Nepean news i187 4november2016

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Thursday, 3 November 2016

ISSUE 187

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PADDLING WITH PRIDE Penrith Mayor John Thain, his son Henry, sponsor Peter Davies and paddlers at a National Paddle Day held on Saturday to celebrate Breast Cancer awareness month. Story by Conner Lowe p28. Photo: Kennedi Geyer

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THE Nepean River has been revamped for walkers and visitors with new ‘art’ seats installed along the lower path of the Great River Walk.

The pieces of art recognise and respond to aspects of the history, social and environmental attributes of the location.

Spread along the 2.9km between the bridges, the sandstone block seats designed by artist Paul Johnson with help from local high school students reflect four themes around the Nepean River: the living river, crossing the river, working the river and on the river.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said the (L-R): Blake Lloyd, Jenford Ross, Brooke Vincent, Karen King locations of the sandstone block seats (Caroline Chisholm College), Amber Fazon Steven Lewis (St Dominics College) and Kaitlyn Gogon are in the ideal rest and meeting places when walking from bridge to bridge.

“The Great River Walk already offers stunning Paul said he was inspired by the Cumberland scenery along the Nepean River and the seats plain land snail to create the conceptual offer an invitation to anyone to take a seat framework for one of the major works along the and take in the beauty the River has to offer,” river.

Councillor Thain said.

“Using this endemic and endangered snail as a “Council has taken the opportunity to reference, the seat/sculpture becomes a protective incorporate public art into the Great River Walk shell for people on the walkway,” Mr Johnson and this art work recognises and responds to said. the rich history, social and environment of the “With its inward curving seat, intimacy and location,” he said. conversation is encouraged,” he said.

The seats were designed in consultation The installation of the seats has come in time with the Penrith District Historical Society and for the inaugural Real Festival, an exciting students from Caroline Chisholm College and St program of River, Environment, Art and Lifestyle Dominic’s College. activities held from 4-5 November.

SERVICES Worship and Communion Sunday 9:30am Wednesday Fellowship Wednesday 7:30pm Dare Youth Saturday 6:30pm Healing / Revival First Friday of Month 7:30pm

Contact: (02) 9673 1009

www.newhorizonschurch.org.au

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

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4 Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

From the Editor’s Desk 203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Photographer: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Keegan Thomson 0421 382 560 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Tom Carey 0425 803 180 Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com

Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

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by Kerrie Davies I SPENT all day Friday a blubbering mess.

We were up at the crack of dawn to head to the international airport to see my youngest child, Billy, set off for Canada with his mate Casey, to begin a two-year working holiday at Whistler Ski Resort.

It is a dream come true for Billy, who has been mad on snow boarding since the first time I took him to Perisher. He was about two years old and was barely walking - but he could snow board.

It was a bittersweet moment watching him walk through the departure gates; torn between feeling his excitement that the day which was 12 months of planning had finally arrived for him, and the massive hole I felt in my heart. My mother and I tried our best to look happy for him but I’m not sure either of us strung together any sentences that made any sense between sobs.

The tears continued for the rest of the day and I literally cried myself to sleep, and when I woke and saw his washing in the basket I started again.

I popped in to see how my mother was feeling, and she too had been sobbing all day. “I keep thinking pull yourself together, at least he’s gone for a two-year holiday. Imagine how people felt when they were waving their sons and grandsons off to war,” she said.

A very sobering thought.

With Remembrance Day just around the corner, I am now trying to replace my fears and my tears with thoughts of those who went off to serve our country in circumstances that were anything but a holiday.

They set off from these fine shores into an unknown world, with little idea of what was in store.

And those who were left behind weren’t able to plan a visit, nor did they have a mobile phone to text to, skype to speak on or a facebook page to stalk.

They were left with nothing more than hope and prayers, and many never got to see their sons again.

At 11am on Novemeber 11, we pause to reflect on circumstances faced by our defence forces and their families.

We will remember them. Lest we forget.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Get behind a special night for young Cooper

By Rebecca Davidson

THE Penrith local footy community together with the Henry Sports Club is holding a fundraiser on Friday 11th November for a young boy, Cooper Randall, who has Congenital Posterior Urethral Valves – which means kidney failure.

Cooper (8) was diagnosed with Congenital Posterior Urethral Valves when he was still in his Mum’s womb, this then resulted in Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3. His parents were told to expect the worst when he was born as the doctors were unsure of what was going to happen. Once Cooper was born he was transferred to Sydney Children’s Hospital where at 24 hours old he underwent Laser Surgery on the Urethral Valves to help release his urine.

To monitor Cooper’s health he attends Westmead’s Children’s Hospital on a regular basis where he has Blood Tests, Ultra Sounds, PET Scans. Cooper suffers a lot of Urine Infections. In January 2015 he had another surgery Metronoffenoff which was unsuccessful. Cooper now needs to wear urostomy bags 24/7 to catch the urine that leaks from the hole near his belly button.

In September 2016, 20 months of having to wear a urostomy bag Cooper’s belly was getting infected from the bag and was causing it to

bleed and a lot of discomfit, the after another surgery the doctors were able to tighten the hole near his belly button.

The bag was not required and a catheter is inserted every 2 hours to drain the urine. Cooper’s belly started leaking again and unable to use the Urostomy bags because of the tenderness of his skin and depend pads started to be used, using an elastic strap to hold the pad on. In October Cooper had another surgery to and fix this again. We still do not know if this will

work or not.

Cooper now requires a Kidney transplant; he is lucky because both his Mum and Dad are matches. The doctors decided that they want to use his Dad’s kidney because his Mum is the primary career and Cooper will need his mum to be healthy to help with Cooper’s recovery. (Kidney transplants last for average 10 –12 years) The doctors keep reminding his parents this is not a cure it is a treatment.

Cooper has a few health issues from this Nocturnal and Diurnal Enuresis, Secondary Hyperparathyroidism of Renal Origin, Metabolic Acidosis, Bilateral Hydronephrosis, Trabeculated Bladder and Iron Deficiency Anaemia.

As a result of Cooper producing so much urine and his belly leaking, his bed needs to be changed and washed every day, he goes through 6 – 10 sets of clothes a day depending on what he is doing. He misses a lot of school because of the doctor’s appointments and being in and out of hospital.

Despite all this Cooper does not let this bother him. He is a very happy go lucky kid with a one of a kind sense of humour. Everyone that meets this kid loves him. Cooper’s attitude is positive and fun loving. Cooper’s dad, Brendan says “I am overwhelmed with the support of the community helping raise money to help out with costs for all things that need to be done with the process of my son’s kidney transplant.

Words can’t explain how grateful I am”.

All funds raised will help with the ongoing costs of medications, doctors’ appointments, bags and anything else that might pop up along the way that will help Cooper.

Tickets are $25 at the door which includes finger food. Friday 11th November at 6pm, Henry Lawson Club. This is an 18+ event.

Fire station makeover MEMBER for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP, and Penrith Mayor John Thain recently attended Wallacia Rural Fire Brigade Station to officially open its newly-constructed, colourbond third bay, as well as to inspect general refurbishments that have been undertaken for the Station, including an updated training room.

In December last year, Tanya Davies, along with the Hon David Elliott MP, Minister for Corrections, Emergency Services and Veterans Affairs, visited the Station to announce that the Brigade had been successful in its application for $19,500 in funding, under the NSW Government Community Building Partnership Grants program.

“As part of my work as a local representative, I was honoured to support the Brigade in its application for funding, when it was first lodged in July 2015,” said Tanya Davies.

“The funding that has been secured will undoubtedly assist volunteers in the various tasks that constitute RFS roles and responsibilities, as I continue to advocate for best-case technology, resources and support on their behalf,” Tanya Davies said.

In addition to the showcasing of the newly refurbished improvements, a presentation ceremony was held to recognise the ongoing service of Mr Graham Vander Wyk and Ms Kara Glaves, as members of the Wallacia Rural Fire

SOLD BY 9834 1044 NEPEAN DISTRICT

Stuart Ayres

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Member for Penrith

Brigade for 13 and 14 years, respectively.

“With a combined total of 27 years of service, on behalf of the people of Mulgoa, I want to express the deep gratitude and gratefulness that our community has for Graham and Kara, in recognition of their dedication, commitment and sacrifice,” Tanya Davies said.

Mr Vander Wyk and Ms Glaves were each presented with the Long Service Medal during the ceremony.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to all of the men and women who have volunteered in the Wallacia Rural Fire Brigade, past and present, acknowledging the often difficult and challenging work that they are confronted with, day in and day out, in serving the Mulgoa community,” Tanya Davies said.

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5 Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

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Community rallies behind 12 year old Ziad

Ziad (right) with his brother and sister

By Kerrie Davies

TWELVE year old boys should be spending their time thinking about which mates will be going to their high school or where they might find rare pokemon, but Ziad Soltani from St Clair is spending his time worrying about how much weight he has gained from steroids, how his facial muscles have weakened and trying to work out a way to make himself feel happier.

And he also worries about what the future holds for him.

It’s a gut-wrenching thing to have to watch a child deal with and for Ziad’s parents, Trudie and Amin, it has been a terrifying reality since their world descended into chaos in July when Ziad was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

A routine MRI following a football injury delivered every parent’s nightmare; a tumour was detected on his brain.

And just when they thought the news couldn’t get any worse, it did. Ziad’s tumour was deemed inoperable.

Family friend for many years, Krissy Stimpson, was with Ziad when he first sustained the injury that led to further testing and she knew instinctively that something wasn’t quite right.

“I’ve known Ziad for many years, he and my son are best friends,” Krissy said.

“When he came off the field he didn’t look well. I’ve seen him soldier on after getting hurt before so this time he seemed different. After he threw up, I knew it was cause for concern but thought he had concussion.”

Krissy said doctors who spoke with the family following the brain tumour diagnosis did offer some form of hope in that it was a slow-growing tumour that could be managed with regular check ups and radiation if needed.

But following two surgeries designed to alleviate pressure on the brain, Ziad began to show signs of facial paralysis, intense migraines that had him screaming in pain, double vision and he lost sensation down the entire right-hand side of his body.

Following check ups have delivered the most devastating blow imaginable - Ziad is expected to be totally paralysed within 12 months

7 Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

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Comets player “Big Zee” had a bright future ahead - on and off the field.

and will likely be dead within five.

The promising young football player from the St Clair Comets is trying his best to stay positive, but it is incredibly hard.

“Seeing all the love and messages is giving him a boost,” Krissy said, “but he’s a 12 year old boy and he’s not equipped to deal with all this. He wants to feel happy but said he’s not sure how to make himself be happy.”

Krissy had a friend who had previously been down the inoperable brain tumour path, 17 year old Trae.

Now living a normal life after an enormous odeal, Trae’s victory against the odds eventuated at the hands of Dr Charlie Teo, brain surgeon extraordinaire.

Alerting Trae and his family to Ziad’s ordeal, Krissy said Trae’s family had some money left over from his funding campaign and they paid for Ziad and his family to visit Dr Teo and see if he could help.

And help he can, but Krissy said Dr Teo’s services are not covered by medicare due to the fact that Ziad’s tumour is considered inoperable.

By the time the surgery costs, the hire of the operating room,

the anesthetists and the two week subsequent stay in intensive care are taken into account, the quote comes in at a hefty $100,000.

But what price do you put on a child’s life?

A Go Fund Me campaign has been launched on behalf of the Soltani in hope of raising the money to save Ziad and get the surgery he needs.

So far the kind-hearted community has raised over $60,000 of the $100,000 goal.

“It is so amazing to me that the majority of the money pledged has not come from large corporate companies, but from everyday people and families in western Sydney like you and me,” Krissy said.

“People haven’t put in thousands of dollars, but just what they could afford - but there’s been many of them so it has all added up.”

The funding raised so far has shown an incredible grass-roots campaign for an everyday 12 year old boy from St Clair who has been dealt an incredibly tough blow.

If you can help please visit https:// www.gofundme.com/pray-for-bigzee-2w3hh6c

Listen to our very own Keegan Thomson with News Hour - Monday mornings from 9am to 10am

www.wowfm1007.com.au

8

REMEMBRANCE DAY | 11 NOVEMBER 2016

Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

And Bob’s your uncle

By Kerrie Davies

WHEN I was a child, Bob really was my uncle.

Robert Stanley Stuart was a WW2 Veteran having served overseas in the Royal Australian Navy. He had many war-time stories to tell and he didn’t mind sharing them especially after a few beers.

While most of the family would drift off to bed, I would sit for hours on end - transfixed in a world where food was rationed, canons and bayonets ruled and a postcard from Australia was the most treasured gift one could behold.

Every year we’d go on holiday to Shoal Bay in Port Stephens and Uncle Bob would run the holiday apartment like it was the HMAS Sydney; we’d be woken each morning at dawn to the call “Fishing detail, fall out!”

Our holiday activities would be organised in a timetable- like fashion down to the minute.

And every year we’d embark on the hike up to the top of Tomaree Hill. The historic Fort Tomaree played an important role in the defence of Port Stephens during WW2, including Tomaree Head that was solidly armed with gun emplacements.

During the walk I would hear more about WW2, the friendships formed, the politics at the time and the propaganda around the encouragement to enlist.

I’d also hear about those who weren’t fortunate enough to return home.

It was more valuable to me and more detailed than anything I learned about this chapter in history

We will remember them

at school.

Uncle Bob has since passed on, but his stories will remain with me forever, and I’ve shared them with my own kids.

It’s really important that these first-hand accounts don’t get lost in time, buried and never to be retold.

If you have a connection to someone who served this great nation, take the time to listen to anything they’re willing to share.

And pass it on.

While the historical detail and facts will always be available for future generations, the actual experiences of our veterans will not - unless we pass them on.

ON REMEMBRANCE DAY WE PAUSE TO REFLECT ON THE SACRIFICE OF THOSE WHO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY, AS WELL AS THOSE CURRENTLY DOING SO.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.

My Uncle Bob (left) and his mate during WW2.

LEST WE FORGET.

Prue Car

MP

Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 | 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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By Keegan Thomson

IN REMEMBERING all those who’ve sacrificed everything in all theatres of war we mustn’t forget the neglected POWs and those who suffered under oppression and tyranny whilst their brothers in arms fought on the open seas and in the skies.

Between October of 1942 and October of 1943 around 13,000 Australian prisoners of war joined a workforce of nearly 60,000 Allied POWs to build, in unimaginable conditions, the Thai-Burma Railroad.

Along with the POWs the Japanese forces enslaved some 200,000 Burmese, Javanese, Malays, Tamils and Chinese workers who were known as Romusha. Many of the Romusha workers were coerced into working on the railroad with the offer of housing, good pay and easy work.

Japanese forces used brutal tactics and employed harsh penalties to build the 415 kilometre long railroad, which ran from Bangkok in Thailand to Rangoon in Burma.

The treatment of the POWs was inhumane and barbaric with diseases like cholera, dysentery, malaria and tropical ulcers ravaging the camps and labourers. Starvation and malnutrition were also prevalent across the railroad with many dying of treatable diseases and exhaustion.

One of the most bloody segments of the build

was at Hellfire Pass on the Thai-Burma boarder.

The construction of the railroad at Hellfire Pass was the largest rock cutting along the railroad taking 6 weeks to build with POWs working 18 hours a day.

Some Allied prisoners of war were beaten to death

by Japanese forces at Hellfire Pass.

The most infamous section of the railroad is bridge 277 or more commonly known as the bridge over River Kawi. Originally named the Mae Klong River, the bridge depicted in the film, The Bridge on the River Kwai, was nothing like the original bridge the POWs built. In fact the bridge was much smaller and was destroyed a number of times during Allied bombardment of the region during the war. Today a concrete bridge stands in place of the original wooden bridge. It is unknown how many prisoners perished during the construction of the bridge.

During the 12 month campaign to build the

Deputy Mayor Phone 0417 365 313

“ We will remember them, today & every day.”

railroad many POWs risked life and limb to record the horrid conditions and the decaying lives of the men. Artists used brushes made of human hair to paint scenes with plant juices and blood used for paint. During some of the hardest months of construction moral was lifted across the camps though songs and music.

Within the Australian forces was a surgeon from Victoria, Colonel Ernest Edward “Weary” Dunlop. After serving in the European theatre of the Second World War, Colonel Dunlop was moved to the Pacific where he was captured in Java. He was sent to the railroad where he took charge and restored morale to dying and disenfranchised. One POWs said he was “a lighthouse of sanity in a universe of madness and suffering.” It has been said that the Australian casualties on the railroad were significantly reduced because of Colonel Dunlop’s medical interventions.

When the Allied forces eventually drove the Japanese from Thailand they came across some of the worst treated POWs across the Pacific theatre.

Many of the men were skin and bone, stick thin, with a great number of ailments and trauma to their minds and bodies.

All up around 3000 Australian POWs died in the construction of the now mainly defunct railroad, with around 150,000 of the Romusha workers dying along side. In total around 13,000 Allied POWs died on the railroad, yet those numbers aren’t official due to the lack or up to date records.

ST MARYS RSL SUB-BRANCH Returned and Services League of Australia

Remembrance Day Service Friday 11th November 2016

Lest We Forget

at the Guns Memorial Cenotaph in front of

St Marys RSL Club Corner Mamre Road and Hall Street, St Marys

STUART

AYRES MEMBER FOR PENRITH

Commences at 10.40am Phone: 4722 8660

penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au

All in the St Marys community are invited to pay homage to all who lost their lives in war.

9 Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

REMEMBRANCE DAY | 11 NOVEMBER 2016 Remembering the Thai-Burma railroad

10

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Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

Penrith left in the dark over airport, says Cr Crameri

By Keegan Thomson

OUTSPOKEN Councillor, Kevin Crameri has accused the council of running a “misinformation” campaign around the potential noise and air pollution levels which could be brought on by the proposed Badgerys Creek airport.

Speaking to Nepean News he said the noise in suburbs like St Marys, Kingswood, Erskine Park and St Clair would be intolerable.

“Even though they’ve stopped the single merge point for the decent, the planes are still going to have to join up over St Marys, Kingswood, Erskine Park and St Clair,” Cr Crameri said.

“What people don’t understand is that these planes are all going to be flying 24/7, there is no curfew, so people living around Penrith will be under a constant flight path,” he added.

In warning residents, Cr Crameri said the constant amount of low flying planes would sound like “a lawn mower over your head 24/7” and the pollution “would increase to levels greater than what you get in around Sydney airport”.

When the federal government announced it would be planning to construct a new airport south of Penrith, the city council threw their support behind the initiative with two conditions.

The council wanted a curfew put on the 24 hour a day airport and they wanted a train link running from Penrith to the yet to be constructed airport.

So far both of these conditions haven’t been met and Cr Crameri said the council should be acting accordingly.

“If our conditions aren’t met then council should vote against the airport, and if they don’t then they’re not doing their job and they should resign,” Cr Crameri said.

Previously the Penrith City Council has agreed to hold public information forums on the issues associated with the proposed airport however to date not one single forum has gone ahead.

A Penrith council spokesperson told Nepean News the council was currently handing out information on the recently published Environmental Impact Statement to members of the public.

“Council launched an information campaign to inform the community about the EIS, distributing material at local railway stations, establishing information kiosks in local libraries and providing

online questions and answers to inform and encourage community submissions to the Draft EIS,” the spokesperson said.

When pushed on the date and location of future public forums on the airport the council did not give any specific details.

Cr Crameri said political captain’s calls are to be blamed for the lack of community consultation.

“The way I see it, it’s the council officers not doing their job or is it political,” he said. “At the moment I’m not suspecting council officers, so the only other reason has to be from political interference,” he said.

Cr Crameri said he didn’t believe the public understood the full extent of the ramifications for the region.

“I would say 80 per cent of people don’t know the flight path is over Penrith, and that there will be planes flying overhead 24/7 without curfew,” he warned.

Peter Dollin, President of Residents Against Western Sydney Airport (RAWSA) said the lack of consultation is disappointing.

“The council hasn’t even sat down with people to consult and pass on information,” Mr Dollin said.

Mr Dollin also criticised council’s position on the airport.

“Their position is very wishy washy,” he said.

“They said they’d oppose the airport without a curfew and at the moment there is no curfew yet they’re still in support of it. It is a negative and defensive policy.”

A spokesperson from the neighbouring Blacktown city council said they’ve held seven community forums on the issue between June and August of this year.

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Former Blacktown Mayor dies

Top award to local lion

F O R M E R MAYOR and much loved councillor of the Blacktown council, Charlie Lowles OAM has passed away after a private battle with illness.

Mr Lowles retired from council earlier this year after holding a spot on council for the last 27 years, making him one of the longest serving councillors at Blacktown council.

MP for Londonderry, Prue Car posted a message of remembrance on her Facebook page.

“When I put my hand up to stand for Parliament, Charlie was with me from the very first day.

I will never forget his guidance and friendship. And I will miss it every day,” Ms Car said.

“Our community has lost our most ardent advocate. I have lost a mentor,” she added.

The former Blackett resident was three times Mayor of Blacktown and was recognised nationally for his longterm commitments to local government when he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal.

Mr Lowles was 84.

LIONS CLUBS world-wide recognize outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named in honour of its’ founder, Melvin Jones.

This award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideals consistent with the nature and purpose of ‘Lionism’.

The recipient of this award exhibits qualities that make them a model of exemplary service to their Club and the community which it serves.

The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award is one such world-wide award. At a recent dinner hosted

by Penrith Lions Club and including Penrith, Cambridge Park, Mt Druitt, Nepal/Himalaya and Emu Plains members, John Choma, current Emu Plains Memberships and Retention Manager, was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

The Award was jointly presented

by Emu Plains Lions President, Ian West and District Governor, Dennis Halpin.

“We are extremely proud to have within our membership,

Getting to know ...

Greg Davies

By Jim Devine

Penrith City Councillor with Conner Lowe

1. an individual that has received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. John Choma based on his longevity, experience, humility, willingness to help and good humour exemplifies the high standards recognised by this Award,” Ian said.

Normally well-spoken, John was taken aback for a moment, before thanking all for the Award and their participation in a wonderfully memorable night for him personally. In fact, it is a wonderful year for John, having been awarded a Penrith City Council Australia Day Local Appreciation Award, in January this year.

The local community benefits by having an individual like John Choma amongst them.

What was your first paid job?

Mowing lawns when I was 12 2. What is your guilty pleasure?

Bourbon 3. What is your biggest fear/phobia and why?

Crazy theme park rides 4. What is your worst habit?

Smoking 5. Best advice you have ever been given?

Fit in wherever you are 6. If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it?

Try turn it into $500 with a good bet 7. Favourite holiday destination and why?

Bali, cause it’s not a nanny state 8. Do you have a favourite sporting team?

Penrith Panthers 9. Name one reason that you love western Sydney?

The people 10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday?

Waking up alive

11 Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

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12

Legends of the Nepean

By Garion Thain

IT is always a privilege to have a discussion with an Australian veteran, on or off the books. Very rarely – and this was my only time – do you get to speak to a World War II veteran in their own home. During said rare opportunity, you let them steer the

Mr Ebzery age 21. He enlisted age 18.

His brother Bill enlisted at age 16.

conversation, because there’s nothing to gain in trying to control it yourself.

I met Mr John Ebzery, one of the few World War II veterans still with us in the Nepean region, at his home. The beginning of November marks the countdown to Remembrance Day, an observation of the armistice that ended the First World War in 1918, and more broadly, a chance to contemplate the sacrifices and service of men and women who have served in the Australian Defence Force over many generations since federation.

When I began my conversation with Mr Ebzery with mention of the upcoming anniversary of the WWI armistice, Mr Ebzery reflected on the end of WWII – having seen horrors in the final curtain of the Pacific War he is still coming to terms with over 70 years later.

Mr Ebzery was at the Hospital at Morotai recovering from skin irritation when he saw some of the 300 survivors of the originally 1600 strong Australian component of the Ambon Prisoner of War camp. He saw men who were famished, close to death, and hearing only of their torture at the hands of their captors. Shockingly, he said he also heard accusations against

officers who supposedly betrayed them for favours in-camp.

“I did believe them,” said Mr Ebzery.

“I just didn’t know. At the time, you couldn’t really understand it.”

Mr Ebzery mentioned other images etched into his brain at the war’s end.

Looking out of the liberated bomber that took him back to Australia’s turret holes (the plane’s ‘toilet’ he admitted) over Darwin, Mr Ebzery could see the bay, dotted with sunken ships that laid in waste from raids of years prior. He hadn’t been able to keep track of what happened in Australia too well whilst overseas.

“The townships [of Darwin] had houses standing, but streets destroyed by bombs.”

“People had moved on at that point, and were back to living their lives again. But I saw the wreckage.”

Upon returning home, Mr Ebzery saw the York Street Bank bombed “himself.”

And, aside from finding Rosary beads that he still owns to this day in abandoned Khaki clothes most likely being swapped for Forest Greens in New Guinea, (Interesting fact: The green in the clothes comes from boiling eucalyptus leaves into the clothes

according to Mr Ebzery) Mr Ebzery doesn’t have much to say about his World War II experiences. He relayed his experiences with a smile, which was very telling. Starting in 1943, he spent 9 months in New Guinea, and a subsequent 9 in the East Indies, frequently on patrol. In 1945, he was able to return home.

Mr Ebzery is proud of his service. He has reflected on the sights he saw at the end of the war for years however, only recently being able to understand what happened thanks to the book “Ambon”

by Roger Maynard. Following the war, he and his brother Bill, who served in the Royal Australian Navy, didn’t talk about the war very often, which bothered their mother who wanted to hear stories from them, despite having been sceptical about their enlistment due to her having seen the horrors of World War I in a hospital herself. Her Mother’s Medallion is on display at Blacktown RSL. “Their mother wanted them to feel proud of their service to Australia, so she talked about their involvement a lot,” said John’s wife Joan.

“They needed room to think about what they’d seen and done,” she continued.

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JOHN EBZERY Mr Ebzery spent his post-war life actively involved in the Army.

“I re-enlisted in 1947,” said Mr Ebzery.

“You make friends there,” he continued.

Subsequently, he spent 30 years working with munitions in the old St Marys industrial area at the Ropes Creek rail link, in present day Ropes Crossing. He has lived in the West for decades and is comfortable to call the area home. He has been a member of the Penrith RSL for 16 years, and calls himself a social member of both Rooty Hill and St Marys RSLs. A friend of the community offered him the book on Ambon which gave Mr Ebzery the ability to fully analyse the things he’s seen and heard.

“I learnt that the stories were true,” he said.

“There was so much desperation, hard decisions to be made in those camps. You could see it on the blokes when you met them,” he said.

Mr Ebzery knows that the realities of war can be harsh, but he has made lifelong friends in the Australian Army and has kept an active role in maintaining his history, keeping his records together “like a dotting old

13

Mr Ebzery keeps his records for the benefit of himself, his family and the Penrith RSL.

Mr Ebzery discussed his memories of the end of World War II with reference to the book ‘Ambon’ by Roger Maynard, which details the experiences of Prisoners of War he met at Morotai.

woman,” he said. It was a unique treasure of an experience to talk to him and Joan, as it is a rarity that you can hear the first hand memories of someone who has seen Darwin battered but undefeated, a victorious

Australia but the solemn underside of that victory. Thank you, John ‘Jack’ Ebzery, for being a good bloke, putting your hand up for Australia and living a dedicated life. Truly, you are a Legend of the Nepean.

Mr Ebzery has been a member of the Penrith RSL for over 16 years.

John Ebzery was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Maureen Gildart.

If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

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Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

A day in the life of a... Snake catcher

By Keegan Thomson

USUALLY when someone sees a snake they’ll run the complete opposite direction from it but there is a husband and wife duo who’re running across western Sydney catching snakes and releasing them back into the wild.

Freya and Sean Cade, from Australian Snake Catchers, are two western Sydney locals who risk life and limb to catch and release dangerous and slithery creatures before they can cause too much hassle.

Mrs Cade said the reason her and her husband became involved in catching snakes was because they felt the community needed to know the vital work of conservationists.

“We saw a need to educate and inform the community about the importance of conservation of these great creatures,” Mrs Cade said. “There was a definite void in the rescue, release and rehabilitation of our reptile wildlife.”

If there is a snake on your property, the Cade family will come out, assess the situation and remove the snake to an undisclosed location, usually a few kilometres away.

Surprisingly Mrs Cade was petrified of snakes before she started catching them.

“I couldn’t watch them on tv or even look at pictures of them,” she said. “This has helped me when it comes to helping other people who have fears and phobias because I myself understand exactly how they feel.”

One of the worst parts of the job is talking with a

“The situation saw him having to rescue two red bellied black snakes at the same time. One snake was 4 feet long and the other was 3 feet long, and as this species prey on snakes including their own breed they needed to go into separate bags,” she explained.

“Sean bagged the 4 foot snake first and while reaching to pick up the second bag the smaller snake bit his finger, breaking a fang off and leaving it in his finger in the process.

“Sean swiftly picked the offending snake up again and bagged it, then he Freya Cade and Sean Cade. Photo: Facebook. calmly walk to his car for a bandage while calling triple 0. There was venom detected snake-hater, Mrs Cade said.

“It is always hard dealing with the comments by the hospital on Sean’s finger but luckily nothing like ‘the only good snake is a dead snake.’ People in his lymphatic system so he was released after need to understand they serve a very important part procedural tests,” Mrs Cade said.

When out on the job, Mrs Cade said she’s always of our ecosystem. If we have no snakes we will be being asked questions like, ‘do snakes chase you?’ over run with rodents and other pests.”

“In saying that, having discussions with various Another one people always ask is, ‘are you ever members of public, walking away knowing that scared when out catching snakes?’

She has assured that both answers to those people have a better understanding and tolerance for reptiles where previously that was not the case, questions are an unequivocal no.

It is clear that the Cade family are very proud makes our job worthwhile and satisfying,” Mrs of their work and the lengths they go to to protect Cade said.

“Our motto is education, information, native Australian animals.

“We are very conscious not to injure any reptile conservation,” Mrs Cade said.

Across their many years of working together in the process of capture,” Mrs Cade said.

If you want to check out some of the creepy, there has only been one potentially life-threatening crawly creatures go to Australian Snake Catchers incident.

“Sean has been bitten only once in many years of on facebook or if you need assistance with a snake call them on 0410 761 575 or 0452 492 836. this type of work,” Mrs Cade said.

War medals stolen following robbery

POLICE are appealing for public assistance after a number of war medals were stolen following a robbery at a home in the Blue Mountains area last week.

Between 11am and 2.45pm on Tuesday 18 October 2016, a home on Levy Street, Glenbrook, was broken into.

A laptop, an ‘iPad’ and three World War II medals were taken from the premises. No one was at the home at the time and police have received no reports of injury.

The medals are described as being: - An ‘Australian Service Medal 1939-1945’;

- A ‘War Medal 1939-1945’; and, - A ‘Pacific Star’.

Officers from Blue Mountains Local Area Command were notified when the items were noticed missing and attended, establishing a crime scene at the home.

As inquiries into the incident continue, police are appealing for anyone with information on the incident or the whereabouts of the items stolen to contact Crime Stoppers.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

21 days to a happier family FUSION Western Sydney continues its support for parents and those who care for children and families with the next in its series of community talks, 21 Days to a Happier Family, A Night with Dr Justin Coulson PhD on Thursday 10 November, St Marys Corner, Cnr Great Western Highway and Mamre Road, St Marys.

Following the sell-out session ‘Raising Boys with Steve Biddulph’ held earlier this year, Dr Justin Coulson will now share inspiring insights and positive strategies for parents and carers of children of all ages from his latest book, 21 Days to a Happier Family.

Justin is a highly acclaimed speaker and author, sought after for his insights into parenting and positive psychology. Regular writer for Sydney’s Daily Telegraph and Australia’s number one parenting website, kidspot.com.au, Justin appears on The Project, TODAY

Show, Studio 10, Mornings and radio across the nation.

“We are excited to have Justin Coulson joining us in Western Sydney.” explains Fusion’s Community Talks Coordinator, Judy Tweeddale. “I’m sure people will find his very down to earth approach to parenting, both practical and empowering.”

As the parent of six daughters, Justin not only knows a lot about parenting and positive psychology, but he lives it. He has successfully taught each of his children to sleep in their own beds, wear clothing even when it’s hot, use the bathroom, and eat at least some of the food on their plate most of the time.

21 Days to a Happier Family!

7pm Thursday 10 November.

Memorial Hall, St Marys Corner, corner of Mamre Road and Great Western Highway. $15 per ticket.

Don’t miss out! To book go to www.fusionwesternsydney.org.au.

Enquiries to 8805 5971.

Montana’s garden mishap M O N TA N A is a 4 year old Australian Bulldog that came to us with the unusual presentation of a ‘wire stuck in her eye’. Her owner was mowing the lawn and accidentally ran over a metal piece of wire which then flung up, struck Montana in the face and became lodged in her eye.

Montana was rushed down to Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic. After a thorough examination it was determined that she would require sedation to remove the wire from her eye. After sedation, the team of vets found that the wire was heavily embedded and difficult to remove. A set of x-rays revealed that the metal wire was actually lodged in the zygomatic arch of Montana’s face – the zygomatic arch is a ridge of bone just below the eye that forms the cheekbone.

Montana then had to have a general anaesthetic to allow the wire to be carefully removed. Another x-ray was taken to make sure that the wire did not snap and there was no foreign material left behind. Montana was lucky that she maintained her vision, the wire had just missed her eye and caused no permanent damage.

Montana was discharged with antibiotics and pain relief and made a full recovery.

It is not uncommon for us to see injuries in and

snippers. Although Montana’s injury is unusual, it serves as a warning to be careful with our pets around the garden and around any sort of machinery.

It is also important to store garden toxins well away from pets. Rat bait and snail bait are the two most common toxicities that we see in veterinary practice and they often get ingested in a garden shed that is accidentally left open. Both rat bait and snail bait are highly toxic and potentially fatal – it is extremely important to store them where pets are unable to reach. Fertilisers can also be toxic, however as there ingredients vary greatly, the effects following ingestion may differ. In general, fertilisers can cause gastrointestinal irritation which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.

We wish Montana all the best for her recovery and look forward to seeing her for her rechecks. We hope you and your pets stay safe in the garden!

Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

Phone 47 313 055

15 Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

localnews local

nepeanhistory nepean

16 Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

St Marys Rex Hotel

S

EPTEMBER 1959 saw nine days of festivity in the Municipality.

The committee that organised the festivities was connected to the opening of a new administrative centre and the meeting was held in the council chambers. There was a good attendance, including those who had been co-opted on the committee plus the Mayor who presided. It was decided to call the activities the “Penrith Civic Festival”.

There was a show at the St Marys-Rex hotel, a Semi-final bowls match, a Venetian carnival, a concert on the river and a fabulous floor show at the Log Cabin. On the 14th November at 3 p.m. the official opening of the municipal building finished the festival and was followed by an afternoon tea. In July 1960 two men faced charges at the Parramatta Quarter Sessions for theft for stealing a motor lorry from St Marys. Both pleaded not guilty of having broken and entered the garage of Heggies Transport Pty Ltd in Harris Street at St Marys and stealing an International prime mover and sundry tools to the value of about £5,560. The men (a cleaner of no fixed abode) and (a carpenter from St Marys) were committed for trial at the Penrith Court of Petty Sessions. One of the men had a record of 35 convictions starting from the Children’s Court in 1940 and he still had to face a charge of breaking, entering and stealing that was committed shortly after his release from gaol in February. Det. Sergeant Killen of Penrith Police told the court that both men had long records and were associates of the criminal class and they had for some time been associating together in the St Marys area and during that time they were unemployed and habitually frequented hotels. From information he had received there was no doubt that both men had been actively engaged in the commission of criminal offences and he and Constable Lang also of Penrith Police had been on special patrol in the St Marys area at 11pm and they had seen the men in a milk bar and they were kept under observation and eventually seen to drive away in a motor lorry. They were later seen to return to Heggies garage and break in and steal an International vehicle but the police had lost sight of the men before their apprehension. Later in the morning the vehicle was recovered in the bush about one mile from where it had been stolen. Six of the wheels had been removed. One of the men was arrested at his home and the other was arrested at the Rex Hotel.

At the conclusion of the trial that lasted three days the Jury returned a verdict of guilty in relation to both men. Sentences of three to five years penal servitude was handed down to the men. In July 1960 forty members and friends of St Marys’ Inner Wheel were present at the “change-over” luncheon held at the clubroom of the Rex Hotel. Among those guests welcomed by retiring President Monica Astley and incoming President Betty Niccol were district representatives Freda Hunter, President Mavis Lamrock and members of Penrith Inner Wheel. Sherry and savouries were served before a three course luncheon after which the presidential report for the past year was read. In her report President Monica mentioned that the number of members had increased from 15 to 22 during her year of office. The sum of £65 had been raised during the year’s activities and distributed to such local charitable organisations as the Boy Scouts, The Nepean District Citizens’ Boys’ Club, The Crippled Children’s Fund, The Spastic Centre (sic), The Thorndale Home for Subnormal Children (sic), The Nepean District Hospital and St Marys’ Day Nursery. The Marella Mission Farm at Kellyville also had a donation towards their building fund,

also toys at Christmas time were delivered to the children. After thanking office bearers and committee members for their help throughout the year President Monica concluded by thanking all members for their wonderful co-operation and tolerance during the year and said, “I trust that the true spirit of Inner Wheel is to promote true friendship and the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service and the betterment of social conditions that will extend to more women in the community and thus make our club seem more worthwhile in the coming year.” Indoor plants were presented to President Monica and retiring secretary and treasurer Daphne Thompson and Jill Rex. President Monica then installed Betty Niccol by presenting her with the badge and collar of office and wished her and her committee a happy and successful year. Incoming President Betty responded very sincerely and graciously and asked of each member “that no matter how small the amount of time and effort seemed to be that she could devote to service, it was not to be withheld as all such efforts combined to make one large one which is important to all communities”. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” concluded a happy day for all. In September 1960 the St Marys Apex held a mannequin parade in the Rex Hotel with local girls modelling dresses and swim suits from Horn’s Fashions, shoes by Ruth’s Shoes and jewellery by Russell Dove of St Marys with all proceeds in aid of local charities. In October 1961 there was a change of Publican’s at the Rex from Frank Kerr to a Mr Negri who was a former assistant manager of the Bondi Rex Hotel. In February 1962 the Rex Hotel was the venue for the weekly Wednesday night meetings of the St Marys Junior Rugby Football club. In July 1964 the Sydney Morning Herald was writing about the top sales for Clubs and Hotels and with the most purchase of liquor in NSW in 1963 the “Rex Hotel” had this “honour”!. In 1972 the hotel was entirely remodelled and enlarged in December. The Publican at that time was Reg L “Rocky” Davis. It was highly appreciated by its patrons for the tastefully furnished fittings and décor. There were three separate bars all completely air-conditioned and carpeted. The bistro in the centre of the hotel received continuous praise for the chef with those fortunate enough to have sampled her dishes that were of high standard and price structured to make the meals affordable for any person with an eye for value. Attached to the hotel was the huge Drive-In Liquor Shop with the prices being competitive with the large liquor barns in the area, but the hotel also had a big advantage with regards to all of its package beer sold from the large cool room with icy cold beer at no extra cost. The hotel also had a social golf club which had been a strong feature of the hotel and all its playing members were treated to drinks and lunch (by Harry & Kevin) in the privacy of their own function room. There was also a bistro with cook Anne featuring a sizzling mixed grill for only $4 and video movies for hire free to members. In 2016 the Hotelier is Gregory John Slawinski. From its inception in 1947 the hotel still caters for locals and visitors alike after all these years later.

NOTE: This concludes the story of the St Marys’ Inns & Hotels. I have enjoyed telling the story of the hospitality of the St Marys area from the early days to now.

Sources: Nepean Times, Trove. Photo taken of the Rex in 1970 courtesy of Penrith Library. Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

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Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

A free donation helps save lives

By Keegan Thomson

BLOOD isn’t something we think about enough but it is something we all have coursing through our veins, pumping through out hearts and filling into our brains.

Are you grossed out yet?

Each three months or so I roll up my sleeves and donate about 470 millilitres of my warm, red blood to the Australian Red Cross.

Each blood donation can save on average three lives with some blood types, like O negative, helping to save more.

Contrary to popular belief it is a bit of a relaxing process. First of all you’ll fill out some paperwork regarding your health and medical history. These are all easy questions about medication, lifestyle habits and travel history.

After the paperwork is filled out you’ll go into an interview room with a nurse. The nurses are always friendly and welcoming. They’ll grab a few measurements and then they’ll check your haemoglobin levels.

Haemoglobin is an iron containing protein in your red blood cells and according to the Red Cross,

“haemoglobin carries oxygen around the body and without enough of it your muscles and organs don’t get all the oxygen they need.”

Once that is all done and dusted the real business time commences.

You’ll be taken into the donation room - there you’ll sit down in these super cushiony, extremely relaxing chairs that are purpose-built for donating blood. A nurse will raise the chair up into a comfy reclined position and then the blood draining commences.

Now I understand people have issues with needles, they’re sharp and they sting, but the ones they use in the

blood donation don’t really sting at all.

You’ll have a nurse quickly put a needle in your arm and the sting can really only be felt for the first second, but after that you’ll feel nothing until the needle comes out again.

Once it is in and the blood is flowing it can take between 5 to 15 minutes before the nurses have enough. Throughout it all you don’t feel anything.

After the blood bag is full the nurse will carefully pull the needle out, strap you up with a bandage and a band aid.

You’ll stay in the chair for a few moments, just to make sure you’re

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feeling alright, and then comes the best part of the donation process snack time!

When you donate your blood sugar levels can drop and you can sometimes feel a little light headed so to combat this the Red Cross supplies every donation clinic with biscuits, milkshakes, sandwiches and other great snacks. My personal favourite after a donation is a vanilla milkshake with some cheese and bickies.

You’ll get a feed for free once you’ve donated so you’re not just helping someone out with your donation but you’re also helping fill up your stomach.

All up the whole thing will take less than an hour and some workplaces will even subsidise your donations, so you can take an hour out of work to donate blood.

They’re constantly on the look out for more and more people to donate and they’re always in need for blood, particularly for blood types like O negative, so if you’re healthy and you’re feeling up for it book an appointment at your local donation centre.

For more info on donating blood call 13 14 95.

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Honouring a local identity

Keegan’s Kitchen

By Chris Miller

THE Rotary Club of St Marys was honoured to host Rotary Internationals’ Director Noel Trevaskis OAM on Tuesday 25th October at Twin Creeks to celebrate the centennial of The Rotary Foundation.

The meeting also had members from eight other Rotary Clubs in attendance.

Noel shared with the members his journey through Rotary with humour as well as humility. Noel saw that his journey with mental illness could help others in seeking help sooner. Sharing his story to communities all around Australia saw him give back to Rotary.

His journey had many milestones becoming a District Governor while living in Goulburn, serving Rotary in whichever way he could, as well as being Chairman of Australian Rotary Health. Sharing with the audience the changing face of Rotary, understanding that if we do not share our own Rotary stories our clubs will continue to shrink in size.

The Rotary club of St Marys then acknowledged the fine work that Jackie Greenow OAM has achieved in the community over many years of service.

Acknowledging the continual hard

Spring onion, pea and mint soup & Parmesan crisp bread

... Serves 6

work, she has done with Sister Cities with the Penrith Council in Japan, China and Korea. Her tireless work with the disability sector through NOVA and Penrith Sailability and this is not withstanding the continual service on the Penrith Council being the longest female councilor.

All present congratulated Jackie on her dedication to the St Marys Community.

President Cheryl Deguara quoted a statement that Jackie had made which epitomised the work Rotary does and the work with the Foundation. “I believe if we ‘look after’ the lowest denominator everyone and everything else fits in.”

“It was a great pleasure to have Rotary Internationals’ Director Noel Trevaskis bestow this PHF recognition on Jackie, she is most deserving recipient,” President Cheryl said.

Mint is such a fresh and wild flavour to add to any meal this season. We have a mint bush growing on our balcony at the moment and it is becoming quite ravenous so I’m on the look out for any meals I can cook with mint in it. I came across this recipe and it seemed simple and tasty.

INGREDIENTS: knob of butter 1 diced potato small bunch of spring onion, sliced 1 litre of vegetable stock 900 grams of frozen peas small bunch of mint, leaves picked 1 tablespoon of olive oil METHOD: Heat the olive oil and butter in a thick based pan and add the spring onions

and diced potato once the butter has melted. Gently fry but keep stiring so the potato doesn’t crisp up. Pour in the stock and simmer until the potato is tender.

Stir the peas into the pot and bring to the boil, cook until the peas are nearly done. Remove the heat, add the mint leaves and whizz in a hand held blender blender until smooth. Reheat on the stove top and serve with a sprinkle of your favourite hard cheese.

21 Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

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E N T E R T A I N M E N T

22

By Keegan Thomson

THE thrill of packing for a big trip can sometimes fry your brain with excitement, and that’s why it is important to take note of what you’ll need.

Often the things like undies, swimmers and beach attire are the first things in your bag, but sometimes the most important things like toothpaste, hairbrushes and phone chargers are left behind.

To help you get excited and keep you from getting forgetful, we’ve come up with a list of things you might not think about, but definitely need, when travelling.

Photocopies and backups of your travel documents Photocopy everything you have and upload it to a safe cloud-based server like iCloud or Google Drive. If you don’t feel safe uploading your travel documents, just put them on a small USB and leave it somewhere in your bag. Make sure a family member or friend back home knows how to access the photocopies just in case.

A notepad and pens Even in the world of smartphones and tablets, pen and paper are staples for any smart traveller. Drawings are very helpful and can come in handy

if you’re trying to talk to someone who doesn’t speak English. With pen and paper it is also really easy for someone to draw a quick and easy mud map.

A scarf Probably the most versatile piece of clothing anyone can have whilst travelling, a scarf can add a little bit of comfort to any situation. Any super stylish scarf can be turned into a pillow, an eye cover, a sling, a dust cover, a hot drink holder, or even used to tie things together. They don’t take up any room at all and they can be thrown into any bag.

Zip-lock bags If you’re staying at a hotel or hostel with free breakfast, then a zip-lock bag will turn the free breakfast into a free morning tea and potentially a free lunch. ‘Borrow’ your leftovers and keep it fresh all day long with your handy zip-locks. Another heads up, most airlines won’t let you take any liquids on a plane unless they’re in a zip-lock bag, so it is always handy to carry a few extra with you.

Travel insurance Don’t let a pricey medical bill or stolen wallet ruin your trip; get yourself some fair-dinkum travel insurance! You

might be set back a couple-hundred bucks, but if it all goes to hell in a hand basket, at least you know you’re covered.

Heavy-duty waterproof Band-Aids No matter if it’s a scraped knee, a punctured bike tyre, a rip in a backpack, a leaky drink bottle or a broken set of glasses, handy and heavy duty BandAids can fix 99.99 per cent of things.

If you have the option, go for the waterproof ones because they’ll be a little more heavy-duty.

Disposable camera We’re always taking photos on our trips with smartphones, but these days no one prints off or develops their photographs anymore. If you head along to the camera store and pick up a cheap disposable camera you’ll at least walk away from your holiday with a neat set of physical photos you can hang on the wall and show off to your mates.

Vegemite No matter where in the world you are, if you take a jar of Vegemite, you’ll always make new friends. Rumour has it that when a Vegemite jar is opened for the first time, it has the powerful ability to attract Aussie tourists from all around. A thick slice of toast with a healthy lathering of Vegimite is also a cure for homesickness.

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Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

Travel spotlight: 8 things you must pack

LES MISÉRABLES

SOLUTION: 20th October

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MARIUS MAYOR MERCY MONTFERMEIL NOVEL PARIS PATRON-MINETTE PRISON RECONCILIATION REDEMPTION

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Western Sydney is one of the fasted growing economies in Australia, creating new benchmarks in building-infrastructure, construction and technology. The Western Sydney Airport will be the first new international airport built in Australia in over 50 years and is set to bring major infrastructure upgrades, skilled jobs and economic growth. Penrith Council is setting the pace as a City of the Future’.

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24

finance and real estate matters

Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

Be cautious when there is crazy demand With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

HAVE you missed me? I went Canada, Alaska, Seattle, Chicago and San Francisco for six weeks and what wonderful places to visit. But I’m not a travel writer unfortunately so I won’t bore you with those details.

Over the last few weeks, I have had the totally unpleasant task of trying to buy a local house. My plan is to rent it out for a few years and then sell it to one of my daughters at today’s price. I am concerned that the prices will continue to escalate and will be that much harder in two or three years when she is able to purchase with her partner. We went along to various open homes on Saturday and the reality hit me in the face before we had even stepped into any property. At every house that we went to, there were dozens and dozens of groups lined up out the front just to

get in at each house.

Straight away my instinct was telling me that this is the first sign of the property bubble. We were looking at average 3 or 4 bedders around Penrith that had asking prices of over $600,000. The relative word here is “OVER”. All of this demand tells me that the actual price someone who is desperate to pay could be $20,000 to $40,000 over the high number on the advertised price range.

Then, to make the house hunting experience even more gruelling, we went to another house at South Penrith with an asking price from high $500,000 to low $600,000 range.

The queue was out to the road. After waiting for our turn to enter, I was totally underwhelmed. The house was tenanted and was in quite a poor state of repair.

This is the old rule of supply and demand. After over three years of high demand we still don’t have anywhere near enough supply to come close

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

to fitting the demand. Record low interest rates and high confidence are fuelling this continual demand.

Low rent returns in Sydney should be reducing demand from investors but it appears this is not happening enough.

Of course, any reduction in demand from investors is a good thing if you are looking to buy a property to live in as it should reduce overall demand. But that’s not what I have seen recently.

For an owner occupier, firstly you need somewhere to live. If prices continue to rise, can you pay rent and/or save more money faster than prices are rising? How long will prices keep rising and by how much and over what timeframe? No one knows these answers of course. Prices could stagnate or even drop slightly over the next year or six. Who knows!?

It always comes down to supply and demand, confidence and ease or difficulty in obtaining the deposit and the finance.

For investors, they also need to

consider what the costs will be to do any necessary renovations, what the rent will be and what are the total costs to hold the property each year and weigh that up against any potential future gain or loss. Due to the higher number of rental properties available, rental incomes are also decreasing as well.

Any decision to buy any property in the Sydney region needs to considered very, very carefully in my opinion.

Prices may continue to rise but they could easily go nowhere or even backwards at some point in my humble opinion.

This information is of a general nature and you must consider your own circumstances before making any decisions. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

Ph: 4739 4500 Mob: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 The least possible (7) 5 Tedium (7) 9 Truce (9) 10 Scuba enthusiast (5) 11 Small squirrel-like rodents (7) 12 Severe or farreaching (7) 13 Moving up quickly (9) 15 A piece of armor to protect thighs (5) 17 Placed in folders (5) 19 Decorated (food) (9) 22 Flapping (7) 25 Enjoy to excess (7) 26 Exhilarate (5) 27 Acquit (9) 28 Goddess of vengeance (7) 29 What a private does to an officer (7)

DOWN 1 Move in a sinuous manner (7) 2 Dealing with numbers (9) 3 Monumental (7) 4 Lingering (9) 5 Baked dough (5) 6 Glowing (7) 7 Piece of turf (5) 8 An amazing occurrence (7) 14 Fortresses (9) 16 Ancient commentator of classics (9) 17 One less than 16 (7) 18 Acts undecidedly (7) 20 Inner spirit (7) 21 Intensifies (7) 23 Render harmless (5) 24 Bobbins (5)

solution 20/10/16

realestate real

LATTS

Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

Ask

25

All your real estate questions answered, with Darren Latty ~ darren@prd.net.au

Selling at auction MY last column was about buying at auction, this time we’re going to examine auctions from the seller’s point of view. It’s an increasingly popular method of sale and the clearance rates are very high at the moment.

The main benefit is that you increase the element of competition, ideally attracting two or more buyers who are really keen and will drive the price up between them. Some people also like an auction sale because there is a set

timescale for the advertising campaign.

There are some additional costs involved in paying for the auctioneer.

They can range in price from $400$800 but it’s definitely worth getting a good one as they really do make all the difference.

Other than auction day itself, there are a few other differences between an auction campaign and a private treaty sale. Firstly, you should be getting your money’s worth from

your agent! They should be working closely with buyers so they are ready to participate in the auction. This includes qualifying buyers, sending out contracts, explaining the auction process and generally encouraging buyers to be in a position to bid. You should also be prepared to allow access to the property for building and pest inspections as some buyers will want these prior to auction.

Although you can’t be sure of what

will happen on auction day, you do still retain control over the sale of your home. People can make offers beforehand and your agent should advise you on whether they’re worth considering. You also set the reserve price for the auction and only when this is exceeded will the home be sold.

Even if the auction itself doesn’t sell the home, in many cases interested parties will negotiate a sale price after the auction has taken place.

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26

sport

Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

Renee Excited about first season with Giants

By Conner Lowe

IT’S not often an athlete can say that they played in both the W-League with the Western Sydney Wanderers and in the women’s AFL with the GWS Giants but for local Cranebrook girl Renee Tomkins it’s all about to come true.

Renee has played sport her entire life mostly consumed by football.

She played for the Premier Division club Marconi and also represented NSW and Australia in Futsal. Last year Renee decided to try AFL and immediately fell in love with the skillful and fast-paced game.

“I was trying to juggle between both football and AFL last year and when the time came to decide a sport that I wanted to play I decided to stick with AFL,” Renee said.

“I found a sport that I wasn’t 100 per cent good at and it was a new adventure for me, so I decided to stay and improve myself and see where it could take me,” she said.

Renee has only played AFL for two seasons and in her first season with limited playing time due to an injury that she received playing for Marconi she received “Best first season player”

for the Penrith Rams AFL club.

Renee spoke about the difficulty of leaving football after 20 years but talked about how much more she is capable of, stating that although her age is 30, she still has many years of sport left in her.

“Obviously leaving football after so long was a difficult decision for me but I had given everything I had to offer for the sport and represented at the highest level.

“AFL was a new challenge for me

and as long as injury can stay away I hope to have many more seasons to come with the GWS Giants,” she said.

During her season with the Penrith Rams, Renee spent a lot of the season in the GWS Giants academy playing games at the SCG against rivals Sydney Swans. Renee also represented NSW in AFL and finished equal third in the Sydney AFL James Medal best and fairest count.

During the AFL draft for the augural Women’s AFL season Renee

describes the moment she saw her name come up for the GWS Giants.

“I was watching the draft live on the computer, and then the last 4 came up for the giants and I was draft pick #96, I felt pretty pumped, I just couldn’t believe it,” she said.

The first season for the Women’s AFL is set to begin in 2017. It’s bound to be an exciting first season for the Women’s AFL and with quality players like Renee Tomkins in the mix it’s sure to deliver.

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The successful applicant will be an energetic “people person” who is well organised and can communicate effectively with clients and staff alike & is comfortable recording all job information using Smartphone/Electronic Tablet, via our Job Management system MUST have a sound knowledge of and experience in the above areas and a clear understanding & willingness to follow the relevant Australian Standards & Building Codes relating to the Industry and all aspects of Work Health and Safety.

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BEHIND THE STUMPS

WITH STEW MOSES @THERIFFMARN

SMALL CRITICAL OF CUMMINS’ UNAVAILABILITY AS BLACK CATS LOSE TO MANLY Penrith winning start to their 2016/17 campaign came to a screaming halt, losing by nine wickets at the hands of Manly in what was a 120 over match after day 1 of their match was washed out at Graham Reserve.

The loss, Penrith’s first for season 2016/17, puts the Black Cats out of the top six on quotient and despite achieving wins in three of the five grades, the defending club champions have slipped back to third on 392 points, 38 points adrift of surprise leaders, Gordon.

Penrith lost the toss and were sent in to bat and despite their aggressive approach, led by Ryan Gibson (59 from 63), wickets fell all too regularly and the Black Cats were dismissed for just 166 runs in less than 38 overs, which disappointed club coach, Steve Small, despite the less than ideal batting conditions.

“The wicket was a little bit tacky but not dangerous,” Small said.

“We probably didn’t handle the conditions well as we would have liked, with the exception of Ryan Gibson who played pretty well.

“While we scored runs at a decent rate, we kept losing wickets at regular intervals which cost us.

“We just didn’t bat long enough.”

Small said the effort of his bowlers and his fielders, did not reflect on the scoreboard, adding that Manly despite easily having the better of the batting conditions, were made to work for the runs against a Penrith bowling attack that was forced to include three spinners – Matthew Halse, Jake Wholohan and Luke Hodges, given they were without both Pat Cummins and Michael Castle.

“The bowlers bowled quite well actually,” Small stated.

“It doesn’t look like that on the scoreboard but if you look at how many overs it took them to get those runs, we made them work for it.

“When they went into bat it dried out into a pretty docile pitch and we only got one of them out.

“The wicket was dead and flat, didn’t offer much at all no matter who bowled on it.

“If there was anything to get out of the wicket it was obviously in the morning.

“We didn’t miss any chances, we were only given the one chance and Johnny di Bartolo took great catch at gully dismissing (unbeaten century-maker) Adam Crosthwaite’s brother, off Josh Lalor.”

“We were simply were outplayed comprehensively today.”

Small was not impressed with Pat Cummins’ enforced withdrawal, despite having not played since NSW’s comprehensive win over Queensland last Sunday week to win back-to-back one-day titles.

The Black Cats face an equally arduous task when they take on fifth-placed RandwickPetersham over the next two Saturdays at Petersham Oval, and they will have to do so without all-rounder Michael Castle, who is set to miss at least two months with a back injury.

“He (Castle) has a ruptured disc in his back which is a big setback for us,” Small confirmed.

“The depth that we had a while back seems to be diminishing through a couple of injuries and the like.

Whilst Penrith sweat on the availability of Pat Cummins will be allowed to play in the Round Five two-day clash it is unlikely that Penrith will again take three spinners into the game.

But Small admits, the club’s depth will be tested further again over the coming weeks especially if Ryan Gibson is picked for NSW’s Ryan Gibson’s 59 from 63 balls was not enough to prevent Penrith clash against WA in Sydney starting on Friday. from losing their first game of the season. Photo: Supplied.

“We’ll look at that next week but it’s likely Small said the Manly game would have been an the balance of the team will change that way,” Small ideal situation for the Matador Cup’s joint leading said.

“I dare say Ryan Gibson will be well in line to wicket-taker (15) to bowl ten overs or thereabouts play in the Shield game next week so we’ll have a due to the change in match conditions.

“Pat Cummins was told he had to rest today few changes no doubt.” which still mystifies me when it comes to Australian With four rounds completed, Penrith remain Cricket,” Small declared.

“He’s only not long started playing again, he unbeaten in thirds (first), fourths (fourth) and fifths could have bowled ten overs which would have (first) while back-to-back win for seconds sees them improve to twelfth position. been really good for us.

“It’s just bizarre what’s going on in Australian Penrith’s Poidevin-Gray Shield U/21s campaign cricket at the moment.

“I feel a bit sorry for the players because their will resume over the next fortnight with home cricket careers are passing them by and they are games against Mosman (Nov 6) and St George (Nov sitting on the side lines for games they could be 13). enjoying.

Meanwhile in womens’ cricket, Naomi Stalenberg Although Cummins was allowed to play the next day and bowl in the six-wicket loss to Sydney scored a handy 52 (off just 59 balls) in the NSW University in Round One of the T20 competition, Breakers win over Western Australia at Blacktown ISP Small admits he is none the wiser as to whether last Saturday. he’ll be allowed to play in this fortnight’s two-day In other news, the Lady Cats’ first grade side game against Randwick-Petersham at Petersham suffered their second loss of the season, leaving Oval.

“We’ll have to wait and see about that I’m not them outside the top four in fifth place after going quite sure but you would like to think so,” Small down to Bankstown by eight wickets.

Penrith with Hinkley and Waetford leading the said.

“But the game is being controlled by way with half-centuries, set a competitive total of 240, but the competition leaders were still too physiotherapists and high performance people.

“We don’t really have much control, we can’t strong in the end.

In some better news, the women’s second grade force them to allow Pat to play.” team scored strong wins over Gordon and Northern The T20 loss to Sydney University ensured it Districts and will be looking to consolidate third wouldn’t be the best of weekends for the first grade position on the ladder when they take on Sydney side. Batting first, Penrith were dismissed for a paltry this Sunday at Bill Ball Oval.

Overall, the Lady Cats are sitting in fourth place 82 before the students passed the total with over five overs to spare, despite the inclusion of Pat Cummins, on the club championship. #LoveTheCats who took 2/22 from his four overs.

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27 Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

sport

28

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Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

Paddling with pride

By Conner Lowe

A NATIONAL Paddle Day was held on Saturday at the International Regatta Centre Penrith to celebrate Breast Cancer awareness month. The day was supported by sponsors and attended by John Thain, Mayor of Penrith and Federal Members for Lindsay and Macquarie Emma Husar and Susan Templeman.

Every year Dragons Abreast Australia invite all their members like DA Penrith to host a day in October to celebrate their lives after a breast cancer diagnosis and share support for one another.

The National Paddle Day was attended by members of Dragons Abreast Penrith and were also supported on the day by the Pendragon’s Sports Crew.

Dragons Abreast Australia are the leader in the movement for people affected by breast cancer, spreading awareness and empowering individuals and educating on the benefits of an active lifestyle after diagnosis.

Janette Fry, Chairperson of

Dragons Abreast Penrith, shared her appreciation for those who attended and sponsored the club.

“It was a lovely day, our three special guests joined us and even participated in a paddle with us. The sun came out and as always it was a very special day,” she said.

Dragons Abreast Penrith also

known as Pendragons Abreast is made up of women who have survived breast cancer and their supporters and they travel all over Australia and Internationally racing against other Dragon Boating Clubs.

Janette went on to acknowledge the dedication of the women who are in the club and the importance

of staying fit and healthy after a diagnosis.

“The girls all support each other and give each other confidence on the water, it is sometimes very difficult after a breast cancer diagnosis to get your life back together and stay fit and healthy. With the team training and competing throughout the year it keeps all the girls health and socially interacting with other members of Dragon Boating Clubs,” she said.

Peter Davies from Penrith Valley Blinds was one of the sponsors who attended The National Paddle Day, and didn’t miss out on the opportunity when asked if he would like to sponsor the club.

“I know friends who had or still have breast cancer, so when Janette and her husband Andrew asked me to be a sponsor for the club my answer was always going to be yes,” he said.

The Pendragons Abreast aim and goal now is to go to Florence in Italy in July 2018 to compete with other Breast Cancer Survivors from all over the world. With the help of sponsors like Peter Davies it will help Pendragons Abreast with uniforms, equipment and entry fees for the event in Florence.

COACH’S CORNER

EVALUATE, REVIEW AND EVOLVE

AS a coach it is vitally important you have a constant circular process of evaluation, review and evolution as a coach. At this time of the year you should be reviewing how your season went, why did you achieve the results you achieved? How are you going to improve into the new season? This will obviously depend on whether you have the same group or some of the same players you had this past season. If you are moving to a new club or onto a new group of players it is important to review your coaching programs, drills and tactics in order to ascertain whether they were effective and if they need to be changed, modified or thrown in the bin!

There is an old saying that if you keep doing things the same way you will keep getting the same result. Now that is true for the most part aside from the fact that if you’re winning and you are not implementing anything new or reinventing yourself the other sides will eventually catch up and move past you.

It is also vitally important to be coming up with plans for next season during this down time in the offseason. Personally I always like to map out in a periodisation plan my preseason schedule in order to get a perspective on how much time I can

BROCK SHEPPERD NRL Level 3 High Performance Rugby League Coach Masters of Coach Education, Sydney University Listen in to the Fifth and Last NRL Podcast, available every Wednesday in the Podcast App, iTunes and on audioBoom b.shepperd@hotmail.com

spend on the different aspects of the game. Most of these plans are only mapped out until the end of the trial period and once you have a final team / squad. I will then start to progress the plan into the season once the training phase moves into the New Year and once you have some perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the playing group at your disposal. Most of the sessions will be fundamentally based with a lot of block and core skill with plenty of challenging conditioning games and activities. If you have never attempted to map out your preseason or your pre-trial training phase I would suggest you do so as it will benefit both you, your coaching staff and your players once you hit the training paddock for day one of the new season.

Evolution refers to challenging yourself and the ideas you have on the game, the way the game should be played and the tactics and structures you implement in order to create a winning team and culture. This can never be a one size fits all approach. Even if you find a successful formula it is only ever relevant for the season of success.

Once the next season rolls around it is fish and chip paper, you need to progress and evolve. How do we go about doing this? Well regardless of the results

you have achieved and whether you had a winning season or a losing season the challenge is to always improve and to get better come the new season. So from a team perspective you need to work out your weaknesses and develop them as much as you can in order to improve them.

From a personal perspective you need to look at all elements of your coaching style and work out whether your approach in all areas is effective.

The best way to do this is to speak to both your coaching staff and even players you trust who are strong leaders within your football team. If its junior coaching and the players are young and you do not have a stable coaching staff then you need to be honest with yourself.

Some of the toughest conversations I have had in my time during Rugby League have been during this period of the season. I have had my tactics, personality and approach questioned by coaching staff, friends, family and players. And sometimes I did not like what they had to say. But in the end this is a necessary part of the coaching process when seeking the feedback in order to improve as both a person and as a coach. Seek the honest feedback, listen to it, digest it and use it as a method of improvement.

29 Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

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penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

MG ON THE MARK

WITH MARK GEYER

SPRING CARNIVAL FUN AT THE GEE-GEES

On the way to Melbourne for the big Cup race Fun and games on Derby Day

12 year old Comets player, Ziad needs our help

WHAT a great Spring Carnival it has been in horse racing. I’ve had some great times these past few weeks, starting with the Cox Plate, followed by Derby Day and culminating in my first ever trip to Melbourne for the race that stops the nation - the mighty Melbourne Cup. I’ve picked some good winners and I’ve also backed a few whom I think are still running. Ahh, that’s all part of the fun.

By the time you’re holding this edition in your hand you’ll know who the Cup winner was! Gee it’s a hard race to pick, with the entire pack of 24 worthy of being there and capable of being first past the post.

It’s a great date on our nation’s calendar with the best horses, the best jockeys, the champagne, the frocks and the fascinators.. it’s a vibe like no other event in the world and it has been even more spectacular than usual for me this year being track-side at Flemington with The Grill Team.

23 years and still strong. Happy anniversary Meags

And another thing....

Big Zee is a 12 year St Clair Comets player facing a humongous challenge he needs major surgery to remove a brain tumour. You can read more about his story on page 7 of this edition. If you can spare a few bucks please visit https:// www.gofundme.com/pray-for-big-zee-2w3hh6c and let’s all help give young Ziad the best chance at beating this dreaded tumour.

And another thing.....

Sunday chalked up 23 years of being married to my beautiful wife Meags.

Love you more than ever babe.

MG (random Westie) OAM

GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES

@THERIFFMARN

PENRITH REIN-S IN ANOTHER HOOKER BUT COULD LOSE A POPULAR PROP The Panthers’ impressive recruitment and retention drive for 2017 and beyond, continued last week when the club announced the signing of discarded St George-Illawarra hooker, Mitch Rein on a two-year deal.

The 26-year old two-time Country Origin hooker (2014-15) with 132 NRL games under his belt since making his first grade debut with the Dragons in 2011, will be handy back-up to Peter Wallace and Nathan Cleary.

Rein, who has polarised Dragons fans with his questionable form in 2016, was not re-signed after contract talks broke down mid-season, is believed to have signed with Penrith for significantly less dollars then what he was asking for with St George-Illawarra.

The decision to sign Rein comes despite having the likes of Zach Dockar-Clay, Sione Katoa, Soni Luke and Wayde Egan coming through the hooking ranks.

Mitch Rein joins the likes of James Tamou, Tim Browne, Michael Oldfield and Darren Nicholls as 2017 acquisitions, while Samisoni Langi and Tony Satini will join the club on “train and trial” contracts.

But Rein’s signing could come at a cost, with Jeremy Latimore, whose has been subject to constant speculation over his future at the club despite being under contract for 2017, reportedly set to join defending premiers, Cronulla.

November 1 not only represents Melbourne Cup day, but it’s the first day other clubs can negotiate for players coming off-contract at their current club.

Penrith is no exception with Waqa Blake, Dean Whare, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Sitaleki Akaoula and Moses Leota, among those who remain unsigned beyond 2017.

With Steve Matai reportedly set to retire and Jamie Lyon now retired, speculation regarding Manly’s interest in Watene-Zelezniak and Whare, show no signs of abating, despite the fact that WateneZelezniak has been offered a new two-year deal by Penrith.

As mentioned last edition, Will Smith will join Parramatta in 2017. The Newcastle junior, who played 21 NRL games since joining the club in 2014, will be a handy acquisition for the Eels.

Terrific to see all three Panthers in the Australian Kangaroos Four Nations squad including debutant and the 812th Kangaroo, Matt Moylan, not only play

pre-season resumes with Mitch Rein (shoulder) and Peter Wallace (hand) set to return in December while Peta Hiku and Sam McKendry will have their training routines restricted early on.

Wallace’s injury sounds particularly nasty, having sliced both hands in a rock-fishing accident whilst on holidays in Queensland, which required surgery.

Has Mitch Rein’s signing sealed Jeremy Latimore’s fate?

Credit: 77 Media.

in their big 54-12 win over Scotland, but play starring roles.

Pending injury, Moylan, Penrith’s 19th player to play for Australia, is unlikely to play again in the Four Nations despite a man-of-the-match effort that yielded four try assists and two line-breaks.

Josh Mansour’s two-try powerhouse performance that saw the winger rack up a game-high 237 metres, has all but secured his spot against the better teams in the tournament, despite that being his first game in six weeks.

It was not so good news for Penrith’s Kiwi contingent, with all three Panthers – Te Maire Martin, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and James Fisher-Harris all missing selection in NZ’s narrow win over England.

Hopefully new Kiwi coach, David Kidwell will give the three Panthers in his squad the chance to prove themselves against Scotland.

Meanwhile, soon-to-be Panthers NRL assistant coach and current Italian RL coach, Cameron Ciraldo, will have to wait until November 4 when his team takes on Russia, with the winner to finally secure their spot in next year’s World Cup, after losing to Wales last weekend.

The Kangaroos’ loss will be Penrith’s gain when number one recruit, James Tamou commences preseason training next Monday.

Not only does Tamou and his family get the opportunity to settle into their new surrounds, having made the move from Townsville, but his omission will undoubtedly fire-up Penrith’s big recruit, heading into the 2017 season, according to team-mate Trent Merrin.

Meanwhile a few players will be missing when

OFFER ENDS 30TH NOVEMBER 2016

Offer ends 30/11/2016. See in Store for Terms and Conditions.

Condolences to the family and friends of pioneering Panther, Wayne Peckham, who passed away last week, aged 72.

Officially Panther player number 9, Peckham, who hailed from Moree and often played in the centres, was one of the club’s first indigenous players and played 41 games for Penrith between 1967 and 1969 before moving on to Canterbury in 1970.

Confirmation from the Wests Tigers, that former Panther, Jamal Idris has joined the club for 2017, having left the Panthers at the end of 2015 in order to travel the world and find himself again.

This was backed up when Idris responded to an online question, stating that the he is playing for himself not others, this time around.

Another former Panther, Luke Walsh, has shelved plans to come home to Australia, instead choosing to sign a one-year deal to play with the Catalan Dragons.

However, his former halves partner at Penrith, Travis Burns, will return home where he will play in the Intrust Super Cup, with Wynnum-Manly, while another ex-Panther, Matt Lodge has signed to play with Redcliffe, as he looks to rebuild his NRL career.

Two Penrith VIP members, have had a stellar start to the A-League season with Rhyan Grant and Danny Vukovic playing an integral role in Sydney FC’s unbeaten start to the season.

Not only are the Sky Blues on top of the table after four rounds but they are yet to concede a goal in the 2016/17 season, including their FFA Cup run that has seen them qualify for the final against Tim Cahill’s Melbourne City.

Of course if you have any Panthers news you wish to share, email me stewart@nepeannews. com.au See you at the game (in 2017)! #PantherPride

31 Nepean News 3 November 2016 Issue 187

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Thursday, 3 November 2016

sport

Leonay’s top junior golfers contend in the USA

By Noel Rowsell

TWO of Leonay Golf Club’s most promising junior players have moved to the US to continue their golf careers, with a view to future Professional careers.

Wil Arnold and Simon Masters are school mates from Emu Plains and may soon face up against each other in tournaments in the US. Arnold has already had one year in the US and is looking forward to progressing his game in 2016.

“I got introduced to the game of golf by my dad, who is also a very keen golfer (handicap 10)” Arnold said.

“I first started playing when I was around 4 or 5 years of age but started playing competitively at 12 years old, with a handicap of 27.”

“I was a member at both Penrith and Leonay golf clubs throughout my junior career and played in the Jack Newton Junior Golf tournaments and Junior Pennants.

“Playing college golf was always something that I wanted to do throughout my junior years after I finished school.

“I did one semester of university at Western Sydney University while I was in the recruiting process of going to America.

“I accepted an offer at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas to play on their golf team and started in August 2015”.

Leonay Golf Club’s Wil Arnold and Simon Masters are now both in the US pursuing their golfing ambitions at college.

Photo: Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

“I’m currently studying Business, hoping to major in international finance or economics.”

Masters said the USA had been in the pipeline for him for some time.

“I have been planning this move since my final years of High School at St Dominics in 2014,” he said.

“I made the decision to undertake a year of tertiary education in 2015 here in Australia, prior to my move to the USA in 2016.

“Beginning a bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) allowed me to get a taste of university life and I can now finish this degree overseas, whilst doing what I love - playing golf.”

Masters became aware of the American collegiate system as a junior golfer, playing in the presitigious ‘Jack Newton Junior Golf’ events.

“I had heard of other players older than me undertaking the collegiate golf path of being a Student-Athlete,” he said.

“It wasn’t very common and I wasn’t quite sure what it involved, so I conducted some research as to what College Golf was all about.

“I discovered that College Golf was a great opportunity to combine my studies and play competitive golf on an organised schedule, something that isn’t offered in Australia.

“I have ambitions to place well in my college tournaments and obtain a high GPA in my studies, so I can transfer to a top 100 Division One college for my third and fourth year on a good scholarship.

“My game still requires lots of work, though I feel I’m giving myself a great opportunity to take my golf to the next level that is required for professional standard.”