Nepean News 14 May 2021

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It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Francis (Frank) Lawton, much loved Vice-President of St Marys RSL Sub-Branch

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Dobson reveals his pride in his country with Australia, The Cookbook

By Noel Rowsell

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oss Dobson is an Australian food writer, stylist and chef, who grew up locally in South Penrith.

He has been the Food Editor for Australian BBC Good Food magazine, as well as other leading Australian media outlets, including the Sydney Morning Herald.

Ross has authored many bestselling cookbooks, covering a wide variety of cuisines and cooking styles including Chinese, Argentine, grilling and barbecuing.

Ross has been a pioneer in establishing cafes and restaurants in the Western suburbs of Sydney, including the cafe at Lewers Gallery (2009-2015) and The Union (20112016) His current venture is Café Royce at The Royce, where he cooks classic and contemporary Australian food.

Ross is passionate about Australian food, its place in history and its current and ongoing contemporary influences and recently launched his latest cookbook ‘Australia, The Cookbook’.

Fittingly, Ross chose The Royce as the location for the launch, which attracted politicians and media celebrities, including The Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, Senator Marise Payne and ABC Radio host Simon Marnie.

The book has already been an instant success but with Covid-19 severely restricting travel, particularly internationally, Ross has been involved in numerous local and international Zoom meetings, including with various publishers, the Australian Consulate in the USA and The British / Australian Society in London.

The emphasis in ‘Australia, The Cookbook and also in his Zoom meetings has been ‘pride in Australia’.

When Ross started at the Royce, there were just 30 residents and the onset of Covid-19 put a temporary

stop to the growth of the development.

There are now 80 residents, Ross has grown the kitchen staff from a one-man band to a team of 4 and still works enthusiastically, averaging around 70 hours per week.

“It’s a fabulous location, the residents are wonderful and the staff are very supportive,” said Ross.

The Royce comprises an exceptional living retirement community, together with a warm and welcoming Aged Care facility, featuring an abundance of exceptional facilities and exciting activities to enjoy, through its supported, independent living and residential Aged Care community (with dedicated memory support/ dementia care).

Café Royce at The Royce Retirement Living and Aged Care Community is a beautiful, light-filled space, featuring a fresh and delicious menu - created by Ross.

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e s t e r n Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is urging community members to avoid handling bats after the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) was recently detected among bats in the area.

WSLHD Public Health Unit Director Dr Shopna Bag said that 11 people have already been referred to the Public Health Unit after being scratched or bitten by a bat in the area this year, with four people needing treatment.

“Lyssavirus can be transmitted from infected bats to humans through bites or scratches, so it is important people avoid handling any bat in distress, trapped or on the ground,” Dr Bag said.

“While human ABLV infection is extremely rare with only three cases ever recorded in Australia, it is fatal if not prevented with early vaccine treatment.”

If you have found an injured or trapped bat, call your local wildlife rescue service WIRES on 1300 094 737.

Early symptoms of ABLV are flu-like, including headache, fever and fatigue.

The illness then progresses rapidly to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death.

Dr Bag said the disease spreads to people from the saliva of an infected bat, so you’re not at risk from urine or droppings if you live, play or walk near their colonies.

If you are bitten or scratched by any type of bat, clean the wound with soap and water immediately for at least five minutes, apply an antiseptic such as Betadine, and seek urgent medical advice.

Following an exposure, people may need a series of injections to protect against lyssavirus infection with the first two to be given as soon as possible.

If your pet has interacted with a bat, seek prompt assistance from your vet. If you work with or intend to start working with bats, contact your local doctor about vaccination.

For more information on Australian bat lyssavirus visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/ Infectious/factsheets/Pages/rabies-australian-batlyssavirus-infection.aspx.

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From the Editor’s Desk

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

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his week brought with it some very sad news for our local community; the loss of one of the most genuine and dependable blokes that has ever graced this place.

Following a brave and heroic fight for life, Frank Lawton, Vice President of the St Marys RSL subBranch sadly passed away on Monday morning.

Our thoughts are with his wife Laraine and the rest of his family, and his friends from St Marys Outpost. It was very evident how much Frank was loved and respected and the wonderful bond that everyone shared with him. Our deepest condolences.

To quote the fellas at the ‘train’ he was “an allround top bloke who was always a bright spot with a cheeky smile on his face no matter what was happening. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

The MC during sub-Branch services, Frank was a supporter who took on any job and always gave it 110 per cent.

That incredible determination to see things through continued right to the very end, when even though he was gravely ill, Frank checked himself out of hospital to MC the Anzac Day Dawn Service in St Marys just last month.

R65138 Francis Zavier Lawton, you served your country in the Royal Australian Navy gallantly and bravely. You kept the Aussie spirit alive and you served your local community brilliantly.

Your job here is done, Frank.

May you rest in peace and know that the positive impact you had on so many was immeasurable.

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tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has announced a number of grants for the Penrith community through various funding programs including the Anzac Community Grants, NSW Seniors Festival Grants and Multicultural Community Support Grants.

“Often its smaller grants such as these that make a real difference to people and organisations in our local area,” said Stuart Ayres.

Kingswood Public School Remembrance Garden “These grants will go towards delivering Poppy’s Field – Remembrance Garden” to remind important services, activities and events to our students of the importance of showing respect for diverse community.” those who served in wartime efforts and to honour Recipients include: our past by commemorating our Anzacs.

• St Thomas Anglican Church Cranebrook • City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch $1,200 for $5,000 to start a program to provide weekly free volunteer first aid training which will be of benefit food and care for vulnerable multicultural people when the volunteers visit and assist ageing veterans and to host Saturday BBQS to build connections and widows suffering disabilities and importantly and break down cultural barriers. social isolation.

• ‍ Museum of Fire Penrith $800 to host a “While the NSW Government is getting on with special NSW Seniors Festival Day at the museum delivering major projects, we also understand the including heritage vehicle displays, fire safety importance of smaller local community projects,” demonstrations and a free morning tea. added Stuart Ayres.

• Kingswood Public School $1,250 for their “In

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Supporting local projects patioman

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FEDERAL BUDGET 2021 Funding boost for local roads and community infrastructure

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he Morrison Government has approved funding for 29 projects in Lindsay as part of its $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure program.

Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh said getting started on local projects was important for supporting local jobs and driving economic growth.

“We’ve moved quickly to approved funding to flow to 29 projects in our community, from important upgrades to our local sports facilities in Werrington to bike and walking paths in Penrith,” said Ms McIntosh.

“These projects add so much to our community while also supporting local jobs in the process, making Lindsay an even better place to live, work and stay.

“We’ll work closely with Penrith City Council to make sure these important projects get underway and support local jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”

Deputy Prime Minister and

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said almost 5,000 projects have already been nominated under the program with around $450 million paid to councils across Australia.

“Our funding boost is helping

communities across Australia accelerate priority projects to get people into jobs and stimulate our economy,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought,

bushfires and now COVID-19, which is why we are backing projects to create employment and business opportunities while cutting travel times, as well as making our roads and communities safer.

“We are moving decisively to deliver the support councils and communities need to get through this pandemic and get back on their feet. Under the program, Councils have already nominated almost 5,000 projects with construction to be completed by the end of this year.”

In May 2020, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government also pre-paid $1.3 billion of this year’s Financial Assistance Grant to provide untied funding for all local councils across Australia to spend on local priorities.

More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at investment. infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_ investment/local-roads-communityinfrastructure-program.

Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh said this is a Budget that sets Australia up for the future, with plenty for people in our community to be excited about.

“As the Treasurer rightly put it, the jobs are coming back, the economy is coming back, and Australia is coming back,” Ms McIntosh said.

“More than 10 million low- and middle-income earners will benefit

from a new and additional tax cut, including 76,100 people in Lindsay.

“This builds on the tax relief in our last Budget, and the Budget before that. Because the Morrison Government will always put more of your money back in your pocket, to spend across our economy and support more local jobs.

“We’re also extending the instant asset write-off, for over 99 per cent of

businesses, to write off the full value of any eligible asset.

“This could help 15,800 businesses in Lindsay, like Plustec in Emu Plains, to buy the equipment they need to become more efficient and grow their business.

“We’re supporting the next generation of our manufacturing industry by creating 170,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships

and doubling our commitment to JobTrainer Fund for over 450,000 new training places.

“This is a Budget that guarantees the essential services that Australian rely on. We’re making record investments in mental health, fully funding the NDIS, enhancing women’s safety and economic security, reforming aged care, and making childcare more affordable and accessible.”

Local communities to benefit from new National Disaster Agency

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ocal communities hit by major disasters, drought and other hazards will be supported by a new national agency dedicated to coordinating locally-led recovery and driving efforts to reduce the impacts of future large-scale disasters.

Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh welcomed the establishment of the new National Recovery and Resilience Agency, part of the major Disaster Resilience Reform package recently unveiled by the Australian Government in response to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.

“Floods, bushfires, cyclones and drought have always been a part of the Australian landscape, and in recent times hazards like the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted our way of life,” Ms McIntosh said.

“Our community showed its resilience most recently throughout the flood and extreme weather event.

“It’s time to build on what works well and have the courage to do things differently where changes are needed. This starts today.

“We can be better prepared, and that’s what the National Recovery and Resilience Agency will help drive – for our community and those like it around the country.

“With staff based locally in the regions, the new agency will coordinate and align Australia’s national capability to build resilience, better prepare for natural disasters, and recover from all hazards.”

The new National Recovery and Resilience Agency, led by Coordinator-General the Hon Shane Stone AC QC, immediately brings together the

former National Drought and North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency and the National Bushfire Recovery Agency. It builds on the strong foundation laid by these past agencies, and the close relationships already forged with communities and across jurisdictions, sectors and different levels of government.

The Agency will provide support to Emergency Management Australia during the immediate relief phase after major disasters, and will play a critical role in the recovery phase for severely impacted communities whilst working to design and revise policies and programs that will future proof Australians against major disasters. From 1 July, the Agency will incorporate the disaster risk reduction and recovery functions from the Department of Home Affairs and its regional network will expand to include Rural Financial Counsellors, who are currently managed the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

“Existing recovery efforts continue - there’s still money flowing from bushfire recovery, flood support and drought relief, and new grants are on the horizon through the $600 million Preparing Australia Program announced today by the Prime Minister to boost community disaster resilience,” Ms McIntosh said.

“I’m pleased to see this big step forward in disaster reform, and the new investments that support it. I look forward to working with the National Recovery and Resilience Agency into the future.”

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said in line with its guiding principle of locally-led recovery and

a strong on-the-ground presence, the National Recovery and Resilience Agency will continue supporting communities affected by the 2019 North Queensland Monsoon Trough, the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires and drought. It will also start the important work of supporting communities in NSW and Queensland hit by the March storms and floods.

From 1 July, the Agency will incorporate the disaster risk reduction and recovery functions from the Department of Home Affairs and will take on responsibility for management of the Rural Financial Counselling Program, complementing the Agency’s on the ground network of regional officers.

“Our priority is ensuring people who’ve been through terrible events like flood, bushfire, and the enduring drought are supported in the days, weeks and years ahead,” Minister Littleproud said.

The significant reforms outlined by the Australian Government also included: • Disaster recovery scenario training to help regional communities prepare for high-risk hazards as part of a $4.5 million National Capability Package. The package also comprises accredited training for people working in disaster recovery and two pilot Resilience Hubs to coordinate regional training and capability development across all levels of government when responding to a natural disaster.

• The new Australian Climate Service, which will build on the expertise of the Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia, CSIRO and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to give new information and insights to understand future climate and natural disaster risks and ensure we make better decisions on things like what to build and where.

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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ocal St Clair doctor, Dr Ajay Wadhera is celebrating his 40th year of service to the community this year.

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies said she was delighted to acknowledge Dr Wadhera’s milestone of service.

“I am thrilled to present Dr Wadhera with a plaque to commemorate his many years of caring for the community,” Mrs Davies said.

Dr Wadhera has been providing a wide range of services to the St Clair community for over 40 years as well as working with a diverse patient demographic.

He has also participated in the annual flu vaccination clinics established at local schools, ensuring the safety of staff and students.

During COVID-19, Dr Wadhera adapted the structure of his medical practice in order to keep the community safe. He implemented telehealth consultations and screening processes for symptomatic patients to ensure their safety.

He has also enlisted his practice in St Clair to administer the COVID-19 vaccines to his over 50s patients.

I spoke with the doctor about the

amazing milestone and asked what the key to his success had been.

“It has been a team effort,” Dr Wadhera said, indicating his front desk staff, who’ve been with him for many, many years.

In what is surely proof that he’s been a great boss, Sue Evans, Practice Manager, and Colleen Walsh, Accounts Manager, have been with the doctor for 27 years and 17 years

respectively.

Dr Wadhera said the highlight of his 40 years was that it has been mostly smooth sailing.

“I’ve had great working relationships with patients, so although with any job there’ll always be challenges, we’ve been rocking and rolling through the decades.”

Dr Wadhera was nominated for recognition by his long term patient,

Peter Phillips who is thrilled with the service he has received for almost 20 years.

Providing medical services for the people of St Clair since 1980, there are no plans for retirement.

“I have great job satisfaction, I love it and I’m committed to it. I’ll keep at it as long as my health allows!” he said.

Congratulations Dr Wadhera!

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Local doctor celebrates 40 years of service

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Big celebration for frnsw Training Academy in Kemps Creek

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ducation and training for firefighters is more advanced than ever with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) recently celebrating the official opening of the Barry Lee Training Room at the Training Academy in Orchard Hills.

On this same day, 208 new firefighters were honoured at a graduation ceremony at the FRNSW Training Academy in Orchard Hills.

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP was delighted to witness the graduation of the new firefighters and open their newest training facilities.

“Congratulations to these brave men and women who have chosen to take on the admirable responsibility of protecting our communities in major emergencies,” Mrs Davies said.

“It is also a pleasure to be here to officially launch the Barry Lee Training Room which I know will play a large part in equipping

future men and women to face life-threatening situations and save lives.”

Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott congratulated the new permanent and on-call firefighters.

“Becoming a firefighter is no easy feat. FRNSW attracts up to 8000 applications each year, yet of these thousands, only an elite few are

chosen,” Mr Elliott said.

“These recruits will not only face fires. They are trained to respond to various incidents including medical emergencies, natural disasters, flood rescues and car accidents, environmental or hazardous material emergencies and counter terrorism.

Fire and Rescue NSW received a record investment of $900 million

this financial year, to support frontline firefighters in protecting lives, property and to continue being prepared for anything.

The new recruits come from all over NSW and a range of backgrounds, including a former Nepalese firefighter, a former school teacher and an accomplished television production editor.

› Court appeal upheld on 40,000 burial spaces The outcome has been revealed for the Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust – Wallacia Golf Course court appeal involving a development application for a cemetery at Wallacia Golf Course.

The Land and Environment Court handed down its judgment on Tuesday, upholding the appeal and approved the development application.

The approved development includes

approximately 40,000 burial spaces and is scaled down from the 88,000 burial spaces which were originally proposed.

More to come.

$2.5 million facelift for historic police cottage

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he NSW Government is investing $1.5 million to help transform an historic police cottage on the banks of the Nepean River in Emu Plains into a restaurant or café.

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government has appointed the Penrith City Council as Crown land manager of the beautiful riverside site and provided funding to restore this 113-year old building.

“We have allocated $1.5 million from the COVID-19 stimulus program to help the council restore the historic former police cottage on the reserve and turn it into a café or restaurant,” Mr Ayres said.

“The police station and residence was built in 1908 and functioned until 1921 with the residence continuing to be used for police officers until the 1950s.

“Now 70 years later it will be transformed into a restaurant or café on the beautiful banks of the Nepean River for all the community to enjoy.”

Mr Ayres said the COVID-19 stimulus program was funding improvements to Crown land reserves across the State.

“The stimulus program supports the upgrade of projects on Crown reserves to improve public spaces and infrastructure, such as museums, historic buildings and showgrounds, while supporting local jobs and economies,” Mr Ayres said.

“Green spaces and recreational

Artist impression of restored Police Cottage

facilities are critical for the health of communities by providing quality places where people can relax, exercise, play and enjoy the natural environment.”

Penrith City Council Deputy Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the old Police Cottage is a key element in the greater upgrade of the Regatta Park precinct and, Penrith City Council will contribute an extra $1 million on top of the funding from the NSW Government announced earlier this year.

“The old Police Cottage will be restored and repurposed as a waterfront dining venue for locals and visitors to enjoy while preserving the historic cottage for years into the future,” Clr Hitchen said.

Former Police Cottage currently

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ew and improved technology and equipment is now at the hands of local children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) thanks to an Australian Government funding grant delivered

by Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh.

Ms McIntosh said the $100,000 Community Development Grant has enabled the Luke Priddis Foundation to enhance therapy resources and practises for young people with ASD. “The Luke Priddis Foundation works incredibly hard to support children in our community with ASD and their families, and I am proud to have delivered this funding to improve their equipment and facilities,” said Ms McIntosh.

“This funding means the Foundation can now use state of the art technology, including an interactive sensory wall, robotic Lego, play therapy kits, Surface Pro and iPad systems in delivering therapy, while also improving facilities such as their waiting room, storage systems, furniture and flooring.

“This makes a real difference in the way the Foundation is helping to improve the lives of

young people with ASD.” Chairman and Co-Founder of the Foundation, Luke Priddis said the funding has provided an enhancement of the resources available for therapists.

“The funds helped us purchase and install the Surface Pro and iPad systems, reconfigure our printer, and enhance our therapy resources with the sensory station, the bubble machine, the sensory wall and additional equipment,” said Mr Priddis.

“Sometime parents need a bit of ‘me time’ too, and the parents’ room is a space for them to come here and chill out, or we can get someone to come in and support them if they’re going through a tough time.”

› Council to assist residents with flood-affected properties Penrith City Council hopes to ease the burden of flood recovery for residents affected by the March 2021 flood crisis by waiving Development Application (DA) fees on flood-affected properties.

As water swept the City’s streets following the deluge of rain, some homeowners experienced damage to their land and, in a few cases, lower levels of their houses.

Council’s offer to waive associated DA costs for these residents aims to simplify and assist in the rebuild of their impacted properties.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said Council will also prioritise such DAs submitted in a bid to speed up the flood recovery process.

“When we look around the City it is business as usual, however, there are a few residents still working to repair and clean up their properties following what was Penrith’s worst flood since 1961,” Cr McKeown said.

“Nepean River made news headlines in March as the flooding caused an unprecedented rise in its water level; we heard stories of local families scrambling to keep water away from their backyards and out of their homes.

“The offer to waive DA fees applies to members of the community who have been left with issues such as land erosion and property damage.

“We are also committed to fast-tracking submissions of this nature as the approvals process can take some time.”

Council stresses that this offer applies to floodaffected properties only and does not extend to properties with general storm damage.

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Funding delivered to support children with autism

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Save triple zero for saving lives N

SW Ambulance and NSW Police are appealing to the public to only call Triple Zero in emergency situations to ensure paramedics and police officers can help those most in need.

New figures show thousands of nonemergency Triple Zero calls are being made each week at a time when emergency services have never been busier.

In the 12 months to 31 March 2021, NSW Ambulance responded to more than 200,000 jobs where no patient was taken to hospital with reasons ranging from hoax calls to refusal of transport.

For the same period, NSW Ambulance also received a concerning number of calls for trivial matters including 1,036 calls from people complaining about constipation, 662 for a toothache, 215 for earaches, 167 for boils, 157 from people who couldn’t sleep and 16 for hiccups.

During the same period, the NSW Police Force received almost 800,000 requests for assistance via Triple Zero, which is in addition to more than 580,000 non-emergency reports through the Police Assistance Line and the Community Portal.

Of the Triple Zero calls, about 40,000 are transferred to a non-emergency line, but more than 150,000 calls are later deemed to have been more suitable to a non-emergency line.

NSW Ambulance Assistant Commissioner Steven Norris, Director of Control Centres, said nonemergency jobs take paramedics and call takers away from their most important work – saving lives.

“If you are having a medical emergency we will always respond to you but too often

our paramedics are responding to calls that we simply don’t need to attend,” Mr Norris said.

“We want the public to think before calling us for trivial matters.

NSW Ambulance also received a concerning number of calls for trivial matters including 1,036 calls from people complaining about constipation, 662 for a toothache, 215 for earaches, 167 for boils, 157 from people who couldn’t sleep and 16 for hiccups.

“If it isn’t a medical emergency, please consider other health services such as your GP, a pharmacist

or a registered nurse at HealthDirect which is available 24 hours a day.”

NSW Police Communications and Security Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Rashelle Conroy, said there are a variety of ways for the community to report nonemergency or minor incidents, which saves Triple Zero for all emergencies.

“Triple Zero operators understand that life-threatening incidents can be traumatic and stressful and their priority is to establish where help is needed and why,” A/Assistant Commissioner Conroy said.

“More than 70% of calls to Triple Zero are made from mobile phones and as callers often focus on relaying what’s happening, our operators need to take control and pinpoint the exact location of the emergency to know where to send police or other resources.

“When the caller is unsure of where they are – or how to describe it – call-processing times can be longer, so to ensure there’s always an operator available for any emergency, we’re reminding the community to save Triple Zero for saving lives.”

In 2020-21, the NSW Government is investing more than $1 billion in services and capital works for NSW Ambulance.

To help meet increasing demand, NSW Ambulance will soon deploy 100 paramedics earlier than planned as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to recruit 750 new paramedics and control centre staff over four years from 2018.

In 2019, the NSW Government committed to investing more than $583 million to deliver 1500 extra police over four years.

Support continues for families and businesses affected by the floods Assistance continues to flow for families and businesses impacted by the one-in-fifty year flood event in the Penrith and Nepean area and across New South Wales.

Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh said over 9,000 people in the Penrith LGA have accessed the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).

“I worked closely with the Minister for Emergency Management to ensure people in the Penrith LGA were eligible for support from the outset,” said Ms McIntosh.

“We activated the Disaster Recovery Payment so people in our community affected by the floods and extreme weather event would get financial assistance quickly and efficiently.”

“We have delivered over $11 million through the Disaster Recovery Payments to people in Lindsay, reaching thousands of people in our community. In many cases, these payments were made within minutes.”

The AGDRP provides a one-off, non-means tested payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible

children impacted by the storms and floods. To apply or seek more information, you can contact Services Australia on 180 22 66.

Ms McIntosh said support was also available for local businesses to recover and rebuild from the flood and weather event.

“Grants of up to $50,000 are now open to get businesses back on their feet. The Australian Government is working closely with the NSW Government to ensure assistance is where it’s needed most,” said Ms McIntosh.

The NSW Storm and Flood Clean-up Program, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, is also swinging into action to ensure support continues to flow to affected communities.

“This initiative will include the clean-up and removal of debris and hazards from the floods and storms, from residential homes to community facilities and sporting fields,” said Ms McIntosh.

For more information, please go to service.nsw.gov.au/ floods.

Funding to support local women facing domestic violence Over the past two years, the Penrith Women’s Health Centre have been able to increase their services for women facing domestic violence thanks to crucial funding delivered by Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh.

Ms McIntosh delivered $480,000 as an election commitment for two specialist domestic violence caseworkers at the Penrith Women’s Health Centre.

“I committed this funding because I know how important it is to provide specialist support to women in our community facing domestic violence.

“This funding has allowed the Penrith Women’s Health Centre to do vital work in the prevention of domestic violence, and getting women the help they need during a difficult and traumatic time.”

Manager of the Penrith Women’s Health Centre, Rosemary Bishop said the funding has enabled them to help more vulnerable women in our community.

“I thank Melissa McIntosh for her ongoing support of our organisation and the funding she delivered,” Ms Bishop said.

“The service that these caseworkers have provided the community has been invaluable for local women in one of the most difficult circumstances of their lives.”

Ms McIntosh said she will work hard to deliver additional funding so this vital work could continue.

“Local women need to be able to access specialist support when they need it most. I’ll be working hard to deliver an extension to this funding so that women in our community continue to receive this support.”

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L

arissa Moore from Penrith was a finalist in the NSW Department of Education Early Childhood Educator Award Gala Dinner Presentation last month at Doltone House – Darling Island.

The Awards were hosted by Michael Usher, 7NEWS Presenter and more than 400 guests gathered from across New South Wales and the ACT including official guest, Hon Gareth Ward MP, Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Disability Services, representing Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, Premier of NSW, to celebrate our high achievers.

Larissa Moore, 28 of Penrith advocates for children to feel a greater sense of autonomy and power within themselves.

Larissa has been an Early Childhood teacher with Penrith City Council since 2015. She has been a lead educator, actively implementing services curriculum standards and supporting and mentoring those around her.

The curriculum is interest-based, child-led and heavily revolves around the emotional and social development of children - which particularly supports vulnerable children.

Larissa plans and designs e-learning modules for educators.

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

Penrith’s Larissa recognised at Youth Awards

Clr Kath Presdee, Larissa and the Penrith Council Children’s Services team at the Awards

For her ongoing commitment to the education and care of children aged 0-12, she received the 2020 Educator of the Year award within Penrith City Council.

The Awards night was the culmination of a tremendously successful year with hundreds of nominations received from across New South Wales and the ACT. Larissa receiving her award from Dr Gillian White, Acting Executive Director, Early Childhood Education and Schools Policy

Larissa Moore

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Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

12

local news

3801 leads the Hydro Express to Medlow Bath

By Noel Rowsell

T

r a n s p o r t Heritage Locomotive 3801 (pronounced Thirty-eight o-one) is a 4-6-2 steam locomotive, originally operated by the NSW Government Railways between 1943-74.

Lovingly restored by an enthusiastic team of volunteers and re-introduced to the Heritage fleet in 2021, 3801 is arguably Australia’s most famous steam locomotive, being the only one to have visited all mainland states and territories.

Since being introduced back on the rails in March this year, crowds have flocked to it’s appearances and it is undoubtedly the most photographed train on the NSW rail system.

3801’s latest adventure was leading the Hydro Express to Leura, Medlow Bath and Katoomba on both the 8th and 9th May, with the available seats selling out months in advance.

Heritage Locomotive 3801 heading to Central from home base at Thirlmere (above) on Friday and travelling through Werrington (below) on Saturday on the trip to Medlow Bath - photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

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Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

New 24/7 service for Aboriginal mothers-to-be in Western Sydney

A

new 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week service is set to help ensure the health and wellbeing of pregnant Aboriginal women in western Sydney.

The Dragonfly Midwifery Clinic is a service offered by Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), which provides culturally safe midwifery care for women from Aboriginal backgrounds.

Four new midwives are the backbone of the program – basing themselves at the Westmead accommodation complex to make sure the service runs 24/7 during pregnancies and up to six weeks following birth.

Women and their partners have conversations with their midwives about keeping healthy during pregnancy and becoming a parent.

Providing continuity of care for Aboriginal mothers has been a long-term dream for midwife Courtney – a Wiradjuri woman from Parkes.

“There are only 230 Aboriginal midwives in Australia. I am a Wiradjuri woman and I have

always felt a strong obligation to be a part of these numbers,” Courtney said.

“Most women who identify as Aboriginal do not have a good outlook on accessing healthcare at the hospital. Having a place to come to in the community makes it more relaxed and comfortable.

“It is also proven that having a trusted midwife makes a woman feel safe during pregnancy and childbirth, and improves health outcomes for mums and babies,” she said.

Joelle Harland-Sykes became the first mother to give birth with the help of the new dedicated midwifery program, welcoming twins Jacob and Zakariya at Westmead Hospital in January 2021.

“It was great having the midwives support my wishes and be my voice. I have never had a caseload midwife and I decided to try the service. It turned out to be a whole different experience,” the mother of four said.

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WSLHD Director of Aboriginal Health Strategy, Braiden Abala said the symbol of the clinic, the dragonfly, was inspired by the artwork “Dance of the Dragonflies” by Darug artist Leanne Tobin which is used for all Aboriginal health services in the District.

“Leanne’s expression is that the artwork is about the transition of the dragonflies throughout their life journey – and a good starting point is birth,” he said.

WSLHD has the largest population of Aboriginal people living within NSW and the program seeks to help address the fact Aboriginal women and babies continue to experience higher rates of mortality and morbidity compared to nonAboriginal women and babies. The Dragonfly Midwifery service is in addition to the existing Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service providing more choice for Aboriginal families in western Sydney.

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14 Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

The Forbes properties: Edinglassie to Leonay

Edinglassie, Emu Plains, mid 1800s

Leonay

Estate, and in 1851 thirty hectares sold to W. Russell (now part Leonay).

In June 1914 Leo and Nay Buring purchased the remainder of the Edinglassie Estate (376 acres) for £2,200, being most of the southern and western parts of the estate. Evidence of the Edinglassie home was still evident on the ground at this stage, and Buring sought to preserve this.

Buring was born in 1876 in Adelaide but studied at Geisenheim Viticulture College on the Rhine, Germany, and in 1898 attended the Viticultural College at Montpellier in France. It was in 1902 when he married Ida (Nay) Sobels, from another great

By the Blue Mountains Historical Society

O

n his land grant south of Jamison Creek, Sir Francis Forbes built his country retreat, and managed it from 1826 to 1834 in close association with the nearby government agricultural farm. The Forbes family retained the property until 1870. When Edinglassie was later demolished some of the stone was utilized to build a Methodist church at Emu Plains in 1863.

History of the Emu Plains property Edinglassie shows that it was subdivided as part of the Jamison

vigneron family.

By 1917 the Burings had built their large rambling home and named it Leonay, being the combinations of Leo and Nay, the reported nickname of his wife Ida. By 1923 they had produced their first wines on the farm.

Just before the commencement of WWII in 1937 Leo commenced the design and construction of the Leonay Country Club. A weatherboard clad cottage on his property (opposite the present entrance driveway) became the Club House. Leo Buring later became an alderman on the Blue Mountains Council.

Buring was known to have had

a small fort on the property, Fort Sanctuary, constructed to overlook his vineyard. Many homeless people apparently made use of Fort Sanctuary as a shelter until it was boarded up in 1987. The Burings actually maintained a zoo at the property at some time, supplying Australian animals to zoos around the world.

Just shy of 85 years of age, Leo died at his home on 29th September 1961. The vineyards were sold to Barnay Pty Ltd, a consortium of local businessmen, and the land was subdivided for residential development. Ida continued to live on at the home until her death in 1966.

Council’s draft Operational Plan, Fees and Charges open to feedback Penrith City Council is asking the community for feedback on its Draft Delivery Program (2017-22) & Draft 2021-22 Operational Plan (including Draft 2021-22 Fees & Charges) which contains planned works, budget, fees and charges for the next 12 months.

The Draft Operational Plan is the final instalment of Council’s 5-year Delivery Program (2017-22) and contains specific actions for 2021-22 that aim to continue its effective service delivery and progress.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said the draft plans have been developed to reflect the priorities and direction established through engagement with Councillors and the community.

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There are a number of ways the community can have their say on our plans and proposed fees and charges. We are receiving feedback until Monday 31 May via: • Online survey at: yoursaypenrith.com.au/draftoperational-plan-2021-22 • Email to corporate.planning@penrith.city • Letter to the General Manager (Attention: Corporate Planning Team), Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 Council will consider each and every submission received on the draft documents before they are finalised and reported to Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 28 June.

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“The Delivery Program reflects Council’s commitment to effective service delivery and financial responsibility whilst managing growth,” Cr McKeown said.

“The previous 12 months have been quite extraordinary and Council’s response to residents, business and community groups has enabled Penrith to bounce back from the pandemic. Now we must look forward as we continue to deliver on infrastructure, recreation and services for our community.”

“Our budget of $307.7 million for the coming financial year will not only keep our services running smoothly but will stimulate our local economy,” Cr McKeown said.

Photo: Hilary Nathan

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on page 9 our cover story River Walk. Read Andrew Paech. to do the Great and Westcare’s has blokes flocking Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler with Walk and Talk Penrith Men’s created the group five men who Pictured: The

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Stallholders recycle gently used baby and kids items for cash at My Kids Market NSW

F

ollowing a year like no other, local families are super keen for the return of My Kids Market on Sunday 16 May at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre in Cambridge Park.

“This popular event has been greatly missed by local mums, dads, expecting parents and grandparents and we are all set for a Covid Safe return in May”,” said Jennifer Harrison, Market Organiser, My Kids Market NSW. At My Kids Market families turn gently used items such as clothing and toys their kids have outgrown into cash instead of adding to landfill while savvy shoppers enjoy huge savings on all the popular baby & kids brands

when buying quality pre loved items at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

The event is all about sustainability and with kids growing out of items so quickly it makes perfect sense that items such as clothing, toys, shoes, books and nursery furniture get passed onto other families. “Our shoppers are always commenting on the quality of the goods and the low prices and we even see stallholders giving away items for free towards the end of our events!” said Jennifer.

What we love most about the event is that it brings the entire community together with families buying and selling from each other and supporting local business stalls plus My Kids Market with support from shoppers

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

My Kids market is all set to return to Penrith

15

Savvy Shoppers Save Big on everything for babies and kids at My Kids Market NSW

and stallholders will also be collecting sanitary items on behalf of Share the Dignity to be passed onto women and girls in need so it truly is an event like no other.

More information can be found on the website www.mykidsmarketnsw. com.au or by emailing jennifer@ mykidsmarketnsw.com.au My Kids Market Penrith Sunday 16 May | 9am – 12noon Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, Herbert St, Cambridge Park Cost: Shopper Entry $4. Kids free. www.mykidsmarketnsw.com.au About My Kids Market NSW: My Kids Market is the original and largest

market in NSW for families to buy, sell and recycle baby & kids items.

The market sees stallholders selling gently used items their kids have outgrown to families keen to save big.

The event is run by mums for mums and caters to all baby and kids needs from pregnancy and newborns to approximately 8 years of age. My Kids Market NSW runs throughout the year in Newcastle, Five Dock, Kellyville, Sutherland, Newcastle, Liverpool, Penrith, Central Coast, Hornsby and the Northern Beaches.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Jennifer Harrison, My Kids Market NSW on mobile 0410 481 633 or via email jennifer@mykidsmarketnsw.com.au

MY KIDS MARKET IS ALL SET TO RETURN TO PENRITH WHERE FAMILIES WILL SAVE BIG ON EVERYTHING FOR BABY & KIDS

PENRITH

Sunday 16 May, 9am - 12noon Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, Herbert St, Cambridge Park Cost: Shopper Entry $4. Kids free.

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T

he Annual Bathurst to Blaxland walk is back on this year from 25th-29th May and it will be the 13th trek by this dedicated group of walkers - all for charity.

This year’s participants are Trent Baker, Tony Bowden, Dave Crossman, Jonathan Green, Mark Mulock, Cameron McInnes, Greg Nelson, Graham O’Kell, Rob Wearn and Mark Geyer.

The annual walk has raised in excess of $1.4M in the past 13 years, with the funds being donated to local groups including: $100,000+ to Westcare (including the purchase of a new truck in 2020), a purpose-built trailer for sensory concerts, Panthers On The Prowl, Aged care beds at Springwood Hospital, specialised patient beds for the Cancer Ward at Nepean Hospital, Gotcha 4

Life, Tomorrow Man, Headspace, equipment for both Lithgow and Blue Mountains hospitals, a purpose-built vehicle for disabled passengers with NADO, The Haven Women’s Shelter, No Boundaries Art Group, 3 vehicles for Great Community Transport and Save Our Sons.

Major sponsors for this year’s walk are Penrith Waste Services, Mulgoa Quarries, Penrith Mazda, Direct Accounting and Equiptrade, whilst the Walk Partners are the Knickerbocker Hotel Bathurst, Gardners Inn Hotel Blackheath, Lapstone Hotel Blaxland and the Pioneer Hotel Penrith.

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

The Great Walk Foundation back on the road

17

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

18

local news

Nominations open for 2021 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

P

eople across NSW are being urged to help shine a light on the invaluable contribution of the state’s volunteers by taking part in one of the largest volunteer recognition programs across the country.

Nominations for the 2021 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open across eight separate categories, culminating in the announcement of the NSW Volunteer of the Year at the end of the year.

The awards are an annual program run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in every region across NSW. Last year more than 118,000 volunteers from more than 450 community-based organisations were

recognised as part of the awards.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the awards were a way to thank, recognize and celebrate the efforts of the state’s 2.4 million volunteers.

“It’s National Volunteer Week and so it’s the best time to say thank you to people who volunteer their time in communities right across NSW,” Ms Rygate said.

“Volunteers are the life blood of our communities. We turn to them when we need support, and they are always there ready to help.”

The awards are in their 15th year and will include an additional award category of NSW Club Volunteer of the Year. The award categories are: • Young Volunteer of the Year

• Corporate Volunteer of the Year (Individual) • Adult Volunteer of the Year • Corporate Volunteer of the Year (team) • Senior Volunteer of the Year • Excellence in Volunteer Management • Volunteer Team of the Year • Club Volunteer of the Year The 2020 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are supported by principal partners the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW, which represents the state’s 1,400 not-for-profit clubs.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the opening of nominations for the awards coincides with the start

of National Volunteer Week – this year’s theme is Recognise. Reconnect.

Reimagine. “The past twelve months have highlighted the pivotal role volunteers play in shaping and supporting our local communities,” Mr Ward said. “National Volunteer week is an opportunity to shine a light on those people who put service above self.

“Whether they are from your local sporting club, volunteer rescue association or community group, if you know a local hero who is helping make your community a better place every day, nominate them for this year’s Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Nominations are open until Friday 9 July 2021 at www.volunteering.com. au/awards

New world-first Hepatitis B online support forum

M

ore than 250,000 Australians living with chronic liver infection Hepatitis (HBV) can now connect with other affected people, medical experts, and researchers on the new world-first online forum, HepBcommunity. org Founder of the new online forum and Westmead Hospital’s hepatitis B researcher, Dr Thomas Tu said, “Hepatitis B affects almost 300 million people globally and 800,000 people will die prematurely this year from liver cancer or liver failure.”

“While hepatitis B remains incurable, it can be managed and treated”, said Dr Tu. “However, people with hepatitis B face community stigma and discrimination, discouraging them from seeking medical help that could prevent progression of their illness to serious disease like liver cancer”.

Living with hepatitis B and dedicating his career to researching the virus, Dr Tu created the forum to be a “safe and inclusive space” for affected people to connect with each other, ask questions of verified medical experts, and access trustworthy information.

The site is free to join and currently has over 200 members from Australia, Bulgaria, Germany,

Ghana, India, Ireland, Nigeria, Russia, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and the USA. Topics on the forum include: when to start treatment, hepatitis B and COVID, dealing with a diagnosis in a relationship, lifestyle changes,

nutrition and supplements, children and hepatitis B, and understanding laboratory results.

Westmead Hospital’s Storr Liver Centre and the Hepatitis B Foundation provided start-up funding for the forum, with support from the World Hepatitis Alliance.

The Hepatitis B Foundation Senior Vice President, Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH believes, “The new forum is critically important because people can anonymously seek advice about how to live with hepatitis B, and what they can do to protect their liver and long-term health.”

“The ultimate goal is to save lives,” said World Hepatitis Alliance President, Su Wang, MD, MPH. “This is a safe and friendly online community that gives people around the world the information and support they need to live successfully with hepatitis B.” Dr Tu emphasis that HepBcommunity.org is not intended to replace doctor and specialist consultations for medical treatment for hepatitis B. To support HepBcommunity.org please give generously to Westmead Hospital Foundation’s dedicated hepatitis B campaign westmeadhf.org.au/ hepb

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Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

20

local news Put down the iPad! How to help your kids away from the screens

I

s your pre-schooler always playing with your mobile or iPad? Is your teenager messaging their friends under the dinner table?

Are you concerned that your children see you on your phone too much throughout the day?

The Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children Report found that the majority of Australian children are spending more than the recommended two-hour daily limit for screen time – including watching television, on computers and playing electronic games.

At 4-5 years old, children average more than two hours screen time per week-day.

By 12-13 years old, this increases to more than three hours average per week-day and almost four hours per weekend day.

This means that up to 30 per cent of a child’s waking time is spent in front of a screen!

There is growing evidence that over-using screens, televisions, mobile phones, iPads, computers and computer games potentially causes significant negative health effects in children.

Learn how much time your children should spend in front of screens and how you can manage screen time at home, by viewing our fact sheets on screens (and other healthy lifestyle behaviours) at Healthy Kids Western Sydney.

“We know screen time and screen use are normal parts of life for most children and teenagers, but we also

Hugo, son of Janelle McNichols from the WSLHD Health Promotion team, enjoys some quality time outdoors.

know that screens can lead to harmful effects on children,” said Christine Newman, Deputy Director from the Centre of Population Health.

Children under two don’t learn from screens as well as they do from live interactions and excessive screen time during the early years can be linked to increased loneliness, depression, withdrawal and attention problems.

Down the track, television viewing time can also be linked to youth obesity.

Ms Newman says Screen Free Week, 3-9 May, was a good opportunity to check in on whether your child is using screens in a balanced and healthy way but this should be something that is done throughout the year.

“While it may be hard to completely shut down screens for a week, we encourage parents to regularly consider: is your child sleeping enough? Are they being active? Are they engaged with school? Are they connecting socially with family and friends offline?

“If you answered ‘No’ to any of these, perhaps reassessing screen time in your household could be a simple way of making some small changes for some longer-term health benefits,” Christine continued.

Here are five reasons why your children will benefit from a screenfree week from time to time.

1. It gives their brain a break.

Having too much screen time is not healthy for the brain. It releases

chemicals such as adrenaline and dopamine that can affect brain development.

Tip: Make sure meal times stay screen-free.

2. It helps your family reset priorities.

Screens replace important faceto-face interaction with family and friends. Instead of spending time on a screen, think about ways your family can be active together.

Autumn is a great time of year to visit local parks, sporting fields and walking tracks. Find out more information about walking in western Sydney.

Tip: Schedule in screen-free time as a family throughout the week.

3. It provides children time to explore other interests.

Facilitate and encourage other interests and skills such as cooking, dancing, and reading. Screen use is also linked to eating unhealthy snacks.

Tip: Choose healthier snacks for your family.

4. It helps children re-discover play.

Children learn through play.

Throwing a ball, digging in the dirt, and building things are all important for growth and development.

Tip: Let’s give all children as many opportunities to play as possible.

5. It supplies a reality check.

Having a screen free week will give you a real insight into your family’s health behaviours. It will also enable you to set some healthy limits to screen use.

Tip: Have a screen free week with your kids!

Jamison High School’s new hall on the way Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today announced that Jamison High School will welcome their new multipurpose hall with the construction contract awarded to Prime Constructions.

Stuart Ayres said he is excited construction on the hall will begin soon.

“It’s fantastic that the project is progressing. The new hall will be

a great asset to the community with multipurpose use for indoor sports, assemblies and performances.” Stuart Ayres said.

“I look forward to joining the community for plenty of events in their new hall once the project is completed.”

The new hall will include storage rooms, new change rooms and back of house facilities.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the hall was part of the historic investment in new and upgraded NSW public schools.

“I’m proud that the NSW Government is delivering this new hall at Jamison High School. It will benefit the school and the local community for years to come,” Ms Mitchell said.

“School halls are the natural

gathering point for students and staff, and they are also a vital part of a thriving local community.”

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

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Legends of the Nepean Barbara Allen

By Noel Rowsell

B

arbara Allen had worked at the Penrith Veterinary Hospital (PVH) for the past 40 years but on the 14 March this year, made the sad decision to retire from working at the practice.

In an outpouring of affection from clients of the practice, Barbara was inundated with letters, flowers, chocolates and wine in acknowledgement of her time at the clinic and the care and attention she bestowed on all of the patients (and their owners) during that 40-year era.

There have of course been some curious reactions from clients since Barbara’s retirement, as she continues to be a frequent ‘visitor’ to the clinic to see her former work colleagues.

Born in 1953 in Middlesborough, UK Barbara moved with her family to Canada that year and would spend the next 5 years abroad, before returning

to Middlesborough in 1958.

She left school at 15 and immediately found full-time employment.

Barbara would marry husband John in 1972 and the couple would have two children (Natalie and Nicola) before emigrating to Australia in 1981.

Once again, Barbara found work immediately, employed as a Part-time Receptionist at Penrith Veterinary Hospital, which she described as a ‘small, busy practice’.

Her role entailed night work and weekends, which suited a young mother with a small family, before she began assisting with nursing duties at the practice of a Wednesday, when the regular nurse was away at TAFE. Day 1 as a nurse was not an unforgettable experience and Barbara remembers coming home to husband John and telling him ‘she hated it’.

That first nursing experience was quickly put to the back of her mind and she came to relish all aspects of her work at the clinic.

Barbara Allen was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Jan Harrison.

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

5 Generations

In what would become a memorable day in 1983, when Barbara was 9 months pregnant, a large St Bernard was brought into the Clinic for immediate surgery.

Barbara would spend the next few hours assisting the Veterinarian in the operation, which was conducted on the floor of the clinic due to the size of the dog.

Once the surgery on the St Bernard was successfully completed, Barbara immediately went into labour and would subsequently give birth to Rebecca, her third daughter, later that day.

It seems Barbara was fated to have a Veterinary link to her life and career, having been born just up the road from Thirsk, when the legendary Yorkshire Vet and author James Herriott (James Alfred Wight OBE FRCVS 3, October 1916 – 23 February 1995) conducted his now famous practice.

Barbara’s first employers at the

Penrith Veterinary Hospital were Lindsay Fraser and John Townsend, with Fraser having studied for his licence alongside Herriott (Wight) in the UK. The current owners of the PVH are Matthew and Sally Churchill, both highly praised by Barbara for their veterinary skills, compassion and management of the practice over the past 22 years (1999 – current).

The PVH celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2019.

Reminiscing about her 40 years at the PVH, Barbara said “I’ve enjoyed the clients, loved having a chat with them and I think I knew almost everyone who came into the hospital.”

“I’ve taken many a stray dog home and although there have been some sad moments when pets die or are suffering with a virus, I’ve been able to remain professional in my dealings with clients.”

Jan Harrison nominated Barbara for

the Legends column and said “I’ve had several ‘Fur kids’ looked after by the Hospital and I always went to Barbara for anything associated with information sought for the fur kids.”

“She (Barbara) is one of those folks that runs the ‘works’.”

Veterinarion Matthew Churchill said “Barbara worked with Sally and I for the 23 years that we have both worked at and owned Penrith Veterinary Hospital. She was remarkable as a veterinary receptionist, in her ability to understand her clients and empathise with them and their needs. Their (clients) needs were always foremost and prioritised- she (Barbara) had an ability to understand peoples’ concerns and always made it her priority to fulfill their wishes. She was adored by many of the people who regularly came to the hospital, who would often confide in her more than they would with people at home.

She (Barbara) knew how to help,

soothe, console, comfort, support and empathise with people in their times of both joy and grief. Sally and I are honoured to have worked with someone who so embodied the mantra of selfless care, who gave herself to her profession every working day for 40 years. She will be missed greatly at Penrith Veterinary Hospital by the owners, staff and the many, many thousands of people that she has facilitated during such a noble and distinguished career.

Surprise your special someone with romantic flowers & gifts from Kingswood Florist.

Don’t forget to add a cuddly soft toy and delicious box of chocolates to your order for the ultimate wow factor.

We can deliver your flowers and gift to Kingswood, NSW or nationwide.

Kingswood Florist, Creative Balloons, Penrith Florist and St Marys Florist 4732 2182 • St Marys 9623 4589

Looking to buy or sell your home?

Fixed Fee • All inclusive • No hidden costs Available any time DAY or NIGHT

Give Teresa a call on

0420 979 794

local COLUMNIST

A

s winter temperatures arrive, we often see an increase in arthritis cases in both young and old animals. One in five dogs suffers from the pain and disability caused by arthritis. Cats can also suffer from the damaging effects of this condition and may have difficulty grooming themselves or going to the toilet.

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting dogs but as pets are unable to communicate their pain, the early signs of this illness are often missed or simply attributed to old age. Yet arthritis is a chronic, painful, degenerative condition that can develop gradually over time, affecting one or more joints (typically the hips, knees and elbows) and causing much inflammation and pain.

Arthritis is not limited to certain breeds and it can affect any pet at any age. It can influence a pet’s quality of life and prevent it from enjoying simple, daily activities such as walking, running or playing.

Signs that a pet may be suffering

from arthritis • reluctance to walk or play • limping • stiffness of joints in the morning or after a sleep • licking or biting of joints • difficulty in rising from a resting position • difficulty in climbing stairs • change in personality – less happy and playful or sometimes aggressive and irritable Managing Arthritis - Arthritis cannot be cured.

The key to controlling the pain associated with arthritis is managing the inflammation

within the joints. The added benefit to this is that with proper management, progression can be slowed.

• Weight control is extremely important when managing the symptoms and minimising the progression of arthritis. Excess weight will put additional pressure on already affected joints.

• Walking and swimming are the best forms of exercise for dogs with arthritis.

• Omega 3 fatty acids help block the inflammation around joints that causes pain. They also suppress the activity of an enzyme that causes

cartilage damage, thus slowing the progression of arthritis.

• Joint cartilage protective medications aim to increase joint fluid production and increase blood supply to joint surfaces. The use of polysulphate injections have been proven to slow the progression of arthritis and help control the pain associated with the disease. Antiinflammatory medications can also be used to help control the pain associated with arthritis • Neutraceuticals such as Green Lipped Mussel have also shown good results in assisting dogs with arthritis.

These products contain chondroitin and or glucosamine which are the ‘building blocks’ of cartilage.

• There are many prescription joint diets for both dogs and cats that have been shown to assist in alleviating the discomfort and improving the workings of diseased joints.

Before the Winter months arrive, have your pet assessed for arthritis.

Contact Greencross Vets Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

Arthritis – not just a senior pet’s disease

27

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

Looking for adoptive parents and forever home

F

riends of Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter seek the “extras” for the dogs and cats in care at Hawkesbury Pound. They also visit the pound each week and take photographs and temperament tests of the animals to post online and promote the animals. They upload their images and opinions of

these animals to Facebook, Twitter and PetRescue. To follow them, look them up on facebook and twitter.

For any inquires related to these animals at Hawkesbury Pound, please contact them directly on (02) 4560 4644.

BENTLEY

LOST MALE FOXIE

ANDY

Bentley is an active little guy who just loves to play, he would be best suited with a family who will have lots of spare time to be able to play fun games with him If you are interested in adopting little Bentley please come to the shelter to meet him.

Andy is a sweet little guy, who loves playing with his toys and enjoys cuddles. If you are interested in adopting little Andy please come to the shelter to meet him.

Cost: $171.30 Age: 8 weeks Type: Kitten Breed: DOMESTIC SHORT HAIR Sex: Male

Cost: $171.30 Age: 8 weeks Type: Kitten Breed: Domestic Short Hair Sex: Male

We are lost, help us home!

LOST MALE GERMAN SHEPHERD

LOST MALE STAFFY

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

28

NEPEAN HISTORY

Memories of a Baby Boomer

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

“baby boomers” were in those days just after the war. If we did get hurt it was up to Dr Day to get ere I sit broken hearted, paid a fixed. He was the resident doctor in St Marys and penny and only ….. well, you can a nicer man you wouldn’t meet. His daughter Dr guess the rest! This is the type of Prue was also lovely. Most of us went to St Marys graffiti that was on the inside walls of the Public School at the northern end of Princess public toilets when I was growing up. St Mary Street, first kindergarten (preschool now) Marys was known as a rural area back then. then infants & primary and not far from my home.

We all had a fairly big backyard where our There was also Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic parents grew the vegetables for the family School on Putland Street and Victoria Park was table, along with some chickens out the their play area when school was in. Us baby back in a handmade chook pen make by boomers were smacked when we were naughty, hit the male in the family. Nothing fancy, but with a cane or ruler when playing up at school and the chickens didn’t mind being at least kept disciplined according to the laws of those times. It away from harm. Not so, when you as a was either good or bad depending on the child. I small kid had a chook named “poppy” for a had my share, and a lot of my friends and cousins pet and one day “poppy” wasn’t around to  Family photo of me dressed in Sunday best did too, but we can safely say today that we were taken early 1950’s in Victoria Park with the play with. You were told that “poppy” was the generation who had the freedom of growing up memorial behind. old and died, but you didn’t know that the before the coming 1960’s that introduced drugs. “duck” you were eating for Sunday dinner was your pet “poppy”.

School was giving out milk to all the kids. Small bottles were given Back then you were taught to respect your elders, or you would get out each morning after being kept under a tree to keep cool. Of a clip over the ear from dad for being disrespectful. When all the course, this was not so if the day was hot! It put a lot of the kids off relations got together, you were told to go outside and play (to be milk, but I still love it. The school was also one of the vaccination seen and not heard). Back then, most families were fearful of what places for all the kids in the district. Several of the diseases were might “come out of the cupboard” meaning, they might have had a scarlet fever, diphtheria, typhoid fever, influenza, smallpox, cholera, convict in the family and didn’t want the world to know. So different Rubella, Mumps, Polio, whooping cough, measles and chicken pox now as we are all looking for convicts as part of our “Australian were prevalent when we were growing up. Lining up at school and Royalty”. A lot of families went to the extreme of burning all family standing in line to get vaccinated caused some of the kids to faint documentation after the funeral less someone outside the family and on seeing this, some kids became fearful and started crying. were to find out. By the time us “baby boomers” started school Sometimes this started a whole line of kids crying! Lollies were and making friends with the other kids in the rural district, it was handed out sometimes and that helped. Our games were imitated a time for starting to know who you could play with and those from the TV shows we saw. You were lucky if your parents could your families rejected. Us kids didn’t care, we were happy to play afford a TV back then and a lot of your friends could come and with anyone, especially if they were the same age as you. The baby watch it with you. This turned out to be great because all the kids boomer generation was a great time for kids to grow up even though could talk with you about those shows. TV came in black and white things were tough after WW2. I was one of the lucky ones as my in the 1950’s. Some of the first kids shows were the Mickey Mouse playground was Victoria Park in St Marys that was right across the Club, Bill & Ben the Flowerpot Men, Father Knows Best, Cheyenne road. Us neighbourhood kids would play on the cricket pitch and (Clint Walker), Roy Rogers & Trigger, Superman (George Reeves), play hide-&-seek in the deep earth drains around the outside of Lassie, Dennis the Menace, The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, The the area of the park. There were swings, a slippery-dip, a monkey Huckleberry Hound Show, Leave it to Beaver, The Danny Thomas bar, a round-a-bout and an old water bubbler if we got thirsty. The Show, Annie Oakley, I love Lucy, Shari Lewis & Lamb Chop, boys would push the round-a-bout so hard trying to fling the girls Laurel & Hardy, Gunsmoke, The Donna Reed Show, Our Gang off. We would climb the trees and see who could get the highest (Alfalfa & the Little Rascals), The Cisco Kid, My Three Sons, The without falling off. The old WW1 war memorial was also one Andy Griffith Show, Mr Ed the Talking Horse, The Nelsons (Ossie of the favourites of us kids with the old WW1 German gun to sit & Harriet), I could go on forever!! All wholesome, no swearing, on and “shoot” the cars going by on the highway. Us kids would all sanitised, but we didn’t care. The 1950’s was the end of the best race each other up the side of the memorial and jump off the top. time to grow up. Our parents and neighbours never locked their Around September each year we were chased by the magpies who doors to us. We were free to roam without adults present and loved were protecting their young and made it hard to play in the park to forage for wood for the annual bonfire night with crackers and at that time. We had trikes, scooters, peddle cars and billy carts to fireworks that lit up the night sky and sadly banned later. We played play with. One of our neighbours had a cow and we had the best and learnt to swim in the local creeks and later come home before strawberry jam and cream sandwiches. Another neighbour had a dark, muddy, wet and happy. We didn’t know it at the time, but we horse and all the kids in the area had a ride. Not me, I got on and it were all living history. Time is running out for Baby Boomers to bucked me off! Not hurt but never tried it again. That was how us leave these memories for their family before it is too late.

H

If you are a local business and want to be in our next history book volume 2 please contact us now.

Korena on 0403 045 880 or Kerrie on 0422 067 644 *Ideally businesses who have been established 20 years or more

ENTERTAINMENT

with Michael Creed

Beef and Red Wine Stew Ingredients: 1 large brown onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 kg beef chuck steak, trimmed, cut into 3cm cubes 250mls (1 cup) dry red wine 375mls (1 1/2 cups) beef stock 2 medium carrots, sliced 1 cup of sliced mushrooms Faggot of herbs – Tarragon, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme and Bay Leaves Salt & ground black pepper Boiled or mashed potato, to serve Cooking: I used a slow cooker for my recipe and to do that I put all the ingredients in the pan and covered with the stock and red wine add some salt and pepper to taste and let it do its thing for a couple of hours.

Now if you don’t have a slow cooker at home and want to make this in the oven then it’s also very simple.

An enameled cast iron pan is ideal as it can be used on both the stove top and in the oven and distributes and holds heat well or if you don’t have one of those lying around you can use a heavy-based ovenproof saucepan or flameproof casserole dish with a lid. Preheat the oven to 160c then add all the ingredients in your pot and make sure place to faggot of herbs just on top so it will be easier to pull it out after you have finished cooking it. Cover with stock and red wine and place in the oven for around 2 hours until the beef is nice and tender and serve with some boiled or mashed potatoes or on a bed of steamed rice.

Hope all the mums out there had a lovely Mother’s Day last Sunday. This tribute is dedicated to you all.

A Mum’s Hug

In life there are many embraces, when two humans combine, Be it best friends, family members or when lovers intertwine.

Some shake hands, young mates choose to high five, For many it’s a kiss on the cheeks when they depart or arrive.

But there’s no better warmth than being inside your mum’s hug, That feeling of safety fuelled by that addictive maternal drug.

It’s where life’s hassles take a breath and stress gets to pause, For me and many others it’s the best feeling because; Follow on – Your mum knows why your up, – She feels the rage when your mad, socials – She feels when you are hurting, – Feels the pain when your sad.

When I was young, my mum always tucked me into bed, Dedicated to assure my siblings and I were happy and fed.

She would cook our favourite food, apply the band aids when we fall, Now I am older, my mum is my favourite phone call.

For those whose mum’s may have past, there is an irreplaceable void, I hope you hold memories that will never be destroyed.

Mum, thank you for all the love and the future hugs to come, All join me to raise a glass to all the women we call mum.

See more tributes at www.mrdannytribute.com.au mrdannytribute.com.au

Ben Cranney’s travel tips to keep for when we can travel again!

Language and communication

Can you speak Aussie?

By BEN CRANNEY

S

ometimes, the right word makes all the difference. It can make you not stick out as much, create better connections with a place and maybe even make you feel at home.

I only have a handful of non English words, so I’ll try and speak a ‘universal’ language by miming and smiling. It doesn’t always work. One time, I was searching for a restaurant in Beijing’s hutongs, centuries old criss crossing alleys that are easy to get lost in. The miming wasn’t working, so I tried to match the Chinese characters in the guide book with the ones on the restaurants. In the land of calligraphy, I had no chance.

Sometimes it does work. In Beijing’s Temple of Heaven park, a lady handed me a Christian brochure.

I know this because of the cross on it.

Everything else was in Chinese, and she only spoke Mandarin, so I have no idea what the message was. But if ever I felt a spiritual connection with a street side missionary, this was it, through the way she clasped my hand.

Getting the word wrong can make you look like a fool. In Seville, Spain, we were sold tickets for something that wasn’t open. We tried to complain, but instead we said we wanted to be sunburnt. The difference of a single letter, ‘quemarse’ and ‘quejarse’. Or a single digit, and paying $500 instead of $50 for a Hungarian meal. They were honest and returned it.

Sometimes, others make a fool of you. In Thailand, at the beach, a Canadian introduced himself. He found out we were Aussie, and started imitating us with a few nasally swear words. I tried to explain we don’t always speak like that, when another

Temple of Heaven

You can get sunburnt here, but you can’t complain

Aussie walked past and called out to his mates ‘wait up ya f*****s!’

Sometimes, even with the best miming, it’s still easy to feel out of place. I did eventually find the Beijing restaurant, but I stood out the front for a while, unsure if it was it. A leaving patron nodded at me as if to say ‘go in, it’s delicious’. I did,

and found other patrons dropping cigarette ash and chicken bones on the floor, and I felt even more unsure.

The waitress smiled and I sat, but it wasn’t until the power went off, and an almighty curse, the same as I might use in English, flew from the kitchen.

I smiled and tucked in, because I suddenly felt more at home.

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

Mike’s Pantry

29

OUT N ABOUT with Malama

Live bands Some big names playing locally!

Diesel Greatest Hits and Alone with Blues Tour Panthers 17 July 7pm Soundproofed Penrith RSL 18 Sept 9pm

To advertise in Nepean News or request your event to be added call Malama on 0416 203 777 OR EMAIL: sales@nepeannews.com.au

Mark Geyer, Joey Johns and Brian Fletcher - three big names that come to mind when thinking NRL sporting heroes. You can join them for lunch at the Bandy and help raise money for the St Clair Comets!

May 21, 12 noon - 3pm.

Tables of 8 are available for $1,120 or $140 per ticket. All bookings to be made through St Marys Band Club on 9623 1211.

Only a few tables / tickets left.

A massive thank you to Mo and the team at Compound Pharmacy St Marys for bringing this week’s Out n About to you.

If you have a prescription to fill, be sure to call in and say hello!

Fusion Fundraising Dinner I’m really passionate about our community and a keen supporter of Fusion, a not for profit organisation based in St Marys with a team who want to create a community where young people and families thrive. I love hearing Fusion Radio each Wednesday afternoon on WOW FM as the team help build resilience and confidence in young people as well as teaching broadcasting skills.

I’ve been involved in Fusion creative arts projects and I’ve slept in my car for Homelessness Week over the years too to support to those who are most vulnerable amongst us. The Fusion Café was a regular spot for me to enjoy a coffee and the hospitality of the team in times gone by.

Grace Photo credit: Joy Lai 25 May is a special date in my calendar as I’ll be hosting a table of guests at the Fusion Fundraising Dinner at Karskens.

Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club. I can’t wait to celebrate and hear stories of growth and change in local young people and families.

Why not join me at the Fusion Fundraising Dinner and support the work of Fusion locally.

Book now at https://westernsydney.fusion.org.au before Monday 17 May. Hope you to see you on the 25th.

Proudly sponsoring Out & About with Malama

Join our FREE easy rewards program To receive: • points to redeem in store • free deliveries • special access to members only deals • free Webster packing • free health check tests including; iron test, cholesterol test, blood glucose test, blood pressure test

Come see us for all your pharmacy needs 38 Queen Street, St Marys | Phone 9623 2023

Free Home delivery within 10km *conditions apply

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

DINING

delights

Dinner at Sittano’s Certified Pizza Bar specialises in Pizza, Pasta, Salad and Desserts.

We also cater for any occasion.

NOW OPEN

5 Crana St, St Marys | 9833 9410 Shop 10, 98 Henry St, Penrith | 4722 9619

www.certifiedpizzabar.com.au

Princess Nisha’s Kitchen Indian and Fijian style food and sweets

By Noel Rowsell

W

e dined a t Sittano’s in Penrith last Saturday night and judging by the number of people sharing our experience, the restaurant must be one of the hottest spots in town.

Bookings were obviously booming and no sooner had a table vacated, it was eagerly occupied by a seemingly neverending queue of eager diners.

The menu is extensive and offers something appealing from a wide range of options, from seafood, pastas, pizzas, steak and other meat dishes and also vegetarian.

It must be stated up front if you’re looking for a restaurant offering value for money, Sittano’s is up there with the best.

The selections from the Starters menu are generous (and

delicious), whilst the main course offerings ensure you cannot leave hungry at the end of the night.

We had the Arancini Rosso and Garlic Prawns for our Starters and these two dishes kicked off our dining experience fabulously, both deliciously cooked and generous servings.

Our main courses of Risotto Aragosta and Gnocchi Comarche continued the savoury experience, although there was regretfully simply too much for us to finish either dish.

Problem solved in an instant, with a ‘take-home’ offer and the chance to enjoy the remainder of the two dishes the following day for lunch.

Great service from everyone at the restaurant, from the maitre d’ to the wait staff and it was a pleasure to dine in such a friendly environment.

Sittano’s ticked every box and we’ll be back very soon for another great dining experience.

33

Pick Up or Home Delivery *Free Home Delivery within 4km

0450 509 869 • 0298 334 061 62 Queen Street, St Marys

www.himalayarestaurant.com.au/penrith-venue/

Pakistani & Indian Restaurant & Function Centre 391 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 Ph: 0423 446 101 0410 543 235 | 0402 478 167

After work Parties outdoor | Alfresco Dining | Group Functions Exceptional Italian Cuisine | Cocktails

Email: himalayapenrith@gmail.com Order online: www.himalayarestaurant.com.au www.facebook.com/Himalayapenrith/

Sip N Dip Cafe 60 Queen St, St Marys www.sipndipcafe.com.au Sun-Thu 7am to 5pm Fri-Sat 7 am to 10 pm

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

34

ENTERTAINMENT

Comedy @ The Joan

L

ove a laugh? God knows we need one after the year we’ve just had.

Starring Frida Deguise, Steph Broadbridge, Christina Van Look, Umit Bali, Aleks Milinkovic and Al Del Bene.

Your host, Frida Deguise, has brought together a cracking line-up for The Joan’s inaugural stand-up comedy season in the Q Theatre with a monthly gig featuring six comics in quick succession over a side-splitting 70 minutes.

Frida Deguise is a rising talent on the Sydney comedy scene. Australia’s first (and only) hijab-wearing Muslim Australian stand-up comedian, Deguise has built a reputation for breaking stereotypes and a fearless pursuit of comic material. The mother of four has featured on such prestigious shows as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala and Nazeem Hussain’s Stand Up for Christchurch and is a regular fixture in iconic comedy clubs across the country.

Controversial, sassy and with a brashness tempered perfectly with effortless, joyful charisma she will have you laughing with her and despite yourself until your cheeks hurt.

PERFORMANCE DATE & TIME Friday 21 May 7.30pm TICKET PRICES Standard $35* Concession $30* *PAL Members 10% Discount Standard $31.50 Concession $27

Cnr Glebe Place & Richmond Road Kingswood NSW Ph: (02) 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au

TRIVIA Wednesdays 7pm POKER Thursday 6.30pm Friday FILL THE FRIDGE RAFFLE Drawn 7pm SOCIAL DARTS Friday, from 7.30pm RAFFLES Sunday Drawn 6.30pm Courtesy Bus Thursday & Friday 5pm, Saturday midday, Sunday 4pm Temporary Trading Hours

Monday-Tuesday Midday - 9pm, Wednesday Midday - 10pm, Thursday 10am - 11pm, Friday - Saturday 10am - midnight, Sunday 10am - 10pm

Shamrock Grill Open 7 days ~ New Seasonal Menu

URBAN STONE 29 May, 7.30pm

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

friDAY 14 MAY

Paul Winn

SATURDAY 15 MAY

Mark Jonas

friDAY 21 MAY

Natasha Duarte

from 7.30pm

SATURDAY 22 MAY

Antoine

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

36

ENTERTAINMENT

Invitation from the Zonta Club of Nepean Valley Zonta Garage Sale Zonta Club of Nepean Valley together with the Zonta Blue Mountains Club will be holding one of their very popular Garage Sales on the banks of the Nepean River.

We will have a wide range of pre loved items including clothing, books, DVDs, plants and jewellery plus lots of homemade cakes.

Zonta raises funds to improve the status of women both locally and internationally through service and advocacy.

Come and meet our group of friendly women and collect a cake for morning tea when you search for bargains.

When: Saturday. 29th May from 9.00 am to 3.00pm Where: 53 River Rd, Emu Plains EFTPOS available

Date: Tuesday 1st June 2021 Guest Speaker: Grace Karskens Time: 6.30 for 7pm Place: Ron Mulock OAM Room at Panthers, Penrith Cost: $30 for a 2 course meal with tea/coffee RSVP: to rachelswong@hotmail.com by the 24th May 2021

Grace Karskens. Photo credit: Joy Lai

Grace Karskens is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of New South Wales. She is a leading authority on early colonial Australia, cross-cultural history, and environmental history, and she has a lifelong commitment to bringing good history to a wide audience through writing, speaking and teaching. Her books have won prestigious prizes, including the 2010 Prime Minister’s Award for Non-Fiction for The Colony: A History of Early Sydney. Her most recent book People of the River: Lost Worlds of Early Australia was published by Allen & Unwin in 2020.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Measured amount

of drugs (6) 4 Just north of Texas (8) 10 Capitulate (9) 11 The sum (5) 12 Gemstones (5) 13 Great in range or

scope (9) 14 Tomes (7) 16 Cashews, for

example (4) 19 Occupational

Safety and Health

Administration (4) 21 Mournful (7) 24 Complainant (9) 25 Native of

New Zealand (5) 26 Horned animal (5) 27 Honors (9) 28 Ran off (8) 29 Sunglasses (slang) (6)

solution 30/4/21

down 1 Disintegrate (8) 2 Functional (8) 3 Suppose or surmise (5) 5 Type of protein that forms

hooves (7) 6 Before birth (9) 7 Exceeded (6) 8 Partners (6) 9 Bovine mammary glands (6) 15 Mislead (9) 17 Had the financial means

necessary (8) 18 Marks of omission (of words) (8) 20 Stir up (7) 21 Disfigure (6) 22 Refrained from harming (6) 23 Madman (6) 25 A protective covering of

vegetable matter (5)

ENTERTAINMENT

A

very exciting Morning Melodies concert this month with the NSW Police Band - Music from Stage & Screen!

Multi-award winning vocalist Belinda Adams and the NSW Police Band take mesmerised audiences on a musical journey through the songs of Gershwin, Cole Porter, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Bernstein and Broadway with this repertoire of favourites.

The NSW Police Band is Australia’s oldest and longest continuously running concert band. Formed in 1895, in 2020 the band commemorated 125 years of dedicated service. Regarded as “The State Band of NSW” it is one of only two full-time police bands in existence in the country.

This talented and versatile group of 33 musicians, conducted by John Saunders, will present an irresistible program of all-time greats, Mack the Knife, Waltzing Matilda, All of Me, In the Mood, Memories, Don’t Cry for Me Argentina and many more, bound to have you tapping your toes, nodding to the music and humming all the way home.

It’s a Morning Melodies not to be missed!

Wednesday 26 May 2021, 11am - Tickets: Pre-booked and paid $22, Purchase on the day $25 www.thejoan.com.au/events/nswpolice-band-2021/

SUDOKU: EASY

INSTRUCTIONS

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

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

SOLUTIONS: 2 April MEDIUM

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

Morning Melodies: NSW Police Band at The Joan!

37

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

38

SPORT

SIEC hosts Sydney 3-Day event

Action from the Cross-country on Saturday 8th May - photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Sydney International Equestrian Centre hosted the Sydney 3DE, Australia’s oldest Three-Day Event, over 7th-9th May. Since 1957, Sydney Horse Trials has been considered one of the premier features of the Australian Eventing calendar.

Sydney’s Three-Day Event established itself as an Olympic qualifying event in 1959 and the honour roll of champions includes some of Australia’s most accomplished riders, with no less than 17 Australian Olympians taking out the highest honours.

The event has been held at four different venues throughout its history From 1957-1968, the event was held in conjunction with the Sydney Royal Easter Show.. During those years, the dressage and cross-country phases were held in Centennial Park, the speed and endurance phase was held at Randwick Racecourse and the show jumping final held at the Sydney Showground.

In 1987 and 1988, the event was held on ‘Olympian’ - Merv Bennet’s farm in Worrigee, on the site of the original Worrigee Racecourse.

In 1989 the event was moved to Lochinvar, in the Hunter Valley, where it was held annually until 1998.

The preparation for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney began an exciting new phase for the Sydney International Horse Trials, which is now in it’s 22nd year on this site (1999-2021).

Comprised of three separate events (Dressage, Eventing & Show Jumping), the Dressage phase is conducted first. The purpose of dressage is to develop harmony between horse and rider, making movements and transitions seem effortless.

The Cross Country phase on Saturday is designed to prove the speed, endurance and jumping ability of horse. At the same time it demonstrates the riders’ knowledge of paces and use of his horse across country.

The third day is the Show Jumping phase, usually run as the final phase is to prove that the horse has retained the suppleness, energy and obedience for it to continue after a significant test of endurance. In certain competitions each horse will be presented for final inspection before the show jumping, to ensure they are fit and sound to continue after the rigours of the cross country phase.

All horses must pass a final veterinary inspection before they are allowed to compete in the show jumping phase.

Full results can be viewed at About Eventing Sydney 3DE.

Penrith sports awarded $50,000

S

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has announced that six local sporting organisations have received a share of $50,000 through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program.

Stuart Ayres said the grants would provide essential funds to assist local sporting organisations increase participation, purchase equipment and improve facilities.

“Sport is a way of life in our community and the Local Sport Grant Program is another excellent example of the NSW Government delivering for the people of Penrith,” Stuart Ayres said.

“These grants provide vital funds to our local clubs which in turn contributes to improved social, health and cultural outcomes for the wider community.”

Recipients include: • Kingswood Sports - installation of a new weather proof shade structure for the bowling green, • Emu Plains Cricket Club – upgrade of existing cricket nets, • Emu Plains Hockey – new uniforms and equipment for junior players, • Glenbrook Panthers Mens Bowling Club – upgrade of the playing surface for one of the greens, • Nepean Hockey Association – concrete pathway construction and re-turfing of the viewing area,

• Penrith Valley Canoeing – subsidised whitewater usage fees for slalom sessions.

Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the grants provide a welcome lift to communities as NSW emerges from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic, bushfires, drought and recent floods have affected NSW communities in recent months,” Mr Lee said.

“These grants are important for the local sporting community, in particular the army of volunteers who donate their time week in, week out to ensure local sport and recreation activities are available.”

The Program awards sporting organisations up to $20,000 for projects which focus on sport development, sport access, sports events and facility development.

SPORT

Harriet Hudson, Rowena Meredith and Ria Thompson from the Women’s Quad Sculls crew training on the Nepean River. File photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

T

wo rowing crews from the Women’s National Training Centre at Penrith have departed Australia bound for Switzerland, chasing the few remaining spots at the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games.

The Women’s Quad Scull crew of

Ria Thompson (Bow seat), Rowena Meredith (2-seat), Harriet Hudson (3seat) and Caitlin Cronin (Stroke seat) are chasing one of just two spots left available in Japan.

The Lightweight Women’s Double Sculls (average 57kg, maximum weight 59kg) crew of Sarah Pound (Bow seat) and Georgia Nesbitt (Stroke seat) are chasing one of just three spots remaining at the Games.

The squad left Sydney on Friday bound for Sursee (just outside Lucerne) for 5 days of training, then head to the Regatta course in Lucerne (the famous *Rotsee) to race at the final Olympic Qualifying Regatta (FOQR) on May 15-17.

The crews will be supported on tour

by Andrew Randell, the senior Coach Women’s National Training Centre.

The Nepean River was a hive of

activity from 30th April - 8th May, with the National Women’s team joined on the water during the week by the Australian Under 23 squad and the Australian Paralympian squad. *The Rotsee is a natural rowing lake on the northern edge of Lucerne, Switzerland. It is 2,400 metres long, with virtually no current and protected from winds by nearby hills, making it an ideal rowing venue.

Dunheved GC claim Major Pennant title

Connor Hamilton (Dunheved) Craig Williams (Dunheved)

By Noel Rowsell

D

unheved GC has staged a magnificent performance at Brighton Lakes Recreation and Golf Club, on the biggest day of the year, to claim the Golf NSW Major Pennant Division 3 Title.

The Dunheved team of Dean Neill, Cain Fitzsimmons, Connor Hamilton, Craig Williams, Daniel Ayre, Coby Carruthers and Dillyn Burazin crushed their opponents from Muirfield GC by 5.5-1.5, comprised of 4 wins and 3 draws. Lloyd Roger is also a member of the Dunheved team but was unavailable due to family commitments, whilst the manager is Craig Dengate.

As Finalists, both Dunheved and Muirfield now advance to Division 2 in the 2022 competition.

Wallacia CC also played at Brighton Lakes in the Division 5

Daniel Ayre (Dunheved)

Dean Neill (Dunheved)

Cain Fitzsimmons (Dunheved) Dillyn Burazin (Dunheved)

Final and staged a great contest with Kareela GC, with the two clubs locked together at the end of the match.

Two matches went into extra holes to break the deadlock, with Kareela ultimately prevailing 4-3 to win the 2021 title.

Both Kareela and Wallacia will advance to Division 4 in 2022.

Action photos by Noel Rowsell.

Coby Carruthers (Dunheved)

Dunheved Major Pennant team with Pennant.

Photo supplied

by Wayne McKeon

John Pagett (Wallacia)

Chris Blakeley (Wallacia)

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

Australian Women Rowers bound for Switzerland

39

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

40

SPORT

Hawkesbury Race Club hosts 2021 Hawkesbury Cup Day

Racing and spectator action from the 2021 Hawkesbury Cup Day on 1st May. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Hawkesbury Race Club hosted the 2021 Gold Cup Day on 1st May, staging a 9-race program which featured the Hawkesbury Crown 1300m, Hawkesbury Gold Rush 1100m, Hawkesbury Guineas 1400m and Hawkesbury Gold Cup 1600m.

The winners of the four major races were: Race 5 Hawkesbury Crown - #2 Sweet Deal, jockey Nash

Rawiller, trainer John P Thompson; Race 6 Hawkesbury Gold Rush - #11 Embracer, jockey Tim Clark, trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott; Race 7 Hawkesbury Guineas #6 Exoboom, jockey Sam Clipperton, trainer Peter & Paul Snowden; Race 8 Hawkesbury Gold Cup - #2 Archedemus, jockey Joshua Parr, trainers Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes.

Full results for all races on the day can be found at: Latest Hawkesbury Horse Racing Results - 1st May 2021 (racenet.com.au)

PENRITH PANTHERS

SPORT

Celebrating 30 years since the mighty Panthers’ first grand final win

By GREG YANDA

P

AUL DUNN had the best seat in the house for Royce Simmons’ final game, packing down in the front-row alongside him and Paul Clarke in the 1991 grand final victory. He was there when Simmons steamrolled Canberra Raiders prop Glenn Lazarus for the first try of the game, in fact, he threw the final pass!

Dunn’s experience was invaluable for the Panthers in 1991, having played State of Origin and Test football previously as well as winning premierships with Canterbury.

Phil ‘Gus’ Gould knew this was what the Panthers pack needed.

“I was pretty close with Gus back then and during the season he would throw me up as an example through the year about what to do because I won a grand final with Canterbury. Sometimes it was good, sometimes not so good,” Dunn laughed.

The Panthers were the best side in the Winfield Cup all year recording 17 wins, four losses and a draw against Newcastle early in the season to finish minor premiers ahead of Manly, North Sydney, Canberra and Western Suburbs in the five team finals series.

Dunn has no doubt how good a side they were and that record could have been even better.

Paul Dunn (middle) with Paul Smith and Mark Geyer during 30th Anniversary celebrations of the Penrith Panthers’ maiden premiership. Photo: NRL Imagery.

“We were definitely the best team all year and to not win the grand final would have been an injustice” he explained.

Paul Clarke and Paul Dunn with the J J Glitinan Shield after the 1991 grand final. Photo: NRL Imagery.

“We lost four games all year and each time we had someone in the sin bin. It was a good team and we didn’t have a lot of injuries.”

The standout game from the regular season was a torrid round 14 clash with North Sydney at Penrith Football Stadium, a game the Panthers eventually won 8-0 through a try to Greg Alexander late in the second half.

Despite some outstanding performances in the weeks and months prior the Panthers found themselves down 12-6 at halftime of the biggest game in the club’s history.

The domination of the minor premiership meant nothing if the trophy was to go back to Canberra.

Enter Gus Gould.

“Gus was a good coach; he coached me at three different clubs so I have to say that!” Dunn joked.

“Luckily there was no paint on the walls at the Sydney Football Stadium because he would have stripped the paint off the walls.

“He gave it to us, I don’t recall exactly what he said but he unloaded on us.”

Gould’s men then turned in a gritty second half performance to turn the tide on the Raiders, featuring the match-winning try to Simmons.

“Royce was excited, everyone was excited, to win it for him in his last game was special,” he said, The only negative Dunn draws from the day was awarding Canberra’s Bradley Clyde the man of the match, he believes it should have gone to Greg Alexander.

Dunn played out the 1992 season with Penrith before joining Parramatta then Sydney City where he retired at the end of 1996.

Today he is on the Board of Directors of Canterbury Leagues Club.

And how does he think he would go in the National Rugby League in 2021?

“I think I’d still go pretty good, I’d be fit and train like everybody else, I’d look different because the body shape would be different,” he said.

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

BOUND BY GLORY PAUL DUNN

41

Celebrity ROUND 10

ROUND 11

WES MAN BUL CRO SYD NZW MEL GCT NQC NZW CRO GCT SYD CAN SOU PAR NEW BRI CAN SOU NQC PAR STG PAN NEW WES STG BUL BRI MEL PAN MAN May 14 6.00pm

May 14 8.05pm

May 15 3.00pm

May 15 5.30pm

May 15 7.45pm

May 16 1.50pm

May 16 4.05pm

May 16 6.25pm

May 20 7.50pm

May 21 6.00pm

May 21 7.55pm

May 22 3.00pm

May 22 5.30pm

May 22 7.3pm

May 23 2.00pm

May 23 4.05pm

SCORE

Jeff TobyWatson Hughes- -Club Sinclair President, Hyundai St- Marys 4720 1111 Band Club - 9623 1211

92 Natalie Ballard - Novus Law Group - 0404 474 084

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

102 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

100 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 0404 842 170

90 Bec Passlow - Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4647

82 Derry - O’Donovans Pty Ltd - 4736 1400

86 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

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

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

90 Greg Penrith Councillor AaronDavies Tyres -- @print

96

Come join the family

mgactiv.com.au

TIPSTERS ROUND 10

ROUND 11

WES MAN BUL CRO SYD NZW MEL GCT NQC NZW CRO GCT SYD CAN SOU PAR NEW BRI CAN SOU NQC PAR STG PAN NEW WES STG BUL BRI MEL PAN MAN May 14 6.00pm

May 14 8.05pm

May 15 3.00pm

May 15 5.30pm

May 15 7.45pm

May 16 1.50pm

May 16 4.05pm

May 16 6.25pm

May 20 7.50pm

May 21 6.00pm

May 21 7.55pm

May 22 3.00pm

May 22 5.30pm

May 22 7.3pm

May 23 2.00pm

May 23 4.05pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News Columnist and Owner of MG Activ

100 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

98 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

102 Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

94 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

90 Will Wise - East West Building & Kitchens - 9673 2621

84 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

100 Natasha Hemms - Big Swing Golf - 4721 1296

100 Dale ‘Tex’ Walker - Sports Journalist, Nepean News

90 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

98 Samantha Shakesphere - Bespoke Realty Group - 4737 9977

104

“Where you can be you”

mgactiv.com.au

Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

44

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

Tex’s TALES

with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker Scott McDonald is now at his third A League Club.

It’s a big month for the Panthers, having to travel for three of four rounds which will test them in a number of areas.

Any professional sporting team will tell you that playing away from home is a mind game and is when complacency can set in.

Luckily for the Panthers two of the games, Bathurst and Dubbo, are a home away from home with a tonne of fans amongst the locals This was proven at Bathurst a fortnight ago in front of a sell out crowd against Manly.

Last Friday night, the boys returned home to Blue Bet stadium against the Cronulla Sharks and once again turned the entertainment meter to full throttle.

Watching Ivan Cleary’s men treat the Sharks with utter contempt was poetry in motion. We have said it time and time again, they are so clinical and precise, it’s just a dream to be a Panther fan at the moment.

Charlie Staines capped off a memorable night with a hat trick of tries giving him seven in two games against the Sharks with a record of twelve overall.

The Panthers have won their first nine games of the season, the best start since Melbourne in 2012.

“It’s round nine, a long way to go,” said Ivan Cleary.

“I’ve said this before, no one remembers the first half of a year and we’ve still got Origin to get through and all that.”

The Panthers are a complete package from the Board, CEO, head coach, players and staff.

Not only is the NRL squad unstoppable at the moment but the performance by the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg teams this season have been brilliant.

Due to Covid restrictions there were a number of changes to both teams at the 11th hour which provided uncertainty and lack of familiarity of combinations and playing styles.

But that didn’t stop the makeshift NSW Cup team impressing over the Newtown Jets by 46-18.

Down 14-0 in the first half, the Panthers rallied to be down 14-12 at the break.

Fielding eight St Mary’s Ron Massey Cup players and nine Jersey Flegg players the Panthers scored 34

second half points to score one of their biggest wins of the season.

They remain unbeaten in eight games and welcome the bye this weekend.

MEANWHILE the Jersey Flegg team came from behind to draw 20-20 with the Cronulla Sharks.

It was an emotional day for Mark Geyer and Greg Alexander with their sons Mavrik and Braith taking the field together.

Geyer has been impressive in the front row this season whilst Alexander was called up from SG Ball and came off the bench with success at dummy half.

The Panthers are also on top of the ladder and meet the Bunnies away on Saturday week following the bye this weekend.

Socceroo Scott McDonald had immediate success for the Western Sydney Wanderers against Sydney FC in the local Derby a fortnight ago scoring the final goal from the bench in their 3 -2 victory.

McDonald, who has had A - League stints at Western United and Brisbane Roar, secured victory late in the game with a header from a corner.

It will be interesting to see how things pan out for McDonald who has left on bad terms at his previous two clubs when relationships soured with both coaches Mark Rudan and Warren Moon.

The Wanderers were outstanding last Saturday night with a 5-0 win over Western United and are charging towards a semi final berth.

They sit on the verge of the top 6 and must win two of their remaining three games to secure finals football. They take on tenth placed Perth away this Sunday night.

One has to admire the honesty of Raiders star Josh Papalii.

In a reality check, the Queensland Origin star opened up to coach Ricky Stuart with regard to his mental health.

It’s easy for fellow players, staff and even family to take things for granted. Sometimes things are just not ok, I hope everyone takes a leaf out of Papalii’s book.

Papalii pulled out of the South’s clash a fortnight ago telling Ricky he needed some time off because he just didn’t feel right mentally.

“We’re going to rest him and give him some game time off. We fully support him and we know he’ll be back to the old Papa soon,” Stuart said at the time.

And Papa put paid to rest any rumours when he publicly said he was not right mentally.

Footy isn’t the most important thing for me right now and I need to mentally freshen up,” Papalii told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I think with the late finish last year, playing for Queensland, jumping into the boxing and then going straight into the pre-season, I thought I’d be all right but it’s obviously taken its toll.

“I don’t regret the boxing at all. It’s just the way the season has panned out, losses take a toll on players and coaching staff and the whole club.

“We haven’t had three straight losses as a club in a long time.”

Papalii returned to footy last weekend but it didn’t stop losing five in a row going down to the Knights.

There is a vital message for all, speak loudly and don’t bottle things up. It’s NOT embarrassing, it’s brave.

There are a number of outlets to be in contact with, there are many franchises of Walk ‘n Talk for Life in the western suburbs and Australia and of course there is lifeline - call 13 11 14.

We are blessed to have some of the finest broadcasters call Rugby League with the likes of Ray Warren, Warren Smith and Dan Ginane leading the way.

But some callers seem to over play their role and give an opinion on EVERYTHING - HELLO !! That’s why experts such as Gus Gould, Greg Alexander, Cooper Cronk, Michael Ennis and co are sitting next to you, they are there for this very reason - to give expert analysis and opinion.

As Ray Warren has always said, less is more, let the pictures tell the story.

Oh, and nothing gets my goat more than a caller diagnosing an injury to a player who lay on the ground or is walking off. There are people called Doctors who are qualified to do this.

I’ve got that off my chest now - I’m moving on!

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PENRITH PANTHERS

with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker Ben Ikin recently shot down Buzz Rothfield in flames on NRL 360 when they discussed the Mitchell Pearce fine of $125,000 compared to the Parramatta player caught in a lewd act in a public toilet and only fined $5,000.

Buzz said he felt sorry for Pearce as the fine was over the top in comparison to the Parramatta fine.

Ikin shut him down saying “I have no sympathy for Pearce at all, he has never learnt his lesson.”

Ikin’s view is irrelevant to the point of conversation, whilst I agree Mitch hasn’t learnt, his fine of $125,000 when filmed without consent was a blatant over reaction.

At the end of the day players must be cautious and wary when out in public, you never know what kind of low life attention seeker is around the corner. And yes sometimes it’s some of their so called mates....Be aware, be very aware!

The Panthers travelled to the western districts town of Bathurst a fortnight ago and once again they were entertaining in their 28-16 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles.

The Panthers marked their return by mingling with hundreds of local kids at the Peachey Richardson Gala Day and Reliance Bank Play Like a Panther Super Clinic in the lead up to match day.

On the field the Panthers made it eight straight wins in another impressive and dominant display.

First half tries to Brian To’o, Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin had the Panthers in front 16-6 at the break.

The Sea Eagles were a better outfit to that of the 46-6 thrashing handed to them at Brookvale Oval in Round 4. With a late Stephen Crichton try putting the game beyond doubt, Jarome Luai and Brian were yet again getting the attention of the NSW Blues selection panel.

It is great to see that several Panthers stars are looking at the bigger picture with their education.

Matt Burton, along with Talylan May and Sunia Turuva, recently completed certificates in Marketing with Mind Challenge.

Panthers Education Officer Kevin Kingston said that Mind Challenge has made a significant impact on our well-being and education program.

“Claire provides an engaging and flexible learning platform for our players to enhance their lives through study,” said Kingston.

“The Penrith Panthers Welfare Department feel very grateful for the partnership with Mind Challenge to help these young men achieve their off field goals.”

Taylan May, Matt Burton and Sunia Turuva.

Torrens University is giving two lucky Panthers fans the chance to share a gourmet breakfast with Jarome Luai and Brian To’o at the Panthers Rugby League Academy.

The fact New South Wales lost the unlosable State of Origin series last year should mean a number of changes.

Combinations are key at any level of any sport so the Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luia show will help NSW get back the coveted Origin shield.

Stephen Crichton has played out of his natural left centre position this season so Origin selection talk has been somewhat quiet. He is a natural centre where last year Clint Gutherson was out of position and had little impact. Jack Wighton was quiet playing in the centres during Origin and confidence is a major factor at the moment with the Raiders.

It could mean Tom Trbojevic partner Crichton.

Either way they need at least one centre playing in their natural position.

Tex’s NSW Team: 1. James Tedesco 10. Daniel Saifiti 2. Brian To’o 11. Isaah Yeo 3. Tom Trbojevic 12. Tyson Frizell 4. Stephen Crichon 13. Jake Trbojevic 5. Josh Ado Carr 14. Ryan Papenhuyzen 6. Jaorme Luai 15. Angus Crichton 7. Nathan Cleary 16. Tevita Pangai 8. Payne Haas 17. Dale Finucane 9. Damien Cook Origin kicks off Wednesday 9 June 2021 at the MCG, Game II will then head to Suncorp Stadium before returning to Stadium Australia for the final match.

45 Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

Tex’s TALES

SPORT

For your chance to win this unique prize, simply go to the panthers website and complete the following form by Sunday 16 May, 2021.

I recently had the privilege of calling the Boorowa Picnic Race Meeting.

I can’t stress enough how much a great time you have with a day out at the races in the bush. Personally I’d rather go to a country race meeting than Rosehill or Randwick, nothing pretentious in the country, just down to earth people having a great time.

The country racing scene is endless and you can pick and choose where you want to visit at the Racing NSW website.

Jockey Ricky Blewitt won the first four races at Boorowa, now that’s a mighty effort and deserves a huge wrap. And what’s even better, Blewitt won the Cup when leading most of the way in the Boorowa Cup aboard Opera Tickets.

Ricky Blewitt won the first four races at Boorowa

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Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

46

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

Coach’s Corner U

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

nderstanding the worth of an asset is always a subjective topic. If you have ever walked through an open home or even a museum you would understand that we can love a home or a certain painting and understand why it is of high value. But there are also times we find out the value of an item and we are confused by its high or low price. It is in these times that we need to understand the reasoning and gain some explanation. This explanation is invaluable. But only if we listen, a lot of the time this explanation on the how and why is subjective and based on opinion. If we dig deeper and ask experts the right questions we should be able to ascertain facts.

No different to the decisions NRL clubs make in recruitment, retention and development. How can the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters look at Sam Walker and have varying opinions around his future potential as a player? Reece Walsh who was released by the Brisbane Broncos, to then be starring for the New Zealand Warriors a fortnight later.

The important element to take into account here

is that we do not often take into consideration how people think. In these recruitment meetings at each NRL club there is no museum tour guide or real estate agent who is going to make the value clear and explain the how and why of a players value.

These meetings can result in heated discussions as the key figures at the club feel as though their opinion is correct. But how often do these decision makers explain the how and why of their thinking?

There is no guided tour in regards to decision making in professional sport. It is vitally important that clubs place a high importance on how each individual thinks, not just the why. Who are the experts speaking with the backing of research and fact, not emotional opinion.

If there is an argument around a players value or worth it is important to have an opinion. But it is also vitally important to back this opinion up with fact. That’s what experts do, this moves the decision from one of an opinion to one of fact and using information in order to reach our final decisions is vital.

Brock Shepperd Mounties Ron Massey Cup Head Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

It is more important for us to understand how we think about a decision, rather than what we think.

The “how” explains the details, with facts. What we think is too narrow, too flimsy and not rooted in anything other than our personal judgment.

When we look at NRL clubs currently making recruitment decisions such as the Sharks and Broncos, who are currently in negotiations with Adam Reynolds, it is important they place the correct value on him and back it up with facts.

We can see the impact poor decision making can have on organisations placing the incorrect value on players which can significantly impact a club’s potential on field performance. The Bulldogs and Broncos are working their way out of these issues at the moment and it is vital the future decisions for these organisations are correct.

Compare these decisions to those of the Penrith Panthers, Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters who consistently place the correct value on players and make sound decisions based on facts. The on field performance speaks volumes for the decisions made off it.

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PENRITH PANTHERS

mark with MARK GEYER

Simply magical to watch A

s we head into round 10 of the NRL season of 2021, which ironically is Magic Round, some of the things we are seeing on the footy field of late have to fair dinkum be seen to be believed!

Talk about MAGIC! Josh Addo Carr scoring 6 tries for the Melbourne Storm last Thursday night against title hopefuls, the Souths Rabbits. Six tries! Wow! Not since 1950 has anyone scored 6 tries in a professional rugby league match in Australia.

The “Fox” was superb, there is a reason it’s taken 71 years for someone to replicate the feat, it’s hard enough to score one try a game let alone 6!!

The Panthers the very night after flexed their considerable muscle in an act of “anything you can do we can do better” with a classic dissection of the Cronulla Sharks by 48 points to nil!

Nathan Cleary was again Magic. James Fisher Harris, Magic.

Panthers defence, Magic.

The following night we were treated to an old fashioned “QLD derby” as the Cowboys hosted the Broncos.

Two teams struggling early season have both started to look like the sun is rising on their fortunes. Kyle Feldt, the Cowboys winger, scored a try that not even Inspector Gadget with his “Go Go Gadget Arm” could have scored! Magic.

Jason Taumalolo back to his barnstorming best, Magic. Val Holmes field goal to win the game 2 minutes from full time, Magic.

But the best of the weekend was yet to come.

Last Sunday’s clash at Lottoland between the Sea Eagles and Warriors produced one of the finest games from an individual in a long time. I speak of Tom “Turbo” Trbojevic’s solo performance in his team winning 38-32.

How’s these for stats?

• 200 - metres ran for • 2 - tries • 4 - try assists • 5 - line breaks • 11 - tackle busts ...and a partridge in a pear tree... what a game, what a player!

MAGIC! Magic round may be almost upon us but the athletes that roam our fields are delivering Magic, weekly, by the bucket load.

I can’t wait to get up to Brisvegas to witness first hand the official “NRL Magic Round” what could possibly be next?

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

 Ball on a string for Nathan

 The “Fox” scores 6!

 Tommy Turbo unstoppable

 Kyle Feldt scores “that try”

www.panthers.com.au

47 Nepean News 14 May 2021 Issue 303

ON THE

SPORT

www.penrithrsl.com.au