Nepean News 14 October 2022

Council shines light on breast cancer awareness

he Penrith Civic Centre will turn pink every night for the rest of October in support of Pink Up Penrith.

For the fifth consecutive year, Penrith City Council is shining a light on this important campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is to raise awareness and funds to support people with breast cancer and to provide specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses where they are needed most across Australia.

Penrith Mayor Tricia hitchen said Penrith was the first metropolitan city to join the McGrath Foundation’s campaign by going pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Council’s proud to once again switch on the Civic Centre’s pink lights to spark important conversations in the community.

“Sadly, more than 20,000 women and 212 men in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year – we need to do everything we can to support the people whose lives are impacted,” Cr hitchen said.

“having the Civic Centre awash with pink shows our support for Pink Up Penrith and the wonderful work of the McGrath Foundation as they continue to bring much-needed access to specialist healthcare closer to home.

“Thank you to all other businesses and

organisations across the Penrith Local Government Area who are also ‘pinking up’ their part of the City in support of this great cause.”

The McGrath Foundation currently funds 185 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in Australia and has a goal of funding 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses by 2025.

It costs around $140,000 to fund a full-time McGrath Breast Care Nurse for a year, including training and development.

Pink Up Penrith Ambassador and President, Gai hawthorn, said the Pink Up Penrith campaign has helped over 400 breast cancer patients locally thanks to the McGrath Foundation’s local nurses.

She said Council’s support brings awareness to the campaign and boosts fundraising efforts in the area.

“Thank you, Council, for caring about our community and leading the way for five years strong for Pink Up Penrith,” Ms hawthorn said.

To find out more about Pink Up Penrith and to donate, visit pinkuppenrith.com.au

From the Editor’s Desk

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OctOber is breast cancer awareness so let’s show what we can do, Pink Up Penrith and really make a difference. the focus is about raising local funds so we can contribute towards breast care Nurses that help those going through breast cancer. It is also about awareness, if we can get women across Penrith checking their boobies then October is a very important month. Please read the message from the late Jane McGrath and see inside for more details on how you can contribute.

A message from Jane McGrath

“I was just 31 when first diagnosed with breast cancer.

Glenn and I were inspired to create the McGrath Foundation after my initial recovery, to help support other Australian women touched by breast cancer.

It wasn’t until I was rediagnosed, that I was fortunate enough to have access to a breast care nurse for the first time.

It was like having someone hold my hand through one of the worst nightmares of my life.

My breast care nurse allowed me to be Jane McGrath – the friend, the mother and the wife – not just the breast cancer patient. She was someone who could provide both Glenn and I with informed, sensible answers to the many questions we had during the often complicated and confusing treatment process.

Through my experience with breast cancer, the mission for the McGrath Foundation became clear: to raise money to place breast care nurses in communities across Australia, as well as increase breast awareness in young people, particularly young women.

Breast cancer doesn’t care how old you are, where you live, whether you’re a career woman or a mother. Breast cancer is a disease that currently affects one in eight Australian women of all ages and backgrounds. Please help the McGrath Foundation support people across Australia.

Together, we can make a difference.”

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Tragedy strikes in St Marys

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woman has unfortunately lost her life after a vehicle drove through a house in St Marys last weekend.

Just after 5.20am on Saturday 8 october 2022, emergency services were called to a home on Monfarville Street, St Marys, after reports a car had crashed into it.

An occupant of the home was treated by police and NSW Ambulance paramedics, however she died at the scene.

The three other occupants of the home were uninjured.

Following the crash, police stopped a woman nearby after she allegedly ran from the scene with her baby.

They were uninjured and the woman was arrested and taken to Nepean Hospital for mandatory testing.

Officers from Nepean Police Area Command have established a crime scene, which will be examined by specialist police from the crash Investigation Unit.

The woman killed was much-loved and familyfocussed Robyn Figgs.

“Anyone that had the pleasure of meeting Robyn knew the amazing heart and love she had to share, her nephew Nick and niece Monique said.

“She showered people with love and respect and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, she would call a spade a spade.”

A go fund me page has been set up for donations to help family in Tasmania get up to Sydney following the tragedy. You can donate by visiting: www.gofundme.com/f/dp4ed6-send-off-for-rob ?qid=d6dff04cf36b39dc02ce412d32c8be8a

So far 49 people have donated over $4,000, including a young relative who donated their $5 tooth fairy money.

An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Anyone who may have information, dashcam or ccTV footage is urged to contact Nepean police or crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The traditional airing of the quilts

ThE long held tradition will continue at one of Penrith region’s most historic locations on 29th October.

The historic Arms of Australia Inn Museum will provide a beautiful backdrop, full of colour and beautiful quilts for the traditional Airing of the Quilts.

The Caring hearts Community Quilters are having their annual fundraising event at the museum located on the Great Western highway, Emu Plains from 10am to 4 pm. There will be over 150 quilts on display, Trading Table, Gift Stall with handmade gifts, book stall and refreshments. They will have a colourful quilt to raffle with the proceeds going to Motor Neurone Disease.

The senior ladies that make up this group of dedicated patch-workers have been stitching their special kind of magic into quilts now for 22 years, they take pride in the knowledge that they are truly doing something they love to do and bringing joy and comfort to those that receive them at the same time. These ladies over the years have been recognised for the work they do in the community with a Premiers Award in 2001, an

Api days

MEET Dejounte, one of the Panther cubs born at Nepean hospital recently. Sporting a handmade beanie from one of Nepean hospital’s midwife’s mum, Dejounte and his dad Daryll were cheering on the Panthers in the grand final.

To celebrate the Panthers making the Grand Final, the Birth Unit renamed all the birthing suites to honour the players. Dejounte was born in room 9, the Api Koroisau room. Panther pride!

Achievement Award, given to them in Seniors Week 2012, and one of the founding members with an award for Woman of Initiative in 2009 from Zonta International.

The quilts are given out to palliative care patients in the Nepean, hawkesbury and Blue Mountains areas, Children’s and Neo-natal Wards

at Nepean hospital, local Women’s refuge, Blue Mountains and Nepean Cancer Wellness Centres and to families that have fallen on hard times, and this year have been able to stretch themselves to make quilts that went to South Lismore flood support and are now working on children’s quilts for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

This is a beautiful way for the quilters to exhibit their quilts. Whilst not exhibition quilts, they have all been made with love in each stitch and to see them hung in this traditional way is a special treat, so we hope for good weather, as this is an outdoor event.

AIRING OF THE QUILTS

SATURDAY 29th October 2022 - 10am-4pm

ARMS OF AUSTRALIA INN MUSEUM, Cnr Great Western highway and Gardenia Street, Emu Plains

COST TO SEE ThE QUILTS $5 Separate admission charges apply to visit the Museum.

The Arms of Australia Inn Museum is administered by the Nepean District historical Society (NDhS) and was once the staging post for travellers making the trip from Sydney over to Blue Mountains to Bathurst and nearby goldfields.

Built in two sections, the first, in 1826, it is one of the oldest buildings in Penrith, if not the oldest. Due to its colourful history the Inn provides an interesting venue for local activities tour groups, special events, school tours and exhibitions.

Know Your Risk

Are you at risk? If you live close to a creek, river, major storm water drain or in a low-lying area, you may be at risk from floods.

Impacts of a flood. Your property may be flooded, you could become isolated (surrounded by floodwater), access to other areas might be cut and you could lose your power, water supply and other low-lying infrastructure such as drainage and sewage may also become blocked.

Floods can pose a risk to your life. The major cause of death during floods is by people entering floodwater, that is driving, riding or walking through floodwater and also children playing in floodwater.

Floods cause damage and disruption. Every year in NSW, floods cause millions of dollars damage to property and critical infrastructure, such as roads and railways as well as to agricultural land and crops. Floods also disrupt business and can affect communities.

If you live in an area prone to flooding it is important to prepare your family and property now before floods arrive.

Extra time for teachers to prepare

NSW teachers will be given more time than ever to prepare high quality lessons under plans to support teachers roll out the changes to the new school curriculum.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the additional curriculum release time is on top of the existing weekly release time from face-to-face teaching provided to all NSW public school teachers.

“For high school teachers, this additional time will mean that they will now have the equivalent of almost one full day every week for lesson planning,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We want students to succeed in their schooling and to do that we need to support teachers so they can plan lessons that will deliver the right outcomes for students.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the release time will give teachers the opportunity to fully engage with the new curriculum, which is on track to be delivered by 2025.

“We continue to listen to the workforce by removing unnecessary administration requirements, and now we are giving additional time for planning to get this landmark new curriculum right from the beginning,” Ms Mitchell said.

For secondary school teachers, who currently receive five hours and 35 minutes of release time each week, they will be guaranteed the equivalent of an extra 30 minutes per week for three years.

Currently, primary school teachers receive two hours of release time every week and under these changes they will be guaranteed the equivalent of

an extra 30 minutes per week in 2023, increasing to an extra 60 minutes per week in 2024 and 2025.

Primary school executive staff will also receive additional release time.

Ms Mitchell said schools will also be given more time to plan for the following school years, with an extra school development day scheduled for the end of Term 4 in 2022 and 2023.

“Currently the last day of face-to-face learning for students in Term 4 in both 2022 and 2023 is a Monday, so converting these two days to a school development day is a no-brainer,” Ms Mitchell said.

“It also makes more sense for families to finish the school year on a Friday, while allowing staff more time to have an extra day of professional learning.”

Now

Penrith, you have made a difference and on behalf of all those who have been affected by Breast Cancer - thAnK YOU!

On behalf of the 1 in 7 women, yes 57 people are diagnosed every day in Australia including 212 men this year, their families, their friends, colleagues and loved ones, we ask you to join us and again Pink Up Penrith.

OUR VISION FOR PENRITH Passionate. Pride. Penrith

For the month of October, Penrith has a very important job. it’s to turn the whole town PinK.

McGrath Foundation selected Penrith as the first metropolitan area to head the Pink Up Your town Campaign.

Gai hawthorn, President and

Pink Up Penrith

to maintain that special care provided to those diagnosed with Breast Cancer and their families.

to achieve this mammoth initiative, a super committee consisting of business owners from Penrith and St Marys is dedicated to bring the town together to create and encourage local businesses, groups, schools to plan fundraising events to fund specialist McGrath

Breast Care nurses in communities across Australia. the Committee hopes the entire town will turn pink and get on board for a worthy cause!

there’s lots of activities including the trash and treasure sale at Penrith RSL and the Huge Pink Up Raffle.

www.pinkisthecolour. com.au/fundraisers/ wwwpinkuppenrithcomau/pink-uppenrith

Ambassador of Pink Up Penrith has said:

“it’s a great honour that the McGrath Foundation chose Penrith LGA to lead this fantastic cause. We have such a tight knit community here and i know we will band together to raise money for Breast Care nurses that help

individuals (and their families) affected by breast cancer.”

We are so proud that through the efforts of the Penrith LGA Community three Breast Care nurses have been appointed to nepean hospital and we anticipate this year, even with the difficulties of COVID, we will be able

it was pink power at the Sydney Olympic regatta Centre last week when the amazing Dragons Abreast Penrith were joined by Melissa Mcintosh MP in their training session.

“these women, who are breast cancer survivors, are champions on and off the water, and i can highly recommend giving Dragon Boat racing a go!!” Ms Mcintosh said.

“to all my teammates - loved it, thank you.”

Official opening of Glenmore Park High school’s Performing Arts and Learning Centre

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Davies MP said hundreds of Glenmore Park families will benefit from the record investment in education by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government, with the official opening of the Performing Arts and Learning Centre (the Centre) at Glenmore Park High School.

Glenmore Park High School is one of the latest schools to benefit for the NSW Government’s multi-billion dollar school building program.

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP said the Glenmore Park High School community is thrilled to open the new $12.0m facility.

“This investment is delivering a new performing arts centre together with learning spaces in modern and airconditioned comfort. The Centre is also fitted with the most up-todate lighting, sound and production equipment.”

“After more than 13 years of advocacy by the Glenmore Park High School community for the Centre, today is realisation of that dream.”

“I am proud as the local member to have committed at the last election to deliver the Centre. Today

I am delivering on my election commitment.” Mrs Davies said.

The scope of the new centre includes a performance hall with seating capacity for over 400, two flexible learning spaces, a raised stage area with back holding rooms, change rooms, storage and more.

Minister for Education and Early Learning the Hon. Sarah Mitchell said it was great to see Glenmore Park High School and other schools benefiting from the NSW Government’s historic investment in school infrastructure.

“It is great to be at Glenmore Park High School to officially open their new facility, which I know students and the wider community are excited to use.

“We have delivered six upgraded schools for Term 4, despite the challenges of weather and COVID, and I am committed to making sure every student no matter where they live in NSW has access to a highquality school.”

“We have seen the delivery of 23 new and upgraded schools since the start of this year, with more than $1 billion invested in these projects.

More than any other government in Australia,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.”

“I look forward to coming to a musical production in the new centre and seeing students enjoy access to this world class facility.”

Have your say on shared pathways and bike infrastructure in Penrith

PENrITH City Council is enhancing shared pathways and bike infrastructure in the Penrith LGA with the draft Penrith Accessible Trails Hierarchy Study (PATHS) Implementation Plan 20222032 now on public exhibition.

EMERGENCIES ONLY

NSW Ambulance has been receiving quite a few Triple Zero (000) calls lately for minor issues.

“One person called us because they were tired from working too much. Another had a dry nose; a third couldn’t sleep because they could hear a hissing noise and a fourth had food stuck in their gums,” a Spokesperson said.

“We also took calls for toe blisters and bruised fingers.

“Our paramedics and calltakers are here to save lives and these calls take them away from that.

If your illness or injury is lifethreatening, please always call Triple Zero (000).

“But, if you have a non-urgent health issue or need some advice, contact your GP or HeathDirect

022 222.”

The community is invited to have its say on the future of pedestrian and bicycle pathways throughout the City to help contribute to an active, more environmentally sustainable and connected LGA.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen welcomed the ten-year implementation plan saying it provides residents of the Penrith LGA more opportunities to get active, whether that is by wheelchair, motorised scooter, bicycle or by foot.

“The proposed new pathways provide enjoyable, connected and accessible new routes which will enhance the shared pathways in our City bringing benefit to people of all ages and ability,” Cr Hitchen said.

“The draft PATHS Implementation Plan 2022-2032 is the result of highlighting areas where we can connect and enhance the active transport networks in our LGA. We want to give residents and visitors the option to use shared pathways for shorter, local trips with less reliance on private vehicles.

“We encourage the community and

user groups to review the plans on the your Say Penrith website and to leave your feedback on the proposed plans.”

The draft PATHS Implementation Plan 2022-2032 builds upon the previous PATHS 2012 routes and has considered active transport routes outlined in various strategic documents, including Council’s Penrith Green Grid, and the State Government’s Principal Bicycle Network

The projects and routes were prioritised based on their connections to locations, such as parks and open space, schools, key services, public transport and other key destinations residents and visitors would visit.

Routes that have been identified

as part of green-space or blue-space making projects under the Penrith Green Grid strategy will also look towards providing tree planting and other landscaping to help reduce the urban heat island effect created by largely paved and densely developed areas. The proposed new shared pathways for pedestrians and cyclists will not only provide convenient, connected, and enjoyable routes, but also improve air quality with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

residents can view the draft PATHS Implementation Plan 2022-2032 on Council’s website and are invited to submit their feedback by 31 October at www.yoursaypenrith.com.au/

PATHS

Penrith Council’s greening our workplaces

Penrith City Council continues to lead the way in cooling the City with the expansion of their Greening our City tree planting program into industrial areas and major transport corridors.

The program first commenced in suburbs that were identified as having low canopy and were vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. As a continuation of this work, we are excited to move our tree planting focus towards industrial areas and major transport corridors that have been identified as having fewer trees.

Council will be planting over 1,000 trees across multiple sites in north and South Penrith, emu heights, emu Plains, and Werrington. All trees used in the program have been specially grown in Council’s own nursery, ensuring that they are well adapted to Penrith’s unique climate.

Penrith Mayor tricia hitchen said that addressing the problem of urban heat is critical in maintaining a sustainable way of life now and into the future.

“high temperatures can be detrimental to workers and businesses alike, often leading to a decrease in productivity and greater health concerns for employees,” Cr hitchen said.

increasing green infrastructure by planting shade trees will help reduce the amount of heat energy that is stored within our hard surfaces, such as roads, and significantly reduce ambient air temperatures.

Planting trees in industrial estates and major transport corridors is vital in reducing urban heat. These

locations consist of large expanses of hard surfaces that absorb and trap heat, which is the main contributor to the urban heat island effect.

the urban heat island effect commonly occurs in urban communities and is caused by large amounts of paved and dark coloured surfaces like roads, roofs, and car

parks. the sun’s heat is absorbed instead of being reflected, which causes the surface and ambient temperatures to rise. Council’s Cooling the City Strategy has identified tree planting as one of the easiest ways to mitigate this issue.

“By planting these trees, we are helping to ensure that businesses in the area remain productive and a safe environment for employees, as well as accessible to consumers during the summer months,” Cr hitchen added.

“Council’s project team will be working closely with businesses in the area to achieve positive outcomes for all involved,” she said.

Planting locations have been carefully considered to maintain visibility of business signage and access to driveways using a variety of native and exotic tree species to fit with existing infrastructure.

the project is part of the Greening Our City grant program and is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Local Government nSW.

residents and businesses can keep up to date with these tree-planting projects and provide feedback by following the Greening our City Have Your Say Page at yoursaypenrith. com.au/greeningourcity

Regentville Road Estate before the trees are planted and after when the trees have fully established. (The imagery is an estimation of what the trees will look like once matured.)

Penrith RSL lodges exciting DA to Council

By Noel Rowsell

Penrith rSL has submitted a Development Application (DA) to Penrith City Council for an exciting new expansion to the club and a renovation of the existing infrastructure.

the Club is working with Altis Architecture, resulting in a new, fresh look at expansion. the facade of the new building has been inspired by the Knapsack Viaduct Bridge, ensuring history of the nepean district is acknowledged in the new construction.

“As part of the expansion, we will be constructing a 500-seat auditorium, capable of being separated into three different rooms to suit multiple events,” said Penrith rSL CeO neel Chand. “this new area will also have its own pre-function area, bar, outdoor space and restrooms to cater for a variety of functions from conferences to weddings.

“We will have a new, 1,000 sqm exciting space with a modern, relaxed ambience which will include a restaurant, with 30% of the space allocated to an alfresco dining area and a state of the art sport bar.

“the important City of Penrith rSL sub-Branch Memorial display is being moved to the foyer, where it will have a more prominent area and be more available for viewing of the various artifacts on show, such as uniforms, medals, weapons, etc.

“As part of the development, the entire front facade of the Club will be enhanced in keeping with the development of Penrith CBD. to reinvigorate the area, shop fronts will be added along tindale Street. it’s

anticipated these will primarily be professional services.

“the interior of the club will also be refurbished, ensuring the club has a new, modern look and feel throughout.

“the development of new areas will allow us to provide more free space for community groups to use for meetings and seminars. Currently we provide space for groups including Guide Dogs nSW, Penrith Arthritis Support Group, Odyssey house, Parkinsons nSW, Legacy and many more.

“We are also excited that the development will bring employment opportunities to the Penrith area.

Solar panels will also be included on the new construction, adding to the impressive 820 panels installed on the

current building. the rSL installed the original solar panels 6/7 years ago and at that time, it was the 25th largest installation in Australia, and

the largest installation by any licensed club.

Once the DA is approved, the construction is expected to take 18-24 months for completion.

An important message from Nepean Police

THERE’S NEVER A BAD TIME TO HAVE THIS DISCUSSION WITH YOUR CHILDREN

the safety and wellbeing of our children is paramount. As parents and carers, we can’t always be with our children to advise and protect them. When out and about, children can be confronted with situations where good decision-making is vital. With this in mind, advising our children with appropriate responses to certain situations will help them avoid trouble and danger. here are some simple tips to give your children for when they are out and about.

PROTECT YOUR CHILD WALKING HOME

ALWAYS identify safe places on the way home from school. DO nOt stop and talk to people you don’t know. Go straight home or to your intended destination. ALWAYS find a safe place if you feel frightened. These include schools, shops, churches or police/fire/ambulance stations and tell them that you are frightened. neVer get into a car with someone you don’t know.

PROTECT YOUR CHILD ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

neVer travel in isolated areas. Find crowded carriages, guard’s compartment (marked with a blue light) or at the front of the bus. ALWAYS try to travel in groups of friends if possible.

PROTECT YOUR CHILD WHEN IN PUBLIC SPACES

ALWAYS carry a contact number for your parents. (On a card attached to your clothing, written on your arms or in your phone). DO nOt walk away from family or friends without telling them where you are going, when you’ll be back and who you are with. ALWAYS walk away from fights or arguments, unpleasant or aggressive behaviour and take your friends with you. reMeMBer, always tell your parents, carer or teacher if something has happened.

Artist’s impression of the revamped Penrith RSL Club. Photos supplied

Legends of the Nepean Kerrie GaNe

By Noel Rowsell

Kerrie & Alan on the NT - QLD border

A

lifetime of devotion to Netball has resulted in Kerrie Gane being awarded Life Membership of both Penrith Netball Association and Penrith South Netball Club.

Beginning her lifetime involvement with Netball at the age of 10, Kerrie has maintained an almost unbroken link with the sport as a player, coach, umpire and official, always finding time to assist where needed and do the hard yards of the truly dedicated volunteer.

Kerrie originally played with St Marks, Granville, and moved the team to the Penrith Netball Association in 1976, when she and husband Alan married and moved to Penrith.

She served as President of St Marks Netball Club for 25 years, joined Penrith Netball Association in 1976 and joined Penrith South Netball Club in 1987.

Kerrie held the roles of Junior Registrar and Junior Umpire Convenor with the Penrith Netball Association

for 15 years, in addition to other roles on various sub committees, then from 1995 held roles of Registrar for 10 years and President for 5 years, then Registrar for another 5 years, at Penrith South Netball Club.

Kerrie also performed as an Umpire at State Age and State Championships.

Born in Westmead Private Hospital (now a nursing home), Kerrie attended Granville Central PS, then Arthur Phillip HS (Parramatta).

Her first working role was as a Electronic Data Processor with Burroughs Welcome, Rosebery, where she would work for 10 years.

After Alan and Kerrie started a family, Kerrie worked on a casual basis as a Night Time Data Entry Clerk for the Commercial Computer Centre, Parramatta for the next 12 years.

Kerrie and Alan have three children, Michelle, Leanne and Paul, with Paul having the distinction of being the first baby born in the Jamison Private Hospital, which is now a private aged care centre.

Michelle and Leanne both followed

Kerrie into Netball and both began in the same team in U8’s (Michelle aged 7 and Leanne aged 6) with Penrith South Netball Club

Leanne has gone on with her involvement with the sport and accrued 26 years non-stop as a player and umpire, a record unsurpassed at Penrith South

Kerrie also works on voluntary basis with Penrith City Council on its Sister City program and is the current Vice-Chairperson of the sub-

committee, also working currently as Treasurer.

She has made three official trips to Japan, with Penrith City Council representatives, and has hosted visiting Japanese students as part of the scheduled student exchange program.

Kerrie has also hosted a Japanese couple and in turn been hosted by the same family in Fujieda.

Daughter Leanne and grandson Samuel Haworth have also been to

Fujieda as exchange students, with Samuel lucky enough to attend the Rugby World Cup in Japan with his host family.

Jade Baines, President of the Penrith South Netball Club, was pleased Kerrie had been nominated as a Legend of the Nepean.

“Kerrie Gane is a very important part of our Penrith South Netball Club history and overall values,” said Jade.

“Kerrie is a life member and has served our club well for years and

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

even now, she continues to support our club outside of committee duties.

“Penrith South Netball Club have a trophy named after her, called the ‘Kerrie Gane Club Person of the Year’. This trophy is given to someone in the club each year who shows the same values that Kerrie shows naturallyher support, kindness, helpfulness and commitment to ensuring the club runs as best as it can.

“We love having her (Kerrie) in our club as a life member and value her immensely. She is a legend!”

To round out Kerrie’s busy life, she has been cake making and decorating for the past 12 years in her own business, Kezlea Cakes. That part of her life may however be coming to an end, with the lure of travel signalling an end, if perhaps only temporarily, to external commitments as she and Alan plan to complete the Grand Tour of Australia.

“I’ve loved all of the involvement in Netball, the exchange program and sister city program but I do want some time now to travel and see more of Australia,” said Kerrie.

Kerrie Gane was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Jackie Greenow.

Kerrie & Alan with Michelle, Leanne and Paul

PCC delegation in Japan

Japan festival

Hosting Exchange students. Photos supplied by Kerrie Gane

Fusion celebrates Mental Health Month

By Noel Rowsell

After a week of rain, the sun was shining on friday 7th October for fusion’s celebration of Mental Health Month in Coachman’s Park, St Marys.

Young and old joined in the fun games, which included giant Jenga, giant Connect 4 and tug-o-war. the delicious smell of sausages on the BBQ, and fresh donuts, brought local residents, shoppers and those just passing by to the park, to take a welcome break from daily stresses, to relax and unwind.

the Wheel of fun saw people enjoy simple, fun challenges, winning prizes donated from Queen Street businesses, Cassandras, f45 training, the Big Big Aloha, easy Script Compounding Pharmacy and Guido’s Hair Care. thanks also to St Marys Village and Bakers Delight for generous support of the day!

Highlights of the day included a relaxation/breathing session, led by Dani from Nin Yoga & Maya Movement (St Marys & Penrith), whilst fusion led a Drumbeat session for those wanting to have a try on the Jembe drums.

Special guest, World and Olympic Champion in Canoe Slalom, Jessica fox, came along and shared how she manages her mental health and how it plays into her performance in international competition.

“It was lovely to see so many people out and about, laughing and interacting. today was a reminder that it doesn’t take much to bring connection and a sense of belonging. Many in the community shared how grateful they were for having something positive like this to engage with locally,” said coordinator of the

event, Judy tweeddale from fusion.

fusion Western Sydney has been in this community for over 20 years. Based in St Marys, the team run programs and activities to build resilience and well-being in

The G SpoT

PreMAture Decoration! Here we are in October and it is happening, the dreaded Christmas decorations.

Just when you thought it was safe to leave your homes and venture out into the vulnerable world of the shopping centre, cue Jaws music - the premature decorators!!!!! I call them the PD club.

Have you ever watched Crime Stoppers and thought, I never knew that he or she was capable of that? the neighbours are interviewed and they say, “he was a quiet person, lovely family, I never knew that this street could house people like that,” and then look shocked.

Well the PD club are like that, they just look like meek and mild people, harmless and quiet, but deep down they are hiding a secret, perhaps even hiding tinsel in the wardrobe, who knows? But once they are out together, anything is possible. Similar to the zombie apocalypse?

Scientists still can’t work out the chemical imbalance in the PD’ers brain that gives them the urge to pull out the odd Santa and tree before December.

young people and families and help strengthen connection to community. for more information go to www.westernsydney.fusion.org.au for tips and tools to help ‘tune In’ go to mentalhealthmonth.org.au

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

Statistics have shown that most grow up and run shopping centres, kid’s warehouses and the most hardened PD’s usually run department stores in the city where they can PD in about August.

thankfully they are testing drugs at the moment that may stabilise the chemical imbalance to make PD’s actually want to start decorating in December. trials have begun.

So as a security professional I am not really sure how to stop the PD club, however I can tell you that Christmas time is a great time for the baddies to come out and play. A couple of years ago a business near our business office left the gate unlocked, left for the Christmas shut down and boom the opportunist struck. All over Christmas in fact!

Hey, the buildings were alarmed but all the stuff in the yard (worth mega dollars) was laying there in all its glory, saying take me, pick me!!!! there was a very well-executed clean out that lasted the entire weekend, because the baddies knew that this business was closed for business. How? Because it had a sign on it saying, back on what-ever date.

“Yippee,” the baddies screamed and happily cleaned them out of all the stock in the yard - 30 grand of crafted sandstone, to be exact. thankfully, good old NrS (my security company) was across the road and with the use of our cameras, the offenders were tracked down, caught and some stock returned. the other stuff was sold, oh and of course they burnt a truck out as well.

So let me ask you this? How would losing 30 grand from your business affect your operations? How would losing 30 grand from your house affect you?

So while you may say, “nah we will be right mate!” think about your security needs over Chrissy. Alarms, cameras, patrols, guards or whatever!

there are some things I can help you with and some things that I can’t, such as shopping and listening to “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” in Coles on a 36 degree day in November.

So there you have it, the PD club will overrun us one day, think about your security and may your Christmas shopping begin!

Fusion’s Celebration of Mental Health Month with Jessica Fox in Coachman’s Park, St Marys - photos by Noel Rowsell

The Royce programs: raising Dementia awareness

Last month during Dementia a ustralia’s Dementia action Week, the Royce Penrith provided a variety of programs open to Retirement Living and aged Care residents and their loved ones.

the Royce is working with Dementia australia to become a Dementia Friendly Community. this means that all staff at the Royce and the Royce Manor have undertaken training to ensure that people living with Dementia are made to feel welcome, included and valued.

the Dementia Friendly program enables staff to increase their dementia awareness and communication skills, improve the accessibility of signage and lighting and enhance the readability of forms and documents, among other important things. staff now know how to support and communicate with a person living with dementia.

to celebrate Dementia action Week, the Royce and the Royce Manor held events throughout the week, including a Brain Fit Program run by Dementia australia and a Music therapy Class delivered by Noro.

Dementia and Memory Care has been an important focus of the Royce for many years but has been heightened by the amazing work done via Royce’s Big Walk. Royce

simmons is the Brand ambassador for the Royce and a valued member of their community.

the Royce Manor amazing Race & Morning tea was a favourite event

among the residents. three stations were set up, each supervised by staff. the station had mind puzzles for the residents to solve then they could move on to the next station. there was flag guessing, silhouette image guessing, and a test of the smell sensory. Residents were also thrilled with the the Royce Manor Ribbon search. Due to the weather, this was done inside the building. the team hid some ribbons around the corridors and the residents went out looking for them.

the residents really enjoyed the activities and I suspect the staff did also! the Royce is proving over and over again that it is more than just a residence; it’s a lifestyle.

Beware: keep your eyes peeled for snakes

WeT, humid weather awakens our native snakes as they often seek out water and a food source.

Snakes are more active in the warmer months but we have seen an increased number seeking out frogs and mice to snack upon. Snakes are generally timid creatures and stay away from humans and pets. It is often our inquisitive pets that seek out snakes and tend to lead to problems. Dogs are generally at highest risk of being bitten but cats are also susceptible, especially those that like to hunt.

In the Penrith area we tend to see two main types of venomous snakes; either red belly black snakes or brown snakes and both types of snake bites are potentially fatal. Both have been sighted along the Nepean River over the past few weeks.

The brown snake tends to cause more neurological symptoms such as collapse and difficulty breathing. The red belly black snake is more likely to cause haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells). However, either snake can

cause both symptoms with disastrous consequences if left untreated.

If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a snake, try to keep your pet calm and relaxed and seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. The sooner your pet is seen by a vet, the higher the chances of a recovery. Snake venom can transfer onto our

skin and can enter our blood stream, if the bite site is known do not touch the area. If a bite is suspected using gloves can avoid contact with venom.

Often dogs may collapse briefly after a snake bite, they may vomit, but then act completely normal again. This indicates they have received a lethal dose of venom. Bleeding is a late sign of envenomation.

Remember, pets can react in different ways.

Symptoms can include:

• Dilated pupils

• Weakness in hind legs

• Trembling

• Drooling

• Pale gums

• Restlessness

• Difficulty breathing

• Vomiting

• Panting

• Become unconscious

If you have seen a snake in the vicinity of your pet, and are unsure if they have been bitten, it is always better to take them to the vet for an assessment. If caught early, snake bites

Greencross Vets

can be successfully treated.

Identifying the snake can help with treatment and prognosis. If possible, taking a photo can be helpful, but never try to catch or kill a snake. If we are unsure if your pet has been bitten or unsure of the snake type, a snake bite detection test can be performed on your pet’s blood or urine.

Treatment involves the administration of an antivenom. Antivenom is very expensive and can mean treatment for snake bite is costly. There are combination antivenoms that can be given if the snake species is not known. Other medications and stabilization with IV fluids is also required. Complications including kidney failure and immune mediated disease can occur after a snake bite and animals can die despite treatment.

Snake bites can be reduced by minimizing areas where snakes are most likely to hide. These include wood piles, clutter and long grass.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Greencross Coreen Avenue on (02) 4731 3055.

Zonta Club of Nepean Valley

from the Tuesday 1sT November 2022

Zonta

Penrith Panthers

No

Domestic

$32 for a 2 course meal

Samantha is the Shelter Manager of The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter. She has been with The Haven since it opened in April 2018.

Samantha is proud to lead a team of intelligent, trauma informed case workers, students and volunteers at The Haven, who empower women and children at the shelter every day.

for 7pm

The St Marys & District Historical Society along with the St Marys RSL sub-Branch

Would like to advise everyone to be in Victoria Park, St Marys on Friday 11th November, 2022 at 10am for the commemoration of Remembrance Day conducted by the St Marys RSL sub-Branch along with the Centenary Celebration of the WW1 War Memorial by the St Marys & District Historical Society.

This

in pictures

After

Jessica Fox cheering on the Mighty Panthers

Mayor Tricia Hitchen was filmed a lot in the lead up to the Grand Final. She was always happy to push the Go Panthers message. What a team!

The Nepean PAC Medals and Awards Presentation Day was held recently, here’s Melissa McIntosh MP who said she was honoured to present some of our dedicated police officers with medals.

Stuart Ayres MP catching up with the men of Nepean Men’s Shed and checking out some of the projects they are working on

Farewell Kiks! Many Panther fans are sad to see this fella go off to the Bulldogs.

Climate Change 1882

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

Now that we are seeing the effects of climate change, so did Thomas Ralph woodland back 140 years ago in 1882. Thomas was born in the colony, the third son of william & Ann woodland of Park Hill, South Creek. He joined the police force in 1865 and became a Constable (No 1598) at the age of 23 years. At the time of his enlistment his occupation was a Drover. He was 5’6½ tall, blue eyes, fair hair and single. In August, 1867 he wrote a letter to the Sydney Morning Herald saying that “In the report of Bruce’s trial at the last Session for sticking up Morris’s store at Araluen, it is stated that Constable woodland was held up there. This is incorrect, I was never held up. The men that were held up were Constables Dacey, Staplyton, Richardson and Curran. I encountered the bushrangers the previous day and chased them single-handed and took John Connell who has received a sentence of ten years”. (Bruce was a Scottish bushranger finally remanded and charged with murder). Thomas resigned in September, 1867. At the age of 26 at St Mary Magdalene Church of England, St Marys in August, 1870 by Rev John Vaughn, he married Elizabeth Margaret Royal the only daughter of Peter Royal, Storekeeper at St Marys. In 1884 he wrote a letter to the Nepean Times asking the numerous readers what they thought about the great change in the season just closing in June that year. He said that the fruit trees and grape vines usually made two growths in the season - Spring and Autumn, but there was only one growth in the Spring as the trees and vines having set in midsummer, or at least it was so at St Marys, and his reason for his letter was to gather information from among the many orchardists and vignerons in the district with the view of testing if this occurrence is general throughout the district, because he didn’t remember seeing this before and, it was worthwhile to watch what effect it had upon the yield for the coming season. He asked, “Is this one of the effects of the great planetary changes that is taking place as predicted by our scientists, or the result of the drought?” In his mind the dry weather was not the cause. The great effect of the season had been the under-drainage of the water and the cracking of the ground leaving the surface dry, and there was no doubt that droughts are a blessing at times as the under-drainage of water takes away the stagnant and poisoned waters of the earth that gather strength between droughts and would, in time, destroy fruit trees, grass and humanity as well. Good grass and vegetables spring from a healthy soil fed from the food of the earth’s yield and, if the yield was pure then all life was pure, and if the yield was foul then all life was foul after it. As all plants are fed from the minerals of the earth, those minerals being in water matter, and it is to our benefit that the excess of mineral accumulation should be drawn away into the fissures of the deeper earth and the surface made pure. without a drought this could not be done and the cracking of the ground is letting the diseased matter into the clay beds to pulverise their stagnant matter and make it more rich and fruitful, so if there was never a drought our clay soil would never be anything

but clay!”. Also in December that year in Penrith Police Court, Thomas was arrested on a warrant by Constable Cahalan (Parkes Police Station) who sent him to Penrith to be dealt with. Elizabeth stated that Thomas left her in 1882 and during that time he only contributed about £20 towards supporting herself and four children. Thomas could not justify his actions in leaving his wife and family without support. The Bench ordered him to pay 15/- a week for 12 months, together with 6/6d costs and to find sureties himself in £20 and two at £10, or in default he would go to North Parramatta Gaol for 12 months. He defaulted and went to gaol. In November 1898 at Burwood, Thomas was found at 5pm on the 29th in scrub at Flemington halfway between Parramatta Road and the railway line by Constable John Timbs of No 5 Police Station. He was described as a labourer aged 59 years with a height of 5’6” and his body was described as poorly nourished with a fair complexion, dark hair turning grey and bald on top, grey eyes, dark sandy beard, whiskers and moustache turning grey. He had three teeth missing from his upper jaw, his lower jaw perfect. There were no visible marks or injuries on his body. The lower part of his body and legs were being eaten by ants. He was dressed in dark striped tweed trousers with a faded navy-blue vest, light striped flannelette shirt, dark check shirt, red silk tie and a white cotton handkerchief with the name “woodland” on the corner, along with a blueprint cotton handkerchief. Money found on his body 1/6- along with one wooden handle bladed knife with the letter “A” on the handle, eyeglasses, led pencil and a box containing pills. Thomas’s clothing was destroyed on the 14th of December, 1898. Thomas was identified by James Richard Woodland his brother who lived at Underwood Street, Botany. other occupations of Thomas were that of a miner and carpenter. His wife Elizabeth was born in 1851 at Clydesdale, South Creek and died at the age of 71 years in 1922 at the residence of her son Ralph woodland who lived in Putland Street, St Marys opposite Victoria Park. Three daughters and two sons survivedMrs E Beacroft {werrington), Mrs Martin (Gladesville), Mrs Thompson (Granville), and Messrs Percy and Ralph woodland (St Marys). There were also 14 grandchildren. The funeral was largely attended when her body was laid to rest alongside Thomas in the St Mary Magdalene C of E Cemetery. Two grandsons (Messrs C and E Thompson) and two sonsin-law (Messrs Martin and Thompson) carried the coffin from the house to the hearse and then from the hearse to the church. Many wreaths were forwarded and Reverend o G Dent conducted the service. Picture shows the woodland Family Crest.

Sources: Nepean Times, NSW Police Gazette 1854-1930, Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Wed 31 Aug 1870 - Page 1 - Family Notices, NSW Gaol Description Entrance Book 1884-1866, Ancestry 29th November, 1898, New South Wales Criminal Court Records, North Sydney Death Records - Registers of Bodies Received, 1881–1901, Australian Death Index 1787 – 1985, Died 1898 (Registered No. 1827)

How inflation penalises savers

Price of a Big Mac in USD

Watching the news

can be like

watching poorly scripted theatre. You can tell from everyone’s reactions that something important is meant to be happening, but you’re not really sure what it is. Even people with supposedly ‘good’ jobs where you get pay rises now and then and a promotion if you promise to work hard and do the right thing, asset prices are rising faster than wages, and you never seem to be able to get ahead.

the use of money printing and lowinterest rates by central banks around the world has been happening for as long as fiat currencies have existed. The excess capital that has been created has a sneaky way of finding its way into the prices of goods. in effect, it’s a hidden form of taxation that punishes savers and rewards borrowers.

Let’s have a look at a real-world example of a Big Mac to try and understand what is really happening to your money.

This is what a Big Mac looked like in 1967.

This is what a Big Mac looks like today.

What caused it to be 13 times more expensive over the 55 years? They certainly don’t provide 13 times more size, value, or nutrition than in the past. the simple answer is that the USD has lost 13x its purchasing power when priced in Big Macs. The endless printing of currencies by the central banks has caused the USD to erode in value over time. Recently the USD (as measured against a basket of other currencies) has strengthened, but this is all relative. all currencies are losing value, it’s just that the USD has been losing value at a slower pace relative to other currencies – including the aUD. If we look at the M2 money supply of the US, it’s been increasing at around 7.1 percent per annum since 1967. incredibly 40 percent of all USD ever in history were printed in 2021.

another way to look at it would be if you kept cash under your mattress, you would be losing the equivalent of 4.7 percent per year if all you consumed were Big Macs.

Despite the urban myth, they have not changed in weight, height, or diameter. Other than the fact that the modern Big Mac is in high definition, they’re exactly the same. Yet when the Big Mac was first sold in America in 1967, it only cost 45c. now they cost $5.81 USD. They have experienced an inflation rate of 4.7 percent per annum.

if the purchasing power of your money eroded at 4.7 percent per annum, it means that if you kept $100,000 in your mattress for 50 years and gave it to your children at the end, it would be the equivalent of giving them $10,000 today in terms of what they would be able to buy.

The implication in this example (right) is that to protect against the loss in purchasing power of your money, you would have to deploy it in an asset

that increases by at least 4.7 percent per annum…. After-tax.

this gets even worse if you were to price the purchasing power of your dollars in assets rather than Big Mac considering that the returns for property and shares are in the vicinity of 7-9 percent per annum.

the use of leverage with an appropriate asset is probably the easiest way to get around this problem because leverage can magnify your returns. With the typical property using a 90 percent loan to value ratio, at an average interest rate of 5 percent, a yield of 4.3 percent, and an annual growth rate of 5 percent, your return on your cash invested would be 13.53 percent. Property has been one of the best assets not only to protect your wealth from the effects of monetary debasement but to grow it over time. Probably the reason why the vast majority of the wealth of the royal family of England has been stored in land over the last 1000 odd years.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any home Finance questions that i can assist you with.

Purchasing power of cash over 50 years

With Steve

Mortgage Broker

Grace Lee wins Fayde Junior Matchplay crown

By Noel Rowsell

Despite persistent rain falling right across the sydney basin, Magenta shores GC on the NsW Central Coast was presented in fantastic condition on thursday October 6, for the opening day of the JNJG Fayde Matchplay competition.

in total, 88 players across 11 divisions took part in the tournament, with each division broken up into two pools of four players.

Round 1 and Round 2 matches were completed on thursday, before all players took part in the third round on Friday morning. the winners of each group then met in the respective Finals on Friday afternoon.

Glenmore park’s Grace Lee (Concord GC) continued her impressive run of form through 2022, winning the Girls 16/17 Years age group, defeating Hollie Fuller (Grafton GC) 4&3 and Matilda sullings (Federal GC) 4&3 on thursday, then defeating Robyn Keen (Avondale GC) 2&1 on Friday morning to qualify for her Age Group Final.

Grace and ella scaysbrook (the Australian GC) are two of the undisputed stars of the future, both girls play senior and junior pennant

golf for their respective clubs, and therefore understandably took their Final down to the 18th hole, with Grace ultimately winning a thriller 1-up.

in the 12/13 Year Age Group, another two of the state’s most exciting young prospects qualified for the Final, with 13-year old Mimi thomsen (Wollongong GC) ultimately defeating 12-year old Camilla Kim (Lynwood CC) on the 19th hole.

Camilla had been in sensational form during her three qualifying matches, winning 5&3 over Bronte epplestun, (Catalina CC) 7&5 over sophia Chau (Gold Creek GC) and 9&7 over Maiv Dorman (Bathurst GC).

in the 15 Years Boys, Darcy Mackay (stonecutters Ridge GC) won his first three matches, defeating Jamie smith (Monash CC) 2-up, Max Fischer (Bonnie Doon GC) 3&2 and enzo Moon (North Ryde GC) 1-up

to qualify for the Final, where he would ultimately lose 4&3 to Harry Whitelock (Royal Canberra GC).

Other local juniors competing in the Matchplay included Blake Hodges, who defeated the 16 Year Age group winner Brodie Herring (Manly GC) on Friday morning but having lost his previous two matches, did not make the Final.

Brodie recovered from his only loss of the event, going on to win the 16 Years Boys title with a 2-up result against Harry Atkinson (pymble GC)

in the 17 Years Boys Age Group, Coby Carruthers (Jordan springs / Concord GC) won his first two matches but was defeated in his third match by the overall 17 Years Age Group winner, Jake Riley (pymble GC).

Jake won the 17 Years Final 1-up over shashank Koirala (the Lakes GC).

in other games from the 17 Years, Ryan Fletcher (Lynwood CC) squared one and lost two of his matches, Ryan Cadle (stonecutters Ridge) squared his first, lost his second to Finalist shashank and won his third match but did not qualify for the Final.

in the 14 Boys, Chayse thorpe (Lynwood) squared one match and lost two, whilst ti Fox (Lynwood) won one match and lost two.

Junior motorcyle racers headed to Phillip Island

By Noel Rowsell

tHe final two rounds of the inaugural FiM MiniGp Australia series at the Oakleigh Go-Kart track in Clayton South (Vic) were a fitting finale to what has been a season of excitement, drama, and sensational displays of riding by the talented youngsters who age from 10-14-years-old.

12-year old William Hunt had a mixed weekend, recording a DNF in Race 1 of Round 4 and 10th in Race 2, which were both held on the saturday.

Round 5 was held on sunday and William improved to finish 8th in Race 1, then finished 11th in Race 2, with his efforts throughout the year giving him 11th overall for the series.

The top two finishers in the series, Harrison Watts and teerin Fleming, will both head to Valencia (spain) at the beginning of November to contest the FiM MiniGp World series Final. A supporting act, in the lead-up to the MotoGP World Championship finale, which is being held that same week.

the overall international winner of the World Cup gets to climb the next step on Dorna’s Road to MotoGp program, with a guaranteed ride in the FiM Junior World Championship in 2023. While many others will also raise their profile in their hopes to secure rides in series such as the Asia talent Cup and Red Bull Rookies.

One of the chiefs of the series is multiple

AsBK Champion Wayne Maxwell and he was extremely happy, and proud of what has been achieved.

“There has been some difficult times getting all this (Ohvale FiM MiniGp) up and running but we now have a great little series and everyone involved should be extremely proud of their efforts, from the riders and their parents and supporters, to all the officials and sponsors that have been of an assistance in the running of the series. the racing in all classes has been spectacular. it has shown that the Ohvale is a brilliant little tool to learn on,” said Wayne.

“Also on behalf of my partners, Dim and Nick, i’d like to thank Motorcycling Australia, the FiM and Dorna for providing this pathway for youngsters to chase their dreams. Maybe one day in the future we can look back at an Aussie MotoGp world champion and say, ‘we had a small part in their success’.”

William is back on a different bike this weekend, racing in Round 6 of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, which is being held at the world-famous phillip island Grand prix circuit from 14th-16th October.

William is in 12th place overall and with the riders placed above him currently out of reach on the points table, will be looking to consolidate his position in the yearly rankings.

Grace Lee in action during the 2022 JNJG Fayde Junior Matchplay. Photo courtesy of JNJG

William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise) in action at Morgan Park Raceway during the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup earlier this year. Photo supplied

Addison Wilson a rising hockey star

By Noel Rowsell

13-year old addison Wilson (Cranebrook) has just returned from the australian Under 13 Hockey Championships, which were held in Hobart, Tasmania from 28th September - 4th October.

addison played for NSW Stars, which finished 5th overall with 6 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses from their 11 games.

The event was played as a round robin only, with the highest-placed team at the end of the competition declared the winner.

Queensland Cinders finished first, ahead of NSW Lions, Western Australia Lightning, Queensland embers and NSW Stars, followed by Western australia Storm, Victoria Venom, australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, South australia, Northern Territory and Victoria Volt.

addison played well in the tournament, winning the ‘Player of the Match’ award in NSW’ game against the eventual champions, Queensland Cinders.

A Year 7 student at Xavier College, addison started playing Hockey as a 4-year old in the Under 9 competition for Penrith Panthers.

addison has always played up an age group through the junior ranks, even playing for other Nepean Hockey association clubs when the Panthers didn’t have a spot for her to play up an age.

This included playing for emu Plains Under 11’s as a 7-year old and Blaxland Rovers Under 11’s as an 8-year old.

Addison made her first Nepean Hockey Association representative team at the age of 6, playing in the Under 11’s – and has been playing for Nepean every year since.

addison has also represented Henry Fulton PS for Sydney West every year from year 4.

She moved to Sydney East Division 2 for outdoor Under 13’s and 15’s this year, whilst also continuing to play Indoor Hockey for Nepean in Under 13’s.

addison also won the deferred (due to Covid) 2021 Under 15’s Indoor State Championship with Nepean Division 3 in January this year.

addison has played Seniors for

Panthers on Saturdays for the past 2 years, played the last 6 games of the 2022 Sydney Women’s Hockey League Division 4 competition with the Burwood Briars, received the Best & Fairest award for Nepean Division 2 and won the Best & Fairest award for the Burwood Briars Sydney Under 15’s Metro team.

addison was chosen in the NSW Under 13’s in 2021 but the team did not play due to Covid, then won selection again in 2022, playing in Hobart in Sept/Oct.

Both parents have also played for NHa since they were children, with mother Simone still playing and father Bryan now playing in the Sydney Men’s League and also playing in the bronze medal-winning NSW Over 45’s Men’s team at the Australian Masters in September.

addison’s brother Brayden also plays Hockey as a goal keeper and has represented both Nepean and Sydney east the last few years.

IN the final games of the Australian Men’s Masters Hockey competition, the Nepean Hockey association (NHA) had three representatives return home with a bronze medal from the Over 55/2 division.

andrew Burns (Goalkeeper), Sean Glassford and Chris Hawkins were all members of the NSW team, which lost 1-0 on a shoot-out (2-2 at full time) to Victoria in the semi-final, then defeated Northern Territory 6-0 to win the bronze medal.

The Over 50/2 NSW White team with NHA representative Craig Turner finished 5th in their division.

Addison Wilson (Cranebrook) through the Years with the Nepean Hockey Association. Photos supplied

CoaCh’s Corner

Ivan’s mental toughness

As leaders, our words and actions each day send a message to those around us.

In the case of Ivan Cleary and the Penrith Panthers this has not always been an easy task. They were not always the dominant competition heavy weights, rather quite the opposite. But Ivan understood that his words and actions would have a huge influence on those whom he is leading simply by being consistent with his own demeanour and habits.

The Penrith Panthers have just achieved back to back NRL Premierships, which places them into the argument as one of the greatest teams of all time.

Personally I think they have a massive chance of a three peat, while also acknowledging that this will be extremely difficult.

Ivan Cleary, through the good times and the bad at the Penrith Panthers, has always demonstrated his mental toughness and unwavering discipline through his calm actions and nature. This flows through and impacts the people he leads. Throughout his time as head coach of the Penrith Panthers, I have never seen or heard him raise his voice, or become annoyed, whether that be through the small snippets of vision we see in the dressing rooms before games, at halftime or post game, in media conferences or even during rough moments in the coaches box.

What is the impact? It conveys to his players that he is not going to succumb to pressure. As a result neither have the Panthers. Their Grand Final performance, particularly the first half was calm,

Brock Shepperd

Mounties Rugby League Club

- NSW Cup Head Coach

Chifley College Senior Campus - Rugby League Program Head Coach

planned, clinical and ruthless. The Parramatta Eels did not have a chance to enter into the contest.

According to habits and decision-making expert James Clear: “Mentally-tough leaders are more consistent than their peers. They have a clear goal that they work toward each day. They don’t let short–term profits, negative feedback, or hectic schedules prevent them from continuing the march towards their vision.”

Ivan Cleary I am sure envisaged his team becoming mentally tough, willing to stay the course, and not allowing the situation or moment to affect their concentration. And they are now the personification of what they see as their example each and every day when they set foot into the Penrith Panthers Rugby League Academy.

OAK Plus Gallery: 2022 NRL Grand Final

Re-live the best moments of the 2022 NRL Grand Final

mark

with MARK GEYER

BACK 2 BACK!

To say a lot has happened since we last spoke would be the understatement of the year!

The mighty Penrith Panthers going back to back as premiers of one of the toughest sporting competitions in the world is downright phenomenal.

In fact their dissection of the Parramatta Eels just under a fortnight ago was perhaps their best overall performance of the season, especially their opening 40 minutes where they raced to an 18 points to nil lead at half-time.

The Panthers ‘big boys’ showed some serious intent in the opening exchanges with an almighty ambush awaiting the luckless Eels.

Leota, Fisher-Harris and Martin were particularly ferocious in the early stanzas of the Grand Final, punishing their opponents into submission before the 20 minute mark had been reached.

To’o was amazing, Edwards, the Clive Churchill medalist for best on ground, was rampant, so much so I thought he had a body double out there. He was EVERYWHERE!

In what was one of the more comprehensive grand final victories we’ve witnessed in recent years, the cold hard facts are that Parra weren’t awfulPenrith were just too powerful. They saved their best for last.

Not only were the first grade of the Mountain Men epic, but for the first time since Rugby League started here in Australia (1908) one club won all 4 grades! S.G Ball. Jersey Flegg. NSW Cup. First Grade. All PREMIERS! What a football club.

But some weren’t as glowing as my biased summation of dominance. It would appear you’re not allowed to celebrate a grand final victory these days according to some factions? Really? Get real! How can a team so dominant over these past 3 seasons, 2 of them through covid, come out at the other end not jubilant and buoyant?

When the ‘Fish” said “this is the best Panthers team ever” he was right. It is! No other Panthers team has been in 3 straight grand finals, winning two of them back to back!

In 91 we played a formidable Canberra, a great team. But didn’t do it two years in a row. In 03 the Panthers came up against a juggernaut of a Roosters team, and won! But didn’t go back to back.

The cold hard facts are that this team is brilliant.Fantastic to watch. They could be the first team, ironically, since Parra in 81, 82 and 83 to go back to back to back!

As long as that fire in the belly remains, and the young forwards keep ripping in, Nathan and Jerome stay fit and healthy, Brian, Stephen, and Dylan keep reaching for the skies, and Isaah leads from the front - ANYTHING is possible.

Put it this way, I wouldn’t bet against it.

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM