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Platforms on Notice to Comply with Social Media Minimum Age
eSafety has informed Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit of its view they are age-restricted platforms required to comply with Social Media Minimum Age restrictions from December 10.
eSafety has also informed the broader online industry all platforms are obliged to continually assess whether they meet the definition of an ‘age-restricted social media platform’, in particular when they introduce new features or their primary usage changes.
If they do meet the definition, they must take reasonable steps to ensure users under 16 do not hold an account.
On available information, eSafety considers all nine services named, currently meet the criteria for ‘age-restricted social media platform’, in particular the key requirement that their “sole or a significant purpose is to enable online social interaction”.
eSafety has informed the following platforms it considers they are not subject to age restrictions on the basis they do not currently meet the criteria for ‘age-restricted social media platform’ including falling within an exclusion in the legislative rules: Discord, GitHub, LEGO Play, Roblox, Steam and Steam Chat, Google Classroom, Messenger, WhatsApp and YouTube Kids.
From 10 December, eSafety expects all nine services currently assessed as meeting the criteria for age restriction to take reasonable steps to prevent Australian children under the age of 16 from having accounts. eSafety remains in ongoing discussions with these services around their compliance obligations and our planned approach towards enforcement.
Any age restricted platforms which fail to do so may face enforcement action, including civil penalties of up to $49.5 million.
Due to the fast-changing nature of technology, eSafety has been clear there will not be a static list of companies that are age-restricted.
Instead, eSafety will provide updated advice to the public on current assessments and its approach to compliance and enforcement on its website. When new platforms emerge or existing ones evolve to the extent that their purposes change, eSafety may reassess those services. eSafety will assess (and reassess) services when considering exercising its powers.
r Image: www.pexels.com. Article: eSafety – Australian Government
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
Hobbies + Interests
Glenmore Park Probus Club
The club provides regular opportunities for retirees to engage in social activities and meets at 10.00am on the third Wednesday of each month at Leonay Golf Club. More Details: Membership enquiries should be addressed to the Secretary: secretaryglenmoreparkprobus@gmail.com
Penrith Physical Culture Club
Great meets at Glenmore Park Youth and Community Centre and Nangamay Public School on Monday and Tuesday nights and Caroline Chisholm High School Dance Studio on Tuesday nights. More details: penrithphysie@outlook.com
“Taste of Everything” Group for Women
Learn something new each week, meet new people, and have a laugh. Meets every Thursday from 9.30am-12.30pm at Floribunda Community Centre (3-4 Floribunda Ave, Glenmore Park). More Details: Martha 0414 557 062
Held fortnightly on Sundays from 19th March, 9:00am till 1:00pm at Luddenham Showground (Park Road, Luddenham). More details: Search Luddenham Country Market on Facebook Markets
Luddenham Country Markets
Penrith Producers
Held on Friday 23rd June, Friday 29th September and Friday 1st December from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Triangle Park (565-567 High Street, Penrith). More details: https://www.visitpenrith. com.au/www.penrith.city/events
Support + Wellbeing
Lung Support Group
Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month at Emu Sports Club from 10.30am. Visitors & New Members welcomed. Contact John on 4735 1542
Penrith Womens Walk and Talk
Meets 5.30pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk
Penrith Mens Walk and Talk
Meets 5pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/
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.
Teen Entrepreneurs Making a Splash
In August 2025, Zachary Collins and Fletcher Blom, both just 15 years old, decided to turn their shared love of cars into something more than just a weekend hobby. What began as a way to earn pocket money for new Halloween decorations quickly transformed into Young Guns Car Wash, a mobile car cleaning business now making waves across Glenmore Park.
“The idea started when they wanted to buy more additions for our annual Halloween display,” Zachary’s mum, Chantelle Collins, explains. “Instead of asking for money, they decided to earn it themselves doing something they enjoy.”
With a passion for keeping their family cars spotless, Zachary and Fletcher saw an opportunity to bring that same level of care and attention to others. Using high-quality products like snow foam and high-pressure washers, they’ve built a reputation for professional results and friendly service. Their offerings include exterior washes, interior cleans, tyre shine, and vacuuming, all delivered conveniently to customers’ driveways.
But for Chantelle, the business has been about more than just clean cars. “I’m really proud of how far they’ve come,” she says. “Seeing their confidence grow with each new customer and the pride they take in their work has been amazing.”
She adds that the experience has been especially transformative for Zachary, who’s always been a little shy. “He’s applied for jobs in the past without much luck, but this has given him independence and belief in himself. Both boys have learned so much, from communication and reliability to managing money and customer service.”
Looking ahead, Zachary and Fletcher hope to grow their online presence and invest in more equipment. Their ultimate goal? To become Glenmore Park’s go-to local car wash for quality, affordable service, run entirely by young entrepreneurs.
To see their latest work or make a booking, follow @youngguns.carwash on Instagram or message 0411 937461.
r Fletcher Blom (L) and Zachary Collins (R) | Image: Chantelle Collins
Your 2026 Bin Collection Calendar is Now Available
It’s easier than ever to stay up to date with your bin collection days with our electronic calendars.
You can get yours by either:
• Downloading our Penrith Waste Champion app where you can get real-time notifications in the palm of your hand
• Requesting a printed copy to be sent to you by visiting The Waste Spot at penrith.city/thewastespot
• Downloading a copy of the calendar from...
Drop Off Your Recycling!
Have a lot of recycling that won’t fit into your yellow-lidded recycling bin?
Bring it to our free recycling drop-off point from Monday 22 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026* between 3pm and 6pm at The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington.
Additional Kerbside Bin Collections for Christmas and New Year’s
Thursday 25 December 2025 to Wednesday 7 January 2026
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We’re accepting items such as wrapping paper, cardboard boxes and other household recyclables.
We’re providing extra bin collections to help with the additional waste and recycling produced over Christmas and New Year’s.
During the weeks highlighted, place all bins on the kerbside the night before your normal collection day.
Please remember that polystyrene can’t be dropped off, but it can be placed in your red-lidded residual bin or taken to Penrith’s Community Recycling Centre. *Event excludes public holidays and weekends.
Recycle Your Christmas Tree!
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Collections may run early in the morning and late into the night, so please do not bring your bins in until they have been emptied.
We’re collecting real Christmas trees for free on Saturday 10 January 2026.
Bring your real tree to The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington between 8am and 12pm and we’ll turn it into mulch. Please make sure to remove all decorations from your trees before bringing them down on the day.
Artificial trees can be disposed of by booking a bulky waste collection at The Waste Spot or by breaking it down and placing it in your red-lidded residual bin.
Learn more at penrith.city/christmasservices
First Boeing 737 Lands at Western Sydney International Airport
Decades of planning, thousands of workers and more than 22 million work hours have led to another milestone moment for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) as the first Boeing 737 touched down on their 3.7km runway recently.
The RFS ‘Marie Bashir’ Large Air Tanker 737 was met with rapturous community applause upon arrival to Sydney’s soonto-open 24-hour gateway and marked the start of WSI’s largest ever multiagency emergency exercise.
The 737 played an important role in their staged simulation that saw about 300 volunteers, NSW Police and other emergency services and federal agency partners descend on their freshly minted airfield where they were put through their paces to ensure they’re fully prepared to respond in the unlikely event of an emergency.
The 737 landing is the first of many. The Boeing 737 is the most common aircraft in Australian skies and will be coming in for landing more frequently at Sydney’s new domestic, international and cargo airport when they begin welcoming their first commercial customers in the second half of 2026.
With major construction complete, domestic and international airlines signed and more talks with other airlines underway, their opening day preparations are now shifting to focus on operational readiness and live trials, with exercises providing opportunities to train staff and test systems.
This includes dozens of technology systems that will give customers a simple, seamless, and stress-free experience, all while taking in the architecture of their beautiful airport terminal that pays homage to First Nations communities and the nearby Blue Mountains.
The arrival of the first Boeing 737 represents a significant milestone on the journey to becoming Australia’s newest 24hour airport. WSI’s operational readiness program will continue throughout 2025 and 2026, ensuring all systems, staff and airport partners are ready and raring to go ahead of opening.
r Image/Article: Western Sydney International Airport
beautiful rural setting offering opportunities for children to interact with farm animals and actively participate in caring for the environment and other living beings Freshly prepared meals by onsite chef’s to provide a nutritionally balanced menu to children in line with the NSW Health Munch & Move Program
The Christmas Spectacular
The Christmas Spectacular, starring master illusionist Michael Boyd and special guest Prinnie Stevens, is a dazzling celebration of festive magic, music and glamour touring nationally from 6 to 23 December 2025.
Kicking off in Melbourne on 6 December and heading to Newcastle, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Canberra, the show promises a spellbinding experience for audiences of all ages.
This high-energy festive extravaganza blends dazzling circus acts, grand illusions, spectacular dance numbers and timeless Christmas music. Think Radio City Rockettes meets The Nutcracker, with a little Las Vegas sparkle, and plenty of heart.
The shining star of the night is host Prinnie Stevens. Rising to fame on The Voice Australia, Prinnie leads audiences through a musical journey of festive favourites with her powerhouse renditions of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Joy to the World”.
Audiences will be entranced by Australia’s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd, one of the country’s top illusionists. His spectacular illusions, mind-boggling disappearances and captivating stage personality delight viewers of all ages.
Also featured is world-class circus artist Aleisha Manion, who defies gravity with a polished, smooth, and perfectly timed aerial routine. Her breathtaking act adds an extra layer of wonder to a show already brimming with magic, music, and movement.
Joining them is a cast of elite dancers and showgirls, many of whom have graced the stages of Moulin Rouge, the Lido, and other famed international cabarets, delivering glitz, glamour and precision at every turn.
Whether you’re reliving the joy of Christmas or making magical memories with the kids, The Christmas Spectacular is the ultimate family festive experience.
Venue: State Theatre, Sydney
Dates: Friday 19 – Sunday 21 December 2:00pm and 6:30pm
Ticketing: https://www.statetheatre.com.au/show-calendar/ christmas-spectacular/
r Image/Article: The Christmas Spectacular/AB Publicity
Festive Season Mental Health SelfCare Tips
This time of year can be as challenging as it is cheerful. Margaret Muscat from Hilltop Hypnotherapy shares helpful ways to look after your mental and emotional wellbeing throughout the festive season.
Anxiety
Anxiety can affect your ability to socialise with family, friends, or colleagues. Focus on the present, not on uncertainty or ruminating thoughts. Anxiety often follows a pattern: you think, then pay attention to the thought, which triggers anxious emotions. Break this pattern by tuning out from the thought and focusing on the present moment or the task at hand, like changing the radio station or song if you don’t like what’s playing. Reality testing is key to breaking free from anxiety.
Healthy Eating and Lifestyle
Avoid the temptation to overeat. Choose wisely to prevent feeling unwell or regretting extra calories. Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle with regular exercise. Swap sweet desserts for fruit instead, and choose natural foods over processed, high-fat, and high-sugar options. Be kind to yourself and your body.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol, choose a beverage you don’t particularly prefer, you’ll likely consume less. For example, if you usually prefer wine, opt for vodka or beer instead. Celebrate by making different choices to help avoid overconsumption, as well as the fogginess and hangover the next day.
Alienation
Feeling estranged from family members due to conflict, relationship breakdown, or divorce can be painful. If you’re struggling to cope or feeling lonely or depressed, reach out to a trusted friend or relative. Set boundaries, self-preservation is key. Pushing your limits to attend gatherings can leave you feeling emotionally drained and down. Avoid the pressure and expectations of others and prioritise your self-care and mental health.
Grief
The loss of a loved one can leave you feeling lonely and depressed. Celebrate their life by finding a special memory and taking time to honour them. Remember the happy moments, their laughter, and their smile. Keep a memorial or keepsake close to you or light a candle in their memory. You’re not alone, seek help and grief support when you need it.
For more information, contact Hilltop Hypnotherapy on 0409 701303 or visit their website at www.hilltophypnotherapy.com. au. They are located at Mulgoa and sessions are available online or in person.
Santas Depot: A Glenmore Park Christmas Wonderland
At Willmott Place in Glenmore Park, Christmas doesn’t just arrive, it bursts into life in a blaze of colour, music, and community spirit. This year marks the third magical season that Susan Murray and Chris Pehar have transformed their home into Santa’s Depot, a glittering beacon of festive joy that has become a muchloved local tradition.
From December 1st, 2025, more than 15,000 lights will flicker to life, blanketing their home in shimmering reds, greens, and golds. Each twinkle is part of a bigger story, a story of love, laughter, and giving back. “We’ve honestly lost count of the lights,” Susan laughs, “but we know there’s more than enough to make Glenmore Park glow.”
The display promises something for everyone. Children can post their Christmas wishes in the North Pole Express Mailbox, knowing that every letter will receive a personalised reply from Santa himself, completely free. Families can pose for festive photos in the Santa Chair Photo Booth, or peer through the enchanting indoor window display that reveals a handcrafted Christmas wonderland scene.
And this year, there’s a special surprise for movie fans. A playful nod to the 1989 holiday classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is hidden among the decorations. Visitors are invited to see if they can spot it for themselves.
But Santa’s Depot is more than lights and laughter. Susan and Chris have dedicated this year’s display to supporting two charities close to their hearts: Make-A-Wish Foundation and Shine for Autism. Visitors can donate by scanning the QR codes displayed around the home or through links shared online. “If our lights can help brighten even one child’s Christmas,” Susan says, “then it’s all worth it.”
The couple’s passion for Christmas runs deep. As parents of four, they understand the joy of family, but also the heartache faced by those who can’t be with loved ones during the holidays. “We think about the elderly, and children spending Christmas in hospital,” Susan shares softly. “If we can bring a few smiles to our community, we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”
An annual Christmas party, with food trucks, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a team of cheerful elves, is also on the horizon, with the date to be announced soon.
As the countdown to December begins, Glenmore Park waits eagerly for Santa’s Depot to light up once more, a sparkling reminder that even in challenging times, the magic of Christmas still shines brightest when it’s shared.
Search ‘Santa’s Depot - Glenmore Park’ on TikTok and Facebook for more.
r Feature Article: [Cover+Above]
magical display last year | Images: Susan Murray
Book Review Your
Elevator to Nowhere
Author:R.L Stine
Elevator to nowhere is a choose your own adventure book written by R.L Stine. The storyline follows you and your friend Jamie getting a science assignment for your school science fair. Jamie’s uncle Darius, an inventor, says he can help you, and you travel to his house and find him in the middle of testing his “Transuniversal Transvator”
Although it appears as a normal elevator to untrained eyes, uncle Darius says it can transport people to alternate universes. To prove it, he says he will travel to a headhunting universe (where people hunt people for heads to shrink) and bring back a shrunken head. When he comes back, there’s good news and bad news: The elevator worked perfectly, but uncle Darius’s headhunting self in the other universe has come back instead of the normal uncle Darius. And he’s out to shrink yours and Jamie’s heads!
The ways you can defeat the headhunting uncle Darius vary. You can either battle him on Earth, assisted by the countless quirky devices he has scattered around the house, or sneak into the Transvator and travel to alternate universes to search for the real uncle Darius, some of which include a world where children are banned to a world where humans are entirely governed by bugs, and bring him back. No matter which path you choose, Thrills and fun are guaranteed through dozens of choices.
However, there is a twist. You must accomplish all this without dying, either by headhunting Darius with his long Machete or the beings of the universes you travel to. There are over 20 different endings, but some are good. Overall, I would highly recommend this to all, and it was a captivating read from start to finish.
r Book Review by: Mustafa Faisal
Santa Swaps Sleigh for Fire Truck
The sound of sirens will take on a jolly twist this month, as the Regentville Rural Fire Service (RFS) prepares for its much-loved annual Santa Run. Throughout the festive season, Santa will trade his sleigh for a bright red fire truck, spreading Christmas cheer to families across the local community.
Running on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughout December, the Santa Run will see crews from Regentville RFS escorting Santa through Regentville, Jamisontown, South Penrith, Glenmore Park, Leonay and Emu Plains.
“We’ll be bringing Santa to see the children and families across our local suburbs,” said Regentville RFS member Seth Wilmot. “He’ll make stops along the way to hand out lollies and take as many pictures with the kids as he can.”
The tradition has become a highlight for many families, with streets lighting up as children wait eagerly to catch a glimpse of Santa riding atop a fire truck.
“We love bringing the joy of Christmas to so many kids throughout Penrith,” Wilmot said. “It’s our way of giving back to a community that has supported us for many years.”
This year’s event will feature a combination of drive-by routes and park visits to help the brigade reach as many residents as possible.
“As much as we’d love to, it’s just not possible to visit everyone on every street,” Wilmot explained. “To make sure we see as many people as we can, we’ll be stopping at selected parks and reserves in addition to our driving routes.”
For many firefighters, the Santa Run is as special as it is for the families watching from their front yards.
“It’s a great opportunity to connect and enjoy the festive season with our neighbours and friends,” said Wilmot. “Seeing streets full of families enjoying the cheer as the kids race to see Santa is lots of fun for everyone.”
Final routes, dates and park stop details will be announced soon on the Regentville RFS Facebook page.
• Catering for 2-3 year old Children
• Situated in Quiet and Safe Street
• Preschool and School Readiness Specialty Program
• Qualified Early Childhood Sta
• Operational Hours 8am till 5pm Monday till Friday
• Large Outdoor Play Area
Mulgoa Rise Field Reconstruction
Good news for football players and supporters!
Work has begun to upgrade the northern fields at Mulgoa Rise to improve turf quality and field performance. The fields will be closed during this time to ensure the best results. Work is anticipated to be complete by April 2026.
Council would like to thank you for your patience as they complete these essential works.
This project is funded by Penrith City Council and the NSW Government. For more information go to www.penrith.city/sports-upgrades
w Image/Article: Penrith City Council
HEALTH MATTERS
P: 0418 166 269
Can Regular Slump Stretching Improve Recovery From Lower Back Pain?
Many people suffer from “non-radicular low back pain” (NRLBP), i.e. lower back pain without the pain, numbness, or tingling that may be felt in the glutes, thighs, calves, or feet, which are symptoms “referred to areas” served by a “pinched nerve.” In these NRLBP patients, physical therapists often prescribe spinal mobilization and stabilization exercise protocols to help reduce back pain.
Nerve restrictions and overall nerve length can limit how far someone can stretch. When nerves, such as the sciatic nerve, are:
1. shortened, or
2. can’t slide smoothly through surrounding tissues due to entrapment by scar tissue adhesions or compression by surrounding muscle, everyday movements can put excess mechanical stress on nerves, compromising nerve function and causing back pain.
Thus, NRLBP may, in part, be due to restricted nerve movement, and neural mobilization exercises (NME), like slump stretches, may be of benefit. NME “are combinations of joint movements that promote either:
1. nerve tensioning (by displacing nerve endings in opposite directions), or
2. nerve sliding within its bed (by displacing nerve endings in the same direction),” to stretch nerves and reduce restrictions, possibly lowering nerve stress and thus back pain.
In a 2012 study by Nagrale et al., researchers randomized 60
patients to receive two sessions per week for three weeks of either a normal spinal mobilization and stabilization exercise protocol:
1. 5 min stationary bike warm-up
2. 2 or 3 x 40 sec front-back oscillations to mobilize “stuck” vertebrae
3. 10 wall squats
4. 10 bridges
5. 10 pelvic tilts
6. 10 quadruped arm and leg lifts
or the normal protocol plus 5 x 30 sec slump stretches.
Slump stretching involved patients sitting with knees straight, feet flat against a wall, then flexing their trunk and neck/head toward their feet, with overpressure on the head/neck from a therapist to increase stretch until the onset of stretch symptoms, then holding for 30 seconds.
The authors found that the addition of slump stretching led to greater improvements in:
1. overall disability
2. pain scores
3. levels of fear and avoidance
Specific stretching is almost always helpful to aid patient recovery from lower back pain. Suffering lower back pain? Give Andreas a call at the clinic on 0418 166 268.
r ** Refer to submitter for references
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
The Twelve Holiday Hazards for Pets – Christmas 2025
Christmas is a time of joy, laughter, and celebration—but for our pets, it can also bring a few unexpected risks. Between the tempting aromas of festive feasts, the glitter of decorations, and the excitement of visitors, it’s easy for curious paws to find trouble. To keep your pets safe and happy this holiday season, here are twelve common Christmas hazards to watch out for:
1. Decorations and Tinsel - Shiny ornaments, fairy lights, and tinsel are irresistible to curious cats and playful pups. Unfortunately, they can cause serious injuries if chewed or swallowed. Tinsel and ribbon can lead to dangerous intestinal blockages, while chewing on cords can cause electric shocks or burns.
2. Christmas Dinner and Leftovers - While pets love to be part of the family feast, fatty meats, gravies, and salty foods can cause digestive upsets or pancreatitis. Avoid sharing table scraps—especially ham, pork, and turkey skin—and stick to their regular treats instead.
3. Chocolate, Sweets, and Alcohol - Desserts are another danger zone. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats, and xylitol (a common sweetener) can cause sudden drops in blood sugar or even liver failure. Alcohol can also make pets dangerously ill. Keep all treats and drinks well out of reach.
4. Ribbons and Gift Wrap - Once the presents are opened, those colourful ribbons and bows can become tempting playthings. But if swallowed, they can twist and tangle in the intestines, requiring emergency surgery. Collect and dispose of wrapping materials promptly after gifts are unwrapped.
5. Heat Stress and Hot Cars - The holiday season coincides with hot summer weather, putting pets at risk of heatstroke. Never leave them in the car, even briefly—temperatures can soar in minutes. Make sure they always have access to shade, fresh water, and a cool place to rest.
6. Snakes - With more outdoor gatherings and warm weather, snake sightings are common, particularly in grassy or bushy
areas and along walking tracks like the Nepean River. Keep pets close and on a lead, and seek urgent veterinary care if you suspect a snake bite.
7. Lilies and Toxic Plants - Beautiful but deadly, lilies are extremely poisonous to cats, even a small amount of pollen or a single leaf can cause kidney failure. Choose pet-safe plants and flowers for your home and gifts.
8. BBQ Skewers and Cooked Bones - Cooked bones can splinter and cause painful internal injuries, while discarded skewers can puncture the digestive tract. Dispose of leftovers carefully and keep rubbish bins secure during outdoor celebrations.
9. Grapes, Raisins, and Festive Fruits - Many Christmas treats like puddings, cakes, and fruit salads contain grapes, raisins, and sultanas—all toxic to pets and capable of causing kidney failure. Keep these dishes well away from hungry noses.
10. The Christmas Tree - Whether real or artificial, trees can be a source of fascination for pets. Cats may climb them, while dogs might chew on decorations. Pine needles can irritate the stomach, and water in live tree stands may contain toxic preservatives. Secure your tree and supervise curious pets.
11. Guests and Gatherings - Holiday visitors and noisy parties can be overwhelming for some pets. Set up a quiet, comfortable room with their bed, water, and favourite toys so they have a safe retreat when things get hectic.
12. Fireworks Frenzy - Fireworks may be fun for us, but they can be terrifying for pets. Loud noises and bright flashes often trigger panic, leading to escape attempts or injury. Keep pets indoors during fireworks displays, close windows and blinds, and make sure your pet’s microchip and ID details are up to date—just in case they bolt in fear.
From all of us at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we wish you and your pets a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy holiday season!
If you need advice or emergency care, please call us on 02 4736 2027.
Local Golfer Swings for Starlight in Guinness World Record Attempt
Glenmore Park golfer Matt Newton will swing for the Starlight Children’s Foundation this November, attempting to break the official Guinness World Record of 756 holes played in 24 hours - or 42 complete 18-hole courses!
His marathon forms a part of X-Golf Australia’s annual Starlight Swing charity month, a nationwide initiative uniting golfing communities across 27 locations in a bid to grant five life-changing wishes for seriously ill children.
“When you see what Starlight does, the happiness they bring to kids doing it tough, it hits you,” Matt said.
“This is a cause very close to our hearts, so every swing and every blister will be worth it!”
The record-breaking attempt will be held at X-Golf Penrith at 55-61 York Road from 5:00pm Saturday, 22 November, with locals and supporters invited to come along and cheer him on.
To complete the world record, Matt will be on his feet swinging for the entire 24-hour period, forgoing sleep and being kept energised via the on-site kitchen and with moral support from their lively western Sydney community.
X-Golfers far and wide have been playing on the course throughout November and have so far raised over $3,000 towards the $37,500 goal.
Having undergone chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014, X-Golf’s Peter Nolan knows firsthand the difference fundraising support can make.
“It was wonderful to witness the positivity the Starlight Children’s Foundation brings to children during challenging times,” Peter said.
“And it’s really rewarding to see our team’s dedication to making an impact like this. Matt’s doing goes right to the heart of what X-Golf stands for - community, courage and making a change.”
Matt is calling for support from the western Sydney community to make his 24-hour attempt an official Guinness World Record.
“I’m just one golfer with a big goal, but it’s the people around me who will make this a success,” he said.
“I’m calling on our local community, nearby businesses and friends everywhere to get behind this and help turn every hole I play into a moment of happiness for a child who really needs it.”
To get involved in the Starlight Swing with up to three friends at a location closest to you, or to make a donation, visit www.xgolf. com.au/starlight-swing/.
r Matt Newton | Image/Article: Brand Beat Agency
FAITH - FOOTHILLS CHURCH
Article Written + Submitted by: Pastor Paul Marshall W: www.foothillschurch.com.au
A: Junction Factory Rd & Loftus St, Regentville Service Times: Sundays 9.30am
Why the Angels Sang
Christmas brings fun and stresses us out of our brains! For some, it can be lonely or difficult, and Christmas brings opportunities for kindness. But none of this explains why the angels sang.
The angels sang because God sent a Saviour. You might say, “What do we need to be saved from?” A recent episode of Q&A on the ABC raised the question, “What will become of us?” The question surfaced as the panel discussed resource depletion, materialism, climate change, geopolitical issues, our future security, and the challenges our children face. Politicians were seen to be suffering from “short-termism,” with eyes on the next election rather than a vision that might save us from all of this (not true of all pollies). The point was clear: we need to be saved from ourselves so that our future is bright.
Christmas celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ from God for that very purpose – to save us.
Now, anything about Christmas beyond gifts and roast turkey might seem wildly irrational to you. Angels singing because of the arrival of a Saviour – really?
However, if there is a higher power (for me, the loving God of the Bible), it is totally rational that this power – if worth believing in at all – would do something to help us. And if God is “higher,” it is rational that he would operate at a higher, supernatural dimension. It is mysterious but not illogical.
The idea, then, of God showing us better wisdom in Jesus is a rational thought. And it is rational that a higher power would do what we cannot do – overcome the power of our sins and the power of death. Angels singing about this is quite rational too! Mysteriously of a higher dimension, yes – this is the stuff of faith – but not illogical. As I think of people whom I meet regularly who are fearful, confused, hurt, and needing direction, God’s help in Jesus is their answer, blessing their souls with peace and joy (the angels sang about that too), and I pray this blessing for your soul. Go well into 2026, and see you in the new year.
Contact Tanya
(02) 9834 6291
tanyadaviesmp tanyadavies.com.au
4733 0792
editor@districtgazette.com.au www.districtgazette.com.au PO Box 8254
Glenmore Park NSW 2745
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Distribution Enquiries wedeliver@districtgazette.com.au
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
Churches
Anglican Church
Cnr William Howell Dr Pritchard Pl 4733 1635
St Padre Pio Parish
William Howell Drive 4737 9735
Uniting Church
Cnr Mulgoa Rd & Stuart Rd Penrith 4721 1295
Foothills Church
Jct Factory Rd & Loftus St, Regentville
Penrith Church
3139
52 Taylor Rd Cranebrook 4577 6555
Elevation Church Penrith
4 Production Place, Penrith
Community Groups
8489
Embroiderers Guild Nepean 0466 725 317
Community Centre 4733 1499
Community Health
Glenmore Park Guides 0400 546 772
Probus Club Penrith Sth 4732 1885
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Sports Clubs
Goshin Ryu
(Soccer)
Swimming Club Nepean 0416 311
Triathlon Club Panthers www.pantherstriclub.com.au
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 Glenmore 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.
December is a month of celebration, reflection, and connection. It is a time when the year gently comes to a close and our community shines in its best light. Streets sparkle with festive decorations, the sound of carols fills the air, and families gather to share meals, laughter, and memories. School graduations mark new beginnings, while community events bring neighbours together in the warmth of summer.
It is also a time to pause and reflect on the months gone by, to appreciate milestones reached, lessons learned, and the people who have supported us along the way. Amid the busyness, remember to rest, recharge, and find joy in the simple moments that make this season special.
Thank you for being part of our community and for sharing your stories, spirit, and kindness throughout the year. Here is to a wonderful festive season filled with love and laughter, and to a bright, hopeful year ahead.
“What is done in love is done well.” –Vincent Van Gogh
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At Penrith Anglican College, our Scholarships in Academics, Music, Visual Arts, and All-Rounder open doors for students to grow, explore, and shine. Whether it’s creativity, innovation, leadership, or excellence, these scholarships recognise talent and nurture the whole child. From the classroom to the stage, the studio to the sports field, PAC empowers students to unlock what’s inside and thrive for life.
Applications now open for 2027 entry (Years 5, 7, 9 & 11).
