Tanya Davies Endorsed as the Liberal Candidate for 2027 NSW Election
Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, has been endorsed by the Liberal Party to recontest the seat of Badgerys Creek at the upcoming NSW State Election scheduled for March 2027.
Mrs Davies served as the Member for Mulgoa from 2011 to 2023 and since 2023 has served as the Member for Badgerys Creek. During this time, she has fought to support local jobs and businesses, address cost of living challenges and ensure that essential services are available to residents across the Badgerys Creek electorate.
“Whether I am in Government or part of the Opposition, I always ensure to put the needs of my community first,” stated Mrs Davies.
“My decision to recontest is driven by my desire to have our community take advantage of the opportunities arising from the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and to ensure western Sydney gets the services and infrastructure we deserve,” continued Mrs Davies.
Mrs Davies has been outspoken in her calling of the NSW Government to commit to the construction of stage two of the North South Rail Line, connecting Bradfield to Macarthur, including a station in the growing suburb of Oran Park.
She has remained vocal in her criticism of the current NSW Labor Government, whose term in power is marked by a lack of supply in housing, longer hospital wait times, crumbling road infrastructure and higher electricity bills, just to name a few of their many failings.
“We must reverse the direction that our State is headed in. We can’t afford another term of this failing Labor Government,” concluded Mrs Davies.
r Image/Article: Tanya Davies 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
Community Groups
Silverdale Probus Club
Meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10:00am at Warragamba Workers & Sporting Club (9-11 Eighteenth Street, Warragamba). We welcome new members. More details: Contact Ethan. Phone: 1300 630 488 Email: membershipsupport@probussouthpacific.org
Children + Families
Wallacia Playgroup
Meets on Thursdays from 10:00am till 12:00pm at Wallacia Christian Church (23 Park Road, Wallacia). More details: https:// www.facebook.com/cpcommunitychurch/
Warragamba Playlinks Supported Playgroup
Meets on Mondays from 9:30am till 11:00am (school terms only) at Civic Park, Warragamba. More details: https://www. facebook.com/wsncinc/
Held fortnightly on Sunday 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
Luddenham Community Uniting Church Markets
Held monthly on 1st Saturday each month 8am to 1pm in grounds of Luddenham Uniting Church.
More details: Search Luddenham Uniting Church Markets on Facebook
Support + Wellbeing
Free Food Fridays
Every Friday from 10:30am till 11:30am at Wallacia Christian Church (23 Park Road, Wallacia). More details: https://www. facebook.com/cpcommunitychurch/
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/
Teen Trio Targets Salt Flat Glory
Three local boys are preparing to make history on the vast white expanse of Lake Gairdner, as they attempt to become the youngest competitors in the world to chase a land speed record.
Rio Cook, 11, his brother Jonas Cook, 12, and Jacob Vella, 14, are gearing up to challenge the 250 Modified Partial Streamlining National Land Speed Record of 127.914mph (204kph). The record has stood since 2018, when it was set by David Bolger. Now, under guidance, the trio is ready to take their shot at speed week.
Held annually by Dry Lake Racers Australia, Speed Week takes place each March on the remote salt flats of Lake Gairdner in South Australia. For the boys and their team, the journey itself is a test of commitment, a three-day drive one way through some of the country’s most isolated landscapes.
At the heart of the team is proud grandfather Bob Burgess, a 20-year Speed Week veteran. Bob’s stories of the salt lakes first inspired the boys to get involved in the family team, aptly named TEAM VENOM. While supporting his grandsons, Bob is also chasing a milestone of his own. He plans to push their KE55 Corolla, nicknamed CYANIDE, beyond 200 miles per hour. To make the record official, the speed must be maintained over a minimum of three miles, with a second run required to back up the attempt.
Meanwhile, the boys have spent countless hours before and after school, working on their Honda MC22, known as TAIPAN. Along the way, they’ve been learning the mechanical fundamentals and discipline required for motorsport at the highest level.
Their week on the salt will be no holiday. Camping in the desert three hours from the nearest town of Port Augusta, the team will live without running water, electricity, shops or internet, relying instead on preparation and teamwork after 12 months of weekly effort.
The team also expressed thanks for the support and mateship of Justin Doyle, Lester Sawyer, Sean Withers and Christine Maude as they prepare to chase their high-speed dream.
r Rio Cook, Jacob Vella and Jonas Cook with the MC22 Honda CBR
250RR Fireblade | Image Supplied
The History of International Women’s Day
Each March, International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked around the world with rallies, cultural events, and calls for gender equality, recognising women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. While today the day is often associated with celebrations and corporate campaigns, its origins are firmly rooted in protest and the labour movements of the early 20th century.
The story of International Women’s Day begins in the United States. In 1908, thousands of women garment workers marched through New York City demanding better working conditions, shorter hours, fair pay, and the right to vote. The following year, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman’s Day, observed on February 28, 1909.
The idea soon spread internationally. In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the creation of an annual international day to advocate for women’s rights. The proposal was unanimously approved by delegates from more than a dozen countries, though no specific date was set.
The first International Women’s Day was observed in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with more than one million women and men attending rallies. Demonstrators campaigned for voting rights, access to public office, and an end to workplace discrimination. The momentum continued over the following years, particularly in Europe.
March 8 became the recognised date, after events in Russia in 1917. Women textile workers in Petrograd went on strike demanding “bread and peace” amid food shortages and World War I. The protests helped spark the Russian Revolution, and the provisional government later granted women the right to vote. That date (March 8) was later adopted as International Women’s Day.
The United Nations officially recognised International Women’s Day in 1975, during International Women’s Year, further cementing its global significance. Today, the day is observed in countries around the world, sometimes as a public holiday, sometimes as a day of activism.
More than a century after its beginnings, International Women’s Day continues to highlight persistent gender inequalities while celebrating progress made. Its history serves as a reminder that the rights many enjoy today were won through collective action and that the work toward equality is ongoing.
r International Women’s Day takes place on March 8 | Image: www. pexels.com
Celebrating the Women Who Shape Wollondilly
Each year, Wollondilly Women in Business brings the community together for a night that is equal parts celebration, reflection, and inspiration. Their annual International Women’s Day event has become a muchanticipated date on the local calendar, honouring the strength and contribution of women across the region.
In 2026, the theme is “Women Contributing to Our Community – Past & Present,” recognising the women whose leadership, resilience, and compassion have shaped Wollondilly while spotlighting those continuing to drive change today.
Founder Michelle Legg says the evening is about more than a single celebration. “International Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to pause and recognise the women who have built the foundations of our community,” she says. “It’s also about looking forward, encouraging the next generation to see what’s possible and to know they belong at the table.”
This year’s keynote speaker is well-known Australian television presenter, magazine editor, and author Deborah Hutton, whose career journey has inspired women across the country. Michelle believes her story will resonate strongly. “Deborah represents courage, reinvention, and authenticity, qualities so many women are navigating in their own lives and careers.”
Music will also play a major role in the celebration, with Sydney’s energetic nine-piece band Wonderbrass set to bring the dancefloor to life. But beyond the entertainment, the heart of the event lies in connection. “This night brings together businesswomen, community leaders, and changemakers,” Michelle says. “It’s where conversations start, collaborations form, and confidence grows.”
International Women’s Day remains a vital moment to reflect on progress toward gender equality while recognising the work still to be done. Events like this ensure that the conversation is grounded locally, where impact can be seen and felt.
“As a community, we’re stronger when women are supported, heard, and celebrated,” Michelle says. “This event is about honouring our past, empowering our present, and shaping a future where every woman’s contribution matters.”
The event takes place on March 7 at the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre in Picton.
To find out more about Wollondilly Women in Business visit https://www.wwib.com.au/
r [Top] Deborah Hutton is the keynote speaker at IWD [Above] IWD 2025. Image Supplied. Article: Tanya Nellestein
From Shadows to Spotlight
Local author and District Gazette Writer Tanya Nellestein, returns readers to danger, desire, and deepening emotional stakes with the release of Emerging in Shadows, the third instalment in her gripping Townsend & Gray series.
Blending romantic suspense with crime fiction, the series follows investigators Ash Gray and Chad Townsend as they navigate complex cases while fighting just as hard for their relationship. With Emerging in Shadows, the stakes rise both personally and professionally, as buried secrets surface and trust is tested under pressure.
“This book really pushes Ash and Chad,” Tanya says. “They’re no longer just solving crimes — they’re confronting the emotional shadows. For Ash, it’s the arrival of her father whom she believed dead for the last thirty years; and for Chad, it’s his professional integrity coming under unwarranted scrutiny.”
The new release also marks a visual refresh for the entire series. All titles in Townsend & Gray have received a makeover with striking new covers that better reflect the atmospheric tone of the stories. “I wanted the covers to match the emotional depth and suspense inside,” Tanya explains. “They now feel as layered and compelling as the characters themselves.”
Readers can expect the signature elements fans have come to love: slow-burn romance, emotional vulnerability, and tightly woven investigations. But this instalment goes deeper into character psychology, exploring trauma, loyalty, and the cost of truth.
“For me, romantic suspense is about what happens when your heart is on the line at the same time as your life,” Tanya says. “Ash and Chad are strong, but they’re also human, and that’s where the real tension lives.”
The fourth and fifth books in the Townsend & Gray series will be released later this year.
With its blend of crime, intimacy, and high emotional stakes, Emerging in Shadows cements Tanya Nellestein’s place as a compelling voice in romantic suspense — and proves that in the Townsend & Gray world, the darkest places often reveal the most powerful truths.
You can find Emerging in Shadows, as well as all of Tanya’s other novels, on Amazon or purchase via her website: www. tanyanellestein.com or selective bookstores.
Early Childhood Education Matters
• Boutique service with an offering of only 38 places a day.
• Set on an acre of land with room for children to move freely.
50OPENWEEKS A YEAR
• Nutritional food made fresh and, on the premises, daily.
• Dedicated educators delivering age-specific and anti-bias educational program through the Early Years Learning Framework.
r [Top] Author Tanya Nellestein [Above] The Townsend & Gray series | Image: Amanda Keating. Article: Tanya Nellestein
WARRAGAMBA WORKERS CLUB
WEDNESDAY
SCHNITTY & MEAT
$18 Chicken Schnitzel with chips & salad + Meat Raffle @ 7pm BACK TO WARRAGAMBA REUNION Saturday 7th March from 10:00am
RAFFLE NIGHT
BISTRO
Open 7 Days a week for Lunch and Dinner
DELICIOUS WEEKLY BLACKBOARD SPECIALS
SATURDAY HAPPY HOUR 3PM-5PM PINTS FOR SCHOONER PRICES All Tap Beer WIN A BUNNINGS VOUCHER AND ESKY FROM TOOHEYS
Mon 11:30am-10pm Tues 11:30am-9pm Wed 11:30am-10pm Thurs 11:30am-10pm Fri 11:30am-11pm Sat 11:30am-11pm Sun 11:30am-9pm Trading hours subject to trade Free Club Courtesy Bus: Friday 4pm-10:30pm, Saturday 12pm-10:30pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm
Warradale Men’s Shed Wins Local Hero Award for Intergenerational Program
Warradale Men’s Shed has been named winner of the Local Hero Community Group category at the 2026 Wollondilly Australia Day Awards, recognising the outstanding success of its Intergenerational Program.
President Garry Saunders represented the organisation at the ceremony and said the honour belongs to everyone involved in the initiative.
“While the award was presented to the Shed, it truly belongs to all our partners and every person who has contributed to the program’s success,” Mr Saunders said.
The Intergenerational Program brings together members of the Men’s Shed and students from local primary schools, creating opportunities for mentorship, skill-sharing and meaningful connection across generations.
Mr Saunders paid tribute to Renee Brown from Wollondilly Shire Council, whose “foresight and determination” helped bring the program to life. He also acknowledged Wayne McMahon from the Men’s Shed for embracing the challenge and working collaboratively to grow the initiative.
“We wouldn’t have a program without the brilliant students from Warragamba Public School and the unbelievable support and commitment of Principal Lloyd Kusa, Belinda Allard and Danielle Dimech,” he said. “Our Shed members have worked together like clockwork as a team to achieve the outstanding success this program has become.”
Following the program’s achievements at Warragamba Public School, interest quickly spread. Stuart Keast and Suzanne Bowyer from The Oaks Public School approached the Shed to become involved, leading to a second successful partnership.
Mr Saunders said both schools had demonstrated exceptional commitment to a program delivered outside the prescribed curriculum.
“Both schools deserve recognition from their superiors and peers for the dedication they have shown. I know the students are grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
The award highlights the growing impact of the Intergenerational Program across the Wollondilly region, strengthening community ties and enriching the lives of both students and Shed members.
Mr Saunders congratulated all involved and said the Men’s Shed looks forward to building on its success in the years ahead.
“You should all be so proud,” he said. “We look forward to future and further success together.
r Feature Article: [Cover + Above] Warradale Men’s Shed members and associates receiving their award from Mayor Matt Gould [Top+Above] Local Hero Community Group award | Images: Image: Kathleen Saunders
MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS
Many Australians have now heard about the Albanese Government’s plan to sell more than 60 Defence sites across the country. I have to say, it does not sit right with me. These are not just unused pieces of land. Many are long standing training grounds, cadet bases and reservist hubs. Some have important history behind them, including heritage sites like Victoria Barracks and the birthplace of the RAAF. Once they are sold, they are gone for good.
Defence experts warn that Australia is underfunding its Defence Force at the most uncertain time since the Second World War. We already struggle to recruit and retain personnel. These sites play an important role in introducing young Australians to Defence. Closing city based facilities, often the first place they connect with a potential career, will only make that harder.
There are practical concerns too. Some sites may need expensive remediation, including PFAS cleanup. Anyone familiar with contaminated land knows early cost estimates often turn out to be wrong. Bills
2026 Back to Warragamba Reunion
The sixteenth annual Back to Warragamba Reunion Day will be held on Saturday, 7 March 2026, beginning at 10am at the Warragamba Workers Club.
All past and present residents and families are cordially invited to be with them on this big day.
On arrival, you will receive your name tag. Morning tea will be served with cakes baked and donated by our local ladies and gentlemen.
There will be historic photos and other items on display. This will include the dam construction, town, sporting clubs, Warragamba Workers Club, Warragamba Public School and much more.
Please bring along your old photos to share the memories and renew old friendships.
The Club’s courtesy bus will, as always, be out and about with tours of Warragamba, and the Dam.
There will be remembrance balloons in honour of family members and friends that are no longer with us.
Photos will be taken throughout the day.
The Club’s bistro will be open for lunch and dinner.
There will be lucky door prizes to be won. This will include first prize of an Aboriginal painting by renowned artist Michael Huddleston.
This year, they will be having the local radio station 88.70 FM broadcasting from the Club. Thank you to Wayne Willmington for arranging this.
Warragamba Workers Club are in their 64th anniversary year and were founded in 1961.
They are also looking for any helpers who would like to assist with the event.
For all enquiries, please contact Terry Frazer on mobile 0410 784412.
can climb quickly once cleanup begins, raising real questions about whether the sale will deliver what is promised.
Australia needs more housing, but building it requires careful planning. Redevelopment also needs the right infrastructure and realistic timelines. Without these, sites may sit idle for years, helping no one.
I am not opposed to modernising Defence or supporting housing supply. Even so, selling off historic, important Defence land in a rushed process is a major decision. Australians deserve transparency and clear answers about how this makes our nation and our communities more prepared.
Authorised by Angus Taylor MP, Liberal Party of Australia, 18 Hill St, Camden NSW 2570.
“Still
a Country Show” – The 2026 Camden Show Returns
Two big days of family fun, come to the Camden Show!
Friday 20th & Saturday 21st March 2026
From 8.00am – 11.00pm Daily
Get ready for the highly anticipated 140th Camden Show 2026, happening on Friday 20th & Saturday 21st March at Onslow Oval, Camden! This year’s event promises to be bigger and better, packed with thrilling new attractions and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Whether you’re a returning visitor or joining them for the first time, the Camden Show is the perfect chance to reconnect with the community, discover the best local businesses, and experience the agricultural heart of Australia. As the birthplace of Australian agriculture, Camden stays true to its country roots, offering a classic country show with all the traditional agricultural favourites.
Wander through the historic Camden Show Hall showcasing the district exhibit, Pavilion exhibitors with their baked goods, handicrafts, sugar art and photography and more. Explore the Poultry Pavilion for a close look at the region’s finest bird specimens, take in the locally grown vegetables in the produce pavilion and keep an eye out for the biggest pumpkin. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Be sure to check out the street parade along Argyle Street on Friday at 4:00pm, featuring the impressive Marlie Stud Wool Wagon, Charlie the Brahman Steer and Friends and much more! Don’t miss exciting events like the Wood Chop Competition, Noah’s Racing Pigs, animal education tent, animal nursery, and the Drovers Camp, where you can enjoy traditional tea and damper. For a little thrill, catch the whip cracker or the snake man in action!
Join in the fun by cheering on local schools in the popular Scarecrow Competition or support emerging talent on the Entertainment Stage.
Need a break? Head over to the Cobbitty by Mirvac Style Pavilion, where you’ll find delicious boutique food and unique local wares. For more thrills, dive into the heart-pounding rides at side show alley.
The show also features a wide range of exciting competitions, including sheepdog trials, ute competition, displays of sheep, goats, alpacas, cattle, a Championship Dog show, wood chopping and show jumping. Watch amazing horse events showcasing everything from adorable mini horses to majestic draught horses.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! On Friday night, get ready for an unforgettable rodeo program from 7:00pm with the Xtreme Bulls. Don’t miss the Saturday Grand Parade from 4:00pm and the action-packed fun during the Night Show, including the dazzling fireworks display at 9:00pm, courtesy of Camden Hire and Foti Fireworks.
The Camden Show is truly “Still a Country Show,” with something for every member of the family. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend filled with entertainment, tradition, and community spirit!
For more information, FAQ and event details, visit www. camdenshow.com
Tickets are available online, and parking is free!
Become a member of the Camden Show Society to enjoy exclusive benefits and support the oldest and largest traditional event in Macarthur.
r Article: Camden Show Society
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Telephone or B2B sales experience (preferred) Dedicated home office space (internet, phone & computer) Confidence with Microsoft Office and new systems ABN and relevant insurance
SEND YOUR CV + COVER LETTER TO:
info@districtgazette.com.au
Two Clubs, One Home
Mulgoa FC and Warradale FC are set to share Gow Park in Mulgoa for the 2026 football season, marking a new chapter in a growing partnership between the two community clubs.
The new season kicks off on 28 March 2026, with both clubs building on strong campaigns last year and preparing for an even bigger year ahead.
In 2025, Mulgoa Valley FC fielded 10 teams and 115 players, while Warradale FC had 29 teams and 330 players. Combined, the clubs expect to have more than 400 players participating in the upcoming season, reflecting the continued growth of football in the region.
Mulgoa Valley FC President Ben Crowther highlighted a standout year for his club. “Our All Age Division 2 team won the competition once again — that’s three out of the past four years,” he said. “The one time they missed out they finished runners up on goal difference. They also recorded a new record for Nepean in winning the Grand Final for the fourth year in a row, something that had never been achieved previously.”
Crowther added that several other teams enjoyed successful seasons and the club welcomed many new players into its ranks.
For Warradale FC, 2025 was equally memorable. President Stephen Keller said being named both junior and senior club champions was a major achievement. He also pointed to the strengthening relationship between the two clubs as a significant milestone.
“Right alongside that is our two clubs, Mulgoa FC and Warradale FC, working together as one to complete a successful joint summer competition,” Keller said.
Both presidents are optimistic about the season ahead. Crowther said a new season always brings “new hopes, new players and new adventures,” along with the opportunity to meet people new to football. Warradale is also encouraging players of all ages and experience levels to get involved.
Registrations remain open at both clubs. Mulgoa Valley FC can be found at mulgoaswans.au, while Warradale FC is available via www.facebook.com/83Rovers.
r Gow Park in Mulgoa | Image Supplied
• Catering for 2-3 year old Children
• Situated in Quiet and Safe Street
• Preschool and School Readiness Specialty Program
• Qualified Early Childhood Staff
• Operational Hours 8am till 5pm Monday till Friday
Dr Joseph Kerious Joins Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital
We’re excited to welcome Dr Joseph Kerious as the newest veterinarian at Orchard Hills Vet Hospital, bringing our team to eight vets led by Dr Camille Brandt.
Joseph is a dedicated veterinarian with an Egyptian background and a genuine passion for compassionate, evidence-based care. He has a strong interest in emergency medicine and orthopaedic (bone) surgery, and enjoys supporting pets and their people through everything from routine check-ups to more complex medical situations.
A big believer in preventive medicine, Joseph is passionate about early intervention and client education as the foundation for long, healthy lives for pets. He enjoys working closely with clients, taking the time to explain options and ensure they feel confident and supported in their pet’s care. Community engagement and animal welfare are also close to his heart.
With a light-hearted nod to his cultural roots, Joseph is known to joke that cats are female — in honour of ancient Egyptian feline goddesses — while dogs are, naturally, just as divine.
When he’s not in the clinic, Joseph can usually be found enjoying specialty coffee, running outdoors, or cycling. He shares his home with Wilson, a Golden Retriever, and Chelsea, a Domestic Long Hair cat. Joseph is proud to be joining the team at Orchard Hills Vet Hospital and looks forward to caring for the pets of the local community.
Services
•General
•
•Visiting
•Puppy
•Home
•Cat
•Secure
Warragamba Builds for Big Season
Warragamba Netball Club is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, with strong team numbers, returning premiers and a continued focus on keeping the sport accessible for local families.
Registrations for the new season officially closed on Tuesday, February 10, but Club President Angela Williams said there is still limited availability in some age groups.
“We are still able to accept late registrations in some age groups and encourage anyone interested to contact the club directly so we can discuss available options,” she said.
The club expects to field nine senior teams this season, including one mixed team. Among them will be 2025 senior premiers Kaos and Ultras, both returning to defend their titles. In the junior competition, nine teams are anticipated, with reigning premiers Peppercorns also set to defend their crown. Two NetSetGO teams will round out the competition, providing younger players with their first taste of the game.
In total, Warragamba Netball Club expects to have around 160 members in 2026. While slightly lower than the past two years, Ms Williams acknowledged the impact of cost-of-living pressures on families.
“In response, the club made a conscious decision not to increase Warragamba Netball Club fees for 2026, despite increases to overall competition costs, to help keep netball as accessible as possible,” she said.
The club’s recent Come and Try Day, held on February 3, was described as a “fantastic success”, with 10 new players taking part in skills sessions and game play. Ms Williams thanked committee members, coaches and players who volunteered their time to ensure the afternoon ran smoothly.
Preparations for the season are well underway, including player grading submissions to the Penrith District Netball Association, coach allocations, finalising training schedules and planning for March Past and opening day.
The club is also seeking sponsors, volunteers and additional umpires for 2026. A range of sponsorship packages is available, including a new “Sponsor a Coach” program.
Above all, Ms Williams said the club remains committed to community and inclusion.
“Netball at Warragamba is about fun, connection and being part of a supportive community.”
r Come and Try Day for Warragamba Netball Club held on 3 February | Image: Warragamba Netball Club
MARCH
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: BOTTOMLESS LUNCHEON
6th March,12pm start
@ Silverdale Progress Hall
$30 per person. Limited spots. Bookings Essential. admin@wsnc.org.au or call 4774 1273
PREMIERS
GALA CONCERT
11th March
@the ICC
Free bus transport. Limited numbers. Bookings required. admin@wsnc.org.au or call 4774 1273
02 4774 1273 | community@wsnc.org.au
Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre Inc
SENIORS MOVIE MARATHON
7th March
With The Boat that Rocked and Blues Brothers. Doors open at 5pm. Free curtesy bus available. BYO drinks and light super served at intermission.
Bookings Essential admin@wsnc.org.au or call 4774 1273
EASTER CRAFT
31st March
@Silverdale Progress Hall Bookings Essential. admin@wsnc.org.au or call 4774 1273
WIGWAM BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
TUNNING INTO TEENS PARENTING COACHING PROGRAM
Open for expressions of interest to be delivered in a flexible learning style. Contact admin@wsnc.org.au or call 4774 1273
Capacity to assist in picking up from Luddenham and Mulgoa Primary Schools along with Warragamba to service delivered from Wallacia Public School Mon-Friday. Opens from 6.30am and 6.30pm close. Contact wigwam@wsnc.org.au for more information and bookings.
TEDDY BEAR COTTAGE LONG DAY CARE
0-5years. Long daycare has vacancies left. Contact teddybear@wsnc.org.au for more information & bookings.
CREATIVE COLLECTIVE GROUP
5.30-7pm
Designed for those who want a safe space to yarn aand create in a safe and supportive environment.
Bookings admin@ wsnc.org.au or call 4774 1273
CIRCLE OF SECURITY PARENTING COACHING PROGRAM
Open for expressions of interest to be delivered locally. Bookings essential. admin@wsnc. org.au or call 4774 1273
COTTAGE CLUB Tuesdays 4pm-5pm
Follow us on Facebook for activities each week. Bookings admin@wsnc.org.au or call 4774 1273
WEEKLY EVENTS
SUPPORT PLAYGROUP
Mondays 9.30am-11am @ Livvi’s Park GuesteachSpeakers week
FOODBANK Tuesdays 12pm-2.30pm @ The Cottage Cnr Weir Rd & Fourteenth St Warragamba Sustainable community pantry open to all community members. $5 per bag. Bring your own bag
TIME AND TUNES PLAYGROUP
Tuesdays 9.30am-10.30am @ Silverdale Progress Hall For 0-6yrs
Live Life In Colour at Wollondilly Seniors’ Festival 2026
In collaboration with local community groups, Wollondilly Shire Council is showcasing an exciting range of engaging and low-cost activities to celebrate the largest seniors’ festival in the southern hemisphere - with all activities featured in the Wollondilly 2026 Seniors’ Festival guide .
These events are designed to inspire, connect and engage the vibrant community of seniors in Wollondilly throughout March as a part of NSW Seniors’ Festival.
From workshops and classes, to social gatherings and performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy across the Shire.
“Our seniors are such incredible and important members of our community, and it’s fantastic to have an opportunity to celebrate with them,” said Mayor Matt Gould.
“I’d encourage all our Wollondilly seniors to make the most of this special time to connect with others and learn something
HEALTH MATTERS
new.”
Activity highlights include a performance by The Alma Moodie Quartet at the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre, intergenerational storytimes across the Shire with the Dilly Wanderer, and Tai Chi and Chair Yoga at the Library.
A full list of activities is available in the Wollondilly Seniors’ Festival Event Guide .
Printed copies can be found at Wollondilly Shire Council, Wollondilly Library, The Dilly Wanderer, Wollondilly Preschool, Community Links Wellbeing in Tahmoor and at the Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre.
Some bookings are required.
Contact Council’s Community Development team for more information: email council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au or call 4677 1100.
r Article: Wollondilly Shire Council
Exercise May Help Overcome Bad Genes, Aging And Help Response To Therapy
Research shows your genes don’t determine the person you become. Diet and exercise have huge positive influences, even if you have poor genetics. Illustrating this, ‘mtDNA-mutator’ mice have ‘really-bad’ genes. They accumulate 3–5 times as many mitochondrial DNA mutations as wild type mice in equivalent time. This leads to:
• mitochondrial dysfunction (in biogenesis & fission),
• excessive free radical production
• oxidative stress & damage to cells
• accelerated body cell death rates
• loss of cell reserve (aging).
This loss of cell reserve (stem cells) leads these mice to suffer from ‘progeria’, a disorder with profound premature aging and early death. Like old people, these mice have reduced fertility, muscle loss (sarcopenia), and subcutaneous fat loss, hair loss, curved spines, osteoporosis, anaemia, heart enlargement, and they get all these things very early in life.
Key is that their mitochondria malfunction first, well before the appearance of the actual signs of aging. Can anything delay this onset of mitochondrial changes and thus aging?
Experiments by Safdar et al. in 2011, using ‘mtDNA-mutator’ mice, demonstrated how regular endurance exercise can help even these genetically challenged mice. They showed ‘that 5 months of endurance exercise
1. induced systemic mitochondrial biogenesis, 2. prevented mitochondrial DNA deletions and mutations, 3. increased mitochondrial energy production capacity, 4. restored mitochondrial structure, and 5. blunted pathological levels of’ cell death ‘in multiple tissues of the mtDNA mutator mice’.
Endurance exercise conferred complete protection from progeria, ‘multisystem pathology, and prevented premature mortality in these mice’.
Thus, regular endurance exercise was able to overcome the severe genetic defects that these mice had. The authors concluded that ‘the systemic mitochondrial rejuvenation through endurance exercise promises to be an effective therapeutic approach to mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and related comorbidities’ (i.e. diseases).
Most of us will not have to overcome such severe genetic defects. For many of us, our lack of exercise will be a key contributor to the mitochondrial dysfunction that occurs in our cells and tissues, well before we see the outer signs of aging, including muscle loss. Appropriate regular endurance exercise seems to be one key preventer of age-related decline, and by keeping you physiologically younger, it may also accelerate your response to remedial therapy.
r ** Refer to submitter for references
Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness P: 0418
Wallacia Wellness Gathering
The latest Wallacia Wellness Gathering was held at the home of Roger and Elizabeth French in Wallacia on Sunday, 8th February.
They all sat down to a delicious whole food, plant-based meal including a crunchy chickpea spread, roasted tomatoes, carrot and beetroot salad, green salad with French vinaigrette, roasted eggplant and lentil salad, roasted zucchini and cannellini bean salad.
As well as their tasty meal, they watched a video summary of information about the Blue Zones. These are areas of the world where people live active lives into a healthy old age, many being centenarians. The video explained the 4 main characteristics of these areas: their lifestyle involved a lot or movement, mainly walking, they ate a mostly whole food, plant-based diet, they had some spiritual beliefs and a lot of community connection. This was followed by a discussion of how they could implement these ideas in their own communities.
Wallacia Wellness Gatherings are usually held once a quarter under the auspices of the Natural Health Society of Australia. Anyone who is interested in learning about a healthy lifestyle in a social setting and meeting with others who are thinking along the same lines, is welcome. They can provide support for those who want to be healthier but find the temptations of our modern way of life difficult to negotiate, especially if their friends and family aren’t on the same page.
The next Natural Health Society event is a live-in weekend with day tickets also available. It will be held at Kiah Ridge Lodge, Tahmoor, on 11th and 12th April. Check out events at www.health.org.au for more information and to book.
r Delicious Quinoa and Chickpea Salad | Image: Margaret Stepniewski. Article: Elizabeth French
We sell various types of animal feed including Dog, Cat, Bird, Horse, Chicken and Stockfeed. We also sell Firewood and Pool Chemicals.
Big buzz around town with the Luddenham Show on the 28th of February and 1st of March, and it is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet. They have a massive rodeo planned for Sunday afternoon this year, along with the huge Saturday night fireworks display, music & bands, as well as lots of new entertainment including the Mad Style Moto Stunt show. Luddenham Show is the original Country Show. To keep up to date, follow Luddenham Show on Facebook & Instagram.
The Luddenham Progress Association has asked Penrith and Liverpool Councils to clean up some of the local footpaths so people can walk without having to walk on the road. They have also asked the owners of the land in between the two churches in Willmington Road to clean up the land as it is a fire hazard. They have also asked for the vacant block in Willmington Road to be mowed, as it is overgrown.
Sad to see another business moving out of Luddenham, Luddenham Medical Centre, Dr Dutt, is closing, with the last day for patient consultations on the 13th of March. Luddenham needs more people.
Invogue Dance Studios Luddenham have announced they have kick started a brand new public speaking program, designed to help children find their voice, speak with confidence,
and lead with courage. What a great idea! I wish that was around when I was young.
Simon Hickey, CEO of Western Sydney Airport, has announced that Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport at Luddenham will open for cargo flights in July 2026, followed by passenger operations in October 2026, getting close now.
r [Top] Western Sydney Airport [Above] Luddenham Medical Centre -Dr Dutt | Images Supplied
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March arrives with momentum, carrying us beyond the fresh start feeling of early year planning and into a season of steady progress and connection. As our next edition for the year, this issue reflects a community that is well and truly back in stride, with ideas turning into action and plans beginning to unfold.
By now, the year has found its rhythm. Classrooms, workplaces, sporting fields, and community spaces are buzzing with activity, and there is a strong sense of purpose in the air. March is often when commitment replaces intention, when routines settle, and when we begin to see the results of shared effort and focus.
What continues to stand out is the spirit of our community. Time and again, we see people showing up for one another, celebrating local successes, and offering support where it is needed most. These everyday moments of care, resilience, and pride are what shape our region and give it its unique character.
As we move further into 2026, we thank you for your continued support and involvement. It is a privilege to share your stories, highlight local voices, and reflect community life in these pages. We look forward to the months ahead and to continuing this journey together.
“The future depends on what we do in the present.” — Mahatma Gandhi
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