Pen Man’ Memorialised with Plaque
The passing of John ‘Pen Man’ Boccanfuso OAM in 2024 touched the Penrith community with an outpouring of grief across social media and the establishment of temporary memorials.
Then Penrith Councillor Marlene Shipley expressed her wish for the community to have a plaque which would forever honour the ‘Pen Man’ and the enormous contribution that John gave to his local community.
Last month, Ms Shipley was joined by Penrith Mayor Todd Carney at the unveiling of the permanent memorial in the gardens of the Penrith Civic Centre.
“This is a special moment where our City is able to permanently recognise the incredible contribution that John Boccanfuso made in the lives of many in Penrith and beyond,” Cr Carney said.
“John sold more than one million pens for charity over almost 50 years, but it was his infectious enthusiasm that saw him become a recognisable figure selling pens in Westfield.”
Ms Shipley said John was an icon of Penrith.
“Everyone knew John, and equally John knew everyone,” Ms Shipley said. “There wouldn’t be anyone in Penrith who didn’t know John, or the extraordinary work he did to support the ‘House with No Steps’.
“At the time of John’s passing I felt it was important for Penrith to honour him and provide an everlasting memorial for the impact he had on so many.”
The memorial plaque is situated in the gardens of the Penrith Civic Centre facing Westfield. It bears the inscription:
“John always led by example promoting social inclusion of those living with disability.
Your tireless fundraising for others will always be remembered
The Penrith community will miss you dearly.”
r [Top] Penrith Mayor and former Councillor Marlene Shipley with the memorial plaque for John ‘Pen Man’ Boccanfuso OAM [Above] The memorial plaque | Images/Article: Penrith City Council
Submit your Community Notice on/by 10th of the month, to be included in the following edition. Notices may be edited or omitted due to space limitations. E: info@districtgazette.com.au
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
Hobbies + Interests
Nepean Group – Embroiderers Guild
Meets on the 1st Monday of the month at CWA Rooms, 1 Tindale Street Penrith (opposite RSL) from 6.00pm. More Details: 0466 457 594
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.
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
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.
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/
Classes to Learn Maltese
Have you ever wanted to learn Maltese? Skola Maltija Sydney have Maltese primary classes (K-6) that are held on Wednesday afternoons at Llandilo Public School. The classes operate during school term.
They also offer online classes on Monday afternoons for students, Monday evenings for adults (intermediate), and Thursday evenings for adults, which high school students are welcome to join. The class caters for students of all levels, starting from beginners.
Skola Maltija Sydney was established in 2007 and has been servicing the community by providing Maltese language and cultural programs for over 15 years. Skola Maltija Sydney is supported by the NSW Community Languages Schools Program (NSW Department of Education) and is a member of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools. Their teachers and committee members are all volunteers, who offer their professional skills and dedicate their time to be
able to successfully run the school.
“Our programs are designed so that students not only learn how to speak, read, and write the Maltese language, but learn about the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Maltese, both in Malta and in our community in Australia. There is evidence that civilizations in Malta go back to more than 5000 BC, so there is much to learn” said Annemarie Thind, Enrolment and Communications Officer of Skola Maltija Sydney.
Teaching and learning programs feature Maltese history, geography, and culture. The primary program also includes games, songs, and dance, and is in line with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Languages K-10 Syllabus. Lessons cater for differentiated instruction to maximise each student’s growth and individual success. All K-12 students receive a half-yearly and yearly report that can be presented to their mainstream school as a record of their Maltese language studies.
Annemarie believes it’s important to have language classes like this in the local community.
“Our students feel a great sense of belonging and identity when supported in their learning by others of a similar cultural and linguistic background. They form special bonds and friendships, through sharing stories, familial traditions, knowledge, and experiences of Malta.
“Learning Maltese strengthens the relationships that students have with their families across generations. It enhances relationships within the Maltese Australian community, and students’ extended families in Malta”.
For more information, contact them via email at skolamaltiijasydney@yahoo.com.au or call Annemarie on 0405 126444. You can also find them on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/skolamaltijasydney.
r Students from the Maltese primary class at Llandilo Public School in 2023 | Image:
Annemarie Thind/ Skola Maltija Sydney
Plant a Tree for Mum
Penrith’s beloved Trees for Mum event is celebrating eighteen years this Mother’s Day.
Penrith City Council’s annual Trees for Mum community tree planting event returns on Sunday 11 May at Caddens Road Park, Claremont Meadows from 8:30am to 12:30pm.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney is excited to celebrate such a significant milestone for the City’s beloved Mother’s Day event.
“The longevity of Trees for Mum is a testament to how important an event such as this one is to our community and I’m proud that our residents remain passionate about conserving our local bushland,” Cr Carney said.
Celebrate Mum
This year, as Mother’s Day rolls around, it holds a special significance to me. For many years, Mother’s Day was a two-part event. The first part is the phone call to my mother, and to the women who have been mothers to me in my life. The second is a quick trip down memory lane as I recall some of my favourite Mother’s Days with my own daughter over the years and, if she’s not working away, perhaps a trip out for a meal together. This year things have changed. My dearest mum has struggled with health problems, and we are left wondering just how many more Mother’s Days we will be gifted to celebrate with her. How
“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 running its eighteenth 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 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 Carney said.
The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions. The first session will start at 8:30am with the last session at 12:00pm. 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.
r Image/Article: Penrith City Council
can we make this one special? If this is the last one, what can we do to make it a joyful celebration, a memory to flood our hearts with love in the relentless repeat of Mother’s Days to come?
The most precious gift we can give our mothers is love and time. Work and life often distract us from the important things, one of them is our relationship with our mothers. They are always there and often taken for granted – until they are not there.
This year it is more important to me than ever to spend time with my mum. Time to really talk with her, to thank her for the time, the effort, and the boundless love she put in, particularly in times when I wasn’t particularly grateful, kind, or loveable. I know that if I asked her what she would wish for on Mother’s Day, she would ask for more time to spend with her family, her daughters and grandchildren.
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate all mothers, those here with us, and those we hold in our memories. Mums raising children, stepchildren, grandchildren, foster children, adopted children, mums who lost children, those who long to be mothers and struggle with infertility. This day can be complicated, painful, and bittersweet, but may it also be filled with joy and love that never fades.
r Mother’s Day is on Sunday 11th May this year | Image: www.pexels. com. Article: Kate Neill
11th May 2025
Our Community Cares is Working for Penrith
With Mother’s Day fast approaching, local Jordan Springs charity Our Community Cares will once again have their well-known volunteer team operating their fundraising gift wrapping service this month. This will be at both Westfield Penrith (outside Big W) and at Nepean Village (outside Kmart) for Mother’s Day from 8th to 10th May 2025. The friendly wrapping team will be on hand to beautifully wrap your gifts, for just a minimum gold coin donation per gift. So, if wrapping is not your thing or time is tight, you can use the service and help raise funds for projects in Penrith.
If you’re looking to have fun with friends, whilst raising funds for charity, the 12th Annual Our Community Cares Fundraiser High Tea will be taking place on 28th June 2025. This year’s event is set to be a special one, as they invite guests to join them in their best 60’s and 70’s outfits and be part of their ‘Saturday Afternoon Fever’ theme.
The event will see the team return to St Marys Band Club, for an afternoon of fun and food as 300 guests shop the handmade craft stall, participate in raffles, play games and have a chance to win spot prizes. The overall goal is to raise funds for special projects in the Penrith area. Last year’s High Tea saw the charity’s hardworking team, in conjunction with generous local sponsors and fabulous guests, work together to raise the record amount of $21,846 for children and those with Cancer at Nepean Hospital.
Tickets are available by phoning 0403 197 952 and cost $45 per person. People interested in attending are advised to get their tickets as soon as possible, so as not to miss out.
Capturing Memories with Heart
For Cindy Marshall, photography is more than a profession— it’s a lifelong passion that has evolved into a treasured way of documenting the joy, connection, and love shared between families. As the founder of Offspring Photography, based in Jordan Springs, Cindy specialises in newborn, maternity, and family photography, blending technical skill with warmth and creativity.
“Offspring Photography officially opened nine years ago,” Cindy shares. “But I’ve always had a camera in my hand, even back in high school, spending hours in the darkroom or poring over black and white art books.” A former corporate professional, Cindy made the leap into photography full-time after moving to Jordan Springs and hasn’t looked back since.
Her work is rooted in personal experience and passion. “Having children of my own reignited my love for photography. Photographing newborns and families came so naturally—I realised this was the dream I’d always had.”
Cindy’s custom-built studio in Jordan Springs is her “happy place,” where many of her magical indoor sessions take place. But she also loves outdoor family shoots. “It depends on the season and what’s in bloom,” she says. “We shoot in rivers, flower fields, among autumn leaves, or wherever the sunset is putting on a show.”
The key to a great photo, Cindy believes, is creating a relaxed and personalised experience. “It starts with understanding the client’s vision—this is their shoot. We collaborate on sets, outfits, and styling. My biggest advice? Trust your photographer and enjoy the moment.”
Safety is also paramount. “I’m fully trained and experienced in newborn safety, so your little one will always be in safe hands.”
What Cindy loves most is knowing her work becomes part of a family’s history. “These photos will mean even more in years to come. They’ll tell stories, spark memories, and become part of a family’s legacy.”
To learn more, visit: www.offspringphotography.com.au.
If you or your business are interested in becoming a sponsor for the High Tea event by donating a prize, services or financially, they would appreciate hearing from you. All sponsors are promoted at the event, on their Facebook page and in printed materials. You can find out more about them on Facebook by searching ‘Our Community Cares Penrith’, by emailing kris.gauci@ ourcommunitycares.org. au or calling 0403 197 952.
r Cindy’s amazing photography | Images: Offspring Photography. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Did you know that there is an art studio right here in Ropes Crossing? Ellenvale Cottage was established in 1993 by Ellen Valenton. Formerly situated in Station Street Plaza in St Marys, Ellenvale Cottage soon moved to larger premises on Kurrajong Road in 2004. It is now located at Ropes Crossing, with the new studio opening in July 2023.
The local studio offers painting and art classes for both adults and children.
All art classes are pay-as-you-go and casual attendance is welcome. Class times can be extended for students travelling from a distance.
Painting classes are from beginner to advanced. They also have art workshops once a month on a Saturday.
Ellen Valenton is a passionate artist and the owner of Ellenvale Cottage. She has published 5 decorative art books and is a regular contributor and has been profiled in Fine Arts and Decorative Painting Magazines of Australia. An accredited artist, author and teacher, Ellen continues to develop new designs to inspire her students.
“I established Ellenvale Cottage Art Studio over 30 years ago, in 1993. I have always said that it was God’s plan for me. I never realised that I would one day be a published artist and author of art books” explained Ellen to the Jordan Springs Gazette.
“It all started when my cousin introduced me to folk art in 1993. I told her that I couldn’t paint, but I was happy to sell the
products, as folk and decorative art was very popular. Selling the products, I soon found that customers were asking me for advice as to how to use them. That was the time when I decided to enrol myself in art classes” she continued.
Ellenvale Cottage is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00am till 9:00pm and on Thursdays from 10:00am till 4:00pm.
It is located at Unit G04, 80B Ropes Crossing Boulevard in Ropes Crossing.
For more information about the art classes, including schedules and fees, you can email ellen@ellenvalecottage.com or call Ellen on 0412 663018.
You can also visit the website at www.elenvalecottage.com or find them on Facebook by searching ‘Ellenvale Cottage Art Studio’.
r [Top] Ellen Valenton [Above] Ellen’s amazing artworks | Images Supplied by Ellen Valenton
Rogaining Puts Jordan Springs on the Map
Hundreds of people came together and converged on the local community recently, with the 2025 Metrogaine taking place in Jordan Springs.
317 rogainers in 127 teams participated in the event on Sunday 30th March, starting at Jordan Springs Community Centre at 10:30am, lasting an amazing 6 hours.
Rogaining is the sport of long distance cross-country navigation, in which teams of two to five people visit as many checkpoints as they wish in a set time period. The traditional Rogaine is 24 hours in duration, however, there are also shorter events of 3, 6, 12 and 15 hours. Most NSW events are held within 2 to 3 hours of Sydney. Most rogaines are on foot and held in attractive bush and farmland locations. However, some events are held in metropolitan areas (Metrogaines), or on bikes (Cyclegaines). Rogaining is an adventure sport and is a lot of fun.
The course was set in a unique area for a metrogaine - with lots of wildlife complete with a vast bush section containing emus, whose appearance on the course didn’t disappoint.
This was the first rogaine in the area. The 6 hour course ranged through streetscapes, to lakes and wetlands stocked with abundant waterbirds, to parks joined by grassy tree-lined
r Feature Article [Cover+Top+Above] Participants in the 2025 Metrogaine at
lanes that connect stands of remnant bushland. The crowning feature of the course was the expansive Wianamatta Regional Park.
Food is also a very important part of rogaining and, for this event, the catering was provided by 1st Blaxland Rover Unit.
The event was coordinated and set by recent Australasian champion rogainer Ivan Koudashev, whose team came second at the recent Australasian Rogaining Championships, which were held at Kosciuszko National Park in March.
The overall winning team was “Control Freaks” (Tristan White and Xanda Kolesnikow), who achieved a score of 2,870 points in 5 hours 57 minutes and 45 seconds.
For more information about regaining, including future events, visit the website https://nswrogaining.org.
Saturday 10 May, 9am-3.30pm
The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington
Help keep valuable resources out of landfill by bringing your unwanted clothing, accessories (belts, scarves, handbags) and linen to Council’s free textile recycling drop-off event! Items dropped-off on the day will be recycled with Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) to be made into new items such as blankets, floor rugs and tote bags. New, unworn clothing is welcome at the event, these items will be donated to local charities partnered with Textile Recyclers Australia such as The Haven and WestCare.
*only clean items will be accepted on the day
Jordan Springs | Images: Bruce Sutton. Article: NSW Rogaining Association
in Christopher Cartwright’s Sam Reilly series, and it does not disappoint! The book follows Sam Reilly and his circle of adventurous friends who are trying to stop the Relic Hunter from getting her hands on the Elixir of Life. If she succeeds, the Relic Hunter will use the Elixir to raise an army of ancient metallic insects that will wreak havoc on the world at her command. It takes all of Sam and his crews’ combined skills, planning and fancy Bond-like technology as they attempt to protect the unsuspecting tourist who stumbled across the Elixir accidentally while visiting an old church in Ethiopia, and prevent the Relic Hunter putting her plan into action.
The author brilliantly weaves twists and turns into every chapter and you never quite know what is around the corner. There are near misses, faked deaths, gotchya moments and sprinkles of humour as Sam and his crew navigate all the challenges to protect the tourist and foil the Relic Hunter’s plans. I also thoroughly enjoy how the author paints really descriptive pictures of the key locations in the story, which you can tell are the result of having researched those places and the folklore that surrounds them.
This was a highly enjoyable and unpredictable read. After enjoying this book so much I have started to read the Sam Reilly series from the beginning – but this book gives a really good flavour for the style of story you’ll get if you want to embark on the full adventures of Sam and his crew, which I highly recommend!
r Book Review by: Kelly Carn
Finding a Way Forward, Together –the Help you Need to get Through a Tough Time
The Medicare Mental Health Centre in Penrith is a welcoming and non-judgemental place where you can access free mental health information, services and supports.
They provide caring, calm and inclusive mental health and wellbeing support for people over the age of 18. You don’t need to be an Australian citizen, resident, have a visa or Medicare card to get support.
You also don’t need a referral from a doctor. You can just walk in or call to get support.
Whether you have experienced mental health challenges in the past or this is your first time reaching out for support, everyone is welcome.
The Medicare Mental Health Centre offers immediate support if you’re in distress. The team will work with you to understand what will help right now. And then if needed, they’ll help you find the right support for later.
Many of the staff at the centre have experienced a mental health crisis themselves and understand what you may be going through.
Whether you’re trying to improve your sense of wellbeing, looking for help with something that’s bothering you, or helping someone you care about, Penrith Medicare Mental Health Centre is here for you.
They also offer support for carers and families of people experiencing distress.
If you think you may need support or know someone who does, you can drop in at 111 Henry Street, Penrith or call 1800 595 212.
Penrith Medicare Mental Health Centre is delivered by Neami National and funded by the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network.
For more information, go to: www.neaminational.org.au/ penrith-medicare-mental-health-centre
A safe place to share what’s on your mind.
No referral or Medicare card needed
Walk-in for free and immediate support.
111 Henry Street, Penrith.
neaminational.org.au/penrith-medicare-mental-health-centre
Habitat Restoration: Waterbugs
Live Well with Dementia: Information Session
Council is spending the morning as citizen scientists and learning how to investigate how healthy Schoolhouse Creek is
Learn about advance care planning for dementia with a representative from Nepean Hospital.
Join them in exploring and identifying what lives at Schoolhouse Creek with waterbug activities! Waterbugs play an important role in maintaining our ecosystems. They’ll be determining the health of the creek and learning about what they can do to maintain it for our wildlife and flora.
One of the most important aspects to living with dementia is to be prepared. Join Council for an information session with Maree White - Advance Care Planning Coordinator from the Clinical Governance Unit at Nepean Hospital.
After the waterbug activity, they’ll spend some time weeding to help improve habitat for our creature friends!
They’ll be discussing:
What can you expect?
• what documents you or your loved one needs.
What do you need to wear and bring?
providers know what matters to you most and respect your treatment preferences.
Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy closed-in shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a bottle of water.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments provided.
The session is free, but bookings are required.
The event is open to everyone with and without Bushcare experience. Children must be supervised by an adult.
Bookings can be made at https://www.eventbrite.com. au/e/live-well-with-dementia-information-session-tickets1218645233699?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please advise them on 4732 7891 if you have accessibility requirements for this session.
Registrations essential as places are limited. Register at: https://events.humanitix.com/waterbugs?c=wo Dates and Times
13 April 2025 - 8:00AM - 12:00PM
This event is supported by NBMPHN through federal government funding.
Location
You’ll be provided with tools, training, and guidance for the activities. No experience is required!
• what advance care planning involves and how to plan your future health care needs.
Yummy refreshments, tea and coffee.
• what services and support that may be helpful. Being prepared helps ensure your loved ones and health
HEALTH MATTERS
P: 0418 166 269
Date: 08 May 2025
Schoolhouse Creek
Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM
Location: Penrith City Library, 601 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Meet at the eastern end of Martin Street, Regentville. Next to 24 Martin Street, Regentville NSW 2745
r Article: Penrith City Council
r Image/Article: Penrith City Council
Can Simple Stretching Improve Your Cardiovascular Health?
Facilitated stretching is a part of every session of MET at our clinic and we provide stretches for patients to do at home. Stretching may reduce cardiovascular risk. A 2017 study by Shinno et al., asked healthy women over 40yo to stretch 3 times per week, for 3 or 6 months. They conducted 20-30 second static stretches of 15 muscle groups: ‘trapezius, arm-flexors, deltoids, triceps, upper-back muscles (trapezius/rhomboids), pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, gastrocnemius, soleus, hip abductors, hip adductors, quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, and lower erector spinae. Stretching intensity was participant-rated as “somewhat-heavy” to “heavy”.
To see whether the stretching routine had any long-term effects on blood vessels flexibility (compliance), researchers measured an index called RH-PAT both before and after 3 or 6 months of stretching. RH-PAT is determined by:
1. measuring normal arterial blood flow in the forearm, then
2. inflating an upper-arm cuff to stop blood flow for 5 minutes, then
3. releasing the cuff and measuring blood flow 1 min after cuff release.
4. Calculating the ratio of arm blood flow before cuffing and 1 min after cuff-release
5. This gives a ratio called the “reactive hyperaemia peripheral artery tonometry (RH-PAT) index”
RH-PAT is a “powerful predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular
morbidity and mortality”. It can predict:
1. endothelial (blood vessel lining cell) dysfunction
2. coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis
3. microvascular dysfunction following sepsis
4. coronary plaque formation
The arteries of healthy people are flexible/dilatable and have a higher HR-PAT index; people with cardiovascular diseases have a low HR-PAT index because their arteries have difficulty dilating. So how did regular stretching effect participants artery’s ability to dilate (health)?
a. all study participants had an RH-PAT index below 1.67 at study’s beginning
b. both 3 and 6 months of stretching improved RH-PAT index significantly
c. a further 6-months of no-stretching saw RH-PAT index return to pre-intervention values
These results suggest regular stretching can increase the compliance (flexibility) of arteries, reducing cardiovascular risk, and that regular stretching may lead to health benefits beyond increased muscle-flexibility for maintaining a healthy back. Importantly, once women stopped stretching accrued cardiovascular benefits were slowly lost over the following 6 months. So, the old imperative idiom of ‘use it or lose it’ certainly applies to the cardiovascular benefits of stretching too.
r** Refer to submitter for references
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
PROBUS CLUB
Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Jordan Springs E: probusjordansprings@gmail.com W: probussouthpacific.org/microsites/jordansprings
Jordan Springs Probus Club
The slower onset of Autumn this year has been enjoyed by our members as the balmy days were perfect for discovering the delights of “The Secret Garden” at Richmond campus, Western Sydney University. Travelling further afield, we all soaked in the beauty of Sydney Harbour with a day trip via train and ferry to Watsons Bay. The scrumptious seafood lunches also scored highly!
Our Wednesday night, trivia teams have been not only fun, but the occasional prize has also been won. Interestingly, no-one is reporting how much chocolate was consumed over Easter!!
The new Management Committee sprang into action immediately after the AGM and has a number of outings and events planned. As well as the regular monthly lunch and trivia nights, there will be a combined Probus Clubs picnic, a night at Penrith trots, and a barefoot bowling day. Looking further ahead, plans are shaping up for a riverboat postman excursion and a fun Christmas in July event.
Visitors are always welcome so come and join us to find fun and friendship with fellow retirees!
A purely social club catering specifically for semi and full retirees, Jordan Springs Probus Club will meet throughout 2025, at 9:45am for 10:00am start, on the 4th Tuesday of each month, at Jordan Springs Community Hub, 2-6 Cullen Ave, Jordan Springs. For more information contact Keith - 02 9713 9038, Tricia – 0414 976 997, Annie – 0409 230 753, or email us at probusjordansprings@ gmail.com
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
Overflowing Hope
Romans 15:13 — “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
In a world often marked by uncertainty, division, and weariness, hope can feel like a fragile thing. News headlines overwhelm us. Personal struggles weigh us down. Joy and peace can seem out of reach. Yet Paul reminds us in Romans 15:13 that true hope doesn’t come from circumstances—it comes from God Himself.
God is called the God of hope. Hope is not just something He gives; it’s part of His character. And as we trust in Him—not in outcomes or our own strength—He fills us with joy and peace. Not a small measure, but enough to overflow.
This is the work of the Holy Spirit within us. The Spirit lifts our eyes from what is temporary to what is eternal. The Spirit reminds us that Jesus reigns, that God’s promises are sure, and that we, through Jesus Christ, belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Today, no matter what headlines you read, or challenges you face, ask the God of hope to fill you. Trust Him afresh. His joy and peace are not only for surviving this world, they are for overflowing into the lives of others, living proof that hope is alive and well.
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
“Who Do You Think I Am?”
The work of Copernicus and Galileo, along with others in history, has led to the concept that God is ‘homeless’. The vastness and complexity of the universe have dismissed the idea of ‘heaven above’ and ‘hell below’. Earth is just a ‘dot of existence’, and studies still struggle to find adequate answers based on the ‘Anthropic Principle’, which suggests we see the universe the way it is because if it were different, we wouldn’t be able to observe it.
In addition to studies on natural evolution, human evolution is also a focus. Just as survival is key in the animal world, human history is filled with violence between individuals and nations. Despite this, the majesty and mystery of life drive humanity forward. Religion, which cannot be ignored, has been both a source of enhancement and suffering. Hinduism, the oldest continuous philosophy, features a pantheon of gods as incarnations of Siva. Judaism developed the understanding of Jehovah over its long history, from which Christianity and later Islam emerged. Indigenous beliefs have also sought understanding and meaning. Christianity, however, does not present a united front, and all religious movements have differing schools and practices. Common to all is the appeal to a ‘book’ or tradition of lore. What makes Christianity unique is the execution, resurrection, and ascension of a person who left no written record or consistent lore, but simply posed the challenge, “Who do you think I am?”
r Meeting wildlife in the Secret Garden | Image: Kim Leard
A Thoughtful Mother’s Day: Choosing Pet-Safe Bouquets
With Mother’s Day around the corner, many of us will be picking out beautiful flower arrangements to celebrate the special women in our lives. However, while flowers bring joy, some can pose serious risks to our furry family members. Many plants and flowers can cause mild stomach upset if ingested by pets, but others are far more dangerous— potentially leading to severe illness or even death, even in small amounts. Before selecting a bouquet, it’s important to be aware of toxic flowers that could harm your pets.
Flowers to Avoid:
Lilies – Highly toxic to cats and dangerous to some dogs, lilies (including Peace, Calla, Easter, and Tiger Lilies) can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, kidney failure, and, in severe cases, multiple organ failure. Even a small amount—such as pollen or water from a vase—can be deadly for cats.
Daffodils – These cheerful spring flowers can cause serious heart irregularities, difficulty breathing, and trouble swallowing if ingested. The bulbs are especially toxic, and even skin contact can lead to rashes, itching, and inflammation.
Carnations – While less toxic than some other flowers, carnations can cause stomach upset if eaten and skin irritation upon contact.
Chrysanthemums – Common in floral arrangements, chrysanthemums contain toxic compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, drooling, rashes, diarrhoea, and loss of coordination.
Tulips – Every part of a tulip is toxic, but the bulb is the most dangerous. Ingesting tulips can lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, heart issues, and difficulty breathing.
Ivy – Popular varieties like English Ivy and Devil’s Ivy (Golden Pothos) can cause severe mouth and stomach irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and swelling of the lips, tongue, and mouth.
If your pet chews, licks, or ingests any of these toxic plants, seek veterinary care immediately. Contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at (02) 4736 2720 for advice and assistance.
This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate with love and care—by choosing pet-safe flowers that bring joy to both our mums and our pets!
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Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP)
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