Book Review your

put it down. Ellis mother of three often finds nature as her place of refuge. In a moment of intense emotion and distraction, Ellis mistakenly leaves her baby, Viola unattended and drives away from the woods. In the short time it takes for her to realise, and return, the child is gone. This is the final straw in an already fractured marriage and she falls into despair and guilt, drowning herself in alcohol and drugs.

The only solution she sees is to leave it all behind. Ellis fears becoming her own mother, something she believes is inevitable, so removes herself from her family’s lives and takes to the mountain wilderness.

Spending time in nature has always been Ellis’ escape, and Vanderah’s writing describes the mountain environment so beautifully. The journey is heartbreaking and tragic at times, though thoughtfully explored by the author.

Intertwined is the story of Raven, home-schooled and isolated, a beautifully naive young girl. Her mother has secrets and Raven is not allowed to see other people. An encounter in the woods with some local children, opens Raven’s eyes to the outside world and she wants to know more.

The novel is told through the eyes of these two characters, both lovers of nature and struggling with their individual issues. Themes of addiction, secrets, forgiveness, trust and love are brought together in a moving and for some maybe too neat ending.

A well crafted novel, with absorbing characters and difficult subjects that was moving and delightful and impossible to put down.

r Book Review by: Tess

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK REVIEW and receive a $50 GiftCard if your review appears in print!

Regis Grammar School Oran Park Opening Targeted for 2026

Davies Presses Transport Minister for Certainty in Oran Park

Member for Badgerys Creek, Tanya Davies, has written to the Minister for Transport, seeking clarification on the Government's plans to finalise the business case for a Sydney Metro connection between the future Aerotropolis of Western Sydney and Macarthur. Additionally, Mrs Davies has inquired about the expected completion date to provide certainty to the local community.

Introducing the Regis Grammar School Oran Park, a cutting-edge educational institution poised to become the most prestigious school in the Macarthur region. This state-of-the-art co-ed private school is designed to accommodate up to 2,000 students and will offer unparalleled sporting facilities and artistic opportunities. The school's proposed location is at the heart of Oran Park's burgeoning Pondicherry Lake Precinct, perfectly situated to cater to the community's educational needs.

In addition to its academic focus, Regis Grammar School will feature a licensed childcare facility capable of caring for up to 90 children. The school's vision emphasizes its commitment to excellence, stating, "As evidenced by our proposed building placements, Regis Grammar School will set a new standard for high-end education. Our campus will boast top-tier sporting fields, swimming pools, a gymnasium, a performance hall, and abundant opportunities for music, dance, and cultural activities."

The school, officially known as Regis Grammar School Oran Park, aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience from kindergarten to year 12. The development plans include a 30-meter outdoor pool with a covered learn-to-swim complex, a library, and courts for tennis, futsal, and netball.

Mick Owens, General Manager of Greenfields Development Company, expressed the community's desire to offer diverse schooling options. He stated, "We have Oran Park Anglican and two excellent public schools already established. This grammar school, along with nearby Catholic schools, will further expand the choices available to our residents. Providing this variety has been our deliberate focus from the beginning, and the addition of Regis School aligns with that vision."

While the school's opening is targeted for 2026, pending approval processes, it is important to note that the timeline may change.

Regis Grammar School has already announced its inaugural headmaster, Shane Hogan, regarded as one of the top educational leaders in New South Wales. This appointment is seen as a significant achievement for the school. According to Regis Grammar, Hogan's expertise will play a vital role in guiding each student towards achieving their academic potential and life goals.

The school's mission emphasizes a holistic approach to education, stating, "We believe in matching goals with capabilities, stretching minds, nurturing hearts, and guiding hands to put knowledge into action. True learning stems from understanding, and understanding is born from doing."

As the development is still in its early stages, precise figures for school fees will only be available closer to the opening date. However, Regis Grammar anticipates that its fees will be higher than those of the Catholic and Anglican school systems, comparable to those charged at Hills Grammar School. The specific fee structure for students in the junior, middle, and senior schools will be determined at a later stage, following a model similar to that of Hills Grammar.

Regis Grammar School Oran Park promises to be an educational institution of exceptional quality, offering students a wealth of opportunities in academics, sports, and the arts. Its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to student success position it as a leading choice for families seeking an exceptional educational experience in the Macarthur region.

Mrs. Davies emphasised the importance of fulfilling the election commitment made by the Government, ensuring the Minister is well-informed about the concerns and aspirations of the Oran Park residents, many of whom are young families who have chosen to make this community their home.

"During the recent election campaign, NSW Labor pledged to complete the business case for a new Metro line between the Aerotropolis and Macarthur," Mrs. Davies stated. "I am committed to advocating for the Oran Park community to receive the certainty they rightly deserve, and I will hold this Government accountable if they fail to deliver on their promise to our community."

Mrs. Davies has formally submitted the following Question on Notice to the Minister: r Article: Member for Badgerys Creek, Tanya Davies

"During the recent election campaign, Labor committed to finishing the business case for a Metro line between the Western Sydney Airport and Macarthur. Now in Government, when will the Government complete this business case?"

"I eagerly await a prompt response from the Minister, and I will ensure the community is informed of the outcome," Mrs. Davies affirmed.