With a strong focus on lifelong education, early infrastructure and amenities, we deliver walkable neighbourhoods with a diverse housing mix. Oran Park is located in the centre of the Camden LGA –approximately 15 minutes from the new Western Sydney Airport.
• Limited land is available, starting from $655,500
• Variety of lot sizes, starting from 375m2
• All land is registered and ready to build on
• Many lots are in close proximity to the Town Centre
Oran Park is a nationally recognised, masterplanned community that delivers
Helping Learner Drivers Become Safe Drivers Workshop
Is supervising your child or younger sibling during their Learner Driver hours making you feel a bit nervous? You’re not alone! That’s why Penrith Council and Transport for NSW have partnered to offer a free online workshop designed to equip you with the best tools and tips for Learner Driver supervision.
This workshop will cover essential topics, including:
• How to effectively supervise learner drivers and keep them safe on the road.
• Completing the Learner Driver Logbook with ease and accuracy.
• Your vital role in supporting your child or young adult as they learn to drive.
• Understanding Licence conditions for both Learners and Provisional Licence holders.
• How to complete the required 120 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 20 hours of night driving.
• Guidance on holding L plates for at least one year before progressing to a Provisional (P1) Licence.
• Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and receive expert advice from a Road Safety specialist.
This workshop is perfect for anyone supervising a person under 25 who is either working towards their Learner Driver’s Licence or currently logging their hours. Whether you’re a parent, older sibling, or any adult with a full Australian Licence, this session is for you.
If you are supervising a learner driver, we encourage you to sit the free online practice learner driver knowledge test, which you can find at https://driverpracticetest.transport.nsw.gov.au/ pages/practice-tests?init=true
The workshop will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, accessible through PC, laptop, or mobile phone, with an internet connection required.
Spots are limited, so be sure to register for the Helping Learner Drivers Become Safe Drivers Workshop on Humanitix https:// events.humanitix.com/helping-learner-drivers-become-saferdrivers-2025-26/tickets. If the workshop is full, you can join the waiting list.
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
Hobbies + Interests
Glenmore Park Probus Club
The club provides regular opportunities for retirees to engage in social activities and meets at 10.00am on the third Wednesday of each month at Leonay Golf Club. More Details: Membership enquiries should be addressed to the Secretary: secretaryglenmoreparkprobus@gmail.com
Penrith Physical Culture Club
Great meets at Glenmore Park Youth and Community Centre and Nangamay Public School on Monday and Tuesday nights and Caroline Chisholm High School Dance Studio on Tuesday nights. More details: penrithphysie@outlook.com
“Taste of Everything” Group for Women
Learn something new each week, meet new people, and have a laugh. Meets every Thursday from 9.30am-12.30pm at Floribunda Community Centre (3-4 Floribunda Ave, Glenmore Park). More Details: Martha 0414 557 062
Held fortnightly on Sundays from 19th March, 9:00am till 1:00pm at Luddenham Showground (Park Road, Luddenham). More details: Search Luddenham Country Market on Facebook Markets
Luddenham Country Markets
Penrith Producers
Held on Friday 23rd June, Friday 29th September and Friday 1st December from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Triangle Park (565-567 High Street, Penrith). More details: https://www.visitpenrith. com.au/www.penrith.city/events
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
Penrith Womens Walk and Talk
Meets 5.30pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk
Penrith Mens Walk and Talk
Meets 5pm every Thursday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 6pm outside Coffee Club Nepean River (78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown). More details: www.facebook.com/ PenrithMensWalkAndTalk/
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.
Glenmore Park Probus Club
Celebrates 21 Years of
Friendship and Activity
Glenmore Park Probus Club is preparing to celebrate a significant milestone, marking its 21st anniversary this February, and continues to thrive as a welcoming social hub for retirees across the local area.
Meeting on the third Wednesday of each month at Leonay Golf Club, the club brings together members and visitors from Glenmore Park, Penrith and surrounding suburbs. Attendees arrive from 10.00am to enjoy morning tea and conversation before the meeting formally begins at 10.30am. A popular feature of meeting days is the optional $15 lunch at the Golf Club, where many members stay on to socialise and extend the day’s enjoyment.
According to Club Secretary Peter Clay, the club currently has around 90 members and is expecting strong growth, with an additional 20 members anticipated to join during 2026. Monthly meetings generally include a guest speaker, offering a wide range of interesting and informative presentations that add to the club’s appeal.
Beyond its regular meetings, Glenmore Park Probus Club offers an impressive calendar of activities designed to suit a variety of interests. These include holidays, coach and train day trips, a monthly lunch, two coffee mornings each month, picnics along the Nepean River, a Christmas party, and outings to popular Sydney stage shows and the cinema. Smaller interest groups also operate within the club, catering to members who enjoy books, crafts and card games such as Canasta.
Mr Clay said the club provides an ideal balance of social connection and flexibility. “Personally, I enjoy the opportunities for friendship and social activities in retirement,” he said. “The club is run on a friendly and informal basis, leaving members to choose which activities they wish to join.”
The club prides itself on being inclusive and relaxed, making it an attractive option for those who are fully or partially retired and looking to stay active and connected within their community.
Glenmore Park Probus Club warmly invites new members and visitors to come along and experience what the club has to offer. Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to contact the club by emailing secretaryglenmoreparkprobus@ gmail.com or by phoning the Club President on 0439 323103.
The Luddenham Show is Back
The 120th edition of the Luddenham Show is back for another year on 28 February and 1 March, with thousands expected to attend the biggest event on the Luddenham calendar. The Luddenham Show has a range of entertainment for the whole family with organisers expecting to build on the record crowds of previous years. A shift in programming sees the bull ride move to Sunday afternoon, making way for a blockbuster Saturday night of live music and entertainment.
Saturday has something for everyone, with children’s entertainment plus Dennis Dingo Dryden, the dog high jump, horse and coach rides and the MadStyle Moto Show who will perform three times throughout the day. The King, David Cazalet will bring his world-famous Elvis show to the stage at 4:30pm, before passing the reigns to Country music stars Ronnie Judo and the Whiskey Sodas, who will perform until late. A quick intermission at 9:00pm will make way for the fireworks, which follow the fire brigade demonstration in the main arena.
Sunday presents the opportunity for crowds to get involved with the strong-arm competition, pumpkin lawn bowls, whip cracking, ice cream eating and Lego building competitions. For those who prefer to sit and watch, the sheep dog trials will be on in the adjacent paddock whilst woodchopping and the bull ride will occur the main arena. The adrenaline rush continues with MadStyle Moto performing two shows in the afternoon, including a meet and greet with fans.
All of your classic Luddenham Show favourites will be back with the cattle, horse and poultry events occurring across the weekend. The new baby doll sheep demonstration will join the animal nursery, chook washing and milking demonstrations for those who would like to get to know the Show’s farm animals.
The pavilion competitions are free to enter with categories for art, craft, photography, cooking, produce, flowers, scarecrows and of course Lego. Returning this year is the “man cake” competition, designed to encouraged men to enter the baking competition with cash prizes up for grabs.
Luddenham Showground is on the corner of Park Rd and Campbell St. Full programming, schedules and other information can be found at www.luddenhamshow.com.au or on the Luddenham Show Facebook and Instagram pages.
r Members of Glenmore Park Probus Club enjoying a cruise on Nepean River | Image Supplied by Glenmore Park Probus Club
Join the Stampede in 2026
The Glenmore Park Brumbies JRLFC are ready for the stampede, as they prepare to take the field for the 2026 season in the Penrith District Junior Rugby League Competition.
The local club will be heading into 2026 after their most successful season in a number of seasons.
Trial games will begin in March, whilst the hotly anticipated season kick off will be early April.
The family-oriented club will be looking to field teams from the Under 5’s to Open Men’s, Women’s and the now popular Girl’s League Tag Teams. New and existing players are welcome.
The Brumbies experienced many highlights during the 2025 season.
Starting the season with their launch, both male and female relay teams competed in relays at CommBank Stadium, prior to Penrith Panthers games. Their Trivia Night and Sportsman’s Lunch fundraising events were greatly supported by the local community. The Brumbies’ Senior and Junior Presentations were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
There were 12 teams that made it to the Finals, with 4 progressing to the Grand Final. The club’s Under 12-1’s, Under 12-2’s, Under 13-2’s and Under 15-1’s teams went on to win their Grand Finals.
Last year would see 30 teams take to the field for the mighty Brumbies, comprising of 425 players.
The committee, lead by President Sean Warden, are positive and looking forward to the year ahead.
“We are looking forward to creating more female teams, especially the Girls League Tag Teams, for those girls that want to play football without the tackling. We have some amazing fundraising events coming up, Trivia Night, Sportsman’s Lunch and more” explained Allen Bush, Club Secretary to the Glenmore Gazette.
Registrations for the new season are now open and will remain open until teams are full. Players and volunteers can register at https://profile.mysideline.com.au/register/entity?da ta=eyJlbnRpdHlJZCI6MTE0MDIsImVudGl0eVR5cGUiOiJjbHViIn 0%3D&source=rugby-league
“Any local business who are interested in partnering with the Glenmore Park Brumbies, this is more than a financial arrangement, as it brings two strong community organisations together. We believe this partnership with local businesses would not only provide them meaningful visibility but also increase patronage and build long-term connections with our members,” said Allen.
For more information, contact Allen Bush via email at glenmoreparkbrumbiessecretary@gmail.com.
For more information about the Glenmore Park Brumbies, visit their website at www. glenmoreparkbrumbiesjuniorrugbyleaguefootballclub.com.au or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
r Glenmore Park Brumbies players | Image/Article Supplied by Glenmore Park Brumbies JRLFC
Where Penrith Starts its Weekend
Every Saturday morning just before 8:00am, locals gather along the banks of the Nepean River at Tench Reserve for Nepean River parkrun, a free, timed 5km event that has become a valued part of community life in Penrith.
With flags fluttering and volunteers in red vests ready to welcome participants, the atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive. The mostly flat, scenic out-and-back course follows the river, offering fresh air, great views and an enjoyable way to start the weekend.
Co–Event Director Tim Peatman has been involved with parkrun since 2014, first as a participant, then a volunteer, and for the past three years in a leadership role. He says parkrun quickly becomes part of people’s lives. “The community starts to feel like family,” he said. “It’s where I know my friends will be every Saturday morning.”
Tim’s own journey began after advice from his doctor to improve his health. Expecting elite athletes, he instead found a welcoming group of everyday people. “There’s no cost, no pressure and no expectations,” he said. “You just turn up and move at your own pace.”
Described as “a run, not a race”, Nepean River parkrun welcomes runners, joggers and walkers. First timers are greeted, milestones celebrated, and a Tail Walker ensures no one is left behind. Although the event is timed, organisers say it is about encouragement and community spirit.
Recently celebrating its ninth anniversary, Nepean River parkrun continues to reinforce its message: parkrun is for everyone. More information is available online, but organisers say the best way to understand parkrun is simply to turn up and take part.
St Paul’s Grammar School
Class of 2025 High Achievers
Livia’s outstanding achievement is a testament to her commitment and disciplined approach to learning. She attributes her exceptional results to a steady, continuous study routine throughout her two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma, supported by the strong relationships she built at St Paul’s.
Learning requires a step-by-step and down-to-earth approach.
Julian’s success reflects not only his academic dedication but also his ability to balance a wide range of commitments. Alongside his studies, Julian actively participated in cocurricular opportunities, including the RFS Cadets programme, where he developed valuable skills and contributed to his community.
A dedicated member of the Sport Academy at St Paul’s, Alexander combined his passion for competition and community with a consistent and disciplined study routine. He credits his achievements to this balanced approach, along with the invaluable support of his teachers and family.
The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington Saturday 7 March, 9am-3.30pm
Dispose of your unwanted, broken, or old electronic items correctly at our E-Waste Drop-off Day! If you have any of the items below, it’s your perfect opportunity:
For a full list of accepted items and more information, visit penrith.city/e-wasteday
penrith.city/events
Major Upgrade Announced for Nangamay Public School
More classrooms are on the way for Nangamay Public School with a major upgrade announced, as the Minns Labor Government continues its groundbreaking investment in public education.
Due to start construction in 2026, the project will enable more students to attend the school, increasing its enrolment capacity from 500 to almost 900 students. The major upgrades are expected to be complete by late 2027.
The upgrade will almost double the number of permanent classrooms at the school, including a new two storey building with 16 state-of-the-art classrooms, multipurpose spaces, a new covered outdoor learning area (COLA), a new sports field and shared common areas.
The project will also see new staff car parking spaces, landscaping and the refurbishment of an existing classroom into a support learning space.
By 2041, more than 2,500 new dwellings are planned for the rapidly expanding Glenmore Park community. These new upgrades will address anticipated population growth in the area.
Across the Penrith LGA, construction is well underway on the new high school for Jordan Springs and the Kingswood Public School upgrade. Together, the projects will see almost 60 new classrooms built and ready for students by Day 1, Term 1 2027.
These are part of 230 new and upgraded public high schools, primary schools and preschools being delivered across NSW by the Minns Labor Government – the largest single build of public education infrastructure in the state’s history.
These projects are part of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in rebuilding public education, which is delivering $3.9 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney, a targeted investment that will ensure growing communities get access to a world class public education close to home.
The Minns Labor Government is also working to ensure that there are more teachers in classrooms, by reducing teacher vacancies by 73 per cent in the electorate of Penrith and 61 per cent across the state, leading to the number of merged or cancelled classes recorded in NSW nearly halving.
“Glenmore Park and Mulgoa Rise are expanding rapidly, and this major upgrade will ensure we meet that growth.
“After more than a decade of underinvestment in our schools by the Liberals and Nationals, these projects across Penrith demonstrate our commitment to catching up on works that should have been delivered long ago and future-proofing growing communities.
“The Minns Labor Government, with the advocacy of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to delivering better public schools, and this investment guarantees local children have to modern, state-of-the-art facilities they deserve” said Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning and Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos.
“This is a great part of the world, and a wonderful community – there is little wonder that so many families want to live in Western Sydney.
“Local families need and deserve high-quality public schools, and that is just what Labor is delivering” said Bob Nanva MLC, State Government Spokesperson for Badgerys Creek.
r Feature Article: [Cover+Above] Artist’s impressions | Image/Article: Courtney Houssos MP
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.
I love Tintin in America because of its simple but exciting storyline. Tintin is a young Belgian detective and journalist who busts criminal gangs, drug smugglers, and corrupt leaders.
In this book, Tintin goes to Chicago, USA, to report for a story. But when he gets there, he is kidnapped by Al Capone! He escapes from Capone and the corrupt Chicago policemen and is taken to an office for a gang which fights Capone, but pushes drugs itself.
The leader, Bobby Smiles, kidnaps him again and tries to kill him. Tintin escapes again with his trusty dog, Snowy. Tintin teams up with the local policeman and they start to take down the gang.
Then Smiles escapes to Native American land where he camps in his private cabin. Tintin, in his quest to find Smiles, escapes a crowd wanting to lynch him. At last, he finds Smiles, who goes to the Indians to ask them to wage war on Tintin.
When Tintin is about to catch Bobby Smiles, Smiles warns the Indians and they capture Tintin. Tintin frees himself and calls the police. Then Bobby Smiles is arrested.
Then Tintin goes back to Chicago and finds out about Al Capone, the leader of the gangsters. Tintin spies on Al Capone while he is in a meeting. Tintin gets caught and runs to the nearest radio and writes an SOS to the police. Al Capone is caught and his gang surrenders and gets arrested too.
In conclusion, Tintin becomes the hero of the city and then returns to his humble apartment for a few days. I highly recommend this book for mystery seekers and people who love suspense.
r Book Review by: Mustafa Faisal
Starting School: From First Day Nerves to Confidence
As families across the region prepare for the start of a new school year, award-winning local educational leader Sara Drebber is encouraging parents to take a calm, compassionate approach to one of childhood’s biggest milestones.
Drawing on her experience as both an educator and a parent, Sara says starting school is often underestimated as an emotional transition. “It’s a big shift, not just for children but for families as well,” she said. “My biggest piece of advice is to be gentle with yourself and your child.” Rather than focusing heavily on academic readiness, she urges parents to prioritise helping children feel confident, safe and comfortable in their new environment.
Sara notes that the first weeks of school can be especially tiring for young students, even if they appear settled. Early nights and plenty of rest can make a significant difference. She also recommends practising everyday tasks at home, such as opening lunch containers, managing drink bottles and packing and unpacking school bags. “Those small, practical skills build independence and confidence very quickly,” she said.
After years of working with children in their first year of school, Sara says the most rewarding part of her role is watching students grow into themselves. “Seeing children arrive unsure or overwhelmed, then gradually find their place, form friendships and start to believe in themselves is incredibly special,” she said. “Those moments may look small, but they are foundational and stay with you as a teacher.”
She recalls a scene that perfectly captures the experience of starting school. “You’ll often see children walk in on the first day holding a parent’s hand tightly, barely able to look up,” she said. “Then later that same day, they’re laughing in the playground or proudly showing a teacher something they’ve created.” For Sara, that transformation reflects the mix of nerves, excitement and courage that defines the start of school.
For parents feeling anxious or emotional, Sara offers reassurance. A parent herself, she understands those emotions well. “Your child doesn’t need to have everything sorted on day one, and neither do you,” she said, adding that teachers genuinely care about supporting families through the transition.
She also emphasised the importance of strong partnerships between home and school. “When families and schools work together with trust and open communication, children feel safer, more confident and ready to learn,” she said. “It’s not about perfection, but about connection and helping children feel that they belong from the very start.”
• Catering for 2-3 year old Children
• Situated in Quiet and Safe Street
• Preschool and School Readiness Specialty Program
• Qualified Early Childhood Sta
• Operational Hours 8am till 5pm Monday till Friday
• Large Outdoor Play Area
Summer Shapes Valentine’s Day Across Australia
Australians are marking Valentine’s Day with a mix of traditional romance and distinctly local celebrations, shaped by summer weather, outdoor lifestyles, and a relaxed cultural approach to the occasion.
Falling on the 14th of February, Valentine’s Day in Australia is often celebrated under hot skies, with many couples choosing beaches, parks, and waterfront venues over candlelit indoor dinners. Coastal towns report increased bookings for seaside picnics, sunset swims, and casual fish-and-chip dinners shared on the sand. Surf clubs and local councils in some areas host community events, encouraging people to celebrate connection in a social, inclusive way.
Restaurants and cafés remain popular, particularly in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where special Valentine’s menus and rooftop dining experiences attract couples. However, many venues adapt their offerings to the heat, focusing on fresh seafood, chilled desserts, and light meals rather than heavy cuisine. Florists continue to see strong demand for roses and native Australian flowers, while chocolate sales remain steady despite warm temperatures.
Retailers note that Valentine’s Day is not limited to romantic partners. Friends, families, and even workplaces often exchange small gifts or cards, reflecting a broader interpretation of the day. Schools commonly allow students to share notes of appreciation, while social media campaigns encourage people to celebrate friendships and self-care alongside romantic relationships.
Travel is another major feature of the day. Short getaways to coastal regions, wine areas, and regional towns are popular, with hotels reporting increased occupancy around mid-February. Some Australians also use the day as an opportunity to relax rather than celebrate formally, opting for movie nights at home or barbecues with friends.
Despite commercial influences, surveys suggest many prefer low-pressure celebrations. Simple gestures, such as spending time together or enjoying shared activities, are often valued more than expensive gifts.
Overall, Valentine’s Day in Australia reflects the country’s easy going culture. While love and appreciation remain central themes, celebrations tend to be flexible, informal, and shaped by the outdoors, making the day less about grand displays and more about connection in everyday settings.
HEALTH MATTERS
r Image: www.pexels.com
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
P: 0418 166 269
Don’t Let Your ‘Back Scans’ Define You!
One of the most often run examinations for back pain is a radiological scan—an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. All these scans are excellent in certain circumstances, and they can add valuable information to a clinical picture.
I see patients’ scans and the accompanying reports almost every day. Scans reveal many things, such as vertebrae with fractures, trophic or Modic changes, vertebrae with altered shapes, fused vertebrae; many bulging or protruding discs, loss of disc height, osteophytes (bony outgrowths from vertebrae), stenosed (blocked) spinal canals and nerve exits, facet joint arthritis, etc. All these are possible causes of back pain, and proper diagnosis is vital.
Often what is revealed on a scan is very important and helpful regarding the cause of back pain, the preferred treatment, and the likely response. In some cases, scans may show a patient’s spine is in excellent condition and thus say little about the cause of their pain.
Sometimes patients come into the clinic having been told,
based on scan results, that they’re just getting old and that there is little that can be done about their pain or their state of debility. Often such folk then simply put up with the pain, which is often quite high even when on multiple medications, when help may be available. This is definitely where you shouldn’t let your back scans define you!
While not every case of back pain will be fixed with manual therapies, and indeed some people may need surgery or other treatments, simple intervention with appropriate muscle elongation therapy can often have surprising results. Using specific techniques, we remove inflammatory fluids from back tissues, lengthen back muscles, allowing back tissue function to normalise. With regular treatment over a few weeks or months, depending on the severity of the problem, in most cases chronic back pain goes completely, even in many long-standing cases.
If you have a problem with a back injury or back pain and you’d like to know more, call Andreas on 0418 166 269.
As children settle back into the classroom, it’s a great opportunity to think about education for another important family member — your puppy.
Just like early learning helps children thrive, early training plays a vital role in shaping a happy, confident adult dog.
Our Puppy Pre-School program offers a calm, supportive setting where young puppies can safely interact with others of a similar age while learning important life skills. These classes are thoughtfully structured to nurture your puppy’s emotional and behavioural development, while also empowering owners with the knowledge and confidence needed to guide their puppy through these early stages.
Run by our experienced instructors, Puppy Pre-School covers a wide range of essential topics including socialisation, canine communication, veterinary and everyday pet care, child and dog safety, and managing common puppy behaviours. Across five weeks, you and your puppy will take part in hands-on learning designed to set you both up for long-term success.
Puppy Pre-School is tailored for puppies between eight and fourteen weeks of age — a crucial developmental window when experiences can have a lifelong influence. Using positive reinforcement methods, puppies quickly discover that learning is enjoyable and that good behaviour is rewarded, creating a
strong foundation for future training.
Before six months of age, puppies are naturally inquisitive and more open to new experiences. This is the ideal time to introduce them to the wider human world — from unusual sights like cars, bicycles, balloons and hats, to new sounds such as thunder, lawn mowers and vacuum cleaners, as well as unfamiliar smells including foods, perfumes and household cleaning products.
Puppy School also helps young dogs learn about one another, recognising that dogs come in many shapes and sizes — with short legs, long tails, floppy ears and everything in between. Missing this early socialisation period can increase the risk of fear or anxiety later in life. While continued exposure remains important, these early weeks are widely recognised as the most impactful.
Our puppy classes also support owners by setting realistic expectations and helping them understand normal puppy behaviour. The program provides practical tools to build a positive, trusting relationship, allowing your puppy to grow into a confident, well-adjusted and much-loved family member.
For more information, please contact our friendly 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
Article Written + Submitted by: Assistant Minister Andy Clark
P: 4733 1635 A: 16 William Howell Drive, Glenmore Park
W: www.gracewest.church
Service Times: Sundays @ 8.30am, 10.30am and 6pm. Plus activities for adults + young people right throughout the week.
Front Page Piece: A Good Book
Holidays are a good time to grab a novel and immerse yourself in a captivating story. Have you had an opportunity to do so this summer holiday period?
Something often misunderstood about The Bible is that it’s a story. That is, God has revealed himself not through a set of dry statements (e.g. God is creator, eternal, love, etc.) but through an unfolding narrative. He has interacted with His creation over thousands of years; through highs and lows, people and nations, twists and turns, tragedies and triumphs, and caused these interactions to be recorded in the Scriptures.
Why has God done so? I suspect it is because… He’s personal.
After all, we can learn a lot about someone through an anatomical description or observational report – the kind of thing you find in a textbook. But we can’t really know a person this way. And yet, intimate, relational, and personal knowledge is exactly what God wants for us. That’s why God has given us scriptures that are, in many ways, like His diary. That’s why He sent His Son Jesus into the world, that we might know him (John 1:18).
The biggest surprise, however, is that by meeting God in The Bible, we become part of His story. Like the classic (and mildly terrifying) 80’s movie The Never-Ending Story, we are brought into the story, into a new reality – a living relationship with God through Jesus. That’s quite the plot twist!
So whatever you are reading these holidays, why not try ‘the Good Book’, because no story is more immersive, more powerful, nor important.
Top tip – if you are new to The Bible, the hero arrives in the New Testament. Start in one of the accounts of Jesus’ life (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John).
Because our lives are sacred and important, it is worth thinking about how we will live them in 2026. I mean, what our strategy will be for living our life.
This might sound strange, but we have strategies for things like how to pay off a loan or how to achieve a difficult task. So how much more important is it to think this way about a chunk of our lives—the year ahead?
For most of us, the end of the holidays means resuming the same whirlwind of activities that we tore ourselves away from before Christmas. They are there waiting to grab us again, and they do so before we have time to think about what we are doing. One approach to the year ahead is to say, “That’s how it is, so back to the whirlwind.”
Another approach is to think about some guiding principles—things that you believe to be right and good, worth doing for some reason. For example, you might believe that it is a good thing to stop consistently to “smell the roses,” to stay physically fit, or to prioritise frequent quality time with those you love. You might believe that doing something good for the needy is right and good. As a follower of Jesus, his teaching and what he did with his life provide guiding principles that I follow—principles with such depth of wisdom and power for living well that they convince me he had divine insight into the human soul.
Once you have identified your own guiding principles, they can help you focus your time and energy, and spend your money, on what you believe to be good and right— to live on purpose—rather than just being caught up in the whirlwind.
This makes what we do more meaningful, and when we find meaning in the things we do, we will also find joy in doing them. And this is good for our souls.
Go well as you live 2026 on purpose,
29 April 1968 –12 November 2025
Chris Jones was a proud long-term resident of Glenmore Park, deeply rooted in his community and in the lives of those who loved him. A devoted husband and a proud father, his family was always at the centre of everything he did. Chris was a brave and selfless man, known for his loyalty, sharp sense of humour, and generous heart.
A former member of the Royal Australian Air Force, he carried his service with quiet pride and integrity. He was also a passionate Penrith Panthers supporter, never missing a chance to cheer on his team.
Chris will be remembered as a much-loved family member and friend whose warmth, strength, and laughter left a lasting mark on all who knew him. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
Chris Jones
4733 0792
editor@districtgazette.com.au www.districtgazette.com.au PO Box 8254
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Emergency Services
(Police, Ambulance, Fire) 000
Penrith Police Station 4721 9444
Police Assistance Line 131 444
Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling 131 114
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Churches
Anglican Church
Cnr William Howell Dr Pritchard Pl 4733 1635
St Padre Pio Parish
William Howell Drive 4737 9735
Uniting Church
Cnr Mulgoa Rd & Stuart Rd Penrith 4721 1295
Foothills Church
Jct Factory Rd & Loftus St, Regentville
Penrith Church
3139
52 Taylor Rd Cranebrook 4577 6555
Elevation Church Penrith
4 Production Place, Penrith
Community Groups
8489
Embroiderers Guild Nepean 0466 725 317
Community Centre 4733 1499
Community Health
Glenmore Park Guides 0400 546 772
Probus Club Penrith Sth
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Sports Clubs
4737 8420 Junior Rugby Union 0425 351 715 Karate Goshin
(Soccer)
Swimming Club Nepean
Triathlon Club Panthers www.pantherstriclub.com.au
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 Glenmore 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.
February marks our first publication for the year, and with it comes a renewed sense of energy, purpose, and possibility. After a wellearned January break, we return refreshed and ready to share the stories that matter most to our community.
The start of a new year often brings reflection and quiet goal-setting, and by February those intentions begin to take shape. Schools and workplaces are back into rhythm, routines are forming, and the year ahead starts to feel real and full of opportunity. It’s a time to reconnect, reengage, and look forward with optimism.
Our community continues to show its strength through resilience, generosity, and a willingness to support one another. Whether it’s local achievements, small acts of kindness, or people stepping up where help is needed, these are the moments worth celebrating and sharing.
As we move into 2026, we thank you for welcoming us back and for continuing to be part of this community conversation. We look forward to another year of telling local stories, highlighting the good, and standing alongside the people who make our region such a special place to live.
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” — Seneca
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