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Thursday, 6 July 2017

ISSUE 204

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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

WINTER SPECIALS

localnews Worship and Communion Sunday 9:30am

Programmes Children’s Church (Primary) Dare Youth (High School) • Enthuse (Young Adults) Wednesday Fellowship • Monthly Healing & Revival

Contact: (02) 9673 1009

www.newhorizonschurch.org.au

Innovators and futurists took to the stage this week for the second event in Penrith Talks: Innovation, focusing on business and leadership.

The audience were challenged and inspired by thought-leaders at the forefront of business and leadership innovation, including: • Libby Christie, Executive Director of The Australian Ballet, • Dr Tim Williams, CEO of the Committee for Sydney, and • Heather Chaffey, Place Coordinator at Penrith City Council.

Bernie Hobbs, judge on ABC TV’s The New Inventors and presenter of the Dear Science Podcast, moderated lively discussion with distinguished innovators who presented their transformational, real-word business and leadership experiences.

Local professionals, educators, students and aspiring innovators, connected with the keynote speakers through a live Question & Answer session, generating unique discussion, debate and ideas.

Architect of the Penrith Talks: Innovation series, Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain said strong interest in the Innovation series was not surprising.

“We want to give people the opportunity to hear from impassioned innovators whose inspiring advice and knowledge can potentially transform the way they view and approach opportunities that our region provides,” he said.

The next Penrith Talks: Innovation event will be held in spring and will examine innovation in design, engineering and technology.

Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

Talking innovation in Penrith

3

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Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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4 Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

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by Kerrie Davies WHEN a service is provided that is exceptional, most people will pen a letter to the provider expressing their gratitude.

I am in the fortunate position that I am able to sing praises publicly, and this week I’m going to do just that about Nepean Hospital.

With Nepean Hospital often being the whipping boy for public and political outbursts, the staff are rarely acknowledged for the great work that they do, day in and day out.

My mother recently had to undergo a major operation, in her 70’s. In short, a mass was found on her lung, and thankfully although deemed to be cancerous, it was operable. Dr Peter Flynn, a magnificent surgeon, booked her in for the big op in May. The usual is a post-op stay in ICU for two days, followed by a few more days in a ward and then home to recover.

Unfortunately my mother was not “the usual”.

She contracted pneumonia three days after the op and ended up spending 21 days in ICU and another 12 in the ward.

The nurses and doctors looking after her were nothing short of amazing.

When you’re sitting all day in the same chair, you tend to look around you and watch what is going on in other people’s worlds. I saw patients of all ages and personality types, with various ailments. Not all patients or their visitors were kind or well-mannered when talking to the staff.

But I did see that on every occasion, the staff were kind to all patients.

It takes a certain type of person that can spend all day running around after very sick people, often wiping up blood, vomit and excrement, and sometimes receiving snarly remarks in lieu of a thank you.

But these special people are in abundance at our local hospital, and when our loved ones become ill and need care, I can tell you they are placed in the hands of the best there is.

Thank you to all of the staff at Nepean Hospital, I’m so in awe of your incredible dedication to deliver a top-notch standard of care, yet you are so seldom thanked.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Upgrade for St Doms Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith joined St Dominics High School Principal, Mr Michael Ronchetti and Diverse Learning co-ordinator, Ms Monica Day, at the Savio Education Centre to announce funding for an upgrade of the centre..

St Dominics Savio Education Centre will receive upgraded learning areas using funding provided by the NSW Government.

The project is receiving $471,207 to support the project under the Building Grants Assistance Scheme, with further funds provided by the school community.

This project will utilise the existing space at the centre to its best advantage whilst allowing for a contempoary learning environment. General and specialised learning areas will be refurbished enabling students to be more engaged in subject areas whilst providing for breakout spaces for intervention. The central courtyard will be refurbished to create a multi-purpose space for various curriculum activities.

“This funding will help St Dominic’s College Savio Education Centre to get these works off the ground and I’m delighted the NSW Government is able to support this project,” Stuart Ayres said.

© 2017 KPMG, an Australian partnership. All rights reserved. May 2017 N15476ENT

MP

Member for Penrith

Ms Day said Government financial assistance to improve the physical structures of Savio Education Centre will have a significant and positive impact on our unique school environment. It will assist each student in his development and provide a strong foundation for his transition back into a main stream school.

Education Minister Rob Stokes said the Building Grants Assistance Scheme was an important initiative to support local school communities.

“This funding will help improve facilities so schools are equipped to meet the learning needs of students today and into the future,” Mr Stokes said.

Through our new advisory practice, KPMG Penrith, our professionals can share their deep industry experience to help you see opportunities and set foundations for success.

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Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

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Penrith Rotary Club helping the community

By Conner Lowe

The Rotary Club of Penrith Is a nonprofit service organisation with more than 29 active members who are working tirelessly throughout the year raising funds through several events but mainly BBQ’s at Bunnings to support our local community.

Their main focus is to assist the community in Penrith and environs.

During the 2016-17 year, the Club has given almost $59,000 in donations to a variety of worthy causes, cancer research at Nepean Hospital, feeding and clothing the homeless, care and support of abused children, assisting those that are disabled, provide respite for those with disabled loved ones, flood victims, the elderly in nursing homes, earthquake in Ecuador and a variety of programs aimed at children and leadership for young people.

Ben Feszczuk, former President of the Rotary Club spoke about what Rotary International organisation and what the Rotary Club in Penrith is trying to achieve in the community.

“Rotary International is an international service organisation whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world,” he said.

“Our Club’s focus is on helping members of our local community. Through our Community Service arrangements, homelessness has been identified as an issue. We already support local charities which help the homeless, Mama Lana’s Community

Penrith Rotary’s Col Colman and President Ben Feszczuk offering a helping hand

Foundation, Penrith Community Kitchen and the Ross Hutchison Foundation. The need for warm clothing for the homeless was identified as an issue.

To that end, the Club sourced warm clothing which is currently being distributed to the homeless.

“To continue the work our Club has been doing over the last 71 years. Rotary’s focus is to rid the world of Polio. To that end, we can see an end in sight. The other goal is to attract and retain new members of the Club. For those that wish to help others and have fun at the same time, then Rotary is a viable option.”

One of the Rotary Clubs local highlights this year was the Winter Jumpers and Jackets project.

Through the money raised, they were able to purchase over 150 winter jumpers and jackets for the local homeless people and for the women’s and children shelter.

None of this would have been possible without the kindness shown by those who donated their time and money. The Rotary Club of Penrith would like to thank the community for their support and donations throughout the year.

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Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

Getting to know....

Awarded for outstanding service

Wayne Willmington Managing Director, Vintage FM with Conner Lowe

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

What was your first paid job?

I worked in a general store and service station.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Having photos with beautiful ladies.

What is your biggest fear/phobia and why?

I cannot live without my mobile it keeps me connected to the world and my radio stations.

What is your worst habit?

Singing along to songs in public (I can’t sing).

Best advice you have ever been given?

If at first you don’t succeed then try again, everything is possible.

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

I have no idea.

Favourite holiday destination and why?

Love the Gold Coast, the perfect place to getaway and unwind, and you are only just over 1 hour away.

Do you have a favourite sporting team?

The Panthers of course.

Name one reason that you love Western Sydney?

Its people are the best.

In three words, describe your perfect Sunday?

Have day off.

Complete Recruitment Solutions in Penrith has won the 2017 Australian Achiever Award for Australia’s Employment, Training and Consultancy Services category.

Now in their 20th year, the Australian Achiever Awards are an independent, unbiased award system based on assessment ratings from companies’ own clients and are therefore an indication of a well-run, healthy business, worthy of patronage. The award focuses on seven different criteria, including: Time related service, addressing client needs, care and attention, value, attitude, communication and overall perception.

The criteria are rated individually in percentage terms and the final score is an amalgam of these. Anything above 80% overall is regarded as exceptional and reflects outstanding customer service.

Complete Recruitment Solutions achieved a 99.93% overall score for Customer Service and Relations, topping all other Australian employment, training and consultancy services businesses. The 2017 Australian Achiever Award proves Complete Recruitment Solutions delivers on the promise of customer satisfaction.

Some comments received from Complete Recruitment Solutions customers were: “In the five years, I have been a customer, Complete Recruitment Solutions have always been good to me and are consistently excellent to deal with. I am very particular about the companies I utilise, and they are the best that I have used. They are always helpful, friendly and deliver their service on time. I work

mostly with Linda, the CEO, and Jasmine, a Recruitment Consultant, who respond promptly and are always eager to help me out with anything.

“I believe that across the board, recruitment industry standards have dropped.

However, Complete Recruitment Solutions have not faltered and continue to keep their standards high. I have worked with many other recruitment companies in the past, and Complete Recruitment Solutions are one of the best.

Established by CEO Linda Kemp in 2006, Complete Recruitment Solutions is a servicefocused and quality-orientated recruitment consultancy agency. They deliver on a range of recruitment services across the local and Sydney Metropolitan area from Executive, Office support, Sales and Marketing, to technically skilled and unskilled industrial staff. They pride themselves on building long-term relationships with not only clients but also candidates.

Chewing in dogs Have you ever wondered why your dog destructively chews? This is one of the most common problems in dogs. Dogs will often become destructive when they are bored, don’t have enough toys or have no way to release their energy.

It is important that you select the right toys that are appealing to your dog. Find textures and scents that are appealing to maintain interest. Play toys should be big enough that they can not be swallowed and not harmful or toxic if broken apart and swallowed.

Choose toys that maintain your dogs interest for as long as possible; toys that can be coated or stuffed with food are often great as they will keep animals entertained and they self reward when the food is released!

Animals love to explore and you can encourage exploratory play by hiding food throughout the environment. It is also important that you engage in regular activities with your dog to provide social, physical and mental enrichment. Dogs also thrive on routine and will generally look forward to their daily walk, run or ball/frisbee game. High energy dogs and working breeds may need more strenous exercise to keep them interested; this may involve exercise such as fly ball, agility training or swimming.

Tug games can also be fun and will allow your dog to burn lots of energy. It is important that toys are durable and designed for tugging games. Train your dog to release the toy by offering more desirable treats or another toy as a reward during play. Be sure that your pet shows no signs of aggression when playing tug games. If your dog becomes possessive or aggressive during tug games, immediately stop tug games and contact your veterinarian.

Even if your dog has sufficient exercise, play and toys, it may still explore and chew household possessions. Make sure that desirable objects such as shoes, socks etc are kept away from dogs when they are unsupervised. If you catch your dog chewing on something inappropriate, make a gentle sound (like a ‘whistle’ sound) to distract your dog and give it an

alternative toy to chew on; this rewards your dog for releasing the inappropriate item and allows it to chew on an appropriate toy.

Never punish your dog for doing something wrong & never use physical punishment. If you use punishment, this will cause your pet to be anxious and avoid you. It is important to remember that some dogs will chew when they are anxious. Some pets when separated from their owners even for a short period of time, will develop separation anxiety & become destructive. If you think this is occurring in your dog, then there are treatments available for underlying anxiety disorders.

If you have any questions about your pets behaviour or health, please contact Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic on 4731 3055.

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Phone 47 313 055

Cops kick in to help with #ProjectWarmth

By Keegan Thomson

IT is getting mighty chilling across Penrith, with temps dropping down to as low as two degrees last week, so we must spare a thought for those who’re sleeping it rough.

As always the Penrith CBD Corporation is looking out for the disadvantaged and under-privileged this winter with their #ProjectWarmth kicking into full force.

The initiative is headed by the CBD Corporation’s CEO, Gai Hawthorn, who has worked with Penrith’s most generous to come up with a slew of initiates aimed at helping warm up those who can’t always warm themselves.

To help with #ProjectWarmth, generous police staff at the Penrith Police Station have donated their old service boots.

Senior Constable Julie Graham has organised the donations and says they couldn’t have come at a better time.

“We’ve got 24 pairs in total,” Senior Constable Graham said.

“We’ve been doing it across a six month period, whenever someone gets new boots they’ll donate their old ones, so we’ve managed to collect a decent amount.

“It is getting very cold at the moment so these boots have come at a good time.”

The shoes, which hold a street value of around $160, aren’t well worn and they’re in near perfect condition. They’re heavy duty and offer support, warmth and cushioning.

 Derek Hawthorn, Senior Constable Graham (center left) Penrith CBD Corp CE Gai Hawthorn (Centre right) and Sargent Peter Murphy. #ProjectWarmth. Photo: Kennedi Geyer.

Gai Hawthorn said the police were more than happy to help out with the initiative.

“When Julie heard about the #ProjectWarmth story she suggested that the police donate their old service boots to the disadvantaged and under privileged of Penrith,” Mrs Hawthorn said.

“All the front-line agencies don’t get shoes like this, so there is lots of demand for these goods across the community.

“We’re so grateful to get this amazing and generous donation for the under-privileged and homeless, but also this shows the important community contact side

of policing.”

Senior Constable Graham said it is important for the community to see all aspects of policing not simply law enforcement.

“Any type of community engagement is important because it keeps up contact with people in the region,” she said. “It is important to show the face of policing is always involving the community.”

You can donate clothes across the Nepean to #ProjectWarmth at the CBD Corporation office on high street, in MP Emma Husar’s office, MP Stuart Ayres’ office, ANZ branches and other locations.

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Emma Husar’s first year as Lindsay MP

By Keegan Thomson

TWELVE months ago one of the longest federal elections came to a head with Labor’s Emma Husar being voted in as the new Member of Parliament for the electorate of Lindsay.

Ms Husar’s election brought change to Lindsay by being the first Opposition MP in the electorate’s history ending the notion of Lindsay being a bellwether seat. She is also the first single mother and Labor woman to hold the seat.

Talking to her on her one year anniversary in the job, Ms Husar said she’s very fulfilled by her continuing work in community advocacy.

“My achievements so far are about advocacy and awareness,” Ms Husar said.

One of the things she’s most proud of is the community consultation events held over the last year including the events on domestic violence, the NDIS and aged care.

Thinking back to 12 months ago, her first week in Canberra, Ms Husar said it was “a little surreal” and “a lot to get used to” but sooner or later she said she found her footing.

“I kept pinching myself for quite a while,” she said. “You fantasise about what you’d do when you

Report wins Gold Council has received a Gold Award for its 2015-16 Annual Report in the prestigious Australasian Reporting Awards. This follows a Gold Award for its 2014-15 Report and several previous Silver Awards.

The report demonstrated overall excellence and was a model report for other organisations to follow.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said that while reporting is a statutory requirement, Penrith Council reports clearly and transparently above and beyond requirements.

“We provide our community with a full picture of all our activities, achievements, challenges and spending,” he said.

“Council joined a number of other highprofile organisations from across Australia in receiving the Gold Award in 2017, including Legal Aid NSW, the Bureau of Meteorology and the ABC,” Cr Thain said.

“Council is continually improving the quality of its reporting and listening to and talking with the community. It’s great to have this kind of national recognition.”

her new job.

“Getting through question time without getting chucked out is a big challenge for me because I’m far too pragmatic,” the MP said.

“Sitting there for 80 minutes listening to people not answer questions is, just, I cannot convey how frustrating it all is.

“The challenge for me is that question time is mostly what our community sees in terms of the work we do in Canberra. They don’t see the behind the scenes. It is only a tiny snippet.”

With two years until the next probable federal election, Ms Husar said she’s just keen to keep fighting for the things that matter most to the community.

“Continue to keep an open ear to the issues our community is raising and give them the opportunity to voice their concerns through forums and give them the opportunity to come in and help solve the problems,” the MP said.

One issue facing politics, according to Ms Husar, is it seems not enough  Emma Husar and Chifley MP, Ed Husic. Photo: Supplied. children and young people understand the importance of being involved in it. get the job, you have dreams and goals, but when “We have to engage people along the way,” she you finally get there you realise that now you’re at said. the place where you can make it all happen.”

“I absolutely love being with young people to talk She says that not much has changed on a about democracy and to make them aware of why it professional level since she’s been elected. is important. People are turned off.

“I feel like I’m on the same trajectory that I was “Getting in and talking about why it matters and on before I was elected. I’m still an advocate, I used why they have to be engaged, and what happens to work for MPs now I work with MPs,” she said. when we’re not engaged, is important. Pauline “Now my day is filled with meetings with Hanson and Donald Trump happens when we’re different people about different issues. I might meet not engaged and when we think government isn’t with someone about the NDIS, someone else about serving us.

Centrelink and then I might go off and give a speech “But anyone who is walking around with a to school children.

Medicare card in their wallet is being served by the “I just wish there were more hours in the day so I government,” she said. could spend time doing the things I love, like I have In one of the last sitting weeks of Parliament certainly have less time now to do The River Run.” before the winter break, Ms Husar locked heads Ms Husar said one downside of being such a with Ms Hanson after she gave her views on autistic high profile member of the public is now her family children and conventional classrooms. chores take a lot longer than they used to.

Ms Husar, who has an autistic son, said she was “We’ll be grocery shopping and I’ll get stuck “proud” to call her out on her comments. talking to people and the kids will complain, ‘can “Calling out discrimination, like what Pauline we go now’, and that is fair enough because they Hanson said the other week, is something I’m proud didn’t sign up for this job,” Ms Husar said. to do. Words matter and it is really important for me “Overall the community has been very to stand up to that,” Ms Husar said. accommodating of my personal space particularly “I’m proud to be able to give that rebuttal to those because a lot more people know where I live very ill-informed and ignorant comments. now, which is a little off-putting and a bit strange “I’m not the only one to have a child with special sometimes.” needs or autism and I’m proud that I can stand up On top of the higher public profile, Ms Husar said against those comments and reflect what others in she’s faced a number of challenges in the last 12 the community might be feeling. I’m proud that I months, with some challenges coming directly from fought so hard,” she said.

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Census results: Losing our religion

By Keegan Thomson

THE results of the 2016 census are out and it shows that the people of Penrith are losing faith

in religion.

Data from the census show in 2011 only 17 percent of the surveyed population of Penrith had no religious affiliation and 28 percent said they aligned with the Catholic faith. The results of the 2016 told a dramatically different story.

27 percent of people surveyed said they had no religious affliction or they were secular compared to only 25 percent of respondents declaring their Catholic faith.

Catholicism wasn’t the only religion to suffer drops in the faith, with the Anglican denomination falling from 26 percent in the 2006 census to only 18 percent in the 2016 poll.

Judging by these figures Penrith is having a crisis of faith on an unprecedented level.

Despite these figures there are some within the religious world who believe that the real story behind these figures aren’t as holy as they might seem.

Local Pastor Martin Beckett, the founder of The Rock Church and Christ Mission Possible, rebutted the

census, calling it “ignorant”.

“When you look at the census it is very narrow,” Pastor Beckett said.

“I’m actually a charismatic bornagain Christian and there is no field for that on the census.”

“It is a bit skew-iff because the census still doesn’t acknowledge the charismatic movement, the Hill Song style of religion.”

“In 2006 I probably put down no religion because I am a charismatic born-again christian,” he said.

Pastor Beckett did say however in last years census he put down his religious affiliations as being Presbyterian, a denomination of Christianity that polled 2.5 percent in the 2016 national census.

Nationally the census reported a rise in people losing their region, with the 2016 results showing around 30

percent of all Australians have no affiliation to any religion at all.

Pastor Beckett argues that those figures are out of perspective because they again don’t show fringe versions of Christianity.

“I would say the national rise of people not associating with religion, look again at the growth of the mega churches like Hill Song,” he said.

“These churches don’t really count in the census.

“Society is moving and I think anything mainstream, including the church, is under question.”

He says because of the negative publicity recently surfacing around aspects of religion of late, more and more people are looking to sidelined, non-mainstream congregations like his own and like Hill Song.

“People are saying they don’t want to be apart of an organisation anymore because it might have a bad history, a bad past or a bad present,” Pastor Beckett said. “We see it with the Catholic church and the sexual allegations around that.”

“I’ve seen, within the circles I move in, that people want to move away from the mainstream,” he said.

Cranebrook safer Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the news that work started last week on the $3.6 million intersection upgrade of Andromeda Drive and The Northern Road at Cranebrook to improve safety.

“Work has started on the project to install new traffic lights at the intersection to provide motorists with safer turning opportunities into and out of the residential area,” said Stuart Ayres.

“The project aims to reduce the number and severity of crashes at this intersection and includes widening the southbound lane on The Northern Road heading towards Penrith and upgrading the footpath,” said Stuart Ayres.

“Night work will be carried out between 8pm and 5am, excluding Saturdays with day work to be carried out from 7am to 6pm and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.

Roads and Maritime Services thanks the community for its patience while work is carried out.

For the latest traffic updates call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW App.

11 Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

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Legends of the Nepean

By Keegan Thomson

School disco at Wilcannia Central School 1970 - Helen Barraclough is the student.

TEACHERS are the fabric of a community.

They undertake more work in a week than some major corporation CEOs do in a year and yet it seems like they’re never given enough praise, but finally one local teacher is receiving some much needed praise.

Allen Cullen is a local teacher who has been educating children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities for nearly 50 years.

Recently his hard work and dedication was recognised with an OAM. Allen started off his journey as a teacher and a special education professional in a small town in the state’s north west.

“I’ve always been on the edge of special education, ever since I first started teaching,” Allen said.

“When I first started teaching I had a class of high school slow learners at Barraba High School.

“I was a primary school trained teacher but the slow learners section of the high school needed a teacher, so I was put into that class for a year, which was quite a challenge. I had to settle

into teaching and I had to also learn how to teach children with disabilities, or slow learners as they called them back then. It took me about six months to realise what I was trying to do,” he said.

Even with his primary teaching skills building up he still felt like a fish out of water when he first started teaching special education children.

“It was a challenge to begin with because my general primary training didn’t train me to teach special education. It is a skill you have to be very precise with and you have to task analyse what you’re trying to teach.

You need to break everything down into very small steps,” Allen said.

Propelled by his passion for education, Allen felt he needed to gain a better understanding of what it meant to be a teacher, so he applied for a transfer but ended up in a school a little further away in Wilcannia.

“I was there in Wilcannia Central School for two years teaching primary classes. There I was able to hone my skills as a teacher. It was a good mix of Indigenous and caucasian children and a good experience,” Allen said.

His teaching career then took him to a one-teacher-school in Spencer, in

the middle Hawkesbury, and then onto Woy Woy High. Once he was married, Allen moved to western Sydney, and it was here that he started to focus in on special education.

“After I married I moved to Penrith, and I took a remedial learning course and was moved into Mount Druitt High School, teaching reading skills to the high school students. It was there that the special education consultant for the school suggested I go full-time into special education,” Allen said.

“I applied and got the Deputy Master position at Holroyd School of Special Education at Merrylands.

I was there for seven years and I was even promoted to Assistant Principal, and then I was appointed the Principal of Cooinda Special School in Canley Vale. I was there for three years.

“After all that I moved to Niland where I was working with children who had mild intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioural disorders and autism,” he said.

Whilst at Niland, Allen was able to help set up an organisation that would impact thousands of Australian lives.

Using the work experience model set up at Niland, Allen set up Nova Employment, an organisation that

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Allen Cullen helps get people with intellectual and social disabilities into work.

“We gave our students good skills to go into employment but when they left school they didn’t have the support. For quite a lot their work would breakdown or if they didn’t have work they would just end up drifting,” he said.

“We thought that something needed to be set up to keep track of the students and young adults so that they could get into employment and be supported throughout their initial stages of their new work.

“We could teach them the skills, try to give them some of the social skills, but they didn’t have it all. It is hard for some of them to get up and search for work. So we set up Nova to help find jobs for them and then provide support for them for the first six months or so of their employment,” Allen said.

After teaching at Niland for 15 years, Allen had done a lot of good at the school but was ready to move on. This was when he ended up at Kurrambee School, a place he would transform over the coming years.

“I was appointed Principal of Kurrambee School in 2003. I knew the school, I knew the Principal at the time, I knew it was a good school and I

was looking for a good school to be at before my retirement,” Allen said.

“When I was appointed Principal I also became the President of Little By Little, which is the charity that supports the school.

“At Little By Little we’ve been able to do more for the school, expand the bus fleet, update and make more bus runs. We’ve been able to make the school a better place for children who have diverse needs and we’re able to cater for those needs,” he said.

Currently Allen teaches one day a week at Kurrambee School and also works for Little By Little, offering up his time to do bus runs, fundraise and is a strong advocate for the organisation.

At the heart of everything Allen does is his passion to help children who are in the most need of help. Everything he does is motived by his drive to improve the lives of the children.

“I’ve always wanted to try to develop the children’s independence as much as possible so that when they leave school they can live worthwhile and meaningful lives in the community,” he said.

Allen Cullen is one teacher and community man who is well deserving of the status of Legend.

13

 Allen Cullen working hard at Kurrambee School.

Allen Cullen was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Kerrie Davies.

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

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14 Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

Sleep in your car to help our homeless Fusion Western Sydney and Platform Youth Services are once again gearing up for SLEEP IN YOUR CAR, an annual event for Homelessness Week (7-14 August) to raise awareness and funds for those experiencing, or “at risk” of homelessness.

SLEEP IN YOUR CAR is a Fusion initiative and will be held at eleven Fusion centres across Australia during Homelessness Week.

SLEEP IN YOUR CAR ‘western Sydney’ will be held on Friday 4 August in Station Street at St Marys Railway Station starting at 6pm.

Over 105,000 people around Australia are without a home and safe place to sleep on any given night, many of whom are young people. Homelessness is a complex issue. There’s no one single reason that results in a young person being without a place to call home. Often it’s the coming together of many challenges and circumstances that result in homelessness.

SLEEP IN YOUR CAR gives the community of western Sydney the chance to do something about the issue in our local area, celebrate the resilience of young people and convey a message that young people experiencing homelessness are

homeless but not helpless! With good support and accommodation young people can move forward and live independent and productive lives.

“This is the fifth year we’ve run the event and it just keeps growing.

Last year’s SLEEP IN YOUR CAR was the biggest yet which shows the community’s care, willingness and commitment to make a difference

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where they can.

Even though homelessness is serious, the event is fun and engaging to help people think about the issue, its causes and solutions in a tangible way”. (Judy Tweeddale, Fusion Western Sydney) Starting at 6pm at in Station Street at St Marys Railway Station there’ll be music, a free bbq by St Marys Rotary and interactive activities run

by Fusion, Platform Youth Services and a range of local service providers who care for and get alongside those who are vulnerable in our community.

To register, donate or find out more, visit www.sleepinyourcar.com.au. or phone Fusion Western Sydney on 8805 5971. This is one way we can do something to make a difference for people who need our support most. For more information about homelessness visit www.homelessnessaustralia.org. au Funds raised from SLEEP IN YOUR CAR will go towards the much needed ongoing support and work of, not for profit organisations, Fusion Western Sydney and Platform Youth Services. Fusion is a youth and community organisation based in St Marys with a deep, ongoing commitment to developing resilience in young people and families focussing on early intervention and prevention. Platform Youth Services is a leading specialist provider of services for homeless young people or those “at risk” of being homeless in the Nepean, Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Hawkesbury. Both organisations care for vulnerable young people, their families and community.

Share Your Shoes at St Marys Village this July This July, customers of St Marys Village will once again be greeted by a giant shoebox for Mirvac Retail’s community initiative, Share My Shoes, to raise much needed funds for Australia’s largest children’s education charity, The Smith Family.

Sarah Harris, co-host of Network Ten’s Studio 10 and Smith Family ambassador, is asking customers to look in their wardrobes to find a pair of shoes they can donate for a good cause.

“Everyone has a pair of lonely shoes in their wardrobe that they no longer wear, or love! Share My Shoes is the perfect opportunity to donate a pair of shoes and you’ll feel great knowing you’re helping The Smith Family support disadvantaged children with their education,” said Ms Harris.

From Monday 3 July to Sunday 30 July, customers can drop their pre-loved shoes into St Marys Village giant shoebox. The donated shoes will be sold through The Smith Family’s stores, with proceeds helping to deliver educational support programs to 33,000 disadvantaged children and young people across Australia.

This year, Mirvac Retail shopping centres will aim to collect 24,000 pairs of shoes, double the number of shoes donated last year when the campaign first launched. For those who don’t have a spare pair of shoes to donate, or can’t bear the thought of parting with their old favourites, Mirvac will donate $1 to The Smith Family for every social media post featuring a ‘Shoefie’ – a shoe selfie – with the tag @ShareMyShoes. Through ‘Shoefies’, Mirvac aims to raise $10,000.

St Marys Village will also award a $250 voucher to the best ‘shoefie’ each week

 Sarah Harris, co-host of Network Ten’s Studio 10 and Smith Family ambassador donates a pair of her pre-loved shoes at Broadway Sydney for Share My Shoes

during the Share My Shoes campaign, with fun themed floor murals dotted throughout the centre providing a range of inspiring shoe backdrops for customers.

Rebecca Carrig, Marketing Manager, St Marys Village said, “Last year’s Share My Shoes initiative was a huge success thanks to the support of our customers and this year we are hoping to double our shoe donations! We encourage all of our customers to get rummaging through their wardrobes for The Smith Family, so that we can help them improve the futures of disadvantaged children by supporting their education.”

Annette Young The Smith Family’s General Manager of NSW / ACT, said Share My Shoes is a fun opportunity for the community to help disadvantaged children get the educational support they need.

“Right now there are 1.1 million children and young people living in poverty in Australia,” she said.

“Too often, the struggles that affect a child’s home life can flow into their school life, impacting their motivation, engagement and achievement of benchmarks.

“At The Smith Family we are focused on providing educational support to help children break the cycle of disadvantage.

“Share My Shoes is a wonderful campaign and each shoe donation or ‘shoefie’ will help us to give a child living in poverty the support they need to succeed at school.

“This July please support Share My Shoes and recycle to help break the cycle!”

T&Cs apply, to get a copy and further information visit www.stmarysvillage.com.au. Shoes donated are to be clean and laces tied together.

15 Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

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localnews

Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

The G Spot

The end of financial year to a business owner is like one of those greedy fat kids in Charlie and the chocolate factory, Officeworks is like watching R rated movies on a Saturday night. You snow-fairy in the manila folder isle for hours…. Oh, the colours, the colours as you groan like Meg Ryan in When Harry met Sally.

Now before you think we are all driving Ferraris and smoking cigars through 100 dollar notes, being a small business owner is stressful stuff. I reckon Dan Murphy’s should have a “Business Owners Isle” with 2 Litre wines right to go. You see all these people in selfinduced comas just walking like the characters in the Walking Dead slothing like wounded bears as they come closer to the red wine, then smile and giggle with a baby laugh hugging that bottle like a saint has blessed it.

So why do we do it? Why do we love the stress, the long hours the holidayless years (if there is such a word) why

is it that we can’t pluck this monster that we have created from our nipples?

Taking a three-day break is like organising a break in at the Reserve Bank, it requires as much organisation and precision, with planning and implementing like a crazed maniac just to get away from the monster/second marriage.

Yep you got it, we business owners have affairs every day, because you see, the business is the love and hate of our lives and anyone that says it’s all wine and roses, seriously needs to smell the friggn roses. So, okay before all you non- believers boo and hiss at this column and say “what is she complaining for, she’s rich!” However, before you send the wild dogs out, we small business owners work very long hours. Shucks look at me now its 1am and here I am writing a column and bitching about business… (I just paid the bills online). Yay!!!! Yeah, I know suck it up Princess.

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

So, what is the “us and them” mentality? We can’t do without each other, the employer and employee. You hear employees talking about the boss not giving them time off, knocking back holidays and the list goes on and in the other room the employer is complaining because the employer has just asked for time off and holidays during the busiest time. Where’s the win-win we all shout! The answer is simple, there isn’t one. Whilst one may give in and the other gets what they want ultimately deep down someone ends up unhappy, The Business. This inanimate object that requires more love and attention than any human ever needed.

I love all these people that think that opening a business is the answer to instant success and money. Wrong, Fail, see ya! Okay yes there have been a few that invented the pointy end on a toothpick, 4 ply toilet paper with perfumed scent and love hearts printed

on it, and plastic bit that dogs chew on shoelaces, living billion dollars lifestyles with Hugh Heffner’s bunnies on speed dial, but they are few and far between. I laugh at these business coaches that do business seminars about the secret to success and fortune and I think then why are you selling tickets and holding it at a bowling club on a Thursday at Lunchtime? Guess I am off the free ticket list now….

So, whilst I may ponder and pick the fluff out of my navel as a humble small business owner. I will throw this to you as I finish up (hang on let me grab my soap box) Small business (as crazy as it sounds) is the biggest employer in the entire of Australia! Not BHP, Not Aldi, not that cheap bulk joint in Lidcombe …. Small Business. So, the next time you see a small business go in and say Hi. PS, No Employer or Employee was injured during the writing of this column.

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Brigade to go online

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP has congratulated the Erskine Park Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) upon receiving a $3,000 grant from the NSW Government to purchase computers for educational and training purposes.

Tanya Davies was joined by members from the Erskine Park RFB, where the cheque was presented.

“Over recent years, the delivery of training and educational materials

for rural fire brigade volunteers has shifted online. Unfortunately the Erskine Park RFB has not been able to fully utilise these facilities due to a lack of funding,” Tanya Davies said.

In particular, the grant will fund the purchase of computers and computer desks to be located in the brigade centre.

“These new computers will ensure that volunteers at Erskine Park Rural

Fire Brigade have adequate access to the latest training and education resources available to assist the volunteers in performing their roles to the highest standards,” Tanya Davies said.

“I would like to thank Premier Gladys Berejiklian for supporting the Erskine Park Rural Fire Brigade through this grant,” Tanya Davies said.

Winter Warmer Appeal

Rossco is on location at Nepean Village, collecting blankets and food supplies for the homeless and those in need.

If you have anything to spare that might help during these bitterly cold winter days, please head Rossco’s way and donate them.

Collection Box available every day throughout July.

Domestic violence forum for residents

By Keegan Thomson

A NSW Government community forum on domestic and family violence, hosted by Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies MP, will be held on Wednesday July 19, with local residents invited to attend.

Tanya Davies MP said she is delighted to announce the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Pru Goward, will attend the forum along with experts from NSW Police, the Department of

Family and Community Services and non-government service providers in the Mulgoa community.

The MP for Mulgoa said these forums can help with breaking the cycles of domestic violence.

“I encourage as many members of the Mulgoa community to attend this forum to discuss this crucial issue facing our community,” Ms Davies said.

“This is a great way to empower our community to have a voice on the issue and contribute to the government’s work of tackling domestic violence.”

Pru Goward said these forums offer an opportunity for local people to talk

face to face with the front line services of the community.

“Forums such as these are a great opportunity for local residents to gain insights about the issue, and talk to domestic and family violence experts on the frontline,” Ms Goward said.

The NSW government has invested $350 million over four years to provide greater protection for women, children and men. This is in addition to the investment the federal government makes each year to combat the scourge of domestic and family violence through mainstream services in justice, police, health, child protection, social housing and

homelessness services.

According to White Ribbon, the leading resource fighting domestic and family violence, one in three women will be impacted on by domestic violence. One in four children are exposed to family violence within their home.

Domestic and family violence is also the principle cause of homelessness amongst women and their children.

The Mulgoa domestic and family violence community forum will be held at 6 pm on Wednesday July 19at the Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club.

To attend this forum, please email mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

17 Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

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

Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

Emily Loves to Bounce!

Meet Henry, Amy, Emily and Patricia and their whimsical world of balls and boxes!

The creative geniuses behind the award-winning, internationally renowned Patch Theatre have once again managed to produce brilliant theatre for children with Emily Loves to Bounce, inspired by the book of the same name by Stephen Michael King.

Follow carefree, whacky Henry and practical Amy as they turn the world upside-down and right way-round, where amazing ideas are expressed in extraordinary ways and they learn that working together in spite of their differences brings out the best in everyone.

Emily Loves to Bounce bursts with music, sound imagery and illusion. It is a funny, language lean, musically rich visual poem that delights young and old. Certainly, no adult should attend this show unless accompanied by a child!

“A masterstroke of ingenuity - a beautiful blend of sound, mime and illusion. It is intriguing, mystical, funny,

irresistible and thoroughly absorbing.’

Andy Ahrens - Adelaide Theatre Guide.

Emily Loves to Bounce has been performed to over 100000 children around Australia so don’t miss your chance these July school holidays to see a continuation of Patch Theatre’s commitment to sparking the imagination of children and conjuring up wonderful images for young minds to enjoy at your local theatre!

Proudly sponsored by Celestino - five shows only, so don’t miss out – this time we’ve also included Monday evening show for families with work commitments to plan around.

Book tickets now online www.thejoan.com or at the box office 4723 7600.

Monday, 10 July 6:00pm Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 July 10:30am & 1pm Ages 4-8 Duration: 50 minutes, no interval.

Easily accessed by public transport and a short walk from Penrith Train Station.

A Picture Perfect local rock band

By Keegan Thomson

TWELVE years is a long time in the music industry.

Bands come and go and music careers rise then fall but despite this Picture Perfect, a western Sydney based rock n roll band, has delivered time and time again.

After forming in high school, some 12 years ago, two brothers and one of their mates came together with the intention of starting a band just to have a good time. Today they’re booking tours around the country and they’re just about to launch another hot EP. Gavin Bowles, lead singer and guitarist of the band, formed Picture Perfect with his drummer brother, Simon, and their bassist mate, Cameron Hill, back when they were students at Blaxland high school.

When speaking about the longevity of the band, Gavin said time has only made Picture Perfect tighter and stronger.

“It has become more fun over time,” Gavin said.

“We’ve grown together as a band, as mates, the music has also become better and you can really see it in our live shows. Our shows are tighter, we know what kind of music we want to perform and we know what music we want to be recording,” he said.

The band of brothers are gearing up for the launch of their new EP, Paint it Whack, and Gavin says it will be one of the most refined and honest outputs from the band yet.

“We were trying for a while to push into the mainstream avenues, like blogs, radio stations and print media but at the end of the day our music isn’t for everyone. We’re really trying to focus on reaching

the people who really care about our music,” Gavin said.

“We’ve just ended up saying lets just be honest and deliver something that is organic, and with that mentality we’ve got some really honest music on this EP,” he said.

Picture Perfect have always strived to deliver something that is fun to listen to and fun to watch.

Initially the band cut their teeth playing venues like Tattersalls but now Gavin and the boys fine tune their sets at gigs at Panthers. According to Gavin their pursuit for a good time is what keeps the band together.

“There are two ways to be a band. One is you either pose to look cool and you act a certain way because you’re trying to be something you’re not.

Or you can be honest and true to yourself. We have a sense of humour and we know were not going to be the biggest band ever but we want to have fun and we want people to have fun with us,” he said.

The recording and writing process for the EP was done over a year, and like all things over that time period, a lot changed within the band across that period.

“In the lead up to this new EP there have been some changes in our lives professionally and personally. Things do get harder to deal with the failing music industry, but as things get harder we become closer together,” Gavin said.

“You could be having a terrible day but you go to band practice, or you go into the studio to lay down some tracks, and all of a sudden the day turns awesome,” he said.

Picture Perfect will be launching their new EP, Paint it Whack, at the Hideaway Bar in Enmore on July 15, with tentative plans to perform later on in the year at possible venues across western Sydney. The event is free for all who wish to head along for some good old fashioned honest rock n roll.

19 Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

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

Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

Historical Open Day

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, from 9am to 3pm.

Admission is free.

Sure to be a crowd pleaser is the magnificent Albertosaurus, pictured, which will be on display on the day.

This year’s Open Day will be centred on celebrating one of the most important achievements in our early colonial history, the opening for the Victoria Bridge and the start of the railway line from Penrith to Wentworth Falls in 1867.

There will be special displays of railway equipment, and a display in the inn telling the history of the building of the bridge and the railway line which went to Bathurst and the West.

The NSW Corp of Marines, will be at the festival and will be in charge of keeping law and order, helped by members of the 5th Light Horse Regiment from Windsor.

The marines will have displays, drills, and floggings of miscreants and re-enactments from the life and times of the early colony.

As in previous years, the festival will have activities for young and old - including the animal farm, pony rides, the old fashioned school room where they can write on slates, plus plenty of stalls, displays, live music and food.

For more information call the inn on 4735 4394 or email info@armsofaustraliainn.org.au

Creative kid friendly art workshops

PENRITH Regional Gallery and the Lewers Bequest is hosting a slew of kid friendly school holiday workshops from July 10 to 14.

Kids will be able to let their creative juices flow as they create giant drawings, cardboard assemblages and hybrid machines inspired by backyard creepy crawlies.

Starting on Monday, July 10, at 10am to midday, kids aged from 5 to can take part in the aeronautical workshop. They’ll create epic paper planes in colourful papers and work on cat models. Then they’ll explore and experiment with different aeroplane designs and models to see which one is the best flyer.

Also on July 10, is a shadow puppet animation workshop catered for 8 to 12 year olds. Work on an exciting shadow puppet display and then develop an out of this world short shadow puppet animation film. Kids will have fun creating their own personalised characters, using their imagination they’ll inventing their own story and learning about animation along the way.

On July 11 for the 5 to 8s is special puppet theatre construction workshop. Using skills kids will create and decorate a movable, intergalactic shadow puppet theatre inspired by outer space travel. Then

CROSSWORD

they’ll develop a story board for their own shadow puppet play.

For 9 to 12s on July 11, there is an exoskeleton sculpture workshop. Curious minds will explore the exoskeletons of insects by using bamboo skewers, tissue paper, string and glue to create a sculptures.

July 12 will being the cardboard construction sculpture and animation workshops for 8 to 12 year olds. Kids will discover construction methods, then make a 3D sculptures.

On July 13 the little kids, 5 to 8s, make 3D helter skelters out of cardboard, then choose a theme and decorate them. Creative kids will use print making techniques to personalise their spinning sculpture.

Friday, July 14, the younger kids will make a dragonfly with mosaic wings, use shiny materials and luminous paint. Once finished their posters will glow in the dark!

On the same day, 12 to 17 year olds, create a large scale artworks inspired by Richard Goodwin’s art on display at the Gallery. Afterwards the artistic minded kids will all learn about Goodwin’s work and the materials he uses.

All workshops at the Gallery are from 10am to midday and only cost $30.

ACROSS 1 Annual virus (9) 6 Full of flavor (5) 9 On the beach (7) 10 Boat in Venice (7) 11 Deletion (7) 12 Imperial ruler (7) 13 Steals from stores (9) 15 Entice (5) 16 Modelled (5) 19 Stunt plane (9) 22 Instructions on food preparation (7) 23 A distant settlement (7) 25 Mediterranean sailing ship (7) 26 Choking or retching (7) 27 Is concerned for (5) 28 Prediction (9)

solution 22/6/17

DOWN 1 Silly (5) 2 Melange or hodgepodge (7) 3 Not normal (7) 4 Gentle push (5) 5 Attacker (9) 6 Storm on the sun (7) 7 TV show (7) 8 A pronunciation mark (9) 13 A drug that induces sleep (9) 14 Flagpole (9) 17 Not religious (7) 18 Portrays (7) 20 Double crosses (7) 21 Equipping (7) 23 Different (5) 24 Taut (5)

22

nepeanhistory

Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

Nepean River wages war on Penrith’s Victoria bridges

by Rosemary Weaver

Continued from last issue....

T

his second disaster meant that the travelling public were back to the punt and Emu Ford for the next seven years. The government stepped in to help and provided two ferries which were leased to a private operator for £388 a year.

The company was unable, and the government unwilling, to replace this bridge.

But with the extension of the western rail reaching Penrith, the State Railways were planning a railway bridge across the river.

Then the idea of combining a rail and road bridge came to light as a good solution to Penrith’s bridge problem. This arrangement was excepted by the rail department and work commenced.

The road/rail bridge was designed by Engineer in Chief of Railways, John Whitton, as part of the Penrith to Wentworth Falls railway line. Whitton looked to contemporary British bridge technology for the design and also increased the height of the piers by six feet to beat the Nepean’s floods. But the river produced two more floods, in 1863 and 1864, which hampered the building of four masonry piers which were eventually completed in June 1867.

But the river hadn’t quite given up yet. In June 1867, only a few weeks after the first engine passed over the bridge, another devastating flood, the great flood, damaged the government ferries by tearing them from their moorings. They had to be sunk so as not to cause more damage to the bridge’s western timber approaches which had also been severely washed out. So it was back to the ferry service for road traffic. It took 10 days for temporary repairs to make the bridge serviceable for rail traffic, but it was a further two years before it was open to road traffic.

The new bridge was divided with a rail line on one side and a timber surface ‘…with inlaid wheel guides to keep animal drawn traffic from diverging from the straight course…’ on the other side. ‘...With only a single lane, vehicles had to make way and wait their turn. Horses were liable to be upset by the noisy passing of the train in the enclosed space and drivers tried to time their crossing to

 Third Victoria Bridge

avoid trains. In 1883, in response to lobbying by the local Member, a galvanised iron fence was placed down the centre of the bridge to separate road and rail traffic and subsequently, a warning bell system was introduced to warn road traffic of the train’s approach.’

(Stacker n/d; Nepean Times, 28th June 1884,12th January 1884).

One of the problems of animal traffic on the bridge was the accumulation of horse manure which, when dry, a spark from an engine or something else dropped on it would cause it to ignite. This happened one night and the planking on the road side caught fire and burnt a hole a foot long before it was put out. The other problem was horses putting their legs through holes in the decking and the stench of the manure and urine on a windy day.

It remained a rail/road bridge until 2nd June 1907 when the present two-line railway bridge on the north side of it was opened.

But the Victoria Bridge has survived many floods since its final construction and has a rarity as one of the few surviving metal bridges constructed in NSW in the 1860s.

Historical Festival and Open Day FREE ENTRY Sunday July 16 at The Arms of Australia Inn Museum Cnr Great Western Hwy & Gardenia Ave, Emu Plains

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Victoria Bridge and railway line from Penrith to Wentworth Falls

Displays, live music, food, stalls, fun for the kids and lots more

For more information contact Museum 4735 4394 email info@armsofaustraliainn.org.au

24

finance and real estate matters

Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

5 smart ways to maximise your Super With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

You can ignore your super and hope that one day it will be able to support you in retirement, or you can take an active involvement in its growth.

For a comfortable retirement, Australia’s super industry research body, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has estimated a couple would need an annual income of $59,971. If you don’t think your super balance is on track to achieve this, you might want to try some of these strategies for maximising your super.

1.

Monitor your fund’s performance Keep an eye on your super fund’s long-term returns and compare it with other funds. There are many super comparison websites that rate

different super funds but be sure to look carefully at their scoring system to ensure you are comparing fairly.

It’s important to take an overall view of your fund’s performance, including its fees, investment options, extra benefits, insurance and service.

Compare its returns over five years, not one, as last year’s best performer might not stay consistent.

If you decide to switch funds, make sure you are not losing out on life insurance and income protection cover.

2. Do it Yourself Super A self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) will give you control over how your super is invested if you are prepared to put in the time and effort required. When you run your own SMSF you can quickly buy or sell assets, choose your own shares and invest in property.

There are numerous benefits to

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

establishing an SMSF, but there are also risks. It’s important to seek professional advice and do your research on reputable sites like ASIC’s Money Smart.

3. Salary Sacrifice Ask your employer to reduce your salary and put it in your super fund account. This salary sacrifice strategy means you are continually contributing a part of your pre-tax salary to your super instead of taking it as cash. In addition to boosting your super, it will entitle you to tax benefits.

4. Know your tax entitlements If your spouse earns $37,000 or less you are entitled to a tax offset when you contribute to their super account.

Low income earners with a taxable income of up to $37,000, who make after tax contributions to super receive a tax offset contribution into their super provided they meet certain

requirements.

If you are self-employed, your personal super contributions are fully tax deductible provided you meet age and other eligibility criteria.

5. Combine your accounts Locating all your lost super and consolidating them into a single account will make it easier to keep track of everything and you’ll only have to pay one management fee.

The above information is of a general nature and you should seek professional advice from a financial planner to see what is best for your own situation. This article is courteous of Powerport and is part of my client newsletter.

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

BHL enhances property portfolio with Peachtree Hotel purchase Property group, Boyuan Holdings Limited, (ASX: BHL) has diversified its investment portfolio with the acquisition of the Peachtree Hotel in Penrith.

The Hotel sits on a 10,055m2 site strategically placed close to the Penrith CBD on Castlereagh Road. BHL’s Chief Executive Officer Caden Wan said the hotel purchase was part of the company’s ongoing strategy to pursue further investment opportunities across complementary sectors.

“We are excited to announce the strategic acquisition of the Peachtree Hotel,” Mr. Wan said.

“As BHL continues to progress our property developments in the growth corridors of Western and South Western Sydney, we are now widening our scope and actively pursuing investment opportunities in key sectors which enhance our current asset base.

“The acquisition of the Peachtree Hotel is a quality investment which allows us to enter into the hotel and hospitality sector. We are currently finalising discussions with an experienced Sydney hotel operator to partner with us in the sector. This acquisition will further enhance our growing investment portfolio in the key growth market of NSW.” Mr. Wan said the site on Castlereagh Road offers significant upside for growth with potential future upgrades and refurbishments, and development

opportunities.

Integer Securities Limited, which is 65 per cent owned by BHL, facilitated the acquisition strategy and will continue to develop that strategy by identifying suitable assets in order to develop a significant portfolio of hotels in the coming years. Integer is actively

pursuing yielding assets in line with BHL’s strategic plan, particularly in Western Sydney.

Boyuan Boyuan Holdings Limited is an ASX-listed property development company (ASX: BHL). The Group’s existing operations are located in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China,

where the Group is focused on developing and operating a mixed-use commercial and residential property.

In Australia, Boyuan is focused on developing residential sites at Pokolbin and Austral and residential/ commercial sites at Bringelly and Marsden Park.

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Penrith to host international soccer game and tourism sectors,” Cr Thain said.

“Penrith’s reputation for hosting major events will be highlighted to millions of viewers watching the game on television, online and social media.

“A number of other events are planned by the Westfield Matildas to engage with the local community while they’re in Penrith, “Cr Thain said.

For information on these and to secure your tickets to the game, visit http://matildas.footballaustralia.com. au/tickets An agreement between Penrith Council and Football Federation Australia will see Australia’s Westfield Matildas face-off against Brazil in Penrith later this year.

The first game in a two-match International Series will be played at Pepper Stadium on Saturday 16 September. The great rivalry between the two teams, ranked 7th and 8th in the world, is expected to produce a nail-biting match.

Speaking at the announcement, Penrith Mayor John Thain said the popularity of soccer locally,

particularly with women, was a key factor in bringing the game to Penrith.

“It’s especially exciting as Australia will bid to host the world’s largest and most prestigious women’s sporting event - The FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023,” Cr Thain said.

“Penrith has more than 14,000 registered soccer players and a large proportion of these are female so it makes complete sense to bring the world’s best to Penrith so our local players and supporters can watch and be inspired by them.

“We’ve also got passionate soccer fans of all ages who will be thrilled to have an opportunity to see an international game of soccer played in their own backyard,” Cr Thain said.

Soccer fans won’t be the only ones delighted with today’s announcement, with local businesses also expected to benefit from an increase in visitors to the City.

“Thousands of people are expected to attend the game, bringing a welcome economic boost to local businesses in the hospitality

29 Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

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Congratulations to our Coach’s Corner Columnist Brock Shepperd on being appointed Head Coach of the Wests Magpies Harold Mathews side.

Great credentials as Brock was previously HM coach at Panthers and Roosters elite U19s.

Well done!

Target early symptoms at Darts Challenge PENRITH Panthers legend Mark Geyer is encouraging darts enthusiasts to ‘target early symptoms with a bullseye’ at the Pioneer Tavern in Penrith on July 21.

Geyer and Cancer Council NSW have partnered together for the fourth Darts Challenge for men’s health.

“If you’re a darts enthusiast and want to help others affected by this retched disease, keep Friday, July 21 free and join me as we hit the fight against cancer head on,” Geyer said.

Community Relations Coordinator for Cancer Council NSW Greater Western Sydney Leanne Langdon said the Darts Challenge helped encourage men to have ‘the talk’.

“We know men are significantly more likely than women to die of preventable cancers,” she said.

“The Darts Challenge is a great platform to encourage men to have a casual chat about their health while enjoying a game of competitive darts and raising funds for a good cause.”

The Darts Challenge has raised more than $25,000 for Cancer Council NSW research, support and prevention programs since it started in 2013. Ms Langdon said there were some great incentives to get involved.

“There’s a silent auction, a raffle and of course we’re encouraging local businesses to again take the Corporate Challenge,” she said.

Businesses can purchase a corporate package, with individuals able to buy individual tickets for the main darts competition.

“As part of the Corporate Challenge, business participants are encouraged to challenge one of their local competitors to a game of darts,” Ms Langdon said.

“The winner takes bragging rights and the loser has to generously donate $500 to Cancer Council NSW.” Ms Langdon said it was important

the focus of the event was not lost.

“It is our hope that each year we can encourage even more Aussie blokes to speak up about their health,” she said.

The 2017 Cancer Council NSW Darts Challenge is at the Pioneer Tavern in Penrith starting at 12.30pm.

The cost is $30 per head, which

includes a drink on arrival and finger food.

To donate raffle prizes and silent auction items or express interest in participating, contact Iris Russell at the Pioneer Tavern on (02) 4736 4466 or Leanne Langdon at Cancer Council NSW on (02) 9354 2014 or email leanne.langdon@nswcc.org.au

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ROUND 18

ROUND 19

SYD SOU

PAN MAN

MEL PAR

BUL NEW

NZW PAN

CAN STG

NEW BRI

GCT CRO

MAN WES

SOU NQC

July 7 7.50pm

July 8 5.30pm

July 8 7.30pm

July 9 4.00pm

July 14 6.00pm

July 14 7.50pm

July 15 5.30pm

July 15 7.30pm

July 16 2.00pm

July 16 4.00pm

SCORE

Sharon Mudiman - First National Glenmore Park - 0413 757 998

158 Greg Taylor - Stanton & Taylor - 0418 235 333

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

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

168 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

148 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

162 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

152 Tricia Hitchen - Deputy Mayor - 0417 365 313

156 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

142 Jeff WatsonBenard - Club Bratusa President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211 Councillor

162 Aaron Tyres- -Venue @printManager, Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4466 Iris Russell

146

TIPSTERS ROUND 18

ROUND 19

SYD SOU

PAN MAN

MEL PAR

BUL NEW

NZW PAN

CAN STG

NEW BRI

GCT CRO

MAN WES

SOU NQC

July 7 7.50pm

July 8 5.30pm

July 8 7.30pm

July 9 4.00pm

July 14 6.00pm

July 14 7.50pm

July 15 5.30pm

July 15 7.30pm

July 16 2.00pm

July 16 4.00pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

150 Drew Clegg - BOQ - 0427 998 111

142 David Seager - Seager Financial Services - 0411 107 776

136 Prue Car - Memberfor Londonderry - 9833 1122

146 Victor Glanville - Vic’s Maxi Transport - 4732 2195

160 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

162 Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

164 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

166 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

154 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

146 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

136

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

ANOTHER DEPARTURE OFFSET BY THE RE-SIGNING OF HARAWIRA-NAERA, KATOA As exclusively revealed, rookie back-rower Corey Hawawira-Naera has rejected considerable offers from a number of clubs to re-sign with Penrith.

The new deal will ensure that the surprise packet of Penrith’s 2017 season, will remain a Panther until at least the end of the 2020 season.

In just eleven NRL games, Harawira-Naera has already scored six tries and is second only to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for line-breaks made in the team, since making his debut against Newcastle in Round Four.

“I’m so happy and relieved to have re-signed with the Panthers as I never wanted to go anywhere else,” Harawira-Naera said.

“In terms of my development as a player, and even as a person, I know this is the right club for me.”

Harawira-Naera has progressed through the junior grades at the Panthers after relocating from New Zealand to join the club in 2013, culminating in Holden Cup success in 2015, with Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould AM firmly believing his signature for the club is an investment in a player he sees will have a long and successful career in the NRL. “Corey is another one of our players who has come through the Panthers development pathways to play first grade for this club,” Gould said.

“Corey thoroughly deserves his new contract and we are delighted he will be at the Panthers for at least the next three years.”

In further good news for the club, hooker / utility Sione Katoa has signed a new two-year deal that will see the 22-year-old hooker remain with the Panthers until at least the end of the 2019 season.

The news of Katoa’s new deal comes as Panthers RL CEO Brian Fletcher confirmed to the Sunday Telegraph the club was also keen to extend the contract of Mitch Rein.

Both Rein (illness) and Peter Wallace (groin) missed Penrith’s loss to Souths last Sunday but it will be interesting to see how Griffin uses Rein once Wallace is ready to return given the encouraging form shown by the former Dragons hooker.

Meanwhile outside back Michael Oldfield has been immediately released from the remainder of his contract and has signed with the Canberra

Corey HarawiraNaera remains a Panther until at least the end of 2020.

Credit: 77 Media.

Raiders until the end of the 2018 season.

The 26-year-old, who only joined Penrith before the start of this season, scored a try in his lone NRL appearance for the club.

Oldfield becomes the ninth player to have been granted an early release from the club since the end of last season, joining Jeremy Latimore, Chris Grevsmuhl, Andy Saunders, Zach Dockar-Clay, Malakai Watene Zelezniak, Samisoni Langi, Te Maire Martin and Peta Hiku.

Oldfield’s departure means the Intrust Super Premiership does not have any backs with NRL experience which could mean Griffin will have to rely on Tyrone Peachey and Isaah Yeo to cover any outside back injuries.

It may also explain why Kaide Ellis and Corey Waddell appear to be next in line for a NRL spot given both players have been training the NRL squad in recent times, with Ellis having been 18th man in Penrith’s last two games.

NSW Origin reserve players Trent Merrin and Matt Moylan were not named, as Laurie Daley opted to select just an 18-man squad ahead of the Origin decider in Brisbane next Wednesday night.

The NRL draw recently came out and for Penrith it is largely favourable as the club looks to claw its way back into finals contention over the closing nine rounds.

Only two away games from the last six games

including a favourable Sunday 2pm game in Canberra while three of the four remaining games against top eight opposition are at home.

Sponsors will be happy with four of the six home games getting prime-time free-to-air coverage although for a second year in a row, the clash against Canterbury will be played on a Thursday night.

And if you like your Sunday afternoon footy at Pepper Stadium then you’ll love the 4pm clashes scheduled against Wests Tigers and St GeorgeIllawarra.

A big clash also looms when Penrith welcome home Te Maire Martin with a Saturday night 7:30pm fixture against the North Queensland Cowboys.

33 Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

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Panthers’ membership tally continues to head towards 20,000 having recently reached 18,642 members.

And in further news, an exclusive members day will be held this Sunday between 11am-1pm at the Backyard (Outside TC’s bar) at Panthers.

The NRL squad along with Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould will be attendance, as the club puts on a sausage sizzle, kids activities and lucky door prizes to those members who preregister for the event on the club’s website.

Expect Penrith’s next apparel supplier for 2018 and onwards (rumoured to be Classic) to allow the Panthers to be able to search for a new crest sponsor which is set to be worth a six-figure sum given the exposure such a position on the jersey receives.

Congratulations to Josh Mansour, who in scoring against his former club last Sunday became the 12th Panther to score 50 NRL tries for the club, amid revelations in the Daily Telegraph, he emailed his beloved Arsenal Football Club, inviting them to visit the Panthers RL Academy while they are in town for upcoming fixtures against Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Panthers hosted its’ inaugural ‘Play Like A Panther’ junior league clinic on Monday at the Panthers Rugby League Academy, catering for more than 400 local juniors from Penrith District Junior Rugby League competitions, with the Panthers NRL squad in attendance.

See you at the game. #PantherPride

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Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

Coach’s Corner Deciding Factors

The New South Wales Blues have named an unchanged line up for the upcoming Origin decider this Wednesday at Suncorp Stadium. And it marks the first time the same 17 players will participate in all three games since 1996. It gives the Blues a huge advantage when it comes to combinations, fluency and consistency.

While the Queenslanders have had to find a replacement for a future immortal in Johnathan Thurston and a tremendous contributor for a long period of time in Darius Boyd. Not easy positions to fill considering the spanking the Blues gave the Maroons without Thurston in Game One at Suncorp Stadium which will host this huge decider ahead of us this Wednesday night.

The Blues really dropped their bundle in the second half of Game Two which saw them surrender a 10 point half time lead. They were rolling through the middle of the Queensland defence and causing them several issues similarly to Game One. But for some strange reason when the series looked all but over the Blues froze and ultimately choked on the back of huge expectation and anticipation on home soil. How much will this second half capitulation impact their ability to play freely without fear in

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

Game Three? Only time will tell.

The Blues should take confidence from the fact they have convincingly handled the Maroons in three of the four halves of football played in this series to date. And the injury concerns and squad changes are again having to be made by the Maroons. It all points to advantage New South Wales. But this is Origin and we are headed to the graveyard that is Suncorp Stadium where no New South Wales team has won a decider since 2005.

How do the Blues raise the shield and dethrone the Maroons? Simplicity is often the greatest complexity and this has to be the key message from Laurie Daley to the New South Wales players.

Simplify the game plan to focusing on rolling forward, creating ruck speed and finishing off our sets as effectively as possible. Give Queensland possession in the position they least want to receive it and from there apply defensive pressure which will ensure we win the field position battle. Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney must get repeat sets and allow the Blues to be patient and build pressure and the errors and penalties which gifted Queensland field position and dominance in Game Two need to be eradicated from the Blues method as they go

about winning this game.

The Maroons look there for the taking and the Blues should win this game. An ageing group of players with some moved on and others on the cusp of retirement from representative football and the Queenslanders look vulnerable. The decision from Kevin Walters to snub Daley Cherry Evans is a head scratcher in favour of Ben Hunt. And to force Cameron Munster to play out of position at centre seems to be one of desperation as the Maroons scrape for combinations that can win them this series. Personally I would have moved Dane Gaigai to the centres and recalled Corey Oates who I thought was hard done by to be dropped after Game One. The Maroons have the future immortals and the pedigree in their favour plus what will be a crazy home crowd. But man for man across the park the Blues are younger, faster and are more physical.

But the test will be in which team can demonstrate the most patience and discipline consistently across the 80 minutes. I am tipping the Blues to take the series out on the back of a dominant performance through the middle of the field. But his promises to be a classic Origin decider. Enjoy the game!

Proudly sponsored by Penrith Party Hire (02) 4731 1313

Sports Scenes

(With Thanks to 77 Media)

The cameras of 77 Media were on hand last Sunday afternoon to capture what was a very disappointing performance from the Penrith Panthers.

A beautiful late afternoon greeted the Panthers at ANZ Stadium.

But it wasn’t long before tempers flared....

As Josh Mansour showed that he can jump again too.....

While Sitaleki Akauola got his chance back in the top grade once more.

Trent Merrin was once again Penrith’s best forward on a forgettable day

A forlorn coach and captain faced the media after the game.

Katoa’s new deal a reward for perseverance

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

It may not have ended in the result he would have liked, but Sione Katoa’s first run-out game in just his third NRL appearance has capped a great week for the 22-year old former Junior Kiwi and current Tongan international, having re-signed with the club until of the end of 2019.

The hooker said it was an easy decision to remain the club given the security it provides for his young family as well as wanting to remain playing alongside the core group of players that have made it to the NRL side since being a member of the 2015 Holden Cup winning squad.

“It’s good for me and my family as we now know we are settled,” Katoa told Nepean News.

“They’ve (the club) done a lot for me and my family so it’s good to know I’ll be here for another two years.

“Also there’s a pretty good young group of us coming through here with heaps of talent that I’ve come through (Under) 20s and ISP with so it was pretty easy for me to decide to stay on.”

The deal in itself reflects just how far Katoa has come, given that by his own admission he came into 2017 with plenty to prove after having a poor 2016 season where ill-discipline hampered his form.

But with the help of his coaches Garth Brennan, who rewarded the hooker with the Intrust Super Premiership captaincy on the back of a strong pre-season, along with Anthony Griffin, Katoa had renewed belief that his form would result in being elevated to the top grade.

“It’s came down to me having a big pre-season and then just playing good footy during the year, playing off the back of the ISP boys and then getting

 Hooker Sione Katoa capped a big week with his first NRL appearance in the starting 13. Credit: 77 Media.

the rewards to play up here with the big boys,” Katoa said.

“They (Brennan and Griffin) have been a big part of my improvement from 2016.

“They’ve been positive, always giving me tips on what I need to work on and I’m looking to taking my game further over the next two years, with these two coaches.”

But it wasn’t until the Captains’ run a day out from the Souths game that Griffin confirmed to Katoa that not only was he replacing Mitch Rein due to illness but that he would be expected to play out the eighty minutes as well.

Katoa also admitted there was a big difference in playing a full game in the NRL to what he had experienced in his previous two appearances but despite the result relished in his opportunity to do so.

“Only after the captains’ run. Mitch Rein pulled up a bit crook from the

weekend so Hook gave me the nod that I had to play this week,” Katoa confirmed.

“He spoke to me and said that he wanted me to be that 80 minute hooker out there especially if I want to continue playing first grade.

“My other two (games) I probably played about forty (minutes) max.

“While the result was disappointing, it was really good test for me out there and I took it with both hands.”

Having now re-signed for another two years, Katoa is under no illusion that competition for the first grade hooking role remains as fierce as ever, battling alongside the likes of Rein and the injured Peter Wallace.

But it’s a challenge Katoa is willing to accept despite being equally at home playing lock, back-row or even in the halves.

“I can cover a lot of positions like lock, back-row, halves,” Katoa

declared.

“But for me hooker is still my number one preferred position.

“Ultimately I want to be playing first grade and be playing as hooker.”

Despite the competition for that hooking spot, Katoa says there is plenty to gain from playing with the likes of Rein and Wallace and is grateful for the advice and guidance afforded to him by the experienced pair.

“They’ve been really helpful just teaching me a few tips and guiding me off the field as well,” Katoa said. “(Especially) to stay composed especially when times get tough.

“The forwards look to you to get them rolling so that’s probably the main one.

“They’re two massive people I look up to as a hooker and have done it all (in the game) and they’ve been really good for me.

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35 Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

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36

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Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

MG Cup finishes with spectacular finals

By Conner Lowe

THE MG Cup has come to a finish in 2017 after an outstanding day of Rugby League played at Pepper Stadium in Penrith. There were three outstanding matches involving schools from all over Western Sydney in all three ages groups.

The first match of the day was between Erskine Park High School and Glenmore Park High School. The U/14’s match was always going to be close with both schools playing some entertaining footy throughout the MG Cup. Erskine Park were undefeated the whole competition and had a tough opening period with Glenmore Park scoring the first try.

As the match continued, both schools showed their talent and in the end although Glenmore Park fought a tremendous battle, Erskine Park scored with only minutes remaining to win the match 14-10 in a fantastic opening match to the MG Cup Finals.

The second match of the day was between St Columbus and Mt Druitt Chifley. This U/16’s game was always going to be a fantastic match. The game was competitive from the start with both schools having opportunities

to open the scoring. St Columbus eventually broke the deadlock with some fantastic passing to open-up the Mt Druitt defence. From then on it was almost one-way traffic for the Blue Mountains school. Although, Mt Druitt Chifley did score, it was all but too late as St Columbus won in a comfortable 36-6 victory.

The final match of the day was between Loyola Senior High School and Rooty Hill High School. The open’s game was terrific, both schools played fantastic footy and you never

knew who was going to be victorious until the match was over. Loyola Senior High School scored first, but Rooty Hill were always close to snatching the lead from their opposition. Only one missed conversion proved to be the difference at full-time. Loyola Senior High School won 18-16 in an outstanding match to conclude a fantastic day.

The MG Cup focuses on getting students from schools in Western Sydney to consistently attend school and be well behaved students to

participate in the MG Cup. Mark Geyer is the founder of the competition and came up with the idea to help students who aren’t necessarily the best behaved or struggle to attend school and give them a reason to behave and come to school.

The MG Cup was very successful this year with lots of schools from the Western Sydney area participating in all age groups. The MG Cup will return next year with plans to extend and add in more schools from Western Sydney.

Stuart Ayres Member for Penrith

“

Proudly supporting the MG Cup

”

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

MP

Repeat Sets with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

THE UGLY TRUTH: ONE-TIME PREMIERSHIP CO-FAVOURITES ON THE BRINK OF MISSING FINALS Penrith’s spluttering 2017 season has gone the full 360 degrees with last Sunday’s 42-14 train-wreck loss to lowly Souths bearing eerie resemblance to the equally unexpected Round One thrashing at the hands of St George-Illawarra.

Put aside the fact that Penrith have yet to defeat Souths at ANZ Stadium in seven attempts, and despite coming off a tough loss against the Thurston-less Cowboys in the Townsville heat eight days earlier, the Panthers were heavily favoured to defeat their 12th placed opponents given the likes of Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Tyrone Peachey and Waqa Blake missed an unlucky 21-20 loss at home earlier in the year.

But a promising opening twenty minutes period subsided on the back of a poor Moylan pass, gleefully accepted by Alex Johnston to score the first of his five tries for the afternoon.

What proceeded over the next forty minutes was nothing short of embarrassing as the Panthers conceded 42 unanswered points on the back of an all-too familiar inept performance in defence that has marred their 2017 campaign at critical moments.

For a team that rightly or wrongly were installed as pre-season premiership co-favourites and despite having one of the softest draws in memory, instead the Panthers find their finals hopes teetering on the edge, having to win six from its last nine games just to make the eight, with six of those games at home, including three of four games against top eight opponents.

There have been disappointing seasons before for expectant Panther fans based on the season before.

In 1992 the Panthers, as defending premiers failed to make the finals but there were circumstances there which I think we all understand played a significant part.

In 2001 Penrith went from being semi-finalists to wooden spooners while as recently as 2015, the 2014 preliminary finalists went within a game of becoming wooden spooners as a crippling injury crisis took its toll in more ways than one.

But never before has a Panther fan come into a season so high on expectation as this, only to instead face the harsh reality that just seventeen rounds later, their team as it stands is increasingly becoming incapable of challenging for a finals spot let alone a title.

Not even injuries, which has been a perennial

spot when they host over the next fortnight Blacktown Workers and the Wests Tigers.

 An all too familiar sight v Souths - gathering behind their own try line. Credit 77 Media

issue for the Panthers in prior seasons, can be used as an excuse in 2017.

From Penrith’s strongest seventeen-man squad, only Josh Mansour (eleven games), James FisherHarris (ten), Bryce Cartwright (nine) and Peter Wallace (four) have missed more than two games through injury so far in 2017.

Apart from cellar-dwellars Newcastle, Penrith is the only club in 2017 yet to register a win against top-eight opposition.

And the ugly truth is that despite having to play top-eight teams only eleven times this season, Penrith have very little excuses to offer to an increasingly impatient fan-base that expects premiership success sooner rather than later, why their team is set to go from premiership favourites to finals flops unless they can quickly find their mojo.

Whilst the NRL team’s recent form has gone south, Penrith’s Intrust Super Premiership campaign has gone from strength to strength having now won three straight for the first time in 2017.

Despite having to cope with the release of Peta Hiku, Te Maire Martin, Samisoni Langi and Michael Oldfield, combined with injuries to Moses Leota and Jack Hetherington, Penrith have climbed into third position after completing a remarkable comeback from 18-6 down to defeat the NZ Warriors 22-19 in the last minute of play on a wet Auckland afternoon.

Then despite having the demoted Bill Kikau sent not once but twice to the sin-bin in the first half, Penrith overcame some indifferent referring from Kasey Badger and some spirited defence to defeat North Sydney at the picturesque but bitterly cold North Sydney Oval last Friday night with ex-bear Darren Nicholls once again steering his youthful side to victory.

Penrith will be looking to challenge for a top-two

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David Tangata-Toa’s Holden Cup side hasn’t had the best of fortnights either, as they come to grips with life without Wayde Egan, Jarome Luai and Liam Martin, who have excelled under Garth Brennan since their promotion to the Intrust Super Premiership side in recent weeks.

After building a 12-nil lead, the Panthers although not helped by some officiating blunders, lost their way to lose 24-18 to fellow finals aspirants, North Queensland before being very lucky to escape with a draw against tenth-placed Souths to now fall three points behind competition leaders, Cronulla.

The Panthers next up face a tricky assignment against sixth-placed Manly before facing last placed NZ Warriors the following week.

While Peter Wallace (groin – 1-2 weeks) and Bryce Cartwright (knee - 2-4 weeks) remain side-lined, James Fisher-Harris finally returns from injury for this week’s must win clash against Manly, who have yet to lose an “away” fixture in 2017 and will be fired up by the shock omission of Daly Cherry-Evans from the Queensland Origin side.

Despite having one of the NRL’s easiest runs home to make the top eight, a loss to Manly could see Penrith slip three wins behind eighth spot.

The return of Mitch Rein sees Sione Katoa revert back to the interchange bench while Tyrone Peachey replaces Dean Whare (broken jaw - up to four weeks) in the centres.

The Panthers 21-man squad in numeric order is as follows: Edwards, Mansour, Peachey, Blake, D WateneZelezniak, Moylan (C), Cleary, Tamou, Rein, Campbell-Gillard, Harawira-Naera, Yeo, Merrin.

Interchange: Katoa, Latu, Browne, Akauola, Ellis, Fisher-Harris, Kikau, J Cartwright.

Manly are at near full-strength only missing Jake Trobjevic (Origin), Curtis Sironen and ex-Panther Lewis Brown for this match.

The following Friday sees the Panthers head across the ditch to square off against an equally desperate NZ Warriors outfit at Mount Smart Stadium, that is likely to missing the likes of Isaac Luke and Ryan Hoffman to injury.

See you at the game. #PantherPride

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38

penrith panthers

Nepean News 6 July 2017 Issue 204

on the

Television host, international ring announcer and commentator Mark Warren

ROUND BY GEYER ranch

 MG doing it tough on Hamilton Island

….and an Australian Star is born What was the temperature at Suncorp for the Battle of Brisbane? For the record, there’s no doubt that New York Judge Waleska Rolden who scored the fight 117 111 may have been affected, respectfully, the bright glare of the Queensland sun can do that, even if on a bright winter’s Sunday afternoon. Certainly a day for Sunnies and a hat at ringside it seems. Meanwhile in Penrith and from the comfort of MG’s loungeroom this author was shaking off Hickeys Lane frostbite after a real gutsy win by Brothers under 16s over the Windsor Wolves in a top of the table clash - and hey do yourself a favour, the steak sangas with onion and BBQ sauce are off the wall. Mouth-watering value, grab two actually and save yourself a trip back to the tent. I digress….where was I? MG is the social media buff as you guys would well know, so after decades covering the fights all over the world he thought a round-by-round scorecard by this boofhead from the couch would be nice for punters out and about at the footy or netball without access the Main Event action.

Round 1 - A great start from The Hornet, swarms all over Pacquiao from the opening bell, I’m amazed.

His camp had declared part of the plan in the lead up

to this event and Horn lands all the best punches; to the body, a right hand, and a lead uppercut that was consistent on the inside for the duration of the fight.

The all-time great pound for pounder not bothering the humble-to-a-fault Queenslander: he’d told us over and over he wouldn’t be overawed and was true to his word from the opening bell. 10 9 The Hornet Round 2 - A Slight edge to Pacquiao, who lands a good left to the body and Horn is cut over his right eye from a head clash. The Pacman stepping to the side trying to get off that trademark left-hook with ferocious intent, Full credit to Horn’s corner managing this cut. A very close round. 10 9 The Hornet Round 3 - In Rugby League terms, this is Originpaced stuff. Where did those first three rounds go?

These rounds just seem so much quicker, WOW it is fast man. Horn makes a great start, a left hook, loading up a right-hand, Pacquiao storms back in the latter stages with some good shots. 10 9 The Pacman Round 4 - Horn pushes Pacquiao to the canvas early and there’s that lead uppercut again from Horn and a big right-hand and the better of the shots landed. 10 9 The Hornet Round 5 - A terrific round of championship boxing. A frantic round, with both men landing solid shots, Horn early on, Pacquaio late. The commentary team note Jeff Horn gets the better of the exchanges: that’s enough for this ultra-patriotic Australian. 10 9 The Hornet Round 6 - An accidental head-butt and Pacquiao is cut, it’s nasty, near the hairline. Horn dominates with non-stop pressure mastering the body, punishing the liver, and another right hand. A big round for Horn. 10 9 The Hornet

Round 7 - Another accidental head clash opens up another cut for Pacquaio, it’s a mess and full credit to the corner, it’s a bloodbath in there. A very close round and judges can be inclined when close to lean towards the champ - and with that in mind the legend gets the round. 10 9 The Pacman Round 8 - The Legend scores, he ups the pace, Pacquiao shows more urgency, clips Horn with some good shots and backs him up to take the round. He also knows the only way the Australian is bowing out of this contest is on his shield. Manny, the 11-time world champion across eight divisions is rallying, he ‘may not’ have the same speed or power without a knockout since 2009, but still lightning at times. 10 9 The Pacman Round 9 - THAT ROUND. Pacquiao dominates, he hurts Horn tagging The Hornet with big shots, the challenger now showing the heart of Pharlap, Perkins, Sattler and Thurston. How does he survive? Staggered for what seems an eternity, his legs betraying him, I’m still totally amazed - just jaw dropping and pretty sure there’s a pun there somewhere. The third man in the ring, American Mark Nelson comes to the corner at the end of the round vowing to stop the fight. Horn under siege, this now is the stuff of legend - straight from a Hollywood script but this is REAL! Now we learn his Dad, Jeff Horn Senior, wanted to stop the fight and throw the towel as a father’s love shines. Horn’s trainer Glenn Rushton pleading with Jeff Senior not to sail the towel over the ropes towards the canvas.

After speaking with our greatest trainer, The Master Trainer, Hall of Famer, Johnny Lewis I’m also in agreeance with the third man. Lewis said, “Mark, the referee cared for the fighter BUT didn’t panic either. Jeff was under sustained punishment, and after talking to Jeff and his corner and telling

mark

with MARK WARREN

is stepping in for MG this week, who is busy doing it tough sunning himself and sipping cocktails on Hamilton Island.

ROUND from the AT THE RIFF

Jeff he would have to show him something in this next round or he would stop the fight, I believe Mark Nelson just seemed to want to see Jeff Horn was okay and to get reassurance - and that’s good refereeing.” Well Lewi, that’s good enough for me I gave it 10 9 to The Pacman who could sense blood in the water, blood on Horn and surely sense his own face covered; a mask of war.

10 9 to The Pacman.

Round 10 - The Hornet shows the third man he has his legs back and avoids trouble, but Pacquiao does enough to take the round. The Pacman 10 9 Round 11 - Pacquiao lands a big left-hand, his signature punch. Pacman, the all-time great is finishing at pace. Horn hangs in and lands some good shots of his own. The Pacman 10 9 Round 12 - What a way to go to the finish line: to end this unbelievable fight, both landing good shots with Horn backing up the champion in the closing seconds to grab the round for the Australian! 10 9 to The Hornet So in the end, as the rounds flew by and the excitement and atmosphere grew at the Geyer ranch, very hard to score but that’s how I saw the fight whilst having cushions, pillows and tennis balls thrown at me whilst trying watch, write and score.

Great fun though, totally recommended.

And so, its already done, the rematch is on, they do it one more time and there are four things of which we can be certain. Jeff Horn will remain the humble Australian Superstar he has become.

Horn will be a lot shorter with the bookies next time around, and he’ll be a better boxer for his second dance with a legend. And finally, The Pacman will have had 68 fights and 555 rounds of professional boxing on the clock once the show rolls around and

on that, you can Mark My Words.

As the debate raged after the fight - as it always does by the way, it’s the nature of the beast - your regular columnist Mark MG Geyer texted me this.

Geyer said, “I’m seeing all the debate but I’m not looking at statistics and numbers. The more aggressive fighter won the fight fair and square, although one judge may have been affected by the heat, two nailed the decision. Our readers saw the same fight. In the ninth this kid was almost

gone then somewhere deep, deep inside of his unbelievable patriotic ticker he found ‘something’ Fullstop!

Where were you when you heard those words now etched in Australian Sporting Folklore: And…. the…NEW WBO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD….The Hornet….JEFF HORN

Mark Warren

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