Nepean News 13 August 2021

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Vietnam Vets Day

On August 18, we commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. We remember the sacrifices of those who died and say thank you to almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of our involvement in the Vietnam War. Pictured are members of 5 Platoon, B Company, 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR), just north of the village of Phuoc Hai, beside the road leading to Dat Do. United States Army Iroquois helicopters are landing to take them back to Nui Dat after completion of Operation Ulmarra, the cordon and search by 7RAR of the village of Phuoc Hai. Photo: Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial ID Number: C195204

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isy Industries in Penrith has joined the Morrison Government’s transformation of Australia’s recycling industry as one of 22 New South Wales projects funded jointly by the Morrison and Berejiklian governments.

Federal Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley announced $24 million in funding in a state wide infrastructure roll out that will increase the state’s recycling capacity by 120,000 tonnes a year.

“This is about easing pressure on our environment and taking responsibility for our waste by recycling more materials, creating more jobs and driving economic investment,” Minister Ley said Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh said investing in Australia’s recycling capacity means backing more local jobs and a stronger manufacturing industry.

“Penrith is the engine room of Australia’s recycling industry and our investment will see it continue to grow,” said Ms McIntosh.

“This project will increase the capacity of Visy’s glass recycling in Penrith so it can process an

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additional 50,000 tonnes of glass per year, up to a total of 200,000 tonnes. This is enough to process the majority of New South Wales’ recyclable glass.

“The Australian and NSW governments have coinvested $2.56 million for this project, and industry has matched this by contributing a further $2.56 million.

“Backing Australian manufacturing will create and sustain local jobs for years to come, and build a more resilient Australia.”

The Morrison Government is investing $190 million in the Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF), which together with state and industry investment will generate more than $600 million in recycling infrastructure.

For further information see www.environment.gov.au/protection/waste/how-we-manage-waste/recycling-modernisation-fund

Penrith Performing & Visual Arts (PP&VA) Board & Committee Nominations Open Be part of Penrith‘s creative heart

Deadline 15 August 2021

PP&VA is seeking nominations from interested Greater Western Sydney-based community members to its Board of Directors and three Community Advisory Committees (Education Committee, Performing Arts Committee and Visual Arts Committee).

These are volunteer positions.

A public company limited by guarantee and a controlled entity of Penrith City Council, Penrith Performing & Visual Arts is a producer, curator, presenter and a leader in industry-led arts education experiences in the region.

PP&VA is looking to diversify its Board and Committee representation to best reflect the community we serve. We are particularly interested in nominations from those with a passion for arts and cultural growth in this region including: · Local business representatives · Artists and creatives · Representatives of Joan and Gallery community hiring groups · Those from a diverse cultural background · Young people (aged between 18 and 40) For more information and to apply, visit www.ppandva.com.au

Nepean News 13 August 2021 Issue 309OWDIG

Penrith to benefit from new recycling infrastrucure

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Nepean News 13 August 2021 Issue 309OWDIG

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

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Through rookies and corps training, an S.L.R. was his best mate He prayed it would protect him, no matter what his fate He boarded the “Vung Tau Ferry” and set out across the sea To 1.A.T.F. Headquarters in the province of Phouc Tuy The foe was well prepared and it’s now part of lore The situation was desperate, so they called in the armoured corps For there is one thing that he learned and on this he was frank If you want to reach retirement age, don’t take on a Centurian Tank

Mateship that was created, in that land so far away Can still be witnessed, to this very day And a statement we all use, as we wander dangers’ track “Hang on mate don’t worry. You know I’ve got your back”

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He was just a kid with acne, when he first wore his jungle greens About to learn the hard way, life’s seldom what it seems An Asian war was raging, yet he was keen to go He didn’t see the folly, all those years ago

After eleven years in that quagmire, they brought the Aussies home Over 500 gravestones, nightmares and a poem The paddy fields are silent from the cacophony of the guns Take the time to ponder, they were Australia’s sons

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The battle was hardly over and it was on again An R.P.G. took out an A.P.C. and they lost seven brave men The final mission loomed, Operation Ivanhoe For those still left “in country”, it was the final show

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(Commemorating the Battles of Long Khanh and Nui Le)

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tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has announced that a new NSW Vaccination Clinic will open at the Caddens Baptist Church on Monday, 16 August 2021.

“The Caddens NSW Vaccination clinic will be available by appointment only and will be administering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine,” said Stuart Ayres.

“The Caddens clinic will support the uptake of vaccines in our local area.”

“Now more than ever we need to stick together and do the right thing. Stay home, get tested and get vaccinated,” said Stuart Ayres.

The clinic will have the capacity to administer almost 3,000 vaccinations per week.

Those receiving AstraZeneca at the Caddens NSW Clinic will receive their second dose between 4-8 weeks after their first dose.

Federal MP Melissa McIntosh MP said it was great news for the local community.

“Getting vaccinated protects yourself, your family and our community from this dangerous and highly transmissible virus. It’s the step we can all take to keep the ones we love safe,” said Ms McIntosh.

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“I am pleased to hear that the NSW Government is opening a new vaccination hub in Caddens.

Right now, our community needs as much access to vaccinations as possible to help get us through this lockdown.

“I encourage everyone to check if you’re eligible, talk to your GP, and book an appointment to get vaccinated.”

To book and appointment please visit: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility

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’

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local news

12 local suburbs declared hotspots

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his week Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that following an increase in COVID-19 community transmission in recent days, 12 suburbs in the City of Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) have additional restrictions in place: 1. Caddens 7. Mount Vernon 2. Claremont Meadows 8. North St Marys 3. Colyton 9. Orchard Hills 4. Erskine Park 10. Oxley Park 5. Kemps Creek 11. St Clair 6. Kingswood 12. St Marys If you live in one of the 12 suburbs listed, you need to follow the stay at home rules.

Stay at home: • You should not leave home unless you have a reasonable excuse • Only leave home to obtain food or other goods and services within 5km of your home • Follow the NSW Health guidance if you are self-isolating.

Visiting people: • You must not visit peoples’ homes or have people visit your home • You must not share a car with a person you do not live with.

Repairs and cleaning: • Restrictions apply to having someone come to your home for repairs, maintenance and cleaning • See rules about service providers allowed in your home.

Exercise and outdoor recreation: • You must stay within 5km of your home • You can go outdoors for exercise or recreation with the people you live with • You can also exercise outdoors with one person you do not live with, such as your nominated visitor.

Mask wearing: • You must wear a mask at all times as soon as you leave your home regardless of your proximity to others • Masks do not have to be worn while travelling in a car alone or with members of your household in a car.

Get a COVID-19 test if you: • Have even mild COVID-19 symptoms (find a testing clinic near you) • Have come into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case • Have been to a venue of concern at the time and date listed on the NSW Government website Authorised workers: You may only leave your home to go to work if: • The business is allowed to be open • You cannot reasonably work from home • Your workplace is in the same local government area in which you live.

If your workplace is in a different local government area to where you live, you can only leave your home to go to work if you are an authorised worker.

You must wear a face mask in all workplaces including offices.

Construction: Construction work cannot resume in the identified 12 suburbs of the Penrith LGA except in certain necessary circumstances.

To keep up to date with the ever-changing rules go to www.health.nsw.gov.au

Return to work- if vaccinated U noccupied construction sites across Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour, will operate at 50 per cent capacity from this Wednesday with enhanced COVID safe measures helping to sustain industry, boost the economy and keep workers safe.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro said next week unoccupied construction sites will resume work with new worksite capacity limits and introduce minimum vaccination requirements for workers from the eight affected local government areas (LGAs) including Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta.

“We want workers back on the tools, but we need to continue to keep this virus at bay, and so by opening unoccupied worksites at 50 per cent capacity and vaccinating workers from within those affected LGAs, we can achieve both,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Construction workers from the affected LGAs will be added to the list of authorised workers allowing them to work on unoccupied construction sites in Greater Sydney if they meet the vaccination conditions.”

Construction workers from affected LGAs must provide evidence that they have received: • two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, or • one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least three weeks before attending work, or • one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

and, if less than three weeks since that vaccine was administered, a negative COVID-19 test in the previous 72 hours. NSW is currently trialling rapid antigen testing and when approved by NSW Health, that form of testing may be used as an alternative to a negative PCR test.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said construction was critical to the state’s economy and employed hundreds of thousands of workers.

“Construction has helped maintain our strong economy throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, but many of our projects and workers are located within the eight affected local government areas,” Mr Perrottet said.

“For the industry to remain viable, we need to restart those projects and get construction workers where they are most needed. But we also need to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission to keep our communities safe, and these measures will help us achieve that balance.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said construction workers would be prioritised for vaccination at a dedicated clinic to be hosted at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday 15 August.

“We hope to vaccinate about 8000 workers at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday 15 August, with vaccines also available at some GPs and

pharmacies,” Mr Ayres said.

“We are also working with industry to facilitate rapid antigen testing trials on a number of public and private sector construction sites and that will soon provide added COVID-19 surveillance capability when approved

by NSW Health for wider use.”

These changes will take effect at the beginning of Wednesday 11 August 2021. In the meantime, construction workers in the affected LGAs are urged to get their vaccination shot if they have not already done so.

Exemptions will be in place for individuals with medical or other conditions that make vaccination unsuitable.

local news

By The Creative Fringe Team

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he Creative Fringe has had its biggest year yet making and donating blankets for those most in need, in our “Think Outside The Square Blanket Challenge” 2021 This is our fifth year running and we have come a long way. Our very first year saw us donate 49 blankets and we thought that was amazing. This year we donated 290 blankets made up of over 12,000 squares from 87 incredible volunteers.

Thank you to Andrew Paech from WestCare Community Services who collected these blankets to be distributed amongst our charities - Platform Youth Services, WeCollect and Penrith Community Kitchens through this lockdown period. This ensure that all those in our community get their blankets at a time that is needed most.

This year has been particularly special as we’ve been able to chat to so many of the volunteers and hear their stories.

What we know to be true, is that keeping your hands busy while creating something beautiful, stills the mind and calms the soul. Our volunteers get so much out of creating something not just of beauty but also of purpose.

We cannot thank our volunteers enough for their tireless commitment throughout the year to help us reach our goal. We are so grateful to all the helpers and volunteers that assist us with this challenge every year.

The Creative Fringe “The Think Outside The Square Blanket Challenge” runs every year from 1 April - 31 July, but we do receive squares and completed blankets throughout the year.

For more information or to get involved, please head to www.thecreativefringe.com.au/workshops/product/think-outside-the-square-blanket-challenge/

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Nepean News 13 August 2021 Issue 309OWDIG

That’s a wrap: blanket challenge completed

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OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020

Local legends at the Olympics Boomers make history with first Olympic Medal

The Bronze Medal-winning Australian Men’s Basketball Team (Boomers) in Tokyo - Josh Green is 5 from the left. Photos courtesy of FIBA

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Australian Men’s Basketball team (Boomers) has finally achieved the sport’s most coveted and, to date, unachievable prize - winning a medal at an Olympic

Games.

Whilst several Australian teams of different eras have come close to achieving an Olympic medal, particularly in 1988, 1996, 2000 and 2016, fate had been unkind and left the Boomers stranded in fourth spot on each of those occasions.

Each of those teams has been led by an extraordinary player or two, including Andrew Gaze (four Olympics), Andrew Bogut (two Olympics) and Luc Longley (three Olympics), among others, but medal success remained elusive.

2008 however, marked the International debut of Indigenous Australian point guard Patty Mills, who made an instant impact within the team but few could have predicted the profound effect he would have in future years, particularly in Tokyo.

Mills was the team captain in Tokyo and led the Boomers from the front in every game, only constrained to mere mortal status in the qualifying semi-final loss to the eventual Gold Medalists, the USA. That performance was quickly forgotten in the aftermath of a pure ‘masterclass’ performance against Olympic debutantes Slovenia in the Bronze medal playoff game.

The Australians led at every break (20-19, 53-45 and 78-67) before closing out the game 107-93 to claim the Bronze medal, behind the USA (Gold) and France (Silver).

There was plenty to cheer about in Penrith on the night and throughout the Olympic campaign, with three former local representatives all members of the Boomers squad.

Former Panthers junior representative Josh Green made his Olympic debut as a player, whilst former Panthers SEABL shooting guard John Rillie and Penrith’s most celebrated and highly-credentialed player of all time, Matthew Nielsen, were both Assistant coaches.

BRONZE MEDAL PLAYOFF: Australia 107 (Patty Mills 42 points, 9 assists, 3 boards; Joe Ingles 16 points, 9 boards, 4 assists; Jock Landale 14 points; Dante Exum 12 points; Matisse Thybulle 11 points, 5 boards, 4 assists, 3 steals) def Slovenia 93.

OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020

Melissa Wu claims first individual Oympic Medal

By Noel Rowsell

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ustralian diver Melissa Wu has won a Bronze medal at her fourth Olympic Games, rising to the occasion with a superb performance in the Final to claim her first individual Olympic medal.

Fittingly, Melissa saved a couple of her best dives for the Final, including a back two-and-a-half somersaults with one and a half twists in the pike position for a massive 81.6 points.

The delay of the games to 2021 proved fortuitous for Melissa, as she had been suffering both shoulder and rib injuries in 2020.

Even so, preparation for Tokyo was difficult under the continuing progression of Covid-19, with Diving Australia cancelling World Cup Trials and eventually electing to not send a team to the World Cup earlier this year.

Penrith-born, Melissa is just the third diver to represent Australia at four Olympics and had previously collected a Silver medal in the Synchronised 10m Final at Beijing 2008, at just 16 years of age.

In Tokyo however, the Diving Final was a ‘tour-de-force for China, with their astonishing 14-year old Olympic debutante Quan Hongchan clearing out from the field - and her Chinese team-mate Chen Yuxi – to record a fabulous score of 466.2 to claim the Gold medal, ahead of Yuxi 425.4 with Silver and Melissa 371.4 with Bronze.

Melissa Wu won her first individual medal at an Olympic Games, claiming the Bronze in the 10m Platform. Photo courtesy of NSWIS

Photo courtesy of FINA

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Local legends at the Olympics

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local news

Vietnam Veterans WILL Remember …

By Tony Fryer

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nce again, Local Vietnam Veterans will need to commemorate their lost comrades and mates in a private and remote manner during these unusual times, on Vietnam Veterans’ Day - Wednesday 18th August.

The Greater Sydney COVID Lockdown will prevent veterans and their families and friends from attending annual Commemorative Services across Sydney, including our own St Marys Service.

However the St Marys Outpost of the Vietnam Veterans Association (VVAA), with support from St Marys RSL sub-Branch, will release a video on their facebook pages by 11.00am on 18th August, to enable all veterans and others interested, to remotely and privately participate in an appropriate Commemorative Service. The focus of this years’ Service is the 50th anniversary of the final two Battles (Operations Overlord and Ivanhoe) involving Australian forces in the War in 1971.

The Service will feature a brief Address from Brigadier Chris Stephens (retired) who, in 1971, was the Armoured Detachment commander in the final phase of the withdrawal from Vietnam.

While the number of Vietnam Veterans is steadily decreasing due to illness and the compounded effects of aging, the

VVAA at St Marys Outpost (aka The Train) still remains a valuable support resource for the many veterans in our district. Once the Lockdown eases and restrictions allow, the Outpost will once again become the haven for veterans of all eras to meet casually, chin-wag, and offer support to all who need it.

Although we are unable to gather to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day this year, you are encouraged to follow our special Service from 11.00am on Wednesday 18th August via our facebook, on your social media device.

Lest we Forget.

(Above) Guns memorial - empty

National Vietnam Memorial Canberra

Vietnam Veterans’ Day The Vietnam Veterans Association at St Marys Outpost “the train” invite everyone in the community to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day. A special service will be held from 11am on Wednesday 18th August via our facebook pages St Marys RSL Sub-branch and St Marys Outpost Lest We Forget Let us all continue to pay homage to our fallen. LEST WE FORGET.

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OVID-19 induced community restrictions continue to challenge the mental wellbeing of people with disability, who already face higher levels of psychological distress and social isolation. Today, not-for-profit disability provider Afford has introduced a new personcentred Recovery Coaching service to support individuals with psychosocial disability to achieve meaningful outcomes under the NDIS. Around one million Australians live with psychosocial disability, which typically impacts a person’s ability to be part of specific environments, cope with time pressures or multiple tasks, interact with others or manage stress.

Afford’s (Australian Foundation for Disability) new Recovery Coaching service aims to ease a person’s anxiety about navigating the NDIS by helping them manage complex health, education, or housing challenges.

Facilitated by Support Coordinators or Recovery Coaches who are equipped to provide a higher level of standard support coordination, the service helps individuals identify their strengths, personal abilities and

aspirations to then build an effective management plan.

Julio Cevallos, National Manager for Support Coordination at Afford, says the Recovery Coaching service is offered in a one-on-one environment.

Individuals work collaboratively with their recovery coach to improve their wellbeing.

“This service will make a difference to the lives of our clients. We help them see the qualities they already have and

how they can use them in their day to day lives,” said Julio Cevallos.

Recovery-oriented practice acknowledges that recovery is not necessarily about a cure but instead assisting people in living a full and meaningful life. It is a strength-based approach underpinned by respectful relationships and the understanding that everyone’s journey is different.

“Recovery coaches take a holistic approach to support. They work with

individuals to address their unique needs for work, home and day to day life. It’s about understanding what matters most to each individual to help them live the life they want.”

The Recovery Coaching service is NDIS funded and coaches work in partnership and collaborate with clinical mental health services to achieve a positive outcome for clients.

“Recovery Coaching expands our scope and ability to assist a broader range of client needs. We can provide a service specifically for those with mental health needs and support them to achieve their goals for home, work and life under the NDIS,” said Julio.

Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in Australia for 70 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people every day.

As one of Australia’s longest-serving not-for-profit disability organisations, Afford supports individuals to achieve their goals for work, home and life under the NDIS. For more information, visit www.afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673.

StrokeSafe talks raise vital stroke awareness in local communities

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hile National Stroke Week is over for another year, there is a way for local communities to continue to learn how to ease the burden of the disease.

Virtual or in-person StrokeSafe talks are available for workplaces, community groups and local events all year round.

StrokeSafe talks are presented by volunteers, many of whom are survivors of stroke, or family members. The presentations include life-saving information about stroke, stroke prevention and recognition. The program aims to reduce the number of Australians impacted by stroke through education.

Stroke Foundation Executive Director Stroke Services Dr Lisa Murphy was pleased to see so much support for the StrokeSafe program across the country during Stroke Week (August 2-8) with 46 talks presented, largely online due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in a number of states.

Dr Murphy has encouraged further bookings.

“Public health has come to the fore like never before as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is wonderful to see workplaces taking steps to improve the health, wellbeing and knowledge of their staff. With the incidence of stroke growing among people of working age (18-64), these talks can make a difference to lives.”

Stroke strikes the brain, the human control centre. More than 27,400 Australians experienced a stroke in 2020 – that is one stroke every 19 minutes.

StrokeSafe presenter Maree Scale is encouraging businesses and community groups to book an online StrokeSafe presentation.

Stroke is always a medical emergency. Knowing the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke can save a life. Ask these questions: • Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

• Arms – Can they lift both arms?

• Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

• Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.

Stroke kills up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute, but prompt medical treatment can stop this damage.

StrokeSafe Speaker Maree Scale has encouraged businesses and community groups to keep the Stroke Week momentum flowing and book a StrokeSafe talk.

“Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability,” Maree said.

“I witnessed first-hand how one stroke can impact entire families. My son had a stroke and it changed his life in an instant.”

More than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by managing blood pressure and cholesterol and living a healthy, active lifestyle.

StrokeSafe presentations are available in-person and online. If you would like to request a free presentation please call 1300 194 196 or book online at https://strokefoundation.org.au/What-wedo/Prevention-programs/StrokeSafe-Speakers.

Video: Book a free virtual health talk www.vimeo.com/432371381

Nepean News 13 August 2021 Issue 309OWDIG

Afford introduces new support service as COVID-19 restrictions continue to challenge the mental wellbeing of Australians with disability

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Award-winning Penrith student with the lot Penola Catholic College Emu Plains Vice-Captain Jack Prendergast has been named a finalist for the prestigious Trainee of the Year Award in the regional NSW Training Awards (Western Sydney and Blue Mountains).

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he McDonald’s Penrith Trainee is no stranger to success: just last year he received the 2020 Stuart Ayres All RounderAward, the Principal’s Award for Exceptional Academic Achievement and the P-TECH Graduate award.

Jack was nominated for the award by McDonalds Penrith and appreciates the skills he’s been able to develop through his traineeship there. As the eldest child, Jack understands the important role he plays in being a good role model for his siblings and supporting his dad, especially since losing his mum in Year 7.

“My job is to help others,” Jack said. “The people management and customer service skills I’ve learnt at McDonalds will be so helpful in the future, especially with my hope to become a teacher.”

“I’m the eldest so with younger siblings, I have a duty to help and to teach them things,” Jack added.

“I’m proud of being able to help my dad with our family. He’s really proud that I’m doing well and is looking forward to coming along to the awards night.”

A genuine all-rounder, Jack attributes his interest

Jack Prendergast has been able to transfer a lot of skills learnt at school to his traineeship at McDonalds

in teaching to Penola Catholic College teachers Rob Feeney (Religious Education and Mission Coordinator) and Damien McGuire (Technology Leader of Learning).

“Mr Feeney’s passion for educating young people and ensuring their wellbeing helped inspire me to take on the challenge to become a teacher,” Jack said. “I always knew I wanted to do something in IT but it’s only been recently and through the guidance of Mr McGuire that I’ve decided I want to help teach future generations of young people develop these skills.”

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Damien McGuire can’t speak highly enough of the hard-working and community-minded student.

“Jack is a thoughtful, supportive, diligent and committed leader of the Penola Catholic College community,” Damien said. “He has consistently displayed our core values of courage, compassion, integrity and hope throughout his own learning journey.”

McDonalds Penrith Training & Development representative Alicia praised Jack’s strong work ethic too, acknowledging that she relied on his assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Penola has given him such great skills, being punctual, high levels of initiative, it’s all helped him be responsible and accountable for all he does.

I can see that Jack will be a great model if and when he becomes a teacher,” Alicia said. “He commands respect, especially with his honesty and how he deals with others. He’d be one of those teachers you remember.”

Jack also acknowledges the P-TECH pathway at Penola in his development, a program that sees students access learning opportunities in partnership with Telstra, Price Waterhouse Coopers and IBM. He has also welcomed the chance to learn through Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta’s virtual School of Now. Jack is one of five Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) students nominated in the regional finals of the NSW Training Awards. They are joined by Teacher of the Year nominee Michael Kelly. CEDP is a leader in the area of skills-based learning and is a State Finalist in the Small Provider of the Year Award.

www.penolaemuplains.catholic.edu.au

local COLUMNIST

ike humans, older dogs are susceptible to developing age-related illnesses like dementia. Owners may notice changes in their pet that indicates that they are suffering from some form of cognitive decline. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) or dog dementia, progresses similarly to the way it does in humans.

There is no exact age that a pet may start showing signs of dementia, but you may start seeing subtle changes in your pet’s behaviour from as young as six years of age. If you suspect that your pet is suffering dementia, your veterinarian will firstly rule out other medical causes before a diagnosis is made. This may include: • Diabetes • Cushing’s Disease • High Blood Pressure • Loss of Hearing • Loss of Vision • Kidney Disorders • Urinary Tract Infections • Arthritis Disorientation. Disorientation is one of the most recognisable signs of dog dementia. You may see your dog wandering around like it is lost, seemingly confused about its surroundings, or going to an incorrect door seeking to be let out. Other signs that a dog may be disorientated include staring at the floor, walls, or out into space without purpose.

Interaction changes. You may notice your dog showing less interest in being social with people or anything in their environment. A dog may start

becoming insecure or withdrawing from others.

Some dogs with dog dementia may become more fearful, needy and anxious.

Sleep disruptions. One of the most uncomfortable aspects of canine dementia is the change it causes to a dog’s sleep pattern. Your dog may start having trouble sleeping through the night and may end up pacing the house while barking or whining when everyone else is asleep.

House soiling, memory, and learning. Your dog may start soiling in the house as it starts to forget to tell you that it needs to go outside. Dogs with dementia may also stop responding to commands and it may also become harder for you to get your dog’s attention.

Activity changes. Another sign of dog dementia is

seeing your dog’s activity level decrease. They may show less interest in exploring their environment and decreased responses to external stimuli.

Helping your dog with dementia While there is no cure for dog dementia, there are things you can do to make your pet’s life easier.

Ask your veterinarian about steps you can take to support your dog. Medications may be helpful as can administering nutritional supplements.

You can do other things to help your dog, like taking them on walks that encourage them to smell and avoiding any sudden schedule changes.

Sticking to a routine can help relieve the anxiety often experienced by senior dogs. Many owners mistake the symptoms of canine dementia for ‘naughty dog behaviour’. Try to remain calm and exercise patience when your older dog does things like soiling inside or waking you up in the middle of the night with their barking. Try to keep the layout of your home the same and keep things as neat as possible. Changing the position of a sofa or leaving clutter around can make things more stressful for dogs with dementia. Your dog should always find their food and water bowl in the same place, so they don’t run into issues when looking for food.

If you think your pet may be suffering from dementia, contact the team at Greencross Vet Coreen Ave on 4731 3055 to arrange an appointment.

Nepean News 13 August 2021 Issue 309OWDIG

Helping your dog with dementia L

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

Nepean News 13 August 2021 Issue 309OWDIG

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local news

Vote now: Westfield Local C

Local communities across Australia and New Zealand are now invited to cast their vote for their 2021 Westfield Local Heroes

ommunity members have the opportunity to give back to the individuals making a difference in their local areas by casting their vote for their 2021 Westfield Local Heroes. This national community grants and recognition program is highly valued by our local communities and has raised awareness and supported hundreds of worthy initiatives over the past three years.

Westfield Living Centres across Australia and New Zealand have announced the finalists for the 2021 Westfield Local Heroes community recognition and grants program. Nominated finalists from 42 Westfield centres now have

a chance to receive a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation or group, as voted by their communities. In total, Westfield will award more than $1.2m in community grants across Australia and New Zealand this year.

Every year, each Westfield centre awards three $10,000 individual grants to the affiliated organisations of deserving individuals whose work makes a positive impact on their local community or environment.

Now in its fourth year, the Westfield Local Heroes program recognises and promotes community role models whose work or contributions create positive benefits for others in one or more of the following

ways: nurturing a sense of belonging and inclusion, helping in times of community crisis, building community resilience, promoting positive health and wellbeing, improving access to community services and groups, and protecting the local environment.

The voting period commenced on Tuesday 10 August and closes on Monday 30 August.

This year’s Westfield Local Heroes finalists represent community role models who create positive benefits for others across a broad range of sectors including emergency services, registered community groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profit, schools, authorities and the local environment.

Westfield Penrith is proud to announce its six finalists:

1

2

Craig Smith, Paying it Forward Homeless Services

Heidi Bradshaw, Narang Bir-rong Aboriginal Corporation

Dedicated and caring volunteer Craig Smith works tirelessly to ensure that people experiencing homelessness in Penrith never go hungry. Craig is the leader at Paying It Forward (PIF) homeless services, where he and his team support over 50 people every week, providing hot meals and food parcels in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

Advocate and activist Heidi Bradshaw is committed to protecting and supporting vulnerable Aboriginal children, speaking up for them when they can’t speak up for themselves. She is passionate about making a tangible difference and has worked determinedly to help Aboriginal children in and out of foster care for 16 years.

3

James Frecklington, PCYC Penrith

Club manager James Frecklington is leading his team on a mission to connect with vulnerable young people and help them shine. As the manager at the Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC) Penrith, James is dedicated to creating a welcoming space that the community can come to for support, no matter their circumstances.

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15 Nepean News 13 August 2021 Issue 309OWDIG

Heroes 2021 Finalists Announced Commenting on the Westfield Local Heroes Program, Westfield Penrith Centre Manager, Matilde Princiotta said “Now in its fourth year, the Westfield Local Heroes Program has been an instrument for change and support for deserving organisations. It’s with great pleasure that we announce our six 2021 finalists and call upon the local community to vote and help us determine our

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Kristine Gauci, Our Community Cares

Kris Gauci is a determined charity leader who digs deep to support people with cancer, homeless people and the elderly in Penrith. She co-founded the Our Community Cares charity, which gives equipment to cancer centres and delivers food and clothing packages to the homeless. It also runs a program for high school students to visit aged care homes and connect with the residents.

three Westfield Local Heroes grant recipients.”

Scentre Group’s Westfield Local Heroes program is proud to have created an Alumni of more than 489 community organisations, investing a total of $4.88 million since the program’s inception in 2018.

The contribution represents the ongoing support to connect and enrich the local communities in which Westfield Living Centres operate.

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Sandy Golder, Thrive Tribe & Co

Sandy Golder is a mother on a mission to provide a space for parents of children with disabilities to feel valued, loved and understood.

As a parent of one child with special needs, Sandy was driven to create Thrive Tribe & Co to improve the wellbeing of parents and the quality of life for their families.

m e t s y S r .66kW Sola

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from*

Each Westfield centre’s three successful grant recipients will be announced on 12 October 2021, with over $1.2M awarded across Australia and New Zealand.

To view your Westfield Local Heroes finalists, visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes or your local Westfield centre’s website to read about its finalists and cast your vote.

Kylie Cranbrook, Mypower Foundations

Kylie Crambrook has created a network of support workers to help people with a disability gain independence. Driven by an urge to help others, Kylie left her job in 2016 and launched Mypower Foundations. Five years on, she has a team of 30 who help about 60 families across the Blue Mountains and surrounds. Many of the support workers have a disability themselves.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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alented local bands and performers will get the chance to perform again with Penrith City Council announcing the return of the popular, and award-winning, Thursday Night Live – Lockdown Series.

The weekly one-hour, live music event gives homegrown performers the opportunity to share their music with an online audience during lockdown and bring music to people’s ears when they need it most.

Each week one singer, band or musician will play a live set from their home with their performances livestreamed on their Facebook page, and shared across Council’s social channels.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said music can bring people together during tough times, and as Penrith endures its toughest restrictions yet, there’s never been a more important time to lift people’s spirits.

“It’s wonderful to see Thursday Night Live returning this year to give our talented local performers a platform to share their music, as well as provide a much-needed boost to our community during lockdown,” Cr McKeown said.

“Last year’s Thursday Night Live - Lockdown Series was incredibly popular and the positive effect it had on connecting our community was recognised in the Local Government Excellence Awards,” Cr McKeown said.

“I encourage everyone to jump online each Thursday night and show your support for our local performers and if you can, go one-step further by downloading their music if it’s available. We all must do what we can to support them now and into the future.”

The Thursday Night Live – Lockdown Series kicks off on Thursday 12 August at 7.30pm with country pop chart topping duo Cass Hopetoun and Blake Dantier. To watch the weekly livestreamed musical performances head to Council’s Facebook page at facebook.com/penrith.city.council. Find out more at: penrith.city/upcoming-events

Thursday Night Live-Lockdown Series returns by popular demand from tomorrow night, starting with dynamic duo Cass Hopetoun and Blake Dantier performing a livestreamed gig from 7.30pm on Council’s Facebook page.

Big Green: expert panel to give talk on the changing landscapes of Penrith

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s part of Q Theatre’s FREE Talks & Ideas series Big Green will examine what makes Penrith liveable and the sort of place where people can survive and thrive? From Tench Reserve, to Hunter Fields, to bush walks around Lennox Bridge as well as Jamison and Wainwright Park, this talk will look at the changing landscapes of Penrith and beyond, as well as the green spaces that were, are and could be.

The Keynote Speaker is Renée Marchin Prokopavicius, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and an ARC DECRA Fellow at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at Western Sydney University. Renée is currently investigating how Australian tree species respond to extreme heat by tracking dynamic changes in water use during both natural and experimental heatwaves. She’ll speak about the importance and benefits of urban greening; current threats under climate change, and some of the work being done to assist in appropriate species selection.

Panellists are: Warwick Winn (General Manager, Penrith City Council), Leigh Staas (Associate Director for Engagement & Research Partnerships – Smart Green Cities, Macquarie University), Heather Chaffey (Manager Sustainable Communities, Wentworth Link), Leanne Tobin (First Nations Artist from Western Sydney region).

Talks & Ideas is a series of FREE events taking on big questions with a healthy dose of humour from leading artists, thinkers, scientists, agitators and local heroes. Wrapped up as a tight sixty minute experience each Talks & Ideas event includes a key note introduction, a panel discussion and a chance to ask questions.

Big Green is online, on Thursday, 19 August 2021 at 6:30pm. Tickets are FREE. Booking is essential and will close at 3pm on the day. A Zoom webinar link will be supplied to audience members ahead of the event - www.thejoan.com.au/events/big-green/ Further events include: 16 Sept - Binge This talk is about what binge culture means for

how we connect with art, stories and entertainment.

28 Oct - Will You Marry Me Alexa?

This talk is about technology, identity and the space in between.

18 Nov - Good Neighbours This talk is about community, connection, local heroes and what it means to be a Good Neighbour.

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Nepean News 13 August 2021 Issue 309OWDIG

Council brings back weekly livestreamed gigs

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Nepean News 13 August 2021 Issue 309OWDIG

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NEPEAN HISTORY

Fatality at St Marys 1951

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

n interesting inquest was held at Penrith Court of Petty Sessions in 1951 by Mr A E Stonham (Penrith District Coroner) into the death of James Arthur Brookes aged 27 who lived in Coogee.

James was standing on the running board of a car being towed by another car when it was struck by a jeep utility travelling in the opposite direction on the Western Highway near South Creek bridge. The evidence at the hearing indicated that when the running board was hit where James was standing it “bellied out” around the doors and threw him off onto the street. Robert Leslie Rowles who lived in Clovelly Road at Randwick stated that about 7.15 pm he drove his father’s Ford car from Sydney to Penrith accompanied by three men, James Brookes, Athol Roy Hain and Clifford Leslie Willis. They arrived in Penrith and went to the Nepean Hotel at Emu Plains where they stayed until about 9.50 pm and they all consumed about four glasses of beer each in 8-ounce glasses and then they went on to the Log Cabin and had three or four glasses of beer there. When they left the Log Cabin Robert said he was not affected by the liquor consumed, “well not very much!”.

They then continued onto St Marys when they saw a car pulled up on the side of the road and a man (known as Mr Glover) was leaning into the engine trying to fix it. They got out to give him a hand and managed to get the car going and attached a tow rope to both cars. James Brooks was standing on the offside of the running board, Clifford Willis was steering Mr Glover’s car with Mr & Mrs Glover inside and Athol Hain was standing on the other side running board for the purpose of telling them how the towing was going as they continued towards St Marys. It was confirmed that the highway at that time was made up of a bitumen strip with gravel sides and where at times the nearside wheel of the car might have been on the gravel, but, at no time did the vehicle move over to the southern (the incorrect side) of the centre line and the headlights were on the whole time and prior to the accident no other vehicle was on the road. Coming towards St Marys they saw a Jeep utility come around the bend just before it came into contact with the car, and they had noticed the headlights on the Jeep about 100 yards away and that the lights of the vehicle seemed to be on the correct side of the road and coming across the road on the wrong side in a gradual curve towards them. They tried to move over to the left-hand side but couldn’t go far owing to the low speed they were doing, so as the Jeep came towards them they felt a bump hitting the side of the doors and found James lying on the roadway. The jeep was driven by William James Davies of Penrith and was the subject of a manslaughter charge who pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving a vehicle negligently on that occasion.

Detective Killen said that about 1.30 a.m. he received a message at Penrith and went along the highway to St Marys and on the eastern side of the South Creek Bridge he saw the scene of the accident. He interviewed William James Davies the Jeep driver and asked him how the accident happened, but William replied that he didn’t know because it all happened quickly, and he didn’t know how he ended up on the wrong side of the road? But he did say that he crossed the line to take the turn at the bridge because “you have to cross the line to take the turn”. One of the five witness’s Mr Begg, said that he had travelled on the roadway extensively and he had never found it necessary to cross the centre line to take the turn, but William replied, “that 99% of drivers do”. When asked about his speed William stated he wasn’t watching the speedo but thought it was about 30 mph and he wasn’t dazzled by

 Photo courtesy of Penrith Library

the lights. The Detective then asked William that even though he was only 100 yards from the cars when he first saw them he should have had ample time to avoid a collision? William replied again it all happened so quickly and he didn’t know whether to swing to the right, or left, or brake, but Mr Begg asked him why he didn’t swing left from them to which William replied that he could see other lights behind and he didn’t know whether there was another car trying to overtake them or not. The Detective stated that as he shifted the Jeep into the police station yard he applied the foot brake and pumped the foot brake pedal without effect and on the night in question there was no fog as it was a clear and starry night and that stretch of the highway had street lighting. The Detective had noticed that William’s breath smelt strongly of stale liquor and both of William’s eyes were extremely bloodshot, and he could see from the damage to the two vehicles it would appear that he swerved into the car. He knew William who was an industrious businessman who could partake of liquor but did not drink a lot because of his ulcer. He was a man of good character who also had cataracts in both eyes. Mr Corcoran who was Council for William stated he had advised his client not to give evidence and the evidence of the principal witness for the prosecution (Mr Begg) must be discounted to a great extent due to his condition on the evening in question. On the final day of the inquest Ronald George Barrett a garage proprietor of Penrith said he was present when the wheels of the Jeep utility were removed, and he made an examination of the hydraulic braking system of each wheel. On the offside rear wheel there was a seepage of hydraulic brake fluid from the two-wheel cylinder caps. On the other three wheels there was no liquid whatsoever. In his opinion, the liquid he saw was a slow leak that could cause a sudden failure and in a small cylinder if often happened that could be a sudden failure without the driver having any warning of it. The Coroner and the Detective both agreed with Ron Barrett but William was convicted and fined £15 and £3/2/- was added as witness expenses but William was later acquitted.

Source: Nepean Times.

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Nepean News 13 August 2021 Issue 309OWDIG

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SPORT

Super Senior Pennant teams announced

By Noel Rowsell

T

he decision to leave the Super Senior Pennant competition (over 65’s) on the books for 2021 has been a bold move by the organising committee, with the new start date of midSeptember still a possible genuine starting date.

Following upon that decision, each of the local clubs have released their squads, which are detailed below.

SPRINGWOOD: Richard Best, Ian Boo, David Bowron, Kev Etherington, Charlie Gal, Geoffrey Gillett, Ted Hobson, David Limbach, Gordon Lynch, Jeffrey Main, John McKinlay, Greg Meek, Neil Richardson, Michael Sherwood, Gerald Smith.

WALLACIA: Peter Low, Martin Berg, Jim Mansfield, Brian Bobbin, Steve Hackett, Mal Blakely, Graham Anderson, Glen Vine, Mike Sheehan.

RICHMOND: Peter Hart, Charlie Kaehler, Peter Naylor, Graham White, Paul Evans, Ian Jordan, Garry

Action from the 2020 Super Senior Pennant round at Penrith GC - file photos by Noel Rowsell

Smith, Frank Gal, Vince Pascoli, Peter Deane, Rod Tuckwell, Colin Kirk, Ken Powell, Jose Fernandez, Harry Wagland.

GLENMORE: Dave Bailey, Malcolm Dean, Adam Dudziak, John FIndlayson, Noel Guillaume, Warren Husband, Gary McSullea,

Nepean News

John Searle, Michael Sinclair, Keith Strathdee PENRITH: Denis Day, Colin Neill, Jon Beech, Koon Kim, Clark Gibbons, Greg Taylor, Phil Tunchon, Steve Tuite, Bob Jensen, Terry Newman, Richard Hoff, Robert Byrne, Peter Charlwood.

STONECUTTERS RIDGE: Bernie Balagtas, Robert Day, Allen Lalor, Danilo Martinez, Gordon McMah, Michael Prokurat, Gaddee Soriano, Arthur Sta Barbara, Ray Thacker.

TWIN CREEKS: TBA

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SPORT

By NSWRL

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he NSWRL Board has made the very difficult decision to abandon a number of Major Competitions for the 2021 season in response to the COVID-19 outbreak across the Greater Sydney Region.

The competitions affected include The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership, Jersey Flegg Cup, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield, which were suspended at the start of July.

The NSW Government last month extended the lockdown for the Greater Sydney Region, including Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, to try and combat the rising COVID-19 outbreak.

“With the current Public Health Order in force until at least 28 August, and there understandably being no current NSW Government sanctioned roadmap out of the lockdown for sport, the Board was left with little option but to cancel our Major Competitions,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.

“In reaching their decision, the Board considered its obligation to provide participants with a safe environment to play sport. The NSW Government’s health advice, particularly the state of infection rates and vaccination rates, made it difficult to provide that environment in the immediate future.

“The NSWRL thanks our participants, officials and volunteers for their contribution to our Major Competitions this season. We urge them to remain safe, adhere to the COVID-19 safe guidelines and we look forward to their return in 2022.”

The NSWRL continues to work with the Office of Sport, NSW Health and other winter codes to form a position on Community Sport with a decision expected on Monday 16 August 2021.

https://penrith.panthers.com.au

Nepean News 13 August 2021 Issue 309OWDIG

NSWRL calls off major competitions for 2021

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