Mulgoa Valley Gazette March 2024

Wollondilly Health Alliance Is ReLaunched With Fresh Priorities For a Growing Shire

Joining together to support and improve the health and wellbeing of the Wollondilly community, the Wollondilly Health Alliance has been re-launched with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The Alliance is a formal partnership between Wollondilly Shire Council, South Western Sydney Local Health District and South Western Sydney Primary Health Network. It was initially formed in March 2014 to connect services and improve health outcomes for the community.

Following a review of the previous governance structure and focus areas, the refreshed Wollondilly Health Alliance aims to apply a fresh and coordinated approach to meeting the diverse health and wellbeing needs of people in the Wollondilly Shire.

The new priorities for the Wollondilly Health Alliance over the period of the MOU include:

•Carrying out a health needs assessment for the growing Wollondilly community to support planning and advocacy for future health services.

•Strengthening access to, and availability of, an integrated network of health services across the Wollondilly Shire including tele medicine.

•Continue to embed the principles of health and wellbeing into Council’s daily operations through joint training initiatives.

•Increasing awareness about the impacts that disasters have on health and wellbeing and how communities can better prepare themselves.

Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould said, “The Wollondilly Shire will face significant challenges over the next few years due to our growing population.”

“We will continue to strongly advocate for the health services we need for our current and future communities.”

“I look forward to working collaboratively through the Wollondilly Health Alliance to improve health outcomes for all our community members.”

Sonia Marshall, Chief Executive of South Western Sydney Local Health District, said the Alliance will draw on each partner’s strengths.

“By working together and sharing our expertise, skills and resources, the Alliance has the potential to achieve greater outcomes collectively,” she said.

“We will deliver projects aimed at improving social connection and health access for the community, including trialling innovative approaches to shape the health care of the future.”

Dr Keith McDonald PhD, Chief Executive Officer of South Western Sydney Primary Health Network, said the new MOU reflected the Alliance’s evolution into a more results-oriented partnership.

“With the Wilton and Appin expansions, the population of Wollondilly is set to triple in the next 30 years,” he said.

“The Alliance is focused on identifying what health services are needed to support this growing population, and ultimately, what we need to do to improve the health and wellbeing of Wollondilly residents.

“The Alliance will be looking to better coordinate our preparedness for, and response to natural disasters, and to improve how virtual technologies are used to ensure local health services are working smarter, not harder.

“The new Alliance structure allows us to build on the solid foundation of work undertaken during the past decade.”

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

Community Groups

(NEW) Silverdale Probus Club

Meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10:00am at Warragamba Workers & Sporting Club (9-11 Eighteenth Street, Silverdale). We welcome new members. More details: Contact Ethan. Phone: 1300 630 488 Email: membershipsupport@ probussouthpacific.org

Children + Families

Wallacia Playgroup

Meets on Thursdays from 10:00am till 12:00pm at Wallacia Christian Church (23 Park Road, Wallacia). More details: https:// www.facebook.com/cpcommunitychurch/

Warragamba Playlinks Supported Playgroup

Meets on Mondays from 9:30am till 11:00am (school terms only) at Civic Park, Warragamba. More details: https://www. facebook.com/wsncinc/

Markets

Luddenham Country Markets

Held fortnightly on Sunday from 19th March, 9:00am till 1:00pm at Luddenham Showground (Park Road, Luddenham). More details: Search Luddenham Country Market on Facebook

Luddenham Community Uniting Church Markets

Held monthly on 1st Saturday each month 8am to 1pm in grounds of Luddenham Uniting Church. More details: Search Luddenham Uniting Church Markets on Facebook

Support + Wellbeing

Free Food Fridays

Every Friday from 10:30am till 11:30am at Wallacia Christian Church (23 Park Road, Wallacia). More details: https://www. facebook.com/cpcommunitychurch/

Prostate Cancer Support Group

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

Penrith Womens Walk and Talk

Meets 5pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk

Penrith Mens Walk and Talk

Meets 5pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/

The Leader of the Pack

Mulgoa’s Josh Anderson is ready for a big year on the track in 2024, racing in both the Aussie Racing Cars Championship and Toyota 86 Racing Series GR86 Cup.

Anderson will start the race season in the Aussie Racing Cars Championship with Corish Motorsports. His first race in 2024 will see him at Bathurst from February 24 – 26. Taking part in the Championship for a portion of the year, he will then switch to the Toyota 86 Series GR86 Cup. This is considered a step up from Aussie Racing Cars.

His first race in the Toyota 86 Series GR86 Cup will be in early July in Townsville, finishing in October in the Gold Coast. The series supports the V8 Supercars, with each round a marquee event.

“My racing preparations for the year have been good. I’m training hard and focused. I had the amazing experience of driving a Super2 car at the end of last year. It was a great opportunity” explained Josh to the Mulgoa Valley Gazette.

“I’m fit and ready” he added.

Josh’s training also features racing and playing online on tracks that are hyper realistic to the real ones. This allows him to have that mental edge, even before he has set foot on the circuit.

He’s looking forward to the year ahead and can’t wait to line up on the grid.

“Going racing, I just love it. Getting to race at a high level is great and I don’t take it for granted. Whilst I enjoy what I’m doing, the results will follow” Josh confirmed.

Josh’s goals this year are simple, yet ambitious.

“I would like to finish in the Top 3 of the Toyota 86 Series and use that as a springboard to the Super2 Series” he stated.

The talented race driver welcomes any potential new sponsors who would like to get behind him this race season. For more information, you can contact him on social media by searching Josh Anderson Racing on Facebook and JoshAnderson_36 on Instagram.

r Josh Anderson at the 2023 Newcastle 500 event in his Aussie Racing Car | Image: Darin Mandy

Now that Summer is well underway, the Warragamba Wombats Junior Rugby League Football Club (JRLFC) are looking forward to cooling weather now, as their trials start this month, before the official 2024 season kicks off on 13 April.

The Wombats have added to their number already for this coming season, and hope that even more players will register.

“Registrations are still open, and we always welcome new players”, said Allison McMurray, Secretary of Warragamba Wombats JRLFC. “We are particularly hoping to get some more Under 9‘s and Under 10’s”.

This year they are fielding twelve teams, with 133 players so far, which is up by approximately 20% on last year.

The Wombat’s competitive sides all made it to their semi-finals last season. The Under 12’s and Under 16GLT’s made it to the grand final, with the Under 16GLT team taking out the minor premiers and premiers for 2023.

“We’re looking forward to another great year of football in 2024, and welcome all of our existing and new families into our football community”, said Allison.

The Warragamba Wombats JRLFC would like to thank their existing sponsors and sponsors for 2024. Without their support, they would not be able to provide all they can for their players.

“Due to the generosity of our sponsors, we are able to provide free registration for all of our players this season,” said Allison. “All players are also provided with their game day and training clothing.”

For more information, contact the Secretary, Allison, at secretary@wombatsjrlfc. com.au or phone 0421 097324.

r Under 12 Boys and Under 16 GLT teams on grand final day | Image: Warragamba Wombats Committee. Article: Kate Neill

FAITH – GRACE WEST ANGLICAN CHURCH

Article Written + Submitted by: Senior Minister Christopher Braga

P: 47331635 A: 2265 Silverdale Rd, Silverdale NSW 2752

W: www.gracewest.church Service Times: Sundays @ 9.30am

It’s Not Fair!

“It’s not fair!” How many times have you heard that?

You might have even said it once or twice yourself.

We all have a sense of justice. Whether it is the size of your scoop of ice-cream you got as a kid, or how much tax we must pay as adults.

While there are small issues of justice like how much ice cream we were served, there are the big issues like: murder, domestic abuse, stealing and the like.

Our world spends a vast amount of money to deliver justice: the police, the courts and lawyers are just the tip of the iceberg. Even parents must spend time and energy delivering justice for their kids. However, despite our best attempts, we never administer justice properly. Sadly, there are people who get away with terrible things. Even death seems to be too good for those that have done the worst of crimes.

Jesus taught that God would bring justice to the world and that each human being would face the judgment of God.

You can’t have justice without it coming to visit you too! The apostle Paul said this about what God has done in Jesus: “For he [God] has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him [Jesus] from the dead.”” (Acts 17:31)

The good news is that Jesus not only brings God’s justice, but he also brings God’s love and forgiveness so you can be on the right side of God’s judgement.

Nepean Food Services – Regional Distribution Program

Nepean Food Services provides Meals on Wheels and social support services to eligible people over 65 and people living with a disability across the Nepean Local Government Area, including the Warragamba and Silverdale regions. Its support services are aimed to provide nourishment and social connections to sustain valued, healthy, and vibrant communities.

One of its core service provisions is the Regional Distribution Program (RDP), which was established in 2014. It involves partnering with various meal suppliers to enable smaller and regionalbased Meals on Wheels organisations access to a broader range of meals that are otherwise beyond the capacity of their local area.

Nepean Food Services acts as a hub, utilising the services of Food Boss to store meals from approved suppliers all across Australia. Meals are then distributed in the Nepean Food Services’ freezer ute to Meals on Wheels locations across Greater Sydney and the South Coast including Blue Mountains, Camden, Hawkesbury, Kiama, North Shoalhaven, Randwick, and Parramatta.

The RDP gives clients in these areas an expanded selection of meals to choose from, so that specific dietary needs and individual preferences can be suitably accommodated.

The RDP relies on the support of volunteer delivery drivers to deliver and assist with loading meals that are boxed into the freezer ute at Nepean Food Services’ site, and unloading boxes upon arrival at each distribution location. Volunteer delivery drivers are also required to liaise with staff and volunteers at each location when completing deliveries. On occasions, RDP volunteers collect meals from local meal suppliers.

Volunteers are essential to the overall success of Nepean Food Services and the RDP. Without the tireless effort from volunteers, the program would become immobile and collapse.

As the RDP enters its tenth year, it continues to grow exponentially with new partnerships formed every year with both meal suppliers and other Meals on Wheels organisations. Product and transport costs are kept competitively low, and funds are used to further the mission of Nepean Food Services, by being streamed back into the community.

rArticle: Nepean Food Services

Locals Announce Charity Walk to Aid Sick Kids

Local Matthew Reid will be taking on his next charity walk this November, with a 50km trek to raise funds for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in the name of Terry Fox.

The walk will take place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November, from Wallacia Hotel to The Overlander Hotel in Cambridge Gardens and back.

This time, Matthew will be joined by fellow workmates and Silverdale residents Alex Bruni and Ben Fraley. This will be Matthew’s first charity walk with other members, after three previous solo efforts.

It is hoped that $15,000 will be raised, with the valuable funds going towards helping sick kids.

Matthew’s previous walk was just under 300kms, from Glenmore Park High School to the High Commission of Canada in Canberra in November 2022. This saw him raise an amazing $35,000 for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Terry Fox was a young Canadian who, despite having an artificial leg, participated in the Marathon of Hope, across Canada run to raise money for cancer research and awareness. He would run for 143 days over a distance of 5,373kms.

Matthew is looking forward to the walk, with the added bonus of some mates joining him.

“I am really looking forward to the challenge with Alex and Ben. It’s an opportunity to support one another, whilst raising much needed funds for charity” he explained to the Mulgoa Valley Gazette.

A fundraising page will be set up in the coming weeks, allowing the local community to get behind the inspirational trio. Details will be posted on social media pages.

Reid welcomes any support from local businesses in the lead-up to their quest.

For more information, you can contact Matthew Reid on 0403 067629.

r [L-R] Alex Bruni, Matthew Reid, and Ben Fraley | Image Supplied by Matthew Reid

Local’s Push to Put Warragamba on the Map

Local resident and owner of Pietro Italian Restaurant and Tazzina Carnevale Espresso and Gelato Bar, Anthony Penna is proud to announce the upcoming opening of his newest business next month, Warragamba BBQ Chicken.

Warragamba BBQ Chicken will open at Shop B, 33 Fourteenth Street in Warragamba in April. The shop will offer rotisserie BBQ chickens, chicken rolls and burgers, chips, salads and potentially seafood options as well.

Anthony is passionate about Warragamba. With soon-tobe three businesses in the village, he would like to see the town return to its former glory days.

“I’ve chosen to invest in the area primarily because I am a local, but also because Warragamba is steeped in history and such a vital township for the greater Sydney area. As a kid, this was our weekend destination for family picnics” Anthony said.

“There are empty buildings in Warragamba. Capitalise on the Dam and use this in advertising campaigns to get more people from out of town into the area. Let’s make Warragamba great again!” he continued.

He believes that the town has the potential to be a popular destination.

“In decades gone by, Warragamba was the go to destination for families to have picnics. Being so close to metro Sydney, it is great for a day out. I firmly believe our historical township could be the next Glenbrook or Bowral” Anthony proclaimed.

There’s no doubt that the hospitality industry was hit hard in recent years and Penna is confident for the road ahead.

“2021 and 2022 were quite difficult for me personally and financially. We have kept our award winning restaurant Pietro Italian going, although numbers are down like most in hospitality. To open our Café, Tazzina Carnevale and now with Warragamba BBQ Chicken under construction, the only way we could do it was to refinance on our personal home loan. The bank would not lend us the money, due to the state of the economy currently.

“I just believe the people of Warragamba and surrounding areas deserve good, fresh cooked food from clean well-presented premises with a friendly greeting and smile whenever you walk through our doors. We sincerely hope the community will be behind us and show support” he ended.

r Anthony holding the fresh cannoli made daily at Tazzina Carnevale | Image: Anthony Penna

Easter Weekend: A Time of Celebration

Turning a few pages into my diary, when I see ‘GOOD FRIDAY,’ and ‘EASTER SUNDAY’, it instantly conjures up a memory of my childhood home, and a small cup with a hollow chocolate egg in it, brought to me and my brother by the Easter Bunny.

As the years went by, the Easter Weekend became our family camping time, the weather usually beautiful, the fishing good. We met the same families every year, looked forward to fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, and we all played together outside as night fell, watching the sky and embers of the campfire.

But for Christians around the world, Easter is one of the most important celebrations in the holy calendar. Christians come together on this weekend to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday. Churches hold special services, and there are celebratory foods of significance: eggs, to symbolise rebirth, and hot cross buns with the cross representing the cross on which Christ died.

Easter Sunday itself is the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or next after March 21. It changes every year, and the date is set by religious leaders in accordance with the lunar calendar. Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate a different date from Western Christians, because of differing lunar calculations.

May of the other world’s most popular religions also base their important holy celebrations on the lunar calendar –Buddha’s birthday depends on lunar calculations, Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Mecca doesn’t start until the new moon is visible – if it is overcast, they wait.

Although each religion teaches its own beliefs, in the everevolving movement of people, religions and cultures across our world, we still choose to look to our planet to influence the time and tides of our religious celebrations.

For many of us who were not raised in accordance with a religious calendar, we still took those annual days and made them our celebration of family, and community. For my family, they were also a time to reconnect with nature, a time to take a breather from the rat race, a moment to slow down and take stock.

We all celebrate in our own way. Rather than answering emails and messages, we hope all our readers can find some time to relax and enjoy family, community, nature, God, or whatever it is that brings you peace and joy.

r Happy Easter | Image: www.pexels.com

|

Article: Kate Neill

International Women’s Day: 131 Years to Go

When I decided to draft an article about International Women’s Day, I checked a few statistics and found it easy to become despondent very quickly with Australia’s progress to parity. It’s slow.

International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated this year on Friday 8 March, with the theme “Inspire Inclusion”. IWD is a day of collective global activism and celebration committed to forging women’s equality. It is a day for women across the world to lobby for gender equality, reproductive rights, an end to violence and abuse against them, equal participation and leadership opportunities, and the myriad of other issues women find themselves below parity with men.

IWD was borne of women’s oppression and inequality, spurring them to campaign for change. In New York City, 1908, thirteen thousand women marched to demand shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. Women across the world joined in, and finally International Women’s Day was marked for the first time by the United Nations in 1975, 67 years later.

It is fact that women are paid less than their male counterparts, they are not present in equal numbers in business or politics. Globally, it is estimated it will take 131 years to reach full parity between men and women, and no country has achieved it so far. It is not only about money. Women fall behind in opportunities for education, leadership, rights, healthcare, and violence against them. They face gender discrimination at every turn.

While IWD calls for positive change in advancing women and accelerating gender parity, it is also a day to celebrate our achievements so far. There is great strength in women celebrating women, and this year’s IWD theme, Inspire Inclusion, recognises that when women themselves are inspired to be included, there is a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

A short but measurable note to end with, is Equal Pay Day. It has not yet been announced for 2024, so we look at the Government Website Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) date for last year: August 25.

Equal Pay Day is the last day women work after the end of the financial year, to have earned the same amount as men did in the past financial year (on average). In 2023, this was August 25. Women in Australia had to work an extra 56 days to make the same pay as men. This is the gender pay gap. Women in Australia won the right to equal pay back in 1969.

SEE YOU AT THE E-WASTE DROP-OFF DAY

The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington Saturday 16 March, 9am-3.30pm

Dispose of your unwanted, broken, or old electronic items correctly at our E-Waste Drop-off Day! If you have any of the items below, it’s your perfect opportunity:

Computers

Monitors

Mice

Keyboards

Cables

Cameras

CD drives

Clock radios

DVD players

TVs

VCR players

Video cameras

MP3 players

For a full list of accepted items and more information, visit penrith.city/e-wasteday

NEVER WASTE A CHANCE TO BE GREAT WITH E-WASTE

PARENTS CORNER

Article Written + Submitted by:

Sussan Omar | Parenting Facilitator

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au

E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

Back to School: Creating a Study Routine That

Works

As children start a new school year it can be challenging after such a long holiday, for both carers and children, to get back into the school routine. We have some suggestions here for you about the hard part – setting up a good study routine.

Sleep

All children need good quality sleep to function and get through the school day. Increasingly children are on devices just before bedtime. Many, especially teens, have devices overnight in their rooms.

Children aged 6-12 years need 9-12 hours of sleep every night, and for teens, 8-10 hours is recommended.

It is important to note the stimulation caused by blue light can interfere with sleep patterns, as it can interfere with melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Children should therefore not use devices just before bed. Instead, encourage children to read, do puzzles or meditate before bed.

Physical Activities

Physical activity should be incorporated into your child’s everyday routine. Research has shown that physical activity helps with memory, concentration, and processing of information, all of which help with study.

Furthermore, regular exercise reduces stress levels by releasing endorphins, thus promoting better mood. Another benefit to exercise is the increase in energy levels which can help with study.

Space, Time, And Organisation

A regular study time helps children to incorporate study into their routine. Often after school, after a break, or after exercise, will work best.

Can you dedicate a quiet, well-lit and distraction free place for study? New stationery, a plant or a new planner can help children start the year fresh. Make the homework area as calm and inviting as possible. If you don’t have the space, check out your local library or homework club. Most schools and public libraries offer free homework spaces.

Take the opportunity to help your child to organise their time effectively. A visual planner can easily be printed out and filled out to include assignments, tests, and scheduled events. Bigger tasks can be broken down into manageable tasks and assigned a time frame to help children stay on track.

Depending on the age of your child, you may find an app or electronic diary with built in reminders and alarms work best.

There really is no magic formula when considering a study routine, but a good place to start is to consider your surroundings, sleep quality, organisation tools and exercise.

Synagogue in 1967, at the time of the Six Day War, he dreamt two prophetic dreams. In his first dream he witnessed a bushfire type disaster on the escarpment of the Blue Mountains. The following night he dreamt that he saw earthquakes occurring around the world.

In 1994, Rod received a cryptic message where if A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, up to Z = 26, the gematria of his message added to 287, which was the combined gematria of Jesus Christ (151) and Virgin Mary (136). I.e. 151 + 136 added to 287

In 1995 he recorded these two 1967 dreams and his message in his 1st book Bow in the Cloud

On Xmas Day 2001 Rod’s house and Plant Nursery were destroyed in a bushfire.

On the following day (Boxing Day) Rod heard on the news that an earthquake had occurred in Asia. The following Boxing Day (2002) an earthquake occurred in Hawaii. On Boxing Day 2003 an earthquake occurred in Bam, Iraq killing 30,000 people. The following Boxing Day (2004) the Boxing Day Tsunami occurred killing 210,000 people. On October 8 2005, 287 days after the Boxing Day Tsunami an earthquake occurred in Pakistan/ Kashmir, killing 80,000 people. This was followed 287 days after by an earthquake in China.

In this remarkable book, the author, Roderick Luckett, documents the evidence for a numerical code in the Bible. In fact, this book is full of numerical codes that will enlighten the reader to an angle of the Bible that they may never have experienced before. Four Bible Codes offers both skeptics and believers a gold mine of information that will prompt much thinking about the origins of the Bible.

r Book Review by: Jimmy Fardouly

Luddenham Easter Festival is Back

The Luddenham Easter Festival is returning this month, taking place on Friday 29th March (Easter Friday) till Monday 1st April (Easter Monday) at Luddenham Showground.

It will be open from 12:30pm to 8:00pm from Good Friday to Sunday and 12:30pm to 6:00pm on Easter Monday.

There will be a $2 entry fee. Look out for an exciting announcement coming soon, that will be included with the entry fee!

Rides coupons will be available, both individual and multiple. Coupon numbers vary for each ride/display.

This year’s awesome rides will feature many of your old time favourites, as well as some new ones plus children’s rides!

If that’s not enough, they’ll be carnival games like catch a fish, laughing clowns, shooting gallery, basketball and tin can alley.

And of course, showbags! All your favourites will be on offer.

Delicious food will tickle your tastebuds with dagwood dogs, hot chips, fresh corn on the cob, twisted chip on a stick, homemade German sausages, fairy floss, Dutch pancakes, super sippers, snow cones and lollipops.

You’ll also find roaming shows throughout the day, coloured hair braiding, and face painting.

The Easter Festival would not be complete without an Easter Hat Parade. The Parade will take place at 4:00pm on Sunday. Best of all is that there will be some wonderful prizes for the best decorated Easter Hat. First prize will be a new mountain bike. If you would like to take part in the Easter Hat Parade, please call Karren on 0437 108026.

“Come and visit us. It’s always good to put a smile on your face and make some good memories with the whole family” said Karren Blades of Luddenham Easter Festival.

Check out their Facebook page for more information and updates.

See you there this Easter!

• Catering for 2-3 year old Children

• Situated in Quiet and Safe Street

• Preschool and School Readiness Specialty Program

• Qualified Early Childhood Sta

• Operational Hours 8am till 5pm Monday till Friday

• Large Outdoor Play Area

r A great time for the whole family | Image: Luddenham Easter Festival Facebook

The annual Luddenham Show is back for another year on the 2nd and 3rd of March, with thousands expected to attend the biggest event on the Luddenham Calendar. The 118th edition of the “Country Show” has a range of entertainment for the whole family, with organisers expecting to build on the record crowds in attendance last year. Saturday morning kicks off with the traditional poet’s breakfast; with other Luddenham favourites throughout the day including the cattle show, the dog high jump, live reptiles show and line dancing. With the help of generous sponsors, a prize pool of over $6,000 has attracted bull riders from across the state for a hot contest on Saturday night. Once the rush of the bull ride has concluded, crowds can enjoy live music with Ronnie Judo and the Whiskey Sodas, and the Mad Hatters performing until late with a quick intermission for the famous Foti Fireworks.

Sunday presents the opportunity for crowds to get involved with whip cracking, ice cream eating and Lego building competitions for the family to enjoy. For those who prefer to sit and watch, the demolition derby, sheep dog trials and wood chopping competitions will be held on Sunday with a massive $4,000 up for grabs in the wood chopping. Fresh from the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Ingrid Mae will grace the Luddenham stage for the first time, performing her country music hits into the late afternoon.

The Trackskills V8 Utes will be performing five shows throughout the weekend, defying gravity with their daredevil tricks dazzling the arena. The stage is spoilt for entertainment with magic shows, dancers, a bush balladeer and the Fizzics science show. The new kid’s entertainment hub will be launched this year with a ball pit, balloon making and circus games for kids of all ages to participate in. Side show alley is back, as well as the horse and poultry competitions with a new cow milking demonstration occurring on both days in the cattle pavilion.

The pavilion competitions are free to enter with categories for art, craft, photography, cooking, produce, flowers, scarecrows and of course Lego. All entries will be displayed throughout the weekend, with an impressive range of prizes including cash, vouchers and prize packs donated by their sponsors. Full details can be found on their website, Facebook, or Instagram pages.

Luddenham Showground can be found on the corner of Park Road and Campbell Street. It is one of only three grounds in the state still wholly owned by the community. The annual show raises much needed funds for the upkeep of the facilities, as well as next year’s show. Luddenham A.H & I Society boasts a proud history dating back to 1891, when it was reported in the papers of the time - “Luddenham may fairly lay claim to having the best first show ever held in the colony!” This year’s committee, many of whose forebears were among the first organisers, are determined to live up to that high standard.

Further information can be found on their website at www.luddenhamshow.com.au or on the Luddenham Show Facebook and Instagram pages.

r Feature Article [Cover] Woodchopping [Above] Rodeo | Images Supplied by Luddenham A.H & I Society. Article: Luddenham A.H & I Society

1ST: YOUTH NIGHT EVENT Join us 5pm – 8pm

The Cottage 15 Weir Road Warragamba Games 2U and Pizza

13TH: YAG (YOUTH ADVISORY GROUP) MEETING Join us 5.30pm / 6pm for 6.15pm start

The Cottage 15 Weir Road Warragamba

21ST: CHILDREN’S EASTER WORKSHOP

3.30pm – 4.30pm

02 4774 1273

Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre Inc

8TH: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MORNING TEA

10am – 12pm

Warragamba Workers Club Bookings essential Call WSNC 4774 1273

14TH: SENIORS WEEK PREMIERS GALA CONCERT FREE Tickets Only 20 available tickets Call Lee on 4774 1273 for your

22ND:

11TH: EASTER COLOURING IN COMPETITION

Runs from 11th – 21st March Winners announced 22nd March Please drop in, email community@wsnc.org.au or call 47741273 for a colouring in sheet

20TH: SENIORS WEEK EXPO & LUNCH

10am – 3pm

Warragamba Workers Club Costs $10 per person Bookings essential Call WSNC 4774 1273

25TH:

Mondays 9.30am – 11am

PAWS A WHILE

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

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

Celebrating Senior Pets

Our homes are enriched by the comforting presence of our furry companions, who, over the years, have given us a profound gift – a lifetime of unwavering love. As our pets gracefully transition into their golden years, it’s our opportunity to repay their loyalty with the care and consideration that they deserve.

The first step in honouring our senior pets is understanding their unique needs and challenges. As our faithful friends age, they often encounter a range of health issues that necessitate tailored care. Arthritis, dental problems, vision and hearing impairments, and organ-related ailments are common companions of old age. Regular veterinary check-ups become crucial to identify and address these issues early on, allowing us to provide timely interventions and ensure our pets' continued well-being.

Creating a comfortable environment is paramount to the happiness of senior pets. Soft, orthopaedic bedding aids in alleviating joint pain, while maintaining a warm and draft-free living space is essential for their overall comfort. Accessible water bowls and litter boxes accommodate any mobility issues, making daily routines more manageable.

One prevalent concern in older pets is arthritis, a condition that can severely impact their mobility. Gentle exercises, such as short walks or moderate play sessions, can help manage arthritis symptoms. Moreover, the market offers a variety of joint supplements and medications that, when prescribed by a veterinarian, can enhance our pets' quality of life by easing pain

CONSULTING HOURS

Monday

Services provided include:

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and inflammation.

Dental care is another critical aspect of senior pet health. Dental diseases can lead to discomfort, difficulty eating, and even systemic health issues. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, combined with dental-friendly treats and toys, contribute to maintaining good oral hygiene.

Emotional well-being is equally vital for senior pets. Spending quality time together, engaging in low-impact activities, and providing mental stimulation through toys or puzzles can counteract feelings of loneliness or anxiety. Our pets thrive on routine, and maintaining a consistent schedule helps reduce stress and fosters a sense of security.

Celebrating senior pets goes beyond meeting their physical needs; it involves a genuine commitment to their holistic health and happiness. These remarkable companions, who have given us a lifetime of unconditional love, deserve nothing less than our unwavering devotion as they navigate the golden years of their lives. By understanding their unique requirements and embracing a proactive approach to their care, we can ensure that our senior pets continue to be cherished members of our families, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.

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

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

CREA

Shop 4A, Oran Park Podium

351 Oran Park Drive, Oran Park

Only a hop, skip and jump away!

CREA is an Italian restaurant and Pizzeria, located at Oran Park Podium. The staff were delightful and greeted us as soon as we arrived. Seated in a small room towards the back of the restaurant, it was as if we had been transported back to Italy. The ambience, including the décor and music was authentically Italian. Soft drinks were ordered to quench our thirst, before the amazing food arrived. The entrée was Mozzarella Balls, consisting of four pieces of mozzarella coated in a crispy crumb. The mozzarella had that classic stretch, and the taste did not disappoint.

My favourite Italian food is pizza, so how could I pass up the opportunity of trying it? My main meal was BBQ Meat 2.0. A BBQ sauce base with mozzarella, ham, salami, bacon, Italian sausage, pepperoni, nduja (spicy, spreadable pork sausage), extra virgin olive oil and oregano. It was cooked to perfection and the combination of meats was great. Each meat had its own flavour, and my favourite was the nduja. Just the right amount of spice to add to this meaty treat.

Kobhi had the pasta, and he chose the Crab Linguini. It was made up of crab meat, garlic, parsley and rosa sauce. It normally comes with zucchini, but he ordered without it. The pasta was al dente and nice and firm. The rosa sauce was rich and delicious, with the right balance of tomato and cream. The crab complimented this well, with a nice sweetness to the meat.

Upfront

Silverdale

Over

Same

All servings were generous. We left with full bellies and smiles on our faces. Overall, a wonderful experience of Italian cuisine right here in our local community.

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

MeatBBQ2.0

Mozzarella Balls

HEALTH MATTERS

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

Structural Scoliosis – You Can Get Some Pain Relief

Unlike functional scoliosis, structural scoliosis is not a simple lateral curve of the spine. It involves a more complex three-dimensional deformity of vertebrae. Thus, the side to side curvature we see is normally a product of two abnormalities.

1. Increased lordosis (like the bend in your lower back)

2. Abnormal rotation of individual vertebrae with respect to one another

Structural scoliosis is actually very common. Normal children have neither straight nor symmetrical spines. Fifteen per cent of children show evidence of a lateral curvature on a visual examination and as many as 30 per cent with a more accurate measurement. Anatomists two centuries ago clearly demonstrated that everyone had a scoliosis, albeit of small magnitude (Dickson 1984). Structural scoliosis is also 7 times more common in women.

It can be classified by the type of curve that is seen or by the age it develops i.e.

• Infantile,

• juvenile,

• adolescent

The majority of cases are adolescent onset. Screening of children allows early intervention to minimise progression.

Doctors measure the size of the curve from X-rays using the Cobb technique (see below). A curvature of 20 degrees or more is considered significant, but this is rare (2-5/1000 cases).

Most structural scoliosis cases (80%) are ‘idiopathic’ (no known cause).

Known causes include:

• Congenital (bone abnormalities present at birth)

• Neuromuscular conditions such as

* Cerebral palsy

* Muscular dystrophy

• Connective tissue disorders

* Marfan’s syndrome

* Rheumatoid arthritis

* Certain dwarves

• Trauma

* Fractures

* Irradiation

* Surgery

Orthopaedic or neurosurgeon treatment in severe cases may include ‘Harrington’ metal rods, or bone grafts for spinal stabilization.

People with structural scoliosis are often afflicted with great back pain. The tremendous ongoing workload placed on muscles trying to stabilise a bent spine eventually causes cell damage. Muscle cells release inflammatory chemicals which cause fluid accumulation, muscle swelling/shortening, and pain.

Physical therapy can help relieve pain for people with structural scoliosis, however the treatment needs to be regular and ongoing to be beneficial because the back muscles are continually over worked. If you have structural scoliosis and would like some advice, please come see us at the clinic.

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

Article Written + Submitted by: Repairs Afoot Podiatry, Wallacia

P: (02) 4773 8071

W: www.repairsafoot.com.au

Shaheen Aumeer-Donovan (Practice Manager) & Philip Aumeer-Donovan (Clinical Manager and Podiatrist)

Kids & Feet Part 2

Here

are some more things to look out for with kids*.

Sore Legs

Many children experience pain in their legs as they grow. Encouraging children to stretch and keep hydrated will help. If the pain persists or becomes very sharp, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist in case their feet need a bit more support.

Heel Pain

Children with pain in the heel after exercise should consult a podiatrist straight away as it can be an indication of Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease is caused by the Achilles tendon pulling on the back of the heel bone (calcaneus) as the growth plate in the bone is trying to close, causing inflammation. Generally by the time Sever’s disease presents itself, it can take up to 2 years for the growth plate to fully close and pain to abate if no interventions are made. However, with early and correct intervention, the child can be pain-free in as little as a couple of weeks.

Nail Picking

Picking often starts when nails are uncomfortable, sometimes because they are ingrowing, or if the child is sensory-seeking. Picking ingrowing nails can lead to inflammation, infection, more deeply involuted nails and further discomfort that can become a hard-to-break habit over time. When you first see children picking at their nails, a podiatrist can help determine if there is an issue with the nail causing irritation. At this early stage, the podiatrist has more non-invasive treatment options available to them such as education on how to trim nails correctly, clearing hard skin formed from the trauma of the ingrowing nail, foam packing under the nails to help them grow out straight, and nail bracing. If too much damage has been done to the nail, sometimes it is only possible to correct the issue with nail surgery.

Warts

Warts (verruca) are caused by a virus that is highly contagious and transmitted by direct touch or by touching a contaminated surface. Warts should be treated and kept covered to prevent them spreading or being passed on to other people. Please see our June and July 2023 editorials for more information on wart treatment!

Leisa McGivern OAM Named 2024 Badgerys Creek Local Woman of the Year

Leisa McGivern OAM, resident of Glenmore Park, has been announced as the 2024 Badgerys Creek Local Woman of the Year.

She was awarded the honour by Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, in recognition of her extraordinary service to children as a foster carer over the last 24 years, in which she has fostered more than 60 children.

Mrs Davies stated, “I’m so proud that our electorate has a woman of Leisa’s character and values, providing babies and children a safe and loving home and a start to life that they otherwise would not have.”

Leisa shared that she believes that every child needs ‘love to grow’. She stated, “my role is to make sure that these children have a safe, loving home, whilst awaiting their ‘forever family’.”

Leisa is also a mother to her own 5 children.

True to her nature, Leisa encourages anyone curious about caring to look into it. “There are plenty of children in need of a place to stay,” she stated.

One of the organisations Leisa recommended to those looking to assist, and to those requiring assistance, is Anglicare Telopea, which can be contacted on 02 9890 6800.

Mrs Davies was delighted to hear that Leisa is still in contact with many of those who she had previously cared for. “The great continued love and affection from those children who have moved onto their ‘forever home’ just goes to show the extraordinary love Leisa has given to the children who have been in her care,” Mrs Davies said.

“I congratulate her on this well-deserved award,” concluded Mrs Davies.

r Article: Tanya Davies MP

r Image: Supplied * For general information only – a healthcare professional must be seen for tailored advice.

Article Written + Submitted by: Wayne Willmington

E: c/- info@districtgazette.com.au | Subject ‘Latest @ Luddenham’

The big news in Luddenham is the 118th Show to be held this weekend on 2 & 3 March. It is looking like it will be the biggest and best yet! The bull ride, held on Saturday evening, will have over 50 contestants. Luddenham Show is the original Country Show, so keep up to date by following Luddenham Show on Facebook and Instagram.

The Luddenham Progress Association (LPA) has started the ball rolling to turn the land in between the two Churches on Willmington Road into a park. The land is owned by the Church of England, and is currently an overgrown fire hazard, with noxious weeds and other undergrowth. The land is now part of the recently released Cumberland Plain Conservation area and is categorised as Avoided Land, meaning it is ‘avoided’ from development. As it can no longer be developed, the LPA believes that it should be cleaned up and turned into a park for the community.

After reviewing the Western Sydney Airport (WSI) EIS, the LPA can see no reason why the Luddenham Village Plan cannot proceed. The LPA is calling on the NSW Government to make good on its election promise and move forward on finalising the future plans for Luddenham Village.

Construction on the 3.5-kilometres of elevated viaduct for Western Sydney Airport metro line is taking shape with almost one kilometre of viaduct now constructed. The foundation for a new sky-high metro station at Luddenham is also complete and ready for work on the station build to commence this month. Luddenham Station will be situated up to 13.5 metres above ground and will be the only station located on a viaduct.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is exhibiting a draft master plan for the Bradfield City Centre, prepared by Western Parkland City Authority, and is up for public comment until Monday 4 March. I urge Luddenham residents to check it out and make a submission, details at https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/.

Asphalting and concreting the runway at Western Sydney Airport is complete, the 3.7km runway (3km of which is in Luddenham), it is made up of about 55,000 tonnes, or enough to cover forty one soccer fields.

r [Top] The Area the Progress want to be a Park [Below] Metro Viaduct | Images Supplied

4733 0792

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