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OCTOBER 2026 | Issue 147

Now open in Richmond Now Now open open in in Richmond Richmond Now open in Richmond

(02) 9098 1180 (02) 1180 (02) 9098 9098 1180 (02) 9098 1180

A Walk Towards Stronger Community

See Article Pg 7

0am 9.00-10.0

Friday 16 Oct

Pre-K 2027

Taster Mornings

Join our Pre-K class for a morning of play-based learning in a warm, nurturing environment. Bookings essential.

Book Today Scan the QR or visit penrith.nsw.edu.au/enrol/visit www.jordanspringsgazette.com.au October 2026

NEWS + MEDIA

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Make Pool Safety a Priority this Season

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

Children + Families Cranebrook Kids

Meets at 10:00am on Tuesdays at Andromeda Community Hall (Andromeda Drive, Cranebrook). More details: https:// w w w.playgroupnsw.org.au/Playgroup/Playgroups/ CranebrookKids

Cranebrook PlayConnect

Meets at 9:30am on Thursdays at Koolyangarra Aboriginal Family Centre (1 Kington Place, Cranebrook). More details: https://www.playgroupnsw.org.au/Playgroup/Playgroups/ CranebrookPlayconnect

Hobbies + Interests 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 Blacktown Markets

With warmer months upon us, Penrith City Council is encouraging residents to check that their backyard pools, including inflatable and portable pools, are safe, secure and compliant. Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said pools are a fantastic way to enjoy the season, but they come with great responsibilities. “Pools offer fun and relief from the heat, but they can quickly become dangerous if safety measures aren’t in place,’ Cr Carney said. “We’re asking residents to take a few minutes to check that their pool is secure, especially if there’s no barrier preventing children from accessing the water unsupervised.” “Active adult supervision is the best defence against drowning, but a compliant pool barrier adds an essential layer of protection.” Council’s qualified Compliance Officers are available to assist residents with pool inspections and certification. Portable and inflatable pools carry the same safety risks as permanent pools. If a pool is deeper than 30cm, it must be properly fenced. Additionally, any pool with a capacity over 2,000 litres requires development approval before installation and filling. Council can issue on-the-spot fines of $550 for propped-open gates or unfenced pools. To help prevent child drowning: • Install and maintain a compliant child resistant pool barrier. • Always supervise children around water. • Teach water awareness and swimming skills. • Learn CPR – any attempt is better than none. For more information, visit penrith.city/pools or contact Council’s Swimming Pool team on 4732 7864. r Image/Article: Penrith City Council

October 2026 www.jordanspringsgazette.com.au

Held weekly on Sundays from 6:30am till 2:00pm at The Skyline Drive-In (33 Cricketers Arms Road, Prospect). More details: www.blacktownmarkets.com.au

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 Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s Group

Meets every Tuesday from 7pm at Jordan Springs Community Hub (2 - 6 Cullen Avenue Jordan Springs). More Details: Lauren 0404 666 344.

Lung Support Group

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

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club (1 Leonay Parade, Leonay) from 6.45p.m. More Details: www. prostatesupport.org.au or phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on1300 13 38 78.

Penrith Womens Walk and Talk

Meets 5.30pm every Wednesday (for Guest Speaker) and walk from 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/

Every Child Deserves Magic A simple but powerful belief sits at the heart of a remarkable local initiative: every child deserves to feel special on their birthday. The Birthday Wish Project was founded approximately one year ago by Amanda, owner of Dash Dolls Delivery, with the support of Amy from Party Paradise. What began as an idea to do something meaningful for children in need has grown into a genuine community movement, one that brings together local businesses, event vendors, and generous individuals to create unforgettable birthday celebrations for children who might otherwise go without. Each month, one special child, either living with a terminal illness or from an underprivileged or disadvantaged background, is chosen to receive a complete, fully donated birthday experience. Decorations, styling, cakes, entertainment, treats, party supplies and more are all contributed by the project’s growing network of supporters. “We aren’t just throwing a party,” says Amy. “We’re creating memories. For some families, those memories may be treasured for a lifetime.” The motivation behind the project is deeply human. Birthdays are something many families take for granted but for those facing financial hardship or serious illness, a celebration can feel entirely out of reach. “Every child deserves moments of happiness, excitement and magic, regardless of their family’s financial situation or what they may be going through,” Amy says. “For children facing serious illness, those memories can

become incredibly precious.” What has struck the founders most is how quickly people step forward when they know they can make a difference. The project has attracted contributions from across the local community and Amy is emphatic that no gesture is too small. “You might think donating a cake, a balloon garland or a few hours of your time isn’t much,” she says, “but to a child who otherwise may not have had a birthday celebration, it can mean everything.” Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand by reaching more children each month and building an even wider network of community supporters. Families can nominate a child, and businesses or individuals can contribute products, services, time, or skills in any form. “Our wish is simple,” Amy says. “That no child should ever feel like their circumstances mean they aren’t worthy of having their birthday wish come true.” To get involved or nominate a child, reach out to The Birthday Wish Project through Dash Dolls Delivery or Party Paradise.

r [Top] Personalised items for the birthday parties [Above] (L) Amanda from Dash Dolls Delivery (R) Amy from Party Paradise | Images Supplied. Article: Tanya Nellestein

Understanding Snake Activity this Season With Spring now upon us, Western Sydney residents can anticipate increased snake sightings in bushlands, grasslands, backyards, and houses. The snake season traditionally falls between September to March, but often varies due to temperatures. Sean Cade, from Australian Snake Catchers, has over 20 years of experience and assures residents that these encounters should be viewed as informative rather than alarming. “Snakes are mostly present for shelter or food and are generally just passing through a property,” Sean explained. The Sydney Basin is home to a diverse range of snakes. “Most people in Western Sydney will come across the Eastern Brown Snake, Red Bellied Black Snake, Yellow Faced Whip Snake, and the Golden Crowned Snake,” Sean said. Other snakes in the Sydney Basin include the Broad Headed Snake, Tiger Snake, Marsh Snake, and Death Adder. Sean offered some basic tips to minimise the chances of encountering snakes: • Avoid approaching snakes. • Refrain from trying to catch or harm them. • Ensure children and pets maintain a safe distance. • Clear any clutter or trash around your home. • Maintain clean lawns and store firewood at a distance from the house.

Correcting common misconceptions, Sean explained that the presence of a Red Bellied Black Snake doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t encounter an Eastern Brown Snake. “This is a common statement which is incorrect. If the snakes are a similar length, they cannot eat each other. And Eastern Brown Snakes will also eat a Red Bellied Black Snake,” he said. Sean’s dedication to his profession stems from a love for wildlife and a passion to share the wonders of native fauna with his children. “Although many are hesitant to deal with snakes, they play a valuable role in our ecosystem. They, like any animal, sometimes need assistance,” he said. “Snakes don’t need to be feared. With a little understanding they are quite fascinating creatures. This time of year, they are breeding also and are quite active,” Sean explained. “Due to urban development, encounters may increase due to habitat loss” he added. If someone is suspected of having a snake bite, (not sure if it is a scratch or bitten) apply a compression bandage, keep patient still and calm and call 000. “There is no need to catch the snake for identification” ended Sean. If you need expert and secure removal of snakes or reptiles, reach out to Sean and his crew through their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/australiansnakecatchers/ or call Sean on 0410 761575 or Liam on 0424 511676.

www.jordanspringsgazette.com.au October 2026

Llandilo Maltese Seniors Keep Traditions Alive

For more than 30 years, the Llandilo Maltese Seniors Group has provided a welcoming place for older members of the local community to connect, share friendship and celebrate their Maltese heritage. The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the Llandilo Community Hall, , next door to the local RFS Station. According to Marisa Previtera OAM of the Maltese Community Council of NSW, the group was established more than three decades ago by then MCC Community Worker Lawrence Dimech OAM and Welfare Officer Maria De Carlo. Today, the group continues to offer a varied program of activities designed to promote social connection, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Members take part in information sessions and workshops, including the Stepping On Program, as well as line dancing and traditional activities such as arts and craft exhibitions. Marisa said groups such as the Llandilo Maltese Seniors are particularly important because they help reduce social isolation among older people while providing opportunities to stay connected and informed about issues affecting seniors and the wider community. The group also plays an important role in keeping Maltese

traditions alive. Members celebrate cultural occasions including L’Mnarja, a traditional Maltese feast associated with the harvest and Saints Peter and Paul, as well as the Feast of Our Lady of Victories, which commemorates Malta’s historic sieges. The semi-rural group is built on friendship, social wellbeing and a shared connection to Maltese culture. New members are always welcome. Group leaders Helen Azzopardi, Rose Grima and Vicky Sicluna, together with other volunteers, help open the hall and prepare a traditional light lunch of Hobz bi Zejt (bread with tomato, tuna and capers) followed by tea, coffee and cakes. Members make a $3 donation, which helps support the Llandilo Community Hall and its continued availability for local residents. For more information, visit the Maltese Community Council of NSW website, Facebook group, or contact Marisa Previtera OAM on 0414 863123 or contact@mccnsw.org.au.

r [Top L] Ms Anneliese Sammut – Consul General of Malta – Sydney, with the Llandilo Maltese Seniors Group members [Top R] Garden Workshop with Dolores Meilak [Above] Traditional Celebration of L’Mnarja | Images Supplied by Marisa Previtera

PROBUS CLUB Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Jordan Springs E: probusjordansprings@gmail.com W: probussouthpacific.org/microsites/jordansprings Sharing the simple pleasures of life is food for the soul, sharing experiences, friendship and laughter are the hallmarks of Jordan Springs Probus Club. Our regular long lunches, day trips, Trivia nights, Craft mornings and even the Technology sessions all manage to provide warmth, laughter and friendship while appealing to the wide range of interests and expertise of our members. The recent guided tour of Victoria Barracks gave insight into the deep connections of military life to the development of our history. Most people have historical connections to our military, so the experience was enlightening. Our special October event is a highly anticipated Harbour Cruise. Who doesn’t like to admire our beautiful Harbour with all its interesting locations & history? The fortnightly Technology sessions are designed to answer questions or simply learn “How To” on your phone, iPad, laptop or whatever device. Just bring your device & question! Craft mornings are similar - bring whatever you are creating or thinking about and share experience as well as a cuppa and definitely some laughs! Christmas celebration plans are well underway, as well as some exciting 2027 outings and adventures. All details will be revealed and discussed at our Monthly Meeting, so come along to discover how to join the fun. You will be warmly welcomed! Jordan Springs Probus is a purely social club, catering specifically for semi & full retirees. We meet throughout 2026 on the 4th Tuesday of each month – 9:45am for a 10:00am start, at Jordan Springs Community Hub, 2–6 Cullen Ave, Jordan Springs. For more information, contact Keith – 02 9713 9038, Annie – 0409 230 753, or email us at probusjordansprings@gmail.com.

October 2026 www.jordanspringsgazette.com.au

New Apartments Now Selling

www.jordanspringsgazette.com.au October 2026

Plant a Tree for Father’s Day

If you’re looking for something to gift Dad for Father’s Day, Penrith City Council’s beloved Trees for Dad community event returns for its eighth year on Sunday 6 September. Everyone is invited to plant a tree in honour and celebration of their dad, grandfather, uncle or father figure at Berkshire Park Recreation Ground in Berkshire Park. The event is divided into 30-minute sessions, with the first session starting at 8:30am and the last at 12:00pm. Registrations are essential to ensure that enough trees will be available to plant on the day. Register at penrith.city/events Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said he was excited to see the return of the popular event after Trees for Mum welcomed over 660 participants earlier this year. “Trees for Mum and Trees for Dad are two very important events our community looks forward to every year. We were really impressed by the turnout for Trees for Mum in May and we’re looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces at our next Father’s Day tree planting,” Cr Carney said. “Planting a tree is such a simple gesture to honour your dad, grandfather, uncle or a father figure in your life and it can be a very positive and meaningful experience to share with family and friends on Father’s Day. “Every year, the Bushcare team is touched by the beautiful stories participants share with them about why they come to celebrate and honour their mum and dad, and I hope that Trees for Dad continues to provide such a meaningful space. “Trees for Dad is not only a great way to gift Dad something special, but it’s an opportunity to learn about our local environment and help restore our endangered bushland by planting native trees or shrubs.” Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and a hat. Sunscreen will be available on the day. Council’s Nursery proudly provides the native trees and shrubs available for planting on-site. To ensure there are enough trees for everyone to plant, and so Council’s Bushcare team can coordinate the 30-minute sessions, please book your attendance by registering at penrith.city/events r

Article: Penrith City Council

HEALTH MATTERS Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness P: 0418 166 269

Fixing Chronic Lower Back Pain Most people have lower back pain at some point. Often it disappears after mild anti-inflammatory medication, with a little rest, or light massage. But sometimes pain remains. This longer lasting back pain might simply be annoying, sometimes a little better after you warm up but always there in the background, but at worst it might be a constant debilitating pain. Often such pain radiates down into the buttock & legs (sciatica), sometimes leading to strange, tingling or loss of feeling down an affected leg to the toes. This type of chronic back problem can stop you from working, playing, sleeping, eating, thinking, and can leave you frustrated, especially when you can’t get treatment to resolve the issue. Many individual causes can lead to chronic back pain but (in most instances) chronic pain develops as follows. A simple overuse or other injury results in the release of a variety of molecules by the injured cells and damaged tissue. These molecules cause fluid and immune cells to leave the bloodstream and enter affected back muscles, causing them to swell and shorten (tighten). The same molecules cause nerves in the affected area to inflame, sending pain signals to the brain. The muscles’ reduced ability to contract, plus the swelling,

can lead to lowered blood & lymph flow away from the tissue, resulting in inefficient clearing of inflammatory molecules away from injured tissue. Injury is often also one sided, the resultant shortened muscles on the affected side may result in altered spinal alignment. Under such conditions, the affected muscles and connective tissue can become locked into a cycle of shortness/tightness and inflammation/pain. Exercise may help relieve pain, but exercise may sometimes also worsen problems. The solution lies in using specific remedial techniques to: 1. Remove the inflammatory fluid from and 2. Lengthen the affected back muscles and connective tissues. Once this is done, muscle function and spinal alignment can normalise and can pain subside. Back pain is often completely relieved, even in many longstanding cases. The same is often true for some chronic shoulder & some knee complaints. If you’d like to know more, call Andreas at Beautiful on 0418 166269. r ** Refer to submitter for references

www.glenmoregazette.com.au October 2026 www.jordanspringsgazette.com.au

October 2026

A Walk Towards Stronger Community A simple walk can go a long way towards building connection, friendship and support, and that is the message behind Walk It Off Ropes Crossing. Co-ordinated by Jason and Carly Walton, the local group provides a welcoming and non-judgemental space for community members to get together, enjoy some fresh air and have a chat. The group currently has around eight men and five women who regularly take part. Men meet at the Community Hub, while women meet at the park across from Coles, in the top corner directly opposite the Community Hub. Meeting times vary depending on daylight saving. During the non-daylight-saving period, participants meet at 5:00pm, with the walk beginning at 5:30pm. During daylight saving, they meet at 5:30pm and set off at 6:00pm. At present, the group’s main activity is its weekly walk. It is hoped that coffee catchups will take place in the future. For Jason and Carly, however, the walks are about much more than exercise. “Groups like our Walk, Talk and Support Walk It Off group are really important in the community because they give people a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space to connect with others,” they said. The Waltons believe that simply getting out of the house,

taking a walk and having someone to talk to can make a significant difference. The group aims to help participants feel less alone, build friendships and support one another, while reinforcing the message that it is okay not to be okay. There are no community events planned at this stage, but the Waltons are hoping to see more local residents get involved. “You don’t have to be fit, outgoing or know anyone in the group, everyone is welcome, and you can come along exactly as you are,” they said. The walks are focused on connection, conversation and support rather than distance or speed. Whether someone is having a difficult time, feeling isolated or simply looking to meet new people, Walk It Off Ropes Crossing offers an opportunity to take that first step, both literally and socially. For more information, search Walk It Off Ropes Crossing on Facebook.

r Feature Article [Cover + Top] Walk It Off Ropes Crossing members [Above] Walk It Off | Images Supplied by Jason Walton

Llandilo Set for a Big Day of Community Celebration

Llandilo is gearing up for an afternoon of markets, entertainment and community spirit when the Llandilo Village Markets return on Saturday, 17 October. Held from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Llandilo Community Hall, the markets will be held alongside Llandilo Public School’s birthday event, giving locals two reasons to come together and celebrate their community. The Village Markets will offer residents the chance to browse local stalls, enjoy live entertainment and support local people and community organisations. Entry is free for local community members. Market organisers are currently calling for vendors to join the event. Stall spaces measuring 3m x 3m are available for $40, with vendors required to bring their own gazebo and

table. Market stall insurance is also required. Local musicians and performers are encouraged to get involved, with buskers welcome to apply to entertain visitors throughout the afternoon. Importantly, money raised through the markets will go back into Llandilo Community Hall, helping support the community-owned and volunteer-run facility. The upcoming markets continue a series of activities aimed at bringing Llandilo residents together and supporting the hall. The hall recently hosted a successful trivia night, which received generous support from sponsors, Llandilo Rural Fire Service and community members who attended. Community events such as these play an important role in providing opportunities for residents to meet, socialise and support the organisations and facilities that help make the village a vibrant place to live. Organisers are now encouraging locals to mark Saturday, 17 October in their calendars and come along to support the markets and Llandilo Public School’s birthday celebrations. Anyone interested in booking a stall, applying as a busker or finding out more can contact llandilohall@outlook.com. More information about the Village Markets and other activities at the hall is available via the Llandilo Community Hall Facebook page. With plenty happening on the day, the Llandilo Village Markets promise to be an opportunity for locals to shop, celebrate and, most importantly, support their community. r Image Supplied: Llandilo Community Hall

www.jordanspringsgazette.com.au October 2026

Western Sydney International Welcomes Trial Passengers and Jetstar Trial Flight Ahead of Airport Launch

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) has welcomed a Jetstar trial flight – an A320 passenger jet – for the first time alongside hundreds of trial passengers as it ramps up the final phase of its Operational Readiness Program ahead of commercial passenger services taking off from October 25. The passenger trials involve members of the public participating as volunteers, helping WSI and its partners to trial all stages of the terminal customer journey and associated services, systems and staff, as well as providing valuable feedback that can help enhance the overall airport experience. The program simulates a genuine journey with trial passengers allocated domestic and international flights, “checking in” for their flight, moving through WSI’s efficient security screening, and engaging with different airport facilities and staff as they would on any given travel day. WSI Chief Operating Officer Matt Duffy said this exciting final phase of WSI’s operational preparations had been underway since August and involved hundreds of trial participants taking part each week. “By October, we anticipate that thousands of participants will have engaged in our trial program - each one of them playing an important role in stress-testing our systems, processes and people. We’re aiming to make these various elements to be as ‘fail safe’ as they can be,” he said. “This is also about giving us as much experience as possible in navigating the inherently dynamic nature of round-the-clock airport operations. It’s a unique and positive opportunity we’re able to leverage as Australia’s first major international greenfield airport in more than 50 years. “The interest from volunteers within the community for the trials was overwhelming - thousands of trial slots were filled within days. We’re very grateful for the enthusiasm and support from the participants who are taking part each week in the lead up to our passenger services taking off in October.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the trial flight was an important test to ensure that Western Sydney’s International Airport is ready to go on day one. “We’ve had a firefighting tanker and hundreds of freight flights take off and land at Western Sydney International,” Minister King said. “Now for the first time, a Jetstar passenger plane has come into land at the new airport.” “The airline and airport crews have tested systems like aerobridges, refuelling, baggage services and more, 54 days ahead of Jetstar’s inaugural flight to the Gold Coast.” Jetstar Chief Pilot Tyrone Simes said flying the first service into a brand new airport is a once in a career moment. “Australia hasn’t opened a major new airport like this in more than 50 years, so this morning was a genuinely exciting milestone for me and the team,” he said. “We’re doing this eight weeks out from the first flight deliberately. It gives us time to take what we learned and build it into our procedures and crew briefings, ensuring everything is fully tested and refined well ahead of launch. “The flight was about getting to know the airport before we carry customers. Crew flew the arrival and departure exactly as they will in October, then worked through the ground side of the operation: the taxi route to the gate, lining up on the aerobridge, and the turnaround that gets the aircraft back out again. “By the time we carry our first customers from Western Sydney, every element of this operation will be familiar to us and we can’t wait to share that first flight with them.” Trial participants simulate both domestic and international arrivals and departures as part of WSI’s ongoing program. They use self-check in and bag drop facilities, and WSI’s modern security screening which includes extra-long lanes, additional body scanners and central image processing to review multiple trays at a time and facilitate efficient processing. Officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishers (DAFF) also take part in the trials, reinforcing their integral role in the international arrivals process and border security. WSI’s passenger services will be taking off from Sunday 25 October 2026.   r Images/Article: Western Sydney International Airport

October 2026 www.jordanspringsgazette.com.au

NEVER BIN A BATTERY

Just one battery can spark a fire

Find a safe battery drop-off near you

never bin a battery

Proudly funded by the NSW Government www.jordanspringsgazette.com.au October 2026

October

KID’S CORNER

SPOT THE 10 DIFFERENCES

2 CONNECT THE DOTS AND COLOUR ME IN

Dam Fest Returns to Warragamba

Warragamba is set to come alive this October when Dam Fest 2026 brings a weekend of music, markets, entertainment and community spirit to the town. The festivities begin on Saturday, October 17, with the Country Music Muster at Warragamba Football Oval. Starting at 2:00pm, the event will feature live performances from Brock County, Bill Sarina, Missy Lancaster and Jamie Preston. Tickets are $25 per person, plus booking fees, while children under 12 can attend for $15. A family pass for two adults and two children will also be available through TryBooking. Festival organisers are encouraging visitors to check the Dam Fest Facebook page for ticket information. The Country Music Muster will also feature food trucks, market stalls and plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy an afternoon of country music and community entertainment. The main Dam Fest celebration will take place on Sunday, October 18, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Warragamba Recreation Reserve, with free entry for the community. There will be something for everyone, with market stalls, food trucks, trade displays, demonstrations and a full program of entertainment. The Sunday lineup will include Denim Rose, Peter McWhirter, line dancing and a DJ. A highlight of the Sunday program will be the Dam Fest Street Parade, beginning at 12:00pm and will proceed through the township. Community groups, local services, business owners and organisations are being invited to take part and showcase the people and organisations that help make Warragamba a strong, connected and welcoming community. Those wishing to participate must register their interest by emailing damfest@wsnc.org.au or calling 4774 1273. Registrations must be received before October 5 to be included in the October 18 parade. Early risers will also have plenty to see at the annual Swap Meet, with gates opening at 6:00am for swappers and 7:00am for those looking to browse. Swappers can arrive from Saturday afternoon. For information about taking part, contact Denis on 0401 890 261. There will also be a car, bike and truck show on Sunday, in collaboration with Warragamba Cars and Coffee and Cars Under the Stars. All makes and models are welcome. With live music, local stalls, food, demonstrations, a parade and the popular swap meet, Dam Fest 2026 promises a busy weekend celebrating Warragamba and the wider community. For the latest information, residents and visitors can follow Warragamba Dam Fest on Facebook or visit www.wsnc.org.au/ damfest.

SOLUTIONS

Puzzle 1

Puzzle 2

r Dam Fest returns this month | Images: Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre (WSNC)

October 2026 www.jordanspringsgazette.com.au

Halloween Fun Comes to Brooks Jordan Springs

Brooks Jordan Springs is set to come alive with spooky fun this Halloween, with a night of family entertainment, games, music and fundraising planned for Saturday, October 31. The evening will kick off with Monster Mash for a Cure, a Halloween-themed disco for children running from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Families are encouraged to get the kids dressed in their best, most creative or scariest costumes for an evening of dancing and entertainment. A gold coin donation will provide entry, with great prizes up for grabs for the best-dressed male and female. Children will also be able to take part in a range of Halloween-themed games throughout the evening. Following the children’s event, the scares will continue with Halloween Fright for a Cure, an over-18s celebration running

from 9pm until midnight. Adults can enjoy a night of music, with a DJ playing favourite hits throughout the evening. Guests are encouraged to dress up, with prizes available for the best costumes. The event will also include a special treat for everyone attending. Those making a gold coin donation will receive a complimentary lolly bag, adding a little extra sweetness to the spooky celebrations. The Halloween events are being held to raise money for breast cancer awareness, giving the local community an opportunity to enjoy a fun night out while supporting an important cause. Brooks Jordan Springs will be transformed for the occasion, with the venue decorated in a Halloween theme to create a spooky atmosphere for both the family and adults-only celebrations. Organisers are hoping the events will bring families, friends and members of the local community together for a memorable Halloween night. And the fun will not stop there. Local residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for details about school holiday activities planned for January 2027. With costumes, prizes, games, music, lolly bags and plenty of Halloween atmosphere on offer, Halloween at Brooks Jordan Springs promises to be a fun-filled night for the whole community, while also helping raise awareness and funds for breast cancer awareness. r Images: pexels.com

Wianamatta Regional Park

Wianamatta Regional Park was created in March 2008. It covers an area of 765ha. This park is a former Australian Defence Industries site with great future plans to add new visitor areas. Embark on a bushwalk or enjoy a tasty barbecue lunch in the great outdoors. Take a family bike ride or walk along one of the many sealed tracks in this park. If you’re feeling adventurous, take Great West walk along scenic Luxfords Trail. This 9.3km return trail will take you through the eastern visitor precinct, through a section zoned for conservation and across both Ropes and South Creeks. Explore the regenerating native woodland and remains of buildings, roads and berms from the St Marys Munitions Filling Factory years. Wianamatta Regional Park lies within the Cumberland Plain and protects temperate eucalypt woodland, including a number of endangered ecological communities. The reserve supports a number of threatened, endangered and regionally significant plant and animal species, including pea-flowers, grevilleas,

several bat species and the Cumberland Plain land snail. Please remember that NSW national parks are no smoking areas and that pets are not permitted in this park. Rare plant refuge This park is one of the few places in the world where the endangered nodding geebung shrub lives. The nodding geebung is an endangered plant of the Cumberland Plain in Sydney’s west. Found nowhere else in the world, this beautiful shrub has delicate yellow flowers and narrow leaves. The nodding geebung grows in small, scattered patches across Sydney’s Cumberland Plain in some scribbly gum woodland and ironbark forests. When young, it has hairy branches, which become hairless when the plant matures. It can grow 2.5m high, and flowers from November to March each year. Bees and wasps feed on its flowers. The nodding geebung produces an abundance of small green fruits, which traditionally were a food source for Aboriginal people. Currawongs, wallabies and possums are important to the nodding geebung’s life cycle. They eat its fruit and distribute nodding geebung seeds, helping ensure its future growth. During bushfires nodding geebung plants die and can only regrow from seeds that may be present on the ground. Parks in which this plant is found: • Agnes Banks Nature Reserve • Castlereagh Nature Reserve • Windsor Downs Nature Reserve • Wianamatta Nature Reserve • Wianamatta Regional Park

r Nodding Geebung | Image/Article: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

www.jordanspringsgazette.com.au October 2026

Real Festival 2026 Takes Flight Over 50,000 people attended REAL Festival 2026 across 3 days last month at Tench Reserve, Penrith. It was perfect spring weather throughout the weekend, which created ideal conditions for visitors to enjoy the festival’s diverse program of experiences. Visitors explored a vibrant program of immersive art, live entertainment, creative workshops, market stalls, food vendors and family-friendly activities. Sunday’s on-water program was one of the festival’s most

popular attractions, with strong participation in dragon boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and Chiliboats water bikes. The iconic Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler was one of the most popular attractions, offering free rides every 20 minutes throughout Sunday. The spectacular Riverside Laser Show sponsored by Busways drew large crowds on Friday and Saturday evenings, illuminating the night sky above the Nepean River. Hands-on experiences including the LEGO Workshop sponsored by Western Sydney International Airport, along with the Cultural Tour, Glow in the Dark UV Art Workshop and community art activities encouraged participation from visitors of all ages. Inspired by this year’s theme, Flight, the festival invited visitors to explore, create, connect and let their imaginations soar. REAL Festival 2026 showcased Penrith as a leading destination for arts, culture and community events in Western Sydney. r Image/Article: Penrith City Council

FAITH – COMMUNITY CHURCH JORDAN SPRINGS Article Written + Submitted by: Pastor Heath Whiley A: Jordan Springs Community Hub P: 0402 712 972 W: www.mosaiccommunitychurch.com.au Service Times: 6pm Wednesday

Ancient Wisdom for 21st Century Life – Spring: A Season for New Beginnings There’s something hopeful about spring. After months of cold mornings, bare branches, and shorter days, suddenly there are blossoms on the trees, new growth in the garden, and warmth in the air. The world seems to wake up again. Proverbs reminds us that God has built rhythms and seasons into His creation. Even the tiny ant understands this: it gathers food at harvest because it recognises the season it is in (Proverbs 6:6–8). Wisdom means noticing what God is doing around us and responding appropriately. Spring reminds us of something we easily forget: winter doesn’t last forever. Perhaps you’ve been through your own winter. A difficult relationship. Disappointment. Grief. Loneliness. Maybe life simply hasn’t turned out the way you expected. Proverbs never promises an easy life, but it repeatedly holds out the possibility of a new direction: “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day” (Proverbs 4:18). That’s a beautiful picture of hope. For Christians, every new blossom points beyond itself to the God who brings life out of death and, ultimately, to Jesus and the hope of resurrection. And if you’re not a Christian, spring offers a wonderful invitation: perhaps your past doesn’t have to determine your future. God is a God of new beginnings. Whatever season you’ve been through, it’s never too late to turn toward Him and take the first step along a new path.

FAITH – ST DAVIDS CHURCH LLANDILO Article Written + Submitted by: Rev John Hebblewhite A: Lot 257A Seventh Ave, Llandilo P: 4736 3592 Service Times: 10am each Sunday with additional services held: 2pm on the Third Sunday + 8am on the Fourth Sunday

The Simplicity of Christian Faith: Trust, Honesty and Hope The simplicity of the Christian Faith is often obscured by the variety and magnitude of competing philosophies and theologies. Couple this with the continued flow of new ideas and discoveries amongst the other sciences, and it is easy to see how this obscurity occurs. The Christian Faith simply rests on a person who, some 2,000 years ago, exhibited by his life two factors: trust and honesty. He trusted in God the Father and, by his honesty, was able to attract people, which resulted in the early Church. Sadly, history has proven, not only in the Christian Church but in life in general, that trust and honesty, when negated, lead to contempt of others and violence in society and between nations. Trust in God: what is meant by this? It is that, no matter what happens, all life ends in death, but through Jesus, the Christ, trust gives another dimension: simply, life after death continues in God. Certainly, we do not, in this life, confirm this reality; we simply trust. This is strengthened by hope that begins to answer the questions: ‘What is life? Why are we here?’ As such, life, no matter what results for us, is a gift, and in death is the hope that the gift continues. Honesty is simplicity in itself. Sadly, so much of life is lived dishonestly. The Psalmist, so long ago, sang, “Lord, who may abide in your tabernacle … he that leads an uncorrupted life and does the thing which is right, who speaks the truth from his heart.” Overruling this reality is the extension of forgiveness: “Your sin is forgiven; go sin no more.” We know the ability to do so comes from God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ.

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

Halloween: Is It a Trick or Treat for Pets? Halloween is just around the corner, with October 31 bringing costumes, decorations, trick-or-treaters and, of course, plenty of sweet treats. While it is an exciting time for families, Halloween can also bring some unexpected tricks for our pets. What looks like harmless fun to us can be confusing, frightening or even dangerous for our four-legged family members. With a little planning, however, you can make sure Halloween is more treat than trick for your pets. THE “TRICKS” – HALLOWEEN DANGERS Toxic Treats - Chocolate is one of the biggest Halloween hazards for pets. It can cause serious illness in dogs and cats, with darker chocolate generally posing a greater risk. Raisins and grapes can also be toxic, while sugar-free lollies and chewing gum containing xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and potentially serious illness, particularly in dogs. Keep all Halloween treats securely out of reach and remind children that their treats are not for sharing with the family pet. Wrappers Can Be a Problem - It is not just the sweets themselves that can cause trouble. Curious pets may be attracted to the smell of discarded wrappers and swallow cellophane, foil or plastic packaging. These materials can become lodged in the digestive tract and potentially cause a serious intestinal blockage. Make sure wrappers go straight into a secure bin and clean up dropped treats promptly. Doorbell Anxiety - For some pets, Halloween night can be overwhelming. Constant knocking or doorbell ringing, excited children and unfamiliar people dressed in unusual costumes can cause fear or anxiety. Even normally calm pets may become unsettled, while frightened

cats and dogs may try to escape through an open door. Costumes Aren’t for Everyone - While a pet in a Halloween costume can make for a great photo, not every animal enjoys dressing up. Tight or restrictive clothing, masks and accessories can interfere with movement, vision or breathing. If your pet is uncomfortable, don’t force them to participate. Their wellbeing is more important than the perfect Halloween photo. How to Make Halloween a “Treat” The easiest way to keep pets safe is to give them their own quiet space during the busiest part of the evening. A closed room away from the front door, with their bed, water and favourite toys, can provide a safe retreat from the excitement. Keep sweets and decorations securely out of reach and dispose of wrappers immediately. If you want to include your pet in the festivities, consider a simple, lightweight accessory such as a festive bandana rather than a full costume. You can also give your pet a pet-safe treat while the trick-or-treaters enjoy theirs. This allows them to be part of the celebrations without sharing potentially dangerous human food. Halloween should be fun for everyone, including our pets. A little preparation can prevent an unwanted emergency and ensure the only tricks this October 31 are the ones planned for the occasion. If your pet does eat something they shouldn’t or you are concerned about their health or behaviour during Halloween.

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There is something about October that makes the year feel like it is gathering pace. With spring well underway, our streets, parks and community spaces become busier, and there is a noticeable sense of activity all around us. Weekend sport is in full swing, local events are bringing people together and businesses are preparing for what is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year. It is a good time to pause and appreciate what is happening closer to home. New businesses are opening, familiar faces are achieving new things, community groups are planning activities and countless people are quietly contributing to the places they call home. These are the moments that make local life interesting. They may not always make the national headlines, but they matter enormously to the people who live here. A school achievement, sporting milestone, new venture or community initiative can have a ripple effect far beyond those directly involved. At District Gazette, we are proud to give those stories a place and keep a record of the people and moments shaping our neighbourhoods. As October unfolds, we hope you enjoy discovering what is happening in your own backyard. “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Albert Einstein

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