Dawson-Damer Park, Oran Park

Our first day of 2021 was spent exploring the recently opened Dawson-Damer Park in Oran Park. 

 

There are plenty of access points to the park for both prams and wheelchairs, with wide pathways although the park is not flat. There is ample seating though in some places it is far away from the playground so not suitable for children who need constant supervision. There is also plenty of parking but I imagine it will fill up quickly in warmer weather when the water play splash park is more in demand.

The change rooms and toilets are spacious with baby change tables in most. There is a park for smaller children at one end and a park for bigger kids at the other with the splash park in between plus ping-pong (table tennis) tables and a half basketball court. There are water bubblers / drink fountains available.

My kids aged 14 and 11 enjoyed the 'ninja course' although the timer didn't appear to be working. They also enjoyed seeing a herd of cows come down to a nearby damn for a drink.

Dawson-Damer Park is located at the corner of Dick Johnson Drive and O'Toole Avenue in Oran Park, just down from the Camden Council office and Oran Park Library. More information about the facilities available can be found via Camden Council website.

Marsden Park

Marsden Park in Park Central, Campbelltown is a great spot to spend a lunch break. Tranquil and peaceful, it's easy to forget you're in the heart of a city.

 

 

 

Tranquil and peaceful, it's easy to forget you're in the heart of a city.

 

There's also a great kids playground at Marsden Park in Park Central, and with coffee shops and eateries just across the road it also makes for a great spot to stop for a bite to eat.

A view towards the duck pond in Marsden Park in Park Central, Campbelltown.

 

 

Whether you're walking the dog or taking the kids for a bike road, the wide level paths are very accessible. There's also gym / workout equipment free for public use at Marsden Park.

Why did the swan cross the road?

More wildlife crossing the streets of Park Central!

I just read in the local paper about a kangaroo seen hopping down the street in Gregory Hills. Have you seen any wildlife near you?

Caravans for hire

Caravanning is one of the best ways to see Australia. Have you thought about going camping or caravanning but been hindered by the lack of equipment? Camping shops sometimes have sales but it's a big outlay and a lot of gear to store if you're only able to get away once a year. Or perhaps you're worried about ending up trying to sleep on a  cold, flat air-mattress with torrential rain hammering down on your tent and instead want to holiday in a little more comfort?

You can hire this!

Camplify is Australia's largest caravan hire and RV sharing community, linking owners of caravans and RVs together with holidaymakers in a secure peer-to-peer sharing environment. Hirers are able to experience the joy of caravanning without having to purchase their own van.

You can hire a 2-berth camper trailer from around $50 per night, or pop-top caravan like this one from $60 a night. You can choose to self-tow / self-drive or arrange for the caravan owner to set the van up for you on site. There are many different van styles to choose from, and you can filter searches by location, price, berth and required dates.

For more information about hiring a caravan, camper trailer, motorhome or campervan check out the Camplify FAQ.

Macarthur Wildlife

This wasn't something we expected to see while out running errands. A lace monitor (I think) crossing the road near Campbelltown Hospital. Perhaps he'd been to Marsden Park in Park Central for a play on the swings.



With all the new development going on it, local wildlife may be having to relocate. This lizard looked to be in good health. If you see or find an injured native animals on your travels, please call Wires Wildlife Rescue on 1300 094 737 otherwise just leave them alone.

Learn to swim for life

There has been an unprecedented number of drownings in NSW over the past couple of weeks, and an increase in drowning deaths overall, particularly in children under five. (Link to news story)

The Macarthur region offers many opportunities for learn to swim programs, including intensive programs during the school holidays. Some swim schools even visit playgroups and community groups to conduct safety sessions. No pool is necessary; they use visuals and demonstrations to teach young children about safety around pools.

Kings swim school visit to Campbelltown Halfpints playgroup

Below is a list of venues in the Macarthur region offering swimming lessons. Some public schools also offer intensive learn to swim programs during term time. It is never too early or too soon to learn to swim.

Each of Campbelltown Council's leisure centres - Macquarie Fields Leisure Centre, Eagle Vale Central, and Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre in Bradbury offer swimming lessons for children (from six months) and adults. For more information on fees and timetables, check out their website.

Camden Council offers premium swimming and leisure facilities in the Camden Local Government Area.

• Camden Pool (open September to March)
• Mount Annan Leisure Centre (open all year round)

Private swim schools in Macarthur

Kingswim at Macarthur Square
Jump! swim school at Minto
Starfish swim school at Leumeah
Swimaway in Camden and Narellan
Atlantis Aquatic Swim Centre in Smeaton Grange
Smeaton Grange Learn to Swim School can be found on Facebook

Special needs
Rainbow Club runs swimming programs for children with a disability, currently operating out of Eagle Vale leisure centre.
The Melissa Corby learn to swim school also caters for children with special needs and operates out of Mary Brooksbank school in Rosemeadow (Facebook link)

 

And a reminder that if you're heading to the beach this summer, please swim between the flags.

iMag

If you happen to find yourself at Campbelltown library, be sure to pick up a copy of Southern Highlands and Illawarra iMag information guide which covers events in the Macarthur Region including Wollondilly, as well as the Southern Highlands and Illawarra.

The magazine lists cellar doors, regular markets and fairs, and exhibitions. Whether you're into browsing antiques in Bowral or cheese tasting in Robertson, searching for unique and handmade Christmas gifts in Picton, or attending folk festivals in Bulli, the magazine will have something for you.

The November / December edition is out now. More information can be found at http://www.monthlyimag.com.au/southern-highlands/

Thirroul

One of the great things about living in Macarthur is that it is possible to get to some great beaches in under an hour. One of our favourite spots is Thirroul, including Thirroul Beach Reserve picnic area.

Right next to the surf life saving club and the patrolled beach (September - April) is a picnic area big enough to kick a football around on, a great playground, an enclosed saltwater pool, toilets including disabled toilets, and a café. Thirroul beach is ranked 'moderately hazardous' with drop-offs and rips so the playground and pool make a great alternative to ocean swimming for younger families.

Thirroul is also popular for people with fur kids because just south of Thirroul beach is McCauley's beach which allows for leash free. McCauley's Beach can be reached via Corbett Avenue, Thirroul.

Thirroul makes for a great day out no matter the weather but be aware that the weather can be quite different by the coast - often cooler and windier - than back home in Macarthur. Check out Beach Safe for up to date conditions before you go:

https://beachsafe.org.au/beach/nsw/wollongong/thirroul/thirroul

Thirroul Beach Reserve Picnic Area is located in Cliff Parade, Thirroul, NSW 2515

NB: Thirroul is reached quickest by Bulli Pass but Bulli Pass is closed until Monday 5th December to install 1.1 kilometres of fencing to minimise rock falls onto the road and improve safety for motorists.

Please note that all images on this blog are protected by copyright. Do not copy and share without prior permission.

Another date to save!

Another date of fun to put in your diary. Wizard of Oz Funland in Leumeah is hosting this year's Autism Challenge, raising funds for the Campbelltown Ghosts special needs scout group. Bring the whole family and invite your friends. No outside food can be brought in to Wizard of Oz Funland but the Rainbow Café will be open and serving yummy treats including burgers, chips and sandwiches.

For more information about Campbelltown Ghosts Scouts special need group, which provides fun scouting activities for children with special needs throughout the Macarthur area and beyond, check out their page on Facebook.

Save the date!

One of the biggest school fetes in Macarthur is coming so mark the date in your diary now. With loads of stall, rides, and Wakeling Automotive once again donating a car for you to have a chance at winning simply just by turning up to the school fete!

The White Elephant stall is a popular place to grab a bargain so get there early, have fun all day and hang around to hear the winner of the car announced at the end. There will be plenty of food and fun available at the school fete to keep you and your family busy all day.

 

Plenty of parking available for the school fete available just off St John's Road.

Gledswood Homestead

A few weekends ago (thankfully not the weekend of the downpour/flood!) I was fortunate to attend a wedding at Gledswood Homestead. Despite having lived in the area for almost two decades, this was my first visit to the historic homestead and winery. The wedding was held in one of three reception rooms. It was a lovely informal occasion. In addition to being a popular venue for wedding, Gledswood also hosts ghost tours and business events. They also source a range of wines from wine regions across Australia to sell at the Cellar Door, a convict built sandstone building. Unfortunately I didn't take time to fully explore this beautiful part of Macarthur's history but looking at their 'What's On' page there will be plenty of opportunity to do so in the future.

Gledswood hold a Family Farm Day once a month (second Sunday) and I think it sounds like an ideal winter outing. For more information about what's involved, here's a great video:



Gledswood Homestead is easily accessed off Camden Valley Way. For more information about coming events at Gledswood, check out their 'What's On' page.

Picton and Camden floods - how to help

The storm and subsequent flooding on June 5th devastated a number of businesses and residents in the Wollondilly area. Here are some ideas on how the Macarthur community can help.

This Saturday 18th June, Hype Fitness are running a charity bootcamp session at Gledswood Homestead and Winery to raise money for those groups affected by the recent storms. There will be live music, lucky door prizes and a silent auction. Visit Eventbrite to register.

This coming Sunday, 19th June, United Cinema in Narellan are donating funds to flood affected locals in the Camden and Wollondilly areas by screening the film Red Dog.

 



 

Wednesday 29th June, Wests Tigers will walk from Concord Oval to Picton - a distance of about 80kms - to fundraise for local residents and businesses affected by flood damage.

 

Saturday 23rd July 2016, Picton Sports Ground will be transformed into a 60,000+ -square meter playground for all ages, filled with music and entertainment, carnival rides and activities, a wide variety of market stalls, food vendors, arts, crafts and chill out areas, kids play zone, young folk, car show, auctions, silent auctions and other surprises. 100% of all donations raised on the day will go directly to Wollondilly residents and businesses. For more information check out the Facebook event page for Wollondilly's Big Day In.

 

If you're on Facebook, a Help Picton Storm Recovery page has been set up detailing several fundraising events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/573072192870714/

A Mayoral Relief Fund has been established by Wollondilly Council has established to support Picton’s residents. Donations to the Mayoral Relief Fund can be made over the counter at the Wollondilly Council offices or directly to the Wollondilly Shire Council Mayor’s Relief Fund bank account. For more information contact Wollondilly Council on 4677 9611 or email council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au.

Shopping for a pet?

Puppies and kittens are cute but there are plenty of adult animals in the Macarthur area who need a new home.

Campbelltown Council have a search facility where you can see what animals are currently being held in the pound and available for adoption. The website also has information about keeping pets and other animals including chickens and bees! If sustainability is something that interests you, be sure to head down to Riverfest at Koshigaya Park on the 27th of August.

Back to cats and dogs, and even rabbits, Furry Friends Forever Rescue is a registered not-for-profit organisation which aims to "rescue and rehouse abandoned, neglected or abused animals of all shapes and sizes".

Firefly Animal Rescue works to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals from the Campbelltown Animal Care Facility (the pound). They have a support base of foster carers and volunteers who attempt to find loving homes for animals that best suit their individual needs and personalities.

Wollongong Animal Rescue Network also actively rescues needy and unwanted animals from the pound in Rose St., Campbelltown.

There are various groups on Facebook working to find homes for dogs and cats that end up in the animal care facility including Community Helping Campbelltown Pound Cats.

If you adopt a desexed dog or cat either directly from the pound or through a pound approved rescue organisation (there's a list of these on the above Facebook page) you will pay a reduced rate of only $26 to register your new pet with Campbelltown Council. This is a one-off payment for a lifetime registration. For more information about registration, check out the pet ownership information page on Campbelltown Council's website.

If you are an animal lover but can't commit to a life-time of love right now, all rescue organisations are always looking to add more foster carers to their network.

Adopt, don't shop - they'll love you for it.

New sites for you!

Campbelltown Council have launched a new, mobile-friendly website detailing services, facilities and events.

There's also a new website called Macarthur Grapevine which aims to "connects some of the most exciting parts of Campbelltown City and the Macarthur region, and brings them together for you to explore." Unfortunately the page wouldn't open for me so I can't tell you anything about it.

Another website listing new to this site is eventfinda where you can search for events by region or even suburb.

What's your favourite website for finding out about upcoming events in the local area?

Koi at Campbelltown Arts Centre

Have awesome fun while raising funds for local group

Resolutions

Have you set your New Year resolutions yet? Successful people set goals and if you defo want life and biz in 2016 to be great, but want making plans to achieve that to be fun and creative, let yourself be guided by these popular, proven and powerful workbooks. 

“The 2016 Create Your Shining Year Biz and Life workbooks and brand spankin’ new weekly planner are incredibly popular and useful tools to help you plan out and make happen your most incredible year in life or business (or both!). 

Over the last seven years, thousands of women have used these goals workbooks with the most amazing results. It’s the best planning tool available to help you make your year your most exceptional yet! 

Used by entrepreneurs, artists, mamas, creatives, coaches, teachers and women of all ages, the Creating Your Shining Year workbooks + daily planner are filled with powerful worksheets to help you create your amazing new year.”

Inflatable World

No, Macarthur's newest attraction is not a place where you go and inflate things. It is a place full of jumpy / bouncy castles - perfect for expending excess energy now that the school holidays are here. We went when it first opened and it was pretty busy but I observed it cleared out around lunchtime so yesterday afternoon we went back for a return visit and there were no queues.

Adults can join in the fun too or sit and watch. Entry for participants is $15, with special pricing for children under 5. There is a sectioned off area for younger children next to the cafe so little ones can bounce and run while parents enjoy a drink. The venue is stroller friendly and there is plenty of parking.

In addition to the hoop run above there is a velcro wall, a 'cliff jump' and a 'jousting' arena. Lots of fun for all ages. Note that socks are required to be worn. 

Inflatable World is located at 1/79-83 Anderson Road, Smeaton Grange (next to Maximum Skating rink). They are closed now for the holidays but will re-open 4th of January and throughout the school holidays.

For more information visit: http://www.inflatableworldoz.com.au/stadiums/narellan

November Rain

 Rizal Park, Rosemeadow

It's November and that means unpredictable weather but more excitingly Fisher's Ghost! That's right, it's once again that time of year when we get to experience a parade, a street fair, outdoor gigs and movies, an art exhibition, carnival and fireworks - mostly FREE and all to celebrate the ghostly appearance of Fred Fisher, intent on guiding a local farmer to his body and thus solve the mystery of his disappearance 189 years ago.

For a full calendar of events check out the Festival of Fisher's Ghost website.

And if it's Fisher's Ghost, that must mean Christmas is just around the corner. If you happened to be at Macarthur Square this morning you may have witnessed the jolly man himself arriving, with his sizeable entourage, ready for those all essential Christmas photos. You can find out more about Santa's arrival at Macarthur Square's website. (Oh and a tip for parking - try the middle floor car-park, Big W end. Yes it's still open!)

Finally, if you're as organised as I am you're already thinking about planning for 2016 there's no more gorgeous way to do it than with Leonie Dawson's amazing 2016 workbooks + NEW weekly planner.

“The 2016 Create Your Shining Year Biz & Life workbooks and brand spankin’ new weekly planner are incredibly popular & useful tools to help you plan out & make happen your most incredible year in life or business (or both!).

 Over the last seven years, thousands of women have used these goals workbooks with the most amazing results. It’s the best planning tool available to help you make your year your most exceptional yet!

 Used by entrepreneurs, artists, mamas, creatives, coaches, teachers and women of all ages, the Creating Your Shining Year workbooks + daily planner are filled with powerful worksheets to help you create your amazing new year.”

Maximum Skating

Looking for something to keep the older kids active? Or perhaps learn a new skill, or even rekindle an old one? Maximum Skating offers a HUGE skating rink for rollerskate and inline skate sports. They have activities and sessions for all ages from pre-schoolers to adults and cater for individuals through to corporate groups, birthday parties and schools. If you've never skated before or if - like me - the last time you wore rollerskates was when Madonna wore a ra-ra skirt, Maximum Skating hold regular learn to skate sessions for both kids and teens/adults.

Maximum Skating is found at Max Arena, an international sized rink (52m x 25 m) surrounded by hockey tempered glass barriers. There is plenty of seating for spectators and a kiosk provides coffee and snacks. We've found the staff to be very friendly and helpful.

Ample underground parking and a ramp up to the front door for strollers or possibly those already wearing their skates.

Max Arena can be found at 75 Anderson Road, Smeaton Grange (at the end of Anzac Avenue).

For more info check out their website at: http://maximumskating.com.au or find them on Facebook for up to date events and session times.

Cambelltown Camden Community Band

Do you play an instrument or have you ever wanted to learn? The Campbelltown-Camden District Band is the place to be.