Nepeannews28july2016

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Thursday, 28 July 2016

ISSUE 180

BEST OF LUCK TO OUR PENRITH-BORN AUSSIE ATHLETES IN RIO! SEE STORY AND ATHLETE LIST ON P13

OUR GIRL JESS AS the countdown begins for the Olympics in Rio, we’ll all be cheering on many Penrith-born-and-breds such as the lovey Jessica Fox. Story by Jarrod McGrouther on p13. Picture: Kieren Tilly

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Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

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Japan meets Penrith

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

By Keegan Thomson

HIGH SCHOOL students visiting from Fujieda, Japan, were welcomed to the Nepean region at an afternoon tea hosted by the Mayor Karen McKeown.

At the afternoon tea the four students spoke of the differences between Australia and Japan.

“The sky is very vast and blue,” said Mio, 15. “The food tastes different here and the meal sizes are very big compared to our meals. Also the houses are huge,” she laughed.

Another student Ayaka, 17, said her parents were anxious about her coming on the trip.

Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au “My parents are a little worried about me because it is my first trip over seas, but they also think this is a great experience for me,” she said.

All of the Japanese students agreed upon one thing, the people of Penrith and Australians in general are very kind and welcoming.

During the afternoon tea the Japanese students swapped gifts with the Mayor, including a letter from the Mayor of Fujieda, who praised the friendship between the two cities.

Whilst in Penrith the Japanese students will attend classes, explore the region and will be billeted out to local school students.

Fujieda is one of Penrith’s sister cities and has been since 1984.

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4 Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

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

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Greg “Harpo” Martin 0420 655 524 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Keegan Thomson 0421 382 560 Jarrod McGrouther 0406 826 259 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.

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

Check www.nepeannews.com.au for complete list of distribution outlets

NEPEAN / BLUE MOUNTAINS PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP INC. COMMUNITY NOTICE THE next meeting of the Nepean / Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group will be held at 6.30pm on Monday the 15th August in Lecture Room 1, Learning & Development Unit, located in the Nepean 2 building, (formally known as the SWAHS 2 building) Nepean Public Hospital.

Our meeting in August will have as our Guest Speaker Mark Geyer, speaking about what drives him and his activities in the local community.

All meetings are available to males and their partners who are seeking information on this cancer, and who live in the Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith areas. Come along and experience the caring and benefits offered by our Support Group whose motto is YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Enquiries: Visit our website www.prostatesupport.org.au or David Wilkinson, President 1300 13 38 78.

by Kerrie Davies THE news of yet another horrific shooting in a nightclub in Florida, this time killing and injuring many who were barely teenagers, once again sparks the gun debate in the USA that just continues to go round in circles but never changes.

The shooting follows the terror attack / hate crime in Orlando Florida that killed 50 people when a crazed lunatic went on a shooting spree in a gay night club just last month.

That massacre has been labeled as the USA’s worst shooting incident of all time in terms of casualties.

Following the tragedy, there was much debate; about whether the shooting was an act of Islamic radicalism, and also about current gun laws in the USA - or lack of.

For the life of me I can’t understand the American mindset on gun control. How many deaths do they need to see before they start to think guns are a major problem? Sadly, if a classroom full of killed children from Sandy Hook couldn’t give the pro-gun lobbyists a wake up call, it would seem nothing will.

I understand that in Australia we come from a different cultural background on the topic - there was little to no community backlash when former Prime Minister John Howard changed our gun laws following the massacre at Port Arthur.

I guess the difference is that we don’t have as many people here (thankfully if you ask me!) who hunt for trophy sport nor do we have the chest-pounders bleating about the second amendment and the right to bare arms.

But the reality is, people need to change with the times. Murderous bloodbaths are now a very common event in the states. People are dying randomly at an alarming rate, and for what? The right to any sport you like and the right to carry a gun? Imagine if some of the things that used to be deemed “sport” before they were declared inhumane were allowed to continue just so people kept their “rights”? I refer to things like cock-fighting, dog -fighting and even midget-tossing. Imagine if other measures that have been brought in over the years to help protect people were overruled due to ensuring people still had their “rights”?

Seat belts, helmets, drink-driving laws, airport security etc, etc.

The main argument coming from gun lobbyists is that people should have the right to carry a gun to protect themselves.

I have not seen one example in any of the countless sickening shooting massacres of late where someone among the innocent bystanders pulled out a pistol they carried for protection and managed to halt the perpetrator before devastation was complete. So is that really a valid argument?

Sometimes we just have to face facts that “rights’” should be “wrongs” if they endanger the lives of other people.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Go Green for National Tree Day

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MP

Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

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Member for Penrith

TO help celebrate Planet Ark’s 2016 National Tree Day, Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith and Bunnings Warehouse Penrith will be hosting free Kids D.I.Y. Planting Workshops on Saturday 30 July and Sunday 31 July.

Expert team members will run a range of D.I.Y. planting activities, including craft pot decorating using recycled materials and planting pots and vegetables.

Planet Ark’s National Tree Day takes place every year in July and is a chance for kids to learn about planting and the environment, and to reconnect with nature. Bunnings is excited to support Planet Ark’s important environmental initiative, and to lend a helping hand.

“Bunnings Kids D.I.Y. Planting Workshops help make the environment fun, and inspire children to get into nature,” said Planet Ark’s

National Tree Day Manager Debbie Agnew.

Bunnings Warehouse Area Manager Robyn Hudson said the team is pleased to be celebrating National Tree Day with a free D.I.Y. Planting Workshop.

“Our planting workshops are always a lot of fun and we can’t wait to get kids excited about doing some planting, whilst learning about the environment,” Robyn said.

WHEN: Saturday 30 July and Sunday 31 July 2016 Between 10am and 2pm WHERE: Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Cnr John Hines Avenue & Great Western Highway, Tel: 8882 0600.

Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith, 2169 Castlereagh Road, Tel: 4720 2000.

Bunnings Warehouse Penrith, Wolseley Street, Regentville, Tel: 4737 5400.

Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith

Powersmart Electrical is a St Marys based company who are seeking to employ a Licenced Electrician to carryout service and installation works in the metro west area.

The right person must meet the following criteria to be successful • Be a holder of a current electrical and drivers licence and OHS card.

• General commercial, industrial and domestic electrical experience.

• General data install and termination experience.

• Be able to work alone or with a team.

• Have good communication skills verbal and written.

Should you wish to apply please forward your resume to vic@psmart.com.au Powersmart provide a company vehicle, uniform and an attractive salary package to the right person.

The list we do not want to be on

By Kerrie Davies

ST MARYS has hit the top ten in NSW - but unfortunately it’s not a list we want to be on.

In the last financial year, police issued 21,637 infringements to learner and provisional drivers - 590 more than the previous year - and St Marys has come in at fifth place with 132 infringements.

Police are now appealing to learner and provisional drivers to drive safely and avoid taking any risks while behind the wheel.

Because the devastating thing is, so far this year, 42 drivers aged between 17 and 25 years have died on the road, 12 more than the same time last year.

Despite making up only about 15 per cent of all drivers, NSWPF road toll statistics show younger drivers represent more than a third of annual road fatalities.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said holding a licence is a privilege and not a right.

“Novice drivers must recognise the responsibilities attached to that licence or risk losing the privilege, or worse, serious injury or death,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“There is a great need for parents and older siblings of younger drivers to ensure they are driving safely on our roads,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

Mobile phone use while driving, not comply with road rules, seat belt use and speeding top the list of offences.

“These offences contradict the basics of driving and should be second nature to all drivers and should be instilled in younger drivers,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“Police are there to ensure young people, and all other road users, learn from the experience, in order to prevent a serious injury or fatal crash on our roads.

“These statistics suggest that young people need to slow down, and put the phone away, rather than risk their licence.

“It is certainly high time for mothers and fathers, older brothers and sisters to sit down with their younger driver siblings and tell them that there are no short cuts to driving safely.

“The rules are simple and they are there for a simple reason; surviving the trip. It is those that don’t make it home who have an impact on families, and those that come to rescue them after a crash, and try to save their lives at the roadside, and at hospital,” he said.

7 Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

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Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

Mayor excited for election

Prue farewells council chambers

By Keegan Thomson

STATE MP Prue Car will leave council chambers for the last time as a Penrith City Councillor so she can focus her full attention on her electorate of Londonderry and the people of the Nepean region on a state level.

Ms Car was elected into state parliament in 2015 and due to her new roll in state parliament as Shadow Minister for Skills and Shadow Assistant Minister for Education, she has decided not to contest the up coming LGA election.

“It’s been a real privilege, I’ve learnt a lot since that time, and I think it is really clear that local government is the level of government that is closest to people’s lives because you’re talking about things people are impacted on every day,” Ms Car said.

Since 2008 Ms Car has been a vocal advocate for the Nepean region representing two separate wards in the Penrith LGA, South Ward and East Ward.

“I’m most proud of two things; the fenced off dog park at Jameson Park, which was a fight to get, and now if you go there you’ll see lots of people there with their dogs, and also stopping the state government from transporting radioactive waste to Kemps Creek,” she said.

She said the main differences between working in state government compared to local government was the tension between elected officials in the chambers.

“State is a lot more adversarial than council. At council we tend to not scream at one and other,

By Keegan Thomson

MAYOR of Penrith, Cr Karen McKeown said the upcoming council election will provide new ideas, with a record amount of candidates expected to nominate for the Penrith City Council.

Cr McKeown said she’s expecting a large field of candidates to run for the 15 seats available on the Penrith City Council.

“At the election I’m expecting quite a big field of candidates. In the last election we had the largest field of candidates out of any council in New South Wales,” Cr McKeown said.

During the last election there was more than 80 candidates running across the three wards with that number tipped to be broken this year.

The Mayor, who is running as a Labor candidate in the South Ward, said she’s been happy with the work that has been done over the last four years.

“I’m looking forward to our team continuing the great work of the last four years, particularly over the last two years we’ve had a very stable council, a very progressive and outwards thinking council,” she said.

When it comes to elections, Cr McKeown said she personally uses them as a rejuvenation, and a way of reassessing the needs of her constituents.

“It is good, you get new ideas from an election and a refresh of old ideas,” she said.

and the Mayor doesn’t kick us out of the council chamber, which happens to me a lot in the chamber in Parliament House,” she joked.

Even though she’s leaving council Ms Car said she’d continue to fight for the big issues in the Nepean region.

“There are some huge issues that I need to keep fighting on for the community. There’s the ongoing state of the Nepean Hospital, which is a big priority of mine and of the Opposition,” she said.

As well as this, Ms Car also said she will continue to pursue the state government on local education issues including for the development of a primary school at Jordan Springs and TAFE cuts.

Bold ideas for City Centre sites PENRITH Council’s bold vision to reimagine two key City Centre sites has paid off.

A site on Reserve Street will be transformed into a quality development for older residents, looking to downsize while staying in the Penrith area.

Council has chosen award-winning Greengate Development Pty Ltd to develop the site into a premier aged care facility.

Plans for the second site, in Union Road, are still being explored and will include an extra 1000 car park spaces.

Council is thrilled with the options that have been put forward.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said both sites fall within, or next to, the Living Well Precinct which will become a modern village for baby boomers who want to be close to services and amenities.

“Our call for bold and innovative solutions for these sites had been incredibly successful and will help deliver the Penrith Progression blueprint for the City Centre,” Cr McKeown said.

“We have been looking for partners to help grow the local economy, attract investment and create jobs – as well as cater for our parking needs – and this process has revealed exciting opportunities for our Regional City.”

Greengate won ‘Best Retirement Living Development’ at the 2016

A picture of Greengate’s St Brigid’s Green at Maroubra – which won the 2016 Property Council of Australia Innovation and Excellence Awards.

Property Council of Australia Innovation and Excellence Awards, for its facility St Brigid’s Green at Maroubra.

The proposed Reserve Street development includes independent living apartments, a 24-hour aged care home plus additional community and medical services.

Before developing the site, an agreement on the land will be finalised and a Development Application (DA) process including community consultation undertaken.

Director of Greengate Andrew Sweeney said: “We are looking forward to working with Council to create a great community that is tailored to local seniors. In fact, one of the first

An artist’s impression of Greengate’s St Brigid’s Green at Maroubra.

tasks we have set ourselves when finalising the design over the coming months is to meet with local seniors, find out what is important to them and what their priorities are. Our goal is to provide a vibrant location in the heart of the city of Penrith.”

Council expects the development will be completed by 2020.

In regards to the Union Road site, Council has received numerous bold ideas from experienced investors to develop the site in a variety of ways.

This includes residential, office and commercial uses, as well as parking, to support the City Centre.

A detailed design and feasibility process is now to be undertaken.

Council will then choose the best option

before proceeding to an agreement on the land and the DA process, where the community can have their say.

Council would like development at the Union Road site to take place within 3 years.

Ahead of construction on the Reserve Street site in around two years, Council will continue to work on solutions to the City’s parking needs.

This includes: • Designing, funding and constructing new car parks • Better utilisation of existing parking • Promoting longer term parking on the edge of the City Centre where vacant car spaces are available, and • Better parking provision by State Government for commuters.

Your community Labor Team thank you for your support and the honour of representing your interests over the past four years.

John Thain

Karen McKeown

Greg Davies

North Ward Former Mayor

South Ward Mayor

East Ward Emeritus Mayor

Penrith has seen great progress and we will be seeking to continue this, with your support, into the future.

Penrith City Council Elections Saturday Sept 10

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councilelection council

Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

Council election - who is running again and who isn’t?

Ward - Councillor South Ward - Councillor South Ward - Councillor ✓ South ✓ Bernard ✓ Mark ✗ Jim Aitken OAM Bratusa Davies Living in the local area for the last 50 years Cr Aitken will contest his sixth council election. Cr Aitken served a term as Mayor, 2008-09, and is a self-made local businessman.

✗

East Ward - Councillor Prue Car

In 2015, Cr Car was elected into the NSW Parliament as MP for Londonderry, and has since then continued as a councillor. Due to her current position in the lower house of state parliament she will not be contesting her seat on council.

South Ward - CouncillorBen Goldfinch

Ward - Councillor ✓ South Karen McKeown - Mayor

Cr Goldfinch will not be contesting in the 2016 council election due to commitments to his young family. He told Nepean News “I’ve enjoyed my time serving on the Penrith City Council.”

Serving as the current Mayor, Cr McKeown is also the Director of Penrith Performing & Visual Arts, and is one of two Sustainability Champions on council. She’s been a member of council since 2004 and was elected Mayor in last year.

Ward - Councillor Ward - Councillor ✓ East ✓ East Greg Davies Maurice Girotto

Ward - Councillor ✓ East Jackie Greenow OAM

Ward - Councillor ✓ East Tricia Hitchen

Cr Davies has been involved in council for the past 21 years, serving three terms as Mayor and two terms as Deputy Mayor.

He has represented council on a number of boards and committees across the Nepean region.

Cr Greenow advocates for local education issues and women’s rights within the Penrith LGA. She’s served on council since 1995 and was Mayor in 200405. Currently she works at St Marys North Public School.

A former commissioned police officer, Cr Hitchen is a mother of 3 who advocates for special needs children, accessibility and equality across the Nepean region.

Cr Bratusa is a former newspaper editor who has worked for Liberal MPs, both in state and federal government, and has been the media adviser to the NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation.

First elected in 2004, Cr Davies served a term as Mayor in 2012-13. He’s a local resident for the past 40 years is married to state MP for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies. Before running for council, Cr Davies worked as an engineer.

Originally elected to council under the Australia First banner, Cr Girotto resigned from the party shortly after being elected and became an Independent.

Cr Girotto ran in the federal election under the CDP banner.

Ward - Councillor Ward - Councillor Ward - Councillor North Ward - Councillor Ward - Councillor ✓ North ✓ North ✓ North ✓ North Marcus Cornish Kevin Crameri OAM Ross Fowler OAM - Deputy Mayor ✓ John Thain Michelle Tormey Cr Cornish ran in the recent federal election after quitting the Liberal Party. He courted controversy after he claimed to be too conservative for the Liberal Party yet preferenced the Labor Party.

Last year he stood up against the development of a local prayer hall.

Holding numerous positions in council since 1974, Cr Crameri will contest the election again.

He has been Mayor for three terms and has been involved in the RFS and Nepean Historical Society.

Nominating for his seventh consecutive term, Cr Fowler is a third generation representative for local government. Following in the footsteps of his father and his grand father, Cr Fowler has been Mayor twice and is currently Deputy Mayor.

Cr Thain is an ardent member of the ALP and has been involved in numerous local elections and campaigns across the years. He has served council since 1999 and was Mayor in 2005-06.

During his time as Mayor he set up the Mayoral Charity Ball.

Cr Tormey is the first councillor flying under the Greens banner in the Penrith City Council. She is an advocate for community engagement in local democracy and is a staunch believer in sustainable development.

A future of great opportunity

By Kerrie Davies

WITH the current council term of Penrith City Council now in its final weeks before the election of the next four-year term, Deputy Mayor Ross Fowler has reflected on the successes and said opportunities for our region have a bright and shining future.

“Council, over the last four years has worked exceptionally well and in partnership with both federal and state governments,” Cr Fowler said.

“Together we have achieved some great results for the Penrith region in terms of infrastructure - the Northern Rd in particular comes to mind - and our emphasis over that period on job creation has been particularly

successful with the Penrith local government area now having one of the lowest unemployment rates in NSW. “Penrith’s future is one of great opportunity. The development of the science park at Luddenham, the advent of the Western Sydney Airport and the cohesive nature of council and its ability to work with all levels of government will ensure a bright future the people and businesses, and that of Penrith.

“Employment for the future generations is ensured. giving more young people the opportunity to work and live locally and to share in the great lifestyle that is on offer in our region.

Community deserves to know where money went COUNCIL resolved last night to begin legal proceedings against the Penrith Business Alliance (PBA) in a bid to ascertain where public money went.

In June 2015, after an independent review of a Deed of Agreement with the PBA, Council resolved that public funding for the Alliance would cease.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said since that time, Council had made numerous unsuccessful requests to the PBA for reconciliation of the funding allocated to the Alliance for the 2014-2015 financial year.

“This is public money. We have

an obligation to our community to find out whether this money was used appropriately for economic development activities,” Cr McKeown said.

“A Limited organisation is also required to lodge audited financial statements with ASIC which hasn’t happened, so there needs to be accountability,” Cr McKeown said.

The PBA, which was set up by Council, began operating in 2009 as a Company Limited by Guarantee and provided annual updates to Council about its activities and future program.

Mindful of the changing economic environment, Council undertook a review of its economic development functions after a five year period.

“The review gave us the opportunity to look at the bigger picture and take a fresh look at whether there are better ways to drive economic development, boost jobs and attract investment to our City,” Cr McKeown said. “Council decided to implement alternative models for the future.”

The proceedings were passed by a majority with the only councillor voting against the motion being Cr Marcus Cornish.

Council catch up with Keegan Thomson JULY’s council meeting was the second last meeting before the upcoming election on September 10 and it celebrated a few local wins and welcomed the Youth Mayor and Deputy Mayor into the chambers.

Mayor Karen McKeown announced the student winners of the 2016 Youth Mayor Competition. Cr McKeown said the award is a great opportunity for the students to learn more about local government.

“This will give them [the winners] a greater understanding of how council and local democracy works which has always been the main objective of this program,” she said.

Billie Kuczynski, from Cranebrook High, was named Youth Mayor after she submitted her poem, Dream To Fly. Niamh O’Keefe, from Emmaus Catholic College, was named one of the two Deputy Mayors.

In the same breath Mayor McKeown announced all 26 councilrun child care centres across the LGA have been assessed against the national quality standard, with all 26 passing with flying colours.

There was a bit of a tiff between a few councillors when it came to the decision on a development on

The Youth Mayor and her Deputies with Mayor McKeown.

Reserve street in Penrith.

Currently the vacant lot on Reserve street is used as a temporary car park, with council saying there is room for 107 cars, but the area is set to be redeveloped as a “modern village for baby boomers” (more on page 8).

Cr Marcus Cornish, who is staunchly against any development that might upset the amount of car

parking spots in Penrith opposed the development with the debate quickly turning into an argument about the development of car parks in Penrith’s CBD. The next council sitting will be the last before the election so I’m sure we’ll see some bold campaigning and some disgruntled disagreements during the next council meeting.

Rumour has it WITH the council elections just a few weeks away on Saturday, September 10, rumours are rife about those who are not current councillors having a tilt at a seat.

In East Ward, the rumour mill is tipping the return of Dr Jim Saleam, who was the Australia First candidate in the Lindsay federal election, Kingsley Lui from the Greens and there’s some tongues wagging that former Federal Member for Lindsay, Jackie Kelly may have a crack as an independent. Former Councillor Marko Malkoc, who was elected as a Liberal but turned Independent in the last year of his term has also speculated on facebook that he may be considering another run.

In South Ward, some pundits are tipping that local financier, Steve Roddick will have a shot at grabbing the conservative vote under the Australian Liberty Alliance banner. Sue Day and Ross “Rossco” Hutchison, independents who polled fairly well, but just not quite enough to grab a preference flow in the last council elections are both tipped to be named on your south ward ballot paper.

North Ward is usually the ward where Greens and conservationists poll the best, but rumour has it that Geoff Brown will not contest this time, even though he is a seasoned campaigner who just narrowly missed getting a guernsey last election. Local businessman Vic Shipley is tipped to be considering another crack and there’s also rumours that former Councillor and Mayor John Bateman, who was an Independent Mayor for Penrith Council during the Olympics is set to announce a return to the ballot paper.

Join us on facebook for all your up-to-date Council news throughout the Council election campaign Nepean News

11 Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

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Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

Getting to know ...

Keegan Thomson

Nepean News Journalist

with Jarrod McGrouther

1. What was your first paid job?

I delivered newspapers in the Blue Mountains on my bike when I was about 14.

2. What is your guilty pleasure?

Cheese! Nice strong swiss cheese. Or toasted sandwiches.

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

Spiders. They’re wicked fast and can kill you.

4. What is your worst habit?

My girlfriend says I grind my teeth when I sleep.

5. Best advice you’ve even been given?

Everyone has a story but it is up to you to listen to them.

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

A block of Swiss cheese and some barbecue shapes.

7. Favourite holiday destination and why?

Anywhere exciting that has lots of culture and exotic foods to taste.

8. Do you have a favourite sporting team?

The Australian Wallabies Rugby Union squad, even though they’re pretty shocking at the moment.

9. Name one reason that you love western Sydney.

So much culture and passion for life in the region.

Western Sydney is such a mixing pot and there is so many different people with so many different stories to tell.

10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday Bed, breakfast, newspaper.

Clean up continues for the RDA

By Keegan Thomson

THE clean up continues for the Nepean branch of the Riding for Disabled site at Orchid Hills after last months inundation, but the biggest issue the RDA is facing is yet to be sorted.

Since the flood representatives from the RDA have struggled to sit down with assessors from their insurance agency.

Narelle O’Kell, President of the Nepean RDA, said the issue is the assessors are hard to contact.

“They don’t even answer emails,” she said. “We are struggling to get a sit down with the assessor to make sure I don’t do the reports wrong.”

During the flooding rains and water inundation of last month’s rain event, the Nepean RDA site at Orchid Hills was washed away with more than two metres of water flowing through the paddocks and yards.

Four of their horses were swept away with one of them, Archie, found wandering the M4 with deeps cuts to his legs, the other three were found deceased in nearby South Creek.

After the floods the surviving horses were moved away from the site so they could be assessed for physical and mental health issues. Ms O’Kell says all the horses are recovering accordingly.

“Archie is still recovering after he was found on the highway. He has new skin growing back, which is great to see,” she said.

“The horses are still really nervous around water though so we are hesitant to bring them back at the moment, mainly because our fences aren’t fixed,” she

Narelle O’Kell, President of Nepean RDA. Photo: Keegan Thomson

said. “You don’t realise animals feel the same as we do.”

All up there has been tens of thousands of dollars worth of donations given to the Nepean RDA including new horses, equipment and cash.

The site still hasn’t had power restored so Penrith City Council supplied the charity with a petrol generator so they can continue their clean up.

Ms O’Kell said without all the help from across the community they wouldn’t be recovering as quickly as they are.

“The community have been amazing. Prior to this devastation we were struggling to get donation and volunteers, but after this devastation people have realised we’re here and they want to help,” she said.

The RDA set up a go-fund-me page after the floods so members of the public can donate directly to the charity. You can find this at www.gofundme.com/ rdanepeandisaster.

Spike loses a leg in car accident

Nepean

Veterinary REPORT

with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET

Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair

THIS is the story of Spike the 1-yearold Border Collie cross. Spike was brought into WellPet Nepean after roaming from home and being tragically injured in a car accident.

His finders noticed he had sustained significant damage to his hind legs.

They acted quickly, and brought him into our Nepean Animal hospital with haste.

Upon arrival he was found to have no microchip and was quickly assessed by the attending Veterinarian, Dr Heather, who administered pain relief and first aid treatment for shock before assessing the full extent of his injuries.

Spike had suffered the most significant injuries to his left-hind limb. His left leg sustained significant de-gloving on his toes and multiple wounds and tissue damage to his hock.

His right hind leg was also injured and had multiple puncture wounds and superficial scrapes and bruising across his toes.

Dr Heather performed a series of survey radiographs (x-rays) to check for any internal damage, including breaks. She found no internal injuries to his organs or long bones however he had a displacement of one toe on his left hind leg.

His wounds were then clipped and cleaned, bandages and wound treatment was commenced.

Meanwhile our reception team

contacted local vets and searched through our lost and found clipboards in every attempt to locate his owners.

Spike during this time remained in our hospital receiving daily wound care.

This included wet and dry bandages, with the application of Manuka honey and sterile lubricants to his wounds.

He also received antibiotics and pain relief. Spike’s left leg was still in a very bad way and there was the risk of continued tissue breakdown and the possible need for amputation, however only time would tell. He continued treatment for four days before we received a call….it was his owners!

His owners came into the hospital immediately to be reunited with Spike, they had brought with them photo evidence and ID and he was visibly happy to see them despite his discomfort.

After review of Spikes recovery and

a lengthy discussion with Dr Sophia, one of our veterinary surgeons, his owners decided that the best thing for the long term recovery of Spike and his leg was to amputate the severely damaged left hind limb. Spike would be a three legged dog. Although this has its challenges it has proven manageable in many dogs who have received significant limb injuries like Spike. Given Spike’s young age he was a good candidate for this procedure. Surprisingly to many, amputee pets cope very well and quickly learn to adapt to their new stance on life. Spike’s surgery was performed by Dr Matthew Brown and it was a success! Spike made a very quick recovery from his surgery and is already home and on the mend. We look forward to seeing Spike as he returns for his recheck in a few weeks!

Get well soon Spike!

Penrith-grown talent bound for Rio!

By Jarrod McGrouther

THE Rio Olympics are just eight days away; with the Australian team hoping to do the nation proud and bring home a significant medal haul.

Wondering who to cheer for, or what sports might warrant staying up to the early hours of the morning to watch? We have your comprehensive list of the local talent who are looking to do our region, and nation proud.

In the athletics arena, Ben St Lawrence, born in Penrith and living in the mountains, will represent the nation in the 10-kilometre event, the only Australian man to compete at this length since the Sydney games. He runs fast, clocking just under 27 and a half minutes over the 10-kilometres, a super human feat, and will look to better his 20th place finish from four years ago.

On the bike, Amanda Spratt, also born in Penrith and living in the mountains, will fly inches from the pavement in the cycling road race. She’s one to watch, winning the 2016 Australian Championships and 2015 Giro del Trentino in Italy. This is Amanda’s second games.

In the pool, talented 22-year old Jake Packard, Penrith born, will compete in the 100-metre breaststroke and 4 x 100 metre medley relay. Now applying his trade in Queensland, Jake is representing Australia at his first Olympic games, off the back of a fifth placed finish in the individual event at last years World Championships.

In the ring, Daniel Lewis, born in Penrith, will go toe to toe with the best of the 75kg division in the men’s boxing. The 22-year old is full of promise, only missing out on the London games due to a broken jaw during trials. Daniel won gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games and is a real medal chance.

On the water is where you will find most of our local products, with Lucien Delfour, Ian Borrows and Jessica Fox preparing for the torturous canoe/kayak slalom course. All three athletes live in Penrith, with Delfour, a four time World Cup Medalist, and Borrows, hooked on the sport ever since the 2000 games, representing Australia in the K1 and C1 events respectively.

Arguably the most well known of the three, Jessica Fox is on her way to her second Olympic games, having won Silver in the K1 event in London.

Nepean News was lucky enough to speak with Jessica during her busy schedule, asking her how it feels to represent the Nepean region in Rio. “I absolutely love this region and it gives me

enormous pride to represent Australia and our region.

In particular having attended all of my schooling here I understand the importance and impact of my going to the Olympics has on young children. If I can do it anyone can,” she continued “The amount of messages I receive via Facebook and Twitter is incredible. I want the people of Penrith and the Blue Mountains to know that I am carrying their thoughts with me. It’s a strange feeling, foremost I represent Australia but equal to that I also represent my community. They are the best supporters anyone could ever wish for. I was only just reading all the online comments recently on pages such as Memories of Penrith and it makes me feel absolutely humbled. Thanks Nepean News for following my journey.”

Asked whether she was confident of going one better this time around, Fox touched on her experiences in London and her confidence heading into Rio.

“It was an amazing experience winning a Silver medal in London. I was nervous; the crowd was incredible and scary at the same time. This time I am more prepared, I have had a strong 4 years where I have confirmed my position within the sport. On the day however anything can happen and any one of about 15 athletes could win an Olympic medal. I just need to remain focused on doing the little things right and hopefully it all comes together on the massive Olympic stage.”

For the record, there will be long nights ahead in front of your TV sets. 9am in Rio is 10pm Sydney time. Rio at 4pm in the afternoon is 5am Sydney time. It will be a tough ask, but try and remember the sacrifice and courage each athlete has shown to not only compete at the games, but to dedicate four years of their lives to get there. On behalf of Nepean News, we wish every Australian athlete the very best in Rio. We will all be watching.

POLICE FILES Fire at O’Donoghues - Manslaughter charge POLICE have charged a man with manslaughter after another man died in a fire at Emu Plains last month.

About 1.45am on Friday 10 June 2016, emergency services were called to O’Donoghues Irish Pub on the Great Western Highway at Emu Plains, following reports of a fire.

On arrival, officers from Penrith Local Area Command located a 29-year-old man on the road with serious burns.

Police rendered assistance to the man.

He was taken to Nepean Hospital and later transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he died about 9pm.

A 30-year-old man was located by NSW Ambulance Paramedics at Avoca Street, Emu Plains, with serious burns. The man was transferred to Concord Burns Unit, where he has been receiving ongoing treatment.

About 11am on Thursday 21 July 2016, police attended Concord Burns Unit, where they arrested and charged the 30-year-old man. He remains under police guard.

The man was charged with manslaughter, destroying property by fire and breach of bail conditions.

He was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court on Friday 29 July 2016.

Police investigate house fire – Oxley Park Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a house fire at Oxley Park overnight.

About 10pm (Monday 25 July 2016), emergency services were called to a home on Gregory Avenue following reports of a fire.

On arrival officers saw smoke emanating from the home and NSW Fire & Rescue officers worked to extinguish a fire that was burning inside.

A crime scene has been established while further investigations are carried out by detectives from St Marys Local Area Command.

The occupants were not home at the time of the fire.

At this stage police are treating the fire as suspicious and would like to speak with anyone who may have information that could assist.

13 Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

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Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

Owner trainers left in doghouse

By Keegan Thomson

ACROSS the Nepean region breeders, owners, small businesses and families will all be effected by the closure of the industry, with many facing the potential of becoming unemployed.

Kristine Mackenzie is a long time breeder, a trainer and the former General Manager of Richmond Racing Club, and she says her lively hood, and her dogs are at risk because of the ban.

“The prize money I earn helps me to pay for the food for all my retired dogs,” she said. “If I can’t breed a litter I can’t race, and if I can’t race I can’t make a living and the dogs can’t be fed.”

All up Ms Mackenzie has 16 dogs on her Londonderry property with the feed for the dogs costing a third of her and her husbands combined retirement pensions.

Every three to five years Ms Mackenzie and her husband breed a litter of dogs however last year, just after the initial allegations of mistreatment within the industry were made, she decided not to breed.

“After all this came out last year I put breeding on hold, and I’m glad I did, because now if I had bred a litter

Photo: Kennedi Geyer

I wouldn’t be able to do anything with them, and I rely on the money from them to look after my retired dogs,” she said.

Emma Mackenzie, 17, is Kristine Mackenzie’s granddaughter, and she has had her name down on a waitlist for a part time position at the Richmond Racing Club for a number of years, but now it looks like she might not get a job at all.

“I was hoping to get a job there since I was 14. I’m a registered attendant, I can catch dogs after their race, and now my skills might have gone to waste,” she said.

During the Penrith City Council meeting for July, Cr Bernard Bratusa spoke in support of those involved in the greyhound industry.

“The majority of the people involved in the industry are good people with statistics showing 8 out of 10 follow the law,” Cr Bratusa said.

Cr Bratusa also suggested the council lend a helping hand to any family, trainer or businessperson put out by the ban.

Cr Bratusa requested a briefing be returned to the new council which included a policy designed to offer advice, support and potential rezonings to assist those impacted by the closure of the industry.

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Pozieres: A place “densely sown with Australian sacrifice”

By Kerrie Davies

POZIERES, a small village in the Somme valley in France, was the scene of bitter and costly fighting for the 1st, 2nd and 4th Australian Divisions in mid 1916.

The village was captured initially by the 1st Division on 23 July 1916.

The division clung to its gains despite almost continuous artillery fire and repeated German counter-attacks but suffered heavily. By the time it was relieved on 27 July it had suffered

5,285 casualties.

The 2nd Division took over from the 1st and mounted two further attacks - the first, on 29 July, was a costly failure; the second, on 2 August, resulted in the seizure of further German positions beyond the village. Again, the Australians suffered heavily from retaliatory bombardments. They were relieved on 6 August, having suffered 6,848 casualties.

The 4th Division was next into the line at Pozieres. It too endured a massive artillery bombardment, and

defeated a German counter-attack on 7 August; this was the last attempt by the Germans to retake Pozieres.

The cost had been very large for both sides and, in the words of Australian official historian Charles Bean, the Pozières ridge “is more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth.”

Ron Blakely, John Barlow and Tony Fryer from the St Marys Outpost are currently in France attending services acknowledging the centenary of the Pozieres battle.

“We were proud to represent St

15 Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

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Marys RSL Sub-Branch, the 32 schools in our area and the St Marys area community in general, by laying wreaths at a series of commemorative services,” Tony said.

“The opening of the Memorial Park (in St Marys) where we completed our school project by dispersing ashes from our burned crosses at Anzac across the park; the launch in France of the project to build a new school with a bi-lingual curriculum; and at the Australian Government commemorative service.”

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Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

Embrace life at the Cancer Support Charity Festival EMBRACE Life is all about uplifting and activating local communities and businesses through sustainable festivals celebrating wellness, music, art and spirituality.

Their second Penrith festival will be held on Sunday 31st July at the Panthers Penrith Event Centre.

This year Embrace Life Penrith is proud to have on board Blue Mountains and Penrith Valley Cancer Support as their charity partner at their upcoming festival.

Festival founder Deborah Shepherd and recently awarded Business Woman of the Year, says this partnership is a perfect fit as their core principles align perfectly, which is promoting natural health therapies.

Blue Mountains & Penrith Valley Cancer Support is a not-for-profit organisation that has been helping people in our community with cancer by providing subsidised therapies for the past 11 years and who believe in a holistic approach to managing a cancer diagnosis with a focus on nutrition, mind, body and spirit.

“We are excited to be part of this year’s Embrace Life Festival Penrith.

Our aim is to build awareness by providing attendees with useful

information about the benefits of natural therapies which can help offset side effects of cancer treatments,” said Founder and CEO, Robyn Yates OAM. Both organisations are looking forward to the Penrith festival as the local community has a diverse and talented group of wellness businesses, artists and musicians. The day will be filled with experiential workshops including yoga, meditation and sound healing and many informative sessions

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around natural health.

As part of the festival they will also be celebrating local artist, Tracy Thomas who recently won the United Emirates, Dubai “Immerse” at THE BEACH Award bringing her first exhibition; to something for the kids with the Embrace Families program including kids yoga, meditation and activities.”

“The local businesses have really got behind the concept that showcases what the Penrith Region has to offer

in the creative and wellness arena” said the local ambassador, Tania Sloan.

Deborah Shepherd, founder of Embrace Life believes her life purposes is to create a comprehensive marketing platform allowing creative expression of the soul, bringing to life one’s passion and purpose in a supportive environment and in turn build an awareness of what the industry can provide to all Australians in their search for ways to improve or maintain their overall health and wellbeing. Recently awarded two business awards from Women with Altitude, the Change Maker Award acknowledging a business challenging the status quo of an industry and the 2016 Business Woman of the Year Award.

“Whenever we open up our festivals, the energy is vibrant and alive; abuzz with people are exhibiting, collaborating and making connections within their local community that will remain beyond the actual event,“ said Mrs Shepherd.

The intention is to continue to hold these festivals annually in many areas of NSW, bringing awareness to the importance of diversity and “embracing” the whole community.

localnews local

Community help produces new play space Penrith Mayor Cr Karen McKeown at the newly transformed Grey Gums Oval playground.

WITH the help from the local Cranebrook community, Grey Gums Oval playground has been transformed into a new play space.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the old equipment was outdated while the new facilities would allow for a wider range of use and enjoyment.

“Council asked local residents how they used the existing park and they made suggestions on improvements that could be made for residents to fully utilise the space,” Cr McKeown said.

“With that valuable community input Council has designed and built a new play space for all ages overlooking the playing fields at Grey

Gums Oval and taking in the view of the Blue Mountains.”

The addition of shelter and seating complements the space, while a new path connection has been built to Glynn Close to improve access. Tree planting improves the feel and look of the area making it a more attractive place to relax and enjoy the facilities.

The project has been completed by Council’s Parks department as part of asset renewal works for the 2015/2016 financial year. Council’s asset renewal program and Section 94 Developer Contributions jointly funded the work to reserve, totaling $89,100.

THE new look Mondo space will soon be unveiled, revealing a more inviting, contemporary and cosmopolitan meeting place.

The high traffic pedestrian area is strategically located between Westfield Penrith, Penrith Library and the Council Chambers and the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

Penrith Mayor Cr Karen McKeown said: “The area is now more attractive to workers, shoppers and visitors to the City centre.

“The completion of The Mondo heralds an exciting time for the community and we all anticipate its opening at the end of July.

“The space offers shade and lighting, making it an attractive area for all members of the community to stop and rest or meet with friends and family.

“The Mondo also offers a great space for live music and small performances, extending the area from the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and making it more accessible to passers-by.

“It’s all part of Council’s vision to make our City Centres more vibrant and lively and to attract investment while offering open spaces for people to stop and enjoy.

“A diversity of custom designed seating will be installed by early September. This will provide an ideal spot for those who want to sit alone or meet in small groups. Umbrellas, as well as more trees, will provide shade to help beat the heat on hotter days.

“Council is proud to deliver the revamped Mondo for our community and visitors – right in the heart of our city.”

More information: penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/mondo or call 4732 7777.

Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

The Mondo set to reopen

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Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

THE G SPOT

DO you remember growing up and ya mum used to say, “ wear clean undies” just in case we got hit by a bus and you needed to go to hospital? Mums were so caring in those days. No seriously they were. Silly, but caring!

Now, I am no rocket scientist or brain surgeon, however I am not sure what condition your undies will be in after you have been hit by the 478 heading to Sydney on the fastest route on a time schedule from hell, but it isn’t going to be pretty, that’s all I am saying.

Having said that, I had the enlightening, wonderful, exuberating (big word attack with no idea of the meaning but it looks good for the column) day of riding on a Sydney bus - oops sorry buses (Plural). I swear the driver was a frustrated wannabe retired racing car driver in a previous life. He felt compelled to drive up everyone’s tail-end and then slam on the brakes every 15 seconds, placing my neck into whiplash and the dude next to me to spill his coffee. I was seriously considering sticking my OPAL card where the driver’s sun didn’t shine with a couple of roundhouse kicks and an upper cut thrown in.

Anyway, sigh, getting back on track, one of the many many things I did notice was the amount of people on social media - smartphones, ipads, laptops you name it - they were friggn on it. I reckon I could have done a nudie run up and down the aisle, and no one would have noticed. The great thing was that I was able to actually see what people were viewing. One lady was actually transferring funds through her online bank account and had quite a healthy bank balance, I must say. I was also very blessed to have viewed her account details and work out the password. Pretty scary!

I was trying to work out if she was a bonehead or just complacent? At least it took my mind off contemplating my navel for the trip.

Oh hint, if you are going to watch, well let’s just say, 18+ educational movies (Cough Cough) make sure your headphone jack is all the way in the computer socket and so the rest of the bus can’t hear it. At first I thought that two wounded hyenas had entered the bus.

I also saw a few selfies and emails being sent out, with one bloke pulling a face on every word, I guess he thought that it would make it easier

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

pulling a duck face, poking his tongue out or looking like he was in pain.

I was lucky enough to attend a Cybercrime training course and whilst I am no expert in the field, one of the many things that I learnt is that the online scammers are pretty darn advanced. I saw so many people on emails that morning and all it takes is one click on an attachment and bingo, whammy or whatever you want to call it, the scammers are in. Click! that quick. Be very very careful of what you open. Its mind boggling how many people really believe that a Russian Heir has left them millions of dollars in a will and click the attachment and get the ball rolling.

Rule of thumb if you don’t know who the email is from, delete! If it is legit they will contact you somehow.

These scamming mules, and I will call them that - mules, because they are usually working for a syndicate group and leader. These mules send out hundreds if not millions of emails, hoping that someone clicks open an attachment in an email or someone responds. Some of these mules, feed off the more vulnerable folk, ones looking for love or down in their luck in life needing companionship.

Some people have lost millions on scamming dating sites thinking that they are assisting an online love interest (that they have never met) when in actual fact its just a mule, that in many cases are doing it to feed a family in a poverty stricken country.

Many of these cases are not reported because people are too embarrassed to report that they wired $500,000 to a person that they had never met, in the hope of (one day) return love and got ripped off. Whilst we can judge and call these people stupid, it truly happens daily and is happening right now as I type this.

I often wonder, if technology has helped us or stunted us as humans?

When mothers are now SMSing their children in the same house when dinner is ready and ringing children in the same house to get them out of bed.

So to close off, its okay to ride a bus naked , no one will notice anyway, the bus driver survived his trip, my OPAL card doesn’t need sterilising, the guy watching his educational movie had a great day and its okay to look like a constipated duck whilst sending emails.

Roger that? Over and out!

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Thumbs up for Heath KEEN local movie-goers packed the room at the recent screening of Broke the movie at Penrith Hoyts.

It was great to see people get behind one of our own, film-maker Heath Davis, who you would have seen grace these pages over the last couple of editions.

A born and bred local, Heath made and produced the film “from the smell of an oily rag” relying on crowdfunding to get his project over the line.

Mark MG Geyer jumped on board to be the Master of Ceremonies and have a talk with Heath prior to the movie being screened, and at the end of it there were thumbs up all round.

Well done Heath, your hometown is proud of you!

The Penrith Homeless Hub THE Penrith Homeless Hub will be held on Wednesday 3 August from 9am – 11.00am at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

People facing homelessness are among the most vulnerable, marginalised and disadvantaged in the community. Individuals and families face homelessness for a diverse range of reasons including poverty, family breakdown, domestic and family violence, mental health issues, drug and alcohol issues.

Homeless Hubs are a partnership of organisations aiming to connect people experiencing homelessness in the Penrith area with the support they need to connect with essential services.

A number of organisations have joined together to offer these services including the

Department of Human Services, Housing Services, Accommodation Services, Health Services, Charities and Community Services.

Council plays a lead role with community partners to coordinate the Penrith Homeless Hub which will provide assistance to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing homelessness, sleeping rough, couch surfing, then why not come along or bring them along and have a free BBQ provided by Christ Mission Possible. A wide range of local services will be available - all in the one location – as well as free personal care packs, clothing, food, health information and lots more.

For further information contact Christ Mission Possible on 4704 8809.

Monthly Akira Business Breakout Lunch - July Once a month members of the Penrith business community get together at Akira Teppinyaki Japanese Restaurant for a get-together. If you’d like to join in the fun, call Vic Shipley on 0415 982 093

Social Butterfly

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Legends of the Nepean

By Garion Thain

MOST of us can attest to having a strong interest or hobby, perhaps several.

Whether it be cars, beauty, building, collecting, or for many of us a sport.

The sport Nathan Pentecost has invested himself in is more than just a hobby, it is a passion he has fostered for most of his life, and spent his adult life enjoying and promoting.

The game he loves is Rugby League, and Nathan and his mates play it with wheelchairs – to great success and

Nathan Pentecost has a great love of Rugby League. The current competition is played in Menai. Pictured here with Penrith Panthers.

increasing community attention. Mr Pentecost was nominated as a legend of the Nepean by our very own Mark Geyer, and it comes at a special time, as Mr Pentecost prepares for his fourth pushathon on July 29-30, a charity event wherein Mr Pentecost undertakes a 100km venture – equivalent to over two marathons or 20 laps of the Sydney International Regatta Centre.

Every year, Mr Pentecost supports a different charity, last year supporting the Kokoda Youth Leadership Project in sending two students to the historic Kokoda track in conjunction with the Penrith Panthers, Mr Pentecost himself captaining the Penrith Panthers Wheelchair Rugby League team.

This year, the goal of the 100km Pushathon is a little more personal, with Mr Pentecost hoping to, in association with Men of League, establish a West-based Wheelchair Rugby League competition, starting with the purchase of five durable sports chairs, hopefully culminating in a community program to encourage involvement, and awareness of Rugby League.

Mr Pentecost talked to me about the

sport he loves and his Pushathon goals and origins. He started by mentioning that Wheelchair Rugby League isn’t as new to the Rugby scene as some of the public may assume.

“The existing Wheelchair Rugby League competition has existed for five years at this point, we play in Menai currently” said Mr Pentecost.

“2004 saw France vs Australia, where we won 4-1,” mentioned Mr Pentecost, who was Vice Captain.

“In 2008 we had the world cup in Sydney, where we finished second,” he proudly commented.

“And of course, there’s state of origin as well.”

Mr Pentecost captains the Penrith Panthers Wheelchair Rugby League team. He says he loves that Rugby League is such an inclusive sport, which is why able-bodied people are welcome in the Wheelchair game.

“Wheelchair Rugby League is a great sport, it’s fast paced, high contact and all inclusive,” Mr Pentecost said.

“Inclusive meaning it’s a game that people with disabilities can play with their able-bodied friends and family on the same playing field,” said Mr Pentecost.

So far Mr Pentecost has enjoyed

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Wheelchair Rugby League enjoys international competitions and rival games. Mr Pentecost has played for both Australia and New South Wales.

growing community support which gives him hopes of perhaps establishing a Western Sydney-based competition.

“We are planning to create a Penrith competition,” Mr Pentecost confirmed, stating it’s a partial goal of his 2016 Pushathon. “[We are planning to] create a program that we would be able to take into schools, which will not only spread awareness of people with disabilities in sport but also hopefully help grow the game of both Rugby League and Wheelchair Rugby League,” he said.

First and foremost, while conversations with the NRL are

underway and while receiving support of community sports icons like MG, Mr Pentecost is focused on his first goal and the fiscal goal of the 2016 Pushathon, that being to raise $20,000. “$20,000 that will get us 5 wheelchairs - which is half of the wheelchairs we need to create a Penrith competition,” said Mr Pentecost.

Each sports chair, extremely durable, is worth $5000.

The first Pushathon was created by Mr Pentecost in order to acquire a sports chair. He also gave money to Cystic Fibrosis.

“The first time was so rewarding that I thought, ‘Why don’t I do this

for a different charity [every year?’” he said.

He noted that increased community interest and positive reception has affirmed his belief that he is doing the right thing.

When asked if there was anything he’d like to share with the community or ask of them ahead of this year’s 100kms, Mr Pentecost said “I would probably just ask that people help me create my dream of a Penrith competition and help me help others to play wheelchair rugby league by donating on my page,” “[Supporters can visit] www.everydayhero.com.au and

type in ‘Pentecost’s men of league pushathon,’ he continued.

“All donations are tax deductible.”

After the Pushathon, Mr Pentecost can look forward to going back to focusing on his passion, one he is proud to play with friends.

“It’s the closest thing to the running game.”

Nathan Pentecost nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Mark Geyer.

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

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Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

Staff go dry in July for their patients THE annual Dry July fundraiser for the Nepean Cancer Care Centre is set to be bigger than ever with staff keen to raise as much as possible for the benefit of local cancer patients.

It has been a dry July for a team of Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District staff known as the Nepean Cancer Carers. Once again, the staff are taking part in Dry July and giving up alcohol for a month to raise money for the purchase of patient comfort and care items at the Nepean Cancer Care Centre.

The Nepean Cancer Carers are motivated by the knowledge that every dollar they raise will go towards improving the experience of patients receiving care at the Cancer Centre.

“We love that the money raised from Dry July goes directly towards services and equipment that can help improve the experience of our patients. Creating more comfortable, welcoming environments for patients, their families or carers can make a real difference to their experience of treatment at the centre,” said Dawn Hutley, Senior Occupational Therapist at the Nepean Cancer Care Centre.

Dawn is also the team leader of the Nepean Cancer Carers.

“The Nepean Cancer Carers are keen to do their best to improve the journey of patients and their families at our centre. We’re so pleased to see the results of last year’s Dry July fundraiser positively impacting patients at the Nepean Cancer Care Centre,” she said.

In 2015, over $120,000 was raised for the Cancer Care Centre with funds helping to beautify

the hallways, enhance clinic rooms and update teleconferencing technology to provide early treatment plans for patients unable to access the Nepean Cancer Care Centre in person.

“The money raised this year will support the continued update of the clinic rooms and patient areas. We’re also conducting a patient survey to ask our patients what improvements they would like to see at the Centre. This will help us determine what the money will be spent on,” said Dawn.

“We love doing Dry July. We form wonderful

relationships with our patients and Dry July gives us the opportunity to make their journey a bit more comfortable.”

As well as receiving sponsorship for their ‘booze ban’, the Nepean Cancer Carers fundraising activities include a trivia night, sausage sizzle, cake stall and BBQ breakfast before the month wraps up.

“Patients feel supported when they see our team of staff actively doing something outside of our typical work duties to improve their journey through our Centre,” said Dawn.

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

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SONIA KRUGER REMARKS - STUFF UP OR BEAT UP?

He Says......................................................She Says IS Sonja Kruger entitled to express herself, yes. Is she entitled to be vilified for expressing herself, no. Is she entitled to broadcast those opinions on national TV and vilify others, absolutely not.

I feel sorry for Ms Kruger for the fear that she no doubts suffers. It is understandable given the atrocities that happen in the name of ISIS or ISIL or whatever name these criminals want their organisation known as.

Their motive is just that, to instill fear and hate into into citizens around the world. The problem is, comments made by the Krugers and Hansons of the world are encouraging that fear and with the terrorist links to the Muslim religion it is natural that we need to find someone to blame and the religion becomes the scapegoat.

Let’s not sugar coat the problem, it is real, but that does not automatically relate to “you’re Islamic and therefore you are a terrorist”. That is exactly what the terrorists want. Build that hate to include innocent people and it makes it easy to recruit those innocents into a fight back situation.

Terrorism is not new, everyone remembers 9/11 but does anyone remember the Locherbie disaster, The Battle of Britain, Pearl Harbour and many other such atrocities perpetuated by all sides during our long history?

Yes, Ms Kruger in her own words feels the fear for her family, but continuing to deride many innocent peace-loving people because of either ignorance or scapegoating does nothing to reduce that fear, it just multiplies the effect. Cronulla riots were a perfect example where normal everyday people got so consumed by hate that they acted in a way they never would have thought themselves capable, and no doubt in the light of day, most would regret those actions.

The blame rests solely with the gang mentality of some misguided idiots and the broadcasters, personalities and reporters whose words helped to incite the actions.

By all means let’s open debate and discuss solutions to what is a problem, but let’s use some brains and our hearts to determine that solution, not make it worse with ill-thought out and illogical arguments.

WIN!

OH my Goodness, on a scale of 1 to absurdity, the response from some circles totally blew the top off it.

Last time I checked, here in Australia, when someone asks your opinion on something you are free to give it.

Sonia stated her opinion - on a very hot topic, given that dozens of people had just been mowed down by an Islamic terrorist - and somehow she was hated more than the bloody terrorist!

The world is currently being held to ransom by a crazy ideology that seeks to conquer or kill. The push from the left that demands that we simply ignore the problem and squash any kind of debate on it is unfathomable.

While people rush to excuse, pander and gather evidence that all terrorism can’t be attributed to one religion, while finding reasons to belittle anyone who dares to speak out about the bully that is Islamic radicalism, the result still stays the same - the bully doesn’t disappear.

Terrorism in the name of Islam this year alone has claimed thousands of lives; it is not just going to go away if we don’t speak about it. To sit blindly on the sidelines hoping that one morning ISIS will wake up with a new agenda of puppy dogs and fairy floss for all, doesn’t seem to me to be a very smart plan.

And they are busy recruiting as you read this.

I feel for Sonia. For simply stating her fear (which she is by no means alone in having) she’s been made a scapegoat by the left and has become the poster girl for “don’t dare have an opinion on this topic.”

The very first step in finding a solution is being able to have a frank and open discussion. The disgusting treatment of Sonia Kruger, who was called names I can’t write in this newspaper and was even told to kill herself, proves that we are a very long way from taking that first step.

It’s healthy to listen to other points of view. If we are going to continue down the track of bullying and intimidating people into all forming a default opinion, then, quite frankly, we are no better than ISIS are we?

Who do you agree with? Send your vote to nepeannews@aol.com for a chance to win a table for 4 at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant including dinner and show.

Heavens Above with Reverend Ross Hutchison

Collective Thoughts To Ponder (1) The highest and most beautiful things in life are pure magical joys; just waiting to be revealed - then lived and loved to the fullest.

Life is full of magic....grab it!

(2) It’s not the happenings in our lives that worry us. It is in the way we interpret the things that happen to us in life.

That has the power!

(3) Negative thoughts will take on a life of their own - if we let them!

As we think, so we are!

(4) Lies that are repeated often enough....become accepted as truth, Truth can only be itself!

(5) Thoughts are the only things we can control. And the only things we need to control!

(6) Just as it takes time to grow a flower to full colour and fragrance, So too, does it take time to grow a friendship.

Just a thinking process that helps me too.

Your mate, Rossco PS. My Auto Biography can be Viewed and Downloaded on www.skynotlimit.com

KIDS MAZE

Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

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

Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

Buy a daffodil

Fiona Joy & The Blue Dream Ensemble

DAFFODIL DAY is here again!

Coming up on Friday 26th August, we are celebrating its 30th year in NSW. The largest national fundraising event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, Daffodil Day not just raises essential funds for fighting cancer but also is the yearly Australian wide opportunity to bring everyone that care about cancer fight together and build relationship with the local community.

• Penrith Train Station - Jane St, Penrith • Penrith Westfield - 585 High St, Penrith • Napean Centro - Cnr Station and Woodriff St, Penrith For more information go to www.daffodilday.com.au

THE Joan invites you to step into the magical world of Fiona Joy and the Blue Dream Ensemble on 28 August at 3pm. Described by ABC Music Australia as “Pure genius”, Fiona Joy’s evocative solo piano and ethereal vocals cross contemporary, classical and jazz genres with influences from world music and new age mysticism. A prolific composer, she crafts music that evokes images, emotions and stories.

Known throughout the world for her melodic songs and lush arrangements, as well as her mesmerizingly ballet-like performance style on the concert stage, Fiona Joy’s talents have earned her over

50 awards and she has had the good fortune to work with many incredible artists including Will Ackerman, Luka Bloom, T-Bone Wolk (Hall & Oates), Heather Rankin (Rankin Family), Jeff Haynes (Pat Methany), Eugene Freisen (Paul Winter Consorte), Paul Jarman, Dave Ellis and Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel).

Fiona is joined on stage by the masterful and inspiring Blue Dream Ensemble which includes Rebecca Daniel (ACO), world-renowned Mongolian throat singer Bukhu, Dr John Napier on Cello and James Englund, who has toured extensively

with John Butler.

Don’t miss hearing and meeting these amazing performers!

Fiona Joy & The Blue Dream Ensemble is part of the Sundays at The Joan series.

The concert starts at 3pm and includes a complimentary glass of wine with cheese and crackers at a post-show reception, offering the opportunity to meet the artists.

Single tickets are $35 (standard) or $30 (concession).

To book call our Box Office on 4723-7600 or online at www.thejoan. com.au

E N T E R T A I N M E N T FINE Music 102.5FM will head west to the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on 31 July for its biggest live broadcast event ever. The event, which will be a free community concert featuring some of Australia’s most exciting musicians, will be heard by thousands of listeners.

The impressive line-up includes world renowned concert pianist Gerard Willems AM. Having recorded a CD for Fine Music previously in the venue, Willems says he was “smitten with the beautiful atmosphere of the hall”, referring to the wonderful acoustic quality of the Joan’s 660 seat Richard Bonynge Concert Hall and its superb Bosendorfer piano.

The program will open at 2pm with the youthful stylings of 10 piece 1920s style jazz outfit The Great Gatsby Orchestra, before ARIA nominatedAcacia String Quartet, lauded for its extraordinary talent and blend of established and unorthodox repertoire, makes its much anticipated return to The Joan.

Fine Music Kruger Scholarship winner, violinist Rebecca Gill, will perform as part of a duo with Paul Cheung on piano, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellows – a group of 16 young gifted musicians holding highly prized places in the SSO’s leading orchestral training program – are also on the bill.

Finally, ARIA award winning a capella group The Idea of North – described by jazz legend James Morrison as “the best contemporary a cappella group in the country” – will close the concert on a high note with their vibrant sound and style.

Tickets are free but must be booked to avoid disappointment. Call 4723 7600.

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Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

Fine Music FM

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Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

Keegan’s Kitchen

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

30

SOLUTION: 14th July

Warm winter chowder... Serves 4 FOR me chowder and winter go hand in hand. Chowder is cheap, it is easy to make and it always tastes delicious.

One of the best parts of chowder is how versatile it is and this recipe in particular is incredibly easy to chop and change up with different ingredients. This thick corn chowder is always filling, and for a vegetarian option you can always leave out the meat.

INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon butter 12 slices of thick ham hock off the bone, bacon or pancetta - use extra for garnishing 1 onion peeled and diced 2 sticks of chopped celery 2 litres vegetable or chicken stock 4 corn on the cob - without the leaves 2 medium peeled and chopped potatoes 75ml double cream 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes 1 packet of jatz crackers (the low fat ones are extra crunchy) or a cob loaf of bread METHOD: Melt the butter in a large pot over a medium heat. Add your choice of meat, onion, celery and chilli flakes then place a lid on top and cook gently until soft.

Once the meat is cook and the veggies are soft, add the stock and bring to the boil.

Cut the kernels off the corn cobs with a sharp knife - watch your fingers - and place the kernels to the side.

Pop the cobs into a the pot with the potatoes and bring it all to boil - let is simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are all cooked.

With a pair of tongs, lift the cobs out of the pot and throw them away. Add the kernels and simmer for another 5 minutes or so. Make sure you taste the chowder as it simmers so you can get a sense of what it tastes like. Feel free to add more chilli, salt or pepper.

Whiz up the chowder with a hand-held blender if you’re not happy with the constancy of it. Stir in the cream and bring back to the boil.

Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with optional meat, crackers or crusty bread.

Let me know if you had any variations in how you made the chowder. Email me at keegan@nepeannews.com.au

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Paces (9) 6 Not behind (5) 9 A hydrocarbon gas (7) 10 Leaves (7) 11 Pious (7) 12 Fitting inside one another (7) 13 In another manner (9) 15 Vista (5) 16 Vapors (5) 19 Buyers (9) 22 8th planet of the solar system (7) 23 Ruffled (7) 25 Avid (7) 26 A standard example (7) 27 Athletic endeavor (5) 28 Surmised (9)

DOWN 1 Exhausts (5) 2 Flightless bird (7) 3 Disperse (7) 4 Each and all (5) 5 One more than 16 (9) 6 Charges (7) 7 Tie together (7) 8 Differs (9) 13 Coordinates (9) 14 Makes larger (9) 17 Female singing range (7) 18 Old Scottish for “Salmon” (7) 20 Use (7) 21 Burbot or guffer (7) 23 Worries (5) 24 Fearful anticipation (5)

solution 14/7/16

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

Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

We’re off to see the Wizard... in Penrith!

IT’S an all-time classic that is a fond memory of everyone’s childhood, and now there’s a chance to see it performed live by our fabulous local talent from Ruby Productions.

Be sure to circle your calendar for a night of nostalgia and a great trip down memory lane with some classic tunes, or take the kids or grandkids along to this spectacular performance.

When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy and

her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical Land of Oz. They follow the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, and en route they meet a Scarecrow that needs a brain, a Tin Man missing a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who wants courage. The wizard asks the group to bring him the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West to earn his help.

The not-to-be-missed performances are Friday 12th August at 8pm & Saturday 13th August at 10.30am, 2pm & 8pm.

Ticket price is $25 adults and $20 concession.

To book tickets go to www.trybooking.com/176132 or to reserve seats call (02) 4735 5422.

“The Wizard of Oz” will be performed at John Lees Centre, 15 Evan Street; Penrith. www.rubyproductions99@gmail.com

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realestate real

Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

THE SMART LINE with Steve Roddick

What falling apartment prices may mean WHILE a detached house with a yard for the kids to play in and a couple extra rooms is desirable, apartments also have plenty benefits to offer.

For one, they often require less maintenance and may be considerably cheaper to keep warm in winter.

Secondly, no one can see through your windows if you decide to build a blanket fort and play video games all night.

Despite these considerable benefits, apartments price increases are showing signs of slowing in several of Australia’s major cities. To help us understand why this is happening we’ll have a look at the current state of the apartment and housing market in Australia, using what we find to determine how it may affect you or your home loan.

The market is maturing Large, developed cities such as Vancouver and London house over

35 per cent of their residents in apartments, while Melbourne sits at only 5 per cent according to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).

According to the same source, markets such as Melbourne (and potentially others around Australia) are heading the same way as their apartment markets mature. Evidence of this maturation is clear when looking at the recent increase in apartment approvals. These figures went from 4,000 approvals on average per-year in the period 2001 to 2007, to a whopping 14,000 approved in 2014 as found by the DELWP. Price decreases may make apartments a more obtainable stepping stone to a bigger and better home.

Prices are decreasing The basic rules of economics suggest that maturation of the market and the massive increase in

supply may cause apartment prices to decrease – especially in large cities. In fact, this phenomenon has already been observed in Melbourne as a Real Estate Institute of Victoria report recently found that the average apartment price in the city decreased by 1.8 per cent last year.

Coupled with evidence from CoreLogic, which recently revealed that combined national apartment and unit sales volume has decreased by over 14 per cent last year, we can begin to see clear indications that Australia’s apartment market is slowing down.

What it means for you A trend towards price decreases across the apartment market may render apartments in big cities an unwise investment, especially for those looking for capital gains profits.

On the flip-side, these price decreases may bode well for first and

m 0420 289 381 f 02 4786 1242 e sroddick@smartline.com.au

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An ability to build a natural rapport with people, to present well and an incredibly strong drive to succeed are all hallmarks of a good agent. You will in effect be promoting yourself as a business unit, so a bit of creativity will also help.

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35 Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

realestate real

nepeanhistory nepean

36 Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

More on the “Rex Hotel” I

N 1950 the Federal Government contributed £10,000 toward the preparation of the plan that provided for civic development from St Marys to the foothills of the Blue Mountains, but both the Cumberland and Penrith Councils were going to give top priority to development at St Marys because the expansion of the industrial centre depended on attracting skilled workers and St Marys could only get skilled workers if there were homes near the factories and the amenities of a modern community. Plans for these amenities like a hotel, only existed on paper at that stage and the work was to start as soon as the State Government approved the use of building materials.

Penrith Council planned to erect a modern picture theatre at St Marys (the Crown) as soon as it was possible and a swimming pool at Penrith. Their plans for St Marys was the removal, when economically feasible, of the boxlike duration cottages and a host of other temporary wartime buildings in the town. The whole concept of the plan was to prevent St Marys developing into a “shanty town” with only a few first class buildings and when the new St Marys town had developed, both from a civic and industrial point of view, it would become a unique city in Australia. It would be a factory centre set among gardens and parks. The Government said that it had dispersed its factory buildings as a precaution, partly against enemy air attacks and partly against accidental explosion of munitions on the ground, and a combined effort by the Government, civic authority and private enterprise could, when labour was available, convert the wide open spaces between the factories into spacious parks and gardens. It was said that one hundred years ago (1850) when St Marys’ claim to fame was its stagecoach inns, its wagon building works and its picturesque historic churches, it was known as “Sweet St Marys” and there was no reason, so long as sound judgement determines development, that a new town won’t remain Sweet St Marys. A 32 room, £100,000 hotel that St Marys Investments Pty Ltd was planning to build at St Marys was part of the new city. St Marys Investments Pty Ltd was an associate of the Rex Investments Group that planned a chain of luxury “free house” hotels in New South Wales. The company planned to build the hotel in two sections - the first embracing bars, lounges, beer garden and 18 luxury rooms. Penrith Council had approved the plans. The Company then needed a State Government building permit and when granted it would be the signal for the work to start and it was said that erecting the hotel would take around 18 months of receiving the permit and the company would furnish the hotel as far as possible using products made from the factories at St Marys and would use fabrics woven for the curtains, light fittings and many other products from the local factories. Penrith Council at its meeting in August 1952 received a letter from Samuel Lipson & Kaad who were architects of Sydney stating that they had been directed by their clients to advise Council that it was their intention to proceed with the proposed new hotel in St Marys after certain alterations had been made to the previous plans. At that meeting a Council sub-committee was mentioned comprising of Aldermen White, Blair and Gosling regarding the question of a “community hotel” being discussed at that meeting and the firm was to be asked to submit their alternative plans as soon as possible as the Council desired to get a second hotel for St Marys otherwise it would be taking some action in the future with regard to a community hotel. Alderman Dwyer said that so far as the last reference was concerned (the community hotel) Council had not agreed to anything like that. At that time the pending licence was now in the name of Albert Jack Hill and the hotel was being erected for St Marys Investments Pty Ltd. In November the Council received a letter from St Marys Chamber of Commerce expressing concern over the postponements and again Council wrote to the architects regarding this and they replied that they were still going ahead with the project with a few minor changes to the plans, so another letter was sent to Mr L J Hooker Managing Director of L J Hooker

Ltd (and chairman of St Marys Investment Pty Ltd) expressing concern over the delays. At a Council meeting in May 1954, Harold Corr the Deputy Town Clerk said that the plans for the hotel were being considered by Penrith Council’s Building Inspector and Council decided to ask the proprietors to relocate the garage’s septic tank as shown on the plans submitted to allow for a laneway at the rear of the premises. The site of the hotel was almost opposite Woolworth’s in Queen Street with a two-storey building with ten bedrooms planned. At a February 1955 Penrith Council meeting, questions relating to parking in the vicinity of the Rex Hotel were asked. Alderman McCalman asked if the work on the new parking area alongside the station at St Marys could be put in hand because with the opening of the new hotel parking facilities would be urgently needed. The engineer replied that this project needed gravel and at the time the gravel position was a problem so the job could not be carried out until some further arrangements had been made.

Alderman McCalman asked the Engineer if the parking bay at the new hotel was to be constructed immediately and the reply was that the only item of this nature that Council had agreed upon was in regard to a job alongside Lance Motors. Also in 1955 while the hotel was in construction charges of stealing two chairs from the hotel came to the Penrith Courthouse. A labourer from the construction of the hotel pleaded guilty. The chairs were the property of Arthur Whiting Johnson the new licensee of the hotel. Detective Killen of Penrith stated that the chairs in question had been stolen from the hotel while the building was in the course of construction and at that time the labourer was employed on the building and he returned to the building in the early hours of the morning and stole the chairs. He removed two chairs on each of two trips and all were found at his home. Detective Killen said that the man was inclined to blame the fact that he was under the influence of liquor at the time, but that had been his excuse on every occasion he had been in trouble, and in December 1953 he was granted a bond on the undertaking that he would abstain from intoxicating liquor and that the bond was still current.

The labourer was a married man and the father of eight children all under 16. After his release from gaol on that last occasion just before Christmas he obtained employment at the hotel. His wife went away for a holiday and the man went on a drinking bout. The man told the Court that he was on the booze for the week his wife was away and had every intention of returning the chairs when the opportunity came. He was sentenced to three months imprisonment on each of the two charges.

TO BE CONTINUED Source: Nepean Times, Trove, Photo of the Rex courtesy of Du Val Studios Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

Panthers fighting for survival

WSW hit Glenmore Park

By Noel Rowsell

THE fortunes of Penrith’s two Division One Youth League Basketball teams have taken a huge reversal in recent weeks, with both sides now facing a tough fight to reach the play-offs.

The Penrith Women had led the competition early in the season but recent losses have seen them tumble to fourth, just behind the Northern Suburbs Bears on percentages.

The Central Coast Crusaders have locked away the minor premiership, leaving six teams to fight this weekend for the final five spots in the play-offs.

The Panthers have a tough weekend ahead, facing sixth-placed Newcastle at 2pm on Saturday and seventh-placed Hornsby at 1pm on Sunday – both games at home.

Penrith’s most recent games have not been kind to their playoff aspirations, falling 85-56 to the Bears in Round 18 and 93-75 to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in Round 19.

In stark contrast, the Division One Men were written off by some pundits (including me) as a play-off contender some weeks back.

However, three wins from their last four games has kept the Panthers dream alive and another two wins in Round 20 could secure a play-off berth,

THE Western Sydney Wanderers sent local clubs into a frenzy of signatures and selfies recently when they paid some local visits.

Here’s a bit of the Glenmore Park action!

Panthers power forward Tom Lewer led a second half revival against the Sea Eagles.

Photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

depending upon other results from the round.

A disappointing 98-89 loss to the Blacktown Storm last week was followed by an 87-78 win over the Bears and a 78-72 win over the Maitland Mustangs.

The Panthers kept that form in Round 20, coming from behind to roll secondplaced Sea Eagles 82-66 on Sunday.

There have been plenty of big performers in those wins, with Tom Lewer standing out on Sunday, just ahead of Sean Weekes.

The ninth-placed Panthers face the

twelth-placed Hunters at 12 noon on Saturday at Cambridge Park, then travel to Ryde on Sunday to face the fourth-placed Inner West Bulls.

Penrith’s Division Two Men have also received a huge boost in a belated run to the playoffs, now sitting in equal sixth with the Hawkesbury Jets and Sydney City Comets.

The Panthers face the Comets at home this Sunday and could be masters of their own destiny, although even a win will not get them to the play-offs, unless the Jets are defeated by the Hornsby Spiders.

#SIDELINE-EYE

with Jarrod with Jarrod McGrouther McGrouther

‘KEEPING YOU UP TO SPEED WITH LOCAL SPORTS IN THE NEPEAN AREA’ @J_MCGROUTHER HOCKEY

THE Nepean Hockey club is sending four teams to the Women’s State Masters Tournament on the last weekend of July. With over 25 regions representing in two separate areas, Taree and Moorebank, it should be a great weekend of play. Local families, the Potts and the Cladinboel’s, will be participating over the weekend, hoping to represent Nepean with pride. They will take on the likes of Illawarra, Lithgow, Dubbo and Bathurst over both days of play. A feature on the families and their weekend will be coming soon.

NETBALL

THE Panthers had a mixed week, with the U20’s girls winning another tight affair 54-52. That set up an intriguing Opens game, where the Panthers had to defend against the English national shooter, which proved too much, the girls going down gallantly 62-44.

ICE HOCKEY

IT was a tough weekend for the Sydney Bears. A home loss to the Perth Thunder 4-2 was not the desired result. Schlamp and Cliff were the goal scorers for the Bears, but the attacking play was too little too late in the end. For Ice Hockey fans, the game can be seen on replay today on Fox Sports. Check your TV guide for specific times as they are subject to change. The Bears have two games next weekend, an away fixture against the North Stars, followed by a home game on Sunday versus the Brave.

AFL

THE Penrith rampage continued on Saturday on a sodden Greygums Oval track, with the Rams recording their 11th consecutive win. Following the June washout against Manly, this was to be the second week in a row that the sides met, and after a comprehensive 52 point win last week on the Northern Beaches, the team led at every quarter. It was a tense struggle to come away with a 14 point victory, with Brayden Wilson and captain Nathan Wright excelling in the muddy and slippery conditions.

Phil Aumann was the only Rams multiple scorer with a treble. The Rams have a harder task this Saturday at Greygums Oval when they take on the North Shore Bombers, who are in third spot behind the second placed Penrith. The teams met in round 1 with the Bombers recording a seven point win and remain the only side that Penrith have yet to defeat this year.

With the Ramettes having a bye, Nikki “Killa” Perrett and Stephanie Kostic both played for Auburn Giants under an MOU between the clubs and both were instrumental in gaining the Giants first ever Premier Division win when they defeated Macquarie University by 8 points.

The Ramettes play UNSW on Saturday at Greygums with a win pushing the girls even closer to a finals berth for the fourth consecutive season.

If you have any local sporting updates to submit, contact us on twitter under @nepeannews and #sideline-eye or email jarrod@nepeannews.com.au.

37 Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

sport

38

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

Statistics back Anthony Griffin’s view that

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

IT was the selection debate that polarised Panther fans like no other in season 2016.

Should Bryce Cartwright play as five-eighth instead of his natural position in the back-row?

Or should it be fullback Matt Moylan, who starred at five-eighth for NSW in game three in what his first senior game in the position since his playing days for the Windsor Wolves back in 2012?

Despite a recent snap-poll that indicated over eighty percent of fans prefer Moylan to play in the halves, current statistics show that Penrith coach Anthony Griffin has been more than vindicated in resisting those calls.

Of Penrith’s nine wins to date in 2016, six have come when Cartwright, who has played all 18 games for the Panthers in 2016, has played at fiveeighth (from nine games played in the position).

To put that into context, that’s the most wins achieved by any Panther who has played in the halves to date this season and that includes the likes of Soward (5 from 12), Cleary (4 from 7) and Martin (3 from 6).

While Panthers coach Anthony Griffin started 2016 with Soward and Wallace as his halves pairing, it has

been the current pairing of Cartwright and Cleary that has had the most success, yielding four wins from six games.

Yet over the course of the last remaining six rounds, there is a real possibility that Griffin will again change his halves pairing, given the looming return of Te Maire Martin from injury.

But to date, Cartwright has been Penrith’s standout performer in the halves in 2016, where he leads Penrith’s halves for runs and metres per game (11 runs for 96 metres), offloads (31), tackle-breaks (17), line-break assists (9) and try assists (6 – level with Jamie Soward).

Cartwright’s influence in attack when playing at five-eighth is such that only Moylan has achieved more linebreak assists (13) and try assists (11) in those same games.

On the back of Cartwright’s freedom in playing on both sides of the field as five-eighth, the Panthers have benefitted on the scoreboard, on average scoring over seven points a game more (24 ppg v 17ppg) when the City Origin representative played in the halves.

Another view that Cartwright’s natural game has been stifled by the decision to play him in the halves has also been nullified by the statistics, especially in relation to offloads (31 to 19), line-break assists (9 to 3) and try

assists (6 to 2), while his error rate has in fact halved despite getting his hands on the ball more often in the halves (7 to 14).

In talking to Nepean News, Cartwright, whilst yearning to play in his preferred position in the back-row or at lock, admits he often played at five-eighth as a junior and is enjoying the opportunity to play there again but adds he has much to learn.

“It’s a lot different to when I played it (five-eighth) in the juniors,” Cartwright said.

“I’m still learning how to play there (at this level) and getting my combination right with Nath (Cleary), Wal (Peter Wallace) and Moyza (Matt Moylan) is taking some time but I’m enjoying it.”

Cartwright also says it’s good that the Origin period is over for 2016, despite

Strengthen your weakness with Scott Lewis THE topic of Health and Fitness doesn’t always pertain to just health fitness goals, it’s a wider spectrum that should implement positive changes throughout your whole life, in doing so making it one that is more productive and a better one at that.

Have you really asked yourself, How much are you REALLY getting done during an average day?

Everyone says they want a great body, they want to make more money, they want an awesome social life and they want more free time.

But what are you actually doing about it? How much time and effort are you TRULY putting forward throughout the day that is moving you closer to those goals?

A lot of people out there think they’re working hard, but if they sat down and honestly scrutinized their day from hour to hour, they’d be shocked to see how much time they actually spend ‘idle’ and not really doing anything of substance at all.

This could include things like watching TV or playing video games, uselessly browsing social media, staring at their phone or taking more time in the morning, at night or in

between activities than is really necessary, or even just sitting around imagining the things they desire rather than actually doing something about it.

There’s of course nothing wrong with relaxing and having downtime What would be the point if all you ever did was work non-stop?

A big part of the reason why you have certain goals in the first place is so that you can sit back and enjoy the results later on.

But if you truly want to excel in multiple areas and create that “ideal” life you imagine for yourself, don’t let anyone tell you that it isn’t going to take a LOT of work and a LOT of hours consistently put in over weeks, months and years on end, because it is most certainly is!

There’s no way to sugar coat it, if you aren’t managing your time properly each day and putting in those concentrated hours on a consistent basis, you’ll either progress at a fraction of the speed you’re truly capable of, or you’ll never reach your goals at all.

If you truly sit down and review your day from start to finish, you’ll probably be blown away at how much more productive you really could be.

The thing is, you already have less available time for this than you think.

When you take into account all of the little things you have to do every single day just to keep yourself alive and on track, you’ll quickly see how fast they add up, basic things like eating, showering, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, brushing your teeth, time spent in transit between places, time spent with family and friends coupled with the fact that a third or fourth of our day is already spent sleeping.

In terms of available time to work at your goals, it’s already less than you imagine without even taking into account all of the other potential distractions previously mentioned above.

Surely there are plenty of people reading this that legitimately are working extremely hard each day to get what they’re after, but I know for sure that the majority of people out there just aren’t doing enough. Period.

Most people just straight up need to DO MORE if they want to reach those goals they have in mind.

Sit down, examine your day honestly, and ask yourself how much you’re actually getting done and how much more you could be doing if you

just made the time for it.

My guess is that you’ll probably be very surprised at what you discover, and that if you choose to do something about it, it will be a most important stride in accelerating your daily productivity and overall success.

Follow ‘Wild Panther Fitness’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@ wildpantherfit.) For any enquiries: info@wildpantherfitness.com.au Until next time “STRENGTHEN YOUR WEAKNESS!”

the Bryce is right at five-eighth….for now not being overly worried in having to deal with the constant speculation over his possible selection for NSW. “It’s good that the Origin period is over and that I can focus on club football,” Cartwright said.

“I’ve got a good support base here so it didn’t really me worry too much anyway (the constant selection speculation).”

The decision to shift Cartwright to the halves has enabled the media spotlight on his defensive deficiencies to continue given his struggles in defending three-in against fast, skilful backlines, with the likes of Greg Inglis, James Tedesco, Clint Gutherson and Darius Boyd having enjoyed success when able to isolate the five-eighth in defence.

But despite the lapses and questionable reads at times in defence, there has been some upside to Cartwright’s defensive capabilities at five-eighth, especially in terms of tackle-efficiency (91% to 89%) and missed tackles (21 to 30).

Despite Matt Moylan’s (left) performance for NSW at 5/8th, Panthers coach Anthony Griffin is happy to partner Nathan Cleary with Bryce Cartwright (right). Credit 77 Media.

PANTHERS BY HALVES IN 2016: Jamie Soward

The St Marys junior remains unfazed by the constant opinions that question his defensive abilities.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion and that’s up to them to decide,” Cartwright stated.

“But all I worry about is my coach’s opinion and my team-mates.

“I’ll put those two opinions first before anyone else’s.”

Griffin recently stated that he is happy with the role Cartwright currently provides at five-eighth for the team, adding that the cohesion issues that the team has experienced with Bryce at five-eighth, can largely be put down to the need for his team-mates to learn how to play off him.

“At the moment with the balance of our team he’s doing a good job for us (at five-eighth),” Griffin declared.

“He’s got that ability and he’s a bit ahead of everyone.

“He knows what he’s doing but they’re not quite in sync yet.

“It’s more an education for the people around him about how to play off him.”

Games

Won

Lost

Tries

Runs (PG)

Metres (PG)

Offloads

Tackle Breaks

Line Breaks

LB Assists

Try Assists

Tackles

Missed

Efficiency %

Errors

12

5

7

1

3

24

8

10

2

4

6

146

39

79%

9

Bryce Cartwright

9

6

3

2

11

96

31

17

2

9

6

224

21

91%

7

Nathan Cleary

7

4

3

2

7

54

4

14

1

6

4

130

15

90%

7 4

Te Maire Martin

6

3

3

2

6

56

3

14

4

0

1

122

10

92%

Tyrone Peachey

1

0

0

0

10

99

1

1

0

0

0

37

1

97%

1

Peter Wallace

1

0

0

0

6

43

0

0

0

0

0

15

2

88%

1

Sports Scenes

39 Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

(With Thanks to 77 Media)

The cameras of 77 Media were on hand for the much anticipated second instalment of the local derby between Penrith and Parramatta, this time played on our turf at Pepper Stadium.

An Idol made an appearance.....

Meanwhile young Orlando Latimore showed off his footy prowess....

The Den was pumping to the beats....

As the big boys decided it was time to dance.

As the Cheerleaders flipped for more

While Man of the Match, Josh Mansour dished out a big “don’t argue”

40

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

MG ON THE MARK

WITH MARK GEYER

MG CUP DRAWS TO A SPINE-TINGLING CLOSE

Opens Loyola and Richmond high

LAST Friday at Pepper Stadium five local schools got the chance to fulfill a sporting highlight when they ran out on the hallowed turf on the ground the mighty Penrith Panthers call home.

In the u/14’s, Chifley Dunheved overcame neighbours Mt Druitt Chifley in a thrilling game of rugby league. In the u/16’s Mt Druitt Chifley got redemption when they were too strong for a gallant Hawkesbury High School. Then to finish an amazing day of footy off, Loyola Senior High were too good for a Richmond High school who improved greatly throughout the competition of the MG cup.

I have had a lot of proud moments in the greatest game of all, but to witness first hand the pride that these schools showed in their respective school jerseys, in a competition named after me was truly humbling.

There are a lot of people I’d like to thank for making the day the special one it was starting with the kids who took part.

For those that are unaware the MG Cup is a competition that is unique. The players have to adhere to some strict guidelines before they can even take part in a game for their schools after hours.

And I’d like to thank the teachers for buying into the concept of ‘I learn so I play’. The emphasis of the cup is school comes before footy, which means in some instances the best players at any individual school may not take the field due to not complying with the structures put in place.

The competition also would not take place without the amazing help of Ben James and his team of NRL development officers who call the Eastern grandstand at Pepper Stadium home. These young men have only one thing in mind and that’s the well being of rugby league throughout the schools in western suburbs of Sydney.

Every year the comp has gotten bigger thanks to the sponsors who need a big wrap. Master Coaching’s Chris Avent, a wonderful lady making kids even better with her tuition. Dom Meduri from McDonalds North Penrith who provides

Nathan Pentecost

untold support with cash prizes that go to the student and his schooling endevours.

The same with Erin Chapman from Amart Sports, and Shaq and Ellen from Hogs Breath St Marys and Penrith.

Two legendary individuals who are always helping local causes. Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres also donated funds that go to giving every player a shirt and cap for participation.

The Good Guys Penrith franchisee John Walford also provided vouchers for the weekly man of the match awards.

Last but by no means least I’d love to thank Lee Hagipantelis from Brydens Laywers whose involvement this season, the 4th installment, gave us funds to hire buses so that every school involved were able to bring two loads of students along to the day which made the atmosphere dynamic. I hope every school involved appreciates the efforts put in by all of the above just the same way I deeply appreciate the efforts put in by every school that takes part in the competition. A big well done to all involved.

And another thing...

This weekend my great mate Nathan Pentecost, whom I nominated as this week’s Legend of the Nepean, so you can read more about him on pages 20-2, will push himself once again around the banks of the Regatta centre. He’ll put all the pain to one side while he pushes himself 100km to raise funds so that two local students get the unbelievable chance to trek the Kokoda Trail. Nathan has done it all as a wheelchair athlete representing his district, city and state in wheelchair rugby league. But it’s his pursuit for others that defines him. If you’d like to help Nathan help others check out his Facebook pages, or go to Pentecosts Men of League Push www.everydayhero.com.au or go to his Facebook page for more. See ya at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

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Celebrity

ROUND SYD BUL NZW PAR NQC SOU MAN GCT STG PAR NEW CRO MEL GCT WES PANN

21&22

BRI STG PAN WES MEL CAN NEW CRO BRI MAN BUL CAN SOU NZW NQC SYD D

July 28 7.50pm

July 29 7.50pm

July 30 3.00pm

July 30 5.30pm

July 30 7.30pm

July 31 2.00pm

July 31 4.00pm

Aug 1 7.00pm

Aug 4 7.50pm

Aug 5 7.50pm

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Aug 6 3.00pm

Aug 6 5.30pm

Aug 6 7.30pm

Aug 7 2.00pm

Aug 7 4.00pm

Aug 8 7.00pm

SCORE

★

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 19 & 20

203 Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

185 Sharon Spindler - Aussie Home Loans - 4732 6711

167 Mark Fitzpatrick - Penrith Valley Pest Control - 0430 220 263

★

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 19

203 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

201 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

207 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

199 Prue Car - Memberfor Londonderry - 9833 1122

157 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

169 Brad Drew -Benard Property Central - 0428 000 734 Councillor Bratusa

199 DarrenTyres Latty -- @print PRDnationwide - 0414 620 532 Aaron

187 Stewart Moses - Nepean News Journalist

215 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

195 Drew Clegg - BOQ - 0427 998 111

207 Michael Creed - Nepean News columnist

155

TIPSTERS

ROUND SYD BUL NZW PAR NQC SOU MAN GCT STG PAR NEW CRO MEL GCT WES PAN

21&22

BRI STG PAN WES MEL CAN NEW CRO BRI MAN BUL CAN SOU NZW NQC SYD

July 28 7.50pm

July 29 7.50pm

July 30 3.00pm

July 30 5.30pm

July 30 7.30pm

July 31 2.00pm

July 31 4.00pm

Aug 1 7.00pm

Aug 4 7.50pm

Aug 5 7.50pm

Aug 6 3.00pm

Aug 6 5.30pm

Aug 6 7.30pm

Aug 7 2.00pm

Aug 7 4.00pm

Aug 8 7.00pm

SCORE

Garth Tengdahl - GT’s Penrith Valley Painting Service - 0430 106 399

191 Richard Mortimer - Electra Cool - 0407 136 282

183 Ellen Landrigan - Maxi Buses - 0422 428 600

161 Andrew Kurczewski - PC Signage - 4721 7436

197 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

177 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

187 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

171 Jeff Watson - Club President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211

★

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 20

161 Mark Thorne - Painting Services - 0415 993 036

193 Cameron Faico - Property Central - 0434 400 225

193 Alan Harding - Property Central - 0421 692 213 Nicole Keene - Blink nk Pr P Property r - 1300 629 610 Iris Russell - Venue Manager, Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4466

★

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 20

185 157

Adam Sutton - Domayne - 4737 5025

149 Alyce Wing - No Fuss - 4735 8966

175 Greg Davies - Penrith Councillor

163

44

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES

@THERIFFMARN

WAL’S NEW CONTRACT FINALISED AT LONG LAST AS LATU EARNS A THREE-YEAR EXTENSION With most pundits anticipating Peter Wallace would re-sign for another year, it came as a welcome surprise when it announced early Monday evening that the local junior, who has played 65 NRL games in two stints at the club, in fact re-signed until the end of 2018.

“I couldn’t see myself playing for any other club at this stage of my career,” Wallace said.

“There’s a great bunch of boys here at the Panthers and the club is going in the right direction with everything off the field as well.

“The whole place is buzzing and I’m just really happy to be a part of it.”

The news that Wallace will remain a Panther came on top of last week’s announcement that prop Leilani Latu, who is already under contract until the end of 2017, has extended his contract until the end of the 2020 season.

“Leilani Latu is the shining example of what perseverance can bring,” Panthers Executive General Manager Rugby League Phil Gould AM said.

“Restricted by injury in the early part of his career, Leilani has worked really hard to now establish himself as a representative class forward.

“It’s just further justification of the club’s strong investment in a reserve grade development pathway here at the Panthers.”

Latu’s deal comes just inside a year since the former Bulldog made his debut in Round 21, 2015 against the Rabbitohs and his silky skills with the ball have received rave reviews from many pundits, highlighted by his seven line-break assists, five try assists and four tries to date in 2016.

Interesting state of affairs when Panthers CEO Corey Payne went on the front foot with an email “apologising” to Penrith fans in the wake of the World Cup 2017 draw that saw just two round-robin

share of injury setbacks in the short time he has been at the club is prop Stanton Albert (knee). Having recently returned from injury to play in the Ron Massey Cup for Windsor Wolves, the younger Albert is also set to play for Penrith this Saturday in the Intrust Super Premiership.

Peter Wallace (left) and Leilani Latu (right) secure new deals to remain at Penrith until the end of 2018 and 2020 respectively. Credit: 77 Media.

matches awarded to Sydney.

Both matches were awarded to Allianz Stadium after Penrith’s “eleventh-hour invite” to tender for games to be played at Pepper Stadium was subsequently knocked back despite offering to host games at cost along with other related events.

RLWC CEO and NRL Chief Commercial Officer, Michael Brown furiously responded to Payne’s email and in doing so had no choice but to resign from both positions due to his unacceptable conduct but not before firing a parting shot at Payne in the Daily Telegraph saying that the club in fact asked for $500,000 as compared to Allianz’s $100,000 for the right to host World Cup games.

Channel Seven broke the news last Friday night that coach Anthony Griffin, will part ways with much of his coaching and support staff. It was reported that the likes of Garth Brennan (arguably Penrith’s most successful lower grades coach), Alex Melville, Ronnie Palmer and David Boyle will not be retained for 2017.

But Holden Cup coach, Cameron Ciraldo, who has been linked with the NRL assistant coach’s role at South Sydney, is expected to be retained for next season.

BARRIER RISE with Tony Brassel Tony Brassel is one of the most respected judges of horseflesh in the country. He is a form expert and racing analyst with SKY Racing and radio 2KY and has now joined the Western Sydney News Group stable of journalists

Spare a thought for Will Smith, who was forced from the field in the opening set of last Sunday week’s Intrust Super Premiership loss to the Illawarra Cutters.

Scans have revealed that the offcontract utility is the third Panther this season to have suffered a season-ending knee injury similar to that incurred by Peta Hiku and Dean Whare (ACL / MCL).

Despite loving the area and wanting to remain at Penrith, it remains to be seen if the club will re-sign Smith or whether the former Knight’s three-year stint with Penrith will come to such an unfortunate end.

In other injury news, Reagan Campbell-Gillard’s 41 NRL game streak has to come to an end after the prop injured his elbow in Penrith’s recent win over Parramatta and is expected to be out for up to three-four weeks.

In some brighter news, Te Maire Martin is set to complete a remarkable comeback from what was thought to be a season-ending shoulder injury, when he lines up against the Newtown Jets at Henson Park this Saturday in the Intrust Super Premiership.

Another player who has had his

CAPITALIST: Couldn’t be faulted in the manner he demolished a Randwick trial field recently. It was just the way we’d like one of the finest recent Golden Slipper winners to strut his stuff.

CHETWOOD: Will be winning a race or two this preparation for the Godolphin team. He’s a rangy sort still moving through his paces but natural pace is his forte. Won a Randwick barrier trial in fine style.

DEFCON: Is the vaunted stablemate of Capitalist from the Snowden operaton. He didn’t live up to earlier expectations although the talent is obvious.

May return better with maturity.

FRENCH FERN: Will be aimed towards the high grade fillies’ races through the Sydney and probably Melbourne spring carnivals. Group material again as she’s a ripper of a sort.

Holden Cup coach Cameron Ciraldo also welcomed back some of his injured brigade with the likes of Robert Jennings and Corey Waddell playing last Friday night against Brisbane.

Hot on the heels of Blacktown Workers linking up with Manly to become their main feeder club in NSWRL competitions, comes suggestions that St Marys are to become Penrith’s feeder club in all NSWRL senior competitions in 2017, including the Intrust Super Premiership.

Meanwhile, the Windsor Wolves are reportedly set to withdraw from both the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield to focus on the local competition.

Congratulations to Panthers Sean O’Sullivan and Dean Blore on their selection in the Australian Schoolboys team that will take on England Academy Team on July 31 and August 6.

Having rreleased Episode 11 of “The Sin Bin” with Mark “MG” Geyer and myself, available now on https://soundcloud.com/ nepeannews , be sure to catch up with Episode 12 due for release mid next week.

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

ME NO MASH POTATO: Has won four of her eight starts to date and her race-winning acceleration was obvious in a Wyong trial win last Monday. Kris Lees will have her primed first-up.

PIRATE BEN: Is a distinctive, baldy-faced performer moving through the ranks with a bit of pizzaz. There was a lot to like about the way he landed a short-course Wyong barrier trial.

SAVOUREUX: Showed class with a Group 1 win last time in. He’s fine sort and did it stylishly when second in an 845m Wyong heat. Will now be aimed towards richer plums as his career unfolds.

TANGO RAIN: Sustained pace to score in a trial at Randwick and has done the same under race conditions. Expect another fleet-footed performance or two over short courses this time in for trainer Gerald Ryan.

REPEAT SETS WITH STEW MOSES

@THERIFFMARN

A WIN FOR THE AGES SUDDENLY HAS “HOOK’S BABES” PRIMED FOR FINALS FOOTY WHAT a contrast this last fortnight has been in Pantherland!

Last fortnight we bemoaned back-to-back losses and questioned whether the team had the capability to make a run for the finals.

Fast forward to this fortnight and not only did the Panthers record an important win over Parramatta, but despite the short turnaround and the loss of Reagan Campbell-Gillard (elbow), the NRL’s second youngest team played their best game of the year to dominate the Broncos 31-12 on their turf to go into the top eight.

The Panthers showed the benefits of going into camp last Wednesday on the Gold Coast, putting on an eighty minute performance for the surprisingly large contingent of Penrith supporters on hand.

Trent Merrin’s man-of-the-match performance in his 150th NRL game, saw him win his first game at Suncorp Stadium in eight attempts and just his second win overall from eleven games played against the Broncos.

Coach Anthony Griffin, who notched up his eighth win from ten games against a Wayne Bennett-coached side, was pleased with his side’s performance.

“They were in a good mood all week. Last week we got our energy back and there was a lot better execution,” Griffin said.

“It gives me satisfaction to see the way they played, just to see how our guys are learning and starting to gel together.”

Penrith’s win against Brisbane, was almost in direct contrast to their win over Parramatta.

Having trailed 14-0 and 18-6 at varying stages of the first half, the Panthers roared back into life early in the second, to score three quick tries as Parramatta’s right edge defence failed to cope with the gameending injury to former Panther, Michael Jennings.

But before the smallest local derby crowd at Pepper Stadium played on a weekend since 1999, the Panthers once again failed to go on with the job over the last twenty minutes but thankfully prevailed 2218, a fact not lost on Griffin post-game.

“No disrespect at all to Parramatta, they were fantastic,” Griffin said.

“But we played for 20 minutes after (halftime) but the rest of it was pretty ordinary.

“It was party time again, wanting to get there too easy.

“I was happy with the two points but obviously we have still got a lot of work to do.”

arch-rivals.

The Panthers now face the 12th placed Warriors this Saturday before returning home to take on thirdplaced Sydney Roosters the following Monday.

Sitaleki Akauola winds up against the Eels.

Credit 77 Media.

IN Intrust Super Premiership action, a sloppy performance from Penrith enabled the visitors, Illawarra Cutters to record an important 22-18 win and maintain their place in the top two.

The loss was compounded by a season-ending knee injury to Will Smith, suffered in the opening set of the game.

The Panthers led 14-10 at halftime but lapses of concentration in defence early in the second half allowed two Cutters tries and despite George Jennings’s try with ten remaining setting up a grandstand finish, Penrith lacked the required composure to snatch the win.

The next fortnight will have a big bearing on sixthplaced Penrith’s top-four aspirations.

This week the Panthers, bolstered by the return from injury of Te Maire Martin, travel to Henson Park to take on the fifth-placed Newtown Jets, whom they defeated 66-6 earlier in the season.

Then the following Saturday the Panthers face the prospect of hosting Robbie Farah when the fourthplaced Wests Tigers come to town.

IN Holden Cup, the Panthers now lead the competition by six points and remain unbeaten in 16 games after half Jarome Luai from the side-line converted winger Daniel Brown’s late try to snatch a 12-10 victory over Brisbane, having never led the match until the final three minutes.

A week earlier, the Panthers trailed the Parramatta Eels 16-14 with twenty minutes remaining but came home the stronger to record a 24-16 win over their

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DESPITE banking a surprise two points with that win over Brisbane, the task for Penrith doesn’t get any easier this Saturday when they travel across the ditch to take on arguably the NRL’s unluckiest side at the moment, the NZ Warriors.

The Panthers are searching for three wins in a row for the first time in 2016 but the Warriors will be anything but pushovers.

The Warriors have lost their last three away games against Cronulla, Manly and Canberra, all in golden point whilst they managed a win over fellow top eight side Gold Coast in that time, they could easily be sitting on 26 competition points.

As coach Andrew McFadden pointed out after their latest loss to Canberra, the Warriors of old would have normally capitulated in similar game situations and now relish the fact they play four of the last six games of the season at home.

For Penrith, the same 17 that defeated Brisbane have been named with Andy Saunders and Viliame Kikau named on an extended bench despite both players being named to play in the Intrust Super Premiership.

Isaah Yeo is set to become the first current Panther from the 2013 Holden Cup winning side to play 50 NRL games, while Nathan Cleary will be looking to build on his 200 points haul in all grades.

Then the following Monday night, Penrith return home, looking to complete a rare season double over the Sydney Roosters.

The Roosters may be out of finals contention but their coach Trent Robinson has managed to keep this side ultra-competitive and loom as a danger side for teams fighting it out for the eight in closing weeks.

The Panthers will be hoping that despite being a Monday night game, they will attract a crowd of over 10,000 as the club looks to maintain a record of attracting at least 10,000 fans to every home game at Pepper Stadium for the first time since 2005.

Neither game will be easy but if the Panthers can get one if not two wins over the next fortnight, the club will be in a very strong position to make the top eight.

Let’s Gone Panthers! #PantherPride

45 Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

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Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

COACH’S CORNER

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

WHAT IS ‘LONG TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT’?

DEVELOPING athletes effectively is a long term process which involves the implementation of clear pathways and progressions. Short term plans which lack patience and balance often push young athletes away from sport through the feeling of constant pressure, over training and the absence of fun and enjoyment.

Junior sporting organisations need to ensure they have clear plans in place to provide a structure and framework to best support young athletes in achieving their goals. A game philosophy is best suited when dealing with young athletes and volunteer coaches. How should the game be played? This should be the most enjoyable and fun style for the players to participate in. It should also be the most enjoyable style to watch.

The most popular sport on the planet has adopted the global philosophy of ‘the beautiful game’. An attractive worldwide acknowledged style to best play the game of soccer. Very simple and very effective.

When looking at my chosen sport of Rugby League I believe the game is eating itself from the inside out. NRL teams are playing with robotic styles of play which are almost identical and gone

are the different and styles and philosophies which once existed within the game. This lack of variation in styles is flowing down into the junior levels of the game through a one size fits all robotic coaching philosophy. We are now as a game producing players who are coached to play the same robotic style who have limited cognitive awareness or ability to break down defences and think creatively.

Game intelligence is a vital part of the junior development process and needs to be applied at all levels to ensure players are progressing at the applicable age appropriate stages. Develop the athlete’s ability to read and understand the game through their progression to ensure their decision making skills are constantly challenged. The ability to read and understand what skill or tactic is needed at what time during the game is often overlooked with the expectation the player must execute. Just because a young athlete cannot execute a skill or tactic consistently does not mean they do not cognitively understand why they need to apply it at the relevant time during the game. This is often the hardest element to coach particularly at the elite level. Hence its vital importance at the junior level.

Volunteer coaches should be equipped with information and plans in order to support them.

How do we expect coaches who are often mothers and fathers with full time jobs to create in depth and effective plans which are age appropriate to best develop junior players? These same coaches are often criticised for running the same style and game plans they see on television. But what are we doing to support them? If we are not giving them the support they need then we should not expect them to produce players with the appropriate skills to best fit an attractive style of play. Coaches should be supported with programs that address all aspects of the game for each development stage of training.

This should all feed into the positive and enjoyable style of play for junior athletes.

The philosophy for junior coaches should be to develop, not to win at all costs. If we create environments where players are learning within clear and structured training sessions through fun and enjoyable games and drills then the players are more likely to stay within the game in the long term.

This will then give junior athletes the best chance to succeed and progress onto the elite levels of the game.

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Wanderers come-from-behind in tough win

By Chris Layland

THE Western Sydney Wanderers picked-up one of the most important wins of the season when they defeated the in-form Fraser Park 6-3 at Blacktown Football Park on Saturday.

Hat-tricks to both Kyle Cimenti and Brenton Fox ensured that the Red & Black remained on top of the NPL2 ladder but the score line was not a true indication of what a tough match it really was.

With Wanderers on top of the table by just a solitary point, a Fraser Park outfit who had gone seven matches unbeaten – including six wins – was a formidable challenge and the match lived up to its billing.

The opening ten minutes lacked any chances of note but the contest burst into life 12 minutes in as Cimenti opened the scoring.

Starting with the ball in defence, Abdelrahman Kuku found midfielder Tariq Maia in some space who player the ball for Cimenti to score.

And literally only 30 seconds later the Red & Black doubled their lead as Brenton Fox stunned Fraser Park to make it 2-0.

It was a strong lead but Fraser Park fought back strongly and pulled a goal back quickly with a nice cross before equalising on a well-executed counterattack.

Fraser Park was suddenly in the ascendency and while Matt Symes managed to save another attempt and Ramy Najjarine almost scored for the Wanderers, the visitors found themselves ahead as they scored again to make it 3-2.

Finding themselves unexpectedly behind on the

scoreboard, the Wanderers re-grouped and were soon awarded a penalty after Najjarine was unfairly fouled in the box as a defender knocked the winger over while he was chasing a through ball.

Cimenti calmly converted the penalty to make it 3-3 at the break.

It didn’t take long into the second half for Wanderers to take the lead as Brenton Fox scored his second of the evening. Receiving the ball out wide, Cimenti beat his man, cut into the box and crossed to Fox who managed to poke home despite the pressure of a defender and the goalkeeper.

And just like in the first half, the Wanderers scored twice in a minute after the Red & Black were awarded another penalty: allowing Cimenti to claim his hat-trick and a 5-3 lead.

47 Nepean News 28 July 2016 Issue 180

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From there the Wanderers took control and didn’t look like losing the match despite high tension on and off the field that reached a crescendo when a Fraser Park player elbowed Henry Davies in the face.

Regardless, the match was sealed in the 86th minute when Fox claimed his maiden first grade hattrick as the striker rounded the keeper to score.

To their credit Fraser Park did not give up and forced two big saves from Symes late in the match but it was Wanderers with the three points when the full time whistle blew.

The result leaves the Red & Black on top of the NPL2 ladder and within striking distance of promotion through the Club Championship.

Next is Central Coast Mariners at Pluim Park with kick-off at 3pm on Sunday.

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Thursday, 28 July 2016

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Reagan Campbell-Gillard, the definition of consistency

By Jarrod McGrouther

IN a year that has seen the Panthers battle the beast known as consistency, Reagan CampbellGillard has been a dependable figure in Penrith’s first grade side.

In a game now won on the back of forward dominance, he continually puts up impressive numbers, and until last Friday, had played every game since his debut back in Round One 2015.

Statistically, Campbell-Gillard is relied upon heavily each week for his consistent performances. He averages 10 runs a game, each at a tremendous speed and aggressiveness, to go with an average of 22 tackles, and has only committed 4 errors all season.

With the recent departures of senior players from the club, including Jamie Soward and James Segeyaro, many see Campbell-Gillard as a young leader at the club, all at the ripe age of 22.

But when quizzed by Nepean News on these departures and the impact they have had on the sides form, CampbellGillard was quick to point out the

Reagan CampbellGillard scores his first try for 2016. Photo: 77 Media

strength in the leadership stocks, and why the team can’t use the departures as an excuse for the club’s inconsistent form.

“We’ve got some quality leaders here, Trent Merrin, Jeremy Latimore, Peter Wallace, so I haven’t had to take on a role there, which is a positive, as it lets me do my own thing and lets my football take care of that (leadership),” Campbell-Gillard said.

“You can see against Cronulla (during round 18), they lost five or six players and the guys that filled in there obviously did a really good job.

“We’ve got players here that have the experience, so we can’t just put a few people in that position saying that’s the way our forms going.”

On the field, it’s all hard running and hard hitting, but away from football is where Campbell-Gillard likes to show his finesse. If the Windsor Wolves junior is not training at Penrith’s state of the art academy, you might spot him touring around local golf courses attempting to unwind on a day off.

“If it’s a day off training it’s probably a round of golf, depending on the weather, just to unwind a little

bit because you can’t have football on your mind 24/7,” Campbell-Gillard declared.

“It takes a break out of my week and if I’ve had a really busy week playing a bit of golf doesn’t hurt.”

The impressive thing about Campbell-Gillard is that the maturity he shows on the field transfers way from it as well. Reagan has partnered up with Peter Wallace to attack a course at TAFE, with his love of cattle at the forefront of the decision.

“I’m studying agriculture at TAFE, myself and Peter Wallace are doing that. It’s definitely a passion that we have and another thing we do outside of football.”

An elbow injury suffered in Penrith’s come-from-behind win over Parramatta meant Campbell-Gillard missed last Friday night’s win over Brisbane.

But Penrith fans are hoping that the injury will be a blessing in disguise as it will allow Reagan a few weeks to rest the body and prepare for a possible semi-final berth as the Panthers prepare to send a few shock waves through the NRL competition.