The annual Blacktown City Pet Festival will be returning in September 2025. 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 28 September 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 their Blacktown Animal Re-homing Centre and is a celebration of pets of all shapes and sizes. Gather the family, pets included and join them 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.
They can’t wait to see you and your pets on what will be a fun day for the whole family!
When: Sunday, 28 September 2025 | 10:00am - 2:00pm
Location:
Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC), 20 Owen Street, Glendenning, 2761
Cost: Free
For more information, visit https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov. au/Events-and-activities/2025-Blacktown-City-Pet-Festival
r Image/Article: Blacktown 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
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
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
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
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/
Discover the Lifestyle you Deserve at Kingfisher Grove
As the sun rises over Wianamatta Regional Park, golden light spills across Kingfisher Grove—a vibrant, sought-after community where mornings begin with coffee on the clubhouse terrace and a sense of connection. With new apartments now selling, this is your chance to downsize without compromise.
Now nearing its fifth anniversary, Kingfisher Grove—developed and managed by Keyton—has flourished. With 51 villas and 36 apartments already home to active residents, the next phase is underway: 103 new architecturally designed apartments are under construction, due for completion by October.
With new apartments selling, this is your chance to downsize without compromise—before it’s gone.
Many residents have moved from large family homes in Penrith, drawn by the chance to simplify without sacrificing lifestyle. With nature nearby, shops across the road, and a welcoming community, Kingfisher Grove offers independence with support.
The new 2 and 3-bedroom apartments are spacious and thoughtfully designed for comfort and accessibility. Wide doorways, step-free entries, and high-quality finishes create homes that are both beautiful and practical. A calming, neutral palette complements views of the park and lake.
At the heart of the village is the clubhouse, where residents enjoy a heated indoor pool, cinema, gym, bar, dining room, outdoor terrace, and BBQ area. From yoga to movie nights, it’s a hub of activity and friendship.
Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill says Kingfisher Grove offers “a deep sense of community and a lifestyle focused on safety, security and wellbeing. It’s a place that exemplifies the Keyton difference, reflecting our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional lifestyle communities where residents can live healthier, happier and more connected lives.”
In a move that enhances peace of mind, Keyton has finalised an agreement to bring residential aged care services to the village in 2026.
“Continuum of care is seen as a benefit by people considering options for their retirement. I am very pleased that Opal HealthCare has purchased the adjoining aged care site and will build and operate a residential aged care service co-located at Kingfisher Grove village,” Mr Cockerill says.
“Our first release of apartments sold out in a week,” says Mr Cockerill. “I can only urge seniors in Western Sydney to come and take a look at Kingfisher Grove as soon as they can.”
To find out more about the apartments selling at Kingfisher Grove call 1800 550 550 or visit kingfishergrove.com.au.
Kingfisher Grove in Jordan Springs |
Penrith Relay For Life Returns This Month
Penrith Relay For Life is back for 2025. Registrations are now opened for Saturday 13th September 2025 at Harold Corr Oval, starting at 11:00am and finishing at 10:00pm.
They have a new location for 2025. This year’s Penrith Relay For Life will be held at Harold Corr Oval, 32 Herbert St, Cambridge Park.
Penrith Relay For Life has been running for the past 22 years and the Penrith Community has raised over $4.3 million. Thank you for your support!
The money raised provides groundbreaking Cancer research, local support programs for Cancer patients as well as Cancer prevention programs in local schools and community groups.
Organised by passionate local volunteers, Penrith Relay For Life gives the community a chance to join forces in support of everyone affected by Cancer, to have fun at a community festival, and raise vital funds towards Cancer Council’s worldclass research, prevention, advocacy and support services.
“We have seen a large spike in demand for our support in the Western Sydney region, but a fall in fundraising to support the cause. With Cancer Council’s services needed more now than ever before, we need our local community to get involved” said Community Fundraising Coordinator, Yvette Haines.
They are also looking for local businesses to sponsor their event.
Penrith Relay For Life 2025 will still have all of the special key relay elements, including: opening ceremony, survivors and carers lap of honour, entertainment and their very special ‘Hope Ceremony’. There will also be a number of food vendors in attendance, including Burger Head, Puffins Pancakes, Brewed Besties, Turkish Gozleme, You Pizza, Rickys Soft Serve Ice Cream, The Gelato Parlour and Crazy Potato.
Penrith Relay for Life Media/Marketing Co-ordinator Brad See said, “Our aim as a committee is to put on a good event for our community to support one another. This year’s target is $80,000, to support Cancer Council in working towards a cancer free future”.
To join the family-fun, register for Penrith Relay For Life at: https://www.relayforlife.org.au/event/penrith-2025/home
You can keep up to date with what’s going on by joining the Penrith Relay for Life Facebook page.
r Relay For Life participants | Images/Article: Penrith Relay For Life
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.
Rare plant refuge
This park is one of the few places in the world where the endangered nodding geebung shrub lives.
The nodding geebung is an endangered plant of the Cumberland Plain in Sydney’s west. Found nowhere else in the world, this beautiful shrub has delicate yellow flowers and narrow leaves.
The nodding geebung grows in small, scattered patches across Sydney’s Cumberland Plain in some scribbly gum woodland and ironbark forests.
When young, it has hairy branches, which become hairless when the plant matures. It can grow 2.5m high, and flowers from November to March each year. Bees and wasps feed on its flowers. The nodding geebung produces an abundance of small green fruits, which traditionally were a food source for Aboriginal people.
Currawongs, wallabies and possums are important to the nodding geebung’s life cycle. They eat its fruit and distribute nodding geebung seeds, helping ensure its future growth. During bushfires nodding geebung plants die and can only regrow from seeds that may be present on the ground. Parks in which this plant is found:
• Agnes Banks Nature Reserve
• Castlereagh Nature Reserve
• Windsor Downs Nature Reserve
• Wianamatta Nature Reserve
• Wianamatta Regional Park
r Nodding Geebung | Image/Article: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Spring ReST YLE
Clothes Swap Event
Kids clothing (for ages 3 to 12 years old)
Parents and guardians bring up to five quality items of kids clothing that they have outgrown or no longer wear to swap for ‘new-to-you’ goodies!
Check-in 10am – 10:30am
Kids clothes swap 10:30am – 11:15am Join us on Saturday, 11 October at St Marys Memorial Hall for the
Adult clothing swap
Open to adults of all ages, shapes, sizes and genders. Bring up to 5 quality items to swap as part of their participation in this fun and sustainable exchange.
Check-in 11:30am – 12:15pm
Stylist presentation 12:15pm – 12:30pm
Adult clothes swap 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Please note that this is a ticketed event. For full event information, and to secure your tickets visit,
Running into Spring
With spring now upon us, there’s never been a better time than now to get out and about exercising with locals than joining Jordan Springs Run Club.
According to Kristan Hutchinson of Jordan Springs Run Club, they now have 450 members.
“A few of the members were using the run club for training, attending the City2Surf and the upcoming Sydney Marathon.
“I also love that I’ve seen community members come and walk and use that time to catch up with each other” said Kristan to the Jordan Springs Gazette.
The benefits of running and walking are widely recited, but little is spoken about the extensive value to people on an emotional level. With a group, the added benefit is the social aspect which is totally underrated.
The local club will continue the 7:00am on Sunday Run Club, which of course includes an opportunity for coffee afterwards
for those that want to have a chat. They are also exploring other options, such as alternating courses between Jordan Springs and Jordan Springs East to give better accessibility to the entire suburb.
So, what does Kristan enjoy most about being a part of the group?
“I love seeing people achieve their goals and to see people come together, work on themselves and then go out and smash their goals. This is something that inspires me to keep going” she smiled.
“With the weather warming up, it’s time to shake off those winter blues and come and walk, jog or run with us” concluded Kristan.
For more information, you can find the group on Facebook by searching ‘Jordan Springs Run Club’ or by joining them at Jordan Springs Lake at 7:00am every Sunday.
r Jordan Springs Run Club members | Images Supplied by Bradley Bailey. Article: Julie Lobel
A Year of Excellence for Shaolin Martial Arts Centres
The 2025 EFC Summit, held at the Mingara Recreation Centre on the scenic Central Coast on July 25th and 26th, was a proud and unforgettable event for the Shaolin Martial Arts Centres family. The two-day summit brought together martial arts professionals from across the nation, and their schools walked away with multiple prestigious awards, each symbolizing the dedication and passion poured into their community and craft.
From the Werrington Centre, Jordan Springs’ Stuart and Karen Brooks were honoured with the Orion Grandmaster Black Belt Award and the Supreme Grandmaster Black Belt Award—recognition of a lifetime of service and mastery. Stuart Brooks was also presented with the 2025 EFC Speaker Award, a testament to his leadership and voice in the industry.
Representing their newly opened Oberon Centre, Steve Saville earned both the Silver and Gold Success Awards for his outstanding commitment and growth. The sense of pride in seeing their newest school already making waves was truly inspiring.
Perhaps, the most touching moments came when Axton Glendenning received the 2025 Pursuit of Excellence Award and Serenity Saville was named the 2025 Rising Star.
“The awards to both Axton and Serenity were awesome, as they had no idea that I had nominated them” said Stuart to the Jordan Springs Gazette.
These accolades are particularly meaningful as they are awarded by peers—people who understand the dedication behind each achievement. They reflect the hard work of not just individuals, but of their entire martial arts family across both centres.
Looking ahead, 2025 continues to be a landmark year.
“We are taking a team of 21 to China to train at the world famous Tagou Martial Arts School, competitors competing in the World Championships and our black belt grading over 3 days in October have made for a big year. Our major highlight for 2025 has been opening our school in Oberon” he explained.
The successful launch of their school in Oberon is proof that their vision and values are growing stronger.
“I would like to add that we are amazingly proud of our students in both schools. 2025 has been a great year and we look forward to what 2026 brings us” reflected Stuart.
r Stuart’s 2025 EFC Summit Speaker Award | Image: Stuart Brooks
At IGA Cranebrook, we’re more than just a convenience store – we’re family. We’re here to bring friendly, reliable service to the Cranebrook community.
Family-owned and operated
A wide range of niche items and everyday essentials
Super competitive prices
Excellent customer service from a happy, helpful team
A healthy, supportive workplace our staff love to be part of
IGA Cranebrook – locally owned, family operated, and always here for you.
1-21 Cranebrook Road Cranebrook NSW 2749
Book Review Your All-Day Nightmare
Author:R.L Stine
All-Day Nightmare is a choose your own adventure book by R.L Stine. Its storyline revolves around you having terrible nightmares at night, but waking up in an abandoned, strange house with another boy, whom you decide to call Max, as both of you can’t remember a thing about yourselves, not even your own name! You are then faced with your first choice: answer a knock on the door, or leave it? From there, the story warps into different storylines.
With dozens of choices, you are spoilt for choice… literally. The storylines range from finding out you and Max were victims of an alien abduction, and the aliens brainwashed you. Somehow, you crashed their spaceship, and they’re coming for you. Or are you and Max werewolves, you and your wolf pack being chased by hunters? Finally, are you and Max secret agents, trapped between which side to join. The choice is yours, with over 20 endings, all written to make sense according to the storyline.
In most of the endings, you and Max find your real identities, and how you came to be there. I myself enjoyed the alien storyline the best. Overall, All-Day Nightmare delighted me with its fragilely written storyline, and I would highly recommend it.
r Book Review by: Mustafa Faisal
Centre Stage Academy Takes Top Honours
The glitz and glamour of the Mount Druitt/St Mary’s Local Business Awards came to Rooty Hill recently — and Centre Stage Academy stole the spotlight, taking home the title of Most Outstanding Performing Arts Studio.
For founder and director Lisa Ancilleri, the night was nothing short of unforgettable.
“It was a wonderful night networking with likeminded and inspiring business owners,” Lisa said. “We thoroughly enjoyed the night and made new friends with other business owners at the table we were placed at. Winning was both shocking and also the feeling of overwhelming gratitude. My staff go above and beyond, and they truly deserve this award. To be recognised amongst such talented studios is an honour.”
The win is a testament to the academy’s vision of breaking the mould.
“It feels so good to be recognised for everything we have been working on,” Lisa explained. “We are always striving to be different and stand out from the crowd — from making professionally filmed and edited films with our drama students and submitting them internationally, to creating our rewarding ‘DanceAbility’ program for people with disabilities using only qualified instructors.
“We offer mainstream dance, acro, and singing, and we’re proud to shout from the rooftops that we are a performing arts studio. We offer it all. We are not ‘just a’ dance school.”
Looking ahead, Centre Stage Academy is as busy as ever. Three short films with their drama classes are set to be filmed in September, while the Seniors’ professional film Josephine — shot in April — continues to shine on the international stage, with accolades from New Zealand, New Jersey, Milan, and Hollywood. Meanwhile, dancers and acrobats are preparing for the end-of-year production, and singers are rehearsing for upcoming competitions.
With locations in Ropes Crossing and Erskine Park, the academy prides itself on being inclusive, friendly, and engaging. “We have very unique programs that suit everybody, including children who may have felt out of place in regular classes,” Lisa said. “After all, everybody deserves to be Centre Stage!”
To find out more about Centre Stage Academy head to their website at https://www.centrestageacademy.com.au/
r Feature Article [Cover + Top] Lisa Ancilleri with her Most Outstanding Performing Arts Studio trophy [Above] Some of the seniors at the drama competition at Riverside Theatre: Abi, Diego, Gus, and Edie | Images: Lisa Ancilleri/Supplied. Article: Tanya Nellestein
Understanding Snake Activity this Season
With Spring now upon us, Western Sydney residents can anticipate increased snake sightings in bushlands, grasslands, backyards, and houses. The snake season traditionally falls between September to March, but often varies due to temperatures.
Sean Cade, from Australian Snake Catchers, has over 20 years of experience and assures residents that these encounters should be viewed as informative rather than alarming. “Snakes are mostly present for shelter or food and are generally just passing through a property,” Sean explained.
The Sydney Basin is home to a diverse range of snakes. “Most people in Western Sydney will come across the Eastern Brown Snake, Red Bellied Black Snake, Yellow Faced Whip Snake, and the Golden Crowned Snake,” Sean said. Other snakes in the Sydney Basin include the Broad Headed Snake, Tiger Snake, Marsh Snake, and Death Adder.
Sean offered some basic tips to minimise the chances of encountering snakes:
• Avoid approaching snakes.
• Refrain from trying to catch or harm them.
• Ensure children and pets maintain a safe distance.
• Clear any clutter or trash around your home.
• Maintain clean lawns and store firewood at a distance from the house.
Correcting common misconceptions, Sean explained that the presence of a Red Bellied Black Snake doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t encounter an Eastern Brown Snake. “This is a common statement which is incorrect. If the snakes are a similar length, they cannot eat each other. And Eastern Brown Snakes will also eat a Red Bellied Black Snake,” he said.
Sean’s dedication to his profession stems from a love for wildlife and a passion to share the wonders of native fauna with his children. “Although many are hesitant to deal with snakes, they play a valuable role in our ecosystem. They, like any animal, sometimes need assistance,” he said.
“Snakes don’t need to be feared. With a little understanding they are quite fascinating creatures. This time of year, they are breeding also and are quite active,” Sean explained.
“Due to urban development, encounters may increase due to habitat loss” he added.
If someone is suspected of having a snake bite, (not sure if it is a scratch or bitten) apply a compression bandage, keep patient still and calm and call 000.
“There is no need to catch the snake for identification” ended Sean.
If you need expert and secure removal of snakes or reptiles, reach out to Sean and his crew through their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/australiansnakecatchers/ or call Sean at 0410 761575 or Freya at 0452 492836.
r Sean with an Eastern Brown Snake | Image: Australian Snake Catchers
PROBUS CLUB
Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Jordan Springs E: probusjordansprings@gmail.com W: probussouthpacific.org/microsites/jordansprings
Probus Club of Jordan Springs
The warmth and enjoyment of sharing time and experiences with like-minded people was not washed away by the rainy weather of August. A brewhouse lunch and informative tour of Penrith’s own Museum of Printing, gave us the simple pleasure of discovering together the background to some of the activities of daily life.
Winners are grinners! Our teams at Brooks trivia nights have had a few more rousing successes, and we will continue to enjoy sharing our combined wisdom and friendship!
September brings Spring! We will keep the spring in our step with several events appealing to a wide range of interests, which also show the delights of our Penrith area. We are all looking forward to a lovely lunch surrounded by nature at a local golf club, a night out with great musical entertainment with dancing, a day of fun at mini golf, plus a theatre evening. An addition to our calendar is a monthly craft morning, providing yet another area of sharing skills and knowhow in a relaxed and friendly group.
The monthly meeting always includes an interesting guest speaker. In August, we discovered the intriguing history of Sydney Harbour Ferries. Our September speaker will be a beekeeper, with sweet samples of his own bee’s produce.
Visitors are always welcome to any events, so come along and discover the friendship and fellowship to be found within our Probus Club.
A purely social club catering specifically for semi and full retirees, Jordan Springs Probus Club will meet throughout 2025, at 9:45 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.
Article Written + Submitted by: Pastor Heath Whiley A: Jordan Springs Community Hub P: 0402 712 972 W: www.mosaiccommunitychurch.com.au Service Times: 6pm Wednesday
Ancient Wisdom For 21st Century Issues: Standing Firm in a Shifting Crowd
The Bible may not use the term “peer pressure,” but it speaks directly to it. The Bible’s book of Proverbs 1:10 says, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” The pull to fit in and to be accepted, liked, or simply not left out is as old as humanity itself. But Proverbs makes it clear: wisdom doesn’t start with gaining the crowd’s approval. It starts with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) — a humble trust in God above all else.
Timothy Keller once said, “If your god never disagrees with you, you might just be worshipping an idealized version of yourself.” That hits close to home. The same is true with our social groups. If we never feel tension with our peers, it may be because we’ve unconsciously conformed.
And today, with likes, shares, and followers constantly measuring our worth, that pressure is even louder. But God calls us to something deeper. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the world’s pattern, but to be transformed by renewing our minds in His truth.
Jesus stood alone so we wouldn’t have to. He was rejected by the crowd so we could be accepted by God. If you don’t yet know Him, He’s inviting you today. His love doesn’t depend on your performance — it’s a gift of grace. When you rest in His approval, you’ll find the freedom and strength to stand firm, even when it’s hard.
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
St Davids
The mind boggles in coming to comprehend the wonder and mystery of the universe. Equally, the wonder and mystery that the molecular biologist Francis Crick, who gained fame in his role of discovering the double helix structure of DNA, argued that you, your joys and sorrows, memories and ambition, your sense of personal identity and free will are in fact no more than the behaviour of a vast assembly of nerve cells and their associated molecules.
Down through history, Christian anthropology has argued for the teaching that all creation as understood by probe and analysis constitutes a ‘whole’ of which human beings are but a part. So, from the molecular intricacy of the human body, to the vast expanse of the universe, nothing is isolated. When the Ebola virus destroyed so many lives and the struggle for medical science to effect cure for example, to the wonderful, continued achievements of the human mind in opening up the vastness of space, all in its parts are related to the ‘whole’.
Another great mystery is that we are born into situations in which we had no choice! One can enter the world say as a European, an African, an Asian. The common factor is that the mind and body grows and develops within the structures in which it lives. A further dimension is the religious aspect. The soul of the person completes the ‘whole’. But one asks what is the soul? Roughly it can be argued the soul is the mind, the intellectual dimension of what makes us our self. In this, the Christian argues that while indeed the vast assembly of nerve cells and their associated molecules constitutes the human, the soul completes the ‘whole’.
The Christian faith is the whole person has an eternity that rests in the Hope given by Christ Jesus.
FAITH – COMMUNITY CHURCH JORDAN SPRINGS
FAITH – ST DAVIDS CHURCH
St Davids: 127 Years and Still Active
St David’s Church in 7th Avenue, Llandilo was opened in 1898. Purchased by the Llandilo Community Hall in 1998 and fully restored in 2006, it continues the worship of the Holy Trinity using the 1978 Book of Common Prayer of the Anglican Church of Australia. So, in 2025 continues into the 127th year of activity.
Heritage listed with the Penrith City Council, the church houses memorials such as the pulpit dedicated to the Elliott Family, an altar cross dedicated to Corporal Beaver, killed at Bougainville during the second World War, the East Window donated by the Luxford Family, the missal stand in memory of Harriet Wilson, the prayer desk in memory of Rhonda Wilson, daughter of Jack and Betty longtime postmasters at Llandilo, several plaques to honour families from the area such as Ellen King (daughter of David Bailey) who was organist for 51 years! The Estey reed organ was made in 1885, donated to the church in 1903 and fully restored in 2006.
In 2011, Mary Thornburn from the St Marys Historical Society, opened a side vestry dedicated to the Luxford Family, of whom Herbert was a longstanding champion woodsman, carrying off many trophies at the Royal Easter Show. Today the Luxford Room houses a growing collection of memorabilia such as framed maps of the original land grants, exterior oil lamps, pressed flowers/leaves from a “Digger in Palestine 1917” together with a growing library of books relating to the history of the area and of theology.
The oldest Bible is dated from 1734 and the oldest book on theology is 1895. Of interest is the Dissertation lodge with the University of Western Sydney, detailing the area’s history and a record of St David’s.
The late Keith Hawes donated his personal reminisce of some 90 years of living in the area and is also a valuable record.
People are invited to search for items of memorabilia and historical records, and to donate for permanent care in the Room, thus providing a valuable resource for access by people interested.
It is not entertainment, but rather an instrument of the discipline of prayer and contemplation that the services are maintained. All worship is conducted on a voluntary basis directed to worship of God. You may relight the religious instinct and join the congregation!
An ‘Open Day’ is set for Saturday September 6th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. This will give the opportunity to explore the treasures of St David’s.
r St David’s Church | Image/Article: Reverend John Hebblewhite
FIRST SUNDAY IN SEPTEMBER
RAAF Richmond Airshow 2025
The RAAF Richmond Airshow on 27 and 28 September 2025 will commemorate 100 years of RAAF Base Richmond. The airshow will be an exhilarating aviation experience showcasing Australian Defence Force aircraft, military capabilities and Defence personnel.
Airborne highlights will include the F-35A Lightning II, EA-18G Growler, Roulettes Aerobatic Team, C-17A Globemaster, C-130J Hercules, C-27J Spartan, KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, E-7A Wedgetail, P-8 Poseidon, and 100SQN Heritage aircraft (subject to change).
The aircraft and their crews will be on ground display as well as exhibits of Air Force Security Forces, Military Working Dogs, Aero-Medical Evacuation, Explosive Detection, Firefighters, Drones, Simulators and Virtual Reality, Air Force Cadets, Bands and much more!
Gates open at 9:00am, Flying Displays 11:00am - 4:00pm, Ground Exhibits throughout the day.
The Flying and Exhibits program will be available in early
Air Force
HEALTH MATTERS
September.
You can find out more about our aircraft at: https://www. airforce.gov.au/aircraft
Tickets on sale via Trybooking at: https://www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1425777
For more information, visit https://www.airforce.gov.au/ news-events/events/raaf-richmond-airshow-2025
conducts an aerial
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
P: 0418 166 269
How To Stretch Successfully – But Without The Pain
To stretch effectively, you should pretty-much do the complete-opposite of what most people do. That is, you should:
1. Stretch regularly (just once-twice a week will do),
2. Spend time on each stretch,
3. Use slow deliberate stretching technique,
4. Avoid any pain,
5. Relax into the stretch,
6. Use regular & deep breathing,
7. Never force the stretch
Technique:
For a left hamstring stretch, bring your left leg onto a table (10–15 cm higher than your knees; higher if you’re very flexible). Keep your left leg straight and draw your left foot toward you. Bend forward at the hip, keeping your back straight. See if you can touch your toes or stretch past them, then come out of this “test” stretch.
Now bend your left arm at the elbow. Keeping your back straight, bend forward at the hip again until your left elbow rests on your left thigh, back remaining straight. Slide your elbow toward your left foot until you feel a good stretch in your
left hamstrings (but no pain). Relax, breathe in and out deeply and regularly, and wait until the stretch completely subsides and you’re comfortable in this position (this may take 30–60 seconds—just be patient). Now slide your elbow further forward along your thigh until you again feel a strong stretch, but no pain. Stop there, repeat the same deep, relaxed breathing until you cannot feel the stretch. Continue this for 4–6 cycles (more if you like).
Once you’re happy with the number of stretching cycles you’ve completed, test how far your left fingers or hand move past your toes now. You should find that you have a significantly greater range of motion in your left hamstring than when you started. Now repeat the same for your right hamstring.
Note: People with lower back issues should stretch their hamstrings lying down to avoid straining their back.
This technique allows you to gently fatigue the hamstring muscle spindles. It takes a little more time, but only needs to be done once a week and is likely to be much more successful long term—and not painful! If you have a back or musculoskeletal injury and need help, why not give Andreas a call at the clinic on 0418 166 269.
r ** Refer to submitter for references
r A Royal Australian
Roulette
display at RAAF Base Richmond, NSW | Image: LACW Aiesha White-Kratz | Article: Royal Australian Air Force
Choosing the Right Boarding Facility for Your Pet
Did you know there are now less than 20 weeks until Christmas? That means it’s the perfect time to start thinking about boarding arrangements for your furry family members. Boarding facilities and trusted pet sitters book out quickly during the holiday season, so planning ahead will save you stress later.
As local veterinarians, we’re often asked where to find the best boarding kennel, cattery, or dog sitter in the area. At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we understand that sending your pet away can be a worrying experience for both you and your pet. Choosing the right place — one you can trust and that understands your pet’s needs — will give you peace of mind.
Your search for the perfect boarding facility might begin with asking your local vet, but it shouldn’t end there. A great next step is to check with friends for personal recommendations, especially from those who have pets with similar personalities or needs to your own. You can also review kennel or cattery websites, but nothing beats arranging an in-person visit. A reputable facility will welcome you to meet the staff, see their set-up, and observe happy, relaxed boarders already enjoying their stay.
Before booking, remember that most boarding kennels and catteries require pets to be up to date with their vaccinations. If your pet hasn’t been vaccinated in the past year, this must be done at least two weeks before their stay. It’s also wise to apply your pet’s regular flea and tick prevention before admission and
ensure their microchip details are current.
If your pet has special dietary requirements or needs medication, discuss these with the facility in advance. By planning ahead and communicating clearly, the staff can ensure your pet’s stay is as smooth and stress-free as possible. It’s also important to leave an emergency contact and your regular vet’s phone number, particularly for pets with ongoing health concerns.
When it’s time to check your pet in, keep your goodbye short and confident. A long, emotional farewell can make your pet anxious. At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we’re happy to help make the process easier — we can arrange updates via email or Facebook so you can relax knowing your pet is enjoying their own little holiday while you enjoy yours.
And remember — at Orchard Hills Vet, we can look after your feline friends too, so they can enjoy a safe and comfortable stay while you’re away.
Boarding spaces for Christmas are already filling fast. If you’d like to discuss your pet’s boarding needs or vaccination requirements, phone us on 0247362027 to secure your spot.
For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au or call 02 4736 2027
Penrith Suicide Bereavement Support Group 0402 627 696
Probus Club Penrith Sth 0414 861 390
Prostate Cancer Support Group 1300 13 38 78
Sports Clubs
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As spring begins to bloom, September brings a fresh sense of renewal across our community.
Local parks and gardens are bursting back to life, making it a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors.
This month also marks Father’s Day celebrations, school holidays, and the return of community markets and festivals.
Keep an eye out for local events, spring clean-up initiatives, and small businesses featuring in this issue. As always, we love hearing your stories, so if you have something to share, drop us a line.
Let’s continue to support one another by showing up, lending a hand, or simply sharing a smile. Whether it’s a fundraiser, a school fete, or a neighbour in need, it’s the little acts of kindness that strengthen the heart of our towns. Together, we can make this season one of positivity, progress, and genuine community spirit.
Here’s to a vibrant and connected September! “Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.”
