Bruce Turner Author Talk - Triumphs from the Banks of the Nepean
Bruce Turner's new book "Triumphs from the Banks of the Nepean" honours the heroes and historic milestones of our region.
Date and time:
Tuesday September 2nd, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Location:
Penrith City Library - Peter Goodfellow Theatrette
601 High Street Penrith, NSW 2750
About this event:
Bruce Turner author talk - Triumphs from the Banks of the Nepean
Author Bruce Turner discusses his new book "Triumphs from the Banks of the Nepean", the third in his "Banks of the Nepean' trilogy. This book is a celebration of the remarkable individuals and pivotal moments that have shaped our region's history. Listen to the stories of Olympic gold medallists, Australian captains in cricket, netball and rugby league, and those that have worked in Aboriginal education, civic leadership, history, journalism, music and politics.
Tea, coffee, and light refreshments provided.
They are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all. If you require any accommodation to attend this event, please contact 4732 7891.
Tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/bruceturner-author-talk-triumphs-from-the-banks-of-the-nepeantickets-1508362355409?aff=oddtdtcreator
r Image/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
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/
SOLiD MEN
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)
Celebrate Spring with Spectacular Orchids
Spring is now here, and with it comes the much-anticipated annual Spring Orchid Show hosted by the Blue Mountains and Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS). This year’s show promises to be a spectacular display of vibrant and colourful orchids, offering a unique opportunity for plant lovers and the wider community to immerse themselves in the beauty of these exquisite flowers.
The 2025 Spring Orchid Show will be held on Saturday, 13th September from 9:00am to 4:00pm, and on Sunday, 14th September from 10:00am to 3:00pm, at Melrose Hall, located at the corner of Great Western Highway and Park Street, Emu Plains. Entry to the event is $2 (cash only) for adults, while children under 15 can attend for free.
The Spring Orchid Show is set to feature a stunning array of orchid displays, with many species in full bloom. This is their biggest show of the year, and it’s an opportunity for the community to see orchids that they might never encounter in regular shops.
In addition to the great display, the show will also offer a wide variety of orchid species for sale, catering to everyone from novice gardeners to seasoned orchid enthusiasts. They will have EFTPOS facilities available on hand for orchid sales.
Beyond the sales and displays, visitors can participate in a raffle, adding an element of excitement and the chance to win some wonderful prizes. The show offers an excellent opportunity for the community to engage with local growers, learn more about orchid cultivation, and perhaps even start a new hobby.
For those interested in continuing their orchid journey, BMPDOS holds monthly meetings on the 4th Friday of every month (except December) at 8:00pm at Melrose Hall. These meetings provide additional learning opportunities, with the Growers Group meeting at 7:30pm for an information session led by an experienced orchid grower.
Don’t miss out on the 2025 Spring Orchid Show – a mustvisit event for orchid lovers. For more information, visit the BMPDOS website at www.bmpdos.org.au.
New Season, New Energy
Emu Plains Little Athletics Club are set to take on the 2025/26 season, returning to the track later this month.
The local club is looking forward to having a successful season ahead, with lots of new sponsors coming on board.
Registrations are now open for the 2025/26 season. The competition runs from September, through until March, with a 4 week break over Christmas.
With Emu Plains being one of the biggest clubs in the area, they anticipate that they could have 400 plus athletes this season.
“We had 440 athletes in 2024/25. The 2025/26 season will be big” explained Paul Dukes, President of Emu Plains Little Athletics Club.
They will be running their popular Tiny Tots program (3 and 4 years) and competition for Under 6’s to Under 20’s. Tiny Tots starts at 5:30pm, whilst the Under 6’s to Under 20’s starts at 6:20pm. Competition is held every Friday evening during Summer at Leonay Oval.
Paul Dukes returns as the President, after completing his second season in 2024/25. He said there were many highlights from last year.
“It was great to see how many athletes made it to representative levels in zone, regional and state” he said to the District Gazette.
Together with the committee, Paul is looking forward to the new season, with a number of new initiatives coming. “This will include the Mama Lana’s Food Drive, which was a huge success last season, and we are also implementing a football and Australia theme night, as part of the 25/26 seasons” Paul replied.
“We had a fantastic season last year, and we welcome new sponsors to the club, as well as the sponsors that have been here for many, many years. We are always looking for volunteers and local sponsors to help out and assist this wonderful club.
“We also want to acknowledge the prior history and thank all the prior volunteers, committee members and previous presidents. With their assistance, we have forged a great longstanding and strong club” stated Paul.
To register for the new season, visit the Emu Plains Little Athletics Club website at https://emu-plains.lansw.org.
You will find more information and regular updates on their website, as well as their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Come and join them for some Summer fun!
r Emu Plains Little Athletics Club athletes | Images: Emu Plains Little Athletics Club. Article: Paul Dukes/Emu Plains Little Athletics Club
Understanding Snake Activity this Season
With Spring now upon us, Western Sydney residents can anticipate increased snake sightings in bushlands, grasslands, backyards, and houses. The snake season traditionally falls between September to March, but often varies due to temperatures.
Sean Cade, from Australian Snake Catchers, has over 20 years of experience and assures residents that these encounters should be viewed as informative rather than alarming. "Snakes are mostly present for shelter or food and are generally just passing through a property," Sean explained.
The Sydney Basin is home to a diverse range of snakes. "Most people in Western Sydney will come across the Eastern Brown Snake, Red Bellied Black Snake, Yellow Faced Whip Snake, and the Golden Crowned Snake," Sean said. Other snakes in the Sydney Basin include the Broad Headed Snake, Tiger Snake, Marsh Snake, and Death Adder.
Sean offered some basic tips to minimise the chances of encountering snakes:
• Avoid approaching snakes.
• Refrain from trying to catch or harm them.
• Ensure children and pets maintain a safe distance.
• Clear any clutter or trash around your home.
• Maintain clean lawns and store firewood at a distance from the house.
Correcting common misconceptions, Sean explained that the presence of a Red Bellied Black Snake doesn't necessarily mean you won't encounter an Eastern Brown Snake. “This is a common statement which is incorrect. If the snakes are a similar length, they cannot eat each other. And Eastern Brown Snakes will also eat a Red Bellied Black Snake,” he said.
Sean's dedication to his profession stems from a love for wildlife and a passion to share the wonders of native fauna with his children. "Although many are hesitant to deal with snakes, they play a valuable role in our ecosystem. They, like any animal, sometimes need assistance,” he said.
"Snakes don't need to be feared. With a little understanding they are quite fascinating creatures. This time of year, they are breeding also and are quite active," Sean explained.
“Due to urban development, encounters may increase due to habitat loss” he added.
If someone is suspected of having a snake bite, (not sure if it is a scratch or bitten) apply a compression bandage, keep patient still and calm and call 000.
“There is no need to catch the snake for identification” ended Sean.
If you need expert and secure removal of snakes or reptiles, reach out to Sean and his crew through their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/australiansnakecatchers/ or call Sean at 0410 761575 or Freya at 0452 492836.
r Sean with a Woma Python | Image: Australian Snake Catchers
Penrith Relay For Life Returns This Month
Penrith Relay For Life is back for 2025. Registrations are now opened for Saturday 13th September 2025 at Harold Corr Oval, starting at 11:00am and finishing at 10:00pm.
They have a new location for 2025. This year’s Penrith Relay For Life will be held at Harold Corr Oval, 32 Herbert St, Cambridge Park.
Penrith Relay For Life has been running for the past 22 years and the Penrith Community has raised over $4.3 million. Thank you for your support!
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, to have fun at a community
festival, and raise vital funds towards Cancer Council’s worldclass 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.
Penrith Relay For Life 2025 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, including Burger Head, Puffins Pancakes, Brewed Besties, Turkish Gozleme, You Pizza, Rickys Soft Serve Ice Cream, The Gelato Parlour and Crazy Potato.
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 $80,000, 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-2025/home
You can keep up to date with what’s going on by joining the Penrith Relay for Life Facebook page.
Spring ReST YLE
Clothes Swap Event
Kids clothing (for ages 3 to 12 years old)
Parents and guardians bring up to five quality items of kids clothing that they have outgrown or no longer wear to swap for ‘new-to-you’ goodies!
Check-in 10am – 10:30am
Kids clothes swap 10:30am – 11:15am Join us on Saturday, 11 October at St Marys Memorial Hall
Adult clothing swap
Open to adults of all ages, shapes, sizes and genders. Bring up to 5 quality items to swap as part of their participation in this fun and sustainable exchange.
Check-in 11:30am – 12:15pm
Stylist presentation 12:15pm – 12:30pm
Adult clothes swap 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Please note that this is a ticketed event. For full event information, and to secure your tickets visit,
Book Review Your All-Day Nightmare
Author:R.L Stine
All-Day Nightmare is a choose your own adventure book by R.L Stine. Its storyline revolves around you having terrible nightmares at night, but waking up in an abandoned, strange house with another boy, whom you decide to call Max, as both of you can’t remember a thing about yourselves, not even your own name! You are then faced with your first choice: answer a knock on the door, or leave it? From there, the story warps into different storylines.
With dozens of choices, you are spoilt for choice… literally. The storylines range from finding out you and Max were victims of an alien abduction, and the aliens brainwashed you. Somehow, you crashed their spaceship, and they’re coming for you. Or are you and Max werewolves, you and your wolf pack being chased by hunters? Finally, are you and Max secret agents, trapped between which side to join. The choice is yours, with over 20 endings, all written to make sense according to the storyline.
In most of the endings, you and Max find your real identities, and how you came to be there. I myself enjoyed the alien storyline the best. Overall, All-Day Nightmare delighted me with its fragilely written storyline, and I would highly recommend it.
r Book Review by: Mustafa Faisal
Repairing the Great River Walk
A new $5 million project to repair five sites along the lower path of the Great River Walk at Emu Plains will now go ahead thanks to additional Federal and State Government funding.
The floods of March and June 2022 caused significant structural damage and movement of the lower river edge embankment and lower walking path along River Road, Emu Plains, which has been closed since 2022.
Penrith Council has accepted the grant of $4,806,456 under the Local Government Recovery Grants Program as part of the Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Council will contribute a further $242,692.
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman and State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown have welcomed Penrith City Council’s decision to accept additional disaster recovery funding.
2/129 Russell Street EMU PLAINS
“Improving access along the Nepean River was one of the key local issues people raised with me during the election campaign. It’s great to see the hard work Penrith Council has done already, but these are big projects, and the additional funding will allow the repairs to continue further along the river walk. Seventy five percent of the funding is Commonwealth, and I look forward, along with the rest of the community, to walking this new stretch” said Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman.
“We are all excited about the current work underway, and I’m excited that the State Government has also funded this project to enable Council to continue the good work they are doing on repairing and reopening additional sections of the Great River Walk” said State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown.
“Our community loves the bridge-to-bridge loop of the Great River Walk. We’re looking forward to working with the Australian and NSW Governments to reopen the lower pathway and continuing to create opportunities for our residents and visitors to experience and enjoy the Nepean River” said Penrith Mayor, Todd Carney.
r Feature Article [Cover + Top] Susan Templeman MP and Karen McKeown MP at Nepean River Emu Plains | Image/Article: Susan Templeman MP
Choosing the Right Boarding Facility for Your Pet
Did you know there are now less than 20 weeks until Christmas? That means it’s the perfect time to start thinking about boarding arrangements for your furry family members. Boarding facilities and trusted pet sitters book out quickly during the holiday season, so planning ahead will save you stress later.
As local veterinarians, we’re often asked where to find the best boarding kennel, cattery, or dog sitter in the area. At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we understand that sending your pet away can be a worrying experience for both you and your pet. Choosing the right place — one you can trust and that understands your pet’s needs — will give you peace of mind.
Your search for the perfect boarding facility might begin with asking your local vet, but it shouldn’t end there. A great next step is to check with friends for personal recommendations, especially from those who have pets with similar personalities or needs to your own. You can also review kennel or cattery websites, but nothing beats arranging an in-person visit. A reputable facility will welcome you to meet the staff, see their set-up, and observe happy, relaxed boarders already enjoying their stay.
Before booking, remember that most boarding kennels and catteries require pets to be up to date with their vaccinations. If your pet hasn’t been vaccinated in the past year, this must be done at least two weeks before their stay. It’s also wise to apply your pet’s regular flea and tick prevention before admission and
ensure their microchip details are current.
If your pet has special dietary requirements or needs medication, discuss these with the facility in advance. By planning ahead and communicating clearly, the staff can ensure your pet’s stay is as smooth and stress-free as possible. It’s also important to leave an emergency contact and your regular vet’s phone number, particularly for pets with ongoing health concerns.
When it’s time to check your pet in, keep your goodbye short and confident. A long, emotional farewell can make your pet anxious. At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we’re happy to help make the process easier — we can arrange updates via email or Facebook so you can relax knowing your pet is enjoying their own little holiday while you enjoy yours.
And remember — at Orchard Hills Vet, we can look after your feline friends too, so they can enjoy a safe and comfortable stay while you’re away.
Boarding spaces for Christmas are already filling fast. If you’d like to discuss your pet’s boarding needs or vaccination requirements, phone us on 0247362027 to secure your spot.
For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au or call 02 4736 2027
Auditor Bruce Top in the World
Long-term Emu Plains resident Bruce Turner AM was the recipient of the Global Internal Audit Legacy Award for 2025, the most prestigious worldwide individual honour presented to an auditor by the profession. He was selected for the excellence award by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) from a global IIA membership of over 260,000 professionals spread across almost 200 countries/states.
Bruce’s award was announced at the IIA International Conference in Toronto Canada on 14 July. The IIA-Global President, Anthony J Pugliese, acknowledged that Bruce’s efforts exemplify innovation, leadership, and impact in internal auditing and he has made significant contributions to advancing the profession, setting a standard that will inspire future generations of internal auditors around the world. The award celebrates Bruce’s exceptional dedication and lifetime accomplishments that have profoundly influenced and advanced the internal auditing profession on a global scale.
The Internal Auditor global online journal further reported, “Bruce Turner, AM, CGAP, CRMA, PFIIA, CISA, CFE, FAICD, FFIN, FIPA, FFA, FIML, JP, has been a valued board member and audit committee chair, Wentworth Healthcare, has been a valued IIA volunteer for over 40 years. He has served in various roles, including audit committee chair for IIA Australia and as a member of the IIA Global Professional Guidance Advisory Council. Since 2007, he has held board and governing body
roles for over 30 major entities across government, healthcare, telecommunications, and financial services fields. In 2015, he gained national recognition for his professional efforts when he was appointed a member of the Order of Australia — one of only two people ever to receive this honour for contributions to the internal audit profession.”
The IIA-Australia celebrated Bruce’s global recognition, commenting, “We’re proud to share that long-standing IIAAustralia member Bruce Turner has been recognised on the global stage, named the winner of the inaugural 2025 IIA Excellence Award in the Global Internal Audit Legacy category at IIA Global’s International Conference. This honour recognises Bruce’s outstanding career contribution and lasting impact on the internal audit profession in Australia and internationally. Congratulations, Bruce, on this well-deserved achievement.”
On receiving the award, Bruce commented, “It’s incredibly exciting to receive the Institute’s legacy award. I joined the profession when I was in my early twenties. It gave me the opportunity to travel the world, meet many people from diverse backgrounds, experience different cultures, and embrace new ways of working. Truly ‘progress through sharing’. I’ve been blessed to work closely with talented professionals who put innovative ideas into practice, with the support of exemplary boards, audit committees, executive teams and the Institute. I gleefully accept the award on behalf of my wife Bea, and our family, who have made many sacrifices in their unwavering support throughout my career.”
Email: susan.templeman.mp@aph.gov.au
Website: www.susantempleman.com.au
Bruce formerly headed up internal audit functions at the Australian Tax Office (based in Penrith), Integral Energy, and StateRail. He currently chairs or sits on audit committees in the Nepean Valley for Wentworth Healthcare Limited; Bradfield Development Authority; Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility; and Blue Mountains City Council. He has similar roles with a range of integrity agencies, including the Independent Commission Against Corruption; NSW Ombudsman; Independent Review Officer; and Inspector General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman (these agencies help to ensure government organisations operate with integrity).
r [Top] Bruce Turner AM [Above] Bruce’s trophy | Images: Bruce Turner AM/Wentworth Healthcare Limited. Article: Bruce Turner AM
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
X-Ray Vision
Have you ever met someone who can see beyond the surface, to what’s really going on for you beneath the surface? It can be incredibly helpful, and even unnerving. Jesus had a man come to Him and ask for His help sorting out a will and his share of the inheritance he was owed. But do you know what Jesus said? It was like He had x-ray vision that saw through to the man’s heart: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15).
The thing is, Jesus says this not just as a warning for the man, but for all of us. It’s easy to believe that what we can see is all there is. It’s comforting to feel like the more dollars we have in the bank, or the more stuff we have, the better our life is. And yet, Jesus gives this warning, the one who rose from the dead on Easter Sunday gives this warning, but He also brings a remedy.
Jesus doesn’t speak spitefully, and He doesn’t take any joy in saying hard things to people if it’s in their best interest. In fact, Jesus came to bring us something more valuable than anything we could earn or save in this life, the treasure we need most of all. We don’t need more money, we need peace with God. We need the forgiveness Jesus won on that first Easter, and freely offers.
And do you know what Jesus says next? If God cares enough to look after that, we can be sure He’ll look after the other things as well.
Yours in Christ’s service,
r Image: www.pixabay.com
Jasmine Powering Towards Green and Gold
She may have only just taken up powerlifting a little over a year ago, but local Jasmine Fisher is already making a name for herself, with selection in the Australian team at the upcoming World Championships.
For Jasmin, it all began when her fiancé Paul had started in January, and they had gone to a novice competition to watch some friends compete, “All the girls on the team talked me into joining. I was wanting to lose weight, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get fit and have a bit of a social life outside work. So, I became a part of the Pyperformance Coaching Team,” said Jasmine.
Since starting out, it’s become a family affair, with Jasmine’s daughter Bella and fiancé Paul all competing. In March, they took part in the CAPO States Powerlifting Championship which was held in Penrith at Adonis Athletics 24:7.
“Bella had only been training for 2 and a half months, before competing and got Nationals records for all her lifts. We all came first in our age and weight class at States, which qualified us all to represent NSW at CAPO Nationals and was held in Queensland. Unfortunately, Bella was unable to compete at Nationals as she had just started a course doing hairdressing, However, Paul and I competed at Nationals.
“I came first in my age and weight class again at Nationals and also broke a National record for my 110kg squat. This qualified us to represent Australia at the World Championships” she explained to the Emu and Leonay Gazette.
The World Championships will be held in South Africa, from 3rd to 9th November 2025.
“As this is all self-funded, we are looking for anyone that would like to sponsor us. Assistance with the cost of travel to get us there or any other things that they feel they could do to help us raise funds in order to get to represent Australia would be wonderful” replied Jasmine.
Jasmine says she is looking forward to representing Australia in a sport that has shown her how to be more confident in herself.
If you would like to assist Jasmine with her journey to South Africa, you can email her at jassy1979@live.com.au.
r [Top] Jasmine lifting her way to the Nationals with a 125kg deadlift
[Above] L-R: Coach Josh Pywell, Jasmine Fisher, and Paul Christie | Images Supplied by Jasmine Fisher. Article: Julie Lobel
RAAF Richmond Airshow 2025
The RAAF Richmond Airshow on 27 and 28 September 2025 will commemorate 100 years of RAAF Base Richmond. The airshow will be an exhilarating aviation experience showcasing Australian Defence Force aircraft, military capabilities and Defence personnel.
Airborne highlights will include the F-35A Lightning II, EA-18G Growler, Roulettes Aerobatic Team, C-17A Globemaster, C-130J Hercules, C-27J Spartan, KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, E-7A Wedgetail, P-8 Poseidon, and 100SQN Heritage aircraft (subject to change).
The aircraft and their crews will be on ground display as well as exhibits of Air Force Security Forces, Military Working Dogs, Aero-Medical Evacuation, Explosive Detection, Firefighters, Drones, Simulators and Virtual Reality, Air Force Cadets, Bands and much more!
Gates open at 9:00am, Flying Displays 11:00am - 4:00pm, Ground Exhibits throughout the day.
The Flying and Exhibits program will be available in early
Force
HEALTH MATTERS
September.
You can find out more about our aircraft at: https://www. airforce.gov.au/aircraft
Tickets on sale via Trybooking at: https://www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1425777
For more information, visit https://www.airforce.gov.au/ news-events/events/raaf-richmond-airshow-2025
conducts an
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
P: 0418 166 269
How To Stretch Successfully – But Without The Pain
To stretch effectively, you should pretty-much do the complete-opposite of what most people do. That is, you should:
1. Stretch regularly (just once-twice a week will do),
2. Spend time on each stretch,
3. Use slow deliberate stretching technique,
4. Avoid any pain,
5. Relax into the stretch,
6. Use regular & deep breathing,
7. Never force the stretch
Technique:
For a left hamstring stretch, bring your left leg onto a table (10–15 cm higher than your knees; higher if you’re very flexible). Keep your left leg straight and draw your left foot toward you. Bend forward at the hip, keeping your back straight. See if you can touch your toes or stretch past them, then come out of this “test” stretch.
Now bend your left arm at the elbow. Keeping your back straight, bend forward at the hip again until your left elbow rests on your left thigh, back remaining straight. Slide your elbow toward your left foot until you feel a good stretch in your
left hamstrings (but no pain). Relax, breathe in and out deeply and regularly, and wait until the stretch completely subsides and you’re comfortable in this position (this may take 30–60 seconds—just be patient). Now slide your elbow further forward along your thigh until you again feel a strong stretch, but no pain. Stop there, repeat the same deep, relaxed breathing until you cannot feel the stretch. Continue this for 4–6 cycles (more if you like).
Once you’re happy with the number of stretching cycles you’ve completed, test how far your left fingers or hand move past your toes now. You should find that you have a significantly greater range of motion in your left hamstring than when you started. Now repeat the same for your right hamstring.
Note: People with lower back issues should stretch their hamstrings lying down to avoid straining their back.
This technique allows you to gently fatigue the hamstring muscle spindles. It takes a little more time, but only needs to be done once a week and is likely to be much more successful long term—and not painful! If you have a back or musculoskeletal injury and need help, why not give Andreas a call at the clinic on 0418 166 269.
r ** Refer to submitter for references
r A Royal Australian Air
Roulette
aerial display at RAAF Base Richmond, NSW | Image: LACW Aiesha White-Kratz | Article: Royal Australian Air Force
Real Festival
Penrith’s flagship event, Real Festival, is making its exciting return to the Nepean River in 2025!
This September, Tench Reserve will come alive as Real Festival transforms the riverside into a vibrant celebration of art, music, food and adventure.
With eye-catching art installations, a lively pop-up bar, retro-inspired arcade games, and performances from local talent, Real Festival brings the Nepean River to life. By day, dive into hands-on workshops and splash into on-water activities.
By night, the riverbank lights up into a glowing playground of creativity and fun. Come hungry as Real Festival serves up a delicious mix of international flavours from some of Sydney’s best food trucks. From sweet treats to savoury bites, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
It’s the perfect place to make memories with family and friends.
Trees for Dad
Penrith City Council have the perfect gift for Father's Day! Celebrate your dad, grandfather, uncle or father figure by planting a tree in his name.
Join them for their seventh year celebrating Trees for Dad! They encourage residents to plant for dads, grandfathers, uncles or father figures. Planting a tree is a beautiful way to honour or remember their dad. You can write a short message to him to tie to your tree and give it a personal touch. How will the event be run?
The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions, with the first session starting at 8:30am and the last session at 12 pm. Please register everyone coming to the event and book a time slot, as spots are limited!
What to wear:
Participants are encouraged to wear long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
Dates and Times:
Friday 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Sunday 10:00am – 3:00pm
Starts: 12 September 2025 - 4:00pm
Ends: 14 September 2025 - 3:00pm
Location:
Tench Reserve
Tench Avenue
Penrith NSW 2750
For more information, visit https:// www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au communitylibrary/realfestival
Parking:
There is street parking along Moolana Parade and Gadara Drive. Register now!
The event is free, but bookings are essential as sessions are capped, and stock is limited. Register at the Trees for Dad event page at https:// events.humanitix.com/trees-for-dad2025?c=wo
Dates and Times:
Starts: 07 September 2025 - 8:30am
Ends: 07 September 2025 - 12:30pm
Location:
Moolana Parade, Corner of Moolana Parade and Gadara Drive, South Penrith NSW 2750
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17th September 2025
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
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 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)
Embroiderers Guild Nepean 0466 457 594
Girl Guides Glenbrook
SMALL PRINT
Advertising Policy... Payment on booking secures your space. The Business Directory offers cost effective advertising to businesses in an alphabetical format. Premium Placement may be available, at an extra charge. An editorial focus on a local business may be included if space permits, at the Editor’s discretion. Community News... The Emu+Leonay Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor.
Letters to the Editor...may be printed and edited as necessary. Names must be submitted but can be withheld from publication at the writer’s request. Every effort is made to print correct information but no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.
As spring begins to bloom, September brings a fresh sense of renewal across our community.
Local parks and gardens are bursting back to life, making it a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors.
This month also marks Father’s Day celebrations, school holidays, and the return of community markets and festivals.
Keep an eye out for local events, spring clean-up initiatives, and small businesses featuring in this issue. As always, we love hearing your stories, so if you have something to share, drop us a line.
Let’s continue to support one another by showing up, lending a hand, or simply sharing a smile. Whether it’s a fundraiser, a school fete, or a neighbour in need, it’s the little acts of kindness that strengthen the heart of our towns. Together, we can make this season one of positivity, progress, and genuine community spirit.
Here’s to a vibrant and connected September! “Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.”
Belinda
PICK UP POINTS
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Hot Bread and Cafe
Nourishmint Café (temporarily closed)
TSG Tobacconist Lennox Village
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