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Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
Patent makes HIST-ory
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Maryam Shojaei, Benjamin Tang and Sally Teoh By KeRRIE DAVIES
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epean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s world-leading HIST (flu test) research team has reached another milestone with the final major patent granted. HIST, is a blood test that helps to identify which patients infected with influenza may be at risk of developing life-threatening complications. The test only needs a single drop of blood and a few hours to predict, with 91 per cent accuracy, patients who may develop secondary infections such as pneumonia.
HIST is now protected by patents in the USA, Japan, China, Europe and Australia and helps pave the way for further development and commercialisation. Associate Professor Benjamin Tang says the project, which began in 2009, is helping to establish a good model for the District to translate research from lab bench to bedside. “Ultimately what we would like to have is a bedside, or a point of care, test,” says Professor Tony McLean. “We believe we can identify those who are going to become seriously unwell.” The research team includes: Tony McLean, Maryam Shojaei, Grant Parnell and Benjamin Tang with Sally Teoh.
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Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
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203 Banks Drive, St Clair Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Sales: Sales: Journalist: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:
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e c i r P r e w Beat Po w! o N s U ll , Ca s e s a e r c In Let us Help you Avoid Bill Shock
By KeRRIE DAVIES
I
t really is hard to believe we are in April already! I must admit April is one of my favourite months of the year. The unbearable heat is behind us, but the bitter cold hasn’t set in as yet; and then there’s the abundance of public holidays that enable us to take the first breather since Christmas. It’s also a month of giving thanks. Church-goers will spend a fair chunk of this month giving thanks to the man upstairs, and as a nation we will give thanks to our defence forces past and present on Anzac Day. Let’s all set our alarm clocks nice and early on Anzac Day and head to a Dawn Service to show our diggers how much we appreciate the sacrifices they made for our nation and its people. Let’s pause and reflect on the thousands who never made it back. Even if it is raining on Anzac Day morning and you’re warm in your bed, spare a thought for those who crawled through mud and often went with no sleep at all in order to survive. We no longer have any Australian WW1 vets living, and the elite group of WW11 veterans still living is rapidly declining. As time rolls on more and more great souls who gave the greatest sacrifice in the earlier theatres of war will leave this earth, and each year there will be less of them standing proudly displaying their well-earned badges on Anzac Day. Let’s stand by our diggers and roll up in droves this Anzac Day - and as proud Australians let’s salute them now before it is too late. Lest We Forget.
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We walk together
local news
By KeRRIE DAVIES
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ouncil is bringing the neighbourhood back! The world is busier than ever and people can feel disconnected from each other, but Penrith Council believes it’s time for the local neighbourhood to make a comeback. And that’s why Penrith Council is launching Good Neighbour. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the Good Neighbour project is a small way Council can support residents to build connections with their neighbours. “Penrith has always been a place of real community and neighbourhoods. And as our city continues to change and look to the future, it is equally important that we remember and nurture those roots,” Cr Fowler said. “That’s what the Good Neighbour program is about. Providing opportunities and supporting residents to reach out and build those relationships and friendships with their neighbours,” Cr Fowler continued. “It’s also important for our safety and wellbeing. Good relationships transform communities and knowing our neighbours makes us all safer and feel better because social connections help prevent loneliness, isolation and depression. “It can be hard to know where to start, whether you’re new to Penrith or you’ve lived here all your life. Good Neighbour doesn’t do the work for you,
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Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
Good neighbours
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Stuart Ayres MP but it does give you a place to start and some access to some great resources to throw a neighbourhood get together,” he concluded. Good Neighbour is available to everyone in the Penrith LGA. All you need to do is fill in a short form, and then we will help you to host your own neighbourhood get-together. It can be anything you want – a small get together in the front yard, a small street party or a gathering at your local park, it’s up to you! The key is to keep it local enough so you can connect with people in your neighbourhood. With Good Neighbour you’ll have access to invitation templates, a guide to help you plan and free hire of an event kit including giant games. Find out more and get planning for your Good Neighbour event at penrith.city/GoodNeighbour you can contact Council’s Community Safety team on 4732 8028.
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Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith
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local news
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epean Hospital welcomed new trainee Assistants in Nursing (AIN), Katie Squires, Corina Button and Amanda Forrester to the Local Health District earlier last month. The new trainees have begun their three year training pathway that supports the enrolment in Bachelor in Midwifery to become an Aboriginal Midwife. During their first year, AIN trainees undertake a Certificate III in Health Services Assistant qualification with a maternal and infant skill set. They learn to provide basic care to mothers and babies in the hospital’s maternity unit as well as: • Participate in WHS activities • Comply with Infection Control policies and procedures • Take observations • Learn how to communicate effectively with colleagues and consumers in healthcare Following the completion of their Certificate III trainees complete a Diploma of Nursing. “I’ve always had a passion for health, I studied it when I was younger, however when I had kids it was put to the side. Now that they’re older, I want to get back out and help other mothers and children,” says Corina.
(L to R): Amanda Forrester, Katie Squires and Corina Button.
For Katie, this opportunity was a chance to follow her true passion. “I wanted to be a midwife years ago, but I was scared and didn’t take that leap. I tried my hand as an accountant, but knew it wasn’t for me.”
“Once I’ve finished the program I would love to go back to desert and learn more about birthing on country. I want to be there to help women make decisions that’s right for them,” says Katie. The presence of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander midwives helps build cultural understanding within the whole maternity workforce and expectant mothers know that their cultural, social and emotional wellbeing is considered when seeking maternity care.
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
Welcome aboard new trainee Assistants in Nursing
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Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
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local news
Helping hands and friendly faces in the ED
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ou may have noticed two new team members taking a proactive approach with patients and visitors in the Nepean Hospital emergency department waiting room. Katherine and Jo are the new patient experience managers who greet people when they arrive at the ED and help them to navigate an often stressful and sometimes confusing journey through the ED. Nepean is part of a NSW Health trial of the new positions and other measures to improve the wellbeing and comfort of people in ED waiting rooms. Jo says often it’s the small things that they can help with that makes all the difference. “Everyone is so busy in the ED, sometimes people can feel they have been forgotten in the waiting room.
We can help by checking in on them and reminding them everyone will be seen.” Katherine says having the patient experience managers out in the waiting room answering questions can also help other staff, such as clerks and triage nurses to focus on their tasks and not be interrupted so often. Clinical Director of Emergency, Dr Claire Helm says patients and staff have provided lots of positive feedback. “We want to improve the experience of patients presenting to Nepean Hospital from the front door. “The patient experience manager roles are helping doctors on busy shifts keep track of the progress of patients in the waiting room. They help to address concerns of patients before they get to see their doctor, and anxiety is reduced.”
Black Spot Program funds set to save lives
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HE Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government has announced it will invest $250,000 towards on works in Cranebrook under the 2019–20 Black Spot Program. Federal Candidate for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh said the intersection of Andrews Rd and Greygums Rd, which carries about 8,000 vehicles a day, will be made safer thanks to the Government’s investment. “Road crashes place major emotional and economic strains on all affected communities, but particularly the families and friends of the victims.” Ms McIntosh said. “With four lives lost here in just five years, that’s four families who will never be whole again. One tragic incident at this intersection is too many, so I am thankful the funding has been delivered to address this under the 2019-2020 Black Spot Program. “None of these projects would be delivered without the community’s vital input and I’d encourage all residents and motorists in the region to nominate projects for future funding rounds.” Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said the upgrade to the notorious road accident spot would help save lives.
Penrith drives toward the future with new parking sensors
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arking is set to become more efficient for residents, shoppers and visitors with a new high-tech parking management system ready to roll out across the Penrith City Centre. The parking management system includes the use of state-of-the-art inground parking sensors, which will be installed in many Council owned on and off-street parking areas from Monday 1 April. The parking sensors will detect how parking spaces are used including turnover and frequency of cars. This will provide valuable and reliable data to help Council better understand parking usage and supply across the City Centre. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the data collected from the
parking sensors will be used to inform future parking strategies and make improvements across the City. “This is about collecting reliable information and making sure our future parking strategies meet the community’s needs, in both the short and long term,” Cr Fowler said. Chief Executive Officer of Penrith’s CBD Corporation Gai Hawthorn says local businesses and retailers will benefit from this new parking system. “Having car spaces available for customers is vital to our local businesses and this new parking system will improve turnover in designated short-term spaces so customers can access our shops and services when and where they need it most, “Ms Hawthorn said. The installation of parking sensors
will commence in Edwards Place Car Park, where sensors have been trialled since 2015. These sensors will be replaced with new, state-of-the-art sensors with other on and off-street parking areas to follow in a staged rollout. The next stage of this project includes the delivery of a free mobile phone app which will provide users with information about areas of available parking to help reduce the amount of time spent searching for a car spot. This smart parking management system is another step towards more efficient parking in the City Centre and is to be followed by the delivery of more than 230 new parking spaces at the North Street car park in May and an additional 600 parking spaces
in the upgrade of Soper Place which is due to open late 2021. “We’re working towards creating a liveable city that is easy to access and get around, with a walkable urban centre, green spaces and parking that is conveniently located and connected to services and businesses. Smarter parking systems are a key element towards achieving this vision,” Cr Fowler said. Installation of parking sensors will take place between 5am – 7am on weekdays to minimise any inconvenience for the community. Parking areas will remain open during this time. For more information about the parking sensors and location of parking sensors please visit penrith. city/parkin
local news
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ocal patients will now be able to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions, with the Liberal National Government announcing a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) licence for High Street Medical Imaging. This MRI licence means locals will be able to access a Medicare rebate for an estimated 3,719 services a year – saving lives and reducing the costs for patients. An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels. It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries. Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said the provision of the MRI license was good news for the Lindsay community. “High Street Medical Imaging has been a cornerstone of the community since they opened their doors in 2013,” Senator Payne said. “I am very pleased that more people in our community will now be able access a Medicare rebate when they’re going for an MRI scan. “The license will help cut out-ofpocket costs for patients.” Patients will receive the Medicarecovered MRI services from April. Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Liberal National Government is helping Australians stay healthy and keeping down the cost of healthcare for families. “Our plan for a strong economy means we continue to deliver record funding for essential services such as Medicare, public hospitals and life-
(L-R): Melissa McIntosh, Dr Tony Lu, Senator for Western Sydney Marise Payne and Dr Jaspal Hunjan at High Street Medical Imaging, Penrith.
saving medicines,” Minister Hunt said. “Our investment in MRI licences of over $375 million over the forward estimates for 50 new locations around the country delivers on the Government’s commitment to improve access and outcomes for patients.” Dr Jaspal Hunjan, a senior radiologist at High Street Medical Imaging, welcomed the Liberal-National Government’s announcement. “We at High Street Medical Imaging are delighted to hear that the Federal Government has allocated a full Medicare licence for our MRI scan,” Dr Hunjan said.
“Since our business opened its doors less than 10 years ago, we’ve worked closely with the local medical referrers in providing world class quality cutting-edge service to the wider Nepean community. “In receiving the full licence, we also wish to thank the federal Government for taking our lobbying to a favourable outcome in best interest of patients, but also removing pre-existing monopoly of highly limited bulk billed MRI in the region.” Dr Tony Lu, a radiologist and colleague of Dr Hunjan at High Street Medical Imaging, said the license would increase access to the vital scanning service.
“This fully-funded MRI licence will allow Western Sydney patients to access bulk-billed scans for not only GP-referred patients but this will now extend to all specialist referred patients. This will benefit those who need this life saving examination the most,” Dr Lu said. “Our ageing population with better life expectancy has an increasing need for accurate early detection and monitoring of diseases without radiation. “We welcome the government’s decision to expand MRI services and commitment to more than $500 million for diagnostic imaging over the coming years.”
Winners enjoy free tickets to Webers Circus In our recent family pass giveaway on facebook, which was tickets to see Webers Circus at Luddenham Showground last weekend, the winner was Linda Norman. Linda took her kids and grandkids for a day at the Circus and said they all thoroughly enjoyed it. Follow Nepean News on facebook and watch out for our next giveaway!
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
New MRI license to save lives and cuts costs
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Unveiling the Honour Roll at Orchard Hills PS By Noel Rowsell
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he idea of honoring the residents of Orchard Hills who volunteered and enlisted to serve their country in the First World War was discussed at a P&C meeting of the School on 23/9/1918. It was resolved that Mr Whatson Jnr be asked to obtain prices and particulars of an ‘Honour Roll’ for the school. To raise funds for the supply and installation of the Roll, a draughts tournament was held on 9/12/1917. It was later reported that the fund had a credit balance of £2/19/6. At a further meeting of the P&C on 10/3/1919 it was resolved that, in conjunction with the Orchard Hills Branch, Red Cross Society, that a welcome home function and the unveiling of the Honour Roll would be held on Saturday 29/3/1919. The unveiling was carried out by the Mayor of St Marys Alderman Kenneth Campbell and a welcome home was feted to Privates John Morris, Clifford Dickson and Bert Mitchell on Saturday afternoon 29/3/1919. On behalf of the Orchard Hills branch of the Red Cross Society, the
Organiser Jim Mason, alongside State MP for Londonderry Prue Car and students, teachers and descendants of men on the honour roll.
President Mrs B Musaio presented each of the soldiers with a handsome gold pendant as a memento of the Great War and a light token of esteem from the residents of Orchard Hills. At the Orchard Hills PS P&C meeting on 4/12/2001 in the Principal report, Penrith RSL had requested permission to relocate the Honour Roll to the RSL so as to increase exposure to the community. If granted, a sign would say the Honour Roll came from Orchard Hills PS – all present voted to relocate the Honour Roll. That relocation of course never occurred and in April 2016 it was reported that Honour Boards had been restored, across the region, as part of the Centenary of ANZAC grants program.
Raising awareness about homelessness
Banks Public School teachers: Sam Grisedale, Kim Dunne, Katrina King, Mel Snape, Jane Lalor and Principal Denis Morgan taking part in the Sudsy Challenge By KeRRIE DAVIES
A
ccording to Orange Sky Australia, 1 in 200 people in this country experience homelessness. That’s a pretty frightening statistic and proof that it can happen to anyone. ‘Sudsy’ was the first laundry van for those who are living on the streets. It was built by Orange Sky co-founders, Nic and Lucas, at the ripe age of 19. It took them three days (and three sets of washing machines and dryers) to get the van working. Nic, Lucas and Sudsy hit the streets and met a friend named Jordan, who was the first person to use the free mobile laundry service. Jordan taught Nic and Lucas that while clean clothes were important, it was the conversation and connection that
mattered more. Every day, 28 vans just like Sudsy hit the road to support people doing it tough. The Sudsy Challenge is about raising funds and awareness for the 116,000 people who are experiencing homelessness in Australia. Orange Sky has issued The Sudsy Challenge, which is essentially about wearing the same set of clothes for three days (without washing them!) and start conversations that matter. A group of teachers at Banks Public School have taken on the challenge and are raising funds as well as teaching the children that homelessness does not discriminate, and can happen to anyone at any time. Well done!
The School Choir singing ‘Spirit of the Anzacs’ in front of dignitaries, students and teachers.
Former Lindsay MP Fiona Scott announced the Honour Roll at Orchard Hills PS had been reinstalled. The work, including the cleaning, re-polishing and gold lettering that was re-applied to the Honour Roll was carried out under the guidance of the City of Penrith RSL sub-branch. Local identity James (Jim) Mason organised the unveiling of the Honour Roll at Orchard Hills PS on 29th March, with local dignitaries (including Member for Londonderry Prue Car and His Worship the Mayor of Penrith, Councillor Ross Fowler), descendants of servicemen named on the Roll, teachers, parents and students attending the official ceremony. Following an Acknowledgement of Country, relieving Principal Mrs
Meegan Parsons welcomed all to the school and Mr Michael Edwards, Leader of the Mt Hope Uniting Church said a Prayer for the fallen. The school choir sang ‘Spirit of the Anzacs’, before Mr Mason read a History of the Roll of Honour. Councillor Brian Cartwright then gave the Reading of the Roll of Honour, before Mayor Fowler undertook the official unveiling. Mr Mick Visinko, Honorary Secretary, City of Penrith RSL SubBranch read The Ode, which was followed by a playing of the Last Post, one minute silence and Reveille. Mrs Parsons closed the ceremony, with all present singing the National Anthem before adjourning for refreshments.
Pumpkin Decorating for the Easter Show
The decorated pumpkins will be on display at the Easter Show in the flower and garden section By KeRRIE DAVIES
BANKS Public School Students from Years 2 to 6 were encouraged to take part in decorating pumpkins to put on display at this year’s Royal Easter Show. The participating students have spent many days creating and putting together their colourful masterpieces and they look fantastic. Sisters Bella and Abbie, who are in years 4 and 6 enjoyed creating their unicorn pumpkin. “I really enjoyed doing it together and working as a team with my sister,” Bella said. “The best part was adding the final touch which was the head piece,” Abbie added. Callum and Brock from Year six spent almost a week working on theirs. “It took 6 days and was a lot of fun,” Callum said. Brock added that
Ella from Year 2
Sisters Bella and Abbie
the most fun part was doing the spray painting. The older students praised Ella from Year 2 for her great artwork. “That is so good for someone in Year 2,” they said.
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anzac TRIBUTE
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
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The meaning of ANZAC
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NZAC day each year marks a time of touching remembrance and compassion as we remember the soldiers that risked (and unfortunately many lost) their lives to represent our land. Since 1915, April 25 has since shown remarkable significance for the nation. The term ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps, which is why the troops from all the forces were and still are referred to as ANZACs. World War 1 started in 1914 and in November of the same year plans for ANZAC to form were well underway. A year later, Australia and New Zealand joined forces and trained to serve. ANZAC day originates from April 25, 1915 when the first major military action was fought by the troops when they landed in Gallipoli; the aim was to capture the Gallipoli peninsula which meant that Constantinople (Istanbul in Turkey) would be taken over. Unfortunately the plan to remove Turkey – an ally of Germany – from the war became a standstill and the battle went on for eight months before the troops were evacuated. After the extensive hardships, over 8000
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne when she met with Australian soldiers deployed to Afghanistan
Australians had been killed at that point. Despite the failed military efforts the soldiers were recognised back at home for their selfless acts and since that first landing the day is
commemorated as a grand form of respect through dawn services, marches and ceremonies in honour of the soldiers’ service. Sadly, the first World War in its entirety saw 416,809 Australians
enlisted. Of these, 60,000 were killed and 156,000 were wounded, taken prisoner or gassed. This is why outwardly expressive gestures of respect are so strongly appreciated in Australia.
Lest We Forget
CITY OF PENRITH RSL SUB-BRANCH
ANZAC DAWN SERVICe 25th April 2019 The march to assemble outside the club at 4.30am. The march moves off at 4.45am. The service starts at 5am. The march will leave Tindale Street and left into Castlereagh Street then left onto High Street down to Memory Park. Once the service is over everyone is invite back to the club for breakfast.
anzac TRIBUTE hen war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany. The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated, after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli had made a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war. Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways they
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ANZAC: Shaping an Australian society
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viewed both their past and their future. The Dawn Service observed on Anzac Day has its origins in a military routine which is still followed by the Australian Army today. During battle, the half-light of dawn was one of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive
positions were woken in the dark before dawn, so by the time first light crept across the battlefield they were awake, alert, and manning their weapons; this is still known as the “stand-to”. As dusk is equally favourable for attacks, the stand-to was repeated at sunset.
anzac TRIBUTE Honouring those who fought for our freedom
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
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By KeRRIE DAVIES
O
n Anzac Day, the Dawn Service is the perfect time to honour those who have fought for our freedom across all theatres of
war. We honour those currently serving in our Defence Forces at home and overseas. We honour those who previously served, many of whom returned home bearing physical and/or emotional scars from the battleground. We honour those who never made it home alive. During battle, the half-light of dawn was one of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were woken in the dark before dawn, so by the time first light crept across the battlefield they were awake, alert, and manning their weapons; this is still known as the ‘stand-to’. After the First World War, returned soldiers sought the comradeship they had felt in those quiet, peaceful moments before dawn. A dawn vigil, recalling the wartime front line practice of the dawn ‘stand-to’, became the basis of a form of commemoration in several places after the war. The Dawn Service is not an Army specific ceremony. It is a public ceremony normally conducted by the Returned and Services League of Australia with involvement across all three Services of the Australian Defence Force. The origins of the Dawn Service are not entirely clear and research is currently being undertaking by Australian military historians to ascertain the true beginnings of the Dawn Service.
The St Marys Dawn Service showcases the Haka and Didgeridoo as part of the Anzac commemorations.
It is probable that the holding of a commemorative service at dawn may have had its origins from either the military practice of ‘stand to’ at dawn on the battle field, or it may also have recognised origins from the dawn landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. Current research indicates there may be a number of ‘first’ Dawn Services held; they include: A service held on the Western Front by an Australian Battalion on 25 Apr 1916; A service held at Toowoomba Queensland in 1919 or 1920;
“Lest We Forget”
A service conducted in Albany, Western Australia in 1923 (or later); and/or A service held in the newly build Cenotaph at Martin Place, Sydney in 1928. It is conceivable that a number of Dawn Services did occur independent of each other with participants not having any knowledge of the other services held in other locations. To show your respects on Anzac Day there are Dawn Service held at both St Marys and Penrith. Lest We Forget.
anzac TRIBUTE I’d never even heard of the bloody place
T
ONY Mullavey received his “call up” to fight in Vietnam when he was only 19 years old, but young Tony had no idea what kind of conflict he was getting himself involved in. “I’d never even heard of the bloody place,” he said. “You knew there was something going on but you didn’t take a whole lot of notice of it.” After his numbers were called up Tony decided it was time to finish his apprenticeship as a baker and marry his teenage sweetheart, and in 1968 his training to be a military man began. “They stripped you down from what you were as an individual and made you into a member of the military. “We were told to jump when someone said jump, run whenever someone said run and shoot when someone told us to shoot,” he said. Growing up in Bathurst, a long way from the jungles of Vietnam, Tony’s simple upbringing shaped him into the solider he became. “Being a country boy I knew how to shoot, I was carrying a rifle from the time I was six years old. “I thought since my trade was as a baker they’d send me to be a cook but because I’d grown up with a rifle in my hand I was a pretty good shot so they sent me to infantry,” he said. On January 6, 1969, after completing his training, Tony was sent off to the wet, hot and humid jungles of Vietnam. “Before we left they told us we’d be fighting against the Viet Cong. We were told they wore a pair of sandals, black pyjamas, a Chinese style hat and they carried an AK-47 assault rifle. “The funny thing was, when we arrived in Vietnam everyone there wore black pyjamas, sandals and Chinese style hats. The only thing they didn’t have was the rifle,” Tony said. After being moved around Tony settled in the First Australian Task Force base in Nui Dat, in South Vietnam.
His first job as a soldier was to partake in search and destroy missions deep into the Vietnamese jungles. Search and destroy missions involved a group of around seven soldiers marching out into the jungle in an attempt to find enemy bunkers and hide outs. When they found them they’d dig in and destroy them. “We would spend around six weeks in the bush on search and destroy missions. “We would be resupplied daily but it was a hard slog through the bush. “For me, my time in Vietnam was 300 days of slogging your guts out in the bush. “We would be patrolling and looking around for all sorts of things.
You wouldn’t stop searching with your eyes. Just looking back and forward for anything or anyone. “It was boring but we’d always be hoping we wouldn’t have a contact with anyone,” Tony said. The jungles in Vietnam were thick, dark and dangerous, but for Tony a little Aussie bush ingenuity helped him conquer some of the hardest challenges. “The bush was so thick and you had to be really quiet when walking around. “The Viet Cong knew their land and would often spot us before we’d see them. “We had the problem of how do you cut through the bush without
making any sound? So I got my dad to send me a pair of secateurs so I could cut through the bush without making much noise,” Tony said. During the war the Viet Cong used a number of different trap mechanisms to maim or kill their enemy. Those traps included hidden spike pits with glass and knives at the bottom, grenade mines and in some cases hidden poisonous snakes in disposed weapons boxes. One morning, during a routine patrol of the base at Nui Dat, Tony fell victim to one of these traps hidden by the Viet Cong. “We were making our morning patrol of the area around the base. We would do it every morning to check the perimeter for any enemy who might have set up over night. “One morning while, I was doing my patrol, I was walking along the path when I put my foot on a patch of ground. It didn’t feel right but I didn’t think much of it until without any warning I fell through the ground and into a great big bloody hole. “When I hit the bottom I was pretty worried but after a second or two I realised I couldn’t feel any pain in my feet or on my body, so I knew I was alright,” Tony said. The hole was around seven feet deep but with some help he was able to climb out unharmed. Towards the end of 1969, after he’d done his time, Tony was shipped home to Australia, though when he arrived back in Sydney he found himself in the middle of a complex and divided country. “There was so much going on because of people protesting. “Hindsight teaches you a lot but at the end of the day the government will still do the same thing over again and make the same bloody mistakes,” he said. Tony Mullavey is from the St Marys Vietnam Veterans’ Outpost. They live by the motto, “Honour the dead but fight like hell for the living.”
15 Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
By Keegan Thomson
15
Station St, Penrith Ph. 4732 4777
Lest We Forget Follow us on
We pause with respect to honour those who fought, and those continuing to fight, putting their lives on the line for our great country.
anzac TRIBUTE He gave ‘em stick!
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
16
Sydney Nicklin during a break in hostilities on ther Western Front.
S
ydney Nicklin, the patriarch of a local family heavily involved in Nepean hockey, gave the enemy plenty of stick on World War I battlefields and opposition hockey teams the same during an illustrious playing career at war’s end. He is the grandfather of Sue Coulshed, Nepean Hockey Association’s highly-respected Child Protection Representative and the great grandfather of Sue’s boys, Andrew and Nick, two highly promising players with Blaxland club. Mr Nicklin showed courage on both sporting and battlefields. He served on the Western Front
Sydney Nicklin, on the right, watches the battle for possession between a team-mate and a Kiwi player on the ’22 tour.
during the War to End All Wars, spending much of his time in the trenches, exchanging fire with the Germans across a narrow No-Man’s Land. The young soldier – he put up his age to enlist – displayed bravery on numerous encounters and was
regularly “mentioned in despatches”. From all reports, Mr Nicklin was a fearless but fair competitor on the field – giving his all for club, state and country. That’s right, he was good enough to represent Australia on many occasions.
He was a member of the very first Australian hockey side to tour overseas – he and a handful of fellow former servicemen were in a national squad which toured New Zealand in 1922. Mr Nicklin passed away in 1960, aged 64 years.
TRICIA HITCHEN Councillor Penrith City Council Phone 0417 365 313
“ We will remember them, today & every day.” “The ANZAC spirit was born on the shores of Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915. We honour the sacrifices of the ANZACS, who fought for our freedoms and values that day. We also pay tribute to all men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Armed Forces. For those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service, we will remember. Lest we forget.”
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry Ph: 9833 1122 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Ross Fowler
Mayor of Penrith
Reflecting on the enormous sacrifice made by our defence forces, both past and present this ANZAC Day. Lest We Forget p: 4722 3066 m: 0419 738 484 Email: ross@rossfowler.com.au
anzac TRIBUTE
17
The 10 million kids who were never born
I
was born a post- Second World War baby in 1951, it was only six years after the end of that war and many of my family, had been involved in the conflict. Like many others, I had heard tales of heroism and comradeship, what I wasn’t told were the horrors of war as most returning servicemen were happy to be home and did not want to remember the worst of what they faced in the battle. Having grown up in the sixties I was also aware of the next major battle that Australia took part in; that being the Vietnam War. This was the first war fought on the TV screens, newspapers and radio and it was broadcast directly into our homes. The one thing that did not change were the tales of those serving but also the lack of talk about the horrors they faced. The effect on serving men and women was both traumatic and long lasting. Many of our readers will know exactly what I am talking about and to this day many still are receiving treatment for the nightmares etched into their brain as a result. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Vets Outpost at St Marys for the work they do day-to-day to assist those still suffering. But I also want to reflect on our country, Australia and the long term effect war has had - not only on those
that fought but also those who were left behind and those that did not have the opportunity to be part of our great country. In the First World War about 60,000 soldiers perished and a similar number suffered injuries that effected their future and dreams of marriage and raising families, mainly young men who proudly went off to fight for our beliefs and ideals. In the Second World War more than 39,000 Australians suffered the same fate. All in all more than 100,000 service people have been killed between 1899 and today as a result of conflicts, and another similar figure suffered injuries that curtailed any hope of the Australian dream. Figures show that the number of children born to families averaged between three and five over this time. Over approximately six Australian generations, if it was only three children unborn to each generation, it means that over 10 million Australian kids did not see the light of day as a direct result of the different fighting. Australia’s population now stands at about 25 million, this could have now been 35 million if it was not for the various conflicts that we still see today. When we reflect on the courage and strength of those that fought and perished on battlefields, let us also remember those that were left behind, and those that never had the chance to be born and grow up in this great country. Garry Ayres and Ted Fish from Lest we forget. St Marys Outpost
Stuart Ayres Member for Penrith
“
We pay tribute to those Australians who fought for our country and our values. Lest we forget.
”
Phone: 4722 8660 | Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
By GREG DAVIES
17
MP
anzac TRIBUTE Memorial Service at the Paceway
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
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By Noel Rowsell
M
r Mick McConnell, President of the City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch, opened the Students ANZAC Service at Penrith Paceway on 9th April, welcoming all guests to the service. 2,224 schoolchildren and 140 teachers from 46 local schools attended the Service, which is the largest Commemorative Service of it’s kind in NSW. Guests of Honour included Captain Josh Heazlewood, 5th Engineer Regiment; The Hon. Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith; Councillor Ross Fowler OAM, Mayor Penrith City Council; Tanya Davies MP, Member for Mulgoa; Relieving Director, Public Schools NSW, Cambridge Park Network Lisa Porter and representing Club Paceway, Mr Ray Hunnam. The Service began with the Mounting of the Honour Guard (21 Army Cadet Unit) and the Catafalque Party (323 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets). Students Lilly Meyer-Gleaves and Emerson Rovere from McCarthy Catholic College were given the privilege of hosting the Service and conducted events superbly throughout the morning. Anthony Manoukian from St Dominic’s College delivered the Prayer of Remembrance, Captain Heazlewood gave the ANZAC Oration and the Emu Heights PS choir sang Amazing Grace, before the wreaths were laid by schoolchildren and dignitaries. This was followed by the Ode of Remembrance, the Last Post and one minute’s silence. Flynn Cole from St Dominic’s College delivered the Benediction, followed by the playing of both the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems, Mr McConnell had the last address.
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I would like to thank the following people for their participation today”. “A very special thanks to Lilly Meyer-Gleaves and Emerson Rovere from McCarthy Catholic College for the professional manner in which they conducted this service today”. “Emu Heights Public PS for providing the choir and The buglers, Winmalee HS for the band, the Army Cadets from 323 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets for providing the Catafalque Party and 21 Army Cadet Unit for the Honour Guard”. “St John Ambulance for providing first aid assistance, to Club Paceway for providing the facilities for this service and to the CBD Corporation for their assistance in organising and co-ordinating this event” said Mr McConnell. “The students from Cranebrook High School, who volunteered to direct and handout programs to students getting off the buses, to all our volunteers and to my sub-Branch members, for their assistance in organising and coordinating today’s activity”.
Mr McConnell said “But most importantly, to you the students and your teachers and schools, for allowing you to attend this most important and memorable occasion”. “Last but not least, a very special thank you to CDC and Blue Mountains Bus Companies, for without them providing transport, you would not be
here today” said Mr McConnell. The first Schools ANZAC Commemorative Service was held in the early-1960’s at Parramatta, before a decision was made in 1966 to move the Service to Penrith. Services for the first three years were held at Penrith PS but moved permanently to the Paceway in 1976.
local news By KeRRIE DAVIES
W
ELL-KNOWN Penrith-based business Nepean Regional Security has been named Champion Business of the Decade at the Australian Small Business Champion Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony held last Saturday at The Star, with over 1,100 guests in attendance. The Australian Small Business Champion Awards is the only national recognition program for Australian small businesses. Headed up by one of Penrith’s greatest trailblazers, Gina Field, NRS first began operation in 1998 at a time when females in security were pretty much not heard of. From the company’s humble beginnings in an office that doubled as a bedroom and the number of employees was one {Gina} it has now grown to become a household name in the Nepean region and beyond. NRS is now the employer of 50 full-time equivalent and is a multi-award winning success story. This national award is recognition on an enormous scale. “I couldn’t believe we got up,” Gina said. “It was very humbling. Often those of us in small business are so consumed with getting the job done that we never stop and think about what we have managed to achieve. To receive this level of recognition is very grounding.
One person who is always aware of Gina’s abilities is her very supportive husband Paul. “Paul plays a significant and crucial support role in assisting with the daily running,” Gina said. In her speech, Gina highlighted that more women were now choosing security as a career. “When I began my career in this industry there very, very few women doing it. I love that I have inadvertently paved the way for more women to choose this industry and I hope I have helped make it more inviting as an option. “It has made me aware of the challenges women face not only in this industry but in the workforce
in general. I ensure that having family commitments won’t prevent females from working here as we offer flexible arrangements.” The awards program that has given NRS this enormous recognition aims to recognise outstanding Australian small businesses and encourage high standards of excellence in small business practice. “The Australian Small Business Champion Awards is a way to recognise the efforts of small business people whose efforts contribute to the prosperity and vitality of communities across Australia”, said Steve Loe, Managing Director of Precedent Productions and founder of the awards. “As a small business owner myself, I know the vision and dedication to excellence required to succeed. These traits have been displayed in abundance by all of our 2019 Small Business Champions.” Representatives of Nepean Regional Security received an award statuette, certificate and gained national recognition as an industry leader. Gina said the thing that has amazed her the most about her successful career is that she has inadvertently become a role model for other women and a small business influence and mentor to both genders, young and mature. “It is humbling moments such as this that it really dawns on you how much you’ve managed to achieve and feel pride in it. To have also been given the opportunity to inspire others, well that is a pretty amazing thing.”
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
Trailblazing Gina wins Business of the Decade
19
WINNERS WINNER
Business of the Decade
(02) 4732 5369 ML No. 405714685
Legends of the Nepean James (Jim) Mason OAM By Noel Rowsell
J
ames (Jim) Mason has been described by close friend and Legend of the Nepean nominator Ross Hutchison as a ‘living legend’ and closer examination of his life’s activities certainly bears out that description. Born in the Private Hospital once located in High Street, Penrith in 1942, Jim lived with his parents and six siblings in Orchard Hills and attended Orchard Hills PS and Penrith HS during his childhood. Jim’s grandfather Frederick owned 20 acres of land in Orchard Hills, which he purchased from the local school teacher Mr Whatson. He later gave Jim’s father Christian a further 10 acres on the corner of Frogmore and Kingswood Roads when he married Edna, where Jim lived with his parents and six siblings for thirty years.
Jim met sweetheart Julia and married her in 1973, moving to his current home in Lapstone. Jim’s first job was at Penrith City Council and he would remain in employment with Council for the next 45 years, albeit moving through several different and more senior roles during that time. A ‘modest’ sportsman in his own words, Jim played for Penrith RSL Cricket Club, winning a C Grade Premiership in the summer of 1960-61. Jim also played B Grade Tennis for the Penrith City Council team, was the Foundation President of the Penrith Rugby Union Club in 1965-66 but again said modestly “I just helped make up the numbers”. In 1968 Jim was the manager of the Penrith Waratahs A Grade Rugby League team, captained at that time by another Legend of the Nepean - Bob Bell. Jim served for 5 years on the Board of the District Football Club and is
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James (Jim) Mason OAM was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Ross Hutchison. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com
currently on the Appeals Committee of the Penrith Junior Rugby League. Jim was also a Director of the Penrith Paceway from 1984-2014 (30 years) and Treasurer for 28 years. During that period, Jim owned three pacers, including Brave Jodie (6 wins) and the more successful Surf Idol (20 wins, including 6 at Harold Park) which was driven by Amanda Turnbull. Jim still volunteers at the Paceway at the Gymkhanas and has done for 40 years, including taking nominations for 10 years.
He has had the honour of representing the Penrith RSL on Anzac Day, laying the wreath at the War Memorial. Jim began auditing whilst working at Penrith Council and this has become a major part of his life, working as Honorary Auditor for 19 organisations with the Nepean District, dating back to 1961. He has worked extensively in polling stations and was in charge of the Polling Booth at Regentville for the last Federal Election. Jim’s mother was the President
of the Orchard Hills PS P&C for 15 years and Jim has followed in her footsteps, now also a member of that organisation. Longevity is a byword for Jim, who has been a member of the local Masonic Lodge for 50 years, including a year (1976) as Worshipful Master and 20+ years as Treasurer. Jim has been a Justice of the Peace (JP) for 50 years, was the Foundation Treasurer of the Orchard Hills Rural Fire Brigade and was a committee member for 6 years in DICE (Drug Information Centre).
Jim is an Honorary Member of both the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and the Blue Mountains Netball Association. He won a Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Award in 2000 for Contributions to Sport, won the Department of Education Penrith Network Award and the Local Achievement Award NSW Seniors Festival, which was presented at the Luddenham Show. Jim is also a Life Member of the Nepean Cricket Association, Penrith Cricket Club and Penrith Rugby Club, the Penrith District Show Society, Penrith Paceway and Nepean District Historical Society, whilst also being a Foundation Member of the Emu Plains Sport & Recreation Club (now known as the Emu Sports Club). Jim is a Gold Member of both the SCG and the Men of League and has also played Santa to hundreds of adoring children in Child Care Centres throughout Penrith and the Penrith City Council Christmas Function.
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
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local news
Feral pigeons invade our neighbourhood
N
epean suburbs are in the midst of a feral pigeon epidemic and if your home has solar panels on the roof, it seems likely these ‘flying rats’ will nest under you panels. However it’s not just the annoying early morning cooing of pigeons above bedrooms that residents are contending with. As is the case with rats, pest birds play host to many diseases, parasites and mites that, left unchecked, can spread disease to the home occupants. Diseases known to be associated with pest birds include: Paratyphoid; Vibriosis; Salmonella; Listeriosis; Pasteurellosis; Histoplasmosis; Candidiasis; Sarcosporidiosias; Blastomycosis; Encephalitis; Meningitis; Newcastle Disease; Toxoplasmosis; Trichomoniasis; and Rickets. These diseases can be caused by airborne transmission, the inhalation of faecal dust, direct contact with faeces or the exposure of open wounds to faeces or faecal dust, and the presence of faecal matter in water supplies and swimming pools. Ultimately, pigeons nesting under you solar panels will deposit droppings absolutely covering your roof tiles, solar panels, and the side of your house and air-conditioning units whilst filling your roof gutters. And my goodness is it foul.
Solar panels on the roof cover a large portion of the structure that’s usually directly exposed to the sun and elements. The space under the panels is shaded, relatively cool, and not easily accessible by predators that would steal pigeon eggs or kill their young, which makes it the best place for pigeons to nest. If they’re given the opportunity, they’ll take it and create several nests. So what can local residents do about this? As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure, so if pigeons haven’t colonised your solar panels yet, get them meshed. Solar panel meshing prevents damage and filth caused by birds, rodents and possums as well as obstructing the build-up of leaves under the panels. Locally-sourced solar bird prevention mesh requires no drilling or screwing thereby protecting the warranty and reduces maintenance costs. This solution comprises of galvanised UV PVC coated welded wire mesh and specially-designed clips for securing to solar panel frames. If pigeons are already frequenting your solar panels, it’s best to act quickly. Local businesses such as EcoKleenSolar Nepean will clean the droppings from the gutters, destroy the nests, clean under the panels and remove chicks where possible. They install the special mesh around the solar array
and wash the solar panels. Essentially they remove the ability for pigeons to nest under your panels and clean up the mess. Culling pigeons doesn’t sound like something that’d be happening in our neighbourhoods, but it does. It’s sometimes the only way to rid ourselves of this disease-spreading pest. Local licensed pest bird shooter and owner of Spray Safe Pest Control Daniel Danil has been kept very busy in the Erskine Park-St Clair area of late. He uses a pellet-rifle with a telescopic sight and liaises with local Police before each job. The rifle is silent and discreet while being highly effective. “Some neighbourhood flocks can be as large as 30-40 pigeons”, Daniel says. “This is a real problem as they colonise the neighbourhood and will not leave, hence the need to have them exterminated”. To effectively control this plague, neighbours need to work together. Remove pigeon nesting spots by having your solar panels meshed and cleaned, don’t feed pigeons, have them exterminated, and act quickly once you notice them.
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local news
The toxicity of grapes in pets
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
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A
re grapes, sultanas and raisins really toxic to our pets? Apart from chocolate, the other dangerous food commonly in our houses during Easter is hot cross buns. Many people are unaware that grapes, raisins and sultanas are all potentially toxic, causing life threatening kidney failure. The toxic compound and the toxic dose are both unknown. There have been investigations to assess if fungal, pesticide, and heavy-metal contamination of grapes is the cause. At this stage, no link has been proven. Drying and cooking the grape does not change its toxicity. Some animals seem to be very susceptible to toxicity and others seem to have
no issues even with ingestion of a large quantity of the fruit. Both cats and dogs can be affected but it is seen more commonly in dogs. Grape toxicity has only been recognised relatively recently. Most dogs will vomit within a few hours of ingestion. Partially digested raisins or grapes are often seen in the vomit, faeces or both. As the damage to the kidneys develops, anorexia, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy are seen. Within 24 hours to several days after ingestion kidney enzymes will be elevated. As damage continues either oliguric kidney failure (increased urine production) or anuric kidney failure (no urine production) occurs.
Some animals will show gastro intestinal signs for weeks after ingestion. If ingestion is recent, medication can be given to make the dog vomit. Activated charcoal can be given to help absorb the toxin. Intravenous fluid therapy is given to help flush the kidneys for 48-72 hours. Daily blood testing to assess kidney levels are required. If the levels remain normal after 72 hours, it is unlikely that kidney failure will develop. If kidney failure does develop in addition to fluid therapy, medications to stimulate urine production and dialysis may be required. Recognising ingestion and treating early gives the best chance of success, however the prognosis is guarded if kidney failure develops. As with most things prevention is better than cure so please be careful with grapes, raisins and sultanas around your pets. If ingestion occurs seek veterinary attention immediately.
Greencross Vets | Phone 47 313 055 Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750
FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS
Ask the Expert - The importance of Landlord Insurance
D
Sharon Mudiman Licensee and Principal of Bespoke Realty Group has been negotiating the sale of property for over twenty-five years in the Greater Penrith Region
espite recent changes in housing prices smart local investors continue to invest in property as a proven path to long-term financial security. However, many landlords and property investors neglect to protect their valuable asset by taking out appropriate insurance cover. It is important for landlords to realise the cover they need should extend beyond the normal building insurance policy, which does not cover things like wilful damage to their property, failure to pay rent, or claims made against them by their tenant. Landlord protection policies differ widely, a professional real estate agency can help landlords find the right insurance policy for them. Some, for instance, are designed to be used in conjunction with a typical home and contents or strata title policy, while others are more comprehensive. A real estate agency can also help tenants find contents insurance, which can be challenging for those living in a shared household. According to industry research, less than half of
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all self-managing landlords have specific landlord insurance, even though many recognise a bond is not sufficient to cover some incidents with tenants. Landlords who use real estate agents to manage their relationship with tenants face fewer problems than those who self-manage their investment properties. It is important in any residential tenancy, to make sure appropriate rental agreements are in place, screen potential tenants and check their references, regularly inspect properties and ensure maximum returns are achieved. Leading edge systems and best practice procedures can ensure vacant properties are marketed correctly, and maintained in optimal rental condition. On the financial side it is useful to be provided with documentation to support tax depreciation claims and arrange regular value appraisals and asset management reports to maximise your investment potential. This will ensure that you and your investment are properly covered, and, that your tenants are kept happy in a well maintained home.
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
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HEALTH
Nita
Ask
Is what you see, what you’ll get?
A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries
T
here’s a boom among the baby boomers… and that’s “online dating.” Unfortunately, they are also ageing and it can be daunting to go back to dating. So many of my clients come to see me to erase the “frown” from their divorce, which is easily done with muscle relaxant injections. I have witnessed many divorcees on their journey from being broken spirits with stress etched on their faces, to regaining their self-esteem and confidence to date again. Facilitating their journey with my rejuvenation techniques is incredibly satisfying. Many have re-partnered and have shared their stories with me about online dating, the good the bad and the ugly! One of the main complaints I have received from both men and women about online dating is that
the profile pictures rarely match when they meet in person. The glamour photo or filtered picture that shows no sign of age, or a photo from years ago that does not represent how they look now, is a setting for a major let down for both parties involved, when they meet in person. My personal experience has been incredibly fascinating and have found that the men I have dated also don’t match their profile pics and often look way older in person. Interestingly, their perception is that they still look the same.
I guess the lesson in all this initial online dating browsing, is to look at profile pics as ‘caricatures’ of that person, assume the worse when meeting ,and hopefully be pleasantly surprised. If deciding to venture into dating online. Cosmetic injectables can enhance you and your profile photos. Dynamic stress lines can be softened with muscle relaxing injections, sad down turned tight lips can be turned up again, dark circles around the eyes can be lightened. Cheeks can be filled with fillers to restore lost facial volume, giving you a more youthful appearance. My advice is to be authentic and match your profile photo. It’s a better feeling seeing the relief on your prospective date that you actually look like your profile photo, than a shocked disappointed expression. Most importantly your true personality, confidence and self-esteem will shine through if you feel good about yourself. You may or may not need a makeover after a divorce but if you would like a complimentary consultation and treatment plan, on how we can work together to improve your image, please call 0247324009 for an appointment at Immersion Clinical Spa.
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NEPEAN HISTORY
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
R
eginald “Reg” Walter Saunders was born in August 1920 at Framlingham Aboriginal reserve near Purnim, Victoria. He was the eldest son of locally born parents Walter Christopher “Chris” George Saunders a labourer, and his wife Mabel, née Arden. Chris had served in the AIF in World War I and named Reg after William Reginald Rawlings who received the Military Medal in that war. Reg and his brother Harry were raised by their maternal grandmother but remained close to their father. They grew up with a sense of loyalty and duty to Australia. After attending Lake Condah State School and briefly at Hamilton High School, Reg worked in both the timber and dairy industries. He built a reputation as a good footballer and also boxed and played cricket. By the late 1930’s he was in business with his father and brother as timber contractors. Following the outbreak of World War II in September 1939 he enlisted in the AIF in April 1940. His leadership qualities were soon evident, and by August he was Acting Sergeant in his training battalion. Ironically, at that time, Aborigines were not entitled to vote and only those issued with permits could buy alcohol, also under Australian civil law, he was deemed not equal to the soldiers under him. In May, he sailed for the Middle East with reinforcements for the 2/7th Battalion, and on joining the unit at Libya in February 1941 he reverted to Private. In April, he was involved in the disastrous Greek campaign when his battalion withdrew to Kalamata and he embarked in the transport “Costa Rica”. When a German bomb disabled the ship, he was transferred to another vessel and was put ashore on Crete, where he saw his first serious battle action. In May, he took part in the bayonet charge at ‘42nd Street’ that temporarily disorganised the enemy, and when Allied resistance on the island ceased at the end of the month, the 2/7th Battalion was left behind in the hasty evacuation. Reg was one of several soldiers who refused to surrender and were assisted by sympathetic locals. They avoided capture for eleven months, Reg even taught himself Greek. In May 1942, he escaped aboard a trawler to Bardia in Libya and arrived back in Australia in September that year when in January 1943, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant. Reg’s brother Harry had been killed in action at Gona in Papua New Guinea in November 1942 while serving with the 2/14th AIF Battalion. In April 1943, Reg travelled to Wau, New Guinea where he re-joined the 2/7th. The unit took part in the Salamaua campaign from April to September and with Reg’s athleticism and bushcraft, he proved to be an asset. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Guinn who was his commanding officer, valued him as a highly successful leader of patrols and ambushes against the Japanese. In October the battalion moved to North Queensland and on the Colonel’s nomination, Reg appeared before a selection board for promotion to officer rank. Successful, he attended the officer training school, but periods in hospital with malaria delayed his graduation. In April 1944 at St Matthew’s Church of England at Prahran in Melbourne, he married Dorothy Mary Banfield who was serving in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force. Commissioned as a Lieutenant in November, Reg was one of only a few officers to be posted back to their old units. From March 1945 Reg was with the 2/7th Battalion in New Guinea and in command of No.10 Platoon. While fighting in the Maprik
Michelle Latham 1300 HEVNLY ( 1300 438 659 ) michelle@heavenlycelebrations.com.au
PH: 9623 6656 | MOBILE: 0418 250 242
196 Queen Street, ST MARYS (Directly Opposite Library)
area in May, he was hit in the knee by a bullet and was out of action for ten days. He returned to Australia in September and on 13 October transferred to the Reserve of Officers. While living in Melbourne he helped with odd jobs for a builder and later became a tram conductor and also worked in an iron foundry before moving to Sydney where he again obtained employment in an iron foundry but by 1949 he was back in Melbourne and working as a tally clerk at Station Pier. When the Korean War broke out in June 1950, Reg was appointed to the Interim Army in August. In November he joined the 3rd Battalion, RAR in Korea where in the next month he was promoted to Temporary Captain. At first, he was a platoon commander in ‘A’ Company, then he took command of ‘C’ Company in March 1951. This company engaged in several skirmishes with the Chinese and North Korean forces and in April they participated in the battle of Kapyong, where the 3RAR held firm against waves of Chinese attackers, and because of this the battalion was awarded the United States of America’s Distinguished Unit Citation. Reg reverted to Lieutenant on being posted to 2RAR in Australia in March 1952. He later trained recruits and national servicemen, but he became unhappy in this role and resigned his commission in October 1954. The soldiers loved serving under him and called him “the best officer in the world”, but he lacked administrative skills and ‘just wasn’t cut out to be a peacetime officer’. His biographer, Harry Gordon, found him ‘easy-going, proud’ and tolerant. He had a good-natured sense of humour and when a fellow officer remarked that Korea was ‘no place for a white man’, he replied that it was no place ‘for a black man either’. As the first Indigenous Australian to be commissioned in the army, Reg did his best to break down racist assumptions about his people. After trying several occupations in Victoria, Reg moved with his family to St Marys in 1959 and worked for Austral Bronze Co Pty Ltd, in the Factory Area. His marriage had failed in 1953 and he was living with Patricia Montgomery. They were due to be married in November 1979 at the registry in Queanbeyan, but it never eventuated, and they parted. In 1962 he was elected President of the St Marys sub-branch of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia. After the 1967 referendum gave the Federal Government new powers over the states concerning the situation of Aborigines, the Gorton Government chose Reg as one of three Liaison Officers to communicate the new powers to the Aboriginal people for the newly-created Department of Aboriginal Affairs. He was appointed an MBE in 1971 for his work in establishing communications between the Government and Indigenous communities. In 1985 he joined the council of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Reg died in Canberra of coronary artery disease in March 1990 at the age of 70 years and was cremated with Anglican rites. Reg was proud of his country and he constantly declared his love and deep affection for it. As a Canberra resident, he was regarded with great affection by his fellow Australians and admired for his straightforward presence and honesty. The War Memorial holds his medals and his portrait. In 1992 the RSL established a scholarship in his name for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women. Photo courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
A Decorated War Hero
27
Sources: - H. Gordon, The Embarrassing Australian, R. O’Neill, Australia in the Korean War, Sydney Morning Herald, Australian War Memorial - P Read, interview with R. Saunders, National Archives of Australia, Canberra Times.
Contact Michelle for Pre-Planning & Pre-Paid Funerals
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
28
local news
Airing of the Quilts
T
he Caring H e a r t s Community Quilters, have really excelled themselves over the past 12 months distributing over 260 quilts to palliative care patients within the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Blue Mountains areas.These dedicated patchworkers have been stitching their magic into quilts now for 18 years with the knowledge that they are truly doing something they love , whilst bring joy and comfort to those that receive them. The quilts that they make are not exhibition quilts, but quilts that show the caring nature of those that make them, and they work hard to maintain a standard that represents the effort, time and love that is stitched into each quilt. All these quilts on show will be later given to those in need. They are having the 11th Airing of the Quilts from 10am-4pm on Saturday 13th April at The Arms of Australia Inn Museum, which is located on the corner of Great Western Highway and Gardenia St, Emu Plains. $5 entry
There will be a delicious Devonshire Teas, Sausage Sizzle supplied by the members of the Historical Society, Trading and Book stall, and the ever popular raffle, with the money raised going to Breast Cancer Australia. This is an outside exhibition so In case of inclement weather, Please contact, Margaret Collier 0438 670 012. And just a short walk from the “Airing’ to The Girl Guides Hall in Nepean Street, Emu Plains the Blue Mountains and Penrith District Orchid Society’s Autumn, exhibition which will be ablaze with colour and the most exquisite blooms in this area will be on show, this will be on 13th and 14th April, from 10am-4pm.
Things getting harder to do?
Y
ou may be eligible for Australian Government funded aged care services if you’re an older person finding it harder to do the things you used to do. You will need to have a face-to-face assessment of your care needs to find out if you are eligible. Everyone who has an assessment through My Aged Care and is found to need services, is eligible to access services that: may be partly or fully funded by the Australian Government; and are regulated by the Australian Government. If you’re not assessed as eligible, or are waiting for services, you can access privately funded services at any time. The Australian Government contributes to the cost of aged care services. You’re expected to contribute if you can afford to. Costs vary for different types of care and different service providers. There are no standard costs for aged care services. How much you pay depends on: • your financial situation
• the number and types of services you receive • the service provider’s fees. If you’re ready to access services, call My Aged Care to find out which type of aged care you may be assessed for. If you’re going to be assessed for a Home Care Package, or care in an aged care home, it’s important to get a financial assessment from the Department of Human Services as soon as possible. This will help you to work out costs with service providers when you’re ready to find and set up your services. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to organise an assessment.
CROSSWORD ACROSS 9 Fortified wine (7) 10 Boorish (7) 11 Collective farm (7) 12 Commit (7) 13 Card game (9) 15 Fifty-eight in Roman numerals (5) 16 Photographic equipment (7) 19 Not the sixth (7) 20 Form of Japanese poetry (5) 21 Never stopping (9) 25 Hotel employee (7) 26 Having passed (7) 28 Found in mouths (7) 29 Easing of tensions between nations (7)
solution 28/3/19
DOWN 1 Cigarettes (slang) (6) 2 Pertaining to a clan or family (6) 3 Hawaiian island (4) 4 Japanese cheer (6) 5 Nighttime footwear (8) 6 European country (10) 7 Relating to Sicily (8) 8 Nagging (8) 14 From first to last (10) 16 Lives together (8) 17 Not on an island (8) 18 Person who is habitually sullen (8) 22 Religious doctrines (6) 23 Crazy (6) 24 Contraptions (6) 27 Fifth book of the New Testament (4)
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
30
ENTERTAINMENT
Hop into St Marys this Easter T he Easter Bunny will be making a special visit to St Marys Town Centre this year and will be hiding lots of treats, for happy little boys and girls to find. Martin Coote, Chairperson of St Marys Town Centre says “The St Marys Easter Egg Hunt is amazing. It encourages families to get dressed up, get into the spirit of the season and explore their local area. For those that know where to look, there are some great Easter treats to find”. “There are over 30 businesses involved in this year’s St Marys Easter Egg Hunt so, put your walking shoes on and prepare to have a great day. There will be an Easter animal farm for the littlies, visits from the Easter Bunny himself and lots of talented locals will be taking to the stage to entertain families in Coachman’s Park. It is a fun day out for the family and best of all participation is free.” “We appreciate all the effort that the community puts into supporting the event. There will be local dance groups, singing schools and other talented performers that have been practicing for weeks in the lead up. Come down from 10am till 2pm on Saturday 13th Apil to enjoy the entertainment. Plus, lots of the local retailers have donated prizes and those in the crowd that dress up, get involved and participated might
just walk away with an early Easter present.” St Marys Town Centre will be holding pre-registration sessions in the lead up to the event on Saturday 13th April so for more information on these and what is happening at the Easter Egg Hunt, please check St Marys Town Centre out on Facebook.
SUDOKU: MEDIUM
INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
SOLUTIONS: 28 March
Adventurous Alice strikes again
N
ot quite satisfied with her visit to wonderland, Alice strikes out into another adventure. This time it’s through the Looking Glass, and the interactive performance sees the audience helping her. Filled with odd chess pieces, nursery rhyme characters and bizarre beasts, the world through the looking glass is never quite what it seems. Adapted from Lewis Carol’s classic, Alice Through the Looking Glass follows Alice as she strives to become Queen of the Chess Board and return home. With the help of the memorable Tweedle’s, to the snobby Queens of Chess and of course the audience, Alice may very well return back home to her cats. This particular play sees four female actors tested with trying new accents from something akin to the Godfather to something you’d find on the streets of London. It’s a different take on familiar characters, while still keeping true to their original nature and loveable charm. The Acting Factory Inc newcomer, Iley Jones is not only directing the piece but has hand-made the puppets, designed the set and collected enough egg cartoons to make
Humpty Dumpty a little giddy. On top of this each actor has helped in creating the set and the world with it. Alice will be playing from the 13 April in Regatta Park, finishing on the 28 April. Bring the kids to see this show during the holidays on: Saturday 13 April at 2.30pm, Sunday 14 April at 2.30pm, Saturday 20 April at 10.00am and 2.30pm, Thursday 25 April at 2.30pm, Saturday 27 April at 10.00am and 2.30pm, Sunday 27 April at 2.30pm. The show is competitively prices at a donation of $12 per entry and $10 each for groups of 6 and more. Alice will play at Regatta Park, River Road, Emu Plains in the lovely picnic setting under the jacaranda trees. So, please, bring your picnic setting, chairs or something to sit on. Most importantly, if the weather is bad we will transfer, under cover, to Nepean CAPA HS on the Great Western Highway, Emu Plains.
School holiday Fun!
H
What’s on at the Henry Sports
TUESDAY 16 APRIL
Adults: $12.50 (Children under 12: $6)
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL 9623 2119
N
O R EV E R F Y G
ANZAC DAY THURSDAY 25 APRIL
Join the Easter Bunny for a delicious Morning Tea, followed by a fun egg hunt $10 per child: Incl. Morning Tea & Egg Hunt 11am-1pm Bookings Essential!
LEST WE FORGET
TWO-UP
SUPERHEROES DISCO
in the Courtyard
TUESDAY 23 APRIL
1-5pm
Dress up as your favourite hero or character and show off your moves $10 per child: Includes nuggets & chips, lolly bag & drink 11am-1pm Bookings Essential!
KIDS PLASTER PAINTING WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL Get creative and paint your own plaster figurine to keep $10 per child: Includes pkt chips, lolly bag, plaster figurine & paints 11am-1pm Bookings Essential!
IS
THURSDAY 18 APRIL
(last booking time 10.30am)
E TH
MORNING TEA WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
9am-11am
ON
Come along & paint eggs, make an Easter Egg basket or an Easter hat $10 per child: Includes pkt chips, lolly bag, drink & craft materials 11am-1pm Bookings Essential!
Buffet Breakfast
HI
KIDS EASTER CRAFT DAY
EASTER SUNDAY
SOMET
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Bookings Essential T: 9623 2119 E: sharont@hlclub.com.au
free ACTIVITIES for the littlies 12pm-1.30pm
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
ENTERTAINMENT
T
his coming school holidays Penrith Regional Gallery has a delightful new suite of workshops for children aged up to 12, themed around the warm and comforting colours of autumn. It’s a great, relaxed opportunity to get the kids creative and socialising during the school holidays; for you, your little one and their friends! With six classes running over the two weeks and a special Family Worksop on the last Friday of the holidays, and costs ranging from $12 - $30, come and celebrate the warmth and colour of autumn these April School Holidays with painting and drawing, animation, clay modelling, mixed material sculpting and more!
Leap Into the World of Animation 18 April 10am | Suitable for ages 9 – 12 Develop your animations skills in the Gallery’s specially designed animation workshop using the gallery iPads. Participants will learn skills about speed, stretching and bouncing as they construct a short animation about a bouncing bunny leaping through the seasons.
Reveal, Discover and Draw 23 April 10am | Suitable for ages 7 -11 Reveal pops of rainbow colour, shapes and textures whilst developing your drawing skills. Using bamboo sticks and pencils, participants will create their own scratch art drawing inspired by the drawing techniques from artist Roy Dalgarno on exhibition in Ancher House.
Abstracting autumn – Painting Workshop 16 April 10am | Suitable for ages 5 –9 Explore the garden and collect organic materials to take back to the studios. This sensory experience will stimulate the imagination as participants create an abstract landscape painting using their collection of finds from the morning. Artworks will be framed inhouse and ready to hang at home.
Teeny Tiny Clay Leaves 18 April 10am | Suitable for ages 5–8 Get messy these school holidays. Discover the textures and colours of the garden then head to the studios to sculpt, carve and mould clay into teeny tiny leaf bowls. Participants will then add a layer of paint celebrating the colours of autumn.
Cool Cardboard Sculptures 24 April 10am | Suitable for ages 6 – 9 Discover the lines, shapes and textures in artist Lyndon Dadswell’s Construction. Participants will then test out their balancing skills by constructing a 3 dimensional sculpture using just cardboard and glue!
Gateway
with Reverend Ross Hutchison
CAN I CHECK YOUR OIL FOR YOU? It’s been a real long time since that phrase has been a part of our everyday life. Most people have never even experienced such Courtesy and Service in their lives. This was the greeting at every service station you pulled into. It worked, and served to bring happiness and loyalty into everyone’s lives. These days it’s: ”Do it yourself,...I haven’t got time for you!” So now it’s become necessary to become our own service centre. Living is a full-time job! Just as we only put the good stuff in our cars, it’s also essential to put only the good stuff in our bodies. Good stuff in equals good stuff out! Rubbish in equals rubbish out! This stands not only for our physical bodies, but also our spiritual bodies. What we consume today physically, spiritually and emotionally,... Walks and talks tomorrow. Your mate, Rossco
Family Workshop – as part of the Friday Autumn Tots Club 26 April 10am | Suitable for ages 3-6 A special tot-sized experience for you and your little one where you will go on a discovery trail to find Aboriginal rock carvings hidden in the garden. Participants will then head to the studios to engrave a garden creature in clay! Adults don’t pay but must stay. The Family Workshop is part of the Gallery’s Autumn Tots Club, returning on 26 April, running through till 17 May with special weekly tot-sized experiences for you and your little one. Each week at 11am during autumn, little ones will learn about art through stories, exhibition tours and hands-on art making in the studio. The program will stimulate your child’s imagination and creativity as they increase their recognition of shapes, colour and textures whilst developing their fine motor skills, vocabulary and fostering confidence within a beautiful gallery setting. Penrith Regional Gallery’s children’s workshops are run from within the Sonia Farley Studios onsite and throughout the Gallery’s artist-designed heritage gardens. All skill levels are welcome and children are encouraged to wear old clothes and bring a snack. Bookings are Essential: call 4735 1100 or email gallery@penrith.city
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
Autumn School Holiday Workshops at Penrith Regional Gallery
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Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
34
ENTERTAINMENT
Thousands raised for Great Walk Foundation By CONNER LOWE
M
ark Geyer and Jonathan Green are usually seen at the Pioneer Tavern having a beer and a laugh with the locals. However, last week both these blokes had plenty more to smile about when Trent Pittaway the Licencee of the Pioneer Tavern presented them with a cheque for over $11,000 towards the charity very close to their hearts, The Great Walk Foundation. The funds were made available through the proceeds of a charity luncheon with MG and Royce Simmons - held a few weeks back at the Pioneer. This year’s total takes the funds raised to over $50,000 since Mark Geyer’s charity lunch introduction five years ago. The lunches have included appearances from Matt Johns, Mike Whitney, Wendell Sailor, Brad Fittler and this year Royce Simmons all in support of the Great Walk Foundation. Mark Geyer, Triple M presenter and Nepean News columnist spoke about the importance of the Great Walk Foundation and helping the community. “The Great Walk Foundation is all about giving back to the local community, all the money raised goes straight back to them,” he said. “There are no administration fees with the Great Walk Foundation, no one gets paid anything and we do it to help the community, we have our own ward up at the Nepean Hospital called the Great Walk Foundation Ward, where we buy incubators for new born children, which is fantastic. “On the walk we go past Katoomba Hospital and
Jonathan Green (left), Trent Pittaway (middle), Mark Geyer (right)
we give them a cheque, we give Penrith Kitchen who help the homeless a cheque, so it’s just helping those in our area that need it the most.” Jonathan Green, Penrith Golf Club Pro spoke about how he got involved with the Great Walk
Foundation and how he hasn’t looked back. “It started out as a bit of an accident with a mate of mine after sitting down and chatting, then we decided to go for a walk as a bet, then it turned into something bigger and we realised what we can do for the community and who we can help so it’s a feel-good thing,” he said. “I didn’t really start with plans or ambitions, but once I got into it, I realised who we can help and how we can do it, it’s really been worthwhile.” Those that have felt the Great Walk Foundation’s love include: Headspace - Mental Health program in Bathurst district with a priority area of suicide prevention. Lithgow Hospital – Support through funding of new equipment for hearing tests for children in the local area. Riding for the Disabled – Nepean Branch, assists with the purchase of food and other incidentals for horses used in the program. Sailability - Nepean Branch. Purchase of purpose built yachts for disabled sailors. Greater Community Transport - purchase of another new bus for community transport. Springwood Hospital – New purpose built beds for palliative care patients. Nepean Hospital Children’s Ward - new equipment for Ward, including incubators in the NIC (Newborn intensive Care) unit. As you can see the Great Walk’s donations cover a vast array of institutions who each are incredibly appreciative of the efforts of the walkers. We would like to give our congratulations to Mark, Jonathan and everyone involved with the charity lunch for raising a milestone $50,000 and to the Great Walk Foundation for everything they do for the community.
02 4736 4647 THEPIONEERTAVERN.COM.AU CNR MAXWELL ST & THE NORTHERN RD, PENRITH NSW 2750
We promote the responsible service of gaming & alcohol. alhgroup.com.au
ANZAC DAY
EASTER RAFFLE
Sunday 14 April, 6.30pm This will take the place of regular Sunday raffles
Tickets $5 for 5 numbers Tickets on sale now at Reception! Must be present to claim prizes
Thursday 25th April
Entertainment
1pm The Pod Bro’s Trio
Courtesy Bus From 1pm
2Up
12pm - 5pm
Lest We Forget School Holiday Fun
Family Magic Show Sunday 14 April, 3pm
Magic Show
Shamrock Grill SPECIALS
LUNCH 12 - 2.30pm - LUNCH SPECIALS $10 MONDAY Barramundi Night $15 TUESDAY Steak & Ale Night $15 WEDNESDAY Bangers & Mash Night $15 THURSDAY Parmy Night $15
with Jack Sharp
$6
Per Ticket Adults & Children
All children must be accompanied by a paying adult Bookings Essential - Limited Tickets
Between 5 & 8pm (Conditions apply) SUNDAY - Sunday Roast $17.50 Members $18.50 Non Members
FREE ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY 12 APRIL - 8PM Backlash
SATURDAY 13 APRIL - 7PM Lenny Duff
FRIDAY 19 APRIL - 8PM SkyZ the Limit
FRIDAY 20 APRIL - 7PM Soul Jamz
ENTERTAINMENT
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
36
Carnival of Cups: the Schweppes Renshaw Cup Showcasing harness racing with good times all round
T
he Penrith Paceway is gearing up to showcase its annual autumn features of the Renshaw Cup. The Renshaw Cup is named in honour and memory of Dr Maurice Renshaw who was the President of the Paceway for 21 years and was instrumental in obtaining a licence for harness racing at Penrith back in 1964. The Renshaw Cup was established in 1969 making this the 55th year of the running of the Renshaw Cup. The $50,000 Schweppes Renshaw Cup is run on the 18th April over the testing distance of 2525m. It is the race that always sets the nerves tingling, this is because of the quality fields of first-class horses that take part in this time honoured event. It takes a top horse to win it and the last four winners were A Match In Heaven; Tiger Tara, Yayas Hot Spot{NZ} and Smolda. This meeting has some great supporting races to the Renshaw Cup being two heats of the Kevin and Kay Seymour evolution series, plus a heat of the time honoured Carousel. Also, in addition to this excellent line up of racing, the Trotters
Association of NSW will be running a Trotters Cup. Welcoming news for owners and trainers, Harness Racing NSW has announced a $20,000 cups bonus for Sydney’s upcoming Carnival of Cups doubleheader at Penrith and Bankstown. The bonus will be eligible to owners and trainers of horses that race in both the Renshaw Cup and Treuer Memorial, two time-honoured races on the NSW Harness Racing calendar. The first leg of the Harness Cup’s bonus will take place with the Group 2
Renshaw Cup at Penrith on Thursday April 18. Carrying prizemoney of $50,000 plus the additional bonus will be enticing according to Penrith Paceway Chief Executive, Lorraine Pozza. “This $20,000 bonus is an excellent incentive for owners and trainers,” Lorraine said. “It brings the two races together to make for some great racing and it gives connections of those horses a fantastic opportunity to race for good money at this time of the year.” Schweppes Renshaw Cup night caters for everybody, with the chance
celebrating 51 years
to win a Toyota Yaris car among the many raffles and lucky racebook prizes that will be carried out over the night. Entertainment will be on board for the whole family with a visit from the Easter Bunny for all the boys and girls. The children always love to have fun on the grass hill and there is a playground area for the little ones to enjoy. All of this is supported by a high standard of good food and beverages. So be sure to head to Penrith Paceway on April 18 for a very competitive and thrilling to watch race with fun for all the family.
Schweppes Renshaw Cup THURSDAY 18th April 2019 HARNESS RACING AT ITS VERY BEST
CELEBRATING 51 YEARS
Live Entertainment on the Terrace • Children’s play area Race Book Promotion – V8 Racing Experience (Eastern Creek) & a chance to WIN a Toyota Yaris Lots more for the whole family to enjoy
Station StREET, Penrith | Ph. 4732 4777
SPORT
P
enrith Gaels Club recently held their 11th Annual St Patrick’s Day Charity Golf Day at Dunheved Golf Course. This event is held each year on
the Friday before St Patrick’s Day to raise money for a local charity. During the past 11 years they have donated over $72,000 to various local organisations. This year the recipient of the funds raised was the Nepean Hospital Neo-Natal Unit’s Family Room. Penrith Gaels wishes to send a big thank you to all the sponsors, prize donors and players. A special thanks to major sponsors Penrith Toyota, Mannings Funerals, Prime Fire Protection, Byrne Civil Engineering, Melbook/JPC Building/Redroc Civil, Drummond Golf and Big Top Promotions. Club President, Mr Noel Donohoe, presented the cheque for $9,308.16 to Tash Furnell, who accepted it on behalf of the Family Room.
Glenmore Park teenager selected for elite baseball program By CONNER LOWE
A
l o ca l teenager from Glenmore Park has been selected to fly over to the United States, and will play before the watchful eyes of selectors who choose those who receive scholarships for baseball. Kyan Wallington has been selected for the Nxtgen Big League Dream 2019 team after impressing selectors in the United States. Although he is just 13-years-old Kyan shows skill and commitment of someone years beyond his age. He currently plays for the Rouse Hill Wildcats and has propelled himself into the spot light after representing his district, state, country and for his school in the Sydney West team. Kyan spoke about how he felt when he was told he’d made the team and how he has been working towards this achievement for years. “I was so happy and excited. I couldn’t believe I’d actually made it, because this was a goal I’ve been working towards for a couple of years now,” he said. “I’ve watched older players that I’ve looked up to get selected and I knew this what want I wanted to be selected for when I got to that age too.” Kyan has played in a lot of
tournaments, many of which are just for fun but also competitive. He won gold after playing in Singapore against international teams. He made the district teams for Greater West and Hills competing in state tournaments. He has played in the Proud Shield representing his school and represented the Sydney West tournament team. He also played at the biggest tournament for his age representing Australia in the U12 World Cup. Kyan also spoke about how he got selected for such a prestigious program. “I just did my best in everything I played because they are always
watching,” he said. “Even though they live in the states they still follow all us kids as much as possible. “They also run camps here in Australia that I attend, so they get to know us on a personal level there too. “They are the most helpful and encouraging guys ever and I learn so much them. I can’t wait to go over and do them proud.” Kyan is hopeful that the Nxtgen program can land him a scholarship to play baseball in the United States. “Nxtgen will keep an eye on me and my progress over the next couple of years and if I continue to do well I hope to be asked back to the States
in Arizona when I’m 15 or 16 to be looked at for a scholarship. “Though my next goal won’t take me too far away, I hope to be selected for the NSW U16 State Championships to be held at Blacktown International Sportspark next Summer. “I’m so excited that I get to be coached by two ex MLB players. They’re also taking us to watch the Angels play, we get to go behind the scenes and meet the players. I can’t believe it. “I hope to get a scholarship with a D1 College in America, play college baseball and my ultimate dream would be to make the majors.” We would like to wish Kyan all the best on his tour of the United States and hopefully to seal a potential scholarship.
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
Penrith Gaels Club Annual Charity Golf Day
37
Celebrity ROUND 5
ROUND 6
BRI GCT NQC SOU NEW CRO STG CAN CRO BUL MEL NZW STG GCT CAN PAR WES PAN MEL NZW MAN SYD BUL PAR PAN SOU SYD NQC MAN NEW BRI WES April 11 7.50pm
April 12 6.00pm
April 12 7.55pm
April 13 3.00pm
April 13 5.30pm
April 13 7.35pm
April 14 4.05pm
April 14 6.10pm
April 18 7.50pm
April 19 4.05pm
April 19 7.55pm
April 20 5.30pm
April 20 7.35pm
April 21 2.00pm
April 21 4.05pm
April 22 4.00pm
SCORE
Ross Franklyn-Smith - Club President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211
28 Natalie Ballard - Novus Law Group - 0404 474 084
38 John Veitch - Parramatta Motor Group - 0447 517 711
40 Jeff Lemon - KHP Civil - 0488 342 555
40 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 0404 842 170
28 Bec Passlow - Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4647
32 John Kibbey - Raine & Horne Commercial - 0417 228 538
42 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093
40 John Thain - GM, Luke Priddis Foundation - 4736 2022
34 Terry ‘Mad Dog” Corbett - St Clair Comets Councillor Benard Bratusa
50 Michael Creed - Thor’s Cafe - 4721 0292 Aaron Tyres - @print
28 Derry O’Donovan - EZR Vend - 0414 254 074
36 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091
36
TIPSTERS ROUND 5
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BRI GCT NQC SOU NEW CRO STG CAN CRO BUL MEL NZW STG GCT CAN PAR WES PAN MEL NZW MAN SYD BUL PAR PAN SOU SYD NQC MAN NEW BRI WES April 11 7.50pm
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April 21 2.00pm
April 21 4.05pm
April 22 4.00pm
SCORE
Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist
42 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122
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36 Mark Fitzpatrick - Full Spectrum Services - 0430 220 263
38 Romano Garofali - Nepean Pools - 4722 9201
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38
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
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SPORT
Polo International at Windsor - Australia vs England By Stevey Arena, Surfing Cowboys Events
T
he Hurlingham Polo Association accepted an invitation to send a 26-goal Men’s team from England to play at the 111th Polo International at Windsor Polo Club on Saturday 6th April, for the coveted Mountbatten Memorial Trophy. There were three matches played on the day, including Australia vs England in both Men’s and Women’s internationals, plus a City vs Country Colts Match. LADIES – Australia 3 goals def England 1 The Ladies International between Australia and England on paper was going to be (in the Aussie vernacular) a little ripper and that’s exactly what the strong crowd of just under 3,000 people enjoyed. Not many goals but a match of skill and fierce competition on and off the ball. Ultimately, it was the strong, direct play that Australian coach Andrew Williams had recommended should be the on-field tactics that saw the Australian Ladies win the prestigious Ladies Perpetual Trophy in a match that had everybody on the edge of their seats. Australia led 1-0 in the first Chukka, tied 1-1 at half
Action from today’s Women’s and Men’s Polo Internationals between Australia and England - photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
time then scored in both the third and sixth chukkas to grab a 3-1 victory. The Australian team included MVP Indi Benetto, Billie Mascart, Alessia Russo and Whitney Warren. Indi also had the match’s Champion Pony in ‘Canonbar Revenge’, a 7yo gelding bred by her family. MENS – Australia 9 def England 8 In yet another thrilling, hard fought match, there was nothing between the two 23-goal teams throughout the match. Australia held the lead through the first three
Chukkas, including a three-goal third Chukka in which the English Team were held scoreless. At 6-4 at half-time, the match was still too close to call, with both Teams playing open, fast Polo. England held the Aussies scoreless in the fourth Chukka, whilst scoring three goals of their own to put them into the lead for the first time in the match. In the fifth Chukka, Australia out-scored England 2-1 to send the teams into the final chukka locked together at 8-8. Both Teams had opportunities but strong defense and a couple of saves right on the goal-line kept the match locked up. It was going to take something very special to break the deadlock and that’s exactly what happened. Australian Ruki Baillieu scored from 60 yards out for his second long-range goal of the match right on full time, allowing the Aussies to sneak home 9-8. The Australian team is Jack Archibald (c), Matt Grimes, Dirk Gould and Ruki Baillieu. Ruki was awarded MVP and also received Champion Playing Pony for ‘Pistol’. COLTS – NSW Country 7.5 goals defeated NSW City 6
Osborn takes out NSWVGA Stroke-Play Championships By Noel Rowsell
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ohn Osborn (Mudgee Golf Club) has captured the 2019 NSW Veteran Golfers Association (NSWVGA) Stroke-Play Championships, out-lasting a fast-finishing Geoff Cranfield (Long Reef GC) to win by a single shot. The Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) again hosted NSW premier Senior Golf Event, with rounds scheduled over 25th27th March at Richmond GC, Glenmore Heritage Valley GC and Stonecutters Ridge GC respectively. Incessant rain brought about the cancellation of Round One at Richmond, with Tournament officials left with no other options due to a number of flooded greens and fairways. A field of 138 golfers teed off at Glenmore, playing in brilliant Autumn sunshine and with the course in great shape, despite days of preceding rain. Dubbo GC fielded the largest contingent of players from NSW Country regions, keen to promote their bid for hosting rights for the Championships in 2021. Osborn set the pace on Day 2, finishing two shots clear of the field with a round of 73, ahead of Richard Wood (Cumberland CGC) 75, 2018 champion Ricky Allison (Lakeside Golf Club, Camden) 75, Glenn Rosewall (Pymble GC) 76 and David McClelland (Wyong GC) 76. The battles were just as strong in the lower grades, with Phillip Maher (Dubbo GC) 82, Karl Stindle (Dunheved GC) 84, David Laing (Dubbo GC) 85, Matthew Kumjew (Hurstville GC) 85 and Christopher Sharpe (Richmond GC) all in contention for the B Grade title.
Laing (Dubbo GC) on 68-72 (140). Allison took out the 55-63 Age Scratch title with 7575 (150), Drew Simonsen (Castle Hill GC) the 64-70 Age Scratch title with 80-76 (156) and English golfer Sam Smale (Royal St George’s, UK), who was back for his second attempt at the Championships, Matt Kumjew receives won the 71+ Age Scratch title the Nett Trophy from with 78-81 (159) Tournament Director Les Another long-range visitor Knox. Photos courtesy John Osborn in action at Stonecutters Ridge GC Paul Edwards (Darwin GC) of Noel Rowsell (www. and later at the Presentation Ceremony with won the 36-hole Division photoexcellence.com.au) Tournament Director Les Knox. One (0-10) Scratch prize with Mick Toohey (Wallacia GC) was setting the pace 78-75 (153), Geoff Yates (Leonay GC) the Division in C Grade with an 89, ahead of Gordon McConnell Two (11-16) Scratch prize with 83-86 (169) and Don (Leonay GC) 92; Carl Young (Dubbo GC) 94, Holland (Leonay GC) the Division Three (17-36) Neil Davidson (Howlong GC) 94 and Steve Pegler Scratch prize with 94-94 (188). (Stonecutters Ridge GC) 94. Nett winners in the above divisions were Chris Day 3 was the first opportunity for Senior Order of Collins (Cabramatta GC) 141, Martin Painter Merit (SOOM) leader Matthew Taylor (Stonecutters (Forster-Tuncurry GC) 141 and Peter Keep ( Shelley Ridge GC) to play in the event due to work and Beach GC) 146. personal commitments but he made the most of Other local players in the awards included Warren limited opportunities, shooting the day’s best round Beard (Dunheved GC) the Division One Nett winner of 70, just ahead of Cranfield with 71. on Day 2, Lal Jayawardene (Glenmore Heritage Osborn was just off the pace of the day’s leaders Valley GC) Division Two Nett winner on Day 2; but a solid 75 would ensure his two-round total score Mick Toohey (Wallacia GC) Division Three Scratch of 148 would win the Des Coady Memorial Shield winner on Day 2, Gordon McConnell (Leonay and first place prize-money, just one shot ahead of GC) Division Three Nett winner on Day 2; Paul Cranfield on 149. Fairbrother Division One Nett winner on Day 3 and Kumjew had back-to-back nett scores of 69-69 Peter Cromer (Wallacia GC) Division Two Scratch (138) to claim the Nett title, two shots ahead of David winner on Day 3.
Leonay GC Hosts Pro-Am 133 golfers teed off at Leonay GC on Friday, in a Pro-Am Tournament hosted by Leonay Professional Ben Breckenridge. The field included a strong contingent of 43 professionals and played in two time slots, with the morning groups hitting off at 8am and the afternoon groups at 12.45pm - both in shotgun starts. Jordan Zunic (NSW) and Nathan Wood (WA)
were the best performed professionals on the day, each shooting rounds of 64 to share the combined first and second prize money. Phil Strom (Leonay GC) was the bestperformed amateur on the day, winning with a 68 nett on a countback from JR de Villecourt (Leonay GC). The winning team was Daniel Worthy, Taylor Cooper, Strom and Zunic with a score of 91.
Professionals Daniel Clay and Corey Cruikshank hit off the 17th tee at Leonay GC. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
SPORT
An outpouring of many different emotions for Benaud Medal winner, Tyran Liddiard. Credit: Ian Bird. By STEWART MOSES
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@TheRiffMarn
e n r i t h w i c k e t k e e p e rbatsman Tyran Liddiard ended a traumatic week leading into the Belvidere Cup final, with a Benaud Medal-winning performance, to end the Black Cats’ 36 year premiership drought. Liddiard’s match-winning 97 runs with the bat ensured that the Penrith junior is the second youngest player ever to win the Benaud Medal and the first Indigenous player to earn the award, which was presented to him by none other than Penrith legend and current England coach, Trevor Bayliss. The performance is even more remarkable considerable the emotional rollercoaster Tyran has been on since receiving some terrible family news the Sunday before the final. Feeling on top of the world following his team’s qualification into the final courtesy of their semi-final draw against North Sydney, Liddiard was quickly brought back to earth by what was to follow later that night. “It’s been a very emotional week for me. After being on such a high last Sunday after beating North Sydney, I went home, where my whole family was sitting in a room, including my Pop, and I was wondering “what’s going on here?” Liddiard told Nepean News. “Pop, who I love dearly, brought me into the room, told me that he had cancer and that it had gone through his whole body and that for me was probably the saddest moment of my whole life. “I was a mess. I didn’t go to work the next couple of days. I was shattered and in a real bad way.” Liddiard then told his team mates about the news at training, the Tuesday before the final and revealed that it not only gave him the extra
motivation required to put in a big performance in the final but that it also galvanised the team’s resolve to win the title. “I thought about it a little and it gave me something to play for, something a little bit extra,” Liddiard said. “On the Tuesday before training, I got all the boys around and said “I need to have a serious chat.” “I had them all in tears. They were all crying and howling together but it was a really special moment for me because I didn’t realise how close we are all. “To see me grieving and crying meant a lot to the players and I think for all of us it gave us a little bit extra to play for and we knew how much this meant to all of Penrith. “I knew from that moment we were no chance of losing this final.” Having played themselves into a strong position to win the title early on day two, some indifferent batting from Penrith’s top order had them teetering on the edge at 5/125. But a 50 run partnership for the sixth wicket between Liddiard and the Dubbo rookie all-rounder Henry Railz, put Penrith within sight of surpassing Sydney University’s first innings total of 207. The wicket of Railz led to a minicollapse that saw Penrith reduced to 9/204. But while the Benaud Medallist stood tall when it mattered most, Liddiard says that last session on Day Two was the hardest he had encountered, given the emotions of the week leading into and during the final itself. “That last session was emotional and was probably the hardest session of cricket I have ever played in my life,” Liddiard replied. “You just needed a lot of mental toughness to get through that because there were a lot of highs and lows in that session. “We only needed about thirty or so runs but then a few of the boys played
shots that they probably shouldn’t have. “The emotions was just running riot. “Sometimes I would start to feel comfortable and start playing my shots then someone would get out and we were in trouble again. “Every run I got the boys would go silly and pump me up a little bit more and when we needed four runs to win, I said to Fletcher, “nothing silly here we’ve got plenty of time.” “But next ball I hit straight to midon and ran and it would have been out for all money but instead the bowler fumbled it. “Needing two to win it was the most nerves I have ever been on a cricket field in my whole life. “But I knew how much it meant to all the boys and I would do anything to my ability to get them. “Obviously with my Pop being sick, every ball I was saying “Do this for Pop”, just to make sure I was concentrating. “Then a short ball outside off stump with a bit of width was offered and I love the cut shot, so I backed myself and thankfully it went through for four.” The emotions that were so brilliantly captured by Cricket NSW during their on-going coverage of the final, told the story of what the moment of hitting that four, that put Penrith into such a match-winning lead, meant to Liddiard given his build up to the final. “I was so happy, I jumped into the air, it was like scoring a hundred,” Liddiard recalled. “I took the helmet off and I looked over to the boys and the crowd, they were all going absolutely silly. “Then I saw Mum cry and Dad would have been upset too and that’s when I felt the tears coming. “The emotions just poured out of me. I was crying.” Liddiard was eventually dismissed early on day three for 97, his highest ever score in any form of cricket
and his third first grade score in the nineties for the season. But while that first ever century again eluded Liddiard, he was more than happy that his innings proved to the difference in Penrith winning or losing the final. “I’ll take that 90 every day of the week. I did want that 100 and it was bitter sweet that I didn’t but at the end of the day I have got a ring and a medal now,” Liddiard declared. “It doesn’t really matter how many runs I scored it’s just the fact that I helped the team win the title. “I can’t really talk to Pop right now because he would make me cry but he has said he is very proud of me and he can’t believe how we have done this. “But (after my innings) I told him I loved him and he said he was very proud of me.” Preceding the final itself, Liddiard had scored just 40 runs post-Christmas and admitted that while his form was concerning, there were valid reasons and that he knew he was ready to turn in a match-winning performance with the bat. “After Christmas I hadn’t scored many runs and it was getting to me a little bit,” Liddiard conceded. “But at times at the crease, I didn’t have much of an opportunity with time at the crease. “We played a lot of one-dayers in that period and I would often come in with five or so overs to go. “However that semi-final against North Sydney, was a chance for me to just get some quality time and fitness at the crease. “Then it was funny coming to training on Tuesday / Wednesday (before the final) and by far it was the best I was hitting them all year, which also gave me a lot of coming into the final. “I’m just very grateful to have won the competition and happy to help the boys get over the line. “It’s the best feeling by far in my cricket career ever, getting those runs.”
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
Heartbreaking news drives Tyran Liddiard to Belvidere Cup success
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Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
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SPORT
BEHIND THE STUMPS
with Stew Moses @TheRiffMarn
One for the ages as Penrith breaks title drought in dramatic fashion Penrith has ended its 36-year quest for the Belvidere Cup, with a dramatic first innings win over Sydney University at Bankstown Oval, and in doing so, winning just its third first grade premiership title. Outside of the club, not many experts gave Penrith much of a chance of defeating a side that was looking for its seventh title since 2002/03 (ironically a final which saw Penrith lose by 15 runs). After all, this was a side that was coming up against the minor premiers, who featured in all three finals this season and were runaway club champions (Penrith runners-up). Despite missing NSW batsman Nick Larkin and former test opener Ed Cowan, Sydney University were still expected to account for a playing roster that averaged just 22.4 years of age (20.9 if you excluded the 32 year old skipper, Ryan Smith), with seven players out of the 11, 21 years or younger. The minor premiers won the toss and elected to bat on a good batting deck and would have fancied their chances of grinding out the overs for a big score that would see them secure victory over the Black Cats for the fourth successful time this season. But Penrith turned the game on its head shortly after lunch on day one, with spinners Luke Hodges and Trent Weir taking four wickets between them, to reduce their opponents to just 5/79 before setting Penrith a tricky target of 208 to achieve a 1st innings lead. The Black Cats, appeared to be cruising at 5/175 but a lower order collapse left Penrith needing four runs to surpass Sydney University’s total with just one wicket in hand. Cue Tyran Liddiard. The young Penrith keeperbatsmen, held his nerve against the likes of Devlin Malone, Joe Kershaw and Dugald Holloway, and played an inspired innings and together with tail-end batsman, Ryan Fletcher (12 no), steered his side to a 42 run lead early on day three after being finally dismissed for 97. Sydney University came out in the 2nd innings with all guns blazing and declared at 7/191 from just 35 overs, setting Penrith 150 runs to chase down for an outright win off 55 overs. Ryan Smith’s five wicket haul for the match gave him 62 wickets for 2018/19, breaking a long- standing record for most first grade wickets in a season, held by Geoff Davies since 1973/74. The Black Cats ensured their place in history late on day three, when Sydney University called off proceedings with 21 overs remaining, with Penrith on track for an outright victory at 1/79. Ryan Smith admitted to Nepean News after
keen for the trophy to make the trek further west to Howell Oval, where celebrations kicked on well into the night before resuming the next day at various pubs in and around Penrith. Meanwhile the news just keeps getting better and better for Penrith’s premiership-winning skipper, Ryan Smith, after confirmation his wife Sarah, is due to give birth to their second child in October. AT LAST! The Belvidere Cup is heading back to “Mother” Howell Oval for just the third time in the club’s history (well almost made it back). Credit: Ian Bird.
the game that the premiership win came a little sooner than he expected, but couldn’t be prouder of his team’s achievements in his rookie season as Penrith first grade captain. “In my heart of hearts, I thought it might take a little bit longer and require a lot more hard work,” Smith conceded. “This year we set ourselves a goal of finishing in the top six, with such a young side and building from there for the next couple of years. “But It was amazing to see these young guys adapt so well after the one year of me taking over as skipper. “They did everything that was asked of them by myself and more. “They have opened my eyes to the true potential that is in this team, this club, and I couldn’t be prouder.” For Club President, Paul Goldsmith, the title vindicates the club’s focus on player development rather than paying players in order to win a premiership. “We don’t splash around a lot of cash (on players) like some clubs. We give our players a little bit of pocket money and that’s about it,” Goldsmith revealed. “They play here because they want to be here and when you look through the team today, ten of the eleven are local juniors and the 11th is Henry Railz, who came down from Dubbo to play his first year of grade cricket. “Today is a culmination of a number of years in terms of developing players that are really driving a strong positive culture and the players, coaches and support staff can be very proud of this season’s achievements.” With the Belvidere Cup trophy insured for a cool $150,000, Cricket NSW officials were not
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Popular clubman, John Di Bartolo, has shelved plans to retire, with the aggressive opener confirming he is prepared to fight his way back into first grade next season. It wasn’t such good news for Penrith’s Colts team who went down by five wickets to Gordon, having batted first and being dismissed for 164 in the SportsWave Metropolitan Cup Final. A reminder that this Saturday from 1pm, Penrith Cricket Club are hosting their annual All Stars T20 Charity Match, which aims to raise funds for the Nepean Cancer Care Centre. The brain child of recently retired Penrith cricketer, Dale Turner, and sponsored by Southlands Shopping Centre, this annual event has so far raised over $20,000 in much needed funds for such an important community facility. This year’s game is set to feature current Brisbane Heat bowling star, Josh Lalor along with four members of this year’s premiershipwinning squad – Ryan Gibson, Benuad medallist Tyran Liddiard, skipper Ryan Smith and Brent Atherton. Other notable cricketers to take part include current club president Paul Goldsmith, retired skipper Matthew Halse and Kevin Geyer. Beside the match itself, there will be plenty happening off the field, with the Sydney Thunder Activation Bus on hand to entertain the kids, while the bar will be open for food and beverages and there will also be a BBQ running. There will be raffles and prizes on offer, including a signed and framed Pat Cummins Cricket Australia test shirt and a Nathan Cleary signed Penrith jersey. If you can’t get down to Howell Oval but would like to make a donation to such a good cause, please do so by making a deposit into the following Bank of Queensland account: D Turner Charity Account BSB 122-717 A/C 22463125. #LTC #PForPenrith #BelvidereCupChampions
PENRITH PANTHERS
SPORT
By STEWART MOSES
W
@TheRiffMarn
h i l e plenty has been made over the past fortnight over Penrith’s performances, particularly from key spine players Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards, there are growing concerns that the lack of Penrith’s impetus in attack largely stems from the lack of go forward coming out of dummy half from their hookers, Sione Katoa and Wayde Egan. And the statistics lend support to this observation. In the seven games played between them to date, starting hooker Katoa averages 56 minutes per game yet averages just 2m per game from 0.7 runs made. Meanwhile despite having increased his game time from 27 minutes per game to 34 in 2019, Egan also averages just 3 metres from 0.3 runs per game but does have a rare try and line-break against his name along with two tackle breaks for the season to date. Combined, that’s just 1 run for 5 metres per game. Defensively both hookers are sound – Katoa averaging 33 tackles per game (missing just two tackles to date) with one error and two penalties conceded, while Egan averages 21.3 tackles per
Wayde Egan admits he still has some work to do on his game. Credit: NRL Photos.
game with 4 missed tackles and one error made for the season to date. Whilst Egan, who currently comes off the interchange bench to replace Katoa, admits he still has much work to do before he can become that 80-minute hooking solution for his coach Ivan Cleary, he says he feels more at home in the NRL this year compared to last. “At the moment I’m just doing a job for the team. Whatever Ivan and that want me to do, I’m just trying to put
my best foot forward each week and do whatever is required for the team,” Egan told Nepean News. “I know there is still plenty to work on with my game but I definitely feel better about things being a NRL player compared to last year so hopefully I can develop into that 80 minute footballer at this level.” It’s well documented how unconvincing the Panthers have looked in their opening four games of the season.
Poor completion rates, inability to break the line, low metre gains and lack of points scored have left plenty questioning the team’s premiershipwinning credentials under their returned coach. Egan agrees that the team needs to improve a lot if they are to build on their two wins to date over the Knights and last Friday night’s golden point win over the Tigers. “We definitely haven’t put in a good 80-minute performance together and we have a lot to work on,” Egan declared. “We need to just take it week by week. “We have got a win or two which have been pretty lucky. “We are far from our best and need to improve on a lot.” Egan however scoffed suggestions that their performances could be the result of the playing group being an unhappy or distracted one in the wake of the recent scandals which rocked the club last month. “Everyone is happy off the field. Our training is going well and everything else is going fine,” Egan confirmed. “It’s just those crucial moments in games where we let ourselves down. “We know we have a lot to work on but once we have all our big names back and firing in the top grade, that will give us a lot of confidence.”
Yeo not fazed by recent bouts of concussion By STEWART MOSES
F
@TheRiffMarn
or one of Penrith’s members of that six-man leadership group, the opening month of footy has been a real headache in more ways then one. Backrower Isaah Yeo has already come from the field twice in the opening two rounds of the season, to have head injury assessment tests with the medical staff, failing to return once. The second incident in as many weeks, resulting from a team-mate’s stray elbow nearly rubbed Yeo out of Penrith fortuitous Round Two win over the Knights. However Yeo felt worse than expected after the second incident and the decision was made to rest Yeo out of Penrith’s clash with Melbourne. Whilst Yeo admits he is disappointed one of his season goals was scratched as a result, after just the four rounds to date, he is philosophical that the risk of head-related injury is part and parcel of the game. “It’s not ideal. My goal is to play every game each year so that has been crossed off the list pretty early,” Yeo told the Nepean News. “It wasn’t through any sort of technique from anyone really. It’s
Isaah Yeo ready to take on opposition defenses head on again. Credit: NRL Photos.
been the result of an accidental lazy arm and a bit of friendly fire. “I can’t read too much into that, obviously I’ve been a bit unlucky. “The second one shouldn’t have affected me like it did so they thought a week to get my head right would do me the world of good. “At least I have pulled through this game fine and looking forward to next weekend. “I hope it doesn’t happen again this year but it’s a contact sport and I have to realistic and understand that there are going to be chances during games where that can happen again.” Yeo’s inclusion along with that of
Viliame Kikau was crucial in Penrith’s come-from-behind 9-8 golden point win over the Wests Tigers last Friday night. But despite the win, the performance particularly in the second half, mirrored the effort against the Melbourne Storm a week earlier (particularly in attack where the Panthers struggled to again complete much more than half their sets). Yeo concedes that while the side competed better tonight and defended well, there is still much improvement required. “Obviously tonight it was ugly but I think credit to us, I think we
really competed for the whole eighty minutes,” Yeo declared. “I think both sides had to make around 400 tackles each and they didn’t have a line break. “Their two tries came off kicks and as much as our attack was clunky and we dropped a lot of ball, I thought we defended really well. Yeo denies that Penrith’s problems in attack are the result of Ivan Cleary’s decision to change the team structurally in 2019, with Maloney and Cleary swapping sides as have centres Waqa Blake and Dean Whare. Even middle forwards such as James Fisher-Harris have had to play big minutes out on the edges. “Not so much. They aren’t the ones making all the errors,” Yeo replied. “Conditions aren’t ideal at the moment but we aren’t playing to them. “Last four games, three of them have been wet and we have to understand that we need to play to those conditions. “But to be fair, all credit to the boys. “Obviously we’re doing it tough at the moment but there is always that amount of self-belief in this side that we can compete until the 80th minute and we did that tonight. “As long as our effort is there for 80 minutes and we are competing then that’s a good start to work off.”
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
Egan says he belongs in the NRL despite concerns
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Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
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SPORT
PENRITH PANTHERS
Repeat Sets with Stew Moses
@TheRiffMarn
GOLDEN POINT WIN CAN’T MASK PENRITH’S ONGOING ISSUES It’s been a really ugly fortnight of footy from the Penrith Panthers. Yet somehow, one game ended in a dramatic come-from-behind win in Golden Point preceded by an inept second half performance in a 32-2 loss to last year’s grand finalist Melbourne in an icy cold Bathurst the previous Saturday. Both games were punctuated by errors and an inability to score tries. But at least in Penrith’s 9-8 win over the Wests Tigers last Friday night before 14,002 fans played in slippery conditions at Panthers Stadium, Penrith’s defence held firm, conceding their only two tries from the boot of Tigers five-eighth Josh Reynolds, otherwise holding their line firm for the entire 85 minutes. Dylan Edwards’ recent run of errors at fullback resulted in a halftime switch with winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak but it failed to provide the spark Penrith needed as they returned to the field for the second half trailing 4-2. Instead a repeat performance was on the cards as the longer the second half went, the worse Penrith became with ball in hand, failing to complete a set for over fifteen minutes. But the Wests Tigers, having missed three shots at goal, were made to pay for their two failed field goal attempts, when Edwards finished off a wellworked movement involving maligned halves James Maloney and Nathan Cleary to score in the 80th minute. An ice cool conversion after the siren from Cleary sent the game into golden point where the Tigers again through Luke Brooks missed a relatively simple field goal attempt before Cleary again provided the heroics with a 40m field goal for the ages to seal an ugly yet important win for the under siege Panthers. Whilst clearly concerned about Penrith’s poor completion rate, coach Ivan Cleary was much happier with the team’s effort especially in defence. “We continue to make errors and put ourselves under pressure but I thought we were defensively really good,” Cleary said post-game. “They didn’t make a line break all night. “They threw plenty at us on our try line but we turned them away a lot. “Sometimes you have to find a way to win and we did that tonight. “I came here tonight trying to base our performance on effort and hopefully that win will allow us to unlock some of our potential.”
putting their season back on track when they venture to Leichhardt Oval this Sunday to take on sixthplaced the Western Suburbs Magpies before backing up the following Sunday when they travel to Henson Park for a date with the Newtown Jets.
Dylan Edwards may have scored the match-tying try but it hasn’t stopped coach Ivan Cleary from naming him at wing instead of fullback for the Titans clash. Credit: NRL Photos.
The previous week it felt like -0.7 degrees at nearby Bathurst Airport and after going down 32-2 to Melbourne in front of over 10,000 hardy souls at Carrington Park, it must have felt even colder after the game in the Panthers change room. Penrith had plenty of possession deep inside Melbourne territory during the first half but only had a James Maloney penalty goal to show for it. Having come out of the sheds trailing 8-2, another Dylan Edwards error gifted the Storm a 14-2 lead and it was all one-way traffic therein as Penrith turned in one of their most inept performances in recent memory. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary lamented his team’s poor performance after conceding the second try early in the second half. “For 46 minutes I thought there was nothing in the game,” Cleary declared. “But that try that took to them 14-2 ahead, we didn’t cope with that and I think we completed four sets for the rest of the games. “From there on we were awful. All parts of our game were inept. “There’s way too many fundamental errors which makes life difficult against the Storm. “We needed to finish that game off a lot better than we did.” Penrith’s undefeated Canterbury Cup campaign ended at the hands of the NZ Warriors last Saturday in Auckland, going down 22-12 having led 12-10 midway through the second half. The week earlier, Penrith survived a blistering late second half comeback from the Dragons to win 2624. The third-placed Panthers will be looking to
A mixed fortnight for Penrith’s Jersey Flegg side. A 22-20 loss at home was followed up by last Saturday’s 20-14 win across the Tasman against the NZ Warriors. The fifth-placed Panthers will face the Victoria Thunderbolts and Cronulla Sharks over the upcoming fortnight, both fixtures played away from home. In Junior Reps News, Penrith’s Harold Matts and Tarsha Gale sides have qualified for the finals, both in 6th position. Not so the defending SG Ball and National U18s champions, Penrith, who despite wins over the Dragons and Pirates, failed to qualify on for and against. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary welcomes back Tyrell Fuimaono from injury for this Friday night’s clash against a desperate and winless Gold Coast Titans side, but has lost backrower Frank Winterstein (grade 2 medial knee injury) for up to six weeks. Cleary has also opted to swap positions between Dylan Edwards and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, while Viliame Kikau has been named to start in the back row. The club has named the following 21-man squad for the Titans clash: 1. Dallin WATENE-ZELEZNIAK 2. Josh MANSOUR 3. Dean WHARE 4. Waqa BLAKE 5. Dylan EDWARDS 6. James MALONEY 7. Nathan CLEARY 8. James TAMOU 9. Sione KATOA 10. Reagan CAMPBELL-GILLARD 11. Viliame KIKAU 12. Isaah YEO 13. James FISHER-HARRIS 14. Wayde EGAN 15. Tyrell FUIMAONO 16. Moses LEOTA 17. Hame SELE 18. Malakai WATENE-ZELEZNIAK 19. Tim GRANT 20. Jarome LUAI 21. Liam MARTIN Next Thursday the Panthers will make the trek to the Shire where they take on Cronulla. Make your support count and show your #PantherPride at the game.
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THE STATS DON’T LIE…BUT MAYBE THE LADDER DOES It’s amazing given the footy the Panthers have provided or more to the point haven’t provided thus far in season 2019 that they aren’t at the bottom of the table alongside this week’s opponents, the winless Gold Coast Titans. The stats are damning and reflects the lack of cohesive free-flowing footy played by a much-hyped pre-season premiership contender in the opening four rounds. After four rounds the Panthers: • Make 15.3 errors per game (1st), including 11.8 handling errors per game (1st). • Top the tackle count with 361.8 tackles made per game due to lack of possession driven by a poor completion rate of just 62%. • Make the least running metres per game (1,389). • Break the line just 1.5 times per game (16th). • Score just 9.8 points per game (15th). • Create just 0.5 line-break assists per game (16th). In addition, last Friday night’s try scored by Dylan Edwards was the first try scored by the Panthers since the 46th minute back in Round Two against the Knights – nearly 200 minutes of going try less. Furthermore, Edwards’ try was the first try scored by a Panthers back in 2019 and just the 6th Penrith try scored thus far in 2019 after round 4. However, premierships aren’t won in March as the Roosters illustrated last year (although they can be lost in March). If Penrith can at least maintain a 50/50 (or better) win loss ratio, they should be able to find the necessary groove to be among the contenders at the back end of the season. After the Tigers win, coach Ivan Cleary admitted a number of players still lacked confidence. One of those players is obviously Dylan Edwards, who in a game and a half of footy came up with nine errors and last Friday was switched to wing for the second half, where he has been named to play again this Friday against the Titans, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will continue at fullback. But team mate, Wayde Egan believes Edwards will bounce back, despite the setback of losing his fullback spot. “He is a great player, Dylan. It’s uncharacteristic as well (these errors) but you can’t fault his effort, he is always in the picture and those errors can
Meanwhile with tries scored at a premium for the Panthers, they can ill afford errors which cost them four-pointers after NRL Head of Operations, Graeme Annesley admitted the referees erred in not awarding a try to Panthers’ forward Viliame Kikau.
Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
GOLDEN POINTS
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Fijian international winger/ centre Tyrone Phillips “resigned” from the Penrith Panthers with immediate effect last Monday. It comes in the wake of Phillips being charged with mid-range drink driving the previous day. Phillips played nine NRL games for Penrith in 2018, scoring four tries. Nathan Cleary’s 40m golden point field goal was one for the ages but will it spark an improved showing from Penrith moving forward? Credit: NRL Photos.
happen to any player,” Egan told Nepean News. “I bet JT (Thurston) and the likes have had games like that too and they have bounced back so I’m sure Dyl will bounce back too.” A media storm erupted in the hours following the Storm loss, starting with Paul Kent revealing on Triple M’s NRL Sunday program that Panthers EGM, Phil Gould AM, had in fact done a deal to bring Wayne Bennett to Penrith to replace Anthony Griffin as coach, only to find that the Panthers board, led by Chairman, David O’Neill opted to go down a different path with Ivan Cleary. While both Gould and O’Neill later confirmed the validity of the story, this scenario has led to the media suggesting that Gould no longer has total control over the club’s football program. There were even reports suggesting that the Cronulla Sharks were the latest club to be interested in luring Gould away from the Panthers. But while that story was put to bed, it can be almost scripted that while Penrith’s indifferent start to the season continues, the rumours and innuendo won’t abate any time soon. Panthers back-rower Isaah Yeo will play this Friday night after opting to take the early guilty plea to a grade one dangerous contact charge for an incident on Wests Tigers’ Luke Garner in the 50th minute of that 9-8 win over the Tigers.
Another Panther on the move is rangy winger / centre Sam Smith, who has taken up a top 30 contract deal with the Manly Sea Eagles and made his club debut for feeder club, Blacktown Workers last weekend in the Canterbury Cup. Congratulations to a couple of Panther milestones achieved over the past fortnight. Firstly back rower Liam Martin made his NRL debut against the Melbourne Storm and became Panther No. 584 in the process. Secondly Dallin Watene-Zelezniak played his 100th NRL game last Friday night, all as a Panther since making his debut back in 2014. There was plenty of predictable hype surrounding the Tigers game given the Ivan Cleary coaching saga and much of it, Ivan Cleary himself wanting very little to deal with. But one cause during the lead-up to the game he was only too happy to promote was organ transplants. Cleary, who selflessly donated a kidney to his brother Ash in 2017, was unveiled as an official ambassador for charity organisation Transplant Australia and will take up a leading role in educating the Panthers community about organ donation. Potential donors in NSW can only become a registered organ donor by entering their details in the Australian Organ Donor Register at donatelife.gov.au. #PantherPride
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Nepean News 11 April 2019 Issue 249
46
SPORT
Coach’s Corner Performance or Result?
With competitions commencing in our local winter sporting codes I was asked recently for the best advice I could give a youth coach tasked with developing young players. The question caught me a little off guard but as a coach you never stop thinking of new ways to develop, adapt, create new drills, better tactics, more effective ways to communicate and develop your craft. My response was that the job is not and should never be about the coach. And just as important is that coaching should never be about the result but more the process of your players learning and improving. I have coached
in many games where my team has played poorly and won, but also where my team has played very well and lost. Do you judge the team on the performance or on the result? The external noise often focuses on the result, this is an important element for parents and supporters to understand, the performance and effort is where your focus should be in junior sport. Not on the result. If you can create a team environment as a coach where you focus and value process and performance over the result and you can have parents, families and players buy into that ethos you are going to create a positive experience
for all involved. The key to having players develop and progress within a sport is to retain them within that particular sport for several seasons. To create negative environments or where the result is valued more than the performance is only going to lead to players not enjoying their experience and parents looking at other options. Let me make it very clear that I value nothing more than competition, competitiveness and winning games. But in order to achieve that you need to have the correct pathway for your players to follow in order to achieve success. Have simple themes as a
Brock Shepperd Wests Harold Matthews Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com coach and they should reflect what you want your team to look like for that particular game or a theme for the entire season. As competitions commence it is also vital to acknowledge our match officials. Make a point as coach to shake hands with the referee / umpire at the end of your match and to say thank you, as a sign of respect but also to model the correct behaviour to your players. We are losing far too many referees / umpires within all sports because of the constant criticism, pressure and win at all costs mentalities of coaches, players, parents and supporters.
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Mt Druitt Town collapse in loss to Sydney By CONNER LOWE
M
t Druitt Town let a 2-0 lead at halftime slip, after collapsing in the second half to the Sky Blues at Popondetta Park on Saturday night. The Sky Blues built up well at the start of the game with Ryan Teague stroking the ball around well in the middle. His switch to Joel King created the first chance which went for a corner. The return of Luke Ivanovic from A-League duty helped, as the tall striker was involved in the first shot as he tumbled a shot towards Town Rangers custodian Carlos Saliadarre, saved confidently low down. Rangers attacker Lachlan Roberts combined well with Cooper Coskerie to fire an early warning shot across the Sky Blues area. The opening came when Mount Druitt kept the Sky Blues defense from clearing the ball then it fell to Coskerie on the edge of the area. The attacker arrowed an effort into the bottom corner for a 1-nil lead. It was double delight in the 36th minute for the Town Rangers. Roberts was clipped in the box which saw referee Katie Patterson point to the spot.
Jordan Gomez converted calmly for a 2-0 lead. Swibel tried to swivel an effort past Saliadarre but the veteran keeper remained poised and the home side headed into the break, up 2-0. The contest took some time to build again in the second half as the sides traded yellow cards and the only chance came when Coskerie squeezed between two Sky Blue defenders, but a tame shot rolled to keeper Thomas Heward-Belle.
Sydney FC’s Hamish Lamberton came onto the pitch in the 62nd minute, and within two minutes, rewarded his coach’s decision. He opened the play on the right before he drifted into the box to thump home a header to claw back a goal for the Sky Blues. Momentum had turned with Sydney FC on top. Lamberton, Ivanovic and Swibel started to dominate time on the ball and penned the Town Rangers in their own end. Town Rangers cracked under the constant barrage in the 81st minute. A pinball around the box fell onto the foot of Swibel. The striker got reward for his performance as he knocked the ball home for 2-2. Sydney FC completed their comeback in the 84th when another substitute, Marco Tilio swept through the Rangers defence then his shot took a deflection off Coskerie into the net for 3-2. Just to nail home the three points, Sydney FC added a fourth. Ivanovic in his final involvement started a precise break which involved Lamberton and Swibel, for the latter to smash home for 4-2. It was a disappointing result for the team from Mt Druitt as they played so well in the opening half and let all their good work lead to nothing. Rangers will look onto next weekend’s fixture against the Wollongong Wolves at WIN Stadium.
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Three games decided by a golden point field goal!
Not one....
A
Not two....
month in to the NRL and it’s been - in a word - RIVETING! One team (Storm) undefeated, one team (Titans) without a win and a lot of golden point footy to totally tantalise the faithful. There have been surprises (Raiders, Eels) there have been disappointments (Broncos, Knights, Cowboys, Titans) yet even these four teams are only two wins away from getting their respective seasons back on track, ala the Dragons. As for the Panthers, whew. Last Friday night against the Tigers the constant narrative was centered around Ivan Cleary and the way in which he left his opponents that night; the West Tigers. Ivan professionally deflected the outside noise coming from every angle as his young bloke Nathan came to the rescue and kicked a magic goal on full time to level the scores at 8 all. Then in golden point he again pulled the trigger in nailing a 40 metre clutch field goal to give the Mountain Men a much-needed 2 points. Ah don’t ya just love this game! On Saturday Daly Cherry Evans did the same thing for his team against the Rabbitohs and on Sunday night the Dragons’ Corey Norman did the same, for the second week in a row, pinching a victory over the Knights on their home deck.
But three golden point field goals in one weekend!
Such a special weekend of footy saw for the first time ever three games decided by a golden point field goal. So as you can plainly see the penthouse and the outhouse can be defined by a wobbly one point field goal in golden point, such is the closeness of this years competition. This weekend the Panthers travel to the Gold Coast to take on an under-siege Titans outfit with ex Panther lower grade coach Garth Brennan desperate for a victory against his old club. What chance this game is decided by a field goal? Every bloody chance. This weeks Poor, Better, Best. Poor: The 3 QLD teams who after 4 rounds and 12 games between them have 2 wins. Better: The Raiders who look like this year’s unlikely surprise. Best: The Roosters last try against the Broncos last Thursday night which will be hard to beat for try of the year. See you at the game.
MG (random Westie) OAM
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