Nepeannews 11december2014

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Thursday, 11 December 2014

ISSUE 139

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CULTURAL LEARNING Fiona Scott MP with Aunty Lindy and Aboriginal artist Lani Balzan and her son at the opening of the Ngarra Aboriginal Knowledge Centre

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PENRITH Deputy Mayor, Cr Greg Davies and Rooby Roo Paint Penrith REaD’s Mascot were at St Marys Village last week to launch the St Marys Village Christmas Gift Tree with Councillor Davies taking the first name to purchase a book for one our local kids.

Councillor Davies said he was pleased to take the first gift tag to buy a book for a local child.

“Christmas is a time for giving and the gift of reading is something that is so important to young children,” Cr Davies said.

“Books open children’s imaginations and sense of adventure. Reading is such an important skill to develop in young children and taught early opens great opportunity and self-confidence.”

If you would like to help Rooby to support kids in our local area with Paint Penrith REaD, head down to St Marys Village, select a name tag from the Christmas Gift Tree and give the child a book to encourage looking and listening in infants and small children.

Simply wrap your book, attach the tag and deliver to the St Marys Village Centre Management Office.

Rooby’s favourite thing to do is read, she loves to read every day, by herself or with her friends as long as she is reading she is happy.

The tree will be at St Marys Village until Friday 19 December.

Melissa Kaczmarek, Centre Manager (St Marys Village), Deputy Mayor Cr Greg Davies, Rooby Roo, Julie-Anne Wood, Program Manager Early intervention (Mission Australia), Peter Kuschert, Operations Manager (St Marys Village)

Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

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4 Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

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

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Sergio Carrasco 0413 461 017 Greg “Harpo” Martin 0420 655 524 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Steve Koen 0408 795 928 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.nepeannews.com.au

Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

by Kerrie Davies WELL here we are again just a couple of weeks away from Christmas.

And here I am again, trotting out the same old lines as I did last year and every year before it, “Oh my God, how quick has this year flown?” “I haven’t even started Christmas shopping yet” and the old “I should have concentrated on losing a few kilos ages ago because now my Christmas diet of junk food and beer begins.”

Some things never change.

Unfortunately, however, a lot of other things do change.

All I want for Christmas is a festive season without having to listen or read about all the politically correct morons that seem to come out from under a rock at this time of year.

The types who say getting your kids to sit on Santa’s lap for the traditional yearly keepsake should be reconsidered, for instance.

Oh I can really see the danger in my child sitting on Santa’s lap while I stand three feet away in a busy shopping centre - will they ever recover from the experience?

Add to that the ridiculous calls to end gender specific presents like barbie dolls and trucks and the “offensiveness” of the bible or any religious activity and you’d be excused for thinking that some people go temporarily loopy at this time of year with the things they dream up.

After having traveled overseas a couple of times this year, I’m starting to notice that compared to other countries - even the USA, imagine that? - we are fastly becoming the most legislated nation in the entire world.

Let’s just enjoy Christmas without all the politically correct claptrap, please.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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

Storm alert Nepean

Veterinary REPORT with Dr Tony Karolis phone 1300wellpet

SENIOR VETERINARIAN NEPEAN & MOUNTAINS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

By Dr Tony Karolis

THUNDERSTORMS and Fireworks can be terrifying to pets. At this time of year we have both, and this year is about as bad as it gets.

Here are some simple tips to help your pet cope with noise phobias: 1. When a storm is occurring do not change your tone of voice or mannerisms. If you begin to console your pet then this will reinforce their

fears. Simply talk to your pet in a normal tone of voice and go about your business as usual; 2. Many pets feel more comfortable if they are allowed inside during the storm. They often desire to hide in a confined space, such as behind the couch. This is fine. My kelpie Kuta likes to be left in the bathroom on a mat with the door and window closed. If I let him wander the house he remains quite anxious, but once he is in the bathroom he calms right down. It’s his safe place; 3. Thundershirts are a snug fitting outfit that can help many dogs feel calmer during a storm.

4. Desensitisation using volume controlled thunder cd’s; 5. Medications such as diazepam can also be helpful to prevent the problem getting worse over time.

Obviously any medication must be prescribed by your veterinarian and carefully assessed for beneficial and adverse effects; 6. There are a range of other things that can help and your vet should be more than happy to help your pet overcome or simply manage this stressful period.

If you have a pet that is experiencing anxiety during these times, speaking to your veterinarian will ensure you get the right advice to help you and your

pet feel comfortable and reassured.

Signs that your pet is feeling anxious include; hiding, trying to escape your house or yard, barking, trembling, lip smacking, increase in salivation, excessive panting, whimpering, and an inability to settle.

If your pet is displaying one, or perhaps a combination of these signs, please seek help as soon as possible.

Often the phobia will get worse unless it is managed correctly.

Sadly, many pets are hit by cars while frantically fleeing storms or fireworks. Others injure themselves badly while attempting to escape.

Getting good advice as early as possible is the best solution.

Veterinarians spend many YEARS studying the behaviour of animals, with many vets continuing their study after graduation. There is no better source of good information than your vet. If there are several vets available you may wish to ask if any of them have a particular interest in behavioural problems.

If you see your vet and are still not satisfied then ask for a referral to see a specialist veterinarian. These vets are the equivalent of a human psychiatrist and are available to be seen in Sydney.

You can call us anytime on 1300WELLPET and our friendly staff will organise a behavioural consult for you and your pet.

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THE NSW Government is seeking feedback from the public on the future of Penrith Lakes Parklands in a major development opportunity for Western Sydney.

Penrith Lakes Parklands is a 1,935 hectare site that represents the most unique blend of urban development and recreational parklands including lakes, rivers and heritage that Sydney has ever seen.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres has announced the release of a Draft Vision Plan for Penrith Lakes Parklands for public consultation.

“With its rare and special location, nestled on the banks of the Nepean River and in the shadows of the Blue Mountains, Penrith Lakes can evolve into the jewel in the crown for Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.

“With almost 960 hectares of lakes and ponds, it will be the largest body of water in Sydney outside Sydney Harbour.

“Included in the plan is an urban development footprint of up to 410 hectares.

“This is a blank canvas ready for innovative and creative development ideas.

“This Draft Vision Plan is only a starting point and it will require input, ideas, imagination and feedback from the community to deliver a site that will become one of Western Sydney’s most significant recreational assets,” Mr Ayres said.

For the past 35 years the site has been a

quarry, supplying approximately 50 per cent of the sand and gravel required by the Sydney building industry.

“The NSW Government is undertaking a four month consultation process to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say,” Mr Ayres added.

“This will include a number of open days to be held in Penrith in early 2015 where people can have their questions answered and provide input on the spot.”

Penrith Lakes has been operating since 1987 under a Deed of Agreement between the NSW Government and Penrith Lakes Development Corporation.

Under the Agreement, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation is required to progressively rehabilitate the land to create lakes and landforms, with some of the land to be delivered to the Government for a major parkland and lakes system for the people of Western Sydney.

The Draft Vision Plan provides some initial ideas about possible future uses for key areas of the site and information about the opportunities and challenges it presents which would need to be addressed. For a copy of the Draft Vision Plan and information on how to make a submission, go to: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au or www. opl.nsw.gov.au Submissions will close on 30 April 2015.

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Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

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Erik had a wheelie good time

By Greg Martin

LET’S get this down pat from the outset.

Penrith’s Erik Horrie has no use of his legs after becoming a paraplegic following a motor vehicle accident back in 2001.

Yet this remarkable man was able to not only participate in the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney triathlon at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith on November 30 but win his division of the arduous race.

Now, those of you with short-term memory problems, I’ll repeat – Erik has no use of his legs.

Yet he was able to pull himself through the water during the 1.9km swim, use those no doubt tired arms to pedal 90km and then once again put those aching shoulders and arms through another torture in pushing his wheelchair 21.km on the final run leg.

It took him five hours, 20 minutes and 14 seconds to complete the full 113km journey and yet what does he respond when questioned about how tough it was getting from go to whoa.

“You may think this is a crazy thing to say but I enjoyed each and every one of those minutes out on the course,” Erik told your writer.

Whom, after picking himself up off the floor, asked this superb athlete: “Why?” “I have had a bit of success in rowing and basketball and the idea of competing in a triathlon became, well, bit of an obsession,” Erik said.

“I just wanted to challenge myself and have fun!”

Photo: Peter Camilleri

Again with the picking oneself up off the floor!

Erik had to pull out all stops to win the triathlon, only getting to the lead 200 metres from the finish.

“I was first out of the water but the bike leg is always the slowest of the legs and by the time I got into my wheelchair for the run, I was giving away about 17 minutes to the leaders,” Erik said.

However once he had those big wheels burnin’ and turnin’, Erik ate into the lead and when he had the pacemakers in his sights he somehow managed to find another gear and drew level “in the shadows of the post” as they say in horse racing parlance.

Once Erik hit the front, he surged away to the plaudits of a huge crowd packed around the finish line.

And as to Erik having “a bit of success” at basketball and rowing, well let me set you straight.

Erik was a regular face in the Australian wheelchair basketball team for several years prior to switching sports when he got the bug to row.

And row he has, garnering great success on the international stage including winning successive gold medals in the single sculls at World Rowing Championships - Chungdu in 2013 and this year in Amsterdam.

His courage, tenacity and skills have earned Erik rowing scholarships from the NSW Institute of Sport and Rowing Australia.

Somehow Erik has to find time between his rowing commitments to train for the 70.3 Western Sydney triathlon.

“It was tough going but I managed to do enough training in the other disciplines to get around the (triathlon) course,” Erik said.

Erik’s passion for sport has been life-long – prior to his accident he was big into running, competing in cross country and half and full marathon races.

Erik and his partner, Michelle Brown, are the proud parents of three youngsters – 14-year-old Maddison, Summer, 6, and two-year-old Lewis.

7 Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

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Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

Pets on the run SYDNEY’S week of storms has been traumatic for animals, with one shelter putting up the “house full” sign with distressed pets.

Penrith Council’s animal services officers have picked up about 30 confused and lost dogs a day during this week’s tropics-like storms.

The Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter where the lost animals are taken is now full.

Shelter manager, Kellie Colley, said they had 63 dogs and 37 cats in its care on Monday.

“About 75 per cent of the dogs are here because they ran away from home during the storms,” Mrs Colley said.

“Only two or three cats became lost — most of them find some place to hide like under a house and ride out the storm.

“Dogs panic and try to run away from the thunder — they think they can outrun the storm.”

Mrs Colley said dogs have sensitive hearing and know when storms were approaching, with some bolting before the weather hits.

Mrs Colley said dogs have sensitive hearing and know when storms were approaching, with some bolting before the weather hits.

Dogs can be set off by a combination of triggers, from wind, thunder, lightning and barometric pressure changes, to the lowfrequency rumbles preceding a storm that humans can’t hear.

She said it was important for pet owners to have animals micro-chipped and details up to date.

“Today we received six dogs from animal control officers and all had microchips — they all have been returned home which is brilliant.”

Car: no privatising electricity

By Kerrie Davies

THE Labor Candidates for the upcoming state election have to accused Premier Mike Baird of planning the full privatisation of the electricity network; saying he has failed to rule it out if the government is re-elected in March.

“When asked directly whether he would fully privatise the entire electricity network – as opposed to the 49 per cent sale he is currently proposing – Mike Baird said it would be a matter for the next term of Parliament,” Prue Car, Labor Candidate for Londonderry said.

“Western Sydney families are already paying $1000 a year more for electricity and gas than before the Liberals came to power in 2011.”

Ms Car added that if the electricity network was privatised, the main result would be even higher electricity prices in the local area.

“We know from the experiences of South Australia that privatisation means higher electricity bills.

Privatisation will hurt Western Sydney families and add more pressure on the family budget,” Ms Car said.

Labor Candidate for Mulgoa Todd Carney said privatisation would impact on the NSW Government’s budget “Privatising electricity will deprive the NSW Budget of an annual revenue stream – the dividends paid to the government by the electricity

companies are worth up to $1.7 billion each year,” Mr Carney said.

“This is money that funds our hospitals, schools and transport in Western Sydney on an ongoing basis – and it would be gone forever as a result of Mike Baird’s privatisation.”

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Aboriginal knowledge centre opens FIONA Scott MP, Member for Lindsay, helped Muru Mittigar’s Board of Directors’ open the Ngarra Aboriginal Knowledge Centre at Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural and Education Centre in Castlereagh.

“The Knowledge Centre is a place of cultural learning and experience where visitors and students gain a greater understanding of our unique and special Aboriginal heritage and culture,” Fiona Scott said.

“It’s important to ensure our local Aboriginal heritage lives on. The Ngarra Aboriginal Knowledge Centre is a place of cultural learning where we share Aboriginal knowledge and culture with the wider community.

“Information can be gathered from computers, books, maps, photos, posters and artefacts or by simply having a conversation with one of the many Aboriginal staff here at Muru.”

The centre opening also included the launch of The Aunty Edna ‘Mariong’ Watson Art Prize Exhibition.

Thirty contemporary and traditional artworks crafted by school children, well-known Aboriginal artists and local residents were on display.

Muru Mittigar community and

stakeholder engagement manager Margaret Wishart said there was a strong cultural connection between the exhibition and the Knowledge Centre.

“They both tell the story of the seasons, the cultural practices, family, respect, and the physical and spiritual connection to Country,” Margaret Wishart said.

“It’s is a place to ‘hear our stories, share our culture and learn our ways’.”

Aboriginal artist Lani Balzan said the exhibition allowed her to share her knowledge and work with others.

“The exhibition gives you an understanding of the different arts and connections. It also allows for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to connect and learn about all the services that are available,” Lani Balzan said.

This art exhibition will be held until February 28 and Muru Mittigar intends to regularly showcase and convey both interpretative art and stories through various media which reflect and educate on traditional and topical themes of the local Darug and Aboriginal community.

Going ahead A RECISION motion to overturn the DA approval on an Islamic Prayer Hall in Kemps Creek was defeated on Monday night at Penrith Council in a 10-4 vote.

The motion was put up by Councillor Mark Davies and the gallery was filled to capacity with many people having to gather outside the door due to there being no seats left.

Outside the chambers security and police were in force as a group of protesters against and supporters for the development faced-off with signs and foghorns.

Inside the chambers the meeting was quite heated at times, with Mayor Ross Fowler telling one attendee to leave the chambers after he heckled and swore.

Cr Markus Cornish received applause and support from the gallery but not so much from his Councillor colleagues, with the Mayor issuing a Code of Conduct breach and Councillor Greg Davies requesting that Cr Cornish apologise for comments regarding Liverpool Council.

Cr Cornish said he wouldn’t be apologising and the Council resolved to send a letter to Liverpool Council stating that Cr Cornish’s views were not Penrith Council’s views.

9 Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

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10 Nepean News 10 July 2014 Issue 128

Legends of the Nepean

By Greg Martin

A wonderful partnerhip!

Jeaninne and Mick King.

THE MASTER of his domain didn’t exactly have an easy time of it on his last day on the job at his Mick King Automotive workshop over in Emu Plains last Friday.

Mick’s right hand man, son, Jason, was on holidays so Mick was on his “Pat Malone” in contending with the usual high workload associated with being a respected motor mechanic.

That and the fact that throughout the long day, Mick had to stop doing things that mechanics do on numerous occasions as a host of patrons garnered during his 35 years operating his business called in to bid farewell and wish him “all the best” in his retirement.

And then as the last job for the day was finished, a group of Mick’s best mates arrived to have a few quiet ales with Mick and his wife, Jeaninne, who is also heading for the spelling paddock after working alongside her husband since Mick King Automotive opened in 1979.

Jason King nominated his father as a subject for the Nepean News’ regular Legends of the Nepean articles.

In his email to the office, Jason gave us an insight into what sort of man was his father.

Devoted husband, father and grandfather - a kind and generous man whose mechanical skills have endeared him to many hundreds of satisfied customers throughout his long working life at his trade.

A dinky-di Australian who wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone in need!

Your writer remembers as a teenager reading in the papers or watching on TV, Americans just stepping over people prostrate on the footpath, either drunk or suffering an illness such as a heart attack.

“There’s no way that any Australian would do that,” I remember thinking.

Unfortunately, there are many Australians who now do just that.

Mick King is not one of them.

In his email, Jason related a recent incident which fully justifies his pride in being a son of Mick King.

“Dad had to do a chore out at Wallacia and was driving along James Street when he noticed a bloke lying on his back with one of his hands raised.

“The fence was well back from the road and Dad thought he was painting

the rails but when he got to his mate’s place, he only stayed for a minute or so because he gave second thought to what he had seen and headed back to James Street.

“Well it seems the poor bugger - he was 83 and a big sort of bloke - had fallen over two days earlier and had been unable to get up.

“The place is a bit isolated and his calls for help weren’t heard – so he lay there without food or water until Dad’s timely arrival.”

Your writer asked Mick about his Good Samaritan deed, and he just scoffed, saying: “It’s what anyone would do”.

“But I’m glad I’m a sticky-beak – I’m always looking into yards on country properties watching out for old cars which I can do up,” said, Mick, an ardent motor sport enthusiast.

“And that’s the only reason I spotted him – he later told me that he had heard my car passing and he gathered enough strength to raise his hand.

“When I got to him he was in a bad way – dehydrated, parched lips, cuts and abrasions and there were ants all over him.

“But what a fair dinkum bloke!

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MICK KING The Kings are proud parents to Jason, David, who operates a motor trimming business and Mandy who works in the tax department.

As well as nine grandchildren to keep Mick and Jeaninne busy while they are out in the pasture, both have interests to keep them well occupied.

“Jeaninne has always had a passion for horses and she still loves riding while I have an avid interest in horsepower of another nature,” Mick said.

For the past 20 years he has been heavily involved with the Nepean District Car Club, helping juniors to become involved in the sport and to learn car control.

He is the head organiser at the club’s Hampton (near Hartley) facilities where regular meets are held throughout the year.

“A great deal of my retirement will be spent up at Hampton doing maintenance on the roads, and property as well as competing in the races in my ’86 Nissan Skyline,” Mick said.

Nepean News 10 July 2014 Issue 128

Amanda, who, like Jeaninne, will handle the administration side of the business.

Mick spent his formative years at Mt Lambie where his father operated a service station but at 17 he headed for The Big Smoke to take up a motor mechanic apprenticeship with the old Post Master General department (Australia Post).

“The PMG provided great training and after completing my time I worked at McLean Ford (Rockdale) for a year before I went over to West Australia to work for two years at the Mt Tom Price mine,” Mick explained.

Mick returned to the east and in 1971 landed himself a job at Max Wright Motors as well as an engagement at the alter with Jeaninne.

Later Mick took his skills to Girlock in Penrith and then Emu Quarries where he worked until ’79 when he and Jeannine opened their workshop in at 33 Bromley Road.

“It has been a wonderful partnership – I don’t suppose too many marriages can endure husband and wife working and living together 24 hours a day but ours has survived for 43 years and I’m sure will continue to do so during our retirement,” Mick said.

“You know, I gave him a drink and called 000 and while we waited for the ambulance to arrive all he could do was think about his dogs.

“He said he’d give me $10 to feed them - I think there were three or four of them – fancy that, he’s just about buggered and all he thinks about is looking after his animals!”

And no, Mick didn’t slip the $10 into his kick, gladly giving the dogs some tucker to keep them going until the later arrival of a relative.

(Relative of the old gent, not the dogs – I think I may have over explained that!).

But that deed is typical of Mick King – a man whom many are proud to call “mate”.

His generosity and kindness is legendary amongst his many customers.

“Many times down the years when customers can’t afford the repairs he will carry out the work anyway and they fix him up when they can,” Jason said.

Obviously last Friday was an emotional day for Mick and Jeaninne but both stressed they were looking forward to handing over the reins of the workshop to Jason and his wife,

11

The Skyline has had its share of success on the tracks because, just like Mick King, it is powered by a big ticker – a 5.7 V8.

Mick Kingwas nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Jason King.

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

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Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

Lost pets PLEASE join Penrith Area Lost and Found Animals on Facebook.

If you see the following lost pets please message the site so they can be reunited with their owners.

LOST Mischief from Colyton

LOST Shara from Cranebrook

LOST Sheeba from Mt Druitt

Historical agreement FIONA Scott MP, Member for Lindsay, has congratulated the University of Western Sydney (UWS) and the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM) on signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of the landmark ChinaAustralia Free Trade Agreement on Monday, November 17.

“This relationship will allow for a new research-led Chinese medicine clinic in Sydney, better patient care and the potential for Australia to tap into the $170 billion dollar global traditional Chinese medicine market,” Fiona Scott said.

“The agreement between the universities is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates UWS’s commitment to driving Australia’s education and innovative sector.

“The MoU highlights a number of important projects happening in Lindsay including the Werrington Park Corporate Centre and the Penrith Health and Education Precinct which will deliver quality education, jobs and skills to Western Sydney residents,” Fiona Scott added.

UWS Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover said the wellestablished regulatory framework and the strong international reputation

for complementary medicine research at the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) provides the ideal environment for the new partnership with the BUCM to deliver benefits to patients and the nation’s economy.

“Together UWS and BUCM will conduct the research and clinical trials required to validate and translate Chinese medicines into an integrated healthcare setting in Australia,” Professor Glover said.

“The connections forged

with the internationally regarded researchers at BUCM will further enhance the reputation of UWS as a centre of research excellence that delivers practical outcomes for our communities.”

The memorandum between the two universities was among 14 commercial agreements signed between Australia and China at Parliament House, Canberra, in the presence of Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

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ATTORNEY General and Minister for Justice Brad Hazzard saw firsthand how the Heavy Vehicle Driver Training Program – which operates at five of the state’s prisons - is skilling up inmates to get jobs when they are released.

“This program, which I saw in operation this week at the Outer Metropolitan Multi-Purpose Correctional Centre, is so effective because it gives inmates real skills for real jobs,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Giving inmates the skills they need to gain employment when they are released is one of the most effective ways of reducing re offending.

“This program teaches a specific skill that’s within the reach of many inmates, and it’s a skill that’s very much in demand in the thriving industry of transportation and logistics.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said inmates approaching the end of their sentence are carefully selected to participate in the program – which offers three license classes: Heavy Rigid; Heavy Combination; and Multi Combination.

“So far 112 inmates have

SENIORS Card holders are urged to check out the new Discount Directory and eligible seniors who have not yet applied for a Seniors Card are encouraged to do so and start enjoying the benefits.

Member for Londonderry Bart Bassett said: ``The Discount Directory is packed with great discounts for seniors and is a way the business community can thank older generations who have invested so much in our current economy.’’

Cardholders can now receive their 2015 Discount Directory with listings of updated discounts and special offers. In NSW discounts are available from more 3,000 locations.

The most popular saving is the NSW public transport travel concession, where Seniors Card holders have unlimited travel for $2.50 per day. There’s something for everyone in the new directory – food and beverages, travel, computing, events and entertainment, magazines and much more – with discounts from 10 per cent up to as much as 50 per cent. To qualify for a NSW Seniors Card, applicants must be a NSW permanent resident, aged 60 or over and work no more than 20 hours a week in paid employment. To obtain a new directory or to apply for membership go to http://www.service.nsw.gov.au/ transaction/apply-nsw-seniors-card or contact the Seniors Card call centre on 13 77 88.

successfully completed the program to upgrade their licenses - of those who’ve been released, 61 have found employment,” Mr Severin said.

“This program’s success is largely due to the contribution made by Corrective Services NSW staff and the dedicated instructors.”

NSW Liberal candidate for Londonderry, Bernard Bratusa, said the program is a good example of rehabilitation.

“We want inmates to come out

of our prison system better people with skills to gain employment and make a real contribution to the community,” Mr Bratusa said.

“Programs like this are a win for inmates and a win for the community.

“The Baird Government has shown its commitment to rebuilding NSW through a massive investment in roads and rail, this program highlights the Baird Government is also helping to rebuild the lives of people in NSW.”

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13 Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

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Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

Granny flats – as easy as pie!

By Greg Martin

DID you know that if your property meets just three criteria, you can build a Granny flat to sit beside your current home without seeking council approval?

Londonderry’s Leon Maloney, a man who wasn’t down the back of the queue when nous was being handed out, knows and as such has overseen his Australian Garden Apartments business become a major player in the burgeoning industry.

Leon however stresses Australian Garden Apartments doesn’t just build Granny flats but build high quality “Garden Apartments” using the same materials and building methods found in new home construction.

Ever since the NSW State Government legislated its Affordable Housing State Environment Planning Policy (Granny Flats) in 2009, this sleeping giant of the building industry was given a tremendous wake-up call.

So much in fact that companies specialising in the construction of Granny flats sprang up all over Sydney as home owners decided to take advantage of the new rules.

“The three basic requirements for a home owner to be able to build a Granny flat and in most cases bypass council Development Approval (DA) process are the block of land must exceed 450 square metres, have 12 metre frontage or greater and be built no closer than 3 metres from the rear fence,” Leon explained.

“Ninety per cent of homes in established suburbs certainly meet those requirements.”

Leon however stresses that home owners just can’t “whack up anything”.

“The building still has to get the tick of approval from an approved certifying authority,” he said.

“The government approved “Principal Certifying Authority” must

A Leon Maloney-designed Granny flat sits behind the older home.

give a tick of approval at various stages throughout the construction,” Leon explained.

“The PCA is responsible for ensuring compliance with the conditions of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Granny Flats), the Building Code of Australia, and the objectives of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.”

The PCA is required to: • Ensure compliance with the conditions of consent.

• Issue the construction certificate.

• Conduct inspections at each required critical stage of construction.

• Promptly advise the applicant, after each relevant inspection, of any outstanding work.

• Issue the occupation certificate.

With the high cost of purchasing land and building homes in new residential sub-divisions, homeowners are increasingly turning to Granny flats as an alternative for their children to live in their own homes.

But don’t get the impression that Granny flats as are akin to a motel room – combined kitchen, lounge and bedroom with a bathroom/laundry!

“Sure they can be like that,” Leon said.

“But we find our clients

increasingly choosing our bigger and more luxurious models or taking up our custom design service to create a home to meet their specific needs.

“In many cases, our clients have decided to rent, or allow the kids or family members stay in the home and they move into the brand new stylish Garden Apartment!

“Our prices range from a $60,000 studio apartment up to our top-of-therange 2-storey model which we build for around $160,000.

“Downstairs It has two or three bedrooms – one with an en-suite and all with built-in ’robes, open kitchenlounge-dining area a bathroom and outdoor patio, while upstairs in the attic roof, there’s another large space which can be utilised for a range of purposes.

“Depending on the suburb, owners can expect to rent this model for good rent per week.

“By adopting the Granny flat option, home owners are avoiding the high cost of purchasing land on the outskirts of Sydney and then outlaying another large sum to build the home.

“It also allows them to stay in their own patch close to amenities such as hospitals, schools, shopping centres and transport.”

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“However for those wishing to build a new home, we also offer 4 – 5 bedroom homes packages with attached Granny flat options.

“These designs not only accommodate extended families in two separate homes, the owner could also choose to rent the Granny flat to service the entire mortgage “ Leon has built a display “Granny flat” in Brighton Avenue, Panania – an area, like most of the older suburbs, is ripe for the addition of such a building on the property.

Leon’s come a long way since leaving school to take up a plumbing apprenticeship and then working in the trade, eventually establishing his own business, Bringelly Plumbing which became one of Western Sydney’s largest plumbing firms.

“As plumbers are one of the first trades on a building site and last off, I learned the full building cycle and later got together with a few building industry friends to put that knowledge to use by building inner city townhouse complexes” Leon said.

Such was the success of the group of mates, Leon moved away from plumbing to concentrate solely on the building game.

During those formatives years in building, Leon undertook to learn architectural design – a skill he now puts to good use designing prestigious homes and Granny flats to suit all tastes – and properties.

So if any of our readers are keen to learn more about Granny flats – contact Leon Maloney on 1300 856 946 or info@australiangardenapartments. com.au

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nepeanhistory nepean

16 Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

Shanes Park Hotel

I

N 1898 the “Shanes Park Hotel” known by the locals as the “Mud Hut” was the scene of the antics of an old local called “Jemmy Smashem”. According to the Nepean Times in January that year he “marched up to the ticket window at the St Mary’s Railway Station and placing down six pence demanded a ticket for St Marys.

Mr Beach the stationmaster did all he could to convince “Smashem” that he was not at Penrith but Jemmy wouldn’t believe it until the sawmills were pointed out.

Then he went over to the “Mud Hut” run at that time by Mr Dan McGee and busted the sixpence.” In 1902 the hotel changed to the “Railway Hotel”. Another incident happened at the hotel in December 1906 when Albert Edward Charker a sawyer was arrested for the manslaughter of John McLean Sprindle at the hotel over a card game that came to blows; one blow dealt caused John to fall in such a way as to break his neck. At Penrith Court House Albert Charker was acquitted but he left the court house a much sobered man. Auntie McGee owned the hotel and her nephew Frank McCarron worked in the bar. He is in a photo of the St Marys Football team in 1908. In 1909 James McGee was granted the license for the hotel. Some inquests were held at the hotel and in February 1910 a sad occurrence took place when “Benjamin Cook (Snr) who worked as a sawyer at the saw mills at St Marys, was found drowned in South Creek near the Chinamen’s gardens. He was last seen alive by Fred Harvey about a quarter to seven on the racecourse going in the direction of the oak’s swimming hole and by being stripped of his clothes when found it was presumed that he went to the creek to swim. He was a good swimmer and in the habit of going there to bathe. The sadness of the affair is added to when it is remembered that a few months ago one of deceased’s sons was drowned in Moore’s well. Great credit is due to the lad Harold Pelham a school boy, (son of our Postmaster), who found the body and pluckily brought it to the bank by himself and for his promptness in acquainting the police of the accident. Pelham, who usually goes to swim at this part of the creek, first saw the hair of the deceased man and part of his back just above the water about five yards from the bank where the water is very deep and swimming up to it found that the arms were resting on a snag which was about eighteen inches under water. Pelham got hold of him by the arm and head and managed to pull him to the bank – almost out of the water, the body was then stiff and quite blue and the legs drawn up. He then ran to fetch Constable Walsh and a cart having been procured they lifted the body in and took it to the Railway Hotel where an inquest was held by the coroner Mr A Judges on Thursday morning, the finding being that Benjamin Cook at the oak’s swimming hole, South Creek, St Marys on the 15th February, 1910 died from asphyxia caused by drowning and that such drowning was accidental. Deceased leaves a wife and five children. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon the remains being interred in St Mary Magdalene Churchyard. Deceased was 41 years and 10 months old and a native of St Marys”. In 1914 Auntie McGee gave up running the hotel and her manager Edward Beacroft took over and remained at the

hotel until the license was taken over by William McPhee. In 1916 the hotel hosted a valedictory send-off for Driver’s McCarron and Chesham to World War One. At the hotel a large gathering of the people of St Marys assembled at a valedictory dinner and social for Frank Joseph McCarron and Ernest Chesham with Private Gibson who were all leaving for the front. Driver McCarron was presented with a pipe and tobacco pouch and Chesham with a pocket wallet and fountain pen. Frank’s sister lived at the hotel and Frank had worked there but at the time of his enlistment his occupation was stated as a tramcar inspector. From time to time sporting bodies of the district made applications to St Marys’ Municipal Council for permission to hold competitive matches on Victoria Park on Sundays, but members of the Council refused. So persistent were these requests that the Council decided to put the matter to a vote by the townspeople.

This vote was held in January 1930 and resulted in a large majority of the townspeople voting for the banning of organised Sunday sports on the municipality’s parks. The count was 284 against & 155 for. For the dissenting majority it was thought that was the end of the matter but not so for the active minority. Their next move was to approach the popular landlady of the “Railway Hotel”, genial “Aunty” McGee asking for her permission to put down a cricket pitch on a vacant plot at the rear of her hotel. Aunty not only gave her consent but would supply the necessary materials if the men would do the work. This was done and weekend matches were played and enjoyed for many years afterwards. William McPhee realised that with the decline of the wood trade and the slackening off of work in the wagon building works and tanneries and the decrease in milk deliveries to the goods yard, Edward found the hotel was doing little trade and realising that the heyday of the hotel was over tried to have his licence transferred to Wallacia but was forestalled by the de-licensing of the “Imperial Hotel” at Rooty Hill. He then applied for the purchase of the “Log Cabin” roadside house at Penrith and was successful and the “Railway Hotel’s” licence was transferred in November, 1938. This article in the Nepean Times stated that “the Railway Hotel has quite an interesting history and is an important link with a different St Marys of years ago. It was known at various periods by such names as the Mud House and Shanes Park Hotel. “To those who have quaffed the flowing tankard at this once flourishing old inn there is perhaps, something pathetic in the advertisement which appears in this issue – ‘For Sale stone building, right at St Marys station at present known as the Railway Hotel”. Following the closure of the “Railway Hotel” it was let as private dwellings and the old bar room became a general store. In 1941 the store’s proprietor applied for a wine and spirit licence for the premises but was refused. Not long after this an application came to the St Marys Council for permission to build a hotel on the corner of Chapple and Queen Streets but it was refused due to the close proximity of the Wesleyan church.

To be continued.

Sources: Nepean Times & NSW State Archives Publican Licences.

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

readerscorner readers

18 Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

Your stories printed here WE received this letter from one of our readers and it prompted us to begin a new segment giving Nepean News readers the opportunity to have their stories published in our publication, so thank you Warren and below is your letter and story. If you have a story (under 400 words) - it can be submitted for consideration by our Editor nepeannews@aol.com.

Since moving to Cambridge Park from Wagga Wagga, it was only recently that I came across your publication, having picked up a copy from the Penrith Bowling Club.

And what a great publication you distribute, so much so that I look forward to receiving the next edition.

As the school year draws to a close in the next fortnight, it brought back fond memories of my time at school, some 53 years ago and an essay I wrote, all those years ago.

Now as a parent, grandfather and great grandfather I look back realise, not too much has changed over the past half century as far as values and opportunities are concerned for the current school leavers.

I will attach a copy of my “ancient words of wisdom” by separate email following this, in the hope that you might consider printing it in your excellent publication.

- Warren Miller, Cambridge Park

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YOUR last year of school should reflect in you all, many pleasant memories of happiness, tinged with smaller moments of sorrow.

Most of the students in the lower classes view the year 12 class with a feeling of jealousy.

To them, the last year at school is the last year of homework, the last year of endless good mornings and the last year of report cards and the subsequent punishment.

Your last days of school to them, is the beginning of freedom from the harsh voices of school teachers and the agonies called examinations.

On the other hand, your elders repeat daily that “school days are the best days of ones life”; They will tell you that life is a continuous struggle for existence, burdened with the weighty problems of keeping alive the family. They are further trodden upon by tax payments in a variety

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of ways and charity workers asking for donations to a dozen different projects.

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Caught between two extremes of opinion, it is understandable that you find it difficult to make up your minds.

The future should present you all with a challenge.

Perhaps you will find yourself as an insignificant cog in the big cycle of life or perhaps you will find yourself in the not too distant future as a leader of men or women as the case may be.

What you shall really be, you probably don’t know. Perhaps you will be a humble school teacher with 40 little rascals to harness and tame. Perhaps you will be a faithful parent, reading and re-reading the book “Cheaper by the dozen”.

At saner moments you will

wonder about your many friends and comrades from school.

I know that it will be difficult to say good-bye to the many teachers who have grown dear to your heart throughout the years.

“Parting is such sweet sorrow” said Shakespeare.

Your last days at school will be crowded with some of these thoughts.

However the mirror of the past and the crystal of the future are in front of you.

You should remember every precious moment of the present.

That will soon be no more.

In these last hours you should seek to re-live the many years of happy comradeship, knowing that when you say good-bye, you shall carry with you these sweet memories, memories that cannot fade, even in the cruel desert called life.

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E N T E R localnews Coachman’s Park Lights up for Santa

Coachman’s park will host Santa Claus from December 13 to 24 to be available for free pictures.

By Garion Thain

ST MARYS Town Centre begins what they hope will be a yearly tradition on December 12 with their first ever Christmas tree lighting at Coachman’s park. The park will usher in the holiday spirit with activities all evening and festivities planned up until Christmas Eve. The free lighting event starts at 6:30 and features a Move and Groove interactive Christmas show for kids, entertainment on centre stage as well as several activities like face painting, a jumping castle, market stalls, ballooning and the arrival of Santa Claus himself.

Town Centre management is hoping

this event will attract more and more locals to the park every year and says Santa will be at the park for free photos from December 13 until December 24. He’ll also be making a special arrival on December 20 for A Very Frozen Christmas Show from 10am until 2pm, featuring a guest appearance from Jai Waetford and meet and greets with Elsa, Anna and Olaf from Frozen, as well as the return of a jumping castle and plaster painting.

With Christmas just about a fortnight away Coachman’s park certainly has plenty of reasons to visit and celebrate all December long.

T A I N M E N T The Joan Gets Festive for A Classical Christmas

By Garion Thain

IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre prepares to host the year’s final Morning Melodies on December 17.

A Classical Christmas sees the return of popular artists Joey Fimmano, vocalist Grace Rizzo and tenor Graeme Wright to The Joan. The three plan to treat audiences to their renditions of well known Christmas songs, as well as their take on many classical and instrumental pieces.

With Morning Melodies’ season about to conclude The Joan aims to make sure A Classical Christmas is also a special affair. Taking place just over a week before Christmas, the concert aims to end the 2014 with proper classical holiday flair. The show will see the aforementioned trio showcase the music of Mario Lanza, Andrea Bocelli, Andrew Lloyd Webber and many more in a 90 minute concert at 11am after a morning tea earlier at 10.

The next season of Morning Melodies begins in January with concerts planned for every month of 2015. Tickets for A Classical Christmas can be booked online at www.thejoan. com.au or by calling 4723 7600.

Graze Rizzo, Joey Fimmano and Graeme Wright return to the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre to usher in the festive season at 2014’s final Morning Melodies.

“Local kids are all welcome to join in the D.I.Y experience, learn crafty tips and meet new people these school holidays,” Robyn said.

“The workshops are an exciting opportunity for kids to create the perfect show and tell item of what they have learnt over summer,” SUMMER holidays are almost here and to make the most of the long break, team members from Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith and Bunnings Warehouse Penrith will be on hand to entertain kids with free School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops in December and January.

The School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops, running every Tuesday and Thursday* throughout the summer break, will provide a range of fun, hands on and engaging activities for local kids.

Bunnings Warehouse Area Manager, Robyn Hudson, said kids are encouraged to join the D.I.Y. Workshops as they provide an opportunity to get creative and make new friends.

Robyn said.

The Kids School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops are suitable for children of all ages.

Bookings are recommended; please contact your local Bunnings Warehouse for further details.

WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school holiday period. *There will be no workshops running on Thursday, 25 December WHERE: Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Cnr John Hines Avenue & Great Western Highway, Tel: (02) 8882 0600 Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith, 2166 Castlereagh Road, Tel: (02) 4720 2000 Bunnings Warehouse Penrith, Wolseley Street, Regentville, Tel: (02) 4737 5400.

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E N T E R T A I N M E Nlocalnews T Workshops for kids

• Fly a jet! Sit in the Captain’s seat and take the controls of a replica Boeing 737-800 NG simulator • Get your adrenalin pumping as you take off and land a 60 tonne aircraft • Fully enclosed cockpit built with genuine airplane parts • Functions just like a real plane, feel the bumps and shakes, with HD visuals unlike any video game!

• HD Video recording of your flight available • 3D theatre style VIP Viewing Lounge, where your family can relax and watch you fly live on a big screen

Unit 1, 9-11 Abel St Penrith (End of Carpark) TAKING BOOKINGS ONLINE NOW www.737jet.com.au OR CALL US ON 4722 5747

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24

E N localnews

T E R T A I N M E N T

Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Law enforcement assistants (8) 5 Evaluate (6) 9 Dimmed (8) 10 Coiffure (6) 12 Draw out (5) 13 Hindrances (9) 14 Main course (6) 16 Savior (7) 19 When the moon blocks all sunlight (7) 21 Expel (6) 23 Bizarre (9) 25 Forest god (5) 26 An introductory section to a story (2 words) (6) 27 Found on roofs (8) 28 Harm to property (6) 29 Baffle (8)

DOWN 1 Avoid (6) 2 Employees (9) 3 Not those (5) 4 Something very ugly (7) 6 Swordsman (9) 7 Enlist (5) 8 Financial supporters (8) 11 Utilizer (4) 15 Atoning (9) 17 Fazed (9) 18 Revolted (8) 20 Beige (4) 21 Excavator (7) 22 Found on most pencils (6) 24 Assertion (5) 25 The mountain of the Ten Commandments (5)

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We promote the responsible service of gaming & alcohol. Advertising and promotions contained on ALH Group posters, flyers or newspaper advertising are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons, or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. alhgroup.com.au

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CHRISTMAS TOY RAFFLE WITH $1000 WORTH OF PRIZES TO BE WON Commencing at 3PM Tickets on sale from 10.00am on the 14th Dec 2014 Must be here to win. Conditions apply.

Is your house the most festive in Penrith?

WE WANT TO KNOW! PRDnationwide Penrith are searching for the best decorated house in Penrith (and surrounding suburbs). If you think you’ve got a winning home just post a picture on Facebook and tag @prdpenrith, or email the picture to sophie@prd.net.au Our favourite entry will win a gorgeous basket of goodies from Duck In gift shop. The perfect present for yourself or someone special this Christmas!

Closing day for entries is Sunday 21st December, we’ll be announcing the winner on our Facebook page on Monday 22nd December. Good luck and Merry Christmas!

www.prd.net.au

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Exciting times for Panthers

By Noel Rowsell

EXCITING Penrith basketball representative, Nic Pozoglou, has been selected to represent NSW at the 2015 Under 20 National Championships, to be held from February 22-28, 2015 in Dandenong, Victoria.

Pozoglou is currently working out unofficially with the Sydney Kings NBL squad, alongside Penrith teammates Ben Kearins and Madol Chol.

Penrith Championship League men’s head coach will take on the role of assistant coach with the State Under 20’s team Ashling O’Doherty has been chosen as a reserve for the NSW Under 20 women’s team.

The outstanding Tahlia Tupaea has put another notch on her belt following the completion of the 2014 FIBA Oceania Under 20 Championships.

Australia crushed all opposing teams with ruthless precision throughout the first week of December and ended the tournament in style with a 98-65 win over New Zealand in the grand final.

Tahlia scored 18 points in the grand final and was undoubtedly pleased to get some decent minutes, given Australia had run the bench for extended periods

PENRITH’S two representatives in the 2014-15 GMP Ultimate Basketball League (UBL) competition left their team-mates stranded in the weekend’s double-header round of action at Auburn and Sutherland.

Noah Cleur (Norwest Giants) and Laat Gak (ACBA Dragons) were both no-shows, for personal reasons and injury respectively, leaving their teams lacking the firepower to grab crucial wins.

PENRITH’S WCL men’s squad begins preparations for the 2015 season this week and coach Hennessy will be keen to see how his four new faces fit into the program.

Hennessy plans to have at least one pre-season game prior to Christmas.

Nic Pozoglou in action for the Panthers during the 2014 Waratah Championship League (WCL) competition. Photo courtesy Noel Rowsell www.photoexcellence.com.au

throughout the tournament, due to the lop-sided results.

Australia began their week with a 113-8 demolition of American

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Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

BARRIER RISE

ON THE MAT

With Col Crossingham

THE Bowls NSW State Finals of the Club Challenge were held over December 6-7 during which six different categories were contested.

In the Women’s Pink division semi-finals, East Cessnock defeated Woonona and West Dubbo defeated Inverell East.

West Dubbo was too strong for East Cessnock in the final and won for the second year running. In the Mixed Bronze division semi-finals, Greenacre defeated Lidcombe and Singleton defeated Wellington.

In the final Singleton won all three rinks to take the title.

Then in the Mixed Gold division semifinals Avoca Beach defeated the local team from Warilla and Valentine defeated Taree Leagues. In the final Avoca Beach won two rinks to one, winning the Singles by the barest of margins 31 to 30.

In the Mens Blue division semi finals two clubs from Zone 5 were pitted against each other with Campbelltown city victorious over Mudgee.

The other semi-final saw Diggers @ The Entrance defeat Macksville. In the final the Diggers proved way too strong winning all three rinks.

In the Mens Silver division another Zone 5 club Lithgow Workers battled it out with Padstow with Padstow the eventual winner. In the other semi-final West Coffs were too strong for Kurri Kurri winning 2 out of three rinks.

with Tony Brassel

In the final West Coffs won the Singles and Padstow won the Fours, leaving the title hinging on the result of the Pairs. West Coffs won the Pairs and the title by the barest of margins 13 to 12.

In the premier event, the Mens Gold division semi-finals Taren Point defeated Dubbo Railway and Terrigal defeated Port Macquarie City. In the final Taren Point were very convincing winning back to back titles.

AUSTRAL Men’s Bowling Club held their President’s and Presentation Day on Sunday, November 30.

I had the pleasure of attending on behalf of the Royal New South Wales Bowling Association and Rod Fitzgerald from the District Match Committee accompanied me.

A great game of bowls was enjoyed by all.

Visitors were also invited from Cabramatta, Rylstone, Revesby Workers and Ingleburn.

Following a sumptuous lunch the formalities got under way. I was asked by Austral President Jim Jamieson to present the RNSWBA Ladies Brooch to Austral Women’s President Gail Howe for all work that she has put in getting the Women’s club up and running.

Rod was asked by Jim to present the Nepean District Valuable Member badge to club Treasurer, Ken Williams for all the work that he does around the club.

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

BREAKFAST IN BED: Endowed with a neat gear change and her recent trial win at Randwick bodes well for the summer.

COUNTRYMAN: Up and comer from the Gai Waterhouse team. Kick started his current prep with a fine third at the Randwick trials.

DAINTREE BOY: Naturally fast gelding by Mossman and sure looked slick in a Warwick Farm trial. He’ll soon be winning again for Rick Worthington.

HANDFAST: Will get better with racing being a son of prolific winnergetter, Street Cry. Trial performances suggest a bright future.

LA SPECIALE: Unraced filly by Choisir from the David Vandyke stable. Placed in her recent hit out and has enough talent to be scoring soon.

LOVEITT: Lightly tried 3YO filly by Gai Waterhouse’s former top galloper Sebring. She’ll be capably managed by The Lady Trainer through the current campaign.

PAVONIA: This juvenile miss by Commands will be handled to perfection by John O’Shea. More than tidy landing a Warwick Farm heat recently.

UNDOUBTED PLEASURE: Trained by Clarry Conners, this 3YO filly has been trialling in fine fashion on home turf. Won’t be a maiden for long.

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WITH MARK GEYER

A HUGE LOSS

Photo: AAP

AS I sat in front of the television last Tuesday for the start of the test match between Australia and India a tinge of sadness overcome me.

Like most watching both at the game and on the tele there was only one person we were all thinking about.

The late Phillip Hughes. Just writing that sentence hurts.

These past couple of weeks since the tragic passing of Phil the Australian public, not just cricket lovers, have been in mourning. How can a kid who has been playing the game since he was a pup go out to bat one day and never come back?

I think that’s the one thing that has been the hardest to grasp.

I only met Phil Hughes twice. Once was at an origin match about four years ago where we were both doing the ‘corporate’ visit to private boxes and suites.

Coming from the same home town as Greg Inglis, Phil was obviously rooting for ‘the man’, as he called him. But being a New South Welshman was hoping for

a Blues victory. It didn’t happen that night but I’m glad he saw it (a blues series win) this year.

The other occasion I met him was when he came in for a chat on the Grill Team. I forget what it was that he was promoting but the lack of fanfare or fuss he oozed impressed. Such a lovely bloke. Even in our chat which touched upon most things cricket etc, his parents still managed to get a shout out from their son.

It’s when watching them over the past two weeks that I have become most reflective. As a father of five the very thought of saying goodbye to one of them forever has no scale of pain.

Greg and Virginia Hughes have had their world cave in. And no amount of tribute or condolence can bring their boy back. But one day, when they are ready, they will look at the outpouring of emotion felt not just here in Australia but worldwide and treasure even more the impact their son had on this planet for the 25 years he was here. #408 #63.

H E A RT L A N D H O L D E N PENRITH GRAND MASTERS 2013

I KNOW at the moment it seems a long long way off but come the end of January the 9’s are played, and before we know it’s back into footy mode. I know, how good!!

This current off-season as per usual has had its fair share of drama. The Paul Gallen tweet and the Greg Bird being the most high profile.

The Panther boys (touch wood) have had an incident free pre season thus far and with all going well have the squad to at least emulate last seasons heroics of finishing one game away from the grand final.

The players who were injured throughout last season will be back, the depth of the squad will be more profound, hence competition for spots in the first grade will be mouth watering.

My seven memberships arrived last week and we (me and the fam) are pumped about the mountain men’s chances in 2015.

And if you are a believer in the Chinese Zodiac ( who isn’t) then as a Panther fan you have every right to be excited. Type in Chinese Zodiac. Then look at the year of the Goat. Take note of the years gone by when the Goat has been celebrated.

Interesting hey?

See ya at the goat, sorry the game.

29 Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

Y Mark T O O F R E MY WORDS V E F

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Nepean News 11 December 2014 Issue 139

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Thursday, 11 December 2014

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HARPO’S MARKS

W WHAT is this penchant with people wanting to turn every bloody thing into an event?

Even a day at the races on the punt and the plonk is becoming an event for all the so-called beautiful people.

Beautiful people! Not so beautiful when they are as drunk as skunks from about midway through the afternoon’s program!

Which brings me to the deification of Phil Hughes and the turning of his tragic death and subsequent funeral into an event!

Look, don’t get me wrong, I think it is a terrible tragedy that the young man has lost his life.

From all reports he was a lovely bloke, much beloved and admired by his family, boyhood friends and all those with whom he came in contact with as his cricket career progressed into the big-time.

But fair dinkum, the media went overboard with the reporting of his death and as regards to the funeral itself, well I was gobsmacked as it turned out to be a bigger production

than Ben Hur. Firstly, the media reporting of Phil’s death was totally over the top.

And of course Murdoch’s bloody Daily Telegraph had to try and find a scapegoat!

The rag did it’s very best to blame the late arrival of an ambulance and paramedics as a contributing factor in Phil not surviving.

That made me so very angry!

Look, Phil was already being tended by medical experts only seconds after he crashed to the ground and from all reports since, even if an ambulance had been at the ground, it wouldn’t have made a difference to the tragic outcome.

Do those imbeciles think that no matter how busy the ambulance service is, there is always an ambulance available to be immediately dispatched?

Trying to place blame on that fine body makes you want to reach for a bucket.

Now, Phil Hughes was a very good cricketer and a fine young man

– his passing has certainly saddened people from all walks of life.

But the funeral in his home town of Macksville was televised live throughout the nation and a host of dignitaries including Prime Minister Tony Abbott attended.

The media just couldn’t help itself, and on a slow-news week turned the whole sad affair into yet another event.

SO the Wannabes are once again back home with their tails between their legs after losing three on the trot on the latest tour to Ireland, Great Britain and France.

The losses have dropped Australia to fifth place in world rankings, equal to the worst they have been in the rankings since they were introduced in 2003 - the Wallabies were previously in fifth place in 2005-6-7-8.

SAD MARKS: The passing of Phil Hughes.

LOW MARKS: The Wallabies just lack that killer instinct.