Nepeannews 11june2015

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ISSUE 151

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CEO honoured PANTHERS Group chief executive officer Warren Wilson has been honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on the Queen’s Birthday 2015 Honours List.

The esteemed honour is formal recognition of Mr Wilson’s significant service to business and commerce through the sports entertainment industry, and to the community of western Sydney.

Over the last three decades, he has successfully combined his love of rugby league with a distinguished career in business.

From humble beginnings as the 19-year-old treasurer of St Marys Junior Rugby League Football Club, his passion for business soon blossomed as he worked with a team to acquire land in western Sydney and then build the St Marys Rugby League Club.

He oversaw highly-effective restructuring during his four-year tenure as CEO of Sky Channel and his reputation for acute business acumen was enhanced further as he spent five years as Chief Executive at TAB Ltd. Mr Wilson became Panthers Group CEO in March 2012 and immediately began championing fundamental changes which took the rugby league club from the brink of insolvency to the position of strength and stability it enjoys today.

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Wilson implemented a clear strategic direction for the club and inspired an ongoing evolution which has seen the Panthers set new benchmarks for success, both on and off the field.

Just 18 months after he started work at the Panthers, the club was named Australia’s most valuable sporting brand.

“I’m overwhelmed to have been acknowledged. I’m exceptionally humbled by it and it is an honour in which I take great pride,” Mr Wilson said.

The Panthers Group say they are privileged to have Mr Wilson at the helm and the organisation is extraordinarily proud he has been honoured with one of the country’s highest distinctions.

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4 Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

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by Garion Thain IN the early 1970’s, British sociologist Stanley Cohen penned a paper where he coined the terms ‘moral panic’ and ‘folk devil’ to refer to people, groups or issues that are stigmatised or made pariahs by the combined efforts of the mass media and general public, to levels where the society of the time is practically focusing on nothing else, for better or for worse. The examples he used were the Mods & Rockers youth gangs in the United Kingdom that had the media and the public in hysterics, even though a hefty amount of the details reported about them were factually incorrect or over-exaggerated.

At that point it didn’t matter, they’d enveloped public consciousness.

There’s lots of examples of this throughout history, such as the decadeslong communism scare, the war on drugs in the US and many more. I think the theory of the media and public focusing primarily on only one or two issues at a time is particularly relevant to what Greg Davies was saying in this very space a fortnight ago - not reforming the Marriage Act is stopping us from focusing on other issues – and that we should “Just Do It.” Make no mistake, Marriage Equality has never been a question of “if” as much as “when”, so long as public favour continues to rise as it is. It’s probably going to be one of the hottest issues at the 2016 election and continue to hold a huge chunk of political discourse. Coupled with the ever-tense national security debates - a folk devil in itself - it leaves little room for anything else.

The fact of the matter is Marriage Equality doesn’t affect you or me so much as it effects the people who can’t get married at the moment.

The worst part about the crucial relationship between the Public and Politics, is while we have the power to choose what gets talked about, we can also be played the other way around and ultimately have huge, glaring issues pushed aside. At the moment we have an ever-growing housing bubble, talks of our first recession since the 90’s, rising levels of youth unemployment, crippling rural unemployment and a manufacturing industry that gets more choked out every year. We should be talking about these right now, because if Australia doesn’t act on these things in this decade, then this country will have a very tumultuous time in the 2020’s.

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JOIN Councillor Ross Fowler OAM, Mayor of Penrith, guest speaker Margaret Fowler, and members of the Nepean District Historical Society for lunch at the Nepean Rowing Club, Bruce Neale Drive, Penrith, overlooking the river on Saturday June 20th at 12 noon to celebrate two very important dates in our early history.

Back in 1789, when the colony was only three years old, a very significant discovery of national importance was made by Captain Watkin Tench, who had arrived on the first fleet as an officer in the Royal Marines. At that time he was in charge of the settlement at Rose Hill, today’s Parramatta.

His ‘desire of acquiring a further knowledge of the country’ led him to form a small party made up of himself, Surgeon Arndell, Mr Lowe, surgeon’s mate, Lieutenant William Dawes, a marine and a convict and head west towards the Carmarthen Hills (Blue Mountains).

They stopped overnight at a small pond somewhere between today’s St Marys and Penrith and in the morning came across the river, which was as ‘nearly as broad as the Thames at

Putney’. It was later to be named the Nepean after Sir Evan Nepean, Secretary of State.

With the discovery of the river and good farming land the settlers came and 26 years later the town of Penrith evolved around Emu Ford.

This year we celebrate not only the discovery of the river, but Penrith’s 200th birthday. Penrith wasn’t a planned town, but grew because of the importance of the river crossing which opened up the west.

Following the building of his road over the mountains, William Cox built a guard house and military depot near the ford on the eastern side which later became the first court house in the area. Cox then went on to build the road back to Parramatta linking the two towns with Bathurst in the west.

It is thought that Penrith got its name from Penrith in England, as both were staging towns on an important ford crossing.

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Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

Ending HIV

Winter in the Mountains

By Garion Thain

NEPEAN Hospital has just concluded their involvement in the NSW Health HIV Testing Week but want to remind residents, particularly young people that HIV testing can still be done for free and can be done at most GPs. HIV related deaths are at an all-time low as HIV has become increasingly detectable and treatable, however even with a still decreasing (roughly 2% per year) number of new cases year on year 2014 still saw 346 people newly diagnosed with HIV in NSW. The NSW HIV strategy 2012–2015 was launched in December 2012 to help raise awareness and keep the number of new cases on the decline. As of present, the groups still most at risk of contracting the infection that were targeted by the strategy are indigenous youth and men who have sex with men.

In our area though, the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District has only seen 253 cases of HIV since 1981, 1.5% of the state.

Regardless, HIV is taken completely seriously in any hospital and NBMLHD wants young people in particular to know that testing is free, and that if they are sexually active or ‘at risk’ to always wear a condom, further mentioning that with HIV there are often no symptoms to start with, so testing is important.

The Annual 2014 HIV data report can be found at health.nsw.gov.au/endinghiv

BRISK fresh air, roaring log fires, Yulefest celebrations and a toasty round of exhilarating activities awaits visitors to the Greater Blue Mountains this winter.

Blue Mountains Attractions Group president Louise Clifton said: ``Outside, the beauty of a crisp, still day with brilliant blue sky above splashes of colour throughout gardens such as Everglades Historic House & Gardens and Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah is unmatched. Soft mist blanketing the World Heritage-listed wilderness is just as gorgeous.

“There might even be snow during your visit.

“After exploring the great outdoors, retreat to the warmth indoors at the premier attractions of the region and immerse yourself in a range of activities bound to keep you snug.’’

Getting there is easy by car along the Great Western Hwy or Bells Line of Rd and by train from Sydney and the Central West to Lithgow and all Blue Mountains stations between Mt Victoria and Penrith.

Once there, board a hop-on/hop-off vintage-style

Trolley Tours bus to access all the famous sites and sights of the Leura and Katoomba area (there is even a daily bus to Jenolan Caves, where you can celebrate Yulefest with all the trimmings at historic Caves House on Friday and Saturday nights throughout July). The public bus service gives access to all the other premier attractions of the Blue Mountains.

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Entering the triple digits

By Garion Thain

HER son Ron says she’s only 40 years old with 60 of life experience, but according to a letter from Queen Elizabeth II at least, local resident Evelyn Hitchenson has just celebrated her 100th birthday.

A party at New Fortune Palace Chinese restaurant was held for Ms Hitchenson by her family and her doctor, Dr. Ramasamy Muthukrishnan in celebration of her big 100th, where she received signed letters from Prime Minister Tony Abbott as well as the Queen. To get the right candles for her specially made birthday cake, they also had to buy two 0 candles to make the hundred.

Dr. Muthukrishnan, her GP for 40 years, says Ms. Hitchenson continues to impress everyone with her wellbeing and abilities, his secretary Reshma commenting that Ms Hitchenson surprises doctors with her “cognitive clarity and mental resilience,” and that “she is quite independent and looking after herself very well,” having looked after her blind husband for many years and directing his championship bowling career.

Everyone at the party also made sure to mention her sharp sense of humour, spending a lot of time making the people around her laugh.

When Ms Hitchenson was asked to give advice on how to live a long life, she said

One of Penrith’s oldest residents, Evelyn Hitchenson just celebrated her 100th birthday, and surprises doctors with her cognitive clarity, sense of humour and physical wellbeing. Photos: Tom Carey

“Uncle Toby’s every morning, and doing as my doctor tells me.”

She then cheekily said “Always behave yourself, and keep yourself nice. Stay off the street corners.”

Dr Muthukrishnan said the party was held to celebrate Ms Hitchenson’s exemplary attitudes of living and life.

At 100, Evelyn Hitchenson was born in World War I, while the Gallipoli campaign was underway. Her health and wit however make her a shining example of how to live, and has certainly earned the admiration of those around her and made her 100th birthday celebration a very happy one.

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Calling musicians STUART Ayres MP is encouraging emerging musicians and composers in Penrith to apply for the inaugural Peter Sculthorpe Music Fellowship in honour of the internationally renowned composer.

Applications are now open and close on 16 July for the $30,000 fellowship that will be offered every second year by the NSW Government and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney.

“This fellowship will support the professional development of an emerging NSW-based composer or performer dedicated to producing new Australian music,” Stuart Ayres said.

“The fellowship is in honour of the contribution to Australia’s musical heritage by Peter Sculthorpe AO OBE, who is widely acknowledged as one of the nation’s most significant composers.

A committee will be established comprising representatives from the Sculthorpe Trustees, the NSW Government and the University of Sydney to administer the Fellowship.

Visit: www.arts.nsw.gov.au/

7 Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

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Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

Charity still flying THE board of directors of Little Wings has issued a statement confirming the sacking of founder, Kevin Robinson, following allegations of inappropriate conduct by Mr Robinson against an Armidale woman.

Trudy Fittler has claimed she was caught in a nightmare situation when she was harassed

by Mr Robinson, the CEO of the charity helped to fly her dying son to Sydney for cancer treatment.

Mrs Fittler and Noah had been the first patient/ family flight undertaken by Little Wings in 2012.

“The board of Little Wings has terminated Mr Robinson as CEO and director of the organisation,” a statement from the charity read.

“The decision was taken promptly once the board became fully aware of the circumstances relating to allegations against Mr Robinson.

“We remain committed to supporting children with lifethreatening illnesses, and their families, especially as the Little Wings service is the only one of its kind providing such help to families in country NSW.”

Cheque for Police Legacy

By Chris Miller

AT the St Marys Rotary Club meeting held at Twin Creek Golf Club last month, the Rotary Clubs of St Marys and WallaciaMulgoa Valley handed over a cheque for $7,000 to Inspector Paul Martin representing NSW Police Legacy along with a further donation from St Marys Leagues Club of $5,000 from the Police Officer of the Year Awards Night - the full donation being $12,000.

The donations were part of the annual St Marys LAC Police Officer of the Year award night dinner held earlier in the year. The contributions were able to be carried out though the generosity of our sponsors, the raffle and our Rotary Clubs.

The evening was made memorable with talks by Superintendent Greg Peters on what the Police Officer of the Year awards mean to St Marys Local Area Command officers, with the 2014 Community award recipient Sergeant Garry Salafia talking about the honour of being selected for a second time for the award in three

years, this was followed by St Marys Police Officer of the Year coordinator Inspector Tracy Stone talking about the upcoming “100 Years of Women in Police” parade scheduled for July in St Marys.

If any readers are interested in nominating an officer from St Marys LAC who has helped them

throughout 2015 please contact St Marys Police Station on 96777499.

Any businesses who wish to be a new sponsor please contact Chris Miller 0417409720.

The Police Officer of the Year for 2015 Launch is on Tuesday 6th October 2015 at St Marys Police Station.

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F A S H I O N S

Can Too Donate to Cancer Research

By Garion Thain

THE Can Too Foundation has partnered with Cancer Council NSW to bring their unique form of fitness and fundraising to Penrith.

For the first time in their ten years of existence, the foundation will be training locals in Penrith with professional coaches in a variety of fitness programs, including running, swimming and more – where many will eventually compete in a half marathon event.

Rodney Titovs, the Community Programs Coordinator at Cancer Council’s Penrith office, says he hopes that community involvement will keep Can Too returning to the area.

“It’s the first time they’ve tried to get something off the ground here,” said Mr Titovs.

“They’re acknowledging that Penrith is a large area with a lot of sport going on.”

As someone who took up running himself just last year, Mr Titovs knows firsthand how fitness can transform lives, and help people to “achieve things they never thought they could achieve.”

“Can Too gives people proper support through professional coaching, and the payoff is the win/ win of also raising money for Cancer Research,” he said.

Participants are encouraged to get creative with their means of fundraising and often hold BBQs or parties to celebrate their fitness progress and raise money for research.

One participant said she raised enough

money to fund 83 hours of cancer research. For Penrith, even a Penrith Council staff member has signed up.

Mr Titovs says there are many different reasons why people get involved for their own wellbeing.

“I know of older people who had health warnings from their doctors who managed to turn their life around through the course of this program,” Mr Titovs said.

“My point of view is that as the first event In Penrith there could understandably be a little bit of a slow uptake at first, but what it can do for Penrith life is really great.”

Training for the half marathon begins on Wednesday, June 17th and training for the 9km begins on Wednesday July 15th. To have a go and train with professionals and a team, reserve a place at cantoo.org.au

9 Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

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Legends of the Nepean

By Greg Martin

THERE are a number of adjectives you could use to describe Christine Tickner.

Petite, hard-working, loving, generous and, well, nice, readily come to mind.

But on driving home after interviewing Christine for this article, the word” indomitable” kept springing to mind.

Throughout her life and especially over the past year or so, the sexagenarian (don’t get me started on this wonderful word) has faced seemingly insurmountable difficulties, which due to her spirit and passion for life, she has been able to overcome.

But “cry no tears for me” says Christine – this wonderful woman says she has faced and overcome life’s adversities much the same as those who have come before her and will come after her.

Indomitable in recently dealing with the passing of family members, including her mother, and life-long friends.

Indomitable in taking over as treasurer of the financially beleaguered City of Penrith Motorcycle Club in 1992 and through her astute business acumen, helping turn the club into one of the most successful in the country.

Indomitable in joining a small group of hard-working individuals to breathe life into the governing body of state motorcycle sport in 1995 when the Auto Cycle Union of NSW went into receivership Indomitable in working alongside her brother Neville Kennedy and son, Brendan, in running Penrith’s Kelen Kawasaki, one of Sydney’s premier motorcycle sales, accessories and repairs businesses.

And certainly indomitable in dealing with the onset of dementia to Len, her beloved husband of 50 years.

Tough woman is our Legend of the Nepean.

An astute businesswoman, as proven by her successes in so many arenas – and you need to be tough in the business world if you are going to succeed – but on the inside she’s as soft

as a kitten.

When Christine was telling me about the recent surprise 50th wedding anniversary party held for her and Len at Cheslon Nursing Home in Richmond, she had tears in her eyes.

Mirrored, I might add, by those in mine!

“Len and I, like most married couples, have had our ups and downs but whatever life threw at us, it just made our love stronger,” Christine said.

“It has been a wonderful marriage but to see him as he is today is heartbreaking.

“But when I visit he still recognises me and we just sit holding hands,” Christine said, apologising for the tears welling in her eyes.

But down their many years together there have been a multitude of occasions when there have been tears of joy.

Of course their marriage in 1965 and the subsequent births of their children, Sharon and Brendan, and their four grandchildren.

Christine grew up in Five Dock and after school went into the administration side of the motor industry.

CHRISTINE TICKNER Married in 1965 – Len was already a motorcycle enthusiast and competed at various tracks around the state including the Nepean Raceway – the couple moved to Werrington in 1974.

“Len gave racing away for a few years but in 1990 he became a member of the City of Penrith Motorcycle Club and that led to the involvement of both myself and Neville in the sport,” Christine recalled.

“I did the lap-scoring and Neville became a starter and was always the first to put up his hand for the club’s working bees.”

Christine joined the committee and two years later, with the club in dire financial straits, she took over as treasurer and retained that position until 2011 when Len was diagnosed with dementia.

“In ‘92 both of us also became directors of Nepean Motor Sports, the body comprising six motorcycle clubs which owns and operates Nepean Raceway – Penrith, Manly-Warringah, Bankstown-Wiley Park, Willoughby and Northern Districts,” Christine said.

Nepean Raceway is situated on 33 acres at Londonderry – the dirt track is around 730 metres which makes for exciting and hair-raising racing.

Many of the sport’s greatest riders have tested their skills at the track including Shawn Giles, Wayne Gardiner, Paul Caslick and Troy Bayliss.

Christine, ever helpful to colleagues in putting up her hand for work, took over as secretary of Nepean Motor Sports in 1993 and later the treasurer‘s role, holding those positions for both it and her club until Len’s health began to deteriorate.

But as the old adage goes, if you need something done, give it to a busy person.

In 1995 the Auto Cycle Union of NSW went into the receivership and was rescued by the financial input of three life members, Arthur and June Blizzard and Syd Jackson and was rebirthed as Motorcycling NSW. “I was Penrith’s delegate to it and in 1999 I became a board member and five years later I was proudly elected as president, a position I hold to this day,” Christine said.

She is also proud of the fact that she, Len and Neville are life members of City of Penrith Motorcycle Club.

During this expansion into motorcycle administration, Len and Christine found time to build their

Kelen Kawasaki business.

“We opened a dealership at Gladesville in 1981 and stayed there until ’88 when we relocated to Windsor for two years before coming to Penrith in 1990,” Christine explained.

“We operated out of premises in Coreen Avenue before moving here to York Road in ’95.”

Brendan followed his parents and uncle Neville into the business – he handles sales and oversees the workshop, Neville of course is the jackof-all-trades and master of them all and Christine handles the administration.

I asked Christine what attracted her to motorcycle racing.

“Initially it was Len’s involvement as a competitor – he raced until 1990 – but then the bug just bit me,” Christine said.

“The racing is just so exciting and that is a major attraction but for me it is the people I have encountered down the years which have kept me involved.

“The camaraderie is amazing on all levels – on the track and in committee and board rooms.

“Len and I formed long-lasting friendships from the first moment we became involved in the sport.

“It has been a long, fruitful and

11

Christine Tickner flanked by brother, Neville Kennedy and her son, Brendan.

enjoyable ride for both of us.”

And a fruitful and enjoyable time for your writer in meeting Christine Tickner and bringing you her story!

Christine Tickner nominated as a Legend of the Nepean

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

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12 Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

Sing, sing, sing your heart out

By Kerrie Davies

ARE you looking for something different to do as a hobby or in your spare time? Something that is uplifting and at the same time gives you the opportunity to make new friends and travel?

There’s a group in Penrith who just may be singing your tune!

Sing Australia was founded by their national leader, Colin Slater in 1985.

After spending time in Italy tutored

by Tito Gobey, who taught him opera, Colin came back home excited with an idea to form choirs in Australia.

And so began the formation of

choirs across the country, connecting Australia through singing. So successful was the idea that there are now Sing Australia choirs in every state.

According to Kay Moore, co-leader at Sing Australia Penrith, singing is more than just good for the soul; it’s great for your whole being - helping with depression, being widowed or divorced and the like.

“I have been in Sing Australia for 13 years, starting Sutherland, then moving to Mittagong and now living in Penrith with my family,” Kay said.

“The great thing about Sing Australia we all have the same books - which means we can attend any

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other choir throughout Australia for a practice and join them for a gig.

“Every year we have large events; national, state and regional gatherings.

Our members can attend and new friendships are formed that last a lifetime!” she added.

Sing Australia Penrith sings at weddings, funerals, nursing homes and many other events and venues.

“Recently we sang at the Festival in Penrith. We were invited to sing last Christmas at Myers at Parramatta, this was inspiring time for Sing Australia,” Kay said.

“The last two years we sang with other Sing Australia groups on the steps of St. Mary’s Cathedral and had a lot

children participating along with the singing of carols.

“What a time I have had with Sing Australia with still more to come!”

The next big state gathering will be in Newcastle in September, where they expect to have around 250 singers enjoying each other’s company.

Anyone can attend from any other state.

“We meet on Tuesdays from 7.309.30pm at the lovely new Baptist Church at Caddens,” Kay said.

If you’d like to join Sing Australia Penrith and experience the joy of meeting new friends through song, call Kay for more information on 0411 567 297.

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Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

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Hockey’s a family affair

By Jan Harrison

NEPEAN Hockey Association has long had a history of daughters following their mothers into the sport’s elite ranks.

The association sent two senior teams to the NSW Open State championships which were conducted at Narellan over last long weekend.

Representing Nepean were teams which contested division 1 and division 3.

The association boasted four mothers and five daughters spread across the two teams at the championships.

Margaret Kristy played in division 3 and her two daughters, Mel and Vanessa, ran on in division 1; Gailee Christian was in division 3 and daughter, Natasha, was in the division 1 line-up as was Corrina Buckley, whose daughter, Annie, played in the lower grade.

And to top it off, Nicole Cooper appeared in the thirds and daughter, Shay, was a member of the division 1 outfit.

The division 3 team were narrowly defeated in two of their round games with a draw in the others.

Playing off after finishing third

Mums and daughters! Back row (l-r): Nicole Cooper, Mel Kristaly, Margaret Kristaly, Vanessa Kristaly, Gailee Christian. Front: Shay Cooper, Annie Buckley, Corrina Buckley, Natasha Christian.

in their pool the ladies “fired” in this game and left the field with a 7-0 win.

The positional playoff resulted in a draw and our ladies finished an admirable 5th at the end of the tournament.

A special thrill was added when at the presentation ceremony when the team was presented with the “Play the Whistle” award for sportsmanship.

Our first team started on fire with Vanessa Kristaly putting the first goal for the tournament into the net which set the stage for a tremendous run through the championships.

They were undefeated throughout

the round-robin series and then posted a 2-1 win in the semi-final to earn a crack at the gold medal against the also undefeated Campbelltown.

Scores were locked 0-0 at halftime but Campbelltown put on three quick goals just after the resumption and then added another in the dying minutes to win 4-0.

At the presentations, Vanessa Kristaly and her best mate from their earliest days in hockey, Natasha Christian, were named in the NSW State Country Team.

Well done girls – all of you did Nepean proud!

SHOP ON 16 Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

Why Hi-Craft Home Improvements on Russell Street is Sydney’s Leading Builder of Outdoor Living Areas HI-CRAFT have been building pergolas Sydney wide for over 56 years. This experience and knowledge has enabled the development of professional pergola building systems that ensure quality control in a timely manner. Each and every pergola designed and built by Hi-Craft is built using the same tried, tested and proven pergola building methods.

These methods or processes are supported by a team of professionals and perfected over a 56 year period from the offices located on Russel Street at Emu Plains.

Each outdoor living area is supported by a professional team including; • Design Consultant • Project Manager • Production Manager • Planning Department • Private Certifiers • Administration

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(ref: Exercise Is Medicine (US) BROCHURE 2009)

Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

RESEARCH has proven that exercise, at the correct intensity and duration, not only improves the quality of life – it decreases the incidence of disease, chronic health conditions and obesity.

Exercise is the best, cheapest and most available form of treatment for injuries and chronic health conditions like back pain, heart problems, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, depression and anxiety, arthritis, osteoporosis and obesity.

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It is always best to contact an exercise physiologist to assess your individual exercise type and dosage.

PilatesWorks Studio, located in Emu Plains, is a specialty exercise physiology clinic that offers individualised exercise prescription and small group classes (such as pilates, back pain rehabilitation and seniors). They offer an initial assessment, free of charge, where they will evaluate your individual needs and recommend the right exercise prescription for you.

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localnews local

Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

The dog shattered her leg trying to get the mail!!

Nepean

Veterinary REPORT

with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET

Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair

LAST week, the owners of Roo, a young Staffordshire bull terrier, returned home to find an empty yard.

The owners of Roo also noticed that their mailbox and front fence had been chewed on quite badly??

They found Roo in the neighbor’s front yard. She was unable to use her left hind leg, and it appeared badly fractured.

Thankfully the 24 Hour Vet ICU was open at Nepean Animal Hospital.

Roo was admitted immediately for pain relief, antibiotics and radiographs (X-Rays). She was also placed on intravenous fluids to treat the shock associated with her severe pain..

It appears that Roo attempted to jump the fence to collect the mail,

like any good dog should! However her left back leg became trapped in the fence and she was left hanging from the fence by her shinbone. This caused her shinbone to shatter into many pieces.

Roo, being the determined soul that she is, still attempted to collect the mail from the mailbox, hence the destruction of the steel box.

Unfortunately this also resulted in the destruction on some of Roo’s teeth (which will be fixed at a later date).

Roo’s radiographs showed that her tibia and fibula were badly shattered and that she would need major orthopeadic surgery if she was ever to use the leg again. Luckily the vets at Nepean Animal Hospital frequently

repair severely fractured limbs and this time Dr. Antony Karolis was called upon to reconstruct her shinbone.

After 5 hours of surgery, 3 wires, a specially ordered plate and 6 screws, Roo’s tibia was beginning to look like its old self.

With plenty of pain relief, cuddles, and bandaging, Roo recovered well.

She began using the leg the next day and a full recovery is expected.

If you are ever concerned about the wellbeing of your pet please contact the PENRITH regions very own 24hour hospital on 1300 WELLPET. There are vets and nurses at the hospital every hour, every day of the year; we are not a call in service. Your pet is never left alone (EVER).

FREE ONLINE RESOURCES 24/7 WITH YOUR LIBRARY CARD 1. Go to: opac.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au 2. Click on the ‘Online Resources Search’ tab 3. Search for the title or subject you’re after 4. Click on weblink@home or weblink@library

LIBRARY

Enter your library card number and pin for full access.

INFORMATION @ YOUR FINGERTIPS eBOOKS, ONLINE NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, DATABASES AND A SELECTION OF WEBSITES Go to: opac.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au For access to: • • • • • • • • • • •

Newspapers and magazines Encyclopaedias, gazettes and atlases Health Science and technology Wildlife and the environment Computers and mathematics History, literature and reading Art, craft and music Countries and geography Employment, business and finance Statistics and other useful resources

For information contact Penrith Library: 4732 7891

nepeanhistory nepean

20 Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

Volunteer Arms Hotel

HE “Volunteer Arms Hotel” was the last of the old style hotels on the highway built by James William Bennett. James & Jane Bennett came to Australia from Somerset in England around 1851 and went to Emu Plains to live with William’s brother who assisted with the passage out to Australia. James later became an apprentice blacksmith to John Sherringham known as “Jonny Gotch” who had a “smithy” on the northwestern corner of the highway and Pages Road. In the 1860’s James bought the old “Travellers Inn”/“Royal Exchange” hotel that was in a part of the O’Connell terraced cottages and had once belonged to George Matthews where he opened this site as his first “Volunteer Arms Hotel”. He later sold the hotel and built his second “Volunteer” hotel now standing on the corner of Princess Mary Street and the Highway and opposite Victoria Park. Being a blacksmith by trade, William built a blacksmith’s shop at the rear of the hotel around 1858 and kept it until he gave up the hotel business in 1875 when his son James Bennett (Jnr) took over. In 1877 James senior’s wife Jane was killed in a house fire at Cassilis at the age of 43. James (Snr) died in 1905 at the age of 86 years. Both are buried at St Mary Magdalene cemetery. The next publican in 1882 was Richard Cullen who transferred the licence after two years to Edward Ireland when Richard took over as the publican of the “Strangers Home Hotel”. (In 1871 Edward Ireland had taken over the publican license of the Hyde Park Hotel in Bathurst Street, Sydney from a William F Hinchy). Edward was a wheelwright who lived in High street Penrith and next door to the blacksmith shop of Mr Lucas. He also owned property around Penrith with most of it being rented out. In 1885 while Edward owned the Volunteer hotel it was named in a Penrith Court case with Alfred Reynolds charged with a breach of the Licensing Act by supplying Daniel Paskin with a bottle of liquor on the veranda of the hotel because of an order out against anyone supplying Daniel with liquor. Alfred was fined 20s and the costs of the court or 14 days in Parramatta gaol. In June 1889 when Edward came up for renewal of his license in the Penrith Licensing Court, the Bench asked if there was a case against Edward and the sergeant said “yes” - for riding over Constable Michael McCarron at Shanes Park, but it seems that Edward still had his license renewal. In May 1889 Edward was in court and fined (1/- + court costs) for driving after sunset without lights on his buggy. Again in September Edward was summoned to appear before the Bench at Penrith Police Court with regards to keeping his Volunteer Hotel open at unlawful hours on the Sunday evening of the 25th August.

The court case was lengthy. Sergeant Beatty and Constable Martin who had witnesses for the Police - Sydney Webb and John Maskey, saw eight people entering the Volunteer Hotel after hours via the house and when looking through a lighted window in the bar they could see Edward pouring drinks for those in the house. Two of the men named Wilson (who lived at Farrell’s Tan Yards at St Marys) and Luke, were identified in the party that also consisted of four women (from Penrith).

When the Police knocked at the door, Edward asked “who’s there?’

T

Constable Martin replied “Police.” On being told that Constable Martin was there Edward then asked if the Sergeant was there also and on being told “yes he was”, Edward replied that he would not open the door to speak to him. When Edward was served the Police summons, he said “you’ll have to prove it.” Constable Martin swore in court that he spoke to Edward himself and told him he would summon him for keeping his house open for the sale of liquor at unlawful hours and Edward replied “Do your best.” The case goes on with witness statements but in the end Edward was found guilty and sentenced to pay a fine of £5 with costs amounting in all to £7.9s.4d or in default to spend 14 days in Parramatta Gaol. Edward also used the court when he brought his tenants to court regarding the renting his properties. In January 1886 Ephraim Alderman was charged by Edward for not giving up possession of a house and grounds he rented. This case occupied the court for a considerable time and it appears that Alderman had been a tenant of Edward for nine years and in January 1886 Edward, in company with a Mr. R. Stuart, went to demand possession of his property saying that he had let the property to a man named Appledore who wanted immediate possession. Alderman said he had no place to go and could not get a place and would be turned out into the street. The bench ordered Alderman to give up possession within seven days and pay costs of court with the warrant to eject to stay in the court office pending further proceedings if the order was not carried out. Poor Ephraim! Edward at this time owned a slab house off Henry Street, a small paddock on High street, a cottage on High street, a cottage on Jane Street and a cottage on Castlereagh Street bringing in a yearly income of around £89/8/-. In December 1889 there is another court case around Edward and the Volunteer Hotel this time the charge was “knowingly letting disorderly people make a great noise”. It seems that there were a lot of people who were trying to sing on the verandah of the hotel, the main culprit being James “Smashem” Peckham, who was on the verandah making use of obscene language and when the police spoke to Edward and asked him to keep a better order in his house, Edward only laughed. Other people recognised were Edward Jones and another man named Stuart and both were also using foul language about the police. There were around twenty to thirty people present at the time and they were not all sober. Edward was seen to be under the influence also and sitting on a chair on the verandah while a man named Donnelly was singing. I digress here to say that public old-time singing at this hotel was constant throughout most of its history and only came to an end when one of the last of the old-time singers in the 1950’s was my Uncle Reg Hackett. St Mary’s and Penrith had many fine men and women singers in its midst who widely sung at the various church’s as well as the many celebrations around the area both public and private.

(You might recognise the drawing of the Ettamogah Pub to which I have adapted it for a comic view of the early Volunteer hotel).

To be continued...

Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc Sources: Greville’s Official PO Directory of NSW 1872, Nepean Times, Sydney Morning Herald.

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E N localnews

T E R T A I N M E N T

Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Precious (4) 9 Governed (5) 10 Catch sight of (4) 11 Wooden slats in a barrel (6) 12 Coupons (8) 13 Restaurant server (8) 15 Filament (6) 17 A female spirit in Irish folklore (7) 19 Abridged (7) 22 A style of architecture (6) 24 Amazes (8) 26 A type of flowering vine (8) 28 Elaborate (6) 30 Tab (4) 31 Due (5) 32 An audible exhale (4)

DOWN 1 Looted (4) 2 Army grunts (8) 3 Hogfish or razorfish (6) 4 Blindly imitative (7) 5 Altered or corrected (8) 6 Of the underworld (6) 7 Box (4) 14 San Antonio fort (5) 16 Not behind (5) 18 Snails (8) 20 Tightness (8) 21 A type of sponge cake (7) 23 Inns (6) 25 However (6) 27 An ancient city in Asia Minor (4) 29 Clothes (4)

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WITH STEW MOSES

@THERIFFMARN

MORE INJURIES THREATEN TO DERAIL PENRITH’S SEASON TWO rounds after the bye, two deflating losses. Both very different in character but both having the potential to derail Penrith’s season.

Ten minutes into the Round 12, Battle Of The West clash against the Eels and with the Panthers having yet again conceding early points, this time to their Western neighbours, Penrith was rocked by the injury they can arguably ill afford the most in 2015.

Matt Moylan, in his 50th NRL game, was ruled out of the game after falling awkwardly in an innocuous tackle from Parramatta’s Manu Ma’u.

Scans later confirmed the news Panther fans were dreading, with Moylan diagnosed with torn and ruptured ankle ligaments that required surgery, ruling out one of Penrith’s key playmakers for 1012 weeks.

A controversial incident in the 50th minute saw Jamie Soward forced from the field with a shoulder injury courtesy of a late shot from Eels prop, Pauli Pauli, who rushed out of the defensive line and collected Soward well after the ball had been passed.

The incident was placed on report but it left many questioning the protection afforded to playmakers as well as lack of compensation the injured player’s team receives in such situations.

Penrith felt further aggrieved when Pauli Pauli was only charged with a Grade One Dangerous Contact that allowed the giant Parramatta prop to avoid suspension for an incident that forced Soward out of the Melbourne clash.

The Panthers despite their thrilling second half fightback led largely by Bryce Cartwright, fell short losing 26-20 in front of 17,821 fans.

ROUND 13 saw the Panthers play at home for the second week in succession, against a Storm side smarting from their coach, Craig Bellamy’s after game comments that labelled their effort against the Roosters as “soft as butter.”

Penrith came into this game on the news that Trent Barrett had been granted indefinite leave to resolve his future, as he looks set to replace Geoff Toovey as Manly’s NRL coach in 2016.

Apart from Jamie Soward, Robert Jennings (elbow – 4 weeks) and Nigel Plum (back) became the latest casualties in a Penrith side that welcomed back Tyrone Peachey, Dean Whare and Adam Docker.

With Josh Mansour, Jamal Idris, George Jennings, Apisai Koroisau and Brent Kite also sidelined through injury, Penrith trailed 12-0 early on before a lack of respect set in for the remainder of the game, gifting Melbourne a 20-0 win.

The only bright spot for the Panthers was their ability to keep the storm try-less for the second half although Melbourne lost Billy Slater, Kurt Mann and Marika Koroibete pre-game and Cooper Cronk (knee) midway through the second half.

Such was Penrith’s disrespect for possession, they completed just 19 of 36 sets on the back of 18 errors.

The loss sees Penrith out of the top eight with a 5-7 record that on current form sees them struggling to make the top eight let alone replicating their 2014 top four finish.

The shutdown by the Storm in front of 11,849

23 Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

REPEAT SETS

sport

fans, Penrith’s biggest home crowd against Melbourne since 2005, represents just the sixth time in Penrith’s history they have been held scoreless at home and the first time since Round 7, 2012.

The loss also continues a lean streak against the Storm, having lost 14 of their last 15 clashes and 22 of 29 games overall.

As with most games this year, injuries again surfaced with arguably Penrith’s best forward in 2015, Reagan Campbell-Gillard suffering a dislocated finger which could be worse than expected while Adam Docker in his first NRL game in 2015, suffered his second concussion in 2015.

Ivan Cleary described the performance as summing up their season; disjointed and one that was going to eventuate at some point given the plight of his playing roster.

IVAN Cleary in his latest post-match conference, alluded that Penrith’s injury situation continues to look grim with only Jamie Soward and possibly Josh Mansour likely to return for the Round 15 clash with the Bulldogs in what is fast looming as a must win game for the Panthers.

After an indifferent start to 2015, the Bulldogs will be close to full strength with only James Graham (hamstring) and Tony Williams (pectoral) likely to be the only players missing from the clash, although the short turnaround from Origin may affect the likes of Brett and Josh Morris, Trent Hodkinson and Josh Jackson.

The Panthers have won three of the last four clashes against the Bulldogs and also have a great record at ANZ Stadium against the Dogs having won 7 of the 12 games played between the two teams with one game drawn.

If the Panthers can rectify the lack of intensity in defence early-on and show a marked improvement in respecting possession, they might just sneak away with the 2 points.

See you at the game!

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sport

Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

MG hosts cup sponsors

Good people to know! MG Cup sponsors (l-r): Ross Bown (Hog’s Breath), Dominic Meduri (McDonalds), Chris Avent (Master coaching Penrith), Mark Bohan, Hogster, Sophie Cunico (Hog’s Breath), Emilio Reino (Penrith The Good Guys) and A-Mart Sports Penrith’s Howard Blackburn.

MG relates to the players that the MG Cup is Mark Bohan and Mark all about promoting not only rugby league and Geyer congratulate Jackson good sportsmanship but also aiding them in Peterson on his fine handling of becoming better students and citizens. the game.

By Greg Martin

MARK Geyer played host to the wonderful folk who are sponsoring the 2015 Mark Geyer Cup at an under 14 years clash between Xavier and Hawkesbury High at the Xavier College grounds last week.

Also in attendance were MG Cup co-ordinator, the National Rugby League’s Mark Bohan and MG”s great friend and cup supporter, the singing brickie with the voice of an Angel, Stuart Mathie.

The visitors witnessed a terrific game of footy between the two teams with Xavier finishing strongly over the final 10 minutes to run out 30-0 victors over their gutsy rivals.

The game was played with plenty of vigour but there was none of that “my dad-can-beat-your dad” antics displayed by many in the NRL. A great game of footy and a credit to the players, their coaches and their schools.

Up and coming referee, 18-year-old Jackson Peterson, did a terrific job with the whistle and earned praise from all quarters.

Congratulations to everyone!

You know, it really is never the same if you’re not at the game!

UNDER 14 YEARS ROUND 1 (28-29 April) Pool A Cranebrook HS v Xavier College Nepean CAPA 40 v Hawkesbury 0 Pool B Jamison forfeit v Erskine Park Glenmore Park 16 v CC - Mt Druitt 10 ROUND 2 (5-6 May) Pool A Nepean CAPA 40 v Cranebrook 0 Hawkesbury 12 v Xavier 28 Pool B Glenmore Park 0 v Jamison 40 CC - Mt Druitt v Erskine Park HS ROUND 3 (12-13 May) Pool A Cranebrook 18 v Hawkesbury 6 Xavier College 6 v Nepean CAPA 26 Pool B Jamison 36 v CC - Mt Druitt 4 Erskine Park 10 v Glenmore Park 14 BYE WEEK - PANTHER TROPHY ROUND 4 (26-27 May) Pool A Xavier College 22 v Cranebrook 4 Hawkesbury - v Nepean CAPA 36 Pool B Erskine Park 16 by forfeit v Jamison CC - Mt Druitt 32 v Glenmore Park 4 ROUND 5 (2-3 June) Pool A Cranebrook 0 v Nepean CAPA 40 Xavier College 30 v Hawkesbury 0 Pool B Jamison 28 v Glenmore Park 6 Erskine Park 0 v CC - Mt Druitt 16 ROUND 6 (9-10 June) Pool A Hawkesbury HS v Cranebrook HS Nepean CAPA v Xavier College Pool B CC - Mt Druitt v Jamison HS Glenmore Park HS v Erskine Park HS SEMI FINALS 16 June Semi 1 1st Pool A v 2nd Pool B Semi 2 1st Pool B v 2nd Pool A GRAND FINAL 24 June Winner Semi 1 v Winner Semi 2

UNDER 16 YEARS ROUND 1 (30 April) Pool A Winmalee HS v Xavier College Richmond 10 v Nepean CAPA 12 Blaxland HS v Riverstone HS Pool B Jamison forfeit v Erskine Park Glenmore Park 20 v CC Dunheved 6 CC - Mt Druitt - BYE ROUND 2 (7 May) Pool A Blaxland HS v Winmalee HS Xavier College 28 v Richmond 14 Riverstone 6 v Nepean CAPA 28 Pool B CC - Mt Druitt 22 v Jamison 16 Erskine Park 12 v Glenmore Park 14 CC - Dunheved - BYE ROUND 3 (14 May) Pool A Nepean CAPA 8 v Blaxland 20 Richmond 16 v Winmalee 6 Xavier College 36 v Riverstone 4 Pool B CC - Dunheved 12 v CC - Mt Druitt 40 Glenmore Park 20 v Jamison 10 Erskine Park HS - BYE BYE WEEK - PANTHER TROPHY ROUND 4 (28 May) Pool A Nepean CAPA 10 v Xavier 24 Blaxland 38 v Richmond 10 Winmalee 4 v Riverstone 22 Pool B CC - Dunheved 4 v Erskine Park 26 CC - Mt Druitt 24 v Glenmore Park 0 Jamison HS - BYE ROUND 5 (4 June) Pool A Winmalee 0 v Nepean CAPA 22 Xavier College 16 v Blaxland 0 Richmond 38 v Riverstone 12 Pool B Jamison 16 v CC - Dunheved 0 Erskine Park 20 v CC - Mt Druitt 12 Glenmore Park HS - BYE

SEMI FINALS (11 June) Semi 1 1st Pool A v 4th Pool A Semi 2 2nd Pool A v 3rd Pool A Semi 3 1st Pool B v 4th Pool B Semi 4 2nd Pool B v 3rd Pool B FINALS (18 June) Final 1 Winner Semi 1 v Winner Semi 4 Final 2 Winner Semi 2 v Winner Semi 3 GRAND FINAL (24 June) Winner Semi 1 v Winner Semi 2

OPENS ROUND 1 (29 April) Loyola Senior v Kingswood HS Cranebrook 10 v Jamison 24 Richmond/Hawkesbury 28 v St Clair 6 ROUND 2 (6 May) Richmond/Hawkesbury forfeit v Loyola Senior Kingswood HS v Cranebrook Jamison 22 v St Clair 44 ROUND 3 (13 May) Jamison HS v Richmond/ Hawkesbury Cranebrook 0 v Loyola Senior 40 Kingswood HS v St Clair win forfeit BYE WEEK - PANTHER TROPHY ROUND 4 (27 May) Jamison 6 v Kingswood 30 Rich/H’bury 18 v Cranebrook 12 Loyola Senior 30 v St Clair 10 ROUND 5 (3 June) Loyola Senior 16 v Jamison 0 Kingswood 16 v Rich/H’bury 0 Cranebrook 14 v St Clair 26 SEMI FINALS (10 June) Semi 1 1st Overall v 2nd Overall Semi 2 3rd Overall v 4th Overall FINAL (17 June) Loser Semi 1 v Winner Semi 2 GRAND FINAL (24 June) Winner Semi 1 v Winner Final 1

WITH STEW MOSES

Trent Barrett Saga Set To Conclude Latest speculation via Seven News on Monday night, has Manly offering Trent Barrett a 3 year deal to replace Geoff Toovey as coach of the Sea Eagles in 2016 with John Cartwright and Anthony Seibold his likely assistants.

Penrith’s move late last week to grant their NRL assistant coach indefinite leave to consider his future, clearly indicates Manly are looking to replace Toovey with Barrett despite repeated denials from their CEO, Joe Kelly that they have talked to anyone about the NRL coaching position.

The latest developments would suggest that Barrett’s days as part of the Panthers coaching staff are all but over and may allow Ivan Cleary to make further changes to his current coaching staff.

Despite speculation, it appears to the contrary that Panthers Holden Cup coach Cameron Ciraldo, whose tabletopping team defeated Melbourne on Saturday, to create a new club NYC record of 8 wins in a row, has not been

sounded out to join Barrett’s coaching team at this stage.

Greater Protection for Playmakers?

The NRL missed a golden opportunity to protect playmakers unfairly hit late by opposing defenders, when Pauli Pauli was given only a Grade One Dangerous Contact charge that with the early guilty plea and no priors, which cleared the giant Parramatta prop to take on North Queensland.

So how do those teams who suffer an injury to a player through foul play be compensated? Peter Wallace after the game said Penrith gets no benefit from a player being put on report and instead suggested the use of the sinbin.

However is sending a player to the sin-bin for foul play enough compensation for the injured player’s team? Why not allow the 18th man to replace those who are injured as a foul play for as long as that player is off the field? Food for thought.

@THERIFFMARN

Adam Docker Returns To The NRL– But For How Long?

After having a year to forget so far in 2015, Adam Docker finally played his first NRL game on Saturday night.

The tough-tackling back-rower got through 29 minutes, making 39 metres from 4 runs and 18 tackles but made an error and missed 5 tackles before his night finished early in the 68th minute, after being forced off with his second concussion this year and his 6th since 2014 in what must be a concern for club and player.

Central Coast Camp is “No Crisis Camp” Elijah Taylor has confirmed that the team is going into camp during this week’s bye. However to suggest this is a crisis camp is wide of the mark as the Panther lock forward stated it was always planned as a follow up to the pre-season camp held at the same venue on the Central Coast.

Nonetheless, the camp comes at a time when the club needs to regroup from two costly home losses to

Parramatta and Melbourne especially with tough games coming up after the bye against the Bulldogs (A), Wests Tigers (A), Rabbitohs (H), Roosters (H) and Storm (A).

25 Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

GOLDEN POINTS

sport

Panthers Target 20,000 Members Having broken their 2014 membership record with over 17,000 fans signed to date, the Panthers have targeted 20,000 members for 2015 and have announced an exciting initiative – “Five 4 Twenty.”

Members who recruit five or more new members not only receive 20% off their 2016 memberships but also have the chance to win an exclusive match day experience with Ivan Cleary.

And while on members, hundreds took advantage of glorious conditions at Pepper Stadium on Sunday to mingle, chat, get signatures from or have photos with their favourite players in what was a hugely successful day despite the tough loss the previous night.

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28

sport

Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

MY WORDS WITH MARK GEYER

NRL MID-SEASON REPORT CARD WITH the halfway mark of the NRL season here it’s time to check out the teams that have been good, bad, or ugly.

Most teams have been all three at particular times of the year but the cream is starting to rise. Or has it?

Is there a dark horse outside of the current top 8 that can win the comp?!

Let’s take a look at the teams I believe will figure in the end of season playoffs.

Dragons - have been the competition surprise packets. Playing a refreshing brand of real tough defence, the Dragons attack is coming naturally thanks to an iron-clad brick wall known as the ‘Red V or Terror’. Paul ‘Mary’ McGregor was a player of little fanfare, he is coaching the same way. May fade towards latter stage of the year but will make the 8. Mid term report - 9/10.

Broncos - Like the Dragons have surprised but in a different way. All eyes were on Wayne ‘Clint Eastwood’ Bennett as he returned to Suncorp after a brief but fruitful sojourn interstate. And he hasn’t let us down. Coaching as good as ever and that smile he produces every full moon is priceless. Will make top 8, maybe top 4. Mid term report - 9/10.

Cowboys - While a certain J Thurston is fit and playing ,North Queensland’s chances of winning their first ever premiership remains viable.

JT now has a fair list of dominant co-stars with Michael Morgan, Lachie Coote, and Tamaloulo to name but three. Throw in two Origin props and a coach on the way up and you get success, I think it will be this year. Mid term report - 9/10.

Melbourne - To think I had this mob missing the 8 at season’s start. Once again remain a powerhouse. Definite title aspirants if their big 3 get through Origin unscathed. Will scrape into the 8. Mid term report - 8/10.

Souths - it’s always hard being the hunted and that’s exactly was last year’s winners are this season. That means more scrutiny every game. Sam Burgess and Ben Teo have been missed. Like Melbourne will make the 8, not sure about the top 4. Mid term report - 8/10.

Panthers - another year, another injury-plagued campaign. These past two seasons haven’t been good to the mountain men injury wise, with a smorgasbord of top line first graders sitting on the sideline. But nether-theless with injury comes opportunity for others. Those ‘others’ have to lift profoundly for Ivan’s boys. Will finish 7 or 8. Mid term report - 7/10.

Bulldogs - My dark horse team. A team I believe can win the comp. They have all the weapons, big pack, good halves, slick backline, and masterful coach, but they have to start showing it. Will make the 8. Mid term report 7/10.

Sharks - Seem too good a team to be languishing outside the 8. I think they will make the top 8 this year and once there be a major pain in the butt to the other 7 teams involved. I feel they are just about to make a run. Mid term report- 6.5/10.

Adam McDougall watches on as MG works the pads for mate, Lewie the Lip.

HAD the good fortune of ex-Knights, NSW and Australian representative Adam ‘Maddog’ McDougall paying me a visit recently.

‘Maddog’ has gotten into the fitness industry with his new man, shake themanshake.com.au, and did a bit of a yarn on me about my training methods and tips post footy career.

It was great to not only catch up with him again, but also good to see that like he, I also am trying to get people fit.

I have set up a ‘fitness program’ with my partner, Scott Lewis, called “Wild Panther Fitness”.

Our aim is to make people realise that although we all lead a hectic life you MUST find at least 30 minutes a day to do some type of exercise, coupled with good eating, your life can turn 360 degrees in as little time as a couple of weeks.

I’ve seen it first-hand. To find out more about what Adam is doing check out his site.

And to find out more of what Scott and I are doing get us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and a YouTube channel coming very soon.

Go to info@wildpantherfitness.com.au to find out more.

See ya at the game.

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30

sport

Nepean News 11 June 2015 Issue 151

BARRIER RISE

with Tony Brassel

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.

Nepean News

DEPENDABLE: From the Bart and James Cummings yard and led mostly all the way at the Randwick trials.

By Pendragon so will manage a bit of distance in time.

ECHO GAL: Classy miss coming off all the way win in Randwick heat. By Stratum she has mixed it bravely with some topliners so far and looks ready to fire soon.

HOLLER: Talented galloper tuning up for next prep.

Under a huge grip finishing just behind the first couple in a recent Randwick heat and bound to be suitably placed by John O’Shea.

HAIL THE CHIEF: Imposing fellow from the Snowden operation at Randwick. Strolled around for a narrow but decisive barrier trial victory then trialled again in fine fashion. Progressive.

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Thursday, 11 June 2015

sport

NEW BLOOD SET TO ARRIVE

By Stewart Moses

@TheRiffMarn

THE Panthers have already begun to look to next year and are set to announce the signings of new players along with retention of key players identified for the future, whilst operating with a new set of rules that from 2016 will give greater certainty to fans of clubs as to who they are signing and when.

Whilst there may have been plenty of controversy surrounding Manly half, Daly Cherry-Evans’ decision to back-flip on the Titans a remain a Sea Eagle resulting in the scrapping of the Round 13 “backflip” clause, there will be no such backflip from prized recruit, Trent Merrin who has publicly stated in recent days that he WILL be a Panther in 2016.

He will be joined by some more exciting recruits that the club are set to announce.

English Super League club, Catalans Dragons have confirmed that Penrith have signed tough tackling French international, Benjamin Garcia for two years despite interest from St Helens, Castleford and Hull KR in the 22 year old 180cm 98kg backrower.

Catalans President, Bernard Gausch was quoted in French newspaper L’Independent, as being less than impressed by the ex-Brisbane Broncos NYC player’s decision, but the Dragons’ loss looks to be Penrith’s gain with Garcia having already scored 7

Trent Merrin (St George Illawarra), Benjamin Garcia (Catalans) and Viliame Kikau (North Queensland) all Penrith bound for 2016.

tries from 12 games played so far in 2015 to go with his hard hitting reputation in defence.

Penrith are also set to announce the signing of exciting North Queensland Cowboys prop, Viliame Kikau to a two year deal. Standing at 196cm tall and weighing in at 114kg, the imposing Fijian has taken the Holden Cup by storm in 2015 having already scored 12 tries.

Despite this being just Kikau’s second season in League since making the switch from Union, where he represented Fiji Schoolboys as a centre, the prop recently made his rugby league test debut for Fiji from the bench.

No less than SIX clubs were interested in Kikau but Penrith has secured his services despite receiving a bigger offer to join the Titans as well as an upgraded

offer from his current club to stay.

On the retention front, Penrith announced late today that rookie NRL, City Origin and Fijian international prop, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, has had his contract extended until the end of 2019.

“It’s extremely exciting for me to commit to the Panthers for another four years.” He said. Phil Gould AM echoed Reagan’s thoughts stating “It’s just wonderful to see so many of these youngsters (like Reagan) now finding their feet in the NRL and they will be a part of our club for many years to come.”

Penrith also are set to announce the retention of Junior Kiwi hooker, Sione Katoa for another two years, despite plenty of interest from rival clubs after his strong performance in the recent game versus the Junior Kangaroos.