Stuart ayreS MP, Member for Penrith has congratulated Mr ross Graham of South Penrith, for 50 years of service to the community as a Justice of the Peace.
“Mr Graham is one of the longestserving JPs in the state, who has donated countless hours of his time to helping local people,” Stuart ayres said.
“Most people require the services of a JP at some point in their life - such as when they buy a house or need documents certified – and Mr Graham has always been happy to assist.”
“Serving as a JP for half a century is a remarkable achievement and Mr Graham is well deserving of this recognition.”
Justices of the Peace serve as an independent witness to documents people use for official or legal purposes. their duties include witnessing the signing of statutory declarations and certifying copies of original documents. JPs provide their services on a voluntary basis.
For more information on JPs or to find one in your local area please visit: www.jp.nsw.gov.au
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Well, it has been quite a year. As always it would have been a fabulous year for some and not so great for others.
The year 2022 brought in many changes, perhaps most notably on a national level, a change in federal government and it finally looks like the end of the pandemic. Or at least the end of the severity of the original strain and the associated rules and restrictions that were necessary to tackle it.
Freedom is a wonderful thing when you’ve tasted a snippet of what it is like to lose it. It almost seems like a faded memory that we were confined to our homes and unable to see family and friends. Forbidden from travelling interstate and overseas, missing out on precious time with loved ones, babies being born and funerals. Yet it was only last year.
It seems like we were in another world when you hark back to a time when we’d hear about a Covid case walking through a supermarket. The alerts that went out, people scrambling through bank statements and diaries to see if the time they were there coincided with a single positive case.
There will always be many different viewpoints on what went down and how it was handled. Personally I am on the team that believes we got through this with 95% of us uniting and rolling our sleeves up. Sadly a lot of lives were lost along the way. Thankfully the strain that is going around now is certainly a much milder version of the first and delta strains that circulated before vaccinations.
So I say job well done, it’s now time to get back to living, loving and travelling.
It was not an easy thing by anyone’s description, but we survived a worldwide pandemic and have the discarded mask to prove it.
Here’s to a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, thank you very much for your support throughout 2022 and we’ll see you in our first edition back, January 6 2023!
tHe happy end of the year is here!
Whether you’re an organised shopper or the type that will run out the door with just hours to spare, be sure you spend your shopping dollars in our local retail shops.
it’s important as a community to ensure our local businesses have a period of time where they thrive;
especially after the craziness of the past few years. it’s equally important to support our local dining. We need to keep them busy to ensure we continue to have a fabulous amount of choices when it comes to tantalising our tastebuds. in support of the shopping local focus, shopping bags are free from inner Forrest, 4oZ cafe or Penrith cBD corporation if you’re shopping local!
Domestic and family violence is an issue that affects all communities. Recently, staff from all Nepean Blue mountains Area Health District community health centres took part in domestic and family violence information sessions. From st clair to Lithgow, community health staff gathered over afternoon tea
to enhance staff awareness and knowledge of how best to support clients experiencing domestic and family violence.
if you or someone you know is affected by family violence, reach out for support by calling 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732. in an emergency, call Police on 000.
A FuNeRAL was held in Penrith for commissioner Anthony “tony” Lauer APm (Retired) of Glenmore Park who sadly passed away aged 86.
“Without question he was a great supporter of NsW Police Legacy and demonstrated this in various positions he held with the Police Association of NsW, a member of the Police Executive Group and finally, as Commissioner of Police,” said commissioner Ken moroney APm (Retired).
“He knew the challenges of securing a better future not only for police widows and widowers, but for our colleagues who are injured in their service. sadly, tony’s wife, Joy passed away in April 2022 and she too was a great supporter of Legacy.”
the retired NsW Police commissioner was also Former Grand master of the NsW/Act masonic Lodge.
Stuart ayreS MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the announcement that parents across the State can now access $150 worth of vouchers through the Premier’s Back to School NSW program, giving a boost to household budgets through savings on textbooks, uniforms, stationery and other school essentials.
Stuart ayres said the summer holidays are the time that families start buying supplies for the new school year and the voucher program would help cover those costs.
“the NSW Government wants to make sure every child attending school has the opportunity to strive for their best when they are in the classroom and providing access to essential items for learning is our priority,” Stuart ayres said.
“Parents, guardians and carers, including foster carers, can apply for three $50 Premier’s Back to School NSW Vouchers per child, which can be used at registered businesses towards items including bags, shoes, prescribed textbooks and lunchboxes.
“the end of year is an expensive time for many households with Christmas and family holidays to pay for, which is why the NSW Government is investing $193 million into the vouchers to help
ease those cost of living pressures.”
Stuart ayres said parents, guardians and carers can start applying for the vouchers now, until they expire on 30 June 2023, giving everyone plenty of time to take advantage of the savings.
“applying for the vouchers is quick and easy and can be done in a matter of minutes using the Service NSW app, on the phone or by visiting a Service NSW Centre.”
“Parents and carers can search for
registered businesses in our local area by using the online Business Finder tool and can use multiple vouchers in one transaction.”
Minister for education and early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Premier’s Back to School NSW program would ensure every schoolaged child has a brighter future.
“Whether your child is about to begin kindergarten next year or is heading to high school, families of every child enrolled in a government or nongovernment school, or registered for home-schooling in 2023 is eligible,” Ms Mitchell said.
“these vouchers will help make sure every child is equipped with the essential items they need to succeed as the new school year kicks off.”
the Premier’s Back to School NSW program is one of more than 70 government rebates and vouchers available through the Savings Finder program.
For more information about the vouchers visit www.service.nsw.gov. au/back-to-school-vouchers, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit your local Service NSW Service Centre.
Customers can search for registered businesses here: https://vouchers. service.nsw.gov.au/vouchers/ providers-search/
IN the lead up to the school holidays, NSW Health is urging parents to be aware of the dangers of vaping among young people.
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant encouraged parents to have early conversations with young people to help discourage vaping.
“We are encouraging parents to be aware of the dangers vapes pose and to be on the lookout for devices which could look like uSB sticks, pens or highlighters,” Dr Chant said.
“Vapes contain dangerous ingredients which could cause irreversible damage to the health and development of young people. there is no such thing as a safe vape.”
“We are also aware that there are links between mental health concerns and vaping among young people. If parents or young people are concerned for their mental health, they can call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 for referral to the most appropriate service. Quitline counsellors on 13 78 48 are also available to answer questions about vaping and provide advice and support for parents and young people.”
As part of the Do You Know What You’re Vaping? awareness campaign, which NSW Health launched earlier this year, a toolkit was published for parents, school staff and others who have interactions with young people, with information and guides to have a conversation with children about the dangers of vaping.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said evidence shows that vaping is akin to breathing in the same harmful chemicals found in weedkiller and nail polish remover, dressed up in hundreds of flavours
and bright colours to be attractive to kids.
“the potential harm is enormous and we need to share this information with our kids,” Mr Hazzard said.
Between March and June 2022, the Do You Know What You’re Vaping? campaign had over 11.5 million social media impressions and enabled over 100,000 young people, parents, carers and teachers to access materials and have conversations about the harms of vaping.
Dr Chant said: “It’s encouraging to hear parents are taking action to protect their children, and we continue to urge the community to report retailers who are selling illegal vapes via the NSW Health website. this information really helps to inform our enforcement efforts.
“earlier this year we put retailers across the state on notice, if they were selling illegal vapes, they would be caught, illegal items seized and destroyed, and they could face prosecution. We continue to make good on this commitment with NSW Health seizing more than 166,000 e-cigarette products totalling an estimated street value of over $4.6 million from February 2021 to September 2022,” Dr Chant said.
Parents and the community can provide information to inform the enforcement action at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/ let-us-know-reportscomplaints.aspx
Quitline counsellors are available to answer questions about vaping on 13 7848 (13 QuIt). Quitline is a telephone-based service offering information and advice. Quitline counsellors can provide tips and strategies, and help people to plan their quit attempts, based on their own needs and preferences. they can also help parents and carers think of ways to approach a conversation about vaping with young people.
the Mental Health Line can put you in contact with the most relevant mental health service. It is available to everyone in NSW and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1800 011 511.
anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).
We continue to use this information to close in on retailers who break the law and sell illegal vapes and liquids containing nicotine.
This quarter alone we broke records with nearly 53,000 products seized, worth over an estimated $1.6 million. Dr Chant
“
Green thumbs were busy at work last week when Year 4 students at Penrith Public School and Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen united to plant a community section for the new Green Living Hoarding at Soper Place.
Council has partnered with living infrastructure specialists, Junglefy, to deliver the green hoarding for the Soper Place revitalisation project, using their innovative Breathing WallTM technology.
The students learned the importance of biophilia and the impact of plants in cities during Junglefy’s presentation, before joining Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen in getting their hands dirty.
“This was a fun, hands-on activity for Penrith Public School students as they learned just how vital plants and trees are to reducing urban heat within the City,” said Cr Hitchen.
“Once the community modules have had time to establish in the nursery and are installed at Soper Place, students will be able to see their valuable contribution in making Penrith greener and helping to cool the City,” she said.
The Green Living Hoarding Project at Soper Place is part of the Greening Our City grant program, proudly funded by the nSW Government in association with Local Government nSW and Penrith City Council
Penrith City Council has secured a $500,000 Greening Our City Grant, Stream 2: Green Innovations towards
Junglefy CeO Suzie Barnett said the Junglefy Breathing Wall spans 150 sqm along Belmore and Lawson Streets and will deliver multiple environmental benefits to combat climate change for the residents of Penrith City.
“Our unique nature-based solution uses over 3,000 plants combined with Junglefy’s patent pending Breathing Technology, which has been scientifically proven to remove harmful pollutants, absorb street noise, reduce air temperatures and enhance biodiversity.
“We are experiencing the harsh
reality of climate change and we must find unique ways to mitigate the impacts and create better places for people in our urban environments,” said Ms Barnett.
Cr Hitchen added, “The Green Living Hoarding is a prelude of what is to come at Soper Place. The design of the Soper Place development will
provide a multi-use community space, a public rooftop garden and rainwater harvesting—all supporting Council’s commitment to sustainability.”
Installation of the Green Living Hoarding community section are expected to be complete in December 2022. Visit penrith.city/SoperPlace for more information.
THe research Services Team at Penrith City Library has once again mined their beloved Photographic Collection for photographs to create another calendar celebrating Penrith’s history with interesting facts about the naming origins of twelve of Penrith City’s suburbs.
Penrith City Library has been creating the calendar for 20 years, with the first calendar originally released in 2003. The calendar is available at all three Library branches from Thursday 1 December 2022 for $5.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen praised the research Services Team for a successful 20 years of collating the beloved History Calendar.
“The Library’s research Services Team outdo themselves every year with the calendar, especially because they know how much the community loves looking back at Penrith’s photographic history,” Cr Hitchen said.
“For the last 20 years, the team has explored postcards from Penrith, our cultural heritage, remembering Gallipoli on its 100th anniversary, and ‘then and now’.
“The calendar is a great platform for Penrith City Library to showcase their wonderful photographic collection which includes photographs donated by residents over the years,” she said.
The photographs included in the calendar are from the Library’s Photographic Collection, which is accessible via Penrith Library’s Catalogue in the Local Archives Search at library.penrith.city
the Penrith Civic Centre, St Marys Council Office and Penrith City Library’s three branches will be closed during the Christmas and new Year holiday period from Saturday 24 December 2022 until tuesday 3 January 2023, with customer and Library services affected during this time.
Penrith City Library’s branches will be operating on shortened hours on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 December 2022 before closing at 1pm on Saturday 24 December, with Penrith City Council’s Penrith Civic Centre and St Marys Office operating on shortened hours before closing at 12pm on Friday 23 December and reopening at 8am on tuesday 3 January.
residents are encouraged to continue to access Penrith Council’s online Services Portal during the break with any enquiries and requests at my.penrith.city
Limited phone services will be available during this period for emergency calls only. Waste services will continue as per the scheduled collection day with increased collections of all bins occuring for a two-week period between Monday 26 December 2022 and Friday 6 January 2023.
Penrith City Library members can still access the eLibrary during the closure period via the free Penrith City Library app, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, the Local history Blog, online eresources such as the Sydney Morning herald, transparent Language online, and Ziptales’ online interactive stories for kids. tickets for January school holiday programs are available via the app. the Library catalogue can be accessed via library.penrith.city return chutes will be closed during this period. Physical items borrowed after Friday 1 December 2022 will be due on Friday 6 February 2023.
Council’s offices and Penrith City Library’s branches will reopen on tuesday 3 January 2023 under normal operating hours.
WentWorth healthcare, provider of the nepean Blue Mountains Primary health network, have released the tender to commission a suitable lead agency to establish and operate the new headspace centre in the hawkesbury.
the full-service headspace is due to open by December 2023 and Wentworth healthcare is seeking a service provider that can deliver high quality, effective and timely youth friendly services to the hawkesbury community, in line with the headspace centre service model.
the centre will support early intervention, detection and treatment for young people aged 12-25 at risk of or experiencing issues with mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and/or other drugs, as
well assistance with vocational and educational services.
It is estimated that of those aged 5-17 years in the hawkesbury, over a quarter have mental health needs or were affected by a mental health disorder. Wentworth healthcare Ceo, Lizz reay, said the service would be vital in supporting young people and their families, particularly as many navigate life after multiple natural disasters and the pandemic.
“hawkesbury youth have been through so much, from drought to bushfires, a pandemic and multiple floods. These events have had a profound impact on our youth, and we know that headspace services play an important role in supporting young people and their mental health. We have been advocating for additional
youth mental health services in our region for some time and are excited that we can now take the next step in meeting the needs of the hawkesbury community,” said Ms reay.
“Intervention programs such as headspace are critical as they not only impact young people’s lives in the present but can influence the whole community as these young people mature into adulthood,” she said.
Federal member for Macquarie, Susan templeman, said “headspace is a long-overdue but vital service for young people and their families in the hawkesbury. A full-service headspace should provide a very tailored, holistic approach to mental good health for our youth. It can help tackle problems as they emerge and be the sort of place a young person is
happy to visit.”
“A service like this could have been life-changing for my family when my kids were teenagers, and I look forward to the doors being open as soon as possible,” she said.
Service providers interested in responding to the tender are encouraged to attend an online information session with Wentworth healthcare and headspace national on tuesday 13 December, at 10:00am - 11:00am. the session will provide organisations with an overview of the tender process and an opportunity to ask questions. register via www.nbmphn.com.au/events tender applications close 5:00pm Monday 30 January 2023. For more information or to apply visit www.nbmphn.com.au/tenders
the nSW Government will make the practice of rent bidding illegal to improve affordability for those seeking rental accommodation amid high cost of living pressures.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said banning rent bidding would help prospective tenants secure housing in a tight rental property market in a fair way.
“It’s time to put an end to this practice and give more people security and certainty so they can plan for their future,” Mr Perrottet.
“the search for a rental property
is tough enough without it turning into a bidding war that pushes people beyond their comfort level.
“An advertised rental fee should be just that and we will take action to ensure rental bidding is outlawed.”
the outlawing of solicited rent bidding, the practice where a landlord or agent invites, suggests or asks prospective tenants to increase their offer of rent for a property in order to secure it, will be made through urgent changes to regulations under the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002.
the new regulations will apply to all new listings from Saturday, 17 December 2022.
Minister for Fair trading Victor Dominello said the reforms to regulations struck the right balance between the interests of renters, landlords and real estate agents.
“It can be very distressing for prospective tenants who have submitted a rental application only to be told to increase their offer to improve their prospects of securing a property,” Mr Dominello said.
“From this weekend, agents
will be prohibited from inducing a prospective tenant to offer an amount higher than that advertised for the property.
“Further, real estate agents cannot advertise a property unless it specifies the rent payable for the property.”
nSW Fair trading will work with real estate agents and landlords to ensure they are aware of and comply with the new regulations.
Advice for renters is available on the nSW Fair trading website www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ housing-and-property/renting
MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the announcement that parents of school-aged children including those starting Kindergarten in 2023, now have more opportunity to claim a $500 voucher for Before and after School Care (BaSC), just in time to help with the cost of vacation care over the summer holidays.
the NSW Government’s $155 million BaSC Voucher Program helps families with household budget pressures, and more than 263,000 vouchers worth $500 have already been claimed by parents. Of these, more than 197,000 have been redeemed at a BaSC service to help families with the cost of care.
Stuart ayres said we know that BaSC vouchers were a huge success in Penrith.
“I encourage families who have not already downloaded and redeemed a BaSC voucher before the summer holidays to do so, this will help cover the cost of vacation care,” Stuart ayres said
“these vouchers aim to alleviate some of the financial pressures that we know occur after the summer break and the start of school.”
Minister for education and early Learning Sarah Mitchell said parents should download and redeem the $500 vouchers available to them.
“every family with a child going into Kindergarten in 2023 can now download their voucher until 31 January 2023 if they have not yet done so.
“these vouchers support students in getting quality before and after school care, but also allows parents to have more money back in their household budgets.”
the Before and after School Voucher Program is delivered in partnership with Service NSW.
Customers can register and apply online via a MyService NSW account, in the app, or by visiting their nearest Service Centre.
To apply or find out more information about BaSC vouchers, visit: www.service. nsw.gov.au/basc-voucher
Western sydney Wanderers took another step on their journey to be the leading football club in Asia with the opening of their new $7 million Wanderers Fives facility at Wanderers Football Park.
Featuring nine all-weather five-aside FIFA grade synthetic turf pitches, Wanderers Fives will provide an integrated high-performance facility for community use and Western sydney Wanderers talent development pathways.
the facility, which was funded through a $5 million nsW Government grant, also includes a clubhouse with office space, function room and change rooms, new amenities building, landscaping, and supporting infrastructure.
Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer said Wanderers Fives was an investment for the local football community.
“Our brand-new Wanderers Fives facility will be the centrepiece of our community engagement with an expected 200,000 visitors per year,” said Mr Lederer.
“There is a significant football facilities deficit in Western Sydney and Wanderers Football Park shows our club is playing a major role to sustain and grow football in our community.
“On behalf of my fellow owners Jefferson Cheng and Glenn Duncan, I would like to thank the nsW Government and Office of Sport for their funding support for this project
and hope to work in partnership with the nsW Government in the future to deliver more transformational football infrastructure projects in Western sydney.”
Minister for sport Alister Henskens said Wanderers Fives would provide a dedicated facility for the development of Western sydney football talent as well as a home for community competitions.
“the Western sydney Wanderers have a brief but highly successful history,” Mr Henskens said.
“the new Wanderers Fives facility will ensure the Wanderers continue to develop players that dominate not just the A-Leagues but Asian and world football just like current socceroos stars and former Wanderers players Keanu Baccus, Mitch Duke, and Aaron Mooy.
“Featuring dedicated female facilities, Wanderers Fives will also help break down barriers in women’s
sport and support the success of the Wanderers’ A-League Women’s team.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee officially opened the facility on behalf of the nsW Government and said the project was part of a $1 billion sports facility construction boom across nsW.
“the nsW Government’s sports facility infrastructure program is creating thousands of construction jobs and providing an economic boost to our economy.”
Western sydney Wanderers CeO scott Hudson thanked the nsW Government for their support and belief in the Wanderers Fives project.
“We are delighted to open our Wanderers Fives facility at Wanderers Football Park today with the support of the nsW Government,” said Hudson.
“Our vision for Wanderers Fives has always been to make football more accessible as it addresses the significant football facility deficit here
in Western sydney.
“We are excited for Wanderers Fives to be a home ground for diverse multicultural groups, local clubs, and associations for years to come.
“Importantly for this project we have adopted strong sustainability measures including solar and battery storage, water capture and locally produced items including goals, turf, sand, and contractors to further promote the talent and resources we have in our own backyard.”
the project was funded through round two of the Greater sydney sports Facility which awarded $39.95 million to 22 projects for new and existing facilities to improve the quality and quantity of sports infrastructure for all sections of the community, including women, people with disability and multicultural communities.
sign-up to play at www.wswanderersfc.com.au/fives
stuDents at the nepean Creative and Performing Arts High school will have a spring in their step on the way to class following the nsW Government’s decision to build a new footpath.
stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith said safety of the school students was a priority which is why the nsW Government agreed to deliver a pedestrian connection from the new emu Plains Commuter Car Park through to the Great Western Highway.
the footpath is fully funded by the nsW Government.
“the new footpath will be delivered as part of the emu Plains Commuter Car Park project, where more than 750 new parking spaces are being provided on the northern side of the railway line,” stuart Ayres said.
“With the station precinct being upgraded with new parking facilities and better access, we have listened to the community and improved pedestrian connectivity between the school and the railway station,” stuart Ayres said.
“the new 220-metre pedestrian pathway with new lighting and
fencing provides a safer alternative for students and the community to cross the road at the intersection of Old Bathurst road and the Great Western Highway.
“emu Plains has become an important interchange for customers wanting to transfer to public transport, it is expected the commuter car park
will be available for public use in early 2023.”
Melissa McIntosh, Member for Lindsay said after hearing from our local school community and working hard alongside stuart, “I’m pleased to see this safety measure funded by the nsW state Government.”
A representative from the nepean
Creative and Performing Arts High school welcomed this fantastic new development as it ensured students were able to travel safely to and from the station and thanked all those who had been involved in delivering the pedestrian path.
the new footpath is expected to be completed by mid-2023.
We’ve all heard that old Bing Crosby Christmas song, “I’ll be home for Christmas”, a poignant reminder to us all of the importance of being amongst family at such a special time of year.
However the reality is that during the Christmas period, many lives are lost on Australian roads leaving countless families and friends devastated as they start to plan a funeral rather than celebrating around the Christmas tree.
As well as fatalities, there’s also the devastating impact of road trauma.
Research shows that for every one death on the road, 30 people are hospitalised, with estimates that approximately 35,000 people are seriously injured each year in crashes on our nations roads.
So, as we head into the festive season, Road Safety education Limited (RSe), the leading road safety education organisation and the provider of the RYDA program, urges us all to “Drive So Others Survive” and use the words from various Christmas carols to help get us home safely.
God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen (and women!)… Don’t let yourself drive if you’re feeling very tired, as fatigue can cause you to lose concentration on the road. Fatigue is suspected to be the primary cause of more than 20% of road fatalities. If you are on the road and you start to yawn, your eyes feel heavy or your concentration is waning, pull over and take a 15 minute power nap.
We wish you a Merry Christmas… – but not too merry… We’ve all heard the statistics and campaigns around drink driving in this country. Whilst the legal limit of alcohol in your system on
the road is 0.05 in most cases, your best bet is to avoid drinking alcohol altogether if you plan on driving the family around at Christmas time.
Alcohol impairs your judgement, gives you slower reaction times, causes fatigue and if over the limit, you may end up with fines and loss of your license, or worse – causing serious injury to you, your family and others on the road.
Silent Night …. The possibility of road crashes increases at night, due to visibility issues, fatigue and wildlife. If you are travelling at night and your car breaks down, ensure that you put your hazard lights on so that you’re visible to oncoming traffic.
Do you hear what I hear? …. Hopefully you are not hearing the sound of your mobile phone –a major distraction in a vehicle. Being distracted increases your chances of having a crash. It slows down your reaction times and puts you in danger of failing to see hazards such as traffic lights, stop signs or other road users, including pedestrians and bicycle riders. This Christmas put your phone in the glove box and drive safely!
Find lots of great safety tips visit Road Safety education at rse.org,au
Because after all, all your family really want for Christmas…. Is you!
St MaryS rugby League Club & Signatures held their 3rd annual Community Christmas Luncheon on tuesday 13th December, simply to say “thanks”. Worthy organisations attending the luncheon included PCyC, Penrith Community Kitchen, Mama Lana’s Kitchen, your Community Needs St Marys, the Haven Women’s Shelter, Nepean area Disabilities Organisation (NaDO), Westcare, Our Community Cares, the Northcott Society and the Luke Priddis Foundation.
On offer for all was a buffet lunch, beverages, an extraordinary raffle and a special visit from Santa for the kids.
an event such as this can be attributed to the kindness of the St Marys rugby League Club Board of Directors and the generosity of Michael Lau, owner of Signatures Catering Group, whom year-afteryear donates the delicious food and a huge range of gifts for those attending.
“Whilst our community remains remarkably resilient, the ongoing effects of Covid and the devastating floods in 2022 really do put an emotional and financial strain on our
local charities and support groups,’ said Marketing Manager Cathy Joy.
“Particularly over the Christmas period when demand is high, it’s nice to show our support and say thanks to this humble group of superstars.”
President of the Club, Warren Smith, congratulated the community groups for all their efforts in 2022 and spoke words of encouragement for the year ahead.
Penrith PCyC President and Penrith Community Kitchen Secretary, Gai Hawthorn, thanked St Marys rugby League Club & Signatures for their continued support, and noted that without the funding provided, many local organisations would not be able
to continue providing the care and support that is so needed.
this Christmas event follows a year of Saints expressing its gratitude to the Club’s local healthcare heroes, emergency service personnel and those at the front-line.
In October this year, Saints was privileged to fund and host two very special events. The first being a ‘Caring for Carers’ event in collaboration with NaDO and the second working with Our Community Cares to thank our local unsung pandemic heroes.
Community is at the heart of what Saints do; these events are simply a way of saying “thank you”.
By KeRRI e DAVI e S
Western s ydney could
be home to a new $386 million indoor winter sports facility, under plans on exhibition for community feedback.
executive Director of Key sites and regional Assessments Anthea sargeant encouraged the public to have its say on a proposal to build the mixed-use development, which includes a learn-to ski run and a 170room hotel.
“If approved, an indoor snow resort would be built on the banks of the nepean river, bringing 365 days of winter to the Penrith LGA,” Ms sargeant said.
“the proposal seeks to develop more than two hectares of land into a
300-metre ski run, hotel, restaurants, thermal pools, ice climbing facilities, and a snow play area.”
Ms sargeant said if approved, the development would be a unique tourism drawcard for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities and boost the local economy.
“the proposed development could attract more than one million visitors annually, create around 2,700 construction and ongoing jobs, and inject more than $220 million each year into the Western sydney economy,” Ms sargeant said.
“the site could provide Australian winter athletes year-round training for Olympic sports at home.”
the alpine attraction features green technology and incorporates renewable and recycled materials in the development’s design, with electric car charging points, solar panels, and
rainwater collected from the roof and onsite tanks to make snow and ice.
the proposal is on exhibition until 31 January 2023. All feedback received will need to be addressed by the applicant and be considered as part of the Department of Planning and
environment’s rigorous assessment process.
For more information and to have your say, visit: www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/major-projects/ projects/winter-sports-world-2tench-avenue-jamisontown
Whether you read them when you crack open a bonbon or your Dad is a chronic teller of them, it just wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t have to suffer a few Christmas jokes, now would it?
Here’s a few to make you groan.. er sorry... laugh!
What do you call a broke Santa Claus? Saint-nickel-less
What do you get when you cross a duck with Santa? A Christmas quacker
What’s Santa’s favorite snack food? Crisp Pringles
Why do mummies like Christmas so much? they’re into all the wrapping.
How much did Santa pay for his sleigh? Nothing. It was on the house!
What do you call an elf wearing ear muffs? Anything you want. he can’t hear you!
What nationality is Santa Claus? North Polish
What do you call a blind reindeer? I have no eye deer
What did Adam say to his wife the night before Christmas? It’s finally Christmas, Eve!
As we head towards the end of the year, its a good time to think about your pets and the New Years Eve festivities. Although we all love to celebrate the dawning of a new year (especially after the one we’ve just had!) dogs and cats don’t usually enjoy the shenanigans.
There’ll be many celebrations locally that may involve fireworks, loud cheering, music and popping sounds. Unfortunately, what sounds like great fun to us isn’t to pets - it is terrifying.
The RsPCA says these out of the ordinary sounds can indirectly pose risks to animal safety by causing them to take flight and try to escape the loud noises.
“Dogs and horses in particular often try to run away when frightened by fireworks, and may injure themselves,” a spokesperson from the RsPCA said.
“Many of these animals can end up several kilometres from home. Dogs have been known to jump through plate glass windows to escape loud noises, and easily jump over, or dig their way under fences that would normally contain them.”
What can I do for my dog?
• Prepare early.
• Talk to your vet about the treatment options available for managing noise phobias – ask them about any new treatment options.
• Take your dog out for exercise before the fireworks start e.g. a reasonably long walk, then after a couple of hours you can feed them a meal. A tired and well-fed dog may be less anxious during the night. If you can, stay home to be with your pet.
• Let your dog be with you, remain calm and perform your normal activities. Avoid fussing over your pet excessively as this may encourage anxious behaviour. Try to engage them in normal activities such as playing. Reward your dog for their calm behaviour, rewards include giving dog treats and their favourite dog toy.
• Keep your dog indoors if possible, close the blinds/curtains to decrease visual stimuli, and create a comfortable hiding place. An example of a hiding place can be a cardboard box with blankets inside. Cover the box with another blanket and put on some soft music or the TV to help mask the noise outside.
• Distract your dog with games and food. Do not force these on your dog if they want to hide instead.
• Do not punish your dog if they show signs of fear and distress.
• Dogs who panic can choke themselves on a collar or lead, so never tether your dog during these times and never use a choke chain to restrain your dog.
• Make sure your dog is microchipped and that your contact details are up to date on the microchip register. Also ensure they are wearing an ID tag with your up to date contact details, so they can be easily returned if they accidentally escape.
• Direct supervision is important to help prevent
injury or escape. If you cannot supervise your dog on the night consider making alternative arrangements so your dog will be supervised by a responsible person directly or you could even consider boarding your dog with a good and reputable boarding kennel so they will be safe.
• Dog-appeasing pheromones may help to reduce the intensity of fear in your dog, and can help create a calming environment.
• Dogs should not be left outside alone as this greatly increases the risk of them experiencing fear and distress as well as a greater likelihood of escape.
What about cats and other pets?
The RsPCA suggests that cats should be kept indoors during fireworks displays.
“Most cats will find somewhere safe to hide and will usually venture out when the noise stops; ensure that they have some comfortable and safe places to hide. Make sure you cat is microchipped and your details are up to date on the microchip register in case they escape and become lost,” the spokesperson said.
“Rabbits and other small animals like guinea pigs should be safely housed during the fireworks display.
“Horses are particularly vulnerable to bolting when exposed to fireworks. In preparation for a known fireworks event nearby, if possible, horses should be securely stabled or temporarily moved to a location away from the fireworks display, to minimise the risk of them physically harming themselves.
“Any sharp objects that might injure a panicking horse should be removed, stable windows should be covered to hide the sight of the fireworks and to reduce the noise, and food and water should be available for the horse.”
From my family to yours, may I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2023. Thank you for supporting me throughout the year, and I look forward to continuing to be your voice.
“ “
From cooking classes, read-a-thons, music and learn to swim programs, there are a range of fun activities to enjoy these school holidays!
Launch into reading these school holidays with the Orbit Summer Read-a-thon! Get a Library membership and grab a log sheet to keep track of everything you read for the chance to win great prizes, including a $5 book voucher if you read 20 books or more*.
Open to children aged up to 16 years old. Cost: free.
*Limit of one $5 book voucher per entrant. Terms and conditions apply.
Peter
Clever scripting, amazing magic and hilarious physical comedy means there’s something for everyone in this interactive show that is sure to delight and enchant children and grown-ups alike. Bookings essential. Suitable for children aged 3-12. Cost: $8 per person.
Trash Percussion is a vibrant and inclusive style of percussion designed with the view that anything can be a musical instrument. Join Ian Watson as he empowers your children to create a one-ofa-kind instrument. Bookings essential. Suitable for children aged 8-14. Cost: $12 per child.
26 January)
Keep the kids entertained these school holidays with Ripples’ School Holiday Program delivered by our friendly, fun and qualified staff. Each day we offer a different activity from games, craft, cooking, water activities, and more! Open to children aged 5-12. Cost: $15 per child per session.
Explore a universe of stories this summer when you visit Ripples Penrith with our free Poolside Story Walk. Follow the story trail of ‘Boo’s Adventures at the Pool’ by Laurie Lawrence. Don’t forget to record this story in your Penrith City Library Orbit Summer Read-a-thon log sheet! Suitable for children aged 3+. Cost: free with entry to Ripples Penrith.
Fast-track your swimming skills by attending swimming lessons at an increased frequency during the holidays. Programs are available for all skill levels and are open to current and new students. Open to children aged 3-16. Cost: $65 per child for five lessons.
“I had to take some time to quickly drop off some flowers for these awesome ladies between school presentations,” Prue Car MP said.
“Salon Kiin is a fantastic local business that has been keeping Penrith’s hair looking fabulous for many years.
“Many of you would know Maria, Brierley and the team at the Salon very well I’m sure!
“Thank you so much for everything you do.”
Don’t miss the final St Marys Cinema this Saturday 17 December from 6pm, as we end the series on a festive note with the hilarious Christmas classic, Elf (2003).
• Dress up in your best festive outfit - there is free face painting to help complete the look!
• Enjoy free popcorn for the first 200 people.
• Dessert trucks will be there with tasty treats available for purchase.
Christmas is nearly here, so why not join us for a relaxing, fun and free night out at the movies!
St Marys Cinema: Christmas Cinema Elf (2003), Saturday 17 December, 6pm-9pm Coachmans Park, St Marys
The Lions Club of Emu Plains delivering their famous Christmas cakes to The Royce. Pictured here with Royce Simmons and Maria Carew.
NepeaN Times says that Saturday night was certainly one of the liveliest spent in penrith for a very long while on Christmas eve in 1887. Shortly after 8 o’clock High street was crowded and continued to be until midnight, the various business places doing a roaring trade. Leaving the railway station about 9 o’clock we were determined to see how our various businessmen and women were doing, paying special attention to our own friends the advertisers. The results of Saturday night’s business must have astonished the most sanguine of our tradesmen, especially those who have grumbled so much lately of the dullness of times. every branch of trade appeared to be thriving except the undertakers and we were pleased with that at any rate. Leaving the station, we first had a look in at the Red Cow hotel where they were doing a roaring trade and with very great difficulty managed to drink Mr and Mrs Smith’s health. Friend Seymour on the opposite side was at his wits end. The shop was chock full and he and his assistants were as busy as nailers. Griffiths was also well filled. alex Frew was also busy and there were several angry ones who gave him some “cast iron” prayers for having to wait for their Christmas suits. Of course, everybody knows alex Frew’s name, where he lives and that he makes clothes and mends them and that every customer of his gets his 20 cents worth for his £1. “Gossy’s” tobacco store was driving a good trade and was as happy as a sand boy. W Reddan and Mrs Glasscock were fairly busy but the Salvation army and some broken down troubadours drew the greatest crowd on the opposite side. passing down towards Riley street we noticed that P Reddan was doing fairly well. Horstmann was very busy and Stanton was also doing a fair trade. Realff and Sharp’s natty hairdressing shop was the centre of attraction in this locality and they were kept as busy as could be. We then turned our attention to High street east after spending a few minutes redeemed with the “army”. George Nash’s new store was a source of considerable attraction and many had to wait for upwards of an hour to have their wants supplied. Shelberg appeared to be very slack but Joe Hill the tailor was kept busy putting the last fitting touches on sundry Christmas suits. Mrs Watson was fairly busy and Morgan’s shop on the opposite side was fairly thronged, in fact his shop and that of G Nash was a great attraction. Mrs Fisher did but little, and Hatton’s shop adjoining was full. Saturday night must have been an exceedingly profitable one for Mr Hatton and he deserved it too. Tom Doyle was very busy, in fact too busy to wish us a merry Christmas. Judges’ chemist premises that was brilliantly illuminated was also the source of considerable attraction and unusually busy, the principal business being done in Christmas cards and perfumery as people don’t want much physic for Christmas. Judges Bros were also busy and there appeared to be as many waiting outside to be served as there were in and the shop was full. passing on then to Mrs Spence’s premises we were surprised at the amount of business she was doing in newspapers for Christmas reading. Next we came to was Benaud’s jewellery store who was also busy with his show of novelties in jewellery etc, certainly as good as any metropolitan house. Learmont’s establishment was full up and there were numbers waiting, in fact he and his assistants were so busy during the day that they had no time to have their meals. The same can be said of Fulton’s, for the immense establishment with an extra number of assistants was thronged throughout the day. W & e Fulton are the people who make very large purchases of drapery etc before the Customs duties are stuck on by the
protectionist policy. They are in fact prophets in their own country and they prophecy loudly too. They say to those about to get married, buy our furniture, to those about to travel, buy our portmanteaus, Gladstone bags and to those who want clothing, come to us and get material of the latest cut and fashion. To those who want groceries and new fruit for Christmas, “buy, eat and ye shall be full”. Surely these are invitations at which a King could not avail nor a real live Lord find fault, nay even the great cricketer Grace would grasp at opportunities such as these. Smeaton’s Christmas boots and shoe store did a rattling trade as did Charlie Smith. Then nothing of any importance occurred until we reached Worboys. Have you heard about Davey Worboys’ phoenix Fire Office. No fires at Christmas if the humpy’s insured. This establishment was well filled and the purchases made there on Santa Claus’ account must have astonished the proprietor. On to J & J Cleeve’s immense establishment was well filled with an eager anxious throng. Good’s hotel did a big trade as did Mrs Bird. Kenny’s establishment was well filled and they did a capital days business. William Orth’s saddle and buggy harness store was not very busy at night but throughout the day he had been kept going. He’s a good sort of fellow too. If fathers require straps to settle up with the “nippers” for eating too much Christmas pudding, our friend Orth will only be too pleased to supply them, and as for saddles, harness, etc., well there’s nothing like his stock out of Sydney. We did a miss at the lock-up, but that establishment we were pleased to say did but little business. passing onto Neales’ large shop which was well filled and they did great business. Henry Neale of High Street east has as usual put in his Christmas supply of drapery, millinery, fancy goods, grocery, cutlery, crockery and boots and shoes, in fact his warehouse is the repository of everything from the proverbial needle to the anchor and those who call on him may be relied upon to leave the shop with a gratified countenance and a large pile of purchases under either arm. Next we visited Walmsley’s commercial hotel and the landlord greeted us with a smile and wished us a very merry Christmas. He was doing a roaring trade and was happy and jolly as could be. On our return we called in at Jack Costin’s to have our face fixed up for Christmas. Christmas shaves and cuts are booming now brighter than ever but judge our surprise at 11pm to find over 20 waiting!. He informed us that he had not a mouthful to eat since 7am that morning. We managed to get fixed up at about midnight and retired looking forward to a bright and merry Christmas on the following day. In St Marys it was Old english roast beef at Garner’s butchery, there are few who have not heard of William Garner of St. Marys. Christmas beef,. Christmas ham, Christmas everything can be obtained from him and Morris’s store for Christmas supplies and who is it that has not heard of Henry Wake the St Marys photographer, picture framer, etc. If you want a sign board or a dray-plate, or your name set into your gravestone, he’ll do all these things with the greatest of pleasure, and we never saw a man who would give a better price for hides, sheepskins, tallow and bones than andy Thompson of the St Marys tannery.
Source: From the pages of Nepean Times.
On behalf of the members of the Historical Society I would like to wish you and yours all the best for Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you from February 2023 when we open up again.
Round 6 of the bLu cRu oceania junior cup was held at The Bend Raceway in South Australia, as the final meeting of a year that has been both exciting and challenging for 12-year old William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise).
Following Qualifying, William started Race 1 in 17th position and with a great start, quickly moved moving up two spots. By the end of the 6-lap race, he had achieved a hard-fought 14 position. William achieved similar results in both Race 2 and Race 3, finishing 15th and 16th respectively.
Those results gave William overall 16th position for the round and a season finish of 13th, from a field of 23 riders.
The Bend also marked William’s
first race in the Yamaha R3 Cup, after gaining an underage exemption from motorcycling Australia. William qualified in position 18 out of 19 and in the three races had a DNF, an 18th and a 17th.
year,” said William.
As reported in our previous article, William plans to have a 12-month break from racing to concentrate on his schooling and plans to be back for the 2024 season.
WALL Racing is a locallybased top-level motorsport race team, with over 35 years of experience specialising in all areas of motorsport, including but not limited to driver development, engineering and data analysis, race car preparation, trackside support and vehicle restoration.
Wall Racing was the brainchild of Des (now deceased) and son David Wall, with the latter now the driving force of the business since 2012.
David made an early start in motor racing in Go Karts but was also a successful swimmer and soccer player, before focussing his full attention on motorsports.
A professional driver in his own right, David has driven in Supercars for a period of years, has won the Australian GT Championship in both 2009 and 2010, sharing the honours in 2009 with his father Des - the only occasion a father / son combination
has won the Australian Championship. David also won the Carrera Cup Australian Championship in 2017 and has been placed in the Top 5 Drivers in Carrera Cup from 20162022, including 5th in this year’s championship in a 992 Porsche.
Over his career, David has had 454 starts in the Porsche Carrera Cup, notching up 50 wins, 188 podiums, 17 pole positions and 38 fastest laps.
Wall Racing has also had the winning driver in the Trophy & Challenge Championship in 2015, the Porsche Carrera Cup in 2017, the ProAm Championship in 2019 and the Australian TCR in 2022.
Wall Racing has hosted some famous faces as drivers over the years, including Supercars legend Craig Lowndes, and is currently involved with Trans Am, TCR Australia, Australian GT, Endurance Racing, Production Sports and Carrera Cup.
Tony D’alberto won the TCR Championship this year, the Wall
Racing team finished 5th outright in this year’s Bathurst 12-Hour race, recording the highest-ever finish for a Lamborghini in the race’s history and also raced in 4 x 12-hour events in Malaysia.
“We have a passion for motorsport,” said David.
“We’re involved at every step of the way, including pre, post and race preparations.”
The Wall Racing facility includes a race simulator, where drivers can be
set up for their particular race car in advance.
With 7 full-time staff and 30 subcontractors, Wall Racing is a positive environment, driven by the owners love of motorsport.
“We like working with sports cars,” said David.
David scheduled a short break over Christmas for the team to recharge the batteries and they will be back at work early in the New Year to face the challenges of 2023.
“Iwould like to thank Platinum Security Systems from Penrith, Sydney City Motorcycles, Knight Designs, Suspension by Frank Pons and my Dad, Mum, Marzie, Pa, Nana and Grandad for their support this William Hunt photo selection from the 2022 bLU cRU OJC season. Photos supplied David Wall (far right) with a Pole Position trophy and (left) driving his Porsche. Photos supplied
LocaL 17-year old hockey junior coady Stone (orchard Hills) has been selected for the NSW U18 Boys Blues team, which will compete in Brisbane, QLD in January at the australian Indoor Hockey championships.
coady began his hockey career at the age of 3, playing for Rooty Hill RSL in the Under 7 competition.
He continued playing for Rooty Hill RSL through to Under 16’s, when he also joined Briars in the Sydney East competition to play in the 1st Grade Men’s competition.
coady is a member of the
#accelerated athlete Program (aaP) and also attends the Kieran Govers academy.
a student at St Dominic’s college, coady also plays outdoor hockey with the Nepean Hockey association.
tHE Nepean Hockey association is wrapping up another successful summer competition this week and the grand finals were due to be played on Thursday 15th December.
organisers report this year the NHa wasn’t under the same covid restrictions as last year and the weather has also been on their side. the 10-week competition started on the 13th of october and ran until 15th of December.
approximately 225 players played across 24 teams in four grades - four a grade teams, six in B and D Grades and 8 teams in c grade.
#the athlete acceleration Program is aimed at talented athletes aged 16 – 18 years, an age range where skill development is crucial to an athlete’s progress.
a highly targeted program developed collaboratively with the NSWIS and Hockey australia, which develops players both on and off the field.
With athletes selected from every region, the program establishes a means for athletes from any area to advance their skills to the elite level.
currently, the program caters for 60 Boys and 60 Girls across both age groups and is regarded as NSW most successful talent development program.
By Noel Rowsell
ahead of Shashank Koirola (the Lakes Gc) and Vidur Subramaniam (Ryde-Parramatta Gc) in a tie for second on 142.
Nihal Gaunder (cabramatta Gc) shot a 2-under par score of 68 to hold a narrow 1-shot overnight lead over the chasing pack on Saturday but could not maintain his impressive form on Sunday, falling away with a disastrous 15-over par score of 87 to drop back to a share of 19th spot.
Kayun Madudana (NSW Gc) backed up his impressive -1 under 69 on Saturday with a 1-over 71 on Sunday to win outright on 140,
Darcy Mackay (Stonecutters Ridge Gc) shot 75-73=148 and tyler Nesci (Leonay) 7672=148 to finish in a tie for 8th, whilst Blake Hodges (Erskine Park) shot 76-78=154 to finish in a tie for 17th.
the Girls event winner was Sienna clarke (St Michael’s Gc) on 147, ahead of overnight leader Hollie Fuller (Grafton Gc) 148 and Lara thomsen (the australian Gc) 151.
Hollie had been an 8-shot runaway leader after Saturday’s first round 69 but a disastrous 6-over par 79 on Sunday allowed Sienna to storm home, with the day’s best score of 70, to grab a thrilling win.
ExcItING
Layla
It was an unusual and rare arrangement by athletics Australia officials, mixing ambulent and wheelchair Para athletes in the same race, and drew mixed reactions from competitors and supporters.
“We are however over the moon with her PB,” said Layla’s mother Sam.
ith just ten days left until the start of the 2022 Sydney to hobart (S2h) yacht race, veteran yachtswomen Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham are both confident and ready to race.
the duo are both members of the Penrith-based sailing crew on local racing yacht ‘it happens’ but for the S2h, they are taking on one of the biggest sailing challenges of their lives.
Sailing two-handed on ‘Currawong’ the second oldest and second smallest yacht in the S2H fleet, Kathy and Bridget are confident their combined 100 years yachting experience will allow them to conquer the prevailing conditions of the race and see them safely into Hobart.
Currawong’s sister ship Zeus ll won the S2h race back in 1981 so the racing pedigree is strong with both the yacht and the crew.
Kathy and Bridget’s strong yachting backgrounds includes racing on larger yachts in the S2h in previous years (Kathy 2 times, Bridget 8), Bridget has sailed non-competitively on a trans-atlantic journey and Kathy has sailed non-competitively to Vanuatu (1,500NM).
their journey to hobart in the S2h race is expected to take 5-6 days, depending upon conditions.
Preparation of the yacht for the S2h has included cleaning and repainting the bottom of the hull, which the ladies have done themselves (with the help of friends at Woolwich Dock), equipping the boat with a long list of safety equipment, which is mandated for the race, adding some new electronics and communication equipment, and replacing some of the ageing fittings which have been found wanting in some of the training races.
“Personal preparation has included completing Radio Operators and Remote Area First Aid courses, Sea Safety Survival courses, medical checks and a fitness regime, getting our heads around the new
equipment and electronics and sailing a 150 mile qualifying passage,” said Kathy.
the experienced duo has competed in four offshore races in the past few weeks, each in different conditions, which has allowed them to try all of their sails, and get to know the boat’s performance on every point of sail. Their best result was in the very light winds of the 90 mile Bird Island Race, where they finished first in PHS Division 2 and Two-Handed.
“Now that the preparations are being finalised the realities of the challenges of the Sydney hobart are looming very large,” said Kathy.
“We are both excited and quite proud to have gotten this far, on a very limited budget and a “make do with what we have” - or DIY approach. We have been really spurred on by the enthusiastic support of friends and strangers, who have followed our story on our 2Birds2hobart Facebook and become part of the project by crowdfunding.
Kathy and Bridget have a gofundme page https:// gofund.me/fdfccacb
For devotees of yacht racing, results for the recent Bird island Race can be found at https://bwps. cycaracing.com/Standings?categoryId=903&race Id=168&seriesId=14)
The contract extension will see the two-time premiership player remain in Panthers colours until at least the end of the 2027 season.
“I’m very grateful and blessed to call Panthers home for the next four years,” To’o said.
“I’d like to thank everyone at the club for giving me the opportunity to do what I love. I can’t wait to play for our amazing members and fans, who have shown me nothing but love and support.”
A St Marys junior, To’o progressed through the development pathways at Panthers and was a member of the club’s SG Ball side that won the premiership and national championship in 2016.
he advanced to the club’s under-20s and NSW Cup sides before making his NRL debut for the Panthers in 2019.
The 24-year-old, who has played 70 NRL matches, has developed into a representative player, having played six State of Origin games for New South Wales and seven Tests for Samoa.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary couldn’t be happier to have Brian re-sign with the club.
“Not only is Bizza a tremendous player who has continually performed at the highest level in the biggest games, but he is more importantly a brilliant young man who brightens the day of anyone he comes in contact with,” Cleary said.
“I feel happy for our players, staff, members and partners that he will be here long-term.”
Panthers Rugby League CeO Matt Cameron echoed Ivan’s comments.
watching him build on what he has achieved in the game so far and continue to show what the ‘built from within’ culture here at Panthers is all about.”
“We’re extremely proud to see Brian commit his future to Panthers for a further four seasons,” Cameron said.
“As a local junior, Brian epitomises
what it means to be a Panthers player and it is clear that he is passionate about representing the community.
“I’m really looking forward toBy Panthers Media
Penrith Panthers is thrilled to announce the re-signing of international winger Brian To’o.
