Nepeannews3august2017

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Thursday, 3 August 2017

ISSUE 206

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Little fighter Purchase a daffodil on August 25 or volunteer your time and help the Cancer Council support people of all ages battling cancer like our little hero pictured. Full story page 7.

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Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

Annual student exchange program

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 Fujieda students with Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain and the Chairperson of the Penrith International Friendship Committee Cr Aaron Duke.

Six Japanese school students from Fujieda and four students from Penrith attended a Student Welcome Afternoon tea with Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain on Monday 24 July where the Mayor warmly welcomed the students from Council’s sister city, Fujieda to Penrith.

“I hope you’ll quickly settle into our Australian way of life with your host families and have a wonderful experience during your time in Penrith,” said Cr Thain.

“I’d like to thank the members of the Penrith International Friendship Committee for all of their hard work in making this exchange possible and developing an interesting itinerary for the Fujieda students.”

During the welcome afternoon tea students were presented with small souvenirs of their visit to Penrith.

Organised by Penrith City Council and the Penrith International Friendship Committee,

the annual exchange program gives local high school students the opportunity of a lifetime to experience a different culture.

The annual exchange program has been running for 30 years with more than 230 high school students participating. Students from Fujieda stay with local families in Penrith and experience life in Australian for three weeks.

In September, Penrith students will visit Fujieda to stay with their host brother/sister and their families and learn about the Japanese way of life.

The program has given many local Penrith students the opportunity to experience a different lifestyle and culture and for many has provided a life changing experience and lifelong friendships.

For more information on the student exchange program contact Council’s Partnerships & Events Officer Kate Hardman on 4732 7736.

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by Kerrie Davies I AM not a fan of reality TV. I’d rather stick a fork in my eye than sit through an episode of The Bachelor.

Group dates, rose ceremonies and the concept that a bunch of beautiful women would all fall head over heels in love with the same man does my head in and watching the atrocious over-acting from “real” people makes my eyes bleed.

But I am sometimes drawn - in small doses - to reality shows like RBT. At least the people who find themselves cast in this show are a little bit more real as there’s no carrot dangling before them representing stardom.

Nonetheless, I still find myself exasperated at times while watching.

Recent episodes have featured people pulled over for various reasons, who then unleash a tirade of verbal abuse at the police officers.

When did this become okay?

On the few times I’ve been pulled over I can tell you my short dialogue has always featured words like “yes sir” and “no officer”. I’ve apologised when I’ve been in the wrong, and I’ve even thanked them at the end for pulling me over. Why? Because community safety hinges on our police ensuring that drivers do the right thing. And because I was brought up to respect authority, so I ensure that my words show that.

Sadly, if you watch RBT you’ll see some drivers who think it is perfectly reasonable to call the police pr..ks, dogs and pigs - and that’s just what you can hear amidst a string of beeps covering up harsher expletives. They unleash their rage because they got caught doing the wrong thing - but can’t own it. Everything must always be somebody else’s fault, right?

How is there not a penalty for this level of disrespect?

And what is worse, they quite often have children in their cars, setting a mighty fine example.

I’d like to see the police fire back at these arrogant jerks. They should be able to say “Here’s a hefty fine for you, a hundred dollars for each disrespectful word that just came out of your mouth. You’re a tosser and your kids deserve better. Thank you, enjoy your day.”

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Missing Persons Week New statistics show teenagers between the ages of 13 and 15 are reported missing to NSW Police more than any other age group each year.

The year’s Missing Persons Week campaign ‘Still waiting for you to come home’ highlights the high number of young people who are reported missing to police each year and the impact on the family and friends.

In 2016, 13 to 15-year-olds accounted for nearly 30 per cent of the 10,909 missing person reports made to police.

So far in this year, there have been 5,790 missing persons reports, of which 49 per cent are under the age of 18.

Launching the 2017 campaign, Acting Superintendent Missing Persons Unit Commander Kristy Walters said the impact on families and friends is significant.

“For families of missing persons, not knowing if their loved one is safe is a traumatic experience that never goes away,” Acting Superintendent Walters said.

“When someone goes missing, it not only affects their immediate family, but it can have

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a ripple effect on their networks and wider community.

“The detectives who work tirelessly with families to try and locate their loved ones who are still missing are also profoundly affected by their plight,” Acting Superintendent Walters said.

Acting Superintendent Walters said it’s hoped by highlighting missing person cases throughout the week will generate new information that could help bring them home.

“I encourage people to reach out and check in with your loved ones – it could be that one simple gesture that gives someone the support they need to manage their situation.” Acting Superintendent Walters said.

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Purchase a daffodil or volunteer to help fight cancer

By Kerrie Davies

Cancer Council is encouraging Penrith residents to show support for someone affected by cancer by volunteering their time on Friday, August 25 for Daffodil Day. Now in its 31st year, Daffodil Day is one of the largest fundraising events in the Southern Hemisphere and Cancer Council is calling on people to join the volunteer team. Volunteers can help sell fresh daffodils and Cancer Council merchandise at stalls across Penrith and the Nepean.

Tammy Kajewski is a Daffodil Day volunteer team leaderat Westfield Penrith.

Ms Kajewski has overcome cancer three times.

“I had cervical cancer when I was 26,” she said.

“After that it was breast cancer, then stomach cancer. Thankfully, I’m now cancer free and clear.”

Ms Kajewski’s mother and sister both have breast cancer.

She said it was one of the reasons why she continued to volunteer on Daffodil Day and support Cancer Council.

“I do it for my mum and my sister,

Cancer in Australia

but I also do it because I enjoy talking to those members of the public who come up to the stall and want to tell you their story,” she said.

“I’d encourage everyone to get involved in any way they can. If you can’t volunteer, you can still buy and wear a daffodil pin, visit a Daffodil Day site or donate online,” Cancer Council NSW Community Engagement Manager Crystal Huynh

said.

“The more people get involved in Daffodil Day, the more we can do to beat this terrible disease.”

Your donation will fund world-class cancer research, prevention programs, and provide information and support to those affected by cancer.

To volunteer in Penrith or elsewhere, visit www.daffodilday. com.au/volunteer

• An estimated 134,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia this year, with that number set to rise to 150,000 by 2020.

• 1 in 2 Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

• Cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia • 68% of people diagnosed with cancer in Australia are still alive five years after a cancer diagnosis.

• The most common cancers in Australia (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer) are prostate, breast, colorectal (bowel), melanoma and lung cancer. These five cancers account for around 60% of all cancers diagnosed in Australia.

• Cancer costs more than $4.5 billion in direct health system costs (6.9%).

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Treating arthritis in our pets Arthritis is one of the most common ailments in middle aged and older pets and we generally see an increase in animals suffering from arthritis during the colder months of the year. Sometimes, even young animals can develop arthritic changes in their joints. Arthritis causes chronic pain and can affect your pets quality of life.

Arthritis tends to be more obvious during colder weather. The most obvious signs include limping and stiffness and you may find that this is worse as soon as your pet wakes up and improves as they warm up. Your pet may also become reluctant to do things that were previously easy such as get in or out of the car or jump up onto beds etc. Arthritic animals may also become tired easily and become irritable when touched. They may even growl or try

and bite if they are patted somewhere that is painful for them. They can also develop muscle atrophy; this means that muscle tissue will decrease in size due to lack of use and affected animals will often have legs which look much thinner than a normal leg.

Arthritis is generally diagnosed based on history and symptoms and sometimes with x-rays. There are several treatment options for arthritis.

Overweight animals should be encouraged to loose weight as being overweight complicates the treatment of arthritis.

You may think that arthritic animals shouldn’t go for walks as this may be painful for them, however, gentle and moderate exercise is beneficial as it maintains muscle mass and preserves the flexibility of joints. Heavy exercise such as sprinting and jumping up is counter productive. It is important that arthritic animals are exercised on a lead or harness and not allowed to go off lead so they do not over exert themselves. Swimming is an excellent exercise as it improves muscle mass without placing excessive pressure on the joints.

There are joint supplements available and these products contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and fish oils. These supplements protect the joints and help repair cartilage while aiming to prevent further damage. These products work in some but not all pets.

There are also injections available from your veterinarian. These injections aim to increase joint mobility by increasing the quality of the joint fluid and decreasing the break down of cartilage in the joints.

Pain relief tablets are also available for animals that are severely affected by arthritis. There are a variety of different types of pain medications depending on the age and overall health of your pet.

If you have any questions about treatment of arthritis in your pet or you are concerned that your animal may be in pain, please contact Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic on 4731 3055.

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

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Local arts the winners with visit from Senator Payne

By Keegan Thomson

SENATOR for Western Sydney and local resident, Senator Marise Payne was on home turf in the federal electorate of Lindsay last week to oversee the opening of new school facilities and to hand out federal government money to a muchloved local arts institution.

Senator Payne announced $380,000 for the Penrith Regional Gallery and the Lewers Gallery for new upgrades to their air conditioners and new geothermal heat pumps.

Speaking at the gallery, Senator Payne said these new installations will boost the equity and the longevity of the gallery’s prominence.

“This funding is enabling the purchase of vitally important technology which will allow new and unique artwork sensitive to the weather to be shown in the region,” Senator Payne said.

“I am pleased to be delivering this project which will benefit the arts community in Penrith and across the wider community and I am proud to be seeing it to fruition. This was an election commitment in 2016 and the Turnbull government is delivering on those commitments,” she added.

Director of Penrith Regional Gallery, Dr LeeAnne Hall, echoed the Senator’s comments, saying the new upgrades will greatly improve the condition of the exhibitions.

“The grant for the purpose of installing climate control air-conditioning at the Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest will ensure our collection and exhibited artworks are kept and

maintained in industry standard conditions, without suffering the effects of fluctuating temperature and humidity,” Dr Hall said.

Whilst she was in the electorate Senator Payne also visited the students at Wollemi College in Werrington to open the new, state of the art, music centre.

Senator Payne, who opened the new music centre representing the Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham, said the new facilities will improve the school’s musical talent and potential.

“It was great to visit Wollemi College and see the new facilities firsthand and the impact and benefit

they will have on students’ learning potential,” Senator Payne said.

The funds for the music centre were provided by the Turnbull Government who gave $600,000 in funding from the Capital Grants Program, which provides funding for non-government schools to improve infrastructure where they otherwise may not have access to sufficient resources.

Senator Payne said students and the entire school community would benefit from these new facilities.

“I hope this new music centre inspires students to practice more often and build their skills and confidence,” Senator Payne said.

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Council passes on airport forum

By Keegan Thomson

PENRITH Council has called on the federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (DIRD) to organise further community consultation meetings on the Western Sydney Airport.

The move comes after further questions were raised about if and when Penrith Council would organise a forum on the matter.

During the July Ordinary Council Meeting two members of the antiairport action group, Residents Against Western Sydney Airport, spoke of their concerns over the lack of community consultation. The matter of community consultation was then debated in the Council Chamber.

During the meeting Councillor Greg Davies pushed back against the notion that Penrith Council should be the ones putting on information forums.

He said Council was doing a fine job in promoting information through numerous outlets and that the DIRD should be the ones to run community forums.

Councillor Davies spoke to Nepean News after the meeting to confirm the

Council had written to DIRD to request further community consultation and information sessions.

“We wrote to them and asked them to convene some information sessions in Penrith,” Cr Davies said.

“We are more than happy to host the sessions but they’re the ones with the information so it would be more appropriate if they can do that because they’ve got the answers to the questions that people are going to ask,” he said.

Cr Davies again expressed his concerns that a Council run information session would turn into a room full of airport opposition activists protesting the development of the airport.

“Everyone that spoke to Council the other night spoke about the airport in the negative,” he said.

“If Council held the information sessions it would become a forum for people with negative views and not an information session because we

simply don’t have all the information that DIRD does.”

Cr Davies also said the Council has two major issues the Department needs to clarify.

“DIRD has two serious things they need to address,” he said.

“We’d like the federal and state politicians to back up our lobbying for a north-south rail line and DIRD need to announce their intentions of a pipeline for the aviation fuel that will be needed at the airport.”

A Spokesperson from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development told Nepean News they will continue to cooperate with the Council to ensure the public is properly included in the development of the airport.

“The Department is in close contact with Penrith Council and has discussed with a Council representative the Council’s recent discussion about a forum and provided a briefing to the full Council in April 2017,” the

Spokesperson said.

The Spokesperson said DIRD has provided numerous different methods of community consultation over the past two years and will continue to do so.

“The Department has undertaken comprehensive community engagement across Western Sydney over the past two years. It provides communication in various forms to keep the community informed about the project, including through a detailed project website, newsletter, and a toll-free 1800 number where the public can have their questions answered,” they said.

The DIRD Spokesperson also they’re continuing to work with stakeholders in Penrith through the representatives on the Forum On Western Sydney Airport (FOWSA).

“The Forum On Western Sydney Airport is another way we are ensuring the community has their say on the Western Sydney Airport. The Penrith LGA has three representatives on the forum, including Mayor Cr John Thain, Mr Gordon Henwood and Mr Wayne Wilmington,” they said.

So far DIRD has not set aside any date for a community consultation forum in Penrith.

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Brothers playing for Brothers

By Conner Lowe

IT’S not often that you get to share the field with your siblings, but for the Farkas family they get to run out together with four siblings all playing for the same team. Nathan, Jared, David and Aaron all represent the Brothers Penrith Rugby League club and play for their A-Grade team.

They have played league for most of their lives, mostly with the Brothers Club and previously St Dominic’s.

Between the four of them they have played over 1000 games for the club, with Jared holding the club record with over 350 games.

They have played Rugby League in different teams over the years but this year all four are playing in the same team for the first time. This is also the first for the club to have four brothers playing in the same team.

The boys have represented Penrith in different teams from Penrith U/16’s representative New Zealand Tour, Harold Matts, SG Ball and Penrith A-Grade teams over the years. They all represented Hungary earlier this year in the Cabra 9’s and two test games.

The boys won both test matches

with Hungary earlier this year and the country will compete in the Emerging Nations Tournament to be held in Sydney next year. This was a great achievement for the boys all playing for their dad’s heritage.

Aaron and David Farkas, spoke about how special it is to share a field together with all their siblings and what they hope to accomplish by the end of the season.

“No amount of money could deter me from the opportunity to play with all my older brothers. Being the youngest I learnt from my brothers and this now shows on the field how well we can play together. To win the

Grand final with them will be my best accomplishment and to do this for my mum and dad,” Aaron said.

“I feel very lucky to be playing in the same team as my three brothers as a lot of people would not get a chance to play their favourite sport with their siblings. Having a childhood of practice together is also paying off as some plays just come off naturally,” David said.

Jared and Nathan Farkas, spoke about how proud they both were of their brothers and growing up playing together in the backyard. “It’s not every day you get to play football with your brothers. We grew up playing backyard

footy and there was always a bit of rivalry between us. So, to play with all my brothers in the one team is certainly a proud moment and something I will never forget,” Jared said.

“Always been proud of my brothers for what they have achieved over the years with their footy, but running out in the same team with them each week is definitely my proudest. Four brothers in the one team is so rare and its one season I’ll never forget,” Nathan said.

Michelle and Joe Farkas are the parents of the boys and are also heavily involved with the Brothers Rugby League Club. Michelle has helped manage many of the teams the boys have been involved with and for the past 15 years has been the club registrar and is still currently the Sunday club registrar. In 2013 Michelle was inducted into the club as a life member. She is the first and only female life member of the club for all her work and commitment to the club.

Congratulations to the Farkas family on their achievements within the Brothers Rugby League Club.

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Free recycling centre opens for local residents!

By Kerrie Davies

Member of the Legislative Council Shayne Mallard MLC officially opened the Penrith Community Recycling Centre as part of the Government’s ‘Waste Less, Recycle More’ initiative on the 20th of July.

“It was a pleasure as an old Penrith boy to represent local member, Minister Stuart Ayres MP and also the Minister for the Environment Gabrielle Upton MP to officially open the Penrith Community Recycling Centre at St Marys” Mr Mallard said.

The centre is the first in Western Sydney and the first in partnership with the private sector and allows residents from Penrith Council areas and neighbouring council areas a year round free service to drop-off problem wastes that should not be put in kerbside bins.

These wastes include gas bottles, paints, used oils, batteries, fluorescent tubes and globes, smoke detectors, cardboard, expanded polystyrene Styrofoam, mobile phones and TV’s.

Mr Mallard took the opportunity to congratulate Mayor John Thain, Council and the Penrith community for their leadership and commitment to reducing landfill and increasing

recycling.

“Penrith has achieved nearly 60% recycling of waste which is a great effort. The state target is 70% of waste recycled and diverted from land fill by 2020. Penrith is well on the way to reaching that target” Mr Mallard said.

“In my childhood, Dad and I would just fill the trailer and head to the tip at Kingswood! We’ve all come a long way since those days. We now know what a valuable resource waste is for recycling and work to protect the environment by avoiding land fill.”

“The NSW Government supported the establishment and upgrade of this CRC with a $161,850 grant to the Penrith Waste Facility under the Waste

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Less, Recycle More initiative” he said.

Penrith Mayor, Councillor John Thain spoke at the opening and described the centre as “a great fit for Penrith”.

“Our City is a leader in terms of sustainability,” he said. “We already divert huge amounts of waste from landfill through our 3 Bin system and have initiatives and programs in place to encourage our residents to recycle and reuse.”

Cr Thain said the popularity of the Council’s chemical drop off days was evidence of the need for the new centre.

“I’m confident it will be embraced by our community as well as residents

from our neighbouring council areas,” he said.

Penrith Community Recycling Centre is now part of a network of 100 Community Recycling Centres being established across NSW thanks to more than $11 million in grants awarded since 2014.

The Community Recycling Centre is located at 42 Charles Street, St Marys.

It is open weekdays 8:30am –2pm, 8am to 12:00pm Saturdays and closed Sundays.

The CRC does not, under any circumstances, accept needles/sharps.

The accepted items are the 9 problem household wastes outlined by the EPA; • Paint • Gas bottles • Fire Extinguishers • Motor Oils • Other Oils • Car Batteries • Household Batteries • Smoke Detectors • Fluoro globes and tubes Penrith Council is also providing drop off for the additional waste; • Cardboard • Polystyrene • Mobile phones, TVs and Computers For more information visit: http:// www.epa.nsw.gov.au/wastegrants/ index.htm

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Redevelopment and expansion of Nepean Hospital Large redevelopment signs were unveiled across the Nepean Hospital campus today as the planning and design phase for the $550 million Stage 1 Nepean Redevelopment continues to progress.

The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Board Chairman Peter Collins said the six by three metre external signs were installed to help familiarise the community with the redevelopment project and keep them informed about progress.

“There is a lot happening behind the scenes with the redevelopment at the moment that we can’t tangibly show the community. These signs will be updated as the project progresses through different stages of planning, design and construction to help take the community on the journey with us,” said Mr Collins.

In November 2016, the NSW Government announced $550 million for Stage 1 of the Nepean Redevelopment and an additional $26 million for a multi-storey car park to support the hospital’s expansion.

“Since the NSW Government’s funding announcement, our clinicians, nurses and community representatives have been working closely with the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and Nepean Redevelopment project team to determine the best layout and design for our new facilities.”

“This extensive planning and consultation phase will continue into next year, to ensure our dedicated staff can continue to provide high-quality patient care for years to come,” said Mr Collins.

Regular community input into the redevelopment is an essential component of the redevelopment and the project is encouraging anyone who is interested in contributing, to get involved by participating in a Nepean Redevelopment Consumer forum. The application form can be accessed from the hospital or on the Nepean Blue Mountains Website via: http://www.nbmlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/nepeanredevelopment When complete, Stage 1 of the Nepean Redevelopment will include: o A new clinical services block o A new and expanded Emergency Department o Expanded and upgraded medical imaging o At least 12 new operating theatres o 18 birthing suites in new accommodation, an increase of ten

o A new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit o More than 200 overnight beds in new accommodation o A new helipad o New community health services o Expansion of medical oncology services Increasing chemotherapy chairs from 15 - 30 Interim works are also being carried out by the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District in co-ordination with the Nepean Redevelopment team to meet current services demands. These works include: o Planning for the construction of a third radiotherapy bunker and new linear accelerator. o Relocation and replacement of the existing MRI. o Upgrades to the Emergency Department

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Step back in time The Nepean District Historical Society will be holding their annual Historical Festival and Open Day at the Arms of Australia Inn Museum on July 16 at Emu Plains, NSW from 9am to 3pm. Admission is free. More details pages 20 and 23

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including a dedicated paediatric assessment and treatment area, establishment of a safe assessment room; mobile duress system and access control upgrades. o Refurbishment to provide an additional birthing suite. o Some expansion of day surgery o Expansion of the NICU unit In conjunction with planning, the first stage of construction will include the new multi-storey car park which is being prioritised to free up space on campus for a new clinical tower. Construction for the car park is expected to begin in late 2017.

The new clinical tower as part of Nepean Redevelopment Stage 1 is scheduled to be complete in 2022, followed by refurbishment works.

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Bush Bash

This year’s 2017 Variety Bash will be starting from St Marys Rugby League Club on August 3. More inside.

Pictured here is Club President Warren Smith with the adorable Goldie Chatto.

Your local news and views

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Wrap with love

Calling all knitters to join in on a local knit-in on Monday 7 August, 9am - 12noon in the Penrith Library Lower Lounge.

All welcome.

This year’s aim is to provide blankets for the homeless.

Donations of knitted squares and wool are welcome.

Get into yoga!

Yoga is on at Penrith Library for students aged 10 - 17. It’s not too late to book a spot.

Class is on every Tuesday between 4 -5 pm.

Phone 4732 7454 for more information.

Young St Marys man wins $100,000 while shopping with Nan A young St Marys man’s regular ritual of scratching Instant ScratchIts tickets with his beloved Nan every time they go shopping together has bagged him $100,000.

The happy man this week won one of the top prizes of $100,000 on a $5 Instant Scratch-Its ticket he bought from St Marys Village Centre Newsagency.

Speaking to a NSW Lotteries official about his windfall, the man said scratching Instant Scratch-Its with his Nan had become a fun activity they both looked forward to.

“We buy some tickets every time we go shopping together. It’s become a bit of a ritual for us,” he said.

“I bought this ticket when we were out together, scratched it and couldn’t believe it when I saw $100,000!

“Nan’s won small prizes before but this is the most either of us have ever won on an Instant Scratch-Its. “Nan was very happy for me!”

The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, confessed he’d kept a close eye on his winning ticket until he had the chance to claim his prize.

“I’ve kept it in a hiding spot at home and I couldn’t wait to bring the ticket

in,” he laughed.

“I’m going to share my prize with my family, pay off some debts and then put the rest towards a house deposit. Hopefully it helps me get into my own home sooner.”

The winning ticket was purchased from St Marys Village Centre Newsagency, Shop 27, 87 Charles Hackett Drive, St Marys.

St Marys Village Centre Newsagency owner Mei Li said the outlet was thrilled to have sold a top

prize winning Instant Scratch-Its ticket.

“They came in to tell us that they had won! We’re so happy for them!” she said.

“It’s always great to hear one of our customers have won the top prize.

Hopefully there are more wins for our customers to come!”

The latest range of Instant ScratchIts tickets are available now at NSW Lotteries outlets. It can happen in an instant. It could happen to you.

Be part of Penrith’s creative heart

Board & Committee Nominations Now Open to t e s s e c i Power Pr by 15-20% increase Let us Help you Avoid Bill Shock Speak to a local solar expert on the smart energy choice for your home

Penrith Performing & Visual Arts Ltd, operators of the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest, is seeking nominations from interested Greater Western Sydney based community members to the Board of Management and to art form based advisory committees. These are volunteer positions.

PP&VA Ltd is a public company limited by guarantee and a controlled entity of Penrith City Council. It is a producer, curator, presenter and a leader in industry-led arts education experiences in the region.

Further information on current programs, strategies and facilities can be found at: www.thejoan.com.au and at www.penrithregionalgallery.org BOARD DIRECTORS: 3 nominees to be appointed by Council for a 4 year term and a further 3 nominees for a 2 year term.

PERFORMING ARTS / VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE MEMBERS: 6 nominees to be appointed to each committee by the Board for a term of 3 years.

Deadline: 16 August 2017 For further information and application form please visit thejoan.com.au/news Please direct queries to Hania Radvan on 4723 7609 or by email to hania.radvan@penrith.city.

www.nepeansolar.com.au

Kemps Creek soccer club sporting grant

Teen charged

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP together with the Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres MP presented Kemps Creek Soccer Club a grant of $10,000 for the upgrade of lighting at Bill Anderson Reserve, Kemps Creek.

“Recently Kemps Creek Soccer Club received grants for vital drainage installation and upgrades to fencing. This sporting grant for the upgrade of lighting signifies the commitment the NSW Government has to investing in our local communities and supporting the growth of young athletes,” Tanya Davies said.

“Clubs like Kemps Creek are a community asset but sometimes they need a helping hand to make sure their players get the most out of their facilities,”

A teenager has been charged following investigations into an alleged break-in at Glenmore Park last week.

About 9am (Tuesday 25 July 2017), three males allegedly entered the backyard of a home on Knox Street and attempted to gain access to the house.

A female resident confronted the males and was allegedly punched in the face several times.

One of the males allegedly produced a knife and threatened the woman before all three ran from the scene.

Officers from Penrith Local Area Command were alerted and commenced investigations.

About 4pm last Tuesday officers attended a home in Penrith and arrested a 15-year-old boy.

He was taken to Penrith Police Station in the company of a support person and charged with aggravated break and enter with intent, use offensive weapon to avoid lawful apprehension and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The teen was granted strict conditional bail to appear at a Children’s Court on Thursday 17 August 2017.

The woman did not require hospitalisation and sought treatment at a medical centre.

Investigations are continuing and anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Penrith Police Station. Information can be given anonymously.

Minister Ayres said.

“Kemps Creek Soccer Club provides a fun way to stay healthy, fit and strengthen the relationships between everyone involved which leads to a stronger and healthier community.”

“Initiatives like the Local Sports Grant Program are critical to boosting infrastructure, programs and services to increase on-going participation in local organisations like the Kemps Creek United Soccer Club. I am certain the club will benefit greatly from the grant.” Tanya Davies said.

“I want to thank Stuart Ayres MP, Minister for Sport who has provided this funding”, Tanya Davies said.

Dr Muthukrishnan’s Kingswood Medical Centre now offers

free Healing Hypnosis Sessions For cancer patients and carers and for people with addictive habits, depression anxiety panic attacks, weight gain, (HSC) students’ performance and dysfunctional relationship issues (we have been doing this at the Nepean district hospital for many years) On second and fourth Fridays of every month from 6.30 to 8 PM Places are limited / appointment is essential please calls us for your place.

We continue to offer, our usual services as part of family practice and hypnotherapy including, childhood and travel immunisation, workers compensation, mental health and chronic diseases care plans, Counselling, acupuncture and meditation.

Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 1pm

Phone: 4736 6900 www.mindpowerwithhypnosis.com

15 Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

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Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

Pink dragons racing to Italy

By Keegan Thomson

A LOCAL team of pink-clad dragon boat racing breast cancer survivors are fundraising for their trip to the international regatta next year in Italy.

The International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission is holding their quadrennial international regatta in July 2018 in Florence, Italy, and the Pendragons Abrest Penrith dragon boat racing team are gearing up.

Janette Fry is the Chairperson of the Pendrangons Abrest, Penrith’s dragon boat racing team of breast cancer survivors, and she says the sport is totally accessible for anyone in any walk of life.

“It is fantastic fun and it is always a very energetic sport,” Mrs Fry said.

All up the team has to raise more than $20,000 for paddles, uniforms and registration fees, with the individual team footing the costs for most of the other expenses.

Recently the team held a special fundraiser for their trip to Florence, a Christmas in July gala night, and the team were overwhelmed by the support from the community.

“We raised more than we thought we would. It was quite amazing to see how much support there is for our team and our cause in the wider community,” Ms Fry said.

According to Dragons Abrest Australia, the industry group supporting the sport, there are 34 clubs across the country, with the sport celebrated in every state of the country.

One thing DAA have supported since the foundation of the sport is that this form of exercise is perfect for women who’re recovering from surgery after breast cancer.

Mrs Fry backs up the DAA ideas of this and advocates that dragon boat racing and paddling, and physical exercise in the broader sense, as being a therapeutic form of rehabilitation after surgery.

“It helps you build up strength and stamina, as well as self esteem, after breast surgery and treatment,” Mrs Fry said.

“There is also an enormous sense of community that comes with something like this. We’re all survivors or supporters of survivors and we all come together a few times a week to be active and involved in something fun.”

Pendrangons Abrest Penrith have a very strong community sprit within the team, with the greater team made up of breast cancer survivors and supporters, who help and train with the team at least four times a week. The team also belongs to the Pendragons Dragon Boat Club.

Sue Dzenis is a supporter of the Pendrangons Abrest Penrith team. She supports the sports team and even trains with the dragon boat racing team a few times a week.

Within the club you have the ‘pink’ squad,

Janette Fry with Sue Dzenis.

Photo: Keegan Thomson

which is made up of breast cancer survivors, and the ‘supporters’, which is made up of anyone who wants to support, help out or train with the pink team.

Luckily for the supporters of the Pendrangons Abrest team there are events each year for the supporters. Mrs Dzenis says it can be just as competitive within the supporters races as in the pink teams.

Above everything else, Mrs Fry says she wants to make it clear that anyone can get involved in the sport of dragon boat racing and paddling, no matter your fitness level.

“We hope to make it so that anyone who wants to try out dragon boat racing and paddling can have a

go and try it out,” Mrs Fry said.

Penrith Council, who has been a strong supporter of breast cancer research donated $3000 to assist with their travel expenses.

Deputy Mayor Tricia Hitchen said Pendragons Abrest were doing a great job in raising awareness for breast cancer, and also supporting and empowering women and their families as they adjust to life after diagnosis.

“They’ll be joining 5000 women from all over the world at the event in Italy. We’re thrilled to know they’ll be representing Penrith on the world stage and we wish them every success,” she said.

Mrs Fry welcomes anyone who wants to get involved to contact her at 0411 703 499.

Continuing night work on the $1.6 billion The Northern Road Upgrade The Australian and NSW governments are jointly funding work as part of the $1.6 billion The Northern Road Upgrade between Narellan and Penrith.

Roads and Maritime Services is continuing night work on The Northern Road Upgrade between Glenmore Parkway, Glenmore Park and Jamison Road, South Penrith.

This work includes site establishment, building temporary pavement, concreting, asphalting, installing signage and temporary barriers, removing and stockpiling topsoil, completing site investigations, earthworks and demolition.

This work will be carried out at night, when traffic volumes are lower to minimise impact on traffic and safety of the travelling public.

Night work will be carried out between 7pm and 7am until Sunday, 27 August 2017, weather permitting.

The project’s main site office has been established at the corner of Wentworth Road and The Northern Road, Orchard Hills. The site office will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week from Friday, 28 July 2017 until the project’s completion in 2020. The site will be used for general purposes including as an

office, for parking and to store materials.

For more information about the operation of the main site office, night work and the location of barriers please see our community notifications, distributed on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 July 2017.

Roads and Maritime Services will continue to update you as the project progresses.

If you have any questions or complaints please contact the community engagement team on 1800 870 665 or tnr.community@lendlease.com. For more information on Roads and Maritime projects, visit rms.nsw.gov.au/thenorthernroad.

localnews

TEMPERATURES across the west might be still cool but the team at Nepean Pools say it is never too soon to start the work on your new pool in time for summer.

Nepean Pools has a range of top class, state of the art, long lasting fibreglass pools all ready for installation in your backyard, whatever size that may be. With the standard backyard shrinking, the wide variety of shells at Nepean Pools have you covered.

They’ll turn your backyard into a secret oasis.

Unlike conventional concrete pools, the fibreglass pool range on offer at Nepean Pools retain heat better and come with a lifetime warranty, unlike the standard seven year warranty of concrete pools.

The team at Nepean Pools pride themselves on delivering a seamless ‘full service installation’.

This means they’ll work with you and your family from the very beginning planning stages, through

the installation and all the way to the final finishing touches.

They’re professionals in not only pools but their in-house landscaping team will help with your tiling, decking, retaining walls and decorative water features, including waterfalls into your new pool.

Nepean Pool’s fibreglass pools also come with a string of other special features, including a range of colours, lights and a number of different swim jet options, all ready to install in your new pool.

One issue with pool installation is the time and disruption to your backyard and home, with other pool installations taking up to three months. At Nepean Pools they can excavate, landscape and install your new fibreglass pool in four to six weeks.

If you’re environmentally conscious, or you’re worried about the chemicals involved in a backyard pool, you’ve got nothing to be worried about when

Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

Turn your backyard into an oasis with Nepean Pools

17

you choose a fibreglass pool from Nepean Pools.

Their pools use less chemicals and use less power to heat. The colour and finish of the fibreglass also boasts a Pool Colour Guard 25 year interior surface guarantee, so there is no need to resurface after a few years.

Give the team at Nepean Pools a call on 4722 9201 and talk to them about their special deals leading up to summer.

When your new pool is installed by the team at Nepean Pools you have the backing of an outstanding reputation throughout all scope of works, a family business with over 35 years of experience in the industry that operates under a master builders licence and a project co-ordination service that ensures a smooth process from start to finish.

If you are interested in a fibreglass pool please contact Nepean Pools on 4722 9201.

Be swimming by

summer!

www.nepeanpools.com.au 26 Camden Street, Penrith Ph. 4722 9201

Cold Hands and Warm Hearts Ignite True Christmas Spirit Nepean Food Services - Meals on Wheels - Penrith and Warragamba/ Silverdale clients came together to celebrate Christmas in July.

Entertainer Steve Murphy entertained them with well-known favourite songs as they enjoyed their hot Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.

Each person who attended received a Christmas goodies bag to enjoy at home later.

Nepean Food Services Meals on Wheels holds the Christmas in July event each year to bring together many social support groups across the area at a time of year when people really appreciate a bit of cheerful company in a social meal setting. Door to door transport and volunteer assistance is provided and forms an important part of ensuring that clients can join the event.

Meals on Wheels is a name familiar to Australians and is at the heart of many communities. It represents helping hands, teamwork and looking out for each other. It is all about people in the community joining forces to help others.

For further information please call on (02) 4733 7200.

Social Butterfly

Council catch up with Keegan Thomson COUNCILLOR Joshua Hoole is the youngest Councillor in the current Penrith City Council but his age doesn’t limit him nor his passion for local government and community.

I caught up with Cr Hoole after the turbulent July Ordinary Council Meeting, an event that was nearly overshadowed by protesters in the gallery shouting accusations at the Councillors, to chat with him about Council’s stance on Western Sydney Airport as well as a few other issues facing young people in politics.

At the July Council Meeting is was suggested that Council isn’t doing a good enough job at engaging with young people in regards to the Western Sydney Airport but Cr Hoole rejects this notion outright.

“It is all well and good for people to question if Council is engaging with young people enough but the reality is we’re getting out in the different formats that young people engage with, like Facebook and Instagram,” Cr Hoole said.

“It is incumbent upon young people to be willing to invest in these different platforms so they’re able to understand and take account as to what is happening in their community, so I think Council is doing enough.”

Speaking as a representative of the young people of western Sydney, Cr Hoole said many of the people he knows all support the development of the Western Sydney Airport anyway.

“It is a non issue for them. They just want the development to get on with it,” he said.

Another thing brought up during the July Council Meeting was the age old debate of pollution and the

potential hazards cause by more plane, train and automobile traffic in the region.

The potential pollution hazards caused by Western Sydney Airport is a pet topic of Cr Kevin Crameri, but Cr Hoole said he wasn’t worried and that the proposition was simply “not logical”.

“Honestly I think we’re going to be fine,” Cr Hoole said.

“I don’t think the Federal or State Governments would go ahead and build an airport with the likely outcome of there being an increase in disease, health

side affects or mass toxic pollution.”

Cr Hoole was elected to Penrith Council at the age of 23. The election of a young person into any form of government isn’t something that is done very regularly and Cr Hoole says this has to change.

“It is becoming harder to have young people elected to any form of government. I was very lucky to get through but it is very rare because the old political class are very skeptical of young people coming through the ranks,” Cr Hoole said.

“It is incredibly frustrating and disconcerting for young people and it is leading to them switching off.

It is a real problem that needs to be addressed by all major political institutions and parties.”

He said that by simply ignoring the issues of young people, politicians and the political class are only hurting themselves.

“It is detrimental for the political class and institutions to turn a blind eye to the people who want to be involved and be engaged simply because of their age or their lack of experience. It is happening right across the board and it is a real issue that needs to addressed,” Cr Hoole said.

“I believe young people have a part to shape not only the future but also what is happening right now.”

The aim of Council catch up is to nut out the thoughts and goings-on surrounding Council issues with different Councillors each issue of Nepean News. I want to take community issues to the people who’re voted into office to represent the people of western Sydney. If you have any issues you’d like covered email me keegan@nepeannews.com.au .

19 Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

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Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

St Marys Village Mums & Co St Marys Village has launched Mums & Co, a collaborative loyalty club for parents and carers.

Designed with families in mind, Mums & Co is free to join and will offer members a range of services and essentials to make parents’ lives easier, from regular events and retailer offers to an online platform with expert advice and information.

Mums & Co members will have exclusive access to complimentary Nappy packs and monthly e-newsletters which will feature parenting articles and exclusive competitions. Invitations to exclusive events to be held at St Marys Village covering the hottest parenting topics, educational workshops, book launches and Q&A’s.

Those who sign up to Mums & Co whilst shopping at St Marys Village will receive a complimentary T2 gift valued at $24 and enjoy a host of benefits.

Drop in and see the friendly team at the Centre Management office to sign up on the spot.

Rebecca Carrig, Marketing Manager said, “We are so excited about Mums & Co in St Marys Village and look forward to rallying behind our fantastic mums, dads and anyone else raising children through our loyalty club. Mums & Co will also provide an opportunity to meet like-minded people and enjoy a range of exclusive activities and advice, from discounts and gift bags, to our regular EDMs and speaking events.”

Founded by mums, Bernadette Vella and Gayle Richardson, Mummy’s Wish is a registered not-for-profit charity providing unique support

services to help families with children 12 years or under through mum’s treatment. The tailored support provided by Mummy’s Wish allows Mums undergoing treatment to cope with their illness whilst meeting the physical and emotional needs of their young families.

“We are proud to work with Mummy’s Wish as

our official charity partner for Mums & Co and thrilled that all funds raised will go directly to the charity,” said Rebecca.

Mums, Dads and carers for children can signup for Mums & Co at the Centre Management office or at www.stmarysvillage.com.au . For more information, visit our website or call 9623 7700.

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Legends of the Nepean

By Conner Lowe

Late last month the Penrith region lost a truly significant figure in the cricket scene as Trevor Wholohan sadly passed away. So, to honour him and what

he achieved for cricket in the west of Sydney and in NSW, I will present to you the legacy Trevor left behind.

Trevor, was born in Penrith but spent his early years growing up out in the country. He began to play cricket at the age of nine with his mates from Coolah School, 70 miles north of Mudgee.

When Trevor and his family returned to Penrith he played in the first ever junior cricket competition in 1949. Trevor was also the first to

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score a century in the competition in 1951. Trevor was a sensational cricket player and player for district clubs Penrith RSL and Rovers Club before playing in the Sydney Cricket Grade competition for Central Cumberland Club from 1954-63.

During his years with Central Cumberland Club Trevor played alongside some fantastic players including Richie Benaud who was named the Australian Test captain in 1958-59.

Trevor returned to the Penrith district cricket association in 1973 and was the inaugural Secretary of the Penrith Grade Club (previously known as Nepean until 1978) and served as President for 16 years. One of Trevor’s proudest achievements in cricket was being President when Penrith won their first ever 1st Grade Premiership in 1978-79. Trevor took over as President of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) in 1997-98. He played a significant role in linking the older generation, long-established committee and the current day committee. Finally, Trevor served on the Management Committee of the NDCA again from early 2000’s until 2010.

In the 1997 Australia Day Honours, Trevor was awarded the Order of Australian Medal for services to cricket at club, district and state levels. In the same year, Trevor was also added to the Council Wall of Achievement. In 2000 he received the Australian Sports Medal for his voluntary service to club and junior cricket administration in the Penrith area and in 2001 he was awarded the Centenary Medal for service to sport and the community.

Trevor’s contribution to cricket in the

Trevor Wholohan

district was enormous and spanned over six decades as a player, coach, selector and administrator.

Trevor’s outstanding work for the Penrith Grade Club and NDCA didn’t go unnoticed with a new function room in the N.A. Hunter Pavilion at Howell Oval being named after himself. It was officially opened in 2011 by then Federal Member for Lindsay, Mr David Bradbury.

Trevor’s list of achievements in the game is extraordinarily long and includes:

• Australian Cricket Board Director (1988-94 as 1 of 3 from NSW) • NSW Cricket Association Director (1988-95) • Penrith Grade Club Secretary (1973) and President (1975-82, 198493) • Nepean District Cricket Association President (1997-2000), Vice-President (1993-97), Assistant Secretary (195556, 1966-68, 1972-73) “Cricket was always a way of life for Trevor and his passion, dedication and commitment to the game he

loved saw him work tirelessly to improve facilities and conditions for all cricketers across the district. We all owe a debt of gratitude to him for what he achieved for cricket in our city and our region,” said Penrith City Mayor John Thain.

Trevor often pondered that cricket was a way of life for him and no one that knew Trevor could ever doubt his passion for, dedication to and love of the game. He worked tirelessly over many years to improve facilities and conditions for all cricketers across

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the district. His efforts will be longremembered as will his forthright opinions, his work ethic, and his unwavering integrity, honesty and loyalty. Trevor is truly a local icon and legend. Rest in peace, Mr Trevor Henry Wholohan.

Trevor Wholohan was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Stewart Moses.

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

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Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

Flood study Council is asking residents and business owners to share their local knowledge and experiences of flooding in the Peach Tree Creek and Lower Surveyors Creek catchment, which includes the suburbs of Penrith, South Penrith and Jamisontown.

Information and a questionnaire will soon be distributed to residents and businesses in the study area, and is also available online. Residents are encouraged to tell us about their experiences of flooding in these suburbs

by Friday 25 August 2017.

This will inform a flood study to help Council identify where measures might best be implemented to reduce the risk and cost of flooding to the community and assist with emergency management.

“Flooding is naturally a concern for our region, and many local residents have unfortunately experienced the heartache, stress, cost and inconvenience of previous floods. We’re being proactive so Council and the community can be as prepared as possible for future flood events,” Penrith Mayor Councillor John Thain said.

“Historical observations and photos of flooding behaviour from the community are a valuable source of information which will help develop computer models of the extent and nature of potential flooding,” he said.

The study is concerned with mainstream flooding from the Nepean River and local creeks, as well as overland or “flash” flooding when intense rainfall exceeds the capacity of the stormwater network. In urbanised areas, overland flow has the potential to cause major damage to property and risk to life.

This catchment is the next priority under Council’s Floodplain Risk Management Program and the study will receive financial support from the State Government under its Floodplain Management Program.

For more information see Council’s website.

Free fitness classes by the river Enjoy Yoga by the Nepean River.

Just one of the free classes on offer.

LAST month, Live Life Get Active launched their newest free fitness program, at Tench Reserve on the Nepean River, proudly supported by Penrith City Council and the funding partner Bank of Queensland Penrith The new program kicked off with an official launch, attended by Live Life Get Active CEO Amanda King, representatives of the funding partner, Bank of Queensland Penrith, Penrith Council and members of the community.

Once the official proceedings concluded 15 enthusiastic people took part in the first class – Active boxing.

Free fitness classes will run at Tench Reserve (opposite the Coffee Club Nepean River) at 9.30am Monday-Friday

every week during school term. Classes include boxing, cross-training and yoga and are run by qualified professional trainers that cater for all fitness levels.

The classes are free and open to all residents aged 18 and over. To attend, people need to register online and then book into the classes they want to attend. Go to: www. livelifegetactive.com Live Life Get Active is a social initiative that provides free fitness classes to help people be more active in an environment that is fun and motivating. They also offer free health, fitness and nutritional education online.

Live Life Get Active have 95 ‘Active Camps’ around Australia with 31,000 members.

Major signing for Emu Plains Lions

By Jim Devine

The Lions Club of Emu Plains has announced the ‘signing’ of Major David Pullen of the Salvation Army as a Member of the Club.

David was endorsed by the July Board meeting and was inducted into the Club at the Zone Lions Changeover dinner held at Penrith Bowling Club on 24 July.

His membership was sponsored by myself, the Publicity Officer.

“I was impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of Emu Plains Lions on the Red Shield Doorknock Appeal and I then decided I would like to join such an organisation,” David said.

Lions Club President, Alan Cooper, was looking forward to working with David.

“With the experience of the Salvation Army and Lions together, it can only mean better outcomes for local community undertakings,” he said.

Some of the benefits of membership are: Fellowship ➢ Good times ➢ Meeting people ➢ Building lasting friendships ➢ Service to the community, charities and those generally less fortunate ➢ Learning new skills ➢ Leadership and personal development If you’d like to join Lions, contact Emu Plains Club Memberships Manager, John Choma on 4735 5120, jwchoma@ bigpond.com, or Secretary Sue Hunt on 4735 7789, mobile 0409393711, jacknsue@bigpond.com, or come to a casual dinner meeting at Emu Sporting Club, Leonay on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. All are welcome.

A simple yes could save a life “After six years of dialysis my life was on hold,” Western Sydney resident and kidney recipient Carlo Muscatello said.

“Now, I’m doing things I never did before. I still think about the donor and what it meant for him to say yes.”

Mr Muscatello received a life-saving and life-changing kidney in 2011 at Westmead Hospital’s renal transplant unit, one of only two such units in Australia.

Mr Muscatello told his story as the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) announced its support for DonateLife Week 2017, Australia’s national awareness campaign to promote organ and tissue donation.

WSLHD donation specialist nurse Monica Walker said this week is an opportunity for people to share their wishes with family.

“It’s important people understand exactly what is involved so that people can make their organ and tissue donation wish count,” she said.

“Every family member must know each other’s decision, if they are ever asked to confirm your donation wish.

“Registering your donation decision is important because it leaves your family in no doubt of your decision to save lives as an organ and tissue donor.”

Thanks to a new registration process, it is now faster and easier to register your donation decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR).

Monica said there are many people on lists waiting for a life-saving organ.

“With around 1,400 Australians currently on transplant waiting lists, and a further 12,000 people on dialysis, we need to optimise every donation opportunity to save more lives.”

DonateLife week is led by the Organ and Tissue Authority as part of the national DonateLife campaign and supported by community events and activities across Australia.

For more information or to register your wishes: www.donatelife. gov.au

Handy Hints for around the home Handy hint 1 - bananarama Pull bananas apart before displaying them in your fruit bowl. If you leave them connected at the stem, they’ll ripen faster and go brown quicker. Who knew?!

Handy hint 2 - flexible vacuum To suck up hard-to-reach gunk under your fridge, or behind a bookshelf, insert an empty paper towel roll into the end of your vacuum cleaner and bend, or flatten it, to squeeze into these difficult spots.

Handy hint 3 - buying capsicum We’re not sure why, but a capsicum with three bumps on the bottom is sweeter than one with four. Oh, but four bumps makes for a crunchier, firmer capsicum, so you should weigh up crunch vs. sweet when picking out your pepper!

Handy hint 4 - fend off weeds Instead of tossing your daily rag in the recycling bin, use the newspaper as mulch and deter noxious weeds. Simply wet the sheets and put the layers around your plants and garden beds, covering with soil as you go. The weeds won’t be able to get through the wet newspaper layers.

Handy hint 5 - so cheesey Wrap cheese chunks in aluminium foil and store in the fridge to keep your cheddar fresher for longer and to keep mould out.

Handy hint 6 - mozzies be gone!

If you have the kind of blood that attracts mosquitoes like a moth to a flame, then listen up. To keep the pesky blood suckers at bay, place a fabric softener dryer sheet in your pocket. Mosquitoes are repelled by the scent and you’ll smell like summer breeze all night!

Handy hint 7 - crispy leftover pizza To reheat a pizza so that the base is out-of-the-oven crisp, heat your leftover slices in a fry pan on low-medium heat on the stove until warm and wave goodbye to the days of soggy microwave pizza.

Handy hint 8 - reopening envelopes If you seal an envelope and realise you’ve forgotten to include something inside, just place it in the freezer for an hour or two and voila, the envelope will unseal without a trace!

Handy hint 9 - the power of garlic Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a subtle taste and towards the end to blast it with flavour.

Handy hint 10 - getting rid of ants It may sound cruel, but if you have an ant problem, desperate times call for desperate measures. Put small piles of polenta where you see ants and they’ll gobble it up, return ‘home’ and won’t be able to digest it. Your ant problem (and the ants) will soon be dead.

25 Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

localnews

nepeanhistory

26 Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

South Creek T

he waterway once known by the aboriginal tribe who spoke the Dharuk language of our district was originally known to them as “Wianamatta”. Fourteen tribes or clans made up this language group and the people who inhabited both sides of South Creek were known as the Gomerrigal-Tongarra clan. South Creek runs for around 64 kilometers (from Cornwallis (Windsor - where it flows into the Hawkesbury River) to the Bringelly Hills (Oran Park) and is part of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment located on the Cumberland Plains now referred to as “Greater Western Sydney”. South Creek-St Marys developed because of the rich alluvial soil on the banks of South Creek with an abundance of water and with its location near the Great Western Road it became a convenient stopping place for the passing road traffic. The Hawkesbury-Nepean River is one of the major river systems of NSW, draining a catchment area of 22,000 square kilometers with exceptionally heavy rainfall in this area leading to severe flooding.

A map issued by Governor King showing the inundation of the flood in March 1802 records that the water was on an average of 8 feet above the ground, the heights of the Hawkesbury river above the ordinary bed being from 40 to 50 feet. The quantity of ground that flooded was calculated at 42,000 acres. In 1805, a flood at South Creek destroyed an experimental plantation of hemp & flax that Samuel Marsden was hoping to establish as an export industry. In March 1806 Governor King reporting to Earl Camden on the state of the colony said that “nearly all the grain planted on the low ground at Hawkesbury was flooded in February and more than 6,000 bushels of maize was lost”. A week later Surgeon Thomas Arndell wrote to Governor King from the Hawkesbury that “he was sorry to report that the flood was reaching dangerous heights and the settlers were removing to higher ground”. On 28th March Samuel Marsden reported to Governor King that no one would believe that the Hawkesbury flood caused so much devastation unless they saw it for themselves. The back part of Richmond was destroyed and the Hawkesbury and the Nepean almost joined. In April grain losses totalled £22,368, Stock losses £7,454, buildings destroyed £5,425 with a total of £35,247 suffered by the 1,495 settlers and labourers in the Hawkesbury River area. The rain finally stopped and the water subsided and food was brought to the sufferers from Government storehouses that were beyond the reach of the flood.

The natives saw signs that the flood was coming and told the inhabitants, but not liking to be taught by “untutored savages” (sic) they neglected their advice. The flood caused a great loss of wheat and maize the staple products of the period. At the time the flood came, the wheat had been cut and stacked and the maize was nearly fit for harvest. The loss of vital foods not only caused the settlers to “abandon themselves to despair” but the whole colony tottered on the brink of starvation until the next harvest.

The river took 200 wheat stacks and carried them down with incredible speed and stock of all description was seen floating about on the tops of stacks that couldn’t be saved because the boats of Andrew Thompson (of Windsor), Thomas Biggers and others were constantly employed taking the settlers families from the roofs of the houses where many had clung for hours waiting for assistance and expecting to be washed into the flood water. Seven people were drowned but some saved, like the woman with new born twins who was rescued when floating rapidly down the river upon a heap of straw that was due to disintegrate. Thomas Leeson, a farmer at Cornwallis lost 150 bushels of wheat, 100 of barley, 2 horses and about 70 pigs, his houses and a barn were also carried away – all his family possessed. Leeson and his family and eleven other people took refuge from the rising water on a barley mow. As the water continued to

rise the barley mow floated and was carried by the current nearly seven miles to Wilberforce where Richard Wallis rowed out and with great difficulty transferred them in approaching darkness and safely landed them. Some people had taken refuge in the house of a settler named Chalker. The water rose higher than ever before and Chalker, Scott, two women and a five-year-old boy were obliged to take to a boat. The boat turned over and Scott and the women instantly perished. The child threw his arms around Chalker’s neck who swan nearly a mile with the boy to high ground. In 1811 for the first time, an appeal for assistance from the public was made in Sydney. The sum of £500 raised by voluntary subscription purchased provisions issued weekly to 500 distressed people until the harvest commenced on November 1817. Snakes abounded in the district because of these floods and were killed in great numbers. As the water rose they were seen clinging to any floating substance. In 1857, several developments took place to elevate the severity of those floods.

Telegraphic communication was available as well as new agricultural methods that changed the district and the structure of the colonial economy that rose above the subsistence level of the early days. In earlier days, a flood at any time of the year would ruin either the maize or wheat crop or both however, the agriculture of the district was now based almost entirely on the production of maize with very little wheat grown, meaning that a July or August flood did no harm as the annual crop was safely harvested. The series of floods commencing in 1870 and continuing for a decade were ones that did great harm to the river itself. That year saw two major and 13 minor floods. The silting of the river had gradually brought an end to the river trade to Windsor wharf during the 1880’s. In March 1903 James Haining caught a perch that was caught with live bait in South Creek at St Marys which was probably due to the drought that rendered the creek to a water hole. There was talk in the town to have the Prospect supply channel turned into South Creek which was temporarily done when some repairs were carried out at Hoxton Park around 1900.

In St Marys in 2005, the removal of the disused concrete roadway on the Kingsway opened up 34 kilometers of fresh water habitat for native fish in the area and improved water flow. The project was managed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and funded by the Environmental Trust and the Penrith City Council. This old road crossing that was used for vehicle access across the creek was acting as a barrier to the movement of fish and flooded frequently and was found no longer necessary as the new road bridge built was now in use.

SourcesL; (“Place Names and Their Origins Within the City of Penrith”, Penrith City Council, 1985), Blacktown City Council website, Wikipedia website, Nepean Times, St Marys Star, Drawing of S T Gill courtesy of Mitchell Library titled “Falls on South Creek near Penrith” circa 1850’s.

Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc

National Family History Month

 Photograph of Starling family circa 1910s, at their Agnesville homestead

August is National Family History Month.

Family history is one of the most popular hobbies around the globe, with over 250,000 Australians belonging to a family history-related organisation.

Penrith City Library will mark the event by hosting a range of interesting events for the community throughout August.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy with

workshops, guest speakers, and even a family movie.

So whether you need help with your own family history project, or you just want to find out more, National Family History Month is for you.

The event schedule is available on Council’s events calendar: penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/events Tickets are free and are available now at Penrith Library. Call 4732 7891 or come in to any branch.

SUDOKU: EASY

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

27 Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

e n t e r t a i n m e n t

28

e n t e r t a i n m e n t

Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

Can you help feed 500-800 people a week?

The answer is yes you can! By joining wonderful people who are doing the exact same thing by attending Penrith CBD’s Virtual Casino Cruise!

Penrith CBD Corp are raising money for the Christmas Appeal for Penrith Community Kitchen - who feed 500-800 people a week and they would really appreciate the community’s support.

By purchasing a ticket or a table, you would

be instrumental in keeping the kitchen open and providing meals to our underprivileged and homeless in addition to hosting a Christmas luncheon and relief hampers which are much-needed in December.

“We would love for you to join us for a night of nautical fun and games with our cruise director, casino tables and a delicious dinner while enjoying the excitement of harness racing at the

Paceway!” said CEO Gai Hawthorn.

Tickets are on sale now! They’re just $100 per person or $900 for a table of 10. If you’d like to sponsor a table you can do that for $1200.

For ticketing inquiries and booking please email: admin@penrithcbdcorp.com.au or call (02) 4722 5556.

Come on, make a difference - and have agreat fun night while you’re at it!

If you knew the secret to happiness, who would you tell?

The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre 10-12 August We know it’s cold and the forecast is gloomy but for three nights in August we want you to forget your troubles, come on get happy.

Enter a world of guided meditations, show tunes, silly putty, dating tutorials, DIY and FYI. Take a seat as ten young artists from across Western Sydney seek to make you smile or cry trying. Or maybe that’s try crying.

Either way we’re on the hunt for joy and we’re closing in.

How to make a happy meal is a new devised performance created as part of The Q’s Originate project. Now in its third year, Originate upskills early career performance makers working across Western Sydney and fosters a community of collaboration and cross disciplinary creative practice. The multi-talented ensemble, made up of ten young artists, is halfway through their rehearsals before the show opens on 10 August.

With its refreshing approach, How

to make a happy meal allows artists who specialise in different art forms (from musicians to beat poets), and artists from different age groups, to collaborate and experience the beauty of a multi-disciplinary project.

How to make a happy meal explores the real and perhaps even the unspoken: “How to dance like Britney”, “How to impress your boss with excel”, and “How to break up with someone you’re not into”.

These aspects which are raw and real, invite you to dig deep into your daily experiences, and at the same time question what makes you happy and the importance of happiness in your life.

To see how the show is shaping up follow the rehearsals http://thejoan. com.au/blog/ and venture out to support our rising talent and gain insight into what makes them happy!

Tickets available online at www. thejoan.com.au or at Box Office 4723 7600 TICKETS: Standard $20 Concession $16.

By Keegan Thomson

THE most energetic big band of the 1940s, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, is returning to Australia for a special two month tour from September and will make a pit stop to perform at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

Speaking to Nepean News, all the way from Branson, Missouri, the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s musical director, Rick Gerber said he can’t wait to come back to Australia.

“This will be our fourth tour down under and we’ve always had a great time in Australia,” Gerber said.

“The people are wonderful, we always see some interesting sites,” he said.

The tour will take the band to venues dotted all around the country as well as regional hubs like Dubbo, Bendigo and Caloundra.

Mr Gerber said one of the things he loves most about Australia is the great tasting, world class libations on offer.

“On my last few trips to Australia I

found some really good tasting wine,” Mr Gerber said.

“After our shows we always like to relax with some beverages and we’ve also found really good beer in Australia. Everyone likes to decompress after the show with a beer or one of the fine wines that Australia has to offer, so it is great,” he said.

For the last 16 years Mr Gerber has been performing with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, which now days is

based in La La Land - Los Angeles.

Keeping to tradition, a proud work mentality of the group, the Glenn Miller Orchestra has the same structure that they’ve had since the original band formed in the 1940s.

“The make-up of the Glen Miller Orchestra is an exact duplication of the original Miller band of the early ‘40s,” Mr Gerber said.

“That is, five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, bass

and drums plus both a male and female singer. This line-up is representative of the original band and is mandatory for all performances that we play as demanded by the Miller Estate.

“Not a watered down orchestra as the total sound would never be an accurate sounding GMO,” he said.

With so many people travelling with the orchestra is it quite a feat that the whole band is able to make is round the country, undertaking some 45 shows and still feeling like they’ve enjoyed their time in Australia, but Mr Gerber says that is the life of a travelling orchestra.

“Because we have so many people in our band we need to keep moving, keep working, so that we can earn our wages,” he said.

“One of the biggest issues though is laundry. If you’re touring all the time you don’t get time to do laundry, so every Monday we have a day off to rest, relax and get our laundry done.”

The Glenn Miller Orchestra comes to the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Thursday September 14. Bookings for tickets can be made by calling 4323 7600.

31 Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

e n t e r t a i n m e n t Big band classics come to the Joan

32

e n t e r t a i n m e n t

Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

Students given a chance on the stage

By Keegan Thomson

Richmond Players has joined forces with students from Richmond High School to coproduce a production of the classic disney fairytale, Beauty and the Beast.

The community minded venture between Richmond Players and Richmond High came about after the Players put forward the idea to the Principal of the school, who was more than happy to help out.

Josie Dwyer, the director of the musical, said the partnership with Richmond High will truly benefit the student’s learning outcomes.

“We opened it up to the wider Richmond Player community and then we tried to take on as many of the Richmond High School kids as we could so we could give them as much experience in the theatre as we could,” Ms Dwyer said.

Ms Dwyer said at least 40 students from Richmond High will work on stage, behind the stage, front of house, in the orchestra and in the light and sound team to gain “real world experience”.

Usually the productions from Richmond Players are staged at the Richmond School of Arts, but because of the scale of the tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast, the Players

 From left Natalie Davis Pratt, Samantha O’Hare, Craig Wynn Jones, Melanie Sestic, Ben Curran.

needed to upscale.

One of the things Ms Dwyer is most proud about is that the cast is made up of so many people who’re fresh to the theatre scene.

“The on stage cast is made up of 72 people and about 20 percent of them have never been on stage before or haven’t done any theatre work for over 25 years,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, if you have a love of theatre you’ve got instant friends, it is an international language.”

Ms Dwyer said the character of Belle, and her spirit as a strong independent female, is one of the reasons why she decided to put on the production.

“I love the characters and I love the way that Belle is not your normal princess. She stands up for herself, she faces adversity and she finds all the good in people, and that is something that is really important in today’s society,” she said.

Across the whole production team there are around 120 odd people

involved including the 40 some students from Richmond High.

Craig Wynn-Jones is one of those in the production. He is performing as the talking, singing and dancing grandfather clock, Cogsworth, and he says it is great to work with the students from Richmond High.

“The collaboration with Richmond High is an exciting thing,” Mr WynnJones said.

“It is introducing kids to musical theatre who might not have had that chance and it gives them a first hand taste of what it is like to work on a big production like this.”

Mr Wynn-Jones said musical theatre still has the power to resonate with young people because even though social networks encroach increasingly into our lives, theatre is still a personal and very tradition art form.

“You still need the physical things like sets, the staging and props,” he said.

“There is still that connection with the people doing human things in front of you.”

The Richmond Players in partnership with Richmond High is putting on six performances of Beaty and the Beast from August 11. You can find out more information about ticket sales at richmondplayers. com.au or by calling the info line at 8006 6997.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Measured amount of

drugs (6) 4 Just north of Texas (8) 10 Capitulate (9) 11 The sum (5) 12 Gemstones (5) 13 Great in range or scope (9) 14 Tomes (7) 16 Cashews, for example (4) 19 Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (4) 21 Mournful (7) 24 Complainant (9) 25 Native of New Zealand (5) 26 Horned animal (5) 27 Honors (9) 28 Ran off (8) 29 Sunglasses (slang) (6)

DOWN 1 Disintegrate (8) 2 Functional (8) 3 Suppose or surmise (5) 5 Type of protein that forms hooves (7) 6 Before birth (9) 7 Exceeded (6) 8 Partners (6) 9 Bovine mammary glands (6) 15 Mislead (9) 17 Had the financial means necessary (8) 18 Marks of omission (of words) (8) 20 Stir up (7) 21 Disfigure (6) 22 Refrained from harming (6) 23 Madman (6) 25 A protective covering of vegetable

matter (5)

solution 20/7/17

What’s on at the Henry Sports

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

e n t e r t a i n m e n t

34 Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

Secret debate

Rant hour: What CHEESES you off?

He Says.....................................................She Says People who believe they are owed a living: you aren’t, you are entitled to opportunity but you have to grab it. Unemployed and can’t get the job you want?

Take a different one until you can find the one you want.

People with jobs find it easier to get other jobs. No one begrudges supporting anyone with a hand up when they are down, that doesn’t mean they want to support you forever.

You are the the best person to help yourself.

People who incessantly cry about the bin system.

Recycle all your cartons, stop carrying on about the green bin being too big and use the thing for what it’s meant for.

Food scraps, lawn clippings or anything organic. Once you learn to do this, you will also find your red bin no longer stinks because it’s not

WIN!

meant to have organic things like food scraps in it. Simple.

How can so many people find that hard to comprehend!?

Impatience: What is it with people who can’t wait for anyone?

Drivers who move up to the next car stopped in traffic so that someone wishing to enter the traffic is blocked from doing so. Is one extra car length going to get you to where you are going any quicker?

People who jump on elevators or trains before waiting for those who want to get off. News Flash geniuses, the train or lift wont get you there any faster because you board first.

If your life is it that rushdependant, get a new one before your heart attack, or is it that you are just plain rude?

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.

else’s time - I don’t have time to keep checking back to see whatever insignificant thing it was - only to be disappointed that it ended up something silly. Or worse, that you never elaborate at all - and just keep everyone guessing except those privileged enough to receive a private inbox. Spare me. The awkward sharer: “I wish my boyfriend wanted to spend time with me instead of his mates. I just wish I mattered to him.” Perhaps if you spoke about those sort of things behind closed doors you’d get a decent boyfriend instead of one who is happy to have a girl who SHARES EVERYTHING ON FACEBOOK! Learn the term private information. And live it. The foody: Oh and I don’t really want to see what you had for dinner every night. I don’t get to eat it so why make me suffer?

Especially when I’m hungry, that’s just cruel.

WHO’S WINNING Religion - fact or fantasy?

HE WINS

WORD SEARCH

MAZE

Old TV Shows ADDAMS FAMILY AVENGERS BATMAN BEWITCHED BRADY BUNCH CHARLIE’S ANGELS COACH COLUMBO COSBY SHOW CYBILL DRAGNET

People who are always victims. Everyone has issues and problems every now and then but those people who seem to thrive on being victims really give me the irrits. Break out the violin!

If all you ever do is whinge and whine about every aspect of your life, it’s probably never gonna get any better. Keep doing the same thing and sure as eggs are eggs, you’ll get the same result.

Nobody owes you happiness, self-worth or riches - not even the government. Quit moaning and get out and find it yourself.

People’s facebook statuses.

Seriously! Sometimes I check my newsfeed just so I can get annoyed. I’ve broken the ones that pain me the most into three categories. The teaser: “I can’t believe that just happened” followed by 20 people asking “What?” - but no further response from the poster. Play your mind games on someone

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36

finance and real estate matters

Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

Rewards for principle plus interest loans and pain for interest only loans With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

As I wrote in early June, the local and greater Sydney real estate markets appear to have reached their peak in prices over the last few months. Demand from investors has decreased substantially due to the increases in interest rates for investors and changes to the lending policies introduced by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) who govern the lenders.

APRA are worried that too many people are only making interest-only repayments so all lenders have substantially higher rates for these type of loans, especially for investment loans. Also most lenders have had small decreases in interest rates for owner occupiers making the standard principle and interest repayments.

For example, the National Australia Bank have different rates for first home buyers who will be living in the property paying principle plus interest, and standard owner occupiers and investors. First home buyers can get a fixed rate for 2 years at 3.69 per cent but have to pay 4.47 per cent approximately on a variable loan if the repayments are just interest only.

Still at the NAB, investors paying the principle plus interest can get a variable rate of 4.39 per cent or a higher 4.81 per cent if the repayments are interest only!

So the difference between a first home buyer paying the fixed principle plus interest repayments is a rate that is 1.12 per cent lower than an investor paying interest only repayments. The following table shows the different repayments over a 30 year loan term-

Buyer Type

Interest Rate

Loan Type

Repayment Type

Repayments per month

$500,000

First Home Buyer

3.69 per cent

Fixed 2 years

Principle + Interest

$2,299

$500,000

Owner Occupier or 3.88 per cent Investment

Fixed 2 years

Principle + Interest

$2,353

$500,000

Investment

4.39 per cent

Variable

Principle + Interest

$2,501

$500,000

Owner Occupier

4.47 per cent

Variable

Interest Only

$1,863

$500,000

Investment

4.49 per cent

Fixed 2 years

Interest Only

$1,871

$500,000

Investment

4.81 per cent

Variable

Interest Only

$2,004

As you can see, the investor is paying more than the first home buyer with principle plus interest repayments. Comparing the first home buyer to an investor making interest only repayments, the investor is paying a lower repayment but paying up to $460 per month in extra interest than the first home buyer as the first home buyer is reducing the principle each month and the investor is not.

Investors usually prefer to only make interest only repayments as these are lower and have less drain on their overall cash flow. It allows investors to hold more properties and maximises their tax advantages as well.

However, these interest only repayments now come with higher interest rates and APRA want to incentivise them to make standard principle plus interest repayments to increase their equity and reduce demand to make it easier for owner occupiers to compete for properties.

On top of these higher interest rates, most lenders have also tightened lending criteria for interest only

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

Loan

lending. Most lenders now limit these types of loans to 80 per cent of the property valuations. This means that you need more equity to purchase with this type of repayments.

This decrease in investor demand has given more opportunities for owner occupiers and first home buyers to participate in the Sydney and local markets, especially in the more affordable price ranges where the demand is the greatest.

Whenever loans become more expensive and harder to get, demand for property usually decreases. This is what APRA wants to achieve.

This information is of a general nature and you need to get expert advice on what is the best type of loan for own circumstances.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

Phone: 4739 4500 Mobile: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au Award winning mortgage broker

SAMURAI SUDOKU INSTRUCTIONS Within each of the five 9x9 squares, each digit from 1-9 occurs once within each row, column and 3x3 block.

There is only one solution, and you can find it without guessing

02 4737 9977 | 33 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park | glenmorefirstnational.com.au ALL THE HARD WORK DONE!

Fantastic opportunity awaits

400sqm 4 2 2 7 Domus Street, Glenmore Park Call Sharon Mudiman now to book $829,000 - $869,000 an inspection on 0413 757 998

489sqm 4 2 2 29 Muru Drive, Glenmore Park Call Stephanie Radcliffe now to book $689,000 - $719,000 an inspection on 0450 231 113

FINDSINGLE YOUR HAPPY PLACE HERE LEVEL LUXURY

480sqm 4 2 2 48 Waterford Way, Glenmore Park Call Sharon Mudiman now to book $839,000 - $873,000 an inspection on 0413 757 998

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950sqm 6 3 6 1292 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa Call Maire Grima now to book an $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 inspection on 0433 788 820

Make this your dream home!

528sqm 5 2 2 20 Sunbird Terrace, Glenmore Park Call Stephanie Radcliffe now to book $799,000 - $849,000 an inspection on 0450 231 113

FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE HERE

710sqm 4 2 2 18 Wollabi Crescent, Glenmore Park Call Sharon Mudiman now to book $880,000 - $930,000 an inspection on 0413 757 998

Fantastic Opportunity

3 2 1 3/34 Luttrell Street, Glenmore Park Call Sharon Mudiman now to book $549,000 - $569,000 an inspection on 0413 757 998

CONVENIENT LOCATION

450sqm 1 2 3 5 Sittella Street, Glenmore Park Call Stephanie Radcliffe now to book $619,000 - $659,000 an inspection on 0450 231 113

Uncompromising service with a professional attitude is what our clients know and trust Want to know what your home is worth? Call the most active agents in your area on 02 4737 9977

38

realestate

Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

Interest rates unchanged The RBA has opted to leave the official cash rate on hold at 1.5%.

At its board meeting this week the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to once again leave the official cash rate unchanged for the 12th consecutive month.

The RBA avoided the temptation to follow other developed economies and increase rates, taking into account the impact this would have on the Australian dollar and therefore tourism and other exports. Other factors considered would have been sluggish consumer spending and record low wages growth which have led to lower than desired inflation and fears that housing construction is set to slow.

Bedroom for rent Kingswood large Furnished room with Queen size Bed in a 5 bdrm house. 2 Bathrooms, Built-in-robe with large mirrors, double windows facing main road, shared kitchen, walking distance to Hospital, Train Station, Post Office, Deli shops and UWS. Friendly atmosphere. $200pw all inclusive.

Must be employed with references. Students welcome. Please phone 0419 693 419.

Seags has all your finance needs covered!

By Kerrie Davies

Dave Seager, affectionately known as ‘Seags’ has over 20 years experience in the finance industry.

He is a pretty familiar face around Penrith; a popular bloke who is always good to have a chat with.

And now you’ll probably bump into Dave more often!

He had been operating as a home-based business for a long time, but the incredible growth that the Penrith and western sydney area has experienced over the last few years has resulted in Dave opening his shop-front premises in Castlereagh Street, Penrith.

You can talk to Dave about the very wide range of products he has available - in fact he has over 35 lenders - so you will have the peace of mind that the product that best suits your circumstances is what you are getting.

Dave is very friendly and easy to talk to, so you’ll be able to find out where you stand in a variety of situations without getting lost in the jargon.

Property transactions can be stressful, so it is important to have someone who has a lot of

experience in your corner.

Challenges and obstacles related to finance are things that Dave has been able to overcome for decades, so why not take the weight off your own shoulders and share the task with someone who can face the challenges on your behalf?

He specialises in residential, leasing and also debt consolidation.

The office is open from 9am - 5pm and you can organise to speak to Dave on the weekends too, by appointment.

Contact Dave on 4733 4200 or on 0411 107 776.

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME Seager Finance Solutions

Call David Seager - Seager Finance Solutions 0411 107 776 or 4733 4200

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SCORE

Sharon Mudiman - First National Glenmore Park - 0413 757 998

194 Greg Taylor - Stanton & Taylor - 0418 235 333

202 Lauren Fitzpatrick - Penrith Valley Prestige Cleaning - 0415 166 306

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

206 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

178 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

196 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

186 Tricia Hitchen - Deputy Mayor - 0417 365 313

198 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

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42 Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

Sports Scenes

(With Thanks to 77 Media)

After being on the road for significant periods of the season, the Panthers finally get to play four home games starting with last fortnight’s clashes against the Gold Coast Titans and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. The cameras of 77 Media were on hand to see Penrith keep their tough finals hopes alive.

A large crowd soaked up the Saturday arvo rays, including “Josh Mansour”.....

A hamstrung Matt Moylan still managed to score a crucial try.

The game was at times scrappy including many of the tries scored...

With Bryce Cartwright making a successful return from injury…..

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak overcame an unsavoury attack at a junior RL game to be one of Penrith’s best.

With Dylan Edwards a deserved Man of the Match…..

As did Peter Wallace.

Five days later and its’ Wallace’s turn to lead the Panthers into battle.

As Josh Mansour breathed a sigh of relief with his team still in the finals hunt.

Coach’s Corner Culture and Leadership

Amongst the fallout from another series loss for the New South Wales Blues the culture and leadership of the team has come into question. This criticism has been warranted and deserved but it raises the question on what good team culture and leadership looks like? Culture and leadership is paramount in any successful family, business or team and we can all recall life experiences where we have experienced or been involved with successful leaders or cultures and the same can be said for involvements within poisonous or destructive culture or leadership.

Most changes to culture are instigated through a change in leadership. With new leadership brings about a period of restructuring the existing morals and values along with the habits within that individual culture. It is vitally important that any culture has some fundamental values including integrity, accountability and taking responsibility for actions and behaviours from everyone. Without this an individual mindset exists and growth does not occur as everyone protects their own position with little regard for progress and development of others or the holistic culture.

Leaders must model the desired morals, values and ethics that they want encompassed within their culture. You cannot expect of others what you are not willing to do yourself and that underpins good

Brock Shepperd Sydney Roosters NYC Development Squad - Head Coach Kaizen Sports Performance Rugby League Academy - Head Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast | b.shepperd@hotmail.com

leadership and culture. Good leaders are the best role models of the required and desired behaviour. Good culture flows from this demonstration of leadership as others tend to buy into the idea of a culture where the leader is the biggest advocate of the desired behaviours and morals which places them at the coal face of responsibility and accountability.

What does good culture look like? Look no further than the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Union team. Their culture inspires millions of young New Zealanders to want to wear the black jersey. And the culture within the team environment is to understand that you do not own your position within the team, you are simply the current holder of that position and to understand that to pull on the jersey is a huge privilege and honour. All Blacks take the jersey and are determined to leave it in a better position when they finish than when they first pulled it on. No job is too big or small for any individual and they all share equal responsibility in both the good and bad times. I think we could all learn something by reflecting on whether we are currently progressing within our family, work and sporting lives with the mindset to develop and improve every day. To be a better individual will only help improve the bigger picture of improving and upholding a culture.

The best leaders hold their nerve in times of

pressure and discontent through remaining in a calm and calculated state while not hiding behind excuses and palming responsibility elsewhere.

Self-awareness is the best type of awareness, great leadership and culture breeds a philosophy of judging firstly from within and taking responsibility for errors and mistakes by working immediately to rectify them. The definition of insanity is to constantly repeat the same process or behaviour and expect a different result or outcome. The best leaders and cultures focus on the process not the outcome believing that if the process is effective and in order that the correct result will follow.

As a coach I am often asked what does good culture look like? To me the ability to trust that your players and staff are always doing the best thing by the team. The most telling element to this is whether they are doing the right thing when no one is watching, when there is no consequence for cutting a corner or taking the easy option. What are your players and staff doing then? The behaviour will reflect what type of culture exists within that specific team. If the trust and discipline doesn’t exist off the field and while there is no consequence then how can it possibly exist under the pressure of a game. That comes back to integrity and only the person looking into the mirror can answer to their own integrity.

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May as well wait and see says Panthers’ newest debutant

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

Viliame Kikau scored on debut in Penrith’s Round Two win over the Wests Tigers.

As did Corey Harawira-Naera two rounds later in Penrith’s big home win over Newcastle.

And so did Tyrone May, who scored on debut three rounds ago against the New Zealand Warriors.

His NRL opportunities might look limited to covering any absences incurred by current five-eighth and skipper Matt Moylan, but the latest member of the victorious 2015 Holden Cup side to make his NRL debut, says his selection at five-eighth exceeded all expectations set for the 2017 season.

“I thought I might have come off the bench and maybe play a utility role at best but I still can’t believe it actually,” May told Nepean News.

“I certainly would not have told you I was going to do that (make my debut as the starting five-eighth) but it’s a dream come true.”

Apart from five-eighth, May has played numerous positions thus far in the Intrust Super Premiership including fullback, centre, lock, backrow and hooker.

But NRL coach Anthony Griffin’s decision to put his faith in Tyrone May as Moylan’s five-eighth replacement

has inspired the Minchinbury Jets junior to continue focusing on playing in the halves for now despite conceding his future may ultimately lie in the forwards.

“It is exciting that Hook has shown a lot of faith in me and I’m just trying to repay that faith by doing my job week in week out,” May declared.

“I thank him and the rest of the coaching staff for giving me these opportunities and I’m trying to take them with both hands.

“I’ll play five-eighth for as long as I can for now.

“I grew up playing as a halfback but I got a bit too big for my body so the transition to lock and back-row might happen sooner rather than later in my career.”

May’s debut was especially special given he was able to share it with good mate and fellow halves partner, Nathan Cleary, whom despite having played with him at SG Ball and Holden Cup levels as well as a Junior Kangaroo, was a calming influence.

“Nathan’s as cool as a cucumber really so you don’t really get nervous,” May said.

“You look at him and see everything that he does, he’s a real calming influence.

“I’ve played with Nathan a few times, in SG Ball and 20’s.

“We kind of know each other’s game and it just comes naturally.”

May admits his role in the team

 Tyrone May making the most of limited NRL opportunities. Photo: 77 Media.

has been simplified by the Panthers coach to focus on holding his own in defence, with Cleary entrusted with much of the game management responsibilities.

That need to be defensively focused proved telling as he handled two of the NRL’s better back-rowers in Bodene Thompson and Josh Jackson with aplomb, the latter just weeks after cheering him on as an Origin player.

“He’s always telling me to try and

focus on my defence really and the rest will just come naturally,” May replied.

“I had Bodene Thompson and then Josh Jackson as the back-rowers running at me hence it was mainly defence focused.

“The attack will slowly come the more games I play.

“I was cheering Josh Jackson on in Origin the other week and now I got to play against him which was crazy.

“Josh is pretty solid, he’s like tackling a rock but everyone’s pretty big on the field.”

Many young players in May’s situation would be impatient enough to look elsewhere for further opportunities.

But May, who is contracted until the end of 2018, is prepared to bide his time in the Intrust Super Premiership and learn as much as he can from the likes of Moylan as well as club legend, Greg Alexander.

“If I go back to NSW Cup I have to make sure I’m running the ball and keeping my game up the best I can,” May declared.

“I’ve just got to try and play my best footy week in week out and if my time will come, my time will come but I have just got to keep plugging away.

“Moylan’s been a massive help to me and if I’m playing first grade, Brandy (Alexander) will come help me, especially with my kicking.”

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Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

WILL A REFRESHED IVAN HAVE THE LAST LAUGH AS PENRITH’S FINALS TASK JUST GOT HARDER? Just when the race to the top eight looked like a battle in nine, St George Illawarra’s surprise loss to last-placed Newcastle Knights just a week after their scintillating win over Manly now means that Penrith’s last four opponents – Cowboys (H), Raiders (A), Dragons (H) and Sea Eagles (A) all have something to play for with Canberra now a mathematical chance of making the top eight if they can win all five remaining games, including a possible sudden-death Round 24 game.

Even this week’s opponents, Wests Tigers are playing with plenty of purpose despite their lowly position on the ladder under former Penrith coach Ivan Cleary, having narrowly been defeated by Manly and Parramatta in recent weeks, before comprehensively ending the Titans’ finals hope on the Gold Coast last week and will be looking to claim another finals scalp this Sunday.

There’s plenty of intrigue in this Sunday’s Tigers clash for more reasons than one but obviously it’s headlined by the much anticipated clash between father and son, Ivan and Nathan Cleary, the first head-to-head battle between father and son in the NRL in nearly 30 years.

The clash is further spiced up by this being the return to Pepper Stadium for Ivan as a NRL coach since being sacked by Penrith at the end of the 2015 season.

A refreshed Ivan Cleary suggested he was confident his team could do the job on Penrith this Sunday given he doesn’t need to do too much home work on a team he has watched as both a coach and as a father for six years.

The banter also started in earnest when Ivan quipped son Nathan, who still lives at home with his parents might have to be grounded for having a messy bedroom and not picking up the towels.

Nathan was quick to reply jokingly suggesting he might not be able to trust Ivan’s cooking and that the pair will have to find their own way to the ground.

Promises to be an interesting week in the Cleary household like no other.

The Tigers contest also throws up the prospect of brothers Dallin and Malakai WateneZelezniak opposing one another on the wings for the first time, while former Panthers Elijah Taylor, Matt Eisenhuth, Tim Grant and Kevin Naiqama will no doubt have something to prove.

Peter Wallace may have scored a try that won’t make too many highlight reels anytime soon but his try last Thursday night against the Bulldogs was still a milestone in that it was the 1000th try scored in the NRL this season.

Meanwhile the player who was displaced for Wallace’s return from injury a fortnight back, Mitch Rein is again subject to speculation that he could be at Newcastle in 2018 despite being under contract for another season with the Panthers, given the Knights are on the lookout for a hooking

 So many sub-plots this Sunday but none more intriguing then Nathan Cleary taking on his dad’s Wests Tigers.

Credit: 77 Media.

replacement for the retired Rory Kostjasyn.

Also the future of Sitaleki Akauola remains unclear with the popular Panther unlikely to be offered a new deal for 2018.

On the injury front, some mixed news for the Panthers. On the positive note, Peter Wallace is two weeks back into his comeback from a nasty groin injury while Bryce Cartwright returned to first grade last Thursday via the bench having played 50 minutes the week before in ISP at lock.

Dean Whare also made a successful return from injury in ISP last Saturday against Wyong and is set to be selected for this week’s Tigers clash.

Matt Moylan (hamstring) remains hopeful rather than confident that he will return for this Sunday’s clash, while Anthony Griffin will be mulling over who to replace Leilani Latu with after the interchange prop’s season was prematurely ended after suffering a badly broken jaw in the Bulldogs win.

One potential Latu replacement, Viliame Kikau (back) missed the ISP win over Illawarra and although he returned for the Wyong clash, looked to be in discomfort throughout the game.

There are also suggestions James Fisher-Harris is nursing a shoulder injury but should take his place in the 17 this Sunday.

Finally Trent Merrin (knee) remains hopeful of a return in Round 24 even though medical staff don’t expect him back until at least Round 25.

Speaking of Bryce, it was interesting to hear Griffin’s comments after the Titans game saying that the back-rower was finally fit for the first

time since the start of the season.

It begs the question why Cartwright, who was still coming to terms with matters off the field as well as ongoing issues with his ankle injury on it, made his return in Round 8 in the crucial 5/8 position if still plagued by injury?

The Saturday before was another historic moment for the Cartwright family with brothers Bryce and Ben along with cousin, Jed scoring four tries between them.

Congratulations to Josh Mansour who now has 50 NRL wins against his name to go with the 50 NRL tries he has scored as a Panther.

Hopefully win number 51 comes this Sunday!

Also if all things go to plan, Tim Browne is also set to bring up his 100th NRL game against the North Queensland Cowboys next Saturday night.

Congratulations are also in order for Holden Cup dup Caleb Aekins and Daniel Brown who have both been selected in Wales’ provisional squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. Finally the Panthers are closing in on 20,000 plus members for the third time in succession and are confident of reaching the milestone target in coming weeks with the $50 four-game flexi membership already proving to be popular among fans given there are still four home games remaining.

See you at the game. #PantherPride

Campbell-Gillard answers the coach’s call

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

Questions were asked as how the loss of Penrith’s influential lock-forward, Trent Merrin until at least Round 25, would impact on Penrith’s tight run into the finals.

Having started the season slowly, the Australian test forward had regained his form only to succumb to the knee injury in Penrith’s Round 19 win over the NZ Warriors.

But the injury has allowed Panthers enforcer, Reagan Campbell-Gillard to step up and play a Merrin-like role in his absence, averaging 60 minutes per game despite sitting out the opening twenty minutes of games on the interchange bench.

And the move to cover Merrin’s role in the middle from the bench has paid instant dividends, with the prop forward averaging 157 metres and 25 tackles per game, well above his seasonal averages.

Campbell-Gillard refuted suggestions that his new role of starting from the interchange, with Bulldogs recruit, Tim Browne starting in his place, is a demotion.

The Windsor Wolves junior instead says he is enjoying the new role and admits that with 63 NRL games under his belt since making his debuting in 2015, he is finally starting to play a consistent brand of footy.

“I don’t think it’s a performance demotion so wherever he (Griffin) puts me I’ll do the job,” CampbellGillard said.

“I’ve been playing some heavy minutes at the start of the year.

“The first 20 minutes it’s really frantic and blows me out a little bit.

“But it’s a different role that I’m playing now and I like it.

 Reagan Campbell-Gillard has stepped up in Trent Merrin’s absence. Photo: 77 Media.

“Coming on after that 20 minute mark and staying on, I kind of go up another level and can stay there.

“I feel like this year I have been playing really good consistent footy, where as in previous years I’ve been up and down and I just want to keep getting better.”

The new role hasn’t deterred Penrith’s young enforcer from continuing his fearless charges and willingness to get into heavy collisions against some of the NRL’s biggest forwards, including one such hit on Sam Kasiano that saw the towering Bulldogs prop leave the field a few minutes later.

In fact Campbell-Gillard admits he is inspired to puts the needs of the team first through his aggressive approach to games, without thinking too much about the possible impacts

such situations present.

“Hook’s (Griffin) motto is when you carry the ball you carry the team and I’ve really taken that on board this year to inspire the team to get on the front foot,” Campbell-Gillard said.

“If you think about it too much it will play on your mind.

“When I carry the ball I just think of the team and go forward.”

Despite winning eight of their last ten games including the last four games in succession, CampbellGillard says that while there is still a lot of improvement left in the Panthers, despite turning their season around from a 2 and 7 win / loss record, the team isn’t talking up their finals chances.

“There is still a lot of improvement (20-25 per cent) left in us. We are a

bit frantic out there with good ball and not completing our sets,” CampbellGillard concedes.

“Again we got that win tonight and we have gone eight games of our last ten games which is pretty crucial as we’re trying to build each week as it comes.

“But we need to fine tune our skills and finishes and not look too far ahead with the finals talk.

“If we start looking too far forward towards the finals, the mind starts to wander and your football thoughts starts to become the need to play more frantic football so we’ll stick to the basics each week.

“Instead if we concentrate each week, we’ll play some really good football towards the back-end of this season and the rest will fall into place.”

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Nepean News 3 August 2017 Issue 206

Repeat Sets with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

PANTHERS CONTINUE TO CLAW THEIR WAY TOWARDS THE FINALS The Panthers have brought up their second four-game winning streak with at times lessthan convincing eight-point home wins over the Titans and Bulldogs over the past fortnight. But with a ten and nine record for the season to date, Penrith actually when compared to this time last year are actually one win ahead but are in ninth position on for and against.

With two more home games to come, the Panthers will be hoping to stretch that winning run to six games with wins over the coming fortnight over the Tigers and Cowboys, to further strengthen their chances of playing finals footy.

It might not have been pretty but under the circumstances with just five days to prepare for an under-siege Bulldogs side and without Matt Moylan, Penrith did just enough to win the clash 16-8, which still pleased coach Anthony Griffin despite his team’s attack again looking clunky for large periods of the match.

“It was always going to be like that tonight against the Bulldogs. I thought it was good that we were able to meet that and push through the other side,” Griffin declared.

“It was obviously a little bit clunky there at times but the Bulldogs, when they are in that mood they are a really hard side to attack against.

“I thought we missed a couple of opportunities in the early part of the first half there.

“But in general we were patient with the ball, we built pressure and we got what we needed out of that pressure.”

Griffin was particularly happy his side conceded just the one try.

“We’re obviously defending well and that gives you a lot of confidence,” Griffin responded.

“We went sideways on Reynolds there once but apart from that there wasn’t too many linebreaks.”

“You only defend well if your attitude is right and team spirit is good.

“We’re just playing really tough together and finding a way to win.”

The Bulldogs win came just five days after Penrith grounded out a somewhat controversial 24-16 win where both coaches could easily see red with the performances of the match officials.

After a frantic first half from the home side, the Titans were perhaps unlucky not to be leading, and instead were only level 6-6 at the main break.

Penrith have slipped back to third spot in the Intrust Super Premiership after conceding two converted tries in the last three minutes to virtually gift league leaders Wyong Roos the minor premiership after going down 24-22 at Morrie Breen Oval last Saturday.

The loss brings to an end a six-match winning streak that included a 48-18 thumping of Illawarra the week before that featured the return of Bryce Cartwright from injury.

This weekend the Panthers have the bye before making the trip to Henson Park the following Saturday to take on the Newtown Jets.

 Season-ending injury to Leilani Latu a blow to Penrith’s finals hopes. Photo: 77 Media.

But cometh the second half, cometh again Nathan Cleary who controlled the game beautifully to see his side dominate the Titans to lead 24-10 before a late try saw the visitors draw back within eight points in a result that all but ended their finals hopes.

Griffin admitted the performance particularly the opening half was less than ideal but was pleased his side managed to find their composure in the second half to secure the win.

“It wasn’t pretty but it just what it’s like this time of year sometimes,” Griffin stated.

“At times it got messy. The first half every time we had good ball, we were a bit frantic and trying to find points.

“But I thought in the second half we just settled down and got into the grind and executed our last plays really well.

The Panthers coach also conceded that while the team is far from playing their best football at the moment but is pleased with the way the team are building.

“I think we’re building. Apart from that Souths game which was disappointing, our last two-three months has been really good,” Griffin said.

“Everyone realises that this is the end of the year that we want to be playing our best footy.

“I don’t know how far off our best we are but we’re getting the job done at the moment.”

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David Tangata-Toa’s Holden Cup side continue to hold on to second spot behind clear leaders, Cronulla after mixed results over the fortnight, with an unexpected thumping at the hands of the Gold Coast Titans at home, followed by a reasonable win over the Bulldogs.

Next up are two contrasting games against the lowly Wests Tigers followed by finals contenders North Queensland.

In team news, Matt Moylan (hamstring) and Dean Whare (jaw) were named in Penrith’s 21man squad for this Sunday’s must-win clash against Wests Tigers, with Tyrone May named at five-eighth.

In a reshuffled pack, Moses Leota replaces Leilani Latu (jaw) and will start at this stage at lock with James Fisher-Harris going back to the bench. Bryce Cartwright will again start from the bench after his successful return against the Bulldogs last Thursday night.

The 21-man squad is as follows in numeric order: Edwards, Mansour, Peachey, Blake, D WateneZelezniak, May, Cleary, Tamou, Wallace, Campbell-Gillard, Harawira-Naera, Yeo, Leota.

Interchange: Katoa, B Cartwright, Browne, Fisher-Harris, Moylan, Whare, Kikau, Akauola.

The following Saturday sees Panthers host the Cowboys in what looms as one of the most difficult games remaining in Penrith’s run to the finals with ex-Panthers Lachlan Coote, Gavin Cooper and Te Maire Martin set to feature.

See you at the game. #PantherPride

MG on the mark with MARK GEYER

Battle of the big cats this Sunday

 Battle of the Big cats this Sunday

Semi final rugby league is just about upon us. You can smell it. The weather warms up (28 in Penrith last Sunday) as does the quality of footy. As the jockeying for positions in the top 8 go you’d have to now say that the race for positions 7 and 8 in this year’s ladder is down to three teams.

Manly, who sit on 26 points with five rounds remaining. The Dragons are on 24 as are the Panthers. The Knights beating the Dragons last Saturday has certainly helped the Panthers chances but it still is far from a fait accompli that the mountain men are semi bound.

But they do hold their own destiny. And that’s all you can ask as a footy team.

Panthers run home looks like this. Tigers at home this Sunday. Then the Cowboys at home the following week, the Raiders away, Dragons at home then finish with the Sea Eagles away completing the premiership rounds proper.

A quick peruse of the 3 teams vying for the final top 8 spots run home and quite honestly it’s still very much an open race. I think the Panthers away game against the Raiders may be their real litmus test heading into potential finals action.

And this ex Panther suggests that indeed the mountain men will be there when September finals action kicks off. And I cannot wait!

 MG cup was a resounding success

And another thing...

While the big boys will be strutting their stuff this Sunday against the Tigers at 4pm at Pepper Stadium, an hour before kickoff three school teams will also realise a dream come true.

One of the ‘lures’ in winning the MG cup comp this year was to walk a lap of honour on game day on the hallowed turf of the most famous ground in the golden west.

So this Sunday at 3pm in the u/14’s Erskine Park Public School, St Columba’s in the u/16’s, and Loyola Senior High in the opens will proudly hold a loft their school crests as they get a little feel of what life could be like one day as a Panther.

Congrats to all schools on their comp victories and a big thanks to the great people at Panthers, in particular Megan Bowen for making it all happen, and to the boys of the local NRL development for giving their valuable time each week.

Also a big thank you to our competition sponsors Stuart Ayres MP and Lee Hagipantelis from Brydens Lawyers. See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

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