🌟 Editor's Note
Good morning {{first_name | resident}},
Welcome to the Lab #18.
I’d like to share my condolences to the victims and their families during yesterday’s brazen shooting.
I make a point of keeping politics and crime out of the newsletter, however some things are too powerful to ignore even when many suburbs removed.
Take care yourselves and your families everyone.
Norman.
Are you running an event or have news that could benefit the community? Maybe you have a local business and would like to partner with us. Shoot me an email: [email protected]
🗓️ Today’s Edition
🪧 Community News
Birrong Preschool Construction to Start Early 2026
Lidcombe Library Closure
🐶 Pet of the Week
Gingerbread
🔥 Events
Upcoming NBL/WNBL Games
Sydney Showground Events
Community Events

🪧 Community News 🪧
Source: Lynda Voltz via Facebook
🏫 Birrong Preschool Construction to Start Early 2026
The NSW Government is rolling out a $769 million investment to build 100 new public preschools—the biggest expansion the state has ever seen.
Lynda Voltz announced on her Facebook page one of these will be the new Birrong Public Preschool, designed to support up to 60 children a day with quality, play-based learning.
The site will feature three learning rooms, a modern outdoor play area and updated facilities.
Planning is nearly complete, with construction expected to kick off in early 2026.

ffSource: Cumberland City Council via Instagram
📚 Lidcombe Library Closure
Last week Cumberland City Council issued a notice advising that the Lidcombe Library was closed until further notice due to maintenance issues.

🐱 Pet of the Week 🐱
Purrever Homes
The pet of the week is Gingerbread - also known as Ginger from Western Sydney based Purrever Homes.
Ginger is a young, affectionate fluff ball with a curious streak.
He was found dumped in a park, thin and hungry, but he’s bounced back and is now on the hunt for humans he can spoil with love.
He’s friendly with other cats and may do well with a gentle, cat-friendly dog.
Ginger is desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready for his Purrever home just in time for Christmas.
At around 10 months old, he’s all about head bumps, attention and food.
If you’re keen to meet him, you can register your interest here.

🏀 Upcoming NBL/WNBL Games 🏀
DATE | EVENT | VENUE | TICKETS |
|---|---|---|---|
Sun 21 Dec | Kings vs Taipans | Qudos Bank Arena | |
Thu 25 Dec | Kings vs Hawks | Qudos Bank Arena | |
Tue 30 Dec | Flames vs Flyers | Qudos Bank Arena | |
Tue 30 Dec | Kings vs Bullets | Qudos Bank Arena |
🔥 Sydney Showground Events 🔥
EVENT | VENUE | TICKETS |
|---|---|---|
Horizon of Khufu | Fever Pavilion | |
Life Chronicle | Fever Pavilion | |
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel | Fever Pavilion | |
Bubble Planet | Paddington Pavilion | |
The Last Stronghold | Fever Pavilion |
This table contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, the LAB Newsletter earns commission at no additional cost to you.

🎈 Community Events 🎈
Check out events and things to do for this upcoming weekend and the next.
If you’re running an event, reach out to [email protected] or reply directly and I may be able to include it this section.
📚 Library Event - Santa Storytime
Santa is coming to town! Bring your little ones to the library for a special Christmas themed storytime and Christmas sing-a-longs. Parents must remain on the premises during the session.
Wentworthville Library - Tuesday 16 Dec, 11 am - 12 pm
Auburn Library - Wednesday 17 Dec, 11 am - 12 pm
📚 Library Event - Christmas Family Movie
Join the libraries for a relaxed Christmas movie afternoon—perfect for getting into the festive spirit. Follow a boy, his pet mouse and a brave little reindeer as they set off to find his father and the legendary village of Elfhelm.
Suitable for ages 5+ and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings open one week prior at 9am, and each attendee will need a ticket.
Merrylands Library – Tuesday 16 Dec, 4:00 pm
Auburn Library - Thursday 18 Dec, 4:00 pm
🥑 Eat Drink Nights
Location: 📍 Marina Square, 7 Wentworth Pl, Wentworth Point
🕕 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday (20 Dec): 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sample tasty foods like pizzas, skewers, tacos, burgers, bbq meats and ice cream
Some stalls provide vegan, plant-based and gluten free options.
Celebrate food, culture and community with live music.
For more information, click here.

🦘 Australia on ❎
Find out what they’re saying about us.
Quick interesting posts on X.com featuring Australia or its people.

Source: X.com
Context: A small black cat ran out during the 2016 Round 18 NRL match between Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks at Pepper Stadium. The Sharks defeated the Panthers shortly after the little black cat disappeared.



