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Thursday, 10 March 2016
ISSUE 170
DON’T MISS LADIES NIGHT AT THE TROTS! PENRITH PACEWAY MARCH 24
FROCKS AT THE TROTS Penrith Paceway’s first Ladies Night at The Trots - details page 21
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Promoting Penrith Prue Car MP (L-R) Executive Manager City Planning & Community Ruth Goldsmith, Councillors Greg Davies and Jim Aitken OAM and Economic Initiatives Manager Kylie Powell are spreading the ‘Invest in New West’ message at the UDIA Congress.
PENRITH New West is being promoted at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) National Congress in Adelaide this week. Penrith Council has a stall at the Congress, which is one of the biggest property development industry events of the year, to showcase all that the New West offers. Economic Initiatives Co-ordinator Kylie Powell said it is the perfect platform to continue the call for partners to help grow the local economy and create jobs. “Penrith will have a population of 260,000 and an economic catchment of over 1 million people by 2031,” Ms Powell said. “We’re looking for partners to help build a vibrant city for our growing population.” Penrith Progression: A Plan for Action,
released in February 2015, provided a blueprint after extensive consultation with residents, business groups, government agencies, investors, the not-for-profit sectors and educational groups. “We’re now working hard to make that vision a reality,” Ms Powell said. Council representatives are attending the forum, along with Councillors Greg Davies and Jim Aitken OAM. Promotional material, which outlines the New West’s investment offer, includes the New West Invitation to Partner launched in December 2015. “The Congress is the perfect opportunity to explain why Penrith is such an ideal location to invest,” Ms Powell said. “Our lifestyle and location mean people want to live and work here. More and more people are coming to see that Penrith is Sydney’s third city.”
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Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
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by Kerrie Davies IN my former life which I call BMW - Before Moving West - I had a part-time job at a place called Joseph Dahdah & Co in Surry Hills. The boss, who we called “Mr Peter” was a mad Panthers fan and as many footy fans will know, ended up being the Panther’s jersey sponsors. My main friend at work was a bloke we called Davo. Everyone loved him, he was like having round-the-clock comedy without having to buy a ticket. He could imitate any person perfectly. Mr Peter would storm into the office in a foul mood because Panthers had lost, and wouldn’t realise that Davo was walking behind him imitating his every gesture. We’d all die laughing underneath desks and behind water coolers. He had a never-ending stash of jokes and he was perfect at delivering the punch lines. Even if the joke wasn’t particularly funny, his telling of it would be gold. We all pegged him as the type of person whose life was just one big long laugh. That is until he never showed up for work one morning. Later that day Mr Peter broke the news to us that Davo had taken his own life the night before. It was an enormous shock. At his funeral his mother told me that he’d kept diaries that revealed he had battled depression for years, and one cold winter’s night he took a cocktail of drugs that could have taken out ten people. The point to all this is that people with depression don’t always wear it as a badge for all to see. Some find ways to disguise it, and internally battle their demons. Alone, which often leads to a devastating outcome. These days many people with depression are declaring it and owning it. The stigma of shame or embarrassment is evaporating. It isn’t something one chooses, or can just shake off and those of us who don’t have it have become more understanding. It is vital that this attitude continues and improves if we are ever to conquer the demon. On page 13 there is an event raising awareness about depression. Please get behind it if you can.
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Humble hero MEMBER for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP, announced that Sharon Chamberlin has been named the 2016 Mulgoa Woman of the Year. “The Local Woman of the Year Award recognises women who have made notable and outstanding contributions to their communities, accomplishing positive outcomes for the local area,” Tanya Davies said. “In particular, recipients of the Award need to demonstrate ongoing dedication in serving the community, deserving recognition for their achievements,” said Tanya Davies. Sharon Chamberlin has been recognised, most notably, for her role as the co-ordinator of Junior Jivers, a musical activity playgroup run by Glenmore Park Anglican Church, aimed at supporting mothers with young children. “Sharon voluntarily devotes her time to working with the mothers and children that are in the Junior Jivers program, often dedicating more than 30 hours per week, to ensure that all feel welcomed and included, as part of her caring and friendly disposition,” Tanya Davies said. The Award was presented to Sharon Chamberlin at Glenmore Park Anglican Church, while she was talking with parents and children participating in the Junior Jivers program. “Unsurprisingly to anybody that knows Sharon, she is not one for ceremonial niceties or unnecessary flair. Instead of holding a formal presentation, Sharon was more concerned about serving at Junior Jivers, emblematic of the
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community-minded person that she is,” said Tanya Davies. Tanya Davies was jubilant in her praise for the work ethic and dedication that has been exhibited by Sharon Chamberlin. “Sharon Chamberlin is an example for all of us to follow in selflessly supporting others and in advancing the interests of the Mulgoa community and its people,” said Tanya Davies. For more information on how the awardees are chosen and the criteria for nominations, please visit: https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/ women_of_the_year_awards
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Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
Help shape Triangle Park GETTING the City’s newest public space just right is the aim of an upcoming workshop about High Street’s triangle park. A pop up park where Henry and High Streets meet was successfully trialled from 2013, creating a space for community events and a spot to sit and relax with friends. Based on community feedback Council is now creating a permanent park. “We’ve spoken to business and community representatives to get their ideas about what they want the park to be,” Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said. “We heard you want the park to be a green space, helping to cool the area and inject new life into the City Centre. You also told us you want it to be active, inviting, safe and supportive to business.” Two options for the future park will be unveiled in March and the community is encouraged to review the plans and provide feedback. “We want to know if we’ve got it right – you can see the concepts and hear from the landscape architects about how Triangle Park will become a comfortable, active and sustainable place,” Cr McKeown said. You can look at the concepts and fill out a short survey here: penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Facilities-andRecreation/Parks-and-Playgrounds/Triangle-Park/. The survey will be live from Thursday 25 February to March 11. Venue: Penrith Library Theatrette, 601 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 Date: Wednesday 9 March Time: 6pm -7:30pm You can also book here: http://trianglepark. eventbrite.com.au
Applications open STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has encouraged more local groups to get involved in celebrating Australia’s Aboriginal culture, by taking advantage of $200,000 in funding grants for NAIDOC Week 2016. NAIDOC is a weeklong celebration of the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia. Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government is offering grants to support local organisations running NAIDOC Week events this July. “I know we have a number of active local Aboriginal groups in Penrith and I encourage them to consider applying for a grant,” said Stuart Ayres. “Grants of up to $1,000 are available, with up to $3,000 considered for more significant events,” said Stuart Ayres. In 2016, NAIDOC Week will run from 3 to 10 July under the theme of ‘Songlines: The living narrative of our nation’. To be successful, grant applicants will need to demonstrate how their event supports promotion of Aboriginal history, culture and achievements. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Leslie Williams said the NSW Government is proud to be supporting NAIDOC Week. “It’s a great opportunity for groups such as Aboriginal land councils, local councils, neighbourhood centres or sporting clubs to get a little extra assistance for their local events,” said Mrs Williams. “This year the NSW Government is making
$200,000 in funding available – an increase of $75,000 compared to last year, so we can support even more great events right across our State.” For more information on the NSW Government funding grants and to apply, please visit www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au. Federal and NSW Government entities are not eligible to apply.
Penrith’s big weekend of entertainment
Enjoy a lazy Sunday with free live music at Music by the River.
PENRITH will host a bumper weekend of events and activities from 19-20 March. Visitors and locals will be spoilt for choice with an exciting mix of sport, music, art and family events planned across the two-days. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said there’s only one place to be that weekend. “With such an impressive line-up of events and activities, there is no better place than Penrith to spend the day or a weekend away.” “The Sydney International Rowing Regatta kicks off our big weekend. After intense qualifying events during the week, spectators can expect a weekend of nail-biting finals and thrilling finishes,” Councillor McKeown said. “The Penrith CBD Festival and the Penrith Working Truck Show return
to provide families with a fun-filled day of entertainment and activities. There’s also an Astronomy Night at the Observatory and our own Penrith Panthers will play their second homegame for the season. “The Penrith Regional Gallery will have a new exhibition of paintings and wood carvings which celebrate Aboriginal culture, and what better way to end the weekend than listening to some great local music at our Music by the River event. “It’s going to be a great weekend in The Adventure Capital of NSW. I hope to see many visitors over these huge two-days and of course I encourage our local residents to get out and support all these fantastic events.” For more information on these and other events head to visitpenrith.com.au
The Sydney International Rowing Regatta, Australia’s premier rowing event, returns to Penrith from 14-20 March.
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The Penrith Working Truck Show is back for another huge day of non-stop entertainment, rides and unique exhibits for the whole family to enjoy.
PENRITH’S BIG WEEKEND Sydney International Rowing Regatta - 14-20 March Sydney International Regatta Centre Tickets on sale via Ticketek Penrith CBD Festival - 19 March. High St, Penrith. Free entry. 9-3pm Penrith Panthers Vs Brisbane Broncos - 19 March. Pepper Stadium Kick off at 5.30pm. Tickets on sale via Ticketek Astronomy Night at Penrith Observatory - 19 March Western Sydney University 8.00pm. Bookings essential. Ticket prices vary. 29th Annual Penrith Working Truck Show - 20 March Museum of Fire 8-4pm. Adults $35 (3 children free with adult ticket) Music By The River - 20 March. Tench Reserve, Penrith. Free event.
MAKINGS OF A CITY: SEX, CRIME & POLITICS – CASTLEREAGH CONNECTIONS 15th Annual History Conference, 12 March 2016 CONFERENCE - SATURDAY 12 MARCH 2016 • $50 per person • Time: Register from 8.30am, Conference 9am-4pm • Venue: Bonynge Concert Hall, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street Penrith Programme: • Keynote Address – Associate Professor Grace Karskens – Complex family relationships that defined Castlereagh from the early years. • Craig Bratby – Family connections that tied bushranger John Vane to Castlereagh • Graham Rutledge Wilcox – Recently published a book about Sir Arthur Rutledge from Castlereagh who, as Queensland attorney-general, brought Queensland into the Australian federation • Ann-Maree Bonner – value of the local records held in the Research Room for local and family history research Contact Alison Spencer on 47327687 or researchservices@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
www.penrithhistory.com
The Luddenham Squadron, Australian Light Horse (Penrith City Library)
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Community Notice THE next meeting of the Nepean / Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group will be held at 6.30pm on Monday the 21st March in Lecture Room 1, Learning & Development Unit, located in the Nepean 2 building, (formally known as the SWAHS 2 building) Nepean Public Hospital. Our meeting of the 21st March 2016 will be addressed by former State Politician Andrew Tink. Andrew will speak on his prostate cancer journey and his latest book. All meetings are available to males and their partners who are seeking information on this cancer, and who live in the Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith areas. Come along and experience the caring and benefits offered by our Support Group whose motto is YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Enquiries: Visit our website w w w. p r o s t a t e s u p p o r t . org.au<http://www. prostatesupport.org.au/> or David Wilkinson, President 1300 13 38 78.
Airport rail must connect the West OPINION PIECE by Penrith Mayor, Cr Karen McKeown LAST Friday (4/3/16) Parramatta Council and the Sydney Business Chamber unveiled plans for a new fast rail connection between Sydney, Parramatta and Badgerys Creek Airport. There is no doubting the significance of Parramatta as Sydney’s second CBD and the importance of effective connections to maximise this position. But a proposal for a rail line from the proposed airport to Parramatta should be cautiously approached. It has the risk of repeating the past errors of building spokes into the evermore congested hubs of Sydney and Parramatta. To work effectively, what Sydney needs is an outer orbital rail network. And for the one million plus residents of Outer Western Sydney who spend hours commuting each day on congested roads and inefficient public transport, it’s an insult to tell them once they get to Parramatta they can get to the City in 15 minutes. Where does that leave those of us who need to travel from the North West to the South West, areas booming in new industry and innovation but connected only by road or an ineffective public transport system that only takes us East?
There’s no doubt the new Western Sydney Airport will be a game changer and we’re seeing Western Sydney getting the investment it deserves in long overdue road upgrades. But to truly embed the airport in Western Sydney it needs to be connected by rail and become the centre of a jobs and investment hub. Late last year the Federal and NSW governments announced a $2m study to investigate transport needs, particularly rail, in Western Sydney and to the new airport. We are confident this study will show the airport should be connected to Western Sydney by rail and that this will stimulate almost unfettered development and economic prosperity far beyond the airport precinct, delivering jobs where the workers already live. To maximise Western Sydney’s productivity and realise the region’s potential there needs to be more connection between the North West and South West Growth Centres, moving people and goods efficiently, linking Penrith, Blacktown and Campbelltown. Rail will do that. Rail would re-shape the region
and be followed by new town centres that are thick with jobs of the future. The alternative, more risky option is for the land around the airport to be developed without good transport and easy access, and so be largely occupied by big warehouses and logistics hubs, which employ small numbers of people who travel by car. This scenario would do little to address the significant and escalating jobs shortfall Western Sydney’s residents endure. Considering more than 70% of Western Sydney people leave their local area each day to go to work – sitting on congested motorways and crowded trains – these additional jobs can’t come soon enough. We recently undertook a survey which showed those commuters spend at least 10 hours per week - more than a day’s work - getting to and from their jobs, even if they work in “Western Sydney,” and are travelling less than 30 kilometres. So while we appreciate Parramatta’s bid for a fast connection to the CBD and the airport, we can’t do so at the expense of the rest of Western Sydney.
more and more adventurous as the days go by. She has recently begun learning to eat things like grass, native plants, and kangaroo pellets. As Luna develops she will move through the WIRES carer program to ensure the most successful re-release for her. For wallaby’s and Kangaroos, it is best in these circumstances, once they reach a certain age to be with their own kind. This meant that last week marked the end of Luna’s time with Cindy. It was time for her to move onto her next carer. Luna was beginning a new stage in her development and new chapter in her rehabilitation. This would also include meeting a new friend Polly! Polly is another orphan wallaby joey of the same age. Luna currently lives on a property with Polly and her new WIRES carer. She will remain here until she reaches 18months of age. They will then head out together to
their last carer who will look after them as young adults. Luna and Polly will stay there until they start to wonder out on their own to create their own families. Pictured is Luna meeting her new friend Polly for the first time. Polly was not sure about Luna and didn’t want to play with her at first but now Luna and Polly are the best off friends and even sleep in the same pouch together! Over the course of Luna and Polly’s journey we will continue to document their progress and hopefully we will be able to bring you more of their story. Remember if you see any wildlife on the side of the road, contact WIRES immediately. WellPet’s Nepean Animal Hospital at 50 Mulgoa Rd, Regentville is staffed 24/7 and cares for our native wildlife free of charge. PH 1300WELLPET
Luna’s story
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
THIS is the story of Luna, a sevenmonth-old Swamp Wallaby. A kind member of the public brought Luna into WellPet Nepean under the direction of WIRES. They found her standing next to her mum on the side of the road in Mulgoa. Luna’s mum was a victim of a hit by car accident and had sadly, not survived. Thankfully, Luna didn’t appear to have sustained any injuries but without her mum, she would not survive on her own. Luna was orphaned at an age where she still needed her mother’s milk. It was therefore important she was taken into care and raised by a carer before being re-released into the wild. She was examined by our Veterinarian Dr. Rachel and given a clean bill of health. She was then given to our WIRES carer and Veterinary Nurse Cindy who has been raising her for the past 6 weeks. Hand raising a joey is not easy, being out of their natural environment and adapting without their mum is hard and can often be unsuccessful! Luna didn’t want to drink from a bottle at first. Cindy had to use a container to begin with until she could coax her into drinking from the bottle. With patience and persistence she succeeded. It was important Luna was fed 6 times daily with a special wallaby milk replacer for her to thrive. Luna is thriving and is becoming
Swimming so sick kids can fly By Garion Thain
PETER Genellos, a 73 year-old Blaxland resident, is a semiretired engineer, longstanding member of St Mary’s Rotary club, and swimming enthusiast. By enthusiast that is to also say, someone that once upon a time used to win gold medals for his local swimming. Nowadays, Mr Genellos swims not for gold medals, but to raise funds for worthy charities in his annual efforts at the Bridge to Bridge river swim at The Sydney International Regatta Centre. “I used to win gold medals but now I’m in the 50-90 year age bracket for Penrith Swim Club, so it’s hard to compete against 50 year olds,” said Mr Genellos. “Now I just go in the event to raise funds.” This year, Mr Genellos competed in the 29th Bridge to Bridge, in the over 60 event, in order to raise money for Little Wings – a particularly young Baulkham hills based charity, which provides a flight service that transports seriously ill children from the state’s most remote areas to specialist oncology facilities around Sydney, as well as John Hunter Children’s
Peter Genellos is supporting little wings for the second year in a row.
Hospital at Newcastle. This year Mr Genellos swam 3 minutes faster than last year, an achievement he hopes may provide more incentive to donate. “I had a good swim!” Said Mr Genellos. “I came 2nd in the over 60 event, that’s a silver medal! “I hope this encourages everyone to donate, and raise more funds for Little Wings.” Mr Genellos’ achievement for himself and the charity is even more impressive, given he presently requires a shoulder reconstruction. Nothing has stood in the way of his passion for swimming, and he has
nothing but nice things to say about Little Wings, wishing for a strong friendship with the organisation. “It is great what [Little Wings] has done to transport sick kids from the bush to hospital. There is a great need for this service, and with all our support it will grow.” 100 per cent of public donations go directly to Little Wing’s flights, which use volunteer pilots. Little wings can be visited online at their website, at littlewings.org. au/home Peter Genellos says his ultimate goal in future events is to raise $10,000 for the charity. Champion!
Female apprenticeships THE recent International Women’s Day was a perfect opportunity to highlight the wide range of apprenticeships on offer. Minister for Vocational and Education Training, Senator the Hon Scott Ryan visited local employers in Penrith with the Member for Lindsay Fiona Scott. “Employment in traditional trade areas - mining, construction, electrical, manufacturing, and engineering all suffer from low female participation,” Minister Ryan said. “So we are using today as an opportunity to showcase the scope of apprenticeship and training opportunities available to women. “It is fantastic to be here with Fiona Scott to see the opportunities local employers are offering young women in the area,” Minister Ryan said. Fiona Scott said the Government wants to encourage more women to consider apprenticeship options.” “While there is a lot on offer for young women, many people are simply unsure as to how they can access those options. I hope today we can inspire women to consider the apprenticeship opportunities available” she said. For more information on apprenticeships, see – www. australianapprenticeships.gov.au/
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Northern Road to Penrith upgrade in full swing THE next phase of the multi-billion dollar The Northern Road upgrade is in full swing with major work now under way on Stage 1 between Narellan and Oran Park. Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said as part of the Australian and NSW Governmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; commitment to revitalise the growing western Sydney both governments were pushing ahead to deliver the $1.6 billion 35 kilometre upgrade which includes widening The Northern Road between Narellan and Penrith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The upgrade is a key project of the $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan which will transform road infrastructure, improve travel times and increase road capacity in one of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing regions,â&#x20AC;? Tanya Davies said. Stage 1 work includes widening 3.3 kilometres of The Northern Road to a minimum four lane divided road to increase road capacity between The Old Northern Road at Narellan and Peter Brock Drive at Oran Park. The road is a major arterial corridor servicing the growing South West Priority Land Release Area with the upgrade set to benefit people living in new communities including Oran Park, Turner Road, East Leppington, Austral and Leppington North,
Edmondson Park and Catherine Fields. Road users will start to see changes along the road with the installation
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of safety barriers, temporary signage and line marking. Member for Camden Chris Patterson said other work will
include earthmoving and excavation, relocating utilities as well as piling work in preparation for two new bridges across Narellan Creek. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once complete, The Northern Road project will deliver significant benefits now and into the future by providing improved road infrastructure for motorists in western Sydney and a high quality connection with the proposed M12 Motorway and Bringelly Road,â&#x20AC;? Mr Patterson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Work will be carried out from 7am to 6pm Monday to Fridays and on Saturdays between 8am and 1pm, weather permitting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Traffic controllers and signage to guide traffic past the work site will be in place as well as a reduced speed limit to ensure the safety of motorists and workers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Temporary lane closures will be required to ensure a safe work zone and motorists are advised to allow extra travel time. On-road cyclists may also be required to detour while some of the work is carried out to ensure safety. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Northern Road Stage 1 is expected to be completed in 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Roads users are thanked for their patience while this important work is carried out.â&#x20AC;?
A sister’s love By Garion Thain
WALKING the Great Wall of China is on the bucket list of countless holidaymakers and backpackers alike, but there’s no denying a Great Wall Trek is no walk in the park, certainly not regarded as an easy physical feat to conquer. Ms Bonnie Marie has never traveled overseas before, nor even flown interstate, but her love of her younger brother Noah and support for his music therapy provided by NordoffRobbins has inspired her to make the trip to China for ten days in May, and spend at least six hours a day doing a full hike to complete the trek in full. 11 year old Noah has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. His weekly half hour music therapy sessions with Nordoff-Robbins have done a lot of good for the young man and helped ignite a love of music that have charged his development , which has provided great happiness for his family. Bonnie is excited if not nervous for the trip, of which she has already raised over $3800 dollars for NordoffRobins from. She says she wants to
support the organisation that has spent so much time supporting Noah. “I guess I just really want to get the word out about music therapy, as not a lot of people know about it,” said Ms Marie. “[Noah] has come so far since he began his journey. “He has gained so much confidence and also learnt skills that help him in school, such as being able to concentrate on set tasks for longer.” To complete the physically demanding trek, Ms Marie has been training every week, and has used the growing support behind her as motivation. “I have been training at Fernwood Penrith, who are remarkable at what they do and really push you to reach your goals,” Ms Marie said. “I also want to thank the local community and my friends and family for all their wonderful support, because without them I wouldn’t be able to do this. “This is definitely something close to my heart.” Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects, among other things, the way an individual relates to his or her environment and their
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Bonnie is doing the great wall of China cycle to support her younger brother, diagnosed with autism, and his love of music.
interaction with other people. The word ‘spectrum’ describes the range of difficulties that people on the autism spectrum may experience and the degree to which they may be affected. Some people may be able to live relatively normal lives, while others may have an accompanying learning challenge and require continued specialist support. The main areas of difficulty are
in social communication, social interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests. An estimated one in 100 people has autism; that’s almost 230,000 Australians. Autism affects almost four times as many boys than girls. Ms Marie’s fundraising page for the trip can be found online at norogreatwallchinachallenge. everydayhero.com/au/bonniemarie
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Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
Mount Druitt still waiting for MRI machine FEDERAL Member for Chifley Ed Husic called on the Liberal State Government to stop “dragging its feet and deliver the promised MRI machine to Mt Druitt.” Speaking in Federal Parliament last week, Mr Husic said the Baird Government has “continually declined to let residents know when the MRI machine would actually be installed in the Mt Druitt Hospital.” “We saw, in the last state election, a sudden commitment by the Baird government to fund an MRI for Mount Druitt Hospital. We have been asking for ages where it is at. It has not been delivered. “If it is good enough to make the promise, it is good enough to deliver on it, and I urge the Baird government to get on with it and deliver the MRI to Mount Druitt Hospital,” Mr Husic said. “Mt Druitt Hospital has already suffered from the closure of the cardiac ward, against a backdrop of the $80 billion cuts to schools and hospitals handed down by the Abbott Government in 2014 - and maintained by the Turnbull Government.” Mr Husic said Labor in Government had a track record of investing in healthcare for Chifley. In NSW Parliament, Labor State MP for Mt Druitt Edmond Atalla
has asked the Baird Government to provide a timetable for the upgrades to the Mt Druitt Hospital. “The Baird Government has said the Stage 2 expansion of Blacktown Hospital is underway but has yet to give anyone a concrete answer on when Mt Druitt will receive the promised MRI machine,” Mr Husic said. “From the time I announced I was standing for election in Chifley in 2010, securing an MRI machine for Mt Druitt Hospital has been a priority. “Chifley residents have waited long enough, and it’s time for the Liberal Federal and State Governments to deliver on their promises to give local residents access to the healthcare they deserve.”
Applications now open PENRITH City students aged between 15 and 19 have the opportunity to travel to Penrith’s sister city Fujieda and live with a Japanese family for three weeks. They will experience Japanese culture, learn about the Japanese way of life and share their Australian life with a Japanese student in return. In conjunction with Penrith Council, the Penrith Student Exchange to Penrith’s sister sister city International Friendship Fujieda is an experience of a lifetime. Committee has been successfully running this annual to many interesting places in Penrith, exchange program for 29 years and Sydney as well as Canberra. They also has facilitated the exchange of over visit the school of their host brother/ 230 students from Australia and sister for a few days. Japan. There will be an information night Past students report that the held on Wednesday, 16 March, 7pm exchange was a life changing Penrith Civic Centre. Contact Kate experience and they have made Hardman 4732 7736, kate.hardman@ strong friendships that continue long penrith.city after the exchange. When in Japan, Applications: Applicants must live students will attend school with their and/or got to school in Penrith. Forms host, travel to shrines and temples and can be mailed out or downloaded go on an excursion to Hiroshima. from the webpage: www.penrithcity. When the Japanese students are n s w. g o v. a u / S t u d e n t - E x c h a n g e . in Penrith, the Penrith International Applications close 4pm Friday 22 Friendship Committee arrange an April 2016. exciting itinerary that takes students Approximate cost: $2,500
Riders round up the black dog of depression
Photos: Eden Connell - Zoom in with Eden Photography.
Depression and Suicide:
By Kerrie Davies
NEARLY seven Australians take their lives every single day. Registrations are now open for Black Dog Ride’s annual “1 Dayer”. On Sunday March 20, thousands of Black Dog Riders will depart from 34 locations across Australia to kick start national conversations about depression and suicide prevention. Black Dog Ride believes that fostering awareness of depression in communities is the best catalyst for suicide prevention. Motorcycle enthusiasts are encouraged to join the ride to show their support for this national initiative, which aims to provide hope to communities and encourage Australians living with depression to seek assistance. Riders are asked to register on the website blackdogride.com.au as over 7,000 motorcycle riders are expected to participate nationally. The Penrith 1 Dayer will see over 400 Black Dog Riders assemble at Penrith Panthers World of Entertainment, departing en masse via the famous Putty Road to enjoy the ride finale and very first Black
Dog Ride flag raising at Grey Gums Cafe. Penrith 1 Dayer Volunteer Coordinator David Peach is incredibly passionate about the event and unfortunately inspired by personal tragedy. “In 1999, I lost my best mate in the world to the black dog. We’d been mates since we were little kids but when it happened I never saw it coming. “With hindsight I recognise now that what he had was an illness not a weakness, and projects like this help bring that illness out in in the open and make it easier to talk about.” David said the loss of his mate was as devastating as it was puzzling. “One day he just checked out. “When conversations get started, solutions get found.” Funds raised on the Penrith 1 Dayer supports Black Dog Ride and Lifeline Western Sydney. For more information about the Penrith 1 Dayer contact: David Peach, Penrith Coordinator e: penrith@blackdogride.com.au m: 0418 281 978 or view the website: blackdogride.com.au
• Suicide is the leading cause of death in Australians under the age of 45 • It is estimated that there is a suicide attempt every ten minutes in Australia • 80% of all suicides in Australia are by men, but the number of women suiciding is climbing • Men in regional locations experience much higher rates of suicide than the national average • 1 in 5 Australians will experience mental illness every year • Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in Australia • Depressive disorders are the most common identifiable risk factor for suicide
Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer 2016: • Black Dog Ride was established in 2009 by Busselton local Steve Andrews who rode his motorcycle solo around Australia in 26 days to raise awareness of depression • In 2014 Black Dog Ride was incorporated as a national charity promoting awareness of depression and suicide prevention • Since April 2010, Black Dog Ride has organised annual one day long motorcycle rides to bring awareness of depression and suicide prevention to local communities across Australia • The 1 Dayer has raised more than $530,000 for mental health services in 5 years • The 1 Dayer will occur on Sunday 20th March 2016 in 34 regions across Australia • The number of participants in the 1 Dayer in 2016 is expected to exceed more than 7,000 • Participants will carry the Black Dog Ride mascot ‘Winston’ on their bikes – a soft toy black dog named after Sir Winston Churchill, who famously diarised about the ‘black dog of depression’ • 1 Dayer registrations support Black Dog Ride’s suicide prevention programs nationwide • Black Dog Ride gifts all 1 Dayer donations and fundraising to 29 local mental health organisations and projects across the nation
13 Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
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14 Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
Continuation of the
I
‘Park View’ Hotel - 1941
N April 1941 the licence of the Park View transferred from Sydney Thomas Shankland to Vincent John Parker of Sydney. Vincent was born in 1904 to parents Nathanial & Martha Parker. He married Eileen June McGrath in 1931 at Randwick. The electoral Rolls in 1943 mention him as the licensee of the Park View at St Marys until 1944. In 1943 he pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to enrol for military service in World War 2. His defence was that he had filled out the enrolment form and had left it for his wife to post and that it didn’t arrive in the time allowed and because of this he was charged with failing to enrol. He said that he was the licensee of the hotel and had been there for “some years” and he was a “man of standing in the community”. He claimed he was unfit for military service and produced a medical certificate that the PM said he would take into account but still fined Vincent £2 and 8/- court costs. In December 1943 Vincent was again in trouble with the law, this time regarding unlabeled beer bottles and he was charged with “selling unlabeled bottles of beer”. Constable Dew from St Marys said that in September he was with another Constable when they entered the bar of the Park View about 6.20 pm and looked towards the corner of the bar near where Vincent was seated at the cash register and he saw a man named Lavender and three other men standing and on the bar counter in front of these men stood three bottles with no labels. The Constable asked Lavender what was in the bottles and his reply was beer. He then asked where they came from and was told they had just been purchased at the hotel for 18 pence each. The Constable then asked Vincent that he heard Lavender say he bought those bottles at the hotel and Vincent said that was correct. The Constable asked Vincent what did the bottles contain and he replied it was beer and the Constable then asked Vincent why he hadn’t put labels on those bottles and Vincent said that he didn’t have any labels and the Constable said that Vincent knew that it was an offence to sell beer in unlabelled bottles and Vincent said that he knew that but he couldn’t get any labels. The Constable mentioned that about three days later he was with Constable Cameron where he saw Vincent in the lounge room of the hotel with his wife and he asked again about the incident of the unlabelled beer bottles and where the beer was bottled and Vincent’s wife said that she bottled it in the bar under the tap and her husband had nothing to do with it. The Constable confirmed that with Vincent who said yes she was right and he produced the bottle of beer that he said was standing on the counter in front of Lavender. The Constable mentioned that prior to entering the hotel he saw a number of men leaving the hotel carrying bottles similar to the one Vincent had produced and he had examined four of them and none of the bottles had labels. An officer of the Department of Trade and Customs, Thomas Cecil Jones, was then asked by the PM if he thought the beer was adulterated and Thomas said that there was no suspicion of that because the Department’s files showed that during the month of February Vincent was given a special beer allowance of 314 gallons and Thomas said that it looked like Vincent had diverted a portion of this and was charging an excessive price, to which the P.M. stated that the court would take some of the profit off and promptly fined Vincent £20. Then a point was raised on what was to be done with the beer, and as nobody claimed it the P.M ordered it be destroyed after 21 days. At the Penrith Licensing Court in March 1944, the Park View license was transferred from Vincent to Leslie Eric (Eric Leslie) Quinn. Vincent died in 1962 at the age of 58 years and is buried in the Presbyterian section of Rookwood cemetery. Documentation on Leslie
Eric (or Eric Leslie) have either names which is a bit confusing. He joined up in WW1 in September 1916 at the age of almost 24 where he said that he was born at Alexandria NSW and his occupation was that of a bricklayer for a Sydney firm of Elliott & Barshaw where he worked for around five years before joining into the 2nd Battalion. He was married when he joined to Delia Quinn and was living at 67 Young St, Redfern. He returned to Australia in August 1917. In June 1944 in the Penrith Licensing Court, Leslie requested to establish accommodation at the Park View. Sergeant McGeoch testified that the hotel had only just been transferred to Leslie and that “it never had catered for the general public in any shape or form with regards to accommodation” and wanted assurance that the supply of meals would go with the accommodation. Leslie said that since he had taken over the licence he had made every endeavour to cater for the public and that he already had one or two applications ready to go along with his wife who had been carrying on the household duties since he had been there. The P.M. granted the application on condition that meals were served. In 1946 a bogus cheque was cashed by Leslie at the Park View. Leslie was now the President of the St Marys’ branch of the Ex-Servicemen’s Legion. The cheque for £25 was given to Leslie to cash by a friend who was the Secretary of the Legion, this cheque bringing them before the Penrith Police Court. At this court the Sergeant reported the shocking revelation that this friend, who had not worked since living at Blacktown and had refused to work, and because of this he had a wife and children living at St Marys who were living under shocking conditions owing to the fact that he would not work to earn money to keep them and also he had knocked his wife about on several occasions and just two days before his arrest he blackened both her eyes. His wife, who was unable to read or write, could not earn money to help herself or her children and because her husband would not do so, she was living with her sister and brother-in-law with the children. He pleaded guilty but was let off on a bond on paying compensation. In 1950 Eric was the licensee of the “Black Swan” hotel in North Wagga where he died at the age of 58 years. His funeral left from St Michaels’ Cathedral to where he was buried in Wagga Cemetery in the Catholic section. Representatives of sporting bodies and the Returned Soldiers’ League were present at the graveside and many beautiful floral tributes were received. Source: Trove, NSW BDM, National Archives websites. To be continued.... The 1920 photo of the Penrith Courthouse courtesy of Penrith Library collection. Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
I AM not sure if I was lucky or just drew the short straw, however I was very blessed to have worked on a job that allowed me to contemplate my navel for 12 hours. It’s amazing how you can go into a coma when required to sit in a car for 12 hours and just watch. I played I spy with my little eye, but knew the answer cause it was only me in the car, and played flick the biro off the dash and catch it ya mouth without stabbing yourself in the eye. Seriously it is great fun, I assure you. The best part is playing with the seat height adjuster, now that’s living the dream, I give you the drum! So here I am in a suburban street, parked outside a house up the road from a site I was watching, and what’s astounding is nobody noticed. I saw number 22 come out for a smoke 3 times a night, number 32 walk the dog at 9.30 nightly and talk on the mobile
about how useless her hubby was in the bedroom, 26 must be a baker because he left at 1.13am each morning with 2GB blaring at 600 decibels and amazingly enough the only creature that froze and spotted me was a stray cat. The actual owners of the house drove in the driveway and did not even wonder why a strange car was parked outside their own house. Like seriously, are we really that busy or just stupid? The amazing thing about it is that they are the first people to scream, “OMG! I’ve been broken into! Where are the bloody cops when you need them?” Sigh….. So here I am on the 8th hour wondering, “How do some people actually perceive security?” Bouncers, do they have more hair than a baboon at Taronga Zoo? And just drag their knuckles? Grunt three times and then
With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security
pound you into next year to eject you from a pub? The guard at a site, the so-called plastic cop or wanna be cop? The gatehouse guard that reads a newspaper all day and does nothing? On the contrary folks. Security funnily enough is a regulated industry and controlled by a department called SLED (Security Licensing Enforcement Directorate) which is the NSW Police. All security personnel are required to be trained, finger printed, compliant and licensed. All security companies require a Master Licence, so hiring unlicensed uncle Joe to do security at your party is a no no. Alarm installers (cough cough don’t get me started) have to be security licensed, kids. Basically anything that includes a security activity should display a Master Licence. Advertising a security activity? Must have a Master Licence in the ad, I could play pick the breach (just for fun times) in most
newspapers and websites. We are so regulated that we are even told the font size to have our Master Licence details displayed or worn or cop a $550 on the spot fine for failure to do so. The list goes on, paperwork, incident registers, first aid, responsible service of alcohol. We have more licenses hanging around our necks than an RTA (opps sorry RMS) inspector. So as I drift back it’s the 12th hour and time to head home. The cat is still staring at me, number 28 is going on her morning jog, wearing more fluro Lyrica than boy George at a bad 80’s concert, 22 is back out the front with his first smoke for that day, 36 has more kids than a child care centre and is screaming at them just to let the entire planet earth know….ahhhh life is good aint it? As I write in my security report 0600 hours S/O Field off duty, Nothing further to Report.
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15 Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
THE G SPOT
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Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
$17,800 to sculpt the Nepean River The Nepean River is a natural icon of the west, its beauty a marvel for locals and tourists alike. Fiona Scott MP, Federal Member for Lindsay has always valued the environmental, economic and social value the river has in the community but believes there is more that can be done to ensure its future prosperity. Having canvassed the electorate on local issues in ‘The Biggest Survey’ the lack of recreational facilities along the river was listed as a concern to many residents. Visitors who frequent the river can now experience a more attractive destination with the Federal Government assisting in the development of sculptural works as part of the Stronger Communities Programme. “The Nepean River has such a rich history within our electorate. For our first settlers it was a meeting point with people like Yarramundi and a popular swimming destination in the first half of the 20th century,” Ms Scott said. “Five sculptural seating areas are to be installed along the riverbank. These installations are designed to blend in with the natural environment with elements of sandstone and copper featuring prominently in these resting areas,” Ms Scott said the upgrade is a further commitment by the Turnbull Government who has already invested $77.4 million into the Hawkesbury/ Nepean River recovery project. “This funding compliments environmental programmes such as the Green Army and 1 million trees which helps maintain the health of our river,” she said. The sculptural work will be undertaken by the Penrith City Council who is also contributing to the project as part of the ‘Our River Masterplan’ which aims to enhance the natural environment, nurture local landscapes and promote active and healthy lifestyle choices. The Stronger Communities Grant Programme (Round 1) is a Federal Government initiative to help local organisations with in-kind grants up to $20,000. Fiona Scott commissioned an independent panel from respected pillars of the community to assess each applications merit.
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Vets tanked about their new acquisition
IT was a 7.25am touchdown for St Marys Vietnam Veteran’s Outpost, as a tank (or more precisely an M113 A1 Armoured Personnel Carrier) was craned into position where it will become part of a permanent display. These vehicles first saw active service in Vietnam and many were used by the US to perform ‘light tank’ duties, a role more dangerous than their original design planned for. The Australians first took delivery of the vehicles in 1965 and by the September of that year, thirteen were in action, while 1 APC Squadron was
also raised. Fifty years on, and this vehicle is still an important part of our defence forces. In fact, they are expected to be a part of our military make up until at least 2025. The delivery of this vehicle was because of the work of volunteers attached to St Marys RSL and the Veteran’s Outpost, with the project spearheaded by Honorary Secretary, Tony Fryer. The excitement of the morning saw Tony co-ordinating the delivery, with emotions pouring over when
he hugged the armoured personnel carrier once in its final position. Tony Fryer served in Vietnam and with his army issued hammock, virtually lived in one of these armoured personnel carriers. The Aussies nicknamed them “bush taxis”, and as this vehicle was manoeuvred into position, there were jokes from his gathered mates as to where the vehicle’s ‘yellow taxi lights’ were! Federal Member for Lindsay, Fiona Scott MP, said she was very proud to support the project, with the Federal Government providing more than
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$2,700 through the “Saluting their Service” programme for preparing and building the memorial platform. Speaking at the occasion, Fiona Scott MP said, “This is very much the work of Tony Fryer and his team. I applaud them on preserving a significant piece of military history that will be displayed for the community to enjoy for many years to come”. The Armoured Personnel Carrier will compliment a collection of military ephemera and steam locomotive and railway carriages.
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Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
Wanderers School of the Year Underway in 2016
ONE of the most rewarding club-run school programs is almost underway again with only one month left for schools in Western Sydney to enter the Wanderers School of the Year competition for 2016! Wanderers School of the Year is a points-based competition that encourages students to engage with healthy lifestyles, education and football. Registration closes on Friday 8 April at 11:59pm. Schools that enter will be able to earn points through the actions of students and their parents or guardians and teachers. As well as various prizes throughout the competition, the school that earns the most points over a set period of time will be crowned Wanderers
Nita
School of the Year and be invited to host a football expo at your school with all our teams in attendance. Wallacia Public School won the competition last year and said that taking part created an overwhelming buzz throughout the local community. “The Wanderers School of the Year had a huge positive impact on Wallacia Public School. Being a small school, students can sometimes be limited with their access to sport activities and sporting competitions,” said Michael Bourne, teacher at Wallacia Public School at the time. “By winning Wanderers School of the Year it allowed the students at Wallacia PS to meet and interact with players from the Wanderers and
provided them with possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity that they’ll never forget. “The competition provides opportunities for kids to demonstrate their talents not only on the sporting field but across a number of curriculum areas.” Students, parents and teachers complete set tasks and activities to earn points for their school with a handicap system in place to allow smaller schools to compete. There are also four weekly prizes for schools to win. Registration is open to both primary and secondary schools. For more information or to register your school please visit http://www.wanderland.com.au/ schooloftheyear
NOT AN OVER-THE-COUNTER PROCEDURE!
Ask
A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries
IN the past 10 years I have seen some major changes in the cosmetic injection arena. Cosmetic injection services have proliferated! I have even heard that a major department store was going to introduce injectables! It seems like any industry associated with beauty wants to add cosmetic injections as a service.However,this service is MEDICAL.The injections are schedule 4 drugs.That means a doctor has to authorise a nurse to
inject these products and there should be emergency drugs and equipment on hand. Alarmingly, the medico legal watchdogs haven’t regulated the industry and in fact only rely on complaints to protect the public. I have had to repair many “botched” jobs from injectors that are illegally working ,who are shockingly going to homes ,beauty salons and even hairdressers.One lady in particular changes her name, frauds certificates and continues to work using illegal imported injectables.Even “Current Affair” and lawsuits have not stopped her! I am so relieved that legitimate clinics authorised and overseen by doctors are now grouping together. Rejuven8 is very proud to join this premium group of clinics.
Collectively not only do we want to protect the public from injector cowboys (or cowgirls) but we will raise the bar of service. Total Face Group is a group of clinics that provides clients premium results ,using premium products authorised by a cosmetic physician. As of March this year,Rejuven8 Cosmetic Clinic will be “Part of Total Face Group”. Total Face group is a public company that endeavours to be a leader in the Medical Cosmetic field in providing the best results,economically to its customers. The uniqueness of this group is that the directors have gathered some of the most experienced and respected clinics in the country.Their goal is to have a dynamic force of internal education with these master injectors
that will ensure all treatments to be the best. Total Face Group is a responsible,ethical,regulated group of clinics that you can trust with your face! The fusion of Rejuven8 and Total Face Group will really benefit the Nepean district by providing the district with the best premium services in a safe environment. Rejuven8 will continue to service the area with the same medical staff and will be offering the same services and even more, such as coolsculpting. Rejuven8 Cosmetic Clinic part of Total Face Group will continue to provide the best facial rejuvenation services. When only the best will do, call 0247324009 for a complimentary full face consultation.
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localnews local POLICE are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman who is missing in the Blue Mountains. Elizabeth O’Pray, aged 77, was reported missing to officers from Blue Mountains Local Area Command about 11pm Monday. Ms O’Pray, was last spoken to about 11am Monday from a landline phone at her home on Delmonte Avenue, Medlow Bath. She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, of thin build with short grey hair. Police have concerns for her welfare due to her medical condition. She is known to walk along Grand Canyon Road, Medlow Bath, and along a small track from Medlow Bath towards Katoomba. Anyone who has information that may assist police in locating Ms O’Pray is urged to come forward. Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Swift action follows Emu Plains death By Kerrie Davies
TWENTY-FIVE trees will be removed and replaced in coming weeks after an independent arborist assessed their location near a major roadway at Emu Plains. The report was commissioned following a severe storm in January that saw two trees fall onto the Great Western Highway. The report prepared for Council indicated that the trees fell due to the severity of the storm and the softened ground following heavy rainfall. On January 14 this year, emergency services responded to reports a tree had fallen onto a car on Great Western Highway. On arrival officers from Penrith Local Area Command found the passenger of car, a man, had been hit by the tree and unfortunately he died at the location. The driver, a woman, was taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition. Officers were told that the car was driving easterly on Nepean Street, when the tree fell and hit it. It was a tragic freak event and many people took to social media pleading for trees in the area to be removed. Council has said in a statement that they will however wait for the
outcome of a Coroner’s inquiry before making further comment. “It was a terrible accident and Council has responded quickly to ensure all trees near roadways in our City have been visually inspected,” Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said. “Around 70 trees where the branches encroach significantly over roadways or are not suited to their location will be removed at various locations across the City as a result of these inspections.” The independent arborist also conducted a detailed audit of the neighbouring trees along the Great Western Highway at Emu Plains. “This report recommends we remove a number of trees which may present a risk of falling if similar storm conditions were repeated,” Cr McKeown said. Around 25 trees will be removed from Friday, 11 March. Council will time the work to cause minimal disruption to traffic, however to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists some road closures may be required. Cr McKeown said the trees would be replaced with a species best suited to roadside planting. “Removing trees is not something Council likes doing, in fact we’ve planted an additional 3000 trees in the past 12 months to help cool and green our City.”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters to the editor to kerrie@nepeannews.com.au
Policies, not personalities I call upon my Labor and Liberal opponents to run a clean campaign and to focus on the issues that matter most to the electorate. Last week, Labor candidate, Emma Husar, was criticised by Liberal candidate, Fiona Scott, for mocking the Prime Minister’s tears at an Ovarian Cancer breakfast. By conflating the separate issues of ovarian cancer with the Liberal Government’s plans to axe bulk-billing of, amongst other pathology services, tests for cervical cancer, both of my political opponents have engaged in a point-scoring exercise that not only debases themselves but also the wider issue of women’s health. Currently the rate of women in the Lindsay electorate undertaking the Pap smear test is 7% below the state average. This gap is expected to widen even further if the cost of this potentially lifesaving test is passed onto the consumer. Nick Xenophon Team candidate for Lindsay, Stephen Lynch Marriage equality It is very frustrating watching Malcolm Turnbull’s Prime Ministership.
He had a golden opportunity when he got the job to really take this country in a great direction. He had an electorate eager for an alternative to Tony Abbott, a non-event opposition lead by Bill Short-on-ideas and very few haters. But instead of seizing that opportunity and taking some leaps of faith while he had a forgiving electorate, he seems to have just stagnated. You can smell a mile off that he will screw up the marriage equality opportunity. While Malcolm and co spend their time telling anyone who will listen that the economy is more important than marriage equality, Labor is busy structuring their next campaign on the Liberal’s inaction on it, and it will magically become more “important than the economy”. Malcolm is still pandering to the Liberal right. Seriously, who else are they going to vote for? He’ll get their votes anyway. Just bloody do it. S. Baxter, Penrith Swearing students I am so appalled at the behaviour of our teenagers that I feel compelled to write you a letter in hopes it would be published asking parents to talk to
their kids about how to show respect in public. We brought our 89 year old mum out here for lunch at our local shopping centre and within five minutes of being seated in the food court she’d heard every swear word on the planet, courtesy of our local kids in school uniform. They ran, screamed, hit each other with school bags, spilled drinks on the floor and just left them there for someone to slip on and spoke the foulest language. I ended up ringing the school displayed on their uniforms and the lovely lady I spoke to was equally appalled. But the kids are out of school and out in public, I think the parents need to talk to them about how to be respectful in the presence of others. Maury Perry, Penrith Great story I have just read the wonderful story written by Greg Martin about Jim Kalamiotis. I used to drive my younger brother Chris, who was 9 years of age in 1961 to the fish and chip shop which was in the vicinity opposite Penrith Primary and Penrith High School in High Street, every
Friday night for our family meal. I remember the lady’s name being Vicki and the whole family were lovely people and can clearly remember the little boy being there because my little brother used to talk to him. If I remember correctly, there was another brother too (not sure if they were twins) but we used to enjoy going there as they made the best fish and chips and we always got a warm welcome. My family immigrated from Scotland in 1958 and we used to have great conversations with them about being new immigrants and my eldest brother and myself had to work hard to help our parents get a good start here in Penrith. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of sadness for us, as we lost our parents within 16yrs of arriving here and our older brother died also, so only Chris and I left but he has terminal cancer now also. If this is the lovely family I remember from High St, please pass on my warm regards and congratulations to Jim for having such a wonderful family and for bringing back so many happy memories to me of those good times and of how lucky we all were to come to this wonderful country. Marjory (O’Hare) Brouwer
Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
Have you seen Elizabeth?
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LADIES...isn’t it fun getting all dressed up? The frock, the hair, the tan, the heels, the fascinator, the bling - so many decisions to make to get the drop-dead gorgeous glam look we hope for. Now is the time to start planning your look - for the event we’ve all been waiting for is just around the corner; Ladies night at the trots! Penrith Paceway’s first Ladies Night at The Trots will be held on March 24 and this event ticks every box there is! Its local, so you are bound to know a lot of peeps and you won’t have far to get home after all the fun. And, being the night before a public holiday Good Friday - there is no need to miss this Soiree! There is even a courtesy bus to get the locals home! So ladies, get those gorgeous frocks, heels and fascinators on and join in for a night of music, food, fashion and fun. Oh and there will sure to be some dapper looking fellas there too! Fashionista mums, bring the kids along for some easter fun with jumping castles, childrens play area, also easter craft. Thee will also be a visit from a certain Bunny and hunt for the always prized eggs. Fashions on The Field will be sure to impress with categories for Mrs,
Ms, Miss and event Junior Miss. Not to forget the men in all this, Mr and Master can also enter this fashionista bliss. If an all inclusive package is what you crave, there is The Sky Lounge package available for this day. Mark this one down on your calender NOW! Penrith Paceway have just recently opened their new 3P’s Cafe. “We are proud to say that it has been a huge success,” said Paceway CEO Lorraine Pozza “We encourage all to come and enjoy a night at the races with our spectacular outdoor café. There is no better sport under the stars than Harness Racing. “Our Easter meeting is earlier than usual and hopefully will make for nice weather. “There will be so much to enjoy at this meeting , a real Easter feel with racing and a Hat Parade for adults and the boys and girls and prizes galore.” There will be live entertainment on the lawn, and stalls full of goodies for everyone. Wow!! What a night this will be right on Easter. Don’t miss out. make sure you are there! Entry is free so there’s no need to book.
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E N T E R T A I N M E N T Fabulous frocks, fascinators and fillies
Ladies Night at The Trots Thursday, March 24 6pm - 11pm Ladies get those gorgeous Frocks, Heels & Fascinators on and join us for a night of Music...Food...Fashion & Fun - Men are definitely welcome and encouraged to attend too! Bring the kids along for some easter fun with jumping castles, childrens play area, also easter craft. Then a visit from a certain Bunny and hunt for the always prized eggs. Fashions on The Field will be sure to impress!
Situated in the heart of Penrith, Club Paceway is the ultimate destination for a great night out. CNR STATION & RANSLEY STS, PENRITH | PH: 4732 4777 | WWW.CLUBPACEWAYPENRITH.COM
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Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
A great day was had by all in attendance recently at the Penrith Cricket Club’s The Captain’s Lunch held at the The Chairman’s Lounge, Pepper Stadium. Caption to
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Social Butterfly
CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Clean (4) 9 Medicines (5) 10 Coquette (4) 11 Ladybug or weevil (6) 12 Worthy of quotation (8) 13 Something transitory (8) 15 Flashing light (6) 17 Dried grapes (7) 19 Harmful (7) 22 Biblical heroine (6) 24 Revealing (8) 26 Cellar (8) 28 Cerumen (6) 30 Ore deposit (4) 31 Type of moth (5) 32 Close by (4)
DOWN 1 Having wisdom (4) 2 Breaks (8) 3 Glue (6) 4 Small orange-colored fruit (7) 5 Adopted (a cause) (8) 6 Mar (6) 7 A Freudian stage (4) 14 Fruits (5) 16 Sink (5) 18 Vikings (8) 20 Hold sacred (8) 21 Trace (7) 23 Paid attention to (6) 25 Lyrical prose (6) 27 Assert (4) 29 At a distant place (4)
solution 25/2/15
The Boy from Oz comes to Penrith! By Garion Thain
PENRITH Musical Comedy Company is bringing the hit Australian musical The Boy From Oz to Penrith this May. Penrith Musical Comedy Company President, Grant Jones, said rehearsals are already underway. “We are so excited about bringing this show to Penrith. It’s a great show that resonates with all Australians who love music,” Mr Jones said. “The Boy From Oz has been enjoyed all over the world and now Penrith gets to celebrate their very own production.” When it comes to Australian musicals it doesn’t get much bigger than the role of Peter Allen in ‘The Boy From Oz’. The role of Peter Allen will be shared by two local performers, 13-year-old Luke Zoglmeyer, who will play the young Peter Allen; and Robert Hall, who will play the adult Peter Allen. “It’s daunting really,” Robert laughed when asked how he felt about taking on such an iconic character. The star of previous Penrith Musical Comedy Company productions, ‘Avenue Q’, ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Hairspray’, admits that the role will be
challenging but rewarding. “It does mean a lot to me because I’ve been performing my whole life, so to be able to somehow replicate some of the greats, it’s quite a privilege,” he said. While Robert has been performing for years, this will be Luke’s debut musical role. “My friend from my dance studio’s nan is involved with the Penrith Musical Comedy Company and she told me about the auditions, so I thought it would be a good opportunity
to have a go,” he said. “I haven’t been involved with any plays, but I have been doing musical theatre classes at my dance school.” With lots of excitement, and a few nerves, Luke is hoping this role will be the start of a long musical theatre career. “That’s my dream, to be in musicals,” he said. ‘The Boy From Oz’ originally premiered in 1998, with Todd McKenney in the role of Peter Allen. In 2003 it became the first Australian
musical to make it to Broadway, earning Hugh Jackman a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. The show tells the story of the Aussie performer’s extraordinary life including his meeting with Judy Garland, his marriage to her daughter Liza Minnelli, his Oscar win, his coming out and his death from an AIDS related illness. But of course the main focus is the music that made Peter Allen a star all over the world. ‘The Boy From Oz’ includes all his greatest hits such as ‘I Still Call Australia Home’, ‘I Go To Rio’, ‘I Honestly Love You’ and ‘Tenterfield Saddler’. The Penrith Musical Comedy Company has produced more than 60 musicals since its formation in 1978. Penrith Musical Comedy Company’s production of ‘The Boy From Oz’ will be on at the Q Theatre on Friday, May 27, Saturday, May 28, Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4. Adult tickets are $37, concession tickets are $32, and children’s tickets (under 16) are $22. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pmcc.org.au or www.thejoan.com.au. For more information contact Grant Jones on jonesy@yours.com or phone 0433 156 543.
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24 Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
WORD SEARCH
Heavens Above with Reverend Ross Hutchison
THE GOLDEN GIRLS BEA ARTHUR BETTY WHITE BIG DADDY BLANCHE CHARLEY CHEESECAKE CLAYTON COCO
COMEDY DOROTHY ESTELLE GETTY FRIENDSHIP MIAMI MILES RELATIONSHIPS ROSE
RUE MCCLANAHAN RUSTY ANCHOR SHADY PINES SITCOM SOPHIA SOUTHERN BELLE ST OLAF STAN
Hello dear friend! I was just thinking that it’s about time I reminded you that You Are The Best! The Best At Being You. With all that comprises the living miracle that is You. So individually unique in every way. No one, now, ever before or even in the future, can ever be You. No one else can have anything that is yours...from your exclusive eyes, fingerprint, even your tongue print. It’s time to celebrate dear friend - this day is yours - to do with, whatever you plan. With your exclusive talents, set sail on your re- invigorated course. Right now, give yourself a great big cheer and a great big hug and sing out loud, “Hello World, here I am!” Claim this day...It is yours! Now, ring someone else right now and tell them that they are terrific too! Cheers for now, Your Mate, Rossco
NOVENA
THANK YOU
Lord Jesus for all the blessings given to my family. May the name of sacred heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and praised throughout the world for ever. Amen. RDS.
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
Toddlers’ Proms
SUDOKU: HARD
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SOLUTION: 25 February
INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
THE exceptional musicians from Sydney Youth Orchestras’ Peter Seymour Orchestra are heading to the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre for an interactive concert designed to ignite interest in music and instruments for children ages 2-8. Conducted and narrated by legendary music educator John Ockwell, the Orchestra’s conductors and players will lead children through each section of the orchestra and give hand on demonstrations of how each instrument creates sound. These interactive concerts feature repertoire by the very best classical composers, especially Haydn and Mozart. Presented in an entertaining, engaging and educational style,
Toddlers’ Proms are a celebration of music sure to delight little ones who may be surprised that the talented young musicians performing are in fact not much older than themselves! Parents, grandparents and carers can be confident their child will experience a unique, special and, most importantly, fun introduction to orchestral music. Tickets are $15 Standard or $50 for a family of four (at least one adult). Sunday 20 March at 11am To book call The Joan’s Box Office on 4723-7600 or online at www.thejoan.com.au. The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre is located at 597 High Street, Penrith. Nearby parking and public transport is available.
St Patrick’s Day Family Fun Day Sunday March 13
Jumping Castle from 12pm, Kid’s disco & tattoos
Cameron mather from 2pm
ST PATRICK’S DAY 17TH MARCH, OPEN FROM 9AM
Authentic Irish venue, good food, and winner of multi Guinness awards for pouring “THE PERFECT PINT”
ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY 10am Cameron Mather
2pm lenny duff
6pm blackwater
St PATRICK’s DAY
RAFFL E
9pm shaylee wilde & the celtic gypsies
1st Prize $5000 2nd Prize $1000 Tickets $10 each - Drawn 8pm on the 17th March Winner notified by phone
FREE ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY 11 MARCH Backlash
SATURDAY 12 MARCH Us Too
FRIDAY 18 MARCH Skyz the limit
SATURDAY 19 MARCH Fil Campbell & Tom McFarland all the way from Rostrevor, County Down
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
The fabulous working truck show
ON Sunday, March 20 the Museum of Fire will be staging the 29th Annual Penrith Working Truck Show. In excess of 20,000 people attend the show with over 200 trucks from small rigids to ‘B’ doubles competing for many trophies and major prizes. A true transport industry showcase, this show is Australia’s biggest and arguably best working truck show. For 28 years the Trucking fraternity have cultivated their prize rigs into show condition, in support of Charity. All funds raised are directed towards saving our families from the dangers of fire while preserving the heritage of our community’s bravest. The unique feature of the Show is
that each truck must be a working truck and not just a showpiece or collectors item. Each truck is entered into one or more of 25 different categories to compete for trophies for the best in each class. Drivers spend hours cleaning and polishing their prize possession in attempts at being declared the best truck in their class. The award of a trophy at the Working Truck Show has become an industry icon and prestigious recognition for the owner. This show involves support from all major manufacturers, distributors as well as after sales service and part companies. It is coordinated by the Museum and an army of 150
LIVE AUCTION, LUCKY DOOR PRIZES & RAFFLES ON THE DAY
volunteers. These volunteers come from a variety of professions including members of the Transport Industry, Bank Managers, Sales Managers, Tradespeople, Rotarians, Police and Firefighters. The Museum of Fire, located in the old Penrith Power Station at 1 Museum Drive, Cnr Castlereagh Road, opened as Australia’s only dedicated Fire Safety Education Centre in 1986. Over the past 24 years, approximately 50,000 visitors per year pass through the Museum which houses one of the finest collections of firefighting memorabilia in the world. From its humble conception twenty eight years ago, the Working Truck
Show has grown from a gathering of trucking enthusiasts to a major corporate and family event which now takes months of planning and preparation and is recognised as Australia’s Premier Truck Show. Country Music extravaganza has always been a major attraction at the Truck Show and this year will be no exception. Live on Stage will be Adam Brand and the Outlaws, Girls of Country featuring Amber Lawrence and much more. Up to three children are admitted FREE with a paying adult and they will enjoy twelve of the best “thrill” rides and other amusements absolutely free. Add to this, food and drink stalls, free face painting and giveaways, and you have the Ultimate Family Fun Day package while supporting a worthwhile charitable event. The Working Truck Show is on at the Museum of Fire on Sunday, March 20 from 8am to 5pm. Admission at the gate $35 adults, children up to 16 years free with adult entry, and no concession discounts apply. Within 5 minutes walk of Penrith Railway Station, and there is plenty of parking beside the show. For further information contact the Museum of Fire on 02 4731 3000.
Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
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Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
The a mbiguity of headlines are often good for a laugh. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a small collection.
bamboozable
With thanks to Mary from the Major Oak
ANSWERS: 1. Falling Temperature 2. Two Under Par 3. Fat Chance 4. Broken Heart 5. Hot Under the Collar 6. Head in the Sand
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All your real estate questions answered, with Darren Latty ~ darren@prd.net.au I’VE been getting a lot of questions from clients, friends and family at the moment about the state of the property market. There’s been a great deal of uncertainty caused by media speculation – not least the economist who recently appeared on 60 Minutes claiming prices were to crash by 50%. What he was talking about was the impact of a mine closing in a specific area, not the market in general as the pre-show marketing alluded to. The next minute auction clearance rates are up and things are looking more positive. Then the negative gearing debate ramps up again and all kinds of predictions are being made. Just this morning I read “Apartment bust to shock tens of thousands of investors, report suggests”. Turns out they’re talking specifically about small one bedroom apartments, and that actually more two and three bed places are needed – but I bet there are many people who stopped at the headline and are now convinced that no unit is worth buying.
My advice to everyone is to focus on what the LOCAL market is doing. Find out what has sold in your area recently and what kind of buyers are looking for property like yours. What predictions are being made for where you live or want to buy. Speak to agents to find out what a likely price will be and then decide if that will be enough to help you reach your goals. Trends are great to give an indication but the only things that really matters to you is what YOUR property will achieve and whether that’s enough for your needs. Agonising over what could have been if you’d sold a couple of months ago will not help you get more for your property. Find a dedicated agent with a realistic price point and a well thought out marketing strategy! You can guarantee there are people who make money in the property market whatever its state. My advice is to make sure you’re getting the right advice from the right people; and read beyond the headlines!
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realestate real
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realestate / sport real
Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
THE SMART LINE with Steve Roddick
Good news for buyers as housing market predicted to ease further! GOOD news budding buyers, you could find your property journey getting that much easier over the next few years as the housing market continues to soften from its unbelievable highs. After CoreLogic RP Data reporting close to 11 per cent year-on-year housing median value gains in some cities over the last 12 months, buyers keen to get onto the property ladder will be breathing a sigh of relief as predictions of an easing market continue to mount. It might be time to re-evaluate how much you can borrow and what you might now be able to afford! The latest of these predictions come from a collaborative project between CoreLogic and Moody’s Analytics. Taking a slightly more long-term view, their new Australian Forecast Home Value Index is set to give homeowners an idea of what kind of real estate value changes to expect over the next 10 years. Their first expectation? Slower
value growth over the next year. “On the outlook for the housing market nationally, we expect house price appreciation to slow in 2016,” said Alastair Chan, an economist for Moody’s Analytics. “Our forecast reflects lower income growth as the Australian economy transitions away from mining-related investment, as well as the strong build-up of housing supply over the past two years.” Move over mining, it’s time for housing to take centre stage Industry bodies such as the Property Council are unlikely to be surprised by these conclusions. Using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, they concluded that even right now at the start of 2016, residential construction is what is driving the Australian economy. “Residential construction continues to surge and is delivering economic growth, jobs and investment,” said Property Council Chief of Policy and Housing Glenn Byres.
“The new data re-affirms the crucial role housing construction plays in our economy, particularly during the transitional phase underway.” First home buyers and downsizers alike should be jumping for joy in anticipation of incoming savings on their home loans. You can contact me anytime on 0420 289 381 for mortgage advice.
• Home Loans • Commercial Loans • Business Finance • Investing • Insurance • Car Finance
m 0420 289 381 | f 02 4786 1242 e sroddick@smartline.com.au
www.smartline.com.au/sroddick
Boom for Angus 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.
PENRITH’S Angus Brandt has been included in a 24-man Australian Boomers Squad for the Rio Olympic Games. “What we’ve done is ensured we have depth in all positions which will help us if injuries ever occur” said Australian head coach Andrej Lemanis. “We have a fantastic core group of players that has been with us for a significant amount of time now and we have some exciting young talent
that we have added to the squad.” A reduced squad of 16 will enter into a selection camp from July 5-10, once the Boomers commitments in the NBA and Europe conclude. “One of the reasons I like getting to 16 is because it’s not only about determining the final 12 but it’s the start of us working out our offensive and defensive structures”. “We need practices to be productive so that we can build as a team,” said Lemanis.
ANGHARAD: Was beaten upon debut but shouldn’t be a maiden much longer after a solid barrier trial win at Royal Randwick. She’s a young filly trained out of the John O’Shea yard. BOTRICELLO: Is another member of the Godolphin team shaping up in promising fashion. Came from a long way back for third in a heat without being fully extended. DAYSEE DOOM: Was making her second trial appearance when winning her heat by four lengths plus. Trained by Ron Quinton, the Domesday filly led through without being fully tested. GLENBAWN DAME: Has now trialled keenly on two occasions and although a narrow winner at the Randwick heats, did she do it easily. Ex-hoop Peter Robl looks a top training prospect. LOOK TO THE STARS: Wasn’t asked to do much when making good ground for second in a 1050m trial. From the David Vandyke stable which will shortly transfer to the Sunshine Coast. MORE WORLDLY: Is a member of the Gai Waterhouse team and has been taken along quietly despite being a three year old. He led throughout in his Randwick trial and Gai’s cracking team is winding up superbly. MOWGLI: Ranks among the biggest fillies in training. It is surprising she hasn’t measured up in stakes races of some description but last Friday’s Randwick trial win indicates she’ll enhance her record now. POTENT FORCE: Is also hulk of a thing by Fastnet Rock. Only a juvenile and looking to be a bit of an up and comer from the James Cummings operation.
Perfect start as Wanderers romp home 6-0 By Christian Layland
IT was the perfect start to NPL life for Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday after a second half explosion saw them defeat reigning champions Spirit FC 6-0 in their first ever match in the PS4 NPL2. The win was on the back of a five goal haul by substitute Lachlan Scott following a tight first half where neither team was on top. The result also means that Western Sydney Wanderers are the first NSW-based Hyundai A-League club to win a match in PS4 NPL2. Despite a strong pre-season heading into the match, the challenge could not have been bigger for the Western Sydney Wanderers as they took on last season’s champions Spirit FC in their first ever competition game. From the first minute it was an even contest with a lot of contested ball in the midfield and no clear cut chances for either side. Spirit FC were looking to spoil the welcome party for the Red & Black and while the Wanderers struggled to maintain possession in the early stages, the home team slowly began to take the ascendency leading into half time. If the first half was an arm-wrestle, the second half was almost the complete opposite as the Wanderers came out as a much stronger unit. Short, sharp passing was the order of the day and as the Red & Black maintained possession they began to create a number of chances despite struggling to convert. That all changed in the 59th minute as coach Trevor Morgan brought on centre forward Lachlan Scott and midfielder Mario Shabow. It only took Scott six minutes to open the scoring and create history by becoming the Wanderers’ first ever
goal scorer in NPL as he followed up a shot by a teammate to hit home the rebound. Only minutes later it was 2-0 and 3-0 as Scott claimed a hat-trick in seven minutes: knocking in a Mathieu Cordier for his second before combining with Tariq Maia for the hat-trick. His fourth was perhaps the most impressive of the lot as Scott picked up the ball in the attacking half, drove into the penalty box and powered the ball into goal. Scott soon wrapped up his impressive cameo with a fifth goal before Maia scored one of his own to make it 6-0 against a shell-shocked Spirit FC. It wrapped up the perfect day for Western Sydney Wanderers who won
all seven grades in their NPL debut on a day that will remain long in the club’s memory. Up next for the Red & Black is Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Popondetta Park on Saturday 12 March. First Grade kicks-off at 7pm with lower grades playing all day. Western Sydney Wanderers 6 (Lachlan Scott 65’ 70’ 72’ 85’ 87’ Tariq Maia 91’) Spirit FC 0 Western Sydney Wanderers: Matt Symes, Jackson Bandiera (Mathieu Cordier 46’), Shayne D’Cunha, Abdelrahman Kuku, Lachlan Roberts, Keanu Baccus, Liam Youlley, Tariq Maia, Alusine Fofanah (Mario Shabow 59’), Josh Macdonald (Lachlan Scott 59’), Kyle Cimenti
Unused subs: Nick Suman, Cameron Devlin U20s: WSW 6-1 Spirit FC (Brenton Fox x5, Ramy Najjarine) U18s: WSW 3-2 Spirit FC (Moudi Najjar, Lachlan Campbell) U16s: WSW 5-1 Parramatta FC (Bailey Rule x3, Jarrod Carluccio, Oliver Wiggin) U15s: WSW 8-1 Parramatta FC (Jackson Mortimer x3, Michael OseiAdomako x2, Lochlan Constable, Nathan Tohme, Adrian Viggiani) U14s: WSW 2-0 Parramatta FC (Dimitri Kostopoulos, Yinka Sunmola) U13s: WSW 8-2 Parramatta FC (Gabriel Popovic x2, Harry Skotadis x2, Israel Ekundayo, Stavros Palapanis, Ryan Skender, Evan Souris)
Panthers split opening round THE Penrith Basketball Association has opened the 2016 Waratah Youth League competition with split results. The Division One women rallied late against the Hornsby Spiders at Thornleigh, recovering from a 5-point deficit at the end of the third term to run out 67-65 winners. The Division One men were playing at home against the Inner West Bulls, following a late change of venue. The Panthers failed to take advantage of the change of venue, falling 79-76. Penrith’s women’s team’s victory was a great result, as the squad has been dramatically altered by a late change of playing staff. Natalia Beaumont is out injured for an indefinite period, Tahlia Tupaea has ongoing commitments at the
Centre of Excellence in Canberra and Ashling O’Doherty has also moved to Canberra to attend University. Emily Potts was in great touch against the Spiders on Sunday, leading all scorers with 24 points, ahead of Ella Tofaeono with 15 and Chloe Bloom 13. Adam Lulka was Penrith’s leading scorer against the Bulls with 23 points, ahead of Sean Weekes 17 and Bryden Albertyn 11. The Penrith women host the Hills District Hornets at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre this Saturday, whilst the Penrith men host the Blacktown Storm – games at 3pm and 5pm respectively. The Division Two Youth League men’s team open their season with an away game to the St George Saints.
Penrith centre Chloe Bloom (grey) grabs an offensive rebound against the Spiders - photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
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Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
The lady behind Penrith’s
VILIAME Kikau’s career at Penrith is underway and the Fijian international couldn’t be happier with his new surrounds, saying it isn’t too different to former home, Townsville but adds that while the weather is similar to Townsville at the moment, he isn’t looking forward to the colder winters in Penrith. “I’m loving it so far (even) thou I’m still trying to get used to everything, the weather and getting around Penrith (which) like Townsville, isn’t too big,” Viliame said. “It’s been hot so far which I’m used to having come from Fiji to Townsville but it’s going to get much colder here which I’m not looking forward to.” It was initially feared the 198cm, 119kg prop would struggle to start in time for Round One as the Fijian international’s ankle took considerable time to recover from the surgery required to repair a season-ending injury suffered in the Holden Cup preliminary final. But Kikau won the battle, managing to play both trials before making his Intrust Super Premiership debut off the bench in Penrith’s 26-24 loss to Mounties last Saturday. While the 2015 RLPA Holden Cup Player of the Year harbours an ambition to play in the NRL at some stage during 2016, Kikau says his immediate goal is to get his body right and learn the plays, given the amount of pre-season spent in rehab. “My short term goal is to just try and get to the right body shape,” Kikau said. “I’m just trying to get there, know the plays and get along with the boys.” Kikau admitted it was a tough decision to leave the NRL premiers but says signing with Penrith will hopefully allow him to develop a playing career in the NRL alongside many of last year’s premiership winning Holden Cup side. “It was a hard decision for me with Cowboys obviously winning the NRL premiership,” Kikau stated. “But I signed with Penrith because development wise, with the club winning the 20s last year, the next couple of years they’ll be a very good club when these young blokes mould into a great first grade
Viliame Kikau with his Australian “homestay mum” Cheree Egan. Photo Supplied.
team and I wanted to be a part of that.” While Kikau’s efforts in the Holden Cup either playing up-front or on the edges as a back-rower yielded an incredible 23 tries, Kikau is adamant he is here at Penrith to develop solely as a prop forward. “I want to play mainly in the middle as a prop because I think playing on the edge is a bit hard for me as you have to do a lot of decision making in defence,” Kikau explained. “In the middle you also get to carry the ball forward and lead from the front, which I enjoy.” But as severe as the struggles were over the pre-season to overcome the ankle injury, it pails
into insignificance when compared to the incredible homesickness and shyness Kikau suffered when he first arrived in Australia in late 2013 and it could have been a vastly different story if it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication of Kikau’s “homestay mum”, Cheree Egan. Cheree, entrusted by the Cowboys to look after the Fijian prop, admits Kikau’s late-night arrival from Fiji was quite a shock that neither party were quite prepared for. “Towards the end of 2013, the (Cowboys) welfare and development officer rang and asked if I was interested in taking on a young boy,” Cheree explained. “He said “I’ve got this little Fijian lad coming over and I think given the
nature of your household I believe it will suit him down to the ground.” But that “the little Fijian lad” who was the youngest of seven with four sisters and two brothers was in fact a giant of a forward. “When he walked through the door that night I was beside myself thinking to myself oh my goodness what am I doing?” “Coming from a very traditional, very spiritual Fijian family into my one-parent family (with son Leigh and daughters Tenille and Courtney) that night I think that was very daunting for him.” Cheree admitted the settling in process for Kikau was difficult and was initially concerned by his oftenwithdrawn nature. “He couldn’t understand me because when I spoke to him everything came out (of my mouth) at a million miles an hour.” “He was also very shy and spoke very softly, almost to the point of mumbling and I would ask him repeatedly what he said and then think to myself “he must think I’m just useless.” “It often meant that Vili (Viliame) was reluctant to leave his room.” Through time, Cheree learnt that Viliame was a deeply spiritual person, who needed time to himself and draw from within to resolve his issues or concerns before opening up with her about those issues. “From time to time, he would totally revert within himself to assess situations that bothered him and would go for days without communicating much,” Cheree explained. “But thankfully he’d later open up and discuss what was bothering him so being able to keep that line of communication open was important.” Often those discussions would revolve around family and how different life in Australia was compared to what he was used to growing up in Fiji, which Cheree believes Kikau draws upon as motivation for his rugby league career. “He’d open up about his family and how they lived and the hardship he faced and conquered over there,” Cheree explained. “Vili talked about the tough life he had and how sometimes his mother had to make do with what little food they had to cook meals.” “His passion is to succeed so that
man mountain Viliame Kikau
Penrith’s Viliame Kikau takes a power of stopping close to the line. Credit: 77 Media
his family can benefit as well from his career.” “They are a very together family which has given him a lot of support and encouragement and don’t place expectations on him, which a lot of families tend to do.” “It also motivates him to have his parents come over one day and see him play which would be his ultimate.” Cheree said the family really came together when they decided to start watching Kikau’s matches. “My son Leigh came home after a game and said that he thought Vili would really like it if we all came to the game,” Cherlie said. “I said to him do you mind if we come and watch and he replied that would be so nice as he didn’t think I liked it (rugby league) enough to come and watch him.” Cheree says while Kikau grew in confidence as a player, he didn’t
enjoy the adulation that came with his eye-catching performances. “Last year Vili grew so much in confidence, but he can be hard on himself,” Cheree said. “Even if he has an outstanding game and people promoted him he didn’t like it.” “But as time has gone on he’s learned to gracefully accept that people can say nice things about him because he is that person and he has achieved that.” Having overcome the struggles the former Fijian schoolboy centre faced in making the decision to resist the temptation to return to rugby not long after arriving in Townsville, his contractual negotiations that led to Kikau signing with Penrith was a heart-breaking yet necessary decision that had to be made according to Cheree. “The negotiation process (for his next contract) was terrible, going
from mid-April through to when he finally signed (June).” “Decision-making isn’t his strength and it was quite a difficult decision for him to make.” “Several times we both started talking and we both got emotional with it and I wasn’t even the one making the decision.” Despite hoping Kikau would remain in Townsville, Cheree was relieved when the decision was made to sign with Penrith. “I said to him you’ve got to look at what’s best in terms of where you’re going to be able to feel safe and secure.” “Where you’re going to feel happy is where you need to go because unless you’re happy, you’re not likely to play your best football and be looked after.” “Whilst I wanted him to stay, him staying here I don’t think was meant to be.”
Cheree says that Kikau’s move south has been made easier given his girlfriend also moved with him. “I think now that Brittany’s moved down there to be with him, Vili’s going to be able to settle.” “His confidence will grow and I think he’s going to only get better and succeed.” “He’s going to have the highs and lows throughout his career and I hope he realises how wonderful he is not just as a player but as a person so that he can jump those hurdles.” And while Cheree admits Kikau’s move was gut-wrenching, she says he will always be a part of the family no matter where he is. “We’ll always be there to celebrate his success and if ever he needs support we’ll always be there for him too.” “He’ll always be a part of this family.”
37 Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
penrith panthers celebrating local 50 years localnews
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penrith sport panthers celebrating 50 years
Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
REPEAT SETS WITH STEW MOSES
@THERIFFMARN
LOSS COSTLY IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE It may have been an unusually hot 34 degrees at GIO Stadium but Panthers coach Anthony Griffin was decidedly cool after the game explaining how Penrith threw away a fantastic opportunity to lose 30-22 to the Canberra Raiders. The loss was compounded with news of another major injury for Penrith with hooker, James Segeyaro, playing his 100th NRL game, suffering a fractured forearm during the second half. The injury together with the loss overshadowed the excitement surrounding the NRL debut of Junior Kiwi wrecking ball, James Fisher-Harris, at Elijah Taylor’s expense. Penrith started the stronger but opted to take an easy penalty conversion from in front when it appeared Canberra’s defensive line looked ready to melt in the heat. Canberra took advantage of the Penrith’s conservative mind set, scoring three tries to one to dominate all but the last five minutes of the first half to lead 16-8. But the Panthers finished the half with a flurry to level the scores after Peta Hiku followed in Trent Merrin’s footsteps to become the second club debutant to score a try before Jamie Soward potted over his second penalty goal of the half after the siren. Penrith regained the lead early in the second half with a converted try to Josh Mansour after some nice lead-up work from Jamie Soward and Tyrone Peachey. But from there the Panthers failed to complete a set of six for over twenty minutes before losing the game in dying seconds 30-22. While Griffin thought his side were on top at halftime, he lamented how Penrith beat themselves in the second half rather than the opposition beating Penrith. “I thought we were going in (to halftime) on top and found the first try (in the second half),” Griffin said. “But from then on we couldn’t string any possession (together).” “I think we completed at one stage 6 from 14 and it’s very hard to win at this level with that completion (rate).” The loss was compounded when Griffin confirmed that James Segeyaro will miss six-eight matches with a fractured forearm, meaning it will be over twelve months before Penrith’s first choice spine has the opportunity to play 80 minutes together.
James Segeyaro sidelined for up to eight weeks with fractured forearm. Credit 77 Media.
Adding to Penrith’s woes was the second half penalty count that favoured Canberra 6-2 but Griffin also refused to use that as an excuse for the loss. “We’re not going to make any excuses,” Griffin said. “If we were a bit more patient with the ball we would not be in the position we’re now in at the moment.” Griffin despite the loss was pleased with the efforts of James Fisher-Harris, who joined Isaah Yeo (2014), Reagan Campbell-Gillard and George Jennings (2015) as a recent opening round NRL debutant for the Panthers. “We’re not throwing jerseys away, he earned his spot in the trials,” Griffin said. “Like of all us he made one bad decision trying to squeeze a ball out but he defended very well.”“He wasn’t out of place out there today.” Griffin also said there were positives heading into this Thursday night’s home game against a Bulldogs side high on confidence after their resounding 28-6 win over Manly. “I thought we kept going, we were resilient,” the new Panthers coach said. “With a minute and a half remaining given the predicament we put ourselves in, we were still a chance of winning the game which says something about the glass half full.” “We just need to get a little bit smarter, a little bit more patient with the ball and be a bit more resilient and things will get a lot better.”
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THE Panthers don’t get too much time to lick their wounds, taking on the Bulldogs this Thursday night at home. The game is special for the Panthers given the Bulldogs were the first team to play the Panthers 50 years ago and a commemorative jersey that largely replicates the one worn back in 1967 will be worn this Thursday night. In team news, Tyrone Peachey replaces James Segeyaro at hooker while Elijah Taylor returns to a five-man bench that also includes Wests Tigers recruit, Sitaleki Akauola and last Saturday’s debutant James Fisher-Harris. The team is: W Smith, Mansour, Hiku, Blake, D WateneZelezniak, Soward, Wallace (C), McKendry, Peachey, Campbell-Gillard, Cartwright, Yeo, Merrin Interchange: Fisher-Harris, Latimore, Matagi, Taylor, Akauola (one to be omitted) The Bulldogs equally have their own injury issues with Michael Lichaa and Chase Stanley ruled out although they do welcome back from suspension, prop David Klemmer. The two sides have been evenly matched in recent years with both teams winning three games a-piece. Last year, Penrith won the corresponding home fixture 24-18 and will be looking for a similar performance against a Bulldogs side high on confidence after their win 28-6 win over Manly last Friday night.
A WIN is already vital for the Panthers given they then face the prospect of playing competition favourites, the Brisbane Broncos in what should be a cracking game the following Saturday night at Pepper Stadium. The game is an early chance for Panthers coach, Anthony Griffin to prove a point to the powers that be at Brisbane that he didn’t deserved to be hooked for Wayne Bennett and will hopefully be boosted by the return of Matt Moylan (back), Leilani Latu (sternum) and Dean Whare (calf). The Panthers do have recent home form against the Broncos having won the past four home games since their last loss back in 2009, including their heartstopping win last win at home against Brisbane, 3534 back in 2014. Be there and show your #PantherPride.
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GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES
One CEO Down, One to Go as Changes Take Shape As reported by Nepean News, Panthers Group Chairman, Brian Fletcher (not to be confused with that other Bryan of Fox Sports fame as I was reminded by some funny people on social media last week) stood down from the board as well as his role as Hawkesbury Race Club CEO to take up the Panthers Group CEO role vacated by Warren Wilson. The appointment meant a reshuffle at the board level with Dave O’Neill the new Board Chairman with Panthers legend, Greg Alexander elevated to deputy. In further good news for the club, Phil Gould will remain on board for another four years although it’s expected that at some point within that period his role with the club will diminish. With the key board and club management roles now resolved, the focus has turned to appointing a football CEO to replace Justin Pascoe, who resigned last August to take up the Wests Tigers CEO role. The Sunday Telegraph suggested that the Panthers are hoping to hire a CEO from a rival out-of-town club. Nepean News understands that candidate could well be currently operating north of Penrith at this point in time. Watch this space.
Six Months is a Long Time in Footy In the aftermath of Elijah Taylor’s shock demotion to the newly named Intrust Super Premiership (doesn’t that make for a long hashtag) clash versus Mounties, spare a thought for Tupou Sopoaga. Six months ago the former Cronulla Sharks backrower was playing NRL but Sopoaga didn’t even get any game time in Round One of the Intrust Super Premiership, making way for Taylor.
Injury News Panthers coach Anthony Griffin recently confirmed that Matt Moylan (back) is more likely to return against Brisbane in Round Three as is Dean Whare (calf), given the short five-day turnaround from the Raiders clash. James Segeyaro’s fractured forearm could not have come at a worse time for the club with backup hooker, Sione Katoa (knee) still at least a week away. It also remains to seen whether Leilani Latu (sternum), who was not named in any grade, will return to play his former club this Thursday night.
@THERIFFMARN
audience by 0.4% to 7.2% of the breakfast timeslot.
And Its’ Been a Good Week for….. Holden V8 Supercars driver and Panther fanatic, James Courtney who won one of the races in Adelaide last weekend and in the process let loose his famous alter-ego Frank. While Panther fan, Kyah Simon and the Matildas are off to the Olympics having qualified their way through the Asian qualification series with a game to spare.
The special 1967 strip that will be worn this Thursday night against the Bulldogs. Credit: 77 Media
1967 Commenerative Jersey Confirmed As predicted last edition, the Panthers will wear a special 1967 inspired heritage jersey to commemorate Penrith’s first ever clash in the top flight which was against this Thursday night’s opponents, Canterbury Bulldogs. They showed plenty of fight that day at Belmore Sports Ground before going down 15-12 and fifty years later its remarkable that the likes of David Applebee, Ron Workman, Laurie Fagan, Wayne Peckham, Maurie Raper, Tony Brown, Neil Bailey, Tom Wilson, Warren Crotty, Grahame Moran and ball boy Cliff Cartwright will be on hand this Thursday night to help celebrate the 50 year milestone.
Panthers Weekly Returns Great to see that the Panthers Weekly podcast under Ben “Teach” Cummins and Daniel Lang is back with more support than ever from the Panthers hierarchy it would seem. They’ve started off with a bang too, last week speaking to coach Anthony Griffin first up before this week talking to Panther of the moment, James Fisher-Harris. The podcast is a great concept built around being “by the fans - for the fans” but with plenty of other local media outlets expanding their coverage to similar platforms in 2015, hopefully they will be afforded that same level of access by the club.
Ratings News The Round One clash versus Canberra despite a mid-Saturday afternoon timeslot, still managed to attract a healthy 211,000 viewers to Fox Sports. And in radio ratings news released earlier today, Nepean News’ Mark ‘MG’ Geyer and the Grill Team’s popularity continued to rise, increasing their
39 Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
penrith panthers celebrating 50 years sport
Lower Grades News Losses in both Holden Cup and the Intrust Super Premiership completed a forgettable day out for the Panthers. In a see-sawing affair in the Holden Cup, Penrith led 22-12 at half-time but despite a twotry performance from Robert Jennings, Canberra prevailed 36-34 where one missed goal from Nathan Cleary proved to be the difference as both sides scored six tries a-piece. A similar story in the Intrust Super Premiership with a young Panthers side skipping out to a handy 14-4 lead midway through the first half before scores were tied at half-time. But a glut of possession midway through the second half, enabled the more-experienced Mounties outfit to lead 26-18 lead before a late Chris Smith try cut the margin to within two points. Once again, goal-kicking was the difference, with both sides scoring five tries a-piece, including a double to Te Maire Martin in a performance that left many fans demanding his inclusion in this week’s NRL side as a replacement for injured hooker, James Segeyaro.
Junior Reps News A mixed fortnight for Penrith’s junior rep teams. In SG Ball, Penrith are in 6th position after defeating Cronulla 28-18 (Round 3) but succumbing to Illawarra 30-18 (Round Four). Penrith’s Harold Matts side are in 11th position after drawing 28-all against Cronulla and defeating Illawarra 30-0. This Sat is a double-header at Pepper Stadium with Penrith taking on West Coast (SG Ball) and South West Sydney Academy (Harold Matts) as a precursor to the Intrust Super Premiership clash between Penrith and North Sydney at 3pm. See you at the game!
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Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
MG ON THE MARK
WITH MARK GEYER
GAME CHANGER IN NRL BUNKER
THE Panthers travelled down to the nation’s capital last Saturday in what is a usual cold and frosty arena to play rugby league on. But what greeted them was ‘foot of the mountains on a hot day weather’, OK good start. In a ‘tooing and frowing’ type of game both teams looked good, in particular Will Smith was dangerous for the Panthers. This kid is our most underrated player. Bryce Cartwright also looked dangerous with every touch being just about our only option for any second phase play. With scores level at half time at 16 all it was anybody’s game after a Josh Mansour try and a Soward goal. Coach Griffin’s men looked in control, but a try to Sezer in the 55th minute then a couple of penalty goals to Croker and a try on the bell to Fensom, the Raiders took out a fatiguing 30-22 points victory. A broken arm to Dynamo James Segyaro exacerbates the conundrum facing Anthony Griffin in an expected tough struggle this week against the Doggies. But as they say when one door closes another opens, “who for?” is the question. New signing Zach Docker-Clay or young gun Soni Luke? Or Wallace into hooker and throw Te Maire Martin his maiden first grade jersey? So many questions so early in the year, but decisions obviously have to be made. Personally I think Docker-Clay looked great in ‘Reggies’ so he’d be my pick.
Anyhoo, how good was it to have the footy back! Although the Penny Panthers were on the wrong end of the score line this time, there was still lots to be excited by. And another thing.... A lot was spoken and written about the ‘NRL Bunker’ this off-season and to be totally honest I thought it would be a “slow work in process” type of venture but to everyone’s amazement it went off without one hint of a gremlin. Now I know it is only one round old, but how refreshing was it to see the game ‘quickened up’ with astute, precise, and transparent decisions, in EVERY game? We as fans have been crying out for consistency in the ruling of tries for years now and it’s been most league-lovers bug bear. But kudos to the hierarchy, it’s only early days but it looks like the bunker (and the adjustment to the interchange from 10 to 8) has been a profoundly significant addition to the game that was a long time over due. See you at the game....
MG (random Westie) OAM
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Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
“We were the better team”: Merrin By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn
IT wasn’t the best start to Trent Merrin’s career at Penrith but the star Panthers signing said there were plenty of positives despite the loss with a short turnaround before Penrith’s first home game against the Bulldogs this coming Thursday night. “It wasn’t the result we wanted but it was definitely the style of play we are looking at playing,” Merrin said. “It was definitely a great effort by all the boys, it was just the little things that we know and have touched on already (since full time) that didn’t go our way today.” Merrin felt Penrith were the better side despite the scores being level at half-time but said poor execution in the second half proved costly in the end. “It was great to come in equal at half-time,” Merrin explained. “We all stayed composed and we knew how we needed to get the job done and I think we were the better team.” It’s just that we didn’t execute at the crucial points of the game (during the second half). Merrin confirmed that the loss of James Segeyaro with a fractured forearm 15 minutes into the second half proved costly as the Panthers lost
Merrin about to crash over and score his first try as a Panther: Credit: NRL Photos
direction in attack with his absence. “Yeah it was, he’s a crucial part of this team so to take a blow like that really hurt us,” the representative forward stated. “But in saying that we’ve got a lot of depth in the team for someone to come in, step up and take on the role.” Merrin despite the loss, was reasonably happy with his game whereby he churned out 165 metres
from 15 runs, made 26 tackles, produced one off-load and broke the line to score his second try at GIO Stadium in consecutive seasons. “I think whenever a front-rower crosses the line they’re due a bit of luck there,” Merrin said. “Chicko (James Segeyaro) put it on the spot and I was just glad to score my first try in a Panthers jersey.” Merrin echoed the thoughts of coach
Anthony Griffin and skipper Peter Wallace that the heat combined with the introduction of shot clocks, was not a factor in Penrith’s demise today. “It’s always tough playing in the heat but it’s about 40 degrees in Penrith anyway so I thought we handled it pretty well,” Merrin exclaimed. “It was definitely hard to play round one in heat like that but it’s great just to get our first proper hit out of the way.” Despite the loss, Merrin says there are plenty of positives to take into the clash against the Bulldogs. “We’ve taken a lot of positives out of this game,” Merrin confirmed. “I thought we were the better team but it’s just that a lot of things that we did today we beat ourselves.” “We can take a lot of confidence out of that performance today if we touch up on those areas at training and I’m sure we’ll put on a good performance against the Doggies.” Merrin acknowledged the Bulldogs however will pose a tough test for the Panthers after their big first up win over Manly last night. “They’re always a tough team to come up against,” Merrin said. “They have a big forward pack and they played awesome last night so they’ll be champing at the bit to come out so we’ve got to do our homework, get the bodies right and come prepared.”
“Let me play for Penrith”: Pat Cummins By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn
ONE of Penrith Cricket Club’s favourite sons, Pat Cummins says its exciting times for the Black Cats, having secured two home finals and leading the club championship with one round remaining. “The last couple of years I’ve been in and out a little bit,” Cummins told Nepean News. “But it’s been a young club for the past five or six years.” “It’s great to see first grade do well and it’s filtered through all the other grades as well.” “If four out of the five grades can make the finals it will be an unbelievable achievement when you consider there’s twenty teams and that puts us in a good position to win a club championship which is really exciting.” It’s nearly six months since Cummins has been side lined with the back injury but the international fast bowler says he hopes to bowling again in coming weeks. “It’s pretty slow going at the moment (the recovery process),” Cummins stated. “It’s been five and a half months
Pat Cummins (right) interviewing England Cricket Coach and Penrith CC legend, Trevor Bayliss at the Captains’ Lunch hopes to be swapping the microphone for the ball sooner rather than later. Photo: Ray Hudswell
since I did the injury and I’m back running, fully training, doing pilates in the gym, those types of things I’m doing every day.” “Hopefully I can start bowling again in the next few weeks and it will take a couple of months to build up so sometime in the off season I’ll be right to resume playing.” Whilst a return to competitive bowling remains some way off, Cummins still hasn’t given up of
playing for the Black Cats as a batsman, as they look to win their third first grade premiership although he admits it’s only a slim chance at this stage he’ll be cleared to play. “I’m trying to argue with the physios to let me play (for Penrith) but it’s a very slim chance,” Cummins confirmed. “I’ve got another scan in a week or two that will hopefully let me start bowling again and if so hopefully I
should be able to at least bat in a game so we’ll see how we go.” Cummins is no stranger to having played for Penrith purely as a batsman and even has a first grade century against his name, something his older brother and first grade wicketkeeper, Tim has yet to achieve which is clearly a source of playful banter between the brothers. “He’s played a lot more first grade than I have and had a lot more opportunities than me but he still hasn’t got the hundred,” Cummins said. “He has scored a few runs this season and got close recently (scoring 93 not out versus RandwickPetersham earlier in the season) but hopefully it doesn’t take him another six or seven years to finally get that hundred.” Should Cummins fail in his bid to get the green light to resume playing with Penrith, he hopes to be involved the club in some capacity coming into the finals series. “I’m not sure how much help I’m going to be but I hope to be involved,” Cummins said. “I’m great mates with most of the guys in the team and always keep an eye on what’s going on here.”
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Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
BEHIND THE STUMPS
WITH STEW MOSES @THERIFFMARN
Black Cats Overcome Bogey Team to Secure Home Final. The Black Cats defeated bogey team, Sydney University for the first time in ten seasons in a tense low-scoring affair at Howell Oval last Saturday. Penrith’s seventh win (to go with a draw) from as many rounds, secured a home final and cannot finish lower than third with this Saturday’s final round match versus Blacktown at Joe McAteer Oval being a one day clash. In fact a win over Blacktown coupled with defeat by fellow co-leaders, Bankstown at the hands of a Parramatta side fighting for that last finals spot, will see Penrith become minor premiers. Sydney University won the toss and elected to bat but scored only 176 with Ryan Smith securing his second five wicket haul of the season (5/53), ably supported by spinner Jake Wholohan (3/72). Debutant fast bowler, Kaine Balgowan (Player #209) took 2/18. The run chase was tense with the Black Cats made to work hard for their runs. Matthew Hopkins (41) and Ryan Hackney (31) put on 71 for the second wicket but their dismissals early on Day Two, sparked a collapse that saw Penrith in trouble at 5/116. But a 48 run sixth-wicket partnership between Tim Cummins (48) and Jake Wholohan (22) put the Black Cats within reach before Michael Collins (30*) and skipper Matt Halse (13) steered Penrith to a three wicket victory before the match ended with Penrith reaching 8/207 in the 94th over. First grade coach Steve Small says despite Sydney University’s lowly position on the ladder, to defeat them is a bonus given they have been such a hard club to play against. “You play Sydney University, they have had a winning culture for over ten years and they are not an easy club to beat,” Small said. “They will fight every step of the way and that’s how it panned out yesterday.” “But we got the money and that’s what we’ve done all year; found ways to win in different situations.” Small says the team deserves to fight it out with Bankstown for the minor premiership and that winning the club championship on top would be a fitting achievement for the club. “We’ve earnt the right to be at the top of the tree with Bankstown and that’s a real feather in our cap.” “If we can finish equal first with Bankstown then it’s been an absolutely sensational summer for the club and winning the club championship would be the icing on the cake.”
But Poor Results Sees Club Championship Race Go Down to the Wire Despite a win in first grade, Penrith’s only other win came in fourth grade.
That winning feeling when captain Matt Halse hugs debutant Kaine Balgowan after he took his maiden wicket with his very first ball in first grade. Credit: 77 Media
Consequently, Penrith (1215) saw their club championship lead reduced to just 12 points heading into the final round of the season against 16th placed Blacktown. Sydney (1203) who play Randwick-Petersham (11th), St George (1133) who play Manly (8th) and Sutherland (1125) who play Wests (19th), are within striking distance of snatching the coveted title.
Penrith’s Finals Equations Fifth grade’s outright loss to Sydney University last Saturday sees them out of the top six and could result in the Black Cats having just three grades playing in the finals, with firsts, seconds and fourths all sitting in second position going into the final round. While both first and second grade have secured home finals, second grade’s surprise loss last Saturday sees them relinquish top spot but they will finish no worse than second. Fourth grade also sit in second position but must win this Saturday to secure a home final otherwise they will finish as low as fifth.
fitness is still not where he would like it to be in order to play first grade.
Coach to Quit at Season’s End Steve Small has confirmed that his third season as Black Cats coach will be his last. “This is my third year and I’ve decided this will be my last,” Small stated. “It’s been a three-year plan and I’ve really enjoyed it.” “The club is in pretty good shape now and after three years they stop listening to you anyway,” Small joked. Small also confirmed that while he won’t rule coaching elsewhere next year, he has yet to talk to other clubs. “I’m not sure what I will be doing next year as you never say never (in regards to coaching again) but I haven’t spoken to anyone else as yet,” Small said. “But I don’t want this to be about me this week as we’ve got a club championship to win and we’ve got finals to play.”
Captain’s Lunch a Resounding Success Injury Update Penrith coach Steve Small has confirmed Josh Lalor is pushing to return a week earlier than expected but added he won’t be rushed back if he isn’t 100 percent fit for the Blacktown clash. “We’ll know more about Josh this week,” Small confirmed. “I think he’s aiming to play in this game (versus Blacktown).” “Obviously he’ll have to have a bowl during the week and he’s been working pretty hard on his injury.” “But we won’t be risking him if there is any doubt and we’ll save him for the qualifying final the following week if that’s the case.” Small also confirmed that the news isn’t so bright for Chris Withers, with the fast bowler still struggling to overcome a back injury. Meanwhile Pat Jackson’s comeback plans have been aborted, with the former O’Reilly Medallist citing his
Last Friday week, Penrith held its annual Captains’ Lunch which featured the likes of Chappell brothers, Ian and Trevor, Pat Cummins, Dave Renneberg, current English cricket coach and former Black Cat, Trevor Bayliss and Penrith Panthers NRL coach, Anthony Griffin. With over 260 people in attendance at Pepper Stadium’s Chairman’s Lounge, the lunch was a success and exceeded all fund-raising expectations according to management committee member, Ron Halse. “Very successful, one of our better ones although they’ve all been good,” Halse said. “We don’t get as much funding as some of the other Sydney clubs so any funds raised is important in terms of helping the club.” “But this (function) also enables us to make a donation to charity group, The Great Walk Foundation, which looks after the needs of disabled children.” #LoveTheCats
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COACH’S CORNER
BROCK SHEPPERD NRL Level 3 High Performance Rugby League Coach Masters of Coach Education, Sydney University Listen in to the Fifth and Last NRL Podcast, available every Wednesday in the Podcast App, iTunes and on audioBoom b.shepperd@hotmail.com
CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL COACHES
COACHES are obsessed with wanting to be right… Selecting the best team, running the best training sessions each week and trying to ensure they keep everyone happy. Forget it! It is not about being right. It is all about getting it right. What’s the difference? Wanting to be right is often personified by an insular ‘my way or the highway’ mentality. Getting it right is all about seeking best practice and process to become as intelligent and efficient as possible irrespective of your chosen area of expertise. When we look specifically at coaching the vital skills in becoming successful in my experience are often the most obvious and overlooked. Acknowledge that you do not know everything. Identify your weaknesses and appoint people to your coaching staff whose strengths lay in the areas of your weakness. You can’t learn anything with your
mouth open. Listen and learn. Seek information on best practice from experts within your chosen field. Read as much as possible and take notes to formulate your own best practices and processes. The ability to listen, learn and prepare with a strong work ethic cannot be underestimated on the road to becoming successful. Successful coaches often exhibit the following characteristics and traits: 1. They show players respect and earn their trust. There is no doubt that coaches need to be fair and create a fun and enjoyable environment, however they also need to ensure when needed that they have the ability to be stern and maintain discipline. 2. They leave no stone unturned in preparation and they demonstrate the same work ethic to which they demand of their players. Do as I say, not as I do just doesn’t cut it in coaching. A coach who works just as hard, if not harder than the players in preparation will
earn the trust and respect of the playing group very quickly. 3. They are fair and consistent with all players, even if they do not treat all players the same. Rules and expectations need to be applied consistently to all players but will not necessarily be delivered in the same manner to each individual player. Players respond differently to varied approaches and the challenge for a coach is to understand which approach brings out the best performance in each of their individual players. 4. They create an environment where all players want to be there and where everyone thrives on and enjoys the hard work and challenging situations. Are the players and coaching staff at training because they need to be there, or because they want to be there? When everyone buys into working hard and constantly competing to become better the growth of the team will exceed expectations.
5. They know the game. Because they seek best practice, they surround themselves with the best people in order to move the team forward, they do not care about being right they just want to get it right, they are highly intelligent, they are flexible and they are always looking for ways to improve themselves and the team through hard work and preparation. 6. They are not afraid of admitting their mistakes and they make changes when necessary. It all comes back to wanting to get it right! Forget who is right or wrong just fix the error or deficiency as soon as possible. A coaches ability to make changes both on a major scale structurally to their overall program, tweaking training sessions and drills or even tactics within a game are all a reflection on the preparation of their team and the overall knowledge they have of their players and the team and club structure.
47 Nepean News 10 March 2016 Issue 170
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Thursday, 10 March 2016
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HARPO’S MARKS
LOOK, some of my L close friends are c gay. g Sure, it but really in my S i is i a cliché li case it is true. I have always supported the Gay Mardi Gras – but not to the extent of going half naked on a float in the parade. Which brings me to the NRL and why it put a float in last Saturday night’s Mardi Gras parade. The following is from the NRL website in spruiking its support of the parade: ”Saturday’s showpiece will have an overwhelming NRL presence, with club officials, cheerleaders and former greats of the game all taking part, while goal posts, AstroTurf and a special tribute to one of the voices of rugby league, Tina Turner, will complete the flourish of footy”. I fully support the NRL making a stand against homophobia but don’t you think they are going over the top with their float? Why not just have a giant “NRL
Against Homophobia” sign with a handful of well-known gay footballers such as Ian Roberts and...and....er. Not too many others admitting they are gay! Why? Because they still feel they would be ostracised by team-mates and the Beanies. A Beanie for the uninitiated is a rabid, one-eyed club supporter whose demeanour week to week depends on footy results on the weekend. To me it just looks like another publicity stunt by the NRL to promote the game. Instead of outlaying big dollars for the float, they would be better off putting the money back into Country rugby league where the game has been slowly dying now for 20 years. Each year rugby league in the bush is robbed of its emerging talent. These kids are identified as having potential as young as 11 or 12 with every club in the NRL sending talent scouts to knock-out competitions and representative age championships.
When they get to 15 or so they are whisked off to the city to attend some sports high school or go straight into the junior representative side. Umpteen kids each year are lured to the city by NRL clubs with the bait of a bit of money and the chance to make it into the big-time - only a handful of them go on to become professional footballers. The others? Well they have made new friends, perhaps found a partner and have no intention whatsoever in going back to their home towns. Ok, can’t criticise them for that. Surely the NRL can formulate a plan to boost league in the bush! Pay or subsidise the wages of guys getting on towards the end of their careers in the big-time and send them to country towns across the bush where their skills and experience can rub off on their country cousins. Just do something! NEARLY 50 years at this caper and I have had the privilege of meeting
a handful of great sportsmen and women who were also great people. Among those are Mick Cronin, Michael Wenden, Evonne Goolagong, Kevin Ryan and Peter Norman. Wayne Pearce can also be included in that list. So it makes me sad indeed to see what pain Junior’s son is inflicting on him and the family. Isn’t it amazing that people are always remorseful ... ...after they have been caught out! Pearce has been fined $125,000 and banned for eight weeks from playing in the NRL. What joke! I hope that $125,000 is paid to the NRL and put into...Country Rugby League... and not remain in the Rooster’s coffers. LOW MARKS I: The feathering of Mitchell Pearce’s knuckles LOW MARKS 2: League head honcho John Grant. Get rid of this imposter!