Nepeannews 12april2018

free Thursday, 12 April 2018

ISSUE 224

8-page Anzac Tribute inside this issue

Women in uniform “By the Left” is an education program to make Australians aware that women have earned the right to display their own justly awarded medals in pride of place on the left chest and the campaign will be supported this year at the St Marys Anzac Day ceremony.

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T

HE Mulgoa electorate will receive over $30,000 in funding for local sports clubs and community initiatives administered under the NSW Government’s Local Sports Grant Program.

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP said that sport was the lifeblood of Mulgoa and investment in local sport was an important focus for the community.

“The very essence of this program is to recognise the undeniable talent and dedication emerging from local sporting organisations,” Tanya Davies said.

“As many of the local sporting clubs in the Mulgoa electorate are run by volunteers, these grants are crucial in boosting infrastructure, programs and services to increase on-going participation.”

Tanya Davies said the 8 organisations in Mulgoa were only some of the 831 that have received funding through the program.

“The program provides grants of up to $20,000 towards projects to assist regions with rallying the community together and ensuring ongoing

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involvement in sport,” Tanya Davies said.

“The NSW government is committed to supporting grassroots sport and improving participation rates across the state.

“We know that sport has many proven health, social and economic outcomes and I encourage eligible clubs to apply for the next round of funding.

“Projects that are eligible include upgrades to local amenities or improving access to facilities, training programs and community events.”

Program applications open in late 2018.

For more information visit, https://sport.nsw.gov. au/clubs/grants/localsport.

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

Over $30,000 for local sport

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

THIS month it’s time to salute our Anzac heroes who fought for our freedom, those who have fought in all other theatres of war and those who even today, are risking their lives for it.

It’s hard to imagine a greater sacrifice than to put your life on the line for your country.

It’s hard to imagine being the parent, spouse, sibling or child of someone who has made that sacrifice and lost their life in the process, or been wounded or left with emotional scars from battle.

Forego your sleep-in this Anzac Day and attend the Dawn Service at either Penrith or St Marys and let’s show our defence forces past and present that we can make a small sacrifice in order to show our appreciation for their enormous one.

Purchase a Legacy badge and anything else that is on offer - it all goes to helping those who gave up their freedom to ensure ours was protected.

I’ll be spending Anzac Day in the traditional way - Dawn Service, free brekkie at the RSL followed by a few beers and some two-up.

It doesn’t get much more dink-di than that, in fact I believe Anzac Day represents the most trueblue Aussie day on the calendar.

But between the beers and bets I’ll make sure I get a chance to seek out those proudly displaying their medals - for a chat, a pat on the back and buy them a beer if they feel inclined.

There’s no greater country in the world than Australia - and no better lifestyle than the Australian way - and our armed forces past and present are the greatest example of the Aussie mateship, courage and self-sacrifice that has made this country the envy of the world.

Lets celebrate our unique Aussie culture, maintain pride in our country and salute those responsible for it all this Anzac Day. Lest We Forget.

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

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local news

By Keegan Thomson

Penrith City Council will open the brand new Community Hub at Jordan Springs on Saturday April 14 with a free open day and official opening ceremony.

Putting out an open invitation the Council has urged the whole community to come along and enjoy free fun entertainment and activities, and have a look at this incredible community facility.

The festivities are on from 11am to 2pm at the Hub, 2-6 Cullen Avenue, Jordan Springs. There’ll be music, a pop-up library, Council’s Mobile Playvan, entertainment and free burgers for lunch.

Penrith Mayor, Cr John Thain said he is really looking forward to officially opening the Jordan Springs Community Hub. “It’s not every day as Mayor you get to open a facility like this,” Cr Thain said.

“Often a new building is just a building, but the collaboration between Council and Lendlease in co-designing the Community Hub has been outstanding, and has created something special.

“Every part of the Hub has been designed with the community in mind, and it has the highest standard of accessibility. It is the first public building in NSW to be constructed from cross-laminated timber, a lightweight and strong

NOVENA

Thank you Lord Jesus for all the blessings given to my family, especially my daughter.

May the name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and praised throughout the world forever.

Amen.

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

Jordan Springs Hub open day

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Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith engineered wood product, and also includes a sustainable geothermal heating and cooling system,” he said.

Lendlease Communities General Manager NSW/ ACT, Arthur Ilias said it was exciting to provide the community with a permanent space that put social needs and sustainability at the forefront.

“The Jordan Springs community has outgrown the temporary space, so we are extremely thrilled to deliver this important facility for our community and the broader region,” Mr Ilias said.

“The Hub has been designed to meet the educational, social and recreational needs of the whole community today and well into the future.”

The Hub will be open on weekdays for the public to use, either for pre-booked events, or even to pop in and grab a coffee, read the paper or do some study or work.

Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith

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Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

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local news

Liberals launch their by-election candidates

P

ENRITH local Liberals have endorsed Brian Cartwright in South Ward and Belinda Hill in East Ward to run in the upcoming Penrith City Council by-elections for the Liberal Party.

Deputy Mayor of Penrith and Liberal Councillor, Cr Tricia Hitchens said she is confident the pair would do well to represent the best interests of the people of the Nepean.

“Brian and Belinda are outstanding candidates who understand the needs of hard working locals,” Penrith City Deputy Mayor Tricia Hitchen said.

“I am very confident, if elected, they will serve the people of Penrith and St Marys well,” Clr Hitchen added.

Brian Cartwright has lived in Penrith for nearly three decades, proudly served his country as a member of the RAAF, is a current Nepean Community College Board Member and Vice President of the Penrith RSL Sub-branch.

Together with his wife Glenda they have raised two children locally.

“It is an absolute privilege to have been endorsed as the Liberal candidate for South Ward and if elected I will work hard for the residents of Penrith to ensure council delivers for its ratepayers,” Mr Cartwright said.

Mrs Hill lives in Londonderry, has also represented her country as a member of the Royal Australian Navy and together with her husband Ian have maintained a local business while raising two young children.

“I’m honoured to have been preselected as the Liberal candidate for East Ward and if successful I promise to repay the local community by being a

Candidates Brian Cartwright and Belinda Hill. Photo: Supplied.

tireless advocate,” Ms Hill said.

“As a wife, mother and businesswoman I see firsthand the challenges local people are facing daily,” she added.

Penrith City Councillors Mark Davies, Ross Fowler and Bernard Bratusa all offered their support for Mr Cartwright and Ms Hill. Cr Fowler, one of the longest serving Liberal Councillors sitting on Penrith Council said both candidates would make

welcome additions to the Chamber.

“Brian and Belinda are honest, hard working locals, who will make a valuable contribution to Council if elected,” Clr Ross Fowler said.

Penrith City Council’s by-elections for South Ward and East Ward are scheduled for Saturday May 12, 2018.

Nepean News will feature interviews with the candidates in our next edition.

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local news

By Keegan Thomson

COMMUNITY groups are up in arms about the NSW government’s proposed route for the Castlereagh Connection because it backtracks on a previously allotted corridor through the region.

In late March the NSW government announced a proposed corridor from the Bells Line of Road in the Blue Mountains all the way to the M7. They’ve coined the roadway the Castlereagh Connection.

According to Transport for NSW around 400 property owners from Rooty Hill to Kurrajong Heights will have some sort of impact on their property as land is acquired for the preservation of the corridor. Around 70 of those affected properties will be fully acquired by the government in about 20 years.

Previously there was a corridor set out in 1951 for a similar road or freeway through the region.

The NSW government’s announcement in March detailed a new corridor that would impact some people in Castlereagh, Llandilo and Shanes Park.

Mary Vella’s home wasn’t in the way of the original 1951 corridor but the front of her property would be wiped out if the proposed corridor was to go ahead.

“We bought and established our properties based on the idea that the corridor would be set in the same place allocated back in 1951,” Ms Vella said.

“We had solicitors look over our land and tell us we would be safe if any future corridor was to be developed, we did this because we knew it would be coming, we accepted it.”

The NSW government said they’ve moved the proposed corridor to improve access and create benefits for residents and also maintain the protected Cumberland Plain Bushland.

Despite this Ms Vella says locals are furious after the government seems to have changed their mind on the original corridor.

“We are not arguing against the corridor at all, we understand that it has to happen, but we want it to run to the original 1951 plan,” Ms Vella said.

“We’ve all purchased our properties based on this. People’s lives will be impacted and there is no need for it.”

Residents are not the only ones worried about impacts of the corridor. Land which is currently owned by St Paul’s Grammar School in Cranebrook

A community meeting held in Cranebrook. Photo: Facebook.

would also be impacted by a changed corridor.

Ian Wake, Principal of St Paul’s, said any new motorway along the corridor will run adjacent to the sports oval and endangers any future developments at the school.

“The motorway will pass along the back of our existing sporting field and cut across the land we own in this area,” Mr Wake said.

“This obviously has caused the school some concern as we are currently in the process of finalising our new master plan, which included developing this impacted area to expand and improve our sporting fields.

“There is now considerable uncertainty about the impact of this development on our plans,” he said.

Opponents to the changes include member of the opposition, MP for Londonderry, Prue Car who says the new corridor proposal is heartbreaking for the community.

“The government has imposed this new corridor which has devastated the communities of Castlereagh, Llandilo and Cranebrook,” Ms Car said.

“There has been a corridor for the Bells Line of Road Castlereagh Connection since 1951 which has been changed at the last hour with no consultation whatsoever.”

However the government says the corridor is only in early proposal planning stages, saying much of the development is “decades away” but some locals aren’t buying it.

“I know it is decades away but it isn’t really too far away. The feedback I’m getting is it could be happening within the next 10 to 15 years,” Ms Vella said.

Stuart Ayres, MP for Penrith and Minister for Western Sydney, says locking the corridors in now will give people time to “adjust to changing environments”.

“The corridor reservation policy is about planning properly for the future of western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.

“To do that properly we need to have respectful conversations with property owners.

“The corridors are in draft format and we are seeking community feedback to ensure we have the best alignments possible,” he said.

Currently the government is asking for community feedback on the proposed corridor. You can give your feedback at https://www.transport. nsw.gov.au/corridors/blor. There are also a number of community town hall meetings arrange with more info at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/ corridors/community-drop-sessions.

› Youth Week celebrations Penrith focus on fun WITH Youth Week being celebrated from April 13 to 22 across NSW, Penrith Council wants to make the region the go to place for young people.

The Council has just launched an interactive list on their website for young people and their families to find out what is happening in Penrith on Youth Week.

Some of the highlights from Penrith Council’s interactive list of events include a range of indoor and outdoor activities.

For young adventurers and Sherlock Holmes in the making there is the Escape Room 51. Follow the clues, crack puzzles, solve problems and complete physical challenges to make it out of this one of a kind maze.

It’s an adventure game for anyone aged 16+ (or 10+ if accompanied by an adult) where 2 to 6 players are locked in a room and need to work together to solve a series of puzzles in under 60 minutes.

Penrith’s newest attraction Throw Axe is also sure to get the adrenaline going for anyone over 18 (16-18 year olds can participate if accompanied by a paying adult).

Youth week is celebrated across the country to acknowledge and raise awareness of the issues facing young people when growing up.

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

Backlash over Castlereagh Connection corridors

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Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

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local news

Construction commences on new Mt Druitt police station

M

inister for Police Troy Grant joined NSW Police Deputy Commissioner for Field Operations Jeff Loy to turn the first sod and mark the beginning of construction of a new multi-million dollar Police Station in Mount Druitt.

The $25 million Mount Druitt Police Station will be built on the site of the current station, right in the heart of the local retail, health and education precinct.

Mr Grant said the NSW Government is proud to support frontline officers with the best resources to do their jobs and serve the community.

“Once built, the new state-of-the-art station will usher in a new era of policing in the Mount Druitt area, enabling officers to meet the policing needs of the local community for years to come.

“The population of Western Sydney is ever increasing and this station has been designed with the future in mind,” said Mr Grant.

Deputy Commissioner Loy said the new station will provide a modern and dynamic base for officers stationed there.

“Today is a significant milestone for the officers who have worked out of the old Mount Druitt Police Station to see the first ground broken on what will be a new state-of-the-art facility,” Mr Loy said.

“This is a growing area and it deserves a modern, functional and built-for-purpose station to cater to the needs of both police and the community.”

Local police contributed to the design of the station to ensure it meets their needs and provides a comfortable and inviting space for witnesses and victims of crime.

Located on the corner of Luxford Rd and Kelly

Close, the new police station will feature: • A Metropolitan Police Charge Facility with van loading dock, charge dock, cells, charge room facilities and interview rooms • Modern breath analysis and drug testing facility and equipment • CCTV and audio visual links (AVL) • Modern workspaces for taskforces, detectives and visiting traffic and highway patrol • Secure parking for police vehicles.

Minister for Western Sydney and Member for

Penrith Stuart Ayres said Western Sydney deserves the best this Government has to offer and the new station will be one of the most advanced policing facilities in NSW. “Once built, this new station kitted with the latest crime-fighting tools and resources will further support police efforts in preventing and combatting crime,” said Mr Ayres.

With construction commencing this month, it’s anticipated the new Mount Druitt Police Station will be up-and-running by April 2019.

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anzac TRIBUTE Women supporting women in service

S

ERVING in the defence force is a life changing commitment but not surprisingly former and current servicewomen face different hurdles to those of their male counterparts.

In Penrith the Women’s Veterans Network (WVN) works to offer a helping hand to all current and former servicewomen during their time in the defence forces and in the ongoing years after they leave.

Del Gaudry, who is still serving as a reservist after joining of the RAAF over 40 years ago and currently WVN Coordinator for Western Sydney, says the network aims to promote and support women in and out of the Australian Defence Force.

“We offer a peer support network to help women transition from the defence force into civilian life,” Ms Gaudry said.

“There is such a range in age groups involved and it is about helping to pull up the women who are coming through and also support women who have served in the defence force.”

Launching two years ago, the

WVN Australia is a response to the predominately male-run and organised RSL Sub-branches that operate across Australia.

“Men talk about mateship but women talk about friendship in support groups. It is about talking about and understand the things they’ve gone through,” Ms Gaudry said.

Even though men and women go through the same intense training in the defence forces, and they’re often deployed into the same war zones, there is still a difference in the types

of experiences men and women undergo in the defence force.

“Women have different experiences of war and deployment. People question women more than they question men about their reasons for undertaking deployment,” Ms Gaudry said.

“The public can judge a woman who deploys differently because according to some, women should be at home with their families and children” Roughly the number of women employed in the airforce make up

about 20 percent of the current serving personnel. In the army it is far fewer with around 12 percent.

Leaving the defence force and returning to civilian life can also bring different challenges to a woman.

According to Ms Gaudry, women may be less likely to make claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) than men do because of the personal nature of making a claim.

“Women have to recount stories to men about what they’ve been through and it can be hard sometimes to talk about personal women’s issues to someone who is a stranger,” Ms Gaudry said.

“More than 11,000 veterans with one or more accepted conditions under any Act administered by DVA are female.”

WVN - Western Sydney currently meets for a coffee catch up the last Sunday of the month at 2pm at Penrith RSL. Both the Penrith RSL Club and the subbranch support the group wholeheartedly.

If you would like more information on the Women’s Veterans Network you can find links and contact numbers at www.wvna.org.au or you can contact the Del Gaudry on 0447995497.

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

By Keegan Thomson

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anzac TRIBUTE The History of Two-Up

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

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By Keegan Thomson

O

N Anzac Day we pause to remember those who’ve fought for our freedom by observing different sacred and secular traditions. Over time those traditions have weaved their way into the fabric of Australian culture.

One of the most loved traditions played exclusively on Anzac Day is the age old game of Two-Up. In the simplest of terms the game of Two-Up is pretty much glorified head-or-tails game with the added element of gambling. Although the game is banned nationally on any other day, there is an exception on Anzac Day. The rules and gameplay of Two-Up vary but on a traditional level they’re all the same. A ‘ringie’ places two coins tail side up on a kip (or paddle) whilst punters gather around a circular tarp on the ground.

The spinner then uses the kip to toss the two coins at least 10 feet into the air with the crowd betting on whether the coins will land heads or tails up. The ringie’s job is to ensure the coins travel at least 10 feet into the sky and land on the circular tarp.

If the spinner tosses the coins and they both land

tails then the spinner keeps playing. If the coins bothh land on heads then the game is over and the spinner loses.

On the sideline the ‘boxer’ takes bets from punters who’re both betting on the luck of the spinner and the individual results of the tosses. The boxer is also usually the facilitator of the venue or a publican.

Historically speaking the origins of the game are a little shady but it has been reported that games of Two-Up were played across the colonies as early as the 1790s and in the New South Wales gold fields

during the 1850s. The game became associated with the Anzac legend after diggers from World War One started playing it in the trenches.

M. G. Heuston, served with 2/12th Commando Squadron during the Second World War, and he supplied the Australian War Memorial with an anecdote of his time running Two-Up games across battlegrounds.

“In some places, a multitude of currencies was used. It was the boxer’s call which stated the exchange rate for any or all currency. In addition, he could exchange currencies.

“At the end of the game, if the tail betters had had a good day, they would sling (tip) the boxer, to compensate him for the use of his facilities.

“As the game was held more often than once a week, you found that some of your customers went broke. The boxer usually lent them enough for cigarettes and a beer until next pay.

“A game would run for up to three or four hours,” M. G. Heuston wrote.

You’ll find Two-Up played at many venues across the Nepean on Anzac Day. The rules may vary from place to place but the spirit in which it is played remains.

Good luck and gamble responsibly!

Stuart Ayres Member for Penrith

“

We pay tribute to those Australians who fought for our country and our values.

Lest we forget.

”

Phone: 4722 8660 | Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith

MP

anzac TRIBUTE W

hen war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies.

The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.

The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated, after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. News

of the landing on Gallipoli had made a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.

Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways they viewed both their past and their future.

The Dawn Service observed on Anzac Day has its origins in a military routine which is still followed by the Australian Army today. During battle, the half-light of dawn was one of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were woken in the dark before dawn, so by the time first light crept across the battlefield they were awake, alert, and manning their weapons; this is still known as the “standto”. As dusk is equally favourable for attacks, the stand-to was repeated at sunset.

“Lest We Forget”

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

ANZAC: Shaping an Australian society

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anzac TRIBUTE Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

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A Legacy of support for war widows

By Keegan Thomson

W

AR can leave men and women scarred from the horrors of the battlefield.

Sometimes the war wounds are easy to see and sometimes they are not. Thankfully there is a group of volunteers working to support the families of those who have fought in battle and come out changed.

Legacy is a national support charity that supports war widows and the families of those who have been impacted by war, both physically and psychologically.

The Penrith Division of Legacy has been supporting families and war widows for the last 56 years, with the Division covering an area from the edge of the Blue Mountains all the way to Rooty Hill.

Jeff Townsend is the Incoming Chairman of the Penrith Division. He says there are endless ways in which Legacy helps families touched by war.

“We offer support to families and war widows from long lasting support to brief and momentary catch ups for a cuppa,” Mr Townsend said.

“We ring up or visit a war widow and see how they are going. We can help

(From left) Legatee Jeff Townsend, Legatee Karen Lane and Legatee Matt Adams.

Photo: Supplied.

make sure families of veterans and war widows receive all the benefits entitled to them by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our aim is to make life as normal as possible for families and widows who’ve been touched by war,” he said.

Across the Penrith Division there are 400 people who receive support and mateship from volunteers at Legacy.

Of those 400 there are 11 children and

13 people with disabilities.

“We help to make sure widows have access to ramps installed in their homes, rails for the showers and even an electronic personal response unit,” Mr Townsend said.

“We help the children with their school uniform costs, excursion fees and we can also help with scholarships to university.”

Legacy can also work as a bit of a

social club for the families of deceased service personnel, offering up trips away and all the other social activities that comes with life, so families can continue a normal lifestyle after their loss.

In Penrith the Legacy Division currently supports young families and mothers aged 28 all the way to older war widows aged into their 90s.

According to Legacy stats, because of the current commitment of service men and women in battlefields across the Middle East and deployments in Asia and the Pacific, there will be a need for Legacy until at least 2080.

Mr Townsend has put the call out to any community-minded people who want to volunteer with Legacy to contact the Penrith Division.

“Because Penrith has so many people dependent on Legacy we’re always on the look out for more volunteer to become Legatees, volunteers who work with Legacy” Mr Townsend said.

“It could be simply making a phone call or sitting down and having a cuppa with someone, it all makes a difference.”

If you want to get involved and become a Legatee call the Sydney office on 9248 9000.

anzac TRIBUTE A traditional service with a difference

A

NZAC Day is always a moment where we pause and reflect on the past often through a traditional ceremony and dawn service. On Anzac Day 2018 the team at the St Marys RSL sub-branch will put on a traditionally focused Anzac Day memorial with a diverse flavour.

Across the dawn service ceremony there will be a traditional Maori HAKA rendition, something that energised crowds at last year’s commemorations, and a large proportion of female representatives of the defence forces, local businesses and the RSL sub-branch. There will mainly be a large female cohort laying wreaths, as representatives of local groups, and reciting poems and prayers across the event.

Tony Fryer, Honorary Secretary of the St Marys RSL sub-branch, said it is important to show “societal changes” at times like Anzac Day. “We want to do a traditional service with some modern changes to reflect the societal changes within Australia,” Mr Fryer said.

“We want to include as many people in our event as we can because at the end of the day Australia has a diverse military background.”

This year Major Jaymi Matthews will do a special presentation during the Sunday community Service at Victoria Park on 22nd April, and she will again participate greatly in the Dawn Service on 25th April.

Maj. Matthews is a local St Clair woman who was one of the first in her Corps to be on active frontline duty in an overseas conflict. It is fair to say the team at the St Marys RSL sub-Branch are particularly proud of her.

Throughout the ceremony there will be subtle references to the By The Left campaign, an initiative that

aims to broaden the public perception of veterans to include the women who have fought in war zones and served in our defence forces.

“By the Left is an education program to make Australians aware that women have earned the right to display their own justly awarded medals in pride of place on the left chest,” Mr Fryer said.

He said there are people who still discriminate against women for wearing their own medals on the left side of their chest.

“Unfortunately, some people in our society haven’t caught up with all this and for them, they think that such women are not entitled to wear the medals; that they must be wearing their Dad’s or brother’s or husband’s

medals. On occasion, some people have been very unkind to these women with such false accusations,” Mr Fryer said.

“So, if you see a lady wearing medals on the left, be assured she has done good service for your country,” he said.

Currently there are around a dozen female members of the St Marys RSL sub-Branch who have either fought in wars or served in the Australian defence force. That number is expected to grow over the coming years because of the increased number of women who have served in contemporary wars.

Already there has been an increase in female veterans joining the St Marys RSL sub-Branch who’ve been in combat or support roles during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

Because of the changing gender balance within the defence force it is important to show female representation during times such as Anzac Day, Mr Fryer said.

“It is slowly being understood and accepted, with the younger people accepting it on a wider level, but we’re still slowly changing minds,” he said.

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

By Keegan Thomson

13

anzac TRIBUTE Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

14

Anzac Day morning service at Penrith Bowlo

A

t 9am on Anzac Day – Wednesday 25 April, an Anzac Day Morning Service will be held on the greens of Penrith Bowling and Recreation Club so the community of Penrith are able to attend to pay their respects.

Penrith Bowling Club Director, Neville Ireland will be conducting the service, Lindsay MP Emma Husar, Penrith MP Stuart Ayres and Penrith Deputy Mayor Tricia Hitchen will be attending and laying wreaths at the ceremony, as will Penrith RSL Chairman Frank Portelli, and Penrith Bowling Chairman, Bill Allen.

Penrith local and World War II, Korea & Vietnam veteran, Bob Laing will lower and raise the flag during the Last Post and Reveille played by Bugler, Connor Duncan.

Penrith Bowling and Recreation Club’s General Manager, Julie Cullen spoke of the history of the service, “Penrith Bowling and Recreation Club have been conducting this Anzac Day service for over 20 years.

It is always well attended and received by the local community.”

Mayor John Thain Lest We Forget on Anzac Day 25.4.2018 John Thain: 0411 427 812 jthain@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

“The ANZAC spirit was born on the shores of Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915.

We honour the sacrifices of the ANZACS, who fought for our freedoms and values that day.

We also pay tribute to all men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Armed Forces.

For those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service, we will remember.

Lest we forget.”

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry Ph: 9833 1122 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Lest We Forget

anzac TRIBUTE 100 years of Anzac spirit at Penrith Sub-branch

15 Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

Penrith dawn service march 2017. Photo: Facebook

By Keegan Thomson

T

HIS year the Penrith RSL Sub-branch will conduct their annual Anzac Day events with a theme of sombre reflection on the Great War as the Centenary of Anzac nears its end.

2018 marks 100 years since the end of WWI, “the war to end all wars,” and the team at the RSL Subbranch are planning three events that will reflect on the cruel reality that WWI was only the beginning of modern day conflicts.

Each year the Sub-branch puts on a special school’s service for Anzac that helps teach children

Ross Fowler

and teenagers the meaning of Anzac Day while delivering a traditional Anzac service.

On the Sunday before Anzac, a special community based service will include an afternoon march down High Street and the Penrith CBD, starting off at 2.30 pm from the RSL Club on Castlereagh Street.

On Anzac Day itself, Wednesday April 25, the Sub-branch will hold a silence march through the Penrith CBD followed by a traditional dawn service from 4.30 am.

Peter Todd, Vice President of the Sub-branch, says the 2018 Anzac commemorations will act as a lead up to this year’s Remembrance Day and the centenary of the WWI Armistice Day.

Penrith COUNCILLOR

Reflecting on the enormous sacrifice made by our defence forces, both past and present this ANZAC Day. Lest We Forget p: 4722 3066 m: 0419 738 484 Email: ross@rossfowler.com.au

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.

Lest We Forget

“It is all about the conclusion to the centenary of Anzac and what our forefathers went through on the battlefields of Europe and Gallipoli,” Mr Todd said.

Brian Cartwright, Vice President of the Subbranch, said there is something cruel in the famous idiom ‘a war to end all wars’.

“The irony is that despite it being a war to end all wars we have seen so much conflict since the end of World War One,” Mr Cartwright said.

“Nobody wanted to repeat the horrors of war again but sadly we must acknowledge that it happened again with all the wars that came after the Great War.”

anzac TRIBUTE Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

16

I’d never even heard of the bloody place

By Keegan Thomson

TONY Mullavey received his “call up” to fight in Vietnam when he was only 19 years old, but young Tony had no idea what kind of conflict he was getting himself involved in.

“I’d never even heard of the bloody place,” he said.

“You knew there was something going on but you didn’t take a whole lot of notice of it.”

After his numbers were called up Tony decided it was time to finish his apprenticeship as a baker and marry his teenage sweetheart, and in 1968 his training to be a military man began.

“They stripped you down from what you were as an individual and made you into a member of the military.

“We were told to jump when someone said jump, run whenever someone said run and shoot when someone told us to shoot,” he said.

Growing up in Bathurst, a long way from the jungles of Vietnam, Tony’s simple upbringing shaped him into the solider he became.

“Being a country boy I knew how to shoot, I was carrying a rifle from the time I was six years old.

“I thought since my trade was as a baker they’d send me to be a cook but because I’d grown up with a rifle in my hand I was a pretty good shot so they sent me to infantry,” he said.

On January 6, 1969, after completing his training, Tony was sent off to the wet, hot and humid jungles of Vietnam.

“Before we left they told us we’d be fighting against the Viet Cong. We were told they wore a pair of sandals, black pyjamas, a Chinese style hat and they carried an AK-47 assault rifle.

“The funny thing was, when we arrived in Vietnam everyone there wore black pyjamas, sandals and Chinese style hats. The only thing they didn’t have was the rifle,” Tony said.

After being moved around Tony settled in the First Australian Task Force base in Nui Dat, in South Vietnam.

His first job as a soldier was to partake in search and destroy missions deep into the Vietnamese jungles.

Search and destroy missions involved a group of around seven soldiers marching out into the jungle in an attempt to find enemy bunkers and hide outs. When they found them they’d dig in and destroy them.

“We would spend around six weeks in the bush on search and destroy missions.

“We would be resupplied daily but it was a hard slog through the bush.

“For me, my time in Vietnam was 300 days of slogging your guts out in the bush.

“We would be patrolling and looking around for all sorts of things.

You wouldn’t stop searching with

your eyes. Just looking back and forward for anything or anyone.

“It was boring but we’d always be hoping we wouldn’t have a contact with anyone,” Tony said.

The jungles in Vietnam were thick, dark and dangerous, but for Tony a little Aussie bush ingenuity helped him conquer some of the hardest challenges.

“The bush was so thick and you had to be really quiet when walking around.

“The Viet Cong knew their land and would often spot us before we’d see them.

“We had the problem of how do you cut through the bush without making any sound? So I got my dad to send me a pair of secateurs so I could cut through the bush without making much noise,” Tony said.

During the war the Viet Cong used a number of different trap mechanisms

to maim or kill their enemy. Those traps included hidden spike pits with glass and knives at the bottom, grenade mines and in some cases hidden poisonous snakes in disposed weapons boxes.

One morning, during a routine patrol of the base at Nui Dat, Tony fell victim to one of these traps hidden by the Viet Cong.

“We were making our morning patrol of the area around the base. We would do it every morning to check the perimeter for any enemy who might have set up over night.

“One morning while, I was doing my patrol, I was walking along the path when I put my foot on a patch of ground. It didn’t feel right but I didn’t think much of it until without any warning I fell through the ground and into a great big bloody hole.

“When I hit the bottom I was pretty worried but after a second or two I realised I couldn’t feel any pain in my feet or on my body, so I knew I was alright,” Tony said.

The hole was around seven feet deep but with some help he was able to climb out unharmed.

Towards the end of 1969, after he’d done his time, Tony was shipped home to Australia, though when he arrived back in Sydney he found himself in the middle of a complex and divided country.

“There was so much going on because of people protesting.

“Hindsight teaches you a lot but at the end of the day the government will still do the same thing over again and make the same bloody mistakes,” he said.

Tony Mullavey is now the President of the St Marys Vietnam Veterans’ Outpost.

They live by the motto, “Honour the dead but fight like hell for the living.”

robin cook

L A B O R F O R E A S T WA R D

P E N R I T H C I T Y B Y- E L E C T I O N

MAY 12

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY Raising her family locally, Robin understands what our community needs. For over 20 years, Robin has worked in our local health system, working as a nurse at Nepean Hospital and the Tindale Medical Centre in Penrith. Robin has dedicated her life to caring for our community - she will do the same on Council.

FIGHTING FOR US As a mother, Robin understands the challenges facing working families. That is why Robin opposes the Liberal Government’s plans to build a toxic incinerator at Eastern Creek and to reintroduce the M4 toll. You can count on Robin to always stand up and fight for our community.

Email: robin.cook@nswlabor.org.au

LIAM RANKINE L A B O R F O R S O U T H WA R D

P E N R I T H C I T Y B Y- E L E C T I O N

MAY 12

A LOCAL WHO UNDERSTANDS Liam knows the challenges facing Penrith.

Born in Nepean Hospital and now living in South Penrith, he is a local who understands Penrith. Having attended Penrith South Public School and Jamison High School, and being involved in the Penrith RSL Soccer Club and the Glenmore Park Brumbies Rugby League Club, Liam is part of our community.

FIGHTING FOR US Liam will bring fresh ideas and energy onto Penrith Council. He will fight to hold the State and Federal Liberal Governments to account and to ensure that Council works in the best interests of all of us. The Liberals have hurt our community through an unfair M4 toll and plans for a toxic incinerator in the heart of Western Sydney. Liam will stand up for Penrith and ensure Council is working to protect our community.

Email: liam.rankine@nswlabor.org.au Authorised by Greg Davies 203 Banks Drive St Clair

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

18

local news

Penrith applauds local seniors

› Community health notice Would you like to contribute to the development of a new approach to mental health inpatient care?

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District is seeking interested mental health consumers and carers to take part in an exciting new project with the mental health service and the University of Technology Sydney’s Design Innovation Research Centre.

Participants will join a project team to collaboratively redesign an enhanced model of personcentred care for inpatient consumers of the Nepean Mental Health Centre.

Expressions of Interest to join the project team are sought from people who have lived experience of mental distress or mental illness and use of inpatient mental health services, or who have experience as a family member/support person/ carer.

Interested participants are asked to call 4734 3222 or contact Ian.Dennis@health.nsw. gov.au or PO Box 63, PENRITH, NSW 2750 by 26 April 2018.

Mr Derek Hawthorn – Penrith Community Kitchen volunteer for 8+ years, Board Member of the PCK for the past 2 years, Supporter and volunteer of the Luke Priddis Foundation and Rotary.

S

Mrs Shirley O’Brien – Catering supervisor for the Nepean Valley RSL Day Club, Shirley has volunteered her time since June 2014. Every week she does all the shopping and prepares or organizes morning tea and lunch for up to 50 members of the club. Shirley is extremely reliable and always gets on with the job with a smile.

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has thanked the outstanding seniors of Penrith for their significant contributions to the community, when he announced the recipients of the 2018 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Award.

“The individuals recognised today represent the diversity of talent, generosity of spirit and limitless energy of seniors in Penrith,” Stuart Ayres said.

The award winners acknowledged include: Mr Derek Hawthorn for his service to the Penrith Community Kitchen, Mrs Shirley O’Brien for her service to the Nepean Valley RSL Day Club.

“My congratulations to these outstanding seniors, who

utilise their knowledge, and skills and put in the hard work to enrich our local community.”

The Awards aim to highlight the achievements of older people as part of the 2018 NSW Seniors Festival, which is celebrating its 60th Diamond Anniversary this year.

An estimated 500,000 seniors are expected to attend more than 1,000 events held across the state from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 15 April 2018.

The activities support the NSW Ageing Strategy, which outlines the NSW Government’s commitment to help people live healthy, active and fulfilling lives in later life.

To find a NSW Seniors Festival events visit http://www. nswseniorsfestival.com.au.

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

L

AST month was Epilepsy Aw a r e n e s s month, and awareness and funding is desperately needed.

When local residents Bert and Rosemary Bronkhorst received a phone call back in May 2009 to say that their eldest daughter Alexis had collapsed and been rushed to hospital, they were extremely worried, but had no way of knowing that every parent’s worst nightmare was about to unfold.

A young mother expecting her second child, Alexis had always been happy and healthy.

It was an exciting time in their lives; Alexis and her husband Kurt were over the moon about the impending birth of their second child, and three-year-old Bryce was excited to become a big brother. Little sister Ashleigh was to become an aunty again and Bert and Rosemary proud grandparents.

In the week prior to presenting at Nepean Hospital, Alexis had been suffering from headaches and had been off-colour.

It was over two months before Alexis was finally released from hospital. In that time she’d been transferred to Westmead, had spent five weeks in intensive care where she’d been placed in an induced coma.

She had also undergone numerous tests, spent three weeks in the High Dependency Unit, and had been pumped full of medication to try to stop her seizures.

Her diagnosis at discharge was Epilepsy.

Weekly follow-up visits were prescribed, along with medication to control her condition, but epilepsy soon became part of every day life for Alexis, who was by now having between one and 10 seizures a day.

But she didn’t complain; just took it in her stride, as she had done with all challenges in her life.

“The seizures did become part of her life, and as a father I found it hard to witness them,” Bert said.

Bert and Rosemary Bronkhorst with Mark “MG” Geyer, holding a framed photo of beautiful Alexis who had the world at her feet before being taken far too soon.

“Rosemary was amazing though, as was Kurt. And Alexis herself - on the rare occasion that she had a prewarning from her body, she would try to place herself somewhere where she could not hurt herself.”

Despite these new challenges, later that year healthy baby boy Zaine was born via C Section and life for the the young family resumed.

But many changes had to be made to best cope with the cruel hand that Alexis had been dealt; she was unable to drive nor be left alone. Kurt had to become full time Dad and carer for his wife.

Providing for his young family had become quite a challenge for young Kurt as the following couple of years went by, and occasionally he was working late into the night on his laptop after the family had all gone to bed.

Just before 3am on November 22, 2012, Kurt finished up and decided to take a shower before climbing into bed next to Alexis. He walked past her sleeping frame to the bathroom, and as he returned he noticed that she was face down on the bed. Sensing something was amiss, he attempted to wake her, and his worst fears were

A sisterly bond: Alexis and Ashleigh

realised as he discovered she was unconscious. He performed CPR while waiting for the paramedics to arrive.

Bert and Rosemary were woken by a 3am call from their daughter’s neighbour; there was ambulance at the house.

Flying out the door with a feeling of dread, it was sadly to become the worst day of their lives; forever etched in their hearts.

Alexis could not be revived.

She had lost the battle she had fought so hard to conquer, and one of life’s most valued treasures was taken away in an instant.

But her memory lives on, loved and sadly missed by the many hearts she touched during her short life of just under 26 years.

The kind-hearted, happy go-lucky girl with the stunning smile who loved to sing and dance and reveled in the role of being a mother will be treasured forever.

“She passed three weeks before her 26th birthday,” Rosemary said, emotional and tearful after going over the traumatic events in order to share Alexis’ journey.

“We all miss her so much.”

“We hope that it can help explain the risks in epilepsy, and help prevent other families from suffering the same loss as we have.”

I’d like to thank the Bronkhorsts for opening their hearts full of memories of their beautiful daughter with me, in order to bring awareness to this very important issue.

Not many people realise that Epilepsy can be fatal. Awareness of SUDEP - Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy - is being promoted this month, and March 24 was Purple Day in an effort to raise awareness. The condition also needs to be high on the political radar to ensure it receives the research attention it needs to prevent the fatal risks.

It is a cause that is also close to heart for local legend Mark Geyer.

Two of MG’s daughters have been

diagnosed with epilepsy.

“Epilepsy needs to be tagged for research funding,” MG said.

“Bert and Rosemary have lost a beautiful daughter in very traumatic circumstances, yet they are leading the charge in an effort to help others.”

Epilepsy Australia states that the risk of SUDEP nationally is one in 3000 persons over a one-year period. For persons with poorly controlled seizures the risk is one in 100 persons over one year. In children, SUDEP is an even rarer occurrence with the risk as low as one to two in 10, 000 over one year.

“One of the very important challenges for Epilepsy Australia is to raise awareness and understanding of possible risks related to living with epilepsy,” A spokesperson from Epilepsy Australia said.

“While this is a difficult topic for all concerned it is essential that we use research and community education to clearly identify where risks exist and what strategies can be developed to reduce them.

“This includes the question of epilepsy-related death. While modest progress has been made in understanding epilepsy-related risks, there is still much work to be done, especially in the area of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).

“Life is precious, and while the risk of SUDEP is low, all factors that may lead to injury or loss of life should be included in any risk management discussion. Informed decisions about treatment and lifestyle can only be made if all the information is provided and consequences discussed.”

Epilepsy Australia’s SUDEP Research & Education Fund receives donations from families, friends and colleagues who have lost a loved one to epilepsy, and donations dedicated to epilepsy research. Donations to this fund can be made online atwww.epilepsyaustralia.net or for more information, emailsudep@ epilepsyaustralia.net Turn to MG on the mark, page 47 for more editorial comment.

Alexis had always been a happy and healthy child

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

SUDEP: More awareness needed about a killer taking young lives

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Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

20

local news

The power of purring Purring is one of the most endearing and unique qualities of domestic cats. Most people cannot resist smiling when they hear a cat purr and will happily sit with a purring cat beside them or on their lap.

Purring is normally regarded as a sign of a pleasure or being content, however cats will also purr when they are stressed or in pain. Purring is used to communicate between mothers and kittens, between cats within social groups and as a means of communicating with us. Kittens can purr before they open their eyes. It has been suggested that purring may have evolved as a means of communication that cannot be heard by predators.

It is often reported that only domestic cats purr, but this is not correct. All cats belong to the Felidae family, consisting of two subfamilies, the Pantherinea and Felinae. The Pantherinae subfamily contains the big cats including the tiger, lion, leopard and jaguar and they have evolved to roar. They can purr when exhaling but the vocal cords are used for

roaring and cannot be used for a true constant purr.

The Felinae subfamily contains cats that vary from the domestic cat, lynx, ocelot up to the puma and cheetah. These cats produce the constant purr we hear from our domestic cats. The Guinness book of records loudest purr from a domestic cat belongs to a cat in England, Merlin whose purr reached 67.8db, this is higher than normal conversation between humans.

There is still confusion about exactly how a cat purrs. The purr is made up of both noise and vibration. It is thought to originate from a central nervous signal that causes oscillation of the vocal

cords. The frequency of purring is very constant, normally at a range of 25-150 hertz. Vibrations in this range at low decibels have been regarded as beneficial for healing. It is believed that the frequency of vibration that occurs when a cat purrs may have not only calming effects but also healing qualities. Purring during birth may reduce the pain and help with post partum healing. Several studies on the effects of purring have shown a reduction in stress and a positive effect on wound and bone healing. Purring has been shown to reduce stress and blood pressure in humans. Purring has many more powerful properties than just displaying pleasure.

Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

H

The G Spot

AVE you ever wondered why doctors’ surgeries have magazines dating back to 1975 in their waiting rooms? I know that it doesn’t really have anything to do with security, but they are either stuck in a time warp or that was when the last patient went in and you’re next. I dunno, just some trivial crap I was pondering over whilst contemplating my navel.

Today kids, we are going to dabble in the subject of (drum roll) SAFETY! And the crowd goes wild (roar). Now, before you all go into a self-induced coma because safety is about as interesting as watching your wife knit a scarf with sewing needles and scrubbing tile cracks with a broken tooth brush, it is something that people are not really proactive in.

(Stern voice with finger point, maybe a tut, tut, tut thrown in).

Speaking of safety, I must say I was really impressed a couple of weeks ago whilst travelling to Queensland.

On the side of the road (both sides) was a kangaroo safety fence. Yep, in the middle of nowhere, there it was, in all its gracious glory to assist our little skippies from jumping out onto the road. My heart was overwhelmed and full of love for who ever thought of this ingenious idea, and then the fence stopped. What the hell!!!

So let me get this straight, approx.

5-10 km of fencing and then nothing?

I immediately thought: “Gosh the kangaroos are smart out here and know not to go over that border where no fence is and know to stay behind the fence that is there….sigh…..next subject!

Anyway, getting back to it, let’s talk about child safety. Oh, before we start I don’t actually have any kids myself so this is purely from a safety program that I poached off the internet, however (before all of the copyright people get there knickers in a knot) I have read it and placed it into my own words, as only the G

Phone 47 313 055

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

Spot can!

Okay, page 1 (cough, cough, clear throat) Burns and scalds: It says don’t let kids near hot water (like friggin’ derr!), heaters and irons, BBQ’s , cooking appliances whilst hot (what sort of moron wrote this?), cigarettes, fires, candles, matches and lighters and let’s not forget the sun. (This writer was institutionalised for his/her whole life).

Next, Poisoning: Medications, household cleaning products (yeah, I will give them that one, I clean the shower with that bleach crap and I need an ambulance and an oxygen mask), pool chemicals, pesticides (have you ever noticed Areoguard doesn’t work? I got the bird from a mosquito last summer).

Okay next! Choking: Small items like beads, toys, foam, coins, food items, lollies and a pair of parents hands around one’s throat.

Not long to go folks - we are nearly there, stay with me now, get up take

a walk outside and come back to me.

Next subject: Entrapment? Is that like when you tell your husband the dress was on sale and he reads the price tag? Is that Entrapment?

Okay, I will stick to it: Between cot railings, vertical railings, curtain and blind cords and playground equipment. (Yeah gotta agree with the blind cords one, almost choked myself running out the back with a six pack, gotta be careful with those - might drop the beer .

Last but not least: Breaks and Sprains: It says - falls , trips, collision? (flipping the page). That’s it! Falls, trips, collision. Did I miss something?

Because I don’t know about you but you don’t really have to be Einstein to work that one out.

Okay wake up now, it’s the end. So there you have it folks, always take your own mag to the doctors, realise that kangaroos are really intelligent and wrap your house and kids in 15 kgs of bubble wrap.

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local news

F

or one very lucky St Marys Rugby League Club Member, the Easter Bunny delivered a whole lot more than eggs this Easter!

The Club Member, a 68 year-old Grandmother from Berkshire Park now has plenty of reasons to celebrate after her life-changing 10-number Keno win on the Easter long weekend. A Member of Saints since 2009, the winner was visiting the Club while her husband was away, and whilst she always had a feeling she would win big one day, never in her wildest dreams did she think she would be going home a multi-millionaire on the last Saturday in March!

When asked how she selected her numbers, our lucky winner said that she always uses her own unique pairing method, when one number comes up, she’s almost certain that the next one will – and on Saturday night, it certainly did, giving her 10 out of 10 numbers to win the 10 Number Jackpot of $2,735,523!

Rick Alderton, her favourite Keno operator at the Club said the air was electric once the staff received notification from Keno that someone had won 2.7 million. “We didn’t know if the winning ticket holder was still at the Club or had left for the evening” he recalled. “Once we discovered who it was that had won such a huge amount, we couldn’t have been more thrilled. She is such a lovely

Jarrod Glass, Saints Keno operator who sold the winning ticket, celebrating the huge win!

lady, always incredibly positive and happy and we always have a great chat when she comes in for a visit at the Club” he added.

“Her first phone call of course was to her husband, and whilst she was absolutely delighted, she was very calm – I think we were all more shocked than she was!”

After calling the winner to congratulate her on her fantastic win, Cathy Rowley, the Club’s Marketing Manager echoed Rick’s comments saying “What a wonderful lady. She is possibly one of the most positive and lovely winners we’ve ever had”. Asked how she intends to spend her big win, this regular visitor to St Marys Rugby League Club said she’ll use her winnings to invest for the future, adding that she feels incredibly blessed to now be stress free of any money concerns.

“I think this makes our third Keno multimillionaire at Saints” added Cathy, “but it’s lovely to have one of our Members become the first multi-millionaire for 2018”.

With one of the best Keno facilities available, offering 4 selling outlets, multiple screens and highly trained Keno operators, St Marys Rugby League Club has paid out millions in Keno payouts to its Members and visitors. This 10 Number Jackpot win along with the many other jackpot wins at the club guarantees that Saints continues to be one of the “Top 10” Keno venues in NSW.

Community well served by new Mt Druitt fire station

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ast Friday Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant inspected the recently completed $3 million Mount Druitt Fire Station.

Mr Grant toured the facilities and met with Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Metropolitan West Area Commander Chief Superintendent Robert Murray and local firefighters.

Mount Druitt Fire Station was relocated to the new site to improve efficiencies in the region’s emergency response and capability.

Mr Grant said the former Mount Druitt, St Mary’s and Ropes Crossing fire stations had previously been located within a few kilometres of each other, resulting in some inefficiencies in response coverage.

“The new Mount Druitt Fire Station ensures better emergency response coverage for communities throughout the growing Western Sydney area,” Mr Grant said.

“This fire station will provide a permanent, state-of-the-art base for the firefighters who work hard to protect the local and surrounding communities.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing our firefighters with the best possible equipment and amenities, so they are prepared for anything, anywhere, anytime.”

Completed in December 2017, the

new station includes a double engine bay, improved training facilities, fitness room and separate male/ female amenities.

The station is staffed by four Station Officers and 16 permanent firefighters.

Chief Superintendent Robert

Murray said the new facilities will boost firefighters’ ability to respond to a wide range of emergencies.

“The new Mount Druitt Fire Station is providing firefighters with the facilities they need to continue delivering the best service possible well into the future,” Mr Murray said.

This financial year the NSW Government will be investing $52 million in capital works. Since 2011, the NSW Government has upgraded or constructed new fire stations throughout Western Sydney including Cabramatta, Huntingwood, Windsor, Springwood and Ropes Crossing.

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

Local Nanna cracks keno jackpot at Saints

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Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

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NEPEAN HISTORY

The Bennett Family Soldiers of World War One

S

apper Sydney William Bennett - On the 21st October 1918, just twentyone days before the end of World War One, Sydney, known as “Billy”, died of Malignant Malaria at the age of 28 years, just shy of a one-year service. Sydney was born in December 1890 at “Bronte”, the family home in Gidley Street at St Marys. His father James William was part of the Bennett Wagon family and his mother was Mary Barclay Bennett (Nee) Shand. Sydney worked in the firm before the war as a Blacksmith. He had a ruddy complexion, with brown eyes and hair and had two scars on the right-hand side of his face and one on his left knee. He enlisted at the end of November 1917 at Victoria Barracks and was allocated to the 2nd Military District Engineers in December at the Engineer Depot at Moore Park. In February 1918 he was transferred as a “Sapper” to signals and embarked for the Suez on the “SS Port Darwin”. In April he disembarked and marched into the reinforcement camp at Moascar in early June. He was posted to the Signal Training Unit, then posted to the 2nd Signals Squadron Australian Mounted Division in June. The Engineers, also known as sappers, were essential to the running of the war. Without them the other branches of the Allied Forces would have found it difficult to cross the muddy and shellravaged ground of the Western Front. Their responsibilities included constructing the lines of defense like temporary bridges, tunnels and trenches, observation posts, roads, railways, communication lines, buildings of all kinds, showers and bathing facilities and other material as well as mechanical solutions to the problems associated with fighting in all theatres. In October Sydney was admitted to the Australian Divisional Receiving Station at Damascus with Malignant Malaria where he died. He is buried in the Damascus British War Cemetery in Syria. The Nepean Times printed in a column in November 1918 that “The sad news came to hand during the week that Sapper Sydney William “Billie” Bennett, 3rd son of our respected residents, Mr & Mrs James Bennett of St Marys, died about a month ago in Palestine while serving his country at the war. The deceased soldier was a particularly fine young fellow, 28 years of age and always of a most genial and kindly disposition. His loss will be greatly regretted by a large circle of friends at St Marys. His personal effects were sent back to Australia from Cairo on the “Wiltshire” in December and described as follows: One paper package that contained two pairs of socks, 1 pair of mittens, 1 handkerchief, 1 pipe in case, 1 notebook, 1 leather belt, 1 hairbrush, 1 wallet with photos, postcards and letters, 1 burnisher – An engineering tool with a hard smooth rounded edge or surface and used for finishing the edges of scraper blades and for smoothing or polishing plastic or metal surfaces as well as for other applications requiring manipulation by rubbing. Sydney’s younger brother, Private Harold Victor Bennett

was born in September 1893, also at “Bronte” and went to school at St Marys’ Public School.

He also worked as a blacksmith in the Bennett Wagon firm. He joined the Reinforcements and sailed on the “Argyllshire” in April 1915. He was in Abbassia where he contracted V.D. and was discharged and returned to Australia on the hospital ship “Kyarra” in June. Harold, back in Australia, re-enlisted in February 1916 and was transferred to the 20th Battalion and embarked for Alexandria on the “H.T. Scotian” in May. In June he was reported sick in hospital and in August he committed an offence by being “out of bounds” in France after overstaying a pass. In September he attended the Lewis Gun school and in January 1917 he was appointed “Lance Corporal”. At Rouen in March he was diagnosed with “septic trench feet” and was admitted to the Hospital at Etaples in April. That month he received a package from Mrs Walsh of St Marys who belonged to the St Marys’ Soldiers Cheer Society who sent comfort packages to the St Marys Soldiers overseas. He was in France when in June an accidental injury known as “synovitis knee” put him in hospital again but he was discharged that same month. In July he was admitted to 30th General Hospital at the Harve suffering from V.D. again. He was discharged from hospital in August and re-joined his unit. In September he was wounded in action in France and admitted to the 6th Australian Field Ambulance with a gunshot wound to left leg and arm and was transferred to the 3rd Casualty Clearing Station in France where he was subsequently invalided to England and admitted to the Seaforth War Hospital at Bristol. In October he was moved and admitted to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford and was given a furlo in October but after reporting to the depot at Codford at the end of October he was returned to the camp hospital suffering from arthritis. He was transferred in early December to the Training Brigade at Murcott and was again sent overseas to France in January 1918. Harold was wounded in action for a third time in June at Boulogne in France and admitted to the 5th Australian Field Ambulance with a bomb wound to his right wrist and transferred back to England and admitted to Colchester Hospital at Harefield. At the end of June, he was moved and admitted to the 1st Auxiliary Hospital and in July where he was given a furlo at Weymouth to last until early August and towards the end of August he was given a reprimand for the committing the offence of “failing to salute an officer of his majesty’s forces”. He returned to Australia via “D23” from England at the end of September in 1918 and was discharged with a bombed right wrist. He married Alice Cooksley at Marrickville in 1922 and died in December 1984 in Victoria at the age of 92 years where he was living with his daughter Joan Dent.

Sources: WW1 Service Records online, “Timeless Heroes – Duty Called” my book on the WW1 St Marys’ soldiers. Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

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Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

24

local news

› Nasho’s Council Supports Red Cross Calling annual AGM Penrith National Servicemen’s Association Inc. (Nasho’s) will be holding our annual AGM on Sunday 15th April 2018 commencing at 10.30am with free Morning Tea at Penrith RSL Club Tindale Street Penrith.

New members welcome. Come and vote for your committee for the next 12 months.

› Nepean Bonsai Society Meets at the North Penrith Community Centre located at 66B Illawong Avenue, Kingswood Park on the fourth Sunday of each month from 2-5pm.

Contact us at: info@nepeanbonsaisociety.org or phone 0402 060 471.

New members and guests are always welcome.

R

ecently Penrith Mayor Councillor John Thain presented Penrith Red Cross representative, Sue Gallagher with a cheque for $3,000 to round out what has been another successful local Red Cross Calling campaign in Penrith in 2018.

Penrith Mayor, Councillor John Thain said Red Cross volunteers have been working hard throughout the entire month of March knocking on doors and collecting donations at various shopping centres and railway stations and I am delighted that Council has been able to contribute to the campaign with their donation.

“This is the 70th annual Red Cross calling campaign to raise vital funds so that the Red Cross can continue their magnificent work that provides invaluable support and relief for people 365 days of the year with their wide variety of community and emergency services,” Councillor Thain said.

Amongst other things the local Penrith Red Cross branch knit and distribute the ever popular trauma teddies, they support residents at Uniting Care’s Edinglassie Village, serve tea to Red Cross blood donors and they give their time and energy to the Red Cross shop in Penrith.

Penrith Mayor Councillor John Thain with Penrith Red Cross representative, Sue Gallagher

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 In a cerebral manner (14) 10 Not left (5) 11 Disapproval (9) 12 Aerial (7) 13 A Turkish viceroy of

Egypt (7) 14 Sedate (5) 16 Cuts into something (9) 19 Majesty (9) 20 Vassal (5) 22 Feelings of friendship

and esteem (7) 25 Untangle (7) 27 Eurasian rose (9) 28 At the ends of fingers (5) 29 Sins (14)

DOWN 2 Bargain (9) 3 Consumed (5) 4 Profitable (9) 5 A narrow opening or crack (5) 6 Everywhere (9) 7 Fifty-eight in Roman numerals (5) 8 Complains (7) 9 Prickly wooden vines (6) 15 Supplants (9) 17 People who design and create

period clothes (9) 18 Surgical procedure (9) 19 Apparel (7) 21 Enrol (6) 23 Helmet shaped (5) 24 Move about rapidly (5) 26 The mountain of the Ten

Commandments (5)

solution 29/3/18

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

26

One concert only!

F

ull of big sounds and virtuosic performances, the Australian Haydn Ensemble performs a vivacious program of Handel and Mozart arias from Agrippina, The Magic Flute and Marriage of Figaro - along with Haydn’s London Symphony in an historical chamber arrangement for one concert only at The Joan on Friday 20 April.

Featuring internationally acclaimed Canadian Soprano, Stefanie True and Australian Baritone Simon Lobelson, this concert will be a night to remember.

The Australian Haydn Ensemble has rapidly claimed a place among Australia’s finest orchestras and chamber music groups. Formed from a group of dedicated musicians with national and international experience, the ensemble specialises in the music of the classical era, performing on historical instruments under the leadership of Artistic Director, Skye McIntosh to deliver performances faithful to the sound-worlds that would have been familiar to Haydn and his contemporaries.

Dress up for an evening out – close your eyes and imagine for one moment

you are in the concert halls of Europe right here in Penrith at The Joan as fine music is turned up to 11 in a specially curated program of classical music like no other.

Tickets on sale now at box office 4723 7600 or online thejoan.com. au or subscribe to The Joan’s Fine Music series and enjoy Mirusia, The Song Company and some of Australia’s finest pianists in Eight Grands (and save!).

Bosom buddies

T

he music, the stories and the laughs that stopped the show.

She is Australia’s leading lady of musical theatre.

He is Australia’s favourite song and dance man. Together on stage, these two stars are brightly shining.

With over 90 years of entertaining experience, four Helpmann awards between them and three decades of working together, Nancye Hayes and Todd McKenney are pals, chums, Bosom Buddies.

In this new show, they reflect on their stage careers and their life in showbiz.

They sing, they dance, they reminisce - about the lows as well as the highs.

They tell back stage stories never before told and they show video footage never before seen. Exploring some of the home truths about the entertainment industry show is, in turns, moving, poignant and hilarious. As part of each performance the audience is invited to ask the questions they’ve always wanted to ask. Answers guaranteed!

The recipient of three Lifetime Achievement Awards, three Helpmann Awards, four Green Room Awards, two Glug Awards and a Mo, Nancye Hayes AM, is an actor, dancer, singer, choreographer and director who began her career in My Fair Lady in 1961 and established her name in the title role in Sweet Charity in 1967. Since then she

has sung, danced and acted her way through a cavalcade of successes and into the hearts of Australian theatregoers.

Inspiring, provocative and compelling are just three words that describe the critically acclaimed and award-winning singer, dancer, actor and all-round entertainer Todd McKenney. Best known as the controversial judge on the Channel 7 hit series Dancing with the Stars for an incredible 15 seasons, as well as his towering performance as Peter Allen in the Australian production of The Boy From Oz for nearly 1000 performances over two years, Todd has been centre stage in Australia for more than 35 years.

Tickets on sale at the Joan Box office 4723 7600 or online at www.thejoan.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT

H

oliday fun for kids and their adults! Dance and art workshops, live theatre or even a trip to The Gallery are all on offer right here on your doorstep this school holidays at The Joan and Penrith Regional Gallery.

SEUSSICAL - presented by Penrith Musical Comedy Company, Friday 13 & 20 April 7:30pm Saturday 14 & 21 April 1:30pm & 7:30pm Based on the works of Dr. Seuss, Seussical weaves together his most famous tales and characters from at least fifteen of his books.

Follow the adventures of Horton, an elephant who one day hears voices coming from a speck of dust, and discovers within this tiny speck exists the smallest planet in the universe!

On this tiny planet live a tiny race of creatures known as Whos. Although ridiculed by the other animals in the Jungle of Nool for believing in something he cannot see, Horton stubbornly persists in his belief the Whos exist.

A musical for kids of all ages! Enter the magical world of Dr. Seuss and experience an interactive performance that promises great fun for the family!

Tickets Adult $40 | Concession $35 |

Group (10+) $3 Josephine Wants to Dance - A Monkey Baa Theatre Company Production, Friday 27 April 10am & 12 noon is a brand new Australian musical

based on the hugely popular picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley. Perfect for young audiences from 4 to 9 years and their families, and brought to you by the team that created the award-winning Pete the Sheep,

this hilarious new work by Monkey Baa brings to life a tale about a bush Kangaroo you’ll never forget!

Suitable for ages 4 – 9 Duration 45 minutes.

Tickets Adult $25 |Children $20 | Family $76 Sydney Dance Company holiday workshops 23 & Tuesday 24 April, 10am to 4pm, 8-11 years Thursday 26 & Friday 27 April, 10am to 4pm, 12-16 years Sydney Dance Company school holiday workshops at The Joan Performing Arts Centre provide a fun and focused environment for young people to improve their dance technique and learn new routines under the direction of professional teachers and choreographers. The workshops are designed for passionate young dancers with some previous experience.

Explore four different dance styles, JFH, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Contemporary in this two-day dance workshop.

Uncover your natural movement and develop your own personal interpretation and selfexpression.

Cost: $170 per workshop - please note there are no one day workshops.

And much much more!

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

Holiday fun at The Joan and gallery

27

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

28

Meet TV landscaper Jason Hodges in Penrith this weekend

J

ason Hodges from Channel Seven ‘Better Homes & Gardens’ will be at The National Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo at Panthers Penrith next weekend.

Open from Friday, April 13 through to Sunday, April 15, it’s the third year for this free-entry, huge display of earthmoving machinery that attracts more than 40,000 visitors.

You will find Jason on Toro’s stand 88 on Friday 13th, from 10.00 am until 12.30 pm and on the Semco stand 68-69 from 1.00 pm until 3.00 pm. On Saturday 14th he will be on the Toro stand 88 between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm.

If you have admired Jason’s clever approaches to landscaping, here’s your chance to have a chat and say hi. Jason will be signing free merchandise and would love to meet you.

Jason owns and uses many different types of Toro equipment to help him get the job done quickly and efficiently. Here’s your chance to ask him how! You may have even attempted some of Jason’s great projects for your home and would like to let him know how your project went.

There are free show bags and you can check out the great variety of food, drinks, snacks and the comfortable licensed bar.

There’s something for all the family from police highway cars, mining excitement at Rocky River Mining, Little Big Rigs and 12 amazing shows daily from the Freestyle Kings motorbike stunt team.

Win great prizes like a ride-on mower, motorbike, tool box, generator and fuel vouchers.

Check the website of this free event at www.dieseldirtandturf. com.auwebsite or visit them on Facebook.

From the living room to the public space

T

he artist and collector relationship has existed for millennia. Imagine, the Western art canon without the enormous patronage of the Medici family. Renaissance artists Raphael and Leonardo DaVinci may not have had the chance to create great art in the service of society, the church and state.

While today’s patrons may not model themselves on the Medicis, their role extends beyond commissioning work for private collections, to include intimate involvement and support for artist’s practice.

Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest’s Autumn Exhibition Suite 5 x 5 – the Artist and the Patron recognises the significance of modern day patronage by exploring five artist/collector pairings. Artists include: - Uji (Hahan) Handoko Eko Saputro, Julian Meagher, Nigel Milsom, Tracey Emin and Patrick Hartigan. Presenting art rarely seen outside a domestic setting, the exhibition 5 x 5 – the Artist and the Patron brings private collections into the public arena.

Independent curator Micheal Do, supported by a grant from the Copyright Agency and Museums & Galleries NSW, invited five Sydney based collectors to select an individual artist and artworks from their personal collections for exhibition. Through documented interviews with each collector, the curator has unveiled a

private world of art making, art collection and philanthropic motives deeply rooted in the lives of these artists and collectors.

5 x 5 is on exhibition until 20 May. Take some time to visit Penrith Regional Gallery for this intriguing exhibition, and “remember owning art is

only a small part of the relationship...the best thing about art is most of the relationship you can have with it is free, just by looking.” - Amanda Love – art consultant and collector.

Open daily 9am – 5pm admission is free. 86 River Road Emu Plains, www.penrithregionalgallery.org

What’s on at the Henry Sports

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SEAFOOD BUFFET SUNDAY 13TH MAY 12.00PM - 2.30PM $39.50 Adult $24.50 Child All Mothers receive free soft drink, house wine or beer Antipasto Plate Australian King Prawns Premium Sydney Rock Oysters Steamed Blue Swimmer Crab Satay Chicken w/ Jasmine Rice Beef Stiry Fry w/ Hokkien Noodle Mixed Sushi Plate Roast Pork w/ Apple Sauce Potato Bake Garden Salad Greek Salad Roast Vegetables Seasonal Fruit Assorted Cakes & Coffee or Tea

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Early Bird Booking Special

ENTERTAINMENT

SUDOKU: EASY

WORD SEARCH

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

30

Astronomy ANDROMEDA GALAXY APOGEE ASTEROID ASTRONOMER ATMOSPHERE AURORA BINARY STAR BLACK HOLE CONSTELLATION CORONA CRATER

DEEP SPACE ECLIPSE EQUINOX GALAXIES GALILEO GRAVITY HUBBLE KEPLER LIGHT YEAR METEOR MILKY WAY

MOON NEBULA ORBIT PARSEC PERIGEE POLARIS PROXIMA CENTAURI PULSARS QUASARS RED GIANT SATELLITE

SOLAR SYSTEM SOLAR WIND SPACE SHUTTLE SPACECRAFT STARS SUN SUPERNOVA TELESCOPE TIDES UNIVERSE WHITE DWARF

SOLUTION: 15 March

INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

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We promote the responsible service of gaming and alcohol. All our advertising and promotions are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons, or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

32

ENTERTAINMENT

THE SCHWEPPES RENSHAW CUP

Harness racing at its very best T

he Penrith Paceway is gearing up to showcase its annual Autumn Features of the Renshaw Cup. The $50,000 Schweppes Renshaw Cup run tonight, the 12th April, over the testing distance of 2525m is the race that always sets the nerves tingling, this is because of the quality fields of first class horses that always take part in this time honoured event.

It takes a top horse to win it and the last four winners were Tiger Tara, Ya Yas Hot Spot NZ, Smolda, Blazin N Cullen.

Schweppes Renshaw Cup night caters for everybody, with the chance to win a Toyota Yaris car among the many raffles and lucky racebook prizes that will be carried out over the night.

Entertainment is a priority and supplying this will be Gabriel Emilia who is certain to have you tapping your toes.

The children always love to have fun on the grass hill and there is a playground area for the little ones to enjoy.

All of this is supported by a high

standard of good food and beverages There will be good support races so the racing on the night will be competitive and thrilling to watch.

Recapping some of the highlights will be;

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE TERRACE CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA RACE BOOK PROMOTION - V8 RACING EXPERIENCE (EASTERN CREEK) & A CHANCE TO WIN A TOYOTA YARIS LOTS MORE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY

Schweppes Renshaw Cup THURSDAY 12th April 2018 HARNESS RACING AT ITS VERY BEST

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Live Entertainment on the Terrace • Children’s play area Race Book Promotion – V8 Racing Experience (Eastern Creek) & a chance to WIN a Toyota Yaris Lots more for the whole family to enjoy

Station StREET, Penrith | Ph. 4732 4777

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

34

TRAVEL

Travel spotlight:

THE COSTS

Beautiful Bali, Indonesia You can order a feast for less than the price of entree in Sydney

The unspoiled beauty of Lembongan Island

By KeRRIE DAVIES

ONE of my favourite destinations in the world - and definitely one of the cheapest - is the magical island paradise of Bali.

Just a six-hour jaunt from Sydney, Bali is an easy destination to get to and the weather is warm all year round. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and do just about nothing, or spend a full week sight-seeing and partying and still not get to see and do all that is on offer.

Most flights from Sydney land in Denpasar airport late at night, so unless you’re prepared to do a fair bit of latenight driving as soon as you get off the plane, it is best to at least spend your first night in Kuta or its surrounds.

Kuta is very busy and the traffic is pretty full-on throughout the day and well into the night. The main drag, Legion Street is the hub of nightclub and bar activity, and, if you’re in the party mood you’ll be sure to enjoy a pub crawl down this incredible street.

Bars offer everything from doofdoof to live bands to karaoke. Food is also available from an array of restaurants right through to the early hours of the morning.

Nearby Seminyak is a bit more upmarket from Kuta and provides travelers with slightly less hustle and bustle than Kuta. It also tends to have a 30-plus travel clientele.

The towns of Sanur and Nusa Dua are where those who are looking for a resort holiday should head. These properties are among the best in the world, however the Balinese culture is not as evident and accessible as staying ‘downtown.’

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle yet still get a healthy dose of local culture, I’d thoroughly recommend jumping on a ‘fastboat’ from Sanur and spending a few nights on the islands of Lembongan, Gili or Lombok.

Lembongan is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited. It was first recommended to me by a friend, and to be honest when we first hopped off the boat on our first threenight visit there, I was calculating when the next boat back to Bali would be as I planned to be on it. Carrying our suitcases on top of our heads through waist-deep water due to there being no wharf, then being herded on to the back of a truck by non-English speaking Indonesians and seeing just how primitive people on the island

A surprise around every corner.

Local servo - Indo style.

live, I actually thought my friend had played a joke on us.

But once we arrived to our accommodation, (Bay Shore Huts - absolute paradise!) settled in our gorgeous traditional Balinese hut and went to explore the primitive island, I instantly fell in love with the beauty and innocence of it.

We’ve since been back five times in three years!

There’s lots to see and do; beautiful beaches, great bars and restaurants, water sports, great surfing, diving and snorkeling and there’s even a zip line.

There is much less traffic for those game enough to ride a moped, and if not there’s always the option of golf cart hire, flagging an outrigger driver (boat) to take you around the island by water, or simply setting off on foot.

On the mainland of Bali there’s loads to do; visit the temples, Bali Zoo, Monkey Forests, jet-skiing, fishing, mountain bike riding, shop until you drop and much, much more.

Although normal, sensible personal caution needs to be taken - as it should be in any country - Bali is a much safer destination than the shockvalue programs on tv would have you believe.

Budget airfares to Bali pop up all year round. I’ve found the biggest bargains come via Jetstar, where return airfares can be obtained from as little as $350 - $400 per person.

Accommodation costs will depend on the budget: a room in most of the high-end resorts will cost approximately $250 per night.

That might sound expensive, but have you priced hotels in Sydney lately?

A shared cost in a swanky villa housing 6, 8 or even 10 friends can be obtained for under $100 per person per night.

A decent, clean hotel with a pool, a bar and breakfast can be nabbed for around $60 per night.

If you’re on a shoestring budget and are happy to ‘slum’ it a bit, homestay-style accommodation is available on Lembongan for under $10 a night.

THE HIP SIDE

Temperatures are a lovely 2530 degrees during our winter, and soar to sweltering temps during our summer months.

Meals in a decent sit-down-andbe-served restaurant are available for under $10.

The Balinese people are eager to please and the word ‘no’ is not common in their vocabulary.

Almost any request within reason will be accommodated, even if it is outside what they normally offer.

There is a ‘relaxing’ of rules which can be quite attractive to Australians wanting a break from the legislation of just about everything that we have here.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something will always surprise you in Bali!

THE FLIP SIDE

Although with each trip I see more and more families with babies and young children visiting Bali,it can be a challenging place to take very small children. It is probably more ideal for children who are eight and over.

Indonesia does not have health regulations to any kind of standard that would be acceptable here.

While most restaurants are clean and have lovely food, you do need to use your judgment with some eateries, especially street-side carts or cafes in out-of-town areas.

While many rules with regards to alcohol, smoking and traveling around without helmets or seat belts are either relaxed or nonexistent, some laws in Indonesia are quite harsh in comparison to ours. It pays to familiarise yourself with the laws of the land and ensure you don’t break them - the penalties can be quite devastating and being Australian will not be a valid defence against prosecution - nor even come into the equation.

TRAVEL

Vanuatu: Before the fall

Cartagena Streets

By BEN CRANNEY

Bad travel experiences are a good problem to have, because it means you’re travelling. No amount of planning or luck will eliminate them, although you might think I didn’t have any because my column describes everything as ‘incredible’. They can also make for good stories, and here are a few of mine.

After a thunderstorm soaked and destroyed my passport, I take a dry bag everywhere. They are very versatile: keeping liquid out or keeping liquid in. Case in point, my dry bag became a ‘protect-the-car-from-vomit’ bag.

And it worked remarkably well. It even kept most of the smell in. And after a wash, it was good to protect my

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

The other side of travel

35

Greek sunrise

passport again.

Another story started after a morning of scrambling up uneven, overgrown paths and avoiding clouds of sulphur gas rising from the earth to get to the top of a volcano in Vanuatu. My wife rolled her ankle at the top. She tells the story as me being her knight in shining amour, carrying her safely back down.

I’ll claim that, but she only went up in the first place to humour me.

Sometimes, bad things are a blessing in disguise. I watched the most amazing sunrise in the Greek Islands because my stomach woke me up.

But gastro doesn’t always hit at good times, like in the Cu Chi tunnels of Vietnam. I now carry gastro-stop and hydralite whenever I travel.

Another blessing was when we

became homeless in Seville, Spain, because we had the gall to question our host why everyone was smoking when she advertised a smoke free stay.

She was mid puff when she kicked us out. We found ourselves on a bus to an ‘incredible’ mountain village built around a crumbling fortress, a testament to the once poor relationship between Portugal and Spain.

Other poor international relationships were more contemporary, like in Serbia, when we had knives pulled on us because we tried to argue the price with the taxi driver. Or in Cartagena, Colombia, when the fellow taking us on a pub crawl threatened to kill me because I was Australian.

Turns out he was joking, but he left me sweating for 10 minutes in a place

Into the Cu Chi tunnels Photos: @exploringtheworldscranneys

that was, until recently, the murder capital of the world. Or when my wife called from US detention, in hysterics, because US border control thought she was sneaking in from Mexico.

So be prepared, but welcome the bad experiences, as they make the trip that much more valuable.

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Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

36

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Brand new vs secondhand investment properties With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

T

he age of a property is one of the most overlooked factors when investors make their purchases, although the impact this has on a longterm strategy is huge. Properties can be purchased at many stages of their lifecycle; the strategies for each of these life stages vary considerably and can yield different results from day one.

Benefits of buying brand new property: Greater selection and choice: whether an apartment block, house and land or anything in between, your choice of which apartment or house you want is highest earlier in the lifecycle. As an example, if a property developer markets a 100unit apartment building the first purchasers have a choice of all 100. As the development progresses to completion, the choice for the remaining purchasers is reduced to whatever hasn’t been selected already, that is, the leftovers. There are obviously exceptions to this rule when certain lots have been withheld from the market for particular reasons. The properties that are held for the longest period are typically done so because of their level of appeal: who wants to sell something special to them? This means the hidden gems you can never find from the real estate agent are better found before they’re built.

Improved cash flow: brand new properties

benefit from an additional depreciation tax benefit.

The Australian Tax Office allows the investor to offset a certain amount of money each year for the fact the materials of the building and the fixtures and fittings inside the building are worth less today than they were yesterday and continue to drop in value (depreciate) over time. As an aged property has already depreciated, it cannot be claimed to the same extent as a new property. Newer property also has greater appeal to tenants, likely yielding a higher rental amount than a comparable older property.

Larger asset base: given the cash flow superiority of new property the ability to hold a larger asset base is improved, allowing the investor to accumulate a strong portfolio over a shorter period of time without as many obstructions or stressors on lifestyle.

Mitigating unexpected expenses: as a property ages the maintenance costs tend to increase, which also increases the prevalence of unexpected costs.

Further, new legislation can dictate new standards (particularly pertaining to safety), which can render aged property obsolete until work is done to meet the new standards. A well-known example of this is pool fencing but also includes insulation, electricity, balustrades, plumbing, asbestos, heating, cooling and security among others.

A successful investment strategy involves adopting a research driven property selection process and a long term holding period. As seen above, the key benefit of purchasing off the

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plan is how it enhances your overall investment strategy.

The most important aspect to consider when purchasing a property is your exit strategy. The property selection process can be critical to ensuring the future saleability of a property and in turn improving the property’s potential capital appreciation. This is very much achieved because of the greater selection and choice you have when purchasing off the plan. Being able to select properties which offer the best floor plan, aspect and orientation can be instrumental to maximising growth in the long term.

The tax benefits, higher rental and mitigation of unexpected expenses when buying brand new are key to improving your cash flow position. This in turn, allows you to hold on to the property at a low cost. History suggests that holding your property for the long term enhances your potential for a capital gain.

The above information is courtesy of a great property research company that I deal with called Blue Wealth. I recommend that you have a look at their website for lots of important property information www.bluewealth.com.au Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com. au if you want to discuss any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

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ROUND 6

ROUND 7

SYD MEL STG NZW NQC CAN PAN MAN BUL NZW BRI SOU WES NQC PAR CRO SOU NEW CRO BRI BUL PAR GCT WES SYD STG MEL CAN NEW GCT MAN PAN April 12 5.50pm

April 13 4.00pm

April 13 5.50pm

April 14 1.00pm

April 14 3.30pm

April 14 April 15 5.35pm 12.00pm

April 15 2.10pm

April 19 5.50pm

April 20 4.00pm

April 20 5.50pm

April 21 1.00pm

April 21 3.30pm

April 21 April 22 April 22 5.35pm 12.00pm 2.10pm

SCORE

Jeff Watson - Club President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211

46 Sharon Spindler - Aussie - 0449 954 497

54 Romano Garofali - Nepean Pools - 4722 9201

30 Victor Glanville - Vic’s Maxi Transport - 4732 2195

50 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 1300 897 170

40 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

38 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

44 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

50 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

46 Iris Russell -Benard VenueBratusa Manager, Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4466 Councillor

48 Thor Thor’s- Cafe Aaron- Tyres @print- 4721 0292

52

TIPSTERS ROUND 6

ROUND 7

SYD MEL STG NZW NQC CAN PAN MAN BUL NZW BRI SOU WES NQC PAR CRO SOU NEW CRO BRI BUL PAR GCT WES SYD STG MEL CAN NEW GCT MAN PAN April 12 5.50pm

April 13 4.00pm

April 13 5.50pm

April 14 1.00pm

April 14 3.30pm

April 14 April 15 5.35pm 12.00pm

April 15 2.10pm

April 19 5.50pm

April 20 4.00pm

April 20 5.50pm

April 21 1.00pm

April 21 3.30pm

April 21 April 22 April 22 5.35pm 12.00pm 2.10pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

36 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

44 Councillor Aaron Duke - 0404 085 981

40 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

34 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

40 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

48 Emma Husar - Member for Lindsay - 4722 0600 - www.emmahusar.com.au

40 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

40 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

32 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

42 Sharon Mudiman - Bespoke Realty Group - 0413 757 998 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

40

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

40

SPORT

Allison Claims NSWVGA Stroke-Play Title

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Western Sydney Veteran Golfers Association hosted the 2018 NSW Veteran Golfer’s Association Stroke-Play Championships from 26th-28th March, with rounds played at Richmond GC, Dunheved GC and Stonecutters Ridge GC. Golfers from throughout NSW competed in the three-day tournament, whilst Sam Smaile (Royal St George GC, England) and Russ Vatcher (Stoneridge GC, Idaho, USA) added an international flavour to the event.

Lakeside GC, Camden scratch golfer Ricky Allison began strongly with rounds of 76 and 71 on the first two days, to lead 2017 champion Laurie Cupples (Leonay GC) and four-time winner Col Kenning (Kiama GC) by 9 and 6 shots respectively.

Allison faltered slightly on the final day to shoot his worst round of 80 and although Cupples and Kenning both gained ground, they could not overcome the significant margin.

Cupples final round of 73 at Stonecutters Ridge allowed him to edge out Kenning for second place on a countback.

Robert Lewis (Windsor CC) took out the Nett prize for the tournament, just one shot ahead of Kenning.

The Age Champions trophies were won by Geoff Cranfield (Long Reef) in Division One, Drew Simonsen

Allan Smith (Leonay GC) hits up to the 9th green at Dunheved

(Castle Hill) in Division Two and Gary Poland (Fox Hills) in Division Three.

Local players did exceptionally well in the minor awards, including Division One Scratch winner Matt Taylor (Stonecutters Ridge GC), Division Two Scratch Winner Karl Stindl (Dunheved), Division Two Nett Winner Greg Williams (Dunheved GC), Division Three Scratch winner Brendan McCann (Fox Hills GC) and Division Three Nett Winner Allan Smith (Leonay GC).

Runner-up Laurie Cupples (Leonay GC), NSWVGA Secretary Len Payne, 2018 champion Ricky Allison (Lakeside GC, Camden) at the presentation ceremony.

Sponsorship from The Richmond Club, Frasers Property, Guardian Funerals, NSWVGA and Warren Saunders Insurance Brokers allowed the organisers to not only keep the entry fees to a modest level but also to award a total of thirty-one individual prizes, in addition to Nearest the Pin prizes each day.

Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf Club has lost the Final of the Major Metropolitan Division Three

Pennants, falling 5 matches to 2 against Massey Park Golf Club.

Benjamin Michelmore was the best-performed for Glenmore, winning his match 4 & 3, whilst Andrew Robb and Reece Hackett both halved their matches against their respective opponents.

The loss sees the local team finish in second position in Division Three, thereby winning promotion to Division Two for 2019.

Australia and New Zealand Split Polo Honours

Action from the Men’s and Women’s International games. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

W

indsor Polo Club hosted two International matches on 31st March, between the Australian and New Zealand Men’s and Women’s teams.

The two countries split the results on the day, with New Zealand getting first honours, winning an enthralling women’s game by 5 goals to 4 - in overtime.

The men’s game was also an

entertaining contest for the good-sized crowd, with Australia recording an 8 goals to 6 victory.

The Australian Women’s team members and their player ratings were: #1. Billie Mascart 4 goals, #2. Alessia Russo 3 goals ©, #3. Indiana Bennetto 4 goals, #4. Julie McIntosh 3 goals, Reserve Shannon Booth 3 goals.

The Australian Men’s team and their player ratings were: #1. Alec White 5 goals, #2. Dirk Gould 5 goals, #3. Matt Grimes 6 goals, #4.Glen Gilmore 6

goals ©, Reserve Jack Daniels, Coach Jack Archibald.

There was also a Colts game to start the action on the day, with NSW Country overwhelming NSW City 5 goals to 2.

The Colts teams were: Country: H Dowling 0 goals, L Gilmore 2 goals, M Campbell 0 goals, A Dowling -1 goals. City: E Mascart 0 goals, B Reid 2 goals, J Grimes 0 goals, D Jones 0 goals.

Colts: NSW Country 5 goals

defeated NSW City 2.

Ladies International: New Zealand 5 goals defeated Australia 4 goals (in extra time).

Most Valuable Player: Julie McIntosh (Australia) Mens’ International (Sinclair Hill Trophy): Australia 8 goals defeated New Zealand 6.

Most Valuable Player: Alec White (Australia) Champion Pony: Nupe, ridden by New Zealander S. C. Hopkinson

SPORT

He is extremely popular with not only his team mates but with a lot of the junior players and this was highlighted by the fact there were so many of the clubs younger players at the fields to cheer Nathan on as he took the field.

Darren Mudford, the St Clair Club President spoke about the dedication Nathan has had to the club over the past two decades and the effort he puts into the club.

“Nathan has always been a player that gives 100% out on the field and has played a big part in St Clair winning the last two A Grade competitions,” he said.

“I don’t think you would find a more humble person and watching him receive all the accolades he got yesterday was a fitting reward for someone who has dedicated 25 years to the St Clair club and hopefully he has a couple of more years left in him yet.”

The club would like to congratulate Nathan on his achievement and would like to thank him for the way he has conducted himself both on and off the field.

The club would also like to thank him for the way he has put back into the club helping the younger sides when asked to, running coaching clinics and he has even been sighted cooking the odd sausage on the BBQ, well done Nathan on a wonderful achievement.

By CONNER LOWE

N

athan “Turbo” Corbett on the weekend became the 3rd player at the St Clair Comets Rugby League club to play his 300th game, following his good mates Luke Gibson 341 games and Robert Henderson 308 games. To reach such a milestone is a wonderful achievement and to see Nathan share it with his family made it all the more special.

Nathan’s first run out as a comet player was as a four-year-old and watching him take the field yesterday must have brought back special memories for his mum and dad who over the years drove him all over Penrith getting him to games.

Terry Corbett, aka “MadDog” the father of Nathan spoke about what the day meant to the family.

“We are very proud of Nathan and the fact that he has remained a one-club player speaks volumes of the loyalty he has shown over the years,” he said.

To mark the special occasion Nathan was presented his playing jersey from his family while the St Clair club also presented Nathan with a framed game day ball. The amount of supporters who turned up to help celebrate the occasion just showed how respected he is within the club.

Sky Encouragement Award January Sky Encouragement Award February

By CONNER LOWE

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Isaac Finau the Sky Encouragement Award for the month of January for his amazing development and skill in Oztag and Rugby League.

When Isaac began to play Rugby League at three-years-old he wouldn’t run, tackle or get involved with the game. However, in his next season Isaac became a different player on the field and from there on everyone could see the potential that he shows.

Isaac plays Rugby League for the St Clair Comets and will be playing in the Under 7’s this year. Isaac is very passionate about the game and loves to be there to assist his team mates.

During 2017 he scored 66 tries and was honoured with the Highest Point Scorer in mini football for his local club and now holds the second highest points for the whole club.

Isaac spoke about his best achievements into his short Rugby League career and how he felt to receive the encouragement award.

“I have received a handful of awards including Best & Fairest in my team and in 2017 achieved the following club records. Highest points scorer in mini football - 264pts, the most points in a game with my name appearing three times with eight tries 32pts, seven tries 28pts and six tries 24pts and the most tries scored in a single mini game - scoring eight tries on two occasions,” he said.

“I am very excited and happy to have been nominated and very honoured to have been recognised for my talent in Rugby league. Only last year I was an individual finalist in the Local Sports

T

Star Young Sporting Spirit Award.”

Isaac is a huge Dragons supporter and wants to grow up and play just like his idol Tyson Frizell. Isaac was also the Mt Druitt standard nominee for the Young Spirit Award recently held at the Epping Club late last year for his achievements in Rugby League.

The Reach for the Sky Encouragement Award will be awarded to a child aged between 6-12 years of age who resides, or is a member of a sporting organisation, that is located within the Penrith Local Government Area. The Nominee that the committee feels best fits the criteria of Showing Promise, Displaying Enthusiasm, Dedication to their sport and Good Sportsmanship will be selected as the award winner. Congratulations Isaac.

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Sarah-Rose Quinn the Sky Encouragement Award for the month of February for her amazing development and skill in figure skating.

Sarah first got on the ice at the very young age of two-years-old. She than began private training lessons for figure skating and competed at the age of four-years-old for the very first time. Sarah competes in competitions for Penrith Valley Figure Skating and has been very successful in all competitions.

Since her first competition SarahRose has won trophies in Technical, Artistic and Synchronised Skating.

Sarah-Rose spoke about what she enjoys about figure skating and her best achievement on the ice.

“All the characters I get to be, and getting to act them out in my routines, I also love spinning, jumping and dancing to the music and going fast,” she said.

“I have had so many but when I won first place in my first ever Artistic competition was really good.”

Sarah-Rose is always excited to skate and trains four days a week on ice as well as ballet classes and office classes. She is always supportive towards her club mates both at training and at competitions and loves cheering them on at competitions.

Sarah spoke more about how much she trains for figure skating and what she wants to do in the future with the sport.

“I train at Penrith Ice Palace four times a week that includes three lessons with my Coach Katherine and

training with Stratosphere Synchro team and Stage Left Theatre on Ice Team,” she said.

“I also do ballet two times a week at ‘You Can Dance’ with Ms Kim. I compete in Technical, Artistic, Synchro an Theatre on Ice divisions. I average competing at one competition every couple of weeks.

“This year I want to pass my Prelim test and hopefully go to Nationals with my Synchro team. Like lots of skaters I would love to compete for Australia and competing at the Olympics would be my dream,” she added.

The Reach for the Sky Encouragement Award will be awarded to a child aged between 6-12 years of age who resides, or is a member of a sporting organisation, that is located within the Penrith Local Government Area. The Nominee that the committee feels best fits the criteria of Showing Promise, Displaying Enthusiasm, Dedication to their sport and Good Sportsmanship will be selected as the award winner. Congratulations SarahRose.

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

300 games for a St Clair star

41

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

42

SPORT

Penrith’s T20 All Stars charity bash against cancer is back

By STEWART MOSES

T

@TheRiffMarn

his Saturday from 1pm at Howell Oval.

Penrith Cricket Club will host the fourth annual T20 All Stars Charity Match, which aims to raise much needed funds for the fight against cancer.

The annual match is the brainchild of Penrith Cricket Club’s Dale Turner, who recently came out of retirement to captain the fourth grade team in season 2017-18.

The match and its cause, to raise funds for the Nepean Cancer Care Centre holds special significance for Turner.

“The day is all about having a bit of fun, a few old guys catching up, while raising a few dollars for the Nepean Cancer Care Centre,” Turner told Nepean News.

“For me it means a lot to do this because I’m an ex-patient.

“I was diagnosed with leukemia six and a half years ago and I spent around about seven months getting treatment whether it was at Nepean Hospital or at the Cancer Care Centre itself.

“I still go there for updates now and it still gives me goose bumps every

Credit: Michael Gibson

time I walk in there as everyone in there has got some form of cancer.

“They are tough times so anything we can do to help the patients, doctors or nurses to make life easier for everyone is a good thing because it’s a terrible disease.

“It’s pretty gut wrenching when you get the news that you got some form of cancer.

“But the people there are magnificent.

“The Nepean Cancer Care Centre they looked after me like I was a king and obviously I am pretty happy with the work they have done because I am still here today.”

Turner hopes that this year’s event will raise the most amount of funds yet and is hoping the local cricket community gets to Howell Oval in big numbers to support the cause, with

plenty of activities happening off the field as well.

“This is our fourth year and in the last 3 years we have raised just over $15,000.

“From a crowd point of view and support it gets bigger every year.

“We get a lot of support from friends and the local community as well as the cricket club itself who go out of their way to prepare a wicket for us and do what they can to support the day.

“Without that support we don’t basically have the day to do this.

“Southlands Shopping Centre are our main sponsor for the day.

“They have kicked in a few dollars to help cover costs on the day.

“And we’ve also received support from Asics, Panthers, John R Turk Electrical, Rashays and Drummond

Golf, who have provided some great prizes for the raffle.

“Plus there will Milo Cricket and face painting for the kids as well as a BBQ, with drinks and snacks also available.”

The match itself promises to be an exciting one with the teams named as follows which includes plenty of current and former first grade players such as Josh Lalor, John Di Bartolo, Ryan Hackney, Ryan Smith, Dale Turner, Kevin Geyer and Pat Jackson.

Taylor XI: David Taylor (c), John DiBartolo, Garry Sheen, Geoff Sullivan, Dale Turner, Brett Newman, Luke Morrissey, Steve Kennaugh, Ryan Smith, Stuart Meyers, Tim Whiticker, Ben Tracey Geyer XI: Kevin Geyer (c), Ryan Hackney, Pat Jackson, Kieran McDonald, Matthew Halse, Brett Savage, Adam Bayliss, Warren Buttigieg, Josh Lalor, Tim McKay, Peter Tracey, Jordan Watson If you would like to get in touch with Dale to provide any further support for the day, please call 0457 750 096 or if you wish to make a donation, you can do so by depositing into Bank of Queensland account “D Turner Charity Account BSB 122717. A/C 22463125.”

Sports Scenes

(With Thanks to 77 Media)

The cameras of 77 Media were on hand at last Sunday’s second instalment of the local derby between Penrith and Parramatta, at ANZ Stadium.

Trent Merrin gets an early albeit unwelcome break from the referees.

“Where do you think you’re going?” says Viliame Kikau.

Try time for Josh Mansour.

James Maloney has the ball on a string at the moment.

Relief amongst the fans who made the trip to ANZ Stadium as Penrith continues it strong start to 2018.

Dylan’s daughter’s first day out at the footy.

SPORT

Conditioning Within Coaching Programs

Junior coaching programs should never include traditional fitness or conditioning drills. Fitness should never take precedence over the development of skill and the enjoyment of athletes at the junior level. Fitness can easily be implemented into your coaching sessions through adopting the ‘less talk more action’ approach from a coaching perspective, get the players moving as much as possible for as long as possible. If they are standing around they will often misbehave or lose concentration. Create more grids and keep your players moving.

Within a one hour training session athletes should be moving for a minimum of 50 minutes. Fitness will be achieved during the drills and games which you have set up to be competitive, fun and challenging within each session. The best part of

having games and drills achieve your fitness outcomes is that the athletes do not associate fitness with any specific aspect of your training sessions which maximises their enjoyment. It should also eliminate the ‘oh no, not this again’ comment which can become all too common from players when coaches roll out the boring and unimaginative fitness drills.

Coaches who have players repetitively run laps or sprints to achieve fitness goals in my opinion are wasting and burning critical time which would be much better spent developing skills and teaching the fundamentals of their specific sport. Junior athletes sign up to learn, have fun and play! So create an environment which allows them to do so. For the coaches doubting this approach… Firstly when do players ever run a lap during a game? When do

players ever run in a straight line for any more than 10-20 metres during a game? The answer is rarely if ever so why do we have them do it within our training sessions? The simple answer is because we do not know or are too lazy to create new ways to implement fitness into training sessions.

This type of fitness training does not directly relate or improve the skill of Rugby League, Netball, Soccer, Rugby or AFL players. No wonder the players are saying ‘oh no, not this again’! As a coach if a drill or game I am running does not directly flow into an improvement or development of a skill or tactic for my players when transferred onto the field on game day then I must ask myself: What is the benefit of me running this drill or playing that game within my training session? We must always be working

Wests Harold Matthews Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com on the process of building the skills of our players which will in turn over time improve the performance of our teams.

The best type of fitness junior athletes can get is within live games.

Encourage players to get to training early and allow them to create their own games and own rules. There will be plenty of time for your players to focus on fitness and conditioning once the game becomes serious as young adults. But as coaches if we are not providing a fun, engaging and challenging environment the players will not stay within the game long enough to even get that chance.

The main priority as a junior coach should be to retain our players within each of our individual sports through fostering an environment of learning through fun, challenging and engaging coaching programs.

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Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

Coach’s Corner

Brock Shepperd

43

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

44

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

WHARE, FISHER-HARRIS PUT HAND UP TO PLAY IN DENVER While the NRL, clubs and RLPA continue to have concerns for NRL players who participate in the upcoming June 23 Test against England in Denver, two of Penrith’s Kiwi internationals, Dean Whare and James Fisher-Harris have come out in support of the test match.

Whilst the Test will be played on the stand alone representative weekend in both the NRL and Super League, there is a belief that the game could expose players to a greater risk of injury.

But with the Test sanctioned by the RLIF, both Whare and Fisher-Harris are determined to play in the upcoming test if selected.

“Any time you put the Kiwi jersey on, you look forward to it,” Whare told Nepean News.

“It’s pretty much anywhere, anytime for me.

“It doesn’t matter where you play, I am always looking to represent my country and my family.”

James Fisher-Harris added “it would be crazy to play in such a test (in Denver).”

“I’d love to play for NZ again especially playing a team like England.”

Waqa Blake is the latest Panther to be out injured for an extended period after suffering a high grade syndesmosis injury to his right ankle in last Sunday’s win over Parramatta.

The injury is expected to keep the centre out for at least four weeks but could be as many as eight-ten weeks should it require surgery.

While Jarome Luai was denied the opportunity to make his NRL debut against the Cowboys, the “Lithgow Panther”, Wayde Egan instead got his, becoming Panther #575 in the process.

Egan got his chance when regular back-up hooker Sione Katoa was unable to be named for the Cowboys squad due to concussion protocols.

However it what could be a sign of things to come when starting hooker Peter Wallace decides to retire, Egan continues to hold down a spot in Penrith’s 17 man squad ahead of Katoa.

As for Luai, despite playing a major hand in Penrith’s last two ISP wins, it remains to be seen whether the Samoan international half is seen as a future NRL player at Penrith given he can’t break into a side missing Cleary, May and Blake.

Meanwhile it is pleasing to hear that Sam McKendry has knocked any thoughts of retirement on its head and will look to make a

James Maloney is not only on track to retain his spot in the NSW side for the opening Origin match in Melbourne but needs just 3 more consecutive goals to create a new world record for most consecutive goal kicks.

The record which currently stands at 41, could be broken by Maloney as early as this Sunday’s clash with the Titans.

Dean Whare says he wants to play in the Denver Test for NZ. Credit: 77 Media.

third comeback from as many ACL knee injuries in 2019.

McKendry recently underwent initial surgery, but won’t be about to get the reconstruction done for another couple of months where the Kiwi international has opted to undergo a different procedure this time round by using his own tendon instead of a donor’s.

Speaking of props and after stints with Canterbury and Wentworthville, Andy Saunders has returned to the club where he made his start, for the remainder of the season on a second-tier deal.

The main issue that has polarised league fans are the spate of penalties given in games.

The Panthers have felt the brunt of the referees’ crackdown on rules, having conceded more penalties (54) as well as having James Tamou and Trent Merrin spend time in the sin bin.

But the refs have an unlikely ally in Dean Whare, who says the team needs to improve its discipline, given the extra warnings they have received from former referee Luke Phillips.

“It’s disappointing how many penalties are given but that’s the game, they’re the rules and if you break the rules you will give away a penalty,” Whare declared.

“Luke Phillips does a lot of stuff with us and tries to give us pointers here and there.

“But it really is up to us to get onside and try to give as least penalties away as we can.

“The refs are doing a great job, it’s up to us be on the same page as them.”

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Meanwhile Maloney also has missed the most tackles in the NRL in 2018 (44) but not through lack of effort.

Maloney’s desire to put his body on the line despite his defensive limitations have resulted in turnovers from big back-rowers Coen Hess and Tony Williams in consecutive weeks.

But it was his chase to knock the ball dead ahead of the Jennings brothers that has impressed coach Anthony Griffin the most.

“Jimmy has certainly stepped up and has fitted into our club really well,” Griffin said at the postmatch press conference.

“He’s a good bloke. He’s a larrikin. A tough footballer.

“I thought that chase to knock that ball dead today it was a highlight for me.

“It was a real gutsy effort from him.”

Coach Anthony Griffin has also joined the growing chorus that in-form Panthers prop, Reagan Campbell-Gillard should one of the first forwards picked by NSW for this year’s Origin series.

“He’s played for Australia last year so he’d have to be a chance,” Griffin declared.

Following investigations, two fans who allegedly racially abused South Sydney star Greg Inglis as he left the field following a head knock at Panthers Stadium, have been banned from attending games by the NRL. The governing body last Thursday announced that the two fans would be barred from attending NRL events until they have “taken sufficient steps to address their behaviour, including apologising and completing approved cultural training and education.”

If you have any Panthers news you would like to share then feel free to email me at stewart@ nepeannews.com.au - see you at the game! #PantherPride.

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PENRITH PANTHERS

SPORT

By STEWART MOSES

M

@TheRiffMarn

any young players who burst onto the NRL scene, have suffered from what is known as “second year syndrome” including Panthers forward, James Fisher-Harris.

Plucked from Holden Cup obscurity by incoming coach Anthony Griffin to make his NRL debut against Canberra in Round One, 2016, a big 2017 season was expected of the young Kiwi known simply as “Fish” after a stellar season resulted in a call up to the New Zealand’s Four Nations squad.

But instead a series of injuries took hold, with the young Kiwi international admitting it played on his mind.

“Firstly I didn’t have a pre-season because I was on tour with the Kiwis in the Four Nations,” FisherHarris told Nepean News.

“I tore my quad before I even came back (to training).

“From there I tore my hamstring, fractured my jaw and suffered a tear in my shoulder.

“Plus with other niggly injuries, it just seemed to be never-ending.

“I kept working away, trying to play on through it a lot but it was frustrating.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say the injuries played on my mind a bit. It was a pretty bad time.”

But on the back of a strong pre-season, FisherHarris has returned in 2018 fitter than ever and is arguably in career-best form from his 43 NRL appearances to date, averaging more game-time, metres and runs.

“I’ve had a good pre-season and feel really fit,

Credit: 77 Media.

possibly the fittest I’ve ever been, which feels good,” Fisher-Harris revealed.

“The body is feeling way better so far this year which has given me heaps of confidence.”

But it’s Fisher-Harris’s form in defence that has plenty talking, with the Kiwi international’s near 31 tackles per game coming at a much improved 93% tackle efficiency.

Fisher-Harris’ work rate has forced a reshuffle in Penrith’s forwards pack, having forced regular lock-forward Trent Merrin to play upfront with 2017 major recruit, James Tamou now coming off the interchange bench.

And Fisher-Harris couldn’t be more satisfied.

“I used to play both middle and edge but we’ve got good back-rowers so I’ve been put in the middle,” Fisher-Harris said.

“I feel more comfortable in the middle because I feel like I can control things better there.”

But even Fisher-Harris admits he found it hard to believe when recently told of his tackle count against the Cowboys (50), which was backed up a

week later against the Eels (41).

“I actually was amazed when I was told. I was pretty tired to be honest,” the Panthers forward conceded.

“There were some points in that Cowboys game where I thought “wow I’ve been doing a lot of tackling” especially on our line.”

“The first ten minutes is the hardest, but once you get through that period and find your rhythm, it’s pretty sweet.”

Fisher-Harris says that provided he can maintain current form, he doesn’t see why he can’t earn a recall to the Kiwi squad for their upcoming June test against England in Denver.

“First I just need to show some consistency with this team and keep challenging myself to play at my best,” Fisher-Harris replied.

“But I’d love to represent my country again. It’s the highest honour that I can get.”

Fellow team-mate and Kiwi international, Dean Whare agrees, adding that his ability to play on either an edge or in the middle, would ideally suit the test team.

“The things that he does on the field have been tremendous for us,” Whare said.

“The way he has controlled opposing forwards for such a young guy who hasn’t been in the NRL for all that long is pretty good.

“In 2016 he made the NZ (Four Nations) squad and was unlucky to miss out on a place in the World Cup squad last year.

“But with the form he has shown this year, I think James has real opportunity to play for NZ. “James can play pretty much anywhere in the forward pack and plays a lot of minutes, which is rare for such a young forward in the NRL.”

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Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

Fish hooked on new role after overcoming second season blues

45 45

Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

46

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

Repeat Sets with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

NEW FOUND DEFENSIVE STEEL ENSURES PENRITH’S BEST START SINCE 2004 Third-placed Penrith continue to quietly progress through the early rounds of the 2018 NRL season after consecutive victories over surprise competition strugglers Parramatta and North Queensland.

As was the case with the ultra-impressive win over North Queensland, it was Penrith’s new found defensive resolve that was pivotal in their dour win over a determined yet still error-riddled Parramatta Eels side, who remain winless in 2018 after the 12-6 result.

The 68 points conceded after Round Five is Penrith’s best defensive start to a season since 1999 when just 50 points were conceded.

Coach Anthony Griffin was obviously pleased with his side’s defensive effort given James Maloney’s boot was the difference in a game where just a try a piece were both scored from kicks.

“It was great. Obviously it was the real highlight of our day in a tough old game,” Griffin declared.

“When they got that try to get them within 10-6, you could feel them coming so we had to be really good defensively.

“That’s the best I can think of for a long while for us, particularly against a desperate side.

“They had heaps more ball and field position than us in that second half.

“We had to win the game that way. We weren’t going to win it the other way.

“It just wasn’t happening for us in attack so to win without the ball was really pleasing.”

The win over Parramatta came ten days after Penrith’s most impressive win of the season to date, when they defeated the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville for the first time since 2009, 33-14.

It was a case of no Cleary, no worries as James Maloney played arguably one of his finest games in his decorated career, scoring 21 points from a try, eight goals and a field goal as well as having a hand in two of Penrith’s four tries.

And while Maloney was a clear man of the match, it was Penrith’s forwards led by James Fisher-Harris, Trent Merrin, Viliame Kikau and Reagan Campbell-Gillard that laid the platform, both in attack and defence.

Coach Anthony Griffin said after the game it was a credit to all involved how they were able to perform despite losing several players to injury in recent weeks.

“It was a great performance by the whole club.

Isaah Yeo will take the place of the injured Waqa Blake in the centres. Credit: 77 Media.

The staff, the players,” Griffin declared.

“We’re obviously disappointed with last Friday night but we’ve had our injury problems.

“We lose Cleary and McKendry, WateneZelezniak and Browne, over the last few weeks.

“But to come up here and play like that it was a really good reward for everyone.”

Despite a mixed fortnight, Penrith’s Intrust Super Premiership side remains in the top eight with a three and two record after five rounds.

Last Saturday, they bounced back from the previous week’s 36-12 loss at home to Newtown, to upset second-placed Mounties that featured the likes of Josh Papalii, Craig Garvey and Brad Abbey, 36-22 at Aubrey Keech Reserve.

Jarome Luai as he was against New Zealand Warriors a fortnight back, was the difference, having a hand in three tries and scoring one himself.

Debutant winger Brian Too also impressed as did back-rowers Kaide Ellis, Liam Martin, Jack Hetherington along with prop Nick Lui Toso.

This Sunday Penrith will return to Panthers Stadium to host the Bulldogs before heading off to ANZ Stadium the following Sunday looking to avenge the Round One defeat at the hands of Wentworthville.

JUNIOR REPS RESULTS / FIXTURES: Jersey Flegg: def. North Sydney (Round 4) 2518; def by. Mounties 32-10 (Round 5). Currently in 4th position on for / against.

Next Up: v Canterbury (Round 6 – Panthers Stadium Sun Apr 15 9:45am); v Parramatta (Round 7 – Campbelltown Stadium Sun Apr 22 3pm).

SG Ball: def. Illawarra Steelers 42-18 (Round 8); def. St George Dragons 38-10 (Round 9). Finished

OFFER ENDS 30 APRIL 2018

Offer ends 30/4/2018. See in Store for Terms and Conditions.

undefeated but 2nd on for / against.

Next Up: v Newcastle (Finals Week 1 – Leichhardt Oval Sat Apr 14 5:45pm).

Harold Matts: def. Illawarra Steelers 20-8 (Round 8); def. St George Dragons 50-0 (Round 9). Finished as minor premiers.

Next Up: v Newcastle (Finals Week 1 – Leichhardt Oval Sat Apr 14 4:15pm).

Tarsha Gale: def by Illawarra Steelers 4632 (Round 8); def by. St George Dragons 46-24 (Round 9). Finished 5th.

Next Up: v Sydney Roosters (Finals Week 1 – Leichhardt Oval, Fri Apr 13).

Coach Anthony Griffin has named Isaah Yeo as Waqa Blake’s replacement in the right centre position for Sunday’s Round Six clash against Gold Coast Titans, which allows Corey Harawira-Naera to start in the back-row, while Kaide Ellis looks set to make his NRL debut after being named on the bench.

It’s a match that pits former lower grades coach Garth Brennan against his old club for the first time along with the likes of ex-Panthers Bryce Cartwright, Leilani Latu and Mitch Rein.

In fact if anyone knows the Panthers better than most, it will be Brennan, who has had a direct involvement with 19 of the 21 players named in Penrith’s squad with the exception of Maloney and Tamou.

Josh Mansour (55 tries) needs one try to surpass exPanther and Titans opponent Michael Gordon and go into outright 11th on the all-time Panthers try-scorers list, while Maloney needs just three consecutive goal conversions to create a new world record for most consecutive goals (42).

The squad is as follows: 1. Dylan EDWARDS 2. Josh MANSOUR 3. ISAAH YEO 4. Dean WHARE 5. Christian CRICHTON 6. Tyrone PEACHEY 7. James MALONEY 8. Trent MERRIN 9. Peter WALLACE (c) 10. Reagan CAMPBELL-GILLARD 11. Viliame KIKAU 12. Corey HARAWIRA-NAERA 13. James FISHERHARRIS 14. Wayde EGAN 15. Kaide ELLIS 16. Moses LEOTA 17. James TAMOU 18. Jarome LUAI 19. Nick LUI TOSO 20. Sione KATOA 21. Jack HETHERINGTON Then the following Sunday, Maloney and Moylan are set for first appearances against their former clubs when Penrith heads down to the Shire to take on the Cronulla Sharks. #PantherPride

PENRITH PANTHERS

with MARK GEYER

Two reasons the Panthers are purring!

I

n years gone by the Panthers’ victory last Sunday may well have been reversed. Playing a desperate team (Parramatta 0-4) at a venue (ANZ) where their record is poor, would usually have been ‘one of those games’ that the Mountain Men would have rued come season’s end.

But this year feels different. There seems a resolve in the team that has them all reading from the same page.

A big factor is the purchase of James Maloney. What a steady hand he has when most needed.

But for mine, and maybe because I’m an ex forward who is being totally biased, it’s the ‘Pigs’ that have been leading the way in the opening 5 rounds of this years NRL, in which the Panthers find themselves 4 wins from 5 games, hovering well and truly in the top 4.

The experience of Merrin, Wallace and Tamou, mixed with the stability of Campbell- Gillard, who has origin written all over him, Yeo, Leota and Hawawira- Naera, then the sprinkle of explosion every team needs in the form of Kikau and the ever improving James Fisher- Harris. Penrith may have more hyphens then any other forward pack in the comp but at the minute they’ve also got one of the most destructive and dangerous.

I’m loving what I’m seeing from ‘Hook’ Griffins big boys. They have quickly realised that they can mix it with the best forward packs in the competition, and boy that’s a great sign for the Panthers faithful.

And another thing....

The story on page 19 of this edition regarding Bert and Rosemary Bronkhorst and the passing of their daughter Alexis through SUDEP, Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy, personally hit home.

Two of my daughters were diagnosed with epilepsy a few years back, junior mychlonic epilepsy to be precise.

There are lots of ‘strains’ of it. Seeing your child have a seizure due to an illness is shocking enough, to have one of them passing away to it is unbearable to think.

Bert and Rosemary are incredibly stoic in their resolve.

Because epilepsy Is NOT funded in any way, shape or form from the government, it’s people like the Bronkhorsts who warm my heart with their

 James Fisher-Harris and Billy Kikau- two reasons the Panthers are purring!

effort in helping others after their own tragic loss.

See ya at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

47 47 Nepean News 12 April 2018 Issue 224

MG on the mark

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