EMU + LEONAY GAZETTE NOVEMBER 2025

Indoor Multi-Sports Arena Project Reaches Key Milestone

Penrith City Council, in partnership with NSW Public Works (NSWPW), have invited a select panel of candidates to submit a tender to design Penrith’s new indoor multi-sports arena.

Council’s partnership with NSWPW commenced in July 2025 and is central to ensuring the successful delivery of the project through the use of NSWPW’s specialist expertise in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Once complete, the arena will become a premier destination for local, regional, state and national sporting competitions, events and casual recreation.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the new indoor multi-sports arena project is critical to help address the significant gap in indoor sports facilities in the local government area.

“The arena will be designed to cater to a diverse range of sports and recreation activities with 10 multi-sport courts, 6 squash courts, an undercover outdoor rink, gym, rooms for programs like yoga and martial arts, as well as supporting infrastructure like a café, change rooms and car parking,” Cr Carney said.

“It will be located right next to the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct which will create a transformational hub in the east of the City that will position Penrith as the leading destination for sport and recreation in Western Sydney.”

The indoor multi-sports arena project is funded through the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.

NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Londonderry Prue Car said this project will unlock a range of new sporting opportunities in Western Sydney.

“Western Sydney residents deserve access to high-quality sporting infrastructure, and the Minns Labor Government is proud to be delivering this facility alongside Penrith City Council.

“We have seen the success of the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct with our local families, and this indoor multi-sports arena will provide more local sporting opportunities for our growing community.”

The successful design tender will be awarded in late 2025. Construction is planned to begin in mid-2027.

To find out more about this project, visit: yoursaypenrith.com. au/indoorsportsarena.

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

(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

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

Lung Support Group

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/

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

Local Firies Ready to Protect

Regentville Rural Fire Brigade recently held its annual open day for Get Ready Weekend. Get Ready Weekend is setup as the perfect time to come on down and get the information you need to help protect your family and property for the coming bush fire season.

“With a number of members down at the station from the RFS, all the trucks on display, the BBQ fired up and so many activities for the kids, it was a great turnout from the community to come and see what we do, and how they can help us protect them when it matters most. This year we also saw the newly formed Sydney based Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) Squad demonstrate some rescue drills, which a number of our members have also joined to assist even greater across NSW” said Jordan Jobson of Regentville Rural Fire Brigade.

“The local community was engaged with the information provided by first-hand accounts from our firefighters and being able to be taken step by step through how to make a bush fire survival plan” he continued. “With this year’s messaging of ‘One Ember Can End it All’, it was vital messaging for our more urbanised areas where embers can travel up to 20km causing significant risk in our community”.

The brigade itself has also been undertaking some in depth training through the cooler and wetter months, to ensure they are ready to respond as required. Crews have retouched on skills like general pump operations, hose management and

Orchid Show in November

The Blue Mountains and Penrith Districts Orchid Society is having a late spring show in November.

The show will be taking place at Melrose Hall, Corner of Great Western Hwy and Park Street, Emu Plains on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of November 2025.

The times will be 9:00am till 3:00pm on both days.

A large display of orchids will be on show plus a great selection as well for sale. Entry is $2 at the door and children under 15 are free. EFTPOS will be available at the sales area.

non-bush fire related incidents such as structural and vehicle fires, all while giving newly qualified members a chance to work their acquired skills.

As part of their annual requirements, crews also undertook emergency overrun drills, ensuring everyone can safely and effectively get to the safe refuge of a truck should it be entrapped by fire. Not something they ever wish to happen to any crew, but vital for the safety of those on board.

The NSW Rural Fire Service is always looking for members at all brigades. All you need to do is go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs and complete the application.

“Even if you aren’t overly keen on the whole firefighting practice, there are a number of support roles across the state like radio communications, logistics, catering, community engagement and even supporting aviation operations” explained Jordan.

Although the weather remains uncertain for what this fire season will bring, they have already seen some significant fire danger across the state and within the Greater Sydney Basin itself.

“Thank you to the community who has supported us so much in our brigades almost 75 years, which we look forward to celebrating next year!” Regentville will continue to grow stronger as time goes on with additional capabilities for whatever may be required.

Glenbrook Players Bring Arsenic and Old Lace to the Stage

When Joseph Kesselring penned Arsenic and Old Lace in 1939, few would have imagined that a story about two sweet old ladies with a penchant for poisoning would become one of the most enduring dark comedies in American theatre. The play ran for over 1,400 performances and has since become a staple for professional companies, community theatres, and school productions worldwide.

The charm of Arsenic and Old Lace, Glenbrook Players November 2025 production, lies in its witty dialogue, madcap pacing, and clever skewering of family, respectability and the theatre industry itself. It is both macabre and engagingly nostalgic.

At its heart are the Brewster sisters, Abby (Margaret Bell) and Martha (Sandy Moffat), whose genteel manners and charitable reputations conceal their own deadly attempt at

community service: offering “elderberry wine with a pinch of arsenic, strychnine, and just a touch of cyanide” to lonely, homeless old bachelors. Their nephew Mortimer (Ashley Benson), a cynical theatre critic whose only real interest in life is his neighbour Elaine (Lisa Hardwidge), stumbles upon their grisly secret one evening—and a chaotic cover-up ensues.

Mortimer’s brothers add to the mayhem as Teddy (Mitchell Rist), who, convinced he is President Theodore Roosevelt, leads the charge up the staircase to “San Juan Hill” followed by Jonathan Brewster (Caleb Marshall), on the run from the law with his plastic surgeon in tow, the scatty Dr Einstein (Simon Lenthen), whose botched plastic surgeries have left Jonathan with a face resembling Frankenstein’s monster.

The three hapless Brooklyn cops (Joshua Stojanovic, Rhys Ward, Steven Wray) who drop in to discuss Teddy’s bugle playing, led by detective Lieutenant Rooney (Geoff Hacker) and completely miss every blindingly obvious clue they stumble over, as does Elaine’s father, Reverend Dr Harper (Geoffrey MacPherson), who remains blissfully unaware as his parishioners disappear alarmingly one by one into the cellar.

Director Robyn Pope (with co-director Alan Pope) sees Arsenic and Old Lace as more than a play, “It is a theatrical tradition, with its blend of suspense, satire, and slapstick, it remains a perfect vehicle for actors to flex their comedic timing—and for audiences to revel in a story where murder has never seemed so funny.”

Arsenic and Old Lace opens on Friday, November 7th at 7:30pm with further performances over two weekends on Saturday 8th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th at 2:00pm and on Saturday 8th, Friday 14th and Saturday 15th at 7:30pm. Tickets are available via https://www.glenbrookcinema.com. au/players/ or by calling (02) 4739 0003.

r The three Brewster brothers, Teddy, Mortimer and Jonathan, played by Mitchell Rist, Ashley Benson, and Caleb Marshall, in Arsenic and Old Lace.

Home Builder I Est 2002

KID’S CORNER November

Book Review Your

Don’t Go To Sleep!

Author:R.L Stine

Don’t go to sleep is a children’s horror book By R.L Stine. Its storyline compromises Matt, a 12 year-old who has a passion for collecting. However, his room is very small, and is always begging his mother for a bigger room to house his collection. The room he has his eye on is the guest room, although it is kept aside for his grandparents, who come to visit once every year. He is also constantly bullied by his older siblings, Pam and Greg. One night, Matt decides to sleep in the guest room, triggering a horrifying reaction…

When Matt wakes up, he finds himself in the same house, yet he has different parents. It is almost if he has travelled to an entire different universe. How, Matt cannot explain. His ‘parents’ in the new universe think he is delusional when he tries to explain it to them. When he goes to school, he meets a girl called Lucy who he thinks about sharing his idea with. However, he is chased by two bullies before he can tell her. That night, he sleeps again in the guest room, and triggers another reaction, waking up to discover horror after horror, such as turning into an old man, the son of a circus trainer and more. However, most involve Lucy and the two bullies. One day, when he wakes up, he has turned into a monster.

After he eats a car, Matt follows Lucy to an abandoned building, where Lucy and the two bullies introduce themselves as the time police. They plan to kill Matt, but he sleeps, and transforms himself into a squirrel. He then seeks out his old home, and sneaks into the guest room, and returns to his normal self. However, there is a twist: Matt’s mother has said he has to move to the guest room. The book was an amazing read, and had me yearning for the next page till the very end.

r Book Review by: Mustafa Faisal

Blue Mountains Art Prize Celebrates Local Talent

was held over the recent October long weekend at the Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre in Glenbrook, drawing large crowds and a diverse group of talented artists from across the region. The annual event continues to grow in popularity and prestige, offering a total prize pool of over $5,000 this year, making it one of the most anticipated art events in the local calendar.

This year’s exhibition featured an impressive 103 pieces of art, showcasing a wide array of mediums. Visitors enjoyed everything from intricate ceramics and detailed mosaics to striking paintings, printmaking, mixed media, and more. The variety on display reflected the creativity and technical skill of the participating artists, many of whom are local to the Blue Mountains area.

The main prize of $2,000 was awarded to well-known local artist Geoff Matthews for his captivating piece titled Free to Roam, which received high praise from both judges and attendees. In addition to the major award, several other talented artists were also recognised for

their exceptional work. Prize recipients included Katrina Bodey, Samantha Couzin, Alice Nguyen, Meredith Cooper, Doreen Lyon, Henry Tankard, Joy Myers Creed, Shelley Baudinet, Julie Seymour, Joanne Mackenzie, Rick Hawkins, Gus Carrozza, Pero Manjlovic, Sarah Tankard, Sharon Maroney, Anjali Sharma, and Anders McGreal.

The Blue Mountains Art Prize not only celebrates artistic excellence but also supports the local arts community. All proceeds from the event go toward the ongoing operations of the Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre, a not-for-profit organisation that has served the community since 1973.

Adding to the month’s creative buzz, a separate arts event was also held on October 18th and 19th at Glenbrook Theatre Hall. Art lovers can also visit Hare St Gallery, a member-run gallery that showcases local talent throughout the year.

Understanding Dog Park Etiquette

With the arrival of warmer spring mornings, dog owners across Penrith are keen to head outdoors and enjoy the sunshine with their furry companions. Local dog parks offer a great opportunity for dogs to run off-leash, burn energy, and socialise with other pups. But for these shared spaces to remain fun and safe, it’s important that everyone follows a few simple rules of dog park etiquette.

Know before you Go

Not every dog is suited to the high-energy, unpredictable environment of a dog park. Before heading out, be realistic about your dog’s behaviour and comfort levels. Is your dog well-socialised? Do they enjoy the company of other dogs, or do they prefer quieter surroundings? Understanding your dog’s temperament helps prevent stressful or unsafe situations—for both your dog and others.

Dog Park DO’s: Setting Everyone Up for Success

9 Vaccinate and Prevent – Always ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention. This not only protects your dog, but also the entire park community.

9 Leash Until Inside – Keep your dog on-leash until you’re in the fenced play area. It helps prevent misunderstandings or accidents during initial introductions.

9 Respect Park Zones – Many parks separate large and small dog areas for a reason. A respectful division can prevent accidental injuries or fear-based behaviours.

9 Scoop the Poop – It’s a basic but crucial rule: always clean up after your pet. Not only is it courteous, it helps reduce the

CONSULTING

spread of disease.

9 Stay Engaged – Your job isn’t done once you’re inside the gate. Stay attentive and monitor your dog’s behaviour to ensure safe and positive interactions.

The DON’Ts: What to Avoid at the Dog Park

² Don’t Use the Park for Behavioural Training – If your dog is fearful, anxious or reactive, the dog park isn’t the place to work on it. Seek support from a trainer or veterinarian first.

² Avoid Taking Young Puppies – Dogs under 16 weeks of age or not fully vaccinated are best kept at home or in safer socialisation settings.

² No Phone Zone – It’s tempting to scroll while your dog plays, but supervision is key. Problems can escalate quickly, and being alert ensures a safer experience for all.

Dog parks can be a great outlet for exercise and enrichment when used responsibly. A little courtesy and common sense go a long way in making sure everyone—on two legs and four— enjoys their visit.

If you’re unsure whether the dog park is right for your pet, or you need advice on vaccinations and socialisation, contact the friendly team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 02 4736 2027. Let’s make dog parks a safe and happy place for all dogs.

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

Regatta Park Kitchen Opens on the Nepean

Regatta Park Kitchen officially opened its doors on Wednesday, 15 October, welcoming locals and visitors to a bright new café right on the Nepean River in Emu Plains. The sun was shining, the river looked its best, and the space quickly filled with curious customers keen to check out Penrith’s newest riverside spot.

The opening day had a great buzz from the start. The coffee machine barely stopped as the team served up plenty of Allpress Espresso and fresh, seasonal dishes from the new menu. The most-ordered plates included the Thai Scrambled Eggs, Avo and Burrata Toast, and Waffles, which were a hit with both kids and adults.

The café’s undercover seating and open green lawns made it easy for guests to relax and settle in. Families made use of the nearby play area, dogs dozed in the sun, and plenty of people simply enjoyed sitting by the water with their coffee. It was exactly the kind of relaxed, welcoming atmosphere the team had hoped to create.

Regatta Park Kitchen is open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The menu focuses on delicious, fresh food made well, with options for everyone, from quick takeaway coffees and morning pastries to long weekend brunches. With easy parking, plenty of shade, and a peaceful riverside setting, it’s a café built for the local community as much as for visitors passing through.

Brought to life by the Simpson family (the team behind 2773 Glenbrook, Laughin’ Boy, Conservation Hut Café, and Brightside Bowls) Regatta Park Kitchen continues their focus on creating great spaces for people to meet, eat, and enjoy time together.

If opening day was anything to go by, Regatta Park Kitchen is set to become a new favourite spot for the Penrith community. Regatta Park Kitchen is now open seven days a week, 7:30am – 3:00pm, for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

Youth Building Tomorrow’s Businesses Today

A fresh wave of creativity and ambition is set to sweep across Sydney’s markets with the launch of Kids Mean Business, a youth entrepreneurship program designed especially for kids aged 8 to 17. Run by AMA Event Management, this exciting initiative offers young aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to develop, showcase, and sell their own products or services — all while gaining real-world business experience.

The inspiration behind Kids Mean Business comes from years of experience working closely with small business owners and market stallholders. The program’s founder noticed a remarkable trend: many children in these families were already showing an impressive mix of creativity and drive. “I wanted to create a platform where that spark could be nurtured early,” explained Monique Annetts of AMA Event Management. “The goal is where kids could learn resilience, communication, and business skills in a supportive and fun environment. It’s also about giving them confidence and the belief that their ideas matter” she continued.

Launching officially in early 2026, Kids Mean Business will pilot markets and workshops at existing AMA market venues throughout Sydney and its surrounding areas. To make the program as accessible as possible, it will run groups in multiple locations. Families interested in getting involved can register their young entrepreneurs through the AMA Markets website at www.amamarkets.com.au, where they’ll receive guidance on everything from preparing their stall and developing products, to pricing items and engaging with customers.

What makes this program so valuable, according to Monique, is the early connection it fosters between creativity, financial literacy, and community involvement. While traditional classrooms have their place, the program recognises that some children learn best through hands-on experiences. By providing a safe and structured environment to experiment and grow, Kids Mean Business is helping shape confident future business owners and community leaders.

Adding an extra layer of excitement, the program will introduce a seasonal “Kids Mean Business Award” to celebrate outstanding young entrepreneurs for their creativity, presentation, and passion.

With its family-friendly markets already bustling with energy, Kids Mean Business promises to bring a new level of innovation and community spirit, making Sydney’s markets a hub for the next generation of bright young minds.

J And D Marchant 1 Henry Cox Drive Mulgoa NSW 2745

Open 9am to 5pm Tuesday To Sunday 0447 225 516

Open 9am To 6pm Tuesday To Sunday From Now Until Early January. By The Kilo Or By The Box Prices Start From $4 a Kilo Marchant’s Orchard

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

Why Are People Checking Out Church Again?

There’s something happening at the moment that I’m excited about but can’t quite explain. Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in people walking into church wanting to connect with God. This is not because we’re advertising more, or inviting more people, or doing more to connect with the community. People have been inviting themselves, and it’s great. We saw a bit of this post-COVID, which was not surprising. Those rare, widespread, deeply impactful events can disrupt our comfortable existence, causing us to face our own mortality and re-examine our lives.

More recently, it was the death of Charlie Kirk. The memorial service was attended by ninety thousand, as well as tens of millions watching online. The church in America saw an increase in attendance in the following weeks. Even in Australia, we saw people coming to church as a result.

I think these events are triggers to a deeper underlying factor. That is, people are starting to realise the secular way of life doesn’t work. The popular atheist idea that God probably doesn’t exist so just enjoy your life has been tried and found wanting. The empowering catchphrases, “Be yourself,” “Live your truth,” or “Create your meaning,” are powerless and unsatisfying.

This reminds me of the illustration Jesus used at the end of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel. The wise man built his house upon the rock, and the foolish man built his upon the sand. The house on the sand doesn’t survive the storm, but the house on the rock stands. Jesus says his teaching is the rock. I think this is at the bottom of why people are checking out church. They’re tired of the sand the world has been selling, and they’re looking for the rock.

The Christmas Spectacular

The Christmas Spectacular, starring master illusionist Michael Boyd and special guest Prinnie Stevens, is a dazzling celebration of festive magic, music and glamour touring nationally from 6 to 23 December 2025.

Kicking off in Melbourne on 6 December and heading to Newcastle, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Canberra, the show promises a spellbinding experience for audiences of all ages.

This high-energy festive extravaganza blends dazzling circus acts, grand illusions, spectacular dance numbers and timeless Christmas music. Think Radio City Rockettes meets The Nutcracker, with a little Las Vegas sparkle, and plenty of heart.

The shining star of the night

is host Prinnie Stevens. Rising to fame on The Voice Australia, Prinnie leads audiences through a musical journey of festive favourites with her powerhouse renditions of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Joy to the World”.

Audiences will be entranced by Australia’s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd, one of the country’s top illusionists. His spectacular illusions, mind-boggling disappearances and captivating stage personality delight viewers of all ages.

Also featured is world-class circus artist Aleisha Manion, who defies gravity with a polished, smooth, and perfectly timed aerial routine. Her breathtaking act adds an extra layer of wonder to a show already brimming with magic, music, and movement.

Joining them is a cast of elite dancers and showgirls, many of whom have graced the stages of Moulin Rouge, the Lido, and other famed international cabarets, delivering glitz, glamour and precision at every turn.

Whether you’re reliving the joy of Christmas or making magical memories with the kids, The Christmas Spectacular is the ultimate family festive experience.

Venue: State Theatre, Sydney

Dates: Friday 19 – Sunday 21 December 2:00pm and 6:30pm

Ticketing: https://www.statetheatre.com.au/show-calendar/ christmas-spectacular/ r Images/Article: The Christmas Spectacular/AB Publicity

A Day of Remembrance: Honouring the Brave at Memory Park

As the nation halts for a minute of silence at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, Australians from all walks of life will recognise and honour the profound sacrifices made by our armed forces throughout history.

At 11:00am on November 11, 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Remembrance Day after World War 2 to commemorate those who laid down their lives in both global conflicts.

Anthony Eddie, President of the Penrith RSL sub-Branch, perfectly captured the emotion underlying this solemn ceremony. “Remembrance Day to me is a time to reflect on the many sailors, soldiers, and airmen who made the ultimate sacrifice and died fighting to protect this great nation of ours. It’s a time to reflect on the hundreds of thousands of men and women who emerged from conflict injured, both physically and mentally. It is a time to remember those that suffered in silence for a lifetime afterwards or endured contempt for their committed service. It is also a time to remember the family members, friends and community members who supported those brave Veterans through thick and thin, whilst they were away and when they game back, Eddie stated.

“Remembrance Day is a day to reflect upon the sacrifices of many so all can understand, to educate those that might not be familiar and to improve how we treat our Veterans in the future. It’s an opportunity to re-visit history, to commemorate

the memories of loss and hardship, mateship during impossible times and to learn from our mistakes, said Eddie. “Veterans were not always treated well upon their return to Australia, and we must do better as a society in the future”.

This year, the Remembrance Day service will be held at Memory Park, in Penrith. Attendees are encouraged to arrive before 10:30am for the service that is planned to conclude just after 11:00am. The service will be followed by morning tea and refreshments hosted by the sub-Branch at the Penrith RSL Club.

The Penrith RSL sub-Branch, including the Auxiliary Team, are dedicated to supporting the local veteran community and their families. The sub-Branch is made of volunteers, and they are a busy bunch organising commemorations, funerals and initiatives like the ‘Guitars for Vets’ program, weekly ‘Free Cuppa and Chat’, welfare support, DVA Advocacy, home visits, and care packages. The Penrith RSL sub-Branch plays an instrumental role in keeping the spirit of service alive in our community. “We have a little over 525 sub-Branch members with consistent and energetic growth, Eddie said proudly.

Amidst the formalities and ceremonies, the underlying message of gratitude and honour is clear. And as we stand in silence, honouring the brave souls who fought for our freedoms, we are reminded of the importance of unity, peace, and gratitude.

‘We Will Remember Them’, ‘Lest We Forget’.

r Article: Anthony Eddie

The Moustache is Calling

This Movember, the moustache is calling again — and it’s calling on everyone.

From humble beginnings in Melbourne 22 years ago, Movember has grown into a global movement that has changed the face of men’s health. In 2025, the charity is once again rallying Australians to unite, grow and take action for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer - with a renewed focus on supporting men in regional and remote communities who are facing the greatest risk

Since its inception in 2003, Movember has sparked billions of conversations, raised in excess of AUD $1.7 billion and funded more than 1,300 men’s health projects across the world. Its impact has been transformative — from groundbreaking biomedical research to building some of the world’s largest prostate cancer registries and pioneering mental health programs that reach

HEALTH MATTERS

men where they are - in workplaces, sporting clubs, and rural towns across Australia.

And in 2023, the Movember Institute of Men’s Health was launched, backed by an AUD $100 million global investment – uniting experts, communities and partners to accelerate research and translate it into real-world solutions.

“Men’s health still isn’t enough of a priority,” says Movember Co-Founder Travis Garone. “Our healthcare systems often don’t meet men where they are especially in rural and remote areas — and too many fall through the cracks. The moustache is our rallying cry — it gets people talking, laughing, and most importantly, acting. Every Mo grown and every conversation sparked can save a life.”

Australians are encouraged to sign up, donate, or learn more at Movember.com or via the Movember app.

The moustache is calling. Grow a Mo. Raise funds. Save lives. If this story raises concerns for you or someone you know, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for free, confidential support.

r Image/Article: Movember

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

P: 0418 166 269

Can Stretching Your Hamstrings Help Reduce Back Pain?

Many people suffer back pain with no radiological or other evidence as to cause i.e. disc herniation, osteoarthritis, spondylolisthesis and spondylosis, leg length discrepancy, systemic diseases, etc. Among production line workers who stand for long periods, this type of back pain is frequent, difficult to cure, and has a high (60%) recurrence rate. These workers often have tight hamstrings which rotate the upper pelvis backward, reducing the natural inward curve of the lower back (lumbar lordosis).

Researchers recruited 100 automobile production workers with chronic lower back pain, without detectable cause, who worked standing 8 hours/day, and who were unable to complete a ‘straight leg raise’ (SLR) test to more than 800. Workers were randomised to three groups, with each group given different routines to do, 3 days per week, over 6 weeks:

1. Group 1 - 32 people were taught lumbopelvic strengthening exercises and hamstring stretches to be done at-home (Control)

Groups 2 & 3 below, of 34 people were supervised at work and each did 20min of specific lumbopelvic strengthening per session plus:

2. Group 2 – did simple standing hamstring stretches - one leg on table gently pulling torso to knee of the raised leg for 30 seconds, relaxing for 10 seconds, then repeating stretch. 5

min for each hamstring.

3. Group 3 – did simple hamstring stretches as above but with pelvic control – i.e. with:

a. neck and upper back pulled straight, b. shoulder blades pulled together and c. hamstrings pulled tight

Note: Group 3’s stretch-method straightens the back during stretching focusing the stretch fully on the hamstrings. Group 2 was allowed to achieve some stretch by bending their backs reducing hamstring stretch efficiency.

Before and after intervention, the authors measured:

1. Back pain: while working and resting

2. Ability to raise a straight leg

3. Ability to do a seated leg stretch

4. Indexes for ability and disability

They found:

1. no improvements for group 1 in any measure.

2. groups 2 and 3 improved - all measures

3. group 3 significantly outperformed group 2all measures

Authors’ conclusion - regular focused hamstring stretches using pelvic control, lengthened hamstrings and reduced significantly reduced lower back pain.

r ** Refer to submitter for references

When Neighbour Disputes Turn Toxic: Standing Together

as a Community

For many people, home is a sanctuary – a place to feel safe, relaxed, and connected to the neighbourhood around them. But when relationships between neighbours sour, that sense of security can quickly unravel.

Neighbour disputes are unfortunately becoming more common, and while disagreements about fences, parking, pets or noise are not unusual, some situations escalate into toxic behaviour that goes far beyond a simple misunderstanding. Toxic neighbours may deliberately intimidate, harass, or attempt to control those around them, leaving families feeling trapped in their own homes.

The emotional toll of such disputes is significant. Victims often report heightened stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues as a result of ongoing conflict. Children, too, can be deeply affected, exposed to an environment of hostility instead of harmony. It is unacceptable that anyone should feel unsafe or harassed where they live.

So how can the wider community respond? Awareness is key. Signs of toxic behaviour can include constant surveillance, loud or abusive language directed at neighbours, intentional damage to property, or manipulative attempts to isolate families from others in the street. If you notice a neighbour experiencing this kind of behaviour, reach out with kindness. A simple check-in or offering a listening ear can provide much-needed support.

Communities are stronger when they refuse to tolerate intimidation. Encourage open communication where possible but understand that in some cases professional help may be needed. Mediation services, community justice programs, and, if necessary, police or legal intervention are there to ensure people’s rights are respected.

Ultimately, a healthy neighbourhood is built on respect. We all share the responsibility of creating a safe environment where disputes are resolved fairly and no one is left to suffer at the hands of toxic behaviour. By standing together, offering support to those affected, and making it clear that harassment and intimidation are unacceptable, we can protect the peace of our communities and restore the true meaning of “neighbourhood.”

r Image: www.pixabay.com

BURGESS SOIL

editor@districtgazette.com.au www.districtgazette.com.au

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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)

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

Sports

Clubs

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 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.

As the year begins to wind down, November invites us to pause, reflect, and look ahead. The days are warmer, the evenings longer, and there is a quiet excitement as festive preparations take shape. Calendars fill with school concerts, community fairs, and end of year gatherings that remind us how vibrant and connected our neighbourhoods are. It is a month to appreciate how far we have come, acknowledge challenges overcome, and recognise those who have offered support. It is also a time to plan for what is next, setting gentle intentions while finding joy in the here and now.

As towns and villages come alive with colour and celebration, let us support local businesses and community groups. Every purchase, kind word, and act of encouragement strengthens the place we are proud to call home.

Amidst the rush of the season, remember to slow down, breathe, and notice the simple moments that make life meaningful.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Aesop

Belinda

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