With a strong focus on lifelong education, early infrastructure and amenities, we deliver walkable neighbourhoods with a diverse housing mix. Oran Park is located in the centre of the Camden LGA –approximately 15 minutes from the new Western Sydney Airport.
• 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.
Reconstruction Works Complete at Mulgoa Rise Sportsground
Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, has celebrated the completion of reconstruction works worth $72,000 at Mulgoa Rise Sportsground, which was funded out of $272,000 from the Local Small Commitments Allocation (LSCA) program she secured for Penrith City Council.
“I was delighted to support the reconstruction of the northern sports fields at Mulgoa Rise Sportsground, which has provided a much-improved surface for locals and visitors alike to enjoy”, said Mrs Davies.
Mrs Davies was joined by the Mayor of Penrith City Council, Councillor Todd Carney, as they tested out the new field surfaces.
Cr Carney welcomed the completion of the works and said the improvements will benefit the community for years to come.
“The upgrades at Mulgoa Rise are vital to support the continued use of the fields at such a high frequency,” Cr Carney said.
“Maintaining high-quality playing surfaces at Mulgoa Rise ensures athletes can train and compete safely, while keeping the venue ready to meet the needs of our growing community.”
The $72,000 funding through the LSCA is among numerous important LSCA investments that Tanya Davies has secured for the electorate.
Mrs Davies will continue to support worthy projects that improve the quality of local sporting fields.
“Sports and leisure activities are essential to the health and wellbeing of our community, and I’ll keep working hard to ensure that locals have access to the best quality sporting fields and facilities,” concluded Mrs Davies.
r Image/Article: Tanya Davies MP
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 welcomes visitors and applications for membership from retirees who wish to meet new friends, hear from guest speakers, and enjoy activities and outings.
We meet at 10.00 on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at Leonay Golf Club. Just turn up for a meeting. More details: 0426055629
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.
Local Trainer Inspires Health Transformations
A passion for fitness and a desire to help others achieve their goals has driven the growth of Pease Performance, a personal training business founded by Hayden Pease in September last year.
Operating out of Anytime Fitness Glenmore Park, Pease has turned years of dedication to bodybuilding and personal development into a career focused on guiding others through their own fitness journeys.
Pease said his inspiration to launch the business came from his personal success with bodybuilding and his growing interest in learning about training and nutrition.
“I love to learn and gain knowledge in this area of training and nutrition,” he said. “Helping others on their journey seemed like an awesome way to turn my passion into something much more than just my own personal journey.”
Since starting Pease Performance, Hayden has worked closely with clients to help them better understand the fundamentals of fitness, nutrition and progress tracking, with the aim of creating lasting results.
“Allowing people to gain greater knowledge towards their training and nutrition not only enhances their results but hopefully allows them to help others and spread what they’ve learnt from me,” he said.
Pease Performance offers one-on-one personal training sessions at Anytime Fitness Glenmore Park, as well as online coaching services for clients seeking more flexibility or a deeper level of structure and guidance outside the gym environment.
The business has continued to build momentum over the past year, with Hayden now looking towards expanding his client base even further. One of his long-term ambitions is to work with aspiring bodybuilders preparing to compete on stage.
“Future goals are to continue increasing my client base and also take on some clients looking to step on a bodybuilding stage in the future,” he said.
For Hayden, the most rewarding part of the job is witnessing the progress his clients make over time.
“I love the experience of helping people and watching them grow towards their desired goals,” he said.
r Hayden Pease in the gym | Image Supplied by Hayden Pease
• 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
History in the Making and Records for the Ages
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport’s (WSI) historic “Runway Run/Walk” was truly one for the record books with Sydney turning on a glorious autumn day and 20,000 participants experiencing their new 24-hour global gateway while raising funds for sick kids.
Elite Energy Events CEO Mark Emerton said the goal was for the community to come together, have some fun and raise much needed funds for Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) and it evolved into an unmatched organic festival that exceeded all expectations.
“From the arrival of the first participants it was apparent that their happy smiles, infectious enthusiasm and genuine ownership of the day would ensure Runway Run/Walk was not just a truly unique event but also an outstanding success.”
“As the early morning fog lifted, the day unfolded into a magnificent spectacle with wave after wave of runners, joggers, walkers and strollers embracing the opportunity to make some friends, enjoy the celebration and make history,” he said.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the day was a wonderful gathering of diverse communities who came together to experience their new 24-hour airport while fundraising for vital services that support sick kids.
“Thank you to everyone who came and took part in this oncein-a-lifetime event – the excitement of the crowds was almost palpable, and it was terrific to give people a behind-the-scenes experience of Sydney’s new global gateway before we launch passenger services.”
“The event partners and hundreds of dedicated volunteers all helped make this day a terrific success and everyone collectively raised significant funds for such a worthy cause – the amazing work of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network,” he said.
SCHF Chief Philanthropy Officer Colin Allen said Runway Run/ Walk participants had collectively raised more than $200,000 that would support children’s hospitals, hospice services and research.
“The Runway Run/Walk was an extraordinary show of community generosity and joy, and we are incredibly grateful to every participant who turned this once in a lifetime experience into real impact for sick kids.”
“Raising more than $200,000 means we can support the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network through its hospitals, hospice care and vital research, helping children and their families when they need it most, and proving just how powerful a difference a united community can make,” Mr Allen said.
r Runway Run/Walk participants | Image: Courtney Keijzers. Article Supplied by Elite Energy Events
Pumas Promoting Inclusion Through Sport
Penrith District Netball Association (PDNA) has continued its inclusive initiative aimed at creating greater sporting opportunities for people with disability, with the return of its All Abilities Netball Program.
The program is held at the Penrith District Netball Courts at Jamison Park, Court 42, and runs on Saturdays from 9:00am to 10:30am across selected dates through to August. Sessions began in May and continue on June 13, 20 and 27; July 25; and August 1, 8, 15 and 22, with Presentation Day also taking place on August 22.
Open to participants aged seven years and older, the program welcomes both males and females of all abilities. Organisers say the initiative has been designed to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where participants can enjoy netball while developing new skills and friendships.
The focus is on building confidence, teamwork and physical activity through modified sessions tailored to suit individual needs and ability levels. By adapting activities where necessary, organisers hope every participant will feel encouraged, included and able to experience success on the court.
Association representatives believe programs like this are vital in strengthening community inclusion and ensuring people with disability have equal opportunities to participate in local sport.
“Programs like this are important because they give people with disability the chance to be included, make friends and be part of a team,” a PDNA spokesperson said.
“They help participants learn new skills, stay active and build confidence, while also creating a welcoming community where people of all abilities feel valued and supported.”
The cost of the program is $60 after the application of a voucher designed to reduce participation fees. All registered players receive a free Pumas singlet.
PDNA says it intends to continue offering the All Abilities Netball Program annually, with hopes of expanding its reach and creating even more opportunities for participants in the future.
For more information about the program, community members can contact the association via email at intermediateregistrar@penrithnetball.com.au to receive registration details and voucher information.
r All Abilities Pumas | Image/Article Supplied Penrith District Netball Association (PDNA)
Trek Honours Father’s Everest Dream
Carlie Towns has conquered Everest Base Camp, completing an emotional journey that honoured her late father’s legacy while challenging perceptions around disability.
In April 2026, Towns completed the iconic Everest Base Camp trek through Nepal’s Khumbu region, covering approximately 165 kilometres round trip over 14 days and reaching an altitude of 5,364 metres. Including travel and acclimatisation, the expedition lasted just under three weeks.
But for the Australian adventurer, the trek carried emotional significance beyond the challenge of high-altitude hiking.
Towns’ father, Ched Towns, died in Nepal in 2000 while training on Mera Peak. At the time, he was preparing to attempt becoming the first blind man to summit Mount Everest.
“This journey was deeply personal,” Towns said.
“Returning to the Himalayas was something I had carried with me for a long time. It was about healing, honouring his legacy, and creating my own story in a place that holds so much meaning for me.”
Living with vision impairment herself, Towns said she also hoped the trek would challenge public perceptions surrounding disability and prove that limitations do not define a person’s potential.
After days of trekking through rugged mountain terrain, battling fatigue and unpredictable weather conditions, Towns described arriving at Everest Base Camp as one of the most emotional experiences of her life.
“Standing there felt surreal,” she said.
“It was a mix of pride, relief, and deep connection, not just to the mountain, but to my dad and everything this journey represented.
“It reminded me that we are capable of far more than we often believe.”
Preparing for the expedition required months of physical and mental training. Towns trained at the gym six days a week while also completing regular long-distance walks and trekking sessions to build endurance for the demanding conditions.
She said mental preparation was equally important.
“I focused on mindfulness and building resilience, learning to stay present, manage discomfort, and push through challenging moments,” she said.
Towns also credited her trekking companions, including friends Alex and Paulla, for helping keep her motivated throughout the journey.
Alongside the climb, Towns has been fundraising for the Look For Life Foundation through a Chuffed campaign, encouraging the community to support by donating or sharing her story. This can be found at: https://chuffed.org/project/carliedoeseverest
She hopes her achievement inspires others living with disability to pursue ambitious goals.
“This journey was about more than reaching Everest Base Camp,” Towns said.
“It was about showing that people living with disability are capable of achieving incredible things when given opportunity, support, and belief.
“The possibilities are endless.”
r Feature Article [Cover] Carlie Towns standing at the Everest Base Camp marker in Nepal [Above] Carlie Towns at the Everest Memorial site near Thukla Pass (Dughla Pass) on the trek to Everest Base Camp. Image: Raj Nepal/Supplied by Carlie Towns
LET’S
GET OUR
SCRAPS SORTED
EVERY HOUSEHOLD NEEDS A FOOD SCRAP HERO.
We can all help by p utti ng our waste i n the right bins at home.
You can be a food scrap helper at your house by scraping your leftovers into the kitchen caddy and emptying it into the green-lid FOGO bin outside.
Add a tick to the chart for each day you help with food scraps to become a food scrap hero.
I put my food scraps in the kitchen caddy
I helped to empty the caddy into the green-lid
Help the food scraps find their way to the FOGO truck. Once they are collected in the truck, they get turned into compost which helps grow more food.
FOGO bin
FOOD SCRAP HOME HELPER CHART
FOOD SCRAPS TO FOGO MAZE
Western Sydney’s Wildlife Guardian
For Matthew Vella, wildlife conservation isn’t a hobby, it’s a calling that began before he could even name it.
Growing up beside Schoolhouse Creek, long before Glenmore Park existed and the land was still open horse paddocks and bushland, Matthew developed a bond with nature that has only deepened over the decades. Today he is one of the region’s most passionate and active wildlife advocates, working across multiple organisations and platforms to protect the precious ecosystems of Western Sydney.
“From my earliest memories I have felt a connection with nature,” Matthew says. “My biggest inspiration by far has been from the local bush itself.”
As a teenager, that connection expressed itself through wildlife sculpture and photography. Matthew believes conservation is far broader than many people realise. “Conservation includes culture, art, music, protest, education, it’s a movement, through what you have inside you, what you’re good at. Everyone has the potential to be a conservationist through what they are passionate about.”
2/129 Russell Street
Inspired by legendary naturalists including Harry Butler, David Attenborough, and local heroes like John Cann of the La Perouse snake pit, Matthew has built an impressive body of conservation work. He serves as Vice President and Field Trip Coordinator for the Herpetological Society (HHS), is an active member of the Australian Herpetological Society, and assists the Department of Primary Industries with identifying and managing invasive species including cane toads and red-eared slider turtles. He has recorded every species of native frog and reptile across the critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland, a remarkable achievement that speaks to both his dedication and expertise.
Matthew also sits on the board of the Parrot Keepers and Exhibitors Society, contributes to permaculture and habitat projects, leads local walks and surveys, and runs the popular YouTube channel Bluey in the Bush, alongside several Facebook communities connecting thousands of nature lovers across the region.
For those wanting to get involved, Matthew’s advice is simple and encouraging. “Start in your own yard, be aware of what lives in your surrounds and provide habitat in your garden.” He also recommends joining local bushcare and birdwatching groups and contributing to citizen science programs like FrogID and iNaturalist.
“Get out in nature and it will inspire you,” he says. “The experiences you will have are like nothing else, and those memories will last a lifetime.”
r Matthew Vella at the Australian Museum with a model of an extinct Super-Sized Shingleback Skink | Image: N. Goodwin. Article: Tanya Nellestein
From Penrith to Parliament: Local Student Attends National Convention
A Penrith Anglican College student has joined some of the country’s top young minds in Canberra, representing the region at one of Australia’s leading student forums.
Year 11 student Melissa Shaker was one of just 113 students nationwide to attend the 31st National Schools Constitutional Convention, held at Old Parliament House.
“I was incredibly shocked actually,” Melissa said. “I knew it was very competitive, so I went in with a ‘try your hardest’ attitude. I felt incredibly grateful and excited. It felt like my hard work had paid off.”
The annual convention brings together senior students from across Australia to explore the Constitution and debate major national issues. This year, students examined whether Section 53 should be amended to prevent the Senate from blocking supply, a question linked to the 1975 constitutional crisis.
“It was really interesting to see how seemingly minor changes can affect us as a society and community, even when we don’t realise it,” Melissa said. “It was super challenging to think of all the possible outcomes and how it affects all ends of the community.”
Alongside expert presentations from constitutional scholars and former politicians, students worked in groups before voting on the issue.
The vote was conducted as a mock referendum facilitated by the Australian Electoral Commission, with the outcome formally presented to the President of the Senate.
For Melissa, one of the highlights was engaging with students from across Australia.
“Hearing a range of different people share their own personal experiences and perspectives was a standout,” she said.
The program also included visits to Parliament House and Government House, giving students a firsthand look at where key decisions are made. During her time in Canberra, Melissa
also had the opportunity to meet the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, at Government House.
“It was eye-opening and interesting to see where some of the most important country-wide decisions are made,” Melissa said.
Melissa said the experience has encouraged her to think more about her role in the future.
“It definitely encouraged me to be more involved and think about how I can make a difference,” she said. “Because we will be the future of the country, we should work towards being as involved as possible.”
She also encouraged other students to step outside their comfort zones.
“Try your absolute hardest and go for every opportunity, even if you think it’s too far out of reach. Not trying is the only way to know for sure that you won’t achieve anything.”
Penrith Anglican College Principal Felicity Grima said Melissa’s participation was a significant achievement.
“We are proud to see Melissa representing our College and engaging so thoughtfully with issues that shape our nation,” Mrs Grima said.
Melissa was supported at the convention by teacher Ms Angela Streeter, who she thanked for encouraging her to take up the opportunity and helping her prepare to contribute to meaningful discussions.
r [Top] Melissa Shaker at the National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra [Above] Melissa Shaker with Ms Angela Streeter and fellow attendees at the National Schools Constitutional Convention. Images/Article Supplied by Penrith Anglican College
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
P: 0418 166 269
Fixing Back and Neck Pain by Removing Pain Biochemicals from your Muscles
Unhealthy muscle contains tight, painful areas ‘trigger-points’, of two types ‘latent’ and ‘active’:
1. a ‘latent’ trigger point is a ‘tight area in a muscle’ that is not painful unless pressed. Pressing leads to pain locally and sometimes also at sites called ‘referral’ points.
2. ‘active’ trigger points produce local and/or referred pain:
a. when using the muscle
b. constantly, even with muscle at rest, Also:
1. trigger-point containing muscles are usually tight, shortened, weaker, with altered nerve functions
2. trigger points arise due to acute or chronic muscle overloading
3. active trigger points with persistent deep ache, allow a
‘myofascial pain syndrome’ diagnosis
By contrast, healthy muscle:
1. contains no trigger points
2. if pressed will yield easily and feel no pain, only pressure. Physiologists use EMG machines to confirm if a muscle is healthy or has a trigger points.
Shah etal (2005) measured levels of 8 different pain upregulating biochemicals: TNFα, IL1β, serotonin, bradykinin, substance P, acid (H+), norepinephrine and calcitonin-generelated-peptide (CGRP) in:
a. healthy muscle
b. muscle containing trigger-points.
They found?
a. muscle with:
i. active trigger-points always contained high levels of all pain biochemicals,
ii. latent trigger-points contained slightly more than healthy muscle
iii. no trigger points (healthy muscle) had low levels
b. at trigger-points levels of CGRP and substance P were:
i. greatest for active trigger points,
ii. much less for latent trigger points
iii. low in healthy muscle
c. Needling a muscle’s trigger point significantly reduced the pain producing biochemicals CGRP and substance P afterward
Overstressing a muscle, damages its muscle cells. The muscle:
a. releases pain biochemicals into the fluid around cells
b. fails to relax,
c. becomes chronically contracted,
d. cannot use alternating contraction/relaxation to clear pain biochemicals via lymph
As pain biochemicals accumulate trigger points occur, and the muscle becomes hard, swollen and pain increases.
Often the worst of chronic back or neck pain occurs via this mechanism. Muscle elongation therapy was developed to gradually rid muscle, ligaments, tendons and bursa of pain promoting biochemicals, and to promote healing. So, if you’re suffering ongoing back, neck or musculoskeletal pain come see us at the clinic.
r ** Refer to submitter for references | Image Supplied
Desexing Your Cat: A Small Step That Makes a Big Difference
Penrith and surrounding areas have seen a dramatic increase in stray and abandoned cats in recent years. Local rescue groups, shelters, councils and veterinary clinics are all feeling the pressure as more unwanted litters are born every month. While cats make wonderful companions, uncontrolled breeding has become a serious animal welfare issue — and desexing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to help.
Stray and feral cat populations in New South Wales are exceptionally prolific, particularly in warmer urban areas where breeding can occur almost year-round. Female cats can become pregnant from as young as four to five months of age and may produce up to three litters every year. With an average litter size of four kittens — sometimes as many as seven — cat numbers can escalate very quickly. Even more concerning, a female cat can become pregnant again while still nursing her previous litter.
It is estimated that one female cat and her offspring can produce hundreds of thousands of kittens over a seven-year period if breeding is left unchecked. Sadly, many of these kittens will never find permanent homes. Some end up in already overcrowded shelters and rescue organisations, while others survive on the streets exposed to disease, injury, starvation and traffic dangers.
Desexing your cat is not only the responsible choice for the community — it also provides significant health and behavioural benefits for your pet.
Desexed cats are generally less likely to roam in search of a mate, reducing the risk of accidents, snake bites, dog attacks and becoming lost. They are also less likely to fight with other cats, helping to prevent painful abscesses and the spread of serious infectious diseases such
Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP)
CONSULTING HOURS
as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), commonly known as Feline AIDS.
There are important long-term health benefits as well. Desexing significantly reduces the risk of reproductive cancers and infections, including mammary cancer and uterine disease in females, and testicular cancer in males.
Many owners also notice positive behavioural changes after desexing. Cats are often calmer, less territorial and less likely to spray urine around the home.
From a financial perspective, desexing is far more affordable than raising an unexpected litter. Kittens require vaccinations, flea treatments, worming, microchipping and ongoing veterinary care before they can legally be rehomed.
The recommended age for desexing is around four to six months, ideally before puberty. In NSW, cats are required to be desexed by four months of age unless a veterinary exemption applies.
By choosing to desex your cat, you’re not only helping your pet live a longer, healthier and happier life — you’re also playing an important role in reducing the growing stray cat population across the Penrith community. Responsible pet ownership helps protect vulnerable cats and kittens from ending up abandoned, injured or homeless.
If you would like more information about desexing, microchipping or registration of your cat, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on (02) 4736 2027. Together, we can make a difference.
For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au or call 02 4736 2027
•Visiting specialist radiographer and ultrasonographer
•Puppy preschool
•Home visits
•Cat boarding and Kitten adoption
•Secure off leash dog park
Solstice Celebrations Light Up Winter
As Australia prepares for the Winter Solstice, local communities are planning celebrations to mark the shortest day and longest night of the year. The annual astronomical event, which occurs in June in the Southern Hemisphere, has become increasingly popular as people embrace seasonal traditions, outdoor gatherings and cultural ceremonies despite the colder weather.
Interest in solstice-themed experiences is continuing to grow, with more people taking part in sunrise gatherings, bonfires, lantern festivals and stargazing activities across the country. Many attractions are promoting the occasion as an opportunity for people to reconnect with nature and enjoy the dramatic winter skies that appear during the longer nights.
Astronomers say the Winter Solstice occurs when the Earth’s tilt places the Southern Hemisphere furthest from the sun, resulting in fewer daylight hours than any other day of the year. While the event has scientific significance, it also carries deep cultural meaning for many communities. Indigenous groups have long recognised seasonal changes through traditional knowledge systems, using shifts in weather, animal behaviour and the night sky to mark important times of the year.
Families and local organisations are also embracing newer traditions inspired by European and Nordic winter festivals. Fire pits, warm food markets and live music performances are expected to draw large crowds as people seek ways to celebrate the midwinter period.
Bookings for winter getaways and travel experiences are popular, reflecting a broader interest in seasonal tourism and outdoor experiences during the colder months. Social media has also contributed to renewed interest, with influencers and photographers sharing images of frosty landscapes, glowing night skies and early morning gatherings.
Weather experts predict cold conditions for many parts of the country during this year’s solstice period, although clear skies in several regions could provide ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts hoping to observe constellations and planetary activity.
The Winter Solstice will also signal the gradual return of longer days, with daylight hours beginning to increase immediately afterward. For many Australians, the event represents not only the peak of winter but also a symbolic turning point toward brighter and warmer months ahead.
r Image: www.pixabay.com
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.
A Good Place to Start
People often ask me, “Where should I start reading the Bible?” They don’t mean whether on the train or on the couch, but where in the Bible they should begin. The Bible is actually a collection of many individual books, divided into two major sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. It might seem logical to start at the beginning with Genesis and simply read straight through. Yet the whole Bible points to one person: Jesus Christ.
Jesus came to fulfil the promises of the Old Testament, and his death and resurrection are at the very heart of the Christian message. Through him, people can be forgiven and brought into a new relationship with God. That’s why, for most people, starting with one of the accounts of Jesus’ life is often the best place to start (start at Genesis if you want to!).
I often recommend starting with Mark’s Gospel. It is the shortest account of Jesus’ life, fast-moving and engaging, while answering three vital questions: Who is Jesus? What did he come to do? And what should I do about it?
John’s Gospel is another excellent place to begin, as are Paul’s letters such as Colossians or Ephesians. Wherever you start, you are not simply reading human words, but God’s word speaking personally to you today. As the apostle Paul says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Contact Tanya
badgeryscreek@parliament.nsw.gov.au
tanyadaviesmp tanyadavies.com.au
Lunchtime Tunes
Kick back on your Wednesday lunch break with free live music at Lunchtime Tunes at City Park, Penrith!
Every Wednesday between 11:00am to 2:00pm, enjoy performances by talented local musicians while you grab lunch from nearby cafes or restaurants or bring your own from home.
Soak up the green space to relax, eat and meet with live music!
A small number of tables, chairs and umbrellas will also be available on the grass.
Please note: In the event of wet weather, Lunchtime Tunes will not go ahead.
Check out the full line up of musicians:
Date and Musician:
• Wednesday 3 Jun
• Kathryn Luxford
• Wednesday 10 Jun
• Lynsey Mackay
• Wednesday 17 Jun
• Lachlan Cwojdzinski
• Wednesday 24 Jun
• Liam Abacum
Dates & Times:
Every Wednesday between 11:00am to 2:00pm until 24 June 2026
Location:
City Park, Penrith (corner of Henry and Station Streets)
r Image/Article: Penrith City Council
Write Out West
4733 0792
editor@districtgazette.com.au www.districtgazette.com.au PO Box 8254
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 4732 3139
Penrith Church
52 Taylor Rd Cranebrook 4577 6555
Elevation Church Penrith
4 Production Place, Penrith 4722 8489
Community Groups
Embroiderers Guild Nepean 0466 725 317
Community Centre 4733 1499
Community Health 4732 9400
Glenmore Park Guides 0400 546 772
Probus Club Penrith Sth 4732 1885
Penrith Suicide Bereavement Support Group 0402 627 696
Prostate Cancer Support Group 1300 13 38 78 Scouts 1800 SCOUTS (1800 726 887)
Sports Clubs
AFL 0425 202 038
Baseball Club Penrith 0434 116 940
Basketball glenmoreparkbasketball@hotmail.com
BMX 0407 497 606
Cricket 0410 416 692
Hockey 4737 8420
Junior Rugby Union 0425 351 715
Karate Goshin Ryu 0432 615 836
Netball 0407 234 360
Rugby League 0430 049 189
Football (Soccer) 0447 001 107 Softball
glenmorephantoms@hotmail.com
Swimming Club Nepean 0416 311 453
Triathlon Club Panthers www.pantherstriclub.com.au
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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 we move into June, it’s a timely reminder of the quiet strength that holds our community together. Community spirit is built on everyday choices, supporting a local café, recommending a trusted tradie, or simply stopping for a chat on the footpath. These small, consistent moments shape the character of the place we call home and the tone we set for one another.
Our local businesses are more than storefronts. They are run by people who live here, employ locals, and give back in countless ways. Choosing to shop local helps keep that cycle of support alive and thriving, particularly as we move into the cooler months and daily life naturally slows.
Equally important are good neighbours. A friendly wave, a moment of understanding, or lending a hand can make all the difference. And while not every interaction is as it seems, or always grounded in goodwill, perspectives can sometimes shift stories in unhelpful directions. In the end, how we choose to respond, with patience, perspective, and a level head, says far more about us than the noise around us.
As always, let’s continue to show up for one another and invest in the place we call home.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
