Nepean News 11 August 2023 DIGITAL

The Netball World Cup trophy is back in Australia’s possession after the Diamonds crushed England 61 to 45 to be crowned Netball World Cup champions for the 12th time. Penrith is so proud of local Paige Hadley (right)

Plant a tree for Dad on Father’s Day

IF you’re looking for something to gift Dad for Father’s Day, Penrith City Council’s annual Trees for Dad community tree planting event returns for its fifth year on Sunday 3 September at Peppermint Reserve in Kingswood. Community members are invited to plant trees and shrubs in celebration and honour of Dad.

Everyone is invited to plant a tree in honour and celebration of their dad, grandfather, uncle or father figure.

The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions, with the first session starting at 8.30am and the last session at 12pm.

Registrations are essential to join the day; Council’s Bushcare team will use the numbers to ensure they have enough trees and tags for participants to plant and write on. Register at penrith.city/events

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen was excited that the event was returning for its fifth year and encouraged residents to register to plant a tree to remember and celebrate their dad.

“Planting a tree is such a simple gesture to honour your dad, grandfather, uncle or a father figure in your life and can be a very positive and meaningful experience to share with family and friends on Father’s Day,” Cr Hitchen said.

“When we held our successful Trees for Mum event on Mother’s Day this year, it was touching for the Bushcare team to hear beautiful stories from participants about why they had come to celebrate and honour their mum, and I hope that Trees for Dad continues to provide such a space to remember Dad.

“Trees for Dad is not only a great way to gift Dad something special, but it’s an opportunity to learn about our local environment and help restore our endangered bushland by planting native trees or shrubs.

“Council’s Bushcare team is looking forward to another great day planting trees and celebrating our local dads,” Cr Hitchen continued.

Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and a hat. Sunscreen will be available on the day.

Council’s nursery proudly provides the native trees and shrubs available for planting.

To ensure there are enough trees for everyone to plant and so the Penrith Council Bushcare team can coordinate the 30-minute sessions, please book your attendance by registering at penrith.city/ events

A Penrith family attending Trees for Dad 2022.

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Lindsay MP pushing for answers on Australia Post closure

AUSTRALIA Post has announced it is closing its Penrith Plaza location on 29 September. Customers will have to use the High St post office or others.

“I share our community’s concerns about a number of things, including a lack of parking at the High St location and surrounding streets, access for older people and the impact on our local small businesses,” Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh said earlier this week.

Ms McIntosh said Australia Post say they’re closing it due to low foot traffic from the start of the pandemic until now.

“But that’s hardly surprising,” Ms McIntosh said, “people couldn’t go out and older people are only just now getting the confidence back to go out.

“So I have questions for Australia Post and I’ve been asking those. Particularly around ensuring that our businesses are still covered and also that people who need to access Australia Post can still get access.

Pointing at Australia Post in High Street, Ms McIntosh said, “There’s only six parking spots and one accessible parking spot. High Street is chockers most of the time, its so hard to get parking.

“I want to make sure this is the right decision for our community and right now I’m not seeing that it is. I’ll keep pursuing it, I know that many people are impacted by this decision and we’ll keep trying to get some answers from Australia Post.

“Thank you to everyone who has shared your concerns with me. I’ve raised them with Australia Post and will continue to pursue the issue with the Government while I’m in Parliament this week.”

Penrith City Children’s Choir – Next Project

APPLICATIONS are now open for Penrith City Children’s Choir’s next project. Starting with a two-hour workshop on Sunday September 10, it promises to be a highlight for 2023.

Directed by Lucy McAlary, this project offers the chance to perform with professional musicians and singers at ‘Music and Readings for Christmas’ in the glorious setting of St Finbar’s, Glenbrook in December. The event, which always attracts a full house, also features Penrith Symphony Brass, harp, organ, and a combined adult chorus. The Children’s Choir will star in an Australian carol by William James and feature in several traditional carols.

Boys and girls aged 7 – 13 years are invited. There are no auditions - just bring your love of singing!

For an Information Pack & Application Form contact: PCCC Administrator, Becky Padgett 0417 433 903; Director, Lucy McAlary 0432 625 986; or email pccc@ penrithcitychoir.com.au

For full details of our 2023 program go to www. penrithcitychoir.com.au/penrithcity-childrens-choir

Sacred Heart parishioners sign up for fun run to support seminarians

SACRED HEART parishioners have signed up for fun run to support seminarians.

Sunday morning will look a little different this weekend for Colleen Nicholas.

Instead of attending her regular Sunday Mass at The Sacred Heart Parish Luddenham-Warragamba, Colleen will pull on her walking shoes and head to the city for her first City2Surf —the world’s largest fun run.

The mother-of-three will join nine of her fellow parishioners walking 14km to raise awareness for Catholic vocations and funds for our Holy Spirit Seminarians on their journey to become priests.

A parishioner at Sacred Heart for 25 years and Parish Secretary for 18 of those, Colleen decided to take part in the iconic event when approached by Menard Gaspi, the seminarian on placement at her parish.

“Since Menard’s been with us, he’s started a youth Mass and two choirs,” she said. “He’s really good at getting people involved in nurturing faith and community.”

“I see how dedicated our Diocese’s young seminarians are, and it’s good for people to know the kind of work they are doing and will continue to do.”

Despite not liking crowds, Colleen is looking forward to the City2Surf atmosphere and showing her support for the Holy Spirit Seminarians as part of the Parramatta Catholic Foundation’s #Active4Vocations team.

The team includes Colleen and Menard. along with Sacred Heart parishioners Donna Gauci, Harry Gauci, Justin Buttigieg, Michael Buttigieg, Karen Rogan, Anthony Sciberras, and Charlene and Gabrielle Sammut.

They will be joined by Fr Paul Marshall, the Holy Spirit Seminary Rector, and seminarians Macky

Parishioners from a number of other parishes are also taking part.

To join the Parramatta Catholic Foundation’s #Active4Vocations team or to spur on Colleen, the Sacred Heart parishioners, and our seminarians with a donation, please visit https:// city2surf22.grassrootz.com/ parramatta-catholic-foundationdiocese-of-parramatta

Your support will raise awareness and funds for vocations in the Diocese of Parramatta, and your donation will directly support the Holy Spirit Seminarians dedicating their lives to becoming priests for God’s people.

You can learn more about Vocations in the Diocese of Parramatta at https://parracatholic.org/vocations/, Priestly Vocations at https:// parracatholic.org/seminary/, or contact Fr Christopher del Rosario on vocations@parracatholic.org

Applications now open for the Final Round of the Community Wellbeing and Resilience Grants

WENTWORTH HEALTHCARE, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is now accepting applications for the third and final round of the Community Wellbeing and Resilience Grants.

The grants are funded through the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care as part of the response to the 2022 floods. Funds can be used to deliver activities that encourage social cohesion, connectedness, community wellbeing, resilience and mental health healing of affected communities.

To date, the program has awarded 44 grants worth over $250,000. Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Lizz Reay, said a huge variety of funded Grants are making a difference to these communities.

“The Community Wellbeing and Resilience Grants build on existing and emerging connections and allow communities the opportunity to choose

their own way to respond to the losses, anxiety and distress they have experienced.”

“Funded activities thus far have been diverse. Some examples include, a community festival hosted by Wallacia Progress Association, a series of free concerts with afternoon tea and music appreciation talks supported by the Macdonald Valley Association, and a two-day pony club camp hosted by Londonderry Pony Club. These activities were all delivered in areas that were directly impacted by the multiple floods that occurred last year,” said Ms Reay.

“We see huge benefits from these programs in affected communities. New friendships are formed, and residents get the opportunity to connect with local services that they may not have known about or felt comfortable reaching out to,” she said.

“Residents who participate in these programs report a greater sense of belonging and strengthening

of ties with the broader community. This helps ensure that when the next disaster hits, they don’t feel alone and have a whole community network to lean on,” she added.

A variety of initiatives that encourage communityled wellbeing in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith local government areas will be considered, with prioritisation given to Hawkesbury and Penrith. Groups are encouraged to discuss their proposal with the Grants team prior to applying, by emailing grants@nbmphn.com.au or by calling 4708 8100.

Applications will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 27 August 2023. A full list of funded grants from previous rounds is available at www.nbmphn.com. au/CommunityWellbeingResilienceGrants

More information, including the Grants guidelines and application form, is available at www.nbmphn. com.au/floodgrants

Amores, Jason Irawan, and Jose Valentine Lim.

State-of-the-art pathology laboratory opens at Nepean Hospital

PATHOLOGY is a crucial tool in detecting, diagnosing and treating disease, as well as an important aspect of managing longterm medical conditions

The new facility was officially opened by Minister for Health, Ryan Park and is one of the first NSW Health Pathology laboratories to be fitted with advanced new chemical pathology analysers.

The lab will provide a range of common tests such as liver and kidney function tests and diabetes monitoring.

At around 1.5 times larger than the previous laboratory, the expanded lab will revolutionise the way staff work and enhance the services and facilities available to patients being treated at the Hospital.

The new Nepean Hospital Pathology Laboratory is part of a $29 million investment in NSW Health laboratories across western Sydney and regional NSW.

The Pathology Laboratory was fasttracked as part of Stage 2 development of the $1 billion Nepean Hospital redevelopment.

Construction for Stage 2 of the Nepean Redevelopment is currently underway and is scheduled for completion in 2026.

For more information visit the www.nepeanredevelopment.health. nsw.gov.au

A new state-of-the-art pathology laboratory at Nepean Hospital is providing staff the latest in cutting-edge medical technology to perform vital diagnostic testing.

As well as acting on the conveyance of property in NSW, we also act for NSW residents who wish to purchase or sell property in Victoria, ACT and Queensland

Amenities underway for Gipps Street Recreation Precinct

CONSTRUCTION is underway on the main amenities building for the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct in Claremont Meadows.

Located in the centre of the 32-hectare precinct, the building will feature eight modern change rooms which can be converted into four larger change rooms, a largescale canteen, change rooms for officials, multi-purpose area, storage, parent’s room with baby change table facilities, ambulant toilets, MLAKfitted accessible toilet with shower, and scoring, administration and first aid rooms.

A MLAK-fitted ‘Changing Place’ facility will also be installed which is designed for those in the community with high support requirements. It will include a height-adjustable adultsized change table, ceiling track hoist system, centrally-located peninsula toilet, privacy screen, and automatic door.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the amenities building will be a central feature of the precinct and the largest amenities building in the Local Government Area.

“This facility will complement the floodlit sports fields, netball courts and cricket nets also being built here, to provide our local sports clubs with

the high-quality infrastructure they need for competitions and training,” Cr Hitchen said.

“It will also be an inviting space for residents and visitors to meet up, enjoy a snack from the canteen, and soak up the atmosphere.”

“After extensive remediation and

landscaping across the precinct, it is exciting for us to take the next step towards Gipps Street becoming a landmark sport and recreation destination for the community.”

The main amenities building is proudly funded by Penrith City Council and the NSW Government

who are contributing $1 million through the Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said that the new amenities will send the message that all are welcome at the precinct and will have the opportunity to access high quality facilities right at their doorstep.

“It’s great to see another landmark destination coming soon to Western Sydney. As a mum, I understand how important these facilities are for everyone in our community,” Minister Car said.

“I cannot wait to see the precinct buzzing with families and local residents, building and fostering connections with each other.”

Gipps Street Recreation Precinct will also feature children’s play areas, a floodlit dog park, youth precinct with floodlit skate park, pump track and multi-sport courts, walking trails, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic areas, and car parking, once complete.

Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy, which is a 15-year road map for the future provision of sport, play, recreation and open space facilities across the City, helped create the vision for this significant project.

Find out more at: yoursaypenrith. com.au/gippsst

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen, General Manager Andrew Moore and NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car in front of the site of the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct main amenities building.

Artist render of the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct main amenities building.

ACU researchers to provide a pathway to safer walking for older Australians

AUSTRALIAN Catholic University (ACU) researchers will develop a program to enhance pedestrian safety among older adults, thanks to funding from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA).

Pedestrian deaths increased by 10.3% in the 12 months to June 2023 (to 161), whilst the National Road Safety Strategy has also identified older people as vulnerable road users.

ACU health sciences researchers will develop a tailored online training program for people over 60 to enhance their hazard perception skills and reduce the risk of harm.

The program is the first of its kind in Australia and will use 3D simulations and gamification, alongside physical and cognitive training, to allow older adults to respond safely to trafficrelated threats whilst walking.

Lead ACU researcher Dr Joanne Bennett from the National School of Behavioural and Health Sciences said the online platform would achieve significant advancements in road safety.

“This cutting-edge platform enables older adults to enhance their hazard perception, physical, and cognitive skills.

“The ultimate goal is to improve pedestrian safety and, potentially, driving safety as well.

“By supporting older adults in understanding and improving their core pedestrian-safety skills, this pioneering initiative aims to help

them live long, safe, and independent lives.”

ACU will receive $820,000 to develop and deliver the innovative program over the next two years.

Associate Professor Jonathan Duckworth and Dr Li Ping Thong from RMIT University’s School of Design will collaborate with ACU researchers to build the online platform.

“Combining 3D simulated

LEFT OF FIELD

IS it just me or am I the only one that finds myself sometimes shaking my head at the human race? I was sitting at a well-known Penrith café the other day and watched a lady push on a pull door – and yes, I know that we all have those moments - BUT this went on to my absolute delight for about five minutes. I was thinking, wow a sandwich and watching a stupid person (free entertainment) - how good is that? Unbelievably, she then proceeded to tell wait staff that the door sucked and so did the place and they would get a bad review. Woooo hoooo touch down!

When I am looking at people weirdly, some think I have wind, but it’s not, it’s me merely examining another type of human.

SO (drum roll ) my little avid readers of many years, My Gspot is changing pace – we are now calling the column “ Left of Field” – yes I know, and before you throw a chair through the window, we have decided that it’s time to put my G Spot to bed. Take a bow! And ta-da!

It’s still me, the same old judgemental, sarcastic person that you have had for nearly ten years. But a little more left of field. I can be extremely sentimental and reminisce over my very vivid and colourful stories.

You will still get stories like the lady that stuck a frozen chook between her legs when I was a covert security officer, or the boneheads at events and nightclubs, lost children, parents and the lack of parenting skills, stupid things people do, and the aliens flying over the planet too scared to land and many, many more pointless stories as I observe human behaviour.

I may address Uranus stories again, and many more popcorn moments.

So, this brings me to the current world problem, scammers. Yup! Who has been scammed, not me – I am not that silly. Just ask my cousin who is a Prince from Nigeria offering $300,000,000, because a second aunty of my father died. I feel comfort in knowing that if I ever was scammed, I can just email him and if I send over my bank account details I will have the funds to protect myself. (family, don’t you just love them?)

I then have the many bonehead stories like the

total tool who was so intelligent (cough cough) that he attempted to hit me with a pool cue, however decided to get the tip of it stuck in the roof cavity first and then pull the entire roof tile and lighting down on himself in the process. It is amazing how quickly you can clear a room when there are sparks,

hazardous roadway scenarios with gaming elements to enhance user engagement and motivation will provide a novel approach to tackle the pressing issue of pedestrian injuries and fatalities among the ageing population in Australia,” said Associate Professor Duckworth.

“Considering the target audience of older adults, the program’s design must focus on accessibility. This involves ensuring the interface is easy to navigate, accommodating varying levels of digital literacy, and supporting users with potential sensory or cognitive impairments.”

The AAA funds research and practical activities that deliver real benefits for road users and the community.

“This is a promising project that could prevent many deaths and injuries,” AAA managing director Michael Bradley said.

“Australian road death numbers are rising and our population is ageing. ACU’s work is addressing an important need and a major gap in the nation’s road safety measures.”

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

flames and dust flying everywhere.

Yeah, I’ve met all the boneheads. A personal fave is the aggressive bonehead. This is a person who thinks that sculling down 35 drinks in 10.5 seconds is cool (yippee) and starts to pump up like the hulk on a bad hair day, and take it out on every person and inanimate object in the universe. Aggressive bonehead then proceeds to crash tackle everyone and everything in line of sight. I had a guy take out a poker machine bay one night. I was going to high-five him for the effort, but I couldn’t find him under all the bar stools, ashtrays and the other patrons who’d had just about a gutful of him as well.

Then you have the teary bonehead. This is the one that has drunk so much that they decide that security really need to hear how their life is sooooo bad (over and over again 15 times) they have a 3 legged dog with fleas, a gold fish with bowel problems who hates them and the 1973 Datsun 120Y that won’t run unless it is clutch started.

The brain surgeon Bonehead. This is the person that proceeds to tell you the scientific facts of how alcohol affects them, how their third cousin’s grandfather’s mother’s uncle is a lawyer and how we must be wrong because it is perfectly normal to fall

over 10 chairs and spill drinks over every patron as they walk to the bar.

The jive dancing drunken bonehead. This is a person who considers a dance floor that is 15 metres long and 17 metres wide not to be big enough and takes out 75 patrons with their dance moves in the process, and then wonders why the DJ won’t play gangnam style. I don’t mind the John Travolta moves in the tight lycra pants, but it’s the windmill and hip thrusting dancing that scares me.

The durry bonehead. This is a person that places 5 burning cigarettes in their mouths (backwards) at the same time and wonder how we detected that they were drunk (oops sorry intoxicated)?

Dunno just lucky I guess …sigh

The cuddly bonehead. I love these, the ones that hold onto that toilet bowl like it’s gonna spit out a million dollars in the next 10 minutes, and you have to call in the jaws of life to cut them free. Then they cry because you are pulling them away from their best friend, a dunny bowl?

So there you have it, the drunken bonehead experiences, and apparently, all you have to do is add a large amount of alcohol consumed in a short amount of time with attitude and membership to the drunken bonehead club is free. (Tick).

Australia’s future paramedics ‘on track’ at Western Sydney University

FINAL year paramedicine students at Western Sydney University have put their clinical theory into practice during a Mass Casualty Simulation exercise, testing their skills in a simulated underground train crash scenario held in the University’s state-of-the-art 360-degree Immersive Lab facility.

Located at the University’s new Paramedicine Building at the Campbelltown Campus, the 360-degree Immersive Lab facility allows paramedicine students to practice and be examined in a digital content generated environment with the use of projected images and recorded sounds.

Dr Navin Naidoo, Director of the Paramedicine Academic Program within the School of Health Sciences said the advanced purpose-built training facility ensures student-centred learning and provides a unique, hands-on experience in preparation for real world scenarios upon graduation.

“Our Paramedicine program provides students with the opportunity to put knowledge into practice by using large teaching spaces including simulation rooms, debrief rooms, and an Immersive Simulation Lab with control room to allow students to learn in group-based scenarios with the latest technology and mannequin patients to hone their clinical skills,” said Dr Naidoo.

“The innovative teaching facility incorporates hands-on experiences with real world scenario simulations to develop those practical, clinical and scene safety decision making skills essential for out of hospital care of patients of all ages with health complaints ranging from minor to critical.”

The students participated in an hour-long

immersive simulation exercise testing their knowledge and skills under the guidance of their educators, followed by a debriefing session to talk through the experience, reflect, and share their learnings.

Simulating an underground train tunnel, the lighting was dimmed, and the 360-degree immersive screen technology projected vision and sound to test the students’ senses and prepare them for scene safety considerations and difficult access scenarios out in the field.

Third year paramedicine student, Ebony Domanski, 20-years-old from Oran Park, said the immersive simulation technology helped prepare her for working in diverse and difficult settings, as not every patient is going to be easy to access or in good lighting.

“Scenarios like this simulate the increased cognitive load that comes with real life cases. It’s the little things that make a difference, and in this scenario, it was loud, chaotic, and dark. It makes you stop and think about keeping yourself safe, because especially when there are children involved, it’s really tempting to take big risks to help people,” Ebony said.

“We commonly say that you can’t choose the jobs you go to on placements, so often these simulations are the only chance we get before the real thing. This is especially true for major incidents. Preparing and rehearsing is essential so that everyone understands their role if this was a job in real life. Reading from a textbook and doing are two very different things.”

Reflecting on her passion for helping others, Ebony says it was the paramedics who came to help

her father when she was younger that had inspired her journey towards a career in paramedicine.

“I am a huge people person and I love helping others. It sounds cliche but it’s true. I had a lot of paramedics in my life growing up as my Dad has a chronic illness. I always admired the calm they can bring into a situation, and I wanted to be able to do that for others.

“I’ve come to learn in the past few years that being a paramedic is about the people. It’s about making someone’s horrible day, a little less horrible. It’s about the conversations with patients who have lived longer and seen more than you. It’s about the people you work with and the support you can offer, because at the end of the day, all you have is each other.

“For me, if I can be the calm for just one person, if I can give them the hug that they need, or even if I can listen when they need to someone to talk to, then my job is worthwhile. I am looking forward to being a part of something bigger and engaging in the next chapter of learning. This is the kind of job where the learning never stops.”

Western Sydney University’s Paramedicine program offers real world learning experiences to its students, with opportunities for supervised clinical practice with state emergency ambulance services, international clinical placements, and short placements in paramedicine, mental health, and community and primary healthcare.

For more information about Western Sydney University’s Bachelor of Paramedicine, please visit the course page at www.westernsydney.edu.au/ future/study/courses/undergraduate/bachelorof-paramedicine.

Eastbound on ramp from Mulgoa Road to M4 Motorway closed night of 17 August 2023, 10pm – 5 am

THERE will be night work on Mulgoa Road requiring the closure of the M4 on ramp from Mulgoa Road in an eastbound direction on the night of 17 August 2023.

Work on the on ramp and on Mulgoa Road will

need the closure of the ramp between 10pm on Thursday 17 August till 5am Friday 18 August 2023. Drivers are advised to follow the detours which will be in place via:

• Lennox Street roundabout

• Great Western Highway and The Northern Road. We thank you for your patience during this time. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Calling on Mount Druitt to be part of NSW Seniors festival

ORGANISATIONS in Mount Druitt can now apply for a share of $200,000 in NSW Seniors Festival Grants to fill a calendar of exciting activities during the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival.

Member for Mt Druitt Mr Edmond Atalla MP said the NSW Seniors Festival Grants Program supports initiatives that encourage people aged 60 or over to stay healthy, active, and connected to their community.

“These events are a chance to recognise the contribution local seniors make to families and the wider community,” Mr Atalla said.

“We’re looking for organisations who can host a diverse range of activities, anything from dance lessons, gardening workshops to computer classes.

“We’re committed to reducing the social isolation

that so many older people face, so that instead they can stay connected and age well.”

Local councils, community groups and not-forprofit organisations are among those who can apply for grants of up to $10,000.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said the NSW Seniors Festival Grants Program offered an opportunity to empower seniors to engage with their community.

“We would love to see as many organisations and local councils as possible apply for these grants and plan exciting events for seniors to enjoy across the state,” Minister Harrison said.

“The Seniors Festival is a wonderful time of the year, and we want to make sure older people are treated to a diverse selection of activities such as

art, sport, music, technology, travel, recreation, and health.

“We know connection is so important as we age, and the NSW Seniors Festival is a great way to encourage seniors to get out and meet like-minded friends in their communities, while participating in the various activities on offer.”

The NSW Seniors Festival is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and has been running for more than 64 years.

The Seniors Festival will run from Monday 11 March – Sunday 24 March 2024.

Applications for grants are open from 31 July and close 28 August 2023. Apply here: www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/grants/ nsw-seniors-festival-grant-program-2024.html

WSLHD recognises remarkable staff at BMDH with 2023 Quality Awards

WESTERN Sydeny Local Health District (WSLHD) has recently recognised some outstanding teams from Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals (BMDH) in the 2023 BMDH Quality Awards.

Staff were recognised for demonstrating remarkable dedication and innovation by submitting their exceptional projects that are set to elevate the patient and colleague experience, fostering an environment of enhanced safety and care.

This year, the BMDH Quality Awards introduced seven new categories, each aimed at promoting excellence in quality improvement and patient safety.

These encompass Integrated Value Based Care, Health Research and Innovation, Keeping People Healthy, Patient Safety First, Transforming the Patient Experience, Education & Training, and the prestigious General Manager’s Award.

The judging panel was thoroughly impressed by the sheer competitiveness of all the entries, with many projects displaying neck-andneck performances, and some winners emerging by just a few points.

WSLHD congratulates the deserving recipients of these distinguished awards in each of the seven categories:

• BMDH General Manager’s Award – Quality Mealtimes by the

Nutrition and Dietetics department. This team has reduced the percentage of mealtime interruptions from staff by 20 per cent and increased the provision of set-up and feeding assistance to patients at mealtimes by 10 per cent.

• Integrated Value Based Care –Greener Theatres Initiative by the Theatres and Anaesthetics Department. This team has decreased anaesthetic related carbon emissions by 50 percent and improved the overall sustainability practice in our operating theatres within two years.

• Health Research and Innovation – the ArMY Program – a collaborative Allied Health Breast Cancer Screening Service. This team completed a six-month project with the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Departments to re-design upper limb care post breast cancer surgery.

• Keeping People Healthy –Outpatients Lymphoedema Clinic

ORCHARD HILLS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

A dog’s day out

The DOs of Dog Park Etiquette

by the Occupational Therapy Department. This team enabled outpatients of BMDH access to a Lymphoedema Clinic.

• Patient Safety First – PPI Prescribing in Triple Therapy to reduce Hospital Acquired Gastrointestinal Bleeds by the Pharmacy Department. This team decreased the incidence of hospitalacquired gastrointestinal bleeds in cardiology and coronary care inpatient by ensuring increased proton pump inhibitor co-prescribing with triple therapy by 50 per cent within 1-2 months.

• Transforming the Patient Experience – Blacktown Maternal Antenatal & Postnatal Services (MAPS) Caseload Care by the Women’s & Children’s Department. This team offered a new model of care for Blacktown women with complex psychological vulnerabilities to increase engagement with health

Ph

services and improve antenatal, birth and postnatal outcomes for mothers and babies.

• Education & Training – Reducing Postpartum Haemorrhage by the Women’s & Children’s Health. This team reduced the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage and improved patient outcomes by evaluating staff awareness of the policy and required actions though education and change management.

Each winning team will receive $500 cash prize, generously provided by The Better Foundation, with the recipient of the General Manager’s award being rewarded with a $1000 cash prize, recognizing their outstanding achievement and dedication.

The breadth of talent and innovation displayed in the submitted projects is truly commendable. Contributions were received from a diverse range of departments, including BMDH Nursing Education, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Gastroenterology, Occupational and Dietetics, Supportive & Palliative Care, Urology & Surgical Stream, Rehabilitation Aged Care and Stroke Services, and Physiotherapy.

Several of these winning projects have also been nominated for a WSLHD Quality Award and Premier’s Awards, further exemplifying their exceptional impact and potential to set new standards of excellence.

4736 2027

49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills

BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR

SURROUNDED by open spaces, friendly owners and lots of wagging tails, dog parks are growing in popularity in suburbs across Penrith. However, sharing a public space with unfamiliar dogs and owners comes with its risks. Dog owners are responsible for ensuring that dog parks remain a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Ground rules

Not every dog will be suited to a dog park. There is no screening process, therefore the onus is on dog owners make an accurate judgement as to whether their dog will be at ease in this environment.

DO be realistic about your dog. This may be difficult to hear but it’s important to be honest with yourself about your dog. Even the nicest pet can be a menace in the park. Dog owners need to be confident their dog can interact with other dogs without becoming fearful or aggressive. Dog parks are very stimulating environments, with lots of new sights, smells and friends to meet, so dogs need to be well-socialised and calm in the presence of other dogs.

DO make sure your dog is up to date with their vaccinations (including Kennel Cough) and parasite control. It’s essential that all dogs are vaccinated, have up to date preventative care (such as worming and flea control) and are in good health before visiting a dog park. This is especially important when dogs are interacting with each other, as there is an increased chance of transferring disease or infection via play, sharing toys or communal water bowls.

DO keep your dog on-leash until

they’re in the designated off-leash area. It is good doggy-manners to keep your dog on a lead until you are within the fenced park. It allows you to control their initial introduction to the park and other dogs, and stops them bolting straight over to unfamiliar dogs and people.

DO choose the appropriately sized dog park area. If the park has sections for large and small dogs, respect them. Even the gentlest big dog can accidentally injure a smaller dog during play. Also, a smaller dog that feels threatened or overwhelmed can easily lash out.

DO pick up your dog’s poo. Say no more – it’s a must.

The DON’Ts of Dog Park Etiquette

DON’T get distracted. Your dog is your responsibility, so as the owner you need to remain focussed on your dog at all times.

Don’t take a puppy to the dog park. Until your dog is preferably 16 weeks old, and had all their vaccinations, they need to stay away from areas where they’ll come in contact with other dogs. Discuss alternate options with your vet. Don’t use it as a chance to socialise a dog with behavioural issues. Dog parks are not a place for dogs to start socialising to help them work through behavioural issues. Dogs that struggle with other animals need focused, expert behavioural training. We cannot expect our dogs to instinctively know how to behave in these stressful situations. If pets are showing signs of stress, it is up to owners to step in and take their dogs home.

For more information on taking your friend on a dog’s day out, talk with the team a Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

The sacrifice of those who served our nation

Magpie 91

BY TOMAS HAMILTON

You’ve lain within your fallen steed

For nearly forty years

But decades cannot wipe away

The heartache and the tears

For we tried to bring our warriors home

At the end of that long fray

But sadly two were to remain

For we knew not where you lay

BY KERRIE DAVIES

AUGUST 18 is Vietnam Veterans Day. The pandemic years took away the opportunity to attend services to pay our respects to those who have served our country in the Vietnam War.

Recognising the sacrifice of our Veterans of the Vietnam conflict is something I rate as extremely important, for two reasons. One is that I get to see a lot of my really good mates (hello to all from St Marys Outpost!) and the other is that I feel a shame and embarrassment deep in my stomach for the way our returning service personnel were treated.

They left our shores believing they were doing the right thing for our country, sacrificing pretty much everything. If you think COVID-19 restrictions were bad, compare them to what our defence forces faced:

Travel: Sure! To a war-zone full of bombs and bullets

Freedom of movement: From the bunker to the dunny

Careers: Put on hold

Budding romances: Turned into pen-pals

Spouses: Fend for themselves

Leaving sick or elderly relatives: Just pray they outlive the war

Babies yet to be born: You’ll see your child in a photo when the postie arrives

Dreams: Forget it - just get out alive

But, they did what was expected of them and when they finally returned to Australia, the home they’d longed for, the treatment of them was horrendous. Many waiting long periods for government help would say it still is.

It is shameful to think people who put their lives at risk in the line of duty would face anything less than praise and heartfelt thanks, isn’t it?

We can’t erase the past but we can certainly mould the present and the future. What they sacrificed to serve our country is something that deserves our utmost respect and nothing less. On August 18 (and on any other day for that matter) say G’day and thank you to a Vietnam Veteran.

At least we can do that, with those who made it back.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

You were not to question why

The riddles of this war

You proudly wore the uniform

Of those who’d gone before

But you were spared the painful mask

Of those who had returned

Who were to face a jeering crowd

And our nation’s flag being burned.

There are some who’ll say your name

At sunset and at dawn

And some will even see your ghosts

In the mist of Anzac morn

Your names are found on marble walls

Of heroes most long gone

But no-one ever leaves this life

When the memories live on.

Through the help of former foes

Your sanctuary has been revealed

For sweat and hope and tears pushed back

What nature had concealed

The mystery has been put aside

We finally know the truth

And found the place where you have slept

In eternal youth.

You’ll be met by your old mates

Today well past their prime

Who recall you as they were

In that distant time

For now beneath that jungle damp

Your souls no longer roam

You will lie in native soil

Our Magpies have come home

Vietnam Veterans’ Day

The Vietnam Veterans Association at St Marys Outpost “the train” invite everyone in the community to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

Our annual special commemorative service will be held at 5pm on Friday 18th August in the St Marys Diggers Club auditorium.

Details on our facebook pages St Marys RSL sub-Branch and St Marys Outpost, Veterans Support Centre Lest We Forget

Let

Honouring local Vietnam Veterans killed in action

GRAVESIDE vigils were conducted this week for our two local Vietnam Veterans Killed-in-Action, decades after their tragic loss.

* Jack Jewry - 6 Bn, Royal Australian Regiment, killed at the Battle of Long Tan, 18th August 1966, now resting in Pinegrove Cemetery.

* (Beresford) Paul Edwards - 9 Bn, Royal Australian Regiment, killed in assault on a bunker system, 12th July 1969, now resting in St Marys General Cemetery, Oxley Park.

A special Vigil Service was conducted (where

possible) at 11.00am across Australia at the gravesides of each and every one of the 523 killed during the Vietnam War. This was a focus for commemoration of the Vietnam War, some 60 years after it started (for Australian involvement) and 50 years since our final combat involvement. More information about this Australia-wide event - the Vigil - is available on the VVV website (www.vvv.org.au/).

John and Gloria Barlow and John Celeban from St Marys RSL sub-Branch and the St Marys Outpost, Vietnam Veterans Association, were joined by Jack’s

sister Rita, brother-in-law Michael and sister-in-law Judy at Pinegrove Cemetery.

Ted Fish, Charles Wise and Tony Fryer, also of the RSL sub-Branch and the Outpost Vietnam Veterans Association, were joined at St Marys General Cemetery by members of 9RAR Association, some of whom were in the same Section contact as Paul. These 9RAR guys included Trevor Murdoch, Bernie Fitzpatrick, Steve Nugent and William Cook.

Both Services were very respectful and successful. Lest We Forget.

Remembering the Cessation of Australian Involvement in the Vietnam War

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE City of Penrith RSL

sub-Branch will be holding a private wreath-laying Service at the War Memorial in Memory Park on Friday 18th August at 11am to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the cessation of our (Australian) troops involvement in the Vietnam War.

The sub-Branch will be laying a wreath on behalf of the 60,000

Veterans, past and present, who served in Vietnam. An executive of the subBranch will be saying a few words in honour of those veterans who served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1972.

The Australian commitment began with a small contingent of 30 advisors in 1962, building up to a total of 60,000 troops that rotated through Vietnam during the conflict. Of the 60,000 that served in Vietnam, 521 were killed, and of those killed, 200 were National Servicemen. A further 3,000 troops were wounded during the war.

This is an opportunity for veterans to come together, to reflect on the bonds of mateship that held them together during the war and to pay our respects.

Authorised by Tanya Davies MP, Shop 43, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759.

Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.

How to make the perfect _____

APERFORMATIVE project by artist Malvina Tan, exploring comfort food and different ways of executing recipes in an attempt to find the perfect way.

How to make the perfect _____ is a reflection of Malvina’s exploratory journey as she tries to navigate through the everyday, to cope with the effects of homesickness whilst living away from “home” (previously heightened from imposed COVID-19 travel bans), and her having to move out of her childhood “home”.

Malvina has called Sydney, Australia, “home” for more than 7 years, and she misses “home” in Singapore and Poland. She often uses food as a catalyst for conversation in her practice, and she hopes to be able to use food to preserve and create new memories of “home” through this work. How to make the perfect _____ is a ritualistic project that experiments with the elements of food, geography, culture, habits, leading us to reflect on memory, time and parallelisms.

How to make the perfect _____ was developed through Sydney Fringe Festival’s Art in Isolation program in 2021 and premiered at Sydney Fringe Festival in 2022. The work was nominated for the Melbourne Fringe

Festival Tour Ready Award.

DATE & TIME

Friday 25 August, 6pm - 7pm

TICKET PRICE

Standard $30

VENUE

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre

Borland Lounge

597 High Street, Penrith ABOUT OPEN FRIDAYS

On Friday nights, The Joan’s Borland Lounge comes to life. Join us for a drink, some nibbles and some easy entertainment. From local

musicians, to art classes, community projects, cabaret and theatre, trivia and games; there’s a great mix of fun on offer.

Come and join us for a relaxed end to the week. Our Borland Bar opens from 5pm.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Malvina Tan is a Singaporean mixed media installation and performance artist, based in Sydney, who has exhibited and performed internationally since 2008. Some of her highlights include a collaboration with music and fine art ensemble

Chicks on Speed, TranSport (MadridSingapore), FETTERFIELD

Singapore, Making Space, Body As Woman (parallel event of Singapore Biennale), Singapore Art Week, Something Human FRESHLY PACKED / ALWAYS CHECK THE LABEL (London, UK), Affordable Art Fair Singapore, Future of Imagination 10 International Performance Art Festival, Crack Theatre Festival –TINA Festival (Newcastle, Australia), Art Month Sydney and Rebel Live Action 2 International Performance Art Festival (Bangkok, Thailand).

Malvina wishes she was living in the 1980s. Having traveled through time, she feels strange in her surroundings. “Extreme interests in human beings, I dissect them physically and emotionally, then translate my findings through my art.” Often, her life experiences are the central focus of her work, exploring concepts of corporeality, memory and time.

Malvina has a Diploma in New Media (Art & Design) from the School of Technology for the Arts at Republic Polytechnic (Singapore), and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) in Interactive Media from Nanyang Technological University’s School of Art, Design and Media (Singapore).

Performing horses, flying trapeze, 12 person Teeter Board Act, Clowns, Comedy, Acrobat and much, much more.

COMING SOON TO OUR CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS SERIES

The Future of Creativity in the Mirror of Artificial Intelligence

BY Associate Professor Donna Hewitt, Head of Department, Creative Arts and Communication.

AI is a hot topic at present. Alongside the many positives of AI, there is also much fear arising through the media about its potential threats. Will AI replace human creativity and take our jobs? Is AI going to make us lazy and less creative? Can computers really be creative? What is the state of play for creative artists? How is it impacting the arts and how are artists working with artificial intelligence? Importantly, what can AI teach us about ourselves? This presentation will discuss these ideas and Donna Hewitt will share some of her own approaches to collaborating with AI in her music making practice.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Associate Professor Donna Hewitt is a composer, performer, instrument designer and academic. Her creative practice explores mediatized performance environments and new ways of interfacing the human body and voice with electronic media. She is currently working on the development of an electronic Opera about AI with all female choir, The House, with the support of the Australia Council for the Arts and a recent Bundanon Arts residency. Donna’s work has been featured in prominent festivals

including VIVID Festival (2018), The Bondi Feast Festival (2018), MINT (Music in New Technologies Festival) Halifax (2018), Convergence Festival of Music, Technology and Ideas, UK (2019). In 2022 she was a recipient of the ARUP/CreateNSW Soundlab residency. She is an Associate Professor in Music at the University of New England.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS SERIES

Specialists in music, theatre, poetry, creative writing, screen studies and history will engage with audiences in presentations that profile current projects, questions and investigations into the arts. Join our speakers in a relaxed after-work setting to learn about their research and be inspired, piqued and challenged as our presenters explore the changing nature of arts and culture in Australia. Presentations will be 45 minutes followed by a Q&A session with the researcher where audiences can dig deeper and find out more about the themes and discoveries of the talk.

DATE AND TIME

24 August 2023 at 6:30 pm.

The Creative Conversations Series is presented by the University of New England Cultural and Creative Arts Network in partnership with The Joan. TICKETS All admissions free.

The Richard Bonynge Ensemble with Omega Ensemble’s David Rowden to perform at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre

THE Richard Bonynge Ensemble presents Time Present/Time Past, a stunning evening of music, along with guest performer David Rowden of the Omega Ensemble.

The program will feature Robert Schumann’s ‘Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44’, written in an astonishing five-day period and considered to be one of his finest and most influential compositions. In addition, the ensemble will perform Graeme Koehne’s ‘Time is a River’, full of aching nostalgia with cascades of passion and calm mystical lyrics, alongside Brenda Gifford’s ‘Ancestors’ commissioned by Omega Ensemble and Penrith Performing & Visual Arts, earlier this year.

The concert also features a world premiere by emerging, Penrith-based composer Timothy Ford. Timothy was selected to participate in Penrith Con’s Young Composers Program – an initiative to support emerging composers in Western Sydney, particularly the Penrith LGA, by providing them with opportunities to improve their craft, have their music

performed and receive feedback from industry professionals.

This is a special evening not to be missed!

Established in 2021, Richard Bonynge Ensemble aims to enrich the community through music. The Ensemble performs a wide variety of repertoire, from wellknown pieces, long forgotten works deserving revival and new works from local emerging composers.

Comprising some of the finest young talents in Penrith the Ensemble gives serious and skilled early career musicians the opportunity to work with industry professionals through workshops and mentoring sessions, and to collaborate with professional chamber ensembles to develop their performance and musicianship skills.

Time Present/Time Past is on at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Saturday 19 August at 6:30pm. Tickets: Standard $35. Concession $25. Student $15. Family $50. www.thejoan.com.au/ events/time-present-time-past/

Death by Drowning

By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

AN inquest was held by District Coroner John King Lethbridge and a jury of seven in August 1896 on the death of Elizabeth Warden, wife of William Warden who met her death by falling into a well. William, who was employed at Gillespie’s flour mill in Sydney said he was an engineer living at Luddenham. His wife was 58 years old and born in Ireland in 1843 and the last time he saw her alive was when they went to Sydney on Wednesday where he generally worked at his profession. She left him early to come home by the 1.80pm train that day and at that time she was in her usual state of health which was delicate and she suffered from asthma. When he returned from Sydney he heard of her death. He said that she fretted about living here but he brought her up here on account of her health and he never heard her say anything of doing away with herself. They lived happily together and one of his daughters and a son continually resided at home. She was at times irritable when suffering from asthma but not bad tempered and she was of sober habits. The Jury then went to view the well about 100 yards from the house and on resuming the inquest Elizabeth Jane Warden said that she was their daughter but she lived in Sydney with her father but was staying with her mother for a few days and she last saw her alive on the Saturday morning about eight o’clock. She was sitting on her bed getting dressed and she made her a cup of tea and her mother said she would have it in the kitchen as it was warmer there. Her mother said she would go and help her sister milk, but she told her not to do it as it was too cold, but her mother said nothing. Later, missing her from the kitchen she went to the cow yard where her sister was milking and asked her if their mother had been there but her sister said no, so she then turned around to look and saw her mother fall into the well. She said that her mother was suffering from asthma the night before and smoked some Himrod’s cure that used to make her cough but she never had any idea her mother would ever do away with herself and she never said anything to that effect. In the night her sister gave her a drink of water and her mother said it tasted horrible and asked if the water in the well would be better and she thought she went down for the purpose of seeing the water in the well. She could not say whether her mother fell off the plank as she was a long way off and she did not hear her call out or scream when she fell. She said she ran down to the well and her sister followed and they saw their mother hanging onto the pipe of the pump, so she went along the plank that spans the hole and fell into the water and held onto the plank with one hand and dragged herself along until she reached her mother. She put her arm around her and lifted her up and her sister got hold of one hand and held her there while she got herself out and took her skirt off and went back into the water and pulled her mother out with her sister’s help, and while getting her mother out she asked her to help herself more but her mother said she couldn’t as the water was cold. When they got her out they tried to make her stand up but she was not able to and she fell down saying, “poor Susie.” She told her sister to run home for a knife to cut her clothes off as they were wet and heavy, they got part of her clothes off and carried her through the fence. After her mother fell down at the well she never

moved or spoke again. She sent her sister for the ladder thinking they could carry her on it and just then George Eaton the baker called and he assisted her mother into the house where they made a fire in the room and put her mother into bed and rolled her in blankets and put a hot water bottle at her feet, but she showed no signs of life after that. Dr Shand of Penrith was immediately sent for but she didn’t know what was done afterwards as she was completely upset. She said that when her mother called out “Poor Susie” she meant her youngest sister who was fifteen when she was dragged out of the water and she appeared to have a sharper attack of asthma. She said her mother was not bad tempered and suffered a good deal from asthma. William Warden recalled to the stand said that when he said that his wife was irritable he meant she had difficulty in breathing during a severe attack of asthma, also the well had not been used since last winter. Allan Warden said he was a farmer residing at Luddenham and was the son, but he was not at home when his mother fell into the water. He said that he left about 7.80am that morning but just before he went he asked his mother how she was feeling and she replied that she felt a little better. About a week ago they all noticed that the water in the house tank was not fit to drink on account of it coming off the shingle roof and had been too long in the tank. His mother asked him if the water in the well would be better to drink but he told her it was a good taste but a bad colour. She said she would go down and see for herself if the water would discolour the tea and she said to him she was sure the water in that well would be better and she was ashamed to offer the tea made from the tank as they had visitors coming. He said that he never knew his mother to be of a despondent nature and they were all on friendly terms. George Eaton said that he was a baker residing at Luddenham and knew the deceased and about a quarter to nine he came there on his cart when Miss Warden ran through the house and called out that her mother had fallen in the well and was nearly dead, he ran down and her mother was lying on the ground on the house side of the fence, and along with Miss Warden they immediately caught hold of her and carried her up and put her to bed. He said he warmed a blanket by the fire and wrapped her in it and rubbed her arms and chest but she showed no symptoms of life from the time he saw her. Dr John Cappie Shand said he was a qualified medical practitioner residing at Penrith and was called to see the deceased. The family appeared to be very upset and he did not obtain any information from them as to how the deceased met her death. He said that her chest appeared to be severely expanded as if she had been making violent efforts for her breath and his opinion from the evidence was that she died from shock to the nervous system as an asthmatic person, due to submersion in cold water and her death was caused through the shock and not the drowning. After a short retirement the jury returned the verdict that Elizabeth Warden died from a shock to the nervous system owing to an accidental submersion in cold water and they wished to add that great credit due to George Eaton for his prompt assistance at the time. Elizabeth was buried at St Thomas’s Churchyard at Mulgoa and William died aged 81 years.

Sources: Nepean Times, Ancestry

Surprise your special someone with romantic flowers & gifts from Kingswood Florist.

Don’t forget to add a cuddly soft toy and delicious box of chocolates to your order for the ultimate wow factor. We can deliver your flowers and gift to Kingswood, NSW or nationwide.

Florist, Creative Balloons, Penrith Florist and St Marys Florist

 Photo of grave from Find a Grave website

Grand finalists decided in NBL1 East

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE semi-finals of the 2023 Coles Express NBL1 East basketball were held at various venues on Saturday night, with the women’s results going according to rankings but the men’s games both featuring upset victories.

In the women’s division, the #1-ranked minor premiers, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, eventually overcame the #4-ranked Centre of Excellence in the last quarter of their clash, winning 81-74. Felicity Henderson was impressive for the Sea Eagles, finishing just 1 rebound short of a triple-

double with 21 points, 9 boards and 10 assists, whilst Saffron Shiels led the Centre of Excellence with 22 points.

In the second semi-final, the #3-ranked Norths Bears led all the way in their 87-67 win over the #7-ranked Sydney Comets, led by Jolene Anderson with 26 points, 9 boards and Carla Pitman 23 points, 7 boards. Shyla Heal was best for the Comets with 23 points.

In the men’s division, the #5-ranked Sutherland Sharks and the #7-ranked Maitland Mustangs both continued their giant-killing exploits to win through to the grand final.

The Sharks defeated the #1-ranked minor premiers, the Basketball Australia Centre of

Excellence 89-82, with Jordan Mitchell leading the way with 26 points and 11 boards. Bowyn Beatty had15 points and 11 boards for the Centre of Excellence.

The Mustangs defeated the #3-ranked Canberra Gunners 88-75, dominating the final term 21-8 to emphatically book their grand final berth. James Hunter led the Mustangs with 19 points, whilst Glenn Morrison also hit 19 for the Gunners.

The men’s and women’s grand finals will be held at the Sydney University Sport & Aquatic Centre on Saturday 12th August, with the women’s clash between the Sea Eagles and Norths Bears at 2pm and the men’s clash between the Sharks and Mustangs at 5pm.

Manly Warringah Women and Maitland Mustangs Men are both playing in this weekend’s NBL1 East grand finals. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Nepean Hockey Association win gold at Half State Championships

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE Nepean Hockey Association

(NHA) sent four teams to the Hockey NSW Women’s Masters Half State Championship in Taree, over the 28th-30th July, competing in the Northern Division.

The 35’s Division 4 team was out to repeat history, following the club’s success four years previously (2019) in the full State Championship, and achieved that goal, sharing the Age group title as joint premiers with North Inland.

The team’s scores over the weekend were: 2-0 over Manning Valley, 1-0 loss to Sydney East 4, 2-0 loss to North Inland, 2-0 win over South Sydney, 2-0 win over Port Macquarie1, Grand Final: 1-1 draw with North Inland.

The members of the winning team are: Wendy Hill (GK), Sarah Mills, Kate Klintworth, Samantha Gale, Hailey Reece, Soksan Chum, Belinda Green, Hannah Spicer, Melissa Rowswell, Jessica Muir, Deirdre Dorbis, Tara-Lea Albury, Jodi Hansen. Coach Jodi Hansen, manager Jennifer O’Toole.

Wendy Hill, Deidre Dorbis and Sarah Mills were also members of the 2019 winning team.

The 45’s Division 2 team had 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss to finish 3rd in its age group, the 55’s Division 1

had 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses to also finish 3rd in its age group and the 35s Division 1 team had 1 win, 2 losses and 3 draws to finish in 5th in its age group.

NHA club legend Cheryl Dollin

also attended the Championships as Technical, but in the Southern Tournament, whilst the tireless Jennifer O’Toole was kept busy as the manager for three of the NHA teams at the Championships.

City of Penrith Motorcycle Club hold 16th Classic Dirt Track Charity meeting

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE City of Penrith Motorcycle club held its 16th Classic Dirt Track Charity meeting at the Nepean Raceway on August 5-6.

The feature of the weekend was the 2023 NSW Classic and Post Classic, Dirt Track Championships, which attracted over 220 machines in the various classes of competition.

Many riders emptied either their garage or shed, entering multiple machines for the meeting.

There were old bikes and old riders, along with a few younger riders, who were generally riding bikes that had previously been ridden by fathers or uncles.

Track action commenced at 10 am on both days with similar programs of seven championship classes and seven support classes on both Saturday and Sunday.

Support classes were held for those categories with smaller entry lists that had insufficient numbers to warrant

championship status – not that it lessened the intensity of competition in those classes.

Most classes were decided over five rounds, with some comprising of heats and finals.

On both days the racing wrapped up with a 25-lap race – on Saturday the Post Classic Pre-’90 and Period ‘20 machines, and then on Sunday for All Powers Pre’75 and Evolution class

machines.

Classic classes featured machines as old as Pre-1960, while Post Classic is for machines in Pre-85, Pre-90 and Pre-95 categories.

Two big names among the entries were former Superbike star Shawn Giles and multiple Australian Dirt Track champion Luke Gough, with both riders attracting plenty of attention.

Modern day speedway sidecar rider Jackson Bond also dusted off one of his family’s old dirt track sidecars for the meeting, whilst the versatile Jack Passfield, was one of a number of busy riders on the weekend.

A number of competitors have been regularly involved in this meeting in the past and treat the weekend as a ‘must-do’ event.

Special mention must be made of a number of long-distance riders who travelled to Nepean for the weekend.

Queensland clubs include Ayr, Whitsunday, Brisbane, North Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast were represented, whilst riders from the Mud’n’Tars club in Adelaide and the Harley Club of Victoria also boosted entry numbers.

A spectator entry fee of $10.00 per vehicle is to be donated to this year’s chosen charity, the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF), and will be directed to the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS).

The winning Nepean Hockey Association team from the Over 35’s. Photo supplied

Action from the 16th Classic Dirt Track Charity Meeting. Photos by Mark Staudinger (Instagram - mpstaud)

Playoff contenders confirmed in 2023 Eric Apperly Shield Pennant

BY NOEL ROWSELL

STONECUTTERS

Ridge GC carried the hopes of western Sydney into the final round of the 2023 Eric Apperly Shield Pennant competition, meeting St Michael’s (Silver) last Sunday in a battle for the title in Section 5.

Both teams had been impressive through the first four rounds, each scoring successive and impressive victories over Royal Sydney, Pennant Hills, Cronulla and Killara, thereby setting up the final match of the season as a battle of the giants.

Ultimately, there would be little between the rival players in each of the 6 matches but St Michael’s prevailed 4.5-1.5, taking the Section title. Michelle Yang (won 2/1) and Ryan Cadle (tied) were the best players for Stonecutters Ridge on the day.

The Australian (Red) team now

Bonnie Doon 5-1 and Penrith 6-0 to The Australian (Red) in the final round to finish 5th and 6th respectively.

Reggie Papps was the only winner for Richmond, taking his match 2-up.

Concord (Blue) defeated Manly 6-0, with Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs) winning 3/1 and Grace Lee (Glenmore Park) 5/3. Lynwood defeated Castle Hill 4-2, with Connor Hamilton (Penrith) winning his match 2/1. NSW defeated The Australian (Blue) 5.5-0.5, with Blake Hodges (Erskine Park) winning 2/1. Concord (Red) defeated Campbelltown 4/2, with Ti Fox (Richmond) winning his match 2-up.

Brielle Mapanao (Quakers Hill) is a member of The Australian (Red) team but will not participate in the playoffs, having returned to college (Western Carolina University) in the US. Similarly, Tyler Nesci (Leonay) has also returned to college (University of West Georgia).

Chayse Thorpe competing on Gold Coast in All-Schools Golf Championships

BY NOEL ROWSELL

LOCAL junior golf representative Chayse Thorpe (Richmond / Colo HS / Concord GC) is a member of the NSW All-Schools Golf team, which is currently playing on the Gold Coast in the Australian All-Schools Golf Championships.

The NSW team will play against ACT, QLD, SA, VIC and WA over 5 days in Strokeplay - 36 holes (Monday), Match Play - 36 holes (Tuesday), Education Excursion Day (Wednesday), Match Play - 36 holes (Thursday) and Match Play - 18 holes (Friday).

Categories being contested include Boys Individual Stroke Championship, Girls Individual Stroke Championship, Boys Individual Nett Championship, Girls Individual Nett Championship, Boys & Girls Team Stroke - Dean Shakes Championships; Gavin Temple Shield; Kath Atherton Salver (Started in 2000); Boys Teams Championships; Girls Teams Championships; Australian Teams Match Play Champions – Boys / Girls Aggregate Match Play.

Pennant Golf Update

BY NOEL ROWSELL

** ROUND 3 of the 2023 Super Senior Pennant was held early this week, with Division 3 held at Campbelltown on 7th August and Division 4 held at Liverpool on 8th August.

Springwood recorded a powerful 7-1 win over Lakeside Camden, whilst Wallacia lost 7-1 to Antill Park in matches played at Campbelltown, whilst Stonecutters Ridge won 5.5-2.5 over Cumberland, Penrith won 4.53.5 over Cabramatta and Richmond lost 5-3 to Castle Hill in matches played at Liverpool.

Next week’s round features Wallacia vs Camden at 11.00am at Antill Park on Tuesday 15th August, Penrith vs Stonecutters Ridge (10am) and Richmond vs Liverpool

(10.30am) at Cumberland on 18th August.

** Round 3 of the 2023 T.L. Warren and W. Gibson Pennant competitions was held on Sunday and is being played on a home and away basis.

The full results are: (home clubs shown first): T.L. Warren: Richmond 2-1 over Kareela, Wallacia down 1-2 to Massey Park, Twin Creeks 2.5-0.5 over Macarthur Grange, Stonecutters Ridge 3-0 over Bardwell Valley. Penrith 2-1 over Leonay. W. Gibson: Richmond 2-1 over Kareela, Wallacia 3-0 over Massey Park, Penrith 2-1 over Leonay, Twin Creeks 3-0 over Macarthur Grange, Stonecutters Ridge 3-0 over Bardwell Valley.

Reverse course match-ups will be played this Sunday.

moves into the playoffs, along with Avondale (Section 1), St Michael’s Gold (Section 2), The Lakes (Section

3) and The Australian Red (Section 4).

In Section 4, Richmond fell to

Koon Kim (Penrith) and Wayne Palmer (Richmond) in action from Round 2 of the 2023 Super Senior Pennant - photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Reggie Papps (Richmond) and Michelle Yang (Stonecutters Ridge) - file photos provided by Noel Rowsell and JNJG

Chayse Thorpe (Richmond) is a member of the NSW team at the Australian All-Schools Golf Championship.

Photo courtesy of JNJG

Crichton doubles up as Panthers make it seven in a row

The Panthers took a huge step towards their third minor premiership in four years with a 24-12 win over the Sea Eagles on Thursday night.

BY MARTIN LENEHAN NRL SENIOR JOURNALIST

THE defending champs are riding a seven-game winning streak as they head into games against the Titans, Eels and Cowboys to round out another dominant season.

After a Josh Schuster intercept had threatened to give Manly the perfect start it was Stephen Crichton returning the favour in the eighth minute and racing 70 metres to grab the game’s opening try.

A pinpoint kick from Daly CherryEvans from 30 metres out earned Manly a repeat set in the 19th minute and Toafofoa Sipley crashed over from close range to level the scores at 6-6.

The Sea Eagles took the lead in the 27th minute when Cherry-Evans ran the ball on the last tackle and put Reuben Garrick into a hole from close range to make it 12-6 with the fullback’s conversion.

Panthers skipper Isaah Yeo’s ballplaying skills put Moses Leota into a gap withing sight of the Manly goal line with five minutes to play in the half but the prop put the pass down and the opportunity was lost.

Three minutes later the Panthers had their second when the ball was kept alive off a bomb and a grubber and found its way to the left edge where Crichton dived over for his second of the night. Cleary converted from touch to make it 12-12 at the break.

In the space of two minutes to open the second half the Sea Eagles had Ben Trbojevic and Brad Parker sent for head injury assessments and Dean Matterson placed on report for a high shot.

The Panthers extended their lead in the

47th minute when Edwards and Crichton combined to send Sunia Turuva on a long run to the line, after Garrick had bizarrely kicked the ball back to the premiers after receiving it on his own 20-metre line from a Cleary kick.

A penalty against Jake Trbojevic for a dangerous tackle in the 52nd minute handed Cleary a chance to add two more points and the Panthers led 20-12.

Come the 64th minute and the Panthers had a fourth when Isaah Yeo, Edwards and Zac Hosking combined on the right to put Brian To’o over in the corner.

From there the Panthers did enough to close out a 24-12 victory - their 16th win of the season and eighth in a row against Manly.

With Cleary in total control and the outside backs all making huge metres the Panthers always had the game under control, despite Manly throwing the ball around and asking plenty of questions.

Match Snapshot

• Manly back-rower Ben Trbojevic was sent for a HIA in the 41st minute.

Sea Eagles bench forward Dean Matterson was placed on report in the 41st minute for a high tackle on Liam Martin.

• Sea Eagles centre Brad Parker left the field for a HIA in the 42nd minute and was deemed a Category 1 concussion and could not return.

• Panthers centre Stephen Crichton ran for 163 metres and had four tackle breaks to go with two tries.

• Panthers hooker Luke Sommerton made his NRL debut.

• Sea Eagles back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu made 172 metres from 15 runs and had five tackle breaks.

• Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored seven tries in his past five games.

• Manly’s 18th Man Jake Arthur entered the game with 10 minutes to play. He was activated after Trbojevic and Parker had been ruled out with head knocks.

• The Sea Eagles have not beaten the Panthers at 4 Pines Park since Round 26, 2017.

Play of the Game

Sunia Turuva’s runaway try early in the second half gave the Panthers the momentum to power on to yet another victory. Fullback Dylan Edwards fielded the ball inside his own half and quickly shifted it to Stephen Crichton who found his winger in support. Turuva showed $2,000

great speed and footwork to get through the gap and raced 60 metres to grab his eighth try of the season. Turuva finished the night with 256 run metres and seven tackle breaks.

What they Said

“I thought Manly really came to play, they moved the ball a lot, they asked a lot of questions and they played pretty freely. We had a lot to consider throughout that first half. We were thinking properly tonight. Respect to Manly, they played well. I think in the second half, on some of their expansive plays, we were able to build a bit of pressure defensively, they came up with a couple of errors and we capitalised, got more possession and field position and ended up getting away with a win. I was really happy with tonight, it wasn’t our most polished performance by a long shot but in terms of stopping a team that was really desperate and really threw a lot at us it was a good result.” - Panthers coach Ivan Cleary

“It was a plan [the kicking duel], we couldn’t just come here and try and arm wrestle them. We spoke about returning serve during the week and we practiced it at training, just one or two guys missed their job there defensively, otherwise we’re making the tackle down there on Dylan Edwards and we would have been on top of them. We had to think outside the box because we were missing quite a few troops and we lost another two in the first four minutes of the second half, so I was proud of the guys, they showed a lot of courage. We were hard to beat tonight and that’s all the Manly supporters can ask, we were hard to beat. [Our game plan] worked for 40 or 50 minutes. The way we attacked against them disrupted them, the way we defended against them disrupted them. But we weren’t good enough to do it for the full 80 minutes.”

- Sea Eagles coach Anthony

What’s Next

Seibold

The Sea Eagles look set to be without Brad Parker and Ben Trbojevic when they travel to Auckland for a clash with the Warriors in Round 25 while the Panthers are away to the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.