Nepean News 11 March 2022 DIGITAL by Nepean News

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ISSUE 324OWDIG

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith joined Mr Phil Willey of Quest Penrith to encourage people to apply for their $50 accommodation voucher which is now available as part of the NSW Government’s $250 million Stay NSW program. Stuart Ayres said the voucher initiative is a commitment to bolster the accommodation industry while getting people excited to travel in NSW. “This is a win-win for the local community – the vouchers will give hard hit businesses much needed stimulus, while also encouraging residents to explore our great State,” Stuart Ayres said. “The Stay NSW program has been expanded and fast-tracked, so people can enjoy a staycation sooner. Whether it’s a quiet country inn, the family-run caravan park or a hotel in the Sydney CBD, every budget needs a boost this year.

“Applying is fast and simple via the Service NSW mobile app, through the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88 for assistance. “People can pool the $50 Stay NSW Vouchers with relatives or mates, with no redemption limit. Apply as soon as you can so you can check-in somewhere special and check-out somewhere new.” Mr Willey said these vouchers are great for us as having people book direct means they are supporting local businesses. There are more than 1,200 Stay NSW businesses registered across the State but it is not too late for accommodation premises to get on board. Stay NSW Vouchers are valid until 9 October, 2022. Participating businesses will be able to redeem vouchers seven days a week, including public holidays. Customers will be able to search for places to stay on the easy-to-use business finder. For more information, including details on eligibility plus how and when to apply, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/stay-nsw

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

95B Station St, Penrith Editor: Sales Manager: Sales: Sales: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Editor: Photographer: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Flood disaster assistance

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Greg Yanda 0425 232 043 Dale “Tex” Walker 0411 627 113 Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com issuu.com/nepeannews

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he Penrith RSL Evacuation Centre has been activated for residents who have been displaced by the flood waters. Health, welfare, and NSW Police staff are on site to assist. Penrith RSL is located at 8 Tindale Street, Penrith. Take care driving on the roads if you are making your way about the area or heading to the Evacuation Centre. For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts: • NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au • RMS Live Traffic: Live Traffic NSW

• Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: Central Coast Rainfall and River Conditions • Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/ • Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/ • BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW

local news

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The C-17 Globemaster being loaded, leaving the loading area and taking off (below). Photos courtesy of Defence Media By Noel Rowsell

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster III departed RAAF Base Richmond on 2 March 2022, carrying vital military equipment and medical supplies for Ukraine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said last week Australia would provide significant additional military assistance and emergency humanitarian support to help the people of Ukraine following the brutal invasion by Russia. “Australia stands in solidarity with our friends and partners in supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia utterly for its unprovoked and unjustified attack on its neighbour,” Mr Morrison said. “Australia will provide around $70 million in lethal military assistance to support the defence of Ukraine, including missiles and weapons. “We will also provide a range of non-lethal military equipment and medical supplies in response to a specific request from the Ukrainian government. “Our contributions will complement actions taken by partners such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the European Union and other European nations – each of which we welcome. “We will work with and through our closest partners and allies to supplement the already substantial support from the international community. “Australia will also commit immediate humanitarian assistance of an initial $35 million to help meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people.

“This assistance will deliver lifesaving services and supplies, including the provision of shelter, food, medical care and water. “Our lethal and non-lethal military assistance, along with our humanitarian funding, are in addition to the significant sanctions we have already imposed on Russia. “With the situation now seriously deteriorating after Russia’s invasion, current indications are that at least 160,000 people have been displaced inside Ukraine and around half a million people have fled to neighbouring countries. “Numbers of displaced people will rise sharply as the security situation deteriorates further. “The cost of Russia’s aggression is being borne by innocent Ukrainians. “This is a challenge the international community will meet, and Australia stands ready to provide further humanitarian assistance to support the people of Ukraine, including those fleeing to neighbouring countries. “Russia’s actions are a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter. “There is no justification for these actions in Ukraine which are illegal, unjustified and unprovoked.”

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

Australian supplies headed to Ukraine

Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

local news

Emu Plains Lions announce Youth of the Year Winner By Noel Rowsell

mu Plains Lions have run the annual Youth of the Year event and Penrith Anglican School captain Ben Mallin has been named the winner, ahead of joint runnersup Maya Grantham (Penola Catholic College) and Penrith Junior Citizen of the Year Daena Madon (Penrith Anglican College). Ben’s list of achievements are extraordinary, featuring service to the community, participation in sport and running his own businesses. He participated in a Senior Year’s fundraising of $15,000 for the Starlight Foundation and Parkinson’s NSW, plus he participated in a service trip to Cambodia in order to serve the children and villages by making concrete paths and floors, a toilet block, providing teaching lessons, playing games and interacting with the kids, painting and handing out basic supplies Ben lives at Faulconbridge and plays football, cricket and futsal for both school and club teams on weekends but balances sport against his membership of the debating team and tutoring. He is a huge Wests Tigers NRL fan and runs a clothing brand called VRTX Activewear with 2 partners, working

Youth of the Year Finalists - (L) Ben Mallin at Rostrum - (R) Maya Grantham (Penola Catholic College), Ben Mallin (Penrith Anglican College), Daena Madon (Penrith Anglican College)

with influencers such as Olympic Diver Sam Fricker, Daine Laurie, Mo Ali FC, Ziggy Gordon and Tevita Funa. Ben also runs a Maths tutoring business for Year 4 to Year 12 students

and is a volunteer with the Rural Fire Service (RFS). Following his win, Ben moves on to the Area Final, sponsored by Emu Plains, to be held at Windsor on March 13.

Other Lions Clubs of Penrith, Cambridge Park and Blacktown Ponds are also sponsoring students from Penrith Selective HS, Glenmore Park HS and The Ponds HS respectively.

local news

Judges and students at Penrith Lions Youth of the Year presentation night. Photos supplied By Noel Rowsell

harles Wheeler of Penrith Lions reports last weekend three amazing students from Penrith High Schools nominated for the Youth of the Year honour, sponsored by the Penrith Lions Club. On Sunday, the three students were interviewed separately by a near-new

panel of judges and on the Monday night, in front of family, teachers and members of Penrith Lions and welcome guests from Cambridge Park Lions, they each responded to two impromptu questions and presented a five minute prepared speech on a topic of their choice. The candidates were Eden Micallef from Caroline Chisholm College,

Jamima Rumey Jiffrey from Penrith Selective High School and Noah Clifford from St Dominic’ s College. The judges were Dr Elise Wright (Western Sydney University), Sarah Wheeler (HR with an international company) and Grace Faulder (a previous winner and now an Occupational Therapist). Our winner was Jamima Rumey

Jiffrey, who was a fine representative of Penrith High School and demonstrated some marvellous Public Speaking skills with her speech on ‘The Paradox of Problem-Solving’. We wish Jamima well at the Regional event on March 13 at Windsor. The Penrith Lions would like to thank the Penrith Bowling Club for hosting the event.

Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

Penrith Lions announce Youth of the Year

Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

local news

Dutton meets with our SES volunteers

he Minister for Defence, Peter Dutton, joined Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh at SES Headquarters in Claremont Meadows early Wednesday morning to meet with local SES volunteers who have been responding to the floods. Minister Dutton and Ms McIntosh then visited the Defence Establishment at Orchard Hills to meet and have breakfast with local Army, Navy and Airforce Cadets. Ms McIntosh said she has been in contact with the Prime Minister and Defence Minister throughout the floods about the impact on her local community, and bringing Minister Dutton to meet the SES was an opportunity to thank our local volunteers for their extraordinary service. “This is the second time in 12 months that we have experienced extreme weather and floods. Our local emergency services have gone above and beyond to support those who have needed help. This includes working with the Australian Defence Force, to rescue a family from their flooded Werrington home. “Both the Minister and I wanted to thank our local volunteers for their tireless work, and great partnership with the ADF.”

At the Defence Establishment, Minister Dutton joined Ms McIntosh in hearing from cadets about their experiences and future plans. “The Minister and I share a keen interest in growing our cadets into

the next generation of inspiring leaders. Cadets develop a respect for our community and country, and commitment to service, which are extremely important whatever their future paths. Some of our cadets will be our future defence force men and

women, serving Australia. We also see cadets stepping up to provide support to community organisations during times of need, like with the floods. I’m so proud of our local young people,” said Ms McIntosh.

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local news

t takes a special kind of person to dedicate the significant amount of energy and effort that Daena Madon has to her local community. A local Glenmore Park resident, Daena has been awarded the NSW Government Community Service Award for her remarkable demonstration of community service at only 17 years of age. So many people have been touched by her incredible efforts and she was recently named Penrith’s Young Citizen of the Year. When Daena was only 12 years old, she convinced her parents to foster a Guide Dogs Australia puppy in an effort to assist a person who was vision impaired. For the past six years Daena has been a cadet with St John’s Ambulance and in 2020 was recognised for her service and volunteering efforts as their Senior Cadet. She has also been recognised by her school and by Volunteering Australia for her extraordinary dedication to community service as well as her contribution to volunteering. The charity group Variety has awarded Daena a commendation for donating her hair to children suffering from Alopecia. In addition to these impressive efforts, for the past two years, Daena has been designing and writing articles for the Lions Club of Emu Plains NSW, has been selected by the Rotary Club of Penrith to attend Rotary Youth Leadership camp and participated in the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Door Knock appeal. In recognition of Daena Madon’s enormous efforts it is more than deserving that she is awarded the NSW Government Community Service Award.

NSW Government Community Service Award - Daena Madon

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

local news Federal and state flood recovery assistance activated for Western Sydney LGAs

he Commonwealth Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Payment and the Disaster Recovery Allowance to support more communities in New South Wales, including the LGAs of: Blacktown, Blue Mountains and Penrith. The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, nonmeans tested payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child, and is available to eligible people in those affected LGAs who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury. Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the Australian Government has been swift to make financial help available because help is needed now. “We continue to closely monitor the flood emergency and our hearts go out to those people whose lives are being devastated,” Minister McKenzie said. “We have made financial help available now because we know the economic impact of disasters like these are felt long after the flood water recedes. “There will be some very tough, days, weeks and months ahead for thousands of people in Queensland and New South Wales, and the clean-up and recovery process will take time,” Minister McKenzie said. The Disaster Recovery Allowance will also be provided in the same affected LGAs. DRA assists employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. DRA is payable for a maximum of 13 weeks and is taxable. Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens (‘nonprotected’ Special Category Visa, subclass 444 holders) affected by the floods. Minister for Government Services, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said Services Australia has paid over $100 million in Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance to people impacted by the Queensland and New South Wales floods. “Supporting communities through crisis is what Services Australia is geared to do, and staff stand ready to process claims as quickly as possible to assist disaster-impacted communities,” Minister Reynolds said. “I encourage impacted residents to check their eligibility for the Disaster Recovery Payment and the Disaster Recovery Allowance on the Services Australia website, before lodging a claim for assistance.

“The easiest and quickest way to claim the Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance is online through myGov. If people require support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66. People who have more immediate priorities in these local government areas have 6 months to claim payments. “To provide further support, we are also pausing Centrelink debt raising and new debt recovery in the affected locations.” Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, urged flood-affected residents to apply for assistance. “Both the state and federal governments have moved quickly to activate support for our Western Sydney communities impacted by these awful floods,” Senator Payne said. “Over 69,000 disaster payments have now been paid by the federal government to support people impacted by these floods, totalling $83 million. “The Hawkesbury Nepean region is of particular concern given the very large swelling along the two rivers, the federal government will be working closely with the NSW Government and local authorities throughout the recovery process. “In my own community of Penrith, we’ve seen extraordinary acts of kindness and selflessness, and I know that has been repeated a thousand times across the breadth of New South Wales as emergency personnel, volunteers and residents work together to save lives and support each other.

Local resident Senator Marise Payne

“The impact to local infrastructure, particularly our local roads, has been severe, and of course the toll events like this take on people’s mental health is very concerning. “The Morrison Government stands ready to provide further assistance, and as with the bushfires we will work with communities on what will be a long road to recovery.” Online claiming via myGov is available 24x7. The Australian Government Emergency Information Line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time and this Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm local time. For more information on support available, visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster

Job protection for flood emergency volunteers Premier Dominic Perrottet has activated employment protections for volunteers to ensure they cannot be unjustly fired from their jobs while volunteering in the flood emergency. The Premier said the provisions mean an emergency volunteer cannot be fired or have their position changed for a work absence that is related to their volunteer work. “The volunteer response in this flood emergency has been nothing short of amazing – everyone who has put their own lives on hold to help others during these floods has been a true hero,” Mr Perrottet said. “I think the heartfelt thanks and gratitude around the state for these volunteers would suggest that very few employers would take any negative action against their employees who are volunteering. “I hope this employment provision can give some comfort and security to volunteers who now know that their regular jobs are safe.”

The employment protection order was made by the Premier under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 and will remain in force for at least the next 14 days. The order means that employers found to have taken negative action against a volunteer can be fined and the court can direct employers to reinstate workers who have been dismissed. Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said volunteers were the backbone of regional communities, and this support was crucial to allow them to continue making a big difference on the ground at a time it’s needed most. “Many of the volunteers across the North Coast have been directly hit by the floods themselves - with some even losing their own homes - but they continue to work around the clock to help communities get back on their feet,” Mr Toole said.

“This will safeguard their jobs and provide certainty that putting up their hands to help others now won’t impact their employment down the track. This is about helping them to help others.” Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said volunteers from a number of different emergency services agencies are continuing to support our community, and it is important we continue to support them. “Please know we have your back. You have all done an incredible job, working long days to help our State through this crisis. As your Minister, I back you in all the way and our government does as well,” Ms Cooke said. The order covers volunteer emergency workers from agencies such as the NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Rural Fire Service, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Inc and Marine Rescue NSW.

local news Sporting fields, streams and golf courses have turned into lakes and fast-flowing rivers in the Blacktown, Penrith and Hawkesbury districts, along with most of the eastern seaboard.

The lookout at the top of Springwood Road, heading toward Yellow Rock / Winmalee. (L) taken on 23rd January - (R) taken 3rd March.

The Penrith Lakes Scheme has obviously worked as a mitigation factor, as it has kept these houses along Castlereagh Road out of flood danger at this point of time.

Dunheved Road, Werrington

Surveyor’s Creek & Fields, Glenmore Park

Surveyor’s Creek, Glenmore Park

Werrington Road, Werrington

Stonecutters Ridge GC (Quakers Hill)

Parkes Avenue Sporting Complex

Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

Local fields inundated during our endless deluge

Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

local COLUMNIST

Parvovirus is on the rise again W

ith many families having been isolated during COVID, we are mindful that their dogs may have missed their annual vaccination against Parvovirus. With a huge spike in positive cases of Parvovirus from various Penrith suburbs in the past few weeks, we are encouraging all dog owners to check that their dog is up to date with their vaccinations. Parvovirus is a deadly, highly infectious viral disease that affects dogs. The virus is shed from infected dogs in their saliva, vomit and faeces. It is extremely hardy and can resist most household disinfectants and survive in soil. It can be transported on shoes, clothes, flying insects and tyres (these kinds of transport are called fomites). Dogs become infected when there is oral exposure to the virus in faeces, soil and fomites and they will be affected within 3-7 days of exposure. Clinical signs of infection are inappetence, vomiting and haemorrhagic diarrhoea. The virus causes sloughing of the intestinal lining and attacks the immune system. Affected dogs have severe abdominal pain; they become dehydrated and will often develop complications like pneumonia and sepsis. Dogs without treatment normally die rapidly. To detect parvovirus infection a simple test

that takes only minutes to perform is available. There is no way of killing the virus once dogs are affected. Treatment is intensive and aims to support the body until the virus is fought off by the dog’s own immune system. Patients require treatment in isolation with IV fluids, antibiotics, anti-nausea medications and pain relief. They often need plasma transfusions to help replace proteins lost from the gut. Transfusions also offer some antibodies from the donor. Recovery depends on the strength of the dog’s immunity and if complications can be successfully treated. Most dogs will recover with treatment but it can be lengthy and expensive, some dogs despite treatment sadly still die. Dogs will continue to shed the virus 2-3 weeks after recovery.

The best protection from parvovirus is vaccination. Puppies require a series of vaccinations, normally three. Adult dogs require boosters to maintain their immunity. There are vaccinations that offer either 1 or 3 years of protection. Most dogs that are affected are either unvaccinated with no immunity or not fully vaccinated with only partial immunity. Commonly cases are seen in puppies being exposed while they are still receiving their vaccination course and adult dogs that miss their booster vaccinations. Isolating dogs reduces exposure risk but due to the way parvovirus is spread, isolation alone is not guaranteed to fully protect your dog. With COVID restrictions being eased, Greencross Coreen Ave vets and nurses are once again teaming with RSPCA to continue our community vaccination programs in an effort to eradicate this disease. As with human diseases, the more animals in a population that are protected, the more effectively it reduces the spread of the disease and helps protect those most vulnerable to infection. If your dog has not been vaccinated in the last 12 months, we would recommend a visit to your veterinarian. Please call Greencross Vet Coreen Ave on 0247313055 to find out how to protect your dog from this deadly disease.

Greencross Vets | Phone 47 313 055 Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

The G Spot

oday I have decided to enlighten you with car security tips. Yep, you got it, I usually charge lots of money for the crap that’s about to pour from my fingertips, however you my avid fans, get it all for free. From what I have gathered over my time on the planet, is that the almighty car can mean many different things to people and at times, I have often wondered why some males have married their wives and not the beloved car. That hunk of metal that you have cashed yourself up to your eyeballs in, that sits (quietly) on the driveway is also the bearer of many of your darkest secrets such as the odd scratch, body gas that could wipe out the state forest and the odd nose pick at traffic lights. Singing Mariah Carey in high C and thinking that you sound great and not to mention the many babies who can give thanks to the backseat. Now before I give you my (what I consider) security expertise my friends, I have often wondered why some people feel the need to name a car like Berty, Prudence or Thumper? Or have personal number plates with “Killer” or “Throbber” on a car the size of my finger nail or not enough vrrrrooom in the engine to kick start a kettle? Yes, I know I am off track, but I just needed to share that with you. Handy hint - want a plate like “Throbber” maybe upgrade from the 1300cc and go to a V8 (Eye wink). Hint one - Nothing quite spells please smash my window and grab me like an iPad, iPhone, navigator,

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

laptop and any other electronic contraption on the planet left on show in your car. Really good idea to take all that crap with you, because nobody except the baddies really care that you own a laptop bigger than Sydney airport’s flight command centre equipment. Oh and take the loose change in the console also. Give it to charity! Hint two - The 11th commandment - Locketh thy car, (Can I get an Amen on that) you would be soooo surprised how many boneheads leave their car unlocked in car parks or driveways and wonder why it got stolen or broken into. We have all been guilty of this; rushed, kids screaming, dog hungry, bottle’o calling your name in 3D, however it is imperative (my big word for the day-Imperative) to lock your car every time you get out of it. (Copy that, roger wilco). Hint three - Car alarm system, now to be perfectly honest, car stereos are not a big thing these days on the stealing scale as most cars come with the brand new one. However, some and I say some people do still buy a bells and whistles one. If you are going to have a 6 million car stereo in ya car – probably best to get an alarm installed. Hint Four - Okay hands up who leaves car keys in the ignition while getting fuel (Don’t lie, come on you know you do; I can see you reading this with a grin on your face). Okay, well, this deserves the Chuck Norris upper cut award in bronze, because yes folks, cars have been stolen from servos. Take

your keys with you, sorry yeah I know it will add 3 seconds to the fuel up time and take three off your lifespan. This is a big tut tut tut with an index finger point, coming from me and I’m the supposed expert, remember? Hint five - Parking the love machine in a dark place, now unless you are doing a stick up (hold up), drug transaction or some other activity that we can’t really describe here, it is a great idea to park in welllit areas and where people are around. Hint Six - Pimping da ride - (Can I get a hell yeah) you love the $10,000 tyre rims with the Swarovski crystals on each nut, don’t you? Well so do the baddies. If you are going to beef up the bad boy, it may be a good idea to have it as the Sunday ride only, fully garaged (you thought I was going to say fully sick didn’t you?) and also maybe as a handy hint - have a very hungry Pit Bull stapled to the driver’s side door or front bonnet. It’s great that you are spending the equivalent of a mortgage on your car, and starving the family, however, be aware that it will draw as much attention as a state of origin match. Just be aware that it is high on the Richter scale for car theft. (Just say’n). So there you have it, Gina’s handy tips on car security, if all else fails..walk. (Cheaper anyway). We won’t laugh at your gr8 personal numbA pl8s (tick) no animals were injured or stapled during the writing of this article (tick) and the Bottle-O is still calling your name (tick).

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NEPEAN HISTORY

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

rederick Charles Jones was born in 1875 in Castlereagh Street, Penrith. His father John was born in Carnarvon in Wales and was employed on the London and Northwestern Railway and came to NSW to take up a Government Job. He married Dinah Fanny Wilson who was born at Lawson NSW. With only £150 of borrowed money and no experience in the tannery business, Fred selected a block of ground on Scotts Creek, (formally Stotts Creek) that was between Werrington & Kingswood on the northern side of the railway line and where with the practical help of Daniel Paskin and Bill Ransley, they put down twelve pits and built one small shed to equip the pumping arrangement and a wheelbarrow. A month after the completion of the tannery in 1897 the tannery of five acres was turning out 40 hides of leather a week and by 1910 it had grown into 25 acres of land and handling 1,000 hides a week. After about 11 years of operation of the tannery his annual turnover was estimated to be £60,000. His tanning sheds were most extensive and a practical mixture of old and new. One shed alone measured 120’ x 50’ and was capable of holding £10,000 worth of stock, while others provided plenty of accommodation for drying, dressing, baling and dispatching. Two rooms were set aside for steam drying, one room could hold 800 hides and the other capable of holding 2,000 hides of leather. The drought of 1901/2 dried up his water resources of Scott’s Creek and to keep his tannery working with 20 men employed, he joined with the Paskin Brothers whose tannery was close by and drawing water from the water tower that was located at Kingswood and both tanneries were able to carry on until the drought broke. To stop this from happening again at his own expense Fred built a pipeline a distance of 25 miles from the Nepean River to the tanning yard. The pipeline was situated just inside the railway fence from Penrith to Werrington then across to the tannery. His tannery produced a good quality heavy sole leather that went to two leading Sydney boot and shoe manufacturers. The light and medium leather was exported to South Africa, England and Scotland. His chief source of hides came from the Riverstone Meat Works and the rest from open markets. Later on, they came from his properties in Queensland. In 1920 Fred and a brother bought 4,000 acres of land at Bulga in the Gunnedah district and with other purchases of land, they held a total of 9,000 acres that eventually held some 10,000 sheep and 850 head of cattle. He also took part in meat share farming. Fred let nothing go to waste. The extraction of tallow from the fleshing of hides found a good market in Sydney. He was also “Captain of Industry” for one of his investments in the “State Boot Manufacturing Company” and had a shop on the north-eastern corner of High & Station Streets, Penrith. Other interests were a fish curing venture at Lower Portland, a sawmill at Douglas Park, an interest in a colliery at Lithgow and a gold mining venture at Bungonia in the Goulburn district. Fred was a keen sportsman especially in trotting, and as owner, trainer and driver he owned some of the fastest trotting horses in NSW and for some years was a leading reinsman for square trotters at Sydney courses. He was also a keen gun shot and sporting dog enthusiast owning at one time 24 beagle dogs. He was also a large landowner in the Penrith district, one of the largest known as “Jones Town Estate”, the property was the original grant of John Best in 1814. The Nepean District Hospital is built on part of his estate where he also had a circular training track. In a Land appeal court at Sydney in 1908 regarding the matter of an appeal by Fred against the appraised value

of his land of 28 perches resumed for a road in connection with the approach to the Nepean River, it was explained that the case arose under the Public Roads Act of 1902 “where in section 18, provided that in estimating the amount payable as compensation of the value of the land resumed, and all the improvements and the damage if any, was to be sustained from the severance of the property by the road and should, in every case, be determined by the local land board unless an agreement arrived at between the Minister and the owner”. The question of severance at that stage had not been raised and the Court remitted the case to the Board for further evidence and the Court directed a refund of the deposit that was lodged with the notice of appeal. At the Penrith Police Court in 1912 a case of Edward John Moriarty (Inspector under the Board of Health) v Frederick Charles Jones for allowing polluted matter from Fred’s tannery to run into Werrington Creek, the colour of the water was black. Fred pleaded not guilty. The court case went on for some time with Fred and many witnesses, but in the end the Magistrate dismissed the case. Fred was well known for his generosity and in the depression years of 1930 to 1935 he gave 20 blocks of land off his estate for homes to unemployed homeless families. He also gave land in High Street in Penrith for the central district ambulance. Another case in the same Court in 1936 was St Marys Council suing Fred for allegedly breaching the Local Government ordinances by polluting Werrington Creek, but this time St Marys’ Council was successful when Herbert Pond the Inspector of the Council said that “Werrington Creek was a natural watercourse and in January he visited this tannery for an inspection. He said that “There was a drain that led from an evaporation pond to Werrington Creek and the liquid that was pumped out of the tannery was pink, and a very unpleasant odour and he asked to see Fred who was not at the tannery on his visit”. The P.M. convicted Fred and said he was inclined to think that Fred didn’t know what was going on and when the employees saw what was happening they tried to cover it up before Fred came back. He was fined the court costs, professional costs and witnesses’ expenses. Fred died at his Penrith residence in August, 1938 at the age of 64 and is buried in the Penrith General Cemetery in Kingswood. After his death his tannery continued for a short while and eventually closed down after a productive life of 41 years. Picture courtesy of Penrith Library shows the tannery with some workers including Bob Desborough, Les Gersbach, Dan Paskin, Wall Mallard, Billy Hackett, “Nipper” Giles (boy) & George Adams. Sources: Nepean Times, Births, Deaths & Marriages website (Ancestry)

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

A Tanner at Werrington

Legends of the Nepean Nancy Messina By Noel Rowsell

Nancy & Marco’s Wedding

ancy Messina is a force of nature, even now as she contemplates a more relaxed lifestyle in retirement, ensconced in the beautiful surrounds of The Royce in Penrith. A singer, poet and raconteur, it’s easy to understand life in her presence promises to be full of energy and entertainment, just from the sheer fact of living. Born Nunzia Vittorino in Mezzojuso, Province of Palermo, Sicily, Italy in 1949 to parents Antonino Vittorino and Caterina (Musso) Vittorino, Nancy spent her early childhood in Italy, before migrating with her parents and brother Francesco (Frank) to Australia in 1956. The family lived in Newtown, sharing the main bedroom and renting out the other two bedrooms to other families to help pay the mortgage.

Both Antonino and Caterina worked, whilst Frank sold newspapers every morning and afternoon until he turned 14, then he left school to become an apprentice hairdresser. Younger sister Rosie was born in 1958 but became seriously ill whilst still very young, so Nancy also took on the role of caring for her sister whilst her parents were at work, in addition to attending school at Newtown PS, year 7 at Marrickville HS and lastly, at Fairfield HS. Due to Rosie’s illness, Nancy and her parents were constantly in touch with the medical profession and Nancy became the unofficial interpreter, allowing her to develop a stronger ability to master both the Sicilian / Italian language and English. Those early experiences also taught Nancy patience, tolerance and understanding, to accept things which are not in our control. The family moved to Smithfield in 1964 and in 1968, Nancy’s mother

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Nancy Messina was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Kerrie Davies. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

Family

stopped working to stay at home and look after Rosie. This allowed Nancy to go to work for the first time and she accepted a role in book-keeping at Percy G. Williams, only leaving when the elderly Mr Williams retired. Nancy then worked in Finance at the RSL Building Society and in 1970, met Marco Messina. True love was immediate for the youngsters and with the blessings of both families, they were engaged in March and married in July (all within 5 months) – at All Hallows Church, Five Dock. Nancy and Marco moved to Mascot and Nancy took on a position as Receptionist with Macris, Pryor and Tzannes Solicitors, which later became Pryor, Tzannes and Wallis. Eldest son Anthony was born in 1972 on The Annunciation Day. This was Nancy’s loving nonna Nunzia’s ‘NAME DAY”’. Nunzia passed away whilst giving birth to her third baby boy, Paulo Vittorino (Nancy’s uncle), who eventually became a Monk and devoted himself to serving others throughout his lifetime. This gave Nancy the resolve to build a stronger belief and have a strong faith in God. They sold the business in Mascot in 1973 and moved to Smithfield, in the same street as Nancy’s parents Antonino and Caterina, and brother Frank and his wife Ann. Nancy and Marco’s second son

Nancy & Nina

Frank was born in 1974 and daughter Nina in 1975, with all 3 children having been born in Crown Street Women’s Hospital. Nancy and Marco purchased a Fruit Shop in Mt Pritchard, then about 12 months later, purchased a Fruit Shop in Moorebank. 9 months on, Marco and Nancy partnered with Marco’s brothers Norm and John, along with their wives Mimma and Maria, to form Messina Bros Pty Ltd, trading as Fred’s Fruit Market at Villawood. In the 1980’s the group sold Villawood and purchased Sam’s Big Apple in St Ives, which the men decided would be a ‘men-only’ business. Rather than hamper her style, Nancy’s outgoing personality drove her on to the next phase of her working life, taking over and revitalising a run-down Delicatessen and selling it for a significant profit. That enterprise was followed by a Take-Away Store, with the same scenario and outcome and would become an ongoing buyreinvigorate-sell cycle for many years. In 1988, Nancy and Marco purchased Sports World in Wetherill Park and re-marketed the store as Sportscene, increasing the range of stock and introducing major brands which had not previously been stocked. During the financial crisis of the

90’s Marco’s health suffered from the ongoing stress. Both he and his brother Norm developed Cancer, with Norm passing away very quickly but Marco holding on for a few more years before passing away in 1999. Nancy and the children formed a close bond following Marco’s death, which is still just as strong today. Nancy had begun new ventures during Marco’s illness outside selfemployment, working in the newspaper sales industry, building and real estate industry and this helped widen her perspective and strategy to simply survive financially. After Marco’s passing, Nancy and Richard Neville, who had been known to both Nancy and Marco in the past from the “fruit & vegetables market” world, committed to a life-long loving partnership. The relationship between Nancy and Richard is as strong as ever and the two are both living in The Royce. Nancy worked for Clarendon Residential Homes, Mirvac and Lendlease (particularly in Jordan Springs) and worked in the Lendlease office in Jordan Springs when it opened in 2010. Nancy retired at the age of 64 in 2014 but could not stay idle, joining with daughter Nina to set up their own Real Estate office in Werrington County, trading as Richardson & Wrench/Jordan Springs/Werrington County.

As a young man, Nancy’s father Antonino had planned to write a book on his and his family’s life but unfortunately, he did not achieve his goal. Nancy took up the gauntlet to not only encapsulate her father and mother’s heritage but also that of her extended family, capturing and beautifully detailing life, death, happiness, sadness and other life experiences, which have both preceded her and through her own lifetime. Her book ‘A Migrant’s Story’ was published by Amazon and Author Academy Bookstore - Sue Kennedy Publishing in both English and Italian and is an entertaining read, leading you forward through the lives of the Vittorino, Messina, Musso families, including other Italian / European / Australian families. It’s evident in Nancy’s rich telling, all who have migrated here are very proud Australians and have raised their children accordingly, with Nancy now having the added enjoyment of four grandchildren in the family – and more time to enjoy their company. “All migrants from all parts of the world who have migrated to this wonderful country of ours AUSTRALIA will certainly relate to my book,” said Nancy.

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

mark

2022 PENRITH PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW

ON THE My season 2022 predicted ladder! with MARK GEYER

ere we go again! Another rugby league season is just about upon us. And while some clubs have been more active than their counterparts in the recruitment circles, and some clubs ‘trial’ form has been better than others, when there’s 2 points on the offer is when we see the gun teams push that accelerator flat to the boards. With that here’s my 2022 predicted finish on the ladder for every team once the season proper has concluded. 1. Roosters - Finished 5th last year and were hit with the worse cases of bad luck ever recorded in the NRL, this year I think they’ll be minor premiers. 2. Panthers - Premiers last season, I have them making their 3rd grand final in a row taking on the Roosters. Their underwhelming trial game against the Eels can’t be over analysed. 3. Melbourne - last years’ minor premiers will always be there or abouts while Craig Bellamy is in control. 4. Manly - they poured home on the back of Tommy Turbo last year to finish 4th. I think they’ll do the same thing this year. 5. Eels - finished 6th last season and one gets the feeling that if not this year then when for the mighty Eels? 6. Souths - finished 3rd last year, but this season without Adam Reynolds and without Wayne Bennett I think we may see the Rabbits drop a couple of rungs on the ladder. 7. Sharks - finished 9th last year. The Sharks are a team that most think will improve this season, I agree with most. 8. Titans - they finished 8th last year and were only a pass away of disposing

of the Roosters. The Titans are a good team to watch. 9. Warriors - finishing 12th last year I feel the Shaun Johnson inspired Warriors could be one of the real danger teams in this season’s competition. 10. Raiders - they finished 10th last year and I have them missing finals footy and staying exactly where they ended last year. 11. Bulldogs - After finishing 2021 last anything north is a bonus. But with what they’ve bought and Gus Gould now on board the pressure is already on Trent Barrett’s doggies. 12. Broncos - They ended last year in 14th position so I’ve got them going up a couple of spots. On the back of Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas, and Katoni Staggs. 13. Dragons - finished last season with 8 straight losses after the now infamous ‘BBQ gate”. Could be another danger team this year. 14. Knights - I don’t know what it is but I just get a feeling the Newcastle Knights may be in for a long year. Captain Kayln Ponga has to be near the best player in the comp for them to have any success. 15. Tigers - the Tiges unfortunately will be without their best player, Adam Douhei for half of the season. Jackson Hastings although could be one of the better 2022 signings. 16. Cowboys - 15th last year and I’m predicting them to go one worse this year to claim the wooden spoon of 2022.

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2022 PENRITH PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW By KeRRIE DAVIES

sk any local what the highlight of 2021 was and odds on they’ll say the Panthers Grand Final win. It had all the nail-biting excitement we’d hoped for over many years - except that we couldn’t be there! And although many of us decorated our homes and sat in our loungerooms rigged out in Panther gear, nothing could quite disguise the disappointment that we couldn’t be at the game to cheer on our boys. It was obvious that Nathan Cleary understands this and feels it too, when he spoke recently about the season ahead. Season 2022 will be about new opportunity, he said. “It’s always a shame to lose the people that we did, you know, like Burto and Capes and all that. They were a big part of this team,” Nathan said. “But, losing them gives other people opportunities. I’m really excited for that, there is a lot of young talent here. “Everyone has really bought in to the culture and what we want to do. I’m looking forward to seeing different people get opportunities this year.” Nathan’s thoughts on how the team would perform in 2022 left nobody guessing. “We’re hungrier than ever to be honest,” he said, “and been really lucky to have two good years as a group.

“Obviously that first year we had the disappointment of the loss and were luckily enough last year to get a win. I definitely know what I prefer and where I want to be come the end of the season. “There’s a common feeling among the group that we can get a lot better.”

Clearly the thing that excites Nathan most about 2022 is being able to reconnect with home-town fans. “I can’t wait to be out there in front of all our fans in Penrith!” he said. “They did it pretty tough last year in lock down - I honestly can’t wait!”

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

We’re hungrier than ever, says Nathan

2022 PENRITH PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW

Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

Penrith Panthers GAMES 2022 ROUND 1 - THURSDAY 10TH MARCH - 8.05pm - BlueBet Stadium, Penrith - PANTHERS V SEA EAGLES ROUND 2 - FRIDAY 18TH MARCH - 6pm - Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney - DRAGONS V PANTHERS ROUND 3 - SATURDAY 26TH MARCH - 3pm - Carrington Park, Bathurst - PANTHERS V KNIGHTS ROUND 4 -FRIDAY 1ST APRIL - 8.05pm - BlueBet Stadium, Penrith - PANTHERS V RABBITOHS ROUND 5 - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL - 6.15pm - Commbank Stadium Stadium, Sydney - BULLDOGS V PANTHERS ROUND 6 - FRIDAY 15TH APRIL - 7.55pm - BlueBet Stadium, Penrith - PANTHERS V BRONCOS ROUND 7 - SUNDAY 24TH APRIL - 4.05pm - BlueBet Stadium, Penrith - PANTHERS V RAIDERS ROUND 8 - FRIDAY 29TH APRIL - 6pm - Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast - TITANS V PANTHERS ROUND 9 - FRIDAY 6TH MAY - 7.55pm - BlueBet Stadium, Penrith - PANTHERS V EELS ROUND 10 - SATURDAY 14TH MAY - 7.45pm - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane - STORM V PANTHERS ROUND 11 - SATURDAY 21ST MAY - 7.35pm - Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney - ROOSTERS V PANTHERS ROUND 12 - FRIDAY 27TH MAY - 6pm - BlueBet Stadium, Penrith - PANTHERS V COWBOYS ROUND 13 - FRIDAY 3RD JUNE - 7.55pm - BlueBet Stadium, Penrith - PANTHERS V BULLDOGS ROUND 14 - SUNDAY 12TH JUNE - 4.05pm - McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle - KNIGHTS V PANTHERS ROUND 15 - SATURDAY 18TH JUNE - 5.30pm - Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland - WARRIORS V PANTHERS ROUND 16 - FRIDAY 1ST JULY - 7.55pm - BlueBet Stadium, Penrith - PANTHERS V ROOSTERS ROUND 17 - BYE ROUND 18 - SUNDAY 17TH JULY - 2pm - Commbank Stadium Stadium, Sydney - WESTS TIGERS V PANTHERS ROUND 19 - SATURDAY 23RD JULY - 5.30pm - BlueBet Stadium, Penrith - PANTHERS V SHARKS ROUND 20 - FRIDAY 29TH JULY - 7.55pm - Commbank Stadium Stadium, Sydney - EELS V PANTHERS ROUND 21 - SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST - 5.30pm - GIO Stadium, Canberra - RAIDERS V PANTHERS ROUND 22 - THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST - 7.50pm - BlueBet Stadium, Penrith - PANTHERS V STORM ROUND 23 - THURSDAY 18TH AUGUST - 7.50pm - Accor Stadium, Sydney - RABBITOHS V PANTHERS ROUND 24 - FRIDAY 26TH AUGUST - 6pm - BlueBet Stadium, Penrith - PANTHERS V WARRIORS ROUND 25 - SATURDAY 3RD SEPT - 7.35pm - Qld Country Bank Stadium, Townsville - COWBOYS V PANTHERS

2022 PENRITH PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW NRL Season Preview 2022

n a week’s time our hometown Penrith Panthers will begin the task of attempting to defend their 2021 Premiership. How have the Panthers balanced enjoying the moment while retaining a hunger to succeed? This is a defining question which will be answered as the season progresses. In 2021 I was very confident in my predictions, having 7 of the Top 8 with only the Raiders letting me down, I also predicted a Panthers Vs Rabbitohs Grand Final. 2022 feels less predictable with some significant roster and coaching changes. Broncos – Adam Reynolds arrives which will solidify the halfback position, but some huge questions remain at five eighth, fullback and hooker. The Broncos look sharp at centre with Staggs and Farnworth and the forward pack looks like it will compete on a weekly basis. Can Kevin Walters prove he is the man to push the Broncos back into the Finals. Bulldogs – The Bulldogs have no doubt purchased well but this is not measurement for potential success. We have seen clubs every season begin with optimism, but have it fall apart particularly when their depth is tested. The Bulldogs have a starting 13 capable of playing Finals. But have they created enough quality depth to compliment it? Cowboys – Todd Payton created some ripples in 2021 and at times distracted his team with comments in public forums. A lot of what the Cowboys needed they were unable to gain in free agency and I am predicting them to struggle again in 2022. Dragons – They have given fans of the Red V reason for optimism heading into the new season. Sloan, Sullivan and Amone all look like long term NRL players in key positions. The issue will be consistency for these young players and whether they can generate enough from Ben Hunt and Andrew McCullough from a creativity perspective. Eels – This roster’s last dance at a title. Throw in a formidable home ground, good coach and a spine which is improving each season. The final ingredient is delivering consistently in big matches and winning games at the pointy end of the season. Is 2022 the year that comes to fruition?

Knights – The losses of Brailey to injury and Pearce to France in my opinion will cripple the Knights chances in 2022. They will no doubt try hard, and they have a solid forward pack along with the talent of Ponga. But I do not see them troubling the scorers this season. Panthers – They have seen a few key men go to other clubs, and a few more will roll out at the end of 2022. But the club is full of talented juniors awaiting an opportunity. The question for me revolves around hunger, and I believe these Panthers will be just as hungry as they were in 2021. They will want to perform well at home and win a competition in Sydney, last season’s premiership celebrations were somewhat disconnected from our community and the Panthers’ fan base. I also firmly believe they won last year’s competition without hitting their best form. Let’s hope we see the Panthers really get going in 2022. Rabbitohs – They undervalued the halfback position enough to let Reynolds walk. This decision will be justified if his successors can produce the same results. Anything less than a finals appearance will have both the club and new coach Demetriou having to answer some tough questions. Raiders – They have replaced the void at halfback with Fogarty, who will greatly assist Wighton in playing his natural game without having to push the team around the park, which goes against every natural inclination he has as a player. They have improved their roster with the addition also of Elliott and the development of young players. Roosters – Providing they don’t suffer another spate of injuries the Roosters will challenge for the Premiership in 2022. They have a formidable spine, slick outside backs and a solid forward pack with depth on the bench and in NSW Cup. Throw in Trent Robinson and things look very good for the Roosters. Sea Eagles – There will be no issue in scoring points or playing attractive football on the edges. The issue is going to be whether the forward pack can consistently win through the middle of the field, especially when they face quality opposition.

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They simply could not compete with the top end of town in 2021 and I do not see that changing in 2022 despite the fact I think they will play Finals footy. Sharks – Craig Fitzgibbon will have this team fit and strong on the fundamentals. This was his trademark as a player and assistant coach at the Roosters. The question will be around key positions and finding fluency and consistency, with some jostling for positions and having a lot of versatile players. The Sharks went very close to Finals in 2021 and I expect them to be right there again in 2022. Storm – Consistently in the Top 4 each season. No reason to think otherwise in 2022. It will be a final dance for a large contingent of their forward pack who have signed elsewhere for 2023. A lot will depend on the health and form of their spine. I expect Cameron Munster to go close to winning the Dally M Medal, a big year ahead for the Storm. Tigers – Key signings have come from the Super League in Hastings and Gildart. The club appointed five captains and Maguire barely survived season 2021. Welcome to Tiger Town… I do not see enough in the players coming in to suggest a change in fortune for the black and golds. Titans – Pivotal season for the glitter strip club. A Finals appearance in 2021 needs to be backed up with a step further in 2022. I have concerns around the loss of Fogarty as this points a fair bit of responsibility and pressure on young Sexton. Where Holbrook utilises Brimson and Campbell will also be interesting. They have a Finals worthy roster, but talent guarantees little in the NRL. Warriors – Very difficult to predict the team from across the ditch, who will again be based at Redcliffe and away from home for long stretches of 2022. This has a role to play as a season wears on and undoubtedly places them at some sort of disadvantage. They have some additions in key positions which give cause for optimism, and I like Nathan Brown’s focus on simplicity and fundamentals with this team, if they can produce best form, they are a Finals dark horse. Top 8: Roosters, Panthers, Storm, Eels, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Rabbitohs, Sharks. Premiers: Roosters.

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

COACH S Corner i

2022 PENRITH PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW

Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

PANTHERS partners with Motorola

By Panthers Media

enrith Panthers is delighted to announce that Motorola Mobility has signed on as the club’s official smartphone partner. Panthers is the first Australian sporting franchise to team up with the global telecommunications company, which already enjoys successful partnerships with iconic NBA franchises Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers. We’re thrilled to welcome Motorola to the Panthers corporate network,” Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher said. “It is a fantastic endorsement of our club to have the support of a globally recognised and

respected brand like Motorola. “Like Panthers, Motorola is relentless in its pursuit of excellence and we’re looking forward to sharing their innovative products with our members and fans.” Since 1928 Motorola has been designing, creating and delivering purposeful innovations that transform the way people connect with the world around them. Motorola will use the Panthers partnership to engage with members and fans across the club’s digital channels and in-person at BlueBet Stadium, with a number of exciting initiatives and giveaways planned for 2022. “Motorola Australia is very excited to be

partnering with such an iconic club as the Penrith Panthers, following the tremendous 2021 premiership win and during a period of unprecedented growth of Motorola in Australia,” Head of Motorola Australia and New Zealand, Kurt Bonnici said. “Both Motorola and Penrith Panthers are renowned as leaders in their respective fields and have both played an integral part in Australians’ lives throughout the decades. “We couldn’t think of a better club to support and look forward to introducing the Panthers fanbase to some of Motorola’s latest smartphone innovations as we enter the 2022 season.”

2022 PENRITH PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW

By GREG YANDA

eason 2022 will be the Penrith Panthers’ greatest opportunity to claim back-to-back premierships for the first time as they aim to reach Everest again. Premiership defences are a test of physical and psychological endurance as the hunters become the hunted, every team in the competition lifts against the champions who now have a target on their back. Penrith’s most recent title defence was 2004, when the Craig Gower led Panthers finished the regular season in the top four before losing to eventual premiers Canterbury in the preliminary final. On paper, this side looks ready to mature into a genuine powerhouse of the competition for the next few years. There’s a good mix of experienced, now premiership winners, and younger players with a thirst to play in the NRL and be a part the club’s on-field success. Fullback Dylan Edwards’ stocks will continue to rise with consistency at the back and if he can remain injury-free he’s one of the premier fullbacks in the competition.

Co-captain Isaah Yeo is on track to become one of the Panthers’ greatest back-rowers and more representative honours look set to come his way with his level of consistency. Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris in the front-row will be leading from the front and were in career best form during last year’s run to the premiership. Both go about their business without fuss can find their way to the line for the occasional try. Nathan Cleary is set for arguably the greatest test of his career. In club land he’s to lead the campaign and another heavy representative schedule to contend with. But as we have seen he’s capable. The next level of players coming through are also exciting prospects as seen in the trial games. Izack Tago will get first dibs in the centres and showed he was handy in his limited game time last year. The Panthers are process driven under Ivan Cleary which will stand them in good stead to navigate the unpredictable terrain that comes with being reigning premiers. Let’s see how it plays out.

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

Will the third time be lucky?

2022 PENRITH PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW

Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

LUKE SIGNS WITH PANTHERS By Panthers Media

“The club is really happy that we’ve been able to secure the services of Soni for the next two seasons,” Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron said. “Soni was an integral part of our success as he came through the Panthers system, particularly noting his man-of-the-match performance in the 2015 NYC Grand Final. “He’s since shown considerable resilience in not only overcoming injury setbacks but also having limited opportunities to impress in lower grades due to the impact of COVID-19. “I was in the room earlier this week when Ivan Cleary announced to the group that Soni was joining the top squad on a permanent basis. “Their jubilant reaction typifies the deep connection that exists in our playing group and again highlights the strength and value of our junior development programs.”

enrith Panthers is delighted to announce the signing of Soni Luke on a two-year deal. The 26-year-old hooker completed the Panthers NRL pre-season on a train-and-trial contract after spending the last five seasons in the NSW Cup competition. “To be part of an NRL squad like this has been a goal of mine for a long time so I’m stoked to finally have this opportunity,” Luke said. “I felt like this pre-season was my last chance to make it happen so I put my head down and I’m so grateful Ivan (Cleary) has given me a shot. “Growing up in Mt Druitt and coming through the grades, this club has always been home and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” A local St Marys junior, Luke progressed through the Panthers development system and was a member of the premiership-winning Panthers NYC side in 2015.

KFC joins the PANTHERS

By Panthers Media

Penrith Panthers is delighted to announce KFC has signed on as the club’s official quick service restaurant partner for the next two seasons. The major partnership will see the KFC logo displayed on the Panthers playing shorts until at least the end of 2023. “It’s fantastic to welcome KFC to the Panthers corporate network,” Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher said.

“To have another iconic, global brand join forces with our club is further endorsement of what we have worked so hard to build here in Penrith. “We look forward to working closely with KFC over the next couple of years to deliver some great value offers to the Panthers family.” Kristy Woolrych, Chief Marketing Officer KFC Australia, said the restaurant chain was excited by the opportunity to engage with Panthers members and fans. “KFC has always been a big supporter of footy

FAMILY

and we are thrilled to be an official sponsor of the Panthers for the next two years,” she said. “The club is renowned for its passionate, loyal and ever-growing fanbase, as well as its outstanding work within the community. “With the Panthers coming off a stellar 2021 season and lifting the silverware for the first time since 2003, fingers crossed they can go back-toback. “Did someone say KFC and the reigning premiers?”

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ickets for the newly created Equinox – Autumn Celebration of the Senses in the Blue Mountains are now on sale. Created and managed by Blue Mountains Tourism, the festival highlights and unites all that is great about the Blue Mountains in Autumn. Blue Mountains Tourism president Jason Cronshaw said: ``After an unsettling past two years, it’s time to emerge and immerse yourself in the wonderful bounty of life here in the Blue Mountains – a convergence of fine food and craft beverages, music, art and entertainment and, of course, the fantastic natural environment we are so blessed to call home.’’ Spanning the entire Blue Mountains region over four weekends between March 18 and April 10, Equinox will feature bespoke free and ticketed food and craft beverages, music, art and entertainment events among one of the most recognised ancient landscapes on Earth. “Come up for air a few days before or stay on after a weekend adventure to fully immerse yourself in the Blue Mountains,’’ Mr Cronshaw said. “Expect to discover delightful hidden treasures. Expect sensational flavours and aromas at fantastical feasts. Expect exhilarating activities and mesmerising entertainment. Expect sensory overload.’’

Hear: March 18 – 20 The 25th Blue Mountains Music Festival is back for a weekend of folk, roots and blues music, songwriters’ and instrumentals circles, conversations, poet’s breakfasts and roving performers. With vibes oozing from numerous Katoomba venues, the bulging talent bag includes local and international artists from local offering Nic Danta to charttoppers Kasey Chambers, John Butler and Lior and the renowned Mic Conway, Phil Davidson, The Blues Preachers and local favourite Pat Drummond. Other gigs will be held throughout the region under the Great Southern Nights banner. Taste: March 25 – 27 Feast at the Hydro Majestic Hotel is an OTT marinade in free-flowing frivolity when the famous party palace transforms into a darkly sophisticated banquet hall brimming with all that is exotic and sensual. Renowned for its opulent décor, famous friends and mischievous escapades past, the hotel ballroom will host an alluring culinary adventure through a sumptuous four-course dinner accompanied by a live show experience to fire all your senses. Also soak up delectable tipples at cellar doors embedded in World Heritage landscapes, such as boutique wineries Megalong Creek Estate and Dryridge Estate in the picturesque Megalong Valley and independent small batch output Karu Distillery. Fill your basket with tree-fresh produce straight from the farm gates

along the Bells Line of Road such as apple picking at Shields Orchard and Springwood Growers Market before heading to an outstanding dining option to sample local wares. See: April 1 – 3 Art and entertainment come alive with stargazing, scavenger hunts, art workshops and light installations on a World Heritage scale. Unfair Advantage Show at local secret Pigeon Lane features master card handler, pick pocket, mentalist and one of Australia’s best kept secrets, Harrison Milas. He leaves nothing to chance as he lifts the veil on card cheating. When the sun goes down, the Blue Mountains lights up with mesmerising activities for all ages from the familyfriendly Katoomba Falls Reserve Night-Lit Walk past the Three Sisters to Stargazing & Wine at Dryridge Estate with ploughman’s platter and vino. There’s ghoulish delight on the Woodford Academy Ghost Tour, indigenous art workshops led by National Parks & Wildlife Service Aboriginal rangers, a silver earring workshop, the thrilling Beyond Skyway at Scenic World and much more. The Great Art Deco Ball at the Carrington Hotel is as famous as the grand old dame of Katoomba itself. It will feature a three-course dinner, entertainment by the evergreen Greg Poppleton, costume prizes and dancing. Feel: April 8 – 10 Where better to experience forest bathing than surrounded by 1 million

square hectares of rugged Blue Mountains bushland. With more than 140km of bushwalking tracks, numerous expert guides and tours, and lookouts galore, nature is at your fingers in Australia’s most accessible wilderness. Sunrise/sunset yoga with Jill Day at The Lookout Echo Point overlooking the awe-inspiring Jamison Valley will be held to greet and farewell the day. The Happy Buddha Yoga Studio and Retreat Sessions also help you relax, reconnect and reboot, to surrender to the pause that resets and take the rest you deserve so you can live the rich, full life you deserve. Equinox – Autumn Celebration of the Senses will also involve Autumn-themed shopfront competition throughout the region, visitors and locals voting for their favourite. The festival will become an annual tradition. Go to www.visitbluemountains. com.au/equinox for more details. This event is made possible by $2.6 million from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government. With the grant Blue Mountains Tourism, as the leading tourism authority in the region, will administer and manage the Blue Mountains Visitor Economy Revitalisation Project, a two-year destination management program that will reinstate the Blue Mountains as a key tourist destination in NSW and Australia.

Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

Equinox – Autumn Celebration of the Senses festival tickets on sale

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SPORT “The experience was unlike any other so far and I was lucky enough to play Kingston Beach in its 100th anniversary of being open. The course is narrow and tree-lined and under competition conditions, it was set up quite tough. Not only that but most of the days factored in winds of about 20kms/hour, therefore to shoot all four rounds in the 70’s seemed like an okay job to me. “I got to meet a lot of lovely people and play some good golf with my dad carrying the bag. I shot a personal best for the 4-day tournament and finished 15th overall against some of the best amateurs in the country. “Overall, it was a fantastic experience and the entire trip taught me a lot moving forward.”

By Noel Rowsell

enrith GC’s Ladies Foursome Champion (2019 / 2020 / 2021), Club Champion (2020) and Women’s Pennant representative Isabelle Mansfield has returned home following a short trip to Tasmania to play in the 2022 Tasmanian Open. An elite field of 110 male and female players competed in the event, which was held at Kingston Beach GC. Isabelle performed well, shooting scores of 79, 74, 77 and 77 to finish in 15th position. “I travelled to Tasmania with my dad Jeff Mansfield, who also caddied for me,” said Isabelle. “It was my first time playing in the Tasmanian Open, as well as travelling to Tasmania itself.

Isabelle Mansfield (Penrith GC) profile shot and in action on the first tee. File photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

Mansfield satisfied with Tasmanian Debut

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Nepean News 11 March 2022 Issue 324OWDIG

SPORT

Rain leaves local clubs stranded in Major Pennant By Noel Rowsell

y d n e y ’ s incessant wet weather has seen the cancellation of nearly all Major Pennant games over the past two weekends, leaving four local clubs stranded at the bottom of their respective Sections. In Division 1, both Penrith (Section 1) and Twin Creeks (Section 3) have finished at the bottom of the table and will now play Elimination playoffs, either this weekend or 20th March. The winners of those games get to stay in their current division for 2023, whilst the losers will be dropped to Division 2. Similarly in Division 3 and Division 4, Glenmore Heritage Valley and Leonay are headed to the Elimination Playoffs respectively and must win to remain in their current division next year. Golf NSW has not released the venues to be used for the playoff games as yet. All games featuring local teams in the final round of the regular season were abandoned on the weekend, with all being listed as draws. In the women’s division, play was

Andrew Robb (Glenmore) and Dan Smyth (Penrith) in action during Major Pennant this season. File photos by Noel Rowsell

also cancelled but Stonecutters Ridge and Lynwood will still be required to meet at a venue to be decided on 20th March (weather permitting).

The winner will claim 2nd place in Division 2 and go into the Final against Ryde-Parramatta on 27th March.

In Women’s Grade Pennant, play was also cancelled and all matches scored as draws, leaving Penrith at the top of the ladder on percentages.

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