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.

Tiny Tots Baby Market

The next Tiny Tots Baby Market, pre-loved baby & kids goods - is being held tomorrow, 28th October, at Ingleburn Community Hall from 10am to 1pm.

In this wheelchair accessible indoor venue at 72 Oxford Road (behind the library), you'll find stalls selling toys, clothes, prams, cots etc. Entry is $3. For more information check out the website at www.tinytotsbabymarket.com.au

It's that time of year again...

The Fisher's Ghost Festival has kicked off and there's lots happening this weekend with the street parade, family fun festival and Fisher's Gig on Saturday, and Fisher's Kids on Sunday at Campbelltown Arts Centre. As part of Fisher's Gig, there'll be fireworks going off at 9pm on Saturday so if you're near Bradbury Oval, a) head outside for a look and b) make sure your pets are locked away safe.

If you feel like heading out of Campbelltown for some tranquility, Bingara Gorge at Wilton are running some free events including a yoga class and story time plus a twilight cinema on Saturday. On Sunday they've got kids gardening and a science show. For more info, check out the website.

For something cultural, the 141st Scottish Highland Gathering is being held at the Castle Hill showground. This is a family event with dancing, bagpipes, haggis hurling (what the?), a vintage car display plus food and drink stalls. For more info, check out the Facebook page.

With so much happening in the Macarthur area and surrounds this weekend - and predicted good weather - it's going to be hard to make a choice. Where are you planning to be?

Spring Fairs and Spotlight on Careflight

There are some great events planned this weekend. If you are looking for some last minute outings in beautiful spring weather, both St. Peter's and St. John's schools have their annual fetes tomorrow (Saturday 13th). St. Peter's Spring Fair and Open Day advertises market stalls, rides & games, food stalls, displays, music and entertainment for what promises to be a fun-filled day. It's held in Howe Street, Campbelltown from 9am to 3pm. For more info ring 02 4627 2990 or www.stpeters.nsw.ed.au

Unfortunately the St. John's school fair doesn't seem quite as well advertised, however, we attended a couple of years ago and were entertained by rides, food stalls and displays. I am sure this year will be no different.

The Careflight fundraiser on Sunday the 14th promises to be a huge event including free tethered hot air balloon flights (we've done this and it's a great experience). Also advertised are raffles, wheelchair races, jumping castle, petting zoo and all day stage program among others. The event is well supported by the local community and proceeds go towards a good cause. We plan to head out there mainly for our 'wocka' (helicopter) mad toddler but it sounds like a great day for the whole family. Community Careflight is held at Tahmoor Sportsground, Thirlmere Way, Tahmoor. For enquiries contact 02 4683 1386 or 0412 373268.

Upcoming Events

There are some great and mostly free family friendly events planned for next month so put these in your calender:

7th September (Sunday): Father's Day celebrations at Mt. Annan Botanic Gardens. Entertainment includes slot-car racing, jumping castles, POG circus workshops, vintage car display and stage entertainment with Camden Community Band and "Mad Rhino". The gardens open at 10am and entertainment starts at 11am. Entry is $9 per vehicle. For more details call 02 4635 7935. This is a new one for us so I can't offer a personal perspective but the Gardens are always a great place to visit.

20th September (Saturday): Cinema Under the Stars. This event is also held at the Botanic Gardens from 6pm to 11pm. Two family movies are shown on an outdoor screen. We've been to this for a few years running and it's a great night. There are food and drink stalls (coffee and donuts taste twice as good al fresco). My tip is to wrap up warm because it can get nippy. Take a blanket and cushions to sit on. Entry is free. For more info call: 02 4645 5029. For more upcoming events in the Camden area, including the Camden Festival, see: http://www.camdenonline.com.au/camden_events.php

28th September (Sunday): Ready-to-Ride Day. We attended this event last year when it was held at Eschol Park. It's a great day out for families that love to cycle. There are fun educational activities and great prizes to be won. Last year there was also a free bicyle check-up (including minor adjustments) through a local bike centre. This year the event is being held at the Ambarvale Sportsground Cycleway behind Thomas Reddall High School. 10am to noon. For more info contact Campbelltown Council on 02 4645 4921.

Also on Sunday 28th September is Our Kids Fun Day at Sweeneys. Sweeneys is part of Scenic Hills near Ingleburn, easily accessed off the motorway. Aimed at kids under 12 there are jumping castles, the Paddle Pop lion, the Hogs Breath hog (that's him in the picture), face painting and rides from 10am to 3pm. We went a couple of years back and had a great day out. Entry is free but a gold coin donation goes towards the Mater Dei School. For more info call 1300 305 802.

Kites for Kids

Kites for Kids is a free annual event held at Koshigaya Park in support of families raising a child with a disability. We went along on Saturday the 23rd of August. It was very gusty so it was perfect weather for kite flying. Perhaps not so much for kite making but with all hands - and occasionally knees - on deck to stop them flying away during the construction process, kids were able to make a kite and then easily send them aloft.

There was also a jumping castle and face painting. The Rotary club were there supplying food and drinks via a sausage sizzle. Volunteers handed out show bags to parents and windmills to those too young to have a kite flying licence.

The event has been running for seven years as a fun way of raising funds for and providing information about local services. Pop it in your calendar to drop by for next year, it makes for a fun couple of hours in between Saturday shopping.