Jordan Springs Gazette May 2023

Plant a Tree for Mother’s Day

Penrith’s beloved Trees for Mum event is celebrating sixteen years this Mother’s Day.

Penrith City Council’s annual Trees for Mum community tree planting event returns for its sweet 16 on Sunday 14 May at Harold Corr Oval in Cambridge Park.

The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions, with the first session starting at 8.30am and the last session at 12pm.

Registrations are essential to join the day; Council’s Bushcare team will be using the numbers to ensure they have enough trees and tags for participants to plant and write on. Register at penrith. city/events

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen praised the event for its longevity and how it continues to provide the community with an opportunity to remember and celebrate their mum.

“We’re excited at Council to be celebrating 16 years of Trees for Mum in Penrith,” Cr Hitchen said.

“Penrith is one of the only local government areas that has continued to host this special event, and our Bushcare team is excited to not only be hosting its 16th year, but to be celebrating such a meaningful day with community members.

“Planting a tree is such a simple gesture to honour your mum, grandmother, aunt or a mother-figure in your life and can be a very positive and meaningful experience to share with family and friends on Mother’s Day.

“Trees for Mum is not only a great way to gift Mum something special, but it’s an opportunity to learn about our local environment and help restore our endangered bushland by planting native trees or shrubs,” Cr Hitchen continued.

Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and a hat. Sunscreen will be available on the day.

The native trees and shrubs available for planting are proudly provided by Council’s nursery.

To ensure there are enough trees for everyone to plant and so the Penrith Council Bushcare team can coordinate the 30-minute sessions, please book your attendance by registering at penrith. city/events

Trees for Mum is one of many tree planting projects Council is undertaking this year across the Penrith local government area as part of the Greening our City tree planting program. Find out more at yoursaypenrith.com.au/greeningourcity

This project is part of the Greening Our City grant program that is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Local Government NSW.

r Article: Penrith City Council

St Marys Lights Up

Explore Queen Street as a festival of fun awaits with entertainment, amusement rides, food trucks and more!

St Marys Lights Up like never before as Queen Street becomes a festival of fun with roving performers, amusement rides, creative workshops, food trucks and live music filling the street.

St Marys Lights Up will bring the fun for all ages! For toddlers, a soft play zone will keep active little ones safe and busy. For the older kids - amusement rides and a gaming station will keep them entertained. Roving performers including acrobats, hula hoopers and magicians will wow audiences. A range of food trucks providing delicious snacks and dinner treats will satisfy your taste buds, why not enjoy your food in Coachmans Park as live music plays on stage.

This event is FREE – including the amusement rides! Get your friends and family together and enjoy a fun night out in St Marys.

Date: 20th May 2023

Time: 4pm - 9pm

Where: Queen Street, St Marys NSW 2760

r Article: Penrith City Council

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/

Local Introduces Kid’s Cooking Classes

Jordan Springs’ Nutritionist Vanessa Sultana of Nicely Nourished, has introduced Kid’s Cooking Classes to the local community last month.

The cooking classes are held at Llandilo Community Hall on Friday mornings, during school term. They are designed for children aged 2 and a half years to 5 years.

“As a newly trained Nutritionist and an Early Childhood educator of 15 years, I decided to organise the classes so that I could share my knowledge and passion with young children in our community. My aim is to inspire young children along with their parents to learn to love and appreciate healthy food and the benefits it has on our bodies” explained Vanessa Sultana to the Jordan Springs Gazette.

The healthy eating cooking classes are fun and interactive for children.

“During each session, the children cook one or two healthy foods. There’s a focus on the key ingredients to develop an understanding of the importance of quality foods from the five food groups as well as vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. The children also explore basic cooking skills and hygiene as well as language, science, and mathematics through reading recipes, weighing and measuring ingredients, exploring volume and capacity and more” she said.

“Each session is delivered in a fun, interactive and ageappropriate manner and are capped at no more than 12 children per session” Vanessa continued.

Another service that Vanessa provides is a ‘Food for Families’ healthy eating program, which offers tailored support to families who are struggling to eat healthy, balanced meals.

For more information about the Kid’s Cooking Classes and Vanessa’s other programs, visit https://www.facebook.com/ NicelyNourished on Facebook or call her on 0402 509629.

r Vanessa Sultana trying out a zucchini slice recipe with her son Noah. Image: Lucas Sultana

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

There are three ‘marks’ of Christianity. The measure of how far the individual and society at large accept and respond to these marks determines how life is embraced.

First is Faith. It is accepted that Jesus, who was free of any determination in politics or religion, became to be worshipped as the Christ as it became obvious, he spoke with authority unknown in recorded history. In his resurrection, the early believers recognized within their concept of God the action of the Holy Trinity: The Father in the Son through the Holy Spirit. The traditional God ‘out there’ became in the flesh “God with us”.

It is true faith that enables despair to be overcome when so much in life is depreciated.

Second is Hope. It is accepted that in Jesus the Christ, we have a powerful hope that gives meaning to life. We are born to die, but death is the opening to being in God’s purpose. The created order continues to encourage our understanding. In the beauty of the created order, there is also the reality of death through disease, disaster and man’s folly in exploitation and war. Hope discerns that ultimately the creator’s purpose will become summed up when Jesus returns to give judgement.

Third is Charity. A much maligned and misused word, often simply seen as giving money or something to a worthy cause. But charity is deeper than that. It is the ability to discern the realty of life. We had no choice as to our birth and charity recognizes the family of man: the huge variety of race, custom and belief. Charity is governed by the simple teaching of Jesus: ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’. Often not easy and the history of Christian martyrs gives food for thought.

FAITH – MOSAIC COMMUNITY CHURCH (LLANDILO)

Article Written + Submitted by: Pastor Heath Whiley

A: Llandilo Community Hall, Seventh Ave, Llandilo P: 0402 712 972 W: www.mosaiccommunitychurch.com.au Service Times: 4pm-6pm Sundays

Motherhood: Privilege and Pain (Which Points us to God)

On May 10, 1908, at a memorial service for her mother, a woman named Anna Jarvis suggested that there should be “a day of national observance for honouring all mothers.” She also gave every person a carnation flower (her mother’s favourite).

The idea quickly gained popularity, with Mother’s Day soon being observed in a number of large US cities. Finally, on May 9, 1914, by an act of Congress, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day and as “a time for public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” By then, it had become customary to wear white carnations to honour departed mothers and red to honour the living........a custom that continues to this day.

Sadly though, for many people, Mother’s Day can also be painfully difficult. For some of us, it might be the reminder of an absent or emotionally distant mother, whilst for others the bitter-sweet reminder of a much-loved mother, now departed and no longer physically present. For others, it is filled with grief and mourning as the longing to be a mother remains an unfulfilled desire.

Interestingly, motherhood features prominently at the very beginning of the Bible (as well as the middle and end). Firstly, in Genesis 3, “The man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all the living,” and so sharing in the creative and redemptive work of God in both bringing forth and sustaining life on the earth. But secondly, in Genesis 2, the woman is created as a “helper” alongside the man … and so not only making up for what the man lacks, but also employing the very same word which is overwhelming used to God who is “the helper of His people,” and later of the Holy Spirit who is given as a comforter, counsellor, encourager, and advocate for God’s people. Mothers and motherhood then, consist of both privilege and pain. But more than that, it serves as a pointer to the God to whom we can go for life and help, and for comfort, encouragement, and wisdom… whenever we find ourselves in need.

PROBUS CLUB

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

E: Jordanspringsprobus@gmail.com

W: probussouthpacific.org/microsites/jordansprings

The Probus organisation has a club in your local area, providing an exciting opportunity to meet with fellow retirees and join in stimulating activities. The club was formed in March 2018, to service Jordan Springs and surrounding suburbs and joins the fray with over 1,700 clubs with more than 125,000 members all over Australia and New Zealand.

In March, we held our AGM, which saw the election of a new committee. Unfortunately, a lot of old faces, but hopefully new people will jump onboard and assist our current committee. We do have a new President, Annie Embury and a new Vice President, Tricia Knight. Secretary is Judy Butler and our long standing Treasurer Paul Mason.

In May, we are hosting a Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council. This year is very personal for all our members, as we lost our inaugural President and foundation member Brian Embury to prostate cancer on Christmas eve.

Apart from attending monthly meetings and getting to know fellow members with a cuppa and biscuit, you will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of pursuits, travel locally or around the world, enjoy exclusive discounts through the Probus Member Benefits Scheme, have access to exclusive Probus Travel Insurance plans, develop new interests and stay active.

The club currently has a regular lunch at a local venue on the second Tuesday of each month, a monthly outing, and special events such as our Christmas lunch with entertainment hopefully from Ron Ashton.

The Probus Club of Jordan Springs welcomes visitors and new members and meets at the Jordan Springs Community Hub on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 10:00am. For more information, contact Judy on 0414 766763. Visit our website at probussouthpacific.org/ microsites/jordansprings

Ropes Crossing Community Carnival is Here!

The local community comes alive this month, with the 2023 Ropes Crossing Community Carnival returning. The popular family event will take place on Saturday 6th May from 12.00pm to 8.00pm at Ropes Crossing Oval. It is brought to you by Ropes Crossing Strikers FC. There will be market stalls, displays, live community football, hot food, more rides than ever, petting zoo, stage performances from local dance schools, a DJ, and giveaways. The grand finale will be fireworks at 8:00pm, which is always a favourite!

Unlimited Ride Passes will be $45 for 8 hours of fun! Individual Ride Coupons are also available for $8 per ride, whilst Family Passes will be $60 for 8 rides. There will be over 15 rides, including dodgem cars, giant slide, and the yoyo.

“We are looking forward to bringing the Ropes Crossing Community Carnival together for 2023. After a bumper 2022 event, we have planned a bigger and better event this year” said Anthony Xerri of Ropes Crossing Strikers FC. Ropes Crossing Strikers FC were previously recognised for their hard work by Blacktown City Council at the 2023 Australia Day Awards and named as ‘Community Event of the Year Finalist’, for the 2022 Ropes Crossing Community Carnival, in which they organised.

The Carnival is a family friendly event. In case of weather, the postponement date will be Saturday 3rd June 2023. It promises to be great afternoon out for the family, so don’t miss out!

For more information, visit www.ropescrossingfc.com or find Ropes Crossing Strikers FC on Facebook.

The World’s Best Loved Musical, Annie, is Coming to Penrith

St Paul’s Grammar School is proud to present an unforgettable performance of the evergreen musical, Annie. Premiering on Thursday, 8th of June and performed over one weekend, Annie is a heartwarming tale of pluck and positivity.

Leapin’ Lizards! The story of hope and determination comes in the surprisingly small package of little orphan Annie as she charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie’s optimism and hope for her family to return to claim her never wavers, but she is determined to take matters into her own hands to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage. Despite orphanage mistress Hannigan’s overpowering grip on Annie and her fellow orphans, there’s the chance for Annie of a new home and family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Audiences will be enchanted by the amazing young cast from St Paul's Grammar School performing the infectious classics penned from Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin original musical including the unforgettable “Tomorrow” as well as “It’s The Hard-Knock Life” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile.”

The cast’s performances are sure to shine in this inspiring story about resilience and strength in the face of adversitysuch an uplifting message for the times we live in, reminding us hope will always shine through and the sun will always come out tomorrow.

The production team have pulled out all stops for this performance - featuring amazing sets, costumes and props that make sure this production looks just like Broadway! Don't miss out on this heartwarming story - Get your tickets now before it's too late!

Australian Air League

In 1934, a gentleman by the name of George Robey, along with other local parents, decided to form an organisation for the youth of Australia to encourage them with their love of aviation. This organisation was called the Australian Air League.

Since this time, the Australian Air League has been teaching young boys and girls nationwide all about aviation, while helping them develop important life skills like leadership, discipline, self-confidence, and teamwork.

The Australian Air League started with a small Squadron of 30 Cadets in Manly NSW. Since then, membership has expanded throughout NSW by the thousands. They currently have Squadrons in areas as far north as Maitland and as far south as the Southern Highlands. There are also Squadrons in the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia.

NSW Group has its own Air Activities Centre at Camden Aerodrome. This centre is run by volunteer pilots and mechanics who help educate their future pilots and teach them to fly. Squadrons also attend joy flights with their members at the centre.

Each week, their members attend their local Squadrons, where they will learn valuable skills and take part in fun and interesting activities and classes. Some of their classes include meteorology, navigation, photography, and community service. Squadrons also attend training camps, recreational camps, sport days, ANZAC parades, local parades, and group reviews where competitions are held.

The organisation is entirely self-funded. It is also staffed by adult members who are volunteers. These volunteers give their time to help encourage and educate its members about aviation and life skills. All adult members and volunteers are Working with Children checked.

They welcome boys and girls from the age of 8 years old from all different cultures and backgrounds. Parents and families are welcome to support or even join their local Squadron as a volunteer.

When you join the Australian Air League, you will make new friends and take part in fun and exciting activities, on the ground and in the air.

The Australian Air League is running both a fun and educational program that is making fine citizens out of our young Australians.

For more information of the Australian Air League and your nearest Squadron, please visit their website at www.airleague. com.au or email them at info@airleague.com.au.

r NSW Flying Camp, Australian Air League | Image Supplied by Australian Air League | Article: Australian Air League

r St Pauls Grammar School presents Annie 2023 | Images: Wolter Peeters Photography

PARENTS CORNER

Article Written + Submitted by: Monica

Purcell | Family Facilitator

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au

E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

How to Tell the Difference between Bullying and Fighting

Do you know the difference between bullying and fighting? Researchers have found that many parents struggle to know when it’s bullying or just everyday quarrels between friends, classmates, or siblings. This article will help you learn more.

Children learn important social and emotional skills when they navigate differences with others. Depending on a child’s level of skill and their emotional state, these clashes can often be resolved with minimal to no adult intervention. Bullying, in contrast, is not a ‘rite of passage’ or part of an ordinary childhood. Enduring experiences of being bullied or bullying eithers can severely compromise a child or young person’s social, emotional, and physical development, therefore serious and proactive adult intervention is always required.

Not all mean behaviours are bullying. Pushing, kicking, name calling, starting rumours, or excluding can be extremely distressing, but none are bullying in isolation. Bullying is not a single incident, but rather a pattern of behaviours repeated over time. Bullies often progressively use a combination of verbal, physical, social, and/or online strategies to hurt a victim.

As children learn emotional and behavioural control, they can struggle to disagree respectfully with other children. Losing control and lashing out in the heat of the moment is not bullying. On the other hand, bullying is intentional; bullies make a conscious choice to harm a specific child.

Bullying is an abuse of power. Power can be physical (i.e., size, strength), psychological (i.e., intelligence, age/maturity), or social (i.e., popularity). Certainly, two children fighting can escalate to serious harm, but if both kids are on a reasonably equal footing this is not bullying. In those cases, both children may need to be separated and supported to develop emotion regulation or social skills.

So, next time you feel concerned about bullying – ask yourself three questions:

1. Is this a pattern? Is the behaviour repeated over time?

2. Does the bully intend to harm this specific victim?

3. Is there a power imbalance (physical, psychological, social) between the two children?

If you answer “yes” to all three, then you need to act. You can get further help and support from the BULLY Project by visiting thebullyproject.com.au/parents.

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

• 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

A Toxic Bouquet

With Mother’s Day coming up, many of us will be heading to the florist to buy our mum’s a colourful bouquet of flowers. Unfortunately, we often return home with flowers that may be toxic for our pets. Although many flowers and plants are mild-tomoderate in terms of toxicity and can cause “mild” symptoms like a gastrointestinal upset, when pets consume highly toxic plants it can be fatal — even if they only have a very small amount.

The following list contains six common flowers toxic to cats and dog

Lilies - Lilies (such as Peace Lily, Calla Lily, Easter Lily and Tiger Lily) are highly toxic and potentially fatal to cats. Some types are also toxic to dogs. Avoid having any plant from the lily family in or around the home. We need to be very mindful of theses flowers, and their pollen, as they may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, stomach pain, depression, difficulty swallowing, kidney damage, kidney failure, multiple organ failure.

Daffodils - Daffodil ingestion can result in trouble swallowing, serious heart irregularities, and respiratory distress, so if you think your dog has eaten any part of the daffodil or bulbs, see veterinary treatment immediately. Skin exposure also causes symptoms, such as burning, rash, itching, and inflammation.

Carnations - When ingested, the carnation can cause gastrointestinal upset and exposure to skin may lead to dermatitis in your dog. ... While the exact toxin is unknown, it can cause toxicity symptoms such as skin irritation and diarrhoea in your dog if exposed to or ingested.

Chrysanthemums – These come in many different sizes, colours, and styles, but they are all toxic. ... The entire plant is poisonous and contains sesquiterpene lactones, pyrethrins, and several other toxic substances. All parts of the chrysanthemum plant are potentially harmful if ingested, especially the flower heads. Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, rashes, increased salivation, diarrhoea and lack of coordination.

Tulips - All parts of a tulip plant are toxic to dogs, from root to leaf, stalk, and flower. The bulbs are especially poisonous because it has a higher concentration of the plant’s naturally occurring chemicals, including the toxic Tulipalin. Pets may experience drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, heart problems and difficulty breathing as a result of tulip poisoning.

Ivy - any popular ivy plants, including English Ivy and Devil’s Ivy/Golden Pothos, have moderate toxicity to pets. Mouth and stomach irritation, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, vomiting, diarrhoea will occur if ingested.

If your pets’ chews, licks or ingests any of these toxic flowers or plants, please call Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 0247362720 and seek veterinary attention.

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

Local Venue Hire: Ropes Crossing Community Hub

Ropes Crossing Community Hub is a local venue that is available for hire.

Some of the features that are found at the Community Hub include air conditioned, BBQ, disabled amenities and access, function rooms, function tables and chairs, kitchen, meeting rooms, meeting tables and chairs, parking, playground, staffed facility, and toilets. The capacity is 51 to 100 people.

The hours of hire are 8:30am till 10:00pm from Sunday to Thursday and 8:30am till 11:59pm on Friday and Saturdays.

The Main Hall caters up to 70 people and is ideal for private function hire (weddings, parties, conferences etc) or large group activities. There is a kitchen and bathroom.

The Computer Room caters up to 20 people.

The Craft Room caters up to 20 - 25 people and is ideal for smaller group activities or function hire (small children birthday parties). There is a kitchenette.

The Large Meeting Room caters up to 30 - 35 people and is ideal for group activities.

The Small Meeting Room caters up to 12 people and is ideal for small group meetings.

Ropes Crossing Community Hub is located at 54 Pulley Drive, Ropes Crossing 2760.

Fore venue hire information, call Blacktown City Council on 02 8886 2020 or email community.facilities@blacktown.nsw.gov.au.

r Ropes Crossing Community Hub | Image/Article: Blacktown City Council

HEALTH MATTERS

Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness P: 0418 166 269

Could a Unique Probiotic Help Reduce Ulcerative Colitis Relapse ?

The gastrointestinal tract is a complex ecological environment. Every person has about 100 trillion bacteria, made up of 40,000 different species, living in their large intestine. This represents 10 times the total number of human body cells. 70% of these bacteria have never been cultured, and together they make up 50% of faecal volume.

We know that gut bacteria are involved in the development Ulcerative Colitis (UC) because both:

1. Antibiotics and,

2. Probiotics have some therapeutic efficacy in UC. Animal studies on Colitis have shown that changes occur in the:

1. relative densities (some bacteria are increased in numbers from normal, others decreased);

2. spatial distribution (some bacteria are now found in abnormal locations in the large bowel) of the dominant bacterial groups in the large intestine of animals, and that these changes precede the onset of Colitis. Unfortunately, the results of studies using probiotics in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis have generally been somewhat inconsistent. For those in which probiotics showed positive effects, results were only modest. This may be because of the:

1. variable actions of the different probiotic species tested,

2. limitations of most probiotic preparations, i.e.:

a. they ‘provide a comparatively low numbers and diversity of bacterial species in comparison with the vast human gut microbiota’.

b. strains used may not be able to compete effectively against microbial community currently resident in the gut due to the complex interrelationships ready established between these adapted, indigenous microbes.

In 2004 however, researchers in Germany tested the probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 in Ulcerative Colitis patients (Kruis et al 2004). 327 patients were given either E. coli Nissle 1917 probiotic 200 mg once daily, mesalazine 500 mg three times daily, or placebo for 12 months. Researchers then assessed patient response to each intervention via clinical and endoscopic activity indices and histology (looking at bowel tissue under a microscope). They found that:

1. 64% of patients on E. coli Nissle 1917 and

2. 66% of patients on mesalazine remained in remission at the end of the study. Study authors concluded that the probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917, was as effective as the gold standard drug mesalazine at maintaining remission in patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

FOOD 4 THOUGHT Brooks

Charity Aids Palliative Care Patients Through VR

Jordan Springs’ charity, Our Community Cares, have donated VR headsets to Nepean Hospital to aid Palliative Care patients.

This month, Michelle and I were excited to visit Brooks for lunch and we were not disappointed.

When we entered Brooks, we were greeted by Bec, who really looked after us. After ordering a drink, we chose a booth and studied the menu. I found the booth to be very spacious, comfortable with a round table and plenty of room to spread out. Having a large table gives you plenty of room for your food and drinks and from Michelle’s description, you can look outside and appreciate the bushland and wonderful view.

The atmosphere was pleasant, and the music selection was amazing. We were keen to try the Fried Calamari. The calamari consisted of calamari, rocket, lemon, and aioli. This option was Dairy Free and Gluten Free. It was pleasing to see many options on the menu catered for those with dietary requirements and other allergies. The menu options were Gluten Free and Dairy Free and there were also Vegan options.

The calamari was crisp, full of flavour and delicious. I enjoyed the texture of the calamari along with the spicy flavour and the different shapes of each piece of calamari. The aioli added extra flavour to this exceptional dish, and I would choose this option again in the future.

We were also wanting to try the Chilli Prawn Pizza. This pizza consisted of chilli prawns, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and rocket. Every bite of this pizza filled your mouth with amazing flavours, and I particularly loved the chilli prawns and the onion. The base could be folded in half and doing so kept the ingredients on the pizza and this was like eating a sandwich.

To complete our lunch, we ordered some Ricotta Doughnuts. These doughnuts were amazing and flavourful.

I highly recommend Brooks Jordan Springs. I give them a ten out of ten. The customer service was outstanding, and I look forward to visiting again in the future. Brooks has something for everyone, and I thank Bec for looking after us.

3989 Lakeside Parade, Jordan springs 2747 Scott

They have donated five headsets, cases, and straps whilst Mike Vasavada from Mobiddiction has uploaded many experiences. These will be supported as an ongoing donation by Mike and the Mobiddiction team, and as he continually uploads more experiences, Our Community Cares will continue to donate the internet functionality via a Telstra WIFI.

“The VR program is where we purchase VR headsets for the purpose of donating them to areas of the community, where they can provide a patient comfort. The headsets have had many wonderful experiences uploaded to them so that a patient can experience as real as possible experience from the comfort of their hospital armchair or bed” explained Kris Gauci of Our Community Cares.

“The experiences range from scuba diving in the Barrier Reef to walking the streets of London. I have tried the headsets and was amazed at the reality of the experiences. This is hoped to give a little bit of joy to those in Palliative Care to improve their final stage of life, and later to many more areas of need” she added.

Our Community Cares have plans to expand the VR program in the future.

“In the beginning, we only thought about this technology to help those in Palliative Care. It is now the start of what we hope will be appropriate short term therapy for those attending Nepean Cancer Care Centre, cancer wards, more for Palliative Care wards as they expand, aged care wards and for the aged care facilities around our local area” Kris confirmed.

Kris believes it’s important to have programs like this to support the local community.

“Illness and age come to most everyone. As a community, and as an organisation that’s sole mission is to help those less fortunate than us, we all need to band together to improve the lives of the vulnerable, aged, and ill. I can only imagine how outstanding life would be in Penrith if we could get the entire community to support each other for no other reason than it is the right thing to do.

“For the ten years Our Community Cares has been operating, I have witnessed time and time again, the generosity of the Penrith community in supporting the programs we initiate, and love that we all are there for each other. If we don’t do it – who will?”

The charity will be providing a gift wrapping service three days prior to Mother’s Day in Westfield Penrith and Nepean Village. A gold coin donation minimum per gift is required.

Their popular High Tea for 2023 will also be held on 29th July at St Marys Band Club. Tickets are on sale now and are $40 per person, with a table seating 10 people. Email kris.gauci@ ourcommunitycares.org.au for more information.

“This is our 10th Anniversary High Tea, and we are celebrating by theming the afternoon in roaring 20’s – Gatsby. It’s not mandatory to come dressed up but it will be a lot of fun” she announced.

To find out more about how to support Our Community Cares, visit www.ourcommunitycares.org.au or find them on Facebook.

r Feature Article [Cover] Mike Vasavada and crew from Mobiddiction, with Kris Gauci and Beverley Gibbins from Our Community Cares | Image: Mike Vasavada

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

Chilli Prawn Pizza

Fried Calamari

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

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4733 0792

editor@districtgazette.com.au www.districtgazette.com.au

PO Box 8254

Glenmore Park NSW 2745

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Online: 1st June 2023

Letterboxes: 6 + 7 June 2023

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Advertising Policy... Payment on booking secures your space. The Business Directory offers cost effective advertising to businesses in an alphabetical format. Premium Placement may be available, at an extra charge. An editorial focus on a local business may be included if space permits, at the Editor’s discretion.

Community News... The Jordan Springs Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor.

Letters to the Editor... May be printed and edited as necessary. Names must be submitted but can be withheld from publication at the writer’s request. Every effort is made to print correct information but no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.

As the year races by, we find ourselves in Term 2 of school; Easter has been and gone, with Mother’s Day just around the corner. In the blink of an eye, it will be the end of financial year and we’ll be donning our winter woollies!

Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May.

For some, a day of celebration and admiration; for others, one filled with bittersweet memories of a much-loved mother taken too soon, while others desperately yearn to become a Mum.

Mother’s Day is special, but can be complicated for many. To my Mum, I miss you and wish we had just 5 minutes more. We have a jam-packed edition for you this month, with plenty of local stories and information to keep you well informed and ‘up-on’ the latest happenings in and around your community.

Make yourself a priority once in a while. It’s not selfish. It’s necessary and you deserve it!

Enjoy your Community News.

Delivered MONTHLY to the letterboxes of Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing with pick up points @ Llandilo.

or PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY from ...

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Coffee Corner

Corpus Christ Primary School

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H Café

Healthy Body Co. Jordan Springs

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Llandilo Farm Fresh Eggs

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Belinda

Managing Editor Belinda Sanders

Writer / Sales Cim Sanders

Advertising Sales Michele Collins