Jordan Springs Gazette October 2023

Unleash the Fun! North St Marys Dog Park Upgrades Complete

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

The North St Marys Dog Park has reopened, with the completion of a series of upgrades aimed at making it a welcoming space for dogs and their owners.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the upgraded dog park will provide dogs and their owners with a greater sense of comfort through a variety of new features.

“The new fenced off-leash areas that have been separated for dogs of small and large size is an exciting new upgrade as it means that all dogs can enjoy the space with less anxiety,” Mayor Hitchen commented.

“For dogs with energy to burn, dog agility equipment has been installed for some extra fun”.

“We believe that this upgraded dog park will not only bring joy to our beloved pets but also foster a sense of community among local dog owners.”

In addition to the new fenced off-leash area with dual air-locked gates and dog agility equipment, the upgrades include a range of amenities. Dog-friendly drinking fountains have been installed to keep our four-legged friends hydrated, while waste bag dispensers and bins have been conveniently placed throughout the park to promote responsible pet ownership and help keep the park clean.

Trees and shrubs have been planted and accessible seating with shelter has been incorporated, allowing visitors to relax and watch their dogs.

This project was funded by Penrith City Council and the NSW Government through the Community Building Partnership program.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the upgraded facilities allow dogs and their owners the chance to socialise in a safe and accessible space.

“The separated off-leash areas for dogs of different sizes alongside the addition of accessible seating offers an inviting space for dogs and their owners,” Minister Car said.

“With plenty of room for dogs to run around, this spacious park is a welcome addition to the community of North St Marys.”

To find out more about this project go to www.yoursaypenrith. com.au/boroniadogpark

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 on 1300 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/

‘From Our Block to Your Table’: The MeatCartel Lands in Ropes Crossing

A local couple have opened a brand-new halal butchery at Ropes Crossing Village Shopping Centre. Officially opening its doors back in August, The MeatCartel offers a range of products, including meat, spices, frozen goods, dips, and much more.

“We wanted to give the community of Ropes Crossing a shopping experience by creating a chic, bespoke butchery, where they can come and be part of a relaxing atmosphere free to browse without feeling rushed,” said Ashna Ali, owner of The MeatCartel, alongside her husband Isaac Lasona.

Starting his career in New Zealand as an abattoir and then working as a butcher at Rooty Hill Halal Meats for 15 years, it has always been a dream for Isaac Lasona to open a butchery. “Being Polynesian, food is at the heart of my culture, especially meat. That’s where my passion for butchering began, ‘across the ditch’ at Wellington New Zealand,” said Isaac.

The MeatCartel is a retail hub where you can find everything you need under a single roof. Primarily catering to the Ropes Crossing demographic, The MeatCartel offers a range of halal produce including:

• Super premium cuts – Wagyu and Black Angus variety

• Fresh quality red meats, chicken, duck, and ready-to-cook meals.

• Indian spices

• Continental range

• Frozen nuggets, meat pies, cold meats, and dips

• A wide range of premium to super premium BBQ rubs, charcoal, BBQ, and knives.

“We have hand-selected a specific range of produce that is new to this market in the hope that consumers will appreciate and try the range on offer, they are spoilt for choices,” Ashna explained.

The store had its ‘soft opening’ on August 29 and a Grand Opening and Thank You BBQ is planned for Saturday 11th November 2023.

“We were welcomed by the warm Ropes Crossing neighbourhood.

“The feedback has been overwhelming, they have been yearning for skilled butcher expertise since the area was established,” Ashna said.

Blown away by the genuine support, Ashna and Isaac are looking forward to nurturing new relationships with the local community.

The MeatCartel is currently hosting its very first giveaway of an original Kettle Black Barbeque and 1kg of your choice of sausage. Simply purchase any item over $10 before October 20 and you will be entered in the draw.

For more information, visit ‘The Meat Cartel’ on Facebook and stay tuned for updates on their grand opening, it will be a community affair!

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

PROBUS CLUB

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

E: Jordanspringsprobus@gmail.com

W: probussouthpacific.org/microsites/jordansprings

Jordan Springs Probus Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Jordan Springs Community Hub, 2-6 Cullen Ave Jordan Springs, at 10am. New members are always welcome.

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

October is Probus month, and we are working on something a little special for our meeting and morning tea. In October, a group of our members are flying to Tasmania for a 10 day get away. December will see our final event for the year with our annual Christmas lunch with entertainment.

We are a group formed to have fun and meet new people. For more information, contact Judy on 0414 766 763, Tricia on 0414 976 997, and Annie on 0409 230 753, or send an email at Jordanspringsprobus@gmail.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

Central to Christian belief is the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, which proclaims that God is three persons in one: the Father who created the universe, the Son who came to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit who guides and comforts believers. The Trinity represents unity in diversity, affirming the principle that God is both one and three.

In worship, the Holy Trinity is revered in various aspects of liturgy and tradition. The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, holds a special significance, as it commemorates Christ’s sacrifice and embodies the triune nature of God. Christians believe that during this sacred ritual, they are uniting with the Divine and with one another.

The Book of Common Prayer serves as a foundational guide in Anglican worship, incorporating prayers, readings, and liturgies that reflect the Trinitarian nature of God. Within these prayers, believers acknowledge and invoke the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, seeking divine guidance and blessing.

In churches, you will often find symbols and artwork representing the Holy Trinity. The Shield of the Holy Trinity, a traditional emblem, displays three interlocking circles, each representing a person of the Trinity. This symbol visually reinforces the notion of unity amidst the distinct roles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In the Anglican tradition, emphasis is on the authority of Scripture in shaping beliefs and practices. The Bible offers numerous references to the Holy Trinity, affirming the presence of this triune God throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Moreover, theologians and scholars have long engaged in thoughtful discourse on the mystery of the Holy Trinity particularly with the concept of ‘person’. While acknowledging the limitations of human comprehension, they explore the complexities of the Godhead, striving to deepen their faith and relationship with the divine.

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

Your Limbo is Listening (So Speak Positively to Yourself!)

You may have heard it said that, “God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we might speak less and listen more.” This is good advice. Sometimes. Why only sometimes? Because, every day, whether consciously or not, we are already listening to a multitude of voices! Family, friends, critics, social media, or even the messages we’re constantly telling ourselves. All these voices – whether for good or bad – are affecting our memory, moods, motivation, and spiritual and mental wellbeing. How important is it then to be listening to those things which are genuinely true and good (i.e., insofar as they are (1) godly; and (2) promote the genuine good of both us and others?) Perhaps this: why we often find the Psalmists in particular preaching to themselves and to their own soul! It is almost as though the Psalmist, in those moments of greatest despondency, despair, and sometimes even joy, tells himself in effect to, “Listen O’ my soul, and I will preach to you!” (Psalm 42:5, 11).

SO WHAT? I like to remind myself at the end of each day of: Who is God and what is He like? What good things has He already done in the past; and what other things has He promised to do in the present and / or future? But you can adapt them to your own circumstances. For example, here are three helpful questions you can ask yourself at the end of each day:

1. What can I be thankful for? - (PAST)

2. What are three things that went well today? - (PRESENT)

3. What am I looking forward to in the future? – (FUTURE)

Everyone Loves Gifts

With the help of her mother and sister, local resident Natasha Chaumont has created the Jordan Springs family-owned business, The Giftery Co.

The Giftery Co offers personalised gifts for every occasion, bringing in new ideas and designs every few months.

“We started The Giftery Co after my first son in 2018. My mum and I loved all the personalised clothing for him, but it was so expensive, so we did some research and off we started,” said Natasha to the Jordan Springs Gazette.

“We wanted to be able to allow everyone to have access and be able to afford gifts,” Natasha explained. They offer personalised gifts such as glasses, boxes, clothing, and much more with only a 1 to 2 week turnaround. “We love seasonal events; Christmas is our favourite with all the personalised items for children and homes,” she added.

In addition to gifts, The Giftery Co has recently introduced a new service of pamper parties which have been a big hit for children of all ages. Offering a range of fun elements for children, a pamper party consists of mini manicure and pedicures, facials with cucumbers for the eyes, and hand and foot massages, nail painting, and a foot soak.

“We provide everything needed for a pamper party, from satin robes, headbands, towels, chairs, and tables, with two party hosts who both hold a working with children’s check and work in the childcare industry,” said Natasha. With the hope to expand their business and create a team to provide more services, The Giftery Co would love to eventually host parties for boys and create something special for them to enjoy.

“Being a small business owner is hard, but we absolutely love what we are able to provide for our community. We love meeting new people and being able to create a magical/stress free party is absolutely amazing,” Natasha ended.

To find out more information about The Giftery Co and the products/ services they offer, visit their Facebook page The Giftery Co, or follow them on Instagram @_thegifteryco.

v Pamper parties | Image: Natasha Chaumont

PARENTS CORNER

Article Written + Submitted by:

Sussan Omar | Parenting Facilitator

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au

E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

Online Safety for Kids

As parents and caregivers, our concern for children’s online safety is paramount. To protect them effectively, we must actively engage with and understand their digital world. Open communication from early years through adolescence can reduce online risks.

Common Online Risks

Depending on your child’s age and internet usage, risks may include:

Excessive Screen Time: One of the primary concerns for caregivers is the amount of time children spend online. Current guidelines recommend specific limits based on age.

• For children under 2 years old, it’s recommended to avoid any screen time other than video chat.

• Between the ages of 2 and 5, limit screen time to no more than 1 hour per day.

• For children and adolescents aged 5 to 17, the recommended limit is no more than 2 hours a day, excluding schoolrelated work.

Online Gaming: Online gaming can become addictive and impact other areas of a child’s life if not monitored.

Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying, comprising of hurtful messages, posts, and images, that are sent directly to the young person or shared online. This can impact young victims mentally and physically.

Child Grooming: Child grooming involves adults posing as peers, establishing trust with minors, and leading to potential sexual abuse. According to e-safety research, 38% of young people chat to strangers online, and while most interactions are harmless, caregivers need to be aware of the risk.

Sexting: Sexting, common among youth, can turn problematic when coerced, shared without consent, or used for control. Both males and females are equally at risk of being victims here. It’s important to note that once an image is sent, it can be lost forever in cyberspace.

Exposure to Online Pornography: Children may inadvertently come across explicit content, affecting their development.

Practical Steps for Caregivers

Open Communication: Engage in online activities with young children and maintain conversations about their online experiences and safety.

Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules on where and when kids can access the internet, favouring communal spaces.

Agree on Rules: Discuss age-appropriate time limits and consequences for device usage. Create agreements together when possible.

Provide Support: Foster a safe environment where children can seek help when facing online threats or issues.

Use Parental Controls: Utilise built-in controls in devices and apps to monitor and restrict online access.

Today, children enjoy the digital world for fun, education, and connection. While it can be enjoyable, parents must remain vigilant, set boundaries, and support their children.

For more resources, visit:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents

2023 Local Celebration Awards Hit a High Note

Our community’s ‘night of nights’ took place recently at St Marys Rugby League Club, celebrating some of our region’s most enthusiastic, compassionate, and selfless residents for their outstanding contributions to the people and City of Penrith.

Approximately 150 guests came together to celebrate, including the seven honourees of the Local Celebration Awards:

• Our 2023 Citizen of the Year, rugby league icon and local legend Royce Simmons

• The Mayor’s Local Hero for 2023, much-loved community leader Andrew Paech

• Our 2023 Young Citizen of the Year, youth advocate Reece Nuttall

• The four recipients of the Making a Difference – Community Service Award: Margaret Collier, John Fenton, Kevin Canning, and Susan Hunt, all of whom are dedicated volunteers

The event also honoured 2023 recipients of the King’s Birthday Honours and Australia Day Honours, many of whom were also in attendance, including:

• Elizabeth Stockell PSM, recognised for outstanding public service in supporting the recovery of disaster-affected communities in NSW

• Gai Hawthorn OAM, recognised for her service as a prominent community leader and ambassador

• Leisa McGivern OAM, recognised for services to children as a foster carer

• Denise Robens PSM, recognised for outstanding public service in classroom teaching

• Stephen Thorpe PSM, recognised for outstanding public service in driving change and innovation in Corrective Services NSW

• Preetpal Singh ACM, recognised for significant achievements as Network Systems Manager with Corrective Services NSW Apologies were sent by honourees Bill and Karyn Borg OAM who unfortunately could not attend but were recognised for their contributions to the rugby league community.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the honourees are our City’s angels, innovators, mentors and advocates, and there are so many people grateful to them and inspired by them.

“It’s this appreciation and admiration that compelled so many to nominate them and ensure their unwavering dedication and valuable work is recognised,” Cr Hitchen said.

“People who are passionate about strengthening community spirit help to bring out the best in others, and in themselves,” Cr Hitchen concluded.

Meet the honourees of the Local Celebration Awards and learn about their stories at penrith.city/local-celebrationawards.

r Young Citizen of the Year Reece Nuttall, Mayor’s Local Hero Andrew Paech, Citizen of the Year Royce Simmons, Community Service Award Winner Susan Hunt, Mayor of Penrith City Councillor Tricia Hitchen, Community Service Award Winner Margaret Collier, Community Service Award Winner John Fenton, Community Service Award Winner Kevin Canning | Image/Article: Penrith City Council

Minns Labor Government Invests $3.5 Billion to Tackle School Infrastructure Backlog for Western Sydney

The Minns Labor Government will invest a record $3.5 billion over four years to deliver more than 60 new and upgraded public schools in Sydney’s rapidly growing western suburbs. The list includes a new high school in Jordan Springs.

The Minns Labor Government has listened and is working towards accommodating families and students in Western Sydney.

Labor’s investment in Western Sydney schools is $500 million more than the former government’s budget for the area. This funding will ensure there are quality public schools for the city’s growing communities into the future, after the former government failed to provide these areas with local essential services.

Development of Jordan Springs High School:

• The department is working through a site selection process to identify a preferred location for the new High School at Jordan Springs.

• Final location will consider the suitability and availability of land in the area together with long term school catchment and transport needs.

• Department is now in detailed discussions with the major developer, sharing information and working collaboratively to determine the final site location, size, and layout.

• The next steps, which are underway, involve conducting detailed due diligence to understand major potential risk items including flood, bushfire, traffic, and contamination.

• Finalisation and announcement of the site selection process stage is anticipated by the end of 2023.

The Minns Labor Government will also upgrade schools to deliver new facilities and address overcrowding which worsened under the former government’s watch. Suburbs where schools will be upgraded include Austral, Cecil Hills, Condell Park, Dundas, Eagle Vale, Kingswood, Leppington, Northmead, and The Ponds.

The delivery of these new and upgraded schools represents a key election commitment from the Minns Labor Government, which came to power with a mandate to fix the school infrastructure backlog in Sydney’s growth areas.

The government is due to hand down the findings of its Enrolment Growth Audit later this year, which will ensure education is factored into future planning for the city and address the former government’s failures to provide local public schools in expanding suburban areas.

The Minns Labor Government is prioritising the essential services that we all rely on, and it will be done without privatising essential public assets or imposing an unfair cap on the wages of our essential workers.

“For years, Western Sydney’s rapidly growing communities have been crying out for more public schools for young families, but the previous Liberal National Government chose to leave them behind.”

“This Labor government understand how important it is for all young families to have access to a local public school, where children can get a high quality, education without a lengthy commute or expensive fees.”

“We are not only building the schools that families need – we are ensuring those schools are properly staffed with qualified teachers who are appropriately paid, working to undo the former government’s erosion of pay and conditions that left NSW in a teacher shortage crisis.”

“The Minns Labor Government is making the careful and necessary decisions to address the holes left in the budget by the Liberals and ensure we fund the essential services people rely on. We are focusing on what people need most, and that’s essential services like high quality local schools,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car.

Neighbourhood Watch Empowering the Community

There is nothing more empowering for a community than when they come together for a common cause. When that cause is all about connecting and informing people so that they feel safe and secure, then you have something special. This can be said for Neighbourhood Watch Ropes Crossing.

The local group, which was formed in May 2018, now has 6,700 followers on Facebook. This has more than tripled in the last three years.

Neighbourhood Watch Ropes Crossing currently meet quarterly at the Ropes Crossing Community Hub.

They have been active in the local community through a number of initiatives such as meet and greets with both residents and Prue Car MP (Member for Londonderry), BBQ’s as well as steering the Government’s Be Connected program, and assisting elderly residents at a local retirement village.

“We aim to reduce localised crime by promoting and co-ordinating multifaceted approaches to prevention and problem solving” explained a Neighbourhood Watch Ropes Crossing representative.

Through the group’s Facebook page, they use their social media presence as a valuable tool to help reduce crime in the local area. They were also instrumental in reporting and sharing news about the devastating weather conditions within the last few years.

“We are a virtual team that monitors local crime remotely; reporting to the community when incidents occur and encourage the community to report any suspicious behaviour to police.

“The team assists with regular posts to our Facebook page, to keep the community aware of incidents along with local community engagement posts on fire, or flood incidents, along with crime awareness and prevention” they said.

For more information, search ‘Neighbourhood Watch Ropes Crossing’ on Facebook.

r Image: Prue Car MP – Facebook | Article: Prue Car MP

r Let’s watch out for each other | Image: Neighbourhood Watch Ropes CrossingFacebook

Enchanting October KID’S CORNER

SOLUTIONS

Book Review your

will transport you from 19th century Valparaíso to goldrush San Francisco.

Eliza was abandoned as a baby on the doorstep of the Sommers house, wrapped only in a cardigan. She was adopted and raised in English manners and customs by Rose Sommers, who is unable to marry and have a daughter of her own. One day, when Eliza is 14, she falls in love at first sight with a delivery boy, Joaquín Andieta, and they begin a passionate, but short-lived affair.

Reports from the Californian goldfields allure Joaquín away from his beloved. Not long after he leaves, Eliza discovers she is pregnant and devises a plan, convincing her friend Tao Chi’en to smuggle her on to a ship headed to California.

She survives the voyage, only just, thanks to Tao’s medicine and care, and sets off to find Joaquín who, in the months they have been apart, has become an infamous outlaw with a bounty on his head. On her journey, Eliza meets hopeful and dejected miners, a travelling brothel, abolitionists, brigands, and more.

Daughter of Fortune is an engrossing tale of chasing freedom and love and finding more than what you bargained for in the most unlikely of places. It’s a story of separation and reunion, family secrets, and overcoming grief.

Allende’s writing is poetic and elegant. She takes care with every word and writes with sensitivity when dealing with the harsh realities of prostitution, foot-binding, disease, and more. Her characters will linger in your imagination long after you turn the final page.

Daughter of Fortune will appeal to lovers of historical fiction, especially Gone With the Wind and The Lady’s Mine, as well as anyone who wishes they could be a better writer. You can trust Allende to delight.

r Book Review by: Chloé Steward

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2023 Blacktown City Pet Festival

The annual Blacktown City Pet Festival will be returning in October 2023. Pet lovers make sure to mark your calendar for a PAWsome day out!

They have teamed up with the Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre to get tails wagging at the annual Pet Festival on Sunday 15 October at the new venue in Owen Street, Glendenning. Owners and their furry, feathery, or scaly friends alike will unite for an action packed day, celebrating pets and the families who love them.

The Pet Festival is an initiative of our Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre and is a celebration of pets of all shapes and sizes. Gather the family, pets included and join us to celebrate your ‘pet pride’! There will be pet stalls and displays, food trucks and plenty of free activities this is an event you won’t want to miss.

This year’s special guest is Steve Austin and the detector dogs. They’ll also have pet competitions on the day with prizes to be won. You can register on the day at their information stall by 11:00 am. Categories include:

• tallest pet

• shortest pet

• best trick

• ugliest pet

• best dressed

• most like owner

Free activities throughout the day include:

• face painting

• pony rides

• reptile display

• Pet caricatures

• micro-chipping (Blacktown residents only)

• vet checks

They can’t wait to see you and your pets on what will be a fun day for the whole family!

r Feature Article: [Cover+Above] Returning this month | Images/ Article: Blacktown City Council

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

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

Celebrate at Home Rather Than in a Vet Emergency Waiting Room

With warmer weather arriving, it’s time to dust off the BBQ and spend extra time gathering with friends and family outdoors. As we prepare, remember that it is important to check where your pets may be hiding – most likely under the table waiting for the food and snacks to drop.

While party food is appropriate for people, that doesn’t automatically mean that it’s also safe for your pets. In fact, when you have a BBQ or picnic, you need to keep a very close eye on what foods are within reach of your dog. Many foods are not only bad for your dog’s digestive system, but they can even be deadly for him to eat.

Here are a few common BBQ and party foods that are dangerous for dogs.

Ribs and Other Cooked Meat Bones:

While it’s tempting for many people to give cooked bones to dogs, it can have its problems. Cooked chicken bones and rib bones can splinter very easily, becoming lodged in a dog’s throat or digestive tract. Bone fragments can also become lodged in the small intestines, causing a complete intestinal blockage. If bone fragments travel down the gastrointestinal tract and reach the large bowel, they may collect and cause constipation. This is painful for dogs, as the bone fragments scrape the lining of the colon and rectum and lead to significant trauma.

Onions:

Onions add flavour and can often be found in many party foods. All members of the onion family, including shallots and garlic, are toxic to dogs. Although not as toxic as grapes or xylitol, avoid giving onions to your dog, regardless of if they are raw or cooked. Cooking onions doesn’t have an impact on the safety of onions, and cooked onions are still poisonous to dogs because of their toxic effect on red blood cells. All forms of onion can be toxic to dogs — whether powdered, dried, fresh, or cooked.

Potato Chips and Pretzels:

These may seem like simple snack foods, but in reality, pretzels and chips are loaded with sodium, which isn’t good for dogs. Too much of either of these snack foods can upset a dog’s stomach, as well as cause excessive thirst and urination. In severe circumstances, it can result in vomiting, tremors, diarrhoea, seizures, and fever. Discourage your guests or other partygoers from the temptation of feeding these snacks to dogs.

Chocolate Desserts:

Desserts are everyone’s favourite part of the BBQ, but they can be deadly for dogs especially if they involve chocolate, xylitol, or alcohol. The compounds in both chocolate and xylitol can be fatal to dogs. The symptoms of chocolate poisoning include seizures, heart arrhythmias, and muscle tremors. Within thirty minutes of ingestion, xylitol will cause a fast, dangerous drop in blood sugar levels accompanied by disorientation and seizures. Some dogs can even develop liver failure, which may lead to death.

Fruit Salad with Grapes:

Some fruits are perfectly fine for dogs to eat in moderation, but grapes are not one of them. If you include grapes in fruit salads or desserts, make sure your dog cannot eat them. Grapes cause kidney failure in dogs and can cause lethargy, diarrhoea, and vomiting around twelve hours after ingestion. The dog will become increasingly dehydrated, may refuse to eat, and will

show either an increase or decrease in urination. Long-term kidney disease or death follows.

This time of year is always full of fun with friends and food. Keep your dog safely locked away, especially on the weekend that we will hopefully be celebrating a Panthers victory! A celebration at home is much more relaxing than being in a Vet Emergency waiting room.

2024 Year 11 Scholarships at St Paul’s Grammar School

St Paul’s Grammar School is offering a limited number of scholarships to new students entering Year 11 in 2024, encouraging excellence and nurturing potential across the curriculum.

Financial Scholarships

Are offered to students who are able to demonstrate a commitment to learning and cocurricular pursuits. Applications must include a summary of the financial circumstances of the family.

All-Rounder Scholarships

Are offered to students with significant ability in a minimum of two of the following areas:

• Academic • Performing Arts • Community Service

• Sport • Leadership

Performing Arts Scholarships

Are offered to students of exceptional achievement in music, dance or drama as well as a commitment to pursuing excellence in other academic studies.

Christian Congregational Scholarships

Are offered to students with a developing understanding of the Christian faith and who are actively involved in a Christian Church.

Our Local Native Nursery

Did you know that we have a native nursery right here in Llandilo?

The Muru Mittigar Nursery has been in Llandilo for about 5 years. Prior to this, the Nursery was over at the Penrith Lakes site.

They are a wholesale and retail nursery specialising in growing plants from the Cumberland Plains, which they mostly grow in tube stock for their Bush Regeneration team to plant out, however, there is always spare for the public. They also grow a range of bushtucker plants, which are mostly in 140mm size pots.

So, what are some of the native plants that you will find at Muru Mittigar Native Nursery?

“Some of the plants that we currently have in stock are Lemon Myrtle, Chocolate Lilies and Apple Berry” explained Richard Burrell, Nursery Manager of Muru Mittigar Native Nursery.

“Lemon Myrtle is great in cooking, both fresh and dried. Chocolate Lilies have flowers on these little lilies that smell like chocolate, and you can eat the underground tubers. My favourite bushtucker plant is the Apple Berry. It has small fruit that look like little kiwi fruit and when they turn yellow and get soft, they taste very similar to an apricot” he continued.

The Muru Mittigar Native Nursery is opened to the general public on Wednesdays, between 7:00am and 2:30pm.

For more information about the Nursery, email Richard Burrell at richard.burrell@ murumittigar.com.au or call 0421 111419. You can also visit the website www.murumittigar. com.au to find what other services Muru Mittigar provides.

HEALTH MATTERS

Article

P: 0418 166 269

Does Eating Fermented Milk Products like Yoghurt Help Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Patients?

Medical researchers conducted two small placebo-controlled human trials, to look at the benefits of fermented milk yoghurt for UC patients.

The first trial looked at 20 UC patients whose symptoms had been brought under control using standard treatments.

Taking yoghurt daily for 1 year allowed most patients to remain symptom free. Most patients not taking yoghurt had relapses. For patients who did relapse, if the patient was taking yogurt, they generally had only one relapse. Patients not taking yoghurt had two or more. So, eating daily yoghurt worked, in preventing relapse in most patients, and in significantly reducing the number of relapses if relapse did occur.

In a second (12 week) trial, researchers looked at 20 UC patients whose symptoms had initially been controlled using standard treatments, but in whom UC symptoms returned, while on medication.

Patients were kept on standard medications - mesalazine or salazosulphapyridine, and then given either placebo, or a milk yoghurt made using 3 bacteria - Bifidobacterium (breve & bifidum) and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

After 12 weeks, patients in the group receiving yoghurt were more likely to:

1. have symptom improvement, or

2. be completely symptom free,

and their bowel walls tended to look much more healed when viewed by endoscope, and much less injured when bowel-tissue samples were viewed by microscope.

Finally, those eating daily yoghurt showed marked increases in small fatty acids content in stool. Small fatty acids (such as butyrate and propionate) help heal the bowel. Butyrate is the main energy source for the cells lining the colon, and it also reduces bowel inflammation caused by the immune system. In this way butyrate helps heal the bowel. No increases in small fatty acids were seen in the placebo group.

The researcher then noted that adding prebiotic foods would further help normalise bowel bacteria composition, likely making yogurt treatment even more effective, i.e., a more wholistic approach, leads to a more effective treatment.

r **Refer to: www.districtgazette.com.au for expanded version

r The Muru Mittigar Nursery | Image: Richard Burrell/ Muru Mittigar Nursery

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

FOOD 4 THOUGHT Grow Cafe

Shop 1/30/32 Leonay Parade, Leonay

Michelle and I had an exceptional lunch at Grow Cafe in Emu Plains. It was my first time visiting this venue and it did not disappoint. Carmen and her team provided us with outstanding service.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Carmen and her team, who were very welcoming. I knew from the warm welcome we received that our lunch would be enjoyable.

After looking at the menu, I decided to settle on the Big Breakfast. This Big Breakfast was filling and had plenty of flavour. It consisted of two FreeRange Eggs, Crispy Bacon, Chorizo Sausage, housemade Potato Rosti, Garlic Butter Mushrooms, Grilled Tomatoes, along with 2 pieces of Buttered Toast.

The careful preparation was evident in each element – the eggs were perfectly cooked, the bacon was wonderfully crispy, the chorizo added a spicy kick, the potato rosti was satisfyingly hearty, and the garlic butter mushrooms lent a rich and savoury touch. The addition of buttered toast was a comforting accompaniment that rounded off the meal. This breakfast truly offered a delightful assortment of textures and flavours. What made it special was the handmade potato rosti.

Michelle chose the Southern Style Chicken Wrap which consisted of Fried Chicken, Red Onion, Cheese, Tomato, Spinach, Chipotle Sauce, and a serve of Chips. She really enjoyed her wrap and said that it was full of flavour and very filling.

I was also very keen to try a glass of freshly squeezed Orange Juice. The juice was sweet, very refreshing, full of flavour, and highly recommended.

I tried a Flat White Coffee, which was creamy, had plenty of flavour, and not bitter at all.

Grow Cafe are allergy and vegan friendly, taking dietary requirements very seriously.

I give Grow Café a ten out of ten. Thanks to Carmen and her team for looking after us.

Sydney Set to get Foamy and Fun: The 5K Foam Fest Returns this November!

Brace yourself Sydney, because the world’s most fun-filled 5k run is back this November, and its foamier than ever!

The 5K Foam Fest has some of the best and most exciting obstacles in the world, including the largest inflatable waterslide, slip and slides, and mucky mud pits. Combine this with 2.5 million cubic feet of foam and you are destined to have an awesome day.

Rock out all day to 12,000 watts of awesome (family friendly) music, enjoy a FREE kid’s zone for kids aged 6 and under, taste delicious food, shop from local vendors, and celebrate your success in a well-stocked beer garden.

With a variety of obstacles and a ton of foam, the 5K Foam Fest run is an exciting challenge for experienced and beginner runners alike. Walk it, run it, charge it, fun it; this course should be enjoyed at your own pace and all obstacles are optional!

But there’s more to it than just fun. The 5K Foam Fest proudly supports Make-A-Wish Australia, an organisation dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Your participation not only guarantees a great time but also contributes to a fantastic cause.

Mark your calendars for November 25th and 26th at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre in Horsley Park and save a date for February 3rd at St. Ives Showground for an encore performance.

When you register, you’ll receive a 5K Foam Fest string bag, tattoos, head buff, and a finisher’s medal as tokens of your achievement. Visit www.foamfest.com for more information and to secure your spot. Use promo code SYDFOAM to save 10% on single entry tickets - but act fast because prices jump every 500 tickets sold.

The 5K Foam fest is not just a run; it’s a foam-soaked, mudcovered, and music-filled extravaganza that promises a day of unforgettable fun. Come and conquer obstacles, make memories, and have a blast. It’s an event you don’t want to miss!

#foodie#extraordinaire#reviewer

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

Southern Style Chicken

r Brace yourself for some serious ‘foamy’ fun! | Images Supplied by 5K Foam Fest

Wianamatta Regional Park

Wianamatta Regional Park was created in March 2008. It covers an area of 765ha.

This park is a former Australian Defence Industries site with great future plans to add new visitor areas. Embark on a bushwalk or enjoy a tasty barbecue lunch in the great outdoors. Take a family bike ride or walk along one of the many sealed tracks in this park.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take Great West walk along scenic Luxfords trail. This 9.3km return trail will take you through the eastern visitor precinct, through a section zoned for conservation and across both Ropes and South Creeks. Explore the regenerating native woodland and remains of buildings, roads, and berms from the St Marys Munitions Filling Factory years.

Wianamatta Regional Park lies within the Cumberland Plain and protects temperate eucalypt woodland including a number of endangered ecological communities. The reserve supports a number of threatened, endangered and regionally significant plant and animal species, including pea-flowers, grevilleas, several bat species, and the Cumberland Plain land snail.

Please remember that NSW national parks are no smoking areas and that pets are not permitted in this park.

r Wianamatta Regional Park map | Image/Article: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

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Online: 1st November 2023

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October is upon us, and without a doubt, it sure is getting warmer!

It’s late September as I sit in my office and put pen to paper. We’ve experienced a spate of warm, picture perfect days - warm enough that the pool was beginning to look extremely inviting! Although the smarter /wiser me knows that it’s far too icy to give it a trial run. I won’t be fooled by these idyllic days - not just yet!

We couldn’t publish this amazing paper without you. Do you have a story to share? A great achievement, a milestone, an accomplishment against all odds? Perhaps you have an interesting career, a rare find, a talent, an unusual skill or hobby?

We’d love to share your story, it might be exactly what our readers need to hear or know.

I’m excited to present this jam-packed edition, chock-full of events, stories and opportunities to connect.

Time for a cuppa! Enjoy Your Community News.

Remember, ‘none of us sit high enough to look down on anyone’.

Belinda

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