EMU + LEONAY GAZETTE APRIL 2026

Lions Emu Plains Recognises 12 Years of Service for their Very

Special Member

Lions Club of Emu Plains’ Alan Cooper and John Choma recently paid a special visit to their honorary Lions members Jim and Cheryl Devine, to present Jim with an engraved plaque recognising him for his service and dedication to Emu Plains Lions.

Jim has been a Lions member for 12 years. During that time, he has had an enormous impact on their club and the community. Jim created an award winning newsletter that held a high reputation and received multiple Lions awards. This included the International Leadership Medal, one of the highest awards an individual can receive through Lions International. Jim also ran a public speaking program for high school students, called Youth of the Year for many years. He served as treasurer and always paid attention to the little details, thinking about the needs of others and how best to connect the community.

“We would like to announce that Jim will be retiring from Lions. On behalf of Emu Plains Lions and the community, we would like to thank Jim for his loyalty, dedication and diligent service.

“While Jim is retiring, his contributions have left an indelible mark on this club, the legacy of his work will continue long into his retirement. Thank you again Jim for your invaluable contributions and long lasting impact you have had on the Lions community. We wish you all the best for your retirement” said the Lions Club of Emu Plains.

r Cheryl Devine, Jim Devine and Alan Cooper | Image/Article: Lions Club of Emu Plains

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

Lions Club of Emu Plains Inc

Meets 3rd Thursday of the month from 6.30pm at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay). More Details: Cheryl Devine 0417 234 295.

Hobbies + Interests

Blue

Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS)

Meets on the 4th Friday of the month in Melrose Hall (169 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains) from 7.30pm More Details: 0493 547 794.

Nepean Group – Embroiderers Guild

Meets on the 1st Monday of the month at Panthers Leagues Club, Mulgoa Road Penrith from 6.00pm. More Details: 0466 725 317

Markets Square Dancer Classes

Glenbrook Public School Hall and Surveyors Creek Community Ctre, Glenmore Park. First Lesson is FREE! All ages are welcome! Inquiries 0411 456 208

Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club Markets

Held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm. Glenbrook Infants School (10 Ross Street, Glenbrook). More Details: https://www.facebook.com/ glenbrookrotarymarkets

Support + Wellbeing

Lung Support Group

Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month at Emu Sports Club from 10.30am. Visitors & New Members welcomed. Contact John on 4735 1542

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay) from 6.45p.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 5.30pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6.00pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk

Penrith Mens Walk and Talk

Meets 5.00pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6.00pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/

SOLiD MEN

Every Saturday at 5.45am, meet in Glenbrook Visitor Centre Carpark for a free boot camp for men followed by coffee and chat. More Details : www.facebook.com/solid.men78

Shara Rose Brings Country Pop Energy

Emerging country-pop performer Shara Rose is continuing to build momentum on the live music scene, recently taking to the stage at Emu Hall with a performance that blended storytelling, dance and audience participation.

Rose, who has been writing and performing music since high school, said her love of performing began early. Her first public performance came during a school presentation night when she sang a cappella in front of a packed auditorium.

“I was terrified,” she said. “But the moment I finished, I didn’t want to get off that stage.”

Soon after that first performance, Rose received a vocal scholarship at a music school, which helped her focus on developing her voice and songwriting skills. Songwriting quickly became a major passion.

Originally from Perth, Rose later relocated to Sydney in her early 20s to pursue music more seriously. Since then, she has been working to build her career through songwriting, touring and live performances.

“I’ve always loved entertaining people,” she said. “Growing up I was constantly singing, making up dance routines and learning all the lyrics to my favourite songs.”

Rose describes her sound as a blend of country and pop, combining the narrative traditions of country music with upbeat, danceable tracks.

“I love the storytelling of country music, but I also enjoy feelgood songs that people can dance to,” she said.

A professional dancer as well as a musician, Rose incorporates choreography into her performances and often teaches audiences line dancing during her shows.

“It creates a really fun atmosphere where everyone feels part of the moment,” she said.

The artist has recently released her latest single, “Look At Me Now,” available on streaming platforms alongside a music video on YouTube.

Looking ahead, Rose plans to spend the year performing at festivals, live music events and venues across Sydney and regional NSW.

She believes the current surge in popularity of country music is driven by its authenticity.

“Country music connects with people because it’s built on storytelling and honesty,” she said.

“The songs talk about real life, love, heartbreak and the ups and downs we all go through.”

Through her music, Rose hopes listeners feel empowered.

“If someone hears a lyric and thinks, ‘That’s exactly how I feel,’ that’s really special,” she said. “I just want people to live their best life.”

Northern Section of Great Walk Reopens

Locals and visitors can once again enjoy walking the picturesque northern section of the Great River Walk in Penrith, following the completion of major repairs. The pathway between Weir Reserve and Cassola Place is now reopen to the public.

The walk was closed after severe storms and flooding in March and again in June 2022 caused significant damage to the riverbank and walkway. Restoration work began in May 2025, focusing on stabilising three landslips, repairing the boardwalk bridge and restoring the path.

The Albanese and Minns Governments allocated $861,000 to the project under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Penrith City Council contributed an additional $287,000 in funding through its Footpath Replacement Program.

The project involved:

• stabilising and repairing the landslips on the riverbank

• repairing the pathway and the boardwalk bridge

• improving drainage and erosion control systems.

The Great River Walk is one of Penrith’s most popular attractions, offering scenic walking and cycling experiences along the Nepean River.

These repairs, alongside the delivery of the Nepean Avenue Pathway, a new Factory Road pathway and the reopened section of the lower pathway on River Road, Emu Plains reflects Council’s commitment to improving connectivity throughout the Nepean River precinct.

To learn more about the Great River Walk, visit penrith.city/ greatriverwalk.

“We're thrilled to welcome our community and visitors back to this beautiful part of the Nepean River.

“Separated from the bustling ‘bridge-to-bridge’ loop, it offers a peaceful escape and an active connection between Cassola Place and the river.

“We know the community has been eagerly awaiting the reopening of this path, and we’re pleased to have delivered these essential repairs with the support of the Australian and NSW Governments. It’s fantastic to see this space open once again for everyone to enjoy” said Penrith City Council Mayor Todd Carney.

Untold Story of Fred and Rose West

Strange smells and unexplainable noises. Unnerving warnings about rooms never to enter. In Karen Hamilton’s debut memoir, Nightmare on Cromwell Street, you get the previously untold, personal tale of a young woman who lived in and survived a house of horrors: the home of notorious British serial killers Fred and Rose West. Narrated through a clear and simple voice, Karen Hamilton doesn’t embellish or exaggerate her experiences in the West’s house: she tells it truthfully, always with the memory of those who didn’t survive in mind. Karen writes for them and for herself, so she may finally escape the nightmare of 25 Cromwell Street.

Karen Hamilton was born in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and spent her childhood in the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Throughout her early life, she travelled extensively with her family and grew connected to the small English town of Gloucester where her aunt and uncle resided. When she returned to Australia in the late 1970s, Karen began her career working as a secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs in Canberra. Karen later became an audio typist for police interviews, a position she has held for 25 years. She has also worked as a court reporter across Australia. It was her professional ties to the criminal justice system, coupled with harrowing personal experiences, that drew her towards true crime as a genre. In her spare time, Karen contributes to Australian magazines like New Idea, where she writes opinion pieces on pop culture, true crime and breaking news. Karen now lives in Emu Plains.

Nightmare on Cromwell Street is available at all global retailers and here is the link for Amazon: https://www.amazon. com.au/Nightmare-Cromwell-Street-Living-Wests-ebook/dp/ B0 G5N9GX2W

r Image/Article: Penrith City Council r Karen Hamilton | Images/Article

The Village Community: Feeding Mothers, Building Connection

In a world where many new parents navigate the early months of parenthood in isolation, The Village Community is quietly rebuilding something many cultures have long understood – that raising a child takes a village.

Founded by Aimee Honess in May 2021, the initiative was born from Aimee’s own experience of becoming a mother for the first time.

As she emerged from the early months of motherhood, she discovered the concept of matrescence, the profound emotional, physical and neurological changes women experience after giving birth.

“My brain had literally changed,” Aimee said. “But nobody seemed to be talking about this huge shift or helping women understand what they were going through.”

As she began researching postpartum traditions around the world, Aimee noticed a powerful common theme. “In many cultures, families rally around the new mum. Across so many places, the focus is simple, feed the mother.”

Inspired by those traditions, Aimee created The Village Community to provide practical support for new mums through home-cooked meals. Each month, volunteers gather in a commercial kitchen to prepare meals that are delivered to mothers in the local area.

“Once a month, I invite anyone who would like to join me to bulk cook meals that will be delivered to new mums each week,” Aimee explained.

Local businesses often support the initiative by donating kitchen space or produce, while fundraising events throughout the year help sustain the program and bring the community together. The Village Community also provides small care packages for families, helping mothers feel supported during the demanding early months of parenthood.

For Aimee, the initiative is about more than food.

“It’s important to have groups like this because they bring back a sense of community and remind us of what it means to be part of one” she said.

The response from families has been deeply moving.

“It’s never about the meal,” Aimee said. “It’s about the care and effort you’ve given to support someone during a big life transition.”

Those interested in volunteering or donating items such as pantry goods or self-care products can connect with The Village Community via Instagram @the.village.community, Facebook: The Village Community Kitchen, or email the.village. communitybm@gmail.com.

r [Top] Aimee with a large donation of cooked meals, baked goods, fresh produce and self-care items for new mums [Above] Aimee Honess was nominated for Blue Mountains Citizen of the Year 2025 | Images Supplied. Article: Tanya Nellestein

Emu Plains Marks ANZAC Day Together

The Emu Plains ANZAC Day service is continuing this year at Melrose Park cenotaph, with local veterans’ and community groups organising the event with support from Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman, State Member for Penrith Karen McKeown, and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney.

The service, beginning at 10:45am on Saturday morning 25 April, with a march through Melrose Park to the war memorial, followed by a service at the cenotaph, will be an opportunity for the community of Emu Plains, Emu Heights and Leonay to come together to recognise the sacrifice of those who have served.

“Both my grandfathers served in and survived World War I, so remembering their service and the fate of who did not come home having defended our freedoms, is a really

important part of my family tradition,” Ms Templeman said.

Stepping up to make this community service happen are representatives from the Penrith RSL sub-Branch, Emu Plains Girl Guides, the Lions Club of Emu Plains, Nepean District Historical Society, Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Club, Emu Plains Anglican Church and the National Servicemen's Association, as well as many local residents who are volunteering on the committee to ensure that the service at Melrose Park cenotaph runs smoothly. Local school students will also be playing a role in the ceremony.

Following the service, Lions will be cooking a free sausage sizzle, and the Historical Society will be providing morning tea and a historical display.

Legacy representatives will be present on the day to accept gold coin donations towards their work supporting the families of veterans.

The event is being supported by donations from local businesses including Dukes Estate Agents Emu Plains, PAAL Homes Emu Plains, and EPOC Enviro Emu Plains to help make it happen, showing what a strong community we have in Emu Plains.

r Feature Article [Cover+Top] 2025 Emu Plains ANZAC Day ceremony [Above] L – R: Councillor Kirstie

Templeman MP, Councillor Hollie McLean, and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney | Images/Article: Susan Templeman MP

Emu Plains Debuts New Season Shirts

Emu Plains Hockey Club is preparing for another exciting season, with competitions set to begin in April and registrations still open for players keen to join.

The women’s competition is scheduled to start on April 11, followed by the men’s competition on April 12 and the junior competitions on April 19. With the season fast approaching, the club is encouraging players of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels to sign up, including those who may never have picked up a hockey stick before.

Mark Parnell of Emu Plains Hockey Club said it was not too late for new players to become part of the club for the upcoming season.

“We welcome players of all ages and experience levels,” Parnell said. “Even if you’ve never held a stick before, there’s a place for you at Emu.”

Player numbers are expected to be similar to last season, with

around 50 to 60 players likely to take the field in 2026. While teams are still being finalised, the club anticipates fielding a similar lineup to last year: one men’s team, two women’s teams and teams across each junior age bracket.

Recent seasons have seen an encouraging influx of new players joining the club, particularly through its popular “Come and Try” sessions designed to introduce newcomers to the sport.

“It’s been really great to see quite a few new players come through those sessions,” Parnell said. “What’s even more exciting is seeing many of last year’s new players returning again this season.”

The club is coming off a strong 2025 campaign, with all three senior teams advancing to at least the second round of the finals. The women’s first grade side came agonisingly close to a championship, finishing runners-up after a tightly contested grand final.

Looking ahead, the club is also unveiling new shirt designs for the season, something Parnell says the club is particularly proud of.

It features artwork by two of their indigenous players, a Nepean Hockey Association first. Maleah and Michelle Kennedy are proud Dharug women.

In addition, several new sponsors have joined the club this year, providing a major boost. Their support has allowed the club to cover the cost of playing shirts for all players and reduce junior fees for the first time in many years, a move expected to make the sport more accessible to local families.

r The new shirt designs for 2026 | Image: Fully Promoted Penrith. Supplied by Emu Plains Hockey Club

FAITH - EMU PLAINS ANGLICAN

Article Written + Submitted by: Assistant Minister, Youth Co-ordinator David Simmons P: 4735 1001 M: 0438 672 484 E: david@epac.org.au W: www.epac.org.au

Service Times: Sundays @ 8:00am, 9:45am and 6:30pm

Plus activities for adults and young people throughout the week

X-ray Vision

Have you ever met someone who can see beyond the surface, to what’s really going on for you below it? It can be incredibly helpful, and even unnerving. Jesus had a man come to him and ask for his help sorting out a will and his share of the inheritance he was owed. But do you know what Jesus said? It was like he had X-ray vision that saw through to the man’s heart: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15).

The thing is, Jesus says this not just as a warning for the man, but for all of us. It’s really easy to believe that what we can see is all there is. It’s comforting to feel like the more dollars we have in the bank, or the more stuff we have, the better our life is. And yet Jesus gives this warning—the one who rose from the dead on Easter Sunday gives this warning—but he also brings a remedy.

Jesus doesn’t speak spitefully, and he doesn’t take any joy in saying hard things to people, even if it’s in their best interests. In fact, Jesus came to bring us something more precious than anything we could earn or save in this life: the treasure we need most of all. We don’t need more money; we need peace with God. We need the forgiveness Jesus won on that first Easter and freely offers.

And do you know what Jesus says next? If God cares enough to look after that, we can be sure he’ll look after all the other things we truly need as well.

Exclusive and Affordable: Lakeside Lawn Graves Released at Kemps Creek Memorial Park

A unique opportunity has quietly arrived in Western Sydney, and families are beginning to take notice. Kemps Creek Memorial Park has released its highly anticipated Lakeside Lawn Graves - a premium memorial lawn, quickly becoming popular with the local community.

This beautiful area, positioned directly adjacent to the water, has been reserved for many years and is now being released to the community for the first time. With peaceful lake reflections, open lawns and established trees, it offers a calm setting that is deeply comforting for families visiting loved ones.

Despite its premium location, the offering remains remarkably affordable. A complete Lawn Grave package including headstone and inscription is available for $10,200,

providing exceptional value compared with other metropolitan cemeteries.

The initial release includes 200 positions, with the most desirable locations closest to the lake. Currently 150 are available for purchase, with 50 already reserved, reflecting strong early interest. Families securing positions now can access some of the most beautiful views in the memorial park.

All graves are open to families of all faiths, cultures and beliefs. Cremation memorial areas will also be available beside the lake from $2,600, offering an affordable option for families seeking a peaceful lakeside setting to commemorate cherished family members.

Kemps Creek Memorial Park is operated by Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria, recognised for their commitment to providing adequate and affordable burial spaces for Sydney’s growing community. Founded in the tradition of social justice, the park serves people of all faiths and beliefs.

One of Sydney’s most beautiful lawn cemeteries, the park features stunning gardens, open spaces and modern amenities, supported by a team dedicated to exceptional care and service.

With limited positions available before future expansion planned for 2027, this lakeside release presents a rare opportunity.

As one family shared:

“The setting is so beautiful and calming, surrounded by nature and water. Knowing our loved one rests in such a tranquil place will bring comfort every time we visit.”

Families interested are encouraged to enquire early to secure their preferred lakeside position.

A peaceful place to honour and remember

Set in Sydney’s west, Kemps Creek Memorial Park offers a beautifully landscaped and affordable resting place, thoughtfully designed to serve people of all faiths, cultures and traditions.

Choose from traditional burial and cremation options, natural bushland burials, and personalised services held in our serene outdoor pavilion.

A place where compassion, choice and respect guide every step - and where families are supported with care during life’s most important moments.

Contact our caring team today to explore your memorial options.

230–260 Western Road, Kemps Creek p: 9826 2273 e: admin@kempscreekcemetery.com.au w: kempscreekmemorialpark.com.au

Dance Your Way to Fitness

TRADIE PACKAGE

The Show is back in 2026, bringing the best of rural Australia to the heart of the city in a celebration of farmers, food, family fun and the unforgettable traditions Australians know and love.

Running from 2 - 13 April, the Show invites visitors of all ages to reconnect with where our food comes from, meet the people who produce it, and experience the perfect mix of familiar icons and exciting new moments that make the Show a must-visit each year.

New for 2026, the Show comes alive After Dark, transforming Sydney Showground into a glowing nighttime spectacular. Visitors can enjoy a brand-new light parade, 70 illuminated animal lanterns, expanded evening entertainment and new food experiences — delivering the biggest and most immersive Show yet.

To celebrate, a new After 4:00pm Family Ticket offers even

HEALTH MATTERS

P: 0418 166 269

greater value, giving families entry from late afternoon into the evening — ideal for experiencing the Show After Dark. Available pre-Show only until 11:59pm on 1 April 2026, tickets are limited.

Royal Agricultural Society of NSW General Manager, Agriculture and Sydney Royal Easter Show, Murray Wilton said the Show’s role today is to both protect what Australians love and keep it evolving for future generations.

“The Sydney Royal Easter Show is something Australians genuinely care about, and we see ourselves as custodians of that, protecting the traditions people love while continuing to make it exciting, relevant and worth coming back to,” Mr Wilton said.

“For many Aussies, it’s one of the only times all year they’ll meet a farmer, see animals up close or understand how food makes its way from paddock to plate. That connection really

Chronic Shoulder Pain – Cured by What You Eat?

Most people coming to the clinic with shoulder problems respond well to muscle elongation therapy; however, rarely people fail to respond as well. Here, ongoing shoulder pain may not be driven only by the original injury. On such occasions, gut-derived autoimmune or inflammatory processes should be considered as a possible contributor.

Recently a patient presented with two sore shoulders, brought on by workers-comp pre-return-to-work shoulderstrength testing. Ultrasounds showed evidence of bursitis, slight shoulder-tendon “wear and tear”, pain in the front of both shoulders, and extremely limited range of motion, especially of the left.

The patient received physical therapy for several weeks with minimal improvement. She was advised that the inflammatory processes in her shoulders may be being exacerbated by components in her diet. Initially not keen to make the suggested dietary changes, she eventually did so and within one week achieved almost full range of motion.

Why might dietary change sometimes help? The patient’s history showed a previous but unrelated work injury requiring years of pain medication. Long-term intake of such medications may lead to compromised integrity (leakiness) of the intestinal lining. This allows immune-stimulating proteins from foods such as grains and milk (and even whole microbes) to leak across to where immune cells reside. Immune cells see such foreign proteins and microbes as signs of danger and become activated. They enter the bloodstream, migrate to other sites of injury, and produce large amounts of inflammatory mediators that augment local inflammation, increasing pain at those sites.

For this client, her strenuous shoulder-strength tests likely caused some local injury. Once such local shoulder inflammation began, it attracted circulating and activated gut-derived immune cells. These cells then exacerbated the local shoulder inflammation and prevented the shoulder tissues from moving from the “inflammatory phase” into the “repair and resolution” phase of the healing process.

In this case, dietary change likely reduced exposure of gut immune cells to immune-stimulating proteins, resulting in a relatively quick reduction in shoulder pain. So, if you have unresolved shoulder (or neck) pain, you may want to consider the impact of your diet. Feel free to give Andreas a call at the clinic to discuss your issues.

r

Penrith Prepares For ANZAC Commemorations

The City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch will be hosting three major commemorative services in March and April 2026. This will include:

1. ANZAC School Service – Tuesday 31st March

2. Sunday ANZAC Service – Sunday 19th April

3. ANZAC Day Dawn Service – Saturday 25th April

The Annual ANZAC Day School Service will take place on Tuesday 31st March at the Penrith Showgrounds. Montgrove College in Orchard Hills has volunteered to host the prestigious event in 2026. The event has attracted almost every school in the Penrith region, and they are expecting over 2,000 children and their teachers to attend this year. Local Army, Airforce and Navy Cadet Units will also be supporting the Service. The City of RSL sub-Branch along with CDC Charters will be co-ordinating bus transport for the schools, there will not be any public access to this event.

The Sunday ANZAC Service will be on Sunday 19th April. It is a community commemoration service, designed to enable community members to participate and lay a wreath when they may not be otherwise able too. All Veterans are invited to march with the sub-Branch, starting at 2:45pm and all community members are invited to attend the service starting at 3:00pm. Limited seating will be available; however, the seating will be reserved for those unable to stand, Veterans and invited guests.

The ANZAC Day Dawn Service Commemoration will be on Saturday 25th April. Veterans wishing to march are requested to meet on the corner of Castlereagh and Tindall Streets at 4:30am. The march will step off at 4:45am with 350+ veterans, including current serving ADF personnel and Cadets expected to take part. The Dawn Service will commence at 5:00am at Memory Park in Penrith and will take approximately 4550 minutes. Limited seating will be available; however, the seating will be reserved for those unable to stand, Veterans and invited guests. Breakfast will be served to the public immediately following the service at the Penrith RSL Club, a gold coin donation will be requested.

The City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch are expecting 5,000+ people at the Dawn Service and they anticipate the streets to be full. To assist the public viewing, TV monitors will be placed in strategic locations in the Penrith CBD, allowing people to view the service without accessing Memory Park. Immediate access surrounding Memory Park will be closed off to all traffic from 2:00am on Saturday 25th April, until 7:00am. There will be no traffic in or out of that dedicated area during this time. Seating in Memory Park will be reserved for Veterans and invited guests. This event is fully supported by our local, State, and Federal elected members.

“The RSL Club and the Penrith RSL sub-Branch anticipates a huge turn out from the public in 2026. The sub-Branch Committee and Members are really looking forward to an inclusive ANZAC commemoration period”, said Mr Anthony Eddie, President of The City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch.

PAWS A WHILE

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

Pet-Friendly Easter Holidays

Easter is a wonderful time of year filled with family catch-ups, chocolate treats and long weekends. But while we’re enjoying the celebrations, it’s important to remember that some of the foods and decorations we associate with Easter can be dangerous for our pets.

Chocolate is one of the biggest concerns at this time of year. It contains a substance called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious problems, including vomiting, muscle tremors and seizures. If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, it’s important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

So how much chocolate is actually toxic for dogs? The simple answer is: none. The level of risk depends on the type of chocolate: dark, milk or white, as well as your dog’s size, weight, age, breed and any existing health conditions. Dark chocolate contains the highest levels of theobromine, making it the most dangerous, but any amount of chocolate should be considered unsafe for dogs.

Hot cross buns are another common Easter favourite, but they can also be harmful to pets. Many contain raisins or dried fruit, which are known to cause kidney failure in dogs and cats. What makes this especially concerning is that symptoms don’t always appear straight away. In some cases, the damage to the kidneys can occur days or even weeks after ingestion.

Easter baskets can also pose a hidden risk. Many lollies and sweets contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, leading to weakness, lethargy, vomiting and seizures. The decorative plastic grass often used in Easter baskets can also cause

Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP)

CONSULTING HOURS

serious digestive blockages if swallowed by curious pets.

Flowers are another thing to be mindful of. Lilies are a popular choice in Easter bouquets, but they are highly toxic to cats. Every part of the plant, including the pollen and even the water in the vase, can cause severe kidney failure. If a cat brushes against the pollen or ingests any part of the plant, urgent veterinary care is needed. One of the biggest challenges with many of these toxins is that symptoms may not appear immediately. By the time a pet begins to show signs of illness, serious damage may already have occurred. That’s why prevention is always the best approach.

Here are a few simple ways to help keep your pets safe this Easter:

• Keep chocolate, hot cross buns and sweets well out of reach of pets.

• Avoid using plastic grass in Easter baskets or decorations.

• Make sure guests and family members know not to feed pets Easter treats.

• Keep lilies out of homes with cats.

• If your pet shows any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian straight away.

With a little extra awareness, Easter can be a fun and safe time for the whole family, including our four-legged members.

If you need assistance over the Easter period, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 02 4736 2027.

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

For Appointments Call

Monday to Friday: 8am - 7pm | Saturdays: 8am - 2pm

Services provided include:

•General Surgery (desexing to orthopedics)

• Vaccinations and in-house pathology

•Radiology and Dentistry

•Visiting specialist radiographer and ultrasonographer

•Puppy preschool

•Home visits

•Cat boarding and Kitten adoption

•Secure off leash dog park

CHECK

The Sydney Royal Easter Show Returns in 2026

The Show is back in 2026, bringing the best of rural Australia to the heart of the city in a celebration of farmers, food, family fun and the unforgettable traditions Australians know and love.

Running from 2 - 13 April, the Show invites visitors of all ages to reconnect with where our food comes from, meet the people who produce it, and experience the perfect mix of familiar icons and exciting new moments that make the Show a must-visit each year.

New for 2026, the Show comes alive After Dark, transforming Sydney Showground into a glowing nighttime spectacular. Visitors can enjoy a brand-new light parade, 70 illuminated animal lanterns, expanded evening entertainment and new food experiences — delivering the biggest and most immersive Show yet.

To celebrate, a new After 4:00pm Family Ticket offers even greater value, giving families entry from late afternoon into the evening — ideal for experiencing the Show After Dark. Available pre-Show only until 11:59pm on 1 April 2026, tickets are limited.

Royal Agricultural Society of NSW General Manager, Agriculture and Sydney Royal Easter Show, Murray Wilton said the Show’s role today is to both protect what Australians love and keep it evolving for future generations.

“The Sydney Royal Easter Show is something Australians genuinely care about, and we see ourselves as custodians of that, protecting the traditions people love while continuing

to make it exciting, relevant and worth coming back to,” Mr Wilton said.

“For many Aussies, it’s one of the only times all year they’ll meet a farmer, see animals up close or understand how food makes its way from paddock to plate. That connection really matters.”

“This year, bringing the Show to life After Dark gives showgoers a completely new way to experience it, whether that’s families arriving after school and work, or visitors wanting to slow down, explore and stay longer.”

“You might come for the rides or showbags, but you leave with a deeper appreciation for the producers and communities who feed and clothe the nation, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud to continue sharing.”

With up to 12 hours of entertainment included in a single ticket, the Show remains one of Sydney’s best-value days out over Easter, from the farmyard nursery and agricultural competitions to thrilling rides, showbags, live performances, art, food and fireworks.

The Show brings the country to the city with hands-on Australian farming experiences, making it one of Australia’s most iconic events.

Buy tickets at eastershow.com.au.

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10th April 2026

Online: 1st May 2026

Letterboxes: First week of the month

Managing Editor

Belinda Pearce

Personal

Assistant

Jasmine Stinson

Design

Jade Gregory

Writer / Sales

Cim Sanders

Writer

Tanya Nellestein

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Emergency Services

(Police, Ambulance, Fire) 000

Penrith Police Station 4721 9444

Police Assistance Line 131 444

Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling 131 114

WIRES (Wildlife Rescue) 4754 2946

NSW Rural Fire Service 1800NSWRFS

State Emergency Service 132 500 Churches

Anglican Church St Paul’s, Emu Plains 47351001

Baptist Church Emu Plains Community 4735 1050

Catholic Church Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains 4735 1041

Uniting Church 7 Green Street, Glenbrook 4739 6295

Blaxland Presbyterian 15a Wilson Way, Blaxland 0491 174 725

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 0438 006 290

Spiritual Church 0439 453 430

Elevation Church Penrith 4722 8489

Community Groups

Blue Mountains & Penrith Districts Orchid Society (BMPDOS) 0493 547 794

Embroiderers Guild Nepean 0466 725 317

Girl Guides Glenbrook 4739 6087

Lions Club Emu Plains 4735 5120

Lung Support Group 4735 1542

Probus Nepean www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/nepean

Prostate Cancer Support Group 1300 13 38 78

Rotary Club 0419 725 302 Scouts 1800 SCOUTS (1800 726 887)

Toastmasters Glenbrook 0408 692 770

VIEW Club Nepean 4735 4982 Sports Clubs

Baseball Club Penrith 0434 116 940

BMX Penrith Panthers 0434 267 785

Junior AFL 0412 579 061

Cricket Club 0418 209 105

Hockey 0419

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 Emu+Leonay 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.

April arrives with a different kind of energy this year, shaped in part by Easter falling early in the month. It brings with it a sense of pause and reflection, woven through with renewal and hope. Across our community, this season is often marked by small traditions and shared moments, gatherings with family, quiet time outdoors, and the simple comfort of familiar routines.

As the year continues to unfold, many of us are finding our footing. The pace of daily life remains full, yet there is growing value in slowing down where we can, noticing what matters most, and reconnecting with one another. In times when the world beyond our borders can feel uncertain or unsettled, these local connections become even more meaningful.

What endures is the strength found in community. We see it in the way people lend a hand, check in on neighbours, and come together for causes both big and small. These acts, often unspoken and unseen, create a sense of stability and belonging that carries us forward.

As April progresses, may this season encourage reflection, kindness, and renewed purpose. Thank you for being part of a community that continues to show care, resilience, and quiet optimism as we move through the year together.

“Storms pass quickly when you refuse to stand in the rain.”

www.districtgazette.com.au/

You can drop off for free:

Your next local event: Sunday 26 April, 9am – 3.30pm

The Kingsway Playing Fields car park, Werrington penrith.city/events

Only household quantities accepted (20L or 20kg), except paint. Up to 100L (in 20L containers) of paint accepted. This service adheres to NSW Government advice and protocols. Before you attend, please place all materials in the rear of your vehicle. For safety reasons, please remain in your vehicle at all times and event staff will collect your items. Waste containers collected cannot be returned.