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SW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has been named NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year, the highest honour in the NSW Women of the Year Awards held in Sydney.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian congratulated Dr Chant on the accolade after winning her category, NSW Woman of Excellence Award.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Chant has been a familiar face, offering vital health information for our State in addition to years of service to the health sector,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant receives her NSW Woman of “Dr Chant is a role model, especially the Year Award from Premier Gladys Berejiklian. for women, and has absolutely excelled Mrs Taylor said. in her chosen field to affect lasting change.”

2021 Women of the Year Award winners are: Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor congratulated • NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year Award – Dr Dr Chant on the incredible job she has done Kerry Chant protecting the State throughout the pandemic.

• Woman of Excellence Award – Dr Kerry Chant “Dr Kerry Chant is an inspiration for all women, • Regional Woman of the Year Award – Grace her leadership and dedication to her job ensured Brennan NSW was kept safe. Her work has been applauded • Cancer Institute NSW Aboriginal Woman of the around the world,” Mrs Taylor said.

Year Award – June Riemer Minister Taylor said The NSW Women of the • Aware Super NSW Community Hero of the Year Year Awards are a highlight of Women’s week and Award – Jean Vickery congratulated all winners in 2021.

• Harvey Norman NSW Young Woman of the “These incredible women come from all walks of Year Award – Dr Samantha Wade life but the one thing they have in common is that • The One To Watch Award – Molly Croft they are inspiring achievers for their communities,”

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant named NSW Woman of the Year

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

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203 Banks Drive, St Clair Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Sales: Sales: Sales: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Editor: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

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Pass go and collect Monopoly: Penrith Edition at Nepean Hospital

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veryone can now play the world’s most popular board game in a way that immortalises the beloved community of Penrith and its landmarks.

Nepean Hospital is proud to be featured among several iconic locations.

You can purchase the limited edition of the family favourite board game from the volunteer shop in South Block at Nepean Hospital for $69.95.

Proceeds from every game that is sold from their volunteer shop will go directly to the Hospital to further improve patient care.

Don’t take a chance on this one, get in quick before it sells out.

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Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

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tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith presented Mr Robert Rayner with a NSW Government Community Service to recognize his contribution to our local community.

“Robert is always on the lookout for ways to make our local community a better place for all and this included him being active in assisting with the launch of the Kingswood/Wainwright Park Street Library Exchange and the Food Pantry,” said Stuart Ayres.

Each evening Robert walks down to sanitise the pantries, he often restocks them, cleans up any rubbish in the park and waters the planter boxes.

“Its people like Robert who make our community the wonderful place it is,” said Stuart Ayres.

Robert is also the administrator of the Kingswood Area Community Facebook page that he uses regularly to update locals on community events in the area, alerts to local traffic changes, product recalls, rebates and incentives that are on offer.

Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith Authorised by Stuart Ayres MP. ‘Funded using parliamentary entitlements’

Summer 2021 January March

MELISSA McINTOSH MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LINDSAY Ground Floor, 331 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 02 4722 0600 melissa.mcintosh.mp@aph.gov.au www.melissamcintosh.com.au MelissaMcIntoshforLindsay Authorised by Melissa McIntosh MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Ground Floor, 331 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750.

Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

Robert Rayner recognised

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

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local news

NSW Government: “thousands of jobs for Western Sydney”

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ustralia’s first industrial community will begin construction this month in Kemps Creek, bringing thousands of jobs and careers to Western Sydney and to the heart of the Mulgoa electorate.

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP joined Frasers Property Industrial, Aware Super and Altis Property Partners at the official event to mark the start of construction of ‘The YARDS’, their major industrial and logistics community joint venture.

The YARDS is expected to produce over 3,500 jobs during construction and after completion.

Tanya Davies was excited to participate in this milestone event.

“As the local Member I have been fighting to secure quality jobs and careers for the people of Western Sydney.

“It is exciting to now see The YARDS delivering these jobs right to our front door,” said Mrs Davies.

“It is essential we remain focused and work hard towards delivering greater opportunities for our children to establish their future and build their careers right here in Western Sydney.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres MP said the key employment hub works with the NSW Government’s

objectives for the creation of a 30 minute city allowing people to work closer to where they live.

“This major industrial and logistics community is an important investment in the future of Western Sydney and it’s fantastic to see it start construction.

It will create thousands of jobs, provide critical new social infrastructure for the area and ultimately lead the region to being a key distribution hub for New South Wales,” Mr Ayres said.

The YARDS will accommodate approximately 400,000 square metres

of sustainable warehouse, logistics facilities and social infrastructure including retail amenity, public sporting fields and food and beverage offerings.

Practical completion of Stage 1 of The YARDS is scheduled for early 2022.

Nsw seniors festival gets back to nature

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garden tour, seedling workshop and bush tucker walk are among almost 80 initiatives connecting older people through the NSW Government’s Seniors Festival Grants Program.

Each year the NSW Seniors Festival provides a diverse range of programs and activities to seniors across the State enabling them to remain active, healthy and engaged.

Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee said the festival provides a chance for seniors to socialise, enjoy new experiences and continue learning.

“This year’s theme ‘In Our Nature’ provides a great opportunity for seniors to connect with the great outdoors, promote healthy living and maybe even try

a new activity like chair yoga,” Mr Lee said.

Grow Together – a social network focused on combatting social isolation for seniors through sharing photos and stories about gardening – will be one of many stall holders at the NSW Seniors Festival exhibition.

“Research shows the most effective way to learn about technology is through a hobby or subject you enjoy, and a love of gardening is something many seniors share,” Grow Together CEO and Founder Judy Friedlander said.

“As part of the NSW Government’s Combatting Social Isolation for Seniors grant program, 300 smartphones were distributed to seniors in Western

Sydney who can now join our thriving social network.”

The NSW Government’s Seniors Festival grant recipients include a range of organisations, ensuring the festival has a diverse line-up. Activities include a comedy show, art exhibitions, high tea, drum circles and intergenerational dances.

The rose of the NSW Seniors Festival will be the Premier’s Gala Concert with internationally acclaimed Motown performers, Human Nature, headlining.

Events and initiatives will run across the State, kicking off on 13 April and continuing until 24 April.

For more information and dates visit: www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au

Penrith benefits from school renewal program Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the news that three local schools are one step closer to new and improved facilities with project funding announced as part of the NSW Government’s $120 million Metro Renewal Program.

Since the announcement of the Metro Renewal Program in November last year, schools have been invited to apply for renewal projects to improve their school facilities.

“I’m delighted that Cranebrook High School and Emu Plains Pubic School will receive funding towards shade structures and Kingswood High

School will have bathroom/toilet upgrades.

“This investment by the NSW Government is essential for our students, so that they can thrive in a great learning environment, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.

“Delivery of these projects will be undertaken in the next 18 months as part of the NSW Government’s economic stimulus package for NSW schools,” Stuart Ayres said.

The Metro Renewal Program will provide a government co-contribution of between 50 to 80 per cent for

school infrastructure improvements to high priority schools in metropolitan areas. Projects may include new and upgraded covered outdoor learning areas, science facilities, toilet blocks, administration buildings and canteens.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said these projects are part of the NSW Government’s stimulus program and the State’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

“I’m pleased that we are continuing our record investment in school infrastructure. The funding will directly benefit local communities and support hundreds of jobs in metro

NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This program is part of the NSW Government’s economic stimulus response to the pandemic, and will deliver educational benefits, community benefits and economic benefits as communities continue to recover.”

The NSW Government is investing $7 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

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ederal Member for Lindsay is calling on the citizens of Lindsay to do their patriotic duty and book a holiday as part of the Morrison Government’s support package for the tourism sector.

The Morrison Government is funding 800,000 half-price airfares to encourage Australians to take a holiday this year and support local hotels, restaurants, bars, caravan parks and tourism operators.

The new $1.2 billion tourism and aviation support package will also provide low interest loans to small businesses, and additional support for airlines, airports and groundhandling companies to maintain jobs and capacity.

Tourism is worth $100 billion to the Australian economy and employs around 611,000 people.

“Our Government has supported the tourism sector through JobKeeper as well as targeted support programs, like the $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund,” Ms McIntosh said.

“As we enter the next stage of our recovery, with confidence improving as the vaccine rolls out, our new support package will give tourism operators, regional businesses and airlines a real boost by sending Australians to the regions on holiday.

“I’ve spoken with our local travel agents who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, been supported by JobKeeper, and are now looking ahead.

“We can support our world-leading tourism and aviation sectors by booking a holiday this year

through a travel agent, flying to a tourist destination and enjoying a well-earned holiday.

“While international borders remain closed, we want Australians to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities to holiday here in Australia and in the process to support a local job and a local business.

“The discounted flights will be available through travel agents or directly from the airline’s website from 1 April.”

The half-price ticket program will initially operate to 13 key regions including; the Gold Coast, Cairns, the Whitsundays and Mackay region (Proserpine and Hamilton Island), the Sunshine Coast, Lasseter and Alice Springs, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, Broome, Avalon, Merimbula, and Kangaroo Island.

Flights, routes and the total number of tickets will

be driven by demand and are subject to final discussions with the airlines.

Other new measures to support the tourism and aviation sector include: • Support for a range of key routes to ensure passenger and freight/cargo movement.

• New international aviation support to help Australia’s two international passenger airlines maintain more than 8,000 core international aviation jobs.

• Support to cover the cost of ground handlers maintaining their mandatory training, certification and accreditation.

• Support for airports to cover the cost of providing security.

• SME Recovery Loan Scheme will benefit from an increased Government guarantee to encourage more banks to support small businesses. The expanded scheme will also increase the size of eligible loans to $5 million.

• Extension of International Freight Assistance Mechanism program that provides flights to ensure Australian producers can deliver their products to international customers.

• Extension of Business Events Grants program covering up to 50 per cent of costs incurred in participating business events during the 2021 calendar year.

• Extension of support to zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks to maintain their animal populations where their tourism revenue has been affected by travel and social distancing restrictions.

• Extension of support to travel agents via the Consumer Travel Support Program.

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

Do your patriotic duty and take a holiday!

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

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local news

Residents urged to plan for their animals

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ith storm season still upon us, residents of the HawkesburyNepean Valley are being urged by NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) to not only plan for themselves but their animals as well.

NSW SES Chief Superintendent Greg Swindells pointed animal owners towards the numerous resources available via www. getreadyanimals.nsw.gov.au to make a plan now.

“In the face of a potential flood, one of the first things we encourage owners to do is get their animals to higher ground and away from floodprone areas,” Mr Swindells said.

“This is especially the case for those in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley. The region is very wet, and with the potential for further rainfall, there is a higher likelihood of flooding.

“Given this higher chance of flooding, we need all animal owners within the region to have a plan in place,” he said.

Mr Swindells said NSW SES has specially trained volunteers in large animal rescue.

“Recently in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, we have been called to assist with cows stuck in mud, sheep trapped by rivers, and even horses that have fallen into septic tanks,” Mr Swindells said.

“While we will always respond when and where we can, it is important that the owners of large animals do their best to keep them safe.

“This is especially the case with septic tanks. Horses are very heavy animals and it doesn’t take a lot for them to fall in, but it takes a lot to get them out safely.

“If you have a horse and they can walk across a septic tank, please put measures in place to protect them. This can go a long way to avoiding a very stressful situation for the animal and yourself,” he said.

In the event you need assistance for your animals, please call Triple Zero (000) and the nearest emergency services agency will respond.

For more information on how to best plan for your animals, visit www.getreadyanimals.nsw.gov.au and for more information about preparing for floods in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, visit ses.nsw. gov.au.

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ames Erskine Public School and Regentville Public School are one step closer to new and improved facilities, with the announcement of $450,000 in funding for the Mulgoa electorate as part of the NSW Government’s $120 million Metro Renewal Program.

Since the announcement of the Metro Renewal Program in November last year, schools have been invited to apply for renewal projects to improve their school facilities.

James Erskine Public School will receive $300,000 to fund a full refurbishment of their canteen and Regentville Public School will receive $150,000 in funding to improve their COLA, shade structures and walkways around the school.

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies welcomed the news that the projects at James Erskine Public School and Regentville Public School have been funded.

“I’m delighted that these projects have been included in the program!”

“This investment by the Liberal and Nationals Government is essential for our students, so that they can thrive in a great learning environment, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.”

“Delivery of these projects will

be undertaken in the next 18 months as part of the NSW Government’s economic stimulus package for NSW schools,” Mrs Davies said.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the projects at James

Erskine Public School and Regentville Public School were part of the NSW Government’s stimulus program and the State’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

“I’m pleased that we are continuing our record investment in school

infrastructure, including these great projects in the Mulgoa electorate.

The funding will directly benefit local communities and support hundreds of jobs in metro NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

Improvement projects for our local Public Schools

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

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local news

Western Sydney Airport exceeding local empoyment targets

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estern Sydney Airport has announced it is far exceeding its local employment target through the construction phase of one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Australia.

The WSA have recorded 56 per cent of the workforce currently engaged in the construction phase are residents of Western Sydney, smashing their original 30 per cent target.

Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh said this was great news for the local economy.

“From the outset, my focus has been on creating local jobs. The Western Sydney Airport is beating its local employment targets, and this means creating more local jobs and boosting our economy as we emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic,” said Ms McIntosh.

“Investing in the infrastructure projects our community needs also opens new opportunities for small businesses to create more local jobs.

“We’re seeing the benefits right here in Western Sydney, where businesses like Two Way Cranes have taken on more people to keep up with their growing demand as they contribute to the construction of the Airport.”

Managing Director of Two Way Cranes, Frank Zammit said he was proud to be a part of the project.

“Securing the crane hire contract for WSA was one of the highlights of my business career,” said Mr Zammit.

“The project has enabled me to look further into the future, order new cranes and hire more employees. Most of my

current employees and staff were born and raised in Western Sydney and we all enjoy working with the project.

“I try to keep my employees relatively close to home, where possible, so working at Western Sydney Airport, I feel has really raised the morale and sense of community within my business.

“I often times leave home in the morning and notice my cranes working

at the airport and it is really dream come true to see.

“These machines are Australian made in Brisbane and the project loves the machine and their capacity.

Ms McIntosh said the Western Sydney Airport is expected to support almost 28,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2031, five years after the airport opens.

“The Western Sydney Airport will

create thousands of jobs and open new opportunities for local businesses, enabling them to showcase their Aussie made products to Australia and the world,” said Ms McIntosh.

“Our commitment to supporting local jobs is ongoing. From 2026 when the Airport is up and running, the local employment target will go to 50 per cent, which means we’re supporting more long-term local jobs.”

340 new trees planted in Chameleon Reserve 340 new trees have been planted in Chameleon Reserve as part of Penrith City Council’s tree planting project with the NSW Government.

The trees will create a framework of shade, cooling and amenity for users of future paths in the park. Heat mapping was carried out as part of the 2015 Erskine Park Heat Assessment Report, which concluded that tree planting would have a cooling effect on the park and surrounding residences.

Penrith City Council was awarded funding of $150,000 under the NSW Government’s Five Million Trees (5MT) for Greater Sydney program to plant 340 new trees, as well as providing a period of 12 months watering and maintenance to help the trees become established.

Council matched the funding with another $150,000 for the project through funds derived from the Open Space Reinvestment Project.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said the project’s vision is to increase the liveability of Erskine Park by providing a space offering great opportunities for healthy and active living for residents.

AFTER “We know how important it is to provide cool spaces for our residents to be active and healthy,” Cr McKeown said.

“Stage 1 of the project will see more canopy provided in the reserve to enable and encourage immediate use of the park for passive recreation in advance of future upgrades.”

“The tree planting will provide cooling to the adjacent residential areas, too,” Cr McKeown said.

The tree planting grant builds

on the work of the Open Space Reinvestment Project, which directs funds to improvements into the open space network in the suburb.

The 5MT grant program is part of the NSW Government’s strategy to strengthen Sydney’s adaptability to climate change and mitigate the incidence of the urban heat island effect.

The 5MT for Greater Sydney program supports tree planting across all councils in Greater Sydney.

BEFORE

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he Morrison Government is supporting Australia’s manufacturers to turn their good ideas into world-beating realities that create more local jobs, with a new $30 million fund.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Commercialisation Fund will foster projects that bring industry and researchers together to commercialise new manufacturing products and processes.

“Making science and technology work for industry is one of the central pillars of our Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy and this fund is just one of the ways we’re delivering on that,” Minister Andrews said.

“The Morrison Government is positioning Australia’s manufacturing industry at the cutting edge of innovation and this fund will help bring together the best of research and manufacturing capability to generate commercial outcomes.

“We know that by making our manufacturers more competitive and helping them to take on the world, we will create jobs for Australians – both for the COVID-19 recovery and for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh encouraged

Western Sydney manufacturers to make the most of the Morrison Government’s support.

“We are driving opportunities for manufacturers in Western Sydney to scale up, expand, and create more local jobs,” said Ms McIntosh.

“Aussie made products are known and trusted for their high-quality.

This fund will help Australian manufacturers to do what they do best, and deliver the products and processes that will lead on the world stage.”

www.theroyce.com.au

“Recently, I brought the Prime Minister to Penrith to see the strength and potential of our local manufacturing industry, and I am looking forward to seeing the results of the Modern Manufacturing Strategy delivering for families and businesses right here in our community.”

Consistent with all programs under the Modern Manufacturing Strategy, this fund will support projects within the Government’s six National Manufacturing Priorities. These

priorities are: Medical Products, Food and Beverage, Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing, Recycling and Clean Energy, Defence, and Space.

Commercialisation Fund grants will be between $100,000 and $1 million and must be matched by industry. These smaller-sized grants will complement the larger projects that will be supported through the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

Projects must include collaboration with a research partner and a minimum of one industry partner.

The fund will run over an 18-month period. The first round of funding, which opens today, will provide $20 million while a subsequent round will deliver the remaining $10 million.

The fund will be managed and administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), in collaboration with the five other Industry Growth Centres; AustCyber, Food Innovation Australia Ltd (FIAL), MTPConnect, METS Ignited and National Energy Resources Australia (NERA), and the CSIRO. For more information and to apply for a grant go to www.amgc.org.au/ projects/

Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

$30m grants program to support local manufacturing

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

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local news

Sms geo-targeting for high risk missing persons

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he hunt for high-risk missing persons across the State will be significantly enhanced following the launch of a SMS geotargeting alert system by the NSW Police Force.

The system will see alerts, a brief description and information on how to report any sighting, sent to all mobile devices in a defined area in instances where police hold grave concerns for the missing person.

Such circumstances include people with dementia wandering from their homes, children with disabilities separated from family or carers, and young people who go missing in large crowds.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said there is no time to waste when someone is reported missing.

“Police always act as quickly as possible to find anyone who is reported missing and this tool will mean the public will be able to assist almost immediately,” Mr Elliott said.

“The community should never underestimate the crucial role they can play in potentially saving someone from harm and if you receive this message we ask that you keep your eyes out and help police to reunite someone with their loved ones.”

State Crime Command Director, Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Bennett said the new geo-targeting tool would be invaluable to help police in locating missing people when there were serious concerns for their safety.

“We now have the capability to use

this system when there is an operational need in NSW and therefore want the community to be aware these functions exist; in the event they receive an SMS in the future.” Detective Chief Superintendent Bennett said.

“This system was put in place by states and territories following the 2009 Victorian Black Saturday bushfires to send out alerts within specific areas in the event of likely emergency situations, such as flood, bush fire or other

extreme weather conditions.”

Missing Persons Registry Coordinator, Detective Inspector Glen Browne, said the circumstances in which people go missing are varied, as are the associated risks.

“It is proposed that the use of geographically targeted SMS messages will only be used in highrisk circumstances, as determined by the new missing persons operating procedures which have been implemented state-wide,” Detective

Inspector Browne said.

“In each of these situations, serious concerns are held for a person’s safety if they are not located quickly – making the SMS tool critical to firstresponders,” The Missing Persons Registry have engaged telecommunications provider, Telstra, to facilitate the use and implementation of the SMS geotargeting tool, utilising the existing emergency framework for the rollout of the program.

The other pandemic of 2020: Canine ehrlichiosis

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n May 2020, a deadly bacterial disease called Canine ehrlichiosis graced our shores for the first time. The disease is carried by the brown dog tick and is transmitted to dogs through their blood-sucking bite. Since the first infection in Kimberly, WA, hundreds of dogs have tested positive across WA and NT, and experts say it is likely to spread further.

Infectious ticks have been reported as far south as Perth and South Australia, likely due to travellers and their pets moving between states. As borders open across the country even those in southern states should be wary of this hard to control disease.

The brown dog, different from the notorious paralysis tick abundant in coastal NSW, mainly lives in northern Australia but can also be found in far northern NSW. Any dogs living in or travelling to these regions are at risk. Dog owners should protect their pets by ensuring they are on tick prevention, avoiding tick infested

regions and bushwalking when possible, and inspecting dogs daily for ticks.

This involves carefully checking skin for tell-tale lumps and tags, focussing on the ears, paws, stomach, armpits, neck and head. Although tick preventatives provide some coverage

against the disease, they can take up to 48 hours to kill biting ticks and the bacteria can be spread in as little as an hour. If a tick is found, owners should carefully remove it or take their dog to the vet for removal as soon as possible.

Infected animals cannot give the disease to other dogs or their owners,

but a tick bite can lead to 1 to 2 weeks of flu like symptoms in humans.

Once a dog is infected, it usually takes 1 to 3 weeks for signs to appear, however, can sometimes take months or years.

Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, conjunctivitis or eye discharge, weight loss and uncontrolled bleeding such as nose bleeds and unexplained bruising. As many other illnesses also cause similar signs, blood testing by a veterinarian is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Although serious, infected dogs often make a full recovery if caught early and treated by a veterinarian with antibiotics, supportive care and possible hospitalisation.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Canine ehrlichiosis outbreak, all Australians should be mindful of the national and international quarantine measures designed to protect them as well as our flora and fauna.

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

local news

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n innovative trial will give children and young people access to community-based, non-clinical support following an attempted suicide, thanks to a $3.8 million investment from the NSW Government.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the service will be designed by young people with lived experience of suicide alongside families and carers, youth mental health and suicide prevention experts.

“Growing evidence tells us that following up and increasing community support for people after a suicide attempt can reduce the likelihood of a further attempt,” Mrs Taylor said.

“We know that young people are often reluctant to reach out for help and don’t always engage well with clinical services – what works well for adults often doesn’t work well for young people.

“The innovative service will involve rapid follow-up, continuity of care and establishing a genuine, compassionate connection with the young person using the service.”

“It will be designed for young people by young people and will not only change lives, it will save them.”

The Youth Suicide Crisis and Aftercare service pilot sites will begin operating in April at Blacktown in Western Sydney and Coffs Harbour on the mid-north Coast.

Mrs Taylor said that the locations were identified as experiencing especially high presentations to Emergency Departments of young people in crisis or who have selfharmed.

“The worst thing you can do in health is to tell regional areas that they

are expected to deliver a service that was designed for a metropolitan area.

The NSW Government is committed to building a safer, stronger regional NSW, so it is vital to listen to the voices of young people from areas outside of urban centres as well,” Mrs Taylor said.

Jack Heskett is a 23-year-old living in Kogarah, South Sydney, who has previously attempted suicide and is a member of the NSW Health reference group that shaped the scope of the trial.

“Those first few months out of hospital can be overwhelming and lonely. This type of care could make a real difference to young people feeling disconnected or a burden on others after they leave hospital,” Mr Heskett said.

Referrals to the Youth Suicide Crisis and Aftercare trial are expected from a range of health services, including emergency departments, mental health services and general practitioners.

Youth Aftercare has been funded through the Commonwealth Health Innovation Fund. It is in addition to the extensive range of new initiatives under the NSW Government’s Towards Zero Suicides Premier’s Priority, which includes $87 million in additional funding over three years to change the way that suicide prevention is delivered in this State.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services: • Lifeline 13 11 14 • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 • NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Rotary District Conference 9675 The District Conference 2021 for District 9675 (covering Greater Sydney to the Illawarra) is being held at the SMC Conference and Function Centre in Sydney from 19th-21st March.

Keynote speakers are Anna Ludvik (Founder and president of Lucy’s Project), Rtn Nischal Pandey (A Rotary Alumni, Rtn Nischal holds the distinction of being Charter President of his Interact Club, Rotaract Club and now Rotary E-Club of Connect, D-3012), John Brogden AM (A passionate and charismatic speaker in the areas of Leadership, Depression and Mental Health), Dr Nicole Reilly (A Research Fellow at the Australian Health Services Research Institute at the University of Wollongong and Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychiatry, UNSW), Garry Browne AM (A highly regarded industry leader,

known for his expertise in consumer branding and his successful management of various cultural change and innovation projects), Associate Professor Elisabeth Murphy (Senior Clinical Advisor, Child and Family Health, NSW Ministry of Health), Greg Mullins AO AFSM (Former Commissioner of Fire & Rescue NSW), Courtney Krahe (District Rotaract Representative 20/22), Dr James Muecke AM (Researcher, teacher, author, musician, photographer, film producer and founder of ‘Sight for All’, Cam Calkoen (Athletic gold medalist, charitable fundraiser, social entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and twice recipient of a Rotary ‘Paul Harris Fellow’.

More information on all speakers and the conference can be found on the website Home Page | District 9675 (rotarydistrict9675.org)

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

Post suicide support and aftercare program available

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

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local news

C3West announces its 2021 program with artist Linda Brescia

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aunching in May, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia’s new C3West program, Skirts, examines issues around women’s safety in the suburb of Kingswood. Working with Western Sydney-based artist Linda Brescia, Skirts brings women from Kingswood and surrounding suburbs together to demonstrate the power of collective voices to be heard.

Curated by MCA Senior Curator, C3West, Pedro de Almeida, Skirts is a group with a vision – they are the women who live, work, study and socialise in Kingswood and who aspire for positive change for themselves, for each other and for their community. The women have come together to stand up against gendered expectations, ageism, violence against women, and the barriers that can come between individual lives and community wellbeing.

A collaboration with Penrith City Council, Skirts seeks to address concerns around public amenities, community safety and connectedness with a focus on women’s needs and wants. Since September 2020, Linda Brescia has engaged with a diverse group of women on a weekly basis, facilitating several workshops and creating a safe space for creativity and dialogue.

Collaborating with awardwinning writer Felicity Castagna alongside Linda Brescia, the Skirts have devised a manifesto – a public declaration that combines poetic personal observations of women’s daily experiences and desires with a list of actions. The manifesto will inform all facets of the program, including artworks and activations for Kingswood’s public domain starting from May 2021.

Together, the manifesto and onsite public engagement programs aim to provide new opportunities for women’s voices to be heard and raise awareness to their collective experiences living in Kingswood and the surrounding area.

MCA Director, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE said: “For over 15 years, the MCA has been working in

Photos: Anna Kucera

collaboration with Western Sydney arts organisations, businesses and local government to enable artists to address key issues of community concern. C3West demonstrates how artists can make an impact with communities and I am so pleased Penrith City Council, one of our very first partners, is working with us again.”

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering for the second time with the MCA for another C3West project.

Kingswood is a resilient, welcoming, open minded community and we value this empowering creative project that will strengthen the neighbourhood.”

Skirts will take place in Kingswood from Sunday 30 May through to September 2021. For program updates, visit: https://www.mca. com.au/artists-works/c3west/lindabrescia-skirts/

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

16

ENTERTAINMENT

Hawkesbury Showgirl ready to reign

By Noel Rowsell

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021 ‘Hawkesbury Showgirl’ Eliza Babazogli has been wearing the crown for an extended reign, after initially being chosen for the 2020 role back in 2019.

The arrival of Covid-19 resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 Hawkesbury Show, among many others around the country, so Eliza was asked to carry her crown through to 2021 and undertake the various commitments of the role this year.

A Hawkesbury local, Eliza lives in Glossodia and has been involved in the Agricultural Industry since the age of 5, first showing horses at the Royal Easter Show as a 7-year old and being the proud recipient of an exhibitor’s National Title.

Horses are a significant portion of her life, whilst partner Shannon is a cattle-man, working on his parent’s farm in Kurmond.

Eliza will be working as an Ambassador for the Hawkesbury Show from 23rd-25th April.

Being born and bred in the Agricultural world, Eliza has a passion for spreading the information on the Hawkesbury being the “Food Bowl”

Emily Quinn (Milton Show Society) and Eliza Babazogli (Hawkesbury Showgirl) will both vie for the Royal Easter Showgirl title. Photo supplied.

of Sydney.

Prior to the Hawkesbury Show, Eliza and ‘Milton Showgirl’ (Emily Quinn) from this zone will head to the Royal Easter Show, from 1st-12th April, in a bid to also capture the title of Sydney Royal Showgirl.

The candidates for Sydney Royal Showgirl have a full schedule of appearances every day of the Show, including a lunch at Government House, an Interview Day for all contenders, followed by a judging day for all contenders.

Eliza will be highlighting her

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personal, local knowledge of the Agricultural industry, as well as a deep understanding of what is occurring in the industry on both a state and national level.

Also on the busy schedule at the Royal Easter Show, Eliza will attend community events, meet local political leaders, business owners, livestock owners and exhibitors, to discuss their respective stories and experiences in the Agricultural industry.

Judging at a local level takes place throughout the year at each of the participating local Show Societies,

with the judging for Zone Finals being conducted in February/March of each year and the State Final during the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The contestants are judged on personality, confidence, ambition and life goals, general knowledge, rural knowledge, presentation and speech.

Finalists are also asked to demonstrate knowledge of their local community and current affairs and apart from their potential ambassadorial qualities, contestants are also judged on their involvement in and experience of rural affairs.

The winning Showgirl of each local Show Society is selected by a panel of three judges and remains Showgirl until the next year’s Show.

She performs various tasks which could include opening a Show, public speaking throughout the year, presenting prizes for winners in agricultural events etc.

Each local Show Society is a member of one of fourteen groups.

Two groups combine to form one of seven Zones that make up the NSW area. In February/March of each year, Zone Finals are held in which each of the Zones select, from all the winners put forward by each of the individual Societies, a representative for the State Final.

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NEPEAN HISTORY

especially amongst folks who went to school before our Public Schools were in vogue. It was one school and one master in those days, and we had a great respect for the master. hat wealth of local information Nowadays a lad may have half-a-dozen known as the “Nepean Times” teachers during his term of school and the produced a most lasting newspaper chances are he won’t think very much of any in Penrith starting in 1882 until 1962. One of them. And then again, people shift about of its first letter writers that first year was more than they did years ago, and a lad may James Richard Woodland who called himself chance to go to school in several districts and “Japonica” and wrote “What we want at St have no particular fondness for one more than Marys.” His letter reported that Messrs another. I suppose nearly every native-born Sainsbury and Woodland were the Trustees “St Marytan” over the age of 80 years went for the site given to the public by the late to Lincoln’s School and when good old Mr Patrick Donnelly for a Mechanic’s Institute  The Old Buffers 1888c from the Society files Lincoln died in 1868 the charm and history and they intended to call a meeting at an early of the “old red schoolhouse” died with him. date for the purpose of gaining opinions as to One of the charms at the Old Buffers meeting to me is that I met quite a the best course of carrying out the intention of the generous donation. number of Lincoln School fellows. It would be interesting to know right A hall that could be used for a variety of uses is sadly wanted at St Marys here where they are all gone to. Some of them have gone on the journey and I have no doubt that the public will subscribe liberally towards the we all must go. Alf Cook, Bob Paskins, John Beacroft and last but not cost of building. One hopes when we have the meeting that your journal least Paul Royal. It is pleasant to know that none of my schoolmates are will be represented in order to give due publicity to our proceedings. in jail or Parliament! Some folks change in appearance considerably in a There are several other things wanted at St Marys, for instance, don’t few years to what others do. For instance, years ago you knew a man with you think the Police Station is in a most ridiculous position? We want a a long beard and bushy whiskers, dressed in moleskins and a blue serge more ornamental “jug” (jail) in the centre of the town and in connection coat and a California hat. Next time you meet him you don’t know him with a courthouse. Why not have the blessed privilege of having the from a crow. He wears only a moustache and a little straw hat no bigger death sentence passed upon us in our own town (St Marys) instead of than a saucer and maybe you would take him to be a swell, only his having to go to Penrith for it? I believe that Mr Griffiths is going to open tongue proves him to be of larrikin descent. Then again some folks never a Temperance Hotel and I wish him every success. May the IOUs, (I change. For instance, there is Jim Beacroft, he never changes, he was owe you’s), I mean the IOGTs (Independent Order of Good Templars) born with long hair and cabbage-tree hat he wears them still and says, “be and the “Hope Bands” surround him and never let his ginger beer go darned if he wears anything else”. Then, again Jim Luxford does the same sour”. “Japonica” passed away in 1906 at the age of 57 and is buried at thing. Luxford says “every man is his own hatter,” so Jim never tries to St Mary Magdalene Cemetery, St Marys. (see History Page May 2017). make any other kind of hat. I am told they both intend to come clean After several years as a contributor to the paper and always with a bit shaved and with long hats to the next Old Buffers match. The St Marys’ of humour, especially regarding his membership of that old unique St Council has done wonders in the shape of improvements in all corners Marys “Old Buffers” who were part of the early cricket fraternity and of the Borough, especially in the direction of Penrith Hill. Caddens’ now played once a year in Victoria Park at St Marys. In one contribution Road is quite a thoroughfare now and a charming road for a drive. If the to the Nepean Times, he wrote the Old Buffers’ little game of bat and Luddenham Road was only in keeping with the surroundings, property in ball proved a success. It is the fun of the world to be a native (original) that direction would be far more valuable. It would be better if the joint of St Marys and be an Old Buffer. I am not a little proud of being both.

Municipal bodies interested would accept what the Government offers It is always pleasant to revisit old familiar places and meet people who than wait and get perhaps less. At any rate, it is about time the thing happen to know all about everything that you know all about too. I was settled. The whole of the Aldermen should unite and make their recently came across an old grey bearded man who was a carrier on complaint a distress to Government. As a rule, country members don’t the Western Road over 86 years ago and when he found out that I knew get near enough money granted for their requirements. There is far too some of the old carriers he nearly cried with joy. ‘Well, by Jove!’ he said, much spent on the cities. They must have their gardens and parks, electric “to think that you knowed (sic) George Matthews and Johnny Gotch, lights and asphalted carriage drives whilst the country roads are not safe old Jim Collins and all the rest of them, it does my heart good to meet for a bullock team to travel on. Henry Schwarzkopf schoolmaster and you.” Turning to his wife he said “Why Mother, here is a youngster can journalist is dead. The deceased was a prominent member of society in St remember all about old times on the road. It is years since I met anyone Marys at one time. We all remember what an interest he took in literary who knew anything about Donald Beatson or the old punt on the river. matters. When the first Mutual Improvement Society was established in My name is Tom Linton. ‘Long Tom Linton,’ Dick Heaton knows me the old schoolroom in 1869, Henry Schwarzkopf was the leading light well and so does Billy Ransley and Ned Huidice. Dammed if we won’t of it, and when later on it emerged into a Parliamentary Debating Club, go and have a drink together.” And so, it is at the “Old Buffers” reunions he was its first speaker and managed it with dignity and ability, a fluent we all know each other’s trump cards and so on. Old scenes reappear and and forcible speaker upon almost any topic and in debate a regular giant. things almost forgotten come singing up in your memory. The universe seems put back and you live your life over again. There is somehow Source: Nepean Times, Trove. a strong affinity of souls amongst schoolmates, more particularly and

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

T

Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

In Days Gone By

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

20

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Homebuyers turn the key on aussie dream

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ore than six thousand additional first homebuyers have gained a foothold on the property ladder in just six months following the NSW Government’s decision to provide additional relief on stamp duty and help boost the economy and jobs.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the latest data indicated the great Australian dream of home ownership remained strong, with the total number of stamp duty exemptions and partial concessions granted rising 30 percent over the year, from more than 31,500 in 2019 to more than 41,000 in 2020.

“We all know how challenging 2020 was and our suite of COVID-19 support and stimulus measures – the largest of any state or territory – has helped cushion the worst economic impacts of the pandemic,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Additional stamp duty relief has delivered the twin benefit of helping more people achieve their dream of homeownership, while continuing to boost the economy.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Government’s continued focus on housing affordability had seen first home buyers as a share of the total owner occupier residential market increase from below 15 percent in 2016 to around 30 per cent.

“Stamp duty is a significant financial barrier to those buying a first home and this program has helped thousands of people go from renters to homeowners without saving for years to pay stamp duty,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Record low interest rates are putting upwards pressure on prices, but it’s clear if we can lower the financial burden the dream of home ownership burns as strong as ever.”

The total value of stamp duty concessions and exemptions granted by the NSW Government

increased from $485.9 million in 2019 to $559.7 million in 2020.

Under the temporary changes the cap on the value of new homes at which stamp duty exemptions apply increased from $650,000 to $800,000, with concessional duty applied on higher values before phasing out at $1 million.

For vacant land purchases, the threshold for an exemption increased from $350,000 to $400,000 with concessional duty rates applying on purchases up to $500,000.

This additional relief will remain in place until July 31, 2021.

In the five months following the changes - from August to December 2020 - the number of stamp

duty exemptions and concessions granted topped 21,436, compared to 14,967 in the same period in 2019.

According to NSW Treasury stamp duty adds about $34,000 to the upfront cost of buying the average NSW home.

It now takes around 12.6 years compared to 8 years in 1990 for the average person to save for a deposit.

Stamp duty was introduced to NSW in 1865 and has continued for more than 150 years. On 1 July 2019, NSW became the first state in Australia to index stamp duty brackets to the Sydney Consumer Price Index, to limit the taxation cost due to inflation.

Property is booming again. But how long will this boom continue?

With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

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n my article in January, I wrote about the start of the boom in property prices. I also said that this boom may only last a few months, until the free government money runs out, unemployment increasing, and the supply of properties increase etc.

Well, the boom has been accelerating with January recording the highest monthly growth in prices for 17 years.

The media is full of positive property and economic news still and not many negative events have come about or getting media attention yet. The only major negative news that I have seen recently was the staggering loss by Qantas of $1 Billion for the last 6 months. If more large and medium size companies report massive losses over the next few months (and cut their staff), sentiment and confidence may quickly reverse, and the property boom may stall.

But in meantime, the property market is being driven by low interest rates, high demand, low supply, and the fear of missing out.

Low interest rates With historically low fixed interest rates of around 2 per cent for owner occupiers and 2.5 percent for investors, it has never been more affordable to own

your own home. The Reserve Bank have stated that these low rates will remain for the next 3 years perhaps. Some lenders have recently reduced their fixed rates again.

On the other hand, longer term bond rates in the United States have started to increase. This is usually a sign of interest rates increasing. Depending on your situation, it may be wise to lock in a low fixed interest rate for 1 to 4 years. Many lenders have their 4-year fixed rates under 2 percent.

High demand First home buyers have been dominating the cheaper markets thanks to all the government incentives since last year with various benefits.

Many people living in small units in the CDB have decided to move into the suburbs to have larger homes to live and work from due to the Coronavirus and the option, desire and need to work from home.

The loss of overseas immigration has to some extent been replaced by thousands of Aussie expatriates who are mostly trying to come back home to a relatively Covid save country.

Low Supply Over the last 12 months all the lenders have allowed anyone with financial problems to pause their repayments. So, no one has been forced to sell their property. Most lenders report that around 90 percent of loans that were paused are now making repayments again.

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

FOMO - Fear of missing out This has been the overall driver of this high demand, crazy selling prices, and the icing on the property cake for anyone who has sold recently.

I have personally seen many examples of buyers paying high amounts recently. One client purchased a duplex. They paid $100,000 (20 percent) more than someone else who purchased an almost identical duplex 2 doors down the same street just 3 months earlier.

So where are prices heading?

Last year many economists and property experts were predicting prices to stagnate or decrease by up to 10 percent this year. Now almost everyone is predicting prices to continue to rise this year and have smaller rises next year.

I’m not totally convinced that property prices will continue to grow at this rapid pace all this year and we could easily see the market cooling down to more normal levels. I may be wrong and property may continue to rise of course.

The above information is of a general nature and you should always get professional advice before taking any action. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 47394500, 0403 166 207 or beards@ selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

22

SPORT Juniors grab double success in Wagga Wagga Junior Masters

By Noel Rowsell

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ocal juniors Chaewon Lee (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC) and Darcy Mackay (Stonecutters Ridge GC) have both won their age division titles at the Wagga Wagga Junior Masters in February.

Chaewon finished tied for 2nd in the Girls Open division, shooting the same score as the winner Ann Jang (Toukley).

Going one step further, Chaewon shot the equal-best score in her 14/15 Years age group (74) on Day Two, thereby streeting the opposition to win that division by 3 shots.

Darcy finished tied for 11th in the Boys Open Division but came from behind in the 12/13 Boys division, shooting the best score of the day in his age group (73) to win by a shot over Enzo Moon (North Ryde).

Darcy Mackay (Stonecutters Ridge GC) and Chaewon Lee (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC) both won their age divisions at the Wagga Wagga Junior Masters. File photos courtesy of JNJG.

Gadd sets the course alight to win Penrith Open Amateur

By Penrith GC

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enrith GC Major Pennant squad member Jeff Gadd produced a performance for the ages on Saturday 6th March, when he fired an incredible nine-under-par 63 to claim the Penrith Open Amateur by an amazing 8 shot-margin and claim a new course record.

In his march to victory, Gadd equalled the 5 decades-old course record of former club professional Graeme Abbott, which had been set on a slightly different course layout.

Gadd carded 11 birdies to win by eight shots from his son Josh, who played in the same group and also became a cheerleader as his dad simply tore the course and his opposition apart.

Starting on the back nine, Gadd senior went immediately into action with a birdie on the 10th hole, parring the difficult 11th, then grabbing two more birdies at the 12th and 13th holes to complete a dream start to the tournament.

Gadd had pars on both the 14th and 15th holes, then went into overdrive with birdies on 16, 17 and 18 to make the turn in 6-under-par 30, then birdied the 1st, 3rd and 4th holes to be nine under through 12 holes.

A bogey at the 5th was followed by birdies at the 6th and 7th, as Gadd charged to 10-under par.

A closing bogey on the long par-four 9th, Penrith’s hardest hole, did nothing to the diminish an incredible round of golf.

Son Josh made 4 birdies in his one-under-par 71, which in any other circumstance would have been a round to celebrate on the challenging Penrith layout under championship conditions.

Jeff and Josh now have the distinction of each having won both the Penrith GC championship and the Penrith Open.

As a Golf NSW Vardon event, the Penrith Open attracted a quality field of more than 220 players and visiting players certainly made their presence felt.

In equal 3rd spot with par rounds of 72 were Jonah Metuangaro (Twin Creeks CC) and Brock Egan

Photos supplied by Penrith GC

(Lithgow GC), ahead of Shane Fitzpatrick (Massey Park), Cameron Glenday (The Lakes), John Fearnley (Dunheved), Michael Williams (Randwick) and David Limbach (Springwood) all on 73.

The handicap division was taken out by Penrith’s Adrian Corbett with a nett 66, followed by Mark Hatton and Bob Higgins, also Penrith members, on nett 67.

SPORT

By Noel Rowsell

D

unheved GC, Wallacia CC and Stonecutters Ridge GC have all won through to the playoff stage of the 2021 Golf NSW Major Pennant competition, after winning their respective Sections in Division 2 (Stonecutters), Division 3 (Dunheved) and Division 5 (Wallacia) Stonecutters drew 3.5-3.5 with Glenmore Heritage Valley GC, Dunheved defeated Wakehurst 4-3 and Wallacia defeated Barnwell Park 6-1 in games on Sunday, in the final weekend of the prelimary rounds.

Wallacia had been relegated to Division 5 after a disappointing 2020 but now have the opportunity of winning promotion back into Division 4, through the upcoming playoff series.

Glenmore finished in 4th spot in Section 2, Division 2 and will now be forced to contest the Relegation playoffs, in a bid to remain in Division 2.

Windsor CC finished 4th in Section 1, Division 4 and will also be forced to contest the Relegation playoff series.

Robert Walker and Chris Blakeley (Wallacia) have both been recognised by Golf NSW for remaining undefeated during the preliminary rounds.

In the Men’s competition, Dunheved meet Asquith in a semi-final at 11am this Sunday at Stonecutters Ridge GC, with the winner advancing to the Final and also winning promotion to Division 2 in 2022.

Stonecutters Ridge GC meet Castle Hill and the

Mikayla Edwards and Isabelle Mansfield will be hoping to guide Penrith to success in the Division 2 Playoff series.

File photos by Noel Rowsell

winner will advance to the Final and win promotion to Division 1 in 2022.

Wallacia meet Rosnay in a semi-final at 1pm this Sunday at Stonecutters. A win would put Wallacia into the Final and also guarantee promotion to Division 4 in 2022.

In the Relegation playoffs, Glenmore (Division 2) face Oatlands on the Gangurru course at 7am and Windsor (Division 4) face Northbridge on the Bungool course at 8am - both losing teams drop back a division in 2022.

In the women’s division, Penrith meet Moore Park at 9.45am this Sunday on the Gangurru Course at Riverside Oaks, with the winner advancing to the Final to play the winner of the Lynwood vs Pymble semi-final. Only the winner of the Division 2 Final will be promoted to Division 1.

Stonecutters Ridge GC meet The Lakes at 9am on the Gangurru course at Riverside Oaks and the loser will drop back to Division 2 in 2022.

The full playoff schedule is available on the Golf NSW website Metro Major Pennant • Golf NSW

Round Two of Penrith Open Canoe Slalom

Action from the various Extreme Slalom races on Sunday 7th March. Photos by Noel Rowsell

By Noel Rowsell

R

ound 2 of the 2021 Penrith Open Canoe Slalom Series was run at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium on the 6th-7th February.

The Women’s race results were identical over both days, with Jessica

Fox, Neomie Fox and Codie Davidson taking the top 3 placings in both the K1 and the C1 on Saturday, then repeating those results exactly in those two events on Sunday.

The Men’s events were shared more equitably over the 2 days, although Dan Watkins (1st), Kaylen Bassett (2nd) and Brodie Crawford (3rd) finished in that order in both the

Saturday and Sunday results for the C1 Men. Lucien Delfour (1st), Angus Thompson (2nd) and Timothy Anderson (3rd) took out the major placings in the K1 Men on Saturday, before Anderson bounced back to take the win on Sunday, ahead of Delfour and Thompson.

Watkins and Bassett both had huge

weekends, also taking out 1st and 2nd respectively in the Extreme Slalom on Sunday, ahead of Dominic Curtin in 3rd.

The final round of the Penrith Open Canoe Slalom Series will be held this Saturday 13th / Sunday 14th March, with the overall Men’s and Women’s winners to be decided on a compilation of points from all 3 rounds.

Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

Local clubs through to playoffs in Major Pennants

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Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

24

SPORT Fund-raiser extraordinaire Peter Genellos heads back into the water

By Noel Rowsell

A

wgies at Stanwell Park has reinstated “the Big Swim of the South” (after a hiatus of 4 years) and Peter Genellos will be one of the first swimmers back into the water.

Peter is a 77-year old grandfather and a 35-year member of St Marys Rotary Club and this will be his 39th consecutive year raising funds for various charities, with the help of his Club.

“For 30 years, I swam in the Bridge to Bridge in Penrith but this event is no longer running,” said Peter.

“I now Swim in Ocean Events and over the last 8 years, I have raised $33,000 for the Rotary Childrens’ Wing (Westmead Childrens Hospital), $7,500 for the Oncology Department (Chemo & Radiation) at Nepean Hospital, $45,000 for Nepean Hospital Breast Cancer Fund, $3,500 for the Childrens Hospital Westmead Adolescent Unit and $30,000+ for Glenbrook-based charity Little Wings.”

“In 39 years, I have raised over $230,000 and this year funds will be my 7th year fund-raising for LITTLE WINGS.” Peter’s race is on 21st March and the swim course runs from Coalcliff Beach to Stanwell Park beach, beneath the Illawarra Escarpment, and is regarded by organisers as ‘one of the most spectacular swims you will ever do’.

Touted as one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches, Stanwell Park is located on Sydney’s southern edge, so it is a city swim in a regional or country setting.

The ocean floor along the race course alternates between clean sand and reef - and reefs mean sea life.

Organiser Andrew Perrin said “We’ve seen some pretty amazing creatures on the bottom of the ocean and being out of the city area, the water is cleaner and clearer than you get generally on Sydney beaches. If the water is clear, as it was in the event

a few years back, you were in 8 metres of water but you could count every grain of sand on the bottom”. www.givenow.com.au/littlewings

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2021 panthers season preview

mark with MARK GEYER

The NRL 2021. Where anything can happen!

T

his time next week the NRL will have achieved lift-off for season 2021! How good! After a tumultuous 2020 things (touch wood) have returned to some sort of normality.

With that it’s time to get out my crystal ball and try and predict where each of the 16 teams will end up this year after the season proper comes to an end.

Then it’s anyone’s comp once finals footy kicks in. Here we go....

1st - Souths The acquisition of origin rep Jai Arrow from the Titans is profound. It bolsters their pack significantly. Add that with perhaps the best spine in the comp, and with Wayne Bennett looking for a fairy-tale in his last season at Souths, they’re going to be very hard to beat.

2nd - Penrith Ivan’s boys would still be smarting about the way last year ended. Whilst their 2020 was record breaking in so many ways, the fact that their last game was a loss in the GF is just the incentive needed to go one better this year.

3rd - Melbourne No Cameron Smith for the first time in close to 20 seasons has to have some affect on Craig Bellamy’s boys, just how big a void remains to be seen. Having Harry Grant and Brandon Smith as back ups surely works in their favour.

4th - Canberra Probably played their grand final a couple of weeks early last season when they took the Roosters to the cleaners on the SCG. With the reigning Dally M winner Jack Wighton leading the way along with wrecking Josh Papali up front, you just know that the Raiders will be there a-bouts.

5th - Roosters Have one of the brightest prospects to play in the NRL in the last 15-20 years in Joseph Suuali. They also have a team that just knows how to win. A great coach with a club with a great culture means the the Roosters are always a dangerous assignment.

6th - Eels Parramatta will field close to the exact same team as they did last season. The jury is still out on whether or not this is a good thing or not. A settled spine is always advantageous, but so is fresh blood within the starting line up. Time will tell.

7th - Titans The club with one of the poorest finals record in my opinion will change that this season. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui could be the buy of the year. Dave Fifita could be anything. And Jamal Fogarty at half could be just the man for the job.

8th - Tigers The Tigers are due. The perennial ‘9th’ spot finishers will take it one step further this year I feel. Why? Because the time is nigh! James Tamou, James Roberts, Dane Laurie, Joe Ofahengaue, and (this kid could be anything) Stefano Utoikamanu mate up an impressive re recruitment list.

Their coach has won a comp before so indeed knows how it should be done. Tigers in finals footy has been not written for a long time, this year it will change.

9th - Manly The loss of Tommy Turbo for the opening month hurts a lot. Everything that is good comes from the superstar fullback. But after AGAIN injuring one of his hamstrings you get the feeling that Manly’s year rests solely on the injury probed superstar.

10th - Newcastle The unknown team of this season in my opinion.

Not quite sure how they’ll go. Will Kayln Ponga be back from injury early? Will the Mitchell Pearce saga affect team morale? Will Tyson Frizell be the buy they needed? Who knows! What I do know is that they have some young guns in Bradman Best and Tex Hoy who we will hear a lot about this year, and their hooker Jayden Brayley who missed last season through injury is back. So again, who knows?

11th - Bulldogs One of the busiest teams in the player market

this season picking up Nick Cotric, Kyle Flanagan, Corey Allan, Jack Hetherington, and Corey Waddell for this year along with Josh Ado Carr and Matt Burton for next makes the Dogs one of the most active in the past 6 months. Coach Trent Barrett will be out for early victories to settle a team full of youth.

12th - Warriors The real feel good story of last year after relocating and spending the entire year at Terrigal. While this seemed to galvanise the Kiwi team having to do it all again this year might just be a bridge too far.

13th - Sharks While I’m forecasting where I think each team will finish this season teams 7-16 could all be moving parts. The unpredictable Sharks are definitely one of those teams who are in a rebuilding phase. Constant speculation re their coach doesn’t help the situation.

14th - Broncos After finishing last season with the dreaded wooden spoon I have them moving north purely on the back of new coach Kevvy Walters’ passion.

15th - Dragons Not sure what it is about the Dragons but they just can’t seem to play in a way that lifts them into the upper echelon of teams in the competition. I think the Dragon fans are in for a long year.

16th - Cowboys Well someone has to come last. And for this year I believe it’ll be the Cowboys. Hardly active in the off season as far a recruitment goes besides new coach Todd Payten, who I rate. The Cowboys seem to be in a transition stage with their roster and it might take a year or two to sort it out in a hope of becoming a real powerhouse.

Let the footy begin!

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

www.panthers.com.au

Nepean News 12 March 2021 Issue 298OWDIG

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