With a strong focus on lifelong education, early infrastructure and amenities, we deliver walkable neighbourhoods with a diverse
Oran Park is located in the centre of the Camden LGA –approximately 15 minutes from the new
• Limited land is available, starting from $655,500
• Variety of lot sizes, starting from 375m2
• All land is registered and ready to build on
• Many lots are in close proximity to the Town Centre
Oran Park is a nationally recognised, masterplanned community that delivers sustainable living.
Over 6,600 Trees Planted in Penrith City
Over the last five years, Penrith City Council’s ‘Greening our City’ tree planting program has seen over 6,600 trees planted in heat vulnerable suburbs across the local government area.
The program targeted suburbs Council identified as having low tree canopy and were susceptible to heat risks.
The ‘Be Cool to School’ program, which concluded last year, saw 1,971 trees planted in Cambridge Park, specifically on nature strips along active transport routes, streets linking parks, shops and schools, and along walking routes through parks in the suburb.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney praised the program and was pleased Council continued to have the support of residents and business owners with the ‘Be Cool to School’ project.
“Over the last five years, we’ve received feedback from residents and business owners about the importance of trees being planted in their communities,” Carney said.
“Our community members at Cambridge Park were thrilled to see Council taking a proactive approach to increasing tree canopy and reducing the potential for heat in the area. We also had residents request additional trees to be planted outside of their houses, which we were able to accommodate.”
The ‘Greening our City’ program also invited residents to plant trees themselves, with Council’s award-winning and beloved Trees for Mum 2023 event resulting in 370 trees planted. The majority of the plantings have successfully established and boosted biodiversity and shade in the area.
“This tree planting supports Council’s Cooling the City and Green Grid strategies, which aim to increase the tree canopy across the City. These trees will make a big difference when established, cooling streets that our students walk along to go to and from school,” Cr Carney said.
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said this has been a great collaboration of the NSW Government and Penrith City Council to combat urban heat.
“These trees have not only enhanced the look of our neighborhoods, but they’re proven to have a natural cooling effect,” Ms McKeown said.
“Penrith residents know the effects of urban heating all too well, so I’m proud to be part of a government that is taking action to combat its effect.”
The ‘Greening our City’ tree planting program has seen trees planted in Erskine Park, St Clair, Colyton, North St Marys, Oxley Park, and Cambridge Park since 2020. Council continues to increase tree canopy across the Penrith local government area with other tree planting programs.
Community members can get involved in helping increase tree canopy in our bushlands at penrith.city/bushland
For more information about the program, visit yoursaypenrith. com.au/greeningourcity
The project is funded by the NSW Government’s Greening our City grant. For more information visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/ grants-and-funding/greening-our-city-grant
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
Hobbies + Interests
Nepean Hook & Yarn
Meet twice a month, 1st Fridays & 3rd Wednesdays of the month at Mocca Cafe Penrith Homemaker, near Domayne escalators. 10am-1pm. More details visit their Facebook or instagram pages @nepeanhook&yarn
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.
New Lions Club to Open Soon
Local resident Simon Tadros is amongst a team who are actively working to establish a new Lions Club in the Western Sydney suburbs of Kingswood, Caddens, Orchard Hills and surrounds, looking to open this month.
No date has been set for the opening of the new club as yet, as they are still seeking people who would like to join and help their community. They are expecting to hold an information night for people who are interested within the next month, with the intent to open the club by the end of June.
“Kingswood, Caddens and Orchard Hills are a major growth area within the Penrith LGA and there are significant needs within the footprint of this community,” said Simon.
“With no club associated within this area, we see this as an opportunity to get behind and support those in need. The motivation behind wanting to start a new club there is that the Lions Club play a great role in helping people and we have seen the impact that they play in supporting the community.” he continued.
Lions Club do a whole range of activities for both the local community and those abroad. Lions operate within 8 global causes.
These include Youth, Environment, Hunger, Diabetes, Childhood Cancer, Vision, Disaster Relief and Humanitarian. In supporting these causes, they raise funds from doing service activities such as fundraising barbecues for community groups, food drives for people in need, supporting women and children who have suffered from domestic violence, youth initiatives, all the way to environmental programs such as participating in Clean Up Australia Day and tree planting.
“Just over two years ago, my life was irreversibly changed with the passing of my wife and the significant injuries that my son Nicholas incurred due to the SeaWorld Helicopter Accident. With the support of Lions, the Australian community and co-ordinated by the Parramatta Lions Club, we witnessed first-hand the amazing work of Lions and its members. This made a huge difference with being able to get through those tough times.
“I realised the impact that organisations such as Lions can have on people’s lives and I decided to become a member myself, helping those less fortunate in our community. This is why Graham, myself and other likeminded people are looking to establish this brand new Lions Club” Simon concluded.
If you would like more information about joining the new Lions Club, you can email Simon at simon.tadros@live.com.au or contact Lions Second Vice District Governor, Graham Estreich at graham.estreich@gmail.com or on 0432 343677.
Badgerys Creek Senior School Leaders Visit NSW Parliament
Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, recently hosted her annual Badgerys Creek Senior School Leadership Forum in NSW Parliament House.
The forum was comprised of student leaders from schools across the Badgerys Creek electorate.
The students had discussions with guest speakers The Hon. Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, Shadow Minister for Families and Communities, Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Shadow Minister for Disability Inclusion, Shadow Minister for Homelessness, and Shadow Minister for Youth, Stephanie Di Pasqua MP, Member for Drummoyne and Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra and Shadow Minister for Water, and Shadow Minister for Crown Lands.
The students were very interested in the experience and perspective of rural and regional NSW and asked the Member for Cootamundra many questions in exploring this area.
The students also enjoyed a tour of NSW Parliament House as they examined the history of the institution and they took the opportunity to have their photograph taken on the front steps of NSW Parliament House.
“I thank the students for their strong interest in our Parliamentary process and its history. I was delighted to see their great eagerness to learn and I wish them success in their academic endeavours,” stated Mrs Davies.
r Image/Article: Member for Badgerys Creek, Tanya Davies MP
r [Top]Simon and Nicholas Tadros [Above] Nursing home BBQ for Australia Day | Images Supplied by Simon Tadros
Fire and Rescue NSW Rolled Up It’s Doors for Annual Open Day
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) recently rolled up the doors for its annual Open Day last month, with firefighters urging the community to ensure they have a working smoke alarm in the lead up to Winter.
Fire stations across the state, including Regentville Fire Station, opened from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday 10 May with a range of free activities including live demonstrations, station tours and free giveaways.
Families were able to get up close to the fire trucks and rescue equipment, and chat to local firefighters about the simple steps they can take to ‘BE FIRE SAFE’ this Winter.
PAW Patrol™ fan favourites, Marshall and Chase, made an appearance at the Museum of Fire at Penrith, ensuring ‘impaw-tant’ fire safety messages reached some of our youngest community members.
“Open Day was a wonderful opportunity to get behind-thescenes access to NSW fire stations and understand the work our firefighters do to keep our communities safe” said Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib.
“Open Day is something our firefighters look forward to each year. It gives us the chance to meet locals and provide vital safety tips to be fire safe.
“This year, we want to make sure that everyone has a working smoke alarm in their home.
“We can’t smell smoke while we’re sleeping, so having a working smoke alarm is so crucial.
“Fire and Rescue NSW offers free home fire safety visits. Local firefighters will visit your home, provide tailored fire safety advice, test your smoke alarm, and will even replace it for free if necessary” said FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM.
Local Business are Pink Heroes for Charity Fundraiser
The Anytime Fitness Glenmore Park community came together last month to host a charity fundraiser, raising valuable funds.
Taking place on Saturday 3rd May 2025 at Anytime Fitness Glenmore Park, located at HomeCo Glenmore Park Town Centre, the local business hosted a Breast Cancer Fundraiser, in aid of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
The event raises funds for world-class breast cancer research to help National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) towards their vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Through the amazing generosity and kindness of the local community, $5,164 was raised, exceeding the goal of $5,000.
The day’s activities included an Amazing Race to a Cure Challenge, which consisted of 8 teams of 4 people completing a workout and then a scavenger hunt. There was also a raffle and pink morning tea, in the club.
Riley Farlow, Event Organiser and Personal Trainer, believes that events like this are valuable in bringing people together as well as raising much needed funds for research.
“I think it’s important to bring the community together to support a cause that affects so many families. It’s not just to raise money but also raise awareness and celebrate the lives of those who have won and lost their battles with breast cancer” explained Riley to the Glenmore Gazette.
With the success of the event, Riley hopes to make it an annual fundraiser.
“This is the third charity fundraiser that I have run and the first for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). I would like to do one a year” he said.
If you would like to donate to the Anytime Fitness Glenmore Park National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) Fundraiser, you can visit their page online at https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/ fundraisers/AnytimeFitnessGlenmorePark.
r Anytime Fitness Glenmore Park Club Manager Sarah Hallatt and Event Organiser and Personal Trainer Riley Farlow (Fireman Fitness) | Image Supplied by Anytime Fitness Glenmore Park
The Medicare Mental Health Centre in Penrith is a welcoming and non-judgemental place where you can access free mental health information, services and supports.
They provide caring, calm and inclusive mental health and wellbeing support for people over the age of 18. You don’t need to be an Australian citizen, resident, have a visa or Medicare card to get support.
You also don’t need a referral from a doctor. You can just walk in or call to get support.
Whether you have experienced mental health challenges in the past or this is your first time reaching out for support, everyone is welcome.
The Medicare Mental Health Centre offers immediate support if you’re in distress. The team will work with you to understand what will help right now. And then if needed, they’ll help you find the right support for later.
Many of the staff at the centre have experienced a mental health crisis themselves and understand what you may be going through.
Whether you’re trying to improve your sense of wellbeing, looking for help with something that’s bothering you, or helping someone you care about, Penrith Medicare Mental Health Centre is here for you.
They also offer support for carers and families of people experiencing distress.
If you think you may need support or know someone who does, you can drop in at 111 Henry Street, Penrith or call 1800 595 212.
Penrith Medicare Mental Health Centre is delivered by Neami National and funded by the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network.
For more information, go to: www.neaminational.org.au/ penrith-medicare-mental-health-centre
• Preschool and School Readiness Specialty Program
• Qualified Early Childhood Sta
• Operational Hours 8am till 5pm Monday till Friday
• Large Outdoor Play Area
ATC and Penrith Golf Club Explore New Site
The Australian Turf Club has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with Seven Hills RSL – the owners of Penrith Golf Club – to acquire a site for a new racing and training precinct in Western Sydney.
The ATC has earmarked more than $370 million from the potential sale of Rosehill Gardens to acquire and develop Penrith Golf Club into a thoroughbred training centre with capacity for more than 300 stables.
The plans would also allow for the site to be used as an alternative racecourse.
Penrith Golf Club was identified after an exhaustive search across Greater Sydney for a suitable location.
The new site would complement the $800 million redevelopment of Warwick Farm Racecourse into a world-class Group One racing venue.
Penrith Golf Club members would receive access to new and upgraded ATC venues.
ATC Chairman Peter McGauran said discussions with Penrith Golf Club would play a crucial role in securing racing’s future in NSW.
“Our vision includes the construction of another Group 1 racecourse that would secure Sydney’s place as a global racing hub,’’ Mr McGauran said.
“While these discussions are in early stages, we’re excited about the potential that benefits the racing industry, ATC and Penrith Golf Club Members, and the local community.
“Penrith is one of the fastest growing population centres in NSW and ticks all the boxes in playing a key role for the next generation of racing.
“Our priority is to expand and enhance quality infrastructure for trainers and owners, who would be central to the design of a new facility.’’
Penrith Golf Club is part of the Seven Hills RSL Group and other club and community assets.
The potential for a new training and Group One racecourse at Penrith is part of the ATC’s broader $1.9 billion infrastructure strategy should members approve the proposed sale of Rosehill Gardens.
A new Racing Advisory Board, composed of a majority of independent experts, will provide input into the infrastructure program.
The Racing Advisory Board will monitor funding allocation, project milestones and industry consultations.
The Extraordinary General Meeting of the ATC will be held on 27 May, where members will vote on the broader Rosehill Gardens proposal.
r Feature Article [Cover] Artist’s impression | Image/Article: Australian Turf Club
Securing Our Woodland Environment
Nepean Christian School, recently began a new venture to protect the endangered Camden White Gum, planting ten saplings in conjunction with Mulgoa Landcare Group and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The school has a proud history of working with local environmental groups to protect the precious heritage value of Mulgoa Valley as one of the few remaining stands of original Cumberland Woodland.
Year 11 student Damien Savic took on the project to work with various agencies to enable the school to plant and care for these endangered species as part of the NSW Government’s ‘Saving Our Species’ program.
The school has partnered with Lisa Harrold from Mulgoa Landcare, alongside Ahamad Sherieff, the Officer for threatened species, and Justine Vella from Penrith Council.
This planting not only enhances the school’s natural environment but also educates students on the importance of preserving native plants.
Ahamad Sherieff noted, “By working together collectively and cooperatively, we can make a meaningful difference and achieve our shared objective of saving and securing the future of a critically endangered species from potential extinction.”
Through this act, the school plays a crucial role in securing the future of the Camden White Gums.
r Dr Cameron Nunn (NCS Principal) and representatives from NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Image/Article Supplied by Nepean Christian School
Halls and Community Centres: Floribunda Community Centre
Built in 1996, this facility overlooks the Glenmore Loch and includes indoor and outdoor space that takes advantage of the picturesque location. It received a significant upgrade in 2021.
Capacity
70 people maximum (Hall)
40 people maximum (Activity room)
Room sizes
Hall - 13m x 8m
Activity room - 8m x 9m
Contact
Call Penrith City Council on 02 4732 8021
Address
3-4 Floribunda Avenue, Glenmore Park
Curfews
Friday and Saturday 1:00am
Sunday - Thursday 10:00pm
Other Information
This facility has a secure outdoor area with two separate shade structures. It also has children’s toilets and a parenting room.
Kitchen facilities include a double door drinks fridge, standard domestic fridge with freezer, microwave, a standard domestic floor oven with cooktop, dishwasher and a continual hot water urn.
Tables and chairs are available for use and are included in the cost for hire.
The activity room is not available for private function hire unless booked in conjunction with the large hall. Additional fees will apply for use. Download information about the tables and chairs supplied at: https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov. au/images/documents/facilitiesrecreation/halls-centres/Table%20 and%20Chair%20Specs.pdf
KID’S CORNER
Book Review Your
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe
Author Laurie Gilmore
On a recent trip overseas, I picked up this sweetly illustrated book and although we should never judge a book by its cover we do eat with our eyes, and I devoured this book during our short time away. It was the perfect cozy autumnal read! For readers that enjoyed the show Gilmore Girls it has the same feeling with some romance, mystery and hayrides!
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore is a romantic, easy read about Jeanie a city girl who has moved to Dream Harbour to take over her aunt’s café and Logan a grumpy, local farmer with a painful past who refuses to fall for her charm.
The story is easy to read with lots of moments to give you butterflies in your stomach. Whether that’s the sweet gestures from Logan, the inviting small-town energy or the love story between two opposites. I found the storyline good with the few twists and turns keeping your interest trying to solve the mystery. The book also finished the way you’d hope with a happy ending.
The book didn’t have too many twists or turns to the main storyline, and some may find this element disengaging, but for a light-hearted read it doesn’t take readers down a winding trail. The book also gets quite steamy in places which might be too racy for younger readers.
In review I would give the book a 3/5. A read for adults who enjoy the romance genre and enjoy a quick, light and uplifting read.
The Dream Harbour series also includes The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House and The Ginger Bread Bakery (Book 4) is set to be released in September.
r Book Review by: Alissa Faitele
Student Leaders Show of Community
Glenmore Park High School’s Junior and Senior Leadership Teams took charge of the recent Voting Day BBQ, turning up the heat on both the grill and community spirit supported by their wonderful P&C. The event was a fantastic opportunity for students to step up, connect with the community, and showcase their Leadership in action.
The BBQ saw Student Leaders organising everything from set up to customer service. With sausages sizzling and smiles all around, their professionalism and teamwork didn’t go unnoticed by voters and former students returning to the school grounds.
All funds raised will go directly to the P&C to support student resources, school events and future improvements.
The Voting Day BBQ was more than just a fundraiser; it was a celebration of community spirit. This spirit is ongoing throughout the year, with the Junior and Senior Leadership Teams engaged in a variety of activities and opportunities involving the school’s students and connecting with the wider community.
The teams are committed to developing future school and community leaders. They are involved in charity fundraising, school promotions and welfare initiatives like The World’s Greatest Shave and Toys and Tucker. The Friday Breakfast Program is a hugely popular and well supported program run by the combined leadership teams with the support of staff coordinators.
Glenmore Park High School provides students with the opportunity to develop and excel in diverse ways over a range of platforms and the Junior and Senior Leadership Teams demonstrate student involvement which benefits all.
r Glenmore Park High School junior and senior leaders at the BBQ. Image/Article Supplied by Glenmore Park High School
Netball Without Limits
The Penrith District Netball Association (PDNA) is proud to launch its first All Abilities Netball Program, offering children and adults with physical, intellectual, and sensory disabilities the chance to participate in an inclusive, supportive netball experience.
Running over nine weeks from Saturday, May 17 to September 20 (excluding school holidays and long weekends), the program will be held fortnightly on Courts 41 and 42 at Jamison Park Netball Courts, from 10:15am to 11:30am. A special Bring a Friend Open Day is scheduled for July 26, welcoming new faces to join the fun.
“This is a program built around inclusion, joy, and growth,” says Meighan Ellul, Intermediate Registrar of PDNA. “We wanted to create a safe and fun environment where everyone, regardless of their ability, can experience the magic of netball.”
Open to participants aged 7 through to adults, the program is tailored to individual needs. Qualified coaches will adapt activities and games to suit varying physical and cognitive abilities, focusing on basic skill development, confidencebuilding, and social interaction.
“No netball experience is necessary,” Meighan adds. “It’s all about having fun, trying something new, and being part of a team.”
At a cost of just $50, participants receive full insurance and a medal at presentation day. A voucher code is available by emailing intermediateregistrar@penrithnetball.com.au.
PDNA’s vision doesn’t stop with this first program. “We plan to run the All Abilities Program annually and hope to expand it over time,” Meighan says. “One day, we’d love to have a representative team to compete in the NSW State Titles.”
The impact of inclusive sport goes beyond the court. “Programs like this are vital,” says Meighan. “They promote social inclusion, independence, and improve overall quality of life for people living with disability. They also strengthen our community by building empathy, connection, and participation for everyone.”
To learn more, contact Meighan Ellul by email at intermediateregistrar@penrithnetball.com.au or visit the lower control station at Jamison Park Netball Courts on Saturdays between 9:00am and 2:00pm.
“Whether you’re learning a new sport, making friends, or just having fun, this program is about more than netball,” Meighan says. “It’s about belonging.”
Participants from the 2024 All Abilities program | Images supplied by Penrith District Netball Association. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Winter Solstice Comes to Penrith
Mark your calendars for the June long weekend and join Penrith City Council at Winter Solstice!
Council’s latest event will host a range of activities, including an ice-skating rink, activities for young children and teenagers, entertainment and have a variety of restaurants open along High Street, Penrith with delicious food and live music.
You won’t want to miss this exciting free event that marks the beginning of Winter!
Winter Solstice
Friday 6 June to Monday 9 June
4:00pm to 9:00pm (Friday to Sunday) 10:00am to 3:00pm (Monday)
Ice Skating (booking required, link available soon): 12:00pm to 9:00pm (Friday to Sunday)
HEALTH MATTERS
9:00am to 4:00pm (Monday) City Park, Penrith Find out more at penrith.city/events #wintersolstice #penrithcity
r Image/Article: Penrith City Council
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
P: 0418 166 269
Have Lower Back Pain? Then Just Get On The Bottle!
I ask many of my ‘lower-backpain’ patients to get on the bottle! Nothing like a stiff drink to ease back pain, right? Just kidding of course.
Patients lie down on a carpeted floor, place a foam roller (about the size of a standard wine bottle) under one side of the small of their back. The roller is placed either just to the left or to the right of the spine, never over the spine itself, and patients breathe deeply in and out for 5-10 minutes. The idea is to stretch lower back muscles gently but deeply beside the spine (using breaths) without bending the spine itself.
This simple activity helps ameliorate back pain generally and avoids increases in pain that may occur between clinic sessions due to daily activities. Some patients should not do this activity, so it is important to be assessed first. Let us see why such stretching often helps reduce back pain.
Scientists induce lower back pain in animals by injecting carrageenan to damage lower back tissues, causing inflammation, and infiltration of immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils. Immune cells then release further signals that can exacerbate things, leading to ongoing
pain and, eventually, to tissue fibrosis. Fibrosis is the formation of excess fibrous connective (scar) tissue in an organ or area during any repair process that occurs in reaction to tissue injury.
After carrageenan injections, these animals cannot walk properly, and their lower back is much more sensitive to mechanical stimulus. In short, their backs are painful, it hurts animals to move, and so they have shortened stride lengths and lower instra-step distances.
Studies have shown that low-amplitude static (non-cyclical) stretching stops fibrosis and inflammation. To test this in lower back inflammation, half the carrageen-injected animals underwent a stretching program. For 12 days, 10 minutes twice daily, animals did simple sustained back-stretching. Researchers found stretching:
1. lowered tissue inflammatory immune cells
2. decreased scar tissue formation
3. decreased mechanical sensitivity of the back
4. restored stride length and
5. restored intra-step distance,
Appropriately done, stretching is an important therapy for musculoskeletal injuries, and patients who incorporate appropriate daily stretching generally improve more quickly. Have a back injury and need help? Why not give Andreas a call at the clinic on 0418 166 269
When the skies open and the rain sets in, it’s tempting to bunker down indoors with a warm drink and a blanket. But while we may relish a quiet day inside, our canine companions still need their regular dose of activity, both physical and mental. Just because it’s wet outside doesn’t mean your dog’s exercise routine should be put on pause.
Regular exercise is crucial to your dog’s health and wellbeing. It not only keeps their bodies fit, but also supports mental stimulation, reduces boredom, and helps prevent behavioural issues like barking, chewing, and restlessness. Dogs thrive on routine, social engagement, and sensory enrichment. If rainy days are keeping you from your usual walks, there are still plenty of ways to keep your dog happy and active inside.
Firstly, you can still walk your dog in the rain, provided it’s safe to do so. A waterproof dog coat and towel by the door can help keep the mess to a minimum. But for those times when outdoor exercise just isn’t practical, there are many fun alternatives you can try at home.
Turn mealtime into playtime by making your dog work for their food. Use puzzle feeders, treat balls, or stuff a Kong with kibble and treats. If you’re after a budget-friendly option, an empty soft drink bottle (rinsed and dried) with a few holes
poked in it makes a great DIY enrichment toy.
Hide-and-seek is another simple but effective game. Kids especially love this one. Have your dog stay while someone hides, then call them. Always reward your dog for coming when called—this also doubles as a great recall training exercise.
Indoor fetch is possible too. A hallway or garage can become a safe play area for a quick energy burn. You can also set up a mini obstacle course with household items like chairs, blankets, and broomsticks, encouraging your dog to weave, jump, or crawl.
Scent games are ideal for mental stimulation. Hide small treats in safe places around the house and let your dog sniff them out. You can even make a homemade puzzle by filling a cardboard box with dry food and poking holes in the sides.
Rainy days don’t have to mean lazy days for your pet. With a bit of creativity, you can keep your dog mentally sharp, physically fit, and emotionally content—rain, hail, or shine.
For more ideas or to ask about your dog’s exercise and enrichment needs, feel free to call us on 0247362027 at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital. We’re always here to help you keep your pets happy and healthy.
•Visiting specialist radiographer and ultrasonographer
•Puppy preschool
•Home visits
•Cat boarding and Kitten adoption
•Secure off leash dog park
Ten Hands: Locals Looking After Locals
Ten Hands Air Conditioning is a family owned air conditioning business, located in Mulgoa.
The business was started by Matt Dymock, when his family moved to Mulgoa from Inner Western Sydney 13 years ago.
“There are five of us (ten hands) in the family. This inspired our business name” said Belinda Dymock of Ten Hands Air Conditioning.
They specialise in the supply, installation, repair and servicing of all types of air conditioning. Matt and his team service the residential, business and commercial sectors.
Their regular customers include homeowners, builders, businesses and they do regular real estate rental work.
“Our work is varied and interesting, as we also have regular commercial work in schools, factories, clubs and warehouses” she explained.
Matt has been a HVAC technician for over 35 years and has always run his own business, so it was natural that he would start up a business to service their new area.
Staying true to being a local, family owned business has seen Matt’s son Gus join the team as his apprentice. Gus started late last year, when he finished school. There were no school holidays for Gus! He also starts TAFE in July this year.
So, what has Gus enjoyed so far about being an apprentice for Ten Hands Air Conditioning?
“Being a part of and contributing to the family business is cool. Learning from Dad some of the old school ways of finding faults and leaks is interesting. He’s really good at fixing things” said Gus to the Mulgoa Valley Gazette.
“Matt is looking forward to Gus getting his P’s in a few months, to take over some of the driving” added Belinda.
You can call Matt on 0411 707 583 for any type of air conditioning you or your business needs.
Gus Dymock
Matt Dymock
FAITH – GRACE WEST ANGLICAN CHURCH
Article Written + Submitted by: Senior Minister Christopher Braga
P: 4733 1635 A: 16 William Howell Drive, Glenmore Park
W: www.gracewest.church
Service Times: Sundays @ 8.30am, 10.30am and 6pm. Plus activities for adults + young people right throughout the week.
Words. We all use them, think them, see them, and hear them. Words are powerful. A single word can open a bank account, launch a boat or command an army. In our relationships, words can build up or tear down, speak truth or spread lies. Words seem like a nothing, but they can be everything.
All of us can remember moments when words wounded us deeply, and moments when we’ve wounded others with what we’ve said. Parents, especially fathers, must be mindful of how they speak. A harsh or condemning word can crush the spirit of a child, while the words of encouragement from a parent can give a child strength they carry for life. In marriage, kind words breathe life into a relationship, but careless or cruel words can leave lasting scars. It is easy to lash out with hurtful words in moments of frustration, but it takes maturity to speak gently when angry. Words shape hearts, homes, friendships, families, workplaces - even nations.
Yet the most powerful and life-giving words we can hear are those spoken by God. In the Bible, God speaks - not with vague advice or hollow slogans, but with living words that bring life through Jesus Christ. If you want to hear from God, look to Jesus. Listen to his words. We’d love you to visit us, to hear more of these life-giving words.
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(right) of Ten Hands Air Conditioning | Image: Belinda Dymock
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We made it through another Federal Election, and as the Government gets their Ministers and seats in order, we are once again able to look to the future of our wonderful country with hope. In the words of Penny Wong, we are a “nation of courage and kindness”, something we can all aspire to be regardless of our political persuasion or ideology.
As we wave goodbye to Autumn, and the gardeners among us hope for cold and wet weather for the next few months, we find ourselves almost in the middle of 2025, and suddenly it’s time to get out our piles of receipts and invoices to get ready for tax time.
But if that thought doesn’t thrill you, check out all the local events in your area here in the paper – there’s always heaps going on, so find a jumper and get out and get involved!
As always, thank you to our advertisers, who make it possible for us to deliver your copy of the District Gazette directly to your mailbox, and we hope that you consider their businesses if you are looking for goods and services.
For now, find a spot in the warm, and enjoy your District Gazette!
“No Winter lasts forever; no Spring skips its turn.”
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PRE–KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR 12
Penrith Anglican College is a Christian college offering rigorous academics and a strong community.
