Oran Park Gazette April 2024

Draft Concept Developed For Animal Shelter And Nursery

The $10 million Camden Animal Shelter and $4 million Community Nursey projects are proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.

The purpose-built animal shelter will include adoption viewing areas with meet and greet spaces, designated exercise yards, enrichment spaces and a walking track, reception area, staff workspaces, public amenities and a multipurpose function room that will offer community outreach programs.

The community nursery will be used to propagate and grow trees, shrubs and groundcover species that will be used in landscaping and restoration projects delivered by Council. Plants will also be made available to the community through regular plant giveaways, encouraging and supporting native gardens and bushland restoration on private land.

Construction is expected to start in mid-2025.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney said she was eager to see the project come to fruition.

“To have this designated animal shelter and nursery will be incredible for our area and I’m very excited to see work begin next year,” she said.

“I encourage everyone to check out the concept design on this exciting project.”

The concept design can be viewed online at www.yourvoice. camden.nsw.gov.au/cas or in person at:

• Paws in the Park on Sunday 5 May at Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park.

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

Harrington Park Over 55's Social Club

Meets the first Monday of the month from 10:00am at Harrington Park Community Hall (Fairwater Drive, Harrington Park). More details: 0413526307

Macarthur Art Group

Meets the second Saturday of each month from 9.30am2.45pm at Narellan Library (1st floor - Queen Street, Narellan). More details: 0404 229 498

OAK - Over 55's Social Group

Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 10am to 11.30am at New Life Anglican Church Oran Park. Morning Tea is provided and there is no charge. More details: 0401 888 880

Children + Families

PlayTime @ NewLife Anglican Church

Meets every Wednesday (During School terms) at 10am - 12pm.

PlayTime is for Mums and Carers with kids 0-5. NewLife Anglican Church (Cnr Marcus Loane Way + Central Avenue, Oran Park).

More Details: www.newlifeanglican.org.au/wp/playtime.

Hobbies + Interests

Library Movie Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:00pm at Narellan Library (Corner Queen and Elyard Street, Narellan). More details: 02 4645 5039

Storytime (2-5 years)

Held weekly on Wednesdays from 11:00am till 11:30am at Oran Park Library (72 Central Avenue, Oran Park). Family Storytime (all ages welcome) is the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm, during school term only. More details: 02 4645 5645

Markets

Camden Fresh Produce Market

Held weekly on Saturdays from 7:00am till 12:00pm at Camden Town Farm (40 Exeter Street, Camden). More details: camdenproducemarket@hotmail.com or www. camdenproducemarket.com.au

Cobbitty Village Markets

Held on the first Saturday of the month (excluding January and February) from 8:00am till 1:00pm at Cobbitty Public School (Cobbitty Road, Cobbitty). More details: www. cobbittymarkets.com.au

Support + Wellbeing

Australian Breastfeeding Association CamdenWollondilly Group

Come along and meet new friends. Chat with mums who have 'been there' and connect with their local breastfeeding counsellors and educators. The group meets monthly at Spring Farm Community Centre (275 Richardson Road, Spring Farm). More details: camden_wollondilly_aba@outlook.com

Camden Council has released a preliminary concept layout design for the future Camden Animal Shelter, Community Nursery and Community Education Hub at Smeaton Grange.

A Decade of Probus in Oran Park

Oran Park Probus Club have celebrated their 10th Anniversary, with a birthday party that was attended by Club members and special guests, including Camden Mayor, Councillor Ashleigh Cagney.

Taking place at the Sandown Room in Oran Park Library recently, 20 of the Club’s founding members were presented with certificates and 10 year pins.

Probus South Pacific Ltd (PSPL) was represented by Monika Prasad (Community Engagement Manager) and she presented Oran Park Probus Club with a certificate for their important milestone.

Oran Park Probus Club Inc. (OPPC) was formed in February 2014, having its first AGM to elect a Committee in early March 2014 at the Marketing Centre Offices in Oran Park Town Centre.

OPPC Vice President Kath Armstrong welcomed the attendees, praising those and telling stories of the Club’s early days. Since then, member numbers have now grown to 64.

“The celebration was well attended by our members, both past and present, as well as some special guests. It was a great day, and we thank everyone for attending and sharing this with us” said Tony Law, Tours Officer of Oran Park Probus Club to the Oran Park Gazette.

The celebration was completed with the cutting of a 10th Anniversary cake, commemorating the Club’s decade long achievement.

“Fun, laughter and memories were shared by all” Tony reflected.

OPPC meeting dates are the first Tuesday of each month, from February to December at Wests Function Centre, Lakeside Golf Club, 50 Raby Road, Gledswood Hills. More information can be found at www.probussouthpacific.org/ microsites/oranpark.

r The 10th Anniversary cake | Image: Tony Law

Article Written + Submitted by: Parish Priest Fr David Catterall MTh

P: 02 4648 2226 W: www.marymackillopparish.org.au

A: 94 Oran Park Drive, Oran Park NSW 2570

Facebook: www.facebook.com/oranparkparish

Twitter: www.twitter.com/oranparkparish

For Christians, Easter is not so much a day, or even a season, it is a way of living. While some may not realise or acknowledge the link, the call to live as ‘Easter People’ is reflected in the sharing of Easter eggs and Hot Cross buns. Both these symbols of Easter find their origins in the Easter story.

The Easter egg is a symbol of new life. When a traditional chocolate Easter egg is broken open, it is found to be hollow and empty. This is a symbol of the tomb that was found empty on that first Easter Sunday. It was empty because Jesus had risen from the dead.

The Hot Cross bun also finds its origin in Christian symbolism, as the cross made of dough on the top of the bun, is a reminder of the cross upon which Jesus died.

During this Easter Season here in one of Australia’s newest Catholic parishes, the parish of St Mary MacKillop, we will be having several celebrations and events, including Masses (church services) at our northern Mass centre of St Mary Mother of God Church, on the corner of Ingleburn and Dickson Rds, Leppington. We will also be holding services at our southern Mass centre, 94 Oran Park Dr, Oran Park.

You can find more details about these 2024 Easter Season events on our website www.marymackillopparish.org.au

FAITH – NEWLIFE ANGLICAN ORAN PARK

Article Written + Submitted by: Lead Pastor Stuart Starr

A: Cnr Central Avenue + Marcus Loane Way, Oran Park NSW 2570

W: newlifeanglican.org.au

E: stuart@newlifeanglican.org.au

The Death of Dead Ends

“Don’t stand around like friends at a funeral, eyes to the ground, it could’ve been you.”

So sang Neil Finn in his song ‘Never Be the Same.’ After all, who really wants to be at a funeral?

The challenge is that one day it *will* be you - and me! We cannot avoid the reality that eventually mortality will catch up with every one of us. Well, there is a sobering start to a browse through the Gazette! Why do it?

Easter is the answer. At Easter, Christians believe we see the death of dead ends. But I hear you ask, “Didn’t Jesus die on the cross at Easter?” Yes, he did indeed. Let me make the connection. Good Friday, which records Jesus’ death for the sin of the world, is only Part 1 of the Easter story. The Part 2 comes on Easter Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Christians believe that this death removes our guilt, and this resurrection opens the door to life eternal.

The Apostle Paul puts it this way, “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” The phrase ‘fallen asleep’ is a way of speaking of death. It is no longer the final word. Now, made possible by Jesus’s resurrection, death is merely sleep. Jesus will wake us and renew us so that all who believe in Him are equipped to live forever with Him.

We can hear the promise on Jesus’s own lips, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” Come and find a life that lasts with us this Easter. We have services on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. The details are on our website, and we would love to see you as we celebrate the death of dead ends. www.NewLifeAnglican.org.au

Train Savage. Be Savage

Beginning in February this year, Savage Crew is a new health and fitness business committed to the local community.

Savage Crew currently specialise in outdoor group fitness training, with their classes taking place at Julia Reserve in Oran Park.

With classes to suit all, especially those that lead busy lifestyles, they have three training sessions per day from Monday to Friday in Oran Park. Each is 45 minutes in duration. The session times are:

• 6:30am to 7:15am

• 10:00am to 10:45am

• 5:45pm to 6:30pm

“What we enjoy most about being a part of Savage Crew is working together with our members to build a great community, where we all help each other reach our goals” said Daniel Quintano of Savage Crew to the Oran Park Gazette.

Daniel and his team are focused on working with the local community into the future.

“We would like to help as many people as possible in the community reach their health and fitness goals” he stated.

The outdoor group training classes have already included Mums and Bubs Classes and an 8 Week Boxing Challenge, which started on Monday 4th March 2024.

For more information, including prices, call 1300 854409 or search Savage Crew Oran Park on Facebook.

“Train savage. Be savage”.

Land for sale

Enjoy living in the Park with easy access to the conveniences Oran Park is known for.

No matter where you live in Oran Park, you’re only moments from a great range of amenities including The Podium Shopping Centre, a wide array of schools, parks and facilities.

Set in one of the fastest-growing LGAs in Australia, Oran Park is a thriving, peaceful, master-planned community of new homes and expanding dining and retail precincts.

Visit the Sales Office today and discover all Oran Park has to offer.

Scan the QR code to register your interest to be informed about future land releases.

Coles Delivers 114 New Jobs in Booming Oran Park Community

Coles have opened the doors to a brand-new supermarket and Liquorland in Oran Park last month, creating 114 new jobs in one of Australia’s fastest-growing local government areas, offering great value, variety, and convenience.

With the population set to soar in the broader region over the next 5-10 years, Coles’ investment in Oran Park will provide locals with another convenient destination for food and drink and contribute to the economic growth of the developing community.

The new store features an inviting fresh produce layout, an open-front bakery with mouth-watering sourdough, pastries and celebration cakes, a large deli with fish delivered fresh daily and an expanded service area with space for trolley-assisted checkouts.

Shoppers will be treated to a wide range of convenient meal solutions, including salad bowls, sushi, hot roast chicken, ready-made meals for those on the go, fresh flatbread and pancakes made in-store daily, a large range of Australian and international cheeses, and a frozen dessert bar stocked with delicious mochi, mini gelato and frozen macarons.

Sustainability has been prioritised in the development of the new store with the installation of energy-efficient fridge doors and shopping baskets made from 100 per cent recycled milk bottles, with each basket saving the equivalent of 18 two-litre milk bottles from landfill. Shoppers also have the option to transport their purchases in environmentally friendly cardboard boxes, repurposed from banana deliveries.

Coles Oran Park Store Manager Brittany Hay said she was looking forward to welcoming new team members to an already inclusive and diverse Coles workforce, which is a reflection of the Oran Park community.

“I couldn't be more excited to welcome our vibrant team of 110 local hires, 66 of whom are entering the workforce for the first time, eager to kickstart their careers with Coles,” she said.

“With fresh faces and a shared passion for serving our customers, we're dedicated to making a positive impact and can't wait to become an integral part of this wonderful and growing community, embracing both new team members and Coles veterans alike.

“Coles Oran Park has been thoughtfully designed with exciting features and a great range of quality, delicious and healthy food that’s tailored to the Oran Park community, and we cannot wait to welcome customers in-store.”

Two new members of the Coles Oran Park team, 23-yearold Rayleigh Rose Biffin and 18-year-old Robley Mohamed, said they were looking forward to working in the new store alongside a supportive group of managers and colleagues.

“I am very excited to be joining Coles Oran Park in a parttime role in the dairy department, and since accepting my offer, I have felt very supported. I have already heard from the Indigenous Affairs team and have found the team to be incredibly accommodating of my university schedule,” Rayleigh said.

“I graduated high school last year, and I cannot wait to start working in the community I grew up in. I look forward to embracing new challenges, building valuable skills and being part of a team dedicated to providing great customer service,” Robley said.

In addition to the in-store features, Coles Oran Park has five Click & Collect bays in the underground parking, allowing for groceries to be conveniently delivered from Coles’ shelves directly to the car boot.

r Article: Coles Group/Rowland

ANZAC Day: A History

ANZAC Day, April 25, is one of Australians most important national days of commemoration.

On this day in 1915 approximately 70,000 soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed in Gallipoli, Turkey, at the beginning of a campaign in the First World War (WWI). It was the intention of the Allied Command that the soldiers would quickly take control of the Dardanelles, and in so doing, control the shipping pathway to the Black Sea. However, they faced immediate heavy and sustained fighting against the Turks led by Mustafa Kemal It quickly turned into a stalemate as both sides dug in. Eight months later, after more than eight thousand Australian soldiers had been killed, they quietly evacuated.

Almost half a million Australian men enlisted to fight in WWI. 62,000 of them killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner. The loss of so many men had a profound impact on Australia at that time, which had a population back then, of less than five million.

WWI was still in progress, but the loss of life in Turkey in those short months was significant and was commemorated across Australia with ceremonies and services on the 25 April in 1916. During the 1920s, Anzac Day became established as a National Day of Commemoration, and in 1927, every state observed a public holiday on that day. By the mid 1930’s, the rituals we now associate with the day: the dawn vigils, marches, memorial services, reunions, and two-up games were firmly established in Australian culture.

As we are now ready to commemorate the day for the 109th time, our original Anzacs are long since gone, and it is estimated only about 7000 World War Two (WW2) veterans remain in Australia. Last year it was expected that 15 WW2 veterans would take part in commemorations, most now well in their 90’s, and this year it will undoubtedly be less as another war fades from living memory.

Across our major cities and small country towns alike, dawn services and marches are held on this day. School children march with veterans, as the nation remembers the men and women who have served, are serving, and those who have died in the name of our country in military and peacekeeping operations around the world. This includes, most recently, the forty seven soldiers killed in our latest and longest war in Afghanistan.

For some, it’s a holiday, for others, a time to be carried away with nationalistic fervor. For most, it is a time of quiet reflection on our involvement in wars across the world. The number of people attending Anzac services is growing, as is the number of countries at war around the world. In that minute or two of silence, we honour our soldiers who lost their lives in all theatres of war, and we hope for the safe return of those who are serving now.

And on this day, we dare to dream of a future without war.

Check with your local RSL or Council to find the time of your nearest ceremonies.

r The first ANZAC Day, 1915. Men, women, and children line the streets in Brisbane to watch the procession of the 41st Battalion on Anzac Day, 1916 (Courtesy Australian War Memorial). Article: Kate Neill

If you are creative in one way or another, then you count yourself fairly lucky. You could write, or paint or sing or play an instrument. For one lucky local artist inspiration stirs through poetry, murals and digital artistry that is mesmerising.

Since 2017, Tahseen Nur (who originally started life studying Electrics and Electronics at BRACS) got the opportunity of a lifetime to paint a wall for a senior at his college. It turned out that he owned two restaurants and offered Tahseen the opportunity to paint a mural. Tahseen said, “I had no prior experience, but I thought I could give it a try. It was for a pizza restaurant and surprisingly, that first work is still my most popular and well-known work till now. After that work, I knew I would be doing mural works for a long time, as I found my passion in it”.

The Gregory Hills resident went on to say, “I have always loved drawing and painting, since childhood. During school days, I used to work with pencils and crayons. During my university life, I started working with pen sketches, digital illustrations and mural/wall arts and I became serious about art when I started doing mural works.”

In terms of digital illustrations and sketches, Tahseen prefers his works to be astral or mystery related. Tahseen writes poems as well and tries to incorporate his poems with the artworks he has made.

For his murals, Tahseen said, “It depends, as every client has his/her own preference. But in my opinion, I guess my forte would be in painting leaves, especially the tropical ones, which can be seen in many of the works I have done”.

“Mural works are the most popular. People from various sectors (cafes, restaurants, offices, and private homes) have called and wanted mural works. I can proudly say that me and my team have done over fifty works for our valued clients. Our clients have either works which we must recreate on walls, or they share ideas which we digitally illustrate first before starting on the wall. Other than that, I sometimes do customised shoe paints and canvas arts as well” concluded Tahseen.

For more information on Tahseen’s artwork, search ‘The Pencilist’ on Facebook and Instagram.

r Tahseen and his artwork | Image: Tahseen Nur. Article: Julie Lobel

Camden R.S.L Sub-Branch Organises

Annual ANZAC Day March and Service

The Camden R.S.L SubBranch is proud to announce the upcoming 2024 ANZAC Day March and Service this month, a cherished tradition honouring the bravery and sacrifice of our Australian and New Zealand armed forces. This year's event promises to be a memorable occasion, bringing together the Camden community to pay tribute to our servicemen and women.

The ANZAC Day commemorations will commence with the solemn Dawn Service, set to take place within the grounds of the Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park Memorial Site. Beginning at 5:15am, this poignant ceremony will provide a moment for reflection and remembrance as we honour those who have served and continue to serve our nation with courage and dedication.

Following the Dawn Service, the Main ANZAC Day March and Community Service will kick off at 10:00am, symbolizing the unity and respect of our community towards our veterans. The march will proceed through the heart of Camden, allowing residents to join in showing their appreciation for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. The community service that follows will feature heartfelt speeches, wreath-laying, and musical performances, underscoring the enduring significance of ANZAC Day in our national identity.

The Camden R.S.L Sub-Branch extends a warm invitation to all members of the community to participate in these meaningful commemorations. Whether you have a personal connection to the military or simply wish to show your support and gratitude, your presence is valued and welcomed.

For those seeking further information about the Dawn Service, Main ANZAC Day March, or Community Service, inquiries can be directed to camdensb@gmail.com or anzacday@camdensb. com.au. The Camden R.S.L Sub-Branch is dedicated to ensuring that this year's ANZAC Day events are conducted with the utmost respect and reverence, honouring the sacrifices of our veterans in a manner befitting their service and dedication.

Join us as we come together as a community to remember, honour, and reflect on the ANZAC spirit that unites us all.

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Article Written + Submitted by:

Keira Noble | Clinical Psychologist

The Anxiety & Depression Clinic

W: www.anxietydepressionclinic.com.au

P: 0424 263 577 | 02 46266932

Setting Boundaries

Feeling low, stressed, agitated or drained with a friend, colleague, relative or partner? Setting boundaries in all relationships is critical for your emotional and psychological health and safety.

Often, we are unaware of how another person is impacting our psychological health, or may be aware, but can feel powerless in being able to reduce the effects that their interactions have on our mood, time, energy and concentration.

We expend effort hoping and wishing that they would just change to no avail. Why don’t we just tell them no and set boundaries? Because setting boundaries can cause emotional discomfort. When we say ‘yes’ as opposed to ‘no’ to someone’s requests, we get a favourable response and if we avoid a difficult conversation, we avoid the disappointment or anger of the other.

Learning to say ‘no’ to requests and telling someone when their behaviour is not appropriate can cause feelings of nervousness, agitation and anxiety but like any skill when practiced over time can become refined as well as come easier.

Behaviour Changer- Tips to help set boundaries for relationships

• Notice how you feel after social exchanges (Do you consistently feel drained, nervous, irritable or low after the majority of interactions with a particular person)

• Review the script (How do you typically respond to this person? E.g. Do you stay quiet and nod? Do you snap or become abrupt or roll your eyes?)

• Check whether your response is passive (tolerating the persons behaviour at the expense of your own rights and needs), aggressive (pushing your own needs in a way that is disrespectful or dismissive of the other’s emotional safety), passive- aggressive (performing indirect behaviours –often non verbal, to communicate anger and resentment e.g, eye rolling, huffing, being stubborn).

• Aim for assertive- use I statements – Í feel… because’.. and state what behavior you would prefer. Respect your right to have different feelings, thoughts, ideas and preferences and communicate these respectfully.

sporting hotshots let loose.

Each year, the party is fire. This year, it's literal.

By 7:00am the following morning, the Riva house is up in flames. The question is, how did this year's party go so wrong?

Malibu Rising is a historical family saga that explores Mick and June Riva's courtship and the scrappy childhood of their children: Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit. (TJR fans will notice that one of Mick Riva's many marriages was to Evelyn Hugo, one of Reid’s most adored protagonists).

Nina is a surfer and swimsuit model trying to hold her life together. Her tennis champion husband has run off with Carrie Soto (the subject of another acclaimed Reid novel), and Nina’s dreading the party knowing everyone has ogled her broken marriage in the tabloids.

Jay is an accomplished surfer, and Hud, a skilled surf photographer. They are the closest of half-brothers in every way - including Hud falling in love with Jay's ex-girlfriend. She'll be at the party, and tonight’s the night they plan to confess their illicit relationship to Jay…

Kit is a talented surfer who has never kissed a boy. Tonight, she plans to change that and feel grown up at last. Little does she know a simple snog will change her life.

Kit hasn't told her siblings that each year she mails an invitation to their father. Mick walked out on June twice and never paid child support, forcing Nina to drop out of school to support her siblings. Mick decides this will be the year he reconciles with his children, but little does he realise how much some of his children despise him.

The stage is set. The die is cast. Sit back and enjoy the drama.

r Book Review by: Chloé

Steward

The Podium Oran Park Celebrates Major Expansion with Grand Opening

The Podium Oran Park, the centrepiece of South-West Sydney's community since 2014, is delighted to announce the successful opening of its highly anticipated Stage 2 expansion, marking a significant milestone in the development of the vibrant retail and lifestyle precinct, and fulfilling the promise to elevate the retail landscape and enhance the community The Podium serves.

Strategically situated within South-West Sydney's first master-planned community, The Podium Oran Park is part of a rapidly developing region that embodies the future of urban living. The expansion adds approximately 16,700m² of retail space, transforming The Podium into a dual supermarket centre that features more than 60 new stores, a state-of-the-art childcare facility, and over 1,000 undercover parking spaces, including 30 dedicated to Electric Vehicle charging.

More than a shopping centre, The Podium is a destination where daily life converges with community spirit and regional attraction. The expansion includes a contemporary market hall and a variety of dining options catering to all tastes, making The Podium a hub for families and gourmands.

Podium Way, the crown jewel of the expansion, draws inspiration from the globe's most illustrious shopping districts, offering an unmatched shopping experience set against the backdrop of beautifully landscaped gardens.

The grand opening event, held on Wednesday, March 6th, was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the local community and visitors alike. The expansion, which includes an array of new retail stores, dining options, and leisure facilities, has already become a focal point for shoppers and families seeking a dynamic and inclusive destination.

"We are thrilled to see the incredible response to the Stage 2 expansion of Oran Park Podium," said Damien Turski (Centre Manager] at Oran Park Podium. "The opening event was a tremendous success, with a fantastic turnout from the community. We are deeply grateful for the support and enthusiasm shown by everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone."

Among the highlights of the Stage 2 expansion is the addition of Coles, Best & Less, Adairs, Cotton on Mega, our Graze Market Hall and Children’s Playground, offering visitors an even greater selection of shopping and entertainment options. Furthermore, the expansion has created numerous job opportunities, contributing to the local economy, and fostering growth within the region.

"The completion of Stage 2 represents a significant investment in the future of Oran Park Podium and the surrounding area," added Damien. "We are committed to providing an exceptional experience for our customers and supporting the ongoing development and vitality of the community."

As Oran Park Podium continues to evolve and grow, plans are already underway for the expansion of Podium Way to include the Atura Hotel and initiatives aimed at further enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening Oran Park's position as a premier destination in the region.

For more information about Oran Park Podium and its Stage 2 expansion, visit www.oranparkpodium.com.au.

r Opening of Oran Park Podium Stage 2| Images/Article: Greenfields Development Company

Oran Park Public School Year 6 Enrichment class students have been given an insight as to what it’s like to be a news reporter, whilst studying a unit on Journalism recently.

Whilst investigating the work that Journalists do, the local students were treated to an interview with the Oran Park Gazette’s news reporter, Cimmaron Sanders, via Zoom.

“Our students received a virtual visit from Cimmaron of the Oran Park Gazette. They had the opportunity to ask questions about how reporters gather their information and place it together” said Mr Ben Taylor, Teacher of Oran Park Public School Year 6 Enrichment class.

They were then asked to investigate something of interest and to report on it. Students then chose a range of areas, including the experience of new kindergarten students, interviews with teachers, local sports report, reports on events in the local community, and healthy eating in schools.

“Students gathered their own research, conducted interviews, and wrote editorials to contribute to a class magazine” explained Mr Taylor.

“The kids are thoroughly enjoying investigating their own issues and experiencing the world of journalism” he continued.

For our own reporter Cimmaron, it was a different experience to be on the other side as being the interviewee and not the interviewer.

“It was a wonderful experience to be interviewed by the Oran Park Public School students” said Cimmaron.

“Their questions were great. Often very thought provoking, where I really had to think about answering them. The future of journalism is definitely in good hands” he added.

Mr Taylor and his class were thankful for the opportunity, and they hope to use it to further their skills.

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Oran Park Shooting for the Stars

Oran Park Netball Club players are ready and waiting to take the court for the upcoming 2024 Camden and District Netball Association Competition.

The new Winter netball season round one game will begin on Saturday 6th April 2024, with games being played at Narellan Sports Hub. Prior to this, the Winter Gala Day will be on Saturday 23rd March 2024.

This year will see an amazing 19 teams representing Oran Park in the local competition. This is a combination of both Junior and Senior teams.

Season 2023 brought with it many highlights for the popular local club.

“We enjoyed watching the teams develop a love for netball as well as witnessing the girls become more confident” said Lisa Wilcockson of Oran Park Netball Club.

The Oran Park Netball Club Committee have put in countless hours of preparation in the lead up and are looking forward to starting the new season this month.

“We are all looking forward to everything! The season commencement is always a wonderful time for us to get to know our future netball superstars!” she smiled.

They will also be welcoming any potential new sponsors and volunteers to the Oran Park Netball Club family.

“We are always looking for volunteers and sponsors to help us grow our amazing club” ended Lisa.

For more information, search ‘Oran Park Netball Club’ on Facebook.

r [Above] Oran Park Public School | Image: Oran Park Public SchoolFacebook [Above] Image: www.pixabay.com

PROBUS CLUB

Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Oran Park

E: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com

P: 0410758755

Probus Clubs throughout Australia and New Zealand are social clubs for retired and semiretired people in the community, providing the opportunity for members to get together with like-minded people, develop friendships, and have fun together.

Last month at the Oran Park Probus Club, we held an event to celebrate the Club’s 10th birthday. The Birthday party was attended by Club members and special guests, including Camden Mayor, Ashleigh Cagney. A presentation of certificates and 10-year pins to twenty of the Club’s founding members was followed by a tasty lunch and birthday cake. Everyone enjoyed the celebration as fun, laughter and memories were shared!

It was back to business in March with the Annual General meeting and the formation of the 2024-25 Management Committee. However, the fun continues with some of our members flying off to Adelaide for some sightseeing prior to joining a Murray River cruise on the ‘Proud Mary’. This month, members are taking a ride on the Zig Zag Railway and then whale watching in June. Meanwhile, our regular activities continue with craft, coffee and chats, pub lunches, specialty dining, walking, movies, theatre, and trivia.

Interested? Visitors are welcome at our monthly Meetings which are held at Wests Lakeside Golf Club, 50 Raby Road, Gledswood Hills, usually on the first Tuesday of the month starting at 10.00am. Our Guest Speaker last month spoke about the history of Sydney Trams and showed us remarkable footage of the trams, the crowds of people who used them, and the changing face of Sydney over the years. A wonderful memory too, recounted by one of our members, of his days as a paper boy, riding the trams to sell his newspapers.

If you would like more information about Oran Park Probus Club, please contact the Club Secretary, email: secretary. oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com

r Image Supplied: Members enjoying lunch at the 10th Anniversary celebration

GARAGE DOORS

FROM THE EDITOR THE LAST WORD

oran park

4733 0792

editor@districtgazette.com.au www.districtgazette.com.au PO Box 8254

Glenmore Park NSW 2745

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NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE

17th April 2024

NEXT ISSUE DISTRIBUTION

Online: 1st May 2024

Letterboxes: 7 + 8 May 2024

ABN: 65 601 734 472 trading as:

Camden

General

Health Services Camden

Sports Clubs

Camden Athletics Club + Little Athletics http://camdenathletics.org.au/

Camden Cats Senior AFL Club

Greg McGuiness 0413 257 516

Camden Netball www.camdennetball.com.au

Macarthur District Softball Association

Lesley Darby 0401 740 023

Narellan Physie Club narellanpcc@hotmail.com

Mount Annan/Currans

Hill Knights Softball Club

Jennifer Tadros 0404 629 710

Camden RSL Youth Club Boxing

Ron 4646 1658

Macarthur Bushwalkers

Ken 4628 2528

Narellan Jets Junior Rugby League

Cindy Morley 0413 086 601

Camden District Cricket Association

Kyle Malcolm - President 0411 371 115

Cobbitty Narellan Cricket Club

Mark Bush - 0497 555 071 - mbush@hvg.net.au

Oran Park Cricket Club

Karl Bennett coaching@oranparkcricket.com.au

Oran Park Rovers Football Club

Nathan Hawthorne 0422 139 993

Oran Park Junior Rugby League

Dave Gabriel 0451 440 661

Oran Park Hockey Club

Michelle Brennan 0400 050 078

Camden Junior AFL Club

Naomi Porter 0417 683 768

Camden Junior OZTAG camdencobras@oztag.com.au

Harrington Park Scorpions Softball Club

Greg Trevena and MB: 0417 257 385 Mets Baseball - Catherine Field

Kim O'Grady 0412 081 144

Camden Valley Wildfire Basketball Club www.wildfire.org.au

Matt McKenna 0410 503 684 play@wildfire.org.au

Community Groups

Gledswood Toastmasters

David Johnson 0417 423 458

Rotary Club of Gregory Hills Next-Gen President 02 9136 6349 or facebook.com/ rcgregoryhills

Anyone else feel like the first 3 months of this year have whizzed by?

This year, I set myself a goal to reach new heights by taking on studies to enhance future opportunities. I must say, while extremely intense and at times I wondered if I'd be able to juggle all the balls, I'm pleased to report I've come through the other side and am so pleased I threw caution to the wind and decided to climb that mountain.

However big or small the hurdle is, we're all climbing them - be proud, stand tall and with your head held high. You deserve to!

There's always lots happening in/ around the community, and this month is no different! Get yourself a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy Your Community News.

Be thankful for today, because in one moment, your entire life could change. Make the moments count!

Belinda

facebook.com/districtgazette

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Community News... The Oran Park Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor. Letters to the Editor... May be printed and edited as necessary. Names must be submitted but can be withheld from publication at the writer’s request. Every effort is made to print correct information but no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.