Jordan Springs Gazette July 2023

Council Calls on the Community to Help Save Lives

Did you know that an old, unused mobile phone can save the life of someone trying to escape domestic violence?

There are currently more than 2 million victims of domestic violence* in Australia and Penrith City Council is calling on the community to help make a difference. Council is urging residents and staff members to drop off any unwanted phones and chargers in collection boxes set up at various locations across the City.

These will be donated to DV Safe Phone, a registered charity dedicated to providing a lifeline for those dealing with domestic violence.

The phones will be refurbished and distributed to government agencies and support services that gift them to victims.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen encouraged residents to donate a device as there are vulnerable, unsafe community members who need urgent access to support.

“There were 1,077 reported instances of domestic violence in the Penrith Local Government Area in 2022 alone which proves domestic and family violence does not discriminate and the issue is impacting our community,” Cr Hitchen said.

“We all have a drawer at home filled with old technology – that unused phone might be what your friend, relative or neighbour needs to call emergency services or a support network when they plan to escape domestic violence,” she said.

“I am proud of our Council for continuing to be proactive in this space and I encourage everyone, from our staff to our many residents, to help save another by dropping off a phone at one of our collection points.”

Penrith City Council endorses a zero-tolerance approach to any form of violence, bullying or harassment in or outside the organisation.

As an accredited and practicing White Ribbon Workplace that supports gender equality and champions a culture of respect, Council’s policy incorporates Domestic Violence Leave to support staff.

Earlier in May, which is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Penrith’s Mayoral Charity Ball raised $60,000 for The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter.

DV Safe Phone CEO Ashton Wood said Penrith is one of the first councils in the state to be supporting the organisation’s work, which has seen more than 5,000 phones delivered to domestic violence victims in three years.

“We are proud to partner with Penrith City Council. Having organisations like them collect phones on our behalf is vital to the service we provide,” Mr Wood said.

“We encourage everyone to drop their old phones into their office and help ensure that no call for help goes unheard. Your old phone could save a life of a victim of domestic violence here in Australia.”

To see where your nearest collection box is, visit penrith.city/ dvsafephone

To find out more about the organisation Council is supporting, go to dvsafephone.org

r DVSafePhone: The collection box in the Penrith Civic Centre foyer. Image/Article: Penrith City Council. *Figure provided by DV Safe Phone

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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

Children + Families

Cranebrook Kids

Meets at 10:00am on Tuesdays at Andromeda Community Hall (Andromeda Drive, Cranebrook). More details: https:// www.playgroupnsw.org.au/Playgroup/Playgroups/ CranebrookKids

Cranebrook PlayConnect

Meets at 9:30am on Thursdays at Koolyangarra Aboriginal Family Centre (1 Kington Place, Cranebrook). More details: https://www.playgroupnsw.org.au/Playgroup/Playgroups/ CranebrookPlayconnect

Markets

Blacktown Markets

Held weekly on Sundays from 6:30am till 2:00pm at The Skyline Drive-In (33 Cricketers Arms Road, Prospect). More details: www.blacktownmarkets.com.au

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

Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s Group

Meets every Tuesday from 7pm at Jordan Springs Community Hub (2 - 6 Cullen Avenue Jordan Springs). More Details: Lauren 0404 666 344.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay) from 6.30p.m. More Details: www. prostatesupport.org.au or phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on1300 13 38 78.

Penrith Womens Walk and Talk

Meets 5pm 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/

Meditation Classes Now in Jordan Springs

Have you ever thought about participating in meditation classes?

Meditation classes are now available here in Jordan Springs.

The classes are conducted by local Solarah Antah of Harmony Meditation and take place twice a week at the Jordan Springs Community Hub.

“I started Harmony Meditation about one year ago, as a continuation of my learning and teaching of energy body attunement science of enlightenment, to share with others how to connect to the inner self and their higher self being, a higher state of awareness where much is achieved within human consciousness” explained Solarah of Harmony Meditation.

Attendees begin the classes with breathing exercises.

“We begin with deep connective breathing exercises, as a release of anything that does not serve our highest good. This is followed by a guided inner visual process of connectivity of the Chakra Column, non-physical energy centres usually 7 to 12 of these, to create inner peace and harmony” he said.

“The process can be very transformative, as we are all vessels of our memories and what is created in the mind, the body receives” added Solarah.

He also described the process as being great to release anxiety, as well as weight gain/weigh loss and to heal any fears. Each section is attuned to the collective group and what is needed at the time for the highest good.

“I take great pleasure in helping people overcome any obstacles and to create inner peace and harmony” he replied.

Beginners are welcome to join the classes, as the process is easy and very gentle.

The cost to attend the meditation classes is negotiable. A gold coin exchange, depending upon the class and the course of teaching.

Classes are on Tuesdays at 5:30pm and Sundays at 4:00pm, weekly at the Jordan Springs Community Hub. All are welcome.

For more information, search Harmony Meditation on Facebook.

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Corpus ChristiCRANEBROOKPrimary

We work in partnership with our parish, families and local secondary schools, Xavier College Llandilo, Caroline Chisholm College (girls) Glenmore Park, to provide quality Catholic schooling from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Enrolling Now

WE OFFER

• Learning environment enriched by faith and values

• Broad curriculum including Religious Education

• Wide range of cocurricular activities

• (sport, creative and performing arts, academic competitions, etc)

• Dedicated and professional teaching staff

• New and integrated technology including interactive whiteboards, laptops and iPads

• Learning support and enrichment programs

• Transition programs (Kindergarten and Year 6 for high school)

• Extensive recreational and sporting areas

• Active and supportive parent community

For more information please contact Corpus Christi’s Principal Mrs Sarah O’Rourke

r [Top] Solarah Antah of Harmony Meditation Image: Kirby [Above] Connect to the inner and higher self through meditation| Image: www. pixabay.com

FAITH – ST DAVIDS CHURCH LLANDILO

Article Written + Submitted by: Rev John Hebblewhite

A: Lot 257A Seventh Ave, Llandilo P: 4736 3592

Service Times: 10am each Sunday

with additional services held: 2pm on the Third Sunday + 8am on the Fourth Sunday

A continuing theological function of the Church is to respond to the question that was posed by Jesus, the Christ, recorded in St Mark’s Gospel: “Who do you say that I am?”

In attempting to give answer it appeals to the faith which has come down through history (the great Gospel Tradition) that is the distinctive feature of faith in Jesus the Christ known and professed as the eternal Son of the living and loving God, for our salvation born of a woman, unjustly put to death, raised from death in the Spirit of God’s holiness and we wait in watching and prayer for the day he will come in glory to do final justice to the living and the dead.

Today we are finding that such a unified Trinitarian vision for humanity and the universe can be hard to sustain, basically because of three reasons:

(a) God and his creation is not a wonder for worship and wisdom. As the Psalmist many years ago sang ‘only a fool can say there is no God’ and as Dietrich Bonhoeffer argued ‘I should like to speak of God not on the borders of life but as its centre…… God is the beyond in the midst of our life’. Many today conceive God as a remote deity that somehow created the universe.

(b) Many today accept ethics as a satisfactory substitute for faith. It is faith however, that relates our ethics to the reality of honesty: being honest to God and ourselves for our thoughts and actions.

(c) Many people today sadly value godly ‘experience’ more than God. Thus, we trade worship for self- consciousness and place Jesus as an admirable example of that self -consciousness.

The Trinitarian vision thus remains a continuing function of the Church and a life disciplined within in this vision continually challenges the individual and society to answer the question asked by Jesus.

FAITH – MOSAIC COMMUNITY CHURCH (LLANDILO)

Article Written + Submitted by: Pastor Heath Whiley A:

Security, Significance, Self-Worth

“Then God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone’” (Gen. 1). This is an extraordinary statement, given that just moments earlier “God saw all that he had made and that it was good!” And yet, the very first pronouncement of something “not good”, is surprisingly, spoken not by the man, but by God. What is the problem?

Many have taken this to mean that the man was simply lonely and therefore needed a wife to complete him. But this I think is entirely wrong. It is certainly true, that having distinguished mankind from the animals, that there is no one else like him. Animals are entirely different. But the man is certainly not lonely in the sense in which we think of it.

I think, if you had asked the man (and later the woman) if he was lonely, he would have replied, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” And the reason why, is this …

Having created humankind in his own image, God gave them 3 foundational truths on which they could build their lives. Firstly, a sense of SECURITY from knowing that they were loved unconditionally by God. Having been made by God, for God, and in the image of God they were secure in knowing that they were therefore loved unconditionally by him, even before they have done anything right or wrong. Secondly, a SIGNIFICANCE from knowing that their lives have purpose and meaning. God created them for a particular work and the enjoyment of relationships with the rest of creation, Himself, and others. And lastly, SELF-WORTH. As people made in the image of God, their lives have dignity, meaning, and value. They’re not worthless. These are the very things that God intends for us to experience when being rightly related to him.

PROBUS CLUB

Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Jordan Springs

E: Jordanspringsprobus@gmail.com

W: probussouthpacific.org/microsites/jordansprings

Jordan Springs Probus Club meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at Jordan Springs Community Hub (2-6 Cullen Avenue, Jordan Springs) at 10.00am. New members are always welcome.

Each month, apart from our meeting, we have outings either by bus, train, or car plus a monthly lunch at a local venue. Meetings usually have an informative presentation on various subjects, which are usually educational and interesting.

During the May meeting, we hosted our Biggest Morning Tea, raising over $580.00.

Our June meeting will be a fun day, with a Speaker from the Laughter Yoga group coming out to get us all laughing and enjoying our lives. In the coming months, there will be a presentation to assist everyone in planning for the future, youth of the streets, and tracing your family history.

In October, a group of our members are flying to Tasmania for a 10 day getaway.

We are a group formed to have fun and meet new people.

For more information, contact Judy on 0414 766763, Tricia 0414 976997, Annie 0409 230753 or via email at: jordanspringsprobus@gmail.com.

Youngcare Welcomes New Residents to Specialist Disability Housing in Jordan Springs

Youngcare — a national not-forprofit that supports young Australians with severe physical disabilities to live with more freedom — opened the doors to its two new, three-bedroom Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes at Jordan Springs, on Thursday 8 June last month.

The SDA homes, which are Youngcare’s first in New South Wales, will house six young people and offer access to local activities and services to facilitate an inclusive community environment — something that isn’t always available to young people who live with severe physical disabilities due to a lack of choice of accessible housing in desirable locations.

Youngcare Head of Housing and Development Tim Lambert said one way the not-for-profit was fighting for choice was by delivering high-quality SDA that exceeds the minimum requirements for accessible housing, by elevating design and technology aspects, and making them age-appropriate by maximising location and lifestyle.

“Youngcare’s beautiful Jordan Springs homes are our first in the state, and we look forward to expanding our portfolio of SDA across Australia in the future,” Tim said.

“We currently have more homes planned for Riverhills, Everton Park, and East Brisbane in Queensland, but we’re always looking for opportunities wherever there is great need for ageappropriate SDA, including in Jordan Springs and surrounding suburbs.

“Youngcare is committed to creating change for all young

Australians with severe physical disabilities, and their families who care for them, by ensuring they have more choice around where they live, who they live with and how they live their lives.

“We aim to provide young Australians with high physical support needs with more choice and control over their living situation, as thousands are still being left behind, living in places that simply aren’t appropriate for their age or care needs.”

In addition to delivering best-in-class SDA, Youngcare also funds grants for essential items and services that cannot be funded elsewhere, to help young Australians with physical disabilities exit or avoid entering inappropriate accommodation such as aged care, hospital, or institutional living, and to date has funded more than $1,750,000 in grants in New South Wales alone.

Youngcare also operates the Youngcare Connect support line, which offers free disability-related advice and information on funding, housing options and available services — an invaluable form of support for people living with disabilities, as well as their families and carers.

Youngcare does not receive any ongoing government funding and largely depends on donations from its supporters to continue its vital mission to help young Australians with severe physical disabilities live with more dignity, freedom, and choice. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

If you or someone you know is interested in moving into Youngcare’s Jordan Springs SDA homes and eligible for appropriate NDIS funding, visit the Youngcare website or call Youngcare Connect on 1800 844 727.

rCutting of the ribbon at the house, L-R: Councillor Tricia Hitchen, Mayor of Penrith, Greg Johnson Youngcare CEO, Matt Kyrooz Youngcare Board Member | Image: Murray Summerville | Article: Youngcare

15 Years of Dry July: OG Sober Challenge Marks Milestone with Biggest Year Yet

68% of drinkers have considered going alcohol-free in 2023, making this year the perfect time to sign up to the OG sober challenge.

2023 marks a milestone 15 years of Dry July, the annual challenge encouraging Aussies to give up alcohol and raise funds towards improving the comfort, care and wellbeing of people affected by cancer.

Since its inception in 2008, Dry July Foundation has raised over $82 million for more than 80 cancer organisations and funded more than 1,200 projects across Australia in the process.

It all started with three friends in a pub pledging to give up alcohol for a month to raise funds for their local hospital, their original goal was to raise $3,000. They well and truly smashed it, gaining the attention and support of Adam Spencer and raising a whopping $250,000. All three Founders still remain on the Board of Dry July Foundation, and proudly take part in the challenge each year.

Co-Founder Brett Macdonald says, “We love to have a laugh about the old joke ‘three men walk into a bar’, and that’s really how it all started. Never did we imagine 15 years ago that Dry July would not only take off in Australia the way it has, but that it would be the inspiration for countless other sober challenges here, and around the world.

“We couldn’t be prouder to be the trailblazers of such a positive global trend, that has not only impacted people’s health and relationship with alcohol, but above all, has raised vital funds for people affected by cancer. That mission has and always will be our number one priority.”

In the last 15 years, over 317,000 Dry July-ers and counting have given up the drink and joined the cause.

Dry July Foundation CEO, Katie Evans says, “It’s undeniable that the mass participation we’ve seen has impacted Australia’s drinking culture. Our research this year proves people are less worried about backlash from their mates if they opt to take a break from the booze.”

73% of people agree that it is more popular than ever, and over half admit it’s no longer taboo to take a booze break. As for past Dry July participants, the experience has been such a positive one, that four in five have considered going completely alcohol-free.

Over the years Dry July-ers have noted the greater sense of purpose and achievement they feel not just from giving up alcohol but do it for a cause and raising money for those affected by cancer.

To sign up for Dry July or make a donation, visit the Dry July website – www.dryjuly.com.

r Dry July Co-Founders Phil Grove, Kenny McGilvary, and Brett Macdonald | Image/Article: Dry July Foundation/Forward Agency

Saints Win the Prestigious “The Spirit of the Bash” Award

Three adventurous Saints mates again piled into Saints Bash Car 2760 to tame the dusty back roads of NSW on a mission to help disadvantaged kids as part of the Annual Variety NSW Bash for 2023.

Suited up for fun, with the single purpose of bringing joy through their fundraising, St Marys Rugby League Club Directors Warren ‘Wazza’ Smith OAM, John ‘Burnsey’ Burns and Mick ‘Mickey’ Hilton, threw the trusty old Ford Fairlane into gear, joining 300 other “Bashers” in the annual bash out west.

The week-long adventure stretched from Dubbo, down to Echuca, then up through Goulburn to the finish line at Newcastle. They visited 11 schools and the event successfully raised over $1.3 million for kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with a disability.

Saints was acknowledged for their tremendous efforts along the Bash and was the proud recipient of the prestigious “Spirit of the Bash Award”. This award recognises the commitment and dedication of a team that epitomises the true spirit of the Bash, as voted by the ‘Bashers’ themselves. This is the 17th year that Saints has participated in the worthy cause.

“We visited many schools and community groups along the journey and, surprisingly, we didn’t break down once! The Bash is a fantastic opportunity to see how our fundraising efforts are put to use and best of all, see the positive impact it has on the kids and their future.” Warren said.

Doing the miles for the kids smiles, and in addition to gifting much needed sporting goods to communities, Saints also directly funded a giant marquee for Tirranna Public School in Goulburn, providing children with a shaded place to play in their school and when participating in sports on open fields.

St Marys Rugby League Club has been a supporter of Variety the Childrens Charity for well over 20 years, and through its Saints Cares program has donated in excess of $700,000 to the worthwhile charity.

This year, Saints has given a total of $163,489.20 to community projects and organisations through their ClubGRANTS program.

For more information about ClubGrants, and the continued community support that Saints provides visit https:// stmarysleagues.com.au/about-us/saintcares/

r [Top] Saints Bash Car 2760 on its journey [Above] Awardees (LR): Warren Smith, John Burns and Mike Hilton pictured with a Variety representative | Images/Article: St Marys Rugby League Club

Article Written

+ Submitted by:

Monica Purcell | Family Facilitator

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au

E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

When “How Was School?” and other Questions Fall Flat

Parents often complain to me that when they ask their child, “how was school?” or “how was your day?”, they receive no more than a “good/fine” or a grunt in response. There are many ways parents interpret these responses, either believing their child doesn’t want to talk to them or is being pouty or impolite. Neither are true or fair.

Adults under-estimate the amount of cognitive processing that questions ask of children. When asked a question, I must not only decipher the meaning of the question but work out if I know the answer and want to give it to you. That’s a lot of thinking. Younger children with developing language capacity take even longer to manage a response.

Timing of question is usually another complicating factor. Questions fired at children just as they are bundling into the car at pick up rarely stimulate riveting conversation. Transitioning from school or day care to home is another process. Think about how you feel the minute you arrive home from work; even if you had the most successful day, you still need to recharge the batteries. Children, like adults, fatigue over a long day away from their safe base.

So, what then is the answer to the tricky question of questions? First, it’s important that we come from a place of genuine curiosity and openness. Children see the emptiness of this adult business of small talk and what they crave is connection. If you don’t really want to know the answer, best not to ask.

However, if you do want to connect with your child, then wrap that curiosity up in a reflective statement. Reflective statements share what you observe of your child’s emotional experience. For example, “it seems like you’ve had a hard day” Statements are open-ended and free from obligation to respond. However, if children feel seen and heard by parents, more often than not they will actually speak more. And then there’s times children don’t want to talk about it. In which case, just say you are open for a chat when they’re ready.

We often create more conversation with children when we don’t ask too much.

Book Review your

put it down. Ellis mother of three often finds nature as her place of refuge. In a moment of intense emotion and distraction, Ellis mistakenly leaves her baby, Viola unattended and drives away from the woods. In the short time it takes for her to realise, and return, the child is gone. This is the final straw in an already fractured marriage and she falls into despair and guilt, drowning herself in alcohol and drugs.

The only solution she sees is to leave it all behind. Ellis fears becoming her own mother, something she believes is inevitable, so removes herself from her family’s lives and takes to the mountain wilderness.

Spending time in nature has always been Ellis’ escape, and Vanderah’s writing describes the mountain environment so beautifully. The journey is heartbreaking and tragic at times, though thoughtfully explored by the author.

Intertwined is the story of Raven, home-schooled and isolated, a beautifully naive young girl. Her mother has secrets and Raven is not allowed to see other people. An encounter in the woods with some local children, opens Raven’s eyes to the outside world and she wants to know more.

The novel is told through the eyes of these two characters, both lovers of nature and struggling with their individual issues. Themes of addiction, secrets, forgiveness, trust and love are brought together in a moving and for some maybe too neat ending.

A well crafted novel, with absorbing characters and difficult subjects that was moving and delightful and impossible to put down.

r Book Review by: Tess

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK REVIEW and receive a $50 GiftCard if your review appears in print! EMAIL: info@districtgazette.com.au

Local Crowned 2023 Penrith Show Young Woman

Jordan Springs Temporary Viewing Deck Closures

Jessica Bazika of Llandilo has been crowned the winner of the 2023 Penrith

The local was amongst three young women nominated for this year’s competition. It heralded a successful return of the competition, for the first time since the 1990’s.

The announcement was recently made at a presentation dinner at Penrith Showground. This was after interviews and lunch for the entrants and judges at the historic Winbourne Function and Conference Centre in Mulgoa, earlier in the week.

“I was ecstatic when my name was announced as the 2023 Penrith Young Woman. It was an even more special moment for me, as it was the first Penrith Young Woman Competition formerly known as ‘Showgirl’ since the 1990’s” said Jessica to the Jordan Springs Gazette.

“The win was unexpected, as the two other women that competed were exceptional young ladies. But I am excited for fulfil my ambassadorial duties” she continued.

The young women entrants were interviewed by three judges, answering questions on local knowledge, rural knowledge, and the importance of the local show. Judges considered general conversation skills, personality, confidence, goals, personal presentation and volunteer or community involvement. An on stage interview at the presentation dinner gave the entrants the chance to show their public speaking skills.

“Jessica won the right to represent the Penrith Show and local community at the Regional Young Woman Competition to be held next February, and hopefully the opportunity from there to represent at The Sydney Royal Easter Show” said Cheryl Payne, Penrith Show Young Woman Competition Co-Ordinator.

She will attend numerous official and informal functions at the Showground, representing the Penrith Show Society as their Rural Ambassador. Jessica will attend personal development seminars run by AG Shows NSW, having the opportunity to develop a network with other agricultural minded young women.

“More importantly, Jessica will become part of the Penrith Show family, attending the Penrith Show, presenting prizes, connecting with school students, special guests and patrons” added Cheryl.

Jessica is looking forward to her duties ahead for the next year as the 2023 Penrith Show Young Woman.

“I am looking forward to showcasing women’s contributions to the agricultural industry at our Penrith Show this coming August. At the show, I’m excited to participate in the grand parade, the official opening and networking with people. I love that I can represent my local community, promote the agricultural industry and be a mentor for the up-and-coming Young Women” Jessica smiled.

Jessica encourages any local, young women wishing to take part in the competition next year.

“If you are a young woman passionate about the agricultural industry and your local community, keep an eye out for the 2024 Young Woman Competition. It is an amazing opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, make lifelong friends and get out of your comfort zone” she ended.

r Feature Article [Cover] Jessica Bazika [Above]: Back: Peter Gooch (Judge, President AG Shows NSW), Mrs Julie Gay (Judge, Board Member Penrith A H & I Society), Mr Geoff Payne (Chair Person Penrith A H & I Society), Mrs Cheryl Payne (Penrith Show Young Woman Committee), Ms Lauren Elkins (Penrith Young Woman Show Committee), Ms Wendy Woodward OAM (Judge, Nowra Show) Front: Mackenzie Murphy (Entrant), Lucinda Harvey (Penrith Young Woman 2022), Jessica Bezika (Penrith Young Woman Winner 2023), Paige Peters(Entrant) | Images Supplied by Cheryl Payne

From now until December 2023, there will be staged temporary closures of the viewing decks overlooking Jordan Springs Lake to allow for works to be carried out to repaint the shade structures and replace the decking.

Signage will also be in place to inform the community of the closures. The viewing decks will be progressively reopened as works are completed.

Penrith City Council apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

#penrithcity #jordansprings

r Image/Article: Penrith City Council

Penrith NAIDOC Week 2023

Council will celebrate this year’s NAIDOC Week with a program of community activities and events taking place across the City from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 July 2023.

Join them on Friday, 7 July, for their FREE NAIDOC community event at Jamison Park to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, and heritage. They’ll be performances from First Nations artists, market stalls, a free BBQ lunch and more.

A highlight of the event will be community art workshops led by Dalmarri, contributing to the creation of a large mural that pays homage to Elders and the important role they play in our communities.

Check out their website for the full program of activities and events.

Find out more at Penrith.city/ NAIDOC

r Image/Article: Penrith City Council

Show Young Woman Competition.

Jumpy July KID’S CORNER

MATCH THE SOCK PAIRS

SOLUTIONS

Puzzle

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

Maldini’s By

The RiveR T9/78-88 Tench avenue, Jamisontown nsW 2750

Michelle and I went to an awesome restaurant, Maldini’s By The River in Jamisontown. Maldini’s is an Italian Restaurant, and they have options for everyone. I last visited this venue 3 weeks ago and was impressed with the service and offerings on the menu.

When we entered Maldini’s, the staff were friendly and more than happy to help. After locating our table, we read through the menu and to begin our lunch, we were interested in the Cheese and Garlic Pizza. The Cheese and Garlic Pizza was soft to the touch and had plenty of garlic and cheese on top. The garlic and cheese together along with the base gave this delightful starter plenty of flavour and it was delicious.

Michelle chose the Chicken Skewers, which came with a house salad, flat bread, chips and a side of Tzatziki. She was impressed with the size of this meal it would have fed 3 people. She offered some of the chicken for me to try and it was amazing.

The chicken was crisp on the outside and when I bit it, the flavours along with the Tzatziki were amazing. It was moist, and the edges of the chicken reminded me of a char-grilled steak. I enjoyed the Tzatziki, which was creamy, and slightly tangy in flavour.

The Calzone Pizza came presented on a plate and was cut in to 4 pieces. Within this half-folded pizza was mushrooms, salami, olives, basil, and ricotta cheese. I also asked if garlic and hot pepperoni could be added. The calzone reminded me of a large, toasted sandwich and after taking my first bite, I immediately noticed the creamy ricotta and salami. The garlic also added extra flavour to this already incredible pizza and the mushrooms and hot pepperoni enhanced the flavours within this pizza.

I finished off this outstanding lunch with a flat white coffee and Michelle had a piccolo coffee. I can highly recommend Maldini’s, and this venue receives a ten out of ten.

Messy Makers are Here!

Messy Makers specialise in providing children’s activities, from the ages of 5 months right up to 12 year old age group. They can be found right across Sydney and the Central Coast, plus have a wide range of sessions and events available for children in the Penrith and Camden regions. This includes St Marys Diggers Club at St Marys, fortnightly on Fridays from 10:30am till 11:30am.

For the little ones aged up to 5 years of age, they offer a specialised, food-based sensory program. Children naturally learn through play, and providing a food-based play program, they assist children understand their senses. They finish off each session with group time, including parachute and bubbles activities, ensuring it’s a fun-filled hour! Messy Makers also offer Toddler Time sessions for this age group, which are more focused on soft play, sensory toys, and craft activities.

For the older children, Messy Makers provides a range of activities for ages 4 years plus, which are highly popular at Council and community events, as well as during the School Holidays at a wide range of venues. Whether you’d like to learn to make slime, bring out your inner Picasso with sand art activities, or make your own bath bombs, Messy Makers have you covered.

They also offer this service to childcare and daycare centres - which have been immensely popular over the past two years.

“Messy Makers believes every child should start to explore their senses early and get a head start on their education. The founders, having two young children themselves, quickly realised that there were no activities that could cater for this need. Additionally, every parent knows the importance of play, but don’t like the mess. Bring in Messy Makers, where we encourage maximum play, maximum mess and leave the clean up to them” explained Amy Titchener of Messy Makers.

The parenthood journey can also be hard. Messy Makers offers a space for parents to take a break and enjoy play time with their children. A space where you can meet parents of similar aged children and form new friendships.

The cost to attend is $18 per child. Looking to attend more than once? They offer monthly passes (excluding St Marys RSL), which provide a discounted price for each session throughout the month. There are no costs for parents/guardians.

Interested in finding out more? Visit their website at www. messymakers.com.au or call 1300 685221.

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**Restaurants are not privy to reviews taking place, and all meals are fully paid by us.

Chicken Skewers with house salad, flat bread, chips and Tzatziki

r One of the activities at a Messy Makers incursion | Image: Amy Titchener/Messy Makers

Article Written + Submitted by: Kellie Tickner from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital

A: 49 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027

Winter Worries for Pets

Winter can be a time that makes us all feel under the weather. Like us, our pets also notice the cold. Here is what to look out for with your pet in Winter.

Arthritis : As with humans, the cold weather can make arthritis symptoms worse. Owner should look out for any decrease in activity levels that could be due to an animal’s discomfort. Dogs and cats may have difficulty first thing in the morning, climbing up and down stairs or just generally slowing down.

Shelter from the cold : Adequate warmth and shelter are essential in combating the cold weather. It may seem obvious, but double check that pets can safely shelter themselves from wet weather and wind. Some very old pets with severe joint disease or senility may not have the capacity to remove themselves from the elements It may be best to give pets warmer, padded bedding and more blankets so they can escape the cold. Know your pet – this is especially important for short-haired dogs that live outside. Breeds such as whippets can feel the cold more than other dogs. Another option is to purchase a jacket or clothing to keep your pet warm if they feel comfortable wearing them. Also, consider bringing your pet inside at night if they’re older or a short-haired breed.

Winter diet : As we tend to stray away from exercise in colder weather, we may forget our pets’ activity needs. Decreased activity without a change in diet may impact your pet’s metabolism. In Wintertime, many people won’t exercise their dogs as much as in the Spring or Summer with the beautiful weather. If you know your dog will be getting less exercise – even if it means reducing the length or frequency of walks – remember to adjust their diet to avoid ‘winter weight gain.’

The same goes for cats, which can become less inclined to exercise or venture outside in winter. Ensure you’re exercising your cat regularly with playtime, and adjust their diet to align with activity levels.

Exercising in Winter : The cooler weather doesn’t mean our pets won’t enjoy exercise as much. Most pets are happy to participate in regular exercise routines if they’re enjoying company with their owners Again, it’s good to be aware that they could be slower than normal, particularly if they’re old or have arthritis. Steady exercise and a good warm-up will prevent injury.

If your pet is slower than usual, or acts sluggish or like they’re in pain – all of which can be exacerbated by colder weather – give the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital a call on 0247362027.

For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au, instagram @orchardhillsvethospitalgrooms or call 02 4736 2027

CONSULTING HOURS

Monday to Friday: 8am - 7pm | Saturdays: 8am - 2pm

Services provided include:

• General Surgery (desexing to orthopedics)

• Vaccinations and in-house pathology

• Radiology and Dentistry

• Visiting specialist radiographer and ultrasonographer

• Puppy preschool

• Grooming and hydrobath

• Home visits

• Cat boarding and Kitten adoption

• Secure off leash dog park

Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP)

Meet a New Fur Friend at Pony Camp

DBL Sport Horses will be holding their popular pony camps this month.

Located in Londonderry, their Winter Program runs over three days. In this time, children will have fun learning basic horsemanship, do a range of activities, art each day and how a farm runs.

Each day is different and filled with educational opportunities. It is a chance for your child to meet new fur friends and other friends at DBL pony days.

Children can attend all three days or choose one day. Dates of the pony days are Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th and Friday 7th of July.

“At DBL Sport Horses, we believe in making every experience a positive learning moment for the child and their pony. We provide a safe and nurturing environment that allows growth in the child’s and ponies development.

“Natural horsemanship is fun and safe for both ponies and children. They love it.

“It allows for a natural relationship, building skills that empower children by profoundly increasing their self-worth, leadership, and communication skills. As well as compassion, strength, a sense of ethics and morality, children experience enormous personal growth when working with ponies, by receiving the love and acceptance that comes with establishing a relationship with a pony.

“We facilitate that through various activities throughout our program by building on all of these areas” explained Jessica Bannier of DBL Pony Club.

To find out more about their Winter Program and prices, find them on Facebook by searching DBL Saddle Club Pony Parties and Pony Camps.

v Harry and Harley waiting for camp to start | Image: Jessica Bannier/DBL Pony Club

HEALTH MATTERS

Could Stool Transplants Plus Better Diet Cure Ulcerative Colitis?

Last month, we learnt that:

1. Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is generally considered incurable,

2. Regular medical approaches can involve pharmacotherapy including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and/or immunosuppressive drugs, and surgical intervention (sometimes extensive).

3. These interventions are supportive not curative, many have side effects.

4. Human UC patients have alterations in gut microbial composition.

5. Inappropriate gut flora may be a contributor to UC disease.

6. Faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) tries to treat UC by correcting gut microbial composition.

7. Donor SD-FMT was able to maintain steroid free remission in

a. 32% of UC patients at 8 weeks.

b. 13% at 12 months.

And patients maintained their standard medications through this study.

Transplanting donor bacteria may be a good start, but this study failed to address patient diet, ‘a key modifiable factor influencing the composition of the’ microbiota resident in the gastrointestinal tract.

A recent study randomised 66 patients:

1. 35 receiving FMT plus a specific autoimmune dietary regimen (FMT-AID) and standard care.

2. 31 receiving standard care alone.

In this study, FMT-AID was found significantly superior in all measures

when compared to standard medical care as an intervention for UC. Comparing the results (at the end of 1 year) from this study with those of the FMT-only study from last month, we see that the intervention that also addresses diet has best results (See below table).

This might be expected given:

1. ‘Diet is one of the major determinants of the gut microbiome’ composition ‘and has been associated with risk as well as disease course of IBD’.

2. Diet provides nutritional elements that improve intestinal health. From our previous articles, it’s clear that intestinal cells aren’t healthy in UC patients.

A review of dietary instructions given to patients in the FMT-AID group shows that, although the prescribed diet provides some good nutritional advice, this diet often focuses on exclusion of certain foods and misses some foods providing key nutritional elements likely helpful for UC. For example:

1. Probiotic.

2. High zinc foods.

3. High nitrate/melatonin foods.

Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness

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Online: 1st August 2023

Letterboxes: 1 + 2 August 2023

Sports Clubs

You know Winter has well and truly arrived when your bathroom pipes have frozen and water is no longer free-flowing in the early hours of the morning.

Yesterday, I received a call from a reader who has recently relocated from Western NSW to our local community. They were beyond delighted to have a local resource like the Gazette available at their fingertips.

It brings me great joy to receive these calls, of which I receive many. It’s a real privelege.

In any given week, I am in contact with a number of retailers, trades and local business owners. Sometimes I’m a shopper, other times I’m Belinda from The Gazette discussing fantastic print advertising opportunities.

With the recent rate rises top of mind for many, the common message is that times are expected to get tougher; and that your local support is key.

There’s no need to spend more than you are able to; but money you don’t spend with the big national stores or online is always welcomed by the local businesses that appear in these pages.

Grab a hot ‘cuppa’ and enjoy this months dose of ‘Your Community News’.

‘Go easy on yourself. Whatever you do today, let it be enough!’

SMALL PRINT

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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.

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