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 sustainable living.
Western Sydney International Airport Launch Dates Confirmed
After 15 years of planning, seven years of construction and a year of testing; Western Sydney International Airport will welcome its first passengers on 25 October 2026.
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is Australia’s brand-new full-service airport operating curfew-free to deliver international, domestic and freight services.
With Western Sydney now Australia’s third-largest economy and home to half of the city’s population, the new airport will serve up to 10 million passengers annually, with scalable expansion to meet future demand.
Jetstar will operate the airport’s first ever commercial passenger flight, with an Airbus A320 set to take off from WSI to the Gold Coast at 11am on Sunday 25 October.
From launch, Jetstar will operate up to 14 flights a week between WSI and Melbourne; four weekly flights to the Gold Coast and three weekly flights to Brisbane.
Qantas will commence services from WSI from 28 March 2027, operating four flights per week to Brisbane and four flights per week to Melbourne, using QantasLink Embraer E190 aircraft.
Freight operations will commence earlier on Sunday 26 July, and Qantas Freight will begin regular flights to and from WSI the following evening.
These regular flights were secured by the Albanese Government in June 2023, as Qantas and Jetstar became the first airlines to announce they would fly in and out of Sydney’s new airport.
They will be joined by Air New Zealand, who will commence flights to Auckland on 26 October and Singapore Airlines, whose daily flights to Changi start on 23 November 2026.
Western Sydney’s new 24-hour airport is the centrepiece of the Albanese Labor Government’s near $18 billion investment in Western Sydney, including the future Sydney Metro Airport rail connection and significant road upgrades to nearby Elizabeth Drive, Fifteenth Avenue and Mamre Road. This investment builds upon benefits already delivered through the recent opening of the M12 Motorway.
The entire WSI project has created over 12,800 jobs, with around half of those jobs going to local workers.
More than $500 million has also flowed to more than 360 Western Sydney based businesses during major construction works at WSI, including local tradies and construction companies, caterers, and security guards.
WSI will begin freight operations in July, however, in line with the Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995, 1 November 2026 has been determined as the intended gazettal date for WSI to be open for night aircraft movements. This will have the effect of ceasing currently permitted freight flights from taking off or landing at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport during the overnight curfew period. Exceptions will continue to be made for emergencies or where there is special dispensation.
r Image: Catherine King MP | Article: Anthony Albanese MP/Catherine King MP
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 welcomes visitors and applications for membership from retirees who wish to meet new friends, hear from guest speakers, and enjoy activities and outings.
We meet at 10.00 on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at Leonay Golf Club. Just turn up for a meeting. More details: 0426055629
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.
A Taste of Mexico Has Arrived in
Glenmore Park
Glenmore Park has a vibrant new dining destination, and locals are already taking notice. Pico De Gallo – A Modern Mexican Eatery has opened its doors, bringing fresh, flavourpacked Mexican cuisine made from quality ingredients and traditional recipes.
The restaurant is the brainchild of three experienced hospitality professionals whose careers span decades in the Mexican food industry, including senior roles with some of Australia’s best-known Mexican dining brands. Their first location at Eastern Creek Quarter, opened in 2023, quickly built a loyal customer base and strong reputation for quality and service. Glenmore Park is now enjoying that same experience.
“We are passionate about every plate that leaves our kitchen,” said one of the founders. “From our house-made sauces to every taco and burrito we serve, quality and consistency are everything to us.”
Beyond great food, Pico De Gallo is committed to the community it serves. The business supports local employment, offers discounts to students, teachers and people with disabilities, and works with local schools and organisations.
That commitment has not gone unnoticed. Pico De Gallo has been named a Local Business Awards Finalist, recognising the dedication of its owners and team. With plans for a third location already underway, the brand continues to grow.
Whether dining in, grabbing takeaway or ordering delivery, Glenmore Park residents are invited to experience the difference that fresh ingredients and genuine passion can make.
Pico De Gallo is also celebrating the successful opening of its second restaurant in Glenmore Park, a milestone the business says would not have been possible without strong community support.
After establishing its first store at Eastern Creek Quarter three years ago, the family-owned business selected Glenmore Park as the next step in its growth journey. Since opening, the team has been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from residents, neighbouring businesses, schools and community groups.
“We are truly grateful for the support we have received from the Glenmore Park community,” the owners said. “From encouraging messages on social media to recommendations and well wishes, the local community has made us feel at home from day one.”
As part of its commitment to giving back, the business offers a 10% discount to students, teachers, people with disabilities and neighbouring businesses, while continuing to prioritise local employment opportunities.
Recently named a Finalist in the Local Business Awards, Pico De Gallo remains focused on serving exceptional food while maintaining the community connections that have been central to its success.
“We are proud to be part of Glenmore Park and look forward to serving the community for many years to come,” the owners added.
Snake Season Ends, Risks Remain
As World Snake Day on July 16 approaches, the Sydney snake season wraps up with Glenmore Park again among Sydney’s busiest suburbs for callouts.
The Sydney Snake Catcher Network has called time on its 2025/2026 snake season, and for another year Glenmore Park has landed in the top twenty most-visited suburbs over summer. The area’s principal catcher is Rob Ambrose of Sydney Snake Catchers who covers the surrounding district within the wider network. “Once again, Glenmore Park has proven itself to be a haven for snakes,” Ambrose said.
Across greater Sydney network as a whole, red-bellied black snakes make up the bulk of visits, and Glenmore Park sees its share of those too. But locally it is the eastern brown that keeps catchers busiest - a reminder that the suburb sits on country these snakes are well suited to.
With the warmer months behind us, snake activity has dropped off sharply. Most snakes have now entered dormancy, the reptile equivalent of hibernation, in which they slow right down and shelter through the colder weather. When a snake is encountered at this time of year it is usually because it has been disturbed while bedded down rather than because it is out and about. That does not mean residents can drop their guard entirely. If you do come across a snake over the coming months, the odds are strong that it is either an eastern brown or a redbellied black - and both are capable of inflicting potentially fatal bites. And worth repeating. Do not attempt to catch or handle the snake yourself. Keep well back, watch where it goes if you can do so safely, and call a trained professional.
Serious bites often happen when a human chooses to interfere with a snake for some reason. Left alone, a snake will almost always move on its own accord. Sydney Snake Catchers is the oldest and longest-running snake-catching company in New South Wales. Its team operates right across the network, and the company aims to have someone on site within thirty minutes of taking a call for local residents. That local coverage matters. A snake in the yard, the garage, or the garden shed is exactly the sort of call Rob Ambrose and the team handle week in, week out through the season, and they remain on hand for the quieter winter encounters as well.
As the 2025/2026 season closes, the message for the suburb is a familiar one. Glenmore Park is good snake country. The snakes it hosts are among the most dangerous in the country, and the safest response to finding one is always the same: stay back and make the call.
r Matthew Vella holding an albino carpet python to celebrate World Snake Day | Image Supplied by Matthew Vella | Article Supplied by Matthew Vella/Rob Ambrose
r Three founders (L-R) Rajib Paul, Jahangir Habib, and Abu Sohel. Image/Article: Pico De Gallo
Penrith Relay For Life Celebrates 25 Years
Penrith Relay For Life is back for 2026. Registrations are now opened for Saturday 12th September 2026 and Sunday 13th September 2026 at Harold Corr Oval, starting at 9:00am on Saturday 12th September and finishing at 10:00pm on Sunday 13th September.
Once again, Penrith Relay For Life will be held at Harold Corr Oval, 32 Herbert St, Cambridge Park.
This year, they will be celebrating 25 years, and the Penrith Community has raised over $4.3 million.
Penrith Relay For Life will be doing 25 hours for 25 years. It has returned to an overnight event, where relayers will be able to camp out at the venue or continue walking around the oval.
The money raised provides groundbreaking Cancer research, local support programs for Cancer patients as well as Cancer prevention programs in local schools and community groups.
Organised by passionate local volunteers, Penrith Relay For Life gives the community a chance to join forces in support of everyone affected by cancer, have fun at a community festival, and raise vital funds towards Cancer Council’s world-class research, prevention, advocacy and support services.
“We have seen a large spike in demand for our support in the Western Sydney region, but a fall in fundraising to support the cause. With Cancer Council’s services needed more now than ever before, we need our local community to get involved” said Community Fundraising Coordinator, Yvette Haines.
They are also looking for local businesses to sponsor their event or donate prizes.
Penrith Relay For Life 2026 will still have all of the special key relay elements, including opening ceremony, survivors and carers lap of honour, entertainment and their very special hope ceremony. There will also be a number of food vendors in attendance.
Penrith Relay for Life Media/Marketing Co-ordinator Brad See said, “Our aim as a committee is to put on a good event for our community to support one another, this year’s target is $100,000 to support Cancer Council in working towards a cancer free future”.
To join the family-fun, register for Penrith Relay For Life at: https://www.relayforlife. org.au/event/penrith-2026/home
You can also keep up to date with what’s going on by joining the Penrith Relay for Life Facebook Group.
A Warm Hug in a Trying Time
r Image/Article:
Life
With the cost-of-living crisis so relevant in Australia, there are more people doing it tough than ever before. The Think Outside the Square (TOTS) Blanket Challenge, a registered charity covering the Western Sydney region, has spent the past decade harnessing the power of community to craft blankets for those most in need. Through the dedication of its volunteers, TOTS has delivered thousands of handmade blankets to people facing some of life’s toughest challenges, offering a simple but powerful reminder that they are not alone.
TOTS supports the homeless, domestic violence survivors, youth in crisis and cancer patients. Each blanket provides more than just warmth. It represents kindness, connection and the reassurance that even a complete stranger cares.
In their tenth year, the TOTS Blanket Challenge has set an ambitious goal of donating 1,000 blankets to their charity partners that include Westcare, Penrith Community Kitchen, Platform Youth Services, Westcare, The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter, Linked Wentworth Housing and Cancer Wellness Support.
Running until the 31st of July, the challenge invites volunteers to knit or crochet 20 x 20 cm squares. These squares are then lovingly joined together, forming beautiful, one-of-a-kind blankets that carry the kindness of a connected community that extends from individuals and schools to retirement villages.
Since its beginnings, the TOTS community has grown into a network of more than 300 volunteers, both locally and across Australia, a testament to the power of a shared purpose.
Last year, Canley Vale Public School generously donated 12 Blankets. “With the principal’s full support, we launched a workshop that ran every Tuesday afternoon,” stated Sally Quan, the Schools as Community Centres Facilitator. “What started as a small idea quickly grew into something beautiful.”
Debbie O’Connor, the president of the TOTS Blanket Challenge, says she is continually inspired by the compassion and dedication of the community behind the stitch. “Every year we meet more and more volunteers who share their stories of why they have joined the challenge. It’s always interesting to hear how the challenge means just as much to them as it does to those who receive the blankets.”
If you would like to participate in helping them reach their goal for 2026, head to www.totsblanketchallenge.org.au.
Penrith Relay For
• 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
Five Friends, One Big Dream
A homegrown band born from school friendships has taken a significant step toward making their musical dreams a reality, and the Glenmore Park community showed up to cheer them on.
SilvereyeZ celebrated the launch of their debut album recently at the Glenmore Park Community Centre Hall, delivering a full live performance to an enthusiastic crowd. The night featured all nine original tracks from the album, rounded out with popular rock covers that had the audience singing along, all under a full stage setup with lighting coordinated by producer Txzy, who also helmed the album’s production. Band merchandise was on sale on the night, and the atmosphere was everything the young musicians had worked toward.
“It was a great turnout and atmosphere,” says lead vocalist and lyricist Anthony Manoukian. “To be able to perform our own music to our community and see people connecting with it, that’s something really special.”
The band formed in 2022, brought together by a shared love of music at St Dominic’s College in Kingswood. What started as friends playing songs they enjoyed quickly evolved into something more purposeful, with the group writing original material to compete in battle of the bands competitions. The five-piece lineup—Anthony Manoukian on lead vocals and guitar, Alex Robinson on lead guitar, Christopher Manoukian on drums, Jacob Dunn on piano, and Lucas Grbin on bass guitar and backing vocals, has grown tighter and more ambitious with every performance.
Their sound, which Anthony describes as “emotive alternative-rock,” spans the spectrum from heavy riffs to heartfelt melodies. “Whether the song lyrics are directly relatable or not, people can tie their own experiences to our songs and share that feeling,” he explains.
With the debut album now out in the world, the band is already looking ahead. Music videos are in the pipeline, work on a second album has begun, and their goal is to play larger gigs across Western Sydney for their local community.
“Our band is determined to achieve our goals and to make our dreams become a reality,” Anthony says, and if their debut launch is anything to go by, they are well on their way.
Follow SilvereyeZ on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
r Feature Article: [Cover] SilvereyeZ performing at Kiss My Brass (Marrickville) |[Above] Local band SilvereyeZ have just released their debut album. Images: Abbey Carter. Article: Tanya Nellestein
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.
Silverdale Shopping Centre will mark a proud community milestone this July, celebrating 40 years since the original centre first opened and the first anniversary of the new Silverdale Shopping Centre.
The anniversary celebration will be held on Saturday 11 July, from 10:00am to 3:00pm, bringing together local families, shoppers and the wider community for a special day that honours the centre’s history while celebrating its future.
For many locals, Silverdale Shopping Centre has long been more than a place to shop. Over four decades, it has become part of the everyday life of the community, a familiar meeting point, a convenient local destination, and a centre that has grown alongside Silverdale and the surrounding region.
This year’s celebration recognises both the legacy of the original centre and the exciting new chapter represented by the modern development. The new Silverdale Shopping Centre reflects years of planning, investment and commitment, with a focus on creating a welcoming, convenient and communityfocused destination for local families.
At the heart of this milestone are centre owners Mr Bruno and Mrs Maria Lopreiato, whose long-standing dedication to Silverdale and deep connection to the community have helped shape the centre’s journey. Their vision has been to create something lasting and meaningful for the region, a place that supports the needs of local families, strengthens community connection, and gives Silverdale a centre it can truly call its own.
From the earliest concepts through to the completion of the new centre, the project has been guided by a commitment to Silverdale’s future while respecting the centre’s proud history. The anniversary event will acknowledge that journey, celebrating the people, families and community who have been part of the centre’s story over the past 40 years.
The day will carry a strong “then and now” theme, reflecting on the centre’s early beginnings while recognising its transformation into the modern shopping destination it is today. It will also provide an opportunity for the community to reconnect with the centre’s history and enjoy a vibrant day of celebration.
The occasion highlights the important role local shopping centres continue to play in growing communities, not only as retail destinations but also as places where people meet, memories are made, and local identity is strengthened.
Residents, families and visitors are warmly invited to attend and be part of this proud community occasion.
The event will honour 40 years of Silverdale Shopping Centre’s legacy, while celebrating the first anniversary of its exciting new chapter.
Glenmore Park Gets Fit Together
A grassroots fitness group in Glenmore Park is helping local residents improve their health, build confidence and form lasting friendships, all at no cost.
Glenmore Park Let’s Get Fit, founded by local resident Baker Prescott, meets every fortnight on Thursday evenings at 6:00pm at the Mulgoa Rise soccer fields. The group welcomes people of all ages, fitness levels and backgrounds, providing an inclusive environment where participants can exercise, socialise and support one another.
The sessions feature a variety of activities designed to improve fitness and overall wellbeing. Participants begin with warmup drills and stretching before moving into technical boxing rounds, box fit exercises and high-intensity tabata training. Sessions conclude with a cool-down walk and stretching. Gloves and pads are also available for those who need them.
Prescott said the inspiration behind the group came from a desire to serve the community through faith.
“We were inspired to create our group through our faith,” he said. “As Christians, this gives us the opportunity to help people and give back to the community with no hidden costs or agendas. What we do is free and will stay that way until hopefully one day our children take over.”
The venue has been carefully chosen to accommodate a wide range of participants. In addition to an undercover area for wet weather, the site includes toilet facilities and is located next to a children’s playground, making it easier for parents to attend.
Prescott believes community-based fitness groups play an important role beyond physical exercise.
“It allows a platform to help build unity and encourages a healthier, more active lifestyle,” he said. “It also builds personal growth and gives the community opportunities to create new connections and friendships.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program, according to Prescott, has been seeing participants grow in confidence.
“We have encountered so many people who were anxious, nervous and uncomfortable working out around others when they first joined,” he said. “Those same people are now bold and courageous and have the confidence to demonstrate and lead parts of the workouts.”
For more information, Glenmore Park Let’s Get Fit can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
r Glenmore Park Let’s Get Fit members | Image: Baker Prescott
The Rise of Christmas in July
As winter settles across Australia, roaring fireplaces, roast dinners and ugly Christmas sweaters are making an unlikely mid-year comeback. “Christmas in July,” once a quirky novelty celebrated in the Blue Mountains, has grown into a nationwide tradition embraced by pubs, restaurants and families eager to recreate the wintry atmosphere missing from the country’s hot December festive season.
Unlike the traditional Australian Christmas, often spent at the beach in 30-degree heat, Christmas in July offers a European-style winter celebration many Australians know from films and overseas travel. Across towns and cities, fake snow machines, mulled wine and turkey feasts appear each July, drawing crowds seeking a cosy seasonal
HEALTH MATTERS
Article Written + Submitted by:
P: 0418 166 269
escape.
Historians trace its Australian origins to the early 1980s, when Irish tourists in the Blue Mountains reportedly marked Christmas during a cold July evening. Missing snowy traditions from home, they encouraged a hotel to host a festive dinner with decorations and winter food, inspiring a wider local trend.
The idea itself is older, appearing in Northern Hemisphere literature and culture from the 19th century. Some link it to European summer camps, while in the United States it gained popularity after the 1940 film Christmas in July.
Businesses have since embraced the concept, offering themed menus and winter events, while social media continues to drive its popularity.
Though unofficial, Christmas in July has become a cherished winter ritual, giving Australians a second chance to enjoy a traditional cold-weather Christmas atmosphere. r Image: www.pexels.com
Dynamic Loading - The Secret to Fighting Osteoporosis
Epidemiological data show 200 million osteoporosis cases worldwide, including 210.2 million American and 15 million European men and women over 50. In Australia, researchers estimate 1.2 million people currently have osteoporosis, a further 6.3 million osteopenia (low bone density) (Healthy Bones Australia, n.d.).
A person’s bones adapt to regular mechanical ‘loading’. Animal research shows bone production is determined by the magnitude, and the rate and frequency of loading. Evidence shows dynamic-loading makes more bone than static loading. The optimal exercise prescription for prevention and management of osteopenia and osteoporosis is regular application of dynamic, high-magnitude loads to bones at a rapid rate. What does this mean?
• ‘Dynamic-loading’ - refers to the requirement that the exercise requires motion. Standing will put a static load on leg bones, running provides dynamic load.
• ‘High-magnitude’ – means forces experienced by bones during exercise must be relatively high – e.g. forces on leg & hip bones through jumping 30cm into the air & landing with two feet on a hard floor.
• ‘Applied at a rapid rate’ - means you might complete 5-6 30cm jumps & landings in quick succession.
Combining high-intensity resistance-training with highimpact jumping elicits high strain and strain-rates on bone.
Theoretically this is an optimal exercise protocol for bone strength.
Australian researchers, put women aged 61-71 years on either a low-load home-based exercise program or a supervised highintensity high-impact program (called HiPRT). Participants had lumbar spine T-scores of -2.15 ± 0.72 i.e. osteopenic or osteoporotic lumbar bone densities. Both programs involved 2 x 30min exercise sessions weekly on non-consecutive days, over 8 months. Bone density & strength effects were compared:
Results: There were no reported injuries in either group. Researchers found HiPRT women became faster, fitter, stronger & amazingly GAINED femur & lumbar bone density and increased their overall height. Low-load program women became slower, less fit, shorter and lost bone density. Can the contrast be any starker or the message be any clearer?
r ** Refer to submitter for references
Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness
Why Preventative Care Saves Lives
At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, preventative healthcare is one of the most important services we provide. While many owners seek veterinary care when their pet becomes unwell, some of the most important veterinary visits happen when a pet appears perfectly healthy. Preventative healthcare plays a vital role in helping pets live longer, healthier lives and can often prevent serious illness before it starts. As a veterinary hospital serving pets and their families across the Penrith region, we see firsthand the difference that proactive healthcare can make.
Vaccinations remain one of the most effective tools available to protect pets from potentially life-threatening diseases. Diseases such as parvovirus in dogs and feline panleukopenia in cats can cause severe illness and, in some cases, prove fatal. Vaccination programs are designed to provide protection against these diseases and help reduce their spread within the community. Even pets that spend most of their time indoors can still be exposed to infectious diseases, making regular vaccination an important part of responsible pet ownership.
Parasite prevention is another essential component of preventative healthcare. Fleas, ticks, intestinal worms and heartworm can all have significant impacts on a pet’s health. Some parasites can cause chronic discomfort, while others can lead to serious disease or even death if left untreated. Regular parasite prevention protects not only pets but also helps reduce the risk of some parasites spreading to people. Desexing also plays an important role in preventative healthcare. In addition to preventing unwanted litters, desexing can reduce the risk of several serious health conditions. In female pets, it can help prevent potentially life-threatening uterine infections and significantly reduce
the risk of mammary cancer when performed at an appropriate age. In males, desexing can reduce the risk of certain reproductive diseases and may help minimise behaviours such as roaming, which can increase the risk of injury or accidents.
Annual health checks are equally important. Pets age much faster than humans, meaning significant health changes can occur within a relatively short period of time. During a routine examination, veterinarians assess a pet’s overall health, monitor weight, examine teeth, listen to the heart and lungs, and check for any early signs of disease. Many conditions, including arthritis, dental disease, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of cancer, can develop gradually and may not be obvious to owners in their early stages.
Detecting health issues early often provides more treatment options, improves outcomes and can reduce the financial burden associated with managing advanced disease. In many cases, owners are surprised to learn their pet has a developing health concern despite appearing happy and healthy at home.
At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we encourage pet owners to view preventative healthcare as an essential part of responsible pet ownership. By staying up to date with vaccinations, parasite prevention, desexing and regular health checks, pet owners can make a significant difference to their pet’s wellbeing—because sometimes the care that saves a life happens long before a pet ever becomes sick.
Article Written + Submitted by: Pastor Paul Marshall
W: www.foothillschurch.com.au
A: Junction Factory Rd & Loftus St, Regentville
Service Times: Sundays 9.30am
Is the World Spinning Faster?
Did you know that the speed of the earth’s rotation fluctuates? Scientists tell us that the earth is spinning faster in the short term but is actually slowing down over the long term.
Science aside, it seems to me that we are whizzing through our roundabouts faster, working harder, and juggling more, but that all of this doesn’t necessarily make us happier.
Jesus taught that we live our lives from the inside out, or from the heart. The routine rolls on, but without attending to the inside of us—to our soul or heart—happiness and peace can be elusive. We might be successful at some level, but it is deep inside us that we work out whether our lives are meaningful and find happiness. I mean deep down, where fear and insecurity drive us, where we regret the skinny state of our relationships, feel guilt, experience being loved, and assess whether what we are doing with our lives matters in the grand scheme of things.
Jesus invites us to receive God’s love and mercy in a way that heals and liberates us on the inside. I’m not sure scientifically what happens when the earth rotates faster or more slowly. But spiritually, and for inner wellbeing, slowing down has huge implications! Slowing down gives us a fighting chance to pay attention to our inner life. It may be scary what we find there, but ignoring it is a recipe for not living life well. On the other hand, when we can stop long enough to hear what is happening inside us and do some work there, we can dare to hope for deeper happiness amidst what is already good about life.
r Image: www.pixabay.com
FAITH – GRACE WEST ANGLICAN CHURCH
Article Written + Submitted by: Senior Minister Christopher Braga
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.
Rebuilding Belonging, One Meal at
a Time
Something is changing in how Australians relate to each other. We call, message, and text, but fewer connections are anchored in the face-to-face interactions that used to hold communities together.
ABS data shows that in 2025, about 53% of Australians reported at least one face-toface interaction with family or friends outside their household in the previous week, compared with 79% in 2010. We stay connected online but see others less in person.
While there are many ways to build connections with others, one of the most enduring is sharing a meal. Shared meals are strong predictors of belonging. They create what screens and scheduled catch-ups struggle to replicate: unstructured, truly present, and genuinely mutual time together.
This is where the Christian story lands with unexpected relevance. Jesus repeatedly chose meals as part of his public life. He didn’t just teach in synagogues or to crowds; he ate with friends, strangers, and even sinners, showing acceptance (while still calling for real change). Heaven is described as a banquet to which Jesus invites each of us (Matthew 22:1–14; Revelation 19:6–9).
Seen in that light, something as ordinary as inviting someone for a meal becomes more than refuelling their body. In a fragmented society, sharing a meal rebuilds what is often missing: human belonging.
This is why shared meals matter so much at Grace West Church. We prioritise meals and morning tea as a way of building real connection with others. Drop in sometime— we would love to meet you face-to-face!
Contact Tanya
Davies Secures Changes to Secondary Dwelling Rules
Following the consistent advocacy of Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, the NSW Government has amended the Western Parkland City State Environmental Planning Policy to allow small secondary dwellings such as granny flats and studios in areas within the Australian Noise Exposure Concept (ANEC) 20-25 contour of the Western Sydney International Airport.
The change reverses the ban on secondary dwellings in key locations near the airport and applies to eligible land in the local government areas of Penrith, Camden, Fairfield, Liverpool and Wollondilly.
The secondary dwellings require development consent, will be capped at 85 square metres and are required to include aircraft noise attenuation measures.
Mrs Davies recognised the many locals who had contacted her in recent years with concerns about the restrictions. “I thank everyone who reached out and am relieved that locals in our community have the opportunity to put their land to reasonable use and allow extended family members to reside closer together.”
“I will continue to advocate for flexibility and options which provide greater housing supply for people to reside in close proximity to infrastructure and employment,” continued Mrs Davies.
Mrs Davies acknowledged her Parliamentary colleague Judy Hannan MP, Member for Wollondilly, stating, “I thank Judy for her leadership and advocacy on this important matter.”
For more information on the changes, you may visit the following website: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plans-foryour-area/priority-growth-areas-andprecincts/western-sydneyaerotropolis
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) are raising public awareness ahead of the busiest home fire season of all: Winter.
A recently launched, bold smoke alarm safety initiative, “Check your BLEEPING smoke alarm,” uses blunt and attention-grabbing language to mark 20 years since the installation of these life-saving devices became mandatory in NSW homes.
Smoke alarms are either missing or not working in almost half the homes (45 per cent) to which firefighters are called.
The initiative coincides with fresh FRNSW-commissioned research that suggests 31 per cent of NSW residents have either not checked their smoke alarm in the last year or never checked it at all, and one in four people report that they are not confident about how to test them.
The survey indicates 37 per cent of respondents weren’t aware smoke alarms needed to be replaced every 10 years, and 45 per cent had no idea that alarms require cleaning every six months.
Offering in-person service, firefighters can visit regional homes to conduct fire safety checks, and if required, install new smoke alarms for free. The survey found around one in two people weren’t even aware the service existed.
FRNSW normally receives 600 bookings for home safety visits a month. This winter, it’s hoping to increase that number. Free home visits can be booked online - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits
“We know that beep can be loud and annoying. But that ‘bleeping’ could be the difference between you and your family waking up to a fire or losing a loved one.
“Almost half the house fires we’re called to have no working smoke alarm. So, if it takes some colourful language to improve that frustrating statistic to keep people safe, then it’s worth it.
“If people hear about this campaign and then take the 30 seconds to test their ‘bleeping’ alarm, then that’s a win.
“We now know that when survey respondents were made aware of our free safety visits, more than half of them said they’d consider booking one. I encourage people to make that booking to help us increase the number of visits” said Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell.
r Image/Article: Fire and Rescue NSW
TRADIE PACKAGE
4733 0792
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July marks the halfway point of the year, a moment to pause, reflect and recognise how much can happen through steady progress and everyday effort.
Across our local communities, there are people quietly making a difference every day. Business owners opening their doors, volunteers giving their time, neighbours helping neighbours, families supporting local events, and individuals creating positive change in ways that often go unnoticed.
Community isn’t built in one moment. It grows through repeated choices, to participate, to encourage, to support and to care.
While winter encourages us to slow down, it also reminds us of the value of connection. A shared conversation, a local recommendation, or simply taking time to acknowledge someone’s contribution can have more impact than we realise.
Our region continues to grow and evolve, but what remains constant is the people who choose to invest in where they live and help make it better.
As we move through July, let’s continue to celebrate local success, support one another and create the kind of community we’re proud to be part of. “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”
