants in Melbourne and Sydney raising $50,000, the Mother’s Day Classic, founded by Women in Super, has become one of the most successful and important fixtures on the fundraising calendar, with up to 100,000 participants expected to walk and run at more than 90 locations nationwide this year.
And for the first time, the Mother’s Day Classic in Melbourne will host a half-marathon event across a picturesque 21.1km course starting at Alexandra Gardens.
In a sign of further growth and awareness, local event bookings in regional and suburban areas nationally for Mother’s Day Classic are up 20 per cent, indicating even stronger community support for 2026.
“We’re thrilled to see so many communities taking the lead and hosting their own Mother’s Day Classic events. It shows that Australians don’t just want to attend, they want to be part of something bigger. They want to turn Mother’s Day into a moment of purpose, standing stronger together in support of those impacted by breast and ovarian cancer.”
Zara Lawless, CEO of the Mother's Day Classic, said.
“Since our inception, more than 1.8 million Australians have started their Mother’s Day with purpose, and together we have donated $50.8 million to fund research and improve outcomes so far -a legacy of hope that one generation passes
to the next. As we look to 2026, our focus is simple: bring more people together, fund more groundbreaking research and move closer to a future where no family loses a loved one to breast or ovarian cancer.”
The impact of that investment is clear. Since the Mother’s Day Classic began, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer has improved from 84 per cent to 93 per cent, thanks in large part to research funding from events like the MDC.
However, the work is far from done. Every day in Australia, 61 women are diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, and 12 die from these diseases.
In 2024, the Mother’s Day Classic expanded its mission to support ovarian cancer research alongside breast cancer research raising an incredible $3.3 million, recognising the urgent need for progress in a disease where the five-year survival rate remains at just 49 per cent and treatment options have seen little improvement over the last three decades.
“The MDC community enthusiastically embraced our extended purpose,” Ms Lawless said. “In 2025, we donated a $3.5 million split between the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, and we’re determined to exceed that in 2026.”
With registrations now open, there’s never been a better time to sign up and make a difference on Mother’s Day 2026.
Register now at https://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/ registration
r Images/Article: Mother’s Day Classic
Penrith After Dark
The streets of Penrith will come alive for a bespoke evening of outdoor dining, live entertainment and late-night fun at Penrith After Dark!
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Penrith CBD for Council’s newest night-time event to be held on Saturday 2 May from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. Savour the best of Penrith’s local eateries by dining on a long outdoor dining table whilst enjoying live entertainment from musicians and roving performers.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said he is delighted to see Penrith’s streets come alive after dark with this new event allowing the community to come together to support local businesses and artists in the area.
“By offering a captivating night-time experience for our residents and visitors in the heart of our vibrant CBD, Penrith After Dark embodies our vision of connecting the community with local businesses who operate within a 24hour economy,” said Cr Carney.
“At Penrith After Dark, guests will be engaged in a truly unique dining experience, one I’m sure our community will really enjoy. I’m proud that Council supports and creates safe events that activate our City Centre whilst stimulating our night-time economy.
“We would love to see the community enjoying and experiencing all the wonderful things our great city of Penrith has to offer, especially at night,” Cr Carney said.
Karen McKeown OAM, Member for Penrith said, “we know that vibrant streets deliver cultural, social and economic benefits. Streets are at the heart of community life – places to meet, support local businesses, and celebrate what makes our communities unique.”
“Activating them can be challenging due to the costs and complexities of approvals and temporary road closures.
“The Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program helps councils and organisers overcome these barriers, which means more free events for the community to enjoy.”
Penrith After Dark has been curated by Penrith City Council and funded through the NSW Government’s Permit/ Plug/Play Pilot Program, which aims to reduce the cost and complexity of delivering street-based events. This event also aligns with Council’s OPEN: Penrith and St Marys 24-Hour Economy Strategy 2025-2029.
You won’t want to miss this exciting, new event! Mark your calendars as Penrith After Dark will be occurring in the heart of Penrith CBD (Memory Park, High Street and Woodriff Street) on Saturday 2 May from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
Penrith After Dark is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program.
To find out more, visit penrith.city/penrithafterdark
Trees for Mum 2026
Celebrate your mum, mother figure, grandmother or aunt with a special day of planting a tree for Mother’s Day.
Penrith City Council are celebrating 19 years of Trees for Mum this year — and they couldn’t have reached this milestone without you!
They can’t think of a better way to treat Mum on her special day than planting a tree with her name attached to it. They encourage anyone who wishes to remember or celebrate their mum, grandmother, aunt or mother figure to come along and plant a tree for her. They have biodegradable tree tags you can write a special message on in remembrance.
The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions, with the first session starting at 8.30am and the last session at 12:00pm. Please ensure you register for a time slot as spots are limited!
What to wear
Participants are encouraged to wear long trousers, a longsleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
Bring a +1
If you’re intending to come with other family members or friends, please let their friendly Bushcare team so they can provide you with trees to plant.
Parking
There is street parking along O’Connell Lane and surrounding streets.
Register now!
Register your participants and timeslot via Humanitix at https://events.humanitix.com/trees-for-mum-2026?c=wo. If you are unwell, please stay at home.
All trees and plants provided on the day are local endemic species and grown by Council's nursery.
Dates and Times
Sunday 10 May 2026 - 8:30am to 12:30pm
Location
Cadda Ridge Drive Reserve 96 Cadda Ridge Drive, Caddens Caddens NSW 2747
New Era Ahead for Emu Plains Little Athletics Club
Emu Plains Little Athletics Club has wrapped up another successful season, celebrating strong participation, impressive performances, and the contribution of dedicated volunteers.
The 2025–26 season saw the club welcome 457 athletes, along with an additional 99 Tiny Tots, highlighting the continued growth and popularity of grassroots athletics in the local community. The large turnout reflects the club’s reputation as a supportive environment for young athletes of the local area.
Among the season’s major highlights were the achievements of athletes representing the club at higher levels of competition. Competitors progressed through zone and regional meets to state and even national championships, showcasing the depth of talent within the club and providing inspiration for younger members.
Celebrations to mark the end of the season were recently held at The Orchard, where athletes, families, and volunteers gathered to recognise individual and team accomplishments.
Reflecting on his time as President of Emu Plains Athletics Club, Paul Dukes said the most
rewarding aspect of the role had been working alongside a committed group of volunteers and committee members. Their collective effort has been central to the smooth running of weekly meets and special events throughout the season.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be the President of this outstanding club for the past three years,” Dukes said. “Due to work commitments, I’ve decided to step down, but I’ll still be involved with the club in other ways.”
Dukes expressed confidence in the club’s future, encouraging new leadership to bring fresh ideas and energy to the role. He believes this transition will help ensure the club continues to thrive for years to come.
“I hope everyone has enjoyed the past three years as much as I have,” he said. “Now it’s time to bring in new blood with great ideas to keep this fabulous club moving forward.”
Registrations for the 2026–27 season are expected to open in August 2026, with another strong turnout anticipated as the club builds on this year’s momentum.
r Feature Article [Cover+Above] Emu Plains Little Athletics Club athletes | Images: Danielle Willmington/Jack Chan
Glenbrook Players Launch 2026 Season
Glenbrook Players are launching their 2026 season with the celebrated, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Christopher Durang’s, sharp, affectionate, and wildly funny play that blends very familiar modern anxieties with classic theatrical references and just a touch of Chekovian angst. Premiering in 2012, the play won the Tony Award for Best Play and has since become a favourite with audiences who enjoy humour that is both absurd and deeply relatable.
The play opens in the pleasant, slightly timeworn, sunroom of a farmhouse in Pennsylvania, where the avuncular, middleaged, Vanya (John Bailey) and his melancholic adopted sister, Sonia (Aleksandra Ford), engage in bickering banter over their morning coffee. Their familiar routine is abruptly interrupted by self-styled psychic housekeeper, Cassandra (Madeleine Sheehy), who bursts in with prophetic warnings of impending doom. A prophesy almost immediately followed by the arrival of Vanya and Sonia’s glamourous movie-star sister, Masha (Dianne Darlington), and her impressively young, and very sexy new boyfriend, Spike (Ashley Benson), who have come for the weekend to attend a costume party.
The siblings’ mutual angst rapidly descends into emotional chaos over the legacy of their departed parents– ten years of aged-care on Sonia and Vanya’s part and earning sufficient funds to pay the mortgage and support them all, on Masha’s.
Director, Jason Darlington, was powerfully drawn to the stylistic lineage and themes of the play, “I love the cultural and theatrical references woven through the text, from Greek tragedy, the popular icons of 1950’s television, to the characters’ namesakes, part of the homage to Chekhov, that hints at deeper themes of regret, change, and looming disruption.”
“Its wit lies not only in clever dialogue, but in the way that it observes and critiques social behaviour, exposing vanity, insecurity, and the quiet absurdities of everyday life. At the same time, it’s softened by a genuine empathy for its characters, allowing even their flaws to feel recognisable and forgivable.”
Even Spike, who at first appears to be a shallow caricature, ultimately contributes to the play’s wider commentary, highlighting the kind of self-absorption that stifles curiosity, dismisses criticism, and fosters ignorance. Young Nina, from next door (Mairead Sheehy), provides his perfect counterpoint with her sincere enthusiasm, optimism and emotional openness.
Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike opens on May 15, with performances over two weekends on Friday 15th, Sat 16th, Friday 22nd and Sat 23rd of May at 7.30pm, and Saturday 16th and 23rd of May at 2.00pm; with a matinee on Sunday 24th at 11.00am. Bookings can be made at https://www. glenbrookcinema.com.au/players/ or by calling (02) 4739 0003.
A peaceful place to honour and remember
Kemps Creek Memorial Park offers a beautifully landscaped and affordable resting place, serving people of all faiths, cultures and traditions.
Choose from traditional burial and cremation options and natural bushland burials.
A place where families are supported with care during life’s most important moments
Contact our caring team today to explore your memorial options.
230–260 Western Road, Kemps Creek 9826 2273 | admin@kempscreekcemetery.com.au kempscreekmemorialpark.com.au
r [Top] Mairead Sheehy as Nina, and John Bailey as Vanya, in the Glenbrook Players production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike [Above] (L-R) Aleksandra Ford as Sonia, John Bailey as Vanya, Mairead Sheehy as Nina, Dianne Darlington as Masha, and Ashley Benson as Spike, in the Glenbrook Players production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike | Images/Article: Ainslie Yardley/Glenbrook Players
The Sydney Royal Easter Show Returns in 2026
The Show is back in 2026, bringing the best of rural Australia to the heart of the city in a celebration of farmers, food, family fun and the unforgettable traditions Australians know and love.
Running from 2 - 13 April, the Show invites visitors of all ages to reconnect with where our food comes from, meet the people who produce it, and experience the mix of familiar icons and new moments that make the Show a must-visit each year.
New for 2026, the Show comes alive After Dark, transforming Sydney Showground into a glowing nighttime spectacular. Visitors can enjoy a brand-new light parade, 70 illuminated animal lanterns, expanded evening entertainment and new food experiences.
TRADIE PACKAGE
A new After 4:00pm Family Ticket offers greater value, giving families entry from late afternoon into the evening. Available preShow only until 11:59pm on 1 April 2026, tickets are limited.
With up to 12 hours of entertainment included in a single ticket, the Show remains one of Sydney’s best-value days out over Easter.
Buy tickets at eastershow.com.au.
The MRI Or CT of your Back Shows Aortic Calcification – What Does This Mean?
Radiologists frequently report “calcification of the abdominal aorta” as an incidental finding on Back scans, especially in people over 50. The patient is often unaware that this finding has been made nor of its importance. It means patient’s major arteries are losing their normal elasticity, turning into bone.
Research shows that calcification of arterial walls truly ‘resembles bone formation, with the same cells, proteins, cell-cell communication molecules used in bones. Studies demonstrate the presence bone forming cells and bone resorbing cells in vessel walls, new bone matrix proteins in the arterial wall, allowing crystallisation of calcium. In severe cases, fully formed bone is seen.
Such “Cardiovascular calcification is a systemic disease, and is:
1. A marker of generalized vascular disease
2. significantly associated with raised blood pressure (systolic) and (pulse)
3. a likely contributor to calcium loss from bone
4. an independent predictor of cardiovascular events such as
a. heart attack, stroke,
b. bypass surgery,
c. balloon angioplasty,
d. stent placement,
e. and all-cause mortality in both cardiovascular and renal patients.
A “Coronary Calcium Scan” measures calcification of heart arteries. People with a calcium score over 400 are almost 15 times more likely to have cardiovascular disease than people with uncalcified arteries.
A 2004 double-blind placebo-controlled study looked 181 postmenopausal women divided into three groups, who were given daily for three years either:
1. a placebo
2. minerals plus Vit D (500 mg calcium, 10 mg zinc, 150 mg magnesium 8 μg vitamin D3)
3. minerals plus Vit D, plus 1000 µg vitamin K1
After three years the placebo and minerals plus vitamin D groups had worse arterial stiffness and higher pulse pressure, however arteries of group receiving vitamin-K remained flexible (uncalcified), their pulse pressure normal.
Vitamin-K is found in some greens and fermented foods, and is very important for maintaining cardiovascular as well as bone and dental health. Yet most patients attending the clinic have never heard of vitamin K, nor which foods are good sources, most will not be getting enough. If you’d like to know more about how diet can help keep bones, teeth and blood vessels healthy, feel free to call Andreas at the clinic.
r Article (edited): Royal Agricultural Society of NSW | Image: Steven Markham/Royal Agricultural Society of NSW
Driving Change in Fuel Crisis
A Lower Mountains resident is stepping up to support his community amid rising fuel costs, assisting with free transport for those in need recently.
Blue Mountains local Dave Malicki organised a one-day initiative on Friday, April 10, where he drove residents to appointments and other destinations in his electric vehicle (EV) at no cost. The idea, he said, was simple: help ease the
burden on people struggling with soaring petrol prices.
“I didn’t request any payment,” Malicki said. “This was about helping people in the community who might be doing it tough.”
Malicki, who works in the EV industry and has owned an electric vehicle for more than three years, said the affordability of EVs, particularly during a fuel crisis, was a key motivation. He explained that EVs can be significantly cheaper to run than traditional petrol vehicles, with potential annual savings of around $3,000 on fuel. His own car costs about $5 to fully charge at home and can travel up to 420 kilometres on a single charge.
“We’re not just in a fuel crisis, we’re in a fuel choice crisis,” he said. “Full battery EVs are the only vehicles completely immune to fuel price shocks.”
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Malicki’s social media post has attracted more than 2,000 likes, been shared multiple times, and generated hundreds of comments from residents eager to support or benefit from the initiative.
“The Blue Mountains has a strong community spirit,” he said. “People clearly want to connect and help each other in times of need.”
While the April 10 effort was a one-day event for now, Malicki said he is open to continuing similar support in the future, particularly if fuel prices remain high. He is also considering volunteering with local services that require drivers, including community meal delivery programs.
Malicki hopes his actions will inspire other EV owners to lend a hand by offering lifts to friends, family, or neighbours. He also encouraged residents to explore EV options, highlighting their environmental benefits, including reduced emissions and improved air quality.
“This is about building resilience for the future,” he said. r Dave and his EV | Image: Dave Malicki
Article Written + Submitted by: Kellie Tickner from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital A: 49 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? Navigating the Pros and Cons
Pet insurance remains one of the most debated topics among pet owners, with many questioning whether it truly represents value for money. With a wide range of policies on the market—each offering varying levels of coverage—the choice can quickly become confusing. While pet insurance is generally a sound investment, it’s important to approach it like any financial product: understand the details and read the fine print before committing.
One of the key benefits of pet insurance is the peace of mind it offers. Veterinary care, particularly in emergencies or when managing chronic conditions, can be costly. Insurance helps ease the financial burden of unexpected expenses, allowing owners to focus on what matters most—the health and wellbeing of their pet—rather than the limitations of their budget.
Some policies also contribute towards preventative care, such as vaccinations, parasite control, and dental treatments. This type of coverage can encourage proactive healthcare, potentially reducing the likelihood of more serious and expensive conditions developing later on.
It’s also important to distinguish pet insurance from veterinary wellness programs. While these programs have their place and can offer savings on routine care, they are not a substitute for pet insurance. Loyalty programs are designed to support preventative—they typically do not cover unexpected illnesses, accidents, or major medical expenses.
That said, pet insurance is not without its drawbacks. Premiums can become expensive over time, particularly for households with multiple pets. It’s also important to recognise that not all policies are created equal. Differences in coverage, exclusions, and benefit
Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP)
CONSULTING HOURS
limits can significantly impact the value of a policy. Pre-existing conditions are commonly excluded, and some breeds may face specific limitations, meaning not every situation will be covered.
Another factor to consider is the excess—similar to a deductible in human insurance. Many policies require you to contribute a portion of the veterinary bill before benefits apply. Finding the right balance between an affordable premium and a manageable excess is essential to ensure the policy remains practical when you need it most.
For those who prefer not to pay ongoing premiums, an alternative approach is to establish a dedicated pet emergency fund. Setting aside money regularly can provide flexibility and control over how funds are used. However, this strategy relies on consistency and may fall short if a major medical issue arises before sufficient savings have been built.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual circumstances. Your pet’s age, breed, and medical history, along with your financial position, should all play a role in your choice. If you opt for insurance, take the time to compare policies carefully, paying close attention to inclusions, exclusions, and claim limits.
Regardless of the path you choose, planning ahead is essential. If you’d like guidance on navigating your options, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on (02) 4736 2027.
For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au or call 02 4736 2027
For Appointments Call
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
and
Talk Your Walk Changing Young Lives
A former professional rugby league player is turning his focus from the field to the community, using his experience to tackle mental health challenges among young Australians.
Jesse Sene Lefao, who retired in 2025 after a 13-year career in the NRL and Super League, is the co-founder of Talk Your Walk Foundation, an organisation dedicated to building resilience, cultural identity and safe spaces for young people. Established in 2021 alongside Quentin Laulu-Togagae and Suaia Matagi, the foundation has rapidly expanded its reach across schools and community programs.
The idea for Talk Your Walk began five years ago in the United Kingdom, when the trio were playing professionally far from their families. During that time, they became increasingly aware of the prevalence of mental health struggles and suicide within communities, as well as the lack of open, supportive conversations.
In response, they launched a podcast aimed at raising awareness and encouraging vulnerability. The six-episode series was well received and eventually secured funding from the UK government, helping lay the foundation for what would become a broader initiative.
“People often think elite athletes are immune to these issues,
FAITH - EMU PLAINS ANGLICAN
but that’s not the case,” Jesse said. “We want to create safe spaces that genuinely save lives.”
Today, the foundation delivers programs in 14 schools each week, with an ambitious goal of reaching 20. It also runs sessions in three youth justice centres and hosts four after-school programs weekly. One of its standout initiatives includes an Oztag competition at Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, attracting up to 60 young participants.
Looking ahead, Talk Your Walk plans to expand into Brisbane next term, with a long-term vision of becoming a nationwide presence in every school across Australia. The organisation is also working to grow its programs specifically for men, recognising the need for targeted support.
With a team of five and growing, he says the mission remains simple: to share the lessons he learned during his rugby league career and empower others to navigate life’s challenges.
Community support has played a vital role in the foundation’s growth, with Jesse expressing gratitude to those who continue to back the initiative.
For more information about Talk Your Walk Foundation, visit their website www.talkyourwalk.co.uk or email Jesse at jsl@ talkyourwalk.com.au.
r
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
Have You Been Treated Unfairly?
Have you heard the story of the manager who got into trouble with his workers? He was paying his workers different amounts for the same job. But it was when they found out that the trouble really started!
Already you probably feel the injustice of it. We all know people should get a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. Along with that, we’ve all experienced how quickly one person with the upper hand will rip off another, given half a chance.
But this story has a twist. The manager was giving all the workers a fair day’s pay. It’s just that, for those who had started on the job late in the piece, he was paying them the same amount. What do you think— incredibly unfair? Or extremely generous?
Jesus told this story (Matthew 20:1–16). And he told it because he knew how strong our sense of justice is. He told it because we have a well-developed sense of effort and reward. And he told it because he wanted to show us there is a whole other way of seeing ourselves.
Easter is the key. There, Jesus offered a gift we didn’t deserve: to entrust us with what we could never earn—forgiveness from God, freedom from guilt, and confidence about the future.
It’s OK to call out for justice from God, but far better to cry out for his kindness! It turns out we’re the workers who may be paid “unfairly.” We’ve been offered far more than we deserve. All it takes is to accept the gift. Incredibly unfair? No, it’s extremely generous.
Jesse Sene Lefao | Image Supplied by Jesse Sene Lefao
OOPS! Article attribution since December 2025 should read Senior Minister Roger Cunningham, not Assistant Minister and Youth Co-ordinator David Simmons.
editor@districtgazette.com.au www.districtgazette.com.au
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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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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
Lions
Advertising Policy... Payment on booking secures your space. The Business Directory offers cost effective advertising to businesses in an alphabetical format. Premium Placement may be available, at an extra charge. An editorial focus on a local business may be included if space permits, at the Editor’s discretion. Community News... The Emu+Leonay Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor.
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As we turn the page into May, there is a noticeable shift in the air, cooler mornings, changing seasons, and for many, a renewed focus on stretching every dollar just a little further. Conversations across our community reflect a shared theme, resilience, adaptability, and the quiet strength that comes from looking out for one another.
While the broader climate continues to fluctuate, from rising costs at the bowser to everyday essentials, what remains steady is the spirit of our region. It is seen in small acts of kindness, support for local businesses, and the willingness to lend a hand where it is needed most.
With Mother’s Day falling on the second Sunday in May, it offers a moment to pause and reflect, honouring those who have shaped us, and for me, quietly remembering my late mum with gratitude.
This edition celebrates the people, stories and initiatives that remind us we are never navigating change alone. Thank you for being part of this community. Stay warm, stay connected, and take care of one another.
“Perspective has a way of revealing more than words ever will.”
Belinda
