Camden Show 2026: 140 Years of Tradition Celebrated
The 140th annual Camden Show has officially concluded, marking a spectacular milestone for the Macarthur region. Over two days of agricultural, heritage and community spirit, over 48,000 visitors passed through the gates of the Camden Showground. It was a great success for the landmark anniversary, proving the community’s appetite for its favourite agricultural tradition remains as strong as ever.
The 140th year was highlighted by a significant delegation of official guests. The Show was honoured to welcome the Premier of New South Wales, the Hon. Chris Minns, alongside the Member for Camden, Sally Quinnell MP. Also in attendance was the Federal Member for Hume and Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Angus Taylor. Having the nation's Opposition Leader attend his local show in such a significant year underscores the Camden Show's standing as one of the country's premier agricultural events.
A community favourite was the street parade. The procession was a highlight for the crowds, featuring the magnificent Marlie Draught Horses and a popular appearance by Charlie the Brahman Steer. Education also took centre stage this year, with over 5,000 students visiting the showground for free school excursions, ensuring the next generation remains connected to our agricultural roots.
The weekend was defined by a moment of genuine show magic. As a significant storm cell approached the region, it appeared to part and steer completely around the Camden Showground. This allowed the Saturday night program and the grand finale fireworks to proceed in near-perfect conditions, with only a light drizzle earlier in the day failing to dampen the crowd's spirits.
Show Society President David Dunbier expressed his pride in the event’s resilience and the unwavering loyalty of the local community.
"We were truly blessed this weekend. Watching that Saturday storm literally part around the Camden Showground was a sight to behold. It was as if the weather gods knew how much this 140th anniversary meant to us," said Mr Dunbier.
"To have the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, and our local Member here to celebrate with us, alongside 48,700 visitors, shows that the Camden Show is a tradition that will continue long into the future. The community support we have seen this year confirms that we are more than just an event. We are the soul of the Macarthur region, and I look forward to many more successful years ahead."
As the 140th celebrations draw to a close, the Committee is already beginning preparations for next year. Mark your calendars for the 2027 Camden Show, which will be held on 12th and 13th March 2027.
r [Top] Camden Show’s Young Women of the Year with Brahman Steer. (L to R): Jacqueline Wilson, Sophie Constantine, Rylee Schaefer, Paris Maguire, Olivia Rowe and Trinity Power | Image: Harvey Emerton (16 years of age). Article: Camden Show Society Inc
2026 www.oranparkgazette.com.au
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Community Groups
Macarthur Art Group
Meet every third Saturday at Narellan Library 1st floor from 9.30am - 1.30pm. Tea coffee biscuits for a gold coin donation. More details: 0404 229 498
Children + Families
PlayTime @ NewLife Anglican Church
Meets Wednesdays (During School terms) at 10.00am -11.30am. PlayTime is for Mums and Carers with kids 0-5. NewLife Anglican Church (Cnr Marcus Loane Way + Central Avenue, Oran Park). More Details: www.newlifeanglican.org.au/wp/playtime.
Markets
Camden Fresh Produce Market
Held weekly on Saturdays from 7:00am till 12:00pm at Camden Town Farm (40 Exeter Street, Camden). More details: camdenproducemarket@hotmail.com or www. camdenproducemarket.com.au
Cobbitty Village Markets
Held on the first Saturday of the month (excluding January and February) from 8:00am till 1:00pm at Cobbitty Public School (Cobbitty Road, Cobbitty). More details: www. cobbittymarkets.com.au
Support + Wellbeing
Australian Breastfeeding Association CamdenWollondilly Group
Come along and meet new friends. Chat with mums who have 'been there' and connect with their local breastfeeding counsellors and educators. The group meets monthly at Spring Farm Community Centre (275 Richardson Road, Spring Farm). More details: camden_wollondilly_aba@outlook.com
Electric Vehicles In and Around Camden
Camden Council is encouraging residents to consider the benefits of electric vehicles as part of a new awareness campaign highlighting local charging infrastructure across the area.
As Camden continues to grow, Council is working to support and promote sustainable transport options that support a cleaner and more connected future. The campaign aims to increase community understanding of electric vehicles, promote the environmental and long term cost benefits and provide local charging options.
In an effort to make it easier for drivers to power up close to home, Council now operates three public electric vehicle charging stations across the Camden area on a cost for service basis.
They include:
• Oxley Street Car Park, 40-46 Oxley Street, Camden;
• Oran Park Library Car Park, 72 Central Avenue, Oran Park; and
• Narellan Library Car Park, corner Queen and Elyard Streets, Narellan.
The rollout supports Council’s recently adopted EV Charging Infrastructure on Public Lands Policy, which provides an opportunity for Council to work with providers of EV charging infrastructure to ensure adequate access to public chargers for all users.
Camden Council General Manager, Andrew Carfield, said the initiative reflected Council’s commitment to practical sustainability measures that benefit the whole community.
“Electric vehicles are becoming a really popular choice for families and businesses,” he said.
“We’re making information on charging infrastructure clear and easy to access so we can make sure we’re supporting our residents in making informed decisions about sustainable transport.
“Access to local charging stations not only helps to reduce transport emissions, it also means our community is well prepared for the future.”
For more information, to find a charging station near you and to learn more about electric vehicles in Camden, visit bit.ly/ camden-electric-vehicles
r Oran Park Library Car Park | Image/Article: Camden Council
Camden Sporting Grant Recipients
COMMUNITY WIN: GLEDSWOOD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL OPEN!
We’re kicking off 2026 by making sure our local clubs and sporting groups can continue to deliver for our Camden communities.
I’m incredibly excited to announce that Gledswood Hills High School is open!
After 12 years of delays and broken promises by the former Liberal government, the new temporary high school has been delivered.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
• Eventing Equestrian Australia, for running equestrian eventing competitions
Gledswood Hills High School will be operating out of Gregory Hills Primary School until 2027, when the permanent site for the high school is expected to open.
• Camden Harness Club Inc, for the purchase of portable fencing
Land has also been chosen for the permanent site for Gledswood Hills High School.
• Camden RSL Bowls Club, for the purchase and installation of an automatic misting system
As a former teacher, I know how important it is to have access to a great education at a local school, and I’m working hard to ensure that every child in our area is able to receive the best schooling experience they can.
• South West Rugby League Football Club, to upgrade training equipment and modern catering facilities
• Camden Rugby Union Club Inc, to upgrade the shower block Sporting groups and clubs play a vital role in our Camden community – providing social, emotional, mental and physical wellbeing boosts.
REBUILDING PUBLIC EDUCATION IN CAMDEN
badgeryscreek@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Oran Park Breastfeeding Education Class
It’s incredibly important that we continue to invest in local sport in order to support our volunteers, families, coaches, referees and friends who dedicate their valuable time to local sport, week-in and week-out.
The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering much needed upgrades to 15 schools across Camden.
Congratulations to these incredibly deserving groups!
These upgrades are part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education in NSW after 12 years of Liberal Government neglect.
Please know that my office is always open if you need a place to chat, or if you have any issues you might need my assistance on. Please don’t hesitate to give my office a call on (02) 4655 3333 or send me an email at camden@parliament.nsw.gov.au.
r Article: Sally Quinnell MP
TEACHER VACANCIES DOWN
Teacher vacancies have been slashed by over 40 percent in NSW public schools.
When the Minns Labor Government says that we want to ensure every student has access to a world class education, we mean it – and that’s proven right here in Camden.
Expecting and new mums: join Camden Council’s free breastfeeding preparedness classes.
Conducted by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, this workshop will aid you in gaining confidence in your feeding journey.
You’ll learn the essentials of breastfeeding, posture, getting started, overcoming challenges, and what to expect in those first days with your newborn. Plus, you'll also get to connect with other mothers in a small, intimate group setting.
There will be 3 classes held across the year from 2:30pm to 5:00pm at Julia Reserve Community Centre in Oran Park:
Saturday 2 May 2026
bit.ly/Breastfeeding-Prep-May2
Saturday 29 August 2026
bit.ly/Breastfeeding-Prep-Aug29
Saturday 21 November 2026
bit.ly/Breastfeeding-Prep-Nov21
Questions?
You can contact mairead.keogh@ breastfeeding.asn.au
r Image/Article: Camden Council
Authorised by Sally Quinnell MP, Shops G20/21 Narellan Town Centre, 326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan NSW 2567. Funded using parliamentary entitlements, January 2025.
Enjoy living in the Park with easy access to the conveniences Oran Park is known for.
No matter where you live in Oran Park, you’re only moments from a great range of amenities including The Podium Shopping Centre, a wide array of schools, parks and facilities.
Set in one of the fastest-growing LGAs in Australia, Oran Park is a thriving, peaceful, master-planned community of new homes and expanding dining and retail precincts.
Visit the Sales Office today and discover all Oran Park has to offer.
Scan the QR code to register your interest to be informed about future land releases.
Camden’s Fur-vourite Day Out is Bounding Back
Paws in the Park is back and ready to unleash more fun than ever before!
Dog lovers and their four-legged sidekicks are invited to trot down to Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park on Sunday 17 May, 10:00am – 2:00pm, for the much-loved event that celebrates our four-legged friends.
This FREE event is set to be a tail-wagging treat, featuring:
• The much-loved two-kilometre dog walk (perfect for
stretching two legs and four);
• Pet and general product stalls to sniff out something new;
• The crowd-pleasing Pawtastic Parade;
• Exciting activities, talks and demonstrations;
• A caricaturist;
• Kids’ activities, including face painting and giant yard games; and
• An inclusive space.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Council will also run an online pet photo competition, where residents are invited to upload a snap of their furry superstar for a chance to win. The winners are set to be announced both in person and online on the day of the event.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said she couldn’t wait to see the community and their canine companions back for another bark-tacular day.
“Paws in the Park is a real highlight on our calendar, and I know it’s an event that so many residents look forward to,” she said.
“It’s such a great opportunity to come together and celebrate the joy that pets bring to our lives, while learning about responsible pet ownership
“I can’t wait to see tails wagging, people smiling and to just be part of the electric atmosphere.”
For more information, visit camdenpaws.com.au.
r Feature Article [Cover + Above] The popular event returns in May | Images: Brett Atkins. Article: Camden Council
Join the Kentlyn Physie Community
Kentlyn Physie Club is welcoming new members for 2026, with classes already underway and a full calendar of events planned for the year ahead.
Although the season officially began in February, the longrunning Macarthur-based club is still accepting new enrolments across all age groups. According to club representative Janelle Henley, Kentlyn Physie currently has 65 members ranging in age from just two years old through to 75, highlighting its strong community appeal and inclusive environment.
“We’re always excited to see new faces join us,” Janelle said.
“It’s never too late to get started, and we encourage anyone curious about physie to come along and give it a try.”
Kentlyn Physie Club offers a diverse program of activities throughout the year, including Dance Days, team competitions, individual competitions and a variety of social events designed to bring members together.
The club is building on a successful 2025 season, which saw several members achieve top honours at individual competitions, including multiple Grand Champion titles. Teams across all age groups also performed strongly in competitions, reflecting the club’s depth of talent and supportive training environment.
Looking ahead, the club is particularly focused on growing its junior section, catering to children aged four to eight. To encourage participation, Kentlyn Physie is offering free trial classes for families interested in learning more.
Physie, short for physical culture, is a dance sport that combines elements of exercise and choreography. It is designed to promote confidence, posture, strength and flexibility, while also teaching rhythm, coordination and balance through ageappropriate routines. Performances include both standing and floor exercises set to music, drawing on a range of dance styles.
Kentlyn Physie Club has been part of the Macarthur community for more than 40 years. Classes are held at Gregory Hills Community Hall and Spring Farm Community Hall on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
For more information or to book a free trial, contact Janelle Henley on 0403 055484 or email kentlynphysie@gmail.com.
r [Top] Junior Champion Physie Fairies [Above] Junior Champion | Images Supplied by
Kentlyn Physie
Tanya Davies Celebrates 15 Years in NSW Parliament
Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, has joined a small group of State MPs in celebrating 15 years of service in the Parliament of NSW.
Mrs. Davies was officially declared elected to parliament for the very first time on the 5th of April 2011.
She was elected with a swing of 23.2 points, winning the seat of Mulgoa off Labor with 62 per cent of the two-party preferred vote.
“I am deeply humbled by the ongoing support of my community in not only electing me to Parliament in 2011 but returning me in 2015 and 2019,” Tanya Davies said.
Mrs. Davies quietly marked the 15th anniversary of her inaugural election with cake and a private members statement in which she reflected upon just a handful of the projects she has achieved for her constituents during this time.
As the Minister for Women and Minister for Mental Health under a Liberal Coalition Government, Mrs. Davies delivered the Baby Bundle program for new mothers, and the state’s first public mum-and-baby unit which provides hospital-based services for parents experiencing significant mental health problems in the perinatal period.
Mrs. Davies successfully advocated for the shutting down of the St Marys methadone clinic, opposed the Eastern Creek incinerator, contributed to the implementation of the popular Return and Earn recycling initiative, and secured the establishment of a Service NSW centre in Glenmore Park.
In addition to extensive infrastructure improvements
delivered over this time, Mrs. Davies also secured Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa for recreational green space and secured a $290 million commitment to stage one of the Mamre Road upgrade between the M4 Motorway and Erskine Park Road.
Mrs. Davies has held up to 210 mobile offices across the electorate to ensure her constituents have a chance to speak with her face-to-face and has delivered an estimated 37,500 birthday cards – that’s about 2,500 every year for the past 15 years – to people within her electorate.
Another big part of the role for Mrs. Davies has been supporting numerous local grant applications.
Successful applications include:
• $62,000 for Bethany Catholic Primary School in Glenmore Park to refurbish basketball court.
• More than $54,000 for Barramurra Public School to establish dedicated playground space
• $1.66 million for Ched Towns Reserve in Glenmore Park
• $1.285 million for brand new amenities buildings at Mark Leece sporting field.
• More than $20 million for the rebuild of St Clair High School after it was devastated by fire.
• $17 million for Fernhill School that accommodates 160 students with special needs.
Mrs. Davies says whether in government or opposition the priority has always been the health and prosperity of the individuals and families she was elected to represent.
“While it’s rewarding to see the physical improvements in our infrastructure whether that be roads, hospitals, schools and community infrastructure, the most rewarding aspect of my role has been personally engaging with individuals and their families to provide support, advocacy and results.”
Mrs. Davies says her decision to recontest was driven by her desire to ensure the people of Badgerys Creek can take advantage of every opportunity arising from the Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport and to ensure western Sydney gets the services and infrastructure it deserves.
“There is more for me to do for the community of Badgerys Creek. The development of the aerotropolis to deliver careers and local jobs must be fast-tracked. Securing a commitment to extend the Sydney
Metro Western Sydney Airport to the Macarthur region is also a critical and overdue infrastructure project,” Mrs. Davies said.
“I am so humbled by the love and appreciation my community holds for the work I do for them and for how hard I fight for their best interests.”
Out Loud
www.oranparkgazette.com.au
Image/Article: Tanya Davies MP
“You’re An Angel!”:
Local Man’s $100,000 Lucky Lotteries Win
A Cobbitty man has confessed he heard the voice of an angel when an official from The Lott rang and revealed he’d won $100,000 in Lucky Lotteries draw recently.
The local resident held the 1st Prize winning entry in Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 11067, drawn Monday 7 April 2026 and looks forward to a total prize of $100,000.
“Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!” he gasped when an official from The Lott revealed his prize.
“You’re an angel. You’ve just made my day!
“I’m completely overwhelmed.
“I don’t know what to say or think. I’ve gone blank.
“I was just working from home before you called.
“This is a complete shock.”
When asked what $100,000 would do for him, the stunned winner shared giving back would be his top priority.
“This will help me in so many ways. I’ll be able to clear my bills and help my children,” he said.
“I’ll try and give back to others in the same way they’ve helped me in the past.
“I’ll be able to make generous donations to charities. This is a wonderful gift!”
His winning entry of 10 random numbers was purchased via The Lott app – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.
Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot and Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot are raffle-style games, which means there is a set number of tickets in each draw. As each ticket number is unique there is no sharing of prizes.
Each game has two draws – one that determines the winning numbers and one that determines the jackpot number. If the jackpot number matches one of the winning numbers, then the Jackpot Prize is won. If the jackpot number does not match one of the winning numbers, the Jackpot Prize will climb for the next draw.
In 2025, more than 121.6 million winners took home more than $3.93 billion in prize money from their favourite games at The Lott, including Saturday Lotto, Weekday Windfall, Powerball, Oz Lotto, Set for Life, Lucky Lotteries, Keno (SA), Super 66, Lotto Strike and Instant Scratch-Its.
Last financial year, Australia’s official lotteries contributed more than $1.66 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education. As part of its commitment to supporting the community, The Lott proudly supports Play For Purpose, the not-for-profit charity raffle that gives Australians the chance to win while helping more than 500 causes across the country.
r Image/Article: The Lott
Authorised by Angus Taylor MP, Liberal,
Hill Street, Camden NSW 2570.
Bigger Than Ever: Mother's Day Classic Marks 29 Years
Organisers of the 2026 Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) are encouraging Australians to mark their calendars now for Sunday, May 10, as the iconic event celebrates its 29th year of community action for breast and ovarian cancer research.
From humble beginnings in 1998 with 3,000 participants in Melbourne and Sydney raising $50,000, the Mother’s Day Classic, founded by Women in Super, has become one of the most successful and important fixtures on the fundraising calendar, with up to 100,000 participants expected to walk and run at more than 90 locations nationwide this year.
And for the first time, the Mother’s Day Classic in Melbourne will host a half-marathon event across a picturesque 21.1km course starting at Alexandra Gardens.
In a sign of further growth and awareness, local event bookings in regional and suburban areas nationally for Mother’s Day Classic are up 20 per cent, indicating even stronger community support for 2026.
“We’re thrilled to see so many communities taking the lead and hosting their own Mother’s Day Classic events. It shows that Australians don’t just want to attend, they want to be part of something bigger. They want to turn Mother’s Day into a moment of purpose, standing stronger together in support of those impacted by breast and ovarian cancer.”
Zara Lawless, CEO of the Mother's Day Classic, said.
“Since our inception, more than 1.8 million Australians have started their Mother’s Day with purpose, and together we have donated $50.8 million to fund research and improve outcomes so far -a legacy of hope that one generation passes to the next. As we look to 2026, our focus is simple: bring more people together, fund more groundbreaking research and move
closer to a future where no family loses a loved one to breast or ovarian cancer.”
The impact of that investment is clear. Since the Mother’s Day Classic began, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer has improved from 84 per cent to 93 per cent, thanks in large part to research funding from events like the MDC.
However, the work is far from done. Every day in Australia, 61 women are diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, and 12 die from these diseases.
In 2024, the Mother’s Day Classic expanded its mission to support ovarian cancer research alongside breast cancer research raising an incredible $3.3 million, recognising the urgent need for progress in a disease where the five-year survival rate remains at just 49 per cent and treatment options have seen little improvement over the last three decades.
“The MDC community enthusiastically embraced our extended purpose,” Ms Lawless said. “In 2025, we donated a $3.5 million split between the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, and we’re determined to exceed that in 2026.”
With registrations now open, there’s never been a better time to sign up and make a difference on Mother’s Day 2026.
Register now at https://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/ registration
Camden
Camden Bike Track and Softball Fields
Sunday May 10, 2026
8:30am to 12:00pm
For more information, visit https://www.mothersdayclassic. com.au/event/mothers-day-classic-camden
Discover Macarthur Memorial Park, Sydney’s newest cemetery
Set across 113 hectares of tranquil parkland, Macarthur Memorial Park offers affordable burial and cremation options for most beliefs and cultures.
Designed for remembrance and reflection, it offers native bushland, peaceful memorial areas and a cafe and function centre the whole community can enjoy.
Visit us, take a tour, or speak with our team today.
Why do we stay in toxic and unhealthy relationships?
This is a far too common experience described by many people. Intelligent, attractive, courageous individuals with good insight and awareness state that the relationship they are in is having harmful effects on their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Loved ones often tell them to leave, and whilst they are fully aware that they should, they find the thought debilitating.
There are many reasons that contribute to this phenomenon impacting so many around the globe. A withering of a person’s self-esteem through humiliation and constant criticism can lead to emotional dependency, where the individual relies on their partner for validation and identity, and may even find independent decision-making nearly impossible. Furthermore, our brains are wired to maintain the status quo, and as such, consideration of leaving a relationship brings fear of uncertainty. The mind will work hard to stick with the devil you know rather than the one you don’t.
Another factor is trauma bonding, a phenomenon which occurs from a cycle of abuse where periods of love bombing, acts of kindness, and improved behaviour are sporadically interspersed between periods of poor treatment and emotional and psychological abuse. This cycling is a powerful reinforcer
PROBUS CLUB
Article Written + Submitted by: The Probus Club of Oran Park E: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com | P: 0410758755
Oran Park Probus Club
Seniors are among those most at risk of being scammed. This month, we were fortunate to have a speaker, Charles Fellner, who spoke in detail about the various ways people may be targeted. He suggested that being vigilant when reading text messages and emails is important, as is having unique passwords for every account and updating these regularly. “The Golden Moment” is perhaps one of the most beneficial strategies—pausing to take a moment to think before proceeding with any activity, either online or via phone calls.
As a social club for retired and semi-retired members of the community, Probus connects people from all walks of life. New friendships are formed while members benefit from the social, physical, and intellectual activities that Probus Clubs offer. Oran Park Probus Club’s outings and tours attract a lot of interest from our members, but so do the more affordable options, such as the craft group, where you can bring your knitting or crochet,
and mimics the same contingency seen in gambling, where a person loses more often than they win but receives small, sporadic rewards, leading to addiction.
Behaviour Changer – Tips to let go or help another in this situation
• Recognise that leaving is difficult
• Understand that telling someone to leave may strengthen their resolve to stay
• Don’t underestimate what you can bring to a loved one. Try to involve them in activities that they enjoy and are good at; remind them of their talents and why you value them
• Remember that consistent, positive, encouraging interactions with a friend or family member can help counteract the damage to their self-esteem and provide a healthy comparison
• In an open and supportive way, suggest attending a therapist for support. Remind them that this is not something they have to commit to long term—simply making one appointment and trying it, with no obligation to continue, may be a helpful starting point
r For general information only — seek professional psychological assistance for tailored
as well as the monthly coffee and chat group.
Don’t sit at home and wonder what you should do next. Come to one of our monthly meetings and see if Probus would suit you. Visitors are always welcome. Oran Park Probus Club meets at Wests Lakeside Golf Club, 50 Raby Road, Gledswood Hills, commencing at 10:00 am on the first Tuesday of every month, except November, when the meeting would clash with Melbourne Cup events. There is no meeting in January. We have a guest speaker every month, and the topics vary, so there is always something to suit everybody.
Why not join some of our Probus members for lunch after the meeting? You may find this is the first step to making some great friendships.
Please contact the Club Secretary for further details: secretary.oranparkprobusclub@gmail.com
Sydney Gateway Opens First Trans-Tasman Tickets
Sydney siders now have more options to traverse the Tasman –with Air New Zealand tickets connecting Western Sydney International (NancyBird Walton) Airport (WSI) and Auckland International Airport now officially on sale.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey welcomed the launch of Air New Zealand’s services, which will be the first international flights to operate from Sydney’s new 24-hour global gateway from 26 October this year.
“We’re delighted to have Air New Zealand as a trusted partner, with the airline significantly advancing its flight schedule to take off from WSI in October – operating trans-Tasman services three times a week between WSI and Auckland,” he said.
“This route will give Sydney siders greater connectivity to New Zealand’s largest city and main holiday destination, so they can enjoy more choice and flexibility, alongside WSI’s innovative and seamless customer experience in our state-ofthe-art terminal."
Air New Zealand’s services from WSI comprise:
• Three return services per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, beginning on 26 October 2026.
• Tickets went on sale from 6am (AEST) on Thursday 2 April.
• Flights will depart Auckland at 6.05am (NZT), arriving at WSI at 7.50am (AEST).
• The return service will depart WSI at 9am (AEST), arriving back in Auckland at 2.15pm (NZT).
• Air New Zealand will fly its internationally configured narrowbody jet fleet of A321 (214 economy seats) or A320 (165 economy seats) aircraft into WSI.
Air New Zealand General Manager Short Haul and Domestic Lucy Hall said the introduction of the Western Sydney service
Fuel Saving Tips
The global fuel shortage is affecting us all and the Australian Government has put in place the 4-level National Fuel Security Plan to ensure Australia’s fuel supply is robust and reliable. Saving fuel where we can means we leave more for those who really need it, like farmers, truckies and essential services. Every litre saved will build a bigger buffer against future supply uncertainty. Even just a few voluntary actions from the tips below – as simple as emptying your boot or pumping up your tyres – will help Australia to keep moving and stay safe.
strengthens the airline’s network across the Tasman and provides customers with another gateway into Sydney.
“Flying directly into Western Sydney opens up a catchment of more than 2.5 million people, including a significant New Zealand community, and supports stronger business, tourism and visiting friends and family links between our two countries,” she said.
“Together with our services to Sydney Kingsford Smith, this new route gives customers more choice and flexibility when travelling between New Zealand and Australia.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King welcomed Air New Zealand to Western Sydney’s new international airport.
“Western Sydney will be connected to our closest neighbours from October; these new flights will grow the connection between our two nations” she said.
The Minister also acknowledged the challenges facing the aviation sector today, but said Air New Zealand’s announcement showed the industry would bounce back, saying, “we can expect demand for Trans-Tasman travel to return and grow again into the future.”
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said getting the first trans-Tasman tickets on sale is another major milestone for Western Sydney International Airport and a clear signal that this new global gateway is opening up fresh opportunities for our visitor economy.
“This new Air New Zealand service will strengthen our already close ties with New Zealand, making it easier for visitors to experience everything Sydney and NSW have to offer, while also giving locals more choice when travelling,” he said.
“Through the Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, we’re backing new routes that will drive visitation, support local jobs and help grow the NSW visitor economy towards our goal of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035.”
Air New Zealand has had a contribution from the Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund. The $16 million fund, jointly funded by the State Government and WSI, is forecast to deliver over 162,000 international visitors to NSW and generate an estimated $530 million of visitor expenditure.
r Image/Article: Western Sydney International Airport
Simple actions you can take
• Plan well
• Look after your vehicle’s tyres
• Travel light
• Minimise aerodynamic drag
• Use aircon and heating on low settings
• Only fill up with the fuel you need
• Don’t overfill the fuel tank
Driver behaviour
• Drive in high gear
• Monitor speed and acceleration
• Minimise idling
• Monitor your fuel use
Travel alternatives
• Minimise your vehicle use
For more information, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov. au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/national-fuelsecurity-plan/fuel-saving-tips
r Image/Article: Australian Government: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
Camden Valley Basketball Association (Wildfire) www.wildfirebasketball.org.au Email: info@wildfirebasketball.org.au
Community Groups
Gledswood Toastmasters
David Johnson 0417 423 458
Rotary Club of Gregory Hills Next-Gen
President 02 9136 6349 or facebook.com/rcgregoryhills
Country Women’s Association of NSW - Camden Branch camdencwa2570@gmail.com
As we turn the page into May, there is a noticeable shift in the air, cooler mornings, changing seasons, and for many, a renewed focus on stretching every dollar just a little further. Conversations across our community reflect a shared theme, resilience, adaptability, and the quiet strength that comes from looking out for one another.
While the broader climate continues to fluctuate, from rising costs at the bowser to everyday essentials, what remains steady is the spirit of our region. It is seen in small acts of kindness, support for local businesses, and the willingness to lend a hand where it is needed most.
With Mother’s Day falling on the second Sunday in May, it offers a moment to pause and reflect, honouring those who have shaped us, and for me, quietly remembering my late mum with gratitude. This edition celebrates the people, stories and initiatives that remind us we are never navigating change alone. Thank you for being part of this community. Stay warm, stay connected, and take care of one another.
“Perspective has a way of revealing more than words ever will.”
