Oran Park Gazette February 2024 by District Gazette

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

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FEBRUARY 2024 | Issue 91

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Oran Park Hotel Plans First Stage Soft Opening Mid-Year

See Article Pg 7

HARRINGTON PARK MEDICAL PRACTICE & SKIN CANCER CLINIC Dr Debbie Le Dr David Sor

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NEWS + MEDIA

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Federal Support for Schools, Students and Telecommunications Services

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 The Federal Government is rolling out a range of grants and feedback schemes to better support local schools, students, and telecommunications services. The Federal Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander MP, has welcomed the work of the Albanese Government to fund these important areas at a time when funding is needed whilst combatting inflation. Specifically, the Albanese Government is working on improving telecommunications connectivity and services throughout the region through the Peri-Urban Mobile Program and Dr Freelander has written to Campbelltown, Camden & Wollondilly Councils, requesting they make submissions for areas of concern. Should residents have any concerns on this matter, they are encouraged to contact their respective Council with this information to help bolster local submissions or head to www. infrastructure.gov.au/pump for further information. Further, the Albanese Government is providing local school students from all backgrounds the opportunity to grow their love of science through sponsorship grants. This opportunity is for students who wish to participate in virtual or in-person STEM engagement events, activities, competitions hosted in Australia or overseas, with applications opening on 22 January 2024. Dr Freelander has sent information to local primary and high schools regarding these grants and information on how to apply, with applications closing by 4th April 2024 or until the funding is allocated, whichever occurs first. ‘As a doctor and as a parent, I know how important STEM & education opportunities are for students. I encourage as many schools as possible to apply, with $1.6 million in national funding to be allocated.” Additionally, applications for Round 2 of the Schools Upgrade Fund have opened and all local government schools have received information from Dr Freelander regarding this important funding initiative. If successful, government schools can receive grant funding up to $250,000 for large scale capital workers or infrastructure projects to upgrade and refurbish their school community. This is part of Dr Freelander and the Albanese Government’s initiative to promote equitable education and resource access to all Australian students. ‘I hope that Macarthur schools apply for these grants as it would be wonderful if any of our wonderful local students are successful. Education helps form the backbone of our society and these grants will help deliver better outcomes for students and teachers, both present and into the future’. These opportunities are part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to improve services and outcomes in Macarthur, such as the recently opened Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and the Campbelltown Station car park upgrade, which is fully Federal funded and will be completed by years end, with approximately 500 additional car spots for commuters, which Dr Freelander has long called for and is proud to help deliver. r Article: Dr Mike Freelander MP | Image: www.pixabay.com

February 2024 www.oranparkgazette.com.au

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: jmcbest@ hotmail.com

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

School is in for Abel

The journey is about to begin for thousands across the country. One that will bring laughs, tears, friendships, and lifelong memories. Kindergarten will soon start for the first time for many, including local student Abel Kai Samuela-Biutitamana. This year, Abel will start school at Barramurra Public School in Oran Park. He has a younger sister Ariana and is the first child to start ‘big’ school in his family. Abel can’t wait for the big day to arrive and is excited for the

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year ahead at school. “He is keen to start Kindergarten at Barramurra Public School this year. Abel said he’s looking forward to making new friends and learning new things” smiled Rebecca Samuela, Abel’s Mum. The energetic youngster has already set his sights on a lofty career, once he finishes school. So, what is that you may ask? “I want to be a superhero who fights bad guys!” Abel said excitedly. Starting school can be a day of mixed emotions for parents, grandparents, family, and friends as they farewell children for their road ahead in kindy. “It will be bittersweet. As parents, we are excited for him to learn and grow, whilst becoming more independent. It is a little sad to see him grow so quickly, but we know he will do great” she pondered. Rebecca still has many wonderful memories of her time at school, and she hopes that Abel will too once he has finished, “My favourite memories were all the school activities such as excursions, swimming carnivals and events”. She believes the secret to getting Abel ready for Kindergarten is all in the preparation. “Talk with your child as much as you can about big school a year before they start. We also found attending the fete day and community events at the school helped Abel's excitement grow! We made the school a part of our afternoon walks and built a familiarity around it being a safe and exciting place” ended Rebecca. Best of luck to all the local students starting and returning to school this year. r Abel Kai Samuela-Biutitamana in his Barramurra Public School uniform | Image: Rebecca Samuela

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February 2024 www.oranparkgazette.com.au

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.

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@oranparktown www.oranparkgazette.com.au February 2024

The Gift of Kindness this Valentine’s Day

As soon as the Christmas retail juggernaut ends, the Valentines Day equivalent begins. We are faced with red love hearts and often one-use disposable ‘gift’ items instantly appear in huge numbers in every retailer we can imagine. From car accessory shops to the local hairdresser, to our local cafes and corner shops. The internet is awash with ads for holidays, weekend getaways, and useless trinkets catering to all budgets, so that the person you love can prove their love to you by giving their money to a third party in the rampant commercialisation that is now Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day, or Saint Valentine’s Day, or even the ‘Feast of Saint Valentine’ is celebrated on February 14. Also, July 6 and July 30. Some historians believe it predated Rome and was a celebration of Juno, the pagan goddess of love and marriage. Valentine was a common name in centuries past, and many individuals have been so named throughout history, beginning with Valentine of Rome who was martyred in 269. After him came lots more Valentines, including saints, popes, rulers, and pilgrims, and we can find their relics and the stories of their deeds littered throughout history. From an obscure past, St Valentines Day became something to celebrate when printed cards were available commercially by the late 1700s. Printed cards appeared in the mid-1800s, when it became the fashion to exchange greeting cards to acknowledge and celebrate various forms of love. More cards are exchanged at this time of year than any other, except Christmas. The all-pervasive advertising is everywhere we look. We are confronted with red hearts and happy couple images online, in the papers, magazines, and on the TV. Perhaps it’s time to check our expectations from this one day out of 365 each year. It can be a time when many people feel particularly alone and unloved, especially straight after Christmas, a time traditionally spent with family and loved ones. It is a time when kindness to the people in your community, both friends and strangers, is a far greater gift than anything money can buy. Save your money for something more meaningful. r Give with your heart | Image: www.unsplash.com/Article: Kate Neil

February 2024 www.oranparkgazette.com.au

2024 Resolutions: Quality Time Vs Screen Time It is a few weeks into 2024, and I find myself sitting in one of my favourite places pondering the year ahead. I am in the corner of a radio station studio, my headphones filled with the gentle exotic music of a Kora, I feel wrapped in peace and the silence of the space between stars. It’s my thinking time. It is a universe away from my daily life and the demands of the internet which are beginning to feel all-encompassing. My mornings begin with Wordle and Connections, and by the time I go to bed at night I realise much of my day has been spent looking at a screen. When I considered this article, I googled the top new year resolutions, and the internet immediately spat out the top twenty. It seems losing weight, getting fit and learning a language still top the list, and although it did not specify Spanish, I can see that they have not changed over the years. I lifted my head after a lot of reading and scrolling. I had looked up the options to learn a language, checked out apps to follow a new exercise regime and how much it costs to join some weightloss programs these days, I saw the price of a picture of my cat as the king and noticed someone is making shoes that are super comfortable. I realized an hour had passed. I put my phone down and rather than google what internet addiction looks like, I considered what I could have done with that hour. The first thing that came to mind was making a coffee and sitting in my garden with my dogs and cat, to enjoy the relaxing green space. The internet likes us to focus on what other people are doing and thinking. What are their New Years resolutions? Which café did they have lunch? How is that holiday going? Let us not forget that the reason entities like Facebook exist is to sell advertising and make money. They show us how our lives could be, then bombard us with ads to convince us that if we just spend some money, we could live the dream. I have made my New Year’s resolution now, and although it is only early days, my pets and I are happily on board with the plan.

r Quality time with my pets | Image: www.unsplash.com/Article: Kate Neil

Oran Park Hotel Plans First Stage Soft Opening Mid-Year

After construction began in late 2021, the new Oran Park Hotel is scheduled to finally open its doors within a few months. The anticipation for this new venue has grown as we’ve watched the site transform into what will be one of the largest hospitality venues in Sydney. Opening in two stages, the main ground floor will open mid-year, in a “soft opening”, while the upper levels will open in the months following that. The Hotel’s creators are looking to provide a venue for the community, a “space for people to meet, dine, and make memories”. The Hotel will contain many dining options, including the traditional pub favourites in the main bistro, as well as burgers and pizzas. The “Papi’s Pizza” pizzeria will be your go-to spot for delicious oven-fired pizzas with both traditional and arti sanal toppings. At the vibrant outdoor rooftop bar, “Jinja”, visitors and their guests will find a full bar, including cocktails both old and the new Oran Park Hotel signature drinks. The Jinja will also house a traditional dumpling house offering authentic handmade dumplings. The indoor and outdoor spaces will cater for all occasions, including weddings and all other formal events. The sports bar will be equipped with multiple screens, a place where you can also spend time with friends playing pool and darts. In addition to these spaces, there will be plenty of family friendly entertainment options, including two boutique cinemas and an indoor soft play equipment area for the children. While in the pre-opening phase, crucial staffing positions have been successfully filled, but now that they are getting closer to opening day, the search is now on for passionate staff to join the team for the first stage of opening. Emily Sedgman, the Marketing and Events Manager, says they’re looking to fill many full-time, part-time, and casual roles across all areas of the venue, including chefs, bartenders, gaming attendants, back-of- house and front of house positions. “Stay informed about our recruitment process by following our updates on Facebook, Instagram and our website”, she says. “We’re eager to welcome dedicated hospitality professionals with diverse experience levels to contribute to the success of the Oran Park Hotel.”

r Feature Article. [Cover+Top] Artist's impression of the Atrium , the first area to open [Above] Rooftop Dining Area, opening later in the year| Images: Archebiosis Architects. Article: Kate Neill

Kentlyn Physie Club Dancing into the New Year Kentlyn Physie Club return for the new year this month, with 2024 classes beginning in February. The local club has been providing classes to girls in the Macarthur area for the past 40 years. Classes resume for 2024 on Wednesday 14th February and will be held weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Gregory Hills Community Hall (66 Kavanagh St, Gregory Hills). Physie is a dance sport for girls which builds confidence, good posture, strength and flexibility through exercise and dance. The dances are age appropriate and are designed to teach rhythm, coordination, and balance, for 3 years to 70 years. The dances are performed to music and include standing and floor exercises incorporating all forms of dance. “This year, we can’t wait to watch our girls build new friendships and reach their personal goals” explained Janelle Henley of Kentlyn Physie Club to the Oran Park Gazette. Wednesday classes will cater to 4 year – 6 years, 7 years – 8 years, 9 years – 12 years, Senior Girls, Ladies (Open/Advanced/Open Advanced) and Ladies (Senior Advanced/Intermediate Advanced and Beginner/1st Year/2nd Year Ladies). Thursdays will be 4 years - 8 years, 9 years – 12 years, Senior Girls, and Ladies (Combined Sections). Kentlyn Physie Club is a part of The Burns Association of Physical Culture. This includes ten clubs with locations at Douglas Park – Wilton, Hoxton Park, Picton, Rosemeadow, Macarthur, Marconi, Narellan, St Andrews, St Peters, and Kentlyn. Registrations are now open. There is a yearly registration cost of $80. For more information, email kentlynphysie@gmail.com. You can also find them on social media on Instagram (@kentlynphysie) and Facebook (Kentlyn Physie Club).

r Local members | Image: Janelle Henley/ Kentlyn Physie Club

www.oranparkgazette.com.au February 2024

PARENTS CORNER Article Written + Submitted by: Sussan Omar | Parenting Facilitator Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services W: www.nepeancommunity.org.au E: info@nepeancommunity.org.au

Playgroups: Building Blocks for Success

Playgroups play a significant role in giving your child the best chance at successful happy transition to school. Children who attend playgroups generally adapt to school life more easily having better social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. Impact on Brain Development The first 3-5 years of life are vital for brain development, this is the time the neural pathways that create the foundation of our brains are built. The first three years are signified by rapid development, and during this time, every child needs to feel secure attachment to their primary caregivers, and supported by their community environments, including playgroups. Playgroups support brain development by providing an interactive and stimulating environment. One of the ways they achieve this is sensory play, where children are exposed to touching and exploring different things, and physical play, which enhances sensory and motor skills. Language and Cognitive advantages Language and vocabulary develop through play and communication with others, listening, and following instructions in playgroup. Cognitive skills are developed through exposure to activities like puzzles, games, and activities, encouraging critical thinking, memory and problem solving. These building blocks are appreciated by schools when the children start Kindy. Social and Emotional Development One of the key advantages that schools report for children attending playgroups is the impact on social and emotional development. Exposure to playgroups and interaction with other children and caregivers provide opportunities for children to practice sharing, co-operating, and navigating emotions in a safe environment. In addition, children benefit emotionally as they learn to express feelings like sadness, fear, anger, and joy, all in the context of play in a nurturing environment. Children also benefit from the structured nature of playgroups that can help with practical tasks at school like lining up, sitting down, and following instructions. Research consistently highlights a distinct advantage that children who attend playgroups have over other children when it comes to future academic outcomes. Playgroups provide a safe and nurturing environment to explore, play and practice a range of social, emotional, and cognitive skills that are building blocks for healthy relationships and ensure a smooth transition to school. For more information on playgroups: • NSW Playgroups at www.playgroupnsw.org.au

r Image: www.pixabay.com

February 2024 www.oranparkgazette.com.au

your Book Review Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder Author Kerryn Mayne

‘Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder’, published in November last year, was given to me by my daughter, who read the back, and thought I’d love it. I read the back, and couldn’t imagine why, but I never look a gift book in the mouth, and so here we are pondering Lenny Marks and her past. Lenny Marks is an annoying character at first. She’s an irritating, boring and uptight rule follower, and she’s not easy to like. Her life revolves around her teaching job. Lesson planning, structure, rules, and order. She spends her evenings playing scrabble and watching TV with her imaginary flat mate. She’s 37, and content with her life. To make her stepmother happy, or at least leave her alone, Lenny decides to ‘get a life’. She doesn’t have a clue how to do that, and her awkward attempts at friendship and socializing are cringeworthy, not least because it makes you think back over your own excruciating moments and social faux pas. Lenny just doesn’t understand the social norms and subtleties of friendships and relationships, and you begin to wonder how she became so unsure of herself, completely lacking in confidence and social skills. A letter finds her and starts Lenny on a journey of terrible memories she has hidden even from herself. The people around her become far more complex than she understood them to be, and worse, she doesn’t know who she really is or what she has done in the past. I loved this book. I didn’t expect the story to go in the direction it did, and I found myself hooked and needed to know what it was that Lenny had forgotten. Despite my initial annoyance with Lenny, the book dragged me in, and by the end I loved it. It’s one of those books you think about long after you’ve finished reading it. I’m looking forward to her next book ‘Joy Moody Is Out of Time’, about a woman who dies without telling her twin daughters who their real parents are, to be released on February 27. r Book Review by: Kate Neil

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK REVIEW and receive a $50 GiftCard if your review appears in print! EMAIL: info@districtgazette.com.au SUBJECT: Book Review Please include: (1) Name (2) Postal Address (3) Phone Number (4) Book Review (250-300 Word limit) and a clear (4) Book Cover Photo to qualify. GiftCard randomly selected and sent by post to the chosen 'printed' entries. Printing may appear in all/any District Gazette publication.

Charging Towards a Decade of Footy Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers JRLFC are charging into the 2024 season, with registrations now open. This season marks an important milestone for the local club who will be celebrating their 10th Anniversary. Pre-season training will commence in February, season training, trial games and the upcoming competition kicking off after this. A registration/information day will be held at Oran Park Podium between 10:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday 3rd February 2024. This season, the Chargers are aiming to field teams in the Under 6s (mixed league tag), Under 7s to Under 12s (mixed tackle), Under 13s to Under 15s Boys (tackle) and Under 15s to Under 16s Girls (tackle). The Under 7s will participate in the ‘Rugby League Ready’ programs which will be league tag for the first 6 weeks and tackle thereafter. Registration fees are $170 for all junior age groups. Once registered, players will receive: • Game day jersey • Game day shorts • Game day socks • Training shirt • Training shorts • Bucket hat • Boot bag • 10 Year Legacy jersey (at presentation) • Insurance • Presentation • And more! As the community continues to grow, so do their members. Player registration numbers continue to increase every year. Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers JRLFC home ground is Jack Brabham Reserve, located on Dick Johnson Drive in Oran Park. “We are looking forward to celebrating the Chargers turning 10 this season! We have some extra special things for our Chargers this year, to celebrate our club’s milestone - 2014-2024” explained Casey Gettings, Media Manager of Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers RLFC. The new season will also celebrate the first girl’s tackle teams for the popular club. “The club is extremely excited for our first ever girl’s tackle teams. We encourage all girls turning 13, 14, 15 and 16 in 2024 who are keen to give girls tackle a go to register ASAP” she smiled. Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers JRLFC welcome any new or returning players for the year ahead. “Please feel free to head over and like our Facebook page by searching ‘ChargersJRLFC’. You can also visit the website www.playrugbyleague.com to register as a Charger this season” Casey ended. r Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers Under 13’s Premiers in 2022 | Image: Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers JRLFC

Come and Join Oran Park Scouts After meeting at Catherine Fields Scout Hall for the past few years, Oran Park Scouts are making the move into the much larger 1st Cobbitty Hall in Term 1 this year, which is located in Cut Hill Reserve in Cobbitty. The Cobbitty Hall is surrounded by a large area of usable land, which is a great place for wide games and navigation exercises. Joeys and Cubs meet on Thursday evenings and Scouts meet on Wednesday evenings. Their Joey section caters for kids aged 5 years to 8 years. The Cub section is for 8 to 11 year olds and the Scout section is for 11 to 15 year olds. “Each section meets weekly during the school term. We do activities that relate to earning award badges, play a few games and plan our future camps and hikes. The big advantage of the 1st Cobbitty Hall is that there is ample room to have overnight camps in the grounds” said Ian Franke, Group Leader of 1st Cobbitty/Oran Park Scout Groups. “Scouts is not just for kids. There are many roles where adults can be a part of Scouts. They can be section leader, assistant leader, adult helper, or even a Group Leader. None of these require prior experience as a Scout, as full training is provided by Scouts New South Wales” he continued. For more information, go to www.nsw. scouts.com.au or call the Hume Region office on (02) 4628 4994.

r Charlie, an Oran Park Scout, building a cooking fire at a bushcraft camp at Warrabunda Scout Camp, Tahmoor | Image: Ian Franke,1st Cobbitty/Oran Park Scout Groups

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www.oranparkgazette.com.au February 2024

Flirty February

KID’S CORNER 1

FIND ALL THE VALENTINE WORDS

SPOT THE 7 DIFFERENCES SOLUTIONS

Puzzle 2 Puzzle 1

February 2024 www.oranparkgazette.com.au

Feeding Hope in Gregory Hills Local business Rise N’ Dine have introduced a fantastic new initiative called Meals on the Board. The aim is for people who are doing it tough to come in and have a meal. From sunup to sundown, Rise N’ Dine in Gregory Hills serves a tantalizing array of culinary delights, featuring scrumptious breakfasts, delectable lunches, and exquisite dinners that cater to every palate. Owner, Sunil Ranabhat wants to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience their delicious food. “I came across this idea in Canada and wanted to do something similar in my own community, especially as cost-ofliving pressures increase,” Sunil explained. “If you’re struggling at the moment, just come in and ask for one of the free meals from the board, and we will cook it for you.” Sunil understands that many people want to be able to help their community and encourages locals to come in and ‘pre-purchase’ a meal for another person or family, or simply contribute a dollar amount to allow people to choose the meal they would like. “It’s the perfect platform for those who only have a little to give, but still want to help,” Sunil said. “The service is also confidential.” The initiative is going well; however, Sunil would like to see more people benefitting from the project. “Please raise your hand if you need help, there's no shame in it. No one should have to go to sleep hungry.” Meals on the Board can be found at the entrance to the restaurant. Tickets with details of the meals available will be posted there. “I would like to encourage people to visit our restaurant and try our food and consider donating a meal to someone in need,” Sunil said. “And if you are struggling, please come and see us and take advantage of Meals on the Board.” Rise N’ Dine is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located at 2/33 Village Circuit, Gregory Hills. To view their menu, visit www.risendine.com.au.

r Beef burger available at Rise N’ Dine and featured on Meals on the Board | Image Supplied by Rise N’ Dine. Article: Tanya Nellestein

High Tea Hits New Heights in Support of Local Youth

At the heart of Youth Solutions’ ChariTEA is a focus on what the community can achieve when it works together. The coveted ChariTEA High Tea event has fast become one of Youth Solutions’ signature events, bringing together locals in the support of youth drug and alcohol prevention and health promotion projects in Macarthur and Wingecarribee. A further 50 tickets were added to the fundraising event this year, but with less than a month to go, the alert from the youth charity is clear: anyone wishing to attend had better get in fast. Just 20 tickets remain. The Youth Solutions ChariTEA High Tea, which is kindly supported by Event Sponsor, Mardens Law Group, is scheduled for 11:30am on Friday 23 February, at Lakeside Golf Club, Camden. Promising a day of fun, fashion, and frivolity, with a dash of fundraising to add to the mix, the event offers the chance to kick off the new year on a positive note and support our local community. Dubbed a “high tea for a cause”, the event raises much-needed funds to support Youth Solutions’ delivery drug and alcohol prevention and health promotion programs and services to young people in the Macarthur and Wingecarribee regions. Youth Solutions Chief Executive Officer Geraldine Dean said supporting the charity was a direct investment in our region’s young people, helping to empower them to make better choices around drugs and alcohol. “When you support Youth Solutions by attending our fundraising events such as the ChariTEA, you are supporting our young people and their futures,” Mrs Dean said. “It’s as simple and as important as that. Our programs assist them to reach their potential by arming them with knowledge, support and connections to help reduce drug and alcohol harm and increase healthy behaviours. Together, with the support of the community, we can work towards our vision of a community of young people with the capacity to live healthy, safe, and wellconnected lives.” Youth Solutions Manager Marketing and Engagement, Amanda Dillon, echoed Mrs Dean’s sentiments about the importance of community support, particularly noting the contributions of the ChariTEA High Tea’s sponsors. “It’s such a privilege to work with the generous members of our community to pull together this event. A special thank you to our recurrent Event Sponsor, Marsdens Law Group, for their generosity, as well as our table sponsors, attendees, and prize donors,” Mrs Dillon said. “It’s not too late to snap up those last tickets or contribute a raffle prize in support of the event – every contribution makes such a difference to what we can achieve for our young people.” Nevine Youssef, Partner at Marsdens Law Group commented; “We are thrilled to be the Event Sponsors of Youth Solutions ChariTEA once again, we have supported this event from the first one held and are proud supporters of this fabulous event. It is heart-warming to see the money raised at this event from the local community to support the young people in the Macarthur region. A very worthy cause.” Secure your ChariTEA tickets: call Amanda on 02 4628 2319 or email amanda@youthsolutions.com.au. rYouth Solutions High Tea event | Image/Article: Youth Solutions

www.oranparkgazette.com.au February 2024

FAITH – ST MARY MACKILLOP CATHOLIC PARISH ORAN PARK 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 I think it would be fair to say that some people began 2024 with the hope that the challenges they faced last year would be behind them. But as we know, the start of 2024 so often brings a new set of challenges. But no matter the challenges we face, or the hopes and dreams and fears and doubts we bring to the start of this New Year, as Pope Francis said in one of his New Year reflections, “If we truly want the New Year to be good, if we want to reconstruct hope, we need to abandon the language, those actions and those choices inspired by egoism, and learn the language of love, which is to take care of. ‘To take care of’ is a new language that counters these languages of egoism. This is the commitment: to take care of our lives – each one of us needs to take care of our own life – to take care of our time, of our souls; to take care of creation and the environment we live in. Even more, to take care of our neighbour, those whom the Lord has placed alongside us, as well as our brothers and sisters who are in need and who call for our attention and our compassion. “Like the early Christians, while we are realistic about our challenges, we do not let these challenges define us. No! We will only be defined by our faith. We will only be grounded in hope, and in spite of it all, we will only walk in love.” “There are three things that remain,” St. Paul said to the Corinthians, “faith, hope, and love” (1 Cor 13:13). Faith, hope, and love - these virtues defined the early Christians and now they must define us. Not our divisions, not the inequalities, not our fears, nor the uncertainties. During this time it is faith, hope, and love that will guide us” (https:// catholicoutlook.org/faith-hope-love-antidotes-for-the-pandemic-and-beyond/)

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

Do You Need A Helping Hand? Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. Our current economic pressures affect each of us in different ways. For some it might mean changes in our holidays, or a reduction in the number of streaming services that we subscribe to. For others, those pressures are felt in far more practical ways. Perhaps there are some weeks of the month when you and your household is under pressure when it comes to providing the basics. Starting on Wednesday February 14 NewLife Anglican Church is partnering with Anglicare to offer low-cost groceries via our Community Pantry. It works like this: those who turn up can pay $12 for a bag of groceries valued at about $30 from a large supermarket). Shoppers can choose the items for themselves from the different sections of the van. Everyone can purchase up to two bags and pay for them with EFTPOS or cash. We will be there, on site at the church, from 1:45 to 2:45pm. If you do not know where we are, you’ll find us under the colourful glass tower on the corner of Central Avenue and Marcus Loane Way, in Oran Park. Everyone is welcome to purchase at the van and there is no means test or obligation to come to church. Of course, you will be very welcome at church too - but it’s certainly not a prerequisite for using the service. We’ll be running the Community Pantry fortnightly and if you’d like to just say hi and check it out on our first week, we’ll also be providing cuppas under cover, where you can just sit and have a chat. I hope to catch you soon, and if you or anyone you know could take advantage of the Anglicare Van, please drop by and say hello on 14 or 28 February. We hope it can be a huge blessing for our community. r Image: www.pixabay.com

February 2024 www.oranparkgazette.com.au

Unwanted Chemicals? Get Rid of Them!

It’s that time of year again! Council’s annual Household Chemical CleanOut will be held on Sunday 4 February, 9:00am to 3:30pm, at Narellan Sports Hub, with entry via Millwood Avenue, Narellan. Residents will have the opportunity to drop their chemicals off to be disposed of safely. Items to be collected on the day include: • Solvents and household cleaners; • Floor care products; • Ammonia-based cleaners; • Pesticides and herbicides; • Poisons; • Pool chemicals; • Hobby chemicals; • Motor fuels; • Fluorescent globes and tubes; • Acids and alkalis; • Smoke detectors; • Paint and paint-related products; • Gas bottles; • Fire extinguishers; • Car and household batteries; and • Motor oils and cooking oils. The annual Camden Chemical CleanOut is a joint initiative between Camden Council and the NSW Environmental Protection Authority. For more information on the upcoming Chemical CleanOut event, visit the Camden Council website here and for more information on the CRC, visit www.camden.nsw.gov.au/waste/ community-recycling-centre-crc. r

Image/Article: Camden Council

Tanya Davies MP

Member forBadgerys MulgoaCreek Member for anya

Contact T

badgeryscreek@parliament.nsw.gov.au (02) 9834 2966 (02) 9834 6291 tanyadaviesmp tanyadavies.com.au

Shop 43, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759 Authorised by Tanya Davies MP, Shop 43, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.

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www.oranparkgazette.com.au February 2024

PROBUS CLUB Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Oran Park E: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com P: 0410758755 The Management Committee of Oran Park Probus Club has just held its first Committee meeting of the year and planning is well underway for a special celebration on February 29, when members will get together on the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Oran Park Probus Club. We will be recognising twenty of the original founding members who remain active members of the Club. Probus groups throughout Australia and New Zealand are social groups that offer friendship and fun to retired and semi-retired members of the community. Probus groups help retirees to stay engaged and connected in a world where loneliness and isolation can lead to mental health issues. For those who are newly retired this can be a time of confusion and loss, as you lose contact with work colleagues and no longer must adhere to regular routines. New friendships, activities and outings soon fill those ‘empty’ hours. At this time of year many Probus Clubs are thinking about their annual general meetings and the formation of their 2024 Management Committees. Volunteering for a role on a Probus committee is a terrific way to cement friendships, boost self-esteem and inject the Club with new energy and ideas. At Oran Park Probus Club we are looking forward to another successful year with the continuation of our regular activities, and, as always, many interesting outings and events. New members are always welcome and if you would like to hear more about Probus, why not join us at one of our monthly meetings as a visitor? There is always an interesting Speaker to listen to, and topics are varied so there is something to suit everyone. Join us for lunch in the Club after the meeting and get to know our members and find out if Probus would suit you. Our meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month, commencing at 10.00am, at Wests Lakeside Golf Club, Gledswood Hills. For further information, please contact the secretary via email: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com r

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Happy New Year! As our first edition of 2024 finds it's way into your letterboxes, and we bid farewell to Christmas and the Summer holidays, it's time to embrace the many adventures awaiting us in the year head! The Summer holidays brought some amazing weather that was only best suited to lazy days by the pool (and a lot of rain!), for many of us the holidays were filled with joy, laughter and unforgettable memories. However, in our local area there are some who have experienced great loss and heartache facing unthinkable tragedies. There is no time limit to grief; I hope that the New Year can bring them happiness, healing and peace. We kick off the year with plenty to read, see and do around our fabulous communities. The advertisers found on these pages are responsible for allowing us to continue sharing local news directly to your letterbox. Be sure to mention us when you ring them for a quote or to book their service! As C.S.Lewis said 'You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream'. Enjoy Your Community News.

Police, Ambulance, Fire 000 or 112 mobile Narellan Police Station 4632 4499 Police Assistance Line 131 444 Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling 131 114 WIRES (Wildlife Rescue) 4754 2946 NSW Rural Fire Service 1800NSWRFS St. Vincent de Paul Society 8250 1484 e: Socialjustice.Wol@vinnies.org.au Camden SES 4647 0319 (For emergency help in floods and storms call NSW SES – 132 500) General OPT information, Contact: Sales & Information Office 9043 7500

Health Services Camden + Campbelltown Hospital Switchboard 4634 3000 After Hours Medical Clinic (Campbelltown) 4634 3290 Heathdirect Australia 1800 022 222 Get Healthy 1300 806 258 Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Karitane Careline 1300 22 74 64 Breastfeeding Helpline (NSW) 1800 686 268 (1800 MUM 2 MUM) Pregnancy Birth + Baby 1800 882 436

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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

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SMALL PRINT Advertising Policy... Payment on booking secures your space. The Business Directory offers cost effective advertising to businesses in an alphabetical format. Premium Placement may be available, at an extra charge. An editorial focus on a local business may be included if space permits, at the Editor’s discretion. 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.

www.oranparkgazette.com.au February 2024

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