Mulgoa Valley Gazette May 2024

Wollondilly Council to Trial New Wood Chipping Service

Wollondilly Shire Council will be trialling a new wood chipping service from this Autumn, in four locations around the Shire: Appin, Bargo, Picton, and Warragamba.

Running from April until December 2024, this free service is available to residents with a current domestic waste service.

This service will allow people to dispose of larger vegetation such as tree branches and large shrubs.

Mayor Matt Gould explained, “This trial service is being introduced in response to feedback received from residents who participated in our Shire-wide Waste Services Survey. Results from the survey continue to play a part in shaping our waste services.”

“The aim of the wood chipping service is to help residents undertake bushfire preparation, general yard and property maintenance or land regeneration, as well as removal of woody weed species such as African Olive or Privet.”

“The trial is free and will be running at four different locations, so it is within a 30-minute drive for the majority of Wollondilly’s residents.”

Council’s tree contractors will assess each load and have the right to refuse material if it is unsuitable for the service.

They will accept tree branches, trunks, and large shrubs more than one metre long with a maximum diameter of 400mm. The service is unable to accept:

• Tree stumps with root balls

• Vines and garden weeds

• Weed species in seed or fruit

• Grass clippings, hedge trimmings, palm leaves

• Material that is tied up or in bags

• Material with dirt or soil

• Metal, concrete, asbestos, building materials or general waste

The operation could be dusty and noisy, so it is recommended that residents wear closed shoes, use ear protection such as ear buds and eye protection such as glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses. Children and pets should remain in vehicles and be supervised at all times.

Bookings are essential as places are limited – call 4677 1100 or visit www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/waste-services/woodchippingservice/ to book.

Please check Council’s Tree Management page for information about approvals for tree removal. The trial locations are as follows:

• Appin AIS Sportsground, Sportsground Parade 8:00am – 3:00pm

Monday 8 April, Saturday 13 July, Saturday 7 September 2024

• Bargo Sportsground, Radnor Road 8:00am – 3:00pm Saturday 4 May, Wednesday 11 September, Saturday 19 October 2024

• Picton Sportsground, Fairleys Road 8:00am – 2:00pm Tuesday 11 June, Thursday 8 August 8.00am – 3.00pm Saturday 28

September, Thursday 12 December

• Warragamba Waste Management Centre site, Production Avenue 8:00am – 3:00pm Saturday 27 July, Friday 27

September, Saturday 16 November

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/

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 Markets

Luddenham Country Markets

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/

Just three years ago, For The Love Of Biscotti was born. The small business is the creation of Silverdale resident and owner Carmela Foti, where she has turned her love of baking into something special that could benefit her family.

Carmela’s inspiration came as a young girl, where she grew up on a farm in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne. Fortunately for her, her Nonna and Nonno had the farm next door.

“I remember as a little girl, going to Nonna’s house and watching her bake traditional Italian biscotti and cakes. The care and attention she took to shape and mould each and every biscotti fascinated me,” said Carmela.

When the baking was done, they’d sit down in the garden, with a cup of tea and share the biscotti together. “As I got older, when asking Nonna for a recipe, she’d always say ‘no’. This was quickly followed up with ‘you can come over and we’ll do it together’.”

It’s these beautiful memories that sparked the creation of ‘For The Love Of Biscotti!’. Memories that Carmela strives to keep alive when baking with her own children. She has taken the traditional recipes taught to her by her Nonna and combined them with modern flavours, to create the biscotti she sells today.

Carmela has a mix of different traditional homemade Italian biscotti, and then there’s some more modern flavours blended with traditional techniques, to create something truly special. All of her biscotti is handmade and individually rolled. They sell 8 different types of biscotti in 5 different sized options – and post Australia wide.

For The Love of Biscotti’s range includes Nutella, Biscoff, Almond, Flaked Almond, Almond Log, Hazelnut and Cherry, She also sells rocky road, lemon curd and toffee almonds.

Carmela offers custom hampers for special occasions, as well as corporate hampers. This is for a range of businesses from schools to construction companies to real estates.

“The most popular product is the medium sized biscotti box. It has 7 different types of biscotti and includes 28 biscotti altogether” she concluded.

For more, visit www.fortheloveofbiscotti.com.au.

Mother’s Day – More Than Cold Tea and Toast

The tradition of Mothering Sunday began in the Middle Ages, when the custom of allowing those who had moved away from home to work, could visit their home parishes and mothers on the fourth Sunday of Lent. The modern version, Mother’s Day, is held in Australia on the second Sunday of May each year.

As Mother’s Day looms for another year, many of us spend some time thinking about our mothers, while the mothers among us spend time wondering how our own performance as mothers is panning out, and crucially, how it will be judged into the future.

One thing is clear to mothers of all ages and eras: mothering is challenging and demanding work. It never ends, and every decision will be held up for scrutiny for years to come. Who among us ever made a good decision wandering around the house looking for scissors to cut some knots out of your hair because you haven’t brushed it for weeks, the baby refuses to sleep, and you haven’t had a shower in 3 days?

And so, as Sunday 12 May rolls around, we stop to think about our mothers and the sacrifices they made - and continue to make for us. It is a time to show them that we appreciate them, because as sure as your mum told you to enjoy the time while your baby is little, our mums grow older as we are busy with life, and before we know it, they are gone forever.

We buy them chocolates, take them out for dinner, we get Grandma some new slippers, and sometimes we get a breakfast in bed of warm tea and cold toast. When I think back over the Mothers Days that I have been lucky enough to enjoy with my daughter, the one that stands out is the lukewarm tea and gift from the Mother’s Day stall at school. It takes me straight back to a little room in a hostel with two beds jammed in, everything we owned in a cupboard in the corner, and every night her little warm arms hugging me goodnight.

I would not have missed it for all the knots in my hair.

r Image: www.pexels.com. Article: Kate Neill

12 May 2024

Mother’s Day

r [Top] For The Love Of Biscotti owner Carmela Foti [Above] Medium mixed box of biscotti (best seller) | Images: Carmela Foti. Article: Julie Lobel

Plant a Tree for Mum on Mother’s Day

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

Penrith City Council’s annual Trees for Mum community tree planting event returns on Sunday 12 May at Hollier Reserve in Emu Plains.

The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions, with the first session starting at 8:30am and the last session at 12:00pm.

Council’s Bushcare team will be using registration numbers to ensure they have enough trees and tags for participants to plant and write on. Register at penrith. city/events

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

“We’re excited at Council to be celebrating 17 years of Trees for Mum in Penrith,” Cr Carney said.

“Penrith is one of the only local government areas that has continued to host this special event, and our Bushcare team is excited to not only be hosting its 17th year, but to be celebrating such a meaningful day with community members.

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

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

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

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

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

r This year’s event is in Emu Plains | Image/Article: Penrith City Council 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

Grand Opening Party!

It’s not often that a new church building has a Grand Opening Party!

After a generation of planning, selling other properties, and arranging the dignitaries, it has finally come to pass. We are extremely excited to be hosting the official opening of Grace West Anglican Church at Silverdale! We are thrilled to be able to offer our region a church facility with a state-of-the-art building, on our beautiful two-acre site.

It’s finally time for the “Grand Opening Party”! We invite you all to come along and take a good look around! Archbishop Kanishka Raffel will open the building at a ceremony starting at 11:30am, so turn up from around 11am. The party will include a free sausage sizzle, jumping castle, face-painting, fire engine, pumpkin bowling, giantjenga and a host of other games and activities.

The Silverdale building is flexible and will be able to host a variety of church events and groups. Already we run ‘Junior Jivers’ on Thursday mornings, a Christian music class for preschoolers, and we have plans in the pipeline for an after-school kids club. Many of the Grace West ‘whole church’ events happen at Silverdale!

Our church gathers every Sunday at 9:30am, which is one of four congregations of Grace West Anglican Church, with the other three meeting at Glenmore Park. These Sunday gatherings are an opportunity to see how you are a part of God’s world, and can experience his love in the context of an encouraging community of people. If you miss the party, you can drop in any Sunday!

Arrive from 11am, on Sunday 26 May, at 2265 Silverdale Road, Silverdale.

Free Food Fridays at Wallacia Christian Community Church

Wallacia Christian Community Church has an important local initiative, offering free food every Friday to those in and around the community.

Free Food Fridays takes place at the Church, located at 23 Park Road in Wallacia, every Friday from 10:30am to 11:30am – excluding public holidays.

Each week, there are fresh food items such as fruits, vegetables, and bread. They also have a limited amount of meat and pantry items.

Tea, coffee, and biscuits are available for people to enjoy whilst they wait. First time visitors to the service fill out a small form to assist the organisers. Upon arrival, a number is given and there are seats available. This is followed by a welcome and a short talk.

People are required to bring their own bags for the food items. Some items are limited to one each, whilst others are take what you need.

“We invite the community to please come freely. There are no bookings necessary. Please bring your own bags. Donations are welcome, but not required” said Madison of Christian Community Church.

They are currently not looking for volunteers and appreciate those in the community that contribute their time to serve the local area.

For more information about Free Food Fridays, visit the ‘Christian Community Church Cambridge Park and Wallacia’ Facebook page.

r Fresh fruit and vegetables available.Image: www.pexels.com

Locals Begin Walking It Off

Walk It Off Warragamba have had a successful start to their local initiative, with the community turning out in numbers to show their support.

The first Walk It Off Warragamba took place on the 20th of March, at the Warragamba Dam Bakery Café.

“For the launch night, a total of 30 people met for the walk. This consisted of men who were genuinely interested in attending the walk and family members who were there to show their support, and who were also curious to learn more about Walk It Off” said Chris Edwards, Local Organiser.

“Overall, the first Walk It Off in Warragamba went well, with a third of that number remaining consistent throughout the following four weeks” he continued.

Walk It Off (WIO) is a grassroots, community based, mental health support initiative, independently supporting men who may be struggling to cope with life’s pressures. WIO is also a not-for-profit support group that encourages open and honest conversations and support around mental health.

This initiative started 2 years ago in Springwood, in the Blue Mountains. Providing a safe place to connect and find non-judgmental support from people with shared lived experiences to support the journey to wellness. Since the initial group was launched, there has been the development of a women’s support group.

“Walk It Off is committed to supporting those who may need it, with locations in three different municipalities (Wollondilly, Blue Mountains, and Central Coast). Additionally, as Walk It Off is a recognised charity, we would appreciate any donation or sponsorship from those in these communities that we support” concluded Chris.

For further information please visit walkitoff.org.au or https://www.facebook.com/WalkItOffAustralia.

r The launch and first week of Walk It Off Warragamba | Image:

Chris Edwards. Article: Julie Lobel

Thousands Expected to Visit Thirlmere Festival of Steam this Month

The 2024 Thirlmere Festival of Steam is on track to bring Wollondilly’s village of Thirlmere to life on the weekend of 18 and 19 May 2024, with the fun continuing for the iconic Huff n’ Puff race on Sunday 26 May.

The festival will once again be delivered by Wollondilly Shire Council in partnership with Transport Heritage NSW, operators of the NSW Rail Museum.

Visitors can look forward to steam train rides aboard the State’s operational heritage fleet, demonstrations from local artisans, and the colourful annual street parade.

This year, the festival will continue after sunset on Saturday 18 May, with a steam train ride behind locomotives 3265 and 3001 from Thirlmere Station towards Picton and return, as well as carnival rides, live entertainment, and an amazing fireworks display at 9:00pm to top off the evening.

After the main festival weekend, runners will race a historic steam engine on Sunday 26 May in the Huff n’ Puff race. Participants will run a 6.7km route from Buxton Station to Thirlmere Station, or alternatively participants of all ages can take part in the 3.5km Family Fun Run from Couridjah Station to Thirlmere Station. Entries are now open for this event.

Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould said, “We’re proud to be able to host the State’s premier steam event and one of the Shire’s favourite celebrations here in Wollondilly once again in 2024, and I look forward to seeing everyone get on board to take part in the fun.”

Transport Heritage NSW CEO Andrew Moritz said, “The annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam continues to go from strength to strength. Record numbers of people have visited the NSW Rail Museum for the event since the start of our new partnership in 2022 and we expect this to continue this year.”

On Saturday 18 May, the NSW Rail Museum will host a variety of steam train rides, driver’s cab visits, a steam and vintage park, mini-train rides and more. Thirlmere Sportsground will feature the Family Carnival, with carnival rides and activities from midday until 9:00pm.

On Sunday 19 May, the whole village will come to life with market stalls, a street parade including Ingleburn Pipes and Drums, live performances, as well as steam rides and activities at the NSW Rail Museum.

On Sunday 26 May the Festival will culminate with the Huff n’ Puff race and Family Fun Run.

To find out more about the event and book tickets for the day or night train rides, visit www.thirlmerefestivalofsteam.com.au.

r The popular festival is back

$150,000*

 Constant work from over 40 regular commercial and residential real estate agencies.

 Business sale due to pending retirement.

 Sale of the business comes with late model cleaning equipment and van.

 Ideal 2 person operation.

 Business has plenty of upside with potential for growth.

 Training period available.



Trading figures available for past 3 years.

 Owner states turnover on average $5,000 per week.

 Owners open to discuss reasonable offer.

*Note GST applies to sale price

Any

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Warragamba’s Dynamic Duo

In the heart of Warragamba, two young athletes are shining bright, ready to take on the challenges and triumphs of the State Rugby League Competition.

Elijah Champness and Jonas Cook, both 11 years old, have been selected to represent the Macarthur Primary School Sports Association in a State Rugby League Competition. Their selection followed a successful trial at Kirkham Oval in Camden on March 11, 2024.

Elijah, sharing his excitement about the selection, expressed his joy and eagerness for the journey ahead. “I felt good, happy, and excited about where I will go next,” he said.

Elijah is known for his love of tackling and running hard on the field, qualities he admires in his dad and also his favourite Panthers player Moses Leota. His aspirations include winning the grand final with his club rugby league team, the Warragamba Wombats, and performing well in representative football.

“Elijah loves rugby league and is a real determined kid with a good work ethic, and is loved by his community,” said Elijah’s father, Joshua Champness. “He is always out playing, and basically everyone in the area knows him as a kind and respectful kid.”

Jonas also felt excited and proud to be chosen for the team, especially alongside his good mate Elijah.

“He loves the physicality of the game, particularly tackling and scoring tries. Jonas’s idol is James Fisher-Harris, although many people think he looks like Reece Walsh,” said proud dad, Jacob Golding.

As both Elijah and Jonas gear up for the challenges ahead, their families expressed gratitude to Miss Allard from Warragamba Public School for providing the opportunity to trial.

With their determination, skill, and unwavering support from their community, these young athletes are poised to make their mark on the rugby league scene, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and excellence along the way.

v [Top] Jonas Cook (left) and Elijah Champness (right) at Macarthur PSSA Training | Image: Jacob Golding [Left] Elijah Champness in action with the Warragamba Wombats | Image: Joshua Champness. Article: Tanya Nellestein 02

PARENTS CORNER

Article Written + Submitted by: Sussan Omar | Parenting Facilitator

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au

E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

Embracing Mindfulness: A Parent’s Guide to Being Present With Their Children.

You may have heard the term mindfulness in relation to personal wellbeing, but have you considered mindful parenting? So, what is mindfulness and how do you include it in the everyday hustle?

Mindfulness in a Nutshell

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the here and now, without judgement or distraction. Paying deliberate attention to our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and environment, without getting caught up in it. Mindfulness can be practiced in the everyday by mindful eating, mindful walking, or simply paying attention to the task at hand like washing dishes. The trick is to tune into your thoughts, feelings, body, and surroundings. Have you ever just stopped to think about the sun on your face or the sounds of the birds, as go for a walk?

Benefits of Mindfulness

The benefits include reduced stress, improved emotional regulation and sleep, enhanced parent-child relationships, better decision-making abilities, increased empathy and compassion, and increased focus and attention.

Mindful parenting creates increased family harmony, emotional resilience in children, and deeper connections and understanding within the family.

Meditation as a tool

Whilst meditation allows you to be present for a set period, the aim of mindfulness is to remember to come back to the present during the day. Regular meditation practice is known to have benefits including changing and rewiring our brains, to more positive emotions and thoughts. Grey matter in the brain has been shown to increase with regular meditation, improving emotion regulation, planning, problem solving, learning, and memory. In addition, the amygdala, which controls fear, anxiety, and stress, reduces in size.

Mindfulness Techniques

Here are several techniques regularly used in meditation or everyday practice that can be used to develop mindfulness:

• Body Scan Meditation: A mental exercise where you scan your body from head to toe, paying attention to tension and discomfort in the body, and gently releasing it.

• Mindful Breathing: Focus on each inhale and exhale, paying attention to the natural rise and fall of the chest and the stomach. Just a few minutes every day is enough to encourage mental clarity and relaxation.

• Mindful eating: Next time to you eat, pause, and think about how the food’s texture, how it smells, looks, and tastes. This is often a fun activity for children.

• Structured meditation: There are many apps and websites with free mediations including Headspace, Calm, Insight, and Peaceful Kids.

Nepean Christian School Turns 40!

If forty is middle-aged, then Nepean Christian School has never been more active. This year, it celebrates a wonderful milestone in our community.

Nepean Christian School is nestled behind bushland along Mulgoa Road. It is an unassuming entranceway for a school that is achieving incredible things in our community. With over 600 students, it has grown from small beginnings in Blaxland to a vibrant community with big goals. It moved onto the current site more than 30 years ago, taking over Clancy’s restaurant, and although the restaurant is no longer there, the spirit of warmth and hospitality continues to be a defining character of the school.

Nepean Christian School is the only Preschool to Year 12 school in the Mulgoa-Wallacia area, having commenced an Early Childhood Centre, called Puggles in 2023. The name was well-chosen, considering a young platypus was caught, tagged, and released shortly after. Surrounded by bushland, the school is a haven for all sorts of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats. Students take advantage of a beautiful setting to frame learning.

“It’s a special environment for learning,” said Principal Dr Cameron Nunn. “We’re trying to do things a little differently to other schools.” The whole school has a very relational feel. The aim is that every student will be known by their name and valued for who they are. “For us, this flows directly out of our Christian foundation, that every child is made in the image of God.”

Over the forty years, the school has embarked on a number of other interesting projects with the aim of serving the local community. All the older students in the school must do twenty hours of community service each year and seniors also develop an individual leadership project that has them working with community groups to enhance their world. “For us, education is not just about a number on a page. It’s about equipping the whole child for a life of loving and serving those around them.”

As part of their forty year celebration, the school is holding a celebration dinner to welcome back past leaders and community members, as well as a community fair in September.

r Feature Article [Cover] Nepean Christian School.

Whole school 40th photo | Image: Advanced Life School Photography and Print Specialists [Above] Nepean District Christian School. Whole school photo in 1984, at Blaxland Reformed Church | Image Supplied by Nepean Christian School. Article: Nepean Christian School

Mother’s Day KID’S CORNER

HELP PRINCE DEAN FIND PRINCESS ASHLEY AND LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Named Australian Small Business Award Champions

Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital has once again proven its commitment to excellence, by winning the prestigious Veterinarian category at the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards. Led by Dr. Camille and her dedicated team, the hospital stands as a beacon of quality pet care in the Penrith community.

Accepting the coveted statuette trophy alongside four staff members, Dr. Camille expressed heartfelt gratitude to her valued clients who have entrusted their beloved pets to their care every day. It’s this unwavering support that has propelled Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital to the forefront of veterinary services in the region.

A testament to their dedication, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, a family-owned business, has been providing top-notch veterinary care to the Penrith community for years. Dr. Camille’s vision of personalised service, accurate diagnosis, and affordable pet care led to the hospital’s relocation in 2019 to better serve the growing needs of their clientele.

With a focus on high-quality surgical and medical facilities, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital boasts a team comprising both experienced professionals and enthusiastic youth. This blend of expertise and innovative thinking has been instrumental in their success amidst an industry that has faced its fair share of challenges.

Over the past 18 months, the team has expanded to 40 staff members, all dedicated to exceeding the core needs of their clients. Embracing change and fostering a culture of collaboration, the hospital ensures that patient care remains paramount in every decision and action taken.

What sets Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital apart is its commitment to creating a welcoming, “old-fashioned, country practice” atmosphere where pets and clients are treated like family. This sense of belonging has fostered a unique bond among staff, clients, and furry friends alike.

Operating with honesty, integrity, and an unwavering passion for their work, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being of every family member – whether they walk on two legs, four legs, or sport feathers or fur.

The true measure of their success lies in the faces of relieved, comforted, and grateful clients, as well as the word-of-mouth referrals that attest to their exceptional service and family values. It’s this dedication to caring for their extended family that has rightfully earned Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital the title of Australian Small Business Champion in the Veterinarian category.

r Dr. Camille and her team with the award | Image/Article Supplied by Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital

Sydney Royal Easter Show - Show Wrap-Up

As we bid farewell to another spectacular and unforgettable Sydney Royal Easter Show, we reflect on the joy, laughter, and camaraderie shared by the almost 800,000 people welcomed through the gates.

The Show, run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), is a unique Australian experience that brings the country to the city and showcases the very best Australian agriculture has to offer.

RAS General Manager of Agriculture and the Show, Murray Wilton, said this year’s Show has been an incredible success.

“We’ve seen Sydney and NSW come and celebrate everything we know and love about the Show and rural Australia, from farmers to food, animals to arts and crafts, rides to rodeo and good oldfashioned family fun.

“Some of the highlights from our special days include the heartwarming celebrations of Seniors Day, the proud moments of the Australian Citizenship Ceremony, the gratitude expressed on Thank a Farmer Day and the sheer delight of Kids Day.

“The 2024 Sydney Royal Easter Show truly encapsulated the spirit of inclusivity and fun for attendees of every age,” he said.

The Show attracts thousands of skilled and passionate people from around the country, with 15,000 trophies, certificates and medals awarded over the 12 days.

Our local competition winners include: Thomas McDermott (Rider) and Tim Boland (Owner) and Cooley Gangster (Horse), Mulgoa NSW

• Showjumping Grand Prix Winner

• Showjumping EA Perpetual Cup Winner

• Most Successful Rider in Jumping Contests

r Article: Royal Agricultural Society of NSW

Early Childhood Education Matters

• Boutique service with an offering of only 38 places a day.

• Set on an acre of land with room for children to move freely.

• Nutritional food made fresh and, on the premises, daily.

• Dedicated educators delivering age-specific and anti-bias educational program through the Early Years Learning Framework.

Pets for First-Time Owners PAWS A WHILE

Article Written + Submitted by: Kellie Tickner from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital A: 49 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027

For those stepping into the world of pet ownership for the first time, the abundance of choices can be overwhelming. From fish to furry friends, each option brings its own set of joys and responsibilities. Let’s explore some of the best pets for first-time owners, catering to various lifestyles and preferences.

Fish: Low-Maintenance and Therapeutic For those seeking a serene presence in their home, fish make excellent companions. With minimal maintenance requirements, they offer a gateway into the world of pet ownership. Regular feeding and tank upkeep are essential, but the tranquillity they bring is unparalleled. Scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing, an aquarium can be a therapeutic addition to any household.

Dogs: Friendly and Smart For those craving companionship and loyalty, a dog might be the perfect fit. Opting for a low maintenance small to medium-sized breed such as an ‘oodle’ breed, greyhound or cross-breed can offer a balance of intelligence and sociability. Researching breeds known for their compatibility with various lifestyles ensures a harmonious relationship. Dogs not only provide unconditional love but also encourage outdoor activities, fostering a healthy lifestyle for their owners.

Cats: Independent and Affectionate Companions With their puzzling personalities, cats offer a blend of independence and affection. Their low-maintenance nature makes them suitable for individuals with busy schedules or limited living space. Cats thrive in various environments, from cozy apartments to spacious homes. Beyond their playful antics, they teach valuable life lessons to children, promoting responsibility and empathy.

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Guinea Pigs: Easy, Social Starters For those seeking a cuddly companion without the demands of traditional pets, guinea pigs fit the bill. These sociable creatures require minimal upkeep and offer endless entertainment with their playful behaviour. Providing a comfortable habitat and nutritious diet ensures their well-being, while regular interaction fosters a strong bond between pet and owner.

Pocket Pets & Birds: Easy First-Time Care Ideal for those with limited time or space, pocket pets and birds offer effortless companionship. Whether it's a rabbit, ferret, or budgerigar, these low-maintenance pets adapt well to various lifestyles. Their simple care requirements make them an excellent choice for first-time owners, allowing them to ease into the responsibilities of pet ownership without feeling overwhelmed.

Ultimately, the best pet for a first-time owner depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and level of commitment. Whether it's the calming presence of fish, the playful antics of a dog, or the independent charm of a cat, each option brings its own unique joys and challenges. By researching and selecting a pet that aligns with one's needs and capabilities, first-time owners can embark on a rewarding journey of companionship and responsibility.

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

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

Wilson’s Kitchen and Bar cafe

1/252 high street, Penrith

This month, our lunchtime food review is of Wilson’s Kitchen and Bar Café, located where the Blind Chef Café used to be.

The Wilson’s, as it is known, offers corporate catering and functions, but during the day, it operates as a café. Offering an allday breakfast that includes burgers, rolls, wraps and eggs every way, an extensive addons list, some sweet offerings and a lunch menu that includes a couple of pasta dishes, there’s a wide range to choose from.

It is affordably priced these post COVID days, with most dishes between $19 to $25, medium coffees about $5.50. The menu does not specify gluten free, vegetarian, or vegan dishes, but the beverage menu offers lactose free, almond, oat, and soy options, which is standard these days.

I ordered one of the juices, Strawberry Sunset, which is made to order on site with fresh seasonal fruit. If you love a good fresh juice, here it is.

The staff were happy to accommodate requested changes to the dishes on the menu, as we swapped fried chicken for grilled chicken in one of the chicken burgers. They were also careful to check the food did not contain any sesame, which I am allergic to.

The Chicken Burger was served on a grilled bun with fresh salad veggies and crispy fried chicken, while the grilled chicken they cooked for our other burger was slightly over cooked and dry to our taste.

Upfront

Over

Same

The side of chips that accompanied the burgers were everything you hope for with a good chip – thick cut, crispy, and tasty.

The café has a pleasant atmosphere, a nice place for lunch on a weekday.

Open 6am – 2pm weekdays.

Scott

#foodie#extraordinaire#reviewer

HEALTH MATTERS

Article Written + Submitted

P: 0418 166 269

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

Don’t Let Your ‘Back Scans’ Define You!

One of the most often run examinations for back pain is a radiological scan - an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. All these scans are excellent in certain circumstances, and they can add valuable information to a clinical picture.

I see patients scans and the accompanying reports almost every day. Scans reveal many things, such as vertebrae with fractures, trophic or Modic changes, vertebrae with altered shapes, fused vertebra; many bulging or protruding discs, loss of disc height, osteophytes (bony outgrowths from vertebrae), stenosed (blocked) spinal canals and nerve exits, facet joint arthritis, etc. All these are possible causes of back pain, and proper diagnosis is vital.

Often what is revealed on a scan is very important and helpful re cause of back pain, the preferred treatment, and likely response. In some cases, scans may show a patient’s spine is in excellent condition and thus say little about the cause of their pain.

Sometimes patients come into the clinic having been told, based on scan results, that they’re just getting old, and that there is little that can be done about their pain or their state of

debility. Often such folk then simply put up with the pain, which is often quite high, even when on multiple medications, when help may be available. This is definitely where you shouldn’t let your back scans define you!

While not every case of back pain will be fixed with manual therapies, and indeed some people may need surgery or other treatments, simple intervention with appropriate muscle elongation therapy can often have surprising results. Using specific techniques, we remove inflammatory fluids from back tissues, lengthen back muscles, allowing back tissue function to normalise. With regular treatment over a few weeks or months, depending on the severity of the problem, in most cases chronic back pain goes completely, even in many long-standing cases.

If you have a problem with a back injury or back pain and you’d like to know more, call Andreas at BHW on 02 4777 5264 or 0418 166 269.

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

melissa.mcintosh.mp@aph.gov.au

331 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750

melissamcintosh.com.au

MelissaMcIntoshMP 4722 0600

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)

Falls Prevention and Podiatry*

Falls prevention begins before issues occur. It is important no matter our age (but especially as we get older) to exercise to maintain or improve balance, strength and flexibility. An excellent example of a low impact activity that is great for falls prevention is Tai Chi. Also look out for exercise classes in the local gym that specialise in balance, strength and flexibility.

As soon as someone starts to experience any kind of instability in standing or walking, it is advisable to investigate the cause to ensure they don’t end up injuring themselves, or worse:

• An optometrist can assist with eyesight issues.

• A pharmacist can do a medication review to ensure instability isn’t a side-effect of or incompatibility with medication.

• An occupational therapist can assist with ensuring safety at home and providing mobility aids.

• A physiotherapist can create an exercise program to support mobility.

• Podiatry care is also an essential part of falls prevention!

Here are some of the ways a podiatrist can help:

General Care Assessment

Will determine if functional ability can be improved by addressing any general care issues like corns and callus, swelling, arthritis, skin or nail problems, infection, peripheral neuropathy (reduced sensation in the feet) or vascular disease (poor blood flow).

Footwear Assessment

Will see if footwear has the correct support or has worn out and needs replacing. Some footwear features to assist with stability:

• Well-fitting enclosed shoe with a supporting collar.

• Light-weight and not too bulky to prevent tripping.

• Fastener (such as Velcro or laces) to hold the foot in place.

• Low, square heel to improve stability.

• Slip-resistant sole.

• May require a feature like a rocker forefoot to make pushing off easier when walking.

Biomechanical Assessment

Will focus on:

• Identifying structures like muscles and joints that are experiencing weakness and determining the cause of it.

• Advising how to support weakened structures with footwear or orthoses.

• Providing education on the best exercises to rehabilitate weakened structures.

• Identifying whether further investigation is advisable for possible underlying systemic or neurological issues.

Footwear Modifications And Orthoses

Modifications can be applied to footwear to correct or support any issue identified in the biomechanical assessment. These might include wedges or padding, or orthoses to provide more support long-term.

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

This year marks 100 years of the Luddenham Progress Association’s ownership of the Hall, and the association is looking for ideas and expressions of interest for people who would like to be involved for either a day, or a weekend, of celebrations! If you would like to get involved, please message Luddenham Progress Association via their Facebook page, or email luddenhamprogress@yahoo.com.

Luddenham Progress will continue to fight for Luddenham and its future. Luddenham residents can get involved and be a part of one of the longest running Progress Associations in the Country. The Luddenham Progress Association meets in the Hall on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!

Locals should be aware of a few attempted break-ins in Luddenham over the past month. This is a reminder to be a good neighbour, and keep your eyes and ears open. This vandalism appears to be some young guys on bikes.

It is the end of an era with the closure of AA Safety and Workwear in Luddenham, after over 20 years of service and support in the area, as their lease was not renewed.

Well done Yvonne Cameron for bringing Pilates to our local community at the Luddenham Progress Hall, you can find further information on Facebook at Pure Pilates Luddenham.

Park Road is going to be closed in both directions between Mulgoa Road and Willmington Road for five nights a week (Monday through to Friday), between 8:00PM and 5:00AM each night, for about 2 months. At the time of going to print, the start date has not yet been confirmed. During the nights of closure, access for residents will be maintained, and the closure each night will be subject to site conditions and the weather. The planned nightly closures are due to the ongoing construction of the recycled water pipeline that extends from the Advanced Water Recycling Centre, at Kemps Creek, to the Nepean River at Wallacia. This work is being conducted by Sydney Water and their construction partner John Holland.

History of the Luddenham Progress.

The Luddenham Progress formed in November 1892, when Mr. Outridge was elected as the first President, and Mr. W. Longley the first Secretary. The meetings were being held monthly at that stage. The Hall was built in 1886 by the Orange Lodge, and then in 1892, the Sons of Temperance lodge purchased the hall. In 1921, the Luddenham Progress Association purchased the hall after borrowing money from locals, and in October 1924, they made their final loan repayment.

Over the years, the Progress worked on many projects, including electricity to Luddenham in August 1938, tarring of all local roads, water to Luddenham, and recently a commitment from the State Government that sewer is on the way.

r [Top] Luddenham Attempted Break-in | Images Supplied

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Anyone who has lost and grieved a loved one knows the trepidation that one experiences as they approach a first, a special occasion or significant day.

Mothers Day is approaching, the second Sunday in May, traditionally a day to recognise our mothers, motherhood, maternal bonds and all those positively contributing to our families in such a role.

This Mothers Day marks 6 years without my amazing Mum. She was a force to be reckoned with, strong, determined, ambitious and creative.

Take some time to invest yourself deep into the lives of those who matter on Mothers Day, time is precious and not promised.

This month, plenty to read, see and do within these pages. Catch up on all the happenings in and across the community.

Enjoy your Community News!

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• Anti-aging Treatments

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