Nepean News 14 March 2019

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ISSUE 247

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STAND AND DELIVER Two of Penrith’s leadership group members, Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo representing the club at last week’s NRL season launch, typifies the different approaches the Panthers are taking under returning coach Ivan Cleary.

This edition the Nepean News previews the 2019 season, particularly looking at whether the second coming of Ivan Cleary will enable a developed squad to make a stand and deliver premiership glory to a local football community hungrier than ever for success.

Credit: NRL Photos.

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Stuart

Ayres

Putting Penrith First penrith@nswliberal.org.au

StuartAyresMP

www.stuartayres.com.au

Authorised by Chris Stone. Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division Level 12, 100 William Street East Sydney NSW 2011

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

Worship and Communion Sunday 9:30am

A

Metro rail line to the new Western Sydney Airport will be complete in time for the Airport’s opening in 2026 under the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government, the NSW Premier has declared.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said because of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s strong economic management more than $2 billion will be invested in the North South Rail Line over the next four years.

“We know the Western Sydney Airport and the Aerotropolis are the future of Sydney and that is why we are making the investment now for construction on the rail line to begin in 2021,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The North South Rail Line will run from St Marys through to the Airport, connecting Sydney in a way that has never happened before.

“At the same time we are building the crucial road links and are investing $3.6 billion to build the new M12 motorway and upgrade existing roads including the Northern Road and Bringelly Road.

“The Aerotropolis will create 200,000 jobs and only the NSW Liberals & Nationals can be trusted to build the transport links needed to support this growing region.”

The development of a business case for the North South Rail line is already progressing.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure

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Andrew Constance said the government had a good track record.

“During its time in office Labor promised 12 rail lines, but did not deliver a single one in full,” Mr Constance said.

“This Government has a track record of delivering. The Metro Northwest rail line is due to open within months, while tunnelling is underway on the Metro City & South West projects.”

The North South Rail line will link up with the existing Sydney Train T1 Western Line at St Marys and form the start of a future rail line across Sydney.

Stage 1 will run from St Marys Station through Western Sydney Airport to the new Aerotropolis – this will provide a convenient interchange with the existing Sydney Trains T1 Western Line.

The NSW Government will fund half of the cost of the line, with the remainder to be funded by the Commonwealth under the Western Sydney City deal.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

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Sh our See op B, new us in 201 pr Hig em h S ises tP enr ith

e c i r P r e w Beat Po w! o N s U l l , Ca s e s a e r c In

By KeRRIE DAVIES

W

hen footy teams are up against the Panthers, I’ll bet most go in with a goal of targeting Nathan Cleary.

Why? Because a strategy of trying to buckle the Panthers at its greatest strength point is their best chance of winning.

That same strategy appears to have been applied by NSW Labor, with Penrith MP Stuart Ayres being the poster boy for their entire campaign.

The Ayres name has been weaved into every Labor statement about every Labor policy, he’s talked about more often than the Premier. There’s barely a sentence in any press release coming from any corner of the state that doesn’t mention him.

It is quite obvious that we have in Stuart Ayres a local member that the opposition see as the biggest hurdle to them gaining government.

This is the last edition before the state election, so forgive me for boring you with politics if I fooled you into thinking I was going to talk about sport. The good news for those not politically engaged is that there is a 12 page Panthers lift-out inside this paper.

For those focused on the election, it sure has been a curly ride.

I don’t think it is much of a secret that I personally tend to lean a certain way at times with my own opinion, and to be honest, most of the policies I’ve heard from the major parties won’t have me rushing to change my mind this time round.

I think our three local sitting members, Prue Car, Tanya Davies and Stuart Ayres have done an exceptional job over the last term.

And many of those running against them representing various parties are also exceptional candidates, so it can be a tough choice. I think people will probably look at the bigger picture when voting in this election though.

Perhaps there will be a rise in the vote for the minor parties and the independents.

People are certainly less engaged than usual, which provides the perfect conditions for a well-known individual to storm across the line.

Labor’s biggest hope comes in the form of the “bring-back-our-festivals” vote.

A powerful number of our youth believe the NSW Government are a pack of funspoilers, and they present a pretty fair argument to support that when you look at what the lock out laws have done to our city. Now festivals are being targeted and they’re not happy.

Some other vote-winners for Labor are hospital ratio policies and free school transport.

Time will tell whether voters think the Labor Leader’s threat to sack Alan Jones and co was a smart move..... or political suicide.

I can’t imagine too many real estate agents, investors or those even thinking about investing will think that Labor’s “end to no fault evictions” is a reason to go rushing to cast a vote for them.

The Coaliton’s biggest hope comes in the form of those who believe that under their watch, NSW is booming. Things are getting done. The old saying that “politicians never do anything” faded away pretty quickly under this government.

Their biggest chance at being returned is in those who don’t want to risk changing to a premier who is essentially still on L Plates. And they’d be counting on people remembering that under Labor, we still had tolls, we still had hospital waiting lists and many would say, NSW wasn’t really booming.

The beauty of being an aussie is that whoever you decide to vote for this election is entirely your choice. I really hope people will take advantage of living in a democracy that allows them that choice and consider their vote carefully.

There’s some misinformation going around social media at the moment that if everyone was to write a certain sentence across the ballot, then every representative across the state for each major party would be sacked and a new set of candidates would have to nominate. Can I just tell you that this is pure garbage. For that to happen every single candidate would have to receive zero votes.

T Do you think the candidates themselves would not vote for themselves?

Of course not, it is a silly social media post. Stop sharing that rubbish.

On March 23, be happy when you line up at the local school to cast your ballot - we live in the greatest nation in the world, in the greatest state in the country.

Make your vote count!

2019 PANT SEASON PRHEERS VIEW

CLEARY EXPECTATIONS

By STEWART

MOSES

@TheRiffMarn

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o say leading into last six or so monththe 2019 season, it has been a tumul s at the foot of tuous understatem the mountains It began with ent. would be an the sacking of ultimately replac Anthony Griffin ed by his prede four Then just as cessor, Ivan Cleary weeks out from the finals Ivan gets the and . group throug keys to the “car” h what seems preparation, to be a relativ once more and guides the it’s ely playin injury to strike all crash bang wallop in the a smooth and happy pre-se g forward, Viliam past ason fortnight, four weeks of e Kikau that will sideline him starting with a knee the season. for up to the Then in keepin opening throughout the g in with the off-season being riddled NRL, it was Penrit tapes involving with off-field h’s turn to be three Panther drama put under the players found one of those microscope after , their way into players, Tyrone sex the public doma May 1, when he next appea May, has been stood down in. rs in court to indefinitely until unauthorised defend filming and distrib at least smooth ride for ution of those charges relating to the allege Ivan. tapes, so it’s d yet despite the been anything but a plus significant recent dramas, the Panth ers organisation sections of the league comm unity, still expec media and of course the from the CEo down, four finish that t that the return greater Penrit h will enable a previously been maturing squad of Ivan Cleary will result with rugby eliminated in , which despit a top themselves a week two of e their poten realistic shot the tial, finals, has three years in at the title.

But the journe a row, to give y to the top four won’t be easy Continued next page... despite all these expectations. .

Panther fans are expectant that Ivan Clear Penrith’s y versi contender. Most talent and potential and turn them on 2.0 can finally unlo ck finishing in the already expect Penr into a genuine ith to bottom eight . BUT can Ivan finish in the top four afterpremiership and his roste three years of r take that next step in 2019 ?

Credit: Penrit

h Panthers.

www.nepeansolar.com.au

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

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

Amen.

By KeRRIE DAVIES

C

ome down t o Jamison Park on Saturday 23 March for Council’s free microchipping day.

From 9am to 12pm you can have your pet microchipped, meet the Council Animal Services team and speak to a range of local animal experts.

Microchipping keeps your pet safe – it’s a vital step to ensure they can be identified if they are lost. With a microchip, vets, animal shelters and Council can scan them and reunite you. In NSW all dogs and cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away - whichever happens first.

If your pet is microchipped, have you checked the chip is up to date? Moving, changing phone numbers or rehoming an animal may mean it’s time for an update. You can easily update online through the

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Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

Free microchipping day

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nflatable pools may take only moments to set up but could cause a lifetime of pain, as children aged under five continue to be over-represented in drowning statistics.

The recent tragic death of a toddler and another near drowning has prompted Council to remind parents about swimming pool safety. Common factors in many of these accidents are unfenced pools or gates propped open, allowing clear access to the pool area. Many people don’t realise that temporary pools require the same standards of fencing as permanent, inground pools to ensure they’re safe.

“It is important to ensure that home pools, including portable and inflatable pools are properly fenced with a self-closing and self-latching gate. Any pool that can fill to a depth of 30cm or more must be fenced.” said Penrith Mayor, Ross Fowler OAM. “Many people don’t realise when they buy one of these inflatable pools that it’s illegal to have an unfenced pool in a backyard, to make sure your own family members and others who may come into your yard are safe.”

“It’s not about stopping you having fun, it’s about potentially saving people, mainly children, from drowning or suffering lifetime injuries from a near drowning.”

As children under five represent the largest number of drowning deaths in swimming pools in Australia, supervision needs to be constant.

Parents and carers often think another

adult is supervising when a child goes missing, so being clear about who is ‘on guard’ is as important as making sure the pool gate is closed.

“Parents must also be vigilant at all times whenever there is water in the pool, please watch your children,

even if they’re confident swimmers, accidents can happen.” Cr Fowler said.

Council has commenced a zero tolerance compliance campaign and will issue on the spot fines for $550 if it is found that the gate of a pool

has been propped open or there is an unfenced pool, including a portable or inflatable pool that is filled and accessible.

For more information on safety requirements visit penrith.city/pools or call Council on 4732 7897.

Penrith mourns death of local dentist

By KeRRIE DAVIES

I

T was an extremely tragic end to a search for missing 32 year old Preethi Reddy last week, when her body was located in a suitcase in a car in south-east Sydney.

Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command established Strike Force Carlwood to investigate her disappearance, which included inquiries to locate her vehicle, a grey Volkswagen Golf.

Following an appeal for information to the community, Preethi’s vehicle was located parked on Strachan Street, Kingsford.

During a search of the vehicle, police located Preethi’s body in a suitcase. She had been stabbed numerous times.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Preethi’s murder are continuing with the assistance of the Homicide Squad.

Several media outlets have reported that her former boyfriend died in a head-on collision shortly before her body was located.

Preethi’s sister released the following statement: “Words cannot capture the pain we are feeling with the passing of my beautiful big sister.

Preethi was a bright light; loveable, kind, and

protective of all whom were lucky enough to have been loved and cared for by her.

Prior to this unthinkable event, she had been the happiest I’d ever seen her – she he was living her best life.

On behalf of my family, I want to thank anyone who shared our appeals to find her, and those who provided information to the police and us over the last few days.

While we now know that Preethi is no longer with us, the certainty of her movements on Saturday night and Sunday morning are not yet fully known, and we will stay in touch with detectives as they work it all out.

To the media, thank you for your assistance thus far, but please respect that our family, particularly my parents and Preethi’s partner, are going through the hardest thing that anyone can endure, and please respect that we need our privacy right now.

We ask that everyone keep that in mind that we are grieving and we need space to do that.

Finally, let the police do what they need to do to solve this horrific tragedy. Our family will never be the same without Preethi in our lives.

Please let her beautiful soul Rest In Peace.”

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

Council reminds residents about pool safety

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Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

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Supporting Penrith ses

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inister for Emergency Services Troy Grant and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres have announced a $10,000 grant for new equipment for the Penrith SES Unit.

“The Unit has about 90 volunteers who can be called on to respond to emergencies across the Penrith electorate any time of the day,” Mr Ayres said.

“The men and women in orange provide an invaluable service to the local community, often under the most challenging of circumstances.

“In fact, the Penrith Unit has

responded to about 400 requests for help so far this financial year,” Mr Ayres said.

This funding announcement was made during an inspection of the Penrith Unit’s base.

“I am incredibly proud of our local SES volunteers and the work they do, so it’s pleasing to be able to support them with this funding,” Mr Grant said.

Mr Grant and Mr Ayres both commended the commitment of Penrith SES volunteers and their willingness to give up their time to serve their community.

Developer lodges appeal, heating up incinerator debate

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ABOR Candidate for Mulgoa, Todd Carney has come out firing following an appeal being lodged by the developer of the Western Sydney Incinerator.

“The developer, Next Generation, is taking the government to court to get the incinerator approved,” Mr Carney said.

“Because of the NSW Liberal’s broken planning laws, the developer can continually reapply for approval, meaning under the Liberals this toxic incinerator will eventually be built.

“Western Sydney is not a dumping ground. But the Liberals are treating us this way. Why won’t Liberal politician Tanya Davies do anything to stop this toxic incinerator?”

Recently Tanya Davies MP accused Labor of scaremongering after Opposition Leader Michael Daley visited Western Sydney to commit to an incinerator ban.

“Tanya Davies is the worst kind of politician, she doesn’t even fight for Western Sydney when there’s an election on.” Mr Carney said.

“If Tanya Davies had any selfrespect, she would apologise to locals for doing nothing and finally get off her backside and act.”

However, Tanya Davies repeated her view that Labor’s position was one of scaremongering and said the NSW

Todd Carney and Labor Leader Michael Daley meeting with locals to oppose the incinerator

Liberal and Nationals Government is against the plan for an incinerator at Eastern Creek.

“It has been outright rejected by every government agency including the Independent Planning Commission and I’m confident it will be rejected by the Land and Environment Court,” Mrs Davies said.

“Labor has falsely accused me of

supporting this project. They are lying and putting fear in my community, scaremongering for their own political gain. I will continue to fight for my community.

“I will not lie, intimidate or frighten my community as Labor is attempting to do,” Mrs Davies said.

If elected, the Opposition Leader said A Daley Labor Government will

introduce legislation within its first 100 days to “once and for all ban the proposed Western Sydney Incinerator.”

Mr Carney said Labor is the only major party at this election committed to stopping an incinerator being built.

“No incinerator means no incinerator. Labor will ban this project.” Mr Carney said.

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

A

F T E R struggling to fall pregnant, and a year of fertility treatment, Erin and Mat Johnson from Glenmore Park were thrilled to discover they were about to have their third child.

At 12 weeks, Erin received the diagnosis that Ava Grace had a rare genetic condition, cystic hygroma, and that her survival was unlikely.

Ava Grace was still born on 16 March 2015 at 15.3 weeks.

She weighed 105grams and was 15.5cm in length with a head circumference of 10cm. She was tiny but fully formed right down to her fingertips and petite nose and ears.

After the miscarriage of her daughter, Ava Grace, in March 2015 following the diagnosis of the rare condition cystic hygroma, Erin Johnson began a journey to break the silence around miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss.

At a time when mothers would be caring for their new baby, Erin sat at her sewing machine and began to sew clothes for other stillborn babies at Nepean Hospital.

What began as donating 3cm nappies for babies born at 12 weeks,

soon became a massive volunteer effort which has seen clothes donated to hospitals all across Australia, as well as hospitals overseas.

Erin Johnson reflected on how she came to start the group “Ava Grace, No Footprint Too Small” upon receiving the Mulgoa Woman of the Year award from Tanya Davies MP..

“I started the volunteer group soon after Ava was born as a way of giving back and working through my grief,” Erin Johnson said.

“I was sitting at a sewing machine trying my best to sew simple blankets and nappies for other parents who would walk the same path that we were now walking.”

“I treasured the items that amazing charities and volunteers had given to Nepean Hospital to pass on to us so that our daughter would have something to wear and something that we could hold in our hands when she was gone.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies, who has herself experienced pregnancy loss, was inspired by Erin turning her grief into a story of hope and healing for other parents.

“At a time when Erin was mourning the loss of her own baby, she showed a heart of compassion in supporting other families who were going through the same journey,” Tanya Davies said.

“Many of us remain silent as we

grieve, but Erin turned her grief into good, providing clothing to give dignity to these children and create a community where other women can share their story.”

Tanya Davies presented Erin Johnson with the Mulgoa Woman of the Year, alongside her husband, Mat, friend and dedicated volunteer, Natasha, and the midwives of Nepean Hospital.

Antenatal and Gynaecology Nurse Unit Manager, Shirley Hammond has built a team of midwives to care for bereaved parents in a way that provides dignity and honour to their child and commended Erin and her team in helping them provide clothes for stillborn babies.

“Erin and her team have provided our patients with some lasting memories for their precious angel babies,” Shirley Hammond said.

“My staff and I truly appreciate what they do to support us and our patients on this very hard journey. We are honoured to celebrate with her this well-deserved award.”

The NSW Women of the Year Awards program recognises remarkable women across the state who have achieved inspiring results in their careers, in business or in their communities.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

Grieving mother awarded for dedication to help others

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Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

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local news

Time to cast your vote in the state election

O

N Saturday March 23, every eligible adult voter in New South Wales will be required to vote in the state election.

The following are the ballot draw for each of the seats in the upcoming state election.

Mulgoa: Penrith: 1. Rob Shield (Greens) 1. Labor - Karen McKeown 2. Jessie Bijok (Sustainable Australia) 2. Mark Tyndall 3. Todd Carney (Labor) 3. Animal justice 4. Tanya Davies (Liberal) 4. Liberal - Stuart Ayres Londonderry: 5. PHON - Carl Halley 1. Liberal - Belinda Hill 6. CDP 2. Sustainable Aus - David Bowen 7. Marcus Cornish 3. Labor - Prue Car 8. SFF 4. Greens - Charlie Pierce 9. Sustainable Australia 5. CDP - Don Modarelli 10. Greens - Nicholas Best

Prue Car MP and Belinda Hill for Londonderry

Major parties tackle domestic violence

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n the wake of some really horrible tragedies of late, it is great to see both major parties injecting some funds into the issue of domestic violence.

NSW Labor Leader, Michael Daley, announced last month that Labor will provide an extra 200 specialist domestic violence housing places for women and children, as part of an additional $158 million package, if elected in March.

Labor will provide an additional 200 specialist beds in priority areas, including Penrith.

Labor’s plan includes additional funding for 29 specialist case workers in Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services, make the Premier’s Department responsible for domestic, family and sexual violence in NSW and deliver age-appropriate school-based strategies and develop Respectful Relationships Education.

Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jenny Aitchison, said: “Labor is committed to keeping everyone in our community safe from domestic, family and sexual violence. Labor will develop new prevention approaches as well as supporting victim-survivors to access health, housing and justice services and rebuild their lives.”

Labor candidate for Penrith, Karen McKeown, said: “Specialist services are continuously reporting that they are unable to provide immediate and ongoing support to all women and children who seek assistance, due to the lack of funding to meet demand.”

Federally, Liberal Candidate for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh has welcomed the Morrison Government’s largest ever Commonwealth Investment of $328 million for prevention and frontline services through the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.

“Recently I met with Jane Gold, the CEO of the Penrith Women’s Health Centre. They do incredible work for so many vulnerable women and children

in our community. Federal funding on this scale will help many such centres which are invaluable in supporting victims of domestic violence.”

“Having worked in the social housing sector, I know how important frontline and outreach services are.

This announcement includes $82 million for frontline services, $68 million for prevention strategies, $35 million in support and prevention measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, $78 million to provide safe places for people impacted by domestic and family violence and $62 million to support 1800RESPECT.” said Ms McIntosh.

“Our Government has zero tolerance for violence against women and children. This announcement brings Commonwealth investment in this space since 2013 to over $840 million, this is something I am incredibly proud of.” said Ms McIntosh.

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(L-R) George & Janice Kovacs, Alexander (John) & Jennifer Cownie, Local member Stuart Ayres, Angelina & Roy Young, Edith & Graham Larkham

By Noel Rowsell

F

ifty Year wedding anniversaries are in themselves quite rare but when four couples are all celebrating that wonderful achievement and meet for lunch at the one venue, it becomes an even bigger celebration.

Graham and Edith Larkham (Glenmore Park), George and Janice Kovacs (Cranebrook), Roy and Angelina Young (Cambridge Park) and Alexander (John) and Jennifer Cownie (South Penrith) will all reach their 50th Anniversary milestones at different stages this year but the celebration at O’Donoghues

at Emu Plains was an opportunity to share that moment with each other.

Graham Larkham was the architect of the gathering, being the common link between the four couples.

Graham and Edith know George and Janice through the Orchid Society, John and Jennifer through Bingo and Roy and Angelina through Nasho’s (The National Servicemen’s Association).

Tuesday’s lunch was however the first occasion the other couples had met each other.

Local State Member Stuart Ayres was a guest at the celebration and took the opportunity to chat and be photographed presenting certificates to each couple, along with a group shot.

New Performing Arts and Learning Centre at Glenmore

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ANYA Davies MP says hundreds of Glenmore Park families will benefit from “the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s record investment in education,” with a major upgrade to deliver a new Performing Arts and Learning Centre at Glenmore Park High School announced last week.

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said that planning will soon begin for the new facility to benefit the schools linked with the Glenmore Park Learning Alliance (GPLA) and the wider Glenmore Park community.

Mrs Davies said she was thrilled to announce the project which has been the vision of the principal and local school community for a number of years.

“The Performing Arts Centre will not only support students of Glenmore Park High School, it will also be a shared facility available to other local schools across the region and a place for all the community of Glenmore Park to use and enjoy,” Tanya Davies said.

Glenmore Park High School P&C President, Rebecca Marshall has been advocating for a Performing Arts Centre for the Glenmore Park community for a number of years.

“From the start Tanya has supported our vision and we have been working closely to secure funding for this innovative project. We are thrilled with the announcement today,” Rebecca Marshall said.

“We have created strong connections with our wider community, including 7 partner primary schools (GPLA), Western Sydney University (WSU), our local Aboriginal Education Group, Penrith high schools (PEA) and local businesses to develop and share this great facility with them.”

“This performance arts and learning space will benefit all the students in our local schools as well

as the community. A venue to showcase talent, to develop broader skills and to raise expectations and improve student learning outcomes and opportunities.”

The new Performing Arts Centre at Glenmore Park High School will benefit the Glenmore Park Learning Alliance schools, including Regentville, Surveyors Creek, Glenmore Park, Wallacia, Mulgoa, Warragamba, and Luddenham Public Schools.

“We are building new and upgraded schools across NSW to strengthen our world-class education system so our children are ready for the jobs of the future,” Mr Stokes said.

The major upgrade to Glenmore Park High School is in addition to the NSW Government’s record $6 billion school building program to deliver more than

170 new and upgraded schools, which includes major upgrades to Cecil Hills High School and Cecil Hills Public School, as well as the recently completed upgrade of St Clair High School.

Mr Stokes said the NSW Liberal & National Government’s “record investment in schools was in stark contrast to Labor’s.”

“The last time Labor was in power, they shut down 90 schools, resulting in a loss of more than 500 classrooms and 2000 student places,” he said.

In addition to the record-breaking school building program, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has committed an unprecedented investment to eliminate the school maintenance backlog so that every public school in the State provides the worldclass facilities that our students and teachers deserve.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

Two hundred years of married bliss

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Legends of the Nepean Alex Donaldson

By Noel Rowsell

A

lex Donaldson is undoubtedly a Rotarian of note, having served in three different countries, being President in two countries and a six-time recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow award.

Graduating from Sydney University in 1971, Alex began his working career as a Mechanical Engineer at the Caltex Oil Refinery in Kurnell.

He moved to an IT (information technology) role with Data Card Computer Services, which provided commercial computing services, before moving to Joint Services Pty Ltd and taking that company on-line.

During these early days, Alex was involved with *Rotaract, beginning at Newtown during his University days and moving on to Cronulla/Caringbah, then to Cronulla when the combined club split into two separate clubs due to growing membership.

Alex first became a Rotarian with the now-defunct Balmain Club from 1981-84, before joining Batavia, Ohio when he moved to the United States

with Cincom Systems.

After obtaining a Leave of Absence from Balmain, Alex became a member of the Batavia Rotary Club from 198489 and President of that club in 198788.

The move to Cincom Systems gave Alex the opportunity to work throughout the Asian Region, England, parts of Europe and the USA. Alex was subsequently offered a role in the UK and was based in Sonning-on-Thames, before moving to Maidenhead.

Whilst in the UK, Alex managed Research and Development teams in the US, France, England, Germany and Japan.

Alex joined the Henley Bridge Rotary Club when he moved to the UK and would remain a member of that club for five years (1989-94).

A career move to Australian Banking Software brought Alex back to Australia but he would again have significant international responsibilities, running project teams in Asia, the Middle East and Norway.

Alex spent his first three months back in Australia visiting local Rotary

Alex Donaldson was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Ross (Rossco) Hutchison.

If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

 Alex receiving his most recent (6th) Paul Harris Fellow medallion.

Photos provided by Alex Donaldson

Clubs in Penrith and the Lower Blue Mountains, subsequently joining the Penrith Valley Club in 1995.

Alex has now been a member of Penrith Valley for the past fortytwo years, serving as President in 2004-2005, a period which saw the completion of Hope Cottage at Nepean District Hospital.

Whilst having served in so many different Rotary Clubs in different countries is in itself an amazing achievement, Alex is proud of the fact he has served on the board of each club he represented, often being invited onto the board within days/weeks of joining.

Alex took up a role in 1996 with SOCOG (Sydney Olympic Organising

 Alex’s three children Lachlan, Tanith & Rhiannon at Tanith’s Wedding in September 2012.

Committee) as the Sports Services Manager for Fencing and has maintained a significant management role with the sport since that day, now stretching to twenty-three years.

Alex had been involved with the Penrith Academy of Fencing and is a Life Member of the Mountains Fencing Club, which meets at the Lawson Community Centre.

Alex has retired from his working career but life has not slowed down, with his days fully occupied with his Fencing and Rotary responsibilities and commitments.

Alex is involved in a number of special projects / groups with Rotary, including working on the management team with Rotary Australia World

Community Service.

The current projects include the supply of Health and Education Equipment to under-privileged countries and communities, which included the supply of a 40’ container of beds which was recently sent to Somalia.

RAWCS has also sent a 20’ container of gym equipment to an indigenous High School in Alice Springs.

Alex is also involved with the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, beginning with his service in Rotaract and now working on the committee for the past ten years.

Alex is also on the committee of the Rotary Young Drivers Awareness Program (RYDA) and has been

involved with this group for the past thirteen years.

Alex has three children - Rhiannon, Lachlan and Tanith.

Rhiannon has a BA/BSc, BA Honours and a Doctorate PhD, Tanith 1st Class Honours in Mechatronic Engineering and a Masters in Education, whilst Lachlan was offered a place at University but moved in a different direction, having spent his GAP year as a Teacher’s Assistant at Grimsby in the United Kingdom.

Taking a totally different career path, Lachlan is now the Operations and Production Manager at the Twin Towns Resort Complex in Tweed Heads / Coolangatta, where his many roles include the management and running of the live shows, including Light and Sound for all Club events. * Rotaract is an organization of young adults (between the age of 18 and 30) of different professional and educational backgrounds that is defined neither by religious nor political motives. ** Paul Harris Fellow - The highest award an individual Rotarian can receive is the Service Above Self Award; only a maximum of 150 are awarded each year by the Board of Rotary International.

Women of Lindsay Awards 2019 Join me for breakfast to celebrate the incredible achievements of local women in our community.

Guest speaker: Veronica Nou - Refugee, Pharmacist, Activist Friday 5th April The Lakeside Restaurant $35 Bookings essential: www.trybooking.com/BBLKT Authorised by Emma Husar MP ALP 331 High Street Penrith

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

16

local news

Helping the sun to power Penrith homes

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ouseholds across Penrith could save hundreds of dollars on their power bills thanks to a no-interest loan for solarbattery and battery systems under the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.

Liberal Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres, said people across Penrith will be able to access nointerest loans for solar-battery and battery systems, saving themselves hundreds of dollars.

“A re-elected NSW Liberals & National Government will invest in a range of measures that will help power local homes with solar panels, while also giving households budget relief through reduced power bills,” said Mr Ayres.

Bill relief measures also include $200 energy rebates for self-funded retirees and helping families save over $400 each year by switching to better electricity deals through our free Energy Switch service.

“Across the electorate, people often talk to me about the serious impact that energy costs have on household budgets. So, I’m thrilled that we will be able to bring more renewable power into our homes and bring down electricity bills.”

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the 10-year Empowering Homes program, will unlock a $3.2 billion investment in renewables and give families the opportunity to install solar energy and battery storage systems that will also help cut emissions.

This initiative is only made possible due to the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals.

“We’ve been working hard to ease cost of living pressures for families and this is a major initiative that households can use to help reduce their power bills,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Embracing new technology is a good way for many people to access cheaper energy – putting more money back into the pockets of hard working households.”

Energy Minister Don Harwin said the program was designed to bring down the cost of power bills, while allowing more households to access affordable solar technology.

“More than 400,000 households and small businesses in NSW are already benefitting from solar power. This new program will help up to a further 300,000 households over 10 years reap the benefits of solar with no interest loans for solar energy and battery storage systems,” Mr Harwin said.

It is estimated that a family with a $500 quarterly electricity bill could save up to $285 a year on their bills while repaying the no interest loans. These savings could increase to more than $2,000 a year when the loan is fully repaid.

Households with quarterly energy bills of $625 could save up to $457 a year while repaying the no-interest loans, and up to $2,200 a year when the loan is fully repaid. Households with quarterly energy bills of $875 could save up to $640 a year while repaying the loans, and up to $2,390 when the loan is repaid.

When the program is fully rolled out, these batteries will add up to 3,000 megawatt hours of storage to our energy system.

To be eligible for the scheme, applicants will need to be owner-occupiers of a house with an annual household income of up to $180,000. Loans of up to $9,000 per battery system and up to $14,000 per solar-battery system will be available.

Delivery partners for the program will be selected through a competitive tender process to ensure households receive high quality and cost effective systems, with only approved accredited installers able to participate in the program.

The Government will also use this program to encourage battery manufacturing in NSW as part of the roll out which will create jobs and encourage innovation.

In recent months the NSW Government has helped households and businesses right across the State with their power bills by: • Boosting energy rebates by 20 per cent for around 900,000 households; • Helping households save on average over $400 on their annual electricity bills by switching to a better electricity deal through Service NSW’s free Energy Switch service; and • Allocating funding from the Government’s $1.4 billion Climate Change Fund to help thousands of households and businesses to transition to energy efficient and lower emissions technologies.

Mr Ayres said the Empowering Homes program is another NSW Liberals & Nationals commitment to more affordable, reliable and cleaner power.

Recently Mr Ayres spoke about the government’s announcement at the opening of the new office and showroom of Nepean Solar Solutions. Owner and Director Jim Hill said he was pleased that his business had a new prominent position in Penrith.

“We’re celebrating our birthday this week; four years in business. In that time we have outgrown the space we had at the previous premises and our new location allows us to offer extra customer service - people can just pop in for a chat,” Jim said.

The new location for Nepean Solar Solutions is Shop B 201 High Street Penrith.

local news

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Australian Man Cave’s inaugural black-tie event was an outstanding success for their very first event after raising more than $20,000.

Lou Greco, Co-Founder and President of the Australian Man Cave spoke about the success of the event and the efforts of everyone involved.

“It was great how we were able to get across the message and passion of what we at TAMC are all about and what we are attempting to achieve,” he said.

“How everything and everyone just came together. Friendship and mateship flowed right throughout the Venue. Complete strangers at the start of the night, all friends by the end of the night.

Amazing and beautiful.

“The efforts of all involved created an atmosphere truly Blessed to behold. Everyone wanted to help in one way or another. Guests saw and felt our passion in wanting to save lives,” he added.

Luigi Greco IV, Treasurer of the Australian Man Cave spoke about the horrendous statistics in regards to male suicides within Australia.

“As mentioned previously the reality is 8 men a day are committing suicide, but horrifically, for every death there are 30 attempts, that’s 240 attempts a day, 1680 a week, 6720 a month and over 80,000 attempts a year,” he said.

“85 percent of Australians personally know someone who has committed suicide.

“This is why at the Australian Man Cave we do what we do,” he added.

Penrith Deputy Mayor Greg Davies (left), Co-Founder and President Lou Greco (middle), Shadow Minister Guy Zangari (right)

Greg Davies, the Penrith Deputy Mayor spoke about the outstanding work of Lou and the Australian Man Cave members.

“It seems, based on the increasing per capita rate of suicide that resilience is missing more and more,” he said.

“I tend to think the attitude we encourage that there are no losers is what can weaken our resilience in the long term.

“Unfortunately, these things have an impact on how we deal with real life situations later on,

they break down our resilience to deal with the abnormal.

“Hopefully with some increased funding into research of the causes and the work Lou and the others do to encourage men to speak out will make some impact on attitudes that can help reduce suicides.”

Lou Greco would like to thank all members of the Australian Man Cave, these include; Co-Founder and Vice President Agostino Gattellari, Treasurer Luigi Greco IV, Secretary Jan Hausoul, Public Officer Mario Morizzi and Board Members Santino Ruisi, Bao Nguyen, Daniel Lavorato and Domenic Gattellari.

TAMC is wanting to make a difference by lowering the suicide rate by providing care and support for men in need. They are a resource that can be used by those troubled by mental illness, not only for individual support, but assistance in finding the right help for their individual issues.

However, TAMC Support Group’s mission extends beyond the scope of mental illness.

TAMC seeks to establish a safe place for men to commune and speak freely about life and associate in a constructive environment dedicated to personal self-improvement and outward charity.

TMAC does not simply wish to ease the burden of men by giving a distraction through events and meetings, nor to simply point men in need in the right direction. Rather, we are seeking to create an environment which instills core principals into men: duty, respect, charity and discipline through helping men by helping others.” Lou said.

“It’s not weak to speak.”

Be aware of Pyometra

P

yometra is a common disease in undesexed female dogs that requires major surgery. Pyometra is a serious infection of the uterus that results in the accumulation of pus within the cavity of the uterus. It is generally seen in older female cats and dogs who have not been desexed.

Pyometras can become life threatening especially if the uterus ruptures inside the body. Untreated pyometra can cause dehyration, kidney failure and eventual death from infection and toxin accumulation.

What causes a pyometra? Each time a dog has a season (generally twice a year), she undergoes hormonal changes. These changes affect the uterus and cervix and make infection more likely. Infection is usually caused by a very common organism called E. Coli. The disease usually becomes apparent several weeks or months following heat.

What are the signs of pyometra? Pyometra is obviously only seen in females and can occur at any

age but more commonly occurs in dogs over the age of 6. Early signs can be subtle and could just include increased licking around the back end or just being a bit tired and not as hungry as usual. In the advanced stages you may notice that she drinks lots of water and sometimes you may even find a reddish-brown discharge coming from the back end. Some dogs will have a distended abdomen and become very depressed and tired.

How is pyometra diagnosed? A good history is generally suggestive of pyometra but xrays/ ultrasound and blood tests are generally needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess how sick the dog is.

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the best

treatment option is surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus as soon as possible. Some animals are too sick for an anaesthetic and need to be stabilised prior to surgery.

Can it be prevented? Yes! The only way to prevent this condition is by having your dog desexed. If you are not intending to breed your dog, then she should be desexed at anytime from 6 months of age. Not only does desexing prevent pyometra and cancers of the reproductive tract, but if you get your female dog desexed before her first season then this reduces the chance of breast cancer developing later in life by 90%.

If you have any questions about desexing your pet, please contact us on 4731 3055.

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

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

The Australian Man Cave raise over 20k

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Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

18

local news

Penrith celebrates local females on International Women’s Day

By KeRRIE DAVIES

P

ENRITH women (and quite a few men) celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8 at Penrith RSL. Looking around the room made one feel very proud of the level of achievement reached by so many of our local females.

Organised by the dynamic team of Gai Hawthorn and the girls from Penrith CBD Corporation and hosted by Leanne Stokes from Penrith RSL, the event was sponsored two of our region’s greatest trailblazers; Sharon Mudiman from Bespoke Realty and Gina Field from Nepean Regional Security.

“I think it was appropriate that IWD was celebrated at Penrith RSL, who happens to have 50 per cent women on their board,” Gai said.

Penrith MP Stuart Ayres was also in attendance, surrounded by his female staff members and female Liberal candidates.

Mr Ayres spoke about having extremely high achieving women in his life; being his partner Senator Marise Payne who is the Foreign Affairs Minister and his political leader Gladys Berejiklian, who he said entered this country unable to speak English yet has risen to hold the highest office in the state.

Social Butterfly

2019 PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW

CLEARY EXPECTATIONS

By STEWART MOSES

T

@TheRiffMarn

o say leading into the 2019 season, it has been a tumultuous last six or so months at the foot of the mountains would be an understatement.

It began with the sacking of Anthony Griffin four weeks out from the finals and ultimately replaced by his predecessor, Ivan Cleary.

Then just as Ivan gets the keys to the “car” once more and guides the playing group through what seems to be a relatively a smooth and happy pre-season preparation, it’s all crash bang wallop in the past fortnight, starting with a knee injury to strike forward, Viliame Kikau that will sideline him for up to the opening four weeks of the season.

Then in keeping in with the off-season being riddled with off-field drama, throughout the NRL, it was Penrith’s turn to be put under the microscope after sex tapes involving three Panther players found their way into the public domain.

One of those players, Tyrone May, has been stood down indefinitely until at least May 1, when he next appears in court to defend charges relating to the alleged unauthorised filming and distribution of those tapes, so it’s been anything but a smooth ride for Ivan.

Yet despite the recent dramas, the Panthers organisation from the CEO down, plus significant sections of the media and of course the greater Penrith rugby league community, still expect that the return of Ivan Cleary will result with a top four finish that will enable a maturing squad, which despite their potential, has previously been eliminated in week two of the finals, three years in a row, to give themselves a realistic shot at the title.

But the journey to the top four won’t be easy despite all these expectations.

Continued next page....

Panther fans are expectant that Ivan Cleary version 2.0 can finally unlock Penrith’s talent and potential and turn them into a genuine premiership contender. Most already expect Penrith to finish in the top four after three years of finishing in the bottom eight. BUT can Ivan and his roster take that next step in 2019?

Credit: Penrith Panthers.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

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2019 panthers season preview Continued from cover....

Salary cap pressures have bitten hard into the roster, with established players Tyrone Peachey, Trent Merrin and Corey Harawira-Naera among the key departures.

There are some handy replacements in Hame Sele (St George Illawarra), Tyrell Fuimaono (Souths), Tim Grant and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (both Wests Tigers), whom will provide some depth but it remains to be seen whether they will cover the losses.

Also despite Peter Wallace’s mid-season retirement last year, the hooking spot remains largely up for grabs between Sione Katoa and Wayde Egan, with neither player having yet to establish themselves as the 80 minute hooker at the NRL level that Ivan admitted recently he is looking for.

The indefinite unavailability of Tyrone May further complicates matters given Ivan’s preference was to carry just the one specialist hooker in 2019 and instead rely upon a bench utility like May to help fill any void.

It could now result in either Egan and Katoa again having to share the hooking role unless Ivan turns to live-wire half, Jarome Luai as a possible bench utility.

Up front, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, with international and State of Origin experience now under his belt, needs to lead this young Panther forward pack now that the likes of Trent Merrin are no longer at the club.

Although 2018 wasn’t kind to Campbell-Gillard injury-wise, upon returning from that mid-season broken jaw, he was nonetheless the shadow of the player that demanded Origin selection before it.

The injury to Kikau and with no Peachey or Harawira-Naera available to call upon to cover that

edge position brings the Panthers somewhat back to the pack in the opening rounds.

There are plenty of options but none can match the impact that Kikau, who had more than just a breakout season in season 2018, provides.

Perhaps James Fisher-Harris, who himself overcame a horrendous injury toll in 2017 to become one of Penrith’s best in 2018, largely playing as a middle forward can revert to his former playing position as an edge forward once more.

And what about the man himself, Ivan Cleary?

Much has been made in the media about his signing and whether his coaching record to date means he is the right man for the job.

Perhaps unfairly, his win / loss record has been called into question but more often or not, the circumstances in which he is appointed to clubs, is such that he often rebuilds a club from the ground, as he done previously at the New Zealand Warriors, Penrith the first time round and most recently the Wests Tigers.

But for perhaps the first time in his coaching career, Ivan will have a squad ready made to challenge for a title.

Ivan certainly has a squad he is largely familiar with given the likes of Josh Mansour, Dean Whare, Waqa Blake, Dallin and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Isaah Yeo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Sione Katoa, Tim Grant and even James Maloney, are just some of the players he has either developed or worked with previously.

The biggest question though is how he will be able to work with his son Nathan and whether he can get him to finally gel on a consistent basis with NSW halves partner, James Maloney, given both players

were sidelined with injury throughout significant portions of the 2018 season.

There’s no doubt that Ivan’s record as a coach will be ultimately judged on how well he performs at Penrith second time round.

One area he needs to improve the Panthers if they are to have any chance of making a run for the that top four spot are their slow starts.

Too often in 2018, the Panthers not only trailed their opposition and by some decent margins only to come home stronger in both attack and defence in the last twenty minutes of games to pull off some miraculous victories.

Cleary also needs to heed the harsh lessons that his predecessor may not have in man-managing his roster through the Origin period.

Last season Penrith lost Campbell-Gillard to injury during the Origin period while both Nathan Cleary and James Maloney came out of Origin worse for wear and struggled to produce their best football on a consistent basis in the run into the 2018 finals series.

Prediction: There’s no doubt that this year’s Panthers need to deliver on previous years of promise. Whether they can is another matter.

But if they can put the dramas of the last few weeks behind them, avoid the injury tolls of prior years and provided they can build similar winning momentum to 2018, on the back of a draw that once again is reasonably kind for at least two thirds of the season, then I see no reason why Penrith can’t finally take the next step and finish in the top four.

2019 panthers season preview 21

A

Credit: Mediathe team to qualify for Panthers RL CEO, Brian Fletcher also77 expects the top four in season 2019. Credit: 77 Media.

T

s Penrith ushers in a second era under coach Ivan Cleary, Panthers RL CEO, Brian Fletcher says that the Panthers are primed to take that next step and emerge as a top four team in season 2019, despite the off-field dramas which engulfed the club over the past fortnight.

Despite losing the likes of Tyrone Peachey, Trent Merrin and Corey Harawira-Naera over the off-season, strike forward Viliame Kikau (knee) sidelined for up to four weeks and utility Tyrone May stood down indefinitely, Fletcher says making the top four is still a realistic expectation, adding that under Ivan he hasn’t seen the playing group and coaching staff this happy during pre-season for a considerable period of time.

“Yes for sure (expecting the team to make the top four). I know how close they went last year with all the injuries they had and so forth.

All they need is a bit of luck, Fletcher told the Nepean News. “(Losing Merrin, Peachey and HarawiraNaera) won’t make a difference (to our chances of making the top four).

“In fact, it gives the younger blokes a chance and I’m sure we will unearth some potential superstars this season especially from our development players.

“The build up under Ivan has been

outstanding.

“The squad is in good shape, they are ready to go.

“In fact I can’t recall seeing just how happy all the boys are along with all the staff at the academy, for quite some time.”

On the back of those high expectations on the field, Fletcher is confident that it will improve the club off it.

Sponsorship and memberships are exceeding targets and ticket sales are such that the Panthers are close to selling out their opening two home games of the season – versus Parramatta and Melbourne in Bathurst.

“Everything is on the way up. Sponsorship and membership is ahead of budget at the moment,” Fletcher declared. “(The game against Parramatta) is just about sold out.

“Last year it sold out about on the Wednesday prior to the game and I think it will be sold out by early this week for sure.

“Meanwhile Bathurst sales are at record levels for the Melbourne clash.

“Bathurst Council reports that they are ahead of target as well and they are very happy that we are taking Melbourne there.

“If we are winning games, then I can’t see why this year won’t be a good year for us (off the field as well).”

THE COACH Ivan Cleary

here’s no doubt that giving Ivan Cleary a second chance as Penrith Panthers NRL head coach for the next five years, was one of the more stunning and somewhat controversial coaching appointments in a pre-season filled with coaches hoping on the coaching carousel.

It was expected by many that son, Nathan would re-unite with his Dad – at the Wests Tigers.

But Panthers management had other ideas, sacking Anthony Griffin despite having put pen to paper on a two-year extension less than twelve months earlier and in doing so, identified Ivan Cleary as the man to lead the club forward to the next level.

That brazen but calculated move to reunite father and son has paid dividends, with Nathan subsequently re-committing to the club for the long term as well.

On the eve of the season proper, Cleary senior says he doesn’t feel any more nervous recommencing his NRL coaching career with the Panthers.

“Oh yeah (some nerves and butterflies heading into Round 1 as Panthers coach again) but it wouldn’t matter who I was coaching. There’s always a bit of that,” Cleary admitted after the Parramatta trial.

“It’s exciting times the build up to Round One and it will be no different this year.”

Cleary was able to take some positives away from the team’s less-than flattering

0-20 loss against local rivals, Parramatta in last Saturday week’s trial, particularly in relation to ensuring most of the squad are well conditioned for the long and arduous season ahead.

“What’s probably most important at this time of year is putting together those combinations and getting some match fitness into the boys and we have got most of that behind us now,” the Panthers coach replied.

“Most of the guys have now got plenty of game time under their belt which is good.”

Notwithstanding the fact that Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Josh Mansour are likely to return for the Round one clash this Sunday, the Panthers coach admits he still has some headaches to resolve when it comes to picking his 17-man squad, particularly in relation to who replaces Viliame Kikau (knee, Round 4-5) as well as settling on his hooking / bench utility options.

“The side that runs out this week is probably going to look a little bit to the one we had out there (for the trial) versus Parramatta,” Cleary senior admits.

“There’s definitely a few little headaches there but we have a few options, especially in relation to Kikau.

“Vili, is a pretty big hole to fill and we certainly don’t have anyone else in the squad that can play like him. We just have to work out our options and go from there.”

Credit: 77 Media HE’S BACK: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary. Credit: Penrith Panthers.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

THE CEO Brian Fletcher

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

22

2019 panthers season preview

THE LEADERS James Maloney and Nathan Cleary O ne of the more interesting decisions made to date over the pre-season by returning coach, Ivan Cleary has centred around captaincy.

Plenty of players were putting up their hand for the role, including incumbent James Maloney, Isaah Yeo and current Kiwi skipper, Dallin WateneZelezniak.

But as Ivan did with the Wests Tigers, rather than anointing an individual captain, he has once again shared those responsibilities but this time among a group of six – Maloney, Yeo and Watene-Zelezniak plus Josh Mansour, James Tamou and Nathan Cleary.

Two-time premiership winner, James Maloney, who’s playing future at Penrith post 2019 remains subject to speculation, says he has no problems with Ivan’s decision to share the leadership responsibilities, adding that his on-field role won’t change all that much in any case.

“I am enjoying the help. There’s plenty of areas where there are some flaws in leadership that I’ve got,” Maloney told Nepean News.

“I will just go out there and do what I normally do.

“I don’t think I have to do anything more or less and the other boys will do their things as well.”

While a few eye brows were raised when Nathan Cleary (20) was named in the leadership group, Maloney says given the inevitability that his State of Origin and club halves partner will one day become a leader in his own right, the timing of decision couldn’t be better.

“Nathan’s going to go into that sort of role down the track anyway so it will be good for him to start

It’s a mix of the old heads (James Maloney left) and the young guns (Nathan Cleary) in Ivan Cleary’s six-man leadership group. Credit: Penrith Panthers.

now,” Maloney explained.

“He’s the right sort of bloke to have around the group given he has got a little bit of (NRL) experience under his belt now (58 games) and that side of his game will only develop further.

“Plus Nathan has plenty of respect amongst the playing group which is what you need.”

Nathan admits he initially shocked when his father first raised the idea but is excited by the prospect of the role he will play within the group; providing leadership to the younger players within the squad.

“Dad brought it up out of the blue,” Cleary said after the Parramatta trial game.

“He gave the reasons for why everyone was in the group and it made a lot of sense.

“There are different reasons for why different people are in that group and all the boys understand that.

“With no standout captain at the moment, it allows the group to come together and work on different decisions and we all have our own role within that leadership group.

“I think the main idea is that there is a bit of youth in there and between me and Dal, we can connect with different parts of the playing group better than certain people.

“The boys are really pumped about the decision and obviously it’s a massive honour to be in that group alongside some of the people named.

“I grew up looking up to them and now to be in this leadership group alongside them in a club that has such a rich history, it means a lot to me.”

Nathan still expects Maloney to remain the pivotal leader of the team, even though he is no longer the sole captain.

“I’m obviously not the standout captain and there is a lot of help around,” the NSW State of Origin halfback declared.

“You only have to look at James Maloney in that group. He’s been in the game a long time and knows exactly what to do.”

The question remains as to who lifts the NRL trophy should it be Penrith come end of this season, with Maloney conceding he still hasn’t got a clue who will have that honour. “(If we win it) I’ve got no idea (who gets to lift the trophy at season’s end) but it’s a long way off at this point. We’ll see what happens.”

THE RECRUIT Tyrell Fuimaono H e’s the St Marys junior, who grew up on the hill of Panther Stadium, cheering on his beloved Panthers.

But for Tyrell Fuimaono, the dream to don the Panthers jersey looked all but dashed when he had to play elsewhere in pursuit of making it to the NRL. Picked up by Parramatta where he came through the junior representative system, before making the switch to South Sydney where he made his NRL debut in 2017, a twist of fate finally sees Tyrell Fuimaono back home with the opportunity to play first grade with the Panthers.

“As a Penrith junior it was always one of my dreams to play for the Panthers but unfortunately I had to go elsewhere to seek opportunities,” Fuimaono told the Nepean News.

“I played for St Marys up until I was 15 but I didn’t make Penrith’s Harold Matthews team and instead played for the Western Academy for a year.

“Then Parra showed an interest in me and they had a pretty good junior program at the time and between Mum and I, we decided that we would take them up on that opportunity thinking that would be the best thing for me.

“That went pretty well I guess, before ending up at Souths and getting the opportunity to make my NRL debut there.

“But it’s really good to back now and hopefully I get the same chance to play NRL here.”

Apart from playing for the club he supported as a junior, Tyrell is equally excited by the opportunity to be closer to his family who still live in the Penrith area, having had to live in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs whilst playing at South Sydney.

Fuimaono, who has both Samoan and Indigenous heritage within his large family, also admits it will be a lot easier for them to support him as a Panther.

“Previously my home games were at ANZ Stadium so it was pretty far to travel but whenever I was playing at Penrith, all my family would come down to watch,” Fuimaono replied.

“It’s a pretty big family. When I played at Panthers Stadium last year I probably had nearly 20 people come down to watch because it was local for them and they were all excited to have the chance to watch me play.”

Fuimaono, whose 2018 season was restricted to just four NRL appearances for Souths due to toe and ankle injuries, (the latter requiring post-season surgery that restricted his pre-season training until just before Christmas) says he is grateful for the opportunity to play for Penrith.

“I was in a bit of a tough spot coming off injuries and not being able to play a whole lot of footy last year,” Fuimaono revealed.

“But Penrith was at the top of the list of clubs I wanted to play for considering I’m from the area.

“When I was staying out in the Eastern Suburbs, I didn’t get to see my family a whole lot.

“Being able to come back home is definitely a highlight for me, being around my family all the time.”

“Not only is my life easier but their life is easier now as well.”

Fuimaono has covered both the back row and centre positions in his brief 19 NRL game career to date, but says he is open-minded to where he plays for Penrith, just as long as it means there is an

Penrith junior Tyrell Fuimaono finally a Panther.

Credit: Penrith Panthers.

opportunity to play more first grade.

“I’ve bounced between back row and centre a lot but I don’t really have a preference. It’s more so what the coach wants,” Fuimaono declared.

“If there is an opportunity to push your way into this team in either position, you want to make the most of it.

“You can’t really say look I don’t want to play that position any more.

“I debuted at Souths in the back-row and played some centre last year.

“I like playing footy that much that it doesn’t really matter to me where I play, as I long as I can debut for the club which would be awesome and hopefully secure myself as a regular first grader here.”

2019 panthers season preview 23

019 is shaping up as a bit of a reunion year at the Panthers.

Of course Ivan Cleary got off the Wests Tigers bus to reunite with son Nathan.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak reunites with older brother Malakai, who also jumped off the bus and returns to the club with valuable NRL experience (26 games) now under his belt.

St Marys junior, Tyrell Fuimaono also finally gets the opportunity to don the Panthers jersey after serving time with the Eels and Rabbitohs respectively.

But there would be few who can match another ex-Tiger’s passion for getting another opportunity to play in the Panthers jersey once more.

Having played 122 NRL games for Penrith since making his NRL debut way back in 2007 as a fresh faced 19 year old front rower, Tim Grant returns home after four seasons of playing for Souths and the Wests Tigers.

And the now 31 year old veteran couldn’t be happier, admitting he had been wishing for this return to come true ever since he left the club.

“I’m just loving it to be honest. Now that I have been around for three months it sort of feels like de ja vu, I feel like I never left which is a good thing,” Grant told the Nepean News.

“Putting on the Penrith gear is still like when I was a kid, a dream come true.

“In my time away from Penrith, I learned how much I loved the club, how much it actually means to me.

“I always wanted to do well for the clubs that I played for.

“But I kept finding myself keeping an eye on

Happy to be home again: Tim Grant.

Credit: Penrith Panthers.

Penrith and how they were going.

“Every week I watched their games and see how the young kids were developing when I was here.

“As an outsider looking in, I became a bit of a fan of the club and it made me realise that my heart lies here with Penrith.”

Under previous Panthers management, Grant was one of five key players signed to contracts which at one point threatened to play havoc with the club’s salary cap.

Whilst Grant says he wished he never had to leave the club in the first place, the former State of Origin prop learned through time why those decisions were made, adding that he hopes he gets to finish his career at the club where it all started.

“It was hard to come to terms with. Probably at the time I felt I had a bit of entitlement that I should have been able to and deserved to stay around,” Grant revealed.

“But as I was growing as a person and a player, I began to understand the commercial side of the game a bit better.

“I think I have outgrown those thoughts of entitlement now and I’m so grateful I get this opportunity to be back here and hopefully finish my career in Penrith.”

Grant, signed for 2019 only, says he could have played elsewhere in the NRL or gone overseas for much bigger dollars, but at this stage of his career, Penrith was the only real viable option the St Marys junior was interested in but admits it took longer than expected to return.

“I always felt that one day (coming back here) would happen,” Grant declared.

“It took a bit of persistence but. Every time I speak to my player manager about going somewhere else, the opportunities within the game and going overseas and so forth.

“But I kept asking “what about Penrith?”

“I was always in Gus’ ear about coming back, but the chance wasn’t there.

“When that opportunity was finally there I didn’t even really look at the contract I just wanted to come back that bad and did the deal.

“I’m at the stage now where it’s not all about the income.

“For me it’s about simply playing footy again and being happy in where I want to be.”

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

2

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2019 panthers season preview 27

T

o your average Panther supporter, 12 months ago Shawn Blore would have been looked upon as just another young Panther hopeful named to play in Penrith’s fabled junior representative teams.

But Blore’s star has risen considerably since on the back of a memorable 2018 season.

The younger of the two Blore brothers contracted to Penrith as development players, Shawn played a starring role as skipper of the Under 18s national championship-winning Penrith SG Ball side, before representing NSW where he was named Under 18’s Player of the Year.

Shawn was also instrumental in Penrith’s run to the Jersey Flegg Grand Final, narrowly failing to do the SG Ball / Flegg titles double and even made his Intrust Super Premiership debut at the back end where his considerable game time helped the defending premiers secure the minor premiership.

And for good measure at season’s end Shawn represented his country as a Junior Kangaroo.

It’s little wonder many good judges say Shawn Blore could just be the next big thing to come out of Penrith over the next 1-2 seasons.

But while pleased that his NRL pathway has shortened considerably on the back of his elevation into a six-man NRL development squad, Shawn knows there is still plenty of improvement required in his game.

“It came as a bit of a surprise being so young (to be named as a development player) but I have taken everything on board,” Shawn told the Nepean News.

“There are such great coaches for me to learn

Backrower Shawn Blore is considered by many good judges to be the next big thing out Penrith way.

Credit: Penrith Panthers.

from; Ivan Cleary, Peter Wallace and Cam Ciraldo. I’m just trying to absorb everything that I can.

“Cam Ciraldo rides me really hard. He is trying to get best out of me.

“There are some parts to my game that he would say that I really need to work on such as coming out of our own end after a kick, getting back to make that tough carry, little things like that.

“Also my ball playing abilities, I think he has been really trying to work on that because for them they

don’t want me to be an one-dimensional player.

“They want to see me have a bit of variety in my attacking game and not just be that player who takes a hit up especially when I take it out towards the edges. I don’t want their edges to think I am just going to charge into them.

“It’s those types of little one percenters they are trying to bring into my game.”

Despite having that stellar 2018 season, Shawn refuses to get carried away by the hype.

“It was obviously a thrill to play ISP last year at such a young age and playing against my brother (Dean) in that Junior Kangaroos, Junior Kiwis game was awesome, something I will take away for the rest of my life,” said Shawn.

“Also the under 18s player of the year award, obviously that’s nice too but I try not to let it all go to my head and stay as level-headed as possible.

“I’m still learning but hopefully I can get some more game time (up the grades) under my belt but that’s not for me to decide.

“I have to put the form on the board with my Jersey Flegg performances and train hard as well.”

Whilst supporting the Panthers as a kid, Shawn admits he tries to model his game around a player who plays for a club other than the Panthers.

“My Dad’s a mad Roosters supporter and obviously we watch a lot of their games so I try to mould my game around Boyd Cordner,” Shawn revealed.

“He is one of my favourite players and I just try to study his game because he has that tough line that he takes and he can ball play and a real rock in defence.”

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

THE DEVELOPMENT PLAYER Shawn Blore

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Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

28

2019 panthers season preview

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

TYRONE MAY STOOD DOWN INDEFINITELY, COULD MISS THE ENTIRE SEASON The Panthers will support the NRL’s decision to implement the no-fault stand down policy in relation to player Tyrone May, in the wake of sex tapes that found its way into the public arena, that has resulted in the Penrith playmaker being arrested and charged for four counts of allegedly filming and disseminating sexual acts with two women without their knowledge and consent.

The 22-year-old will be sidelined until his current court proceedings are concluded.

“The decision to stand down Tyrone May is not about passing judgement on guilt or innocence,” Panthers Chairman David O’Neill said.

“Panthers acknowledges the seriousness of the charges and agrees the decision is in the best interests of the game.

“May will continue to train with the club and we will work closely with the NRL and the RLPA to ensure his wellbeing.”

May denies the accusations and was granted bail but will remain stood down until the matter is settled in court.

Depending on the length of the court case given May’s decision to fight the charges, it is not beyond the realms that the Panthers utility player could miss the entire season.

Meanwhile former Panther and Canterbury recruit, Corey Harawira-Naera says he has been cleared of leaking the sex tapes, claiming he was only interviewed by the NRL integrity unit due to a “misunderstanding between me and the boys”.

Penrith are set to announce the signing of back-rower Frank Winterstein for the 2019 season in coming days, after Manly formally released the Samoan forward on Tuesday.

Winterstein, 32, who commenced training with the Panthers earlier this week, will complete Penrith’s top 30 roster for 2019 and will be signed as cover for the injured Viliame Kikau, with the Panthers likely to seek salary cap relief with Tyrone May’s playing future up on hold.

The former Manly forward will come to the Panthers with 47 NRL games under his belt.

The events of the last fortnight appear to have gotten the better of Panthers Executive General Manager, Phil Gould AM who in the wake of recent events and unwarranted criticism, has once more shut down his twitter account.

Greg Alexander has joined CrocMedia radio for the 2019 season where he will work alongside Laurie Daley, who last week created plenty of controversy and angst with his comments over the sex tapes saga as co-host of Sky Sports

Tyrone May faces an uncertain playing future until his court case is resolved. Credit: NRL Photos.

Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast, before bowing to public pressure in issuing an on-air apology and clarifying his comments the next day on the same program.

It was Alexander, who vehemently came out in Penrith’s defence following Daley’s less than savoury on-air comments.

If you haven’t already done so already, go to the Panthers website and check out the season video and the accompanying anthem penned by acclaimed poet, Rupert McCall. Its spine-tingling stuff to say the least.

With Canterbury having taken over from Intrust Super as sponsors of the NSWRL reserve grade competition, Penrith will take on Wentworthville in Round One action, this Sunday at Panthers Stadium at 1:50pm.

Among those named in the Penrith side are Liam Coleman and Tyrone Phillips, two players who also featured in a sex tape that was released onto social media, but have been cleared of any immediate wrongdoing.

Ivan Cleary has named his side for this Sunday’s Round One Battle of the West clash with arch rivals, Parramatta at Panthers Stadium.

With Viliame Kikau injured, Jack Hetherington,

as was the case in the trial game a fortnight ago, has been named to start in the vacant left edge forward position, while Josh Mansour and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak return from injury and are set to play.

Sione Katoa has held off the challenge of Wayde Egan to be named starting hooker, with Cleary opting to name Egan on the interchange bench ahead of another possible utility option in Jarome Luai.

Off-season recruits Tyrell Fuimaono and Hame Sele look set to make their first grade debuts with the Panthers, after both were named on the interchange bench. Team as is as follows: 1. Dylan EDWARDS 2. Josh MANSOUR 3.

Waqa BLAKE 4. Dean WHARE 5. Dallin WATENEZELEZNIAK 6. James MALONEY 7. Nathan CLEARY 8. James TAMOU 9. Sione KATOA 10. Reagan CAMPBELL-GILLARD 11. Jack HETHERINGTON 12.

Isaah YEO 13. James FISHER-HARRIS Interchange: 14. Wayde EGAN 15. Tyrell FUIMAONO 16. Moses LEOTA 17. Hame SELE Reserves: 18. Jarome LUAI 19. Tim GRANT 20.

Liam MARTIN 21. Malakai WATENE-ZELEZNIAK In an interesting twist, former Panther lower grades winger Maika Sivo has been named to make his NRL debut for Parramatta. #PantherPride

2019 panthers season preview 29

2019 NRL Season Preview Brock Shepperd Wests Harold Matthews Coach | Fifth and Last NRL Podcast | b.shepperd@hotmail.com

Broncos New coach in Anthony Seibold who is super coach with a proven track record of improving young halves which is paramount for the Broncos. They have a young forward pack brimming with talent in Su’a, Pangai, Haas and Fifita. I believe it is time to play Isaako at fullback and Boyd on the wing.

Raiders More quality has walked out the door than has walked in the door at the Raiders. They have a culture of coming up short and losing close games. Rapana out for an extended period will hurt. Hodgson the best hooker in the game outside of Smith. Can their halves be consistent? They never struggle to score points but they need to learn to stop them.

Bulldogs Hopoate and Foran are not giving the Bulldogs the impact they need for the salary they are paid. The forward pack looks solid but are built for a grinding style. Dean Pay has proven he can get them up and motivate them but will that sustain through 24 games?

Sharks An off season of turmoil, CEO out, coach out, Val Holmes out, sponsors out and salary cap dramas. Johnson in from the Warriors who has a proven combination with Townsend.

Moylan left Penrith to play in the halves but will be shifted back to 1. They are not without drama but irrespective they have a Top 8 roster.

Titans Only beat two Top 8 teams in 2018 and only won three games at home... It is difficult to break a culture of mediocre play and poor mental toughness. Working on their defence over the off season should have been priority. Have recruited well and should push for the Top 8.

Manly Plenty of off field drama for the past 12 months. Dylan Walker case is ongoing. Des Hasler returns, has his approach and philosophy changed? Tom, Jake and DCE will need to all stay fit and firing for them to make a run this season.

Depth is an issue and Fortress Brookvale will need to be in full swing to give them a home field advantage.

Storm Slater out, his replacement in Drinkwater out for an extended period. Croft is still inconsistent and they have lost Jacks. Some potential spine issues. But they have the best coach, system, discipline and fundamental skill in the competition along with the best hooker to ever play the game. Hard to beat again.

Knights Ponga to 6 is a mistake in my book. At 1 he can roam and be a threat anywhere on the field. Having him up in the defensive line will also make him a target. They have recruited very well. It is time now for Nathan Brown and his men to make a run at the Finals or the pressure will mount. Spine looks solid apart from the hooker position where someone will need to make it their own.

Cowboys Looked fatigued, distracted and lacking motivation in 2018. No excuses in 2019. Ben Barba gone so some potential spine issues.

But they have an unbelievable forward pack and a culture of success. I expect them to climb the table this season providing they get a clean run with injury.

Eels Needed some impact forwards and did not really get them aside from Paulo. Mannah and Alvaro are hard workers but do not break the line, provide offloads or quick play the balls consistently. Reed Mahoney and Dylan Brown are bright young players. Can Ferguson give them the yardage impact they miss post the loss of Semi Radradra? Pressure on the Eels and their coach in 2019.

Panthers The current off field issues have the potential to derail what was a near perfect off season for our home town team. Ivan Cleary back is a huge plus. Junior strength at an all time high. Led the competition after 13 rounds last season and fell away before getting into the second week of the Final. Big seasons needed from Tamou and RCG and they need Katoa or Egan to really stamp themselves as the long term hooker. Their premiership window is open!

Souths Have lost the best young coach in the game. But Bennett will not change too much and the framework for success exists at Souths. An international forward pack and a dangerous spine with Inglis, Walker, Reynolds and Cook. Expect Campbell Graham and Burns to improve this season into dominant first graders. Their bench and depth is my only concern.

Dragons Hard to work this team out. With Norman, Widdop, Hunt and Dufty they need to fit 4 into 3 positions. I do not like Widdop at 1. But where does Norman play if not at 6? Some spine issues to work through. DeBelin distraction concerns me as does the impact it will have on field.

Forward pack is stacked. Pressure on McGregor, can they time their run and produce some good form late in the season rather than early?

Roosters Are stronger than the team that won the competition in 2018. Crighton in along with some seasoned veterans in Morris and Hall to cover the loss of Ferguson. They have an elite coach, fantastic spine, strong forward pack and depth along with some good young juniors.

Spine will only get better with more games together. The only thing that concerns me is the back to back curse. No team has won it two years straight since 1992-1993.

Warriors Johnson out, Mannering out. Big losses. No real players in to replace them. Made the Finals last season but went out with a whimper. Will need RTS to have another huge season and Isaac Luke is on the back of a serious injury.

Forward pack and bench look solid as do the outside backs. But I have question marks over their ability to win tough, close games and their ability to be consistent across 24 rounds.

Tigers Off season from hell. Cleary leaves and when McGuire takes the job he is in the UK and does not return until the squad is a month through their preseason. The roster is largely built

by Cleary. Marshall and Farah are no spring chickens... can they sustain form and stay on the field for a 24 game season? Brooks will need to find another gear as will Mbye. OBs solid.

Matterson is a good addition. But overall their stocks look thin if they encounter injuries. They also have their CEO out until mid season and a salary cap penalty to deal with across the next two seasons.

Predictions...

Top 8: Roosters, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Panthers, Sharks, Cowboys and Dragons.

Minor Premiers: Roosters.

Premiers: Broncos.

Spoon: Tigers.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

‘ Coach s Corner

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

30

2019 panthers season preview

on the with MARK GEYER

mark

Yeehaaaa the footy is back!

 Bring on the footy!!

F

INALLY the footy is back! And not a second too soon. The off-season dramas have been more than documented so I’ll get my crystal ball out and try and predict where every team will finish this year in the NRL from 1-16.

Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up.

16th - Warriors. Everything good that has happened in recent years in NZ has been inspired by Shaun Johnson, he’s at the Sharks. Couple that with their rock of Gibraltar Simon Mannering retiring and I think it’s a long year for Steve Kearnsy’s men.

15th - Titans. Sorry Brenno, but I’m worried about your outside backs. I’ll still come visit you on the ‘Goldie’ for a beer or two :-) 14th - Bulldogs. A young team who will take at least 12 months to mature and find any success.

13th - Raiders. Have gone from having the biggest forward back in the comp to the smallest, not sure how this will affect them to be honest.

12th - Eels. After a year to forget I think the Eels will be THAT team that causes several upsets.

11th - Manly. An early injury to Tommy Turbo doesn’t help their cause but Des is back, and that’s a good thing.

10th - Cowboys. No JT will mean a year of adjustment for Paul Green’s men, they do have an amazing forward pack though.

9th - Tigers. New coach, new captain, an ageing roster... Tigers could win the comp or get the wooden spoon, it’s why I have them exactly where they

were last year.

8th - Dragons. If they get their spine right they’ll be fine. The DeBelin saga is an obvious distraction.

7th - Storm. No Slater for mine is massive. Sure the GOAT Cam Smith is still there but gee they’re going to miss Billy big time!

6th - Knights. Have recruited like no other team ever has. If they don’t make the 8 there could be a new coach in Newcastle next year.

5th - Penrith. Had them higher but recent happenings will be a severe distraction. I hope I’m wrong.

4th - Sharks. Lost many but gained Shaun Johnson and Josh Morris.

Cronulla are a club that just get the job done no matter what’s going on around them.

3rd. Souths. Wayne Bennett is a perfect fit for a team high on ability and potential.

2nd. Roosters. I’ve only got them here because of how hard it is to go back to back. Angus Crichton and Brett Morris great signings.

1st. Broncos. I think it’s the year of the Bronco. New coach, young powerful forwards, great outside backs. Giddyup.

Footy’s back and that’s a GOOD thing.

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

ENTERTAINMENT

L

ooking to go out for dinner in Penrith but wishing there was a new taste in town?

Problem solved! High Street Depot is your new friend.

Primarily, Tim And Noreen Bryan have been trading as a cafe, for, coming up to four years this June.

But the extra special surprise is that they have now introduced “Depot Dinners” on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The food is contemporary style and the menu is concise, starting with nibbles followed by small plates and then mains are paired with simple side dishes. The menu is designed to share and there’s even a couple of classic sweet treats to end your evening.

High St Depot is licensed, with a really great selection of local and international wines that will pair great with your meal for any occasion.

Depot Dinners first kicked off last Saturday and they’ve had some really positive feedback on food, wines and service.

CEO of Penrith CBD Corporation, Gai Hawthorn is one of those quick to give positive feedback.

“The Depot Dinners are absolutely amazing!,” Gai said.

“The night-time economy in Penrith is thriving - exciting times ahead.”

Tim and Noreen, who both worked in restaurants before the High St

Depot dream unfolded, said it was great getting back to their roots with the launch of Depot Dinners.

Depot Dinners - open from 5:30 pm

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

New Depot Dinners will have your taste-buds tingling

31

and reservations are advised.

Please call High St Depot on 4704 8244. Walk ins are welcome. The cafe is also open 7 days 6am - 3pm.

Shop 1, 488 High Street, Penrith ... 4704 8244 Opening Hours: 7 days from 6am-3pm Friday & Saturday Dinner from 5.30pm

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

32

Roll Up, Roll Up: The circus is in town soon

W

ith a Touch of the Wild West, Webers Circus is a fantastic show filled with wonderful acts from around the world which will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The five very cute Miniature Horses and the Comedy Dogs will keep you laughing, along with Australia’s funniest clowns.

There’s arial acts that amaze audiences again and again. The other feature act is the Russian Swing which is very entertaining with the three Webers sisters somersaulting through the air only to be caught by a catcher seven metres high off the ground!

The Wheel of Death with Jansen Grant will have you on the edge of your seat.

“Our juggler, Kenny Chang, is a fantastic performer,” said Natalie Weber. “The show also includes silks, hula hoops, trapeze, line dancing, whip cracking, hand balancing, Diablo and much more,” Webers Circus is the perfect mix to keep you entertained from start to finish, the performance lasts one hour and 45 mins and tickets are on sale one

hour before the show time at the ticket office.

The ticket office is located out the front of the big top at Luddenham Showground Park road from 4th-7th April.

Don’t forget cash sales only at the onsite ticket office or a $2.50 fee for eftpos or credit cards.

For all enquiries call 0448 247 287 ( 0448 CIRCUS ) or book online @ www.weberscircus.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

Christine Anu: In Conversation and Song 16 March 7:30 pm Q Theatre – The Joan Christine will perform a selection of songs from her acclaimed music career, including songs from the Torres Strait Islands, Sunshine on a Rainy Day and the unofficial national anthem My Island Home. On this very special occasion Christine will also share personal anecdotes on life, her advocacy work for diversity and inclusion, and the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language in Australian culture.

Standard $60 | Concession $55 | Under 30’s $30

DVORAK & FRANCK Symphonic Series | Penrith Symphony Orchestra 23 March 8:00pm Richard Bonynge Concert Hall – The Joan PSO presents two of the greatest Romantic works for orchestra alongside a new piece from the recipient of the annual PSO Young Composer Prize. César Franck completed his last major work and only symphony in 1888. Conceived on a grand scale, the symphony triumphantly interweaves the French and Germanic styles of the day in a work of great colour and imagination.

Young up-and-coming artist Isaac Davis joins PSO to perform Dvořák’s much-loved Cello Concerto. One of the great concertos for any instrument, the work showcases soloist and orchestra alike with its unequalled melodic lyricism.

Standard $62 | Concession $55 | Group 10+ $47 | Under $30

The Song Catchers | The Music of Doris, Petula & ABBA Morning Melodies Series at The Joan 27 March 11:00 am Richard Bonynge Concert Hall – The Joan The Song Catchers is a tribute to iconic recording artists and household names Doris Day, Petula Clark and ABBA, whose music has transcended time. Multi-award winning performer Donna Lee captures the essence of Doris Day’s everlasting appeal with her renditions of Que Sera Sera, Secret Love, Mean to Me and many more.

The popular music of Petula Clark will be performed by the delightful Lisa Cook and will include Downtown, I Know A Place, Colour My World, This Is My Song among other wellknown songs. Taking us into the more recent decades FABBA will take you on a fantastic journey from Eurovision to Mamma Mia and places even the Priscilla bus hasn’t been.

Standard Ticket $20 (includes a delicious morning tea served from 10am)

Senior Moments 29 March 7:30 pm 30 March 1:00 pm & 7:30 pm Richard Bonynge Concert Hall – The Joan John Wood, Benita Collings and Max Gillies are having some Senior Moments, with Geoff Harvey on piano, in this senior theatrical sensation. A comedy revue with a deliciously funny and fresh collection of comic sketches and songs performed by a cast who are old enough to know better. Gold Logie winner John Wood (Blue Heelers, Rafferty’s Rules), Play School icon Benita Collings, master satirist Max Gillies (The Gillies Report) with former Channel 9 Midday maestro Geoff Harvey on piano, all combine to deliver a somewhat silly show for otherwise sensible seniors. Senior Moments: a seriously funny revue for slightly old people. (That’s you. Be honest.)

Standard $69 | Concession $65 | Group 8+ $55

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

Great shows not to be missed this month at the Joan

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Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

34

ENTERTAINMENT

ST MARYS DUTCH FESTIVAL MARCH 2019

In touch with the Dutch FREE EVENT

At the REMBRANDT Dutch Club 87 Dunheved Circuit, St Marys ~ 9623 2569

Friday 29th 10am - late Saturday 30th 10am - late Sunday 31st 10am - 4pm ~ Food from the Dutch Kitchen ~ Dutch Supermarket ~ Dutch Souvenirs

Entertainment Friday • Little Black Ducks • The Evergreen Choir • Japanese dancer • Miss Bliss SATURDAY • Ron Ashton • Dutch Treat • The Great Escape • (SH)Elvis SUNDAY • Dutch Connection & Backwater • Special appearance singer songwriter Conor Smit • Special show Trio; Michael, Sheryl and Herman Only during the Festival days a free shuttle from St Marys train station to the Rembrandt Club and back; Call from St Marys Station on the day Sjoerd 0401 680 638 Or Johan 0416 235 331.

The shuttle is sponsored by the Abel Tasman Village.

Thanking all the volunteers who are making this possible The Rembrandt Club St Marys is usually open Fridays 11am till 11pm Tuesdays 10-4pm. Information for members and their guests

S

t Marys Dutch Festival is on March 29, 30 and 31.

Friday March 29 is senior day, the fun starts at 10am with entertainment from the Little Black Ducks till 3pm.

At 11am the ‘Evergreens’ will bring a serenade to all seniors attending and at 3pm a special performance of a most beautiful Japanese dancer.

No, it is not all Dutch on this day. We like to bring multicultural entertainment.

Bring your senior friends, take them out for the day! Only on the Friday will all seniors get a free cup of coffee.

Saturday and Sunday there will also be loads of things for the children to do.

There will be live music all weekend, from typical Dutch to Country and Australian tunes.

Saturday and Sunday the kid’s corner will be busy.

There will be a didgeridoo painting competition and lots of other things to do.

You simply haven’t lived if you’ve never tried Dutch donuts (no holes, but plenty fruit) or the Poffertjes (mini pancakes). Your tastebuds are in for a treat with all the Dutch goodies available over the weekend.

Visit the Dutch Festival on 2930-31 March held at the Rembrandt Club located at 87 Dunheved Circuit, St Marys and keep in touch with the Dutch.

Create n w O r u Yo Snitty We will choose one of your creations to put onto our Chef’s suggestions board for the month of April

24th March

the head chef Albert will pick 3x Creations and we will have a poll on our Pioneer Taverns Facebook page and the winner who created the snitty will receive it for free and it will be on our chefs suggestion board

02 4736 4647 THEPIONEERTAVERN.COM.AU CNR MAXWELL ST & THE NORTHERN RD, PENRITH NSW 2750

We promote the responsible service of gaming & alcohol. alhgroup.com.au

Annual St Patrick’s Day Charity Golf Day

FRIDAY 15TH MARCH Dunheved Golf Course Tee Off 7am | Tickets $85 Includes green fees, breakfast roll & lunch at the Gaels Club from 12pm

Prizes & Raffles • Lunch Only $40

St Patrick’s Day Sunday 17Th March. Open 8am to 10pm.

$6,000

Cash to be won in our St Patrick’s Day raffle!

Tickets $10 each, drawn at 8.30pm.

First prize $5,000, second prize $1,000 Winners will be notified, you do not have to be present to claim the prize.

All day Irish breakfast available.

Performances of Irish Dancing throughout the day.

Entertainment 9am to 1pm - Soul Jamz 1.30pm to 5pm - Lenny Duff | 5.45pm to 9.15pm - Blackwater

Numbers are limited - Book early All profits go to the Ronald McDonald Family Room Nepean

THANK YOU TO ALL SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS: Penrith Gaels Club • Byrne Civil Engineering • Drummond Golf Manning Funerals • Melbook/JPC Building Services/Redroc Civil Penrith Toyota • Prime Fire Protection

Shamrock Grill SPECIALS

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ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

36

Big day out: Penrith Working Truck show

O

n Sunday 31st March the Museum of Fire will be staging the 32nd Annual Penrith Working Truck Show. In excess of 12,000 people attend the show with over 200 trucks from small rigids to ‘B’ doubles competing for many trophies and major prizes. A true transport industry showcase, this show is Australia ’s biggest and arguably best working truck show.

For 32 years the Trucking fraternity have cultivated their prize rigs into show condition, in support of Charity.

All funds raised are directed towards saving our families from the dangers of fire while preserving the heritage of our community’s bravest.

The unique feature of the Show is that each truck must be a working truck and not just a showpiece or collectors’ item. Each truck is entered into one or more of 25 different

categories to compete for trophies for the best in each class.

Drivers spend hours cleaning and polishing their prize possession in attempts at being declared the best truck in their class. The award of a trophy at the Working Truck Show has become an industry icon and prestigious recognition for the owner.

This show involves support from all major manufacturers, distributors as well as after sales service and part companies. It is coordinated by the Museum and an army of 150 volunteers. These volunteers come from a variety of professions including members of the Transport Industry, Bank Managers, Sales Managers, Tradespeople, Rotarians, Police and Firefighters.

The Museum of Fire , located in the old Penrith Power Station at 1 Museum Drive , Cnr Castlereagh Road, opened

as Australia ’s only dedicated Fire Safety Education Centre in 1986.

Over the past 32 years, approximately 50 000 visitors per year pass through the Museum which houses one of the finest collections of firefighting memorabilia in the world.

From its humble conception thirtyone years ago, the Working Truck Show has grown from a gathering of trucking enthusiasts to a major corporate and family event which now takes months of planning and preparation and is recognised as Australia’s Premier Truck Show.

Country Music extravaganza has always been a major attraction at the Truck Show and this year will be no exception. Live on Stage will be The Wolfe Brothers, Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont, Viper Creek Brand, Christie Lamb & Brad Butcher.

Up to three children are admitted FREE with a paying adult and they will enjoy twenty-five of the best “thrill” rides and other amusements absolutely free. Add to this, food and drink stalls, free face painting and giveaways, and you have the Ultimate Family Fun Day package while supporting a worthwhile charitable event.

The Working Truck Show is on at the Museum of Fire on Sunday 31st March from 8.00am to 5.00pm.

Admission at the gate $35 adults, children up to 16 years free with adult entry, Concession $25.00 however no children can enter on this ticket (Single Person Entry Only). Within 5 minutes walk of Penrith Railway Station, and there is plenty of parking beside the show.

For further information contact the Museum of Fire on 02 4731 3000.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Annual virus (9) 6 Full of flavor (5) 9 On the beach (7) 10 Boat in Venice (7) 11 Deletion (7) 12 Imperial ruler (7) 13 Steals from stores (9) 15 Entice (5) 16 Modelled (5) 19 Stunt plane (9) 22 Instructions on food

preparation (7) 23 A distant settlement (7) 25 Mediterranean

sailing ship (7) 26 Choking or retching (7) 27 Is concerned for (5) 28 Prediction (9)

solution 28/2/19

DOWN 1 Silly (5) 2 Melange or hodgepodge (7) 3 Not normal (7) 4 Gentle push (5) 5 Attacker (9) 6 Storm on the sun (7) 7 TV show (7) 8 A pronunciation mark (9) 13 A drug that induces sleep (9) 14 Flagpole (9) 17 Not religious (7) 18 Portrays (7) 20 Double crosses (7) 21 Equipping (7) 23 Different (5) 24 Taut (5)

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

38

NEPEAN HISTORY

Penrith Boy Aimed High

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

S

ir Arthur Rutledge - Preacher, Barrister, Politician and Judge. He was born in August 1843 at Penrith, the son of James Rutledge a schoolmaster and his wife Lucy Ann née Field. Lucy was born at Castlereagh in December 1826 and died at Glebe in August 1896 at the age of 69. Arthur’s Wesleyan pastoral pursuits at Penrith were from an early age, but his father’s work took the family to Drayton on the Darling Downs in the Moreton Bay District from 1851-1855 and the family later moved to Sydney. Arthur began work in legal and mercantile occupations in 1859 at the age of 16, intending to enter the legal profession, however in 1865 at the age of 22 he was ordained a Wesleyan minister. He married his first wife, Mary Thomas Rabone at Surry Hills in March 1869. She was born in March 1848 in Tonga and died in June 1908. Arthur’s ministry took him to the rural areas of NSW and Brisbane where they settled around 1875.

He left the ministry with the encouragement and support financially of George Cowlishaw (believed to be an architect in Sydney) to study law. Arthur was called to the Queensland Bar in 1878. Prior to his becoming a barrister, he contested the Parliamentary seat of North Brisbane, but he was elected for Enoggera along with (Sir) James Dickson at the general election of 1878, and when prominent Liberal politicians were persuaded to secure rural seats to win office for (Sir) Samuel Griffith, Arthur stood for the seat of Kennedy. With his ‘force and charm as a platform speaker’, he topped the polls in October 1883 and was appointed Attorney General in Sir Samuel Griffith’s ministry in November. Premier Griffith became his lifelong friend. He held that position until the ministry resigned in 1888. Following an electoral redistribution, Arthur’s anti-separatist stance found favour at Charters Towers and he was overwhelmingly returned in May 1888. The government however, lost office in June.

When the Queensland parliament was invited to send delegates to the 1891 National Australasian Convention in Sydney, Arthur was chosen as one of its seven representatives. After his retirement from politics in May 1893 Arthur returned to the Bar. He accepted an appointment as Crown Prosecutor for the Southern Supreme Court in December 1895, but the attraction of politics proved too strong and he resigned his position and stood for Maranoa in March 1899.

Promoted by the Wesleyan connections of the Brisbane Courier, he defeated the popular Independent Labour incumbent Robert King. Arthur became Attorney-General in Dickson’s ministry and later that year he was appointed Q.C. Arthur was a member of the

royal commission that scrutinized the draft code of criminal law and the bill to establish the code in 1899 and he introduced and carried legislation prepared by Premier Griffith. He was briefly out of office during the short tenure of the Dawson government in December 1899 and in 1901 he was Acting Premier. Arthur was knighted in June 1902 following the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York. When Robert Philp was forced to resign as Premier in September 1903, Arthur tried in vain to form a cabinet. He became leader of the Opposition when Robert declined, but he failed to secure the suburban seat of Nundah in the 1904 election. During 1904-05 he twice held commissions as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court. In March 1906 he was appointed Judge of District Courts and despite criticisms, he held this office for the rest of his life. During this period, he acted in rotation with his fellow Judges as Chairman of the Land Appeal Court. He was a painstaking, conscientious Judge and a ‘gentleman of the good old school’. Arthur married his second wife Rose Ann Davey in Melbourne in June 1910. Arthur died in Manly in February 1917, survived by his wife and three sons and four daughters of his first marriage. His body was entrained to Queensland, accompanied

by Lady Rutledge and two of her sons. The Government of Queensland offered to convey the body over the railways at State charges and was accepted. The funeral was held in Brisbane and he was buried in Toowong Wesleyan cemetery. At his funeral a eulogy was read by A Meston who said.

“The death of Sir Arthur Rutledge of Queensland recalls to me many memories of the by-gone years. About four weeks ago I met Sir Arthur and Lady Rutledge and we compared notes over the days when we were members of the Queensland Parliament in 1879. We were both returned in November 1878 - he for Enoggera and me for Rosewood. For three years we sat side by side on the front Cross Opposition benches with T. M. Donald Paterson and Bailey of Wide Bay. Arthur Rutledge came to Grafton in 1873 and was minister of the Wesleyan Church in Prince Street. With his intention of going to Queensland, I bought most of his furniture. Sir Arthur was a man with all the fine feelings and delicate intuitions and just sympathies of a gentleman, and the fine regard for the feelings of others, which after all is the one infallible sign of a gentleman”.

Sources: C. A. Bernays, Queensland Politics During Sixty (1859-1919) Years, R. Johnston, History of the Queensland Bar, Town and Country Journal, Brisbane Courier, Australian Royalty website, From a Distant Field book by Colin Field, Book (Version 3), New South Wales Births, Deaths & Marriages, J. C. H. Gill, ‘Rutledge, Sir Arthur (1843–1917)’,, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, Rawsthorn Family Tree online.

Michelle Latham 1300 HEVNLY ( 1300 438 659 )

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HEALTH

O

n Wednesday night last week as the storm clouds surrounded Jordan Springs, the planned event to introduce the new retirement village at Jordan Springs to its very first visitors looked like it was going to be a washout.

However, right as the event started, the sun came streaming through the clouds and a lovely blue sky appeared! The guests sat down next to the villages very own waterway to enjoy a gourmet bbq dinner whilst being entertained by Wayne and Ann from Vintage FM. Most of the visitors were delighted to see the secret water garden which will be a feature of the new village about to start construction with the first residents planning on moving in later this year. New villas are priced from just $599,000 located just across the road from Jordan Springs Marketplace. When complete the village will feature an exclusive residents clubhouse featuring an indoor heated pool, gym, cinema and a residents bar and lounge. Most of the visitors are looking forward to inspecting the new display suite with the official opening on the 6th of April and enjoying another BBQ lunch!

You can call Carolyn on 0430 189 447 for full details.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

Jordan Springs Retirement Village

39

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Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

40

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Ask the Expert - Change the Vibe to Suit the Season make a significant impact to the sale price of your home. With market trends indicating on average a 5-10% higher sale price for staged vs. unstaged homes, it is worth the investment to ensure your property stands out for all the right reasons.

So whether you feel you have the skill to stage your home yourself (keeping in mind that budget/cheap furnishings may unfortunately have a negative effect) or hire a professional, one of the main factors to consider is, in fact, season.

Paramount to any successful sale is provoking buyers to ask, “Can I see myself living here?” If buyers attend your property yet cannot visualise themselves in the space, you have a problem. This explains how decluttering and removing personal

Sharon Mudiman Licensee and Principal of Bespoke Realty Group has been negotiating the sale of property for over twentyfive years in the Greater Penrith Region

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ome staging is the art of decorating a home for sale with the intention of making it as visually appealing as possible. Vendors often ask, is this a worthwhile investment? What difference can it really make?

Financially, staging is an investment that can

photos is more likely to allow buyers to imagine themselves in your home.

This is where the influence of the season can make an impact. Although we are in Autumn it is still very warm - so what is the likelihood buyers will imagine curling up with dark velvet cushions and wrapping their cold toes in thick throws? Beautiful? Yes. Visually distracting? Also yes. Or are they more likely dreaming of a home where they can entertain with a colourful cocktail while enjoying long daylight hours and cool summer breezes?

Vogue Living Australia encourages thinking “outside” the box, literally outside. Imagine a soft, breezy colour palette from our beautiful native landscape, the pops of colour from an ice cold gelati, the natural hues of seagrass and organic fabrics, beautiful botanic prints and paintings, and window coverings that let the sun in.

So keep your winter woolies for a few more weeks yet and throw open the doors to a light, Autumn vibe.

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SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

B

lacktown City welcomed Mt Druitt Town Rangers to the National Premier Leagues NSW Mens competition with a 1-0 in extremely hot conditions at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday.

The match was scrappy from both teams but due to the heat it was hard for both teams to find their rhythm in their opening match of the season.

It was Rangers with the first opportunity of the match when Toufic Allamaddine squared the ball for Hiten Satoh after showing some blistering speed down the sideline, however the shot was scuffed and never threatened the Blacktown goal.

Blacktown began to press high up the field and pin Mt Druitt back, which lead to multiple errors with City unable to capitalise throughout the opening minutes of the match.

Leroy Jenning’s attempted bicycle kick was mistimed and Rangers managed to scramble it clear however, keeper Carlos Saliadarre was called in to action with an expert full length save to keep his side in the match.

It was unfortunate circumstances that led to City taking the lead in the 38th minute when former Ranger Mani Gonzalez broke down the right and into the box. The low shot had beaten Saliadarre but rocketed off the post into Trimble and into the back of the net.

Mt Druitt had sporadic chances, but it was Blacktown who went to the break leading by the only goal

of the match in a fiercely contested game that neither coach could have too many complaints about in a match dominated by the home side.

There was a double substitution at the beginning of the second half that saw Giuliano Airoldi and Jordan Gomez come into the game.

Not long after halftime though and Saliadarre was called in to action once more as Jackson Bandiera stole

in down the left but the keeper was smartly down at his post to turn the ball away.

With Rangers looking for an equaliser they played into Blacktowns strengths and it was soon all City after and Saliadarre, in sparkling season opener form, thwarted Grant Lynch as another City attack was once more halted at the last.

Fabricio Fernandez came close for Mt Druitt in the 78th minute when whistling a right-footed shot narrowly wide of Prendergast’s left upright in the closest the visitors had come and with City only leading by the solitary goal, there could yet be a sting in the tail in a thoroughly entertaining football match.

Although they lost the match, Mt Druitt showed glimpses that they can be a threat in the National Premier Leagues NSW Mens competition.

They will look to grab their first points of the season in their first home game against Sydney Olympic at Popondetta Park on Saturday.

Nepean Hockey District represents Australia overseas

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Nepean H o c k e y Association has had four members represent Australia at the Masters Indoor World Cup in Hong Kong, throughout February.

Andrew Burns and Ridwan Houston represented the Men’s Over 40’s Australian Masters team, Lyn Collett represented the Women’s Over 50’s Australian Masters team and Michelle Kennedy represented the Women’s Over 45’s Australian Masters team.

Michelle, Andrew and Ridwan all won Bronze medals with their Masters teams in the tournament.

The Masters Indoor World Cup 2019 in Hong Kong, was the first ever tournament under the banner of the newly formed World Masters Hockey.

Hosted at the prestigious Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) and other venues nearby, the tournament took place over four full days and features more than 30 male and female teams across the following age categories: 35+, 40+, 45+. 50+, 55+, 60+.

Andrew Burns spoke about representing Australia in the World Cup and a bitter sweet moment to finish the tournament.

“I was lucky enough to represent Australia for the first time in Hong Kong. It was an amazing experience and one I thought I may never have the

opportunity of experiencing ever,” he said.

“It was great to beat England and come away with a Bronze medal, however I believe we should have been playing for the Gold medal, but unfortunately we lost to Hong Kong in a shoot-out in the semi-final.”

Indoor Hockey is slightly different to Outdoor Hockey, with only six team members on the pitch at any one time, a slightly different ball with a lighter stick used by the athletes and a match duration of 40 minutes. The game is highly skilful and extremely

fast and is popular with players of almost every age because distance running is limited.

The Men’s Over 40’s Masters team had a very successful campaign. They beat England 2-1 in round one, beat Hong Kong (dragons) 7-0 in round two, lost to German 6-0 in round three, drew to Canada 4-4 in round four, lost to Hong Kong 6-5 in round five and beat the USA 3-2 in round six, to make the semi-finals. In the semi-finals they drew 2-2 to Hong Kong and lost in the shoot-out, then went on to beat England 3-2 to win the Bronze Medal.

The Women’s Over 45’s Masters team also had a very successful campaign. They lost to Germany 6-1 in round one, beat Hong Kong 5-1 in round two, lost to Netherlands 5-0 in round three, beat the USA 6-0 in round four and beat the Australian Over 50’s 4-0 in round five, to make the semi-finals. In the semi-finals they lost 2-1 to Germany’s Over 50’s, then went on to beat Canada 5-0 to win the Bronze Medal.

Andrew also spoke about the introduction of the Masters World Cup and why he prefers Indoor Hockey.

“This was the second Masters Indoor Hockey World Cup ever, although there has been World Cups for the opens division for decades,” he said.

“The Masters World Cup is played every two years and I was fortunate enough to have been selected for the Over 40’s squad and compete in Hong Kong.

“I prefer Indoor Hockey because the game is extremely fast, everyone on the field stays involved in the game a lot more, compared to outdoor where defenders and keepers can sometimes hardly be used,” he added.

We would like to congratulate Andrew, Ridwan, Lyn and Michelle from the Nepean Hockey Association on participating in the Masters Indoor World Cup and their Bronze Medal achievements.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

Mt Druitt Rangers suffer a loss in the derby

41

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

42

SPORT

BEHIND THE STUMPS

with Stew Moses @TheRiffMarn

Season 2018-19 becoming one for the ages for finals bound Penrith It’s fair to say that season 2018-19 has been a memorable one for the Black Cats.

Last round alone, three grades were sitting outside the top six but all won to force their way into the finals and in the process create likely history for the Penrith Cricket Club.

It’s hard to find a season as good as this one for Penrith throughout their club history – and it could yet end with some much-deserved silverware in coming weeks.

Finishing second in the club championship, Penrith barring one grade (3rds: - 10th), has in 2018-19 has achieved the following results to date: 1sts: Belvedere Cup (2nd), One-day competition quarter finalists, Kingsgrove T20 Cup Thunder Conference finalists.

2nds: Albert Cup (6th); 4ths: The Reid Cup (6th); 5ths: The David Sherwood Cup (5th); Poidevin Gray Shield: Minor premiers, semi finalists; A W Green Shield: Quarter finalists.

Penrith’s fixtures for this Saturday / Sunday quarter finals are as follows: 1sts: v Parramatta (Howell Oval); 2nds: v Sydney University (Coogee Oval); 4ths: v Sydney University (Tunks Oval) and 5ths: v Sutherland (Glenn McGrath Oval) Having scored 5-313 against Randwick Petersham, with Ryan Hackney (127), Cameron Weir (89) and Brent Williams (52 no) leading, Penrith didn’t deserve to do it the hard way to qualify for the finals in second spot but a rain disruption and a revised DLS inspired target had David Warner more than interested in chasing down.

That is until Dubbo rookie Henry Railz changed the course of the game taking the prized wickets of both Warner and NSW batsman Jason Sangha in the same over, just as the home side appeared within sight of victory.

Randy Petes’ batting collapsed, losing 7/36 to fall 5 runs short of victory.

Once again it was the skipper, Ryan Smith, who led from the front with the ball, taking 3/37 and in doing so claiming 52 first grade wickets for the regular season.

Smith was understandably proud of his young team’s ability to remain composed during the Warner firestorm to ultimately stave off the claims of UTS North Sydney and reclaim second spot.

“Today shows the character of the team that we have got here and the squad that’s been around first grade,” an obviously relieved skipper told the Nepean News.

“Firstly a fantastic effort by the boys to put 313 on the scoreboard and then to have such an big interrupted break and have to go out in a 29 over game and adjust to the situation accordingly.

“Obviously they started well not losing any wickets,

young players, there is no reason why we can’t give this title a good crack.”

Penrith’s 1-5 batting line-up is firing on all cylinders again but can number 6 bat, Tyran Liddiard (pictured) regain his pre-Christmas form? Credit: Michael Gibson.

but we stuck to our guns and took it right down to the last couple of balls, which was a great effort by the whole team.”

Smith praised his rookie all-rounder Henry Railz, who now has 17 first grade wickets to his name following his post-Christmas elevation to the team.

“Henry bowled really well, hitting the deck hard and makes it harder for them to score and for him to pick up both those class players in the one over, it turned the game on its head,” Smith declared.

“If they stayed in, they would have won with a couple of overs to spare.

“Henry has taken this opportunity with both hands and has really made the spot his own.

“We are pretty excited he is producing for the team but we haven’t really seen him hit his straps with the bat as yet.

“It’s scary to think that his batting is as good if not better than his bowling.”

For skipper Ryan Smith, the second placing exceeds all expectations despite an injury-plagued season and praised the youngsters who stepped up when given the opportunity to make their first grade debut.

“Top six was the goal at the start of the year because when you make the finals anything can happen,” Smith declared.

“We’ve probably exceeded expectations a little bit by finishing second but at the same time I knew we could achieve that.

“Due to injury and what not, there’s been a lot of new young players in this team.

“But that comes with being bright-eyed and bushytailed and being ready to throw yourself into the task.

That’s what finals are all about.

“With some smart heads in and around those

The ability to finish second was set up the previous round when Penrith cruised to an eight wicket outright victory over Blacktown at Joe McAleer Oval, their second outright win of the season.

Declaring on their overnight score of 4/176, the summer Panthers met slightly more resistance from the Blacktown batsmen in the second innings but four wickets hauls to Henry Railz (his second for the match) and Ryan Fletcher ensured Penrith had to chase down 157 in 39 overs.

They did so in style with the two Brents, Atherton and Williams, scoring unbeaten half-centuries to reach the target with nearly ten overs to spare. For Atherton, his 60 not out was timely given his number of starts with the bat this season.

Stand-in skipper Ryan Gibson, who admits he would like to pursue the Penrith captaincy when it becomes available next, says the result vindicates his decision to declare going into day two.

“I felt we had a 40 run lead and looking at Blacktown throughout the year, the longest I think they have batted for is 66 overs this year for about 260 runs,” Gibson revealed to the Nepean News.

“I was hoping with our bowling attack, that we could knock them over in 50-60 overs and still give us about 40 overs to chase down the target.

“The wicket was definitely better than first day but if you got the ball in the right areas there was still enough happening out there.

“It was great to see young Henry Railz and Fletcher stand up and be counted with Bomber out injured.

“Then in the run chase both Brent’s did well to get us home two wickets down, which was really nice in the end.

“A great result by the boys. They played outstanding cricket over the two days to come away with the ten points and it’s one of the reasons why its where we are on the ladder.”

Last Saturday, former Penrith first -grade opener John Di Bartolo revealed on Hawkesbury Radio’s (89.9FM) Cricket Hour segment that he was considering his future in the game after this season.

Di Bartolo is no certainty to playing again in 201920 let alone for Penrith, after he also revealed that Hawkesbury had made an approach to him to move clubs next season.

Hopefully this weekend is not the last we see the aggressive opener on the cricket field, as he prepares for second grade’s quarter final clash with minor premiers, Sydney University. #LTC

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SPORT

By STEWART MOSES

H

@TheRiffMarn

e may have went for 20 runs off one bludgeoning over from none other than David Warner during Penrith’s thrilling DLS influenced four run win over Randwick-Petersham at Coogee Oval last Saturday.

In fact with Warner still at the crease on 110 off 77 balls, his team appeared to be cruising towards victory.

But as he so often has been throughout season 2018-19, Brent Williams was in the right place at the right time, as Penrith’s “Mr Fix it” or to his team mates more affectionately known as “Squirt”, to take a sharp catch behind point to dismiss one of the international game’s most aggressive openers.

It typifies a 2018-19 season that has been Williams’ finest to date in the NSW Premier Cricket competition.

In all competition formats, Williams, as Penrith’s top run scorer in first grade, has scored a career high 696 runs (including over 600 runs in the Belvidere Cup) with one century and five half centuries; taken an equally career high 20 wickets in all formats at an average of just over 19 and has snared 13 catches for good measure.

Yet Williams says he could have had an even bigger season had he been more consistent with the bat.

“It’s been my best season in the top grade without being as consistent as I would have liked,” Williams disclosed to the Nepean News.

“I have managed to get a few scores this season but when you are in a side that is doing quite well, sometimes that consistency can be overlooked.

“I scored a hundred versus Norths way back in Round 2 but I scored a 70 odd v Eastern Suburbs and a 90 v St George, both of them should have been hundreds as well.

“You put a hundred against those knocks and a good season starts to look like a great season.”

Williams admits that he is surprised by the number of wickets he has taken given he still regards himself as a parttime spinner, admitting he does little work on that aspect of his game.

“I don’t work on my bowling, but when you have two quality spinners in your side who build a lot of pressure, then Bomber throws me the ball, I think the wickets I’ve got have been setup by the likes of Hodges and Weir,” the 24 year old said.

“I’ve just been lucky to have the ball in my hand at the right time, whereas Trent Weir has been unlucky not get more wickets than he has.”

Penrith have qualified for the finals

Williams has been on top of his game for much of the 2018-19 season.

Credit: Michael Gibson.

in four of the past five years including a second place finish in three of those seasons.

But Williams says that whilst the core group of players are there once more, it’s the improved rapport among the playing group under skipper Ryan Smith, that gives the club it’s best chance of snaring the Belvedere Cup for the first time since 1982-83 and third first grade title overall.

“We’ve got the same core group of guys there, but I think it comes down to the fact that we all know each other and really enjoy each other’s company and it’s a fun group to be around,” Williams admitted.

“When we take to the field it’s time to be serious and there is the job each of us has to do.

“But as soon as you come off that field there’s 11 mates all wanting the same thing and the best for each other.

“When everyone is striving for that same goal then it becomes so much easier and they often say that if you are having fun off the field then you are going to win more games than not.”

Williams believe recent losses to the minor premiers, Sydney University in both the Belvedere Cup and One-Day Quarter Finals will be a blessing in disguise for the Black Cats, who now have an opportunity to play two finals games at Howell Oval and continue an unbeaten run stretching back to January 2018.

“The Sydney University results in recent weeks have probably done us a favour,” Williams declared.

“It’s probably freshened us up a little bit coming into the two-day competition and given us that extra motivation to succeed.

“We’ve had two extra Sundays off in recent weeks compared to them.

“We’re probably the freshest and most confident side going into the finals series among the top six sides.

“We haven’t lost at home in over a year and knowing the conditions at Howell Oval better than anyone else, it will give us the confidence to go deep into the finals if we defeat the defending premiers, Parramatta this weekend.”

Wallacia GC Members Dominant in WSRVGA Inter-Club Event

By Noel Rowsell

W

allacia GC hosted the 2nd WSRVGA Inter-Club event for 2019 and the host club’s members were almost totally dominant on their home course, winning the Club event, the 2BBB Medley, the A Grade Singles and the B Grade Singles to lock up a large share of the major prizes.

A full field of 144 starters greeted the starter in sunny Autumn weather but once the starter’s hooter sounded on the Shotgun start, Wallacia members raced away from the field.

The members of the winning Wallacia team were: Dave Shearer, Graham Anderson, Paul Williams and Martin Berg.

Other prizes on the day were: 2BBB Men: Russell Cruikshank & Bob Seville

L-R Winning team of Graham Andersen, Dave Shearer, Martin Berg - Steve Francis (Absent) Photo courtesy of Russell Cruikshank

(Penrith) 53 points; Runners-up John Burke & Terry Stafford (Penrith) 49 points.

2BBB Medley: Wendy Thompson & Dave Shearer (Wallacia) 51 points c/b; Runners-Up Jo-Ellen Thorpe

OFFER ENDS 31 MARCH 2019

Offer ends 31/3/2019. See in Store for Terms and Conditions.

& Terry Thorpe (Wallacia) 50 points.

A Grade Men: Graham Anderson (Wallacia) 43 points, Runner-Up Karl Lozier (Richmond) 42; B Grade Men: Paul Williams (Wallacia) 43 points, Frank Kuiters (Glenmore Heritage Valley) 40 points; C Grade Men: Steven Frizzi (Glenmore Heritage Valley) 44 points, Ron Grimaldi (Wallacia) 41 points c/b.

Ladies (One Grade): Judy Loader (Stonecutters Ridge) 39 points c/b, Runner-Up Annette Leck (Richmond) 39.

The next Veterans event will be the NSWVGA Stroke-Play Championships, which will be played at Richmond GC, Glenmore Heritage Valley GC and Stonecutters Ridge GC from 25-27th March, with the current list of entries just over 130 in a capacity 144man field.

The next WSRVGA Inter-Club will be held at Stonecutters Ridge GC on 8th May, 2019.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

Penrith’s Mr Fix it: Brent Williams

43

Celebrity ROUND 1

ROUND 2

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

March 14 March 15 March 15 March 16 March 16 March 16 March 17 March 17 March 21 March 22 March 22 March 23 March 23 March 23 March 24 March 24 7.50pm 6.00pm 7.55pm 3.00pm 5.30pm 7.35pm 4.05pm 6.10pm 7.50pm 6.00pm 7.55pm 3.00pm 5.30pm 7.35pm 4.05pm 6.10pm

SCORE

Ross Franklyn-Smith - Club President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211

0 Natalie Ballard - Novus Law Group - 0404 474 084

0 John Veitch - Parramatta Motor Group - 9912 2000

0 Jeff Lemon - KHP Civil - 0488 342 555

0 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 0404 842 170

0 Bec Passlow - Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4647

0 John Kibbey - Raine & Horne Commercial - 0417 228 538

0 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

0 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

0 Terry ‘Mad Dog” Corbett - St Clair Comets Councillor Benard Bratusa

0 Michael Creed - Thor’s Cafe - 4721 0292 Aaron Tyres - @print

0 Derry - O’Donovans Pty Ltd - 4736 1400

0 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

0

TIPSTERS ROUND 1

ROUND 2

MEL NEW SYD NZW WES NQC PAN GCT STG CAN BRI CRO NEW MAN BUL WES BRI CRO SOU BUL MAN STG PAR CAN SOU MEL NQC GCT PAN SYD PAR NZW March 14 March 15 March 15 March 16 March 16 March 16 March 17 March 17 March 21 March 22 March 22 March 23 March 23 March 23 March 24 March 24 7.50pm 6.00pm 7.55pm 3.00pm 5.30pm 7.35pm 4.05pm 6.10pm 7.50pm 6.00pm 7.55pm 3.00pm 5.30pm 7.35pm 4.05pm 6.10pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

0 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

0 Cameron Faico - Property Central - 0434 400 225

0 Mark Fitzpatrick - Full Spectrum Services - 0430 220 263

0 Romano Garofali - Nepean Pools - 4722 9201

0 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

0 Kate Radcliffe - Raine & Horne Commercial - 0417 228 587

0 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

0 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

0 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

0 Narelle Withers - Bespoke Realty Group - 4737 9977 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

0

Will Wise - East West Building & Kitchens - 9673 2621

0 Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

0

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

46

SPORT

Mark Geyer –

By Kate Cornish

W

hen I think about Mark Geyer there are a few words that immediately come to mind; tough, controversial, passionate, Penrith Panther. The former Kangaroo representative and proud Penrith league legend has had his fair share of turmoil, but these days he is a man all about family, his club, giving back to the game that afforded him so much and to the community that stuck by him through it all.

No stranger to a scandal, whether it be a stint on the sideline or roughing up Queensland great Wally Lewis in one of the most iconic moments in State of Origin history, you could certainly never say the life and career of Mark Geyer (or MG as he is affectionally known) has been boring. His time playing the game of rugby league was incredibly colourful.

A Penrith Panther legend, Mark Geyer is proud of his Western Sydney heritage.

Suspended, sidelined, a cancelled contract, a positive drug test and sin binned in a Grand Final, his playing career has had it all, and then some.

All of that aside, there was no doubt he was also one hell of a player. Talent to burn and an on-field toughness to match it with the best of them, he was no slouch when it came to standing tall on the field. He was an Australian international, a New South Wales State of Origin representative second-rower, and he won a premiership with his

beloved Panthers in 1991. On field, he had a physical presence that you simply could not teach, and he earnt a reputation for being a hard-hitting, dominant forward who showed no mercy to his opposition.

Geyer’s career post rugby league has been equally as fascinating, he is in his own right a media personality.

He has written numerous articles for newspapers and different sporting magazines, he has been a panellist on The Sunday Roast, was part of

the incredibly successful Triple M Breakfast Radio show, The Grill Team and also the Dead Set Legends. You can currently catch him each weeknight on Triple M on The Rush Hour with MG. It is a media career that does not look like slowing down any time soon.

I had the pleasure of meeting MG the other week at The Sportsmen Lunch, at the Jamison Hotel, in his stomping ground of Penrith. The afternoon was a charity event for The Kids with Cancer Foundation. MG, along with the talented Rob Shehadie and beautifully emceed by Anthony Maroon, helped to raise thousands of dollars for the foundation. An incredibly heartbreaking story from a father about his beautiful and brave little girl Celia, was enough to have the 110 strong room reaching deep into their pockets for this wonderful organisation, in what was a beautiful show of community spirit.

The sponsors of the afternoon also deserve a special mention, Mounties Club, Pinnacle Taxation, Wildmans Cranes and KHP Civil, without them the event would not have been the tremendous success that it was.

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SPORT

Throughout the afternoon as I listened to MG address the audience, I saw punters in the room hanging off his every word. They were proud Penrith locals who had come to see their footy hero. He did not talk with any airs or graces and he did not sensor himself. He spoke with passion and he told his story from the heart, I was quickly learning what his appeal was.

He was open and honest about his childhood, his playing career, and his personal struggles. Painfully honest at times, I realised, that was all part of his charm.

He walked about the room that afternoon, stopping to chat to people he knew and he made a point of shaking hands with those he didn’t. Genuinely and sincerely he won the room over with his warmth, his candour and his authenticity.

Like most people, I had only ever watched MG from a far, as a fan of the game. I have listened to him on radio, read his articles and watched him on the television. He has an opinion on everything to do with the game he loves (as he is entitled to do), and while people may not always agree with him, it is his ‘man of the people’ quality that the public very quickly respond and relate to. I found myself wanting to hear more of his story – whatever MG was selling, I was buying that afternoon.

It is not hard to see how he has been able to forge such a successful career for himself after league. His constituents in Western Sydney are his staunch followers and he is very generous with the time he gives back to his community, whether that be with his charity work or the energy that he puts into grass roots rugby league.

As I listened to MG talk, I was really impressed by the kid who grew up in Whalen, who has established a respectable life for himself and his family. By his own account things could have turned out very differently – but he is tough, and he has a quality

both retired and current are working hard in their communities, bringing smiles, raising money for charities and supporting the growth of rugby league, trying hard to keep engaged a legion of fans who are struggling with the current state of the game they love.

To put it in perspective, less than 1% of the people who play in the NRL are in the court system at the moment, and while I agree that is 1% too many, it is these headlines that flood our news feed. Events like the Sportsmen Lunch are not talked about at all, they do not rate a mention from the media despite the fact that The Kids with Cancer Foundation survives on the generosity of regular people, people who choose to help, people like Mark Geyer.

They say ‘good news doesn’t make headlines’, but I don’t believe that for one second, because I sat in a room of full people just the other week who for no other reason other than the goodness of their hearts, gave their hard-earned money to a charity to help those less fortunate, and I have chosen to write an article about it, hopefully one that will make an impact. As a rugby league community, we can decide what types of NRL stories flood our news feed, and we can start with this one.

That moment in State of Origin history – Mark V Wally. Pictures from NRL.com

about him that feels uncompromising.

He touched briefly on his dark days and the demons of his past, he was forthright in owning his mistakes, and is the first person to tell you he made plenty of them, but it is that raw and honest quality that people whole heartedly relate to. He does not shy away from the past that has led him to where he is today, certainly without it, there would be a very different story to tell.

MG has been involved with many different charity organisations and events, and in recognition of his work with charities all over the country, on

Australia Day 2013, he was announced in the Honours List and received an Order of Australia medal for “service to the sport of Rugby League football, and to the community through a range of charitable organisations.”

In a time when the NRL is under the microscope for player behaviour (or lack of), I am encouraged by ex-players like MG, Brad Filter and Adrian Vowles (to name just a few), who have actively involved themselves with their communities, for charity events and grass roots football competitions.

These are not one-off events either, these players and so many more,

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Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

Pride of a Panther

47